Combination foldable chair and rolling transport

A foldable chair, operable between a seating configuration and a rolling transport configuration, the foldable chair comprising a plurality of legs with a roller secured to the distal end of each leg and the proximal end of each leg secured to a column base. Extending from the column base is a column with a first and second end, the column first end secured to the column base and the second end of the column secured to a first platform or seat cushion. A second platform extends downwardly from the first platform for attaching a carrying case. Also included is a backrest rotatably secured to the first platform such that when the backrest is perpendicular to the first platform two roller elements are fully shrouded. When the backrest is rotated 90 degrees and disposed substantially parallel to the seat cushion the roller elements are exposed for rolling contact with the ground surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a combined foldable chair and rolling transport apparatus which may be used as a comfortable seat or readily converted for conveying a load.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable chairs for recreational and commercial uses have long been known. What has not been known is a highly functional chair that captures comfort, compactness, portability and the capacity to convey a load such as supplies or equipment. Illustrative of the utility of the foldable chair and rolling transport, but which should not be construed as limiting of its applicability, is to provide quilters or hobbyists with a comfortable chair to use when they travel for a class or when they travel to quilt at a retreat. The problem that is solved with the chair is that when a hobbyist arrives to take an all-day or several-day sewing, quilting or other similarly topical class, the individual is often placed at a table that is too high with a rigid chair that is too low for comfortable sewing or quilting. Also solved is the problem of carrying a heavy sewing machine and miscellaneous supplies.

At home, the hobbyist often has a sewing machine in a cabinet that places the sewing machine at a preset comfortable height. If the hobbyist does not have a cabinet for his or her machine, then the hobbyist usually has a chair that is adjustable so that she can increase her seat height to accommodate the sewing machine on a table. At a classroom setting, though, the tables are often times too high and the chairs are generally non-adjustable and often times are too low. The hobbyist therefore ends up sitting all day in a chair that is too low for a table that is too high when a sewing machine is placed on it. Also, the chairs provided are normally metal folding chairs or plastic chairs which tend to be very uncomfortable for sitting extended periods of time. An adjustable-height chair on rollers with a comfortable well cushioned seat is quite a luxury when sewing for many hours at a time. The quilter is usually required to get up and down numerous times during an hour to go to an ironing board and rollers at the end of the chair legs greatly facilitate the movement to and from the ironing board.

In addition to the height elevation feature, comfortable cushion and rollers, the foldable chair is designed to provide the hobbyist with a way to transport her equipment, such as a sewing machine, which may weigh in the range of 20 to 30 pounds. The sewing machine is placed into a rigid carrying case, along any other essential supplies and the case is secured into position on the chair so that the chair in its reconfigured position becomes a rolling transport for the encased equipment. When the hobbyist arrives at her destination, she removes the case and unfolds the chair and now has available a comfortable chair to use all day that is height adjustable thereby vastly improving her level of comfort while engaging in her hobby of choice, and she has been able to easily transport her sewing machine and supplies on the foldable chair.

Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable chair operable between a seating configuration and a rolling transport to facilitate ease of transport and use, while providing features directed to the conveyance of additional items. The present invention addresses these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A combination foldable chair and rolling transport in accordance with the present disclosure includes a plurality of legs each with a roller secured to the distal end and the proximal end of each leg secured to a column base. The column base is in turn secured to a column that extends upwardly to a first platform. The second end of the column is secured to the first platform or cushioned seat and the cushioned seat houses at least one telescoping shaft with a handle for use when the foldable chair is in the rolling transport configuration. A second platform is secured to and is disposed beneath the first platform for use as a footrest when the foldable chair is in the seating configuration. Alternatively, when in the rolling transport configuration the second platform is used for securing a carrying case for item storage during rolling transport.

In one embodiment, a backrest is rotatably secured to the first platform. When the backrest is substantially perpendicular to the first platform seat cushion two wheels oppositely disposed and adjacent the backrest sides are fully shrouded, and when the backrest is rotated approximately 90 degrees and disposed substantially parallel to the first platform a portion of the wheels are unshrouded for rolling contact with the ground surface. When in a seating configuration, the two wheels are fully shrouded protecting the user from contact with any debris, such as mud, tar, snow and salt, that may adhere to the wheels during transport. The rolling transport configuration is sturdy and appropriate for pulling the chair up over curbs, stairs and utilizes two low friction replaceable strips on the backside surface of the backrest above the transport rollers to provide protection for the chair when it is pulled up curbs or stairs and to facilitate movement of the chair.

When the chair is in the rolling transport configuration and ready for placement in a trunk at least one, and preferably three, of the legs will freely rotate down thereby decreasing the overall width and height of the rolling transport, allowing the chair to fit into confined spaces such as the smallest of trunks. The legs pivot with gravity, and no special manipulation is required. When the rolling transport is rotated down onto the legs, the legs automatically open and support the chair.

