U.S. patent application number 09/790181 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for canopy frame with outdoor canopies for chair.
Invention is credited to Blakney, Carol Jean.
Application Number | 20020112752 09/790181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25149869 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020112752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Blakney, Carol Jean |
August 22, 2002 |
Canopy frame with outdoor canopies for chair
Abstract
The Blakney "Canopy Frame with Outdoor Canopies for Chair" was
invented to provide a portable and aesthetic solution for a number
of problems that confront people when they sit outdoors. Many ways
have been devised to attach shades to chairs or to add seats to
blinds, often with very complex mechanisms. This invention
minimizes mechanism and expands function. This "Canopy Frame for
Chair" consists of three integral parts: canopies, frame, and
chairbag. A set of interchangeable canopies includes a sunshade, a
mosquito net, and a photography or changing blind The collapsible
canopy frame, over which canopies can be draped, can be easily
mounted and removed from a chair. The chair bag not only serves as
the mounting system for attaching the canopy frame to a chair, but
also has a pouch to store the canopies. The invention is
lightweight, streamlined and completely portable even collapsing
neatly with a folding chair. The Blakney "Canopy Frame with Outdoor
Canopies for Chair" provides easy access to a number of canopy
options, and it can be quite beautiful when the fabrics are color
coordinated with the chair they are draped over. The invention is
unique in its multipurpose function, aesthetic possibility and
simplicity.
Inventors: |
Blakney, Carol Jean;
(Muncie, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Carol Jean Blakney
3700 West Ewing Drive
Munice
IN
47302
US
|
Family ID: |
25149869 |
Appl. No.: |
09/790181 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/96 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/66 20130101; E04H
15/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/96 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/04; E04H
015/02 |
Claims
What I claim as my invention is:
1. The combined use of a canopy frame; a set of canopies; and a
chairbag or fabric sleeve that slips over a chair back with
external sleeves to mount the frame and to store the canopies.
2. A collapsible canopy frame with two mounting legs stabilized by
a crossbar between them that is comprised of two similar
rectangular U-shaped frame sections, connected bottom of U to top
of U with a set of corner braces and a set of folding braces so
that the two frame sections can be supported at right angles to
each other and can be collapsed flatly on top of each other with or
without a chair back in between them.
3. A collapsible canopy frame as described in claim 2 with a top
section of frame formed into a completed rectangular.
4. A mounting system for attaching a canopy frame to a chair
comprised of a chairbag (fabric sleeve) that slips over the back of
a chair with an external sleeve(pouch) for storage, on either side
of which, on the outside edges, are two long vertical sleeves used
to house the legs of a canopy frame.
5. A fabric canopy for draping over a canopy frame attached to a
chair that is comprised of a rectangular top panel, with back/front
panels and two side panels that are all cut at greater than a right
angle from the top so that when the panels are all connected like a
box top, the base dimensions of the canopy are considerably larger
than the top dimensions of the canopy, with the greatest extension
being in the front to allow for the extension of the legs of a
person sitting in a chair over which the canopy is draped. a) A
blind canopy made out of opaque fabric to the specifications
referred to in claim 4, hemmed to length that falls on the ground
when it is draped over a canopy frame attached to a chair and to
which is added a viewing hole with a cover panel set in the line of
sight of the person sitting in the chair, and a zipper along a
front vertical seam. b) A mosquito or bug net canopy made out of
netting to the specifications referred to in claim 4, hemmed to
fall on the ground when it is draped over a canopy frame attached
to a chair and to which is added a zipper along a front vertical
seam. c) A mosquito or bug net canopy made out of netting to the
specifications referred to in claim 4, hemmed to fall on the ground
when it is draped over a canopy frame attached to a chair and to
which is added a stiff fabric trim added to the hem of the canopy.
d) A sunshade canopy made out of opaque fabric to the
specifications referred to in claim 4, hemmed above the line of
sight of a person sitting in the chair that can be used in tandem
with the mosquito net canopy referred to in claim 4b and 4c.
