Abstract:
The present invention relates to chairs. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a portable chair. Implementation of the present invention takes place in association with a portable chair that can be rolled up for storage or portability purposes. The rolled implementation of the present invention is compact, and easy to manually transport. The present invention can easily be carried in a backpack or on the user&#39;s shoulders. The present invention also fits easily in car trunks or closets. Due to its rolling nature, the present invention is effortless to assemble. The invention does not require a locking mechanism that comprises of parts or components. To assemble, the invention is unrolled in one direction and then arranged into the sitting position by manipulating the invention in the opposite direction. The present portable invention is also comfortable and secure. The user of the present invention is able to sit comfortably in a stationary position.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/474,646 filed May 31, 2003, entitled TAMBOUR CHAIR, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to portable supporting devices. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a supporting device, wherein at least a portion of the supporting device is dynamically placed into a rolled position.  
         [0004]     2. Background and Related Art  
         [0005]     Portable chairs can be used in a variety of settings. For example, portable chairs can be used at sporting events, beaches, pools, campsites, concerts, live events, and outdoor theaters. Portable chairs can also be used in residential environments. For example, portable chairs can be used around a table, in a bedroom, in front of a television, or on a deck or patio.  
         [0006]     Portable chairs are often foldable or collapsible and comprised of a chair frame and a seat. Such conventional portable chairs have considerable drawbacks. Conventional portable chairs are often uncomfortable or insecure. Some portable chairs utilize frames made of metal bars. The user of the chair can experience discomfort if the metal bars come in contact with the user while sitting or reclining on the chair. To allow a chair to be portable the seat often consists of flimsy and or slippery material. The flimsy and slippery material used to construct the seat causes the chair to feel insecure and wobbly. Because the portable seats are flimsy or wobbly it is impossible for the user to sit comfortably in a stationary position.  
         [0007]     Some foldable, portable chairs are bulky. A good foldable chair can be folded into a compact configuration. The ability to compactly fold the chair provides benefits to the user when the user stores or transports the folding chair. Bulky chairs are difficult to store because they often cannot fit in car trunks, under beds, in storage units or in closets. Bulky chairs are inconvenient and awkward to transport, especially long distances. In addition to bulkiness, many portable chairs are awkward to assemble or have multiple parts that are easily lost.  
         [0008]     Some styles of portable chairs include various locking mechanisms. The locking mechanisms often utilize pins and locking knobs. The pins and locking knobs can come loose or fall out of place resulting in an ineffective locking mechanism. Sometimes the knobs wear on the frame. Some chairs have multiple locking components which are lost or damaged thus making the portable chair unusable.  
         [0009]     Consequently, there is a need in the current market for folding chairs. Specifically, there is a need for portable chairs, which are comfortable, secure, compact, not bulky when folded, easy to assemble, aesthetic and having effective locking mechanisms. Accordingly, the present invention provides a noticeable improvement in the art of portable chairs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The present invention relates to portable supporting devices. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a supporting device, wherein at least a portion of the supporting device is dynamically placed into a rolled position.  
         [0011]     Implementation of the present invention embraces a rollable supporting device. In one implementation, the rollable supporting device is a piece of furniture (e.g., a chair or other piece of furniture) that can be rolled up. For example, the chair may be rolled up and placed into a position for storage, portability, adjustment, or other use of the chair. In addition to being rolled up the chair may be laid flat or folded into various configurations to support storage, movement, adjustment or additional uses of the chair. For example, the chair can be laid flat to fit under a bed, or folded into a different configuration to form another piece of furniture, such as a table. The rolled supporting device is compact, and facilitates portability. Implementations of the present invention can be carried in a backpack or on the shoulders of a user. Implementations of the present invention can further fit in storage volumes such as car trunks, under beds, in closets, etc.  
         [0012]     Due to its rolling nature, transitioning a rollable supporting device from one position to another is effortless. For example, a rollable supporting device is unrolled in one direction and then arranged into the sitting position (e.g., for a chair, bench, etc.) by manipulating the invention in the opposite direction. In at least some implementations, a locking mechanism that comprises parts or components is not required.  
         [0013]     Furthermore, a rollable supporting device is comfortable and secure. The user of a rollable supporting device is able to sit comfortably in a stationary position.  
         [0014]     While the methods and processes of the present invention have proven to be particularly useful in the area of portable chairs, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture to yield rollable supporting devices. Examples include rollable lounges, benches, beds, surfaces, tables, structures patio furniture, home or apartment furniture, and other dynamic weight sustaining structures.  
         [0015]     These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     A more particular description of the invention is rendered below. Illustrations of various embodiments of the present invention are appended. The drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. The present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0017]      FIGS. 1A-1B  illustrate a representative embodiment of the present invention in a rolled and partially rolled position;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a representative embodiment of the present invention in an extended, unrolled, sitting position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a more detailed illustration of representative blocks, keys, key ways, slats and brackets;  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a representative embodiment of a strap that acts as a hinge in transitioning between a rolled position and an unrolled position;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate a representative living hinge embodiment;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 6A-6F  illustrate representative shapes of a rollable supporting device;  
         [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates other representative block configurations or material for use in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates representative embodiments for dynamically adjusting the positioning of at least a portion of a rollable supporting device; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates other embodiments of blocks and/or linking apparatuses, systems or devices.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     The present invention relates to portable supporting devices. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a supporting device, wherein at least a portion of the supporting device is dynamically placed into a rolled position.  
         [0027]     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.  
         [0028]     It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the objects of this invention can be achieved without the expense of undue experimentation using well known variants, modifications, or equivalents of the methods and techniques described herein. The skilled artisan will also appreciate that alternative means, other than those specifically described, are available in the art to achieve the functional features of embodiments of the present invention described herein and how to employ those alternatives to achieve functional equivalents of the present invention. It is intended that the present invention include those variants, modifications, alternatives, and equivalents which are appreciated by the skilled artisan and encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.  
         [0029]     As provided herein, the present invention relates to portable supporting devices. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing a supporting device, wherein at least a portion of the supporting device is dynamically placed into rolled position.  
         [0030]     In one embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable chair. The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be best understood, and its benefits and advantages more clearly pointed out, by separating the following more detailed description into sections. The first section of the detailed description is a general discussion of a chair which represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second section of the detailed description is a discussion of other embodiments of the present invention including a table, a partially erect lounge chair and a completely horizontal lounge chair. The third section of the detailed description discusses the various materials and methods employed to produce and manufacture some of the various embodiments of the present invention. Examples of each of the various embodiments are included within each section.  
         [0031]     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “supporting device” shall refer to “chairs, folding chairs, portable chairs, benches, park benches, patio furniture, apartment furniture, camping chairs, pool chairs, tables, or any other apparatus to support a human, animal or thing.” 
         [0032]     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “blocks” shall refer to “a compact solid or hollow piece of natural or manufactured material worked or altered into a particular shape to serve a particular purpose.” 
         [0033]     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “key” shall refer to “any of various devices having the form or function of fitting neatly within a key way.” 
         [0034]     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “keyway” shall refer to “a groove or channel for a key.” 
         [0035]     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “strap” shall refer to “a narrow usually flat strip made from any natural, synthetic or manufactured material.” 
         [0036]     In the disclosure and in the claims the term “slat” shall refer to “a thin narrow flat strip made from any natural, synthetic or manufactured material.” 
       Section One: The Chair  
       [0037]     One embodiment of the present invention is a portable chair, which can be rolled up.  FIG. 2  is a visual example of a preferred embodiment of a chair contemplated by this invention. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rollable supporting device  10  is in an unrolled  38  and a seated position  34 . The rollable supporting device  10  forms a non-linear shape  36  when in the unrolled  38  and a seated position  34 . In the non-linear and unrolled seated position the chair comprises a stable base  32 , flexible leg support  30 , sturdy seating area  74  and erect back support  28 . The stable base allows the chair to be placed on a variety and surfaces and allow the user to maintain a comfortable, safe and stable posture. Some surfaces envisioned by the present invention include sand, grass, concrete, carpet, wood and any other surface that might be encounter in or out of doors. The flexible leg support provides support to the legs and functionally allows the structure of the chair to absorb a weight load imposed by the user or materials placed on the chair. The sturdy seating area is not flimsy. It allows the user to sit comfortably without fear that the present invention will collapse or fold. The erect back support allows the user to recline.  
         [0038]     The presently described preferred embodiment of the invention can readily converted into a shape that allows for easy storage or movement. The preferred embodiment of this converted shape is assumed, as shown in  FIG. 1 , when the rollable supporting device  10  is in a rolled position  40 . While the rolled position  40  is the preferred embodiment for storage or transport, the present invention contemplate other shapes that would be useful for storage and transport. (e.g., flat for storage under a bed).  
       Section Two: Other Embodiments of the Present Invention  
       [0039]     Various shapes are contemplated by the present invention. While Section One of the Detailed Description contemplates a preferred embodiment of a chair, that description does not encompass all of the contemplated shapes the present invention may assume. The various shapes that the present invention may be designed to assume depend from unique features of the present invention. The present invention comprises a strap  42 , and an angle  44 , a block  46 , a key  48 , a key way  50 , a slat  52 , and a bracket  54 . The blocks that comprise the rollable supporting device  10  may be shaped in a variety of ways so that when unrolled into a non-linear shape the keys and keyways mesh to form various predesigned shapes. Thus, the present invention in its unrolled shaped could form a table, a stool, a backless chair, a chair with a straight erect back support, a chair with a curved (to support the lower lumbar region of the back) erect back support, lounge chair, a chair wherein the sturdy seating area is immediately adjacent to the ground, or any one of many conceivable formations.  
         [0040]     Various features are contemplated by the present invention. While each of the features described in Section 1 of the Detailed Description present benefits to the user, each feature alone is not an indispensable feature of the present invention. For example the present invention contemplates the production of a chair that has no erect back. An embodiment of the present invention that did not posses an erect back would resemble a stool. Such an embodiment could be created by cropping off the erect back rest or by designing the chair so that instead of being erect the back rest folded under the seating area to provide additional structural support acting as a stable base.  
         [0041]     Another embodiment contemplated by the present invention is a chair that lacks the leg rest and stable support. Such an embodiment would place the area upon with the user sits in direct contact with the ground. Such an embodiment possesses many advantages. Particularly, such an embodiment would be lighter and thus easier to store and transport because such an embodiment would require less materials to form the chair. While being lighter and easier to transport such an embodiment would still provide the user with, when unrolled, a surface to sit on that was not the ground, which would additionally provide a backrest.  
         [0042]     In addition to the other embodiments disclosed in the present invention it is contemplated that the present invention could be used as a table both in the rolled  40  and unrolled positions.  
         [0043]     In another embodiment contemplated by the present invention the uprightness of the seat would be adjustable. Such an adjustment is possible through various sized wedges, rotating keys, hooking mechanisms, tethering mechanisms, sliding locks, or clips.  
         [0044]     In another embodiment contemplated by the present invention the rollable supporting device  10  could have a padding  104  and/or a covering  106  positioned over the seating surface  74 .  
         [0045]     Additional applications and various supporter positions of the present invention are possible including benches with the unrolled  38  and the seated position  34  occurring in two different locations on opposite sides of the rollable supporting device  10 . Additionally, a flat surface  82  could be placed on the top of the rolled position  40  for a table  84 .  
       Section 3: Various Material and Methods Employed to Produce and Manufacture Some of the Embodiments of the Present Invention  
       [0046]     The forms that the present invention may be designed to assume depend from unique features of the present invention. Some of the elements utilized in the previously mentioned embodiments are comprised of a block  46 , a key  48 , a key way  50 , a bracket  54 , a strap  42 , an angle  44 , and a slat  52 .  
         [0047]     The blocks  46 , which can be manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit aesthetic or functional interests, consists of multiple sides. The blocks may be manufactured from any natural, synthetic or artificial substance. The blocks can be hollow or solid. As illustrated in  FIG. 7  the blocks can be made of metal and resemble chain links. As illustrated by  FIG. 7  the blocks may be made from hollow metal tubing. In the preferred invention, the blocks are made of a plastic or wood. The angle  44 , or shape of the block is designed and manufactured so that the chair is capable of maintaining the unrolled position  38  and the seated position  34 .  
         [0048]     Similarly the strap  42  may be made from a variety of materials. In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the strap  42  is made of Kevlar®. However, the present invention contemplates the use of similar strapping material such as a metallic strap, a synthetic strap, a natural fibers strap or any combination thereof. The strap  42  is attached to the series of hingedly connected blocks  70 . The strap  42  is attached to the hinged end  68  of the block  46 . Blocks in a contiguous line have opposable ends, ends  62  and  64 . The end of one block  62  is attached to the opposable end  64  of the next contiguous block  46 . The blocks  46  are attached end  62  to opposable end  64  in a side-by-side, continuous manner creating a series of hingedly connected blocks  70 .  
         [0049]     The key  48  and the keyway  50  are comprised of, a dowel, a wedge, or cut shapes. The dowel, wedge or similar structure may be composed of material similar or dissimilar from the blocks (e.g., the blocks could be made of wood and the dowels be made of aluminum). The key and key way may be integral parts of the blocks or may be affixed to the blocks. The slat  52  consists of a variety of possible materials including, but not limited to, wood, dowels, metal plastic, composite, glass, vinyl, or a polymer. The bracket  54  consists of a variety of possible materials including, but not limited to, brackets, bolts, adhesives, or any other joinery system.  
         [0050]     In the preferred embodiment of the key-key way system, the key  48  is attached to the end  62  of the block  46  and the additional end  64  of the block  46  comprises the key way  50 . In a preferred embodiment of the bracket system, the bracket  54  is attached to the blocks  46  in a “T” shaped configuration. The bracket  54  is mounted on the side  58  of the block  46  and another side  60  of the block  46 . The bracket  54  is attached to the slat  52  by means of the strap  42 , or screws or adhesive material on the hinged end  68  on the block  46 . The preferred means of attaching slats to the bracket is with screws. The slat  52  is attached to hinged ends  68  of the blocks  46 . The slats  52  are spaced in a uniform arrangement and are selectively coupled to a positioning device  72 .  
         [0051]     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 4 , the strap  42  acts as a hinge  56 , so that in the rolled position  40  or the unrolled position  38 , the blocks  46  can act independently of each other but remain hingedly attached. Each block  46  therefore, is hinged. The strap  42  maintains a connection between the blocks  46  under strenuous circumstances. The strap  42  functions to hold the slats  52  in position while maintaining the position of the rollable supporting device  10 . The strap  42  functions to provide strength to the rollable supporting device  10 . In alternative embodiments the strap could be replaced by metal straps  108 , chain links  98 , tubing  96  or hinges  110 .  
         [0052]     The angles  44  are such that the blocks  46  form non-linear shapes  36  and as a result, form the series of hingedly connected blocks  70 . Slats  52  are connected to the series of hingedly connected blocks  70  to provide and form a seating surface  74 . The outside face  76  of the slats  52  acts as the face of the seating surface  74 .  
         [0053]     The bracket  54  serves as a mounting device  80  for the slats  52 . The bracket  54  also serves as the attachment point  78  of the slats  52 . The mounting device  80  could consist of a variety of materials including brackets, bolts, adhesives, or any other joinery system.  
         [0054]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention,  FIG. 5 , the key  48  and the key way  50  of the first embodiment could be replaced by a living hinge  86  embodiment. Or by hinges that resemble door hinges.  
         [0055]     In another embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of slats  52  could vary with different materials. The slats  52  for example, could be replaced with dowels. The slats  52  could even be reduced down to the blocks  46  that act as the main support system for the chair.  
         [0056]     In an alternative mode of the rollable supporting device  10  the strap  42  would be replaced with a high strength fabric.  
         [0057]     Different variations of wood could be used for the blocks  46 . For example, maple could be used as a substance that is less flexible, or pine could be used as a material that is more flexible. In addition, in place of the wood blocks  46  in the first embodiment, material capable of the requisite levels of friction could be used such that the bonding of the blocks  46  is accomplished without a key  48  or a key way  50 .  
         [0058]     In a different mode, the wooden blocks  46  of the first embodiment could be replaced with different materials, such as snake like linked tubes  96 , chain links  98 , cable  100 , or hose carriers  102 .  
         [0059]     In an alternative embodiment, the blocks  46  present in the first embodiment could be replaced with a detachable hinged block  88  or a detachable hinged slat  90  that could be removed and sold separately in different shapes or as sets so that the consumer could customize the shape of the rollable supporting device  10 . In addition, pre-shaped blocks  92  or pre-shaped slats  94  could be sold separately or as sets.  
         [0060]     In an alternative embodiment, a tensioning device could be used to connect all of the blocks to one another. The tensioning device could be a cable, a rope, or other such apparatus that could be used like a cable. In this embodiment the tensioning device would act like the living hinge. In one example of this embodiment holes would be drilled through the blocks and a cable would be run through the holes in the blocks. When tension was applied to the cable the blocks would be snitched tightly together. When the tension was applied to the cable a supporting device comprising a series of connected blocks would be formed. The shape of the supporting device would be dictated by the angle of cut on the contiguous sides of the blocks that interface. Thus the blocks would have pre-designed of modifiable sides such that when two contiguous sides interface, a pre-designed shape is formed.  
         [0061]     An additional feature contemplated by the present invention is the use of a locking device to secure the supporting structures shape. There are various forms of locking devices that could be used. One example of a locking device that would allow the supporting device to maintain its shape is the use of a strap. The strap would be used to connect the back of the top of the back rest to the bottom of the stable base. This would stabilize the shape of the chair and prevent the chair from rolling up while being utilized.  
         [0062]     Locking clips attached to the side of the blocks opposite the strap or slats is an additional example of a locking system that would allow the supporting device to maintain its shape while being utilized. The back of each block or slat would have a locking clip attached to it. Each contiguous block would then clip to the adjacent block when the supporting device was extended. Thus each block would be locked to the next contiguous block effectively securing a portion of or the entire shape of the supporting device.  
         [0063]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.