REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Application No. 62/802,907, filed February 8, 2019 and entitled“HIKING POLE SEAT SYSTEM,” which is incorporated in its entirety.

Background

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a physical rehabilitation tool. More specifically, the present Hiking Pole Seat System invention relates to an addition to a hiking pole or a set of hiking poles that enables the user to quickly rest comfortably when rest is needed.

2. Description of the Background

Hiking is a favorite pastime of people of all ages. The ability to walk in various outdoor locations has several appeals, including allowing hikers to achieve their daily exercise goals, appreciating nature, experience several psychological benefits, and more. Hiking locations may include urban, rural, and/or natural locations. Hikes may be leisurely walks on existing paths, strenuous climbs through natural environments, walks on paved surfaces, walks on other surfaces or in other environments, and combinations thereof. Further, the mild nature of the exercise allows users to hike in many locations with minimal gear. Among items that many users take with them are good walking shoes, water bottles, and sometimes hiking poles. Hiking poles are generally utilized as a means of simultaneously engaging the upper body in exercise and reducing strain on the legs and hips, generally providing moderate relief from these issues. However, the respite provided from poles alone is often not enough for long distance hikers, or single-day adventurers whose bodies require additional relief.

Further, many hikers prefer to travel to a destination on their hike. When they arrive, hikers often enjoy resting to enjoy a view, or to celebrate their achievement. However, there is often not a comfortable resting place, either during the journey or at a hiking destination. Certainly, no hiker wants to add further difficulty to their hike by weighing themselves down with heavy, bulky folding chairs and other such comfort tools. What is needed is a device that can provide respite from a long hike, without inconveniencing the hiker. Further needed is a comfortable seat that provides support off the ground that is intuitive, simple, and readily available for setup.

Millions of individuals are annually treated for lower body extremity ailments which require rehabilitative care and in almost all cases this includes walking. During the rehabilitation process, the distance is minimal that one can travel under their own capabilities after recovering from lower extremity surgery. When rehabilitation in the outdoors is possible, patients cannot always determine how far the next appropriate place to sit and rest may be and walking with a chair is not always feasible. In many cases, patients use walking aids to assist with their balance and take some of the load off their legs, knees, hips, etc.

Patients able to rehabilitate outdoors while using walking aids such as a hiking stick or trekking poles may require rest sooner than their desired destination or before returning to their origination. Physical rehabilitation professionals recommend that patients should use pain as their guide. Dull pain is expected, but too much exercise can result in sharp pain and the patient should cease immediately as it is an indication that something detrimental may be occurring. It is at this point, at the onset of a sharp pain that having a lightweight, pocket sized apparatus which can be used with either a single hiking stick or a pair of trekking poles can be vital. A system which provides a near instant resting place for the patient to sit and recover from the exercise, and just as quickly, allow them to continue their walk or hike, virtually allowing them to travel as far as they want or need. For those going through lower extremity rehabilitation, there is peace of mind knowing a secure and comfortable resting place is always seconds away.

Summary

The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current strategies and designs and provides new tools and methods for providing resting support during physical activities such as walking and hiking. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a portable seating system. The system comprises a seat, at least one strip of fabric coupled to the seat, and at least one sleeve coupled to the strip of fabric. The sleeve is adapted to fit over an end of a support structure and the sleeve provides an anchor such that a user is able to sit in the seat and be supported by the at least one strip of fabric and the seat.

In a preferred embodiment, the seat is comprised of a flexible fabric and has a channel at each end to receive the at least one strip of fabric. At least there are two sleeves and two strips of fabric and each strip of fabric couples one sleeve to an end of the seat. Preferably, there is one sleeve and one strip of fabric and the strip of fabric couples the seat to the sleeve. The at least one strip of fabric is preferably comprised of a high strength webbing. The sleeve is preferably adapted to fit over the handle of at least one of hiking poles, ski poles, hiking sticks, walking sticks, canes, or non-mobile supports.

Preferably, the at least one strip of fabric is adjustable. In a preferred embodiment, the system further comprises at least one buckle, wherein each buckle is coupled to a sleeve and a strip of fabric is adapted to engage the buckle. Preferably, one end of the strip of fabric is coupled to the sleeve and provides a loop for the buckle to be secured to the sleeve and the second end of the strip of fabric is threaded through the seat and the buckle. The buckle is preferably coupled to the sleeve with a second strip of fabric.

Preferably, the sleeve is comprised of one of a single layer of fabric or multiple layers of fabric. Preferably, the sleeve provides a downward force on the support structure that is parallel to the axis of the support structure. In a preferred embodiment, edges of each sleeve are reinforced.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a sleeve anchor for a support. The sleeve anchor comprises at least one sheet of fabric sewn into a cylinder with an open end and a closed end and at least one strip of fabric extending from the at least one sheet of fabric adapted to provide support to an object. The sleeve anchor is adapted to fit over an end of a support structure.

Preferably, the sleeve anchor is adapted to fit over the handle of at least one of hiking poles, ski poles, hiking sticks, walking sticks, canes, or non-mobile supports. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one strip of fabric is adjustable. Preferably, each buckle is coupled to the sleeve anchor and the at least one strip of fabric is adapted to engage the buckle. In the preferred embodiment, there is one strip of fabric and a first end of the strip of fabric is coupled to the sleeve anchor and provides a loop for the buckle to be secured to the sleeve and a second end of the strip of fabric is threaded through the object and the buckle. The buckle is preferably coupled to the sleeve anchor with a second strip of fabric. Preferably, the sleeve anchor provides a downward force on the support structure that is parallel to the axis of the support structure. In a preferred embodiment, edges of each sleeve anchor are reinforced.

Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth in part in the description, which follows, and in part, may be obvious from this description, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.

Description of the Figures

FIGs. 1A-B depict an embodiment of the system of the invention;

FIG 1C depicts a side view of the seat of the embodiment shown in figures 1A-

B.

FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of the system of the invention supported by one support;

FIG. 2B depicts a user seated on an embodiment of the system of the invention supported by one support;

FIG. 3 depicts a user seated on an embodiment of the system of the invention supported by two supports;

FIG. 4 depicts a cut-away view of an embodiment of an anchor/sleeve showing the multi-layered fabric embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the multi-layered fabric used in the invention;

FIG. 6 depicts another embodiment of the multi-layered fabric used in the invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an inside view of an embodiment of the stitching of the fabric used in the invention; FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of the anchor/sleeve of the invention having a strap and a buckle;

FIG. 9 depicts an outside view of an embodiment of the stitching of the fabric used in the invention having a strap and a buckle;

FIG. 10 depicts a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 8;

FIG. 11 depicts a second side view of the embodiment shown in figure 8;

FIG. 12 depicts the assembly of the embodiment shown in figure 8;

FIG. 13 depicts the completed view of the embodiment shown in figure 8;

FIG. 14 depicts an inside view of an embodiment of a single layer anchor/sleeve of the invention;

FIG. 15 depicts an outside view of the embodiment of a single layer

anchor/sleeve of the invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 14;

FIG. 17 depicts a second side view of the embodiment shown in figure 14;

FIG. 18 depicts the assembly of the embodiment shown in figure 14;

FIG. 19 depicts the completed view of the embodiment shown in figurel4;

FIG. 20 depicts an embodiment with an accessory loop.

FIG. 21A-R depict various additional embodiments of anchors.

Description of the Invention

As embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosures herein provide detailed embodiments of the invention. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, there is no intent that specific structural and functional details should be limiting, but rather the intention is that they provide a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

While the system herein is described with respect to walking using hiking poles, the system can be used while hiking, with ski poles, hiking sticks, walking sticks or canes, non-mobile supports, or other supporting structures. Figures 1A-B depict an embodiment of a hiking pole seat system 100. System 100 preferably is comprised of flexible sleeves or anchors 105A and 105b that fit atop the handle of a hiking pole.

Each anchor/sleeve 105A and 105B is preferably coupled to strong webbing or rope 110A and 110B. While one and two sleeves are shown, the system may have three or more sleeves. Webbing 110A and 110B are preferably looped through fabric seat 115 (see figure 1C). By sliding the sleeves of system 100 over the top of a hiking pole, the user can effectively convert a hiking pole or a set of hiking poles into the frame pieces for a suspended hanging chair. In this way, the user can easily utilize the present invention to create a resting space at any time and location during a walk. The lack of rigid supports and components makes this invention particularly non-obtmsive during walks compared to the alternative folding or collapsing chairs. The sleeves prevent slippage off the pole without constricting or damaging the pole around the handle area.

System 100 preferably adapts a walker’s (or user’s) poles into rigid supports for a flexible seat 115 that is lightweight and sturdy, thus making it convenient for users to carry the present invention during a walk.

Seat 115 is a generally flexible, preferably fabric construction that enables support of the user. Seat 115 preferably comprises a first surface, a second surface, a first channel 120 A and a second channel 120B. Alternative embodiments may include a plurality of layers, rigid materials, semi-rigid materials, and combinations thereof. The first surface is a generally flat surface which provides the contact point for the user’s buttocks. However, the first and second surfaces may be interchangeable with both surfaces adapted to support the user. Preferably seat 115 is hemmed around the edges to prevent fraying. The fabric of seat 115 is preferably folded over on each of the narrower sides and sewn in place to create channels 120A and 120B using UHMWPE thread, Kevlar thread, cotton thread, nylon thread, another thread, or some combination thereof; however, it is to be understood by a professional in the field of the invention that any of a variety of materials may be capable of supporting the weight of a user while seated, and the preferred material embodiments are not meant to be limiting. In other embodiments, seat 115 is comprises of a single loop of fabric with channels 120A and 120B created by sewing seams into the fabric.

Each anchor/sleeve preferably has a strap. Some embodiments use an adjustable strap and thus have a buckle or other adjustable device. Other embodiments have a fixed length strap with no buckle. In either buckle or no buckle embodiments, the straps feed through the channels of the seat with preferably one anchor/sleeve strap per channel.

In the case where the system 100 is setup with a single pole, seat 115 may have a strap looped through the second channel. The strap may be sewn to itself to create a strong loop. The strap is preferably a generally flexible connector that enables connection of the seat to at least one pole anchor/sleeve 105A or 105B. Such an arrangement enables suspension of the seat above the ground through both channels. In the preferred embodiment, the strap is made of UHMWPE (Ultra-high-molecular- weight polyethylene), nylon or polyester webbing, cotton fabric, UHMWPE thread, Kevlar thread, or some combination of the above; however, it is to be understood by a professional in the field of the invention that any of a variety of materials may be capable of supporting the weight of a user while seated, and the preferred material embodiments are not meant to be limiting.

Figures 2A-B system 100 using a single pole 225 for support. Since pole anchor/sleeve 105 is placed on top of pole 225, the weight of the user is distributed down the length of pole 225 in line with the axis of pole 225. This distribution of weight relieves weight from the user’s legs without compromising the structure of pole 225. Similarly, in figure 3, a user is seated on system 100 using two poles 325A and 325B for support. Using two poles 325 A and 325B provides an additional point of stability while distributing the users weight over both poles 325 A and 325B.

As shown in figure 4, preferably, each pole anchor/sleeve 105 comprises an opening 430, a rim 435, a buckle 440, a strap 445, and either a single or a plurality of layers 450. Opening 430 enables the input of hiking pole 425. In alternative embodiments, the opening may further be utilized to contain the seat and the second pole anchor. Rim 435 is preferably sewn, stitched, hemmed, or otherwise reinforced segment surrounding opening 430 that prevents damage to the pole anchor 105. Rim 435 may optionally include a loop 2036 and/or a tab (see figure 20). Loop 2036 is a generally flexible fabric connector that enables the user to connect carabiners in order to hang personal items such as a water bottle while the user is in a seated position. The loop also serves as a secure point to hang system 100 to a belt or backpack when not in use. The loop can be a cord or narrow webbing sewn to each rim. In other

embodiments hook and loop fabric (such as Velcro) can be used with both pieces sewn to the rim with the hook section facing inward and loop facing outward. The pieces are preferably long enough to provide maximum overlap making the strength of the loop able to support a gallon of liquid. The hook and loop allow attachment to a pack, belt loop, pole or other device. The tab is a connector that loops about itself, allowing the user to more easily pull the anchor over the seat and second anchor during storage.

Strap 445 is preferably a generally flexible, flat extrusion that enables connection of the pole anchor to, in an exemplary embodiment, a seat by passing through the seat channel and then locking to the anchor via buckle 440. Buckle 440 is preferably a rigid addition to strap 445 that enables length adjustment of strap 445, as well as, in the preferred embodiment, connection to the seat. This arrangement of the at least one pole anchor and the seat allows users to create a temporary resting zone using their hiking pole or poles as supports. The embodiment with a plurality of layers 450 preferably comprises a first layer and a second layer. The embodiment may or may not have one or more of intermediary layers. The one or more intermediary layer is preferably a single sheet of or a series of connected sheets of canvas fabric, ripstop nylon, HDPE, Kevlar thread, nylon webbing, paracord, another light weight, high strength, flexible material, or some combination thereof, which form the body of anchor/sleeve 105 to provide a secure cover over a hiking pole. In the embodiment with a single layer 1450, the single layer is preferably a rip-stop nylon, UHMWPE, Kevlar, HDPE, or another light weight, high strength, flexible material, or some combination thereof.

Figure 5 depicts one embodiment of the layers of each anchor/sleeve 105. The length and width of each layer may be varied depending on the application and/or the shape of the anchor. Preferably, each anchor/sleeve 105 is comprised of multiple layers of high tensile strength fabric 550. The number of layers preferably depends on the tensile strength requirements of the anchor/sleeve 105 and the tensile strength of the fabric 550. Preferably, the sheets of fabric 550 are coupled together along centerline 555. By coupling the sheets of fabric 550 together along centerline 555 instead of along the edges, the weight of the user is supported by the strength of the layers of fabric 550, not the stitching at the seams of anchor/sleeve 105. Preferably, the inside layer, or layer that will come into contact with the pole, is an abrasion resistant fabric. As shown in figure 6, the inside layer 660 may be smaller than the intermediary layers 665. Preferably, intermediary layers 665 are a light weight fabric, for example ripstop nylon. Preferably, the intermediary layers are aligned along the centerline and the edges are folded over 775 one or more times to prevent fraying. The edges are then stitched 770 to hold the sheets in place (see figure 7). The stitching may or may not go through the outer layer 667.

As shown in figure 8, the two halves of anchor/sleeve 105 about centerline 555 are preferably not the same. As described herein, a first half 880 has buckle 440 while the second half 885 has strap 445. Figure 10 depicts a side view of first half 880 with buckle 440. Buckle 440 is preferably a high strength material. For example, buckle 440 can be nylon, plastic, metal, or another material. Preferably, buckle 440 is adapted to receive strap 445. Once strap 445 is secured to buckle 440, the weight of the user is preferably able to be supported by system 100. While a buckle is show, other fastening devices can be used, for example, knots, snaps, buttons, toggles, clasps, bolts, or other securement devices. Preferably, buckle 440 is coupled to first half 880 by flat webbing 888. Preferably, webbing 888 is sewn onto first half 880 with load bearing stitching 889 using high tensile thread. Stitching 889 may go through webbing 888, the inner and intermediary layers of fabric and through webbing 888 on the other side. Preferably, stitching 889 does not penetrate outer layer 667 of fabric, so that outer layer 667 of fabric provides protection to the exposed stitching from external elements (see figure

9).

Figure 11 depicts a side view of second half 885 with strap 445. Preferably strap 445 is a long piece of flat webbing. Preferably, strap 445 is folded over on the inside of anchor 105 with enough webbing to overlap onto the other side to the same distance from the end as the top of the webbing’s inside fold 882. Preferably, strap 445 is sewn onto second half 885 with load bearing stitching 889 using high tensile thread. Stitching 889 may go through strap 445, the inner and intermediary layers of fabric and through strap 445 on the other side. Preferably, stitching 889 does not penetrate outer layer 667 of fabric, so that outer layer 667 of fabric provides protection to the exposed stitching from external elements (see figure 9). The outer layer 667 ends are preferably double folded. The outer layer 667 is preferably placed atop the inner and intermediary layers and double stitched 990 into place. Stitching 990 preferably goes through all of the layers of fabric and the webbing.

Figure 12 depicts an embodiment of the assembled anchor/sleeve 105. To assemble anchor 105, the two halves are folded over centerline 555 with the inner layer 660 on the outside. Preferably, the edges are overlapped with non-adhesive binding tape 1292, however adhesive tape may be used. The edges are preferably then stitched 1294 through all layers of fabric on both sides of the anchor/sleeve 105. The fabric is preferably then inverted so that the inner layer 660 is on the inside and the outer layer 667 is on the outside (see figure 13).

Figures 14-19 depict similar views of anchor/sleeve 105 to the views of figures 8-13, however while figures 8-13 depict a multi-layer embodiment, figures 14-19 depict a single layer embodiment. Preferably, single layer 1450 is comprised of a high strength, light weight flexible material. For example, sing layer 1450 may be rip-stop nylon, UHMWPE, or Kevlar. Preferably, strap 445 is stitched to the outside of anchor/sleeve 105 (see figure 15) via stitching 1499. Furthermore, preferably buckle 440 is threaded onto strap 445, which is then stitched to the inside of anchor/sleeve 150 via load bearing stitching 1489. In this embodiment, strap 445 provides an extra layer of reinforcement for anchor/sleeve 105. Figure 16 depicts a view of first half 1480 with buckle 440. Buckle 440 is preferably a high strength material. For example, buckle 440 can be nylon, plastic, metal, or another material. Preferably, buckle 440 is adapted to receive strap 445. Once strap 445 is secured to buckle 440, the weight of the user is preferably able to be supported by system 100. While a buckle is show, other fastening devices can be used, for example, knots, snaps, buttons, toggles, clasps, bolts, or other securement devices. Preferably, buckle 440 is coupled to first half 1480 by strap 445. Preferably, strap 445 is sewn onto first half 1480 with load bearing stitching 1489 using high tensile thread. Stitching 1489 may go through strap 445, the single layer of fabric and strap 445 on the other side.

Figure 17 depicts a side view of second half 1485 with strap 445 extending therefrom. Preferably strap 445 is a long piece of flat webbing. Figure 18 depicts an embodiment of the assembled anchor/sleeve 105. To assemble anchor 105, the two halves are folded over centerline 555. Preferably, the edges are overlapped with non adhesive binding tape, however adhesive tape may be used. The edges are preferably then stitched 1894 on both sides of the anchor/sleeve 105. The fabric is preferably then inverted (see figure 13). Figures 21A-R depict different configurations of

anchor/sleeve 105 for use on different types of poles, canes, and other supports.

In the preferred method for usage of the present invention, the user attaches the at least one pole anchor to the handle of a hiking pole. To do so, the user places the rim of the at least one pole anchor over the handle, so that the handle rests inside the opening of the at least one pole anchor. The user subsequently may add another pole anchor to another hiking pole. The user then places the end of the first pole into the ground, just behind the user’s first foot. If using two poles, the user subsequently places the end of the second pole into the ground, just behind the user’s second foot, so that the hiking poles are a distance from each other and at a slight angle relative to the user’s shins. The user may then arrange the seat for use. The user opens the seat, positioning the first layer up towards the user and the second layer towards the ground. The user then steps back into the seat, so that the user’s buttocks press into the seat.

The user slowly shifts weight onto the seat by stepping forward. Upon completion, the user will be comfortably seated upon the seat. Preferably, as long as the user presses back with their feet, the hiking poles, angled towards the user, will support the user’s weight.

In another usage, the user may have only one hiking pole. In this case, the user may place both pole anchors atop the handle of the single hiking pole. Following a similar series of steps, the user may create a seat from the single available hiking pole by connecting the seat and straddling the hiking pole. When the user is finished resting, the user may remove the at least one pole anchor from the handles of the hiking poles and roll up the system for later usage.

Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. All references cited herein, including all publications, U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications, are specifically and entirely incorporated by reference. The term comprising, where ever used, is intended to include the terms consisting and consisting essentially of. Furthermore, the terms comprising, including, and containing are not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only with the true scope and spirit of the invention indicated by the following claims.