U.S. patent application number 13/470295 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-15 for collapsible lounge chair with backpack straps.
Invention is credited to Warren Cohen.
Application Number | 20120286544 13/470295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47141387 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120286544 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cohen; Warren |
November 15, 2012 |
Collapsible Lounge Chair with Backpack Straps
Abstract
A folding chair assembly that is configurable between an open
configuration and a folded configuration. The folding chair
assembly has a backrest frame that supports a backrest surface. A
seat frame supports a seating surface. The backrest surface can be
folded against the seating surface. A leg support structure is
coupled to the seat frame. The leg support structure folds under
the seating surface when it is in the folded configuration. As
such, the seating surface becomes interposed between the backrest
surface and the leg support structure. A foot support structure is
coupled to the leg support structure. The foot support structure
folds against the leg support structure when it is in the folded
configuration. Legs are provided for supporting the seat frame at a
predetermined height. Backpack straps can be used to carry the
folding chair assembly on a person's back.
Inventors: |
Cohen; Warren;
(Philadelphia, PA) |
Family ID: |
47141387 |
Appl. No.: |
13/470295 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61485605 |
May 12, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/30 ;
297/16.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 4/46 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/30 ;
297/16.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/00 20060101
A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. A folding chair assembly that is configurable into an open
configuration and a folded configuration, said folding chair
assembly comprising: a backrest frame that supports a backrest
surface; a seat frame that supports a seating surface, wherein said
backrest frame is joined to said seat frame by hinge connections
that enable said backrest surface to be folded against said seating
surface when in said folded configuration; a leg support structure
coupled to said seat frame, said leg support structure folding
under said seating surface when in said folded configuration,
wherein said seating surface becomes interposed between said
backrest surface and said leg support structure when said folding
chair assembly is in said folded configuration; a foot support
structure coupled to said leg support structure, wherein said foot
support structure folds against said leg support structure when in
said folded configuration; and legs for supporting said seat frame
at a predetermined height when said folding chair assembly is in
said open configuration.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, further including backpack
straps anchored to said backrest structure for carrying said
folding chair assembly as a backpack when in said folded
configuration.
3. The assembly according to claim 1, further including closure
straps for retaining said folding chair assembly in said folded
configuration.
4. The assembly according to claim 1, further including a pouch
affixed to said seating surface, wherein said pouch is interposed
between said seating surface and said leg support structure when
said folding chair assembly is in said folded configuration.
5. The assembly according to claim 1, further including a mechanism
for selectively raising and lowering said leg support structure and
said foot support structure relative said seating surface when said
folding chair assembly is in said open configuration.
6. The assembly according to claim 5, further including a locking
mechanism for locking said leg support structure in a set position
relative said seating surface.
7. A folding chair assembly, comprising: a backrest frame that
supports a backrest surface; a seat frame that supports a seating
surface, wherein said backrest frame is coupled to said seat frame
to enable said backrest surface to be selectively folded against
said seating surface; a rear leg frame for supporting said seat
frame at a predetermined height; a front leg frame for supporting
said seat frame at said predetermined height; armrest rods that are
coupled to said backrest frame; and slides that selectively run
along at least part of said armrest rods that interconnect said
armrest rods to said front leg frame.
8. The assembly according to claim 7, further including locking
mechanisms for selectively locking said slides into fixed positions
on said armrest rods.
9. The assembly according to claim 7, further including a leg
support structure that is coupled to said seat frame and said
armrest rods, wherein said leg support structure raises and lowers
as said slides move along said armrest rods.
10. The assembly according to claim 9, further including a foot
support structure that is coupled to said leg support
structure.
11. The assembly according to claim 10, wherein said foot support
structure is joined to said leg support structure with hinges that
enable said foot support structure to be adjusted to a variety of
angles relative said leg support structure.
12. The assembly according to claim 7, further including slide
blocks that are selectively movable along sections of said rear leg
frame.
13. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein said slide blocks
are connected to said seat frame with pivot connections.
14. The assembly according to claim 7, further including backpack
straps coupled to said backrest surface.
15. A folding chair assembly, comprising: a backrest frame that
supports a backrest surface; a seat frame that supports a seating
surface, wherein said backrest frame is coupled to said seat frame
to enable said backrest surface to be selectively folded against
said seating surface; a rear leg frame; a front leg frame; armrest
rods that are coupled to said backrest frame; slides that
interconnect said armrest rods to said front leg frame; and a leg
support structure that is coupled to said seat frame and said
armrest rods, wherein said leg support structure raises and lowers
as said slides move along said armrest rods.
16. The assembly according to claim 15, further including locking
mechanisms for selectively locking said slides into fixed positions
on said armrest rods.
17. The assembly according to claim 16, further including a foot
support structure that is coupled to said leg support
structure.
18. The assembly according to claim 17, wherein said foot support
structure is joined to said leg support structure with hinges that
enable said foot support structure to be adjusted to a variety of
angles relative said leg support structure.
19. The assembly according to claim 15, further including backpack
straps coupled to said backrest surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. provisional
patent application No. 61/485,605, filed May 12, 2011 and entitled
Collapsible Lounge Chair With Backpack Straps, the disclosure of
which is incorporated into this specification by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field Of The Invention
[0003] In general, the present invention relates to the structure
of folding chairs. More particularly, the present invention relates
to folding chairs configured as loungers that can provide full
support to elevated legs.
[0004] 2. Prior Art Description
[0005] Many people carry folding chairs to the beach, parks, and
other outdoor destinations. Typically, the folding chair is a
simple small chair. However, some people would prefer the comfort
of a larger lounge-style chair that provides support to the legs.
Although many lounge chair designs exist, most are too large and
too bulky to be comfortably carried for any significant period of
time. Accordingly, lounge-style chairs are rarely transported
farther than the patio in a user's backyard.
[0006] In the prior art, there are many lounge chairs that fold
into smaller sizes. Typically, a lounge chair has a backrest that
can fold flush against the seat of the lounger. Such folding
abilities make the lounge chairs easier to store and stack when not
in use. Such lounge chairs are exemplified by U.S. Pat. No.
5,246,265 to Nagan, entitled Lounge Chair. Although such prior art
lounge chairs can fold to some degree, the lounge chairs remain
very bulky and difficult to transport.
[0007] Recognizing the problem of transporting lounge chairs, some
manufacturers have designed lounge chairs that collapse into very
small sizes. The collapsed lounge chair can then be carried in a
bag. Such prior art collapsible lounge chairs are exemplified by
U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,413 to Levy, entitled Folding Lounge Chair and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,648 to Adler, entitled Foldable Lounge Chair.
The problem associated with such prior art lounge chairs is that
the lounge chairs must be assembled every time they are used and
disassembled whenever they are to be transported. The need to
assemble and disassemble the chairs makes such prior art chairs
inconvenient to use and commercially unsuccessful.
[0008] A need exists for a collapsible lounge chair that is
specifically designed to be carried by a user, yet requires no
assembly or disassembly other than the need to unfold the chair
into an open configuration. Such a collapsible lounge chair needs
to be lightweight and collapsible into a convenient size and have
lifting features that enable the chair to be comfortably carried.
These needs are met by the present invention as described
below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is a folding chair assembly that is
configurable between an open configuration and a folded
configuration. The folding chair assembly has a backrest frame that
supports a backrest surface. A seat frame is provided that supports
a seating surface. The backrest frame is joined to the seat frame
by hinge connections that enable the backrest surface to be folded
against the seating surface when the assembly is in the folded
configuration.
[0010] A leg support structure is coupled to the seat frame. The
leg support structure folds under the seating surface when the
assembly is in the folded configuration. As such, the seating
surface becomes interposed between the backrest surface and the leg
support structure when the folding chair assembly is in its folded
configuration.
[0011] A foot support structure is coupled to the leg support
structure. The foot support structure folds against the leg support
structure when the assembly is in the folded configuration.
Furthermore, legs are provided for supporting the seat frame at a
predetermined height when the folding chair assembly is in its open
configuration. Backpack straps can be used to carry the folding
chair assembly on a person's back while it is in its folded
configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following description of an exemplary
embodiment thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment
of a folding lounge chair assembly in an open configuration;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary
embodiment of the folding lounge chair assembly shown in a
partially folded configuration; and
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of
the folding lounge chair assembly shown in a fully folded
configuration and being carried as a backpack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Although the present invention folding lounge chair can be
embodied in many ways, only one exemplary embodiment of the folding
lounge chair is illustrated. The exemplary embodiment is selected
in order to set forth one of the best modes contemplated for the
invention. The illustrated embodiment, however, is merely exemplary
and should not be considered a limitation when interpreting the
scope of the appended claims.
[0017] Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a lounge chair assembly
10 is shown. The lounge chair assembly 10 has a seating surface 12
and a backrest surface 14. In the shown embodiment, both the
seating surface 12 and the backrest surface 14 are made from a
single fabric panel 16. However, it will be understood that two
separate panels can also be used.
[0018] The seating surface 12 is suspended between the arms 18 of a
tubular U-shaped seat frame 20. Likewise, the backrest surface 14
is suspended between the arms 22 of a tubular U-shaped backrest
frame 24. The arms 22 of the backrest frame 24 are connected to the
arms 18 of the seat frame 20 at two hinge connections 26. The hinge
connections 26 enable the backrest frame 24 to fold against the
seat frame 20 when the lounge chair assembly 10 is manipulated into
its folded configuration.
[0019] The seat frame 20 is supported above the ground by legs. The
legs include a front leg frame 28 and a rear leg frame 30. Both the
front leg frame 28 and the rear leg frame 30 are also made from
U-shaped elements of bent tubing. Consequently, the rear leg frame
30 has two parallel arms 36. Likewise, the front leg frame 28 has
two parallel arms 39.
[0020] Two pivot slides 32 are provided, one on each side of the
seat frame 20. Each of the pivot slides 32 includes a slide block
34. The arms 36 of the rear leg frame 30 extend through the slide
blocks 34. The slide blocks 34 are free to slide back and forth
along the arms 36 through the blocks 34. Each of the pivot slides
32 includes a slide block 34. The slide blocks 34 are free to move
back and forth along the length of the arms 36 of the rear leg
frame 30. Each of the slide blocks 34 is also connected to the arms
18 of the seat frame 20 with a pivot connection 37. The pivot
connections 37 join the slide blocks 34 to the arms 18 of the seat
frame 20, yet enable the slide blocks 34 to rotate in place
relative the seat frame 20. The arms 36 of the rear leg frame 30
terminate at short linkage connectors 38 that connect the rear leg
frame 30 with the front leg frame 28.
[0021] The chair assembly 10 has two armrests 42. Under each of the
armrests 42 is a rod 40. The rear of both the armrests 42 and the
underlying rods 40 are coupled to the backrest frame 24 at pivot
connections 43. The front of both the armrests 42 and the
underlying rods 40 are coupled to leg extension frames 45 at pivot
connections 47.
[0022] A locking slide 44 is provided under each armrest 42. The
locking slide 44 reciprocally moves along each of the rods 40 that
extend under the armrests 42. Each of the locking slides 44 has a
manual locking lever 49 that can be manually manipulated between a
locked condition and an unlocked condition. When in the locked
condition, the locking slides 44 are locked in place along the rods
40. When in the unlocked condition, the locking slides 44 can
reciprocally move along the rods 40.
[0023] The arms 39 of the front leg frame 28 are connected to the
locking slides 44 at pivot connections 51. Accordingly, when the
locking slides 44 move along the rods 40, the front leg frame 28
also changes orientation.
[0024] A leg support structure 46 is provided. The leg support
structure 46 contains two parallel leg extension frames 45. A foot
support structure 48 is provided. The foot support structure 48
contains two parallel foot support frames 53. The leg extension
frames 45 are joined to the foot support frames 53 at hinge joints
52. As has been previously mentioned, the opposite ends of the leg
extension frames 45 are joined to the rods 40 under the armrests 42
at pivot connections 47. Furthermore, the leg extension frames 45
are also joined to the arms 18 of the seat frame 20 with pivot
connections 55 at points just above the midsection of the leg
extension frames 45.
[0025] The front leg frame 28 and the rear leg frame 30 support the
seat frame 20 at a preferred height of no more than eighteen inches
above the ground. This low elevation is popular for use at the
beach. The height of the seat frame 20 is lower than the height
needed to accommodate both the leg support structure 46 and the
foot support structure 48. When the backrest frame 24 of the lounge
chair assembly 10 is reclined, the leg support structure 46 and the
foot support structure 48 have the room needed to extend straight.
However, if the backrest frame 24 is set fully erect, the leg
support structure 46 with the foot support structure 48 are too
long to remain straight. It is for this purpose that the leg
support structure 46 and the foot support structure 48 are joined
by the hinges 52. The leg extension frames 45 of the leg support
structure 46 is shorter than the front leg frame 28. As such, there
is room to retract the leg extension frames 45 under the seat frame
20. The hinges 52 enable the foot support frames 53 of the foot
support structure 48 to fold up to ninety degrees relative the leg
extension frames 45.
[0026] When the chair assembly 10 is in its open configuration, as
is shown in FIG. 1, it will be understood that the leg support
structure 46 and the foot support structure 48 can be selectively
raised and lowered. To raise or lower the leg support structure 46
and the foot support structure 48, a person sitting in the chair
assembly 10 would loosen the manual locking levers 49 on the
locking slides 44. This enables the locking slides 44 to move along
the rods 40 under the armrests 42. As the locking slides 44 move,
they also move the front leg frame 28. The front leg frame 28 is
attached to the leg extension frames 45. Consequently, as the front
leg frame 28 moves, the leg extension frames 45 will either pivot
up or pivot down about the pivot connections 47. The leg support
structure 46 with the foot support structure 48 can therefore be
selectively raised or lowered by a person resting in the chair
assembly 10.
[0027] In FIG. 2, it can also be seen that a pouch 54 can be sewn
to the underside of the seating surface 12. The use of this pouch
54 is preferred, but optional. Furthermore, two backpack straps 50
are provided behind the backrest surface 14. The backpack straps 50
enable the chair assembly 10 to be carried on a person's back, like
a backpack, when the chair assembly 10 is in its folded
configuration. In addition to the backpack straps 50, a set of
closure straps 56 are provided.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3 in conjunction with both FIG. 2 and FIG.
1, it will be understood that the chair assembly of FIG. 1 can be
folded closed into the configuration of FIG. 3, with FIG. 2 being
at a midway configuration. To move an open chair assembly 10 into a
closed configuration, the foot support frames 53 are folded flat
against the leg extension frames 45 using the hinges 52. The
backrest frame 24 that supports the backrest surface 14 is folded
against the seat frame 20 that supports the seating surface 12.
Both the leg extension frames 45 and the foot support frames 53 are
then folded flush under the seat frame 20.
[0029] Once the chair assembly 10 is folded closed, the closure
straps 56 are secured. Once secured, the closure straps 56 retain
the chair assembly 10 in its folded configuration. After the chair
assembly 10 is secured in its folded configuration, it can be
lifted onto a person's back using the backpack straps 50. The
backpack straps 50 enable a user to lift the folded lounge chair
assembly 10 and carry the assembly as a backpack.
[0030] When the chair assembly 10 is worn as a backpack, the pouch
54 is oriented in an upright position. Secondary items can
therefore be stored and carried in the pouch 54 as the chair
assembly 10 is being carried. Thus, the chair assembly 10 not only
can be carried as a backpack, but it can be used as a backpack to
carry other items.
[0031] It will be understood that the embodiment of the present
invention being illustrated is merely exemplary and that a person
skilled in the art can make many variations to that embodiment. For
example, the length, width and height of the lounge chair assembly
can be varied as desired. Likewise, any number of pockets can be
sewn to the fabric panel. All such variations and alternate
embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *