Abstract:
A collapsible, compactable chair or seating apparatus having a pair of rigid frames hingedly connected to one another to form an A-frame configuration. Both frames may be collapsed so that the frame dimensions of the chair in an operational, deployed configuration may be reduced in two dimensions (i.e., height, length) when collapsed into a compacted configuration for storage or transport. The novel chair may be compacted into a thin bundle that may be rolled up in and contained within fabric forming a portion of the chair. In its compacted,-rolled up state, the novel chair is suitable for transportation within a backpack or other such enclosure.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention pertains to collapsible seating structures and, more particularly, to a chair having a rigid, collapsible frame having reduced dimensions in a collapsed state allowing the compacted, collapsed chair to be carried in a back pack or the like. 
         [0003]    Many outdoor activities are greatly enhanced by the use of a portable seat or back support structure. While many such devices have been proposed in the prior art, all suffer from the limitations of bulk and/or weight. While many prior art structures may be folded or collapsed for transportation or storage, the rigid frames thereof retain their original dimensions. Consequently, the frame dimensions of such prior art chairs or seats, even in the folded or collapsed configuration are not reduced and the degree of compaction of such structures is thereby limited. In other words, when such prior art seats are folded or collapsed, they typically retain at least two dimensions (e.g., height and width), of their open, operational dimensions even in their collapsed state. When the activity for which a seat or backrest is required occurs a distance from a transportation source, the collapsed dimensions of prior art structures still present logistical problems due to their bulk when hand carrying them to the site of the activity. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Several at attempts at providing portable and/or collapsible seating or backrest structures may be found in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,799,939 for CONVERTIBLE GROUND SEAT AND LOUNGE, issued Apr. 7, 1931 to Claude Beauchamp Wainwright et al. discloses a portable seating structure collapsible along a single dimension. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,570,571 for COMBINATION BACK REST AND BAG STRUCTURE, issued Oct. 9, 1951 to Robert N. Leeman teaches another portable seating arrangement collapsible along a single dimension. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,816,599 for COMBINATION SUPPORT AND BAG, issued Dec. 17, 1957 to Marjory M. Adams discloses another seat/backrest structure collapsible along a single dimension and having a carrying bag which, in addition to facilitating carrying the ADAMS seat, functions as seat and back support surfaces. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,825 for COMBINATION TOTE BAG AND BODY REST, issued Apr. 12, 1988 to Daniel P. Belfi shows another structure collapsible in a single dimension and including an integral tote bag. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,451 for COMBINATION BACK PACK/BEACH CHAIR, issued Jul. 23, 1985 to James Hamilton discloses a seat/back rest structure collapsible along a single dimension and having integral straps to facilitate carrying the device on one&#39;s back. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,874 for FOLDING BEACH LOUNGE, issued Aug. 27, 1991 to Daniel E. Williams teaches another portable seating device collapsible along a single dimension. Extendable portions my be withdrawn to collapse the WILLIAMS device to a predetermined size rectangular parallelepiped, thereby lowering the height as well as the thickness of the lounge, consequently actually allowing compression of structure size along two dimensions. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,979 for BAG THAT MAY BE CONVERTED INTO A FOLDING BACK REST FOR THE BEACH OR PARK, issued Dec. 30, 1997 to Jan Harriet Voich teaches a folding structure that may be compacted into an integral carrying bag. However, the structure collapses only along a single dimension. 
         [0012]    Published United States Patent Application No. 2004/0195891 for GROUND LOUNGER, published Oct. 7, 2004 upon application by Clifford Eugene Vaughan, provides yet another folding structure, collapsible along a single dimension. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,230 for FOLDABLE CHILD SUPPORT DEVICE, issued Jun. 7, 2005 to Shun-Min Chen, provides a structure having frame members foldable at a mid point thereof so as to compact the structure along both height and a length dimensions. 
         [0014]    None of the patents and published patent application, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel compactable, collapsible chair of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    In accordance with the present invention there is provided a compactable, collapsible seating structure wherein dimensions of the chair in an operational, deployed configuration may be reduced along two dimensions (i.e., height, length into a compacted configuration for storage or transport. The novel chair may be compacted into a thin bundle that is rolled up in and contained within fabric that forms a portion of the chair. In its compacted, rolled up state, the novel chair is suitable for transportation within a backpack or other such enclosure. 
         [0016]    It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational, deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration. 
         [0017]    It is another object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration wherein both height and length are reduced in the transformation. 
         [0018]    It is an additional object of the invention to provide a seating structure having a rigid frame that is convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration. 
         [0019]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration having a seat-supporting portion and a back-supporting portion, an angle therebetween being adjustable. 
         [0020]    It is a still further object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration having a moisture proof mat portion, when in a collapsed configuration the seating structure may be rolled up within the mat portion. 
         [0021]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration having frame members foldable at approximately a mid point thereof, the frame members being held in a locked configuration by sliding lock mechanisms. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a perspective, schematic view of the compactable, collapsible chair or seat in accordance with the invention in an open, operational configuration; 
           [0024]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are side, cross-sectional, schematic views of two embodiments of the seat-supporting and leg-protecting portions of the chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 3   a,    3   b,  and  3   c  are top plan, schematic views of a first frame portion of the chair of  FIG. 1  in an open, operational configuration, a partially collapsed configuration, and a fully collapsed configuration, respectively; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3   d  is an end view of a slide lock included in the chair portions of  FIGS. 3   a,    3   b,  and  3   c;    
           [0027]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are top plan, schematic views of a second frame portion of the chair of  FIG. 1  in an open, operational configuration, and a partially collapsed configuration, respectively; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is a perspective, schematic view of the first and second frame portions of the chair of  FIG. 1  hingedly connected to one another. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0029]    The present invention provides compactable, collapsible chair structure having a seat-supporting portion and a back-supporting portion hingedly connected to one another, the angle therebetween being adjustable. 
         [0030]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an isometric view of the compactable, collapsible chair of the present invention in an open, operational configuration, generally at reference number  100 . 
         [0031]    Chair  100  has a seat/leg-supporting portion  102  consisting of a seat-supporting region  106  and a leg-protecting region  108 . Referring now also to  FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b,  there are shown side, cross-sectional, elevational views of two embodiments of seat/leg supporting region  102  of seat  100 . 
         [0032]    As seen in  FIG. 2   a,  seat-supporting region  106  is typically a padded structure with a moisture barrier,  110  forming a lower, ground-engaging surface. A wear-resistant membrane  112  forms an upper surface of both leg-protecting region  108  and seat supporting region  106 . In a first embodiment, seat-supporting region  106  has a foam pad  114  disposed between water-resistant membrane  110  and wear-resistant membrane  112 . While a foam pad  114  has been chosen for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that many alternate materials may be substituted therefor. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the foam pad  114  chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention comprehends any and all suitable padding materials. 
         [0033]    It will be further recognized that while a two-ply structure consisting of moisture resistant membrane  110  and wear-resistant membrane  112  has been shown, a single-ply structure may readily be substituted therefore. 
         [0034]    As seen in  FIG. 2   b,  an inflatable bladder  116  and an inflation tube and valve  118  replace foam pad  114 . The use of an inflatable bladder  116  allows chair  100  to possibly be compacted to a smaller volume than in the embodiment of  FIG. 2   a  having foam pad  114 . Further, inflatable bladder  116  allows a user to adjust a degree of firmness or support of the “padding” provided thereby to a personal preference. Inflatable bladders  116  and inflation tubes and valve structures  118  are considered to be well known to those of skill in the art and art not further described herein. 
         [0035]    A back-supporting portion  104  is hingedly attached to seat/leg supporting region  102  by a continuation of at least wear resistant membrane  112  or back padding  114 . 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b,  there are shown top plan, schematic views of a frame  120  in an open, operational configuration, and a partially collapsed configuration, respectively. Frame  120  defines and supports back-supporting portion  104  of chair  100 . 
         [0037]    In its open, operational configuration ( FIG. 3   a ), frame  120  is substantially rectangular having foldable side members  122   a,    122   b , top members  124   a ,  124   b , and a bottom member  126 . Foldable side members  122   a ,  122   b  each have a central connector  128   a ,  128   b , respectively, disposed at approximately a midpoint of respective side members  122   a ,  122   b  along the major axis thereof. Central connectors  128   a ,  128   b  divide respective side members  122   a ,  122   b  into upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  and lower segments  132   a ,  132   b . Typically, connectors  128   a ,  128   b  bisect respective side members  122   a ,  122   b  causing upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  and lower segments  132   a ,  132   b  to be approximately the same length. It will be recognized that other arrangements may be contemplated wherein by changing the placement of connectors  128   a ,  128   b , the lengths of upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  may be different than the lengths of lower segments  132   a ,  132   b.  Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the particular placement of connectors  128   a ,  128   b  along side members  122   a ,  122   b , respectively. It will be recognized that upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  and lower segments  132   a ,  132   b  form respective continuous members when respective slide locks  134   a ,  1134   b  are in place. 
         [0038]    Slidable locks  134   a ,  134   b  are selectively positionable along side members  122   a ,  122   b , respectively, to secure upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  and lower segments  132   a ,  132   b  in a substantially linear orientation when frame  120  is in its open, operational configuration. An end view of slidable locks  134   a  and  234   b.    
         [0039]    Corner hinges  136   a,    136   b,  connect distal ends of lower segments  132   a ,  132   b  to lower member  126 . Likewise, corner hinges  136 c,  136 d connect distal ends of upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  to an upper frame brace  138 . Upper frame brace  138  consists of top frame members  124   a ,  124   b  and frame brace side members  140   a ,  140   b.  Corner hinge arrangements are considered to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further discussed herein. Any suitable hinge arrangement may be used throughout the novel folding chair  100  and the invention is not limited to the hinge arrangement chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
         [0040]      FIG. 3   b  shows frame  120  in a partially collapsed configuration. Slide locks  134   a ,  134   b  are shown displaced from connectors  128   a ,  128   b , thereby allowing upper segments  130   a ,  130   b  and lower segments  132   a ,  132   b  to move inwardly, thereby moving lower frame member  126  upwardly toward upper frame brace  138  in the direction indicated by arrow  142 . 
         [0041]    Referring now also to  FIG. 3   c,  frame  120  is shown in a fully collapsed configuration. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , there are shown top plan, schematic views of a vertical support frame  220  in an open, operable configuration and in a partially collapsed configuration, respectively. Vertical support frame  220  is similar in both construction and operation to frame  120  ( FIGS. 3   a - 3   c ) discussed in detail hereinabove. 
         [0043]    In its open, operational configuration ( FIG. 4   a ), frame  220  is also substantially rectangular having foldable side members  222   a ,  222   b , top members  224   a ,  224   b , and a bottom member  226 . Foldable side members  222   a ,  222   b  each have a central connector  228   a ,  228   b  disposed at approximately a midpoint of respective side members  222   a ,  222   b  along the major axis thereof. Central connectors  228   a ,  228   b  divide respective side members  222   a ,  222   b  in to upper segments  230   a ,  230   b  and lower segments  232   a ,  232   b . Typically, connectors  228   a ,  228   b  bisect respective side members  222   a ,  222   b  causing upper segments  230   a ,  230   b  and lower segments  232   a ,  232   b  to be substantially the same length. It will be recognized that other arrangements may be contemplated wherein by changing the placement of connectors  228   a ,  228   b , the lengths of upper segments  230   a ,  230   b  may be different than the lengths of lower segments  232   a ,  232   b.  Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the particular placement of connectors  228   a ,  228   b  along side members  222   a ,  222   b , respectively. 
         [0044]    Slidable locks  234   a ,  234   b  are selectively positionable along side members  222   a ,  222   b , respectively, to secure upper segments  230   a ,  230   b  and lower segments  232   a ,  232   b  in a substantially linear orientation when frame  220  is in its open, operational configuration. 
         [0045]    Corner hinges  166   a ,  166   b , connect distal ends of lower segments  232   a ,  232   b  to lower member  226 . Likewise, corner hinges  166 c,  166 d connect distal ends of upper segments  230   a ,  230   b  to upper frame members  224   a ,  224   b.    
         [0046]      FIG. 4   b  shows frame  220  in a partially collapsed configuration. Slide locks  234   a ,  234   b  are shown displaced from connectors  228   a ,  228   b , thereby allowing upper segments  230   a ,  230   b  and lower segments  232   a ,  232   b  to move inwardly, thereby moving lower frame member  226  upwardly toward upper frame members  224   a ,  224   b.    
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of frames  120  and  220  rotatably interconnected into the A-frame structure that forms the complete frame of the novel chair  100 . Pivotable interconnections are shown schematically at reference numbers  180 . It will be recognized that numerous mechanisms are known to those of skill in the art for pivotably interconnecting frames  120  and  220 . Such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, detented mechanism capable of self-locking frames  120  and  220  in discrete, predetermined angular relationships to one another. Such mechanisms are not further described herein. 
         [0048]    Flexible straps, typically having one or more grommets  184  may be used to secure the angular relationship of frames  120  and  220 . 
         [0049]    Other flexible straps  190   a ,  190   b  are typically fastened to top frame member  224   a  and bottom frame member  126 . Flexible straps  190   a ,  190   b  provide back support to a user of chair  100 . 
         [0050]    Refer now again also to  FIGS. 3   a - 3   c  and  FIGS. 4   a - 4   b . In operation, compactable, collapsible chair  100  may be transformed from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration by first unfastening straps  182 . 
         [0051]    If the chair  100  configuration includes an inflatable bladder  116  ( FIG. 2   b ), it may be necessary to deflate inflatable bladder  116  prior to unfastening straps  182 . 
         [0052]    Slidable locks  134   a ,  134   b ,  234 ,  234   b  on frames  120  and  220 , respectively, are unlocked and slid away from connectors  128   a ,  128   b ,  228   a ,  228   b , respectively. 
         [0053]    Frame members  130   a ,  130   b ,  132   a ,  132   b  of frame  120  and  230   a ,  230   b ,  232   a ,  232   b  of frame  220  may be pushed inwardly (toward the center of respective frames  120  and  220 ) until the frames are totally collapsed. 
         [0054]    Once collapsed, the compacted structure may be rolled up in the moisture proof barrier  110  ( FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b ) into a configuration suitable for carrying in a backpack or other such container. 
         [0055]    Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
         [0056]    Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.