Personal weather shelter
Patent Number: US 9060613 Grant Date: 2015-06-23 Filing Date: 2011-11-22
Overview
This granted patent describes a mechanically robust personal shelter that integrates a supportive seat and a configurable canopy for use in spectator environments. Filed November 22, 2011 and granted June 23, 2015, the application — with inventors and applicant based in Houston, TX — protects a design that combines screw-mounted hinge points, barrel-hinge rotating assemblies, and multi-stage telescoping arms to transition smoothly between open and closed configurations. The disclosure emphasizes practical stadium use: a stackable base and a grip secure the unit to bench seating, while straps and a compact fold enable transport and storage. The specification also covers optional features such as a canvas top, a drapable curtain, and spring-loaded or multi-section telescoping cylinders for controlled extension and retraction.
The firm’s patent drafting captures nuanced mechanical interfaces and movement limits, ensuring claim coverage of both the structural hardware (screw assemblies, pivots, sectional barrels) and functional behaviors (rotation ranges, telescoping states, and configuration transitions). This level of claim detail reflects strong technical understanding and effective prosecution strategy for a consumer-oriented mechanical innovation.
Key Features
- Screw-mounted hinge assemblies and barrel hinges for controlled rotation
- Multi-stage telescoping arms with extend/contract positions
- Stadium-compatible seat base with grip, straps, and foldable storage
- Optional canvas top and curtain for environmental protection
This invention addresses practical needs for portable spectator comfort and contributes to advances in compact, mechanically reliable outdoor seating and shelter solutions.
Invention Details
Abstract: A personal weather shelter is disclosed comprising a seat portion, a shelter portion, one or more arms, one or more screw assemblies, and one or more rotating assemblies. Said seat portion comprises a base, a seat back, a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. Said arms each comprise a first end and a second end. Said first ends of said arms each attach to said seat portion with said screw assembly and are each capable of rotating on said screw assemblies relative to said seat portion. Said shelter portion is capable of attaching and rotating relative to said second ends of each of said arms with said rotating assemblies. Said personal weather shelter is capable of transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating arms about screw assemblies and shelter portion about rotating assemblies.
Background: (1) BACKGROUND (2) This disclosure relates generally to a personal weather shelter. (3) Weather shelters are commonly used at spectator events but are usually limited to umbrellas and rain jackets. These technologies, however, require attention (in the case of an umbrella) to remain above a user and providing shelter to said user. Likewise, jackets may be uncomfortable and hot where conditions are not well suited to their use. (4) Other forms of weather shelters exist. For example, a tent is convenient when camping or standing on flat ground, but cannot be used in many spectator environments (such as a sports stadium). (5) Weather shelters designed for spectator environments are largely unusable due to limitations in material quality, structural defects and poor design. (6) None of the prior weather shelters, taken either singularly or in combination, are seen to describe the instant disclosure as claimed. Accordingly, an improved personal weather shelter would be advantageous. (7) SUMMARY (8) A personal weather shelter is disclosed. Said personal weather shelter comprising a seat portion, a shelter portion, one or more arms, one or more screw assemblies, and one or more rotating assemblies. Said seat portion comprises a base, a seat back, a front, a back, a first side, a second side, a top and a bottom. Said first side and said second side can each comprise a front end and a back end. Said arms each comprise a first end and a second end. Said first ends of said arms each attach to said seat portion with said screw assembly. Said arms are each capable of rotating on said screw assemblies relative to said seat portion. Said second ends of said arms each attach to said shelter portion with said rotating assemblies. Said shelter portion is capable of rotating on said rotating assemblies relative to said arms. Said personal weather shelter is capable of transitioning between an open configuration and a closed configuration by rotating arms about screw assemblies and shelter portion about rotating assemblies.
Patent Document
Related: Mechanical Engineering | Consumer Products | Houston, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney