Seat lock

• US 7,080,882 B2
• Filed: 12/14/2004
• Issued: 07/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Douglas Stitt
• Original Assignee: Douglas Stitt
• Inventors: Stitt, Douglas
• Primary Examiner(s): Nelson, Jr., Milton
• Application Number:
  US11/011,592
• Publication Number:
  US 20060138818A1
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 297/217.3, 297/335, 297/331, 297/463.2, 297/463.1, 297/378.12, 702/61
• US Class Current: 297/217.3
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 1/13 Indicators; Devices for reserving or the like coin-freed apparatus for seats or footstools G07F17/08
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/08 for seats or footstools

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed for inhibiting an unauthorized person from occupying a seat. According to one aspect, a lock is operatively attached to the seat of a foldable chair to prevent unfolding of the chair. Further, the lock allows the chair to unfold upon obtaining an input code that matches an unlock code.

According to another aspect, a blocking member is positioned to block a person from comfortably sitting in a chair. The blocking member can be repositioned to unblock the person from comfortably sitting in the chair upon obtaining an input code that matches an activation code.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a lock operatively attached to a chair to prevent unfolding of the chair;

an electronic means operative coupled to the lock wherein the lock allows the chair to unfold upon obtaining an input code that matches an unlock code; and

,

wherein the chair is installed within a stadium, arena or theater.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, the electronic means comprising a magnetic strip reader or a barcode scanner.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, the electronic means comprising a radio frequency identification reader.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic means is connected to a remote computer for sending the input code.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the computer sends the input code upon receiving a signal from a venue entry point.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the venue entry point is an entrance to the stadium, arena, or theater.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic means is powered by an alternating current source, solar energy, or a battery.

8. An apparatus to prevent a person from comfortably sitting comprising:

a blocking member positioned to block the person from comfortably sitting in a chair having a seat;

an electronic means for allowing, upon activation, the blocking member to be repositioned to unblock the person from comfortably sitting in the seat, the electronic means being activated upon obtaining an input code that matches an activation code; and

,

wherein the chair is installed in a stadium, arena or theater.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, the blocking member comprising an armrest.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, the blocking member comprising a retractable bar.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, the electronic means comprising a magnetic strip reader, a barcode scanner, or a radio frequency identification reader.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the electronic means is connected to a remote computer for sending the input code.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the computer sends the input code upon receiving a signal from a venue entry point.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the venue entry point is an entrance to the stadium, arena, or theater.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the electronic means is powered by an alternating current source, solar energy, or a battery.

16. An apparatus comprising:

a lock operatively attached to a chair to inhibit occupancy of the chair when the lock is locked;

a reader for reading a code; and

,

wherein the lock is unlocked if the code is for unlocking the chair wherein the chair is installed in a stadium, arena or theater.