Abstract:
Collapsible and portable seating device and method of using the device is provided with telescoping legs, a cane-function and an umbrella to provide protection from sun, rain and snow. The telescoping legs allow for adjustments for height and sturdiness on uneven contours such as a slope or hill. An umbrella connection on the handle allows for unlimited positioning of the umbrella and folds neatly with the legs when not in use. There are no loose parts in the seating device that has a weight of less than approximately 6 pounds, is easily set-up and folded to a collapsed condition for storage or use as a cane.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates to portable seating devices, and in particular to a portable, collapsible, lightweight seating device and method of using with or without an umbrella that is adjustable in height for comfortable seating and when collapsed can be used as an adjustable walking cane. 
   BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
   Various types of portable seating devices are known in the prior art. Examples of such portable seating devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,934,638 and 5,876,091 describing collapsible tripod stools with telescoping legs, both are without an umbrella attachment or a cane-function. U.S. Patent Des. No. 396,569 describes a design of a cane-functioned collapsible chair that does not appear to have telescoping legs or an umbrella attachment. Also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,851,052 and 6,135,557 to Gustafsson are examples of collapsible, portable tripod stools, which are also without an umbrella attachment or cane function. More recently, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,704 B1 to Bergquist provides a portable, collapsible tripod stool with enhancements to prevent the legs from spreading beyond the supporting position. 
   A company entitled Sport Seats International appears to be selling a stool-type device called sport seat that claims it can be also used as a cane. However similar to the above, there is no shade attachment for the device and its legs are limited in length and cannot be extended.  
   None of these devices combine stools or seating devices with any type of shade and protective covers, such as an umbrella for covering and/or protecting the occupants from rain, snow, sun or the like. None of the prior art devices appear to be easily collapsible and portable, yet stable and strong enough to support heavy weights up to 325 pounds, undergo adjustment for individual height and uneven terrain. 
   Finally, even if the prior art devices are found to be easily collapsible and portable, the devices are known to be unstable, which results in slipping and unsteadiness of the supporting legs and a tendency to collapse under large weights, such as 300 pounds or more. 
   Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems in the prior art. It is desirable to have an easy-to-use, collapsible, portable stool that may be easily transported, or can assist a person in moving from one place to another and used either indoors or in a variety of outdoor conditions, recreational activities and spectator sports where there is a need for comfort and protection from harmful elements, such as over exposure to the sun or protection in the rain. The present invention fills the void in the prior art. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using with a shade or protective cover, such as an umbrella. 
   A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using that can be used as a cane in the collapsed position.  
   A third objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using with adjustable legs for varying the height above a ground surface. 
   A fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using with adjustable legs that can be manipulated for seating stability on uneven terrain, such as a slope or hill. 
   A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using that can handle weights of up to approximately 325 pounds while remaining sturdy and stable. 
   A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using having an attached umbrella that folds away neatly when not in use. 
   A seventh objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using with a mechanism for automatically locking and unlocking the umbrella to the handle/leg of the stool. 
   An eighth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable, lightweight tripod stool or seating device and method of using wherein one leg has both a support and a cane function. 
   A ninth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using that can be easily transported. 
   A tenth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using with a gooseneck/flexible tubular segment or rod in the shaft supporting the umbrella to allow for unlimited adjustment of the umbrella position.  
   An eleventh objective of the present invention is to provide a tripod stool or seating device and method of using with an umbrella and cane-function in a structure wherein the components can be folded and collapsed into a compact bundle having no loose parts, for easy transport and storage. 
   A twelfth objective of the present invention is to provide a collapsible and portable tripod stool or seating device and method of using that can be used indoors and outdoors. 
   The portable, collapsible seating device with an umbrella attachment includes a solid, break-resistant seating surface, an optional cushion attachable to the seating surface, a plurality of leg members for both cross-bracing and supporting the seating surface over a ground surface, the leg members being moveable between an assembled position and a folded position, where the assembled position fully supports weighted objects being placed on the seating surface and the folded position has the seat in a collapsed position allowing the seat to become portable and easy to carry. 
   A person can easily carry the seat from place to place, as when watching a golf tournament or hiking. The novel seat can be used for individuals of varying height and weights up to approximately 325 pounds in size, and can be used indoors and outdoors as needed. The novel seat can be used on uneven terrain surfaces. 
   Methods of using the device can range from a collapsed position where the device is used as a walking cane to an expanded version where the device is a chair/seat with raised opened/closed umbrella and extendable legs for use on uneven terrain. 
   Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.  

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the novel portable, collapsible, seating device fully assembled with the umbrella raised and open. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the seating device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the seating device of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the seating device with the umbrella raised and closed. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the seating device of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the seating device of  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  shows a seated person with the umbrella raised and open. 
       FIG. 8  shows a seated person preparing to open the raised umbrella. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the seating device with the umbrella raised and closed. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the seating device beginning to fold into a collapsed position. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of the seating device completely folded with the umbrella down and closed. 
       FIG. 12  is a view of the seating device of  FIG. 11  with the umbrella strapped in a closed position with cane handle positioned for user&#39;s left hand. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of the seating device of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 14  is a view of the seating device of  FIG. 11  with the seating surface collapsed in a vertical position with cane handle positioned for user&#39;s right hand. 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view of the seating device of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the collapsed seating device with the umbrella raised and closed showing the rotating handle attachment for the umbrella. 
       FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of the rotating handle used to attach an umbrella to the seating device.  
       FIG. 17  is a view of the umbrella rotated 90 degrees from the vertical position. 
       FIG. 18  is a view of the umbrella rotated downward 180 degrees from the vertical position. 
       FIG. 19  is a front view of the rotating yoke detail. 
       FIG. 20  is a side view highlighting the clamping action of the rotating handle action. 
       FIG. 21  is a side view of the rotating yoke with the umbrella support removed. 
       FIG. 22  is a side view of the rotating yoke with the umbrella inserted in a raised position. 
       FIG. 23  is a side view of the rotating yoke with the umbrella lowered to a position 180 degrees from  FIG. 22 . 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the folded seating device highlighting the adjustable legs. 
       FIG. 24A  is an enlarged view of the adjustable leg with telescoping function. 
       FIG. 25  shows an individual using the folded, collapsed seating device as a cane. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
   “Seating device” is used interchangeably with “tripod stool” and “chair” herein. However, it is readily apparent that the novel device is much more than a stool or chair and much more than a seating device, because it is multifunctional, including, but not limited to a seat, a cane, a protective covering from sun, rain, snow and the like. It can also provide relief from aching feet, legs and back muscles.  
   In  FIG. 1 , the fully assembled seating device is shown with the umbrella  10  open and in a raised position. The shaft  15  supporting the umbrella  10  comprises a telescoping umbrella pole  11 , fitted with a socket-like connection  12  that receives the lower most portion of the umbrella pole  11  and the upper most end of a flexible tubing piece  14 . The gooseneck flexible tubing  14  is preferably 304 stainless steel tubing approximately 1 inch in diameter and available from a supplier of flexible metallic tubing, such as, Armor Associates, Inc. in Malvern, Pa. The umbrella  10  and telescoping umbrella pole  11  are commercially available from any establishments selling umbrellas, such as Sharper Image or Brookstone&#39;s (in USA); it is preferable to use an umbrella that opens automatically and has a gust proof canopy construction. The umbrella canopy can be of any color, including the camouflage design and camouflage color used in military and outdoor activities such as hunting, bird-watching and the like. 
   The socket-like connection  12  that receives the umbrella pole  11  on the upper end and the gooseneck flexible tubing piece  14  on the lower end can be formed of any rigid, break-resistant material, including, but not limited to, fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, titanium or other metal or even wood. The umbrella pole  11  and gooseneck flexible tubing  14  are secured in the socket-like connection  12  with glue, screws or other means to connect all segments of shaft  15 , so that there are no loose parts. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the remainder of the novel seating device includes a cane handle  16 , covered by a rubber gripping surface  17  with a plastic end cap  19 . The end cap  19  covers and provides an aesthetic appearance to the end of the tubular handle  16  on leg  22 . A yoke  18  forms an integral part of the lower most end of the gooseneck flexible tubing  14  and is secured by a clamping mechanism to cane handle  16 . The yoke  18  controls the overall position of shaft  15 , including the raising and lowering of the shaft  and umbrella in a direction that is approximately 180 degrees to the left of the seat  20  and approximately 180 degrees to the right of seat portion  20 . The yoke  18  can rotate 360 degrees around handle  16 . Thus, yoke  18  can rotate in two ways; first, by loosening it from wherever it is attached or clamped and second, by rotating the handle as shown in  FIG. 16A  as discussed in greater detail below. Details of the yoke  18  are also shown in  FIGS. 19 to 23  and further discussed below. It is readily apparent that the yoke  18  with the unique clamping and rotating mechanism can be attached or clamped to any structure or chair wherein it can be clamped about a portion of the structure or chair, such as, but not limited to, a wheelchair, an electric cart and the like. The yoke  18  with umbrella  10  attached to a flexible and bendable gooseneck tubular segment or rod can provide hands-free, portable, adjustable shade and protection. 
   The cane handle  16  is the uppermost end of a supporting leg  22  hinged to seat  20 , which is also hinged to additional supporting legs  24  and  26 . 
   The cane handle  16  is preferably covered with a rubber grip  17  designed ergonomically for comfort and convenience when the seating device is in the collapsed position and used as a walking support. Referring now to seat  20 , the shape can have any comfortable configuration with rounded edges, such as the substantially circular shape of a stool seat. The seat  20  can be made of any solid, break-resistant material, such as wood, metal or plastic, preferably a strong, lightweight material such as lightweight injection molded plastic.  FIGS. 1 to 6 ,  9  to  11 ,  24  and  25  show the seat  20  with the optional removal seat cushion attached to the solid seat surface. 
   Turning now to the plurality of leg assemblies  22 ,  24 , and  26 , these can be formed of hollow support tubes, or alternatively, formed of solid shafts or other suitable configuration, with the lower most end portion having an adjustable feature that is known  in the art, and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,135,557 and 6,467,843 B1, and incorporated herein by reference. The major requirement of the leg supports is that they be attached to communicating hinges or couplings on the seat  20  allowing the seat to fold in a flat vertical position when the seating device is collapsed. For some applications, hollow support tubes made of a lightweight and strong material, such as aluminum may be preferable to minimize the weight of the seating device. The diameter of the leg tubes and the tube wall thickness is preferably selected based on an expected support weight capability. It is desirable to obtain the maximum strength for a minimum tube wall thickness. In one embodiment, the hollow aluminum leg cylinders are approximately 1 inch in diameter and can support the weight of a person weighing approximately 325 pounds. A bottom end of each lower leg  22 ,  24 ,  26  includes a rubber cover  70  attached thereto. 
     FIG. 2  is a front view of the fully assembled seating device showing how the raised and opened umbrella  10  can be repositioned from left  10   a  to right  10   b  with reference to handle  16  because of the flexible metallic tubing  14 . Additionally, the front view of the tripod leg assemblies shows one leg  22  with handle  16  is a long straight cylindrical leg while legs  24  and  26  are bent into a K shape and positioned as mirror images of each other using the straight cylindrical leg  22  and the vertical part of the K. Each K-shaped supporting leg  24  and  26  has a compressed uppermost end attached to hinges or coupling means under the seat  20 . The waist  25  of each K-shaped leg  24 ,  26  is pivotally attached to the long straight cylindrical leg  22 . The pivot joint is connected by threaded or riveted members to provide stability of the legs and prevent mobilization of the legs with respect to one another. The feet of the leg assemblies are angled radially outward from the waist connection  25  to maximize ground surface contact and further stabilize the seating device of the present invention.  
     FIG. 3  is a side view of the fully assembled seating device showing how the umbrella  10  can be repositioned from front  10   d  to back  10   e  because of the flexible metal tubing  14 , attached by yoke  18  to the uppermost portion of the long, straight cylindrical leg  22 . The long straight cylindrical leg  22  is attached to the seat  20  by a sleeved hinge  30  that allows the seat  20  to drop to a flat vertical position when the seating device is collapsed. 
     FIG. 4  is another perspective view of the seating device with the umbrella  10  raised and the umbrella canopy closed and secured with fasteners  41  and  42 . The fasteners used to secure the umbrella canopy or the umbrella attachment to the seating device when collapsed, can be made of material selected from the group consisting of nylon, string, leather, material with snaps, hooks and eyes and the like; the preferred fastening means is a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro®, a nylon fabric that can be fastened to itself. 
     FIG. 5  is a front view of  FIG. 4  showing the position of yoke  18  on handle  16  and the ergonomically curved handle at the upper most end of the long straight cylindrical leg  22 . Also shown are the communicating hinges or couplings  50  and  52  that attach the K-shaped legs  24  and  26  respectively, to the bottom of seat  20 .  FIG. 6  provides a side view of  FIG. 5  with umbrella  10  flexed slightly forward by the flexible tubular connection  14 . Also shown is the sleeve-like hinge  30  on leg  22  that is connected to seat  20 . 
     FIG. 7  shows the seating device being used as a chair by a person  500  who grasps the socket-like connection  12  to move the flexible tubular connection  14  and thereby position the umbrella  10  as desired. There are unlimited adjustments and positions that  can be assumed with the novel arrangement of the umbrella shaft  15  for the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows person  500  with the umbrella closed and secured with fasteners  41  and  42 . The person can straddle the seat with the leg  22  between their legs. 
     FIG. 9  is a side view of the seating device with the umbrella  10  closed, secured with fasteners  41 ,  42  and flexed slightly forward with the flexible tubular connection  14 . Fasteners  41  and  42  are sewn into the seams of the umbrella  10 . The seat  20  is positioned to receive an occupant and a fastener strap  90  fits as a sleeve over the straight cylindrical leg  22  and extends downward. Optionally, fastener  42  could be elongated and serve as a dual fastener for closed umbrella  10  and for securing the closed umbrella  10  to the straight cylindrical leg  22 .  FIG. 10  shows the seating device beginning to fold. The communicating hinges  50  (not shown),  52  under the bottom of the seat  20  are releasing in the direction of arrow A and urging the hinge or coupling  30  to move upward in the direction of arrow B, while supporting K-shaped legs  24  (not shown) and  26  move to a parallel position with leg  22  in the direction of arrow C.  FIG. 11  is a side view of the fully collapsed seating device with the closed umbrella  10  parallel to the seat  20  and leg assemblies  22 ,  24 ,  26  and fastener  90  is securing the closed umbrella  10  to the straight cylindrical leg  22 . 
     FIGS. 12–15  provide the following views of the completely folded and collapsed seating device.  FIG. 12  is a view of folded, collapsed seating device when a user is holding the cane in the left hand for walking or hiking.  FIG. 13  is a side view of  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 14  is a view of the folded, collapsed seating device being held in the right hand of a user employing the device as a cane.  FIG. 15  is a plan view of the collapsed device showing how compact and portable it can be, without any loose parts.  
   Referring now to  FIGS. 16 to 23 , the primary focus is on the clever and unusual yoke  18  that secures the umbrella  10  and shaft  15  to cane handle  16 , including an alternate embodiment for the umbrella shaft. In  FIG. 16 , the bottom of seat  20  shows the communicating hinges  50  and  52  and the placement of a U-shaped clip  54  to hold the long straight cylindrical leg  22  in the collapsed position. The location of yoke  18  on handle  16  is also shown.  FIG. 16A  shows a knob  110  that is spring loaded (see  111   FIG. 20 ) and used to tighten the gripping parts  112  and  114  to handle  16 . Also molded into this yoke  18  is a socket  116  to hold the lower most end of the umbrella shaft  15 . The socket  116  is connected to a rotating mechanism with a button release  118 . Another button  120  is used to release the handle  16  so that the yoke mechanism can rotate 360 degrees in the direction of arrow F.  FIG. 17  illustrates the rotation of yoke  18  and the attached umbrella  10  to a position that is perpendicular to handle  16 .  FIG. 18  shows the rotation of yoke  18  and the attached umbrella  10  to a position that is parallel with the straight cylindrical leg  22  in a fully collapsed position.  FIGS. 16 ,  17  and  18  show that by pressing a spring biased button or nipple  120  located at the upper most end of leg  22  and protruding through an engaging cavity on cane handle  16 , it allows handle  16  to rotate yoke  18  a total of approximately 180 degrees from the raised position in  FIG. 16  to the collapsed position in  FIG. 18 . Thus, by depressing button  120 , the handle  16  which is an outer cylinder, covered by a rubber gripping surface  17 , is released and free to rotate 360 degrees around the inner, upper most tubular end of the straight cylindrical leg  22 . Another embodiment of the yoke clamp is shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23  show a fixed handle that allows the yoke clamp  18  to do the work of raising and lowering the umbrella. 
     FIG. 19  shows the function of button  118 , which is attached to socket  116  that receives the lower most end  120  of the flexible metal tubing  14 . When button  118  is  pressed inward, it releases a locking mechanism that holds the umbrella shaft in a given position. Thus, when button  118  is engaged, the yoke and attached umbrella can be rotated 180 degrees to the left in the direction of arrow G or 180 degrees to the right in the direction of arrow H. Umbrella rotation can be stopped at any position along the 180 degree rotation arc because of there are notches in increments. and 
     FIG. 20  shows how yoke  18  is clamped to handle  16 . When knob  110  is turned in a tightening direction according to arrow J, the clamping jaws  112  and  114  are moved in the direction of arrow K. Rotating knob  110  clockwise can move gripping part  112  and  114  against one another compressing spring  111  there between. Rotating knob  110  counterclockwise reverses the operation and loosens the clamp portion  112 ,  114  and allows rotation about or around handle  16 . 
     FIGS. 21 to 23  show an alternate embodiment of the yoke  18  wherein the rotating mechanism controlled by button  118  (shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 ) is replaced by a stationary female socket-like connection  216  with cavities  211  and  215 . The female socket-like connection can receive a male connection  218  attached to the lower most end of the flexible metal tubing  14  on the umbrella shaft  15  (not shown). A nipple  217  on male connection  218  can be a spring-biased protrusion that can be retracted under pressure and permitted to protrude and snap into a cavity such as,  211  and  215  when pressure is released.  FIG. 22  shows male connection  218  with nipple  217  snapped into female socket-like connection  216  at cavity  211  to position the umbrella shaft  15  (not shown) in an upward vertical position.  FIG. 23  shows male connection  218  with nipple  21  snapped into female socket-like connection  216  at cavity  215  to position the umbrella shaft  15  (not shown) in a downward vertical position.  
     FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the collapsed seating device of the present invention highlighting the position of the telescoping section  300  of the lower most end of the leg assemblies  22 ,  24 ,  26 .  FIG. 24A  shows an outer hollow tubular section held by an upper band  72  with an opposing rubber end cap  70 . The outer tubular section having a series of cavities or openings  75  is positioned over a slightly smaller hollow tubular section having a spring-biased nipple  74  that is retracted under pressure and allowed to protrude and snap into the cavity or opening  75  thereby extending or shortening the length of each leg in increments, as desired in the direction of arrow M. The telescoping function of each leg is not a limitation of the present invention and can be accomplished by a variety of means, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,135,557 and 6,467,843 B1 and incorporated herein by reference The overall vertical dimensions of the legs of the seating device are approximately 18 inches in height from a ground surface to the bottom of the seat  20  when fully retracted. The K-shaped legs are also approximately 18 inches in height from a ground surface to the bottom of the seat  20  when fully retracted. The incremental telescoping adjustments can be used to increase the length of each leg from approximately 1 inch up to approximately 6 inches in 1 inch increments for a total overall increase of 6 inches in height above a ground surface to the bottom of the seat  20 . Thus, as can be recognized, any reasonable seating height can be selected, if desired, the seating height can be quite low to the ground, e.g., for a child&#39;s chair, or alternatively, a larger seating height can be provided for a tall person&#39;s chair. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the telescoping legs are comprised of aluminum, due to its superior weight/strength characteristics, ease of fabrication and formation of the final product, and high resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Aluminum requires no  protective coating to prevent corrosion, thereby providing a long lasting seating device especially suited for outdoor use. 
     FIG. 25  depicts a person  500  using the left hand to grip handle  16  with the seat  20  facing away from the body and the seating device being used as a walking support or cane. 
   It is appreciated that the seating device of the present invention has no loose parts. There is nothing to leave behind, nothing to unscrew, nothing to lose or forget. The seating device is of lightweight construction and weighs approximately six pounds, including the detachable cushion for the seat  20 , making it ideal for recreational activities such as, camping, hunting, fishing, spectator sports, including baseball, golf tournaments, parades and waiting in line at amusement parks. Indoors and outdoors it can be used as a cane or footrest. Further, the ease of set-up and collapsible folding provides a comfortable, durable, portable seating device. 
   While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.