Abstract:
A collapsible chair device is provided including a seat portion, a backrest portion hingeably attached to the seat portion, two or more front leg members hingeably attached to the seat portion, two or more rear leg members hingeably attached to the backrest portion, a base portion pivotally attached to the two or more front leg members and the two or more rear leg members, and a brace member attached on one end to the front support member by a hinge and attached on the other end to the seat portion by a hinge. The device can be converted from a compact and readily portable state to a stable and sturdy chair by an unfolding action wherein all of the components unfold in unison. The device can further include a backrest brace portion and a carrying handle portion.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/771,718, filed on Feb. 10, 2006, entitled “Collapsible Folding Chair”, the entire application being expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    This invention was not federally sponsored. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The embodiments of the invention relate to portable furniture. More specifically, the embodiments of the present invention relate to portable furniture that is foldable. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Furniture is a necessary component of modern living. Items such as sofas, tables, chairs, desks, bookcases, and dressers can be found in almost every home to provide comfort and convenience. Most furniture however, is rather bulky and requires more than one person to transport the furniture item from room to room. To help provide versatility and transportability, certain furniture has been developed that could be folded into compact and readily transportable positions. One type of folding furniture in particular, folding chairs, were developed to allow users to conveniently and comfortably sit or lounge near various locations, such as by the pool or on a lawn, or to quickly and readily increase the seating capacity of a room, by providing a chair that could easily be folded and carried to such a location. 
         [0007]    While folding furniture has been useful, many drawbacks presently exist. One drawback relating to foldable furniture is durability. Many items of foldable furniture are not designed for long-term use, but rather are comprised of fabric material that easily wears over time. Additionally, many items of foldable furniture, such as chairs, do not provide designs that allow for stable use of the furniture, but rather opt to provide simple folding and unfolding features that are not designed for optimized support capacity. These chairs can result in a user falling out of the chair as the user attempts to sit down in the chair, possibly leading to serious injury. Another problem with foldable furniture is that it often does not provide for the ability to be used outside one particular setting. For example, beach chairs do not offer the ability to be used, at least fashionably, in a home environment, such as in a guest room or a family room. Therefore, because of the limited purpose of the foldable furniture, a consumer must purchase additional furniture to achieve the desired result, costing additional time, effort, and not to mention money. 
         [0008]    A further problem associated with folding furniture is the lack of convenient carrying means. To carry a folding chair, for example, one must generally grasp a leg member, the edge of the seat portion, or carry the whole chair using both hands, which can result in an awkward carrying position for the user. Folding chairs have also presented the problem of not remaining in a compact and folded position during transport. Due to the lack of strong hinge members that can lock a chair into position, combined with the awkward carrying position that users generally have to use when transporting a folding chair, often results in a user being inconvenienced by the chair falling out of the compact and folded position. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there is a current need for a chair device that provides for a compact, easily storable and easily transportable device that may be easily unfolded and that that allows the unfolded components to be locked in place to form a stable chair that may not accidentally collapse when a person attempts to sit in the chair. 
         [0010]    In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The preferred embodiment of the invention provides a collapsible chair device comprising a seat portion, a backrest portion, two or more front leg members, two or more rear leg members, a base portion, and a brace member. The backrest portion is attached to the seat portion and includes a cross-member, with the seat portion being attached to the cross-member by at least one hinge. The backrest portion comprises at least two backrest upright members, a first backrest cross-member, and a second backrest cross-member attached between the at least two backrest upright members. The first backrest cross-member is attached between the backrest upright members on one end of the backrest upright members and the second backrest cross-member is attached between the backrest upright members on the other end of the backrest upright members. The backrest upright members are attached to each of the two or more rear leg members by a hinge. 
         [0012]    The two or more front leg members are attached on one end to the seat portion. The front leg members are structurally connected by a front support member. The front leg members are attached on one end to the base portion by a double hinge mechanism to allow the two or more front leg members to both pivot and lift off of the base portion. The double hinge mechanism comprises a mounting bracket having a base portion and a hinge portion coupled to the base portion, the hinge portion perpendicular to the base portion. The hinge portion has a pin accepting portion on the distal end thereof, and a hinge plate pivotally secured to the mounting bracket by a pin, rivet, bolt or other similar attachment mechanism. The hinge plate also contains a first end with a mounting bracket pin receiving portion therein and a second end with a front leg pin receiving portion therein, wherein the pin is disposed through the mounting bracket pin receiving portion and the pin accepting portion to secure the hinge plate to the mounting bracket. Each of the other ends of the front leg members contain a pin receiving portion and a hinge plate slot disposed therein, wherein a front leg pin can be inserted through each of the pin receiving portions to secure the hinge plate to the two or more front leg members and the hinge plate slots can receive the hinge plate to enable the chair to be securely positioned into a fully extended position. 
         [0013]    The rear leg members are attached on one end to the backrest portion. The rear leg members are structurally and pivotally connected by a rear support member through a hinge mechanism. The base portion is pivotally attached to the other end of the front leg members and the other end of the rear leg members. The brace member is attached on one end to the front support member by a hinge and attached on the other end to the seat portion by a hinge. The brace member comprises two brace sections attached by a locking hinge. 
         [0014]    When in a locked position, the seat portion, backrest portion, front leg members, rear leg members, base portion, and brace member form a stable chair device. Releasing and folding of the brace member causes the pivoting members to pivot and fold in a forward direction until the locking hinges between the rear leg members and backrest portion must be released, thereby allowing the member to continue to collapse forward until the front leg members, seat portion, and backrest portion lie flatly together, such that, with the allowance of the double hinging mechanism, may be folded back over the rear leg members therein forming a compact configuration where the various members lie substantially flat and parallel to the adjoining members. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment, the device can also include a backrest portion brace attached to the seat portion. The backrest portion brace includes a first brace member attached on one end to one side of the seat portion, a second brace member attached on one end to another side of the seat portion, and a cross-brace attached on one end to the other end of the first brace member and on the other end to the other end of the second brace member. The backrest portion brace is configured such that when the chair is positioned in the fully extended position—that is, the position in which a person can sit in the chair—the cross-brace is positioned on the side of the backrest portion opposite the seat portion, and connects the two at an approximately 45 degree angle. A brace support is also attached to each of the two backrest upright members for supporting the cross-brace when the chair is positioned in a fully extended position. 
         [0016]    In a further embodiment, the device can include a backrest brace pivotally attached to two sides of the seat portion. The backrest brace contains a first brace member attached on one end to one side of the seat portion, a second brace member pivotally attached on one end to the first brace member and attached on the other end to one of the upright members. The backrest portion brace is configured such that when the chair is positioned in the fully extended position the backrest brace is straightened to secure the backrest portion to the seat portion. 
         [0017]    While the figures enclosed herein illustrate iterations of the invention teaching a chair which rests on the ground utilizing either the base member or the legs, it is envisioned that the invention could be manufactured utilizing a variety of terminal objects attached to the base member or legs. Such terminal objects could include wheeled casters, pads which can be attached through sticky surfaces or tacks/screws, and other items well known in the art. 
         [0018]    There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the embodiments of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of the embodiments of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  shows an angled side perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair in a beginning collapsed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair in an intermediate collapsed position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  shows a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair in a final collapsed position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the collapsible folding chair including a backrest brace which serves to strengthen the support for the backrest and place less wear and tear on the hinges. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  shows a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the collapsible folding chair including a backrest brace where the chair rests upon its legs rather than on the base member. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of a double hinged mechanism for use with the embodiments of the device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8A  shows a side perspective view of the brace locking hinge for use with the embodiments of the device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8B  shows a top view of the brace locking hinge for use with the embodiments of the device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 9A  shows a rear perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the collapsible folding chair. 
           [0032]      FIG. 9B  shows a side perspective view of the chair of  FIG. 9A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 9C  shows a perspective view of the chair of  FIG. 9A  in its collapsed position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0034]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the collapsible folding chair device  10 . Device  10  includes a seat portion  20 , a backrest portion  30 , front leg members  40  and  42 ., rear leg members  50  and  52 , a base portion  60 , and a brace member  70 . These components are preferably comprised of a wood material, but can also be comprised of a durable plastic material, lightweight metallic material, or other material that provides for a durable and lightweight device. 
         [0035]    Backrest portion  30  is attached to seat portion  20  and includes a cross-member  80  attached thereto, where seat portion  20  is attached to cross-member  80  by at least one hinge  82 . Backrest portion  30  comprises backrest upright members  32  and  34 , a first backrest cross-member  36 , and a second backrest cross-member  38  attached between backrest upright members  32  and  34 . Backrest cross-member  36  is attached between backrest upright members  32  and  34  on ends  33  and  35  of backrest upright members  32  and  34  respectively. Backrest cross-member  38  is attached between backrest upright members  32  and  34  on ends  37  and  39  of backrest upright members  32  and  34  respectively. Backrest upright members  32  and  34  are attached to each of the rear leg members  50  and  52  by hinges  84  and  86  respectively, where hinges  84  and  86  are locking hinges in this iteration of the invention. Although as shown, backrest cross-members  36  and  38  are attached between backrest upright members  32  and  34  to form a square-shaped pattern, other configurations of backrest cross-members  36  and  38  between backrest upright members  32  and  34  are contemplated by this invention, such as a cross-pattern or other patterns that may be obvious to one with ordinary skill in the art. It should be noted that backrest portion  30  is not limited to two backrest cross-members, but can comprise more than two to accomplish different objectives. 
         [0036]    Front leg members  40  and  42  are pivotally attached on ends  41  and  43  respectively to seat portion  20 . Front leg members  40  and  42  are structurally connected by a front leg support member  90 . Front leg members  40  and  42  are attached to base portion  60  by a double hinge mechanism  100  to allow front leg members  40  and  42  to both pivot and lift off of base portion  60 . Rear leg members  50  and  52  are attached on ends  54  and  56  to backrest portion  30  by locking hinges. Rear leg members  50  and  52  are structurally connected by a rear support member  58 . Base portion  60  is pivotally attached to the other ends  45  and  47  of the front leg members and the other ends  55  and  57  of rear leg members  50  and  52 . Base portion  60  can comprise various shapes, including a square, cross, circle, rectangle, and other shapes as recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, base portion  60  is substantially x-shaped. In this configuration, the ends  45  and  47  of the front leg members and the other ends  55  and  57  of rear leg members  50  and  52  are each attached to a corner of the x shape. Ends  55  and  57  are attached to base portion  60  by hinges  59  and  61 . Brace member  70  is attached on one end  72  to front leg support member  90  by a hinge  92  and attached on the other end  74  to seat portion  20  by a hinge  94 . Brace member  70  comprises two brace sections  76  and  78  attached by a locking hinge  79 . 
         [0037]    When in a locked position, seat portion  20 , backrest portion  30 , front leg members  40  and  42 , rear leg members  50  and  52 , base portion  60 , and brace member  70  form a stable chair device  10 . The releasing and folding of brace member  70  causes backrest portion  30  to fold toward front leg member  40  and  42  until locking hinges  84  and  86  are released, thereby allowing backrest portion  30  and rear leg members  50  and  52  to further collapse until front leg members  40  and  42 , seat portion  20 , and backrest portion  30  lie flatly together, such that, with the allowance of double hinge mechanism  100 , they may be folded back over rear leg members  50  and  52 , forming a compact configuration where the various members lie substantially flat and parallel to the adjoining members. Device  10  further can include a carrying portion  130  therein or attached thereto. Carrying portion  130  is preferably incorporated into cross-member  80 , but could also, in different iterations, be located proximate to seat portion  20  or incorporated as part of seat portion  20 . Carrying portion  130  preferably comprises a handle portion integrated within seat portion  20 . Carrying portion  130  can also comprise a handle portion pivotally attached to seat portion  20 , such that carrying portion  130  can be folded up or down depending on whether device  10  is in an extended position for seating or a carrying position for transport. Carrying portion  130  may also be connected to cross-member  80  attached to backrest portion  30 . 
         [0038]    The hinges described herein are preferably metallic in nature, but can comprise durable and strong plastic or other materials with similar characteristics. It should be noted that there are numerous other configurations and hardware arrangements for device  10  that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the invention, and that the configurations can components shown are chosen for convenience, appearance, manufacturability, and compatibility with other types of folding furniture. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 ,  FIG. 2  shows an angled side perspective view of device  10  in a fully extended position, and  FIG. 3  shows a side view of device  10  in a fully extended position.  FIG. 2  illustrates the attachment of seat portion to cross-member  80  by at least one hinge  82 . This figure also illustrates the attachment of brace member  70  to cross-member  80  by hinge  94 , as well as the attachment of front leg members  40  and  42  to seat portion  20  via hinges  48  and  49  respectively. In an alternative configuration, brace member  70  could be connected to seat member  20  by hinge  94 .  FIG. 3  illustrates the angular positioning of brace member  70  in relation to seat portion  20 , backrest portion  30 , and base portion  60 , when device  10  is in a fully extended position. Regarding the direction brace portion  70  folds, or the size or straightness of front leg members  40  and  42 , or rear leg members  50  and  52 , numerous other configurations are contemplated that fall within the scope and spirit of this invention. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C,  FIG. 4A  shows a rear perspective view of device  10  in a beginning collapsed position,  FIG. 4B  shows a rear perspective view of device  10  in an intermediate collapsed position, and  FIG. 4C  shows a rear perspective view of device  10  in a final collapsed position. To position device  10  in a beginning collapsed position, backrest upright members  32  and  34 , first backrest cross-member  36 , and second backrest cross-member  38  are folded against the top surface of seat portion  20 . This motion causes front leg members  40  and  42  to contact against the bottom surface of seat portion  20 , with brace member  70  folding along locking hinge  79 . To next position device  10  in an intermediate collapsed position, as shown in  FIG. 4B , backrest portion  30 , along with seat portion  20  and front leg members  40  and  42 , are folded along hinges  84  and  86  such that it is perpendicular with base portion  60 . To position device  10  in a final collapsed position, backrest portion  30 , along with seat portion  20  and front leg members  40  and  42 , are folded along hinges  84  and  86  such that it lies flatly against base portion  60 . Because hinges  84  and  86  are locking hinges, they can be configured such that device  10  can be securely locked in the compact final collapsed position and can be readily stored or transported from location to location. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows a side perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the collapsible folding chair including a backrest brace which serves to strengthen the support for the backrest and place less wear and tear on the hinges. Device  200  is similar to device  10  in that device  200  includes a seat portion  210 , a backrest portion  220 , front leg members  230  and  232 , rear leg members  240  and  242 , a base portion  250 , a brace member  260 , and various hinges to attach the members together. Backrest portion  220  is attached to seat portion  210  and includes a cross-member  270  attached thereto. Device  200  can also include a backrest portion brace  280  attached to the seat portion. Backrest portion brace  280  includes a brace members  282  and  284  attached to side  212  of seat portion  210 , and a cross-brace  286  attached on the opposite ends of brace members  282  and  284 . Backrest portion brace  280  is configured such that when device  200  is positioned in the fully extended position—that is when device  200  can be used as a chair—cross-brace  286  is positioned on the side of backrest portion  220  opposite seat portion  210 . A brace support  292  is also attached to each of the two backrest upright members  222  and  224  for supporting cross-brace  286  when device  200  is positioned in a fully extended position. By providing additional support to backrest portion  220 , backrest portion brace  280  takes some of the pressure off of hinges  287 . Device  200  also contains a support slot  294  located on the back of each of rear leg members  240  and  242  at a position such that when device  200  is folded into a compact structure, brace supports  292  are disposed within support slots  294 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows a rear perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the collapsible folding chair including a backrest brace where the chair rests upon its legs rather than on the base member. Device  201  is similar to device  200  in  FIG. 5 , in that device  201  includes a seat portion  210 , a backrest portion  220 , front leg members  230  and  232 , rear leg members  240  and  242 , a base portion  250 , a brace member  260 , and various hinges to attach the members together. Backrest portion  220  is attached to seat portion  210  and includes a cross-member  270  attached thereto. Device  201  can also include a backrest portion brace  280  attached to the seat portion. Backrest portion brace  280  includes a brace members  282  and  284  attached to side  212  of seat portion  210 , and a cross-brace  286  attached on the opposite ends of brace members  282  and  284 . Backrest portion brace  280  is configured such that when device  201  is positioned in the fully extended position—that is when device  201  can be used as a chair—cross-brace  286  is positioned on the side of backrest portion  220  opposite seat portion  210 . A brace support  292  is also attached to each of the two backrest upright members  222  and  224  for supporting cross-brace  286  when device  200  is positioned in a fully extended position. By providing additional support to backrest portion  220 , backrest portion brace  280  takes some of the pressure off of hinges  287 . Device  201  also contains a support slot  294  located on the back of each of rear leg members  240  and  242  at a position such that when device  200  is folded into a compact structure, brace supports  292  are disposed within support slots  294 . 