6. A built in canopy frame and chairbag as described in claim 2,
claim 3, claim 4, where the chairbag becomes the surface of the
back of the chair and the legs of the canopy frame extend from the
outer vertical supports of the chair back.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of Invention
[0005] The Blakney Canopy Frame with Outdoor Canopies for Chair is
a chair accessory. A sunshade, a mosquito or bug net, a blind or
privacy screen, can all be draped over a chair and can be taken
along as an extension of a folding chair to the beach or on a
fishing trip. A very simple frame extends from a chairbag slipped
over the back of a chair. The chairbag not only serves as the
mechanism to attach the canopy frame, but also provides storage for
the canopies.
[0006] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0007] The problem of how to mount a canopy frame to a chair was
solved by modifying a chairbag. A chairbag is a fabric sleeve that
is slipped over the back of a chair and has a storage pouch in
back. School children in Zimbabwe where the inventor grew up, used
them to store books. Because my design allows for a number of
canopies to be used and stored with a chair, this design challenges
the prior art of a number of inventions--sunshade attachments for
chairs, seating combined with outdoor blinds, and chair designs
that add storage pouches. Patented inventions that use similar
principles to apply canopies or to add storage to chairs are many,
the application of sunshades to chairs is particularly common, but
each inventor has combined different mechanisms and has emphasized
different purposes.
[0008] D312,931 Westfall et al., "Sun Shade for a Lawn Chair of the
Like," has a similar box top shaped sunshade and similar frame
shape but attaches to chair with clamps rather than chairbag
attachment. It does not collapse and does not incorporate other
canopies.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,536 Wilburn, "Portable enclosure"
incorporates seating with blind, but is stiff and monofunctional
and mechanically complex in comparison to my invention.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4.083,601 McBeth, "Outdoor Chair" incorporates
seating with blind/windbreak, but can not be collapsed against a
chair back and is much more complex mechanically.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,249 Mills, "Adjustable canopy for a
wheel chair, beach chair, and the like," has a similar frame
concept. Legs or arms slip into cylinders or tubes that are like
the cylindrical sleeves of a chairbag, but Mills uses no crossbar
for back of frame and uses a different mechanism for bracing and
adjusting the top canopy support.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,788,997 Clopton, "Portable Blind"
incorporates seating with blind, but has a much more complex frame
and is mono-functional.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,924,896 Carter, "Collapsible canopy
structure for use in association with a chair or other
free-standing device," has a much more elaborate framework for
supporting a canopy.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,089 Braman, "Folding Shelter"
incorporates seating with blind, but does not collapse with a chair
and is mono-functional.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,096,257 Clark, "Sunshade apparatus for
chair," uses different bracing and attachment mechanisms and does
not incorporate other canopies.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,190 Atkin et al, "Portable sun shade,"
has a frame that uses a similar set of braces to attach the back
and top of frame together, but has no crossbar for back and
attaches by means of straps instead of sleeves. Atkin also uses a
completely different frame back construction.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,473 Joranco "Chair with sun screen and
windbreaker panel," uses a similar sleeve attachment concept. An
"inverted pocket which fits over the back of a chair", but the
pocket is not independent as is the chairbag and is attached
directly to a windbreaker panel.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,363 Kidwell et al, "Portable canopy
attachment." The back of the frame is very similar with crossbar
and legs, but the frame has a completely different mechanism to
support the canopy and the invention does not incorporate
multipurpose canopies.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,458 Wildt, "Portable Lounge Chair"
incorporates the idea of adding storage pouch to the back of a
chair, but does not incorporate multipurpose canopies and has a
different mechanical structure.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,641,197 Springman, "Collapsible Sports
Chair" is also a multipurpose invention, but with different
purposes. Springman does not incorporate multipurpose canopies and
uses a different mechanical structure.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,841, Morley "Removable Accessory for
Lounge Chair" has a storage compartment as part of chair attachment
and the frame can remain part of the chair when collapsed, but the
attachment does not rise above the back of the chair and it does
not have parts that can be exchanged.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,752,537 Kranzler's sunshade/windbreak
provides an insect barrier, but it is freestanding and does not
serve as a chair attachment.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,650 Gonzalez Jr., et al., "Sun shade
attachment." Much like Clark but even more complex, and is
monofunctional.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,625 Uchtman "Folding chair with canopy."
Much like Carter this invention has a much larger framework to
support a canopy.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,967,601 Gillins, "Sunshade apparatus for
recreational chair," uses similar rectangular U-shaped sections of
frame, but they are attached and pivot with a different mechanisms.
The frame collapses so that the top section is nested within the
back section, rather than each section laying on top of each other
as in my design.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,262 Shahid, "Carry-all-chair" uses the
idea of adding storage to a chair, but does not incorporate
multipurpose canopies and has different structural supports.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The Blakney Canopy Frame with Outdoor Canopies for Chair
provides a sunshade, mosquito or bug net, and a photography or
changing blind for a chair. It is also portable, collapsing with or
without a chair, and has a storage pouch for easy access to the
canopies. Many inventors have designed chair extensions or
attachments to support canopies, There are also chair designs that
incorporate storage, and there are blind designs that incorporate
seating. But, in comparison this invention is designed with minimal
mechanism and with greater aesthetic application. No other design
provides multipurpose, interchangeable canopies, readily stored,
available, and portable. By combining many functions, and through
simplicity of basic assembly design, this portable chair frame with
matching canopies, surpasses all comparable inventions.
[0028] The problem of mounting a canopy frame to a chair has been
solved in a completely unique way by using an independent fabric
chairbag, instead of mechanical clamps or straps. When setting up
canopies, or collapsing the frame for storage, no obtrusive parts
can get caught on anything. The chairbag provides storage for
canopies behind the chair's back, thereby not interfering with the
folding mechanism of a chair. No other invention collapses
completely with a variety of canopies for easy storage and
transport either with or without a chair. No other invention has
the aesthetic potential of this design. The frame, chairbag and
canopies can all be coordinated with a chair to create a beautiful
or romantic impression.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF NUMBERED DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows frame and mosquito net canopy attached to
folding chair.
[0030] FIG. 2 shows frame collapsed with a folding chair and
canopies stored in pouch.
[0031] FIG. 3 shows the frame collapsed.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows frame open and braced at right angles:
[0033] #1 points to back of the frame.
[0034] #2 points to top of the frame.
[0035] #3 points to crossbar.
[0036] #4 points to comer brace.
[0037] #5 points to fixed bolts.
[0038] #6 points to pivoting or loose bolt.
[0039] #7 points to folding brace.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows the front of the chairbag, against which a
person's back rests.
[0041] FIG. 6 shows the back of the chairbag where the storage
pouch and frame mounting sleeves are located.
[0042] #8 points to sleeve openings into which legs of frame are
slipped.
[0043] #9 points to stitching of sleeve as determined by
circumference of frame legs.
[0044] #10 points to storage pouch cover.
[0045] #11 points to storage pouch.
[0046] #12 points to sleeve opening which fits over the back of a
chair.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows the sunshade in use.
[0048] FIG. 8 shows the mosquito netting in use.
[0049] FIG. 9 shows the blind in use.
[0050] FIG. 10 shows the basic canopy pattern from which canopies
can be modified for use and decor.
[0051] #13 points to hem of blind and bug net.
[0052] #14 points to top edge of trim.
[0053] #15 left side panel.
[0054] #16 points to hem of sunshade.
[0055] #17 points to cover panel for blind viewing hole.
[0056] #18 points to attachment options for blind cover.
[0057] #19 points to attachment options for sunshade.
[0058] #20 back panel.
[0059] #21 top panel.
[0060] #22 blind viewing hole.
[0061] #23 front panel.
[0062] #24 points to zipper
[0063] #25 right side panel.
[0064] FIG. 11 shows the canopy frame design built into a chair
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0065] The invention consists of three integral component parts: a
frame (FIGS.3 &4); a chairbag(FIG. 5&6); a set of
multipurpose canopies(FIGS.7&8&9). These component parts
are all independent but are for use with a chair(FIG. 1) and can be
stored with a chair(FIG.2).
