U.S. patent application number 12/593603 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for folding chair.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.. Invention is credited to Joseph D. Flaugher, Jake L. Hillard, Luke E. Kelly, Gail R. Matheus, Mitchell L. Wilgus.
Application Number | 20110181078 12/593603 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39789067 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110181078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kelly; Luke E. ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
FOLDING CHAIR
Abstract
A folding chair (20) having an adjustable headrest (30). The
chair includes a frame (28) having tubes (50). The headrest (30)
includes a head support (62) extending between two tubes (60), the
tubes (60) of the headrest slidably connected to the tubes (50) of
the frame. Another chair (120) includes a sunshade (130), the
sunshade having material extending between two tubes (174). The
tubes (174) of the sunshade (130) insert into ferrules (151)
attached to the frame (128) of the chair (120). The sunshade (130)
may include cords (180) that tension the sunshade towards the
chair. Another chair (220) includes at least one pair of crossing
cross members (240) attached by a bracket (246). The bracket (246)
includes a sleeve (250) and a pair of hooks (252), the hooks
mounted to the side of the sleeve. One cross member (240A) is fixed
within the sleeve (250) while the hooks (252) selectively engage
opposite sides of the other cross member when the cross members are
rotated s relative to one another.
Inventors: |
Kelly; Luke E.; (Bonner
Springs, KS) ; Flaugher; Joseph D.; (Des Moines,
IA) ; Matheus; Gail R.; (Towanda, KS) ;
Wilgus; Mitchell L.; (Andover, KS) ; Hillard; Jake
L.; (Wichita, KS) |
Assignee: |
THE COLEMAN COMPANY, INC.
Wichita
KS
|
Family ID: |
39789067 |
Appl. No.: |
12/593603 |
Filed: |
March 28, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
March 28, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/58782 |
371 Date: |
March 31, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60908618 |
Mar 28, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/16.1 ;
297/184.1; 297/188.19; 297/391; 297/411.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/66 20130101; A47C
4/286 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/16.1 ;
297/391; 297/184.1; 297/188.19; 297/411.2 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/00 20060101
A47C004/00; A47C 7/36 20060101 A47C007/36; A47C 7/62 20060101
A47C007/62; A47C 7/54 20060101 A47C007/54 |
Claims
1. A chair, comprising: a folding frame configurable between a
first arrangement where a user may sit on the chair and a second
arrangement where the chair is more compact for transport or
storage; and a headrest slidably mounted to the folding frame.
2. The chair of claim 1, wherein the headrest comprises at least
one post, and wherein the frame comprises at least one tube, and
wherein the post is slidably mounted in the tube.
3. The chair of claim 2, wherein said at least one tube comprises a
back rest support tube.
4. The chair of claim 3, wherein the number of back rest support
tubes is two, and wherein the headrest comprises a corresponding
two posts, each for sliding along the corresponding back rest
support tube.
5. The chair of claim 4, wherein each back rest support tube
includes a friction grommet for receiving a corresponding post and
resisting sliding of the post relative to the back rest support
tube.
6. The chair of claim 4, wherein, for at least one set of a back
rest support tube and a post, further comprising a stop for
limiting sliding movement of the post with respect to the back rest
support tube.
7. A chair, comprising: a folding frame configurable between a
first arrangement where a user may sit on the chair and a second
arrangement where the chair is more compact for transport or
storage; and a sunshade mounted to the frame.
8. The chair of claim 7, wherein the sunshade comprises: a frame
extending from a back of the chair toward a front of a seat of the
chair; and a canopy extending over at least a portion of the
frame.
9. The chair of claim 8, wherein the sunshade further comprises at
least one cord extending from a front part of the frame for the
sunshade to a front portion of the folding frame.
10. The chair of claim 9, wherein the cord extends to a front part
of an armrest for the folding frame.
11. The chair of claim 8, wherein the frame for the sunshade is
connected to back rest support tubes for the folding frame.
12. The chair of claim 11, wherein the back rest support tubes each
comprise a ferrule for receiving an end of the frame for the
sunshade.
13. The chair of claim 12, further comprising: a back rest fabric
extending between the back rest support tubes and forming a back
rest for the chair; a mount that extends over a top of one of the
back rest support tubes, covers an outside portion of the ferrule
for the back rest support tube, and is connected to the back rest
fabric.
14. A chair, comprising: a seat; feet for supporting the chair; a
folding frame configurable between a first arrangement where a user
may sit on the seat the chair and the chair rests on the feet, and
a second arrangement where the chair is more compact for transport
or storage, the folding frame comprising: first and second cross
members rotatably connected to one another at a pivot location, the
first and second cross members extending extending between one of
feet for the chair and the seat; and first and second hooks fixed
to the first cross member and mounted on opposite sides of the
pivot location, the first and second hooks each defining concave
surfaces, with the concave surfaces facing opposite directions
towards a common longitudinal axis such that the second cross
member is rotatable relative to the first cross member between a
first position where the second cross member is seated against the
concave surfaces of the two hooks, and a second position where the
second cross member is removed from the two hooks.
15. The chair of claim 14, wherein the first and second hooks are
mounted on a bracket which is fixed to the first cross member.
16. The chair of claim 15, wherein the bracket comprises a sleeve
that fits around the first cross member.
17. The bracket of claim 16.
18. The bracket of claim 15.
19. A chair, comprising: a folding frame configurable between a
first arrangement where a user may sit on the chair and a second
arrangement where the chair is more compact for transport or
storage; and an armrest attached to the frame, the armrest having a
storage compartment and a door, the storage compartment being
accessible by opening the door.
20. The chair of claim 19, wherein the door is hinged to the
armrest.
21. The chair of claim 19, wherein the door forms a top surface of
the armrest when the door is closed.
22. A chair, comprising: a folding frame configurable between a
first arrangement where a user may sit on the chair and a second
arrangement where the chair is more compact for transport or
storage; an armrest attached to the frame, the armrest comprising:
an inset defining an inset top; and a panel having first and second
sides, the panel being hingedly attached to the frame and movable
between a first position in which the panel fits inside the inset
with the second side of the panel against the inset top and the
first side of the panel forming a portion of the armrest, and a
second position in which the panel is adjacent to the inset and the
second side of the panel and the inset top form a table.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/908,618, filed Mar. 28, 2007, incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Folding chairs are chairs that can be folded into a
collapsed configuration. Folding chairs come in various shapes and
sizes, and are very convenient in that they may be easily
transported and/or stored when in a folded configuration. Such
chairs are often used at picnics, at sporting events, while
fishing, while camping, or while engaged in other outdoor
activities.
[0003] Typically, folding chairs include a frame formed from a
series of structural members, such as tubes, rotatably or slidably
connected to one another. Often several of the structural members
cross each other in order to provide both lateral support and the
ability to fold into a compact configuration for storage or easy
carrying. Folding chairs also include other structures such as
seats, backrests and armrests, which are often supported by the
structural members.
[0004] A popular conventional version of a folding chair folds so
that all four legs are moved to extend adjacent to, and parallel
to, one another, permitting the chair to be folded into an
elongate, cylindrical arrangement. An example of such a folding
chair is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,406. Although such chairs are
known, a general description of the chair in that patent is given
here for the benefit of the reader.
[0005] The chair in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,406 includes a frame having
a pair of front crossed legs, a pair of back crossed legs, and two
pairs of side crossed legs. Each pair of crossed legs is pivotally
connected together where they cross. The lower ends of the front
legs and the lower, front ends of the side legs are pivotally
connected to first and second lower, front pads. The lower ends of
the back legs and the lower, back ends of the side legs are
pivotally connected to first and second lower, back pads. The upper
ends of the back legs and the upper, back ends of the side legs are
pivotally connected to first and second upper, back pads. The upper
ends of the front legs and the upper, front ends of the side legs
are pivotally connected to first and second upper, front pads. The
upper ends of the front legs connect to first and second upper
front pads, and the upper, front, ends of the side legs are
pivotally connected to the upper front pads. A flexible seat is
connected to the frame with the corners at the four upper pads. By
pivoting all of the crossed legs, the chair folds into a
cylindrical arrangement.
[0006] A variety of other folding chairs are available, and many of
the chairs fold into a compact, cylindrical arrangement as
described above. Other folding chairs fold flat, or fold into a
compact shape that is other than cylindrical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description of some embodiments that are presented
later.
[0008] In accordance with an embodiment, a folding chair with an
adjustable headrest is provided. The foldable chair may include,
for example, a frame, a seat, a backrest, a head rest, and
armrests. The frame includes a pair of back support members into
which a headrest is slidably mounted. The headrest is adjusted by
sliding the headrest relative to the back support members.
[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, a folding chair with
a sun shade is provided. The chair may include a frame, a seat, a
backrest, armrests, and a sun shade. The sun shade includes two
pairs of tubes, each pair having a back tube connected to a top
tube by an elbow, with the two tubes extending along one side of
the sunshade. Fabric extends between the two pairs of tubes. One
end of the back tube mounts inside of a ferrule attached to a back
support member of the frame. The front of the sun shade and an end
of the top tube may be attached by a cord to the armrests.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, a foldable chair
having a bracket for supporting frame cross members is provided.