         [0043]    Base portion  250  in  FIG. 6  is attached to front leg members  230  and  232 , and rear leg members  240  and  242  in a different configuration that that shown in  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , the leg members rest upon base portion  250  and are pivotally attached to base portion  250  by hinges attached to the upper surface of base portion  250  and the terminal ends  295  of the leg members. The iteration of the invention shown in  FIG. 6  illustrates a chair where base portion  250  is attached to the leg members at a position other than the terminal ends  295  of the leg members. Here, base portion is attached several inches upward from the terminal end of leg members  230 ,  332 ,  240 , and  242 . In this iteration of the invention the hinge mechanism will still allow for the chair to be laid flat for storage or transport, and provides additional advantages such as allowing for a simple strip of padding to be applied to terminal ends  295  to make chair  201  less damaging to carpet and tile floors. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of double hinge mechanism  100 . Double hinge mechanism  100  comprises a mounting bracket  102  having a base portion  104  and a hinge portion  106  coupled to base portion  104 . Hinge portion  106  is perpendicular to base portion  104 . Hinge portion  106  has a pin accepting portion  108  on the distal end  107  thereof, and a hinge plate  110  pivotally secured to mounting bracket  102  by a pin  112 . Hinge plate  110  also contains a first end  114  with a mounting bracket pin receiving portion  116  therein (not shown), and a second end  118  with a front leg pin receiving portion  120  therein (not shown), wherein pin  112  is disposed through mounting bracket pin receiving portion  116  and pin accepting portion  108  to secure hinge plate  110  to mounting bracket  102 . Each of the other ends  45  and  47  of front leg members  40  and  42  contain a pin receiving portion  46  and  48 , and a hinge plate slot  51  and  53  disposed therein, wherein a front leg pin  49  can be inserted through each of pin receiving portions  46  and  48  to secure hinge plate  110  to front leg members  40  and  42 . Hinge plate slots  51  and  53  can receive hinge plate  110  to enable device  10  to be securely positioned into a fully extended position. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B ,  FIG. 8A  shows a side perspective view of locking hinge  79 , and  FIG. 8B  shows a top view of locking hinge  79 . Hinge  79  can also be used with devices  200  and  300 . Hinge  79  includes a first hinge member  85  connected to brace  78  and a second hinge member  87  connected to brace  76 . First hinge member  85  and second hinge member  87  are connected by a hinge pin  89 . Hinge  79  is preferably a locking hinge to allow for a stable positioning of device  10  when in the fully extended position. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIGS. 9A-9C ,  FIG. 9A  shows a rear perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the collapsible folding chair device  300 ,  FIG. 9B  shows a side perspective view of device  300 , and  FIG. 9C  shows a perspective view of device  300  in the collapsed position. Device  300  is similar to devices  10 ,  200  and  201  in that device  300  includes a seat portion  310 , a backrest portion  320 , front leg members  330  and  332 , rear leg members  340  and  342 , a base portion  350 , a brace member  360 , and various hinges to attach the members together. Backrest portion  320  is attached to seat portion  310  and includes a cross-member  370  attached thereto. Device  300  can also include a backrest portion brace  380  attached to each side of seat portion  310 . Backrest portion brace  380  includes a first brace member  382  attached to seat portion  310 , a second brace member  384  attached to backrest portion  320  by brace attachment  386 . Backrest portion brace  380  is configured such that when device  300  is positioned in the fully extended position, that is when device  300  can be used as a chair, cross-brace  386  is positioned on the side of backrest portion  320  opposite seat portion  310 . 
         [0047]    With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0048]    The above description, together with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
         [0049]    Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to quickly determine the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way.