Patent Publication Number: US-2010109386-A1

Title: Collapsible and portable chair

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/103,305 entitled “Collapsible and Portable Chair” and filed on Apr. 15, 2008. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates to a two frame collapsible chair which can be folded into a transport configuration. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     When participating in activities such as fishing, hunting, and attending sporting events such as youth soccer or baseball, it is desirable to have a portable folding chair that is easy to carry. In addition, it is desirable or necessary to carry other items such as drinks, food, sunscreen and other various sundries. 
     Folding chairs currently on the market and commonly used tend to be heavy and cumbersome to carry and many fold up and must be placed into a bag for carrying. Others that fold the seat to the back tend to unfold while in transport and their size and weight make them difficult for adults short in stature or children to carry. Further, carrying other items or tending to small children or pets is difficult with only one available arm. 
     Many people choose to wear a backpack to carry the various items needed for the activity and then carry their chair in one hand. Again, the difficulties mentioned previously still exist and when arriving at their destination, the user now has two separate items to care for. 
     Several examples of prior art exist to address the idea of carrying a fold up chair on one&#39;s back in combination with a backpack. However, such prior art tends to be heavy, cumbersome and unstable when unfolded. In addition, the prior art is large when folded which increases shipping costs to retailers and takes up valuable retail shelf space as well as storage space for the end user. An example of such a product is disclosed in Amman U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,324B1, hereinafter “Amman”, which discloses a three frame chair having the backpack portion mounted on the backrest. The Amman chair suffers from several disadvantages. First, no provision exists for holding the backrest in the upright position when no one is sitting in the chair. If the chair is sitting on an un-level surface, which will be common in its intended use, the backrest will fall over onto the seat when the user stands up. Second, the lower frame does not extend below the center of gravity of the backpack itself. If the backpack has much weight in it, the chair will tip over backwards when first opened or when the user stands up. Third, no provision exists to adjust the angle of the backrest without also affecting the seat height. The backrest can be adjusted but the action requires that the seat height be lowered disproportionately. Further, the structure requires the use of three frames that do not fold into the same plane, which takes up more space and presents storage and shipping problems as noted above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an additional frame adds to the cost of manufacturing both in labor and raw materials required. Consequently, it is desirable to have a chair which can be manufactured with decreased raw material and labor costs. 
     Additionally with the chair in Amman, when in the folded position and carried on one&#39;s back, the frames are in direct contact with the user&#39;s back and the weight of the chair and backpack load are concentrated in small areas of the user&#39;s back. While foam padding can be employed on the frame, such padding does not distribute the load satisfactorily, especially when the backpack is heavy and/or when traveling significant distances. Another disadvantage is that the armrests require vertical structural members attached to both of the chair frames. As discussed above, this adds to the overall weight and manufacturing costs and also reduces long term reliability. Finally, a strap and buckle arrangement is employed to hold the chair in the folded position for wearing on one&#39;s back. Because the shoulder straps are attached to the bottom of the seat frame, the chair would unfold while in use if the strap and buckle arrangement were to fail. These are just a few of the problems with the chair disclosed by Amman. These illustrate many of the inherent design problems which are common with other known prior art chairs. These problems limit the use and comfort of the chair, add to the weight and bulk of the chair, increase the raw material and manufacturing costs of the chair, and lead to an overall dissatisfactory solution to a common problem. Consequently, it is desirable to have a chair which is less expensive to manufacture, which is easier to carry, which has the “extras” such as a backrest and armrests, and which is more enjoyable to use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention comprises a two-frame collapsible chair. The chair comprises two frames hingably joined for rotating between a first closed position for transporting and a second position for sitting. The chair has a seat member and a backrest. Some embodiments also comprise arm rests attached to the backrest. 
     In one embodiment, the chair has at least one storage panel which is attached to at least one set of frames. The storage panel can comprise a variety of storage means including a backpack, a briefcase, a laptop carrier, and a panel with a plurality of storage pockets. 
     The chair also has a variety of transport configurations. One configuration is the backpack configuration wherein straps are attached to at least one frame of the chair. In such a configuration, the user carries the chair like a backpack with shoulder straps attached to the frame. In another configuration, the chair has wheels attached to at least one frame. In such a roller bag configuration, the user can pull the chair in its transport configuration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the chair in its use configuration. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in its backpack transport configuration. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in its roller bag transport configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Several embodiments of Applicants&#39; invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. 
     As will be discussed, the two-frame collapsible chair has two configurations: a first closed position for transport, and a second open position for sitting.  FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the chair in its use configuration. The device is a two-frame collapsible chair comprised of an inner frame  101  that is hingably joined to an outer frame  102  by means of a bolt, rivet or shear pin  110  that allows rotation about a plane. As used herein, “two-frame” refers to a chair which comprises only two frames. This is contrasted to three-frame chairs known in the art. As discussed herein, a two-frame structure offers many benefits over a three-frame structure including cost of manufacture, weight, and portability. 
     The frames  101 ,  102  are made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or other rigid materials. In one embodiment, one or both frames  101 , 102  are padded  120  which provide additional comfort to the user when used in its backpack transport configuration. The frames  101 ,  102  can have virtually any cross-sectional geometry including but not limited to square, rectangular, and circular cross-sections. The inner frame  101  is narrower and shorter than the outer frame  102 . In a preferred embodiment, the inner frame  101  has a length of about 80% to about 95% of the outer frame  102 . In a more preferred embodiment, the inner frame  101  has a length of about 92% of the outer frame  102 . It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment the frames  101 , 102  when in the closed position are separated by minimal distance. In many embodiments, this distance or “tolerance” is on the order of several millimeters. Thus, when in the closed position, the two frames are separated by a very short distance and fine tolerance. This fine tolerance adds structural support and durability to the chair. However, the tolerance is designed so that the functionality of the chair is not impaired. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the tolerance between the closed frames  101 , 102  is increased to make room for devices such as an over-center locking device  103  which will be discussed below. 
     Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, each frame  101 , 102  is a single piece. As used herein a “single piece” includes pieces which have been made as a single piece, i.e. cast as one piece, as well as individual pieces which have been welded or chemically or mechanically secured. Because each frame  101 , 102  is a single piece, the stability of the chair in both its use and transport configuration is increased. 
     In one embodiment the outer frame  102 , a connected frame, serves as the front base of the chair, as opposed to open legs. Such an embodiment helps secure the chair in its use configuration. A chair with individual legs tends to sink into the ground, destabilizing the chair. The instant invention offers a connected frame whereby the front base comprises a length of structure as opposed to individual legs. The same is true for the back base. Again, such a configuration prevents the chair from sinking into the ground because the weight of the chair is distributed across the length of the back base and the front base. For these reasons, in a preferred embodiment the frame&#39;s horizontal members and the vertical members align such that neither sticks out beyond the boundaries of the frames  101 , 102 . This prevents a portion of the frame, for example, a vertical member, from jetting out and acting as an individual leg. It should be noted that while an embodiment comprising a connected frame whereby the frame does not comprise legs, the instant invention is not so limited. In other embodiments, it is preferable that the bottom of each of the frames  101 , 102  comprise individual legs rather than the connected length of structure as depicted. Furthermore, in some embodiments it is desirable to have one frame comprise legs at the bottom while the other frame comprises a connected length of structure. 
     In one embodiment, when collapsed in the first closed position for transporting, the inner frame  101  and the outer frame  102  are substantially in the same plane. This is beneficial for many reasons. First, because the two frames are in the same plane they take up less space on the retailer&#39;s shelves as they are more compact. Likewise, when shipping they take up less space in a shipping truck, for example. These factors decrease manufacturing costs and allow for the production of a less expensive chair. Second, the two frames  101 ,  102  when in the transport configuration are more stable than prior art chairs wherein the frames were not in the same plane. Because the frame of the transport configuration is more stable, the chances of it collapsing into the use configuration are considerably reduced. Further, because the frames  101 , 102  are more compact, this increases the space available for other items stored in the chair, for example, in the storage panel  112 . 
     The frames  101 , 102 , as depicted, are connected by a pivot  110 . In one embodiment, the pivot  110  employs a spacer and/or bushings to allow for ease of movement. The pivot  110  can include any hinging material known in the art including a pin. In the depicted embodiment, the frames  101 , 102  when rotated to the open position are secured in the open position by an over-center locking device  103 . In one embodiment, the over-center locking device  103  is a metal hinge which is coupled to both frames  101 , 102 . The locking device  103  can serve a plurality of purposes. First, the locking device  103  locks the frames in place so that the frames cannot collapse when in the use position without adjusting the locking device  103 . Second, the locking device  103  defines the maximum distance the frames  101 , 102  can be separated. This keeps the chair in the desired position. Additionally, in some embodiments this alleviates pressure on the flexible seat member  105 , ensuring it is not stretched beyond its breaking point. 
