Abstract:
A folding chair includes a canopy which is stabilized in a front to back longitudinal direction using stiff segments which can be folded laterally, and a canopy supported from a pivoting back support with a bracket support which is preferably a multi-detent bracket support which can angularly adjust, upon manual movement by the user to react to changing light conditions. The user can pull the canopy to angle down to block light and wind, or the user can push the canopy to angle up to form a more open appearance while still receiving some benefits from the canopy.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a number of advantageous structures and devices which may be employed in a folding chair to enable foldable stowability in conjunction with other structural advantages and more particularly to a stowable canopy which has rigidity in one direction and which acts to provide stability in the stowed and deployed positions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Several known folding chairs have been in commercial use and which enable compact stowage while providing a wide and deep comfortable chair upon deployment. Some chairs use an independent cover for carriage, while others have canopies which assist in forming a stable stowed carriage device. Where the cover is attempted to be used for the carrying of the stowed chair, it can take on a shape which is incompatible with the stowably folded chair. The canopy cover lacks stability typically because it has to be flexible enough to operate with structures which deploy the canopy. In most cases the canopy cover simply does not fit well with the chair and significant force bears against the canopy cover when the chair is in the stowed position. 
         [0003]    Another problem is with the canopy stability when the chair is in a deployed configuration. The provision of supports which adequately enable the canopy to both be stable and fully deployed is difficult and can result in poor support while serving the ability of the chair to be deployed and stowed. Most deployable chairs must expand and contract laterally and lengthwise, fore and aft. Providing adequate support while retaining the ability to deploy and stow is a continuing problem. 
         [0004]    What is needed is a folding chair which provides a canopy which is reinforced in such a way that sturdiness is not compromised by the ability to foldably stow and re-deploy. Further, what is also needed is an ability for forming a carryable stowage cover which will be stable and which can stabilize the stowably folded chair in a stable manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A folding chair includes a canopy which is stabilized in a front to back longitudinal direction using stiff segments which can be folded laterally. Reinforcing members are typically surrounded by finished layers on either broad side which envelope the reinforcing members and help define the extent of folding that segments of the canopy can undergo, either during deployment of the folding chair  121  or during stowed, folded carriage. This design provides a front to back folded segments which are rigidly reinforced so that no folding can occur front to back. Lateral folding can occur along defined folding boundaries of the segments. This rigidity in one direction allows for a stronger canopy while allowing the collapsible support to concentrate on lateral stowage-ability variation. 
         [0006]    The canopy is supported from a pivoting back support with a bracket support which is preferably an angular fixation fitting and which may be either a multi-detent bracket support or a friction fitting. A center-front locking brace can be optionally activated to fully laterally deploy the canopy. The combination of the canopy support and center-front locking brace, along with the front to back stiffened panels provides a well supported canopy. Further, the multi-detent bracket support enables the canopy to angularly adjust, upon manual movement by the user to react to changing light conditions. The user can pull the canopy to angle down to block light and wind, or the user can push the canopy to angle up to form a more open appearance while still receiving some benefits from the canopy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    The invention, its configuration, construction, and operation will be best further described in the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the chair of the invention seen in foldably stowed position; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the chair member shown in deployed position and illustrating a frontal stable cross fitting and illustrating the canopy in a vertical position and behind the chair&#39;s back; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a view looking into the canopy of the chair of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , with the main chair eliminated from view to be able to view the canopy more clearly during pre deployment and prior to an optional locking of the mid-frontal cross brace; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a view looking into the canopy of the chair of  FIGS. 1-3  and from the same perspective as seen in  FIG. 3 , but illustrating the canopy more clearly during full deployment and illustrating the optional locking of the mid-frontal cross brace; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates a multi-detent support brace with cover removed and shown in a variety of positions; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the left side of the chair back opposing the underside of the canopy and with the multi-detent support brace in an almost nearly collapsed position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating the vertical support having been brought parallel and generally even with the back support and engaging a pressure clamp to hold it in a stable vertical position, with the canopy being shown as generally horizontal and supported by the multi-detent support brace in a horizontal position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  illustrates the multi-detent support brace adjusted to a position enabling the canopy to angle upward with respect to the vertical support; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates the multi-detent support brace adjusted to a position enabling the canopy to angle downward with respect to the vertical support; 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a view looking into line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 3 , and illustrates reinforcement members which enable front to back rigidity and stiffness of the canopy member whether deployed as a sun canopy or whether used for stowed carriage as was seen in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of the folding chair deployed with its canopy deployed and illustrating the overall shape and support of the top canopy and folds which occur along lengthwise lines, as well as the carrying strap. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0019]    The description, construction and operation of the sealing system of the invention will be best illustrated by beginning with reference to  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a folding chair  21  shown in stowed and carrying position. A covering canopy includes side flaps  23  and  25  with a closure structure  27  shown in phantom since it sits at the interface between the side flaps  23  and  25 . The closure structure  27  can be snaps, buttons, slide locks, zipper, magnetic or hook and loop connectors. The folding chair  21  preferably has a carrying handle or strap on the side of the stowed portable folding chair  21  seen in  FIG. 1 . The preferred structures for carriage would either be a strap on the side of the folding chair  21  opposite that seen in  FIG. 1 , or by a pair of handles which meet at the overlap of side flaps  23  and  25  to further reinforce the closure of side flaps  23  and  25 . 
         [0020]    At the bottom of the folding chair  21  a set of four pivot feet  31  are seen. Each of the pivot feet  31  is set to pivotably support a pair of support members  33 . The pivot feet also include utility fittings  35  for interfitting of rear vertical supports  37 , one of which is seen in  FIG. 1 . Even though only two of the pivot feet  31  have the vertical supports  37 , it enables the use of four of the same type of pivot feet  31  in the same folding chair  21 . At the top of the folding chair  21 , a pair of laterally displaceable canopy struts  38  and  39  are seen which may have protective end caps  41 . Also seen is a right side chair back upright  43  and a left side chair back upright  45 . 
         [0021]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the folding chair  21  is seen with a chair member  49  shown in front of the canopy member  51 , which includes the side flaps  23  and  25  previously seen. Several additional details are seen including a front capture fitting  55  which not only helps guide the support members  33  at the front of the folding chair  21 , but helps structurally support the two front support members against weight of a user of the folding chair  21 , especially where the user leans forward. Front capture fitting  55  also wraps around and cradles a portion of the pivoting support member  33  adjacent the front capture fitting  55  and lends further support by limiting the pivoting displacement between the pivoting support member  33  to which the capture fitting is attached and the pivoting support member  33  which can pivot into a position supported and cradled by the capture fitting  55 . The fitting  55  could be used at any pivot point of any two of the support members  33 , but is most preferentially used at the front where the most weight and stress is expected to occur. Other chair features seen include an expanse of back and seat material  57 , suspended chair arm material  59 , and drink holder  61 . 
         [0022]    At the rear of the chair member  49 , parts of the canopy member  51  can be seen, including closure structure  27  which is seen in  FIG. 2  as an area of hook members  65  which are positioned to interfit with an area of felt members  67  seen in dashed line format as being on the other side of side flap  23 . A left one of a pair of forward lateral straps  71  and the left one of a pair of rearward lateral straps  73  is seen. In some cases it may be possible to replace the forward lateral straps  71  with one strap  71  extending across the width of the canopy member  51 , as well as one rearward lateral strap  73  to replace the pair of rearward lateral straps  73 . The canopy strut  39  is seen as having a fitting  75  which engages the forward left lateral strap  71 . The use of the fitting  75 , and another fitting not seen in  FIG. 2 , helps to set the forward and rearward extent of movement of the canopy member  51  with regard to the pair of laterally displaceable canopy struts  38  and  39 . 
         [0023]    A pair of end pivoting vertical supports  77  are seen pivotably connected to a pair of the vertical supports  37 , with the end pivoting vertical supports  77  seen in a vertical down position in  FIG. 2 . The end pivoting vertical supports  77  can be pivoted to a vertical up position where they are captured by “C” shaped pressure clamps  79  which are also supported by the vertical supports  37 . The “C” shaped pressure clamps  79  have the open member of the “C” directed rearward and give the canopy member  51  good forward bearing ability. 
         [0024]    Also seen is a multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  which has terminal ends connected to the end pivoting vertical supports  77  and to the laterally displaceable canopy strut  39 . Another multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  is located at the other side of the folding chair  21 . Also seen is a lock fitting  83  attached to canopy strut  39 . Also seen is an area of mesh material  85  which connects the chair member  49  and canopy member  51  and can be used for storage when the folding chair  21  is deployed. 
         [0025]    Referring to  FIG. 3  a view looking into the canopy member  51  of the chair of  FIGS. 1 &amp; 2 , with the main chair member  49  eliminated from view to be able to view the canopy member  51  more clearly, and shown in a position just before pre deployment and prior to an optional locking of the mid-frontal cross brace which is seen as having a pair of pivoting struts  93  joined at central pivot connection  95 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is also advantageous in illustrating the operation of the folding chair  21 . As the chair member  49  is deployed, the end pivoting vertical supports  77 , which are pivotably attached to the upper ends of the rear vertical supports  37 , begin to spread apart. This spreading is transmitted through the vertical support  77  canopy strut pivot fittings  99 . The canopy strut pivot fittings  99  are connected to the pair of laterally displaceable canopy struts  38  and  39 . As the end pivoting vertical supports  77  move apart, the pair of laterally displaceable canopy struts  38  and  39  begin to move apart, but underneath rearward lateral strap  73  at the rear (lower as seen in  FIG. 3 ) canopy member  51 , and as constrained by the combination of the fitting  75  and forward lateral strap  71  at the forward (upper as seen in  FIG. 3 ) canopy member  51 . The mid-frontal cross brace including pair of pivoting struts  93  joined at central pivot connection  95  move passively to form a shallow angle with respect to each other. The angularity of the mid-frontal cross brace provides additional support to the top of the canopy member even in an angular relationship. Also seen in  FIG. 3  is an optional clear sunroof  101  which may have a closable sun-blocking member, and which is used to admit some light into the canopy. The clearness of the sunroof  101  can range from completely clear to shaded and may include ultraviolet blocking or a color filtering/admittance effect. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that the pair of laterally displaceable canopy struts  38  and  39  have moved to a position of their mutual maximum relative displacement, and that a user had grasped the central pivot connection  95  and moved it rearward (down with respect to  FIG. 4 ) to lock the pair of pivoting struts  93  into a linear relationship and to provide forward separation force for the pair of pivoting struts  93 . It is noted that the force of separation would otherwise only be provided through fittings  99 . The mid-frontal cross brace including pair of pivoting struts  93  joined at central pivot connection  95  provide additional, user controllable separation stability at the front of the canopy member  51 . Also,  FIG. 4  omits the optional sunroof  101 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 5  a multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  is illustrated in greater detail. The multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  may include detents at only the extreme most angularly expanded position or it may include further detent positions including the extreme most acute angular position and positions in between. Several angles are shown between a canopy brace  103  and a vertical support brace  105 . A pivot  107  and a cover  109  is shown. Cover  109  helps isolate the detent mechanism associated with the pivot  107  from contact with the user. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 6-9 , a series of side views illustrate the operation of the canopy member  51  with respect to the chair member  49  to illustrate the relative positions and options for deployment of the canopy member  51 . Only the rear of the chair member  49  to which the end pivoting vertical supports  77  are attached will be illustrated to focus on the dependence of the canopy member  51  and its pivoting connection to the chair member  49 . 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , is a side view of the left side chair back upright  45  and illustrating one of the end pivoting vertical supports  77  pivotally attached to one of the rear vertical supports  37 . The multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  and its pair of pivoting struts  93  are seem in an almost parallel and closed position, the canopy strut pivot fitting  99  similarly bringing the laterally displaceable canopy strut  39  closer to the rear vertical supports  37  of the folding chair  21 . Note that the pivot point  107  located within the cover  109  opposes and is displaced from the canopy strut pivot fitting  99  when the canopy member  51  is in its “closed” position. Note that the cover  109  enables a greater angle of closure than is seen in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6 , however, depicts the position that the canopy member  51  might assume behind a fully deployed chair member  49 . In this relaxed position, the area of mesh material  85  forms a fold and the area between the expanse of back and seat material  57  and the canopy member  51  can be used to temporarily store the user&#39;s belongings. 
         [0031]    Also seen in  FIG. 6  is that the unfolding or angular displacement of the canopy strut  39  with respect to the vertical support  77  can occur independently of whether the vertical supports  77  is pivoted upward into a position to engage the “C” shaped pressure clamps  79 . This also opens the possibility of the folding down of the canopy member  51  and pair of laterally displaceable canopy struts  38  and  39  for a number of purposes, including keeping the canopy member as a storage area, or for stabilizing the folding chair  21  against the wind and the like. This position, where the end pivoting vertical supports  77  are generally vertical while the top of the canopy member  51  is brought to a horizontal position is not shown in  FIG. 6  or the subsequent figures. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , the canopy member  51  is shown in deployed position with respect to the chair member  49 . The end pivoting vertical supports  77  have been pivoted to a generally vertical position where they are captured by the “C” shaped pressure clamps  79  to hold the end pivoting vertical supports  77  in place. Simultaneously, the user can begin to angularly open the canopy member  51  with respect to the end pivoting vertical supports  77  by causing the fitting  81  to open. Where the fitting  81  opened sufficiently so that the canopy member  51  achieves a substantially right angled position with respect to end pivoting vertical supports  77 , this can be considered a neutral position and is shown in  FIG. 7 . It is preferable that the fitting  81  have at least one force detent position at a neutral orientation as seen in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0033]    In the position shown in  FIG. 7 , the user can simply push the canopy member  51  rearward even without changing the position of the fitting  81  to simply have the canopy member  51  pivot out of its neutral position by having the vertical slots  77  simply slip out of the “C” shaped pressure clamps  79  to allow the canopy member  51  to pivot to a position seen in  FIG. 6 , but where the canopy member  51  maintains its right angle with respect to the end pivoting vertical supports  77 . The user need only reach back and flip the end pivoting vertical supports  77  back to a position to be engaged by the “C” shaped pressure clamps  79  to re-engage the canopy member  51 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an illustration of the movement of multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  to a position enabling the canopy member  51  to achieve an upward angle with respect to the end pivoting vertical supports  77  is shown. During this adjustment, the vertical supports are not moved from their “C” shaped pressure clamps  79 . The user simply acts to lift the canopy member  51  to an upward position to cause the multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  to readjust to either an upward detent position or to one of a number of upward detent positions. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an illustration of the movement of multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  to a position enabling the canopy member  51  to achieve a downward angle with respect to the end pivoting vertical supports  77  is shown. As was the case in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the user, without removing the vertical supports from their “C” shaped pressure clamps  79 , simply pulls the canopy member  51  downward to cause the multi-detent angular fixation fitting  81  to readjust to either a downward detent position or to one of a number of downward detent positions. The ability to more finely adjust the canopy member  51  enables the user to better control the light and wind while seated in the folding chair  21 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , a view looking into line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 3 , and only through the material of the canopy member  51 , is shown. As can be seen, the view is from front to back and illustrates a series of reinforcing members  121  within a finished material exterior  123  which may be sewably attached to either or both itself and the reinforcing members  121 . The reinforcing members  121  add longitudinal (front to back) stability to the folding chair  21  during stowable folding or during canopy deployment. Where the optional sunroof  101  is desired, the necessary structure can be achieved by providing an opening on aligned portions of the finished material exterior  123  and substituting a clear, tinted, or UV filtering reinforcing member  121  at the center middle of the canopy member  51 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of the folding chair  21  deployed with its canopy member  51  deployed and illustrating the overall shape and support of the top canopy and folds which occur along lengthwise lines, as well as a carrying strap  131  on a main extent of the canopy member  51  is seen. The side flaps  23  and  25  are seen generally angled downwardly due to the construction details seen in  FIG. 10 . The use of longitudinal lengths of reinforcing members  121  whose interruption and securing by the finished material exterior  123  help to control the shape of the canopy member  51 . The pair of pivoting struts  93  and central pivot connection  95  only had to control the main lateral extent of the canopy member  51 , and thus eliminated is the need to control the canopy member  51  front to back. 
         [0038]    As has been shown, the user has the ability to adjust the angle of the canopy member  51  over several different angular positions when the canopy member  51  is engaged. Further, the independent mounting of the canopy member  51  enables the user to easily flip the whole canopy member  51  completely rearward and out of the way. The rearward position can be selected to enable the canopy member  51  to achieve either a horizontal and rearwardly extending position, or a generally vertical position partially enveloping a storage space similar to that seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0039]    While the present invention has been described in terms of a folding chair with canopy for providing compact folding and carriage and a front to back reinforced members to give enhanced stability in both the stowably folded carriage position as well as the deployed position where the canopy member and chair member are ready for use, one skilled in the art will realize that the structure and techniques of the present invention can be applied to many structures, including any structure or technique where a sturdy use of materials are to be employed for structural enhancement in both the deployed and stowably carried position. 
         [0040]    Although the invention has been derived with reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, included within the patent warranted hereon are all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of this contribution to the art.