Abstract:
A collapsing canopy chair having an active cooling means is provided. The device comprises a collapsing, outdoor chair structure that includes a fabric seat supported by a folding seat frame. Above the chair structure is an overhead canopy assembly that supports a fan unit therein. The fan unit is supported along the surface of the canopy and within an aperture therethrough. The fan is further electrically connected to a power source supported on the chair structure and controlled by an activation switch along one arm rest of the chair structure. The switch allows a user to operably initiate the fan unit for improved ventilation under the canopy and for convective cooling in warm environments.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/710,303 filed on Oct. 5, 2012, entitled “FAN CHAIR.” The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a collapsible chair that is typically used for seating in an outdoor environment. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a collapsing chair having a canopy that supports an active cooling system, whereby the user can regulate the temperature under the canopy while seated in hotter environments. The assembly provides a means for keeping the occupant comfortable by providing a breeze produced from an imbedded fan unit in the canopy assembly. 
         [0004]    Folding and collapsing chairs are well known in the art. These devices are well adapted for providing a temporary means of support for a seated user, typically in an outdoor environment or for temporary gatherings. A popular embodiment of the collapsible chair is the tailgate style chair, which includes several brace elements that spread to support a fabric arm chair assembly. This style of chair is particularly popular because of its ability to stow into a carry pouch and expand into a comfortable outdoor furniture item when deployed. 
         [0005]    Several folding chairs include attachments that enhance the comfort of the chair, particularly for those utilized outdoors and for leisure activities. Some common attachments include elevated leg rests, extended head rests, and overhead canopies supported by the chair. While leg rests and head rests provide for improved ergonomics and comfort, they do little to shroud a seated user from sun exposure. A canopy chair is deployed when direct sunlight on the seated user is not otherwise desired, thereby providing a cool seating environment. However, during particularly hot or humid days, simply blocking direct sunlight is not sufficient to remain cool and dry. The present invention relates to an improvement to collapsible chairs, and particularly to those chairs that employ an overhead canopy. 
         [0006]    The present invention provides an active cooling system that adds convection cooling to the shade already provided by a canopy chair, whereby a fan unit is provided within the canopy to create a breeze for the user&#39;s comfort. The fan unit draws air over the user, who can control the operation of the unit while seated. The fan unit and supporting electrical connections are supported by the collapsible chair structure, which can readily collapse into a stowed state for storage and transport in a carry bag. 
         [0007]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0008]    Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to actively cooled canopies and sunshades. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art. 
         [0009]    Devices described in the prior art generally relate to articles having canopies or overhangs with either a forced air fan or a misting system therein. These generally include umbrellas, sunshades, and carriages having a combination of sunshade and convective cooling. While related to the present invention, these devices fail to disclose a collapsible canopy chair structure that allows for use in outdoor spaces and while traveling. The present invention is an improvement on the existing collapsible chair, and adds a means of actively cooling the user using a small fan unit that does not interfere with the stowed state of the chair. 
         [0010]    Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,866 to Molnar discloses a table umbrella having a tubular support and a fan connected thereto. The fan is adapted to draw air upwards and away from users beneath the umbrella, where a baffle is utilized to direct the air along the umbrella underside surface and outward therefrom. While providing a sunshade article having a fan cooling means, the Molnar device describes an umbrella structure that is not suited for use in conjunction with a collapsing chair. The present invention pertains to an integrated chair canopy having a cooling means disposed therein. 
         [0011]    Another such device is U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,084 to Cohen, which discloses a combination umbrella and fan device that includes a vinyl canopy, an umbrella hub, umbrella shaft, and an internal fan along the shaft. The fan includes several splines that act to create a breeze beneath the umbrella, cooling users thereunder by convective cooling. Similar to the Molnar device, the Cohen device provides an airflow means attached to an umbrella as opposed to one that is supported by a canopy chair. The present invention requires no internal shaft and includes no exposed fan splines. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,150,162 to Brunner discloses a stroller having an upper canopy for shrouding a child from sunlight. Within the canopy is a misting system, comprising a misting nozzle, a fluid reservoir, and a fan for spreading the misted air. The Brunner device is directed to a child&#39;s stroller, and is not suited for adult use. The present invention provides an air flow means that is attached to a collapsing chair. No misting system is contemplated. 
         [0013]    Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,268 to Chang discloses a sunshade and fan device for blocking out sunlight and actively cooling a user thereunder. The device includes a shading disc having an opening therethrough, which supports a fan assembly directing air through the disc. Attached to the disc is a mounting assembly for clipping the device to a chair or similar structure nearby the user. While providing sunshade and active cooling, the Chang device is a furniture attachment rather than a collective chair assembly that offers protection from direct sunlight and airflow means. 
         [0014]    The present invention describes a new and novel canopy chair with active cooling. It is submitted that the present invention is divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing canopy chair devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of canopy chairs now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new canopy chair with an active cooling means, wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when tailgating or engaging in other outdoor activities in hot or humid climates. 
         [0016]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved canopy chair device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a canopy chair device that comprises a collapsible chair structure and a collapsible overhead canopy, whereby the device can collapse into a stowed state that permits ease of transport. 
         [0018]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a canopy chair device that includes a fan unit positioned within the canopy to force air onto the user for convective cooling in warmer environments. 
         [0019]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a canopy chair device that includes a fan unit being battery powered and operated by the seated user. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a canopy chair device that comprises an assembly that is capable of being collapsed and placed into a convenient travel bag with a carrying strap. 
         [0021]    A final object of the present invention is to provide a canopy chair device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy that are commensurate with durability. 
         [0022]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  shows a frontal perspective view of the canopy chair. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  shows a view of the chair arm structure and fan unit control switch. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows an overhead perspective view of the canopy chair. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the canopy chair. 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  shows a view of the collapsing canopy chair as it transitions from a deployed state to a stowed state. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]    Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the canopy chair. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for providing a collapsible canopy chair that includes a forced air cooling means. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there is shown a frontal view of the canopy chair of the present invention. The device is a collapsible assembly that comprises a chair structure  11  connected to a canopy  21  positioned thereover. When deployed, the chair structure  11  supports a seated user while the overhead canopy  21  provides a shroud from direct sunlight. When collapsed, the device can be stowed into a carry bag and readily transported to a desired location where a seat may be desired. 
         [0031]    The chair structure  11  comprises a plurality of interconnected brace members  12  that support a fabric chair body  17  and a pair of outstretched arm portions  15 . The chair body  17  is supported at its ends by the brace members to form an upright seat having a lower seat portion  16  and an upstanding seatback portion  13 . The arm portions  15  similarly are supported along their ends by the brace members  12  to form armrest supports under a user&#39;s arms. Both the arm portions  15  and the chair body  17  are comprised of a thin material that readily folds onto itself when the brace members  12  collapse together into a stowed state. 
         [0032]    The brace members  12  of the chair structure  11  are comprised an interconnected assembly of braces that is readily recognizable in the art of tailgate chairs. The members  12  form four ground supports  18  and intersections  19  along each side of the chair, whereby the intersections allow the members  12  to rotate with respect to each other while the ground supports  18  join the distal ends of each member at a common location along the ground. A set of crossing front and rear members  26  control lateral support of the chair structure  11  while allowing collapsing in the same direction, while a set of cross side members  25  provide support and ready collapsing in the fore-aft chair direction. The members  12  extend upwards through the chair body  17  to support the ends of the arm portions  15  and the upper end of the chair seatback portion  13 . 
         [0033]    Connected to the member  14  supporting the upstanding seatback portion  13  is a canopy  21  and its supporting assembly. The canopy comprises a fabric material having an upper surface  22  that is supported by a collapsing frame  23 . The upper surface  22  is positioned over the chair  11  so direct sunlight is blocked and the user can enjoy sitting outdoors without being overly exposed to sunlight. Within the upper surface  22  is a fan unit  31  that functions as a forced air means for the seated user. The fan unit  31  is electrically controlled and acts to create airflow under the canopy  21  for convection cooling and for improved user comfort. 
         [0034]    The fan unit  31  is powered by a battery pack  42  preferably situated below the seat portion  16 , which supplies power to the fan unit  31  during operation and can be interchanged with new batteries when replenishment is required. Electrical connections are routed along the upstanding member  14  to the battery pack  42 , and then through one arm portion  15  to provide the user with an activation switch  41  thereon. The activation switch  41  controls the flow of power from the battery pack  42  to the fan unit  31  and thus operation of the device. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, photovoltaic cells  70  are also deployed along the upper surface of the canopy to charge the battery pack  42 , reducing energy consumption and preventing the batteries from losing charge too rapidly. The cells  70  are positioned along the canopy in a non-folding portion such that the cells  70  are not damaged when the assembly is collapsed into a stowed state. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a view of the arm portion  15  and the activation switch  41  that controls the operation of the fan unit in the canopy. The activation switch  41  closes a circuit that activates the fan unit. This can be accomplished by a simple electrical switch, or the switch can have multiple settings for different fan speeds. Overall, the location of the switch  41  allows the seated user to control operation of the fan while thereunder, which can be used to control airflow beneath the canopy on hot and humid days. Electrical connections  43  are routed under the arm portion to connect the switch  41  to the fan unit and power supply. Also provided in the arm portion may be a cup holder pouch  61  for beverage support adjacent to the switch  41 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , there is shown more views of the collapsible canopy chair, wherein the deployed state is shown and the chair in the act of collapsing is shown. The assembly comprises a collapsible or folding chair, being small, medium, large or extra-large and having an adjustable, solid or flexible hinged canopy or shade cover. The canopy supports a fan unit  31  for the purpose of propelling a cooling breeze onto the occupant of the chair  11 , consisting of a drive unit, fan hub and fan blades powered by a battery pack and charged using a solar array (photovoltaic cell). The fan is controlled by an activation switch  41  that may include variable speed control, such that the fan can operate at low speed, a high speed or in an off position. While the fan is keeping the occupant cool it also creates a breeze that helps to ward off flying insects from the cooling area. 
         [0038]    In a non-exemplary embodiment, the invention includes a collapsible or folding chair with an adjustable canopy cover and an integrated cooling system. The chair  11  includes a collapsible or folding chair made out of fabric; an adjustable, solid or flexible hinged canopy  21  or shade cover; a single or multi speed fan unit  31  supported within the canopy  21  or shade cover; a power source for the fan comprising a battery pack; a solar array for charging the battery pack; an activation switch  41  built into the arm portion  15  of the chair  11  to control the speed of the fan  31 ; and/or a convenient travel bag with a carrying strap for supporting the assembly when in a stowed state (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0039]    An object of the present invention is to combine a folding or collapsible outdoor chair having a canopy cover with a cooling fan unit that is integrated into the canopy cover for the purpose of keeping the occupants of the chair comfortable by providing a breeze thereover. The collapsible chair includes a fabric chair body supported by a collapsible assembly of brace members, while the canopy is supported from the chair using upstanding members  14  and comprises a collapsible frame structure  23 . The material of the chair brace members and the canopy frame can be constructed out of, but not limited to, metal, aluminum, plastic or steel hollow piping. The parts of the members are attached by hinges that facilitate collapsing and ready support of a seated user when deployed. 
         [0040]    The chair structure  11  of the collapsible assembly includes a seat portion, a seat back, and extended armrestsl 5 . The seat portion, seat back, armrests  15  and canopy  21  cover of the brace members and are constructed out of, but not limited to, sturdy fabrics, such as canvas. When sturdy fabrics are used, the collapsible chair can support both a seated person and the fan, while also readily folding onto itself when collapsing into a stowed state. 
         [0041]    Generally, the fan unit  31  is placed in the center of the canopy cover  21 . The fan  31  can be a single or multi-speed cooling fan. Locating the fan  31  in the center of the canopy  21  helps to optimize the convection cooling effect on the occupant of the chair, as heated air is removed from the area and a cool breeze helps remove heat from the user&#39;s skin, particularly during humid days where evaporative cooling is otherwise limited. The placement of the fan  31  also allows for the chair structure  11 , canopy  21 , and fan  31  to collapse as one unit without limiting the ability for the chair to become compact enough for packaged transport and such that the fan  31  does not become damaged during this process. Similarly, the wiring connections are routed such that changes in the geometry of the seat do not cause breakages in the wiring, separation of any connections or shorts in the circuit. 
         [0042]    The fan  31  can be secured to the canopy  21  in any number of ways. Securing means include, but not limited to, the fan assembly being stitched directly in to the fabric of the canopy upper surface, the fan assembly having a plastic, or other material, frame around it that is adhered to the fabric of the canopy cover, or finally cross braces across the canopy surface can be deployed to support the fan unit. While the referenced drawings show a singular fan unit, it is further contemplated that multiple fans can be integrated into the canopy cover for improved airflow and an increased flow rate of air over the seated user. 
         [0043]    A power source is provided to power the fan, which is preferably supported below the seat portion or within the canopy. One power source or multiple power sources may be used. Wiring connections are routed through the collapsible assembly to electrically connect to the fan unit to the power source, the power source to the fan activations switch, and from the solar cells to the power source. The wiring can be concealed within the fabric of the collapsible chair. In addition, piping can be added to the frame of the chair to further conceal the wiring. The piping could also be a tube or a fabric sleeve. Further, in an alternate embodiment, the canopy cover could consist of two layers and the wiring can be placed in between the two layers. Additionally, the wiring can be bendable so that it folds with the frame. Thus, the claimed invention has a built-in wire structure that allows the wiring to be concealed and also for the chair to be easily foldable and portable. Therefore, the chair is ready-to-use once it is unfolded and there is no need for additional installation or set-up. If a battery pack is depleted, a replacement set of batteries may be readily inserted. 
         [0044]    In a non-limiting embodiment, the power source that powers the fan can be batteries alone, or a batteries trickle charged by the photovoltaic cells (solar cells). The batteries are preferably supported within a casing and attached to either the fabric of the chair or directly to the brace members or frame components of the chair/canopy. Alternatively, the batteries can be made to be integrated directly to either the fabric of the chair or the brace members/frame. 
         [0045]    In still yet another alternate embodiment, at least one, but potentially both, arm rests will contain a beverage holder that is made of, but not limited to, a suspended mesh fabric in which a beverage or personal item can be stored. The beverage holder will be secured to the arm rest or rests with a plastic or similar material or frame that is adhered to the arm rest. Further, the fan speed control switch can be incorporated into the frame of the beverage holder on the arm rest. Additionally, in an alternate embodiment, the fan activation switch can be placed on the underside of the canopy rather than along the arm portion. 
         [0046]    It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0047]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.