Abstract:
A collapsible user support coupled to a collapsible, walled shelter. One assembly provides a sling chair having a number of frame pieces that are trained through grommets at a fabric seat and backrest fitted to pivot couplers. Armrests are optionally included along with accessory supports and pockets. Pivoting link arms couple to stay or bow pieces of an independently collapsible shelter. The shelter frame pieces mount to pivot couplers and a surrounding multi-panel fabric shelter. The shelter can include windows and/or doors and/or vents with fasteners. The chair and shelter frameworks and fabric shelter are organized to collapse and deploy to several seating conditions ranging from the chair being partially to completely protected from the environment.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to portable shelters and, in particular, to a collapsible shelter fitted to a collapsible chair for use during outdoor recreation, such as ice fishing, hunting and summer camping or beach recreation. 
   Portable shelters for ice fishing have been constructed in a variety of designs. Many recent designs provide for rigid walled shelters that mount on trailer frames. Beds, cabinets, stoves, lights, hole covers and other accommodations are permanently mounted to the walls, floors and ceiling. The wheels are rotated down for travel and up when located of a fishing spot. 
   Some shelter designs are constructed on runners with rigid, windowed walls in the form of small outbuildings. The structures are insulated for heat retention and use for several days. Heating and cooking appliances are added as desired. These shelters are towed on and off the ice each season. 
   Some designs provide fabric-covered tents that can include sewn floors or open floors. An associated collapsible framework supports the fabric. Associated mechanisms must be included to securely anchor the shelter against wind. 
   Still other portable designs provide frames that pivot or mount to a rigid base that can comprise a folded floor and/or a sled. Tubular frame members mounted to the floor or sled support a fabric enclosure with sewn windows and zippered doors. The members are typically mounted to pivot at the base/sled. Benches or seats are frequently adapted to the base/sled. Open chairs can be used with the open floor models and can also be set into the larger sleds. Such designs are typically constructed for 1 to 6 or more users. 
   On occasion buckets and chairs are set on the ice and used without a surrounding shelter, especially on sunny, warm weather days and nights. Each of the foregoing provides advantages and disadvantages in regards to cost, portability and durability; consequently, the large numbers of alternative designs. 
   A variety of summer assemblies have also been developed for the beach to shade a user from the UV rays of the sun. Some provide chairs with associated umbrellas that can be trained to shade the user. Tent-like assemblies have also been suggested for protecting or controlling exposure to the sun and protection from insects. 
   A variety of blind assemblies have also been developed for waterfowl and turkey hunters. Many are constructed in the form of tents. Some are configured as animals and some are configured to position the hunter in a reclined or supine posture. 
   The present invention was developed to provide another alternative portable shelter that finds particular application with winter sports, such as ice fishing, although can be adapted to hunting and summer/beach and camping recreation activities. The assembly provides a low-cost collapsible, portable shelter that is readily deployed and transported. The shelter provides multiple fabric panel walls that are supported to a collapsible shelter framework. The shelter framework, in turn, is attached to a collapsible chair. The collapsible shelter framework presently attaches to a preferred collapsible sling chair, although could be adapted to a variety of rigid or folding chairs. The collapsible chair framework supports fabric seat, backrest and/or armrest supports. 
   The shelter framework includes a number of hinged frame pieces that pivot to define a rigid support frame for several attached fabric panels that define enclosure walls. With the chair and shelter frameworks expanded, the shelter walls can be rotated between selected partially open and covering conditions to shade or completely shelter the chair and user from the elements (i.e. sun, wind, rain or snow) and insects. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a portable shelter that includes an integrated collapsible shelter and user support (e.g. chair, bench or recliner). 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shelter that can be deployed to pre-defined latched conditions that completely enclose and/or partially cover the user and the underlying ground, sand or ice. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a fabric shelter that is supported to a collapsible framework. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a shelter having a user support that is independently collapsible, for example, a sling chair, stool or folding chair with a rigid or flexible sling seat, armrest and/or backrest pieces. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a shelter including a collapsible, sling chair. 
   It is a further object of the invention to provide a combination shelter and chair assembly that collapses for storage and transport in a carry bag, yet deploys in minutes. 
   The foregoing objects, advantages and distinctions of the invention, among others, are found in two considered assemblies that provide a collapsible sling chair. In one construction, the chair includes a number of frames pieces that are trained through grommets at the fabric and fitted to pivot couplers. Armrests are optionally included along with accessory supports and storage pockets. 
   Secured to the frame pieces of the chair are a number of pivotal link arms that, in turn, couple to stay-like frame pieces of an independently collapsible shelter. The shelter frame pieces include pivot couplers. Some of the shelter frame pieces may telescope. Some of the shelter frame pieces are secured to multiple, surrounding fabric panels. The shelter can include windows and/or doors and/or vents with fasteners (e.g. zippers, snaps, hook/loop fasteners). The shelter frame pieces and fabric panels are organized to collapse and deploy with the chair. Collectively the assembly can be stored in a stuff or duffle bag. 
   In another shelter construction, several flexible bow stays are mounted to rotate at a pivot plate secured to arm rests at a chair. The stays are secured to enclosure panels. The stays can be rotated to partially or completely enclose the chair and seated occupant. That is, when the chair and shelter are erected, the stays can be rotated to several conditions wherein the chair and user are partially or completely protected from the environment. A user seated at the chair is also able to obtain protection from the wind and sun and with the aid of auxiliary appliances arrayed within the covered space. The heat/light sources can control internal ambient conditions to a desired personal comfort level. 
   Still other objects, advantages and distinctions of the invention will become more apparent from the following description with respect to the appended drawings. Considered alternative constructions, improvements or modifications are described as appropriate. The following description should therefore not be literally construed in limitation of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention should be broadly interpreted within the scope of the further appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of one construction of the present shelter with the shelter raised to expose the user chair. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of the shelter rotated to completely enclose the chair and user. 
       FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the shelter rotated to the partially open condition of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of the shelter with the rear shelter walls rotated erect to a vertical condition to provide a windbreak relative to the erected user chair. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective drawing to the lower chair-to-shelter link arm and pivot couplers. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective drawing to the upper chair-to-shelter link arm. 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the shelter in a partially collapsed condition relative to the deployed chair. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the shelter and chair in collapsed conditions, prefatory to transport or storage of the chair/shelter in a surrounding carry case. 
       FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of a second construction of the present shelter with the shelter lowered to expose the user chair through an access space. 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of the shelter rotated to completely enclose the chair and user. 
       FIG. 11  shows a rear perspective view of the shelter rotated to a lowered condition. 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the shelter in a partially collapsed condition relative to the deployed chair. 
       FIG. 13  shows a detailed view to one of the bow stay pivots. 
       FIG. 14  shows a front perspective drawing to a third construction to a summer/insect-proof shelter. 
       FIG. 15  shows a side perspective drawing of the summer/insect-proof shelter. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With attention to  FIGS. 1 through 4 , perspective views are shown to erected conditions of a first presently preferred collapsible chair-shelter assembly  2  of the invention.  FIGS. 5-9  depict views to the shelter  4  and/or chair or user support  6  in different stages of collapse, prefatory to deployment or storage. 
   The chair  6  is shown with the shelter  4  deployed and pivoted to an upright “windbreak” condition in  FIGS. 1 and 4 . Such a condition can exist when entering or exiting the shelter  4  or in fair/sunny weather conditions, when the shelter  4  is used as a windbreak. The front wall  8  and sidewalls  10  and  12  of the shelter  4  are then essentially rotated and held upright and the rear wall  14  is positioned toward the wind or sun. 
   The walls  8 - 14  are typically sewn together from a series of fabric panels to define a preferred finished form. The type of fabric and coloration varies depending upon the application. Light weight fabrics or mesh netting finds particular application in the summer. Tightly woven and/or waterproof fabrics find application for windy, wet and/or cold conditions. The latter fabrics tend also to trap heat from an auxiliary heat source that might be used with the shelter. 
     FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the shelter  4  as it appears with the front wall  8  and sidewalls  10  and  12  rotated down to completely enclose the chair  6  and occupant. One or more windows  16  and/or vents  18  can be arrayed about the shelter  4  to facilitate viewing and ventilation in this condition. 
   For a shelter assembly  2  constructed to accommodate ice fishing, the assembly  2  can be sized to shelter one or more ice holes that would typically be drilled in front of the chair  6 . Other sheltered accessories might include a bait container, tackle container, sonar/camera display and gas or battery light. A portable heater might also be covered by the shelter  4  to heat the interior space and fisherman. One or more zippered openings  20  in the front or side walls  8 ,  10  or  12  can also be included to facilitate subsequent exit, entry and venting of the shelter  4 . The walls  8 ,  10  and  12  of the assembly  2  can be arranged to selectively permit partially lowered/raised conditions as desired by the user to provide ventilation etc. 
   If the assembly  2  is constructed for hunting, the walls can be formed from fabrics that exhibit a suitable camouflage appearance. Portions of the wall panels  8 - 14  can be removed or provided with detachable fasteners that permit exposing the interior for shooting. 
   The shelter  4  can also be used to shelter the user from the sun and insects, such as during the summer. When the assembly  2  is constructed for summer use, the materials are adjusted to provide light colors, lighter weight fabrics and/or transparent materials. Screen panels can also be provided at the shelter walls  8 - 14  for insect protection. 
   In all conditions, the weight of the seated occupant primarily anchors the assembly  2 . Accessory equipment might also be set on a fringe piece or apron  22  located along the sides at the floor of the shelter  4  or at a shelter framework  24  to anchor the assembly  2  from being swept along over the ice or ground. Extraneous weights or weight support pockets can also be sewn into the walls  8 - 14  to anchor the shelter  4 . Ground or ice anchors and appropriate lashings might also be used. Although the construction of the assembly  2  at  FIGS. 1-8  is principally described in relation to an ice fishing application,  FIGS. 9-15  depict alternative assemblies that can be used for hunting and under warm weather conditions for camping, picnicking or at the beach, as a windbreak, sun shade, insect cover or rain cover. 
   With attention to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the chair  6  of the assembly  2  is configured from a framework  30  of formed tubular or solid frame pieces  32 . The frame pieces are trained through grommets  34  in a sling seat  36  and a backrest piece  38 . The seat  36  and backrest  38  can be constructed as one or more pieces. Some of the ends of the frame pieces  32  mount in fabric pockets or sleeves  40 . Others of the ends mount or are fastened to molded and/or jointed couplers  42 . Sling armrests  44  extend along the sides of the chair  6  and can include pockets  46  for containing canned beverages or cups. Other pockets  47  can depend from the edges of the seat  36 , armrests  44  or the back of the backrest piece  38 . Other pockets  48  can be secured to the interior of the shelter wall(s)  8 - 14  to be used for storing sundry paraphernalia. Still other pockets  50  provided at the exterior of the shelter wall(s)  8 - 14  can contain items such as name/identification/license information. Flexible or rigid bows and/or stays  52  can also be fastened to or secured in pockets or sleeves formed into the shelter walls  8 - 14  to maintain rigidity against gusting winds. 
   Although one style of chair  6  is shown, other types and styles of user supports or chairs  6  can be adapted to the assembly  2 . For example, chairs  6  with rigid seats and backs can be used (e.g. solid plastic lawn chairs or folding chairs). Folding chairs with woven webbing or cushioned seats and backrests might be used. The manner of attachment of the chair pieces and deployment/collapsing of the chair pieces can also be varied. The chair  6  might also be constructed to recline or merely provide a seat surface in the manner of a stool. The interconnecting members between the shelter  4  and chair  6  can be varied to accommodate the particular construction of the user support. 
   With additional attention to  FIGS. 5-8 , the construction of the shelter framework  24  and the typical manner of deployment of the assembly  2  follows. The shelter framework  24  is constructed of four multi-section, supports  60  of an appropriate shape (e.g. ∩-shaped) that displace the shelter  4  away from the lateral sides of the chair  6  and above a seated occupant. The number and type of supports  60  can be varied depending upon the design and application constraints of the assembly  2 . The shape of the supports  60  may also be varied to any of a variety of generally inverted U-shapes, wherein side and top wall support portions can exhibit straight, arcuate or compound shapes. 
   The supports  60  can be constructed as continuous lengths of fiberglass or metal members. The supports  60  of  FIGS. 1-8 , however, are constructed in multi-sectional form. The supports  60  can provide telescoping sections or sections that mate at interconnecting couplers. The supports  60  can also include an elastic cord threaded through hollow bores of each section to facilitate alignment during assembly erection. 
   The ends of the supports  60  are presently secured to pivot wings  62  at the ground level. Right and left side support sections  64  and  65  project from the wings  62  to pivot couplers  66 , where top section pieces  68  are pivotally secured and traverse the top of the chair  6 . Intermediate couplers  67  are provided at the top section pieces  68  to allow the top section to bend or fold for storage. The exposed surfaces of the wings  62  and couplers  66  and  67  are formed to minimize possible stress or tearing at the adjoining fabric. The wings  62  and/or couplers  66  might also be configured as latching assemblies to maintain a pre-stressed flex in the support sections  64 ,  65  and  68  when deployed. Such a stressed condition normally exists with a continuous, flexible single section support  60 . The pivot pins at each wing  62  and coupler  66  and/or  67  are arranged relative to the coupler body to provide an optimal pivot action without over-rotation of the various sections  64 ,  65 ,  66  of the supports  60 . 
   The supports  60  are arrayed to sufficiently displace the shelter  4  away from the sides and top of the chair  6  to prevent contact with the seated occupant, especially during windy conditions. The supports  60  can be secured in pockets sewn into the shelter walls  8 - 14  or can be secured with loops or lengths of hook/loop fastener material sewn to the shelter walls  8 - 14 . The supports  60  thereby also act as stays to maintain a taught surface at the shelter  4  when expanded. The rear shelter wall  14  is secured to the pivot wings  62  or control arms described below with lengths of hook/loop fastener material  70  as shown at  FIG. 5 . Stop pins  71  fitted to appropriate holes in the pivot member(s)  62  can limit or restrict the rotation of the members  60 . Appropriate straps might also be used to restrain rotation of the supports  60 . 
   Laterally extending from the pivot wings  62  to the chair framework  30  are lower control arms  72  as shown at  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 . Upper control arms  74  extend from the rearmost support  60  to the upper extremities of the chair framework  30  as shown at  FIG. 6 . The length of the control arms  72  and  74  are sized to assure adequate clearance from the seated occupant. Pivot couplers  76  fix the ends of the control arms  72  and  74  to the frameworks  24  and  30 . The control arms  72  and  74  can be constructed to telescope and/or selectively decouple with clips or latch fasteners from either the chair  6  or shelter  4 . 
     FIG. 7  depicts the shelter framework  24  in a partially collapsed condition wherein the shelter fabric is collected about the expanded chair  6 .  FIG. 8  in contrast depicts the chair framework  30  collapsed and the shelter framework  24  collapsed about the chair framework  30  with the fabric walls  10 ,  12  and  14  and seat  36 , backrest  38  and arms  44  collapsed. The controls arms  72  and  74  and the top sections  68  are folded against the collapsed frameworks  24  and  30  to facilitate storage in a stuff bag on the order of 48 to 60-inches. 
   Although one preferred shape is shown, the shelter  4  can be adapted to a variety of geometric shapes. When rotated to the shelter condition ( FIG. 2 ), the shelter  4  defines a hemi-spherical-like shape and when rotated to the “windbreak” condition ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ), the shelter  4  forms a barrier or obstruction to the wind. Thus, the depicted shapes should not be deemed limiting. 
     FIGS. 9 to 12  depict a second construction of the invention or a chair-shelter assembly  100 . The assembly  100  is configured for use in hunting, such as waterfowl hunting. A chair  6  is centered in the assembly  100  and a fabric shelter  101  is supported to the chair  6  with a number of continuous, flexible, bowed stays  102  are arranged to pivot about the chair  6 . The lengths of the stays  102  are sized to span the chair  6  over their ranges of rotation so as not to contact a seated occupant. The resilience of the stays  102  is selected to prevent undue flexion with wind to minimize against collapse or movement of the shelter walls to contact a seated occupant. The stays  102  can be constructed of spring steel, plastic, fiberglass or other suitable material. 
   The ends of the stays  102  are secured to pivot at hinge couplers  104  at the chair frame  30 , which couplers  104  are shown in detail at  FIG. 13 . The pivot or hinge couplers  104  are particularly mounted to ends of frame pieces  32  at the fronts of the armrests  44 . A slot  106  is formed into the coupler  104  to receive the forward or innermost stay  102  that projects in front of the occupant. The remainder of the stays  102  overly one another and are secured with a pivot fastener  108  and spring  110 . The forward or inner stay  102  thus causes the coupler  104  to rotate about the fastener  108  and the other stays  102  merely rotate about the fastener  108 . A stop is provided at the back of the coupler  104  that interacts with the chair frame  30  to prevent over rotation. 
   The stays  102  are mounted in sleeves  112  sewn into a front skirt  114  and right and left sidewalls  116  and  118 , a rear wall  120  and a top wall  122 . The range of stay rotation is depicted over the series of  FIGS. 9-12 . The flexibility of the stays  102  is selected such that when the chair  6  is collapsed in conventional fashion, the stays  102  flex sufficiently to permit the assembly  100  to stow in a storage bag (not shown). 
   A removable panel  124  can be secured between the skirt  114  and the top wall  122  with appropriate zipper or hook and loop fasteners to allow for unobstructed viewing to the front of the chair. Transparent windows  126 , otherwise, can be provided at any desired location to allow the occupant to view different sectors of the sky. Zippers or other fasteners can also be provided in the walls to permit the occupant to create an opening or window  126  of appropriate size, as desired or needed. An equipment storage container  128  with several compartments and associated strapping  130  is provided along one side of the chair  6 . 
     FIGS. 15 and 16  depict yet another chair-shelter assembly  150 . The assembly  150  is constructed for warm weather applications, such as trips to the beach or picnics. A chair  6  is centered in the assembly  150  and surrounded by a lightweight fabric and mesh walled shelter  152 . A rear and partial sidewall panel  154  is formed from a solid, windbreak material and the remainder of the walls are constructed with a mesh material  156 . The mesh is selected to resist penetration by insects and bugs yet provide screening from the sun and movement of breezes through the mesh material. The assembly  150   
   While the invention has been described with respect to considered alternative assemblies and considered improvements or alternatives thereto, still other assemblies may be suggested to those skilled in the art. It is also to be appreciated that selected ones of the foregoing components can be used singularly or can be arranged in different combinations to provide a variety of improved shelter assemblies. The foregoing description should therefore be construed to include all those embodiments within the spirit and scope of the following claims.