     The flexible seat member  105  is made of canvas or other similar material and is attached to the outer frame  102  and the inner frame  101  using screws, rivets, sewing, or other similar methods known in the art. When in the open and locked position, flexible seat member  105  is stretched tight forming an upward facing seat panel. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the chair further comprises a flexible backrest  106 . It should be noted that some embodiments, for example, in some embodiments of the roller bag configuration, the chair does not employ a backrest  106 . The flexible backrest  106  has a back side and a front side which will touch the user&#39;s back when in the second sitting position. 
     The flexible backrest  106 , typically made with similar material as the seat member  105 , is attached to the top of the outer frame  102  using screws, rivets, sewing, etc., and is affixed in such a way that its flexibility acts as a hinge, allowing it to pivot back. In a preferred embodiment the flexible backrest  106  material covers the top of the outer frame  102  so that when a user sits in the chair the user does not sit directly on the outer frame  102 . Such an embodiment allows for increased comfort. For example, if the outer frame  102  is metallic, then the frame can become undesirably hot during the heat and undesirable cold during the winter, decreasing the overall comfort of the chair. Additionally, in one embodiment the backrest  106  comprises cushions  119  which offer additional support and comfort in both the sitting configuration as well as the transport configuration. 
     When opened and in use the back side of the backrest  106  can be used to display logos for the invention itself or other advertisements such as team logos or corporate promotions. In one embodiment, the angle of backrest  106  is secured and adjusted using front support straps  104  which are affixed to the inner frame  101  using screws, rivets, or the like. The front support straps  104  are also attached to the backrest  106  by screws, rivets, sewing, etc. In one embodiment, the front support straps  104  are attached to the front of the inner frame  101  as opposed to the side as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Such an embodiment allows for easier collapsing of the chair as the strap  104  and its securing means do not interfere with the collapsing as they are not located in between the two frames  101 ,  102 . 
     The backrest  106  has stiffeners  116  made of plastic, steel, aluminum, or other rigid materials, that are sewn in or otherwise secured to provide additional support to the user&#39;s back. In one embodiment, when in the second open position, the bottom of each stiffener  116  rests on the top of outer frame  102  and such interface forms a fulcrum to further provide rigidity to the users back. It should be noted, however, that the stiffeners  116  are not separately attached to either frame. Thus, while the stiffeners  116  offer additional back support, they are not attached to the frame  102 . Instead, they are attached and secured to the backrest  106 , which as described above, is hingably attached to the outer frame  102 . In one embodiment the stiffeners  116  are surrounded by the fabric of the backrest  106  so that the stiffeners  116  are not visible to the user. Again, because the stiffeners  116  are not themselves attached to the outer frame  102 , they are not considered an additional frame. Instead, the stiffeners  116  simply offer additional support to the backrest  106 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the chair further comprises optional arm rests  107 . The arm rests  107  are made from a variety of materials including plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the arm rests  107  may comprise padding or other features such as cup holders. The arm rests  107  can be secured in many ways. In one embodiment the stiffeners have pivot rods  109  attached and which protrude from the backrest  106 . The armrests  107  are hingably attached to pivot rods  109 . The armrests  107  are supported in the down position by a cam and pin arrangement, adjustable straps attached to the backrest  106 , or other means. In another embodiment the arm rests are secured at one end to the backrest  106  and are supported at the other end of the arm rest  107  by adjustable straps also attached to the backrest  106 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate other ways of securing arm rests which are within the scope of this invention. 
     In one embodiment, when the flexible backrest  106  is in the up position it is held in such position by a back support strap or straps  121  that are attached to the back of the top portion of the outer frame  102 . The back support straps  121  are also connected to the back lower portion of the flexible backrest  106  by means of a buckle  122 , snap or hook and loop material. Said back support straps  121  prevent the flexible backrest  106  from folding over when the seat is not occupied. This is an improvement over prior art chairs wherein the backrest fell whenever the occupant stood. As can be appreciated, when attending a soccer game, for example, the occupant may stand and sit several times in a game. Constantly having to lift up the backrest can become very frustrating. Thus, in one embodiment the backrest  106  is supported in the front and back by straps which prevent the backrest  106  from tipping forward or backward. 
     The instant invention provides for several embodiments of the transport configuration. For example, in one embodiment the transport configuration comprises a backpack whereas another comprises a rolling bag. 
     To close the chair and prepare it for transport the armrests  107  are folded up into the same plane as flexible backrest  106 . The straps holding flexible backrest  106  in the upright position are released, allowing it to fold down flat against flexible seat member  105 . The over-center locking devices  103  are released and inner frame  101  rotates until it is in substantially the same plane as outer frame  102 . The flexible seat member  105  automatically folds and hangs below the frames  101 , 102  and the flexible backrest  106  then hinges over and hangs in front of the folded frames  101 , 102 . 
     In the backpack transport configuration, to transport the user can employ the use of shoulder straps  111  which are preferably adjustable in length by adjusters  115 . A user can then carry the chair like a typical backpack wherein the load is supported by shoulder straps. The shoulder straps  11  may be attached to either frame, but in a preferred embodiment, the shoulder straps are attached to the upper center of outer frame  102  by screws or rivets and the lower outer portion of outer frame  102  by screws or rivets. In this carrying position the flexible backrest  106  forms a pad to cushion the user&#39;s back from the forces imposed by the weight of the chair. Thus, while carrying, the back side of the backrest  106  is positioned against the carrier&#39;s back. As discussed previously, in one embodiment the backrest  106  is cushioned which provides extra comfort to the user. The shoulder straps  111  upper attachment locations maintain a force upon the frame which prevents the chair from folding open while being carried by said straps  111 . This is another improvement over prior art chairs. Because the straps  111  are attached to the outer frame  102 , and because the inner frame  101  pivots outward in the same direction where the carrier is located, the carrier of the pack is in the way and the chair is prohibited from opening. Further, even if the pack is not carried by the shoulder straps  111  but instead by a carrying handle  114  secured to the outer frame  102  (depicted in  FIG. 2 ), the chair is prohibited from opening because the backrest  106  prohibits the inner frame  101  from pivoting open. In another embodiment the chair comprises a cup holder. In one embodiment, the cup holder is attached to one of the frames. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the backside of the storage panel  112  is visible. Because the outer frame  102  is at an angle, the storage panel  112  is also at an angle. When in the unfolded position the storage panel  112 , as depicted, is located beneath the flexible backrest  106  and it is easily accessed by users sitting the seat. The location places the weight of the storage panel and its contents inside the envelope formed by the seat frames  101 , 102  which prevents the chair from falling over when in the open position. Despite the angle of incline, the goods located in the panel  112  are secure. A better description of the storage panel  112  can be found by referring to  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in its backpack transport configuration. As can be seen, in the folded position the chair can also be carried or hung for storage using the carrying handle  114 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates the storage panel  112 . In one embodiment, the chair comprises at least one storage panel  112  attached to at least one of the frames  101 , 102 . The storage panel  112  depicted is attached to the back of outer frame  102 , but as described below the location and number of the storage panels  112  can vary. In the embodiment depicted, the storage panel  112  employs two pockets  113 . Other embodiments may employ pockets  113  of varying sizes, shapes, and number. For example, the pockets  113  can be insulated pockets for hot or cold food/drinks or comprise a bladder with an optional drinking tube for carrying drinking liquids. Open areas of the storage panel  112  can be used to display logos for the invention itself or other advertisements such as team logos or corporate promotions. In other embodiments the storage panel  112  comprises a traditional backpack which may have additional pockets. Thus, the backpack may contain one or more large volume compartments internally and one or more external pockets. The storage panel  112  may comprise a briefcase, laptop carrier, or a panel comprising assorted pockets. In one embodiment, the chair does not comprise any storage panels  112 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate other storing means which are within the scope of the instant invention. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , in another embodiment, the inner frame  101  is bent along its length. In one embodiment, the inner frame  101  is bent below the pivot  110 . In one embodiment, the inner frame  101  is bent in an outward direction so as to form a wider base. Thus, in such an embodiment, the distance between the front base and the back base is increased compared to an unbent inner frame  101 , resulting in a wider base. A wider base offers increased stability. In such an embodiment the chair converts into the backpack chair configuration as typically described. In such an embodiment, the frames  101 ,  102  will remain in the same plane above the bend but will not be in the same plane below the bend. Thus, in one embodiment, the frames  101 ,  102  will lie in the same plane above the pivot, but will not be in the same plane below the bend. 
     In another embodiment, the outer frame  110  comprises a bend. In such an embodiment, the frames  101 ,  102  remain in the same plane above the bend but will not be in the same plane below the bend. In such an embodiment, the distance between the front base and the back base is increased compared to an unbent outer frame  102 , resulting in a wider base. Accordingly, in one embodiment at least one of said frames comprises a bend. Further, when the chair is in the first position for transport, the inner  101  and outer  102  frames are in the same plane above said bend. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in its roller bag transport configuration. A roller bag configuration is ideal for the traveling business person but is suitable for any person who finds it necessary to carry items and occasionally sit. For example, a business person often must carry a laptop, a briefcase, and the required flight documents. Because the airport is often busy, many times there is not an open seat available. Consequently, the business person is forced to stand and hold all of his or her belongings. However, the roller bag offers storage which can store the briefcase, laptop, and flight documentation. Further, because the roller bag is also a chair, the user can also sit in the chair. Finally, in one embodiment the roller bag is sized to be carried onto the airplane. 
     The chair in its roller bag transport configuration works the same as the chair described above herein. However, rather than being carried as a backpack, the chair is designed to be pulled as a roller bag. Accordingly, at least one of the frames  101 , 102  further comprises wheels  118 . The wheels  118  can be made of virtually any material, including but not limit to plastic, wood, and metal. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels  118  are sized and placed in such a fashion so as to not interfere with the chair in its use configuration. Thus, when in a chair configuration, the wheels  118  do not touch the ground. Those skilled in the art can easily determine ideal placement of the wheels  118 . For example, in one embodiment the wheels  118  are placed so that the lower portion of the wheel  118  is above the lowest portion of the outer frame  102 . In such an embodiment, the wheels  118  are not engaged unless the roller bag is tilted at a specified angle. 
     The chair in its roller bag configuration also comprises a pulling handle  116 . Such a handle  116  allows the user to more easily roll the bag. In a preferred embodiment, the handle  116  is extendable to a height that a user can easily grab the handle and walk comfortably. The extendable handle  116 , when not in use is pushed back into the storage panel  112  for storage. In a preferred embodiment, the pulling handle  116  is secured between the storage panel  112  and said frames  101 , 102 . The storage panel  112  depicted is attached to the outer frame  102  and does not interfere with the opening and closing of the chair. The storage panel  112  can comprise the same embodiments as discussed above including pockets, backpack, briefcase, or laptop carrier. 
     In the depicted embodiment, a second storage panel  117  is located on the inner frame  101  below the pivot  110 . Because the bottom of the inner frame  101  pivots upward (when viewed in  FIG. 3 ), such a location will not hinder the operation of the chair. Similar variations of the storage panel  112 , including pockets and backpacks may similarly be employed. Thus, a user of the depicted chair can store a laptop in the first storage panel  112  and a briefcase in the second storage panel  117 . Referring back to  FIG. 1 , it can be appreciated that if such a second-lower storage panel  117  were employed, it would be located at the bottom of inner frame  101  and would, like the first storage panel  112 , have an angle of inclination. In some embodiments it may be desirable to only have one storage panel and in other embodiments it may be desirable to have two. The second storage panel  117 , while only depicted in the roller bag configuration, can also be used in the backpack configuration. 
     As discussed above, the inner frame  101  can also comprise a bend. Thus, in the transport position the frames  101 ,  102  will be in the same plane at a position above the bend but will not be in the same position below the bend. Likewise, as discussed, the outer frame  102  can also comprise a bend. 
     While not depicted, it should be noted that in some embodiments the chair can be operated as a roller bag and a backpack. For example, in one embodiment the chair in the roller bag configuration comprises shoulder straps  111 . In such an embodiment, a user can utilize the chair&#39;s wheels and roll the chair in the roller bag configuration. However, upon encountering rough terrain, the user can employ the chair&#39;s shoulder straps  111  and carry the chair in its backpack configuration. 
     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.