Patent Publication Number: US-RE45417-E

Title: Selectively configurable chair system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to chairs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable chairs are useful for transporting a chair to a desired location where the chair can be set up and used. One exemplary application for such a chair is hunting, which often requires a user to both transport a chair to a relatively inaccessible location and stay seated for long periods of time during the hunt. Other exemplary applications include sporting events, social events, and ice fishing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention include a stowable chair system. Such a chair system is useful for providing a chair that can be placed in a stowed configuration so that it can easily be transported to a desired location for use. Some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for use as a hunting chair, where the chair can be placed in its stowed configuration and carried to a hunting location where it can be placed in a seating configuration for use by a hunter. Embodiments of the invention are also useful at sporting events, social events, and for ice fishing. 
     Some embodiments of the invention include a chair with a first leg retention assembly and a second leg retention assembly. The first leg retention assembly is useful for retaining chair legs in a seating configuration, and the second leg retention assembly is useful for retaining chair legs in a stowing configuration. Further, some embodiments also include a swivel system to allow a user seated in the chair to swivel with respect to the legs when the chair is in the seating configuration. Accordingly, embodiments of the invention provide a chair that is both easily stowable in a compact shape for transporting to desired locations, as well as large and comfortable for a user that is seated in the chair, even for long periods of time. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  shows a side plan view of a chair in a seating configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a front plan view of a chair in a seating configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3A  shows a back plan view with hidden lines of a chair in a stowing configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  shows a back plan view with hidden lines of a chair with integrated handles in a stowing configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a top plan view of a chair foot in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a side plan view of a chair foot in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. It should be noted that all references to vertical, horizontal, above, below, front, rear, left, right and the like are terms of convenience referring to the chair as positioned in a seating configuration. 
     Embodiments of the invention include a stowable chair system  10 . Such a chair system  10  is useful for providing a chair that can be placed in a stowed configuration such that it can easily be transported to a desired location for use. Some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for use as a hunting chair, where the chair can be placed in its stowed configuration and carried to a hunting location where it can be placed in a seating configuration for use by a hunter, and for use at sporting events, social events, and for ice fishing. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3A , some embodiments of the invention include a chair system  10  with a first leg retention assembly  20  and a second leg retention assembly  30 . The first leg retention assembly is useful for retaining first, second, third, and fourth legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  in a seating configuration as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , while the second leg retention assembly is useful for retaining first, second, third, and fourth legs in a stowing configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     As shown by comparison of  FIGS. 1-2  with  FIG. 3A , in some embodiments the first leg retention assembly  20  is operatively coupled to a base assembly  50  to selectively retain and position the first, second, third and fourth legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  in a seating configuration, and the second leg retention assembly  30  is separate from the first leg retention assembly to selectively retain and position the first, second, third, and fourth legs in a stowing configuration. Such an arrangement allows for a compact size for easier portability in the stowing configuration. 
     The first leg retention assembly  20  can include any structure useful for retaining the legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  in a configuration useful for seating (i.e., extending generally downward from a base supporting a seating surface). In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the first leg retention assembly includes first, second, third, and fourth leg attachment members  60 ,  62 ,  64  (the fourth leg attachment is not shown in  FIG. 1  or  2 ) extending from the base assembly  50 . In some embodiments, each attachment member has a cross-sectional dimension slightly less than its corresponding leg, such that it fits inside of its corresponding leg (or vice-versa). Each attachment member can also include a spring loaded protrusion (not shown) that engages a corresponding aperture  68  ( FIG. 1 ) to lock the leg to its respective attachment member. In such embodiments, when a user desires to remove the leg, the user may depress the protrusion to unlock the leg from its respective attachment member. 
     The second leg retention assembly  30  can include any structure useful for retaining the legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  in a configuration useful for stowing. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3A , the second leg retention assembly allows the first, second, third, and forth legs to be parallel to each other when in the stowing configuration. In such embodiments, each of the legs may reside in a single plane. Further, the legs can be in apposition to each other (e.g., the first leg can be in apposition to the second leg, the second leg can be in apposition to the first leg and the third leg, the third leg can be in apposition to the second leg and the fourth leg, and the fourth leg can be in apposition to the third leg, or any similar arrangement). Such embodiments allow the chair to assume a compact shape when in the stowing configuration. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3A , the second leg retention assembly  30  includes a strap system having one or more straps  72 ,  74  (each strap may include a single strap member that is folded back on itself or two joinable strap members) useful for retaining the legs. In the embodiment shown, the first, second, third, and fourth legs are retained only by straps  72 ,  74 , such that no other mechanism is required to retain the legs in the stowing configuration. In one embodiment, the strap system includes two hook and corresponding loop straps attached to a back  78  of the chair  10 . In some embodiments, the strap system also includes a ring (e.g., a 1 inch rectangular plastic ring). In such embodiments, each strap (e.g., a hook and loop strap) is threaded through the ring, pulled tight, and then secured to itself. Such embodiments allow the legs to be retained tighter than overlapping hook and loop straps without such a ring. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3A , the back  78  has a first perimeter edge  80  and a second perimeter edge  82  opposite the first perimeter edge. The back  78  can also have a third perimeter edge  84  and a fourth perimeter edge  86  opposite the third perimeter edge. In certain embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth legs do not extend beyond any of the first, second, third, or fourth perimeter edges when retained by the second leg retention assembly  30  in the stowing configuration. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments the base assembly  50  defines a plane P and the first, second, third, and fourth legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  extend from the plane when retained by the first leg retention assembly  20  in the seating configuration. In such a configuration, the first, second, third, and fourth legs are generally parallel to the plane when retained by the second leg retention assembly  30  in the stowing configuration, as shown in  FIG. 3A . 
     The back  78  is configured to supply a comfortable supportive member to a user sitting in the chair  10 . In some embodiments, it is pivotably connected (e.g., via a bolt) to the base assembly  50  such that it can be folded with respect to the base assembly to provide a compact shape for the stowing configuration. In some embodiments, the back  78  has a first upright member  90  and a second upright member  92  spaced from the first upright member. The back  78  can also have a first horizontal frame member  94  and a second horizontal member  96  connected to the first and second upright members. In such embodiments, the second horizontal member can be spaced from the first horizontal member. Further, as shown in  FIG. 3A , an area A (e.g., a rectangular area) defined by the first and second upright members and the first and second horizontal members can be sized to receive the first, second, third, and fourth legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  when the first, second, third, and fourth legs are retained by the second leg retention assembly  30  in the stowing configuration. In some embodiments, the distance between the first and second horizontal members is such that the first leg can be in apposition to the first horizontal member and the fourth leg can be in apposition to the second horizontal member while the legs are in apposition to each other when retained in the second leg retention assembly. In embodiments where the second leg retention assembly includes a strap system, the strap system can include straps  72 ,  74  spanning (and optionally attached to) the first and second horizontal members. The members themselves can be any rigid member, and in some embodiments include elongated hollow members with a square or circular cross-sectional shape comprising aluminum (e.g., powder-coated aluminum). 
     In some embodiments, the back  78  includes a substrate  100  spanning the area defined by the first and second upright members  90 ,  92  and the first and second horizontal members  94 ,  96 . Further, a back fabric  104  can be provided in apposition to the substrate to span the area defined by the first and second upright members and the first and second horizontal members. In a particular embodiment, the fabric includes a polyester. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , the base assembly  50  can include any structure for supporting a user sitting on the chair  10  and for supporting the first leg retention assembly  20 . In some embodiments, the base assembly  50  includes a first base member  110  pivotably connected to the back  78  and providing a seating surface for a user (e.g., with a cushion and fabric  112 ). In such embodiments, the seating surface and the back fabric of the back can be in apposition when the chair is in the stowing configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3A , the base assembly  50  can also include a second base member  120  spaced from the first base member. In this embodiments, the second base member includes (e.g., is attached to or is integrally formed therewith) the first leg retention assembly  20 . Further, in such embodiments, the first base member can be swivably connected to the second base member by a swivel system  130 . Such a swivel system allows a user seated in the chair to swivel with respect to the legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  when the chair is in the seating configuration. In some embodiments, the swivel system includes a rotatable bearing assembly that allows the first base member to swivel 360 degrees relative to the second base member. Preferably, the swivel system is quiet during a swivel operation so as not to alert any prey of the presence of a hunter if the chair is being used during a hunt. Accordingly, because of the configuration of the first and second leg retention assemblies, embodiments of the invention provide a compact stowable chair that also provides a swiveling function. 
     The legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  can be any rigid member, and in some embodiments include elongated hollow members with a square or circular cross-sectional shape comprising aluminum (e.g., powder-coated aluminum). In some embodiments, the legs are adjustable in length (e.g., between about 13 to about 18 inches). In such embodiments, as illustrated on leg  40  in  FIG. 1 , each leg can include a first leg member  150  with a series of apertures  160  and a second leg member  170  received within the first leg member. The second leg member can include a spring loaded protrusion (not shown) to engage one of the series of apertures. Of course, these features could be reversed with the first leg member having a spring loaded protrusion and the second leg member having a series of apertures. In use, a user can depress the protrusion and engage the first and second leg members until the protrusion is aligned with an aperture corresponding to a desired height. When the desired aperture is reached the protrusion can be allowed to engage the aperture to set the height of the leg. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , the chair system  10  can also include a foot  200  (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth feet) detachably attached (e.g., via pins) to the first, second, third, and fourth legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 , respectively. In some embodiments, each foot  200  has a portion with a horizontal cross-section area greater than a horizontal cross-section of the respective leg. As shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , in some embodiments, the foot has an upright portion  206  which can extend into a leg when attached, and a horizontal portion  208  for placing in apposition to a support surface such as the ground. Such embodiments are useful for providing increased stabilization when the chair is in the seating configuration. Further, because the feet are easily detachable, they can be removed before the chair is placed in the stowing configuration. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3A , the chair system  10  can also include first and second arms  300 ,  302 . In some embodiments, the first and second arms are pivotably coupled to the back  78  to provide a compact size in the stowing configuration. In certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second arms are pivotably connected to the back via bolts  306 . In some embodiments, the arms include padded arm rests  308  over a ridged member  310  to provide comfort to a user. 
     Some embodiments of the chair  10  include integrated handles to enhance the chair&#39;s portability while in the stowing configuration. As shown in  FIG. 3B , a handle  350  can be attached to the chair at a location convenient for carrying the chair. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B , the handle is attached to the back  78  proximate the first horizontal frame member  94 . In some embodiments, a second handle aligned with the first handle is attached to base assembly  50  (not shown in  FIG. 3B ). The handles may include straps, and a hook and loop handle wrap may be provided to connect any aligned handles. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the invention include a chair system  10  with a first leg retention assembly  20  useful for a seating configuration and a second leg retention assembly  30  useful for a stowing configuration. Embodiments of the invention also provide for a compact stowing configuration. In some embodiments, the chair has a maximum thickness of less than about 12 inches (e.g. less than about 10 inches), a maximum width between about 25 inches and about 28 inches (e.g. about 26 inches), and a maximum height between about 20 inches and about 24 inches (e.g., about 22 inches) when in the stowing configuration, yet provides a full-size chair having a maximum height between about 38 inches and about 42 inches (e.g., about 39 inches) (in embodiments including legs with an adjustable length, this height is with the legs adjusted to their maximum length) and a maximum width between about 25 inches and about 28 inches (e.g. about 26 inches) when in the seating configuration. Accordingly, some embodiments of the chair have a ratio of a height in the stowing configuration over a height in the seating configuration that is between about 0.5 to about 0.7. Such an embodiment allows the chair to be easily portable while in the stowing configuration. Further, embodiments of the invention can achieve these dimensional results while allowing the base to swivel with respect to the legs  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  via a swivel system when the chair is in the stowing configuration, and can also provide arms to increase the comfort of a user. In addition, the chair is compact enough to be easily carried in a bag when it is in the stowing configuration. 
     Embodiments of the invention also include methods of selectively configuring any of the various embodiments of chairs described herein between a seating configuration and a stowing configuration. Embodiments of such methods include one or more of the steps of: attaching or detaching first, second, third, and fourth legs from a first leg retention assembly, attaching or detaching first, second, third, and fourth legs to a second leg retention assembly, folding a base and a back together or apart about a pivot, pivoting first and second arms about a back, and attaching and detaching first, second, third, and fourth feet from first, second, third, and fourth legs, respectively. 
     While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, which fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.