Self-Aligning, Compactable, Collapsible Chair
A collapsible, compactable chair or seating apparatus having a pair of rigid frames fitted to one another to form an A-frame configuration. Both frames may be collapsed so that the frame dimensions of the chair in an operational, deployed configuration may be reduced in two dimensions (i.e., height, length) when collapsed into a compacted configuration for storage or transport. The collapsible frames are held together with an internal elastic ban. The novel chair may be compacted into a thin bundle that may be rolled up in and contained within fabric forming a portion of the chair. In its compacted, rolled up state, the novel chair is suitable for transportation within a backpack or other such enclosure.
The present application is filed with reference to a patent issued to inventor, Christopher Loney, on Nov. 15, 2011, U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,982 and titled “Compactable, collapsible chair”. Christopher Loney is the sole inventor of the 2011 patent and this invention. This invention is an improvement of his 2011 patent. This invention incorporates the compatibility and collapsibility of the chair and adds the self-aligning feature of the chair. The self-aligning feature incorporates elastic bands inside the frame.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention pertains to a collapsible seating structures and, more particularly, to a chair having a rigid, collapsible frame having reduced dimensions in a collapsed state allowing the compacted, collapsed chair to be carried in a back pack or rolled up and not requiring a bag.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONMany outdoor activities are greatly enhanced by the use of a portable seat or back support structure. While many such devices have been proposed in the prior art, all suffer from the limitations of bulk and/or weight. While many prior art structures may be folded or collapsed for transportation or storage, the rigid frames thereof retain their original dimensions. Consequently, the frame dimensions of such prior art chairs or seats, even in the folded or collapsed configuration are not reduced and the degree of compaction of such structures is thereby limited. In other words, when such prior art seats are folded or collapsed, they typically retain at least two dimensions (e.g., height and width), of their open, operational dimensions even in their collapsed state. When the activity for which a seat or backrest is required occurs a distance from a transportation source, the collapsed dimensions of prior art structures still present logistical problems due to their bulk when hand carrying them to the site of the activity.
Discussion of the Related ArtSeveral attempts at providing portable and/or collapsible seating or backrest structures may be found in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,799,939 for CONVERTIBLE GROUND SEAT AND LOUNGE, issued Apr. 7, 1931 to Claude Beauchamp Wainwright et al. discloses a portable seating structure collapsible along a single dimension.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,570,571 for COMBINATION BACK REST AND BAG STRUCTURE, issued Oct. 9, 1951 to Robert N. Leeman teaches another portable seating arrangement collapsible along a single dimension.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,816,599 for COMBINATION SUPPORT AND BAG, issued Dec. 17, 1957 to Marjory M. Adams discloses another seat/backrest structure collapsible along a single dimension and having a carrying bag which, in addition to facilitating carrying the ADAMS seat, functions as seat and back support surfaces.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,825 for COMBINATION TOTE BAG AND BODY REST, issued Apr. 12, 1988 to Daniel P. Belfi shows another structure collapsible in a single dimension and including an integral tote bag.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,451 for COMBINATION BACK PACK/BEACH CHAIR, issued Jul. 23, 1985 to James Hamilton discloses a seat/back rest structure collapsible along a single dimension and having integral straps to facilitate carrying the device on one's back.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,874 for FOLDING BEACH LOUNGE, issued Aug. 27, 1991 to Daniel E. Williams teaches another portable seating device collapsible along a single dimension. Extendable portions my be withdrawn to collapse the WILLIAMS device to a predetermined size rectangular parallelepiped, thereby lowering the height as well as the thickness of the lounge, consequently actually allowing compression of structure size along two dimensions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,979 for BAG THAT MAY BE CONVERTED INTO A FOLDING BACK REST FOR THE BEACH OR PARK, issued Dec. 30, 1997 to Jan Harriet Voich teaches a folding structure that may be compacted into an integral carrying bag. However, the structure collapses only along a single dimension.
Published United States Patent Application No. 2004/0195891 for GROUND LOUNGER, published Oct. 7, 2004 upon application by Clifford Eugene Vaughan, provides yet another folding structure, collapsible along a single dimension.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,230 for FOLDABLE CHILD SUPPORT DEVICE, issued Jun. 7, 2005 to Shun-Min Chen, provides a structure having frame members foldable at a mid point thereof so as to compact the structure along both height and a length dimensions.
None of the patents and published patent application, taken singly, or in any combination are seen to teach or suggest the novel self-aligning, compactable, collapsible chair of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn accordance with the present invention there is provided a self-aligning, compactable, collapsible seating structure wherein dimensions of the chair in an operational, deployed configuration may be reduced along two dimensions (i.e., height, length) into a compacted configuration for storage or transport. The novel chair may be compacted into a thin bundle that is rolled up in and contained within fabric that forms a portion of the chair. In its compacted, rolled up state, the novel chair is suitable for transportation within a backpack or other such enclosure.
It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational, deployed configuration to a collapsed configuration.
It is another object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration wherein both height and length are reduced in the transformation.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a seating structure having a rigid frame that is convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a seating structure having a rigid frame that is convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration with no moving parts such as hinged joints or a slide.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration having a seat-supporting portion and a back-supporting portion, an angle therebetween being adjustable.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration having a moisture proof mat portion, when in a collapsed configuration the seating structure may be rolled up within the mat portion.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a seating structure convertible from an operational configuration to a collapsed configuration having frame members without foldable mid point joints thereof, the frame members being held in a locked configuration by elastic bands inside the frame member tubing with the frame member tubing being held together with male-female connections and connectable ends with expanded and reduced sizes and with a friction fit to form an extended portion.
Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
The present invention provides self-aligning, compactable, collapsible chair structure having a seat-supporting portion and a back-supporting portion connected to one another via a pinned joint, the angle therebetween being adjustable.
Referring first to
Chair 100 has a seat/leg-supporting portion 102 consisting of a seat-supporting region 106 and a leg-protecting region 108. Referring now also to
As seen in
It will be further recognized that while a two-ply structure consisting of moisture resistant membrane 110 and wear-resistant membrane 112 has been shown, a single-ply structure may readily be substituted therefore.
As seen in
A back-supporting portion 104 is attached to seat/leg supporting region 102 by a continuation of at least wear resistant membrane 112 or back padding 114.
Referring now to
In its open, operational configuration (
Corner slip apart self-aligning joints 136a, 136b, connect distal ends of lower segments 132a, 132b to lower member 126. Likewise, corner slip apart self-aligning joints 136c, 136d connect distal ends of upper segments 130a, 130b to an upper frame brace 138. Upper frame brace 138 consists of top frame members 124a and frame brace side members 140a, 140b. Corner slip apart self-aligning joints are considered to be well known to those of skill in the art and, consequently, are not further discussed herein. Any suitable compression fitting slip apart self-aligning connection may be used throughout the novel folding chair 100 and the invention is not limited to the compression fitting slip apart self-aligning joints chosen for purposes of disclosure.
Referring now also to
Referring now to
In its open, operational configuration (
Slip apart self-aligning joint connectors 236a, 236b, connect distal ends of lower segments 232a, 232b to lower member 226. Likewise, slip apart self-aligning joint connectors 236c, 236d connect distal ends of upper segments 230a, 230b to upper frame members 240a, 240b.
Referring now to
Flexible straps 182, typically having one or more grommets 184 may be used to secure the angular relationship of frames 120 and 220.
Other flexible straps 190a, 190b are typically fastened to top frame member 224a and bottom frame member 126. Flexible straps 190a, 190b provide back support to a user of chair 100.
Refer now again also to
If the chair 100 configuration includes an inflatable bladder 116 (
Frame members 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b of frame 120 and 230a, 230b, 232a, 232b of frame 220 may be pushed inwardly (toward the center of respective frames 120 and 220) until the frames are totally collapsed.
Once collapsed, the compacted structure may be rolled up in the moisture proof barrier 110 (
Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.
Claims
1. A collapsible, compactable chair comprising:
- a) a first collapsible, substantially rectangular frame having a top member, a proximal end of a collapsible right side member fitted to a first end thereof, and a proximal end of a collapsible left side member fitted to an opposing end thereof, and a bottom member having a first end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible left side member and an opposing end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible right side member, said first frame being movable between an open, operational configuration and a collapsed configuration, each of said collapsible left side member and said collapsible right side member having a disposed proximate a respective midpoint along a respective major axis thereof;
- b) a second collapsible, substantially rectangular frame having a proximal end of a collapsible right side member fitted to a first end thereof, and a proximal end of a collapsible left side member fitted to an opposing end thereof, and a bottom member having a first end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible left side member and an opposing end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible right side member, said second frame being movable between an open, operational configuration and a collapsed configuration, each of said collapsible left side member and said collapsible right side member having a disposed proximate a respective midpoint along a respective major axis thereof;
- c) means for rotatively interconnecting said first frame and said second frame operatively connected to said first frame and said second frame proximate respective top members of said first frame and said second frame, said first frame and said second frame thereby defining an A-frame structure having an acute angle between major planes formed by said first frame and said second frame; and
- d) a membrane covering at least said first collapsible, substantially rectangular frame and said second collapsible, substantially rectangular frame.
- e) first and second substantially rectangular frame member tubing are held together with internal elastic bands;
- f) the frame member tubing having male-female connections and connectable ends with expanded and reduced sizes and with friction fit to form the extended frames.
2. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 1, wherein said collapsible right side member of said first frame and said collapsible right side member of said second frame member remain substantially coplanar, regardless of a value of said acute angle between said first frame and said second frame when both said first frame and said second frame are in said open operational configurations.
3. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for rotatively interconnecting said first frame and said second frame comprises a detented mechanism.
4. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
- g) at least one strap adjustably affixed to at least one of the group: said collapsible right member of said first frame and said collapsible right member of said second frame, and said collapsible left member of said first frame and said collapsible left member of said second frame.
5. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 4, wherein said at least one strap comprises a grommet disposed therein.
6. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 1, wherein said membrane includes at least one selected from the group: a waterproof fabric, a wear-resistant fabric, and a pad.
7. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 6, wherein said pad comprises an inflatable pad.
8. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 6, wherein said first frame comprises a back-supporting frame and said membrane extends beyond said lower member thereof.
9. The collapsible, compactable chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising:
- h) at least one flexible strap disposed between said top member and said bottom member of said first collapsible, substantially rectangular frame.
10. A collapsible, compactable chair comprising:
- a) a first collapsible, substantially rectangular frame having a top member, a proximal end of a collapsible right side member fitted to a first end thereof, and a proximal end of a collapsible left side member fitted to an opposing end thereof, and a bottom member having a first end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible left side member and an opposing end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible right side member, said first frame being movable between an open, operational configuration and a collapsed configuration, each of said collapsible left side member and said collapsible right side member having a hinge disposed proximate a respective midpoint along a respective major axis thereof;
- b) a second collapsible, substantially rectangular frame having a top member, a proximal end of a collapsible right side member fitted to a first end thereof, and a proximal end of a collapsible left side member fitted to an opposing end thereof, and a bottom member having a first end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible left side member and an opposing end fitted to a distal end of said collapsible right side member, said second frame being movable between an open, operational configuration and a collapsed configuration, each of said collapsible left side member and said collapsible right side member having a hinge disposed proximate a respective midpoint along a respective major axis thereof;
- c) detented means for rotatively interconnecting said first frame and said second frame operatively connected to said first frame and said second frame proximate respective top members of said first frame and said second frame, said first frame and said second frame thereby defining an A-frame structure having an acute angle between major planes formed by said first frame and said second frame, said collapsible right side member of said first frame and said collapsible right side member of said second frame member remaining substantially coplanar, regardless of a value of said acute angle between said first frame and said second frame when both said first frame and said second frame are in said open operational configurations;
- d) a membrane selected from the group: a waterproof fabric, a wear-resistant fabric, and a pad covering at least said first collapsible, substantially rectangular frame and said second collapsible, substantially rectangular frame, said membrane extending beyond said lower member of said first frame; and
- e) first and second substantially rectangular frame member tubing are held together with internal elastic bands;
- f) the frame member tubing having male-female connections and connectable ends with expanded and reduced sizes and with friction fit to form the extended frames.
- g) at least one strap adjustably affixed to at least one of the group: said collapsible right member of said first frame and said collapsible right member of said second frame, and said collapsible left member of said first frame and said collapsible left member of said second frame, said flexible strap comprising at least one grommet disposed therein.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 27, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 27, 2014
Inventor: Christopher Loney (Virginia Beach, VA)
Application Number: 13/595,249
International Classification: A47C 4/00 (20060101);