Patent Publication Number: US-10779633-B2

Title: Folding chair carrier

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/724,762 filed on Aug. 30, 2018. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Foldable or collapsible chairs are commonly used in a variety of settings including campsites, picnics, sporting events, and as extra seating in the home. Typically, the folding chairs are stored in individual carrying bags which may or may not include a handle or strap attached to the bag. Accordingly, each folding chair must be stored and carried independently, which can be quite difficult and awkward if a person desires to transport multiple folding chairs at the same time. In some instances, folding chairs are left outside, leaving them susceptible to inclement weather where they can become wet and dirty. This exposure to the elements may drastically shorten the life of the folding chairs. 
     Although devices have been disclosed in the known art that relate to folding chair carriers, these devices are limited to either being carried on the shoulders of an individual or pushed along a surface. In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of carriers for folding chairs now present in the known art, the present invention provides a carrier for multiple folding chairs wherein the same can be utilized in a manner compatible with outdoor exposure. More particularly, the present invention provides for a durable and flexible carrier that is configured to protect multiple folding chairs from the weather. The present invention includes shoulder straps with fasteners, handles, casters and hooks such that the carrier can be transported via a wide variety of methods, including by securing the carrier to a mounting fixture affixed to a vehicle. 
     The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art while at the same time provides convenience to the user. In this regard the present invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of folding chair carriers, the present invention provides a carrier for multiple folding chairs. The carrier for multiple folding chairs has a body including a back, at least one sidewall extending around the perimeter of the back, and a closure flap, thereby defining an interior volume. The interior volume is large enough to encapsulate at least two folding chairs. The closure flap is secured to the open ends of the sidewalls via an attachment means such as a zipper. The closure flap also incorporates an access flap, allowing an individual to access a portion of the carrier while the remainder remains closed. Handles, casters, and at east one strap are located on the exterior surface of the body, allowing an individual to transport the carrier via several methods. Hooks on the exterior of the body, coupled with fasteners incorporated in the straps, removably secure the carrier to a mounting fixture affixed to a vehicle. 
     Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and the manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout. 
         FIG. 1A  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in an open configuration, with folding chairs in individual carriers secured in the interior. 
         FIG. 1B  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in an open configuration, with flat-folding chairs secured in the interior. 
         FIG. 1C  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in an open configuration, wherein the carrier is empty. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, secured to and carried by an individual. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration being pulled by an individual utilizing the casters. 
         FIG. 3C  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, carried by an individual utilizing a handle. 
         FIG. 4  shows a close-up view of the hooks and straps disposed on the back of the carrier for multiple folding chairs. 
         FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, depicting a manner in which the carrier may be removably secured to a mounting fixture affixed to a vehicle. 
         FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, with a cable and a lock disposed around the exterior perimeter of the body. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs, with a call-out view detailing the plurality of loops and how they may interconnect to secure one carrier to another. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a folded configuration. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs with removable interior walls. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the carrier for multiple folding chairs. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, a preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for the carrier for multiple folding chairs. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered limiting in any respect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in an open configuration, with folding chairs in individual carriers secured in the interior. The carrier for multiple folding chairs  100  has a body  110 , having a top end  111  and a bottom end  112 , a back  120 , at least one sidewall  130  extending around the perimeter of the back  120 , and a closure flap  140 , thereby defining an interior volume  150 . In the preferred embodiment, the body  110  is composed of a flexible and durable textile that is weather and ultra-violet resistant. It is contemplated by this disclosure that the body may be composed of many different weather-resistant materials which can embody the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1B , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in an open configuration, with flat-folding chairs secured in the interior. The body  110  is configured such that folding chairs  160  secured therein act as internal supports, thereby giving the carrier for multiple folding chairs  100  structural rigidity and stability. The interior volume  150  is configured to be large enough to encapsulate at least two folding chairs  160 . Removably securable internal straps  170  secure the folding chairs  160 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , or folding chairs  160  that are placed within their individual carrying bags, as shown in  FIG. 1A . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1C , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in an open configuration, wherein the carrier is empty. In the shown embodiment, the closure flap  140  is removably secured along three of the four depicted sidewalls  130  via a zipper mechanism  180 . In other embodiments, any other suitable fastener may be utilized to selectively secure the closure flap  140  in a closed position. The closure flap  140  further incorporates an access flap  190  disposed on the bottom end  141  of the closure flap  140 . The access flap  190  is configured to be flexibly or hingedly secured on at least one end to the closure flap  140 , such that an opposing end of the access flap  190  is removably securable to the closure flap  140  via any suitable closure mechanism, such as a zipper  180 , for example. 
