Apparatus that attaches to a chair to provide storage or to assist with chair transportation

Subject matter described includes an apparatus that attaches to a chair to provide storage and to assist with carrying the chair. For example, the apparatus might include side panels that are attached to one another, such that the side panels contiguously extend around the chair legs when the apparatus is attached to a chair. In addition, the apparatus includes a top panel that extends from one of the side panels over the chair seat and that releasably fastens to one or more other side panels. The apparatus might also include a wrapping mechanism that attaches to a chair and that includes a releasable fastener. The releasable fastener is positioned to be fastened when the wrapping mechanism wraps around a collapsed chair.

BACKGROUND

Folding chairs are used in various settings, such as sporting events and park activities. One well-known style of folding chair includes a 20″ by 20″ folding chair in which a canvas seat and canvas backrest are stretched between, and supported by, a tubular frame. When unfolded and in a chair configuration, a space exists beneath the seat and between the various tubular-frame members. When the chair is collapsed, such as when being transported or stored, the tubular frame collapses into the space, thereby collapsing the canvas seat and canvas backrest. Often, a canvas folding chair will be accompanied by a separate bag that can be used to carry the canvas folding chair when collapsed.

SUMMARY

Subject matter described herein includes an apparatus that attaches to a chair to enclose a space underneath the chair seat. For example, the apparatus includes one or more side panels that are attached to one another, such that the side panels contiguously extend around the chair legs when the apparatus is attached to a chair. In addition, the apparatus includes a top panel that extends from one of the side panels over the chair seat and that releasably fastens to one or more other side panels.

Other subject matter described herein includes a wrapping mechanism that attaches to a chair and that includes a releasable fastener. The releasable fastener is positioned to be fastened when the wrapping mechanism wraps around a collapsed chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

Subject matter described herein includes an apparatus that attaches to a chair to enclose a space underneath the chair. The apparatus includes a series of panels that are attached to one another in an enclosure-forming arrangement. The panels might include a flexible material or fabric, such as nylon, that is able to withstand various elements (e.g., water, wind, dirt, etc.). In addition, the flexible material might be insulating or have other characteristic that render the apparatus suitable for desired uses. For example, when used to provide an under-seat enclosure for a pet, apparatus110ofFIG. 1might have more mesh-like portions than if apparatus110is used as a cooler for food and beverages. The chair might include a folding chair having a fabric seat and back rest (e.g., canvas) that are supported by a collapsible frame. Although canvas is described herein for exemplary purposes, the chair might be constructed of any flexible material that could be used as a seat or backrest.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an apparatus110is depicted from an aerial perspective looking downward. The apparatus includes a base panel112and a set of side panels. The depicted side panels include a front panel114, a left panel116, a back panel118, and a right panel120. Each of the side panels extends from a respective edge of the base panel112. For example, front panel114extends from a front edge124of the base panel112; left panel116extends from a left edge126of the base panel112; back panel118extends from a back edge128of the base panel112; and right panel120extends from a right edge130of the base panel112. The side panels might be attached to the base panel using various methods, such as by sewing or adhering the side panels to the base panel.

WhileFIG. 1illustrates an exemplary set of side panels that includes four side panels, the set of side panels might alternatively include fewer or more than four side panels. For example, the set of side panels might include only one side panel that is attached contiguously around base panel112. The number of side panels in the set might correlate to the number of sides of a shape formed by the base panel. For example, if the base panel includes a circular shape, the set of side panels might include only one side panel, and if the base panel includes a triangular shape, the set of side panels might include three side panels. However, in other embodiments the number of side panels does not necessarily directly correlate with the number of edges included on the base panel. For example, a single side panel might be contiguously attached around all four edges of base panel112.