[0066] The canopy frame is comprised of two sections, back and top
(FIG. 4, #1&2). The frames are formed into rectangular
U-shapes, the long sides of the U referred to here as legs. The
back and top of the frame can be fixed at right angles to each
other and the back and top of the frame can be collapsed on top of
one another. Sleeves on the back of the chairbag (FIG. 6, #8) house
and support the back of the canopy frame which extends up. The top
of the frame is supported by folding braces (FIG. 4, #7) at a right
angle to the back of frame so that the top can be extended over the
chair seat. Interchangeable canopies (FIGS. 7 & 8 & 9) can
then be draped from the over the top of the frame to encompass the
entire chair. A storage pouch on the back of the chairbag
(FIG.6,#11) stores the canopies that can be interchanged. All
materials chosen are coordinated together to make an aesthetic
impression.
Frame
[0067] The canopy frame (FIGS.3&4) consists of two sections,
back (FIG.4, #1) and top (FIG.4, #2), that are fashioned out of
framing material (any durable rod, bar or tubing material) that
will be referred to here as tubing. The back and top sections of
frame are formed into open, rectangular U-shapes. The long sides of
the U-shaped frame are referred to here as legs.
[0068] The length of the legs of the back section of frame is about
double the vertical height of the chair's back, while the base
dimensions of the U-shaped frame match the width of the chair's
back. A crossbar (FIG.4, #3) is added between top and base of legs.
The crossbar has two functions. First, to keep the legs parallel.
Secondly, when the legs of the frame are inserted into the vertical
sleeves, the crossbar reaches the top of the chair bag, it will
stop and secure the frame. The crossbar supports the legs, so that
when the legs are slipped down into the vertical sleeves, or lifted
up in the vertical sleeves, there is enough tension to keep the
frame in place. This allows the height of the canopy frame to be
adjusted. The crossbar is measured so that its length will keep the
legs of the frame parallel. The crossbar is attached by making two
holes equal to the circumference of the crossbar on the inside of
the aluminum legs. Then each end of the crossbar can be inserted
and pinned or flayed to remain tightly in place with no intrusive
attachment parts for to maintain a streamlined mechanism.
[0069] The top section of the frame is a matching rectangular
U-shaped frame, although it can be a complete rectangle, minimal
use of materials is the goal. The top section of the frame can be
made out of the same or lighter tubing than the back section. The
top section is attached to the back section of the frame with two
sets of braces: ordinary corner braces (FIG.4, #4); and collapsible
braces as in those used for folding table legs (FIG.4, #7).
[0070] The two corner braces are fastened with fixed bolts (FIG.4,
#5) to the outside edges at the closed end of the back section of
the frame. Then the two corner braces are fastened with loose bolts
(FIG.4, #6) to the outsides of the legs at the open end of the top
section of the frame so that the top section of frame can pivot and
be collapsed (FIG.3). The comer braces solve two problems. First
the comer braces secure the two sections of frame together.
Secondly, the comer braces provide the spacing needed so that the
back section of the frame can be placed behind the chair's back
while the top section of frame can pivot forward from the comer
braces to lie flatly in front of chair's back (FIG.2).
[0071] Two collapsible braces are used to support the top section
of the frame at right angles to the back section of the frame,
while allowing the top and back to be folded down on top of each
other (FIG. 3). The collapsible braces are attached to the inside
surfaces of the legs of the frame's top and back sections, each
becoming the hypotenuse of a right angle, the right angle being a
corner brace. This completes the canopy frame. This frame can also
be built into a chair back--the crossbar being the top of the chair
back and the legs of the frame being extensions from the sides of
the chair back (FIG. 11).
Chairbag
[0072] The chairbag (FIG.5 &6) is a fabric sleeve that fits
over the back of a folding chair and allows the canopy frame to be
mounted to a chair back (FIG. 1) and provides storage for the
canopies when not in use (FIG. 2). The chairbag is made out of
fabric. It is constructed by first outlining the back of the chair
to be fitted. A pattern is drawn which doubles the dimensions of
the chair back, which adds space on all sides for a seam allowance,
and which includes enough extra material so that the vertical edges
can be turned over to make the cylindrical sleeves that will house
the canopy frame legs. The material is cut and the edges are
hemmed. Then the two vertical sides are stitched together so that
the sleeve fits over chair back. The sleeve is turned right side
out and this completes the main structure of the chair bag.
[0073] At the vertical edges of the chairbag, two cylindrical
sleeves (FIG. 6, #9) are measured by curling the fabric around the
legs of the frame. The sleeves should be measured to the
circumference of the frame legs and stitched to hold those legs
securely with tension that pulls the legs together slightly (FIG.
6, #9). The sleeves can then provide secure mounting of frame with
a bit of tension so that the frame can be adjusted up and down to
some extent. Material for a pouch (FIG.6, #11) is measured. The
pouch must be made of enough material to encompass the matching
canopy set. The material is hemmed and three sides are stitched on
to the outside of the chairbag, between the cylindrical frame
sleeves. A cover is stitched over the open side (FIG. 6,#10). This
completes the chairbag. The chairbag can also be built into a chair
back with the canopy frame--instead of slipping over the chair back
the fabric replaces the back surface of the chair (FIG. 11).
Canopies
[0074] To make the canopy set a basic pattern is drawn. First the
top of the canopy frame is traced (FIG. 10 #21). Then the canopy
frame is attached to the chair. Side dimensions are determined for
both the short skirt of a sunshade (FIG. 7) & (FIG. 10 #16) and
the long skirt needed for the netting and blind (FIGS. 8&9)
& (FIG. 10, #13). The netting and blind should be long enough
so that the hem or trim can be anchored under chair legs for
stability in the wind. Since the canopy frame may tilt back with
the chair back and the top of the frame tilts up, the length of the
canopy that drapes from the back of the chair is shorter than the
length of the canopy that drapes down in front of the chair. Also
the base of the canopy needs to encompass more space than the top
of the canopy. So, with a person sitting in the chair, base
dimensions are determined, making sure there is enough space to
encompass the feet of the chair's occupant. The four vertical
panels of the canopy (FIG. 10, #15, #20, #23, #25) are drawn at
greater than right angles from the top.
[0075] The canopies can then be cut from the same pattern so that
all can be used interchangeably. All canopies can be embellished
with applications or buttons or colors or textures, to coordinate
with the chairs they are made for, to reflect the places the
canopies will be used, or just to make an artistic statement.
[0076] The sunshade (FIG. 7) is made out of opaque fabric. The top,
two sides, front and back are cut according to the pattern (FIG.
10). The sunshade is hemmed at a length above the line of sight of
a person sitting underneath it. Ties (FIG. 10, #19) are added to
the inside corners so that the sunshade can be secured to the
canopy frame so that wind can not blow it off. Buttons or snaps can
also be added to secure it to the mosquito or bug net canopy. This
completes the basic sunshade canopy.
[0077] The mosquito or bug net canopy (FIG. 8) is preferably made
out of dark mosquito netting, because it is much easier to see
clearly through dark netting. The top, two sides, front, and back
are cut according to the pattern (FIG. 10). These pieces are sewn
together except for one front vertical edge that is connected by a
zipper (FIG. 10, #24). A trim of weather resistant fabric (FIG.10,
#14) can be added to the base of the netting to protect the edges
of the netting. The trim also adds weight to the base of the canopy
making it more difficult for the wind to raise the skirt. The trim
also adds stiffness so that the netting maintains a wider skirt and
is less able to fall against the skin of the person sitting under
it, which would allow bugs to bite. This completes the basic
mosquito net canopy.
[0078] The blind canopy (FIG.9) is made out of opaque fabric, not
so heavy as to compromise the strength of the frame. The top, two
sides, front, and back are cut according to the pattern (FIG. 10).
The pieces are sewn together except for one front vertical edge
that is connected by a zipper (FIG. 10, #24). In the front panel, a
square hole is cut (FIG. 10, #22) so that it is in the line of
sight of a person sitting in a chair under the canopy. A cover
panel (FIG. 10, #17) is hemmed and attached above the hole as a
cover with attachments to secure it (FIG. 10, #18). This completes
the basic blind canopy.
* * * * *