     In use, an individual may access the interior volume  150  while the closure flap  140  is in a closed configuration via the access flap  190 . The access flap  190  allows an individual to place additional materials, including but not limited to blankets, jackets, and bags in the empty space left in the interior volume  150  where folding chairs  160  are already inside the carrier for multiple folding chairs  100 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration. In the shown embodiment two shoulder straps  200  are disposed on the back  120  of the carrier for multiple folding chairs. In a further embodiment, the shoulder straps  200  are configured to receive a removably securable padding  210 . In the shown embodiment, a pocket  220  is disposed on an exterior portion of a sidewall  120 . The pocket  220  is sized to accept the removably securable padding  210  or other similarly-sized materials. In some embodiments, the pocket  220  includes a closure fastener, such as a zipper, for example. In other embodiments, multiple pockets  220  can be disposed on multiple exterior portions of the sidewalls  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, secured to and carried by an individual. In the shown embodiment, an individual can utilize the two shoulder straps  200  in order to removably secure the carrier for multiple folding chairs on the individual&#39;s shoulders  300 . In this embodiment, removably securable padding is disposed around the circumference of the shoulder straps  200  to provide additional padding to the individual. The removably securable padding can be composed of a variety of materials that would provide cushioning and further support to the individual wearing the carrier for multiple folding chairs. The shoulder straps  200  are slidably adjustable in length such that the individual may adjust how the carrier for multiple folding chairs sits on their shoulders  300  for maximum comfort and stability. 
     In one embodiment, at least one netting  310  is disposed on one of the sidewalls. In the shown embodiment, two nettings  310  are secured, one above the other, to the sidewall, wherein each netting  310  defines a receptacle having an arcuate open upper end and a closed lower end. The nettings  310  in such embodiments are configured to removably receive and secure water bottles or similarly sized objects. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limiting in any way the manner in which the netting  310  is utilized. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3B , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, pulled by an individual utilizing the casters. In the shown embodiment, a top carrying handle  320  is disposed on the top end  111  of the body. The top carrying handle  320  includes an arcuate shape, that an individual can grasp the top carrying handle  320  through the opening defined by the opposing ends of the handle that connect to the body. Further, in the shown embodiment, two caster wheels  330  are disposed on opposite ends of the bottom end of the body. The two caster wheels  330  are configured to rotate and pivot freely. In use, an individual may transport the carrier for multiple folding chairs by pulling the top carrying handle  320  at an angle, thereby utilizing the caster wheels  330  by allowing the caster wheels  330  to roll along the ground. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3C , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, carried by an individual utilizing a handle. In the shown embodiment, a side carrying handle  340  is disposed on an exterior portion of a sidewall  130 . The side carrying handle  340  is secured in an arcuate configuration, such that an individual can grasp the side carrying handle  340 . The side carrying handle  340  is configured to support the weight of a fully loaded carrier for multiple folding chairs  100  when held by an individual. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a close-up perspective view of the hooks and straps disposed on the back of the carrier for multiple folding chairs. In the shown embodiment, two mounting hooks  400  are hingedly secured to an exterior surface of the back of the carrier for multiple folding chairs. The first end  410  of the mounting hooks  400  are hingedly secured to the back of the body. The mounting hooks  400  include an arcuate shape or configuration, allowing the hooks  400  to effectively engage cylindrical structures or other similarly shaped structures. In one embodiment, the mounting hooks  400  are secured to the back of the body via a spring hinge, such that the second ends  420  of the mounting hooks  400  are biased against the back of the body in a default position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, depicting a manner in which the carrier may be affixed to a mounting fixture affixed to a vehicle. In the shown embodiment, the two shoulder straps  200  comprise a side release buckle  500  and a complementary receiver  510  disposed at a midpoint  520  along the shoulder strap  200 . The buckle  500  and complementary receiving fastener  510  of the shoulder strap  200  is configured to separate and re-attach at the midpoint  520  of the shoulder strap  200 . 
     In use, the mounting hooks  400  are configured to aid in securing the carrier for multiple folding chairs to a mounting fixture  530  affixed to a vehicle  540 . To secure the carrier to a vehicle, an individual raises the second end  420  of the mounting hooks  400  away from the back of the body, as shown in  FIG. 5 , and loops the second end  420  of the mounting hooks  400  around the mounting fixture  530 , which has been previously affixed to a vehicle  540 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting fixture  530  is a roof access ladder secured to the rear of the vehicle. However, in alternate embodiments, the mounting fixture  530  can be any suitable structure secured to or integral to the vehicle to which the mounting hooks  400  can be secured. The mounting hooks  400  are configured to support the weight of the carrier for multiple folding chairs when fully loaded, and the second ends of the mounting hooks  400  are biased against the back of the body. 
     In this manner an individual can place the carrier for multiple folding chairs on the mounting fixture  530  affixed to a vehicle  540 , let go of the carrier for multiple folding chairs and the carrier for multiple folding chairs will be supported on the mounting fixture  530 . The individual is thereby enabled to further secure the carrier for multiple folding chairs to the mounting fixture  530  by separating the shoulder strap  200  at the midpoint  520  of the shoulder strap  200  via means of the buckle  500  and complementary receiving fastener  510 . The individual may thereby encircle the mounting fixture  530  with the should strap  200  and slidably adjust the length of the shoulder strap  200  in order to further secure the carrier for multiple folding chairs to the mounting fixture  530 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a closed configuration, with a cable and a lock disposed around the exterior perimeter of the body. The body is configured to accept a cable  600  disposed about the exterior perimeter of the body. In the shown embodiment, the cable  600  is laced between the sidewall  130  and the side handle  340 . It is contemplated by this disclosure that many different configurations of disposing the cable  600  around the body are possible and embody the present invention. Further, in the shown embodiment, the cable  600  is configured to accept a lock  610 . By securing the cable  600  around the body via a lock  610  an individual can selectively secure the contents of the carrier for multiple folding chains, such that the individual is able to prevent un-authorized access therein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs, with a call-out view detailing the plurality of loops and how they may interconnect to secure one carrier to another. A plurality of loops  700  are disposed along the exterior surface of the body  110 . In the shown embodiment the plurality of loops  700  are disposed along the seams between the back  120  and the sidewall  130 , and the seams are positioned between the sidewall  130  and the closure flap. In the shown embodiment the plurality of loops  700  comprise a flexible tubing  710  laced through a rigid cylinder  720 , wherein the flexible tubing  710  is secured to the body  110  in an arcuate configuration. In another embodiment the plurality of loops  700  are configured as “D”-shaped rings. It is contemplated by this disclosure that many different types of connectors are possible and within the scope of the present invention. 
     The plurality of loops  700  are configured to secure an object to the body  110  of the carrier for multiple folding chairs. In the shown embodiment, the plurality of loops  700  of one carrier for multiple folding chairs are interlaced with the plurality of loops  700  of another carrier for multiple folding chairs. In this manner an individual can securely attach one carrier for multiple folding chairs to another carrier for multiple folding chairs, thereby enabling the individual to carry two carriers for multiple folding chairs at once. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a folded configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the carrier for multiple folding chairs is comprised of a flexible material. A looped webbing  830  is disposed in an arcuate configuration along the top end of the back of the body. An attachment mechanism can be utilized when the carrier for multiple folding chairs is folded to keep the carrier for multiple folding chairs in the folded configuration. In the shown embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a belt  800  secured to the bottom end of the back of the body, at a midpoint between the casters. The belt  800  further comprises a side release buckle  810  and a complementary receiving fastener  820 . 
     In the shown embodiment, an individual can secure the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a folded configuration by detaching the side release buckle  810  from its complementary receiver  820 , thereby separating the belt  800 . The individual may thereby encircle the looped webbing  830  with the belt  800  and reattach the belt  800  via the side release buckle  810  and the complementary receiver  820  in order to secure the carrier for multiple folding chairs in a folded configuration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the carrier for multiple folding chairs depicting removable interior walls. In the shown embodiment, a plurality of removably securable dividing walls  900  are disposed in the interior volume  150 . In one embodiment, the length of the removably securable dividing walls  900  corresponds to the length of the back  120  of the body  110 , and the width of the removably securable dividing walls  900  corresponds to the width of the sidewalls  130 . It is contemplated by this disclosure that many different configurations, sizes and shapes of removably securable dividing walls  900  are possible and embody the present invention. 
     It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.