A handle secured to telescoping members is utilized for pulling the rolling transport with carrying case secured to the second platform. When reconfigured to the seating configuration the telescoping handle is compressed and nests within the first platform obscured from view.

The chair is constructed from lightweight yet sturdy material thereby allowing the hobbyist to easily lift the foldable chair into his or her trunk or sport utility vehicle. The carrying case has been designed so that it will accommodate the largest of sewing machines. Special pockets will be in place to hold rotary cutters, rulers and small mats used in the quilting industry. The case will lock into place when it is on the chair so that if the chair were to twist sideways when being pulled up over a curb, the case will not fall off. The case provides extra protection for the quilter who is taking her sewing machine to a class, along with a way to easily carry it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1reveals the foldable chair10in its seating configuration with a plurality of legs12extending outwardly from a column base14. At the distal end13of each leg12is a roller element16to facilitate omni-directional repositioning of the foldable chair by the user. The proximal end of each leg12is connected to the column base14. At least one, and preferably two or more, of the legs12are pivotally secured to the column base14at a pivot point36so that when converted to the rolling transport configuration the legs14may be rotated downwardly to facilitate placement into a space of limited volume such as the trunk of a car.FIG. 1also reveals a first platform18, or seat cushion, positioned atop, secured to and supported by a support column20. A backrest22is pivotally and adjustably secured to the first platform18by a pivot mechanism24which will be discussed in additional detail below. The backrest22serves to support the back of an individual seated in the foldable chair10. The foldable chair inFIG. 1also includes a second platform26that when the foldable chair is in the seating configuration would typically be used as a footrest. The second platform26is suspended beneath the first platform18by at least one, and preferably two support rods28, that are secured to the underside of the first platform18.

FIG. 2reveals the foldable chair10in its rolling transport configuration. For purposes of conversion into the rolling transport position from the seating configuration a series of discrete steps are required. First, the pivot mechanism24is used to rotate the backrest22approximately 90 degrees from a vertical orientation to an orientation that is effectively parallel with the first platform18or seat cushion. The roughly 90° rotation of the backrest22atop the first platform18also serves to unshroud a wheel30on each side of the backrest22. The roller cover80is secured to the first platform18. Next the entire foldable chair assembly10is rotated by approximately 90 degrees wherein the unshrouded wheels30contact the ground surface. Also supporting the foldable chair10in this rotated configuration are the distal ends of at least two of the legs12. As seen inFIG. 2, all except two of the roller elements16are rotated out of contact with the ground surface when the transport is in a stationary status. When in a rolling transport mode only the unshrouded wheels30will be in contact with the ground surface as the transport will be rotated by the user to facilitate walking with the transport.

Following rotation of the foldable chair and contact by the unshrouded wheels30with the ground surface, the handle38secured to the telescoping member40is extracted, as seen inFIG. 2, from the front slot42on the front of the first platform18. The telescoping member40is fully enclosed within an internal space within the first platform18. The telescoping member40may be comprised of a single telescoping rod element or alternatively with dual telescoping rod elements for improved structural rigidity. The telescoping member elements may be comprised of any durable and rigid material including metals and plastics that offer high tensile strength, light weight, wear resistance and low oxidation potential due to exposure to harsh environments and that may be finished to suit the preferences of the consuming public. At the end of the telescoping member40is a handle38that is sufficiently robust in configuration to withstand high grip pressures along with high torsional and tensile loads and that also provides a comfortable grip when the foldable chair10is utilized in the rolling transport configuration.

FIG. 2also reveals the placement of a case44, such as a carrying case or even a small suitcase on the support column20. The carrying case is positioned between the second platform26, or footrest, and the bottom46of the first platform18and rests securely on the support column20and remains balanced with the aid of the support rods28. When in position between the lower shell cover54of the first platform18and the second platform26the carrying case is secured in position by an integrated locking mechanism, as seen inFIG. 14, for purposes of stabilizing the carrying case44when moving the rolling transport over uneven surfaces. The carrying case44will include a crown160that is formed consistent with the shape of and designed to accept the second platform26into the crown160. Once the second platform26has been inserted into the crown160the case44is secured to the crown160with the assistance of at least two straps162integral to the carrying case.

FIGS. 3 and 4reveal that the support column20is adjustable in height and utilizes a standard pneumatic or spring loaded telescoping mechanism that is well known in the art. The user of the foldable chair10can activate the support column20telescoping mechanism with the use of side lever that is commonly found on chairs in office settings. As is also seen inFIGS. 3 and 4, the distance between the bottom46of the first platform18and the second platform26or footrest, does not vary with changes in elevation of the support column20. The rationale for this consistency is that unless the width of the carrying case44were to change, there is no need to alter the separation distance between the first18and second platforms26.

