Patent ID: 12213598

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1A-1Billustrates a left-side perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of a stackable, connectable folding chair100in a deployed configuration, showing holders111and113configured to connect another folding chair100thereto. As used herein, “deployed configuration” refers to a configuration of the folding chair100when the folding chair100is opened and unfolded for use. Also, as used herein, the term “holder” refers to a connection mechanism of any suitable type, for example, a clip, a clamp, a strap, a fastener, or the like, configured to facilitate releasable connection and/or coupling of multiple folding chairs to one another. The holders111,113can thereby be used to engage with the frame of another chair100when in the folded configuration, allowing for coupling of the holders111,113to the frame to secure the two or more folded chairs100to each other for storage or transport. When the chair100is ready for use, the holders111,113can be disengaged and released from the frame of the adjacently disposed chair100to facilitate deployment of the chair100. A detailed discussion of the chair100is provided herein. However, the chair100can also incorporate one or more features of the chair disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,330,907, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The stackable, connectable folding chair100disclosed herein comprises a support frame101, a generally U-shaped front leg frame107, a generally U-shaped rear leg frame108, a pair of arm rests109, a first chair connecting member110, one or more first holders111, a second chair connecting member112, one or more second holders113, and one or more straps115. The support frame101comprises a back support member102and a seat member105. The back support member102is pivotally connected to the seat member105. In an embodiment, the back support member102of the support frame101comprises a generally U-shaped back support frame103defined by a top bar103aand opposing side bars103band103cextending downwardly from opposing sides of the top bar103a. In an embodiment, the top bar103aand the opposing side bars103band103cof the generally U-shaped back support frame103are tubular elements made, for example, of wood, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. The generally U-shaped back support frame103is configured to accommodate and support a backrest104a. The backrest104ais configured to support a user's back when the user sits on the folding chair100. As used herein, the term “user” refers to a person who uses the folding chair for sitting, relaxation, and other recreational and leisure activities, for example, at a beach, on a deck, poolside, in a backyard, or the like, and who wishes to carry and transport one or more of the folding chairs100. The backrest104ais made of a sturdy, durable fabric material. The generally U-shaped back support frame103and the backrest104atogether constitute the back support member102of the support frame101.

In an embodiment, the seat member105of the support frame101comprises a seat support frame106defined by a front bar106a, a rear bar106f, and opposing side bars106band106cthat extend substantially perpendicularly between the bars106a,106f. In an embodiment, the front bar106a, the rear bar106f, and the opposing side bars106band106cof the seat support frame106are tubular elements made, for example, of wood, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like. The front bar106aconnects the front ends106dof the opposing side bars106band106c, and the rear bar106frearwardly connects the rear ends106eof the opposing side bars106band106c, to form a generally rectangular-shaped seat support frame106. In an embodiment, the front bar106a, the rear bar106f, and the opposing side bars106band106cform a generally square-shaped seat support frame106. In an embodiment, the diameter of the rear bar106fis substantially less than the diameters of the front bar106aand the opposing side bars106band106cof the seat support frame106, and therefore is thinner than the front bar106aand the opposing side bars106band106cas illustrated inFIG.1B. The seat support frame106is configured to accommodate and support a seat104b. The seat104bis configured to support a user's body when the user sits on the seat member105of the folding chair100. The seat104bis made of a sturdy, durable fabric material. The seat support frame106and the seat104btogether constitute the seat member105of the support frame101. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIGS.1A-1B, a single piece of sturdy, durable fabric material is configured to create the backrest104aand the seat104bas a single unit, supported by the back support member102and the seat member105, respectively.

The generally U-shaped front leg frame107is pivotally connected proximal to the front ends106dof the opposing side bars106band106cof the seat member105. The generally U-shaped front leg frame107pivots against the opposing side bars106band106cof the seat member105at pivots points106gillustrated inFIGS.1A-1BandFIG.2A. In an embodiment, the generally U-shaped front leg frame107comprises a pair of front legs107aand107band a base connecting member107c. The base connecting member107cof the generally U-shaped front leg frame107is configured to connect lower ends107dand107eof the pair of front legs107aand107b, respectively, to form a U-shape. In an embodiment, the pair of front legs107aand107band the base connecting member107cof the generally U-shaped front leg frame107are tubular elements made, for example, of wood, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., connected to form a continuous generally U-shaped front leg frame107.

The generally U-shaped rear leg frame108is pivotally connected to lower ends103dof the opposing side bars103band103cof the back support member102through a leg locking member114. The rear leg frame108is also pivotally connected relative to the side bars106b,106cof the seat member105. In an embodiment, the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108comprises a pair of rear legs108aand108band a base connecting member108cextending perpendicularly between the rear legs108a,108b. The base connecting member108cof the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108is configured to connect lower ends108fof the pair of rear legs108aand108bto form a U-shape. In an embodiment, the pair of rear legs108aand108band the base connecting member108cof the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108are tubular elements made, for example, of wood, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or the like, connected to form a continuous U-shaped rear leg frame108. The proximal ends109aof the pair of arm rests109are pivotally connected to the opposing side bars103band103cof the back support member102. Furthermore, upper ends107fand108eof the generally U-shaped front leg frame107and the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108, respectively, are pivotally connected to bottom mid-sections109bof the pair of arm rests109. The pair of arm rests109provides support to the user's arms when the user sits on the stackable, connectable folding chair100. In an embodiment, the stackable, connectable folding chair100further comprises a leg locking member114operably coupled to each of the lower ends103dof the back support member102and to a mid-section108dof the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108. The leg locking member114is configured to pivot and lock the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108to the back support member102in a folded configuration and a deployed configuration of the stackable, connectable folding chair100. The leg locking member114therefore allows for pivoting of the different frame components of the chair100, while simultaneously assisting with maintaining the chair100in the respective folded and deployed configurations. In some embodiments, the leg locking member114can include bars or flanges that act as stops to prevent further pivoting of the frame components of the chair100, thereby setting the limits for pivoting and establishing the proper folded and deployed configurations. As used herein, “folded configuration” refers to a configuration of the folding chair100when the folding chair100is closed and folded for storage and transportation. When the stackable, connectable folding chair100is unfolded into the deployed configuration, the generally U-shaped front leg frame107and the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108support the stackable, connectable folding chair100on a ground surface, for example, on a deck, on sand at a beach, in a backyard, or the like.

The first chair connecting member110extends rearwardly from the top bar103aof the back support member102. The connecting member110can define an outwardly extending, U-shaped tube member that secures to the back support frame103and extends substantially perpendicularly from the back support frame103. In an embodiment, the first chair connecting member110is of a general arcuate shape. Opposing ends110aand110bof the first chair connecting member110are attached to the top bar103a(or downwardly curving portions of the top bar103a) of the back support member102using fasteners117, for example, screws, bolts, or the like. In some embodiments, the opposing ends110a,110bcan define a curved or U-shaped configuration complementary to the outer surface of the top bar103asuch that the opposing ends110a,110bcan be positioned and coupled substantially flush against the top bar103a. As illustrated inFIGS.1A-1B, two first holders111are attached rearwardly to the first chair connecting member110. The chair100includes two holders111spaced from each other on opposing sides of the connecting member110to ensure a secure connection is made when coupling to another chair100. In some embodiments, the holders111can be secured to the connecting member110using fasteners (not shown) engaged with a threaded opening formed in the connecting member110to allow for replacement of the holders111if damage occurs. In some embodiments, the connecting member110can include a slotted opening and the rear of each holder111can include a flange such that insertion of the flange and rotation of the holder111locks the holder111relative to the connecting member110without the use of fasteners. In some embodiments, the rear of each holder111can include tabs that snap into complementary openings in the connecting member110to secure the holder111to the connecting member110. The holders111are fixed in position (e.g., cannot rotate relative to the connecting member110) and are oriented to face away from the top bar103a.

The first holders111are configured to connect to a corresponding top bar103aof a back support member102of another folding chair100bas illustrated inFIGS.3A-3B. In an embodiment, the first holders111are configured as curved, general C-shaped holders, for example, C-shaped clips, clamps, or the like, configured to clasp and hold the top bar103aof the back support member102of another folding chair100b. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIG.1B, each first holder111comprises opposing jaws111aand111bdefining a central slot or opening111ctherebetween. The central opening111cis sized to receive the top bar103aof the other folding chair100b, while the opposing jaws111aand111bare flexible yet biased inwardly such that the opposing jaws111aand111bdeform to receive the top bar103aand then resiliently act upon the received top bar103ato secure the top bar103awithin the central opening111cof the first holder111. The jaws111a,111bcan therefore be flexed outwards from each other during inserting of the top bar103athrough the opening111c, and bias back into their normal position to clamp around at least a portion of the top bar103a. In some embodiments, the holders111can be fabricated from a plastic material that provides sufficient flexibility for repetitive engagement and disengagement with the top bar103aduring coupling of chairs100together, while also providing sufficient rigidity/strength to prevent breakage of the holder111after repetitive use.

The second chair connecting member112extends rearwardly from the base connecting member108cof the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108. In an embodiment, the second chair connecting member112is of a general arcuate shape. Opposing ends112aand112bof the second chair connecting member112are attached to the base connecting member108cof the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108using fasteners125, for example, screws, bolts, or the like. The connecting member112can define an outwardly extending, U-shaped tube member that secures to the rear leg frame108and extends substantially perpendicularly from the rear leg frame108. In some embodiments, the opposing ends112a,112bcan define a curved or U-shaped configuration complementary to the outer surface of the rear leg frame108such that the opposing ends112a,112bcan be positioned and coupled substantially flush against the rear leg frame108. In the deployed configuration of the chair100, the connecting member112extends at an upward angle from the rear leg frame108relative to horizontal. The second holder(s)113is attached rearwardly to the second chair connecting member112. The overall length/width of the holder113is dimensioned greater than the length/width of the holders111, allowing for a single elongated holder113to be used. The use of a single holder113results in a connecting member112that is dimensioned less in width than the connecting member110. When viewed from the rear of the chair100, the holder113is centrally aligned between and below the holders111, ensuring a secure connection is made when coupling to another chair100. In some embodiments, the holder113can be secured to the connecting member112using fasteners (not shown) engaged with a threaded opening formed in the connecting member112to allow for replacement of the holder113if damage occurs. In some embodiments, the connecting member112can include a slotted opening and the rear of each holder113can include a flange such that insertion of the flange and rotation of the holder113locks the holder113relative to the connecting member112without the use of fasteners. In some embodiments, the rear of the holder113can include tabs that snap into complementary openings in the connecting member112to secure the holder113to the connecting member112. The holder113is fixed in position (e.g., cannot rotate relative to the connecting member112) and is oriented to face away from the connecting member108c.

The second holder(s)113is configured to connect to a corresponding base connecting member108cof a rear leg frame108of another folding chair100bas illustrated inFIGS.3A-3C. In an embodiment, the second holder(s)113is an elongate holder configured to connect to the corresponding base connecting member108cof the rear leg frame108of another folding chair. In an embodiment, the elongate holder113has a curved, general C-shaped cross-section and is configured to clasp and hold the base connecting member108cof the rear leg frame108of another folding chair100b. In an embodiment as illustrated inFIG.1B, the second holder113comprises opposing jaws113aand113bdefining a central slot or opening113ctherebetween. The central opening113cis sized to receive the base connecting member108cof the rear leg frame108of the other folding chair, while the opposing jaws113aand113bare flexible yet biased inwardly such that the opposing jaws113aand113bdeform to receive the base connecting member108cand then resiliently act upon the received base connecting member108cto secure the base connecting member108cwithin the central opening113cof the second holder113. The jaws113a,113bcan therefore be flexed outwards from each other during inserting of the connecting member108cthrough the opening113c, and bias back into their normal position to clamp around at least a portion of the connecting member108c. In some embodiments, the holder113can be fabricated from a plastic material that provides sufficient flexibility for repetitive engagement and disengagement with the connecting member108cduring coupling of chairs100together, while also providing sufficient rigidity/strength to prevent breakage of the holder113after repetitive use.

In an embodiment, the first holders111and the second holder(s)113together constitute a connection assembly300for connecting and stacking multiple folding chairs100as disclosed in the descriptions ofFIGS.3A-3CandFIG.4. In another embodiment, the first chair connecting member110along with the first holders111and the second chair connecting member112along with the second holder(s)113constitute a connection assembly300for connecting and stacking multiple folding chairs100as disclosed in the descriptions ofFIGS.3A-3CandFIG.4. In an embodiment (not shown), additional connectors, for example, clips, or additional holders are attachable to the first chair connecting member110and the second chair connecting member112for removably securing additional items to the stackable, connectable folding chair100.

In an embodiment, two straps115are attached to bottom areas106hand106iof the seat member105as illustrated inFIGS.2A-2B, such that the straps115extend from or near the front of the chair100to at or near the rear of the chair100of the seat member105. The straps115are configured to be worn over the user's shoulders to carry the stackable, connectable folding chair100in a folded configuration against the user's back. The straps115allow the user to wear the entire apparatus, that is, a stack of multiple folding chairs100on their back and at least one additional item701, for example, a cooler, on the front as disclosed in the description ofFIG.7. In some embodiments, the straps115can be fabricated from a fabric or woven material to provide comfort and flexibility for the user. The straps115can be adjustable to allow for tightening or loosening the loops formed by the straps115depending on the side of the user.

In some embodiments, the stackable, connectable folding chair100can include a support pad116attached to and suspended from a rear section104cof a bottom surface of the seat member105. In an embodiment, the support pad116is a cushioning member stitched to the fabric at the rear section104cof the seat104b. The support pad116is configured to provide support to the user's lower back when the user carries the stackable, connectable folding chair100using the straps115. For example, in some embodiments, the bottom of the seat member105can include VELCRO® or other attachment means for securing the support pad116to the bottom of the seat member105when the chair100is in the deployed configuration. When the chair100is in the folded configuration, the support pad116can swing out into the position shown inFIG.2Bsuch that the support pad116covers at least some of the frame members of the chair100. In such position, when the user wears the chair100on their back using the straps115, the support pad116is positioned between the user's back and the frame components of the chair100, ensuring improved comfort to the user. The stackable, connectable folding chair100disclosed herein is configured for connection to another folding chair and in turn to another one or more folding chairs to form a connected stack of folding chairs100a,100b,100c, and100das illustrated inFIG.4, configured to be carried and transported by the user.

FIG.2Aillustrates a front, bottom perspective view of the embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100shown inFIGS.1A-1B, in a deployed configuration, showing straps115with attachment elements118and121attached to bottom areas106hand106iof the seat member105. Although specific attachment elements118,121are discussed herein, it should be understood that a variety of attachment elements, such as rings, hooks, clasps, or the like, could be attached to the straps115and/or the bottom of the seat member105to allow for attachment of external items to the chair100during use. The seat member105is defined by a generally rectangular- or square-shaped seat support frame106as illustrated inFIGS.1A-1B, comprising the front bar106a, the opposing side bars106band106c, and the rear bar106f, and by the seat104baccommodated within the seat support frame106. The straps115are attached to the bottom areas106hand106iof the seat104b. In an embodiment, the straps115are adjustable straps comprising slide adjusters or other mechanisms configured to adjust the length of the straps115for an improved fit.

In an embodiment, the straps115comprise one or more attachment elements118, for example, D-rings, clips, buckles, hooks, loops, or other anchor elements, configured to attach and secure one or more items, for example, a cooler, a tote bag, an umbrella, or the like, to the straps115. The attachment elements118, for example, the D-rings, receive and secure additional straps (not shown) to the main straps115, for attaching and securing additional items to the straps115. In an embodiment, the stackable, connectable folding chair100further comprises a supplementary strap120aconfigured to fasten the seat member105to the back support member102of the support frame101, when the stackable, connectable folding chair100is in a folded configuration as illustrated inFIG.2B. In an embodiment, a connector121a, for example, a carabiner, a clasp, a clip, a buckle, or the like, is connected to a lower end120bof the supplementary strap120afor fastening the seat member105to the back support member102of the support frame101when the stackable, connectable folding chair100is in the folded configuration. In another embodiment, additional fasteners of any type, for example, buckles119, configured to be attached at any location along the length of the straps115to further secure accessory and other items to the front side of the user's straps115for improved weight distribution when the user carries the stackable, connectable folding chair100. The additional fasteners, for example, the buckles119, are configured to releasably receive like fasteners on an accessory item or accessory item attachment strap.

FIG.2Billustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100shown inFIG.2A, in a folded configuration. In an embodiment, the stackable, connectable folding chair100further comprises a supplementary strap120cstitched or otherwise connected to an upper edge104dof the backrest104a. A ring element121bis attached to a lower end120dof the supplementary strap120c. The connector121a, for example, a carabiner, at the lower end120bof the supplementary strap120ais configured to connect to the ring element121bat the lower end120dof the supplementary strap120cfor fastening the seat member105to the back support member102of the support frame101, when the stackable, connectable folding chair100is in the folded configuration. The connection of the supplementary straps120aand120cby the connectors121aand121bsecures and maintains the stackable, connectable folding chair100in the folded configuration.FIG.2Balso illustrates the attachment elements118and the buckles119of the straps115, the support pad116suspended from a bottom area106iof the seat member105, and the pivot connection of the generally U-shaped front leg frame107and the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108to the pair of arm rests109.

FIGS.3A-3Billustrate a perspective view and a left-side, rear perspective view, respectively, showing an embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100ain a folded configuration, connected to another stackable, connectable folding chair100bin a folded configuration, via the holders111and113. As illustrated inFIGS.3A-3B, the connection assembly300comprising the first chair connecting member110, the first holders111, the second chair connecting member112, and the second holder(s)113are configured for stacking and connecting multiple folding chairs, for example, two folding chairs100aand100b. The connection assembly300allows multiple folding chairs to be secured together in such a way that facilitates transportation by a user using two or more straps115. The first holders111attached to the first chair connecting member110that extends rearwardly from the top bar103aof the back support member102of the folding chair100a, connect to a corresponding top bar103aof the back support member102of the other folding chair100bas illustrated inFIGS.3A-3B. Furthermore, the second, elongate holder113attached to the second chair connecting member112that extends rearwardly from the base connecting member108cof the rear leg frame108of the folding chair100a, connects to the corresponding base connecting member108cof the rear leg frame108of the other folding chair100bas illustrated inFIGS.3A-3B. The triangular-shaped distribution or positioning of the holders111,113relative to each other ensures a distributed connection of the chairs100a,100bto each other, preventing or minimizing pivoting and movement of the chairs100a,100bonce the holders111,113have been engaged. The first holders111and the second elongate holder113of the folding chair100a, therefore, connect and hold the other folding chair100bagainst the folding chair100ato form a stack that can be easily carried and transported by a user using the straps115. In an embodiment, the holders111and113are removably attached to the first and second chair connecting members110and112, respectively, using fasteners, for example, screws, flanges, a snap connection, or the like. In an embodiment, the holders111and113are replaceable to allow for fixing of damage that may occur to the holders111,113during use.

FIG.3Cillustrates an enlarged, left-side perspective view of a section marked A inFIG.3B, showing an elongate holder113of one stackable, connectable folding chair100ain a folded configuration, connected to a corresponding base connecting member108cof a rear leg frame108of another folding chair100bin a folded configuration.

FIG.4illustrates a left-side, front perspective view showing a stack of folding chairs100a,100b,100c, and100din a folded configuration, connected to each other via corresponding holders111and113. As illustrated inFIG.4, four folding chairs100a,100b,100c, and100dare folded from their deployed configuration to the folded configuration. The first holders111and the second elongate holder113of the first folding chair100aconnect and hold a second folding chair100bagainst the first folding chair100aas disclosed in the description ofFIGS.3A-3B. Similarly, the first holders111and the second elongate holder113of the second folding chair100bconnect and hold a third folding chair100cagainst the second folding chair100b. Similarly, the first holders111and the second elongate holder113of the third folding chair100cconnect and hold a fourth folding chair100dagainst the third folding chair100c. The connection of the folding chairs100a,100b,100c, and100das disclosed above form a stack that can be easily carried and transported by a user using the straps115. Similarly, any number of folding chairs can be connected together to form a stack that can be easily carried and transported by the user using the straps115.

In the engaged and connected configuration ofFIG.4, the chairs100a,100b,100c,100dcan generally align along the same plane such that the top and bottom frame members of the chairs100a,100b,100c,100dare substantially uniformly disposed along planes parallel to horizontal. In some embodiments, when engaged and connected to each other, the top and bottom frame members of the chairs100a,100b,100c,100dcan be disposed along a plane angled relative to horizontal, e.g., the top frame member of the chair100bis disposed slightly higher than the top frame member of the chair100a, the top frame member of the chair100cis disposed slightly higher than the top frame member of the chair100b, and so forth.

FIGS.5A-5Cillustrate left-side perspective views of another embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100, showing an operation of the stackable, connectable folding chair100from a deployed configuration to a folded configuration. In an embodiment, the backrest104aand the seat104bare attached to the back support frame103and the seat support frame106of the seat member105using ties122aand122bas illustrated inFIGS.5A-5C.FIG.5Aillustrates a left-side perspective view of an embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100in a deployed configuration. To change the configuration of the stackable, connectable folding chair100from the deployed configuration to the folded configuration, a user may raise the seat member105in an upward direction as illustrated inFIG.5B. The pivotal connection of the generally U-shaped front leg frame107and the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108to the pair of arm rests109, and the pivotal connection between the generally U-shaped rear leg frame108and the generally U-shaped back support frame103via the leg locking member114, allow the configuration of the stackable, connectable folding chair100to be changed from the deployed configuration to the folded configuration.FIG.5Cillustrates a left, bottom perspective view of the stackable, connectable folding chair100, showing the ties122bused for attaching the seat104bto the seat support frame106of the seat member105. Also illustrated inFIG.5Cis the support pad116suspended from the rear section104cof the bottom surface of the seat member105. In an embodiment, a receptacle501, for example, a pouch, a pocket, a bag, or the like, is attached to a rear surface of the backrest104afor containing additional items, for example, personal items for leisure, travel, beach excursions, or the like. The receptacle501can include a closeable top for safe storage of additional items within the receptacle501.

FIG.6illustrates a front, bottom perspective view of another embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100in a deployed configuration, showing a lifting handle123attached to the top bar103aof the back support frame103for allowing a user to grip and carry the stackable, connectable folding chair100. The lifting handle123is configured to be gripped by a user for carrying the stackable, connectable folding chair100. In an embodiment, the lifting handle123comprises ridges123a(e.g., a textured surface) for providing an improved grip to the user's hand. In an embodiment, the lifting handle123comprises a pair of extensions124that wrap around or otherwise connect to the top bar103aof the back support frame103to attach to the folding chair100. The extensions124extend outwardly through openings104ein the material of the backrest104ato connect to opposing ends of the lifting handle123. In some embodiments, the extensions124can be can be formed from a metal material that is belt and/or folded around the top bar103ato allow for pivoting of the handle123relative to the top bar103a. In some embodiments, the extensions124or the entire handle123can be formed from a strap or fabric material that wraps around the top bar103ato allow for pivoting of the handle123relative to the top bar103a.

FIG.7illustrates a right-side elevation view showing an embodiment of the stackable, connectable folding chair100ain a folded configuration, connected and stacked to other folding chairs100band100cin the folded configuration via corresponding holders111and113and carried by a user702using the straps115. The straps115allow the user to carry the stack700of folding chairs100a,100b, and100cas a backpack. The user702folds each of the stackable, connectable folding chairs100a,100b, and100cas disclosed in the description ofFIGS.5A-5C. The user702then uses the holders111and113to connect and stack the stackable, connectable folding chairs100a,100b, and100cas disclosed in the description ofFIG.4. The user702then inserts their hands through the straps115and supports the stack700of connected folding chairs100a,100b, and100cagainst the user's back. The first folding chair100ais secured to the user702via the straps115, such that the seat member105of the folded chair100acontacts the user's rear side, while the pair of armrests109faces away from the rear side of the user702. The support pad116of the stackable, connectable folding chair100alies flush against the user's back as illustrated inFIG.7. The support pad116cushions and supports the user's lower back when the user carries and transports the stack700of connected folding chairs100a,100b, and100c. The second folding chair100bis oriented such that its armrests109also face away from the rear side of the user702, allowing a third folding chair100cto be secured to the holders111and113of the second folding chair100b. As illustrated inFIG.7, the top and bottom frame members (or uppermost and lowermost sections) of the chairs100a,100b,100ccan be substantially aligned along planes parallel to horizontal in the connected folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the user may attach a container701, for example, a cooler, a bag, or the like, to the straps115, via the attachment elements117, for example, the b-rings, thereby allowing the user702to carry food items, drink items, and personal or other items in the container701, while carrying the stack700of connected folding chairs100a,100b, and100c. The attachment elements117allow the user702to attach other items, for example, an umbrella, a bag, or the like, directly to the straps115. Supporting items, for example, container701, and/or other items against the front of the user702using the straps115, while the stack700of folding chairs100a,100b, and100care supported against the rear of the user702, can allow for improved weight distribution, allowing the user702to carry more items more comfortably and without occupying the user's hands.

The foregoing examples and illustrative implementations of various embodiments have been provided merely for explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting the embodiments disclosed herein. While the embodiments have been described with reference to various illustrative implementations, drawings, and techniques, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the embodiments have been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, techniques, and implementations, the embodiments herein are not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the embodiments extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, that the embodiments disclosed herein are capable of modifications and other embodiments may be effected and changes may be made thereto, without departing from the scope and spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein.