Patent Publication Number: US-6698827-B2

Title: Collapsible support and methods of using the same

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a support having multiple configurations, and in particular, to a support that can be positioned in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. 
     Some conventional supports can be used as chairs to support a user. Such chairs are often transported and used in various outdoor settings. Difficulty exists in transporting a chair. For example, conventional chairs cannot be easily collapsed and transported due to the shape and weight of the chairs. 
     The need exists for a collapsible support that can be easily transported to various locations. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A support includes a frame and a tension member. The support can be positioned in a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. In one embodiment, the support can be used with a cover that can be positioned around a portion of the frame. 
     In one embodiment, the support includes a seat portion coupled to the frame. In the open or expanded configuration, a user can sit on the support and the frame is self-supporting. 
     When the frame is in its expanded configuration, the tension member is coupled to the frame to provide support for an arm of the user. When the frame is in its collapsed configuration, a cover can be placed over a portion of the frame or support. In this configuration, the tension member is not contained by and extends from the cover, thereby enabling a user to place the tension member over the user&#39;s shoulder for transporting the support. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a support according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the support of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the support of FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a tension member of the support of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a tension member of the support of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom coupler of the rear frame portion of the support of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a portion of the rear frame portion of the support of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a cover according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIGS. 9-15 illustrate a process, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by which the support can be transformed from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration. 
     FIGS. 16-18 illustrate the movement of the tension members relative to the rear frame portion. 
     FIG. 19 illustrates a storage bag of the support of FIG.  1 . 
     FIGS. 20-21 illustrate a support and a pillow according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pillow according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 23 illustrates a combination of a support and a shade according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 24-28 illustrate alternative embodiments of a shade according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 29 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a support according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 30-32 illustrate a combination of a support and a storage device according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 33 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a storage device according to the present invention. 
     FIG. 34 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a support according to the present invention. 
     FIGS. 35-36 illustrate alternative embodiments of a support according to the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A support includes a seat portion, a frame, and a tension member. The frame can be positioned in a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration in which the frame is self-supporting. The tension member is disposable in a first position to provide support for an arm of a user and a second position to be carried on a shoulder of a user. When the frame is in its collapsed configuration, the tension member can be placed over a user&#39;s shoulder to transport the support. When the frame is in its expanded configuration, the tension member can be disposed in its first position to support an arm of a user. 
     A support according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of the support or support assembly  10  in a deployed or expanded configuration. In one embodiment, support  10  can be used as a chair in its expanded configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the support  10  includes a seat portion  20 , tension members  40 ,  70 , and a frame  100 . The seat portion  20  and the tension members  40 ,  70  are coupled to the frame  100 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  100  includes a rear frame portion  110  and a front frame portion  140 , which are coupled together by upper side support bars  130 ,  132  and lower side support bars  134 ,  136 . 
     Each of the support members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  are pivotally coupled to the front and rear frame portions  110 ,  140 . Upper side support member  130  is pivotally coupled to lower side support member  134  proximate their midpoints. Similarly, upper side support member  132  is pivotally coupled to lower side support member  136 . 
     In one embodiment, the upper ends of lower side support members  134 ,  136  are bent with respect to the remainder of the support members  134 ,  136 . The bent portions of the lower side support members  134 ,  136  are located proximate to the seat portion  20 . When the frame  100  is in its expanded configuration, the upper ends of the lower side support members  134 ,  136  do not extend into the seat portion  20  and engage the user on the support  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the rear frame portion  110  includes support members  112 ,  114 , and a coupler  120 . The support members  112 ,  114  are coupled together at their upper and lower ends by an upper coupler  116  and a lower coupler  118 , respectively. Additionally, the lower coupler  118  is pivotally coupled to the ends of lower side support members  134 ,  136 . The rear frame portion  110  has a bottom surface  128  proximate the lower coupler  118 . The bottom surface  128  is adapted to rest on a supporting surface. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the support members are hollow, metal tubes, such as steel tubes. Support members can be formed of any material and configured in any cross-sectional shape that provides sufficient structural strength to support a user. For example, the support members can be aluminum tubes, plastic tubes, solid metal or plastic bars, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the coupler  120  is a plate that includes holes  122 ,  124  and is slidably mounted to support members  112 ,  114 . As shown in FIG. 3, support members  112 ,  114  extend through holes  122 ,  124 , respectively. The holes  122 ,  124  are sized to slide along the length of support members  112 ,  114 . Slide plate  120  is pivotally coupled to the upper ends of the upper side support members  130 ,  132 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the support  10  includes an extension member  126  coupled to the slide plate  120 . In one embodiment, the extension member  126  is a cord. The cord  126  is used to collapse the support  10  from its expanded configuration. The cord  126  is threaded through apertures (not shown) in the upper coupler  116  and connected to the plate  120 . The function of the extension member is discussed in further detail below. 
     While the slide plate is formed of plastic in the disclosed embodiment, any suitable material may be used. Similarly the shape of the slide plate may be varied so long as the slide plate can move along the rear frame portion. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the front frame portion  140  includes elongated support members or support members  146 ,  148  that are pivotally coupled to each other. Support members  146 ,  148  include upper ends  158 ,  160  and lower ends  162 ,  164  and form an “X” structure. 
     In one embodiment, support members  146 ,  148  include portions  154 ,  156  as illustrated in FIG.  2 . Portions  154 ,  156  are substantially linear. When the frame  100  is in its expanded configuration, portions  154 ,  156  are oriented substantially horizontal and are positioned beneath the membrane  22  to provide support. 
     In one embodiment, support members  146 ,  148  include portions  150 ,  152  as illustrated in FIG.  2 . Portions  150 ,  152  are substantially linear. In this embodiment, the support members  146 ,  148  are pivotally coupled together at portions  150 ,  152 . 
     The lower ends  162 ,  164  of the support members  146 ,  148  are pivotally coupled to front feet  166 ,  168 , respectively. Each of the front feet  166 ,  168  has a bottom surface  170 ,  172  that can engage the surface on which the support  10  is placed. Front feet  166 ,  168  are pivotally coupled to upper side support members  130 ,  132 . 
     Support members  146 ,  148  are coupled to the seat portion  20  and to the lower side support members  134 ,  136 . The seat portion  20  includes apertures or holes  30 ,  32  through which the support members  146 ,  148  can be inserted. The upper end of lower side support member  134  is pivotally coupled to the second planar portion  154  of support member  146 . Similarly, lower side support member  136  is pivotally coupled to the second planar portion  156  of support member  148 . 
     The front frame portion  140  has an upper portion  142  and a lower portion  144 . The upper front frame portion  142  includes the front frame portion  140  located above the seat portion  20 . The lower front frame portion  140  includes the front frame portion  140  located below the seat portion  20  in FIG.  2 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  100  is a self-supporting structure. When the frame  100  is in its expanded configuration, the weight of the components of the frame  100  hold the frame  100  in its expanded configuration. The frame  100  does not need the seat portion  20  or one of the tension members  40 ,  70  to remain in its expanded configuration. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the seat or seat portion  20  includes a membrane  22  that is supported on the frame  100 . The seat portion  20  includes a strip  24  along the perimeter of the membrane  22 . The membrane  22  has ends  26 ,  28  and holes  30 ,  32  that are located proximate to end  28 . End  26  of the membrane  22  is coupled to the rear frame portion  110 . End  28  is releasably coupled to the front frame portion  140 . 
     As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end  158  of the support member  146  is inserted through hole  30 . Similarly, the upper end  160  of support member  148  is inserted through hole  32 . Membrane  22  is supported on the second planar portions  154 ,  156  of each support member  146 ,  148 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane  22  is darted at regions  33  on either side of the seat portion  20 . A triangular notch is cut in membrane  22  in each region  33 . The membrane  22  is collected together to close the notch, thereby causing the membrane  22  to form a cup-like shape as illustrated in FIG.  1 . The straps  34 ,  36  are secured to the membrane  22  in regions  33  to cover up the notch and to reinforce regions  33 . The straps  34 ,  36  are also coupled to the membrane  22  to provide support to the seat portion  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, strip  24  and straps  34 ,  36  are sewn to the membrane  22 . However, the components of seat portion  20  can be coupled together using any known method of coupling items. 
     The term “membrane” is used herein to include, but is not limited to, a layer of material. For example, the membrane can be a piece of fabric such as nylon or neoprene. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the support  10  includes tension members  40 ,  70  that are coupled to the frame  100 . While the tension members  40 ,  70  are illustrated as substantially similar, the tension members do not have to be similar. Similarly, it is not necessary that the support has two tension members. Only one tension member will be discussed in detail below to simplify the description of the invention. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member is an elongated fabric strap. Alternatively, the strap can be a rope, cord, webbing, or any other structure that can provide a tensile force. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member includes a padded portion  42 , and a strap portion  60 . Tension member  40  is coupled to the rear frame portion  110  and the front frame portion  140 . 