The foldable chair may include, for example, a frame, a seat, a
backrest, a head rest, and armrests. The frame includes at least
one pair of cross members rotatably mounted to one another. The
bracket includes a sleeve onto which is mounted a pair of hooks.
The hooks are oriented on opposite sides of the sleeve and open in
opposite directions, with concave surfaces facing opposite
directions towards a common longitudinal axis. One cross member is
mounted in the sleeve. The second cross member is free to rotate
relative to the other from a first position, where the two cross
members extend adjacent to each other, to a second position, where
the cross members are crossed and the second cross member is
captured in both of the hooks.
[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, a chair having an
armrest is included. The armrest has a storage cavity accessible by
opening a door.
[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, a chair having an
armrest is included. The armrest has a panel that is attached by a
hinge to the armrest. The panel rests on a flat shelf. The panel
rotates about the hinge to create with the flat shelf a flat
surface on the upper portion of the armrest. The flat surface may
be used as a table.
[0013] Other features of the invention will become apparent from
the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with
the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a folding chair having
an adjustable headrest in accordance with an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the chair of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the connection between
the headrest and a back support member of the folding chair of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a partial side perspective view of the connection
between the headrest and the chair of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of a folding chair having
a sun shade in accordance with an embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the chair of FIG. 5;
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a rear view of the chair of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of a mount for
connecting the sun shade and the folding chair of FIG. 5 to one
another;
[0022] FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of the mount of FIG.
8;
[0023] FIG. 10 shows a partial view of a connection between tubes
of the sun shade of FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 11 shows a side perspective view of a folding chair
incorporating a bracket in accordance with an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 12 shows a front view showing detail of a pair of cross
members connected by a bracket for the folding chair of FIG.
11;
[0026] FIG. 13 shows a front view of the cross members and bracket
of FIG. 12 in a collapsed configuration;
[0027] FIG. 14 shows a side perspective view of the bracket of FIG.
12;
[0028] FIG. 15 shows a front view of the bracket of FIG. 14;
[0029] FIG. 16 shows a side view of the bracket of FIG. 14;
[0030] FIG. 17 shows a top view of the bracket of FIG. 14; and
[0031] FIG. 18 shows a side perspective view of a chair
incorporating an armrest compartment and folding table in
accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described. In addition,
to the extent that orientations of the embodiments are described,
such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear," "right," and the like,
the orientations are to aid the reader in understanding the
embodiment being described, and are not meant to be limiting.
[0033] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a folding chair 20 in accordance with an embodiment. The
folding chair 20 includes a seat 22, a backrest 24, armrests 26, a
frame 28, and a headrest 30. The seat 22 and the backrest 24 are
rectangular pieces of fabric, such as polyester. As shown in FIG.
2, the seat 22 and backrest 24 are approximately perpendicular to
each other with the backrest 24 above the seat 22. The armrests 26
are elongated strips of fabric, which also may be polyester, and
may extend parallel to the seat 22 above the seat 22.
[0034] The frame 28 includes four pairs of cross members 40, a pair
of armrest support members 42, and a pair of back support members
44. As shown in FIG. 1, the back support members 44 extend
substantially vertically on opposite sides of the rear side of the
frame 28. The cross members 40 are tubes, poles, or other elongate
elements of a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as steel. The
cross members 40 of each pair of cross members 40 are pivotally
attached to one another at approximately the center of each cross
member 40, each pair of cross members 40 forming an X shape. The
armrest support members 42 may be made of the same material as the
cross members 40. As can be seen in FIG. 1, each pair of cross
members 40 is pivotally connected on opposite sides to adjacent
pairs of cross members 40 at their ends. The armrest support
members 42 may attach to the frame 28 at a suitable location, such
as at the ends of cross members 40 located at the front of the
chair 20.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, each back support member 44
includes a back tube 50, a friction grommet 52, and a notch 54.
Each back tube 50, like the cross members 40, is a tube made of
material such as steel. The friction grommet 52 is disk-shaped and
made from a semi-rigid material, such as rubber, and has a center
bore extending completely through the center of the friction
grommet 52. The friction grommet 52 may have an outer diameter
approximately equal to the inner diameter of the back tube 50. A
flange 53 is positioned on the top of the friction grommet 52 and
extends radially outward. The flange 53 has a diameter larger than
the inner diameter of the back tube 50. In this manner, the
friction grommet 52 may be attached to the top of each back tube 50
by partially inserting the bottom of the friction grommet 52 into
the top of the back tube 50 until the flange 53 engages the top of
the back tube 50 and the friction grommet 52 cannot be inserted
further into the back tube 50. Each notch 54 is a protrusion
extending into the interior of the back tube 50 at a location below
the friction grommet 52.
[0036] The headrest 30 includes a pair of tubes 60 each having a
material insert 64 mounted at a lower end. Like the cross members
40, the tubes 60 may be made of a material such as steel. Also,
although described as "tubes," the tubes 60 may be solid rods or
other elongate members. In the embodiment shown in the drawings,
the tubes 60 have an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of
the back tubes 50. A head support 62 is suspended between the tubes
60. The head support 62 may be an elongated strip of fabric, such
as polyester, having a width significantly less than the length of
the tubes 60, and extending horizontally between corresponding ends
of the tubes 60.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 3, the material insert 64 is a cylinder of
material, such as plastic, having a diameter approximately equal to
the inner diameter of the tubes 60 and having a flange 65 on a
bottom end, the flange 65 having a diameter approximately equal to
the inner diameter of the back tube 50. A narrow upper end of the
material insert 64 is inserted into the end of each tube 60
opposite the head support 62 until the flange 65 prevents the
material insert 64 from inserting into the tube 60 further. A screw
or other fastener may secure each material insert 64 to each tube
60, or the material insert 64 and the tube 60 may be configured so
that the material insert 64 mechanically or frictionally locks to
the tube 60, or the material insert 64 may be welded or glued to
the tube 60. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the distance of each tube 60
between the head support 62 and the material insert 64 is greater
than the distance between the friction grommet 52 and the notch
54.
[0038] The tubes 60 are inserted into the back tubes 50 through the
central bore of the friction grommet 52, with the material insert
64 oriented downward. To achieve this, the top end of each tube 60
opposite the material insert 64 may be inserted into the lower end
of the friction grommet 52 before the lower end of the tube 60 and
the friction grommet 52 are inserted into the top end of the back
tube 50. In order to pass the material insert 64 beyond the
location of each notch 54, each notch 54 may be made after
insertion of each tube 60 into each back tube 50, for example, by
using a press to punch a notch 54 into each back tube 50. Once the
notch 54 is formed, the notch 54 prevents the tube 60 from being
pulled out of the back tube 50 because the flange 64 cannot be
pulled over the notch.
[0039] As an alternative to forming the notch after insertion of
the pole 60, the material insert 64 may also have a notch (not
shown) that allows the material insert 64 to pass over the notch 54
only when the tube 60 and material insert 64 are rotated at a
particular angle, so that the material insert 64 may be passed over
the notch 54 and then rotated so that the material insert 64 cannot
pass over the notch in the opposite direction.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows the headrest 30 fully inserted into the back
tubes 50. In this position, the headrest 30 is prevented by the
head support 62 from entering further into the back tubes 60. In
particular, each tube 60 cannot be inserted further into the
corresponding back tube 50 because a portion of the bottom of the
head support 62 extending from each tube 60 engages the top of
friction grommet 54. An alternate structure, such as a raised
ridge, may be attached to the tube 60 to prevent each tube from
being inserted further into its corresponding back tube 50.
[0041] The headrest 30 may be adjusted to a higher position by
pulling the headrest 30 upwards. Pulling the headrest 30 upwards
causes each tube 60 to slide relative to its corresponding back
tube 50. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the headrest 30 may be pulled
upwards until the material insert 64 engages the notch 54 and the
headrest 30 cannot be pulled up further. When the headrest 30 is
pulled to the desired level, because the tube 60 fits tightly into
the central bore of the friction grommet 54, frictional forces
between each friction grommet 54 and the corresponding tube 60
prevent the headrest 30 from falling downward. A tight fit between
the material insert 64 and the back tube 50 may also provide
additional or alternative frictional forces to prevent the headrest
30 from falling downward. A user may push down on the headrest 30
to overcome the frictional forces in order to adjust the headrest
30 downward.
[0042] Because the notch 54 prevents the material insert 64 from
moving further upward, the headrest 30 is not easily removed from
the chair 20, which prevents the headrest 30 from being lost. Other
structures or mechanisms may be used to prevent removal of the
headrest 30. However, an alternate embodiment permits removal of
the headrest 30. There, the use of a notch 54 and a material insert
64 is not necessary. Indeed, without a notch 54 and a material
insert 64, the headrest 30 would be removable by pulling the
headrest 30 upwards until each tube 60 exits the corresponding back
tube 50. When the headrest 30 is removed, the headrest 30 may be
stored by wrapping the material of the head support 30 around the
tubes 60 to put the headrest 30 into a compact configuration. The
chair 20 may include a pocket or other structure (not shown) to
store the headrest 30.
[0043] Other configurations are possible. For instance, as
described above, the back tubes 50 serve to support the backrest 24
as well as provide a mounting for the headrest 30. However, tubes
configured similar to the back tubes 50 may be otherwise attached
to the frame 28 and need not provide any structural support for the
chair 20, other than to provide support for the headrest 30.
[0044] In addition, the particular folding chair described above
and shown in the drawings need not be used. In general, tubes
having a friction grommet or a structure providing a similar
function may be mounted to or near the rear side of any folding
chair. For example, tubes similar to the back tubes 50 may be
directly welded to any frame members located near or on the back of
any folding chair. Examples of folding chairs to which tubes
similar to the back tubes 50 may be mounted for use with a headrest
can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,852, U.S. Pat. No. 7,000,938,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,210, U.S. Pat. No. 6,824,210, U.S. Pat. No.
6,817,671, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,661, U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,661, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,814,403, U.S. Pat. No. 6,776,433, U.S. Pat. No.
6,637,811, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,322, U.S. Pat. No. 6,113,128, U.S.
Pat. No. 5,718,473, U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,857, U.S. Pat. No.
5,709,428, U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,849, U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,601, U.S.
Pat. No. 4,826,241, U.S. Pat. No. 4,717,201, U.S. Pat. No.
4,118,065, U.S. Pat. No. 4,014,591, U.S. App. No. 2003/0111874,
U.S. App. No. 2003/0111872, U.S. App. No. 2003/0034675, WO9802064,
WO8906102, and WO02069760, as examples.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a folding chair in accordance with a second
embodiment. Like the folding chair 20, the folding chair 120
includes a seat 122, a backrest 124, armrests 126, and a frame 128,
configured similarly to the seat 22, backrest 24, armrests 26, and
frame 28. In accordance with an embodiment, the folding chair 120
includes a shade 130.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, like the frame 28, the frame 128
includes four pairs of cross members 140, armrest support members
142, and back support members 144. In an embodiment, the cross
members 140 and the armrest support members 142 are configured
similarly to the cross members 40 and the armrest support members
42, respectively. Each back support member 144 is a tube or other
elongate piece of rigid or semi-rigid material such as steel and,
as shown in FIG. 7, includes a steel ferrule 151, and a mount 152.
Each steel ferrule 151 is a hollow cylinder of steel or other
suitable material having a closed bottom end and being attached
approximately parallel to a back support member 144 near the upper
end of the back support member 144 with the closed end of the steel
ferrule 151 oriented downward. In an embodiment, both the steel
ferrules 151 and the back support members 144 are made from steel
and each steel ferrule 151 is welded to a back support member
144.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the mount 152 includes a plate 160, a
ferrule 162, and a sleeve 164. The plate 160 is a rectangular piece
of material such as plastic or rubber, and may be formed as a
unitary piece with the ferrule 162 and the sleeve 164. The ferrule
162 is an elongated piece of material, such as plastic or rubber
abutting and parallel to the plate 160 and having a hole 165
extending lengthwise partial distance of the material. The hole 165
is opened to a bottom of the ferrule 162, but is closed at the top.
The sleeve 164 is an elongated piece of material abutting and
parallel to the ferrule 162 and having a keyhole shaped hole 166
running lengthwise through the sleeve 164. In addition, the keyhole
shaped hole 166 is fluidly connected with the hole 165 at the
bottom end of the ferrule 162.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 7, each mount 152 is attached to a back
support member 144 by inserting the upper end of the back support
member 144 into the hole 165 and the steel ferrule 151 into the
keyhole shaped hole 166 until the top of the back support member
144 engages the top end of the hole 166. During this process, the
weld of the steel ferrule 151 to the back support member 144 passes
through the narrow portion of the keyhole shaped hole 166. When the
mount 152 is in place, the ferrule 151 is surrounded by the sleeve
164. The rear panel 124 may be attached to both mounts 152, perhaps
by sewing the rear panel to the plate 160 of each mount 152.
[0049] Referring back to FIG. 5, the shade 130 is a canopy having
approximately the same width as the seat 122 or backrest 124 and
including a rear panel 170, a top panel 172, a pair of rear tubes
174, a pair of top tubes 176, a pair of elbows 178, and a pair of
cords 180. The rear panel 170 and top panel 172 are rectangular
pieces of fabric such as polyester. The rear tubes 174 and top
tubes 176 are elongated poles made from rigid or semi-rigid
materials such as steel, fiberglass, or bamboo. Each cord 180 may
be a rope that may be elastic or inelastic.
[0050] As can be seen in FIG. 7, a bottom end of each rear tube 174
has a diameter that allows the bottom end of the rear tube 174 to
fit inside the steel ferrule 151. As shown in FIG. 10, the top end
of each rear tube 174 is configured to fit inside one end of an
elbow 178, which may be an open cylinder of metal bent
approximately ninety degrees in its middle. A rear end of each top
tube 176 is configured to fit into the other end of the elbow 178.
In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, with the top end of each rear
tube 174 connected to the rear end of the respective top tube 176
by an elbow 178, an L-shaped bracket is formed. These two L-shaped
brackets form the structure for supporting the shade 130. For
example, the rear panel 170 extends between the rear tubes 178 and
the top panel 172 extends between the top tubes 176.
[0051] The shade 130 is attached to the chair 120 by inserting the
bottom end of each rear tube into the hole of the steel ferrule 151
so that, when the rear tubes 174 are inserted into the steel
ferrules 151, the front ends of the top tubes 176 point towards the
front of the chair 120, that is, towards the side of the chair
opposite the backrest 124. A cord 180 connects the front end of
each top tube 176 to another location on the chair 120, such as to
the outer edge of an armrest support member 142 on the same side of
the chair 120. Each cord 180 may be tensioned to pull each top tube
176 outward and away from each other to maintain tension in the top
panel 172 so as to suspend the shade 130 over the seat 122.
[0052] The shade 130 may be removed from the folding chair 120 by
pulling the rear tubes 174 out of the steel ferrule 151 and
disengaging the cords 180 from the chair 120. The shade 130 may be
put into a compact configuration for storage, for example, by
removing the rear tubes 174 and top tubes 176 from the elbows 180,
aligning the rear tubes 174 and top tubes 176 parallel and against
each other, and then rolling the material of the rear panel 170 and
top panel 172 around the rear tubes 174 and top tubes 176. The
cords 180 may be wrapped around the rear panel 170 and top panel
172 and tied to one another in order to secure the shade 130 in a
compact configuration. The chair 120 may also include a pocket or
other structure for storage of the shade 130 when the shade 130 is
not in use.
[0053] Other variations of the chair 120 and shade 130 are also
possible. For instance, a shade 130 may be used with any of the
chairs described or listed above. For example, steel ferrules 151
may be welded to any of the chairs described above or in the
references listed above so that the canopy 130 can be inserted into
the ferrules 151. In addition, a shade 130 can be used with the
chair 20, for instance, by configuring the ends of the rear tubes
174 opposite the elbow 178 to fit tightly into the friction grommet
52. In this manner, the rear tubes 174 of the shade 130 can be
inserted into the back tubes 44 of the chair 20 and the height of
the shade 130 would be adjustable. Also, a shade 130 may also be
integrated with a headrest, such as the headrest 30, as one
unit.
[0054] FIG. 11 shows a folding chair 220 in accordance with a third
embodiment. Similar to the chairs 20 and 120, the chair 220
includes a seat 222, a backrest 224, a pair of armrests 226, and a
frame 228. Configured similarly to the frames 28 and 128, the frame
228 includes four pairs of cross members 240, a pair of armrest
support members 242, and a pair of back support members 244. In
accordance with an embodiment, the frame 228 also includes at least
one bracket 246.
[0055] As can be seen in FIG. 14, the bracket 246 may be formed
from a single piece of material such as metal or plastic and
includes a sleeve 250, a pair of hooks 252, and a pin hole 254. The
sleeve 250 is a hollow cylinder of material having a longitudinal
axis 251 running through the center of the cylinder of the sleeve
250. The sleeve 250 has a diameter approximately equal to the outer
diameter of a cross member 240. Each hook 252 includes a concave
surface 253 having a curvature approximately matching the curvature
of the outer surface of a cross member 140. Each hook 252 is
rigidly attached to opposite sides of the center of the outer
surface of the sleeve 250. The concave surfaces 253 of each hook
252 are oppositely oriented and face a common longitudinal axis
255, which extends transverse (e.g., perpendicular, but other
angles may be used) to the longitudinal axis 251 of the sleeve 250.
As shown in FIG. 14, the axis 255 passes in front of the pinhole
254, which is a hole extending through opposite sides of the sleeve
250. In addition, the hooks 252 are attached to the sleeve 250 such
that the concave surfaces 253 of the hooks 252 would engage the
outer surface of a cross member 240 with its center aligned with
the axis 255.
[0056] In accordance with an embodiment, the bracket 246 is
attached to one pair of cross members 240A, 240B. In particular,
one cross member 240A passes through the sleeve 250 parallel to the
axis 251. A pin 256 extends through the sleeve 250 and the cross
member 240A. The pin 256 also extends through the other cross
member 240B. the As can be seen in FIG. 12, the pin 256 extends
through both cross members 240A, 240B, and the sleeve 250 at the
crossing of the two cross members 240A, 2403, thereby securing the
two cross members 240A, 240B, and the bracket 246 together. The
cross member 240B is able to pivot about the pin 256 relative to
the sleeve 250 other cross member 240A. The cross member 244E may
rotate between a storage position in which the two cross members
240A, 240B extend along and adjacent to one another to a use
position where the two cross members 240A, 240B form an "X" and the
concave surfaces 253 of the hooks 252 engage opposite sides of the
cross member 240B.
[0057] As can be seen in FIG. 11, the bracket 246 adds strength to
the crossed pair of cross members 240A, 240B. When the chair 220
bears weight on the seat 222, the bracket 246 prevents the pair of
cross members 240A, 240B from rotating more than the angle defined
between the axes 251, 255, which in an embodiment is approximately
ninety degrees. The hooks 252 capture the cross member 240B and
prevent its rotation beyond this amount.
[0058] As can be seen by comparing FIG. 12 to FIG. 13, when the
cross members 240A, 240B are in an "X" configuration, the cross
member 240E may be rotated out of and away from the concave
surfaces 253 until the cross members 240 are nearly parallel to one
another, as in FIG. 13. This position allows the chair 220 to be
put into a storage configuration from an open configuration.
[0059] While the drawings show the chair 220 having one bracket 246
attached to a front pair of cross members 240, a folding chair may
have a bracket on other pairs of cross members 240. In general, a
folding chair may have a bracket for any pair of cross members that
are pivotally connected to one another. For instance, the chair 220
could have four brackets 246, one for each pair of cross members
240. The chair 220 could also have two brackets 246, or three
brackets 246.
[0060] The bracket 246 may also be altered for use in other chairs,
such as the chairs described or listed in references above. For
example, the axes 251, 255 need not be perpendicular, but can be at
other angles relative to one another to accommodate chairs having
cross members that do not cross perpendicularly.
[0061] Other alterations may also be made to the bracket 246. For
instance, the hooks 252 need not have concave surfaces 253, but
could have flat surfaces, or even convex surfaces in place of the
concave surfaces 253. In addition, the sleeve 250 could have a
rectangular or other cross section in order to accommodate cross
members having a similar cross section, and the hooks 253 could be
altered to similarly accommodate such cross members. In addition,
the sleeve may be replaced with another structure that rigidly
attaches a pair of hooks, such as the hooks 252, to one of the
cross members.
[0062] FIG. 18 shows a chair 320 in accordance with another
embodiment. The chair 320 includes legs 322, a backrest 324, a seat
326, a first armrest 328, and a second armrest 330. The legs 322,
backrest 324, and seat 326 may be similar to the legs, seats, and
backrests of any particular chair, including the chairs described
and shown in the references listed above. In particular, the legs
321 may structurally support the seat 326 and the backrest 324,
with the backrest 324 above and approximately perpendicular to the
seat 326. The chair 320 may or may not be foldable.
[0063] The first armrest 328 is an elongated structure extending
above and approximately parallel to the seat 326. The armrest is
structurally connected to the chair 320, for example, by being
attached to the backrest 324. The first armrest 328 includes a body
340, storage cavity 342, door 344, and hinge 346. The body 340 may
be a rectangular elongated structure made from a material such as
plastic or wood. The storage cavity 342 is a cavity located on the
upper side of the body 340. The door 344 is a substantially flat
piece of material, perhaps the same material from which the body
340 is made, configured to completely cover the storage cavity 342.
In an embodiment, the door 344 is rectangular. The door 344 may be
pivotally connected to the first armrest 328 by a hinge 346, such
as a living hinge, which may be located along an outer edge of the
body 340. The door 344 may also have a tab 348, located on an edge
of the door 344 opposite the hinge 346.
[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 18, the first armrest 328 is
configurable from a closed configuration, where the door 344 covers
the storage cavity 344) to an open configuration, the open
configuration visible in the drawing and in which the storage
cavity 342 is accessible. In particular, the door 344 is rotated
about the hinge 346 away from the body 340 until the storage cavity
342 is accessible. Similarly, the first armrest 328 may be put into
the closed configuration by rotating the door 344 about the hinge
346 towards the body 340 until the door 344 covers the storage
cavity 342. Rotating the door 344 may be aided by gripping the tab
348.
[0065] The storage cavity 342 allows users of the chair 320 to
store items in a convenient location. In order to retrieve items
stored in the storage cavity 342, a user need not get up from the
chair 320, but simply needs to open the storage cavity 342, remove
items from the storage cavity 342, and close the storage cavity
342. Items that may be stored in the storage cavity 342 include
pencils, pens, headphones, bottles of sunscreen, medicine, digital
music players, or, in general, any item capable of fitting in the
storage cavity 342.
[0066] The second armrest 330 may have a general shape similar to
the shape of the first armrest 328 and includes a body 350 and a
panel 352. The body 350 is an elongated structure of material, such
as plastic or wood, having an upper surface 354 located in the rear
of the second armrest 330 and a lower surface 356 located in the
front of the second armrest 330. The lower surface 356 is a
horizontal surface located a short distance, such as two
centimeters, lower than the upper surface 354 and has a hinge 360
located on the side of the lower surface 356.
[0067] The panel 352 is a flat piece of material, perhaps the same
type of material from which the remainder of the body 350 is made,
which is attached to the body 350 by the hinge 360. The panel 352
includes a flat surface 362 which has a shape approximately equal
to the shape of the lower surface 356. As shown in FIG. 18, the
panel 352 is attached to the body 350 next to the lower surface 356
along the hinge 360 so that both the lower surface 356 and the flat
surface 362 face an upward direction.
[0068] FIG. 18 shows the second armrest 330 in an open
configuration. In the open configuration, a side of the panel 352
engages a side of the body 350 near the lower surface 356 so that
the flat surface 362 and the lower surface 356 abut one another to
create one large surface 364 having an area equal to the area of
the flat surface 362 and the area of the lower surface 356 added
together. In this configuration, the surface 364 may be used as a
table, for example, to support a pad of paper so that a user of the
chair 320 may conveniently write on the pad. The surface 364 may
also provide a convenient surface on which to place a newspaper
having a crossword puzzle, so that a user of the chair may
conveniently fill in the blanks of the crossword puzzle. The second
armrest 330 may be placed on the left or the right of the chair in
order to accommodate left handed or right handed writers,
respectively. In fact, the second armrest 330 may be removable so
that a user can choose on which side to locate the second armrest
330. The chair 320 may also have an armrest similar or identical to
the second armrest 330 on each side of the chair 320. In addition,
the surface 364 may simply provide a convenient surface which is
wider than the upper surface of a typical armrest. For instance,
the surface 364 may be used to hold a drink or a plate of food.
[0069] To put the second armrest 330 into a closed configuration,
the panel 352 is simply rotated about the hinge 360 towards the
seat of the chair until the flat surface 362 engages the lower
surface 356. When the flat surface 362 engages the lower surface
356, the second armrest 330 has a shape similar to that of a
typical armrest, that is, an elongated, substantially rectangular
piece of material extending towards the front of the chair 320. To
put the second armrest 330 into an open configuration, the panel
352 is simply rotated about the hinge 360 until the flat surface
362 and the lower surface 356 are parallel to one another, as shown
in FIG. 18.
[0070] While the drawings show the hinge 360 on the outer edge of
the lower surface 356 so that the panel 352 rotates outwardly, the
hinge 360 may be located on the inner edge of the lower surface 356
so that the panel opens inwardly and the surface 364 located
partially over the lap of a user sitting in the chair 320.
[0071] Other configurations are also possible. For example, while
the drawings show the chair 320 with both a first armrest 328 and a
second armrest 330, the chair 320 may have only one or the other.
For example, the chair 320 may have the first armrest 328, and a
typical armrest on the other side of the chair 320, but not the
second armrest. It also may have only the second armrest 330 with a
typical armrest on the other side of the chair 320. In addition,
the features of the first armrest 328 and the second armrest 330
may be incorporated into a single combined armrest, and the chair
320 may have one or two of the combined armrests. Other
combinations are also possible.
[0072] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, a certain illustrated
embodiment thereof is shown in the drawings and has been described
above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no
intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms
disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling
within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the
appended claims.
[0073] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0074] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0075] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *