FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to portable chairs and more particularly to foldable chairs that secure to bleachers and other types of stadium seating.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Portable stadium chairs, also known as stadium or bleacher seats, are well known and often used by people when attending sporting events and other large events that take place in or at stadiums, gymnasiums, auditoriums, parks, and fields. Generally, these venues have tiered seating arrangements, often comprised of bleachers, benches, or grandstands. Spectators sit on the benches, bleachers, or grandstands while watching a game, show, competition, or other type of sporting, musical, or theatrical event. Sitting on such surfaces for hours on end can be quite uncomfortable, which has prompted a need for portable and comfortable stadium chairs.
Supportive portable stadium chairs currently available on the market today are designed to support a user's lower back and buttock during a sometimes hours long performance. Examples of such chairs are readily found on online retail sites and at neighborhood sporting goods stores. Generally, the chairs fold up for carrying from venue to venue and include a metal back frame and seat frame hinged together and covered with durable fabric. Additionally, a pair of L shaped metal arms may extend from the front edge of the seat portion of the chair and hook around the edge of the bench or bleacher while in use to prevent the chair from accidentally slipping off the bench when in use, especially when a user leans backward. While currently available chairs provide some relief, they lack additional features that could enhance the user's comfort, improve the functionality of the chair, and increase its stability and safety during use.
It would be useful to provide a portable stadium chair that could support a user's upper back and neck while remaining collapsible, portable, and stowable. Additionally, it would be useful to provide a seat that swivels and can be oriented in multiple ways to accommodate a wider variety of stadium seats, benches, bleachers, and similar plank-style seating. Moreover, it would be useful to provide such a portable chair with additional safety features to prevent slipping and tilting under a wide variety of conditions. Finally, it would be useful to provide a chair that can also be used with a shorter backrest when the full backrest is not needed. Such a portable stadium chair would be a notable advance in the seating arts.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A portable chair that cooperates with benches, bleachers, plank-style seating, and other stadium seating that can be folded for carrying and stowing when not in use includes additional comfort, safety, and adaptability features. The chair expands and folds between at least three standard positions: extended, partially open, and folded. It includes an upper back support that folds down onto a lower back support. Together both the upper and lower back supports also fold down onto a seat section so the chair is easily portable and stowable. The seat section of the chair includes an upper and lower frame connected by a swivel assembly to allow the user to swivel when comfortably sitting on the chair and allow the chair to cooperate with a greater variety of benches, bleachers, and plank-style seats.
The upper and lower back supports include upper and lower back frame sections that are pivotally attached at a back joint and a cover that extends across the frames to provide support for a user's back. Optionally, the cover includes an attached pillow or headrest. Likewise, the seat section pivotally attaches to the lower back frame at a seat joint and includes a cushion that attaches to or optionally covers the upper seat frame to provide a comfortable place for the user to sit. Optionally and preferably, a pair of folding armrests also pivotally connect at one end to the lower back frame section of the lower back support and at their other end to the upper seat frame of the seat section. Preferably, the armrests also include one or more joints to facilitate their opening and closing and to ensure they remain compact when the chair is in its folded position.
The lower seat frame is configured to rest upon the upper surfaces of a bench, bleacher, or plank-style seating. Optional non-slip feet can be attached to the lower seat frame, and a pair of brackets and optionally and preferably a pair of seat straps also attach to the lower seat frame. The non-skid feet prevent slippage when the seat is in use, and the brackets are configured to hook around the edges of benches, bleachers, or plank-style seating when in use. The optional seat straps are configured to attach and tighten underneath benches, bleachers, or plank-style seating for increased safety and security. Preferably, a user engages the brackets and the seat straps when using the chair, which further improves the chair's stability.
Optional and preferably additional features of the chair include carrying straps, which are preferably backpack-type straps connected to the lower seat frame and lower back frame, and a lock that secures the chair in its folded position when it is being transported. To use the chair, a spectator carries it to a spectating location preferably using the carrying straps and then unlocks the lock and unfolds the chair. The chair can be secured to the bench, bleacher, or plank using the brackets and seat straps and then used in either the partially open or extended position depending on the spectator's needs. When finished using the chair, the spectator can fold the chair back into its compact, folded states, engage the lock, and carry the chair away using the carrying straps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention in an extended position.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention in a partially open position.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of several frame components of the first embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a first perspective view of the first embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention in a folded position.
FIG. 5 is a second perspective view of the first embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second and preferred embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention in an extended position.
FIG. 7 is a top view of the second embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention in a folded position.
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention in a folded position.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the chair joint of the second embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention shown in use as it is intended to attach to a bleacher or bench.
FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the second embodiment of the portable stadium chair of the present invention showing the locking mechanism engaged.
For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which should be taken in conjunction with the above-described drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-10, is a chair 100 configured to cooperate with benches, bleachers, and other stadium seating that can be folded for carrying and stowing when not in use. The preferred embodiment as shown and described herein is sized to cooperate with bleachers, benches, and similar plank-style seating surfaces 101 having a wide variety of thicknesses T and depths D. FIGS. 1-2 and 4-5 illustrate the standard positions of a first embodiment of the stadium chair 100: extended, partially open, and folded. FIG. 3 illustrates the frame portions of the stadium chair 100, and FIG. 9 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the connection point 8 between the lower back frame 26 and seat frame 32. FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a second and preferred embodiment of the stadium chair 100 with additional stability and comfort features. Finally, FIG. 10 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the stadium chair 100 as it is intended to be used on plank-style seating surfaces 101.
As shown in FIGS. 1-5, stadium chair 100 has an upper back support 4 and a lower back support 2, and a seat section 5. Relative to the ground and when in an extended position as shown in FIG. 1, upper back support 4 sits above and extends substantially along the same plane as lower back support 2, which both sit above and somewhat or substantially perpendicular to seat section 5. In other words, in its extended position, seat section 5 projects from upper and lower back supports 4, 2. Upper back support 4 attaches to lower back support 2 at back joint 18, and lower back support 2 attaches to seat section 5 at seat joint 8. Preferably, both back joint 18 and seat joint 8 are joints or hinges that permit folding of chair 100 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-5. Optionally, seat section 5 further connects to lower back support 2 with armrests 6, at first and second armrest joints 46, 48. Armrests 6, also further fold at third armrest joint 7 as shown in the Figures. Chair 100 can be partially folded by pivoting the upper back support 4 to a position where it is near or substantially parallel to lower back support 2 as shown in FIG. 2. As used herein, the term “substantially” is a modifier meant to imply “approximate,” “to a great extent,” and “for the most part,” rather than “perfect.” Chair 100 can also be fully folded or collapsed by then folding the upper and lower back supports 4, 2 so that they are in a position near or parallel to seat section 5 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Preferably, when folded, upper back support 4 fits at least partially and preferably substantially between seat section 5 and lower back support 2. Additional details regarding each of these sections follow.
Upper back support 4 and lower back support 2 include upper and lower frames 24, 26 that are preferably covered by a common back cover 22, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Cover 22 can be made of any material or fabric strong enough to support a user's back when reclining and is preferably a non-stretch weather-resistant material. More preferably, cover 22 is made of a material that is durable, water-resistant, and lightweight such as 300D oxford nylon. Other suitable materials include polyster, canvas, nylon ripstop, polypropylene, vinyl-coated polyester, mesh, Cordura® from Invista North America, LLC of Delaware, Sunbrella® from Glen Raven, Inc. of North Carolina, olefin, and eco-friendly fabrics such as recycled polyethylene terephthalate. Cover 22 attaches periodically to or around upper and lower frames 24, 26. Preferably, upper and lower frames 24, 26, extend through pockets or slots formed along the edges of cover 22 (not labelled). Alternatively, cover 22 may be fixed to upper and lower frames 24, 26 with rivets, screws, or other fasteners. More preferably, portions of upper and lower frames 24, 26 are left exposed or uncovered by cover 22 as shown in the Figures. Optionally and preferably, cover 22 includes a padded section 22a extending across the upper and lower back support areas of cover 22 as shown in the Figures. Padded section 22c may include foam or other materials that provide extra cushioning for the user. Optionally and preferably, a headrest or pillow 20 preferably also attaches to cover 22 along one edge 20a such that it can positioned resting on cover 22 as shown in the Figures or behind cover 22 should the user not want to use pillow 20. Alternatively, pillow 20 can be secured in a fixed position relative to cover 22.
Upper back frame 24 and lower back frame 26 are shown in FIG. 3 without back cover 22. Frames 24 and 26 can be made of any strong material such as metal, wood, or plastic. Preferably, frames 24 and 26 are made of aluminum. Upper back frame 24 preferably includes substantially parallel upper back frame side sections 24a joined at first ends (not labeled) by an upper back frame cross section 24c. Preferably, upper frame back connectors 24b connect the frame side sections 24a to the cross section 24c. Upper frame back connectors 24b can be standard corners as shown in FIG. 1, and preferably, upper frame back connectors 24b are sloped edges or frame sections as shown in FIG. 6. As shown, sloped frame sections 24b extend toward one another at obtuse angles relative to side sections 24a and preferably in the same plane with side setions 24a and cross section 24c. Having upper frame back connectors 24b be sloped edges or frame sections reduces the overall weight of chair 100 while also improving sight lines for spectators who may be sitting behind chair 100. Preferably, the sloped edges of upper back frame connectors 24b mimic the shape of its users. The second ends 18a of upper back frame side sections 24a are configured to connect to lower back frame 26 at back joint 18.
Lower back frame 26 preferably includes substantially parallel lower back frame side sections 26a joined together near their first ends 18b by cross section 26c. Each side section 26a further includes an integrally formed elbow 26b near their second ends 8a. Elbow 26b serves to offset lower back frame 26 enough to accommodate upper back frame 24 when it is in a partially open state. In other words, when upper back frame 24 is folded down as shown in FIG. 2, upper back frame 24 is offset enough by elbow 26b so that the user can still comfortably use chair 100. Elbow 26b also allows for enough space for upper back frame 24 to rest between lower back frame 26 and seat 5 when chair 100 is in its folded position. First ends 18b are configured to connect to upper back frame 24 at back joint 18, and second ends 8a are configured to connect to first seat frame 32 at seat joint 8. Optionally, each side section 26a further includes a connector 26d where optional armrests 6 can pivotally attach to side sections 26a. Connectors 26d preferably receive and accommodate hinge pins 48 or other fasteners that allow armrests 6 to pivot when chair 100 is opened and closed.
Back joint 18 can be any connector that connects upper back frame 24 to lower back frame 26 and allows for upper back frame 24 to pivot between the chair's open position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 and the chair's folded position shown in FIGS. 4-5. For example, back joint 18 can be a folding hinge assembly and optionally include a ratchet mechanism. Optionally, back joint 18 can be a lid hinge assembly, pivot hinge assembly, continuous hinge, piano hinge assembly, butt hinge assembly, or knife hinge assembly. Preferably the hinge assembly selected for back joint 18 includes some resistance or one or more stoppers to prevent upper back frame 24 from accidentally over-extending and optionally permit adjustability. More preferably, back joint 18 is a butt hinge comprising cooperating ends 18a and 18b that open to 180 degrees and that connect with a pin, rod, screw or other fastener that permit them to pivot relative to one another as shown in the Figures.
Seat section 5 includes a cushion 16 which attaches to an upper seat frame 32, a swivel assembly 30 that attaches to the upper seat frame, and a lower seat frame 14 that attaches to the swivel assembly 30. Seat cushion 16 is preferably a foam cushion surrounded by the same fabric or material used for cover 22. More preferably, seat cushion is a polyurethane foam pad, which is durable, compression resistant, versatile, affordable, and easy to maintain. Other materials suitable for cushion 16 include dryfast foam or other open-cell foams, foams with antimicrobial properties, closed cell foams, combination dryfast and closed cell foams, and scrap foam or recycled polyester. Seat cushion 16 can have a flat surface on which a user can sit, as shown in the Figures, or it can have contours for enhanced comfort. Preferably, seat cushion attaches to upper seat frame 32 in such a manner that upper seat frame 32 is at least partially covered by cushion 16.
Upper seat frame 32 includes parallel upper seat frame side sections 32aconnect at first ends (not labeled) by an upper seat frame end section 32b. Parallel to upper seat frame end section 32b are one or more upper seat frame cross beams 32c that also connect upper seat frame side sections 32a. Preferably, upper seat frame 32 includes at least two upper seat frame cross beams 32c, and cross beams 32c further define openings (not labeled) to accommodate fasteners (not shown) useful for connecting cross beams 32c to other seat components generally and specifically to a seat swivel assembly 30 as shown in FIG. 3. Second ends 8b of upper seat frame side sections 32a are configured to connect to lower back frame at seat joint 8. Optionally, each side section 32a further includes a connector 32d where optional armrests 6 can pivotally attach to side sections 32a. Connector 32d preferably receives and accommodates a hinge pin.
Seat joint 8 can be any connector that connects lower back frame 26 to upper seat frame 32 and allows for lower back frame 26 to pivot between the chair's open position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 and the chair's folded position shown in FIGS. 4-5. Preferably, seat joint 8 includes a ratchet mechanism that also allows back sections 2,4 to be oriented relative to seat section 5 at multiple different angles between 90 and 180 degrees. More preferably, seat joint 8 facilitates a first back position where upper and lower back supports 2, 4 are oriented at a 97-degree angle relative to seat section 5 and a second back position where upper and lower back supports 2, 4 are oriented at a 107-degree angle relative to seat section 5. For example, seat joint 8 can be a folding hinge assembly that optionally includes a ratchet mechanism. Optionally, seat joint 8 can be a lid hinge assembly, pivot hinge assembly, continuous hinge, piano hinge assembly, butt hinge assembly, or knife hinge assembly. Preferably the hinge assembly selected for seat joint 8 includes some resistance or one or more stoppers to prevent lower back frame 26 from accidentally over-extending and optionally permit adjustability. In one embodiment, seat joint 8 is a butt hinge assembly where lower seat frame 26 and upper seat frame 32 comprising cooperating ends 8a and 8b that open to 180 degrees and that connect with a pin, rod, screw or other fastener that permit them to pivot relative to one another as shown in FIGS. 1-5. Alternately, seat joint 8 is a hinge assembly where lower seat frame 26 defines a slot 8a as shown in FIG. 9 that pivots about and slides relative to a pin 8b on upper seat frame 32.
Armrests 6 preferably are folding armrests as shown in the Figures having an upper armrest 6a and lower armrest 6b connected to the lower back frame 26 by a first armrest joint 48, connected to the upper seat frame 32 by a second armrest joint 46, and connected to each other by third armrest joint 7. First and second armrest joints are preferably hinge pins that extend through upper and lower armrests 6a, 6b and into a receiver in lower back frame 26 and upper seat frame 32 such that armrests 6a, 6b can easily pivot as chair 100 opens and closes. Third armrest joint 7 can be any connector that pivotally connects upper and lower armrests 6a, 6b to one another such that they can be operational when chair 100 is in its open position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 and compactly folded when chair 100 is in its folded position shown in FIGS. 4-5. For example, third armrest joint 7 can be a folding hinge assembly, lid hinge assembly, pivot hinge assembly, or knife hinge assembly. Preferably the hinge assembly selected for armrest joint 7 includes some resistance or one or more stoppers to prevent upper armrest 6 from over-extending or collapsing when in use. Preferably, third armrest joint 7 is a pivot hinge assembly comprising cooperating ends (not labeled) that connect with a pin, rod, screw or other fastener that permit them to pivot relative to one another as shown in the Figures.
Lower seat frame 14 of seat section 5 connects to upper seat frame 32 via seat swivel assembly 30. Lower seat frame 14 includes parallel lower seat frame side sections 14a that connect at to each other at one more end sections 14b, preferably positioned at opposing ends of side sections 14a, as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, one or more lower seat frame cross beams 14c extend parallel to side sections 14a and connect lower seat frame end sections 14b. More preferably, at least two cross beams 14c connect lower seat end sections 14b to one another, and cross beams 14c define openings (not labeled) to accommodate fasteners (not shown) useful for connecting cross beams 14c to swivel assembly 30. Additionally, preferably along at least one of lower seat end sections 14b, one or more channels 14e extend therethrough to accommodate anchors or brackets 10, 12, as shown in the Figures. Optionally, a plurality of non-slip feet 14d can be attached to lower seat frame 14. Non-slip feet 14d help prevent movement lower seat frame 14 from slipping, turning, or otherwise moving when chair 100 is in use. Optionally, the overall size or footprint of lower seat frame 14 may be larger or smaller than the overall size or footprint of upper seat frame 32.
Seat swivel assembly 30 is configured to allow upper seat frame 32 to rotate 360 degrees relative to lower seat frame 14. Seat swivel assembly is preferably a zero-degree tilt, non-locking, ball-bearing type seat swivel with mounting holes such as the MySit® swivel plate from Anji Meiyi Office Furniture Co., Ltd. of China. Seat swivel assembly 30 allows a user to swivel the orientation of back supports 2, 4 relative to seat lower frame 14, which remains stationary when secured to a bench or bleacher. As shown in the Figures, part of seat swivel assembly 30 fixedly attaches to upper seat frame 32, preferably at two positions on each of the cross beams 32c of upper seat frame 32. Likewise, a cooperating part of seat swivel assembly 30 fixedly attaches to lower seat frame 14, preferably at two positions on each of the cross beams 14c of lower seat frame 14
Preferably, an anchor assembly connects to lower seat frame 14. In one embodiment, anchor assembly includes two brackets 10, 12 that are attached to lower seat frame 14 as shown in FIG. 1. Brackets 10, 12 are preferably L shaped rods that connect to or extend through lower seat frame end section 14b such that the rods can pivot flat for storage and carrying as shown in FIG. 5 to a fully extended position to accommodate a thick seating surface as shown in FIG. 1 or to a position somewhere between flat and fully extended to accommodate other thicknesses of seating surfaces as shown in FIG. 10. Brackets 10, 12 serve to prevent excessive tipping and sliding of chair 100 when it is use. Brackets 10, 12 can also optionally include a non-skid coating or cover to increase their effectiveness. In another embodiment, anchor assembly includes seat straps 60 either used alone or more preferably used together with brackets 10, 12 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 10. Seat straps 60 preferably attach to lower seat frame end sections 14b. Seat straps 60 also preferably include a buckle 62 that allows the straps to be connected under a seating surface 101 and tightened to further prevent slippage and tilting of the chair during use. As shown in FIG. 5, straps 60 are preferably positioned such that they can also hold brackets 10, 12 in place around the edge of seating surface 101.
Secured to lower back support 2, preferably along lower back frame end section 16c are carrying straps such as backpack straps 38, preferably adjustable-type backpack straps and preferably those that include a padded portion (not labeled). Also preferably, straps 38 are attached to a frame component of seat section 5 or more preferably to seat joint 5. Additionally, a lock assembly 70 attaches to lower seat frame 14 and lower back frame 26 such that the lock assembly 70 is capable of locking chair 100 in a folded position when the user engages the lock. In the preferred embodiment, lock assembly comprises a first lock strap 72 attached to the lower seat frame near brackets 10, 12, a second lock strap 74 attached to the lower back frame crossbar 26c, and a buckle 76 configured to releasably attach the first and second lock straps 72, 74 to one another as shown in FIG. 11.
Because chair 100 folds, swivels, and securely attaches to benches, bleachers, and plank-style seating surfaces, a user can easily store it, carry it through crowded venues, and quickly and easily expand it for a comfortable and supportive seating experience when spectating at the park, field, or auditorium. In its folded position as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 7-8, a spectator can carry the chair using straps 38. Once the spectator arrives at their destination, they can unlock locking mechanism 70 and then fold seat section 5 down and away from upper and lower back supports 4, 2. The spectator preferably folds down brackets 10, 12 and hooks them on the front edge of the bench, bleacher, or plank where the spectator wishes to sit comfortably. Should the bench, bleacher, or plank be structured such that the brackets cannot be used on the front edge of the bench or should the spectator simply prefer not to hook the brackets to the front edge of the bench, the upper seat frame 32 can be swiveled 180 degrees relative to the lower seat frame 14 so that the spectator can hook brackets 10, 12 to the back edge of the bench, bleacher, or plank, or the spectator can opt to use seat straps 60 instead. After the spectator engages brackets 10, 12, the spectator can also secure seat straps 60 under the bench, bleacher, or plank for additional stability and security. After the seat is secured to the bench, bleacher, or plank as desired, then the spectator can use chair 100 in its partially open state, which provides extra cushioning due to the stacked upper and lower back supports 4,2 and supportive lower back frame cross beam 26c. Alternatively, the spectator can further expand the chair by folding up the upper back support 4 so that it aligns with lower back support 2 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. In its extended state, chair 100 provides additional support for the spectator's head, neck, and back. Additionally, because the chair swivels, the spectator can easily turn from side to side while watching a game, performance, or other event. When the spectator is ready to leave the event, they can reverse the steps above to fold chair 100 into its compact, folded state as shown in FIGS. 4-5 and 7-8, engage lock 70, and once again carry chair 100 using straps 38 back through the crowd.
While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that many changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.
Patent Application
20240341480