FIG. 5details the configuration of the chair10when the backrest22is rotated approximately 90 degrees to a position that is co-planar with the first platform18, or seat cushion. The release handle48, as best seen inFIG. 12, when rotated facilitates the release of the backrest22and allows the backrest to be rotated atop the seat cushion18. As has been briefly discussed above and will be discussed in even greater detail below, the wheels30positioned at the base of the backrest22are fully shrouded when the backrest22is raised and the foldable chair is in the seating configuration. Since the wheel30may at times be pulled through less than pristine environments, such as snow, mud, road tar, etc., when serving as a rolling transport, the roller shrouds32serve to protect the user's clothes and appendages from debris when seated on the first platform18or moving about behind the chair10. The innovative design of the shroud assembly allows the wheels30to be exposed only when the back rest22is lowered yet totally encapsulated thereby preventing the transfer of debris when in the seating configuration.

FIG. 6depicts the foldable chair in a rotated position revealing contact between the ground surface and the wheels30as well as contact by the distal end13of at least one leg12.FIG. 6also reveals the leg12proximal end pivot points36. Pivot points36are included at the proximal end of at least one and preferably three (3) of the legs. The pivot points36preferably employ a standard hinge configuration or other well known in the art mechanism to effectuate rotation of the leg12. As previously noted, the ability to lower these legs12from their elevated position can facilitate storage and transport of the foldable chair. In particular, placement of the foldable chair10into a vehicle trunk such that the trunk lid may be closed is greatly facilitated with the leg pivots36.

FIG. 7depicts the next phase in the conversion of the foldable chair from the seating configuration to the rolling transport which is the extraction of the handle38and telescoping member40from the nesting location inside of the first platform18. The extraction of the handle38allows the user to then employ the wheels30as pivot points, rotate the entire rolling transport and commence transport of the carrying case44and the foldable chair10. The user can easily transport a carrying case44with supplies in excess of 30 pounds with the rolling transport and only experience minimal exertion.FIG. 7also reveals removable friction strips50secured to one or more triangularly shaped support ribs52at the rear surface of the backrest22. The friction strips50provide a surface for the rolling transport to slide up and down steps and are preferably coated with a friction reducing material such as Teflon®. The friction strips50are preferably secured by screws that are countersunk below the surface of the strip50. When the strips become excessively worn the retaining screws can be removed and the strips50replaced.

FIG. 8reveals in an exploded view the various major elements of the foldable chair10.FIG. 8reveals the elements of the first platform18. The first platform18includes a lower cover shell54as well as a partitioning plate56that is disposed between the lower cover shell54and the first platform cushion pad58. The lower cover shell54includes a series of screw columns60through which securing screws are passed into the portioning plate56and ultimately into the cushion pad58to join the three components together.

FIG. 8also reveals a series of cutouts in the lower cover shell54. These cutouts include a support column opening62and two support rod cutouts64. The support column20includes a threaded element66at the upper most portion of the column that passes through the support column opening62in the lower cover shell54, through the partitioning plate opening68and into a nut (not shown) in the underside of the cushion pad58. The threaded element66is then threaded into the cushion pad58nut to secure the first platform18assembly to the support column20.

Attachment brackets70are preferably weldably secured to the distal end of the support rods28. The attachment brackets70are also preferably comprised of square or rectangular metal plates with a series of holes through which screws can be passed to secure the attachment brackets70of the second platform26to the underside of the first platform18. Additionally, the attachment brackets70must be sized to be able pass through the support rod cutouts64in the lower shell as well as the partitioning plate cutouts69. The second platform26and support rods28are preferably comprised of tubular material, preferably aluminum and of sufficient tube wall thickness to prevent plastic deformation or fracturing when the weight of the user's feet are placed on the second platform.

The lower cover shell54provides an interior nesting location55for the telescoping members40. When fully assembled, a telescoping rod member40is positioned on each side of the support column opening62. The rod members40pass through two cutouts72in the front wall74of the lower cover shell54. A backstop76limits the inward travel of the handle38when the user is returning the rod members to the fully nested position internal to the first platform18.

FIG. 8also details the positioning of the wheel cover80that can be configured as a single piece or in multiple pieces80A,80B if necessary to accommodate manufacturing constraints. As discussed above, the wheel cover80shields the user from debris collected on the wheels30coming into contact with clothing while seated in the chair. The roller support brackets82include a flange element84that extends upwardly from the main portion of the support bracket82. The two roller support brackets82are inserted through a lower chamber86in the roller cover80and then through two separate cutouts88in the back wall87of the lower cover shell54. The two roller support brackets82extend to the interior of the lower cover shell54and are preferably secured in position with two or more screws that extend through both the support brackets82and the lower cover shell54thereby providing a rigid anchoring of the support brackets82.

As seen inFIGS. 9 and 10, the flange elements84of the two roller support brackets82are each utilized to secure a wheel30and the backrest bracket92in position. The axle90, as best seen inFIG. 10, passes through a hole104in the backrest bracket, a hole106in the flange elements84, a bushing114, and ultimately into and through the center108of the wheel30. After passing through the center of the wheel108the axle90is secured in position by a snap ring110or a similar retaining feature. At the opposite end of the axle90is an axle flange112that restrains the axle from passing through the hole104in the backrest bracket92. As previously mentioned, disposed between the wheel30and the flange elements84is a bushing114that prevents the rubberized portion of the wheel30from contacting the flange elements84by providing separation distance between the surfaces.

As best seen inFIGS. 10 and 13, a first end of a pivot rod140is secured to the partial shroud100at opening142. This second end of the pivot rod140is disposed within an opening144, as seen onFIG. 10, within the exterior side of the backrest bracket92. This connection between the partial shroud100and the backrest bracket92will allow the partial shroud100to rotate approximately ninety degrees about the axle90when the user rotates the backrest22from the upright position to the folded position such that it is resting atop the first platform/seat18.

FIGS. 9 through 13also provide detail on the backrest22release mechanism120which is comprised of the backrest release handle48secured to a release handle rod49. The rod49preferably has a flat machined into the center section (not shown) so that the handle48can be secured in position with set screws. On each side opposite the handle48the handle rod49has additional flats (not shown) machined into the handle rod49to facilitate securement of rod flanges122. The rod flanges122are rigidly secured to the flats, preferably by welding and extend outwardly from the handle48and at approximately 180 degrees from the handle48. Secured to the surface of the rod flanges122are detent rods124that extend longitudinally beyond the edges of the rod flanges122toward the backrest brackets92. As best seen inFIG. 11, when fully operational, the detent rods124are positioned within one of two notches126A,126B in the backrest bracket. When the detent rods124are positioned in the first notch126A the backrest22in the upright position. When the detent rods124are positioned in the second notch126B the backrest22is in the lowered positioned in preparation for rolling transport.

The backrest release mechanism120also includes two torsion springs128. The torsion springs128are disposed opposite each of the rod flanges122on the handle rod49and serve to return the handle48to a preset position after the handle48has been raised by a user. As best seen inFIG. 13, the torsion springs128each include two legs130A,130B. The first leg130A of each torsion spring128is secured in a capture hole132in the flange element84of the support bracket82. The second leg130B of the torsion spring128is secured atop the rod flange122where the leg will rotate along with the rod flange122when the user raises the handle48with the objective of rotating the backrest22. When the torsion spring128is rotated the spring seeks to return to its original position by applying a force to the rod flange and ultimately to the handle48. As can be seen inFIGS. 10 and 13, each end of the handle rod49passes through a hole134in the flange element84and exits on the opposite side of the flange element84where it is secured in position by a washer135and a snap ring136

As best seen inFIG. 9, the entire handle assembly120, except for the handle48, is shielded by the wheel cover pieces80A,80B. The two wheel cover pieces80A,80B are secured to one another by screws150passing though both portions of the cover pieces. The handle48extends through an opening152at the rear of the cover piece80B to allow a user to raise the handle48thereby withdrawing the detent rods124from the notches in the126A,126B in the backrest brackets92. The wheel cover pieces80A,80B also contain cutouts156to provide an opening for the backrest brackets92secured to the flange element84.

In operation, the user approaches the chair and raises the backrest release handle48. This action causes the release handle rod49to rotate. The rotation of the handle rod49causes rotation of the detent rods124proximate each of the backrest brackets92. When the detent rods124rotate out of the lower notches126A, this in turn releases the backrest22from its locked position and allows the backrest to rotate forward until generally parallel with the seat. As the backrest bracket92rotates the second notch126B on each backrest bracket advances closer to the detent rod124on each side of the chair. As the notches126B approach the detent rods124, which are spring loaded due to the torsion springs128they snap into position in the notches126B.

Contemporaneous with the rotation of the backrest downward is the rotation of the partial shroud100. When the backrest22is in the upright position the shroud100, in conjunction with the roller shroud32of the wheel cover assembly80A,80B, fully covers the wheels30. Fully covering the wheels30prevents the transfer of any ground debris picked up by the wheels during rolling transport to the user of the chair. As the user seeks to transform the chair into a rolling transport, the rotation of the backrest will result in the rotation of the partial shroud100as the pivot rod140is connected to the backrest bracket92. A ninety degree rotation of the backrest into a position parallel with the seat will rotate the partial shroud100an equivalent 90 degrees thereby rotating the shroud100out of the window of the roller shroud32. Rotation of the partial shroud out of the roller shroud window permits the wheels30to make contact with the ground surface.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims.