Patent Publication Number: US-8979185-B1

Title: Two-position folding chair

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     Not applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE OR COMPUTER PROGRAM ON COMPACT DISC 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to adjustable folding chairs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Folding chairs have long been used to provide a storable means of providing seating for visiting guests at family and home gatherings. They are also used in commercial, civic and social settings to accommodate attendees at weddings, conventions, seminars and conferences. The folding chair of the prior art used for the foregoing purposes suffers from the deficit that that chair is designed to accommodate an occupant in one specific sitting position. Usually the sitting position offered by the prior art folding chair represents a hybrid position somewhere between that offered by a dining table chair (18-inch seat height) and that offered by a more reclined and lower, easy-chair position. In this respect, the prior art folding chair can only be comfortably and practically used in conjunction with a card table (26-inch table height). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,742 discloses a typical folding chair known in the prior art. With this type of chair, the rear of the seat component is pivotally attached to a rigid frame. The rigid frame constitutes the back component of the chair and the two forward extending legs of the chair. When the chair is configured for the sitting position, the legs of the frame respectively emanate from the rear of the seat component from their pivot points and extend downwardly and forward to the floor below the front of the seat component. The back component of the frame typically has an attached back rest. As noted, these type chairs are generally adapted for use with portable, folding card tables of lower height than a typical dining table, which has a table height of thirty inches. Hence, the folding chair of the prior art is not the proper height for a dining chair. As such, the prior art folding chair does not allow for use in a dining setting as it does not allow: a) the occupant to sit at a seat height level appropriate for a dining table; and b) the occupant to sit at a height level commensurate with other diners at the table. Nor does the prior art folding chair provide the comfort of a chair that one would find in a family den or living room with a height appropriate for an end table (cocktail) table. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention addresses the deficits of the prior art folding chair by providing for a folding chair capable of assuming a folded position, a first sitting position and a second sitting position. The first sitting position is the appropriate height and angle for seating adjacent a cocktail table. The second two sitting position is the appropriate height and angle to complement a dining table. 
     The present invention overcomes the noted deficits with the prior art by providing for a folding chair that can be adjusted in seconds from a folded position to either of a first sitting position or a second sitting position. The first sitting position is a position appropriate for use near or adjacent to a cocktail table. In this respect, the chair can be unfolded and configured to an “easy-chair” position, with the seat height at sixteen inches. The second sitting position can offer a seat height of eighteen inches and a correct angle for a dining chair and thus, offers a position appropriate for use at a dining table. Furthermore, the inventive chair can be folded to a flat state. 
     To achieve the features described above the present invention folding chair comprises a seat component, a back component and a leg component. The seat component has a seat front and a seat rear. The back component is connected to the seat rear. The leg component comprises a first pair of legs. This first pair of legs includes a first leg and a second leg. The leg component also has a second pair of legs. This second pair of legs comprises a third leg and a fourth leg. Each of the legs has a top and a bottom. 
     When the chair is configured in a sitting position, the first and second legs each descend downward and rearward from the front seat region. The legs are generally parallel to each other and are situated on opposite sides of the chair. When the chair is configured in a sitting position, the third and fourth legs each descend downward and forward from the rear seat region. The third and fourth legs are generally parallel to each other and are similarly situated on opposite sides of the chair. The first leg is pivotally connected to the third leg such that the bottom of the legs move in scissor fashion in relation to each other as the chair is moved and configured between folded and sitting positions. The second leg is similarly pivotally connected to the fourth leg. 
     A first cross member extends from the top of the third leg to the top of the fourth leg and provides rigidity to the chair and also provides a structure upon which the back component can be mounted. The back component comprises a vertical element. The vertical element has a top and bottom. The bottom of the vertical element is connected to the first cross member and extends vertically upward from it. The ability of the chair to fold and adjust is achieved from the following arrangement of the seat component with the leg component and back component. In contrast to the folding chair of the prior art, the seat front is pivotally attached to the tops of the first and second legs. Further, the seat rear is not connected (mechanically attached) to either the leg component or the back component. The guide-support bar attached to the seat rear runs generally parallel to the seat rear but is located at a distance from the rear seat edge of the seat rear. This distance creates a space between the guide-support bar and the rear seat edge in which the vertical element of the back component extends through. By virtue of this arrangement, the seat rear is adapted for slidable travel along the vertical element. As used herein in reference to the action of the seat rear in relation to the vertical element, the term “along” does not limitedly mean slidable travel in constant contact with the vertical element, but also longitudinal travel adjacent to that surface. As such, the seat rear can slidably move between the top and bottom of the vertical element of the back component. When the seat rear is situated at its position of topmost travel along the vertical element the chair is in the folded position. When the seat rear is situated at its position of bottommost travel along the vertical element the chair is in a first sitting position. 
     To allow the chair to assume a second sitting position, the vertical element of the back component includes at least one catch adapted to receive the guide-support bar attached to the seat rear. Preferably, the catch is situated on the rear surface of the lower part of the vertical element. To allow the chair to assume a dining chair position the catch is optimally located on the vertical element at a situs several centimeters above the bottom of the vertical element. The catch is preferably an upward facing hook or slot that holds the guide-support bar when the guide-support bar is dropped into it. When the catch holds the guide-support bar in this fashion the chair is configured in the second sitting position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention chair configured to accommodate a first (relaxed) sitting position. 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged view of a portion of the rear of the chair shown in  FIG. 2  showing the location where the vertical element connects to the first cross member of the leg component and the seat rear is situated at the bottom of the vertical element when the embodiment chair is configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 5  is a right side elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 6  is a left side elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment chair configured for the first sitting position. 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention chair configured to accommodate a second (dining) sitting position. 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of a portion of the rear of the chair shown in  FIG. 11  showing the location where the vertical element connects to the first cross member of the leg component and the guide-support bar being held in the catches on the vertical element when the embodiment chair is configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 13  is a front elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 14  is a right side elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 15  is a left side elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 18  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment chair configured for the second sitting position. 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of the same embodiment of the present invention chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged view showing a portion of the rear of the chair of  FIG. 20  showing the positioning and arrangement of the guide-support bar in relation to the back component when the embodiment chair is in the folded configuration. 
         FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 23  is a right side elevation view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 24  is a left side elevation view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 25  is a rear elevation view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom plan view of the embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention is directed to a folding chair capable of assuming a folded configuration, a configuration for a first sitting position and a configuration for a second sitting position.  FIGS. 1-9  show a preferred embodiment of the inventive chair configured for a first (relaxed) sitting position.  FIGS. 10-18  depict the same preferred embodiment of the folding chair configured for a second (dining table) sitting position.  FIGS. 19-27  show the same preferred embodiment chair in its folded configuration. 
     As shown in the figures, the present invention folding chair  1  comprises a seat component  2 , a back component  3  and a leg component  4 . Seat component  2  has a sitting surface  27 , a seat front  5  and a seat rear  6 . Seat front  5  is in opposed physical relationship to seat rear  6  on seat component  2  Seat component  2  further includes two opposing seat sides  40 ,  41 , each seat side  40 ,  41  extends between seat front  5  and seat rear  6 . Seat rear  6  of seat component  2  includes rear seat edge  36 . Guide-support bar  7  is connected to seat rear  6 . In a preferred embodiment guide-support bar  7  includes handle  30  to aid in positioning chair  1  among the folded position and sitting positions. 
     Folding chair  1  further includes leg component  4 . Leg component  4  includes a first pair of legs comprising a first leg  8  and a second leg  9 . In the shown preferred embodiment legs  8 ,  9  are in parallel arrangement with each other. Leg component  4  also includes a second pair of legs comprising a third leg  10  and a fourth leg  11 . In the shown preferred embodiment legs  10 ,  11  of the second pair of legs are also in parallel arrangement with each other. Each of the legs  8 ,  9 ,  10  and  11  has a top  12  and a bottom  13 . 
     As seen in the figures, first leg  8  is pivotally connected to third leg  10 . Similarly, second leg  9  is pivotally connected to the fourth leg  11 . In the depicted embodiment chair, when chair  1  is in either sitting configuration, legs  8 ,  9  descend diagonally downward and rearward from seat front  5  to the floor below seat rear  6 . When chair  1  is in either sitting configuration, legs  10 ,  11  descend diagonally downward and forward from the area near seat rear  6  to the floor below seat front  5 . Hence, the first pair of legs  8 ,  9  and the second pairs of legs  10 ,  11  form a cross frame in which the pivotally attached legs move in scissor-like fashion in relation to each other. Pivotally attached legs  8 ,  10  are arranged so as to be situated on one side  40  of seat component  2  when chair  1  is in either of the first or second sitting positions. Likewise, pivotally attached legs  9 ,  11  are arranged so as to be situated on the other side  41  of seat component  2  when chair  1  is in either of the first or second sitting positions. 
     As best seen in the views of the rear of chair  1 , a first cross member  18  extends from the top  12  of the third leg  10  to the top  12  of the fourth leg  11 . First cross member  18  adds rigidity and strength to chair  1 . Its length is determined in relation to the desired width of seat component  2  and operates to define the overall width of chair  1 . Chair  1  can include additional cross members extending between first and third legs  8 ,  10  and also between the second and fourth legs  9 ,  11 . In the depicted embodiment, chair  1  includes second cross member  31  connected to and extending between the lower part of each of first and second legs  8 ,  9  and third cross member  32  connected to and extending between the lower part of each of second and fourth legs  10 ,  11 . 
     As noted, chair  1  includes back component  3 . Back component  3  comprises vertical element  19  and back rest  37 . Vertical element  19  can comprise any number of elongate structures sufficient to provide back support. In the preferred embodiment in the figures, vertical element  19  is formed from two flat slats  34  of sufficient thickness so as to be rigid and strong enough to support the back of an occupant. Vertical element  19  has a top  20  and bottom  21 . As shown in the depicted embodiment, vertical element  19  formed from slats  34  attaches to back rest  37  and forms an elongate rigid frame structure. Bottom  21  of vertical element  19  is fixed to first cross member  18  and extends vertically upward therefrom. In the depicted embodiment, back rest  37  is attached to the top  20  of vertical element  19 . In an alternative embodiment, back rest  37  could be integrally formed from or with vertical element  19 . Back rest  37  includes support surface  38  which is preferably shaped and contoured as in the figures to comfortably receive the back of an occupant when the chair is in either the first or second sitting configurations. 
     Vertical element  19  includes a front surface  35  upon or adjacent which edge  36  of seat rear  6  may slidably travel to allow chair  1  to assume its folded and sitting positions. Accordingly, seat rear  6  slidably travels along vertical element  19  to configure chair  1  from a foldable configuration to a sitting configuration. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, rear seat edge  36  would slidably travel along surface  35  of slats  34  to allow chair  1  to assume its folded and sitting positions. In the depicted embodiment chair  1 , vertical element  19  is fixedly connected to first cross member  18  by welding, but may be connected in other known mechanical ways. At its connection point with first cross member  18 , bottom  21  of vertical element  19  is arcuate to guide seat rear  6  into a formation that allows chair  1  achieve either of the first or second sitting positions. When the chair is in either sitting position, bottom  21  of vertical element  19  (slats  34  in the embodiment shown) extends under seat rear  6 . 
     To allow chair  1  to fold and achieve the first and second sitting positions, seat front  5  is pivotally attached to the tops  12  of the first and second legs  8 ,  9 . In contradistinction to other folding chairs and chairs offering multiple sitting positions, seat rear  6  is not connected to either leg component  4  or back component  3 . By not connecting seat rear  6  in such fashion, seat rear  6  is adapted for slidable travel along vertical element  19  between the top  20  and bottom  21  of the vertical element  19 . In this respect, when seat rear  6  is situated at its position of topmost travel along the vertical element  19 , chair  1  is in the folded position. When seat rear  6  is situated at its position of bottommost travel along vertical element  19 , the chair is in a first sitting position. 
     To allow chair  1  to assume a second sitting position having a seat height appropriate for a standard dining table, vertical element  19  includes at least one catch  22  situated between its top  20  and bottom  21 . Preferably the at least one catch  22  is located near the bottom of vertical element  19 . In the depicted preferred embodiment, chair  1  includes two catches  22 , each located on one of slats  34  that form vertical element  19 . Each catch  22  is adapted to receive guide-support bar  9  and hold seat rear  6  in an arrangement that allows chair  1  to assume the second sitting position. 
     As can be seen in the figures, in the depicted embodiment chair  1  vertical element  19  extends through the area formed between edge  36  at seat rear  6  and guide-support bar  7 . The area between edge  36  at seat rear  6  and guide-support bar  7  thus defines a guide space  25  in which vertical element  19  extends through (within). Guide space  25  thus serves as a guide that guides seat rear  6  of seat component  2  in relation to vertical element  19  as it travels along vertical element  19  when the chair is configured among the folding position and either sitting position. 
     Seat component  2 , back component  3  and leg component  4  can be made from any known material of sufficient strength useful in making furniture such as metal, plastic or wood. It is typical that folding chairs be made of an all-steel construction when balancing strength, durability and cost concerns. The present invention folding chair can be made of such construct. However, typical prior art folding chairs have rigid metal seats and seat backs which can be uncomfortable or visually unappealing. To avoid these problems, seat component  2  and back rest  37  can be made of plastic or wood. Alternatively, seat component  2  and back rest  37  could respectively include sitting surface  27  and support surface  38 , which surfaces could be made from plastic, wood or cushioned fabric to enhance the aesthetics or comfort of chair  1 . The present invention design lends itself to a high end version with a choice of different materials and upholsteries. 
     Moreover, the present invention is easy to set up and take down, or fold and unfold. Chair  1  can be configured from the folded position shown in  FIGS. 19-27  to either sitting position by having a user grasp the top  29  of the chair with one hand and handle  30  with the other hand. While holding the chair in this fashion, the user need only push handle  30  down and along vertical element  19  to open the chair and place it in a sitting position configuration. If a configuration for a dining (second) sitting position is desired, then the user can direct guide-support bar  7  into catches  22  and chair  1  will assume a configuration for use at a dining table. If a configuration for a more relaxed (first) sitting position is desired, the user will push handle  30  (and adjoined seat rear  6 ) all the way to the bottom  21  of vertical element  19  until seat rear  6  reaches the bottom of vertical element  19 . In the shown preferred embodiment first sitting configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , the underside  14  of seat component  2  rests upon first cross member  18 . 
     The present invention folding chair could be easily adapted to accommodate more than two sitting positions. This could be done by simply adding additional catches above or below the dining position catch on vertical element  19 . 
     It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein.