BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to systems and methods for portable furniture. In particular, the invention relates to portable, lightweight and collapsible stable chairs and rests that are well suited for camping and travelling.
Conventional portable chairs are not truly portable for outdoor use and cannot accommodate sitting on a hillside or uneven terrain. An example of one such portable chair is a “stadium seat” which consists of two flat pads with a hinge in the middle, rigid posts along their outer lateral edges and adjustable straps that run on each side of the pads from the top corner to the bottom corner. In a stadium seat, when a user leans back, the sides of the pads and posts are pulled in towards the body along with the straps, and generally, the heavier the user is, the more uncomfortable the stadium seat is. Further, the user cannot use this chair to sit comfortably on a hillside or on uneven terrain.
In addition to uneven terrain, outdoor ground surfaces can either be hard or soft. If the ground surfaces are too soft, such as a sandy beach, then the feet of the furniture can sink in to the ground when the user attempts to sit on the chair or lay back on the rest.
Thus, there is a need in the furniture field to create new, useful, portable, stable and comfortable chairs and rests. These improved portable chairs and rests are strong, lightweight and collapsible, and are well suited for use on uneven terrain often encountered outdoors.
SUMMARY
To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present invention, systems and methods for constructing portable furniture is provided. In particular, the invention provides portable, lightweight and collapsible stable chairs and rests that are well suited for camping and travelling.
In one embodiment, a portable chair, for accommodating a user in a seated position, has a chair sling and a chair frame. The sling includes a plurality of frame interfaces for securing the sling to the frame.
In this embodiment, the chair frame includes an upper back pair of bars, a lower back pair of bars, a hub configured to couple the upper back pair of bars to the lower back pair of bars, a middle pair of bars configured to be coupled to a corresponding one of the lower back pair of bars, a front pair of bars configured to be coupled to a corresponding one of the middle pair of bars, and a front joint configured to couple the front pair of bars to each other.
In another embodiment, the chair frame includes an upper back pair of bars, a lower back pair of bars, a hub configured to couple the upper back pair of bars to the lower back pair of bars, a middle pair of bars, a pair of back joints configured to couple each of the lower back pair of bars to a corresponding one of the middle pair of bars, a front pair of bars, a pair of middle joints configured to couple each of the middle pair of bars to a corresponding one of the front pair of bars, and a front joint configured to couple the front pair of bars to each other.
In some embodiments, the chair frame may also include a plurality of sand feet configured to provide stable support on soft ground surfaces.
Note that the various features of the present invention described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order that the present invention may be more clearly ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable chair frame in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates the portable chair frame supporting a sling of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A is a side view and a top view of the brace for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternate brace for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 illustrates the brace and the joint for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 shows the portable chair frame for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 shows the first bar section and the second bar section for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the joint for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 shows the portable chair frame supporting a sling of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 shows the portable chair frame supporting a sling of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 illustrates the sling for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and back views respectively of the frame interface element for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a first variation and a second variation respectively of the base for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 illustrates a third variation of the base for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 shows the bag for storing the embodiment of FIG. 1;
FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views illustrating another embodiment of a portable chair frame in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the optional front foot assembly for the embodiment of FIGS. 15A and 15B;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a variation of the front foot assembly of FIG. 16 suitable for portable chairs in accordance to the present invention;
FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an exemplary connecting joint for the front foot assemblies of FIGS. 16 and 17;
FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view showing a variant of the machined connecting joint of FIG. 18B;
FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are perspective views of alternate front foot assemblies for portable chairs in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 20A and 20B are exploded and assembled views, respectively, of the frame interface suitable for the portable chair slings in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 21A-21D are perspective views illustrating another embodiment of a portable chair, in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 22A-22D and 23A-23C are perspective views illustrating two additional embodiments of portable chairs having bipod legs, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 23D is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an alternate portable chair frame for the portable chair of FIG. 23B, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary ball joint useful constructing some of the embodiments of the portable chairs described;
FIGS. 25A-25D illustrates a variation of the portable chair embodiment of FIG. 23B with optional sand feet;
FIGS. 26A-26C illustrate a meadow rest incorporating a collapsible frame structure similar to that used by the portable chair depicted in FIG. 21;
FIGS. 26D-25E shows a variation of the meadow rest of FIG. 26B with an optional attached storage pouch;
FIGS. 27 and 28 are perspective views of alternate embodiments of collapsible frames for the meadow rest of FIG. 26B;
FIGS. 29A and 29B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view illustrating an optional sand foot for the meadow rest of FIG. 26B;
FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a dual meadow rest for two users in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 31A-31C are perspective views illustrating an exemplary optional cozy cover attached to one of the portables chairs in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 32A-32D are perspective views illustrating another variation of a portable collapsible chair in accordance with the present invention;
FIGS. 33A-33D are perspective views illustrating yet another variation of a portable collapsible chair in accordance with the present invention; and
FIGS. 34A-34D are perspective views illustrating yet another variation of a portable collapsible chair in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to several embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of embodiments may be better understood with reference to the drawings and discussions that follow.
Aspects, features and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description in connection with the accompanying drawing(s). It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are illustrative only and not limiting, having been presented by way of example only. All features disclosed in this description may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Therefore, numerous other embodiments of the modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention as defined herein and equivalents thereto. Hence, use of absolute and/or sequential terms, such as, for example, “will,” “will not,” “shall,” “shall not,” “must,” “always,” “must not,” “first,” “initially,” “next,” “subsequently,” “before,” “after,” “lastly,” and “finally,” are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention as the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary.
The present invention relates to systems and methods for constructing portable, lightweight and collapsible stable chairs well suited for camping and travelling. To facilitate discussion, FIGS. 1-24 illustrate several embodiments of portable chairs in accordance to the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable chair frame 10 that supports a sling of the described embodiments includes a first pair of collapsible bars 14, a second pair of collapsible bars 16, and two joints 18 that each provide a point of contact with a ground surface 20. Each collapsible bar has a first end 22 coupled to the other first ends 22 and a second end 24 that provides a sling interface for the sling. The joints 18 are included in each of the collapsible bars of the first pair of collapsible bars 14. The portable chair frame 10 further includes a brace coupled to the first ends 22 of the collapsible bars. The portable chair frame 10 is configured to support a sling and, more specifically, a portable chair frame that supports a sling designed for use on uneven terrain. In use, a user can sit in the sling supported by the portable chair frame 10. The portable chair frame 10 provides two points of contact with a ground surface 20, and the user provides a third point of contact with the ground surface 20 with their feet or legs. The joints 18 prevent rotation of the chair about a single axis (i.e., preventing the chair from rotating from side to side, while allowing the chair to rock back and forth), while the user uses their legs and/or feet to stabilize the chair about a second axis (i.e., controlled rocking back and forth or preventing it all together). The portable chair frame 10 that supports a sling, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.
I. A Portable Chair Frame Embodiment
In this embodiment, the brace 12 functions to couple the first pair of collapsible bars 14 to the second pair of collapsible bars 16 and to hold the joints 18 a first distance from one another and to hold the second ends 24, which provide the sling interface, a second distance from one another. The first distance of the joints 18 can be less than the second distance of the second ends 24 such that the first pair of collapsible bars that each can run from two second ends 24 to the two joints 18 (the points of contact with a ground surface) are substantially parallel or inline with a generated force vector F, as shown in FIG. 2. The force vector is generated when a user sits in the sling, and their weight, supported by the sling, is transferred to the frame. The sling “pulls” on the frame, generating a force vector F in the direction shown. Due to the fact that the first collapsible bars are substantially parallel or inline with the generated force vector F, they are optimally positioned to support the force and are less likely to buckle, or fail in any other fashion.
Additionally as shown in FIG. 5, the brace 12 holds the first ends of the first pair of bars 14 at a positive angle D less than 180 degrees (approximately 70 to 110 degrees) which constrains the joints to rotate around the axes at angle D to one another. Therefore, the joints themselves are rigid and the sling interfaces 48 at the second ends 24 of the first bars 14 rotate in planes at angle D to one another. The sling interfaces 48 are also constrained in their movement by the sling itself. The upper portion 50 of the sling links together the sling interfaces at the second ends 24 of the first pair of collapsible bars such that the distance A between them cannot increase. The second pair of bars 16 are fixed in space so that their second ends 24 are at a fixed distance B from one another. This distance B can be greater than distance A. For the distance A to decrease, the distances C along the lateral edges of the sling would have to increase. Therefore the sling is held open when unoccupied. By the same token, when a user is seated in the sling, while the users weight exerts a force on the sling that tends to pull the upper sling interfaces together, the force is resisted by the lateral edge of the sling and especially by the adjustment element 60 which are both connected to the fixed second ends of the second bars.
Additionally, the brace couples the first pair of collapsible bars 14 to the second pair of collapsible bars 16 such that the lines of the bars cross at the brace. This arrangement helps the frame push the second ends 24 that provide a sling interface away from one another rather than towards one another due to the weight of the user. The brace 12 is located close to the sling such that is minimizes the bending forces of the bars, and such that it is above the ground surface to allow the joints 18 to contact an uneven ground surface. The uneven ground surface is able to cross through the line and/or break the plane created by the two points of contact of the joints 18, as shown in FIG. 2, such that the ground surface can be sand, rock, hillside, or any other suitable uneven terrain.
The brace 12 is one of several variations. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 4, a first variation of the brace 12 includes four receiving elements 26. The receiving elements each receive a portion of a collapsible bar such that the brace and the collapsible bars inserted into the receiving elements are in substantially the same plane. The brace and the receiving elements restrict movement of the collapsible bars in at least one direction. The collapsible bars may pivot or rotate with respect to the brace, such that they may fold up over or with the brace. Alternatively, the collapsible bars may be fixed by the brace. As shown in FIG. 3A, the receiving elements position the collapsible bars inserted into the receiving elements at substantially right angles to one another, but may alternatively position the collapsible bars inserted into the receiving elements at any suitable angle to one another, including a combination of different angles, as shown in FIG. 3B. The brace 12 may have any suitable geometry to define the four receiving elements 26, such as a cross shape as shown in FIG. 3B. In a first version of the first variation, as shown in FIG. 3A, the brace 12 is cylindrical and defines a cavity that receives a portion of a collapsible bar. The cavity can be cylindrically shaped, but may alternatively have any suitable shape such that it receives a portion of a collapsible bar.
In a second version of the first variation, as shown in FIG. 4, the brace 12 is cylindrical and defines a center hole to reduce the mass of the brace 12 and functions to receive a portion of a collapsible bar around the outer diameter of the cylindrical receiving element or inside the inner diameter of the cylindrical receiving element. The receiving elements are coupled such that a cord or a portion of a collapsible bar may run from one receiving element to another receiving element. Although the brace 12 and the receiving elements 26 can be one of these two versions of the first variation, the brace 12 and the receiving elements 26 may be any suitable element to couple the first pair of collapsible bars 14 to the second pair of collapsible bars 16 and to hold the joints 18 a first distance from one another.
Although the brace 12 can be one of these several variations, the brace may alternatively be any suitable mechanism to couple the first pair of collapsible bars 14 to the second pair of collapsible bars 16 and to hold the joints 18 a first distance from one another and hold the second ends 24, which provide the sling interface, a second distance from one another.
The bars of the described embodiments function to support the sling and the weight of a user. The bars can be one of several variations. As shown in FIG. 2, the bars (the first pair of bars 14 and the second pair of bars 16) are cylindrical rods, but may alternatively have any suitable geometry and may have varying geometries along the length of the rods. The bars are straight or linear bars, but may alternatively be curved, bent, or have any other suitable geometry. The bars can be made of metal (such as 0.433″ 7075 T9 aluminum poles with a 0.030″ wall thickness), or plastic, but may be alternatively made from any suitable material. The bars 14 and 16 are collapsible or foldable such that they include multiple sections that can be assembled to support the sling and the weight of the user and can be disassembled for easy transportation and storage. Each of the sections are straight, but may alternatively be curved or angled. Each section may have the same radius of curvature or angle, but alternatively each section may have a different radius of curvature or angle.
As shown in FIG. 6, the collapsible bar 28 includes a first bar section 30 and a second bar section 32 removably coupled to a first bar section 30. The first bar section 30 has an end portion with an outer diameter dimension 34 and the second bar section 32 has an end portion that defines a recess 36 that receives the outer diameter dimension 34 of the end portion of the first bar section 30. The outer diameter dimension 34 has a diameter less than the outer diameter of the collapsible bar. For example, they may have 0.370″ outer diameter while the collapsible bars have an outer diameter of 0.433″. The end portion of the first bar section 30 may be a separate piece that is coupled to the first bar section 30. For example, the separate piece may have an outer diameter of 0.433″ with a 0.040″ wall thickness. Alternatively, the first bar section may couple to the second bar section in any other suitable fashion. The first bar section 30 is substantially identical to the second bar section 32, but alternatively, the first bar section 30 and the second bar section 32 may have different geometries, dimensions, and/or cross sections. Each collapsible bar can include any suitable number of bar sections. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 2, the first pair of collapsible bars 14 and the second pair of collapsible bars 16 each include multiple bar sections. The joint 18 of the first pair of collapsible bars 14 couples one bar section to multiple bar sections at a substantially right angle. The joint 18 may alternatively couple any suitable combination of bar sections at any suitable angle to one another.
The joints 18 of the described embodiments function to provide a point of contact with a ground surface 20. The joints 18 can be one of several variations. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 7, the joints 18 define two receiving elements 38. The receiving elements each receive a portion of a collapsible bar such that the joint and the bars inserted into the receiving elements are in substantially the same plane. As shown in FIG. 7, the receiving elements position the bars inserted into the receiving elements at substantially a right angle to one another, but may alternatively position the bars inserted into the receiving elements at any suitable angle to one another. The joint 18 may have any suitable geometry to define the two receiving elements 38. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 7, the joint 18 is L-shaped and the receiving element can be a cavity that receives a portion of a collapsible bar. The L-shaped joint has a pointed vertex, but may alternatively have a curved or flat vertex. The cavity is cylindrically shaped, but may alternatively have any suitable shape such that it receives a portion of a collapsible bar.
In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 4, the receiving element 38′ is a cylindrical receiving element that functions to receive a portion of a collapsible bar around the outer diameter of the cylindrical receiving element or inside the inner diameter of the cylindrical receiving element. The receiving elements are coupled such that a cord or a portion of a collapsible bar may run from one receiving element to another receiving element. In an alternative variation, the joint 18 may be formed by bending a portion of a bar and the bar may be curved or bent to form the joint 18. The joint 18 can be made of metal (such as aluminum) or plastic, but may be alternatively made from any suitable material. Although the joint 18 and the receiving elements 38 can be one of these variations, the joint 18 and the receiving elements 38 may be any suitable element to support the sling and the weight of a user.
As shown in FIG. 8, the portable chair frame 10′ of the second embodiment is nearly identical to the portable chair frame 10 of the first embodiment. The difference between the two embodiments, however, is that the portable chair frame 10′ of the second embodiment further includes a second brace 40 and a third pair of collapsible bars 42. In this embodiment, the first pair of collapsible bars 14, including the joints 18, have a first end coupled to the first brace 12 and a second end coupled to the second brace 40 and the third pair of collapsible bars 42 each have a first end coupled to the second brace 40 and a second end 24 that provides a sling interface.
II. A Sling (Seat) Embodiment
The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments also includes a sling 44, which is supported by the portable chair frame 10 and supports the weight of a user. As shown in FIG. 2, the sling 44 includes a seat bottom portion 46 with frame interface elements 48 and a seat back portion 50 with frame interface elements 48. The frame interface elements 48 are coupled to the four sling interfaces of the collapsible bars. The four frame elements are coupled to the sling and removably coupled to the portable chair frame, but may alternatively be removably coupled to the sling and coupled to the portable chair frame, removably coupled to both, or coupled to both. In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 2, the frame interface elements 48 of the seat back portion 50 couple to the first pair of collapsible bars 14 and the frame interface elements 48 of the seat bottom portion 46 couple to a second pair of collapsible bars 16 such that the brace 12 is substantially adjacent or below the seat bottom portion 46 of the sling.
In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 9, the frame interface elements 48 of the seat back portion 50 couple to the second pair of collapsible bars 16 and the frame interface elements 48 of the seat bottom portion 46 couple to the first pair of collapsible bars 14 such that the brace 12 is substantially adjacent or behind the seat back portion 50 of the sling. The sling can be made of a durable and/or waterproof material such as fabric, vinyl, or plastic, but may alternatively be made out of any suitable material.
The sling 44 of the described embodiments also includes a shaping element that functions to provide a “bucket” shape to the sling 44, which prevents the user from sliding forward out of the seat, especially when their feet are not firmly planted. The shaping element can also functions to allow the sides of the sling 44 to better contain the users' hips and to provide better back support. The shaping element can be one of several variations. In a first variation, the shaping element is a gusset 52, as shown in FIG. 2, which runs from the seat bottom portion to the seat back portion. The gusset 52 can be diamond or lozenge shaped, but may alternatively have any other suitable geometry. In a second variation, the shaping element includes darts in the seat bottom portion of the sling. The darts may alternatively be located near the edges of the sling, but may alternatively be in any suitable portion of the sling to provide a “bucket” shape to the sling 44. In a third variation, the shaping element is a panel or portion of the sling made out of a stretchable fabric, such that the sling can expand to provide a “bucket” shape to the sling 44 when the user sits into the portable chair. The shaping element may alternatively be any other suitable shaping element that functions to provide a “bucket” shape to the sling 44 and allow the sides of the sling 44 to better contain the users' hips.
The sling 44 of the described embodiments also includes a weight distribution element that functions to reduce the pressure of the sling 44 against the back of the user. The weight distribution element can be one of several variations. In a first variation, the weight distribution element is a panel 54, as shown in FIG. 10, in the seat back portion 50 of the sling that couples the two frame interface elements 48 to one another. The panel 54 can be semi-circular or crescent shaped such that when the weight of the user is applied to the sling, the top portion supports a first amount of weight and the bottom rounded portion supports a second amount of weight. The second amount of weight is larger than the first amount due to the orientation of the bottom rounded portion with respect to the frame of the chair. The top portion is substantially perpendicular to the collapsible bar coupled to the seat back portion of the sling, and the bottom rounded portion, where it couples to the frame, is substantially parallel or inline with the collapsible bar such that the majority of the weight supported by the sling is supported by the bottom rounded portion rather than the top portion. The second amount of weight is larger than the first amount of weight to reduce the tension on the upper sling edge 55 and reduce its pressure against the back of the user. The weight distribution element may alternatively be any other suitable variation to reduce the pressure of the upper sling edge 55 against the back of the user.
In one variation, as shown in FIG. 2, the sling 44 includes multiple panels. The panel 54 at the top portion of the seat back portion 50 of the sling 44 has a semicircle shape and is positioned in the sling 44 such that the curved portion is lower than the straight portion. The three remaining panels radiate from curved portion of panel 54. One of those three panels is the gusset 52. The gusset 52 runs from the panel 54 to the bottom of the sling. Mirrored around the gusset 52 are two rectangular panels. The two outside panels are substantially flat (i.e. not bucket shaped), but may alternatively include darts or any other suitable shaping element. The two outside panels may alternatively each be replaced by a two triangular panels, or may alternatively include any other suitable number of panels. The two triangular panels are substantially “30-60-90” triangles with the 90 degree angles adjacent to the gusset 52 at the bottom of the sling. On the outside of those two panels, are two more similarly shaped panels with the 90 degree angles located at the far outside, top corners of the sling. The two outside panels (each including two triangular panels) on each side of the gusset 52 form a rectangle on either side of the gusset 52.
The frame interface elements 48 of the described embodiment function to couple the sling 44 to the portable chair frame 10. In a first variation, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the frame interface elements 48 each define a receiving element 56 that receives a portion of a collapsible bar and define a slot 58 that receives a portion of the sling 44. The frame interface element 48 defines the receiving element 56 such that it holds the portion of the collapsible bar at a predetermined angle relative to the sling 44 and to the other collapsible bars. The frame interface element 48 has a triangular geometry with two slots 58. The slots are about one inch wide and located on the triangular face approximately 100 degrees from each other. A portion of the sling (i.e. a strap coupled to the sling 44) is coupled to each of the slots of the frame interface element 48. In this variation, there is a left and right handed version of the frame interface element 48 such that the left handed and the right handed version each hold the portion of the collapsible bar at a predetermined angle (depending on the left or right side of the sling) relative to the sling 44 and to the other collapsible bars. The frame interface element 48 of this variation has a rounded edge along the top portion of the frame interface element 48 to prevent pressure or discomfort to the user. The frame interface elements can be made from metal, plastic, polycarbonate, or any other suitable material.
The frame interface elements may be machined, injection molded, or manufactured in any other suitable fashion. In a second variation, frame interface elements 48 are grommets or washers coupled to or sewn into the sling 44 that slide over or otherwise couple to the second ends 24 of the collapsible bars. In a third variation, the frame interface elements 48 are pockets that are coupled to or sewn into the sling 44 that slide over or otherwise couple to the second ends 24 of the collapsible bars.
The sling 44 of the described embodiments can also includes an adjustment element 60, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, that couples the seat bottom portion 46 to the seat back portion 50 and the length of the adjustment element 60 may be lengthened or shortened to increase or decrease the distance and the angle between the seat bottom portion 46 and the seat back portion 50. The sling 44 may further include straps coupled to the frame interface element 48 that run along the slide of the sling 44. The adjustment elements 60 are coupled to these straps and function to lengthen and shorten the lengths of these straps. The adjustment element 60 can be a ladder-lock buckle, but may alternatively be any suitable adjustment element 60 that increases or decreases the distance and the angle between the seat bottom portion 46 and the seat back portion 50. The sling 44 may also include additional adjustment elements 60 at any suitable location on the sling 44 or the portable chair frame 10.
III. Additional Portable Chair Elements
The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments can also include a cord 62 that functions to couple the elements of the portable chair frame 10 together, as shown in FIG. 6. The first bar section 30 and the second bar section 32 can be hollow such that the cord 62 can couple the inside of the first bar section 30 to the inside of the second bar section 32. The cord can run through the bar sections of a collapsible bar, through the brace, through the bar sections of a second collapsible bar, and through a joint 18 if one of the collapsible bars includes a joint 18. The portable chair frame 10 can include two cords 62 that run through the structure from the corners (the sling interfaces) and function to pull the bar sections, brace, and joints together. The cord 62 can be an elastic cord, but may alternatively be any other suitable material such as fabric, plastic, metal, or a metal spring.
The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments may also include a pad. The pad may be coupled to the sling 44 at the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion, but may alternatively be coupled to any other suitable portion of the sling and/or the frame. In a first variation, the pads are cushions that are insertable in pockets defined by the sling. The user may insert and remove pads of varying thickness and/or density. In a second variation, the pads are inflatable. In this variation, the pads can be coupled to the sling and include a valve through which they are inflated.
The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments may also include rockers. The rockers can be coupled to the joints 18, but may alternatively be coupled to any suitable portion of the portable chair frame 10. The rockers can be standard rockers as conventionally found on standard rocking chairs. The rockers can be rounded bands of material such as wood, metal, or plastic and couple to the ground surface such that the portable chair frame 10 may rock back and forth.
The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments can also include a base 64, coupled to the joint 18, that cooperates with the joint 18 to provide a point of contact with the ground surface 20 with an increased surface area, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 13. The joints 18 alone provide a point of contact with a ground surface and are ideal for gripping rocks, logs, and hard ground in general. On soft ground such as sand or grass, they may sink into the ground surface. The base 64 coupled to the joint 18, cooperates with the joint 18 to provide a point of contact with the ground surface 20 with an increased surface area such that the joint 18 and base 64 will not sink into the ground surface. The base 64 is removable from the portable chair frame 10, but may alternatively be permanently attached to a portion of the portable chair frame 10. The base 64 is circular and defines a square hole that couples to the joint 18, but may alternatively have any suitable geometry. The base can be made from metal, plastic, polycarbonate, or any other suitable material. The base may be machined, injection molded, or manufactured in any other suitable fashion. In a first variation, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the base 64 can include a cable 66 that couples the base 64 to the joint 18. The cable 66 can be an elastic cable, but may alternatively be made out of rubber, plastic, fabric, or metal. In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 12B, the base 64 can be injection molded part and includes two hollow bosses 68, located on the upper surface of the base 64 that contain the ends of the cable 66. In this variation, the base 64 may further include tab portions 70 that snap into the joint 18, as shown in FIG. 12B.
In a third variation, as shown in FIG. 13, the base includes a spherical indent on the top side and a center hole with a countersink on the bottom side to hold the cable 66 in place. The depth of the indent and the top surface of the base are contoured in such a way that, on a level ground surface, joint 18 will only hit the base 64 when the portable chair frame is tilted past the point where the pair of collapsible legs that couple to the seat bottom portion of the sling are horizontal or in the opposite direction, past the point where the pair of collapsible legs that couple to the seat back portion of the sling are horizontal. The base 64 can be contoured in such a way that if the bottom (or back) of the joint 18 does contact the base 64, it does so along its entire surface to avoid a lever action, which would overstress the joint. The base 64 in this variation can be injection molded, but may be manufactured in any other suitable fashion.
The base 64 also includes a coupler 72 that can be spherical in shape and dimensioned to couple with the spherical indent in the base 64. The coupler 72 has an hourglass shape hollowed out of the inside of the sphere, such that it provides enough room for the cable 66 in any position that the base 64 and joint 18 can assume. The coupler 72 also keeps the cable at a substantially constant tension as it bends around the center of the coupler 72. The coupler 72 can be injection molded, but may be manufactured in any other suitable fashion. The cable 66 in this variation can be made from an artificial fiber like nylon or a metal such as steel and may include an elastic element. At a first end of the cable 66, the cable includes a cone shaped plug that interfaces with the countersink geometry of the base 64. At the second end of the cable 66, the cable includes a ball dimensioned such that it can be inserted through a hole in the joint 18 and held by the cam buckle 74 on the opposite side. The cam 74 can be a cylinder with a finger-sized handle. The cam 74 can be slotted to accept the thickness of the cable 66 and has a pocket on the top side to accept the cable ball. The cam 74 can be a standard cam, but may alternatively be any suitable device. The joint 18 in this variation becomes broader towards the back and has a spherical divot to accept the coupler 72. At the crook of the L-shaped joint 18 there is a cylindrical surface for the cam 74 to ride in. It can include a hole from the center of the rear divot to the center of the crook of the L to accept the cable 66. The joint 18 in this variation can be CNC machined aluminum, but may alternatively be any other suitable material machined in any suitable fashion.
The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments may also includes a bag 68, as shown in FIG. 14, which functions to store the portable chair frame 10 and the sling 44, when they are collapsed and folded. The bag 68 has a length less than 10 inches (ideally less than or equal to 7 inches) and a diameter less than 5 inches (ideally less than or equal to 4 inches), but may alternatively have any suitable dimensions to store the portable chair frame 10 and/or the sling 44, when they are collapsed and folded. The sling can be removed from the portable chair frame when they are collapsed and folded, but alternatively, the sling may remain coupled to the portable chair frame when they are collapsed and folded and/or the sling and frame may open in a fashion similar to the opening and closing mechanism of an umbrella, i.e. the portable chair frame and/or sling may pop open in a smooth motion similar to that of an umbrella opening and unfolding in one fluid motion.
IV. Additional Portable Chair Embodiments
FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views illustrating another embodiment of a portable chair 1500 having a chair frame 1510 and sling sections 1544, 1546 & 1552, in accordance with the present invention. Chair frame 1510 has similar components to those of the above-described chair frame 10, including a first pair of collapsible bar sections 1514, 1524 a second pair of collapsible bar sections 1516, 1526, brace 1512, and two joints 1518 that each provide a point of contact with a ground surface (not shown). Construction, field assembly and functionality of chair frame 1510 and sling sections 1544, 1546 & 1552 are substantially similar to that described above for the portable chair components including chair frame 10, sling 44 and gusset 52 of FIG. 2.
For example, the first pair of collapsible bar sections 1514, 1524 are coupled to each other in a manner similar to that described above for collapsible bar 28 having first and second bar sections 30, 32 that are removably coupled as illustrated by FIG. 6. Accordingly, the first bar section 1514 has an end portion with an outer diameter dimension, and the second bar section 1524 has an end portion that defines a recess that receives the outer diameter dimension of the end portion of the first bar section 1514.
Sling sections 1544 and 1552 can be made from a suitable lightweight nylon material, while sling section 1546 can be made from a mesh material for improved air ventilation and/or conformity with the user's body. Four frame interfaces 1548, described in greater detail below, are securely attached to the four respective corners formed by sling sections 1544 and 1552.
In this embodiment, portable chair frame 1510 also includes an optional front support assembly 1580 which is shown in greater detail in the perspective view of FIG. 16. Front support assembly 1580 provides additional stability for a user sitting in chair 1500. Assembly 1580 includes a pair of connectors 1610, a pair of diagonal bars 1620, a pair of couplers 1630, and a bottom bar 1640. The respective lower ends of diagonal bars 1620 are coupled to opposite ends of bottom bar 1640 via couplers 1630.
Referring also to FIGS. 18A and 18B which are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of exemplary connector 1610, connector 1610 has a first recess 1816 configured to rotatably secure collapsible bar 1516, and a second recess 1817 to rotatably secure an upper end of diagonal bar 1620. Note that connector 1610 is also configured to be coupled to the front frame interfaces 1548, attached to the sling sections 1544 and 1552.
Connecting joint 1610 can be made from suitable material such as a metallic or plastic casting. FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a connector 1810 having machined recesses 1818, 1819 suitable for securing bars 1516, 1620, respectively.
FIGS. 21A-21D are perspective views illustrating another embodiment of a portable chair 2100 having a chair frame 2110 and sling sections 2144, 2152, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 21A shows a chair frame 2110 of chair 2100. FIGS. 21B, 21C and 21D show side, back and front views of portable chair 2100. Chair frame 2110 includes a first pair of collapsible bar sections 2114, 2124 a second pair of collapsible bars 2116 and two joints 2118 that each provide a point of contact with a ground surface (not shown). Construction, field assembly and functionality of chair frame 2110 and sling sections 2144, 2152 are somewhat similar to that described above for the components of portable chair 1500.
In this embodiment, the lower ends of bar sections 2114 and bars 2116 are coupled to each other via joints 2118. In addition, joints 2118 are coupled to each other via a bottom bar 2119. Portable chair frame 2110 can include an optional front support assembly 1780 which is shown in greater detail in the perspective view of FIG. 17. Front support assembly 1780 provides additional stability for a user sitting in chair 2100. Assembly 1780 includes a pair of connectors 1610, a pair of diagonal bars 1720, a pair of couplers 1630, and a bottom bar 1740. The respective lower ends of diagonal bars 1720 are coupled to opposite ends of bottom bar 1740 via couplers 1630. Connectors 1610 are configured to be coupled to front frame interfaces 2148 of the sling sections 2144, 2152.
FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views of alternate exemplary front support assemblies 1900A and 1900B suitable for portable chairs such as chairs 1500, 2100. FIG. 19C shows yet another exemplary embodiment of a front support assembly 1900C. Adding front foot assembly 1900C to a portable chair creates a three ground contact points with a ground surface, thereby increasing stability especially for uneven ground surfaces.
FIGS. 22A-22D are perspective views of an additional embodiment of a portable chair 2200 having a chair frame 2210 and sling sections 2244, 2252, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 22A shows chair frame 2210 while FIGS. 22B, 22C and 22D show side, back and front views of portable chair 2200.
Chair frame 2210 has similar components to those of the above-described chair frame 1510, including a first pair of collapsible bar sections 2214, 2224 a second pair of collapsible bar sections 2216, 2226, brace 2212, and two joints 2218 each coupled to a corresponding pair of bipod legs 2222. Construction, field assembly and functionality of chair frame 2210 and sling sections 2244, 2252 share some similarities with the components of portable chairs 1500 and 2100 described above.
In this embodiment, stability for a user sitting in chair 2100 is accomplished by bipod legs 2222 providing four points of contact with the ground surface as illustrated by FIG. 22D. Bar sections 2214, 2226 and bipod legs 2222 can be coupled to joints 2218 in a manner similar to that described below for joint 2318 and bar section 2314, bar 2316 and bipod legs 2222 as illustrated by FIG. 24.
FIGS. 23A-23C are perspective views illustrating yet another embodiment of a portable chair 2300 with chair frame 2310 and sling sections 2344, 2352, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 23A shows chair frame 2310 while FIGS. 23B and 23C show side and back views of portable chair 2300. Chair frame 2310 includes a first pair of collapsible bar sections 2314, 2324 a second pair of collapsible bars 2316 and two joints 2318 each coupled to a corresponding pair of bipod legs 2222. Construction, field assembly and functionality of chair frame 2310 and sling sections 2144, 2152 share some similarities to that described above for portable chairs 1510, 2100 and 2210.
In this embodiment, the lower ends of bar sections 2314 and bars 2316 are couple to each other via joints 2318. In addition, joints 2318 are coupled to each other via a horizontal bar 2319. Additional stability for a user sitting in chair 2300 is accomplished by bipod legs 2222 providing four points of contact with the ground surface as illustrated by FIGS. 23A and 23B.
FIG. 23D is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an alternate portable chair frame 2310D for the portable chair 2300, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of exemplary joint 2318 with four stubs 2414, 2416, 2422 configured to snugly couple with corresponding ends of bar section 2314, bar 2316 and bipod legs 2222, in a manner similar to that described above for collapsible bar 28 and as illustrated by FIG. 6. For example, the external diameters of stubs 2414, 2416, 2422 are appropriately selected to receive the respective end internal diameters of bars 2314, 2316 and legs 2222.
Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, exploded and assembled views, respectively, of an exemplary frame interface 2000 suitable for coupling slings to the respective frames of the portable chairs, e.g., chairs 1500, 2100, 2200 and 2300, frame interface 2000 includes reinforcing layers 2047a, 2047b, 2056a, pocket layer 2056b, stiffening layer 2048 and backing layer 2049.
In some embodiments, reinforcing layers 2047a, 2047b, 2056a can be made from the same lightweight material as sling sections 1544, 1552, e.g., ripstop nylon. Pocket layer 2056b can be made from a suitable thick and strong material such as nylon webbing. Stiffening layer 2048 can be mode from a suitably stiff material such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), while backing layer 2049 can be made from a suitably material such as Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA). These layers can be stitched to form a pocket 2056 for sling section 2058, as shown in FIG. 20B together with edging tape 2082, 2084. Additional reinforcing stitches can also be applied to stress locations such as 2062, 2064, 2068.
The exemplary embodiments of the portable chairs described above can be made from a wide variety of suitable materials. For example, the frames can be constructed from one or more strong and lightweight materials including metallic alloys such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium and steel. It is also possible to use plastics such as polycarbonate or fiberglass, carbon fiber, and combinations thereof. It may also be possible to construct chair frames using natural materials such as bamboo. The chair slings can be made from suitable flexible materials such as nylon, canvas and jute and combinations thereof.
Many modifications and additions to the above described embodiments of collapsible chairs are possible. For example, portable chair 2500 may include an optional plurality of sand feet 2580 as shown in FIGS. 25A-25B. FIGS. 25C and 25D are a perspective view and a cross sectional A-A view, respectively, of one of sand feet 2580. Note that each cavity 2582 of feet 2580 is configured to be securely coupled to each corresponding exposed end of bipod legs 2222, thereby enabling a user to sit on chair 2500 resting on a soft ground surface, such as a sandy beach, a muddy campground or a snow field, without sinking into the ground.
The portable chair embodiments described herein may also include accessories, such as drink pockets, pillows and/or sling covers functioning as wind shields. As shown in FIGS. 31A-31C, chair 3100 includes a sling cover 3150 that may be insulated, e.g., quilted, and/or incorporate a powered heating system (not shown). Sling cover 3150 may be attached to an integrated storage pouch 3180. Chair accessories may be attached to the portable chairs using suitable fasteners, hook-and-loop, elastic straps and/or overhangs.
In addition, many of the portable chair components, including connectors, couplers and joints described above, can also useful for constructing other assemblies. For example, connectors 1610 described above for mounting front support assemblies 1580, 1780, 1900A, 1900B, 1900C to portable chairs also useful for mounting assemblies for other portable structures and furniture, including cots beds, tables, and shelters such as tents.
V. Portable Meadow Rests with Collapsible Frames
FIGS. 26A-26C are perspective views illustrating an embodiment of a portable meadow rest 2600 having a rest mat 2620 and a rest frame 2610, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. Meadow Rest 2600 enables a user (not shown) to comfortably rest in a semi-inclined position on suitable surfaces such as campgrounds, parks, lawns and beaches.
FIG. 26A illustrates rest frame 2610, while FIGS. 26B and 26C show front and back perspective views of portable meadow rest 2600. Rest frame 2610 includes a first pair of collapsible bar sections 2612, 2614, a second pair of collapsible bar sections 2616, 2618, two joints 2611 and a center bar 2619. Rest mat 2620 includes pairs of frame interface elements 2624, 2628 configured to be securely coupled to a corresponding end of each bar sections 2614, 2618, during assembly.
In this embodiment, one end of each bar sections 2612, 2616 are coupled to each other via joints 2611. In addition, joints 2611 are coupled to each other via the bottom bar 2619. The collapsible bar sections 2616, 2618 and joints 2611 provide stability and contact with a ground surface (not shown). Rest frame 2610 and mat 2620 can include some similar components to those of the above-described portable chair 2100 of FIGS. 21A-21C. In addition, construction and field assembly of meadow rest 2500 can also be similar to that described above for portable chair 2100. For example, frame interface elements 2624, 2628 can be constructed in a manner similar to that of the stitched pocket 2000 depicted by 20A, 20B. Rest frame interface elements 2624, 2628 may also include a suitable rigid material as exemplified by the sling interface 48 shown in FIGS. 11A, 11B.
Modifications and additions to the exemplary meadow rest 2600 are possible. For example, meadow rest mat 2620 can also incorporate an attached storage pouch 2682 having a zippered opening 2684 and a carrying handle 2686 (see FIGS. 26D-36E). Pouch 2682 may also function as a pillow by stuffing a soft material such as a towel or a tee shirt into pouch 2682 via pouch opening 2684.
FIGS. 27 and 28 are a front perspective view and a back perspective view illustrating a couple more alternate embodiments of meadow rest frame 2710 and rest frame 2810, which are similar to the respective frames of portable chairs of FIGS. 2 and 9.
In some embodiments as shown in the perspective and cross sectional views of FIGS. 29A-29B, one or more sand feet 2900 can be added to one or more ground-contacting bars of rest frames 2610, 2710 and 2810, thereby enabling a user to recline using meadow rest 2600 located on a soft ground surface, such as a sandy beach, a muddy campground or a snow field, without the rest frame 2610 sinking into the ground.
Other permutations for the above described embodiment of meadow rest 2600 is also possible. FIG. 30 illustrate an exemplary conjoined meadow rest 3000 including two or more rest frames enabling multiple users to recline side by side.
VI. Variations of Portable Chair Embodiments
FIGS. 32A-32D are perspective view illustrating a variation of another embodiment of a portable collapsible chair 3200 in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 32A and 32B are front and back views, respectively, of the assembled chair 3200 including a chair frame 3210 and a chair sling 3220 having frame interface elements 3282, 3284, 3286 and 3288. Chair frame 3210 and sling 3220 can be manufactured using similar materials as for the portable chairs described above.
As shown in the assembled and exploded views of FIGS. 32C and 32D, exemplary chair frame 3210 includes a pair of upper back bars 3211a, 3211b, a hub 3212, a pair of lower back bars 3213a, 3213b, a pair of middle bars 3215a, 3215b, a pair of front bars 3217a, 3217b and a front joint 3218.
In this embodiment, one of more of upper back bars 3211a, 3211b and lower back bars 3213a, 3213b can be detachably coupled to hub 3212 using a corresponding one of elastic cord sections 3221a, 3221b, 3222a and 3222b. Similarly, one or more of the U-shaped ends of bars 3213a, 3213b, 3215a, 3215b can be configured to be detachably coupled to a corresponding one of middle bars 3214a, 3214b using a corresponding one of elastic cord sections 3324a, 3224b, 3225a, 3225b and 3227b.
FIGS. 33A-33D are perspective view illustrating another variation of another embodiment of a portable collapsible chair 3300 in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 33A and 33B are front and back views, respectively, of the assembled chair 3300 including a chair frame 3310 and a chair sling 3220 having frame interface elements 3282, 3284, 3286 and 3288. Chair frame 3310 and sling 3220 can be manufactured using similar materials as for the portable chairs described above.
As shown in the assembled and exploded views of FIGS. 33C and 33D, exemplary chair frame 3310 includes a pair of upper back bars 3311a, 3311b, a hub 3312, a pair of lower back bars 3313a, 3313b, a pair of back joints 3314a, 3314b, a pair of middle bars 3315a, 3315b, a pair of middle joints 3316a, 3316b, a pair of front bars 3317a, 3317b and a front joint 3318.
In this embodiment, one of more of upper back bars 3311a, 3311b and lower back bars 3313a, 3313b can be detachably coupled to hub 3312 using a corresponding one or more of elastic cord sections 3321a, 3321b, 3322a and 3322b. Similarly, one or more of joints 3314a, 3314b, 3316a, 3316b and 3318 can be a U-shaped coupler configured to be detachably coupled to a corresponding pair of hollow bars 3313a &3315a, 3313b& 3315b, 3315a& 3317a, 3315b& 3317b and 3317a& 2217b using a corresponding pair of elastic cord sections 3323a & 3324a, 2223b & 3324b, 3325a & 3326a, 3325b& 3326b and 3327a& 3327b.
FIGS. 34A-34D are perspective views illustrating an additional variation of another embodiment of a portable collapsible chair 3400 in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 34A and 34B are front and back views, respectively, of the assembled chair 3400 including a chair frame 3410 and a chair sling 3420 having frame interface elements 3482, 3484, 3486 and 3488. Chair frame 3410 and sling 3420 can be manufactured using similar materials as for the portable chairs described above.
As shown in the assembled and exploded views of FIGS. 34C and 34D, exemplary chair frame 3410 includes a pair of upper back bars 3411a, 3411b, a hub 3412, a pair of lower back bars 3413a, 3413b, a pair of middle bars 3415a, 3415b, a pair of front bars 3417a, 3417b and a front joint 3418.
In this embodiment, one or more of upper back bars 3411a, 3411b and lower back bars 3413a, 3413b can be detachably coupled to hub 3412 using a corresponding one of elastic cord sections 3421a, 3421b, 3422a and 3422b. Similarly, one or more of the U-shaped ends of bars 3413a, 3413b, 3415a, 3415b can be configured to be detachably coupled to a corresponding one of middle bars 3414a, 3414b using a corresponding one of elastic cord sections 3424a, 3424b, 3425a, 3425b and 3427a.
Many modifications and additions are possible. For example, the front frame interfaces 3284, 3288 can include with a suitable fastening system such as snap fasteners 3285, 3289 or a hook-n-loop fastener (not shown).
While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. Although sub-section titles have been provided to aid in the description of the invention, these titles are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20170027327