     One end of tension member  40  includes a hole  48  through which support member  112  is inserted. Accordingly, the tension member  40  is slidably coupled to the support member  112  of the rear frame portion  110 . The opposite end of the tension member  40  is connected to the front frame portion  140  at front foot  162 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tension member  40  is releasably coupleable to the front frame portion  140 . As illustrated in FIG. 4, the padded portion  42  of the tension member  40  includes ends  44 ,  46  and a coupler  50  having an opening or hole  52  therein. Coupler  50  and hole  52  are located proximate end  46 . The hole  52  is configured to receive a portion of the upper end  158  of the support member  146 . Upper end  158  is inserted into and is seated in coupler  50 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 5, the strap portion  60  of tension member  40  includes ends  62 ,  64 , a fixed portion  66 , and an adjustable portion  68 . One end  62  of the strap portion  60  is coupled to end  46  of the padded portion  42 . The strap portion  60  also includes a tensioner  70  that couples the fixed portion  66  to the adjustable portion  68 . Tensioner  70  can be adjusted to change the length of the strap portion  60 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, tensioner  70  is a buckle that is coupled to a free end of the fixed portion  66 . Tensioner  70  can be any mechanism that can be used to retain two points on the strap portion together to vary the distance between the ends of the strap portion. For example, tensioner  70  can include a pair of buckles, a pair of clips, hook and loop fasteners, etc. 
     In an alternative embodiment, adjustment of the tension member can adjust the disposition of the frame. For example, the coupler can be sized to permit movement of the tension member relative to the upper end of the support member. Since the tension member is coupled to the rear frame portion, the tension member and the rear frame portion are pulled forwardly as the strap portion is shortened. When the rear frame portion is pulled forwardly, the angle that the rear frame portion is reclined relative to the supporting surface varies. Accordingly, the user can adjust the recline position of the support by adjusting the strap portion of the tension member. 
     An embodiment of a lower coupler is illustrated in FIG.  6 . Lower coupler  118  includes mounting portions  180 ,  190  and a bottom portion  186 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portions  180 ,  190  and the bottom portion  186  are integrally formed. 
     Mounting portions  180 ,  190  include side walls  183 ,  184  and  193 ,  194 , respectively. Mounting portion  180  includes coupling portions  181 ,  182 . Coupling portion  181  can be referred to as straight section or portion  181 . Coupling portion  182  can be referred to as angled section or portion  182 . As illustrated in FIG. 6, coupling portion  181  is oriented at an angle relative to coupling portion  182 . Similarly, mounting portion  190  includes coupling portions or straight section  191  and angled section  192 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 6, rear support members  112 ,  114  are coupled to mounting portions  180 ,  190  by fasteners  185 ,  195 , respectively. Fasteners  185 ,  195  can be any type of fastener that allows relative movement between the rear support members and the lower coupler. 
     Side support members  134 ,  136  are coupled to mounting portions  180 ,  190  by fasteners  185 ,  195 . In the illustrated embodiment, the side support members  134 ,  136  are coupled to the angled sections  182 ,  192  of the mounting portions  180 ,  190 . Rear support members  112 ,  114  are coupled to the straight sections  181 ,  191  of the mounting portions  180 ,  190 . 
     When the frame is moved from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration, side support members  134 ,  136  pivot about fasteners  185 ,  195  in different planes. Since the angled sections  182 ,  192  are oriented at angles with respect to the coupler  118  as shown in FIG. 6, the planes in which the side support members  134 ,  136  move intersect each other. 
     Since the connections of the side support members  134 ,  136  to the lower coupler  118  are in front of and at angles to the connections of the rear support members  112 ,  114  to the lower coupler  118 , the torque on the connections at the lower coupler  118  generated by the collapsing of the frame  100  is lower than the torque generated in conventional supports. Similarly, since the fasteners connecting a side support member and a rear support member to a particular mounting portion are not parallel, the torque generated in the fasteners during the collapsing or expanding of the frame is reduced. 
     The bottom portion  186  of the lower coupler  118  includes openings  196 ,  198 . When the support  10  is placed on a surface with loose material, such as sand or dirt, the loose material can pass through openings  196 ,  198 . 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the upper portion of the rear frame portion. The extension member  126  is coupled to the slide plate  120  and extends through openings in the upper coupler  116 . The extension member  126  also passes through openings in the tension members  40 ,  70  behind the holes through which the rear support members  112 ,  114  extend. 
     In one embodiment, the extension member  126  includes two knots  125 ,  127 . Each knot  125 ,  127  is positioned below and provides support for the end of one of the tension members  40 ,  70 . Above the tension members  40 ,  70 , the extension member  126  warps around each of the rear support members  112 ,  114  and passes through openings in the upper coupler  116  on the outside of the support members  112 ,  114 . The operation of the extension member is discussed in greater detail below in FIGS. 16-18. 
     An embodiment of a cover is illustrated in FIG.  8 . Cover  200  includes a membrane  202  having an edge  204  that defines an opening  206 . An elastic band  208  is sewn along edge  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the membrane is a nylon material. 
     FIGS. 9-15 illustrate a process, in ascending order, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by which a collapsible support can be changed or transformed from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration. It should be understood that the process can be reversed to transform the support from its collapsed configuration to its expanded configuration by following FIGS. 9-15 in reverse order. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, the user releases the tension in the tension member  40  by increasing the length of the strap portion  60 . The user then removes or decouples the upper end  158  of the support member  146  from the tension member  40  as illustrated in FIG.  10 . These steps, releasing the tension and removing the tension member  40 , are repeated for the second tension member  70 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 11-12, the user grasps and pulls upwardly on the cord  126  while holding onto the upper coupler  116 . When the user pulls the cord  126 , the slide plate  120  slides upwardly along support members  112 ,  114 . As the slide plate  120  moves upwardly, the ends of the support members  130 ,  132  connected to the slide plate  120  move upwardly. As a result, the lower ends of the upper side support members  130 ,  132  are drawn toward the rear frame portion  110  and the lower side support members  134 ,  136  pivot about their lower ends. The scissor-like movement of the side support members  130 ,  132 ,  134 ,  136  draws the front frame portion  140  towards the rear frame portion  110 . The movement also causes the front feet  162 ,  164  to move together and the upper ends  158 ,  160  to move together. 
     Once the frame  100  is collapsed, the user then secures the support  10  in its collapsed configuration by fastening the clip  128  that is coupled to the front frame portion  140  to cord  126  as illustrated in FIG.  13 . 
     Cover  200  can be placed over the collapsed support  10  as illustrated in FIGS. 13-14. The cover  200  is configured to receive a portion of the collapsed support  10 . In particular, the cover  200  encloses a portion of the frame  100 . The tension members  40 ,  70 , however, are not enclosed by and extend from the cover  200 . As illustrated in FIG. 15, the tension members  40 ,  70  can be supported on the shoulders of the user. FIGS. 16-18 illustrate the rotation of the tension members during the collapsing of the frame. Line  111  represents a plane defined by the rear support members  112 ,  114 . The direction in which the support  10  is facing is illustrated by the arrow F. 
     In FIG. 16, the support  10  is illustrated in its expanded configuration. As the user grasps the extension member  126  and pulls it upwardly, the tension members  40 ,  70  and the location of the knots  125 ,  127  rotate around the rear frame member  110 . As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, tension member  40  rotates around rear support member  112 . Tension member  70  rotates in an opposite direction about rear support member  114 . The rotation of the tension members  40 ,  70  is caused by the wrapping of the extension member  126  around each rear support member  112 ,  114 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, as the extension member  126  is pulled higher and advances upwardly along the rear frame portion  110 , the relative positions of the knots  125 ,  127  move around the rear support members  112 ,  114 . The wrapping movement of the extension member  126  around members  112 ,  114  causes the tension members  40 ,  70  to move between a position in which they provide support to a user&#39;s arm and a position on the rear of the frame  100  in which they can be carried on the shoulders of a user. The positions of the tension members  40 ,  70  relative to the frame  110  during the collapsing process are illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. 
     In one embodiment, the support  10  can include a pouch  220  as illustrated in FIG.  19 . The pouch  220  is coupled proximate to the end  28  of the seat portion  20 . The pouch  220  includes an attachment strap  222 , a fabric portion  224 , and a draw string  226 . The attachment strap  222  is coupled to the seat portion  20  and supports the fabric portion  224  of the pouch  220 . A draw string  226  is provided at the upper surface of the fabric portion  224  to close the opening  228 . 
     While the illustrated fabric portion is made from a mesh material, the fabric portion can be any material that can be used to support and retain an article. Similarly, the fabric portion can be any size or shape that enables the pouch to hold articles. 
     In one embodiment, the support  10  includes a pillow  80 . As illustrated in FIGS. 20-21, the pillow  80  includes a body with a front surface  82  and a rear surface  84 . The front surface  82  of the pillow  80  can be used to support a portion of a user&#39;s body, such as a head, neck, or back. The pillow  80  includes a fabric loop  86  mounted on its rear surface  84 . 
     The pillow  80  is slidably coupled to an elongated strap  90  that extends along the back portion of the seat portion  20 . Strap  90  is inserted into loop  86 , thereby allowing the pillow  80  to slide a long strap  90 . The pillow  80  can slide between upper and lower position as illustrated in FIG.  20 . In the upper position, the pillow  80  is a head cushion for the support  10 . 
     The strap  90  includes ends  92 ,  94 . End  92  is coupled to end  26  of the membrane  22 . The other end  94  of the strap  90  includes a fastener  96  and can be selectively attached to the membrane  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, fastener  96  is a hook fastener that can be coupled to the membrane  22  of the seat portion. Thus, the pillow  80  can be disposed in a plurality of positions on the membrane  22  as determined by the strap  90 . 
     In one embodiment, the strap  90  can be flipped over the upper coupler  116  and rest against or be secured to the back of the support  10 . When the support  10  is collapsed, the pillow  80  can be positioned along strap  90  so that it is positioned between the frame  100  and the user when the support  10  is carried on the user&#39;s back. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the pillow is filled with a stuffing material. In an alternative embodiment, the pillow can be a pouch with a sealable opening into which material can be inserted. As illustrated in FIG. 22, pillow  240  may include a flexible membrane  242  that defines an opening  244 . The pillow  240  can include a closing mechanism  246 , such as a zipper or a hook and loop fastener, to close the opening  244 . When the support  10  is in its expanded configuration, the cover  200  can be stuffed into the pillow  240  to enable the pillow  240  to be used as a support. 
     FIGS. 23-28 illustrate several alternative embodiments of shades that can be used with a support according to the present invention. Shades can be utilized with any type of support, including the support illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, each of the shades is releasably coupled to a support with tethering lines  314  and coupling elements  316 . Coupling mechanisms other than tethering lines and coupling elements can be used to secure the shades to the supports. For example, straps with buckles, clips, or slide on pockets can be used. Alternatively, a shade can utilize sand anchors to position the shade relative to a chair, instead of coupling the shade to the chair. 
     Also, while the tethering lines are illustrated as secured to the shades via holes, the coupling mechanisms can be clipped, adhered, sewn, or connected to the shades using any other method of coupling items. The arrangement of the coupling mechanisms, including the holes on the shades, can vary depending on the desired arrangement. 
     In one embodiment, a support can include a shade  300  coupled thereto. In FIG. 23, shade  300  is coupled to the support  10  at three locations. Shade includes a membrane  340 , a frame  320 , and ends  302 ,  304 . An opening  310  is formed in membrane  340  proximate to end  302 . A fabric material  312 , such as mesh, covers opening  310 , which provides ventilation. 
     The membrane  340  is coupled to the frame  320  that provides support for the shade. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  320  is a flexible band, such as a thin metal band. An example of a shade is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/764,059, entitled “Collapsible Sunshade and Methods of Using the Same”, filed Jan. 19, 2001, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     The coupling mechanisms  316  are releasably secured to mounting elements that are connected to the support as illustrated. In one embodiment, the support  10  can include mounting elements  326 ,  328  located on the front frame portion  140 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 23-28, the shape and features of the shade embodiments can vary. In FIG. 24, shade  400  includes a membrane  410 , a frame member  420 , and flaps  430 ,  432 . The frame member  420  is a flexible metal band that provides support to the membrane  410 . In this embodiment, the frame member  420  does not extend around the perimeter of the shade  400 . The flaps  430 ,  432  are provided on the side of the center portion of the membrane  410 . 
     Additional embodiments of a shade are illustrated in FIGS. 25-28. In FIG. 25, shade  500  includes flaps  530 ,  532 . Shade  500  is substantially similar to shade  400 , which is shown in FIG. 19, with the exception of the shapes of the flaps. In FIG. 26, shade  600  includes ends  602 ,  604 , one of which has an inwardly curved shape. In FIG. 27, shade  700  includes ends  702 ,  704 , one of which has an outwardly curved shape. 
     In FIG. 28, shade  800  has a hexagonal shape with several flaps  802 ,  804 ,  806  located on its perimeter. 
     The shapes of the shades, including the flaps, can be varied depending on the desired amount of protection from the sun, rain, etc. The frame member of a shade provides support and can be located in different portions of the shade, depending on the desired flexibility of the shade. 
     The support  10  can also include a storage bag  900  as illustrated in FIG.  29 . The bag  900  includes a wall  910  that defines an opening  906  into which articles can be inserted. The opening  906  can be adjusted using a drawstring  914 . The bag  900  includes a rod  912  along a portion of the wall  910 . When the support  10  is in its expanded configuration the weight of the rod  912  causes the bag  900  to lean to one side of the support  10  to bias the bag  900  into an open position. 
     The support  10  is releasably coupled to the frame  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the support includes mounting element  904  that can be coupled to coupler  902  on the frame  100 . 
     Alternatively, the support  10  can include a storage device  1000  as illustrated in FIGS. 30-33. The storage device  1000  includes mounting elements  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014 ,  1016 , a mesh compartment  1030 , a cooler compartment  1034 , and pockets  1040 ,  1042 ,  1044 . The support  10  includes couplers  1020 ,  1022 ,  1024 ,  1026  that can interact with the mounting elements  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014 ,  1016  to releasably couple the storage device  1000  to the support  10 . For example, the storage device  1000  can be supported on the frame  100  when it is connected to primary mounting elements  1010 ,  1012 , and one or both of the secondary mounting elements  1014 ,  1016 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 30, when the support  10  is in its expanded configuration, the storage device  1000  can be positioned on one side of the support  10  to allow for easy access to the cooler compartment  1034  and the pockets  1040 ,  1042 ,  1044 . 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 31-32, when the support  10  is in its collapsed configuration, the storage device  1000  can be coupled to the support  10  opposite the tension members  40 ,  70 . The connection of the storage device  1000  and the support  10  allows for easy transportation of the storage device  1000  with the support  10 . 
     In one embodiment of the storage device  1000 , as illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 32, the storage device  1000  includes a stake  1060  and a sleeve  1062 . The stake  1060  is stored in the sleeve  1062  when the support  10  is in its collapsed configuration. 
     The stake  1060  can extend through the sleeve  1062  when the support  10  is in its expanded configuration. When the stake  1060  extends from the sleeve  1062 , the stake  1060  engages a support surface to provide support for the storage compartment  1000 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 31, storage device  1100  includes frame members  1050 ,  1052  and an anchor  1120 . The frame members  1050 ,  1052  are mounted in sleeves  1054 ,  1056  and provide rigidity to the storage device  1110 . The anchor  1120  can be used to support the storage device  1100  when the support  10  is in its expanded configuration. 
     The anchor  1120  can be releasably coupled to the frame members as illustrated in FIG. 31, or can be coupled at any point along the bottom or side of the storage device  1100 . 
     In one embodiment, two anchors  1116 ,  1118  can be coupled to a single strap  1117  that is slidably threaded through loop  1111 . In one embodiment, the storage device can include two or more loops through which the strap is threaded. Depending on the orientation of the storage device  1100 , anchor  1116  or anchor  1118  can be pulled out to one side to be engaged with a supporting surface and to secure the storage device  1100 . Strap  1117  can be any flexible, elongated member that can be positioned along the storage device  1110 . 
     Many possible variations on the particular embodiments described above would be consistent with the principles of the invention. Several additional variations are described below. 
     In one embodiment, the support  1200  can include floatation devices. As illustrated in FIG. 34, support  1200  includes floatation devices  1210 ,  1212  coupled to the tension members  40 ,  70 . Additional floatation devices can be coupled to the support  10  at different locations to increase the buoyancy of the support  1200 . For example, a floatation device can be positioned beneath part of the seat portion. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, floatation devices are inflatable members that are coupled to the tension members. The floatation devices can be any device that can float (i.e., has a density less than that of water). 
     In one embodiment, the support  10  can also include wheels coupled to support members that are pivotally coupled to the frame. As illustrated in FIG. 35, a wheel  1300  is rotatably mounted to a wheel support member  1310  that is coupled to the frame. The wheel support member  1310  can be moved between an upper position and a lower position as represented by the arrow in FIG.  35 . Thus, when the support  10  is in its expanded configuration the wheel  1300  can be pivoted into and out of contact with the support surface. A user can lift up the front frame portion of the support so that only the wheels contact the support surface. Accordingly, the user can easily pull the support to a different location. 
     In another embodiment, the support  10  can include wheels  1400 ,  1402  as illustrated in FIG.  36 . In this embodiment, the wheels  1400 ,  1402  are rotatably mounted to an axle positioned proximate to the lower coupler  118 . A locking mechanism (not shown) can be provided to lock the wheels  1400 ,  1402 . 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.