Patent ID: 7753439
Filing Date: 2010-07-13
Classification: A47C

Abstract:
1. A folding chair that may be positioned in a folded position or a working position, the chair comprising: a front leg assembly including first and second generally tubular legs; a rear leg assembly including third and fourth generally tubular legs and first and second shafts, the first and second shafts each having a constant cross-sectional diameter along an entire length thereof, the first and second shafts slidingly received within the third and fourth legs, respectively, the rear leg assembly positionable in the working position wherein the first and second shafts extend outwardly from the third and fourth legs a first predetermined distance and in the folded position wherein the first and second shafts extend outwardly from the third and fourth legs a second predetermined distance, the second predetermined distance being greater than the first predetermined distance, a proximal end of each of the first and second shafts being pivotably attached to the front leg assembly; a pivot pin mounted to the front leg assembly, the first and second shafts being pivotable about the pivot pin at the proximal ends; a first cap generally fixedly mounted on a pivot end of each of the third and fourth legs, each first cap including a radially inwardly extending upper lip and a hollow sleeve depending downwardly therefrom, an inner diameter of the upper lip being smaller than an inner diameter of the hollow sleeve, the hollow sleeve surrounding at least a portion of an exterior of one of the third and fourth legs at the pivot end thereof; a second cap generally fixedly mounted on the proximal end of each of the first and second shafts, the pivot pin extending through the second caps to secure the second caps to the proximal ends, the second caps engaging the first caps when the first and second shafts have been slid generally into the third and fourth legs, respectively, and are in the working position to prevent contact between the proximal ends of the first and second shafts and the front leg assembly, the first and second caps spaced-apart from each other when the first and second shafts have been slid generally out of the third and fourth legs, respectively, and are in the folded position; a seat having first and second lateral sides, each side being pivotably connected to the front and rear leg assemblies, the seat being positioned on a plane that is generally parallel to the front and rear leg assemblies when the chair is in the folded position; and a locking assembly connected to at least one of the first and second shafts, the locking assembly having a spring biased lock knob extending through an aperture in at least one of the third and fourth legs when the chair is in the working position, the lock knob being depressible and positionable entirely within one of the third and fourth legs when the chair is in the folded position.