The side panels attach to one another to form walls of an enclosure-forming structure, which includes a space in the middle thereof that is sometimes referred to herein as the “interior space.” For example, both front panel114and back panel118attach to left panel116and right panel120. The side panels might be attached to one another by various means, and in one embodiment, the side panels are sewn together. As such, when a chair is positioned in the space, which is in the middle of the enclosure-forming structure, the side panels contiguously extend around legs of the chair. For example, referring toFIG. 2, another aerial perspective is shown of the apparatus110. InFIG. 2, the side panels are in a vertical position and are attached to one another, such thatFIG. 2depicts top edges140a-cof the left panel, back panel, and right panel. In addition,FIG. 2depicts that a rear security flap146is folded inward, the rear security flap being described in more detail herein below. Moreover,FIG. 2depicts a top portion117of left panel116and a top portion121of right panel120, both top portions117and121being folded inward to expose hook-and-loop strips133and135.FIG. 2also depicts a top surface113the base panel112and is shaded to depict that a space (i.e., the interior space) exists between all of the side panels.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, apparatus110includes a top panel122that extends from front panel114. Top panel122might be sewn to or adhered to front panel114. Alternatively, top panel122and front panel114might be a single panel. Top panel122releasably fastens to one or more other side panels, such as left panel116and right panel120. For example, top panel122includes a hook-and-loop strip132that mates with another hook-and-loop strip133that is positioned on a top portion117of left panel116. In addition, top panel122includes another hook-and-loop strip134that mates with hook-and-loop strip135, which is positioned on a top portion121of right panel120.

Referring toFIG. 3, a front view of the apparatus110is shown from a slightly elevated perspective in which the top panel122has been folded over to cover the interior space (not seen inFIG. 3) that exists between all of the side panels when in their vertical positions.FIG. 3depicts that an opening142exists between an edge144of top panel122and a panel-extension portion146of the back panel.

When using the apparatus110, a chair might be positioned in the space between the side panels, the space being depicted inFIG. 2. As such, base panel112is positioned underneath legs of the chair. In addition, top panel122folds over and on top of the chair seat. Top portions117and121also fold over and on top of the chair seat. Accordingly, the top panel122assists to secure the apparatus110around the chair when the top panel is releasably fastened (e.g., by hook-and-loop strips132-135) to the one or more other side panels. Such an arrangement is depicted inFIG. 4, in which top panel122is positioned on top of a seat of a chair200. In addition, the backrest portion202of the chair200that is depicted inFIG. 4extends through the opening142that is depicted inFIG. 3.

Various features might be included that assist in securing apparatus110to a chair. For example,FIG. 1depicts that left panel116, right panel120, and front panel114each includes flared upper edges150a-dwhich, when joined, create an area at each of the front top corners accommodating various size chair seats. This expandable area at the front top corners is identified by reference numerals151aand151binFIGS. 2-4. Elastic encased within the top edge of the flared expandable areas151aand151b, draws the expandable areas151and151bup and around the chair's armrest-support frame212. Alternatively, a set of gussets might be positioned at a top end of a respective junction (e.g., seam) between side panels, each gusset being positioned such that, when a chair is positioned in the space between the side panels, each gusset wraps around a respective corner of the chair seat. Moreover, each gusset might include a drawstring that allows the apparatus to be tied onto various portions the chair frame that are positioned near each corner of the chair seat.

Other features might also be provided to secure apparatus110to a chair. For example,FIGS. 1 and 3depict clips164that are attached to an inside surface of back panel118. That is, clips164are attached near a top of back panel and at a height that is slightly below a top edge166of the back panel. For example, clips164might be attached near back-panel edge140b, which includes a seam between back panel118and security flap146. When a chair is positioned in the interior space, clips164can be releasably attached to a back edge of the chair seat. By attaching clips164to the seat, a gap between the back edge of the seat and the back panel is maintained in a closed position and back panel118is held in a desired position. Various types of clips might be used, such as alligator clips or other releasably closable clips. Clips164provide added security, such as when a pet is enclosed in the interior space, thereby inhibiting the pet from escaping out of the gap.

Apparatus110might also include a back-panel extension146that extends from a top portion of the back panel. When a chair is positioned in the interior space, back-panel extension146folds over and on top of a back edge of the chair seat. In addition, back-panel extension146includes fasteners147aand147bthat releasably attach to left panel116and right panel120. Examples of such releasable fasteners include hook-and-loop strips, clips, or snaps that include one part fixed to the back-panel extension146and a mating component that is fixed to the right panel or left panel. For example,FIG. 5shows fastener147bin a clipped mating relationship with a corresponding fastener that is attached to right side panel120. In one embodiment, clips164are used in conjunction with a back-panel extension146to secure apparatus110around a chair. Referring toFIG. 13, an alternative embodiment is depicted. InFIG. 13, the back-panel extension146(depicted in a ghost view beneath top panel122) does not include clips164. Instead, the back-panel extension146includes a hook-and-loop strip177(also depicted in a ghost view beneath top panel122), onto which a corresponding hook-and-loop strip, which is positioned on a bottom-facing side of top panel122, attaches. Such an embodiment in which the top panel releasably connects to the back-panel extension might be useful to attach to an open-backed chair200, similar to the one depicted inFIG. 13.

Apparatus110further includes an access opening that is constructed into at least one of the side panels and that provides access to the space in between the side panels. For example,FIG. 3depicts a zipper156that is positioned along a portion of front panel114. Although zipper156is depicted near a top seam of front panel114, zipper156might be positioned anywhere on front panel114, such as at a position that is below a seat of a chair positioned in the interior space. InFIG. 4, it can be seen that zipper156provides access to space underneath the chair seat. Also depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4is a vertically oriented zipper that runs along a seam between front panel114and right side panel120.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a right-side view is depicted of the apparatus when a chair has been positioned in the space between the vertically oriented side panels. In addition, another zipper158is depicted that is positioned on right side panel120and zipper160is shown again. Zipper158might be aligned with zipper156and zippers156,158, and160might collectively provide access to the interior space (e.g., the space underneath the chair seat). That is, zippers156and158zip toward one another and meet at the seam at a position of zipper160, which zips upward from near base panel112. AlthoughFIGS. 3,4, and5depict a zipper on the right side of the apparatus, a zipper might alternatively be positioned on the left side of the apparatus, as depicted inFIG. 1. In addition, although zippers are depicted in the various figures, an opening that provides access to the interior space might be releasably closable using a variety of other releasably closable mechanism, such as hook-and-loop strips, snaps, and clips. Zippers156,158, and160provide an example of just one configuration that enables access to the interior space. Accordingly, many alternative configurations might also be possible in which an opening is positioned at a different location on one or more of the side panels and using a different closing mechanism. Such configurations might be designed such that an access opening is positioned to avoid interference with chair framing when a user is accessing the interior space.

Referring back toFIG. 2, a top edge of a wrapping panel162is depicted, the wrapping panel162being attached adjacent to an outside surface of a back panel118. Because the wrapping panel162is attached to an outside surface of back panel118, the wrapping panel is not viewable inFIG. 1. Rather a better depiction of the wrapping panel162is depicted inFIG. 6, which depicts a head-on view of a backside of apparatus110.

Wrapping panel162might be attached to back panel118using various fastening techniques, such as by sewing or adhesive, and inFIG. 2, wrapping panel162is depicted as being attached to back panel118near a middle of the wrapping panel (the attachment location being identified by reference numeral163). In other embodiments, wrapping panel might be attached closer to an edge of the wrapping panel or to one of the other side panels. Wrapping panel162might include hook-and-loop strips (or some other releasable fastener) that secure wrapping panel162to an outside surface of back panel118when apparatus110is in an open configuration (i.e., not collapsed). That is, whileFIG. 2depicts that side edges of wrapping panel162are free and not attached to back panel118, wrapping panel162and back panel118might include corresponding hook-and-loop strips (or some other releasable fastener) that allows wrapping panel162to be secured more flush against an outside surface of back panel118.

In another embodiment, wrapping panel162is completely removable from back panel118. For example, wrapping panel162might be attached to back panel118using only releasable fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop strips, snaps, clips, zippers, etc). As such, when removed from back panel118, wrapping panel162could be used in other capacities to store items or cover items other than a chair or apparatus110. For example, a removed wrapping panel162might be used as an apron to protect an individual's clothing, such as when the individual is grilling. In such an embodiment, the wrapping panel162could be used to store grilling-related items, such as utensils, spices, matches, etc.

Wrapping panel162includes releasable fasteners168-173. When apparatus110is collapsed into the interior space, wrapping panel162can wrap around the collapsed apparatus110(and around any chair that is positioned in the interior space). Releasable fasteners168-173are positioned such that they can be coupled when wrapping panel162wraps around apparatus110, thereby securing apparatus110in a collapsed configuration. For example, component168mates with component171.

Such a collapsed configuration is depicted inFIG. 7in which wrapping panel162is depicted as wrapped around chair, both the chair and apparatus110being collapsed. A backrest portion202of a collapsed chair is depicted as extending beyond the wrapping panel162. Portions of releasable fasteners171,172, and173are depicted inFIG. 7that are in a mating relationship with fasteners168,169, and170(not seen inFIG. 7).FIG. 7also depicts a handle180and a carrying strap182that can be used to carry the apparatus and the chair and that are attached to the wrapping panel. In this respect, apparatus110eliminates the need for a separate carrying bag for the chair. For example, handle180might include a plastic molded handle. Carrying strap182includes releasable clasps184that allow at least one end of carrying strap182to be released from wrapping panel162, such that the carrying strap182could also be used as a leash for a pet.

Referring toFIG. 6, wrapping panel162also includes pockets190,192,194,195, and196that are constructed on the outside of the wrapping panel. The pockets might be used for storage of various items. In one embodiment, the pockets might be used to hold an ice pack to assist with cooling the interior space, or a hot pack to assist with warming the space. For example, if a back panel118is constructed of a mesh, netting, or some similar material, a hot or cold pack placed in one of the pockets190,192,194, or196could facilitate heating or cooling the interior space. Such cooling or heating might be particularly useful when the interior space is used as an enclosure for a pet. In one embodiment, pocket195stores stakes199that can be secured through loops (e.g.,180and182) to help prevent apparatus110from tipping over. Pockets might be positioned at a variety of other locations on apparatus110, such as on other side panels or in top panel122. For example, another pocket might be positioned in top panel122to store cushions, heat packs, cold packs, or other items directed to enhancing user comfort.

Although wrapping panel162is depicted in various figures, in another embodiment a wrapping strap might be included instead. That is, a wrapping strap might be attached to one of the side panels, the wrapping strap including releasable fasteners (e.g., clips) that are connectable when apparatus110is collapsed. A wrapping strap might include a flexible member that includes some or no elasticity and that wraps around the apparatus and the chair (similar to wrapping panel162) when the apparatus and chair are collapsed.

In a further embodiment, apparatus110includes another releasable fastener175that attaches to a rear chair upright when a chair is positioned in the interior space. The releasable fastener175depicted in various figures includes a hook-and-loop strip; however, fastener175might alternatively include a spring-loaded clip a clamp, or other fastener. In one embodiment, releasable fastener175includes a hook-and-loop strip that includes a rubberized surface. The rubberized surface provides a desired amount of tackiness, such that when the strip is wrapped around a chair frame (e.g., rear frame upright), the strip does not easily slide. The releasable fastener175might be attached to and extend from either one of the side panels (e.g., back panel118) or wrapping panel162and is attachable to a chair frame (e.g., rear chair upright210) just above the chair seat back edge. By securing releasable fastener175at such a position on the chair frame, the chair seat is inhibited from sliding up the chair frame, thereby inhibiting an accidental collapse of the chair.

The apparatus might also include loops180and182, as seen inFIG. 3, that are constructed into a base of apparatus110. Loops might be constructed at all four corners of a base of the apparatus110, even though not all four corners are viewable inFIG. 3. The loops are positioned to receive stakes that, when secured into the ground through the loops, help to prevent a combination of apparatus110and a chair from tipping over. For example, if a pet were enclosed in the interior space, and a chair were not occupied, the stake-and-loop combination would help to prevent the chair and apparatus from accidentally tipping over.

Referring now toFIG. 8, another embodiment is depicted that does not include a wrapping panel. Instead, elements are sewn or otherwise attached directly into casings810-815, which are constructed in back panel818. For example, wrapping straps820and821might be positioned in casings810and811(respectively). Accordingly, when the apparatus is collapsed into an interior space, ends of the wrapping straps are connectable (i.e., using fasteners168-173) to hold the apparatus in a collapsed arrangement.FIG. 8also depicts that pockets830-835could also be sewn into back panel818.

Although the various figures depict a wrapping panel182that is similar in height to the other side panels, in another embodiment, a wrapping panel might be taller and extend higher up the backside of a chair positioned in the interior space. Such a vertically extended wrapping panel might attach to a chair rear upright using one or more releasable fasteners, such as clips, clamps, or hook-and-loop strips. A vertically extended wrapping panel would provide more coverage of the collapsed unit. For example, a vertically extended wrapping panel would provide more coverage of the chair backrest202that is depicted inFIG. 7.

An example of such a vertically extended wrapping panel918is depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10. Depicted is vertically extended wrapping panel918that extends the full height of the chair backrest. In such an embodiment, a bottom portion of the vertically extended wrapping panel might be attached to back panel118(as described with respect to wrapping panel162), whereas a top portion of the wrapping panel attaches to a top edge of the backrest. The top portion might attach to a top edge in various ways. For example, the top portion of the vertically extended wrapping panel might include a slipcover-like pocket920that slips over the top of the chair seatback when the chair is positioned in the interior space. In addition to releasable fasteners171-173(described with respect toFIG. 6), wrapping panel918includes releasable fasteners930-932that assist to hold the apparatus in a collapsed configuration. Although not identified inFIG. 9, an extended wrapping panel might include additional pockets positioned in an upper portion of the extended wrapping panel.

As depicted inFIG. 10, the wrapping panel918could remain attached to the top edge of a chair back, even when the chair is collapsed, thereby allowing the wrapping panel918to enclose both the chair legs and the chair backrest. Such a collapsed arrangement is depicted inFIG. 10, in which the slip-cover-like pocket920remains positioned over a top edge of a chair back. In addition, clip portions171-173and930-932are all depicted as clipped to help secure the apparatus in a collapsed arrangement.

In a further embodiment, the back panel might be vertically extended, in addition to the wrapping panel. For example, the back panel might extend further above extension146and include a slipcover-like pocket that slips over and attaches to a top edge of a chair backrest. In such an embodiment, the wrapping panel extends the full height of the back panel and would wrap the entire upper portion of the chair as well as the lower portion.

In an alternative embodiment, base panel112is not included in apparatus110. Instead, a rigid member is encased in a vertical orientation, such as along the length of the side edges of the wrapping panel (e.g., close to fasteners168-173), or along the center of the wrapping panel (i.e., behind the shoulder strap, handle, and stake pocket). The rigid member functions to prevent apparatus110from sliding up the chair legs and crumpling onto itself when being used to carry the chair in a collapsed configuration. A “baseless” apparatus might include the various sides depicted inFIGS. 1-8. In addition, a baseless apparatus might include an extended wrapping panel, as depicted inFIGS. 9 and 10.

One embodiment of a baseless apparatus is depicted inFIG. 11a, which includes an extended wrapping panel1162that is attached onto an extended back panel1118. For example, the extended wrapping panel1162is attached (e.g., stitched or adhered) along a central portion1165to the extended back panel1118. In such an embodiment, the extended back panel1118includes a slip-cover-like pocket1120that attaches to a top of a chair back. In addition, the back panel1118includes clips (such as clips164depicted inFIGS. 1 and 3) that attach to a rear seat ledge, thereby further securing the extended back panel1118to a chair. Back panel1118also includes clips1122and1124that are designed to clamp onto a tubular framing of the chair. As depicted in a callout view11b, clips1122and1124have flexible prongs that allow the clamp to open and securely fit onto a tubular member. In addition, clips1122and1124might slide up and down the tubular member as needed to adjust a fit of the apparatus around a chair when the chair and apparatus are being altered between an open configuration and a collapsed configuration. Although clips1122and1124are depicted for illustrative purposes, a variety of other mechanisms (e.g., ties) might be used to slidably attach the panel to the chair legs. Also depicted inFIG. 11is a pocket1130, that is constructed into the apparatus and that can receive the rigid member described above.

FIG. 12depicts a baseless apparatus in a collapsed configuration and wrapped around a chair. Legs240of the chair are depicted as exposed. However, with the functionality provided by the slip-cover-like pocket1120, clips171-173and930-932, and clips1122and124, the apparatus (i.e., extended back panel and extended wrapping panel) remains secured onto the chair in the collapsed arrangement, such that the apparatus can be used to assist with transportation and storage of the chair.