In the portable seating industry, a market exists for high performance folding chairs that are capable of efficiently and effectively withstanding heavy use and servicing large audiences. These seating situations are commonly found in gymnasiums, stadiums, auditoriums, schools and churches and at outdoor events, such as picnics and concerts. Due to the common nature of the events, the performance requirements for these chairs can be extremely demanding. For example, they must be able to withstand rugged use, such as that commonly found with sports fans and concert goers. And to also provide comfort for prolonged seating periods.
Many folding chairs tend be uncomfortable, especially in circumstances of extended seating time. For example, seats are commonly made of rigid materials, such as metal, plastic and/or wood. Such materials can become even more uncomfortable over time as their surface degrades and becomes weathered. Sometimes these rigid seats are covered with a layer of padding, such as foam, which may not be sufficient in thickness, resiliency and/or quality.
Moreover, these seat constructions tend to ignore the contours of the human body. For example, seating surfaces are commonly one dimensional, whereas the human body plainly is not so simple.
Folding chairs also tend to provide insufficient back support. One reason is that the back support is often minimized for a folding operation and for minimal storage space. For instance, backrest portions are typically much smaller than the human back. Backrests are also often made of a rigid material, such as metal, plastic or wood, which can become uncomfortable over time as previously mentioned, and ignores the contours of the human body. As with seats, backrests are sometimes covered with a layer of padding, such as foam, which may not be sufficient in every case. Also, backrests tend to be one-dimensional, as opposed to the human body. As a result, there is desire for a folding chair with a seat and backrest that provide enhanced comfort, particularly for high performance folding chairs used in preferred seating areas, and also the requisite durability for heavy and rugged use.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present invention relates to a folding chair having detachable, reconfigurable, and/or interchangeable features including a detachable, reconfigurable, and/or interchangeable container, carrying straps, and/or cup holder. The container can be insulated and can be easily and conveniently attached and detached from the folding chair. While referred to herein with reference to specific container embodiments as being insulated, in each instance it should be understood that the same disclosure is relevant to embodiments where the container is not insulated. Therefore, reference to insulated containers should be understood to also reference the same embodiments, discussion, and illustrations of which the container is not insulated.
The insulated container can be welded, insulated and sealed with exterior pockets which are also welded and sealed to protect items contained within. The straps can have multiple different attachment points which allow multiple different carrying styles and reconfigurations including a backpack type carrying configuration, over-the-shoulder briefcase type carrying configuration, and across the body satchel type configuration, for example. The cupholder can be interchangeable from each side of the folding chair and can be designed to accommodate various different types of beverage containers including cups having a handle, a can, and a canteen, for example.
A folding chair includes a chair frame. The chair frame can include a left front leg frame element, a right front leg frame element, a left rear leg frame element, a right rear leg frame element, and a seat frame including two or more seat frame elements. The seat frame element can include a first seat frame element and a second seat frame element. The folding chair can include an insulated container connectable and disconnectable to the chair frame such that the insulated container is disposed under a seat of the folding chair when the insulated container is connected to the chair frame. The seat can include seat material extending between the first seat frame element and the second seat frame element. A first side of the seat material at least in part provides the seat for a person to sit upon. A second side of the seat material extends over the insulated container when the insulated container is connected to the chair frame.
The folding chair frame can further include a left arm support frame element and a right arm support frame element. The folding chair frame can further include a left back support frame element pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element. The folding chair can further include a right back support frame element pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element. The folding chair can further include an upper back support frame element connecting the left back support frame element to the right back support frame element. The first seat frame element can include a left seat frame element and the second seat frame element can include a right seat frame element.
The chair frame can further include a left front joint, the left front joint coupling the left front leg frame element to the left seat frame element. The folding chair can further include a right front joint, the right front joint coupling the right front leg frame element to the right seat frame element.
The folding chair can further include a left rear joint, the left rear joint coupling the left rear leg frame element to the left seat frame element. The folding chair can further include a right rear joint, the right rear joint coupling the right rear leg frame element to the right seat frame element.
The left front joint can include a left front joint insulated container connector for connecting the left front joint to the insulated container. The right front joint can include a right front joint insulated container connector for connecting the right front joint to the insulated container. The left rear joint can include a left rear joint insulated container connector for connecting the left rear joint to the insulated container. The right rear joint can include a right rear joint insulated container connector for connecting the right rear joint to the insulated container.
The left front can include a left front joint cup holder connector for selectively connecting the left front joint to a cup holder. The right front joint can further include a right front joint cup holder connector for selectively connecting the right front joint to the cup holder.
The left rear joint can further include a left rear joint strap connector. The right rear joint can further include a right rear joint strap connector.
The folding chair can include a handle. The handle can be connected to two loops. The loops can be disposed around the upper back support frame element. The loops can be connectable to first ends of two carrying straps. Second ends of the two carrying straps can be connected to the left and right rear joint strap connectors for carrying the folding chair in a back pack configuration.
The folding chair can include a left arm rest made of wood and connected to and upper side of the left arm support frame element. A right arm rest made of wood and connected to an upper side of the right arm support frame element.
The second side of the seat material can extend over and is directly adjacent to the insulated container when the insulated container is connected to the chair frame.
The left front leg frame element can be connected to the right front leg frame element by a front leg ground surface frame element. The front leg frame element can be an integrated U-shaped front leg frame element.
The left rear leg frame element can be connected to the right rear leg frame element by a rear leg ground surface element. The rear leg frame element can be an integrated U-shaped rear leg frame element.
The seat frame can further include a front seat frame element, the first seat frame element and second seat frame element being connected by the front seat frame element. The seat frame element can be an integrated U-shaped seat frame element.
The back frame can further include an integrated U-shaped seat frame element.
The insulated container can include a plurality of straps sewn thereto and having connectors disposed proximate to opposing ends of the plurality of straps for connection to front and rear couplings of the folding chair.
The front and rear couplings can each include a clip connector for releasably connecting to the strap connectors of the insulated container. The rear couplings can be connected by a horizontal support brace. The horizontal support brace can be connected to the rear leg frame element by a rear support bracket.
One or more of the front pivotable couplings can include a connector for securing a cup holder thereto.
A method of configuring the foldable chair can include connecting a first strap in a satchel configuration, reconfiguring the first strap in a brief case configuration, and/or reconfiguring the first strap in a backpack configuration. The method of configuring the foldable chair can include connecting a second strap in the backpack manner.
An insulated container can include one or more connectors extending from an upper surface of the insulated container for selectively connecting the insulated container to a bottom of a chair frame.
A front pivotable coupling for a folding chair can include a first coupling element for connecting to a side of a seat support frame element, a second coupling element for connecting to a front leg frame element, and a connector for connecting to an insulated container. The front pivotable coupling can include a cup holder connector disposed around a periphery of the front pivotable coupling and configured to connect to an attachable cup holder.
A front pivotable coupling for a folding chair can include a first coupling element for connecting to a side of a seat support frame element, a second coupling element for connecting to a front leg frame element, and a connector for selectively connecting and disconnecting to cup holder.
A rear pivotable coupling for a folding chair can include a first coupling element for connecting to an end of a seat support frame element, a second coupling element for connecting to a back support frame element, and a connector for connecting to an insulated container. The rear pivotable coupling can further include a third coupling element for pivotably coupling to a horizontal brace. The third coupling element can be further configured to couple the rear pivotable brace to a pivotable bracket. The bracket can pivotably couple the rear pivotable coupling to a rear leg frame element.
The folding chair can further include one or more cup holders connected to the one or more front pivotable couplings.
The folding chair can further include arm rests connected to the left arm support frame element and right arm support frame element. The arm rests can be made of wood. The arm rests can be made of bamboo.
The folding chair frame can include aluminum. The front leg frame element, rear leg frame element, back support frame element, and seat support frame element can be made from aluminum. The front leg frame element, rear leg frame element, back support frame element, and seat support frame element can have a diameter of at least one inch.
The folding chair can have a fabric webbing connected to the seat and back support frame elements.
Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
Embodiments of the invention relate to a portable chair having superior craftsmanship and improved functionality. The portable chair includes a detachable container, which can be insulated for keeping beverages and food cold for an extended period according to certain embodiments. The chair preferably is designed and constructed for the demands of the outdoors. The chair can be constructed of improved materials including, according to some preferred embodiments, a frame made from aircraft grade aluminum. The chair can include a seat and back made of fabric webbing that is soft to touch and encircles a nylon webbed core maintaining strength and “like new” comfort. The frabric webbing can include a woven polyester fabric that can be made water-resistant. The chair can have armrests, made of wood that can be laminated & sealed for elemental protection. The armrests can also be bamboo armrests that are lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly.
Other improvements and features which exhibit distinctive advantages include various detachable, reconfigurable, and/or interchangeable features including the insulated container, carrying straps, and cup holder. The insulated container can be easily and conveniently attached and detached from the folding chair. The insulated container can be welded, insulated and sealed with exterior pockets which are also welded and sealed to protect items contained within. The straps can have multiple different attachment points which allow multiple different carrying styles and reconfigurations including a backpack type carrying configuration, over-the-shoulder briefcase type carrying configuration, and across the body satchel type configuration, for example. The cupholder can be interchangeable from each side of the folding chair and can be designed to accommodate various different types of beverage containers including cups having a handle, a can, and a canteen, for example. Additional interchangeable accessory connection implements can accommodate umbrellas, tables, fishing rod holders, etc. as would be understood in view of the teachings disclosed hereinafter.
The detachable insulated container can be designed to keep ice frozen for more than eight hours, according to some preferred embodiments. The detachable insulated container can have soft or hard sidewalls and construction, or a mixture of soft and hard sidewalls and construction. The folding chair and insulated container can include exterior pockets to securely carry and protect additional items. Such exterior pockets can be welded as opposed to sewn so as to ensure a waterproof seam and streamlined appearance. According to certain preferred embodiments, the multiple carrying options provide for hands free carrying experience which is also ergonomically designed for comfort. Such multiple different carrying configurations can also lend to a wide variety of different carrying situations depending on the environment and desires of the user.
The detachable container can secure snugly to the underside of the seat base frame of the chair through carabiner-like clips according to certain preferred embodiments. Such convenient connection allows for easy access to the contents of the insulated container. In addition, the insulated container can be easily detached from the seat frame of the foldable chair for additional mobility, separate use, and as may otherwise be desirable in different circumstances.
A hands-free carrying strap runs across the chest in a satchel carrying configuration allowing freedom for the user's hands to carry additional equipment and items. According to various embodiments, the folding chair can be used to secure additional items such as snorkels, flippers, and other items within the folded chair for any particular use.
The interchangeable cup holder can be included with cutouts designed for cans, insulated water bottles, canteens, and coffee mugs. Advantageously, the interchangeable cup holder can be releasably connected to an innovative frame element joint as opposed to situated on, or formed in, the arm rest to provide an improved ergonomic, multi-functionality, reduction in parts, and multi-purpose joints for supporting rotatable frame elements in addition to the interchangeable cup holders.
Referring to
The folding chair frame can further include a front leg frame element 105 pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The front leg frame element 105 also being pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element 125B.
The folding chair frame can further include a rear leg frame element 110. The rear leg frame element 110 being pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The rear leg frame element 110 also being pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element 125B.
The folding chair frame can further include a back support frame element 115 pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The back support frame element 115 also being pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element 125B.
The folding chair frame can further include a seat support frame element 120. The seat support frame element 120 can be pivotally coupled to the rear leg frame element 110. The seat support frame element 120 can also be pivotally coupled to the front leg frame element 105.
The folding chair 100 can further include seat support material 155 and back support material 150. The back support material 155 can extend from the sides of the back support frame 115. The seat support material 155 can extend from the sides of the seat support frame element 120. The seat support material 155 and/or back support material 150 can include a webbing of seat and back support material. The webbing of material can include horizontal webbing interlaced with perpendicular horizontal seat support webbing material 155 or vertical back support webbing material 150 as shown in
The folding chair 100 can further include a left arm rest 160A connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The folding chair 100 can further include a right arm rest 160B connected to the right arm support frame elements 125B. The arm rests 160 can be made of any material. However, according to preferred particularly ergonomic designs, the arm rests 160 can be made of wood according to embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the arm rests 160 can be made of bamboo wood according to some preferred embodiments.
The folding chair 100 can include a cup holder 130. The cup holder 130 can be easily interchangeable from/to the left and right sides of the folding chair 100. The cup holder 130 can include a cutout 131 to accommodate a mug or handle of a cup. The cup holder 130 can be connectable and disconnectable to cup holder connectors 132. The folding chair 100 can include two cup holder connectors 132, one cup holder connector 132A on the left side of the folding chair 100 and one cup holder connector 132B on the right side of the folding chair 100. The cup holder 130 can be connected and disconnected to the cup holder connectors 132 on each side of the folding chair 100 as preferred by the person sitting in the folding chair 100. Advantageously, the cup holder connectors 132 can be coupled, attachable or attached to the front leg frame element 105 as well coupled, attachable or attached to the seat frame element 120. For example, the cup holder connectors 132 can include an interlocking or mating slot that corresponds to an interlocking or mating key or protrusion disposed on the cup holder 131.
Referring to
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The insulated container 140 can be connectable and disconnectable by front connectors 144 and rear connectors 145 of the insulated container 140. The front connectors 144 and rear connectors 145 can be in the form of loops, clips, or hooks attached, coupled, or connected to the insulated container 140, for example.
The insulated container 140 can also include one or more exterior pockets 142. For example, as shown in
The folding chair 100 is illustrated in the figures as having a generally U-shaped front leg frame element 105, U-shaped seat support frame element 120, U-shaped rear leg support frame element 110 and U-shaped back support frame element 115 interconnected by multiple couplings, folding joints and/or pivotable joints. However, individual or distinct portions of the back support frame element 115, leg support frame elements 105 and 110, and seat support frame elements 120 may be implemented. Use of U-shaped frame elements 105, 120, 110 and 115 renders various improvements, functional strength, and ergonomic benefits as discovered by the inventor of this patent application.
For example, referring still to
Similarly, the rear leg frame element 110 can include a left rear leg frame element portion 110A and a right rear leg frame element portion 110B. The left rear frame element 110A can be, but need not, be connected to the right rear leg element 110B by an interconnecting rear leg frame element portion 110C. As shown, the elements of the rear leg frame element 110 can be a single piece as shown or separate pieces (not shown) which may be coupled together according to some embodiments.
Similarly, the seat frame element 120 can include two or more seat frame element portions. As illustrated in
Referring to
For example, the foldable chair 100 can include two front couplings 170 and two rear couplings 180. The front couplings 170 can have a first front coupling joint portion 170A for connecting to the front leg frame element 105 and a second front coupling joint portion 170B for connecting to the seat frame element 120. The first front coupling joint portion 170A is rotatably connected to the second front coupling joint 170B such that the seat frame element 120 is rotatably coupled to the front leg frame element 105.
As shown in
The front coupling joints 170 can further include first front coupling connectors 171 for connecting the second front coupling joint portions 170B of each front coupling joint 170 to the insulated container 140. For example, as shown, the first front coupling connector 171 can include an integrated clip like a carabiner for connecting to a front connector 144 of the insulated container 140. As shown in
The folding chair frame can further include two rear rotatable and foldable couplings 180. The rear couplings 180 can foldably couple ends of the back support frame element 115 to ends of the seat support frame element 120. The rear couplings 180 can further rotatably couple the back support frame element 120 and the seat support frame element 120 relative to the rear leg frame element 110.
More specifically, as shown in
The rear couplings 180 further can further include a first rear coupling connector 181 for connecting the rear couplings 180 to the insulated container 140. The first rear coupling connector 181 can be formed integral with the second portion 180B of the rear couplings 180. The first rear coupling connectors 181 can be similar in function to a carabiner with a metallic clip biased into the closed position.
The rear couplings 180 can further include a second rear coupling connector 182 for connecting and disconnecting to a carrying strap (not shown). Thus, the foldable chair can include one, two, three or four front and rear coupling connections for selectively connecting the one or more carrying straps (e.g. see
The folding chair portion 100 can further include the seat support material 155 and back support material 150. The fabric of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 can include fabric webbing of fabric strips. The fabric straps can include longitudinal strips of material that extend from a top end of the back support element 125 to an end of the seat support element 130. Transverse strips of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 can extend transverse to side of the back support element 125 and sides of the seat support element 130 and connect to opposing sides thereof. A design of the fabric of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 of the folding chair 100 can be tailored to coincide with a design of fabric or wall pattern of the insulated container 180. The strips of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 of the folding chair 100 can be woven or can be a single or multiple sheets of fabric.
The folding chair frame can include the two front pivotable couplings 170. The front pilotable couplings 170 rotatably coupling ends of the seat support frame element 120 to the front leg frame element 105. The folding chair frame can further include the two rear pivotable couplings 180, the rear pivotable and foldable couplings 180 rotatably coupling ends of the back support frame element 115 and the seat support frame element 120 to the rear leg frame element 110.
The insulated container 180 can be connected to the two front pivotable couplings 170 and two rear pivotable and foldable couplings 180. And, the insulated container 180 can have the handle 141 (not shown) attached thereto for carrying the insulated container 140 when the insulated container 140 is disconnected from the front pivotable couplings 170 and rear pivotable and foldable couplings 180.
The foldable chair portion 100 further including the arm rests 160 connected to the left arm support frame element 125A and the right arm support frame element 125B. The arm rests 160 can be made of wood such as bamboo.
The foldable chair portion 110 can further include various different releasable closure retention mechanisms. For example, referring to
Referring to 13 a second embodiment of a folding chair closure retention element 191 is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the folding chair closure retention element 190 includes a rotatable clip rotatably connected to a side of the front leg support frame element 105. When the folding chair 100 is placed in the folded position the second folding chair closure retention element 191 is rotated perpendicular the a center axis of the front leg support frame element 105 and clips onto a post connected to the rear support frame element 110 as shown in
Referring to 13 a second embodiment of a folding chair closure retention element 191 is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the folding chair closure retention element 190 includes a rotatable clip rotatably connected to a side of the front leg support frame element 105. When the folding chair 100 is placed in the folded position the second folding chair closure retention element 191 is rotated perpendicular the a center axis of the front leg support frame element 105 and clips onto a post connected to the rear support frame element 110 as shown in
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The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/828,666 filed Feb. 28, 2022, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/090,288 filed Nov. 5, 2020; and which also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63/021,074 filed May 6, 2020 and 62/930,775 filed Nov. 5, 2019. The contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties and for all purposes.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63021074 | May 2020 | US | |
62930775 | Nov 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 17090288 | Nov 2020 | US |
Child | 29828666 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 29828666 | Feb 2022 | US |
Child | 18785591 | US |