Portable heated seating

Abstract

In accordance with principles described herein, portable heated seats, and methods and systems for using the same, are provided that overcome some (or all) of the problems commonly associated with existing seats. These portable heated seats are easily transportable, and are preferably provided with cushion material to compensate for various seating conditions that may otherwise be faced by a user. One or more heating elements, preferably made of flexible graphite felt, are also provided in each portable heated seat. The heat settings of the one or more heating elements are controlled by one or more on/off switches, open loop temperature regulators, pressure push switches, sensor switches, and/or fuse circuits. A backrest (similarly heated or not heated) may also be used in association with the portable heated seat. Various alternative embodiments are also disclosed.

1 . A portable heated seating apparatus, comprising: 
 cushion material for providing seating support; and    a heating element comprising silver carbon paste silk-screened upon a flexible substrate, the heating element positioned at or substantially near an outer surface of the cushion material for generating heat when electrical current is applied to the heating element.    
   
   
       2 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a direct current power source located within the cushion material for supplying current to the heating element, wherein the cushion material includes an opening for removable insertion of the power source.  
   
   
       3 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising at least one user-operated power selector electrically connected between the power source and the heating element and located at a surface of the seating apparatus and adapted for a user to selectively activate or deactivate the seating apparatus while remaining seated upon the cushion material.  
   
   
       4 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising at least one carrying handle assembly affixed to the cushion material, wherein the at least one user-operated power selector is located on the handle assembly.  
   
   
       5 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the cushion material includes an opening for removable insertion of the power source.  
   
   
       6 . A portable heated seating apparatus, comprising: 
 cushion material for providing seating support; and    a heating element comprising flexible graphite, the heating element positioned at or substantially near an outer surface of the cushion material for generating heat when electrical current is applied to the heating element.    
   
   
       7 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising a direct current power source located within the cushion material for supplying current to the heating element, wherein the cushion material includes an opening for removable insertion of the power source.  
   
   
       8 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising at least one user-operated power selector electrically connected between the power source and the heating element and located at a surface of the seating apparatus and adapted for a user to selectively activate or deactivate the seating apparatus while remaining seated upon the cushion material.  
   
   
       9 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one carrying handle assembly affixed to the cushion material, wherein the at least one user-operated power selector is located on the handle assembly.  
   
   
       10 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the cushion material includes an opening for removable insertion of the power source.  
   
   
       11 . A portable heated seating apparatus, comprising: 
 cushion material for providing seating support;    a substantially flat heating element positioned at or substantially near an upper surface of the cushion material for generating heat when electrical current is applied;    a fabric cover material for covering the cushion material and providing a substantially smooth seating surface on an upper side and a gripping surface on an lower side; and    at least one pocket comprised within the fabric cover.    
   
   
       12 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the flat heating element is comprised of silver carbon paste silk screened upon a substrate.  
   
   
       13 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the flat heating element is flexible graphite.  
   
   
       14 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the flat heating element is flexible graphite fabric.  
   
   
       15 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein at least one fastener is affixed to the fabric cover material to attach a carrying strap.  
   
   
       16 . The portable heated seating apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the fabric cover material includes a zipper fastener for enclosing at least one pocket.