U.S. patent application number 12/685449 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for collapsible and portable chair.
Invention is credited to Fred Hensley.
Application Number | 20100109386 12/685449 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46332383 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100109386 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hensley; Fred |
May 6, 2010 |
COLLAPSIBLE AND PORTABLE CHAIR
Abstract
A portable two-frame collapsible chair comprised of an inner and
outer frame with the frames hingably joined for rotating between a
first position for carrying and a second position for sitting. The
chair includes a flexible seat member connected to both frames. The
chair further includes a flexible backrest hingably connected to
the outer frame with optional armrests hingably attached. The
frames can be folded into substantially the same plane when in the
first position for carrying. The position for carrying includes a
variety of configurations including a backpack configuration,
wherein the user uses shoulder straps to carry the chair, and a
roller bag configuration wherein the chair has wheels and a pull
handle.
Inventors: |
Hensley; Fred; (Denton,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CARSTENS & CAHOON, LLP
P O BOX 802334
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
|
Family ID: |
46332383 |
Appl. No.: |
12/685449 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12103305 |
Apr 15, 2008 |
7644981 |
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12685449 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/46 ;
280/647 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 4/52 20130101; A47C
4/32 20130101; A47C 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/46 ;
280/647 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/28 20060101
A47C004/28; A47C 7/54 20060101 A47C007/54; A47C 7/62 20060101
A47C007/62; A45F 3/04 20060101 A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A two frame collapsible chair comprising: an inner frame and an
outer frame, said frames hingably joined for rotating between a
first closed position for transporting and a second open position
for sitting; a flexible seat member connected to both of said
frames; a flexible backrest comprising a front side and a back
side, said flexible backrest being hingably connected to said outer
frame, said flexible backrest further comprising a front support
strap coupled to said inner frame; wherein said inner and outer
frames are in the same plane when in the first position for
transport; and wherein said outer frame is longer and wider than
said inner frame.
2. The collapsible chair of claim 1 wherein said backrest further
comprises a back support strap.
3. The collapsible chair of claim 1 wherein said backrest further
comprises stiffeners.
4. The collapsible chair of claim 1 further comprising an arm rest
connected to said backrest.
5. The collapsible chair of claim 4 wherein said arm rest is
attached to a pivot rod which is attached to and protrudes from the
backrest.
6. The collapsible chair of claim 4 wherein said arm rest is
supported by a strap attached to a distal end of said arm rest and
to said backrest.
7. The collapsible chair of claim 1 further comprising shoulder
straps attached to one of said frames, whereby when in said first
position for transporting a user can use said collapsible chair as
a backpack.
8. The collapsible chair of claim 7 wherein when a user uses said
backpack, the user's back will be against the back side of the
backrest.
9. The collapsible chair of claim 7 wherein said shoulder straps
are attached to said outer frame.
10. The collapsible chair of claim 7 wherein said backrest is
cushioned.
11. The collapsible chair of claim 7 wherein said outer frame
comprises padding.
12. The collapsible chair of claim 7 further comprising a carrying
handle secured to said outer frame.
13. The collapsible chair of claim 1 further comprising: wheels
located on at least one of said frames; and a pulling handle
secured to said chair; whereby when in said first position for
transporting a user can use the collapsible chair as a roller
bag.
14. The collapsible chair of claim 13 wherein said wheels are
attached to said outer frame.
15. The collapsible chair of claim 13 wherein said pulling handle
is extendable.
16. The collapsible chair of claim 13 wherein said pulling handle
is secured between said at least one storage panel and said
frames.
17. The collapsible chair of claim 13 further comprising shoulder
straps attached to one of said frames.
18. A roller bag comprising: a two frame collapsible chair
comprising: an inner frame and an outer frame, said frames hingably
joined for rotating between a first closed position for
transporting and a second open position for sitting; a flexible
seat member connected to both of said frames; wherein said inner
and outer frames are in the same plane when in the first position
for transport; wherein said outer frame is longer and wider than
said inner frame; wheels located on one of said frames; and a
pulling handle secured to said chair.
19. The roller bag of claim 18 further comprising a flexible
backrest comprising a front side and a back side, said flexible
backrest being hingably connected to said outer frame, said
flexible backrest further comprising a front support strap coupled
to said inner frame.
20. The roller bag of claim 18 further comprising at least one
storage panel attached to one of said frames.
21. The roller bag of claim 20 wherein at least one of said at
least one storage panel is attached to said outer frame.
22. The roller bag of claim 20 wherein at least one of said at
least one storage panel is attached to said inner frame.
23. The roller bag of claim 20 further comprising: a first storage
panel attached to said outer frame; a second storage panel attached
to said inner frame; wherein said second storage panel is located
below said first storage panel.
24. The roller bag of claim 20 wherein said at least one storage
panel comprises a storage means selected from the group consisting
of: backpack, briefcase, laptop carrier, and a panel comprising
assorted pockets.
25. The roller bag of claim 18 further comprising shoulder straps
attached to one of said frames.
26. A two frame collapsible chair comprising: an inner frame and an
outer frame, said frames hingably joined for rotating between a
first closed position for transporting and a second open position
for sitting; a flexible seat member connected to both of said
frames; a flexible backrest comprising a front side and a back
side, said flexible backrest being hingably connected to said outer
frame, said flexible backrest further comprising a front support
strap coupled to said inner frame; wherein said outer frame is
longer and wider than said inner frame; wherein at least one of
said frames comprise a bend; and wherein when in the first position
for transport said inner and outer frames are in the same plane
above said bend.
27. The collapsible chair of claim 1 further comprising: wheels
located on at least one of said frames; and a pulling handle
secured to said chair; whereby when in said first position for
transporting a user can use the collapsible chair as a roller
bag.
28. The collapsible chair of claim 1 further comprising at least
one storage panel attached to one of said frames.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/103,305 entitled "Collapsible and Portable
Chair" and filed on Apr. 15, 2008.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention relates to a two frame collapsible chair
which can be folded into a transport configuration.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] When participating in activities such as fishing, hunting,
and attending sporting events such as youth soccer or baseball, it
is desirable to have a portable folding chair that is easy to
carry. In addition, it is desirable or necessary to carry other
items such as drinks, food, sunscreen and other various
sundries.
[0006] Folding chairs currently on the market and commonly used
tend to be heavy and cumbersome to carry and many fold up and must
be placed into a bag for carrying. Others that fold the seat to the
back tend to unfold while in transport and their size and weight
make them difficult for adults short in stature or children to
carry. Further, carrying other items or tending to small children
or pets is difficult with only one available arm.
[0007] Many people choose to wear a backpack to carry the various
items needed for the activity and then carry their chair in one
hand. Again, the difficulties mentioned previously still exist and
when arriving at their destination, the user now has two separate
items to care for.
[0008] Several examples of prior art exist to address the idea of
carrying a fold up chair on one's back in combination with a
backpack. However, such prior art tends to be heavy, cumbersome and
unstable when unfolded. In addition, the prior art is large when
folded which increases shipping costs to retailers and takes up
valuable retail shelf space as well as storage space for the end
user. An example of such a product is disclosed in Amman U.S. Pat.
No. 6,547,324B1, hereinafter "Amman", which discloses a three frame
chair having the backpack portion mounted on the backrest. The
Amman chair suffers from several disadvantages. First, no provision
exists for holding the backrest in the upright position when no one
is sitting in the chair. If the chair is sitting on an un-level
surface, which will be common in its intended use, the backrest
will fall over onto the seat when the user stands up. Second, the
lower frame does not extend below the center of gravity of the
backpack itself. If the backpack has much weight in it, the chair
will tip over backwards when first opened or when the user stands
up. Third, no provision exists to adjust the angle of the backrest
without also affecting the seat height. The backrest can be
adjusted but the action requires that the seat height be lowered
disproportionately. Further, the structure requires the use of
three frames that do not fold into the same plane, which takes up
more space and presents storage and shipping problems as noted
above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, an additional
frame adds to the cost of manufacturing both in labor and raw
materials required. Consequently, it is desirable to have a chair
which can be manufactured with decreased raw material and labor
costs.
[0009] Additionally with the chair in Amman, when in the folded
position and carried on one's back, the frames are in direct
contact with the user's back and the weight of the chair and
backpack load are concentrated in small areas of the user's back.
While foam padding can be employed on the frame, such padding does
not distribute the load satisfactorily, especially when the
backpack is heavy and/or when traveling significant distances.
Another disadvantage is that the armrests require vertical
structural members attached to both of the chair frames. As
discussed above, this adds to the overall weight and manufacturing
costs and also reduces long term reliability. Finally, a strap and
buckle arrangement is employed to hold the chair in the folded
position for wearing on one's back. Because the shoulder straps are
attached to the bottom of the seat frame, the chair would unfold
while in use if the strap and buckle arrangement were to fail.
These are just a few of the problems with the chair disclosed by
Amman. These illustrate many of the inherent design problems which
are common with other known prior art chairs. These problems limit
the use and comfort of the chair, add to the weight and bulk of the
chair, increase the raw material and manufacturing costs of the
chair, and lead to an overall dissatisfactory solution to a common
problem. Consequently, it is desirable to have a chair which is
less expensive to manufacture, which is easier to carry, which has
the "extras" such as a backrest and armrests, and which is more
enjoyable to use.
SUMMARY
[0010] The invention comprises a two-frame collapsible chair. The
chair comprises two frames hingably joined for rotating between a
first closed position for transporting and a second position for
sitting. The chair has a seat member and a backrest. Some
embodiments also comprise arm rests attached to the backrest.
[0011] In one embodiment, the chair has at least one storage panel
which is attached to at least one set of frames. The storage panel
can comprise a variety of storage means including a backpack, a
briefcase, a laptop carrier, and a panel with a plurality of
storage pockets.
[0012] The chair also has a variety of transport configurations.
One configuration is the backpack configuration wherein straps are
attached to at least one frame of the chair. In such a
configuration, the user carries the chair like a backpack with
shoulder straps attached to the frame. In another configuration,
the chair has wheels attached to at least one frame. In such a
roller bag configuration, the user can pull the chair in its
transport configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention
are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself,
however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and
advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the
following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when
read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the
chair in its use configuration.
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in
its backpack transport configuration.
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in
its roller bag transport configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Several embodiments of Applicants' invention will now be
described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted,
like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout
all figures.
[0018] As will be discussed, the two-frame collapsible chair has
two configurations: a first closed position for transport, and a
second open position for sitting. FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view
of one embodiment of the chair in its use configuration. The device
is a two-frame collapsible chair comprised of an inner frame 101
that is hingably joined to an outer frame 102 by means of a bolt,
rivet or shear pin 110 that allows rotation about a plane. As used
herein, "two-frame" refers to a chair which comprises only two
frames. This is contrasted to three-frame chairs known in the art.
As discussed herein, a two-frame structure offers many benefits
over a three-frame structure including cost of manufacture, weight,
and portability.
[0019] The frames 101, 102 are made of steel, aluminum, plastic, or
other rigid materials. In one embodiment, one or both frames
101,102 are padded 120 which provide additional comfort to the user
when used in its backpack transport configuration. The frames 101,
102 can have virtually any cross-sectional geometry including but
not limited to square, rectangular, and circular cross-sections.
The inner frame 101 is narrower and shorter than the outer frame
102. In a preferred embodiment, the inner frame 101 has a length of
about 80% to about 95% of the outer frame 102. In a more preferred
embodiment, the inner frame 101 has a length of about 92% of the
outer frame 102. It should be noted that in a preferred embodiment
the frames 101,102 when in the closed position are separated by
minimal distance. In many embodiments, this distance or "tolerance"
is on the order of several millimeters. Thus, when in the closed
position, the two frames are separated by a very short distance and
fine tolerance. This fine tolerance adds structural support and
durability to the chair. However, the tolerance is designed so that
the functionality of the chair is not impaired. It should be noted
that in some embodiments, the tolerance between the closed frames
101,102 is increased to make room for devices such as an
over-center locking device 103 which will be discussed below.
[0020] Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, each frame 101,102
is a single piece. As used herein a "single piece" includes pieces
which have been made as a single piece, i.e. cast as one piece, as
well as individual pieces which have been welded or chemically or
mechanically secured. Because each frame 101,102 is a single piece,
the stability of the chair in both its use and transport
configuration is increased.
[0021] In one embodiment the outer frame 102, a connected frame,
serves as the front base of the chair, as opposed to open legs.
Such an embodiment helps secure the chair in its use configuration.
A chair with individual legs tends to sink into the ground,
destabilizing the chair. The instant invention offers a connected
frame whereby the front base comprises a length of structure as
opposed to individual legs. The same is true for the back base.
Again, such a configuration prevents the chair from sinking into
the ground because the weight of the chair is distributed across
the length of the back base and the front base. For these reasons,
in a preferred embodiment the frame's horizontal members and the
vertical members align such that neither sticks out beyond the
boundaries of the frames 101,102. This prevents a portion of the
frame, for example, a vertical member, from jetting out and acting
as an individual leg. It should be noted that while an embodiment
comprising a connected frame whereby the frame does not comprise
legs, the instant invention is not so limited. In other
embodiments, it is preferable that the bottom of each of the frames
101,102 comprise individual legs rather than the connected length
of structure as depicted. Furthermore, in some embodiments it is
desirable to have one frame comprise legs at the bottom while the
other frame comprises a connected length of structure.
[0022] In one embodiment, when collapsed in the first closed
position for transporting, the inner frame 101 and the outer frame
102 are substantially in the same plane. This is beneficial for
many reasons. First, because the two frames are in the same plane
they take up less space on the retailer's shelves as they are more
compact. Likewise, when shipping they take up less space in a
shipping truck, for example. These factors decrease manufacturing
costs and allow for the production of a less expensive chair.
Second, the two frames 101, 102 when in the transport configuration
are more stable than prior art chairs wherein the frames were not
in the same plane. Because the frame of the transport configuration
is more stable, the chances of it collapsing into the use
configuration are considerably reduced. Further, because the frames
101,102 are more compact, this increases the space available for
other items stored in the chair, for example, in the storage panel
112.
[0023] The frames 101,102, as depicted, are connected by a pivot
110. In one embodiment, the pivot 110 employs a spacer and/or
bushings to allow for ease of movement. The pivot 110 can include
any hinging material known in the art including a pin. In the
depicted embodiment, the frames 101,102 when rotated to the open
position are secured in the open position by an over-center locking
device 103. In one embodiment, the over-center locking device 103
is a metal hinge which is coupled to both frames 101,102. The
locking device 103 can serve a plurality of purposes. First, the
locking device 103 locks the frames in place so that the frames
cannot collapse when in the use position without adjusting the
locking device 103. Second, the locking device 103 defines the
maximum distance the frames 101,102 can be separated. This keeps
the chair in the desired position. Additionally, in some
embodiments this alleviates pressure on the flexible seat member
105, ensuring it is not stretched beyond its breaking point.
[0024] The flexible seat member 105 is made of canvas or other
similar material and is attached to the outer frame 102 and the
inner frame 101 using screws, rivets, sewing, or other similar
methods known in the art. When in the open and locked position,
flexible seat member 105 is stretched tight forming an upward
facing seat panel.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the chair further comprises a
flexible backrest 106. It should be noted that some embodiments,
for example, in some embodiments of the roller bag configuration,
the chair does not employ a backrest 106. The flexible backrest 106
has a back side and a front side which will touch the user's back
when in the second sitting position.
[0026] The flexible backrest 106, typically made with similar
material as the seat member 105, is attached to the top of the
outer frame 102 using screws, rivets, sewing, etc., and is affixed
in such a way that its flexibility acts as a hinge, allowing it to
pivot back. In a preferred embodiment the flexible backrest 106
material covers the top of the outer frame 102 so that when a user
sits in the chair the user does not sit directly on the outer frame
102. Such an embodiment allows for increased comfort. For example,
if the outer frame 102 is metallic, then the frame can become
undesirably hot during the heat and undesirable cold during the
winter, decreasing the overall comfort of the chair. Additionally,
in one embodiment the backrest 106 comprises cushions 119 which
offer additional support and comfort in both the sitting
configuration as well as the transport configuration.
[0027] When opened and in use the back side of the backrest 106 can
be used to display logos for the invention itself or other
advertisements such as team logos or corporate promotions. In one
embodiment, the angle of backrest 106 is secured and adjusted using
front support straps 104 which are affixed to the inner frame 101
using screws, rivets, or the like. The front support straps 104 are
also attached to the backrest 106 by screws, rivets, sewing, etc.
In one embodiment, the front support straps 104 are attached to the
front of the inner frame 101 as opposed to the side as depicted in
FIG. 1. Such an embodiment allows for easier collapsing of the
chair as the strap 104 and its securing means do not interfere with
the collapsing as they are not located in between the two frames
101, 102.
[0028] The backrest 106 has stiffeners 116 made of plastic, steel,
aluminum, or other rigid materials, that are sewn in or otherwise
secured to provide additional support to the user's back. In one
embodiment, when in the second open position, the bottom of each
stiffener 116 rests on the top of outer frame 102 and such
interface forms a fulcrum to further provide rigidity to the users
back. It should be noted, however, that the stiffeners 116 are not
separately attached to either frame. Thus, while the stiffeners 116
offer additional back support, they are not attached to the frame
102. Instead, they are attached and secured to the backrest 106,
which as described above, is hingably attached to the outer frame
102. In one embodiment the stiffeners 116 are surrounded by the
fabric of the backrest 106 so that the stiffeners 116 are not
visible to the user. Again, because the stiffeners 116 are not
themselves attached to the outer frame 102, they are not considered
an additional frame. Instead, the stiffeners 116 simply offer
additional support to the backrest 106.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the chair further comprises
optional arm rests 107. The arm rests 107 are made from a variety
of materials including plastic, wood, metal, etc. Additionally, the
arm rests 107 may comprise padding or other features such as cup
holders. The arm rests 107 can be secured in many ways. In one
embodiment the stiffeners have pivot rods 109 attached and which
protrude from the backrest 106. The armrests 107 are hingably
attached to pivot rods 109. The armrests 107 are supported in the
down position by a cam and pin arrangement, adjustable straps
attached to the backrest 106, or other means. In another embodiment
the arm rests are secured at one end to the backrest 106 and are
supported at the other end of the arm rest 107 by adjustable straps
also attached to the backrest 106. Those skilled in the art will
appreciate other ways of securing arm rests which are within the
scope of this invention.
[0030] In one embodiment, when the flexible backrest 106 is in the
up position it is held in such position by a back support strap or
straps 121 that are attached to the back of the top portion of the
outer frame 102. The back support straps 121 are also connected to
the back lower portion of the flexible backrest 106 by means of a
buckle 122, snap or hook and loop material. Said back support
straps 121 prevent the flexible backrest 106 from folding over when
the seat is not occupied. This is an improvement over prior art
chairs wherein the backrest fell whenever the occupant stood. As
can be appreciated, when attending a soccer game, for example, the
occupant may stand and sit several times in a game. Constantly
having to lift up the backrest can become very frustrating. Thus,
in one embodiment the backrest 106 is supported in the front and
back by straps which prevent the backrest 106 from tipping forward
or backward.
[0031] The instant invention provides for several embodiments of
the transport configuration. For example, in one embodiment the
transport configuration comprises a backpack whereas another
comprises a rolling bag.
[0032] To close the chair and prepare it for transport the armrests
107 are folded up into the same plane as flexible backrest 106. The
straps holding flexible backrest 106 in the upright position are
released, allowing it to fold down flat against flexible seat
member 105. The over-center locking devices 103 are released and
inner frame 101 rotates until it is in substantially the same plane
as outer frame 102. The flexible seat member 105 automatically
folds and hangs below the frames 101,102 and the flexible backrest
106 then hinges over and hangs in front of the folded frames
101,102.
[0033] In the backpack transport configuration, to transport the
user can employ the use of shoulder straps 111 which are preferably
adjustable in length by adjusters 115. A user can then carry the
chair like a typical backpack wherein the load is supported by
shoulder straps. The shoulder straps 11 may be attached to either
frame, but in a preferred embodiment, the shoulder straps are
attached to the upper center of outer frame 102 by screws or rivets
and the lower outer portion of outer frame 102 by screws or rivets.
In this carrying position the flexible backrest 106 forms a pad to
cushion the user's back from the forces imposed by the weight of
the chair. Thus, while carrying, the back side of the backrest 106
is positioned against the carrier's back. As discussed previously,
in one embodiment the backrest 106 is cushioned which provides
extra comfort to the user. The shoulder straps 111 upper attachment
locations maintain a force upon the frame which prevents the chair
from folding open while being carried by said straps 111. This is
another improvement over prior art chairs. Because the straps 111
are attached to the outer frame 102, and because the inner frame
101 pivots outward in the same direction where the carrier is
located, the carrier of the pack is in the way and the chair is
prohibited from opening. Further, even if the pack is not carried
by the shoulder straps 111 but instead by a carrying handle 114
secured to the outer frame 102 (depicted in FIG. 2), the chair is
prohibited from opening because the backrest 106 prohibits the
inner frame 101 from pivoting open. In another embodiment the chair
comprises a cup holder. In one embodiment, the cup holder is
attached to one of the frames.
[0034] Still referring to FIG. 1, the backside of the storage panel
112 is visible. Because the outer frame 102 is at an angle, the
storage panel 112 is also at an angle. When in the unfolded
position the storage panel 112, as depicted, is located beneath the
flexible backrest 106 and it is easily accessed by users sitting
the seat. The location places the weight of the storage panel and
its contents inside the envelope formed by the seat frames 101,102
which prevents the chair from falling over when in the open
position. Despite the angle of incline, the goods located in the
panel 112 are secure. A better description of the storage panel 112
can be found by referring to FIG. 2.
[0035] FIG. 2 depicts a back view of one embodiment of the chair in
its backpack transport configuration. As can be seen, in the folded
position the chair can also be carried or hung for storage using
the carrying handle 114. FIG. 2 also illustrates the storage panel
112. In one embodiment, the chair comprises at least one storage
panel 112 attached to at least one of the frames 101,102. The
storage panel 112 depicted is attached to the back of outer frame
102, but as described below the location and number of the storage
panels 112 can vary. In the embodiment depicted, the storage panel
112 employs two pockets 113. Other embodiments may employ pockets
113 of varying sizes, shapes, and number. For example, the pockets
113 can be insulated pockets for hot or cold food/drinks or
comprise a bladder with an optional drinking tube for carrying
drinking liquids. Open areas of the storage panel 112 can be used
to display logos for the invention itself or other advertisements
such as team logos or corporate promotions. In other embodiments
the storage panel 112 comprises a traditional backpack which may
have additional pockets. Thus, the backpack may contain one or more
large volume compartments internally and one or more external
pockets. The storage panel 112 may comprise a briefcase, laptop
carrier, or a panel comprising assorted pockets. In one embodiment,
the chair does not comprise any storage panels 112. Those skilled
in the art will appreciate other storing means which are within the
scope of the instant invention.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the inner
frame 101 is bent along its length. In one embodiment, the inner
frame 101 is bent below the pivot 110. In one embodiment, the inner
frame 101 is bent in an outward direction so as to form a wider
base. Thus, in such an embodiment, the distance between the front
base and the back base is increased compared to an unbent inner
frame 101, resulting in a wider base. A wider base offers increased
stability. In such an embodiment the chair converts into the
backpack chair configuration as typically described. In such an
embodiment, the frames 101, 102 will remain in the same plane above
the bend but will not be in the same plane below the bend. Thus, in
one embodiment, the frames 101, 102 will lie in the same plane
above the pivot, but will not be in the same plane below the
bend.
[0037] In another embodiment, the outer frame 110 comprises a bend.
In such an embodiment, the frames 101, 102 remain in the same plane
above the bend but will not be in the same plane below the bend. In
such an embodiment, the distance between the front base and the
back base is increased compared to an unbent outer frame 102,
resulting in a wider base. Accordingly, in one embodiment at least
one of said frames comprises a bend. Further, when the chair is in
the first position for transport, the inner 101 and outer 102
frames are in the same plane above said bend.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 depicts a back view of one
embodiment of the chair in its roller bag transport configuration.
A roller bag configuration is ideal for the traveling business
person but is suitable for any person who finds it necessary to
carry items and occasionally sit. For example, a business person
often must carry a laptop, a briefcase, and the required flight
documents. Because the airport is often busy, many times there is
not an open seat available. Consequently, the business person is
forced to stand and hold all of his or her belongings. However, the
roller bag offers storage which can store the briefcase, laptop,
and flight documentation. Further, because the roller bag is also a
chair, the user can also sit in the chair. Finally, in one
embodiment the roller bag is sized to be carried onto the
airplane.
[0039] The chair in its roller bag transport configuration works
the same as the chair described above herein. However, rather than
being carried as a backpack, the chair is designed to be pulled as
a roller bag. Accordingly, at least one of the frames 101,102
further comprises wheels 118. The wheels 118 can be made of
virtually any material, including but not limit to plastic, wood,
and metal. In a preferred embodiment, the wheels 118 are sized and
placed in such a fashion so as to not interfere with the chair in
its use configuration. Thus, when in a chair configuration, the
wheels 118 do not touch the ground. Those skilled in the art can
easily determine ideal placement of the wheels 118. For example, in
one embodiment the wheels 118 are placed so that the lower portion
of the wheel 118 is above the lowest portion of the outer frame
102. In such an embodiment, the wheels 118 are not engaged unless
the roller bag is tilted at a specified angle.
[0040] The chair in its roller bag configuration also comprises a
pulling handle 116. Such a handle 116 allows the user to more
easily roll the bag. In a preferred embodiment, the handle 116 is
extendable to a height that a user can easily grab the handle and
walk comfortably. The extendable handle 116, when not in use is
pushed back into the storage panel 112 for storage. In a preferred
embodiment, the pulling handle 116 is secured between the storage
panel 112 and said frames 101,102. The storage panel 112 depicted
is attached to the outer frame 102 and does not interfere with the
opening and closing of the chair. The storage panel 112 can
comprise the same embodiments as discussed above including pockets,
backpack, briefcase, or laptop carrier.
[0041] In the depicted embodiment, a second storage panel 117 is
located on the inner frame 101 below the pivot 110. Because the
bottom of the inner frame 101 pivots upward (when viewed in FIG.
3), such a location will not hinder the operation of the chair.
Similar variations of the storage panel 112, including pockets and
backpacks may similarly be employed. Thus, a user of the depicted
chair can store a laptop in the first storage panel 112 and a
briefcase in the second storage panel 117. Referring back to FIG.
1, it can be appreciated that if such a second-lower storage panel
117 were employed, it would be located at the bottom of inner frame
101 and would, like the first storage panel 112, have an angle of
inclination. In some embodiments it may be desirable to only have
one storage panel and in other embodiments it may be desirable to
have two. The second storage panel 117, while only depicted in the
roller bag configuration, can also be used in the backpack
configuration.
[0042] As discussed above, the inner frame 101 can also comprise a
bend. Thus, in the transport position the frames 101, 102 will be
in the same plane at a position above the bend but will not be in
the same position below the bend. Likewise, as discussed, the outer
frame 102 can also comprise a bend.
[0043] While not depicted, it should be noted that in some
embodiments the chair can be operated as a roller bag and a
backpack. For example, in one embodiment the chair in the roller
bag configuration comprises shoulder straps 111. In such an
embodiment, a user can utilize the chair's wheels and roll the
chair in the roller bag configuration. However, upon encountering
rough terrain, the user can employ the chair's shoulder straps 111
and carry the chair in its backpack configuration.
[0044] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form
and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention.
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