Abstract:
A self-aligning, compactable, collapsible seating structure formed by sections of hollow tubing, each hollow tubing component has a first end having a first diameter and a second opposing region having a second, reduced diameter. Reduced diameter regions are insertable into said tubing regions having a first diameter to form a self-aligning joint. A pair of rigid, U-shape frames are rotatively connected together to form an A-frame shaped support. 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 may be 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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/595,249 Self-Aligning, Compactable Chair filed August 27, 2012 that is included herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to collapsible seating structures and, more particularly, to a chair having a light-weight rigid, collapsible frame having reduced dimensions in a collapsed state allowing the compacted, collapsed chair to be carried in a back pack or rolled up and secured without the necessity of a bag. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many outdoor activities are greatly enhanced by the use of a portable seat or back support structure. 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 typically retain at least one of 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 (e.g., height and width), of their open, operational dimensions. 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. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Several 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 Wainewright et al. discloses a portable seating structure collapsible along a single dimension. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     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 may 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. 
     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 Harriett Voich teaches a folding structure that may be contacted into an integral carrying bag. However, the structure collapses only along a single dimension. 
     Published U.S. 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 
     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. 
     None of the patents and published patent application, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel Self-Aligning, Compactable Chair of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided a self-aligning, 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 may be 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. 
     It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational, deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration. 
     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 
     It is an additional object of the invention to provide a seating structure having a rigid frame that converts from an open, operational configuration to a collapsed configuration. 
     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 the frame having no moving parts such as hinged joints or slides. 
     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 selectively adjustable. 
     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. 
     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 without foldable mid-point joints, the frame members being held in a locked configuration by an elastic band inside the frame member tubing with the frame member tubing being held together with male-female connections and connectable ends with expanded and reduced sizes and with a friction fit to form an extended portion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       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: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric schematic view of the self-aligning, compactable, collapsible chair of the present invention in an open, operational configuration; 
         FIG. 2A  is side, cross-sectional, elevational, schematic views of a first embodiment of a seat/leg supporting region of the collapsible chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is side, cross-sectional, elevational, schematic views of a second embodiment of a seat/leg supporting region of the collapsible chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded, front elevational, schematic view of collapsible, U-shaped frame forming a part of the collapsible chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is shown a side elevational, schematic view of a top member frame member forming a part of the collapsible chair of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 4B-4D  are a side elevational, a top plan, and a bottom plan, schematic view, respectively, of a plastic insert forming a part of the top frame member of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevational, schematic view of collapsible, U-shaped frame of  FIG. 3  connected to the top frame member of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front elevational, schematic view of U-shaped, collapsible support frames of  FIG. 3  in a partially collapsed state; 
         FIG. 7  is a front elevational, schematic view of U-shaped, collapsible support frames of  FIG. 3  in a completely collapsed state; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective, schematic view of U-shaped collapsible support frames of  FIG. 3  assembled into an A-frame structure; and 
         FIG. 8B  is a detailed perspective, schematic view of the frame connection region of the A-frame structure of  FIG. 8A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a self-aligning, compactable, collapsible chair structure having a seat-supporting portion and a back-supporting portion both rotatably connected to a common top member, the angle therebetween being adjustable. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown an isometric schematic view of the self-aligning, compactable, collapsible chair of the present invention in an open, operational configuration, generally at reference number  100 . 
     Chair  100  has a seat/leg-supporting portion  102  consisting of a seat-supporting region  106  and a leg-protecting region  108 . 
     A back supporting region  104  is provided by a first ridged, collapsible U-shaped frame  120 A that is hingedly connected to a second rigid, collapsible U-shaped frame  120 B that supports first rigid, collapsible U-shaped frame  120 A at a desired inclination by use of a flexible strap  182  interconnecting first rigid, collapsible U-shaped frame  120 A to second rigid, collapsible U-shaped frame  120 B. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , there are shown side, cross-sectional, elevational, schematic views of two embodiments of seat/leg supporting region  102  of seat  100 . 
     As seen in  FIG. 2A , 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, a back supporting region formed by first rigid, collapsible U-shaped frame  120 A and supporting region  106  have foam pads  114   a,    114   b  disposed between water-resistant membrane  110  and wear-resistant membrane  112 . It will be recognized that foam pads  114   a,    114   b  may be implemented as a continuous single foam pad. While foam pads  114   a,    114   b  have 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   a  chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention comprehends any and all suitable padding materials. 
     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. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2B , an inflatable bladder  116  and an inflation tube and valve  118  replace foam pad  114  of  FIG. 2A . 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 are not further described herein. 
     A back-supporting portion  104  is attached to seat/leg supporting region  102  by a continuation of at least wear resistant membrane  110  or wear resistant member  112 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown an exploded, front elevational, schematic view of collapsible, U-shaped frames  120   a  and  120   b.  Frame  120   a  defines and supports back-supporting portion  104  of chair  100 . 
     Frames  120   a / 120   b  each have a pair of upper frame braces  122 . Upper frame brace  122  has a major axis, not specifically identified, and an upper flattened region  124  having a through hole  126  disposed in flattened region  124  perpendicularly the major axis. 
     Upper frame brace  122  has reduced diameter lower portion  132 . An elastic cord retaining member  128  is disposed within upper frame brace  122  and retained therein by the diameter reduction proximate reduced diameter lower portion  132 . 
     Elastic cord retaining member  128  has a central through hole  130  disposed parallel to the major axis and sized to accept an elastic cord  146  therethrough. 
     An end, not specifically identified, of elastic cord  146  is retained above elastic core retaining member by a knot, a fastener, cement, or any other suitable manner, shown schematically at reference number  134 , that keeps the end of elastic cord  146  from passing through hole  130  once secured. 
     Rigid, collapsible, U-shaped frames  120   a,    120   b  each typically have four hollow tubular frame members  140 . Tubular member  140  has an upper end  142  having a first diameter, and a reduced diameter region  144 . The first diameter at upper end  142  being sized to receive and frictionally retain the reduced diameter portion  132  of upper frame brace  122  or a reduced diameter region  144  of another hollow tubular frame members  140 . 
     A U-shape bottom member  148  has a pair of opposed ends  150  and  152 , each having a diameter sized to accommodate and frictionally retain a reduced diameter region  132  of upper frame brace  122  or reduced diameter region  144  of hollow tubular frame member  140 . 
     Frame members  122 ,  140 , and  148  are formed from light-weight, ductile metal, typically aluminum. Joints formed by inserting a reduced diameter region (e.g.,  132 , and  140 ) into a larger diameter portion of tubing (e.g.,  142 ,  150 ,  152 ) forms self-aligning joints. Self-alignment in ensured by forming frame components so that the length of regions of reduced diameter is sufficient to cause the joint formed to be self-aligning. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4A , there is shown a side elevational, schematic view of a top frame member  160 . Top frame member  160  is a straight tubular structure having a pair of opposing ends, not specifically identified, each receiving and retaining a plastic insert  162 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4B-4D , there are shown a side elevational, a top plan, and a bottom plan, schematic view, respectively, of plastic insert  162 . Plastic insert  162  has a flange  164  having a larger diameter that the diameter of top member  160 . A body  166  having a diameter  168  depends from a lower surface of flange  164 . Body  166  is adapted for insertion in the ends of top member  160 . 
     Plastic insert  164  has a threaded bore  170  extending along the entire height thereof. 
     Protrusions  172  spaced circumferentially around body  166  are adapted to press against an inside surface of top frame member  160  as a screw  174  (best seen in  FIG. 5 ) is inserted into threaded bore  170  and thereby slightly expanding the diameter  168  of body  166  and retaining plastic insert  162  within top frame member  160 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , there is shown front elevational, schematic view of collapsible, U-shaped frames  120   a  and  120   b  connected to a top frame member  160 . In  FIG. 5 , the frame components shown in  FIG. 3  in an exploded view are joined to form frames  120   a,    120   b  in their respective operational configurations. 
     Top frame member  160  is shown in its operational position between flattened regions  124  of upper frame braces  122 . Plastic inserts  162  in each end of top frame member  160 , more specifically, threaded through hole  170  of plastic insert  162  is show positioned to receive screws  174  that will be inserted through holes  126  in the directions shown by respective arrows  176  adjacent each end of top frame member  160 . 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 6 , there is shown a front elevational, schematic view of U-shaped, collapsible support frames  120   a,    120   b  in a partially collapsed state. The reduced diameter regions  132  of upper frame braces  122  and the reduced diameter regions  144  of frame hollow tubular pieces  140  have been withdrawn from respective upper ends  142  of hollow tubular pieces  140  and ends  150 ,  152  of U-shaped bottom frame member  148 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , the partially collapsed frames  120   a,    120   b  of  FIG. 6  are now shown in a completely collapsed arrangement. The four hollow tubular frame pieces  140  all now lie substantially parallel to top frame member  160  in two rows, and bottom frame member  148  has moved inwardly toward top frame member  160  adjacent a bottom row of hollow frame tubular pieces  140 . Once compacted, the frames  120   a,    120   b  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. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , there are shown a perspective, schematic view of U-shaped collapsible support frames assembled into an A-frame structure, and a detailed perspective, schematic view of the frame connection region of the A-frame structure of  FIG. 8A , respectively. 
     The A-frame structure that results from rotatively interconnecting U-shaped, collapsible support frames  120   a,    120   b  to one another forms the complete frame of the novel chair  100 . The pivotable (i.e., rotative) interconnection of support frames  120   a,    120   b  is shown schematically at reference numbers  180 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8B , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of the region  180  of  FIG. 8A . Rotative interconnection of U-shaped, collapsible support framed  120   a,    120   b  is accomplished by connecting corresponding flattened regions  124  of upper frame braces  122  of both frames  120   a,    120   b  to respective ends of upper frame member  160 . 
     To accomplish such interconnection, A machine screw  174  is placed into through hole  126  in flattened region of upper support brace associated with U-shaped, collapsible support frame  120   b.    
     A nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) better known as Teflon® washer is placed onto the threads of machine screw  174 . It will be recognized that materials other than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) exist and are believed to be known to those of skill in the art from which a “slippery” washer may be formed. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) materials chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention is intended to include washers formed from any suitable other material. 
     Machine screw  174  is then passed through hole  126  in a corresponding upper frame brace associated with U-shape, collapsible support frame  122   a.  Finally, machine screw  174  is secured in threads  170  of plastic insert  162  in the associated end of upper frame member  160 . This operation is performed on both sides of U-shaped, collapsible support frames  120   a,    120   b,  thereby completely forming the A-frame structure shown in  FIG. 8A . 
     It will be recognized that numerous mechanisms are known to those of skill in the art for pivotably interconnecting frames  120   a  and  120   b.  Such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, detented mechanisms capable of self-locking frames  120   a  and  120   b  in discrete, predetermined angular relationships to one another. Such mechanisms are neither discussed nor described in further detail herein. 
     Flexible straps  182 , typically having one or more grommets  184  may be used to secure the angular relationship of frames  120 A and  120   b.  Flexible straps  182  have each a proximal end rotatively connected to U-shaped, collapsible frame  120   a  and typically contain several grommets  184 . Grommets  184  may be selectively placed over a screw or post  186  in one of the hollow tubular frame pieces  140 . By selecting the particular grommet  184  in flexible straps  182 , the angle formed between rotatively connected U-shaped, collapsible support frames  120   a,    120   b  may be selected and maintained while chair  100  is in use. 
     Back supporting flexible straps  188  are attached to upper frame member  160  and lower frame member  148  of first U-shaped, collapsible frame  120   a.  At their upper ends, back supporting flexible straps encircle upper fame member  160  and the stitched together with stitching shown schematically at reference number  190 . 
     At their lower ends, back supporting flexible straps utilize a hook-and-loop fastening material with a hook portion  192  and loop portion disposed on a first major surface of back supporting flexible straps  188  and a mating loop portion disposed on an opposing major surface of back-supporting straps  188 . This arrangement allows back supporting flexible straps to be tightened once the angle, not specifically identified, between first U-shape rigid frame  120   a  and second U-shaped rigid frame  120   b  is established and maintained by straps  182 . 
     Refer now again also to  FIGS. 3 ,  6 ,  7 , and  8 . In operation, compactable, collapsible chair  100  may be transformed from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration by first unfastening straps  182 . 
     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 . 
     Corresponding frame hollow members  140  of frames  120   a  and  120   b  may be pushed inwardly (toward the center of respective frames  120   a  and  120   b ) until the frames are totally collapsed. 
     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. 
     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. 
     Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.