Patent Publication Number: US-2022225773-A1

Title: Stowaway compact rocker

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/137,948, filed Jan. 15, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to collapsible furniture, and more particularly relates to improvements in rocking chairs or seats that can be readily set-up for use and collapsed for transportation and storage. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a collapsible and portable stowaway compact rocker designed especially for use as a beach chair, lawn chair, and the like, where the rocker, in a set-up condition, can be rocked by a seated user, and where the rocker can be readily collapsed from the set-up condition to a collapsed and bundled condition from transportation and/or storage. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Popularity of the minivan, the sport utility vehicle and the recreational vehicle has resulted in increased demand for improved collapsible furniture and particularly collapsible portable furniture of the outdoor type which may be readily stowed in a vehicle and conveniently manually transported to a picnic area or the site of a spectator event, such as, for example, an outdoor concert, a sporting event, a golf tournament, or an air show, where the general rule is to bring your own seating accommodations. 
     Considerable attention has been directed to the provision of improved lightweight, collapsible and portable furniture for the picnicker, camper, spectator, sportsman, hunter, fisherman, hiker, biker and the like. However, the resulting furniture designs and particularly the designs for chairs and seats have usually incorporated some reduction in size, as compared to the full-sized article, with a corresponding reduction in the level of seating comfort and/or functionality. The wooden beach chairs and lawn furniture of an earlier era have generally been replaced by light-weight tubular metal furniture of a more modern design. While newer lightweight designs have greatly improved transportability of such chairs, little has been done to optimize the collapsibility and portability of the full-sized article without compromising comfort, which is a general goal of the present invention. 
     Beach and lawn chairs adapted to be folded for transportation and/or storage typically have a frame fabricated from elongated structural members, preferably metal. Such prior art chairs provide the convenience of easy fold-up, and are lightweight so as to permit easy transportability. Common uses for such chairs are at the beach or at a picnic where easy set-up and break-down, as well as the ability to carry the chair along with other things, is desirable. Due to the intricate interconnection of all the frame members, including for front-to-back, side-to-side and full X-Y quad chairs, such chairs often require all the legs to remain in contact with the ground to ensure safety and structural integrity of the chair during use. However, there is a desire for a rocking chair that is likewise foldable and portable, so that a user at a picnic or an outdoor event can relax in their chair and rock as desired. 
     Conventional beach and lawn chairs commonly have not been capable of rocking due to the design and construction of such chairs. For example, prior art pack chairs, which generally include chair frame members that can be attached to form a lightweight chair frame, and detached to break down the chair and bundle the components for transportation and storage, have heretofore not had rocking capability. Adding components to help the user rock in such chairs while seat either has not been feasible due to the design of the chair frame and its component parts or have compromised the ability of the chair to be collapsed and/or bundled, as desired. Moreover, added components have compromised the size and weight of the chairs so that they no longer collapse to a small and lightweight bundle that is optimal for transportation and storage. 
     Additionally, existing foldable rocking chair designs are commonly not suitable for most outdoor uses, especially on soft ground, dirt or sand. The limitations of such prior art chairs are mostly dues to the use of rocking components, such as arched rails or compression springs that both provide rocking motion but also support the chair frame when set-up. With such designs, the chair generally does not maintain full contact by all legs with the ground or support surface. On soft ground or sand, this aspect increases the risk that one or both sides of the chair will sink into the ground, get bogged down, through the chair frame off balance, overly torque or stress individual legs or frame component, and ultimately affect the set-up condition of the chair, the rocking motion of the chair and, more significantly, the integrity and safety of the chair to support a seated user. 
     In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a chair that can be rocked by a seated user when in a set-up condition that can also be collapsed in order to reduce the space occupied by the chair in a collapsed and bundled condition. Further, there is a need for such a chair that utilizes a common pack seat design, that can act as a collapsible and portable stowaway rocker chair that is easy to set-up and break down. Further, there is a need for such a chair that can be collapsed with minimal effort, without limiting or compromising the structural features permitting set-up and rocking of the chair. Further, there is a need for a chair that can be rocked by a seated user, as desired, without compromising the collapsing and transport of the chair, and without affecting the safety and structural integrity of the chair, especially on all types of surfaces, including soft ground and sand. In this regard, there is a further need for a collapsible and portable stowaway rocker chair with an adjustable rocker mechanism, whereby a user can adjust the rocking capability of the chair to accommodate the user&#39;s specific desires for use. 
     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a collapsible and portable rocking chair design of a compact stowaway chair, or pack seat, design that overcomes the problems and drawbacks associated with folding chairs and rocking chairs, and therefore significantly improves the utility of such a rocking chair in the set-up condition while permitting easy transportation and/or storage in a collapsed condition. 
     The present invention addresses these issues, and provides a means to circumvent the associated drawbacks of such prior art collapsible and portable rocking chair designs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a stowaway compact rocking chair design that is collapsible and portable, and especially suitable for use as a beach chair, a lawn chair, and the like, where the chair, in a set-up condition, can be rocked by a seated user, and where the chair can be folded from the set-up condition to a collapsed and bundled condition for transportation and/or storage. 
     In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a stowaway compact rocker having a set-up condition and a collapsed and bundled condition, and further having rocking capability when in the set-up condition comprises a stationary chair frame base and a movable seating chair frame adapted for rocking movement relative to the stationary chair frame base. In embodiments, the stationary chair frame base comprises a central axle tube; a pair of leg plates disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the central axle tube; and a pair of front leg tubes and a pair of rear legs tubes, each of said front leg tubes and rear leg tubes being adapted for connection to a respective one of the leg plates. In embodiments, the movable seating chair frame comprises a pair of seat tube plates mounted on the central axle tube for rotation thereabout; a pair of seat member tubes, each of said seat member tubes being adapted for connection to a respective one of the seat tube plates; and a pair of back-rest member tubes, each of said back-rest member tubes being adapted for connection to a respective one of the seat tube plates. The rocker also includes at least one inner spring rod transversely connected between the seat tube plates, said at least one inner spring rod being adapted for rotational movement about the central axle tube with said seat tube plates; at least one outer spring rods transversely connected between the leg plates; and at least one center spring rod plate mounted on the central axle tube for rotation thereabout. The at least one inner spring rod and the at least one outer spring rod pass through the at least one center spring rod plate such that rotational movement of the at least one inner spring rod effects movement of the at least one center spring rod plate, which in turn flexes the at least one outer spring rod. In the set-up condition of the rocker, the movable seating chair frame is adapted for movement relative to the stationary chair frame base when a pressure is applied to at least one of the chair seat and the chair back-rest by a seated user, with the transverse connection of the spring rods and the interaction between the movable seating frame and the stationary chair frame effectuating the rocking action. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, a seating fabric is mounted to the seat member tubes and the back-rest member tubes of the chair frame in the set-up condition of the rocker and define a chair seat and a chair back-rest adapted to receive a seated user in the set-up rocker. 
     An alternative rocking mechanism can be used without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. For example, rocking motion can be imparted to the movable seating chair frame using torsion springs or other compliant members disposed between a movable component and a stationary component. In embodiments of the present invention, torsion springs may be disposed within each of the seat tube plates, and be relatively operatively connected between a respective seat tube plate and the central axle tube to effectuate the rocking motion for the chair. 
     In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a stowaway compact rocker having a set-up condition and a collapsed and bundled condition, and further having rocking capability when in the set-up condition comprises a stationary chair frame base; a movable seating chair frame adapted for rocking movement relative to the stationary chair frame base; and a rocker mechanism operatively connected between the stationary chair frame base and the movable seating chair frame. The stationary chair frame base comprises a central axle tube; a pair of leg plates disposed at opposing longitudinal ends of the central axle tube; and a pair of front leg tubes and a pair of rear legs tubes, each of said front leg tubes and rear leg tubes being adapted for connection to a respective one of the leg plates. The movable seating chair frame comprises a pair of seat tube plates mounted on the central axle tube for rotation thereabout; a pair of seat member tubes, each of said seat member tubes being adapted for connection to a respective one of the seat tube plates; and a pair of back-rest member tubes, each of said back-rest member tubes being adapted for connection to a respective one of the seat tube plates. The movable seating chair frame is adapted for movement relative to the stationary chair frame base when a pressure is applied to at least one of the chair seat and the chair back-rest by a seated user. 
     In embodiments of the present invention, the rocker mechanism comprises compliant members engaged between movable components (e.g., the movable seating chair frame) and stationary components (e.g., the stationary chair frame base), such as transversely extending spring rods, flexible tension rods, torsion springs, leaf springs, and the like. 
     In an aspect of the present invention, the transverse positioning of the at least one center spring rod plate is adjustable by sliding movement along the central axle tube. Adjustment can be imparted by manual means or mechanical means (e.g., rack-and-pinion adjustment). 
     In an aspect of the present invention, the front leg tubes and the rear leg tubes are adapted to be disengaged from the leg plates for collapsing the rocker to its collapsed and bundled condition. Likewise, the seat member tubes and the back-rest member tubes adapted to be disengaged from the seat tube plates for collapsing the rocker to its collapsed and bundled condition. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the front leg tubes, rear leg tubes, seat member tubes and back-rest member tubes are shock-corded to remain connected to the rocker even when in the collapsed and bundled condition of the rocker. Further, each removable frame member tube may include means for connecting the member tube to the central hub of the collapsed rocker to maintain the collapsed and bundled condition during storage and/or transportation. 
     These and other features of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments of a collapsible and portable rocking chair. The illustrated embodiments of features of the present invention are intended to illustrate, but not limit the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a stowaway compact rocker in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a chair frame for the stowaway compact rocker of  FIG. 1  in a set-up condition. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a planar side view of the chair frame of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a planar front view of the chair frame of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the chair frame of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the chair frame of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed and bundled condition. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of the core of the chair frame of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 8  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the core of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a chair frame in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIGS. 10-11  illustrate partial perspective views of the chair frame of  FIG. 9  with frame members collapsed to a collapsed and bundled condition. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a chair frame in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of the core of the chair frame of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the core of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a chair frame in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a planar side view of the chair frame of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a planar front view of the chair frame of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the chair frame of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of the core of the chair frame of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates an exploded perspective view of the core of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to collapsible and portable rocking chair, and more particularly, a stowaway compact rocker especially suitable for outdoor use as a beach chair, lawn chair, and the like, where the rocker, in a set-up condition, can be rocked by a seated user, and where the rocker can be readily collapsed from the set-up condition to a compact collapsed and bundled condition for transportation and/or storage. 
     In the drawings and the description that follows, the present invention is illustrated and described with reference to stowaway compact rocker designs embodying the present invention. A first embodiment of such a rocker, generally designated as reference numeral  10 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 . A second embodiment of a stowaway rocker in accordance with the present invention, provides means for securing the collapsed rocker  10  in its bundled condition, and is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11 . A third embodiment of a stowaway rocker in accordance with the present invention, generally designated as reference numeral  110 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 . A fourth embodiment of a stowaway rocker in accordance with the present invention, generally designated as reference numeral  210 , is illustrated in  FIGS. 15-20 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the rocking capability for the stowaway compact rocker is adjustable to accommodate varied preferences of seated users. Additionally, preferred embodiments provide an adjustable rocking mechanism so that the rocking capability and comfort level can be optimized to the user&#39;s desires, said rocking mechanism comprising compliant members, such as spring rods, torsion springs, leaf springs or the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a stowaway compact rocker  10  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in a set-up condition for use. More particularly, a user can sit in the set-up rocker  10 , and in accordance with the present invention, rock in the rocker  10  as desired. The stowaway compact rocker  10  can be easily set-up for use in a variety of environments, and especially for outdoor use at picnics, concerts, sporting events and the like. Likewise, the stowaway compact rocker  10  can be easily collapsed into a collapsed and bundled condition, such as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , for transport or storage when not in use. In  FIG. 6 , seating fabric  12  is removed to illustrate the collapsed and bundled relationship of the chair frame components in the collapsed and bundled condition of the chair/chair frame. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the stowaway compact rocker  10  comprises a chair frame  14 . The general structure of the chair frame  14  is consistent with conventional pack seat designs, and comprises a transversely extending central hub  16 , a pair of front leg tubes  18  projecting forward and angled downward from the central hub  16 , a pair of rear leg tubes  20  projecting rearward and angled downward from the central hub  16 , a pair of seat tubes  22  projecting forward and angled upward from the central hub  16 , and a pair of back-rest tubes  24  projecting rearward and angled upward from the central hub  16 . Each of the front leg tubes  18 , rear leg tubes  20 , seat tubes  22  and back-rest tubes  24  is removably connected to the central hub  16 , and when so attached, define the chair frame  14  and support a seating fabric  12  to receive a seated user. In the alternative, these frame members could remain connected to the central hub  16  and be movable between set-up and collapsed conditions, for example via pivotal, sliding, telescoping and flexing connection, and combinations thereof. The seating fabric  12 , as mounted on the chair frame  14 , is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and is preferably provided in one piece. When the rocker  10  is not needed, the rocker  10  can be collapsed into a collapsed and bundled condition, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , by first removing the seating fabric  12 , and then disengaging the tube members  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  from the central hub  16 , much in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Indeed, the bundled chair frame  14 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , can be wrapped in the seating fabric  12 , and then further stored in a storage/carrying bag (not shown). In alternate embodiments, the seating fabric  12  can be designed to act as a storage and carrying bag for the collapsed and bundled chair frame  14 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the tube members  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  are internally shock-corded to facilitate ready and quick assembly and disassembly and allow for compact storage when the rocker  10  is not in use without risk of losing parts. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the front leg tubes  18 , rear leg tubes  20  and seat tubes  22  are preferably made of single-piece construction of lightweight but rigid metal, for example, aluminum, but may also be fabricated from high-strength plastic. While the back-rest tubes  24  may also be made of single piece construction, they are preferably designed to be sectionalized, telescopically or otherwise, to reduce the footprint of the collapsed bundle while providing a high back-rest in the set-up condition of the pack seat rocker  10 . A headrest brace  26  may be provided at the top of the back-rest tubes  24  to define and strengthen the head rest portion of the back-rest. The headrest brace  26  is disengaged from the back-rest tubes  24  to collapse the back-rest of the rocker  10 . The back-rest tubes  24  and the headrest brace  26  are likewise made of lightweight but rigid construction, for example, metal (such as aluminum) or high-strength plastic, and may be shock-corded together to facilitate ready assembly and disassembly of the pack seat rocker  10 . Various elongated structural parts or members comprising the chair frame  14  are preferably constructed from tubular material of circular cross-section, or in the alternative, or non-circular cross-section, such as, for example, extruded aluminum tubing having oval, elliptical, or square cross-section. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7-8 , the unique core or central hub  16  in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. Notably, each of the embodiments of the stowaway compact rocker of the present invention, unlike conventional pack seats available on the market, can be rocked by a seated user. Conventional pack seats merely provide a stationary seat when set-up. In the present invention, the rocking action is supplied by a rocking mechanism for effectuating a rocking motion between movable and stationary components of the chair frame. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7-8 , the rocking mechanism comprises transverse spring rods or compliant members disposed in the central hub  16 . More particularly, a spring force is provided by flexing compliant members, such as by bending the spring rods. Moreover, the present invention permits adjustment of the tension of the spring rods or compliant members to increase or reduce the rocking action of the stowaway compact rocker. 
     As illustrated, the central hub  16  comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion comprises a central axle tube  28  transversely mounted between left and right leg plates  30 L and  30 R, each having mirrored construction to one another. A respective front leg tube  18  and rear leg tube  20  is connected to each of the leg plates  30 L,  30 R for set-up of the rocker  10 . For example, each leg plate  30 L,  30 R includes front and rear cavities  32  and  34  adapted to snugly and securely receive the front and rear leg tubes  18  and  20 , respectively. The leg tubes  18  and  20  can be removably snap fit into the cavities  32  and  34  to ensure a solid connection so that the set-up rocker  10  remains stable and sturdy when a user is seated, and especially when a user is rocking in the rocker  10 . As noted, each of these components—the central axle tube  28 , the left and right leg plates  30 L,  30 R, and the front and rear leg tubes  18  and  20 , remain stationary when the rocker  10  is in its set-up condition, regardless of whether the user is rocking the seat or sitting stationary. 
     The movable portion of the central hub  16  comprises left and right seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R, each having mirrored construction to one another, that are mounted for rotation on the central axle tube  28 . The seat tube plates  36 L,  36 R are positioned adjacent to and transversely inward of respective leg plates  30 L,  30 R. During rocking use of the stowaway compact rocker  10 , the seat tubes  22  and the back-rest tubes  24  will move with rotation of the seat tubes plates  36 L,  36 R about the central axle tube  28 . Each seat tube plate  36 L,  36 R includes cavities  38  and  40  for respectively receiving a seat tube  22  and a back-rest tube  24 . The cavities  38 ,  40  are adapted to snugly and securely receive the seat and back-rest tubes  22  and  24 . The seat tubes  22  and the back-rest tubes  24  can be removably snap fit into respective cavities  38  and  40  to ensure a solid connection so that the set-up rocker  10  remains stable and sturdy when a user is seated, and especially when the user is rocking. 
     The moveable portion of the central hub  16  also comprises left and right center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R, each having mirrored construction to one another, that are mounted for rotation on the central axle tube  28 . The central axle tube  28  extends through central annular openings  44  in each of the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R. The center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R are not fixed into place, and in accordance with the present invention can be slid along the central axle tube  28  to adjust the rocking motion of the rocker  10 . In this regard, the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R can be moved closer together or further apart to adjust the spring rate on transversely extending compliant members, such as spring rods, that facilitate the rocking motion imparted by the movable portion of the central hub  16 . For example, the center spring plates  42 L and  42 R can be manually slid in or out along the central axle tube  28 . Alternatively, the position of the center spring plates  42 L and  42 R can be mechanically adjusted, such as by a rack and pinion means as illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14  and described herein below. When the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R are moved closer together, and thus, closer to a central axis of the chair frame  14 , the seat and back-rest of the rocker  10  will have greater rocking motion due to decreased spring force. Conversely, when the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R are moved away from each other and closer to the sides of the chair frame  14 , the rocking motion will be reduced due to increased spring force. 
     As noted, in preferred embodiments, the central hub  16  further includes four spring rods—two inner spring rods  46  and two outer spring rods  48 —preferably constructed from steel which extend transversely parallel to the central axle tube  28 . The inner spring rods  46  are transversely connected between the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R and thus rotate with movement of the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R. The outer spring rods  48  are transversely connected between the leg plates  30 L and  30 R, extending through arced slots  50  in the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R, and thus do not rotate with movement of the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R. Each of the inner spring rods  46  and outer spring rods  48  also extend through openings  52  in the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R, and when the position of said plates  42 L and  42 R is adjusted, the plates  42 L and  42 R slide along the length of the inner and outer spring rods  46  and  48 . 
     In preferred embodiments, the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R are tightly fitted around the inner spring rods  46  and the outer spring rods  48 . Adjusting the lateral position of the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R corresponding adjusts the tension applied to the spring rods  46  and  48 , and thus the spring rate of said spring rods  46  and  48 , during rocking motion of the rocker  10 . 
     Though illustrated as having two inner spring rods  46  and two outer spring rods  48 , the number, and relative placement, of spring rods can vary without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. For example, a single inner spring rod  46  can be transversely positioned between the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R and a single outer spring rod  48  can be transversely positioned between the leg plates  30 L and  30 R. Alternatively, the number of inner springs rods  46  does not need to match the number of outer spring rods  48 . 
     Similarly, the present invention can use a single center spring rod plate  42  that is adjustable along the central axle tube  28 . Additionally, the form of said center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R can be altered without departing from the spirit and principles of the present invention. Fundamentally, the center spring rod plate(s)  42  serve as an “activator” for bending the compliant members connecting the outer plates once a user rocks the rocker  10 , thus creating the reaction/spring force in the transversely extending compliant members. In this regard, the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R can be plates mounted around the central axle tube  28  and the compliant members, as illustrated, or in the alternative, take the form of spokes, levers, cam linkages, or the like that engage and manipulate the compliant members to impart a force to create a reaction/spring force therein. 
     In use of the set-up stowaway compact rocker  10  for rocking motion, when the user leans back on the back-rest or forward on the seat, the movable portion of the central hub  16  will pivot or rotate backwards and forward relative to the stationary portion of the central hub  16 . Thus, the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R will rotate about the central axle tube  28 . As a result, the seat and back-rest portions of the rocker  10  will also move in backwards and forwards directions. The front and rear legs  18  and  20  remain stationary. The rocking motion of the movable portion of the central hub  16  will cause the inner spring rods  46 , attached between each of the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R, to rotate therewith, which will rotate the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R. Movement of the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R applies a rotational pressure to the outer spring rods  48 , fixedly attached between each of the stationary leg plates  30 L and  30 R, which adds tension to the outer spring rods  48 , bending and flexing them with motion of the movable portion of the rocker  10 . The flexing of the outer spring rods  48  essentially creates a spring or compliant member supplying the rocking action of the rocker seat, twisting in one direction and then the other in connection with back and forth rocking motion of the rocker  10 . 
     To collapse the stowaway compact rocker  10 , the seating fabric  12  is removed from the chair frame  14 . Then, the frame tube members  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  described herein are disengaged from the central hub  16  to create a seat bundle ( FIG. 6 ) for easy transport or storage of the rocker  10 . As noted, each of the frame tube members  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  is internally shock-corded so that all the frame members stay connected, cannot be lost, and can be easily reconnected to set-up the rocker  10  in an efficient and quick fashion. For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5-6 , the front and rear leg tubes  18  and  20  are removed from their cavities  32  and  34  in the leg plates  30 L and  30 R and preferably repositioned in generally parallel relationship to the central axle tube  28 . Likewise, the seat tubes  22  are removed from their cavities  38  in the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R and similarly positioned generally parallel to the central axle tube  28 . The back-rest tubes  24  are also removed from their cavities  40  in the seat tube plates  36 L and  36 R, and the sectioned portions of said back-rest tubes  24  are disengaged, along with the headrest brace  26 , and all components bundled and repositioned generally parallel to the central axle tube  28 . Once all the frame members have been removed and bundled, the entire bundle can be wrapped with the seating fabric  12  and placed in a storage/carrying bag (not shown) for transport and/or storage. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , each leg tube  18  and  20  includes a foot  54  at the bottom end thereof to stabilize the set-up rocker  10  on any surface, such as grass, dirt, sand or hard floor. 
     In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, each frame member—namely, the front leg tubes  18 , the rear leg tubes  20 , the seat tubes  22  and the back-rest tubes  24 —may include means for connecting and securing the frame members in the collapsed and bundled condition of the rocker  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , each removable frame member includes a collar  54  having a hook, clip or other projection, generally designated as reference numeral  56 . Referring to  FIG. 11 , the center spring rod plates  42 L and  42 R are provided with a lip  60  defining a slot or channel  62  around the outer perimeter thereof. Preferably, the collars  54  are secured (e.g., by rivet) to each removable tube member  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  at a position so that the hook  56  will engage the lip  60  in the center spring rod plate  42 L and  42 R when the frame member  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  is folded to its collapsed position, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-11 . More preferably, when the frame member  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  is folded to a position adjacent to the central hub  16 , the collar  54  will be positioned close to the center spring rod plate  42 L and  42 R, and the shock cord (illustrated as reference numeral  64  in  FIG. 10 ) will add a tension bringing the collar  54  into alignment therewith so that the hook  58  engages the lip  60  and the slot or channel  62  in the center spring rod plate  42 L,  42 R, thus securing the frame member  18 ,  20 ,  22  and  24  in place so that it does not come lose when the rocker  10  is in its collapsed and bundled condition. As noted, this means of connection is provided on each of the front leg tubes  18 , rear leg tubes  20 , seat tubes  22  and back-rest tubes  24 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9-10 . 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , rocking capability of the stowaway compact rocker  110  can be adjusted by different adjustment means. The general structure of the chair frame  114  is the same or similar to the rocker  10  and chair frame  14  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  and described above, and common components share similar numerical designations. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 , a threaded central tube  166  is mounted on the central axle tube  128 . The center spring rod plates  142 L and  142 R are threaded on the interior opening and engage the complementary thread on the central tube  166 . Adjustment of the center spring rod plates  142 L and  142 R is via rack-and-pinion means using an adjustment knob  168  provided on one or both sides of the chair frame  114  in operative communication with the central axle tube  128 . In operation, when the knob  168  is rotated—either clockwise or counterclockwise—the central axle tube  128  will rotate. As a result of the rotational movement of the central axle tube  128 , the threaded central tube  166  will rotate, which, in turn, moves the center spring rod plates  142 L and  142 R towards or away from each other depending on the rotational direction imparted to the threaded central tube  166 . 
     Though the central axle tube  128  is mounted for rotation to adjust the position of the center spring rod plates  142 L and  142 R, the central axle tube  128  and the threaded central tube  166  remain stationary (i.e., do not rotate) during rocking motion of the rocker  110 . In this regard, the knob  168  can include a locking mechanism (not shown) to lock the position of the center spring rod plates  142 L and  142 R during rocking use of the chair  110 . 
     Another alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 15-20 , and shows a stowaway compact rocker  210 . The general structure of the chair frame  214  for rocker  210  is the same or similar to the rocker  10  and chair frame  14  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6  and described above, with modifications to the rocking mechanism. More particularly, the core or central hub  216 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 19-20 , comprises a different compliant design to impart rocking motion to the rocker  210 . Common components share similar numerical designations. 
     As illustrated, rocking of the chair frame  214  can be facilitated by torsion springs  270  provided on each side of the chair frame  214 . As with other embodiments described herein, the central hub comprises a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion of the rocker  210  comprises left and right outer housings  272 L and  272 R, each having mirrored construction to one another. A respective front leg tube  218  and rear leg tube  220  is connected to each of the outer housings  272 L and  272 R for set-up of the rocker  210 . For example, each outer housing  272 L and  272 R includes front and rear cavities  232  and  234  adapted to snugly and securely receive the front and rear leg tubes  218  and  220 , respectively. The leg tubes  218  and  220  can be removably snap fit into the cavities  232  and  234  to ensure a solid connection so that the set-up rocker  210  remains stable and sturdy when a user is seated, and especially when the user is rocking the rocker  210 . As noted, each of these components—namely, the left and right outer housings  272 L and  272 R, and the front and rear leg tubes  218  and  220 —remains stationary when the rocker  210  is in its set-up condition, regardless of whether the user is rocking the seat or sitting stationary. 
     The movable portion of the central hub  216  comprises left and right inner housings  274 L and  274 R, each having mirrored construction to one another, that are mounted for rotation on and with a central axle tube  228  extending between said inner housings  274 L and  274 R. The inner housings  274 L and  274 R are positioned adjacent to and transversely inward of the outer housings  272 L and  274 R, respectively. During rocking use of the stowaway compact rocker  210 , the seat tubes  222  and the back-rest tubes  224  will move with rotation of the inner housings  274 L and  274 R about a central axis relative to the outer housings  272 L and  272 R. Each inner housing  274 L and  274 R includes cavities  238  and  240  for respectively receiving a seat tube  222  and a back-rest tube  224 . The cavities  238  and  240  are adapted to snugly and securely receive the seat and back-rest tubes  222  and  224 , respectively. The seat tubes  222  and the back-rest tubes  224  can be removably snap fit into the cavities  238  and  240  to ensure a solid connection so that the set-up rocker  210  remains stable and sturdy when a user is seated, and especially when the user is rocking in the rocker  210 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , each of the inner housing  272 L and  272 R includes an internal cavity  276 , and each of the outer housings  274 L and  274 R includes an internal cavity  278 . When pairs of outer and inner housings  272  and  274  are adjacently positioned, the respective internal cavities  276  and  278  align to receive a torsion spring  270  or other compliant member. During rocking motion of the rocker  210 —that is, when the inner housings  272 L and  272 R move relative to the outer housings  274 L and  274 R, the torsion springs  270  facilitate the rocking motion between relative forward and rearward positions, imparting a forwards and backwards rocking motion to the movable portion of the central hub  216 . 
     Alternative compliant members may also be used to impart the rocking motion between the movable and stationary portions of the central hub. For example, leaf springs or flexible tension rods can be used in a similar manner to the transversely extending spring rods shown and described herein. 
     The images and description of embodiments herein generally illustrate a stowaway compact rocker with front-to-back rocking motion. Notably, the present invention also has utility providing side-to-side rocking motion, such as for a pack seat concept or a baby cradle or bassinet, without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. Such alternate designs would utilize the general concepts described herein, namely a central hub design having a stationary portion and a movable portion, wherein said central hub would extending front-to-back instead of transversely, and more preferably utilize a central axle tube and inner and outer spring rods or compliant members extending front-to-back, or in the alternative, torsion springs relatively positioned on the front and back of a central axle tube, so that the seat or cradle portion will rock side-to-side. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the stowaway compact rocker in accordance with the present invention, a storage/carrying bag can be provided to hold the collapsed and bundled rocker, such as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , for storage and/or transportation. This bag can be provided with an opening along it length for inserting the collapsed and bundled rocker. When the rocker is set-up, the bag can be placed over the top of the back-rest. In embodiments, the bag includes a pillow projecting on the outer surface of the bag, and when the bag is placed over the top of the back-rest, the bag/pillow provides a pillow for the seated user. In alternate designs, the pillow can be a padded projection or a foam sewn into the sidewall of the bag. Still further, the pillow can be a foam insert removably provided in a pocket formed on the bag, or a pocket with an inflatable bladder, so that the bag can be smaller when in storage/carrying bag mode as opposed to pillow mode. 
     Still further, use of the bag over the top of the back-rest can provide stability to the set-up rocker. As noted, a headrest brace  26  can be used, but is not necessary. Instead, the carrying bag can act as the headrest brace, and in this regard, can include a reinforcing member (such as a sewn-in brace member) to improve stability of the set-up chair. 
     Additionally, the storage/carrying bag can include additional storage pockets for holding personal effects when using the set-up chair with the bag placed over the top of the back-rest. 
     The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. The embodiments described were chosen to best illustrate the principles of the invention and practical applications thereof to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular uses contemplated.