U.S. patent application number 13/662402 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-21 for portable chair.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samuel B. Homans, Tae Wan Kim. Invention is credited to Samuel B. Homans, Tae Wan Kim.
Application Number | 20130069397 13/662402 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47361163 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130069397 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Homans; Samuel B. ; et
al. |
March 21, 2013 |
Portable Chair
Abstract
The present invention relates to lightweight collapsible
portable chairs. In one embodiment, the portable chair has a sling
and a chair frame which includes a first pair of bars and a second
pair of bars. Each bar of the first pair of bars includes a joint
configured to contact a ground surface. In another embodiment, the
chair frame includes a front of bars, a back pair of bars, a pair
of joints and a center bar configured to securely couple the pair
of back joints to each other. In some embodiments, the chair frame
includes a front support assembly. In other embodiments, the chair
frame includes a pair of lower bars.
Inventors: |
Homans; Samuel B.; (Oakland,
CA) ; Kim; Tae Wan; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Homans; Samuel B.
Kim; Tae Wan |
Oakland
San Francisco |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47361163 |
Appl. No.: |
13/662402 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13483743 |
May 30, 2012 |
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13662402 |
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12050117 |
Mar 17, 2008 |
8205934 |
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13483743 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/16.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 4/03 20130101; A47C
4/02 20130101; A47C 4/022 20130101; A47C 4/286 20130101; A47C 7/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/16.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/28 20060101
A47C004/28 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A portable chair, operable between an assembled state and a
collapsed state, the portable chair comprising: a frame, including:
two upper contact points defined by the first ends of two upper
poles, each upper pole comprising at least one hollow bar; two
lower contact points defined by the first ends of two lower poles,
each lower pole comprising at least one hollow bar; two joints,
each joint configured to receive a second end of an upper pole and
a second end of a lower pole in the assembled state; and an elastic
cord passing through at least one of the hollow bars, the elastic
cord configured to retain the at least one of the hollow bars and
the joint in the assembled state until separated into the collapsed
state; and a sling, including: a seat back portion; a seat bottom
portion; two upper frame interfaces, each configured to removably
engage an upper contact point of the frame; and two lower frame
interfaces, each configured to removably engage a lower contact
point of the frame; wherein, in the assembled state, the sling is
suspended across the upper contact points and the lower contact
points.
21. The portable chair of claim 20 wherein the second end of the
upper pole is substantially perpendicular to the second end of the
lower pole in the assembled state.
22. The portable chair of claim 20, further comprising a second
elastic cord, wherein the elastic cord passes through one upper
pole and one lower pole, and wherein the second elastic cord passes
through the other upper pole and the other lower pole.
23. The portable chair of claim 20, wherein the hollow bars, of the
upper and lower poles, comprise an aluminum alloy.
24. The portable chair of claim 20, wherein the seat back and seat
bottom portions of the sling are of a fabric material.
25. The portable chair of claim 20, wherein at least one of the
upper and lower poles comprises a first hollow bar and a second
hollow bar, wherein the first hollow bar includes a first section
of a first outer diameter and a second section of a second outer
diameter less than the first diameter, and wherein the second
section of the first bar is configured to slide into a recess on
one end of the second hollow bar, wherein the recess on the one end
of the second hollow bar has an inner diameter slightly larger than
the outer diameter of the second section of the first hollow
bar.
26. The portable chair of claim 20, further comprising a bag having
a length less than 10 inches and a diameter less than 5 inches, the
bag configured to hold the sling and the frame in the collapsed
state.
27. A portable chair frame, operable between an assembled state and
a collapsed state, the chair frame useful in association with a
chair sling, the portable chair frame comprising: two upper contact
points defined by the first ends of two upper poles, each upper
pole comprising at least one hollow bar, wherein each upper contact
point is configured to removably engage an upper frame interface of
a chair sling; two lower contact points defined by the first ends
of two lower poles, each lower pole comprising at least one hollow
bar, wherein each lower contact point is configured to removably
engage a lower frame interface of the chair sling; two joints, each
joint configured to receive a second end of an upper pole and a
second end of a lower pole in the assembled state; and an elastic
cord passing through at least one of the hollow bars, the elastic
cord configured to retain the at least one of the hollow bars and
the joint in the assembled state until separated into the collapsed
state.
28. The portable chair frame of claim 27 wherein the second end of
the upper pole is substantially perpendicular to the second end of
the lower pole in the assembled state.
29. The portable chair frame of claim 27, further comprising a
second elastic cord, wherein the elastic cord passes through one
upper pole and one lower pole, and wherein the second elastic cord
passes through the other upper pole and the other lower pole.
30. The portable chair frame of claim 27, wherein the hollow bars,
of the upper and lower poles, comprise an aluminum alloy.
31. The portable chair frame of claim 27, wherein at least one of
the upper and lower poles comprises a first hollow bar and a second
hollow bar, wherein the first hollow bar includes a first section
of a first outer diameter and a second section of a second outer
diameter less than the first diameter, and wherein the second
section of the first bar is configured to slide into a recess on
one end of the second hollow bar, wherein the recess on the one end
of the second hollow bar has an inner diameter slightly larger than
the outer diameter of the second section of the first hollow bar.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/483,743 filed on May 30, 2012, entitled "Systems and Methods for
Portable Furniture" currently pending, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/050,117 filed
on Mar. 17, 2008 entitled "Portable Chair", now U.S. Pat. No.
8,205,934, which applications/patents are incorporated herein in
their entirety by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
portable furniture. In particular, the invention relates to
portable, lightweight and collapsible stable chairs well suited for
camping and travelling.
[0003] Conventional portable chairs are not truly portable for
outdoor use and cannot accommodate sitting on a hillside or uneven
terrain. An example of one such portable chair is a "stadium seat"
which consists of two flat pads with a hinge in the middle, rigid
posts along their outer lateral edges and adjustable straps that
run on each side of the pads from the top corner to the bottom
corner. In a stadium seat, when a user leans back, the sides of the
pads and posts are pulled in towards the body along with the
straps, and generally, the heavier the user is, the more
uncomfortable the stadium seat is. Further, the user cannot use
this chair to sit comfortably on a hillside or on uneven
terrain.
[0004] Thus, there is a need in the chair field to create new,
useful, portable, stable and comfortable chairs. These improved
portable chairs are strong, lightweight and collapsible, and are
well suited for use on uneven terrain often encountered
outdoors.
SUMMARY
[0005] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present
invention, systems and methods for constructing portable furniture
is provided. In particular, the invention provides portable,
lightweight and collapsible stable chairs well suited for camping
and travelling.
[0006] In one embodiment, a portable chair, for accommodating a
user in a seated position, has a sling and a chair frame which
includes a first pair of bars and a second pair of bars. The first
pair of bars that are each collapsible and include at least two bar
sections that are each substantially identical and configured to be
removably coupled to each other, each of the first pair of bars
having a first end and a second end. Each of the second pair of
bars has a first end configured to be arranged substantially toward
the front of the chair and a second end configured to be arranged
substantially toward the back of the chair. The first end of each
bar of the first pair of bars is configured to be coupled to the
first end of each bar of the second pair of bars, and each bar of
the first pair of bars includes a joint configured to provide a
point of contact with a ground surface and further configured to be
couple a first bar section to a second bar section.
[0007] In another embodiment, the chair frame includes a front of
bars, a back pair of bars, a pair of joints and a center bar. Each
of the front pair of collapsible bars has a first end and a second
end. Each of the back pair of collapsible bars has a first end and
a second end. Each of the pair of joints is configured to be
coupled to the corresponding first end of each of the front pair of
collapsible bar and also to be coupled to the corresponding first
end of the back pair of collapsible bars. The center bar is
configured to securely couple the pair of back joints to each
other.
[0008] In some embodiments, the chair frame may include a front
chair support having a pair of front joints configured to be
coupled to a corresponding pair of bars, and wherein the front
chair support is further configured to contact a ground
surface.
[0009] In other embodiments, the portable chair frame may include a
first set of lower bars and a second set of lower bars. The first
set of lower bars are each collapsible and include at least one bar
sections that are removably coupled to each other, each of the
first set of lower bars having a first end and a second end. The
second set of lower bars are each collapsible and include at least
one bar section that is removably coupled to each other, each of
the first set of lower bars having a first end and a second end.
Each corresponding joint of the first pair of bars is configured to
couple first set of lower bars and second set of lower bars, and
each end of lower bars configured to provide a point of contact
with a ground surface.
[0010] Note that the various features of the present invention
described above may be practiced alone or in combination. These and
other features of the present invention will be described in more
detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in
conjunction with the following figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] In order that the present invention may be more clearly
ascertained, some embodiments will now be described, by way of
example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a portable
chair frame in accordance with the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates the portable chair frame supporting a
sling of the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3A is a side view and a top view of the brace for the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an alternate brace for the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates the brace and the joint for the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 shows the portable chair frame for the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 6 shows the first bar section and the second bar
section for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the joint for the embodiment
of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 8 shows the portable chair frame supporting a sling of
an alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 shows the portable chair frame supporting a sling of
the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates the sling for the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0023] FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and back views respectively of
the frame interface element for the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a first variation and a second
variation respectively of the base for the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates a third variation of the base for the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 14 shows the bag for storing the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0027] FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views illustrating another
embodiment of a portable chair frame in accordance with the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the optional front foot
assembly for the embodiment of FIGS. 15A and 15B;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a variation of the front
foot assembly of FIG. 16 suitable for portable chairs in accordance
to the present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective and cross-sectional views,
respectively, of an exemplary connecting joint for the front foot
assemblies of FIGS. 16 and 17;
[0031] FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view showing a variant of the
machined connecting joint of FIG. 18B;
[0032] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are perspective views of alternate
front foot assemblies for portable chairs in accordance with the
present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 20A and 20B are exploded and assembled views,
respectively, of the frame interface suitable for the portable
chair slings in accordance with the present invention;
[0034] FIGS. 21A-21D are perspective views illustrating another
embodiment of a portable chair, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIGS. 22A-22D and 23A-23C are perspective views illustrating
two additional embodiments of portable chairs having bipod legs, in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary ball joint
useful constructing some of the embodiments of the portable chairs
described.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to several embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be
apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments may
be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In
other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have
not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure
the present invention. The features and advantages of embodiments
may be better understood with reference to the drawings and
discussions that follow.
[0038] The present invention relates to systems and methods for
constructing portable, lightweight and collapsible stable chairs
well suited for camping and travelling. To facilitate discussion,
FIGS. 1-24 illustrate several embodiments of portable chairs in
accordance to the present invention.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the portable chair frame 10 that
supports a sling of the described embodiments includes a first pair
of collapsible bars 14, a second pair of collapsible bars 16, and
two joints 18 that each provide a point of contact with a ground
surface 20. Each collapsible bar has a first end 22 coupled to the
other first ends 22 and a second end 24 that provides a sling
interface for the sling. The joints 18 are included in each of the
collapsible bars of the first pair of collapsible bars 14. The
portable chair frame 10 further includes a brace coupled to the
first ends 22 of the collapsible bars. The portable chair frame 10
is configured to support a sling and, more specifically, a portable
chair frame that supports a sling designed for use on uneven
terrain. In use, a user can sit in the sling supported by the
portable chair frame 10. The portable chair frame 10 provides two
points of contact with a ground surface 20, and the user provides a
third point of contact with the ground surface 20 with their feet
or legs. The joints 18 prevent rotation of the chair about a single
axis (i.e., preventing the chair from rotating from side to side,
while allowing the chair to rock back and forth), while the user
uses their legs and/or feet to stabilize the chair about a second
axis (i.e., controlled rocking back and forth or preventing it all
together). The portable chair frame 10 that supports a sling,
however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and
for any suitable reason.
[0040] I. A Portable Chair Frame Embodiment
[0041] In this embodiment, the brace 12 functions to couple the
first pair of collapsible bars 14 to the second pair of collapsible
bars 16 and to hold the joints 18 a first distance from one another
and to hold the second ends 24, which provide the sling interface,
a second distance from one another. The first distance of the
joints 18 can be less than the second distance of the second ends
24 such that the first pair of collapsible bars that each can run
from two second ends 24 to the two joints 18 (the points of contact
with a ground surface) are substantially parallel or inline with a
generated force vector F, as shown in FIG. 2. The force vector is
generated when a user sits in the sling, and their weight,
supported by the sling, is transferred to the frame. The sling
"pulls" on the frame, generating a force vector F in the direction
shown. Due to the fact that the first collapsible bars are
substantially parallel or inline with the generated force vector F,
they are optimally positioned to support the force and are less
likely to buckle, or fail in any other fashion.
[0042] Additionally as shown in FIG. 5, the brace 12 holds the
first ends of the first pair of bars 14 at a positive angle D less
than 180 degrees (approximately 70 to 110 degrees) which constrains
the joints to rotate around the axes at angle D to one another.
Therefore, the joints themselves are rigid and the sling interfaces
48 at the second ends 24 of the first bars 14 rotate in planes at
angle D to one another. The sling interfaces 48 are also
constrained in their movement by the sling itself. The upper
portion 50 of the sling links together the sling interfaces at the
second ends 24 of the first pair of collapsible bars such that the
distance A between them cannot increase. The second pair of bars 16
are fixed in space so that their second ends 24 are at a fixed
distance B from one another. This distance B can be greater than
distance A. For the distance A to decrease, the distances C along
the lateral edges of the sling would have to increase. Therefore
the sling is held open when unoccupied. By the same token, when a
user is seated in the sling, while the users weight exerts a force
on the sling that tends to pull the upper sling interfaces
together, the force is resisted by the lateral edge of the sling
and especially by the adjustment element 60 which are both
connected to the fixed second ends of the second bars.
[0043] Additionally, the brace couples the first pair of
collapsible bars 14 to the second pair of collapsible bars 16 such
that the lines of the bars cross at the brace. This arrangement
helps the frame push the second ends 24 that provide a sling
interface away from one another rather than towards one another due
to the weight of the user. The brace 12 is located close to the
sling such that is minimizes the bending forces of the bars, and
such that it is above the ground surface to allow the joints 18 to
contact an uneven ground surface. The uneven ground surface is able
to cross through the line and/or break the plane created by the two
points of contact of the joints 18, as shown in FIG. 2, such that
the ground surface can be sand, rock, hillside, or any other
suitable uneven terrain.
[0044] The brace 12 is one of several variations. As shown in FIGS.
3A and 4, a first variation of the brace 12 includes four receiving
elements 26. The receiving elements each receive a portion of a
collapsible bar such that the brace and the collapsible bars
inserted into the receiving elements are in substantially the same
plane. The brace and the receiving elements restrict movement of
the collapsible bars in at least one direction. The collapsible
bars may pivot or rotate with respect to the brace, such that they
may fold up over or with the brace. Alternatively, the collapsible
bars may be fixed by the brace. As shown in FIG. 3A, the receiving
elements position the collapsible bars inserted into the receiving
elements at substantially right angles to one another, but may
alternatively position the collapsible bars inserted into the
receiving elements at any suitable angle to one another, including
a combination of different angles, as shown in FIG. 3B. The brace
12 may have any suitable geometry to define the four receiving
elements 26, such as a cross shape as shown in FIG. 3B. In a first
version of the first variation, as shown in FIG. 3A, the brace 12
is cylindrical and defines a cavity that receives a portion of a
collapsible bar. The cavity can be cylindrically shaped, but may
alternatively have any suitable shape such that it receives a
portion of a collapsible bar.
[0045] In a second version of the first variation, as shown in FIG.
4, the brace 12 is cylindrical and defines a center hole to reduce
the mass of the brace 12 and functions to receive a portion of a
collapsible bar around the outer diameter of the cylindrical
receiving element or inside the inner diameter of the cylindrical
receiving element. The receiving elements are coupled such that a
cord or a portion of a collapsible bar may run from one receiving
element to another receiving element. Although the brace 12 and the
receiving elements 26 can be one of these two versions of the first
variation, the brace 12 and the receiving elements 26 may be any
suitable element to couple the first pair of collapsible bars 14 to
the second pair of collapsible bars 16 and to hold the joints 18 a
first distance from one another.
[0046] Although the brace 12 can be one of these several
variations, the brace may alternatively be any suitable mechanism
to couple the first pair of collapsible bars 14 to the second pair
of collapsible bars 16 and to hold the joints 18 a first distance
from one another and hold the second ends 24, which provide the
sling interface, a second distance from one another.
[0047] The bars of the described embodiments function to support
the sling and the weight of a user. The bars can be one of several
variations. As shown in FIG. 2, the bars (the first pair of bars 14
and the second pair of bars 16) are cylindrical rods, but may
alternatively have any suitable geometry and may have varying
geometries along the length of the rods. The bars are straight or
linear bars, but may alternatively be curved, bent, or have any
other suitable geometry. The bars can be made of metal (such as
0.433'' 7075 T9 aluminum poles with a 0.030'' wall thickness), or
plastic, but may be alternatively made from any suitable material.
The bars 14 and 16 are collapsible or foldable such that they
include multiple sections that can be assembled to support the
sling and the weight of the user and can be disassembled for easy
transportation and storage. Each of the sections are straight, but
may alternatively be curved or angled. Each section may have the
same radius of curvature or angle, but alternatively each section
may have a different radius of curvature or angle.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, the collapsible bar 28 includes a first
bar section 30 and a second bar section 32 removably coupled to a
first bar section 30. The first bar section 30 has an end portion
with an outer diameter dimension 34 and the second bar section 32
has an end portion that defines a recess 36 that receives the outer
diameter dimension 34 of the end portion of the first bar section
30. The outer diameter dimension 34 has a diameter less than the
outer diameter of the collapsible bar. For example, they may have
0.370'' outer diameter while the collapsible bars have an outer
diameter of 0.433''. The end portion of the first bar section 30
may be a separate piece that is coupled to the first bar section
30. For example, the separate piece may have an outer diameter of
0.433'' with a 0.040'' wall thickness. Alternatively, the first bar
section may couple to the second bar section in any other suitable
fashion. The first bar section 30 is substantially identical to the
second bar section 32, but alternatively, the first bar section 30
and the second bar section 32 may have different geometries,
dimensions, and/or cross sections. Each collapsible bar can include
any suitable number of bar sections. In a first variation, as shown
in FIG. 2, the first pair of collapsible bars 14 and the second
pair of collapsible bars 16 each include multiple bar sections. The
joint 18 of the first pair of collapsible bars 14 couples one bar
section to multiple bar sections at a substantially right angle.
The joint 18 may alternatively couple any suitable combination of
bar sections at any suitable angle to one another.
[0049] The joints 18 of the described embodiments function to
provide a point of contact with a ground surface 20. The joints 18
can be one of several variations. In a first variation, as shown in
FIG. 7, the joints 18 define two receiving elements 38. The
receiving elements each receive a portion of a collapsible bar such
that the joint and the bars inserted into the receiving elements
are in substantially the same plane. As shown in FIG. 7, the
receiving elements position the bars inserted into the receiving
elements at substantially a right angle to one another, but may
alternatively position the bars inserted into the receiving
elements at any suitable angle to one another. The joint 18 may
have any suitable geometry to define the two receiving elements 38.
In a first variation, as shown in FIG. 7, the joint 18 is L-shaped
and the receiving element can be a cavity that receives a portion
of a collapsible bar. The L-shaped joint has a pointed vertex, but
may alternatively have a curved or flat vertex. The cavity is
cylindrically shaped, but may alternatively have any suitable shape
such that it receives a portion of a collapsible bar.
[0050] In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 4, the receiving
element 38' is a cylindrical receiving element that functions to
receive a portion of a collapsible bar around the outer diameter of
the cylindrical receiving element or inside the inner diameter of
the cylindrical receiving element. The receiving elements are
coupled such that a cord or a portion of a collapsible bar may run
from one receiving element to another receiving element. In an
alternative variation, the joint 18 may be formed by bending a
portion of a bar and the bar may be curved or bent to form the
joint 18. The joint 18 can be made of metal (such as aluminum) or
plastic, but may be alternatively made from any suitable material.
Although the joint 18 and the receiving elements 38 can be one of
these variations, the joint 18 and the receiving elements 38 may be
any suitable element to support the sling and the weight of a
user.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the portable chair frame 10' of the
second embodiment is nearly identical to the portable chair frame
10 of the first embodiment. The difference between the two
embodiments, however, is that the portable chair frame 10' of the
second embodiment further includes a second brace 40 and a third
pair of collapsible bars 42. In this embodiment, the first pair of
collapsible bars 14, including the joints 18, have a first end
coupled to the first brace 12 and a second end coupled to the
second brace 40 and the third pair of collapsible bars 42 each have
a first end coupled to the second brace 40 and a second end 24 that
provides a sling interface.
[0052] II. A Sling (Seat) Embodiment
[0053] The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments
also includes a sling 44, which is supported by the portable chair
frame 10 and supports the weight of a user. As shown in FIG. 2, the
sling 44 includes a seat bottom portion 46 with frame interface
elements 48 and a seat back portion 50 with frame interface
elements 48. The frame interface elements 48 are coupled to the
four sling interfaces of the collapsible bars. The four frame
elements are coupled to the sling and removably coupled to the
portable chair frame, but may alternatively be removably coupled to
the sling and coupled to the portable chair frame, removably
coupled to both, or coupled to both. In a first variation, as shown
in FIG. 2, the frame interface elements 48 of the seat back portion
50 couple to the first pair of collapsible bars 14 and the frame
interface elements 48 of the seat bottom portion 46 couple to a
second pair of collapsible bars 16 such that the brace 12 is
substantially adjacent or below the seat bottom portion 46 of the
sling.
[0054] In a second variation, as shown in FIG. 9, the frame
interface elements 48 of the seat back portion 50 couple to the
second pair of collapsible bars 16 and the frame interface elements
48 of the seat bottom portion 46 couple to the first pair of
collapsible bars 14 such that the brace 12 is substantially
adjacent or behind the seat back portion 50 of the sling. The sling
can be made of a durable and/or waterproof material such as fabric,
vinyl, or plastic, but may alternatively be made out of any
suitable material.
[0055] The sling 44 of the described embodiments also includes a
shaping element that functions to provide a "bucket" shape to the
sling 44, which prevents the user from sliding forward out of the
seat, especially when their feet are not firmly planted. The
shaping element can also functions to allow the sides of the sling
44 to better contain the users' hips and to provide better back
support. The shaping element can be one of several variations. In a
first variation, the shaping element is a gusset 52, as shown in
FIG. 2, which runs from the seat bottom portion to the seat back
portion. The gusset 52 can be diamond or lozenge shaped, but may
alternatively have any other suitable geometry. In a second
variation, the shaping element includes darts in the seat bottom
portion of the sling. The darts may alternatively be located near
the edges of the sling, but may alternatively be in any suitable
portion of the sling to provide a "bucket" shape to the sling 44.
In a third variation, the shaping element is a panel or portion of
the sling made out of a stretchable fabric, such that the sling can
expand to provide a "bucket" shape to the sling 44 when the user
sits into the portable chair. The shaping element may alternatively
be any other suitable shaping element that functions to provide a
"bucket" shape to the sling 44 and allow the sides of the sling 44
to better contain the users' hips.
[0056] The sling 44 of the described embodiments also includes a
weight distribution element that functions to reduce the pressure
of the sling 44 against the back of the user. The weight
distribution element can be one of several variations. In a first
variation, the weight distribution element is a panel 54, as shown
in FIG. 10, in the seat back portion 50 of the sling that couples
the two frame interface elements 48 to one another. The panel 54
can be semi-circular or crescent shaped such that when the weight
of the user is applied to the sling, the top portion supports a
first amount of weight and the bottom rounded portion supports a
second amount of weight. The second amount of weight is larger than
the first amount due to the orientation of the bottom rounded
portion with respect to the frame of the chair. The top portion is
substantially perpendicular to the collapsible bar coupled to the
seat back portion of the sling, and the bottom rounded portion,
where it couples to the frame, is substantially parallel or inline
with the collapsible bar such that the majority of the weight
supported by the sling is supported by the bottom rounded portion
rather than the top portion. The second amount of weight is larger
than the first amount of weight to reduce the tension on the upper
sling edge 55 and reduce its pressure against the back of the user.
The weight distribution element may alternatively be any other
suitable variation to reduce the pressure of the upper sling edge
55 against the back of the user.
[0057] In one variation, as shown in FIG. 2, the sling 44 includes
multiple panels. The panel 54 at the top portion of the seat back
portion 50 of the sling 44 has a semicircle shape and is positioned
in the sling 44 such that the curved portion is lower than the
straight portion. The three remaining panels radiate from curved
portion of panel 54. One of those three panels is the gusset 52.
The gusset 52 runs from the panel 54 to the bottom of the sling.
Mirrored around the gusset 52 are two rectangular panels. The two
outside panels are substantially flat (i.e. not bucket shaped), but
may alternatively include darts or any other suitable shaping
element. The two outside panels may alternatively each be replaced
by a two triangular panels, or may alternatively include any other
suitable number of panels. The two triangular panels are
substantially "30-60-90" triangles with the 90 degree angles
adjacent to the gusset 52 at the bottom of the sling. On the
outside of those two panels, are two more similarly shaped panels
with the 90 degree angles located at the far outside, top corners
of the sling. The two outside panels (each including two triangular
panels) on each side of the gusset 52 form a rectangle on either
side of the gusset 52.
[0058] The frame interface elements 48 of the described embodiment
function to couple the sling 44 to the portable chair frame 10. In
a first variation, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the frame
interface elements 48 each define a receiving element 56 that
receives a portion of a collapsible bar and define a slot 58 that
receives a portion of the sling 44. The frame interface element 48
defines the receiving element 56 such that it holds the portion of
the collapsible bar at a predetermined angle relative to the sling
44 and to the other collapsible bars. The frame interface element
48 has a triangular geometry with two slots 58. The slots are about
one inch wide and located on the triangular face approximately 100
degrees from each other. A portion of the sling (i.e. a strap
coupled to the sling 44) is coupled to each of the slots of the
frame interface element 48. In this variation, there is a left and
right handed version of the frame interface element 48 such that
the left handed and the right handed version each hold the portion
of the collapsible bar at a predetermined angle (depending on the
left or right side of the sling) relative to the sling 44 and to
the other collapsible bars. The frame interface element 48 of this
variation has a rounded edge along the top portion of the frame
interface element 48 to prevent pressure or discomfort to the user.
The frame interface elements can be made from metal, plastic,
polycarbonate, or any other suitable material.
[0059] The frame interface elements may be machined, injection
molded, or manufactured in any other suitable fashion. In a second
variation, frame interface elements 48 are grommets or washers
coupled to or sewn into the sling 44 that slide over or otherwise
couple to the second ends 24 of the collapsible bars. In a third
variation, the frame interface elements 48 are pockets that are
coupled to or sewn into the sling 44 that slide over or otherwise
couple to the second ends 24 of the collapsible bars.
[0060] The sling 44 of the described embodiments can also includes
an adjustment element 60, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 10, that couples
the seat bottom portion 46 to the seat back portion 50 and the
length of the adjustment element 60 may be lengthened or shortened
to increase or decrease the distance and the angle between the seat
bottom portion 46 and the seat back portion 50. The sling 44 may
further include straps coupled to the frame interface element 48
that run along the slide of the sling 44.
The adjustment elements 60 are coupled to these straps and function
to lengthen and shorten the lengths of these straps. The adjustment
element 60 can be a ladder-lock buckle, but may alternatively be
any suitable adjustment element 60 that increases or decreases the
distance and the angle between the seat bottom portion 46 and the
seat back portion 50. The sling 44 may also include additional
adjustment elements 60 at any suitable location on the sling 44 or
the portable chair frame 10.
[0061] III. Additional Portable Chair Elements
[0062] The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments can
also include a cord 62 that functions to couple the elements of the
portable chair frame 10 together, as shown in FIG. 6. The first bar
section 30 and the second bar section 32 can be hollow such that
the cord 62 can couple the inside of the first bar section 30 to
the inside of the second bar section 32. The cord can run through
the bar sections of a collapsible bar, through the brace, through
the bar sections of a second collapsible bar, and through a joint
18 if one of the collapsible bars includes a joint 18. The portable
chair frame 10 can include two cords 62 that run through the
structure from the corners (the sling interfaces) and function to
pull the bar sections, brace, and joints together. The cord 62 can
be an elastic cord, but may alternatively be any other suitable
material such as fabric, plastic, metal, or a metal spring.
[0063] The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments may
also include a pad. The pad may be coupled to the sling 44 at the
seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion, but may
alternatively be coupled to any other suitable portion of the sling
and/or the frame. In a first variation, the pads are cushions that
are insertable in pockets defined by the sling. The user may insert
and remove pads of varying thickness and/or density. In a second
variation, the pads are inflatable. In this variation, the pads can
be coupled to the sling and include a valve through which they are
inflated.
[0064] The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments may
also include rockers. The rockers can be coupled to the joints 18,
but may alternatively be coupled to any suitable portion of the
portable chair frame 10. The rockers can be standard rockers as
conventionally found on standard rocking chairs. The rockers can be
rounded bands of material such as wood, metal, or plastic and
couple to the ground surface such that the portable chair frame 10
may rock back and forth.
[0065] The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments can
also include a base 64, coupled to the joint 18, that cooperates
with the joint 18 to provide a point of contact with the ground
surface 20 with an increased surface area, as shown in FIGS. 12A,
12B, and 13. The joints 18 alone provide a point of contact with a
ground surface and are ideal for gripping rocks, logs, and hard
ground in general. On soft ground such as sand or grass, they may
sink into the ground surface. The base 64 coupled to the joint 18,
cooperates with the joint 18 to provide a point of contact with the
ground surface 20 with an increased surface area such that the
joint 18 and base 64 will not sink into the ground surface. The
base 64 is removable from the portable chair frame 10, but may
alternatively be permanently attached to a portion of the portable
chair frame 10. The base 64 is circular and defines a square hole
that couples to the joint 18, but may alternatively have any
suitable geometry. The base can be made from metal, plastic,
polycarbonate, or any other suitable material. The base may be
machined, injection molded, or manufactured in any other suitable
fashion. In a first variation, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the
base 64 can include a cable 66 that couples the base 64 to the
joint 18. The cable 66 can be an elastic cable, but may
alternatively be made out of rubber, plastic, fabric, or metal. In
a second variation, as shown in FIG. 12B, the base 64 can be
injection molded part and includes two hollow bosses 68, located on
the upper surface of the base 64 that contain the ends of the cable
66. In this variation, the base 64 may further include tab portions
70 that snap into the joint 18, as shown in FIG. 12B.
[0066] In a third variation, as shown in FIG. 13, the base includes
a spherical indent on the top side and a center hole with a
countersink on the bottom side to hold the cable 66 in place. The
depth of the indent and the top surface of the base are contoured
in such a way that, on a level ground surface, joint 18 will only
hit the base 64 when the portable chair frame is tilted past the
point where the pair of collapsible legs that couple to the seat
bottom portion of the sling are horizontal or in the opposite
direction, past the point where the pair of collapsible legs that
couple to the seat back portion of the sling are horizontal. The
base 64 can be contoured in such a way that if the bottom (or back)
of the joint 18 does contact the base 64, it does so along its
entire surface to avoid a lever action, which would overstress the
joint. The base 64 in this variation can be injection molded, but
may be manufactured in any other suitable fashion.
[0067] The base 64 also includes a coupler 72 that can be spherical
in shape and dimensioned to couple with the spherical indent in the
base 64. The coupler 72 has an hourglass shape hollowed out of the
inside of the sphere, such that it provides enough room for the
cable 66 in any position that the base 64 and joint 18 can assume.
The coupler 72 also keeps the cable at a substantially constant
tension as it bends around the center of the coupler 72. The
coupler 72 can be injection molded, but may be manufactured in any
other suitable fashion. The cable 66 in this variation, can be made
from an artificial fiber like nylon or a metal such as steel and
may include an elastic element. At a first end of the cable 66, the
cable includes a cone shaped plug that interfaces with the
countersink geometry of the base 64. At the second end of the cable
66, the cable includes a ball dimensioned such that it can be
inserted through a hole in the joint 18 and held by the cam buckle
74 on the opposite side. The cam 74 can be a cylinder with a
finger-sized handle. The cam 74 can be slotted to accept the
thickness of the cable 66 and has a pocket on the top side to
accept the cable ball. The cam 74 can be a standard cam, but may
alternatively be any suitable device. The joint 18 in this
variation becomes broader towards the back and has a spherical
divot to accept the coupler 72. At the crook of the L-shaped joint
18 there is a cylindrical surface for the cam 74 to ride in. It can
include a hole from the center of the rear divot to the center of
the crook of the L to accept the cable 66. The joint 18 in this
variation can be CNC machined aluminum, but may alternatively be
any other suitable material machined in any suitable fashion.
[0068] The portable chair frame 10 of the described embodiments may
also includes a bag 68, as shown in FIG. 14, which functions to
store the portable chair frame 10 and the sling 44, when they are
collapsed and folded. The bag 68 has a length less than 10 inches
(ideally less than or equal to 7 inches) and a diameter less than 5
inches (ideally less than or equal to 4 inches), but may
alternatively have any suitable dimensions to store the portable
chair frame 10 and/or the sling 44, when they are collapsed and
folded. The sling can be removed from the portable chair frame when
they are collapsed and folded, but alternatively, the sling may
remain coupled to the portable chair frame when they are collapsed
and folded and/or the sling and frame may open in a fashion similar
to the opening and closing mechanism of an umbrella, i.e. the
portable chair frame and/or sling may pop open in a smooth motion
similar to that of an umbrella opening and unfolding in one fluid
motion.
[0069] IV. Additional Portable Chair Embodiments
[0070] FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views illustrating another
embodiment of a portable chair 1500 having a chair frame 1510 and
sling sections 1544, 1546 & 1552, in accordance with the
present invention. Chair frame 1510 has similar components to those
of the above-described chair frame 10, including a first pair of
collapsible bar sections 1514, 1524 a second pair of collapsible
bar sections 1516, 1526, brace 1512, and two joints 1518 that each
provide a point of contact with a ground surface (not shown).
Construction, field assembly and functionality of chair frame 1510
and sling sections 1544, 1546 & 1552 are substantially similar
to that described above for the portable chair components including
chair frame 10, sling 44 and gusset 52 of FIG. 2.
[0071] For example, the first pair of collapsible bar sections
1514, 1524 are coupled to each other in a manner similar to that
described above for collapsible bar 28 having first and second bar
sections 30, 32 that are removably coupled as illustrated by FIG.
6. Accordingly, the first bar section 1514 has an end portion with
an outer diameter dimension, and the second bar section 1524 has an
end portion that defines a recess that receives the outer diameter
dimension of the end portion of the first bar section 1514.
[0072] Sling sections 1544 and 1552 can be made from a suitable
lightweight nylon material, while sling section 1546 can be made
from a mesh material for improved air ventilation and/or conformity
with the user's body. Four frame interfaces 1548, described in
greater detail below, are securely attached to the four respective
corners formed by sling sections 1544 and 1552.
[0073] In this embodiment, portable chair frame 1510 also includes
an optional front support assembly 1580 which is shown in greater
detail in the perspective view of FIG. 16. Front support assembly
1580 provides additional stability for a user sitting in chair
1500. Assembly 1580 includes a pair of connectors 1610, a pair of
diagonal bars 1620, a pair of couplers 1630, and a bottom bar 1640.
The respective lower ends of diagonal bars 1620 are coupled to
opposite ends of bottom bar 1640 via couplers 1630.
[0074] Referring also to FIGS. 18A and 18B which are perspective
and cross-sectional views, respectively, of exemplary connector
1610, connector 1610 has a first recess 1816 configured to
rotatably secure collapsible bar 1516, and a second recess 1817 to
rotatably secure an upper end of diagonal bar 1620. Note that
connector 1610 is also configured to be coupled to the front frame
interfaces 1548, attached to the sling sections 1544 and 1552.
[0075] Connecting joint 1610 can be made from suitable material
such as a metallic or plastic casting. FIG. 18C is a
cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of a connector 1810
having machined recesses 1818, 1819 suitable for securing bars
1516, 1620, respectively.
[0076] FIGS. 21A-21D are perspective views illustrating another
embodiment of a portable chair 2100 having a chair frame 2110 and
sling sections 2144, 2152, in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 21A shows a chair frame 2110 of chair 2100. FIGS.
21B, 21C and 21D show side, back and front views of portable chair
2100. Chair frame 2110 includes a first pair of collapsible bar
sections 2114, 2124 a second pair of collapsible bars 2116 and two
joints 2118 that each provide a point of contact with a ground
surface (not shown). Construction, field assembly and functionality
of chair frame 2110 and sling sections 2144, 2152 are somewhat
similar to that described above for the components of portable
chair 1500.
[0077] In this embodiment, the lower ends of bar sections 2114 and
bars 2116 are coupled to each other via joints 2118. In addition,
joints 2118 are coupled to each other via a bottom bar 2119.
Portable chair frame 2110 can include an optional front support
assembly 1780 which is shown in greater detail in the perspective
view of FIG. 17. Front support assembly 1780 provides additional
stability for a user sitting in chair 2100. Assembly 1780 includes
a pair of connectors 1610, a pair of diagonal bars 1720, a pair of
couplers 1630, and a bottom bar 1740. The respective lower ends of
diagonal bars 1720 are coupled to opposite ends of bottom bar 1740
via couplers 1630. Connectors 1610 are configured to be coupled to
front frame interfaces 2148 of the sling sections 2144, 2152.
[0078] FIGS. 19A and 19B are perspective views of alternate
exemplary front support assemblies 1900A and 1900B suitable for
portable chairs such as chairs 1500, 2100. FIG. 19C shows yet
another exemplary embodiment of a front support assembly 1900C.
Adding front foot assembly 1900C to a portable chair creates a
three ground contact points with a ground surface, thereby
increasing stability especially for uneven ground surfaces.
[0079] FIGS. 22A-22D are perspective views of an additional
embodiment of a portable chair 2200 having a chair frame 2210 and
sling sections 2244, 2252, in accordance with the present
invention. FIG. 22A shows chair frame 2210 while FIGS. 22B, 22C and
22D show side, back and front views of portable chair 2200.
[0080] Chair frame 2210 has similar components to those of the
above-described chair frame 1510, including a first pair of
collapsible bar sections 2214, 2224 a second pair of collapsible
bar sections 2216, 2226, brace 2212, and two joints 2218 each
coupled to a corresponding pair of bipod legs 2222. Construction,
field assembly and functionality of chair frame 2210 and sling
sections 2244, 2252 share some similarities with the components of
portable chairs 1500 and 2100 described above.
[0081] In this embodiment, stability for a user sitting in chair
2100 is accomplished by bipod legs 2222 providing four points of
contact with the ground surface as illustrated by FIG. 22D. Bar
sections 2214, 2226 and bipod legs 2222 can be coupled to joints
2218 in a manner similar to that described below for joint 2318 and
bar section 2314, bar 2316 and bipod legs 2222 as illustrated by
FIG. 24.
[0082] FIGS. 23A-23C are perspective views illustrating yet another
embodiment of a portable chair 2300 with chair frame 2310 and sling
sections 2344, 2352, in accordance with the present invention. FIG.
23A shows chair frame 2310 while FIGS. 23B and 23C show side and
back views of portable chair 2300. Chair frame 2310 includes a
first pair of collapsible bar sections 2314, 2324 a second pair of
collapsible bars 2316 and two joints 2318 each coupled to a
corresponding pair of bipod legs 2222. Construction, field assembly
and functionality of chair frame 2310 and sling sections 2144, 2152
share some similarities to that described above for portable chairs
1510, 2100 and 2210.
[0083] In this embodiment, the lower ends of bar sections 2314 and
bars 2316 are couple to each other via joints 2318. In addition,
joints 2318 are coupled to each other via a horizontal bar 2319.
Additional stability for a user sitting in chair 2300 is
accomplished by bipod legs 2222 providing four points of contact
with the ground surface as illustrated by FIGS. 23A and 23B.
[0084] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of exemplary joint 2318 with
four stubs 2414, 2416, 2422 configured to snugly couple with
corresponding ends of bar section 2314, bar 2316 and bipod legs
2222, in a manner similar to that described above for collapsible
bar 28 and as illustrated by FIG. 6. For example, the external
diameters of stubs 2414, 2416, 2422 are appropriately selected to
receive the respective end internal diameters of bars 2314, 2316
and legs 2222.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 20A and 20B, exploded and assembled
views, respectively, of an exemplary frame interface 2000 suitable
for coupling slings to the respective frames of the portable
chairs, e.g., chairs 1500, 2100, 2200 and 2300, frame interface
2000 includes reinforcing layers 2047a, 2047b, 2056a, pocket layer
2056b, stiffening layer 2048 and backing layer 2049.
[0086] In some embodiments, reinforcing layers 2047a, 2047b, 2056a
can be made from the same lightweight material as sling sections
1544, 1552, e.g., ripstop nylon. Pocket layer 2056b can be made
from a suitable thick and strong material such as nylon webbing.
Stiffening layer 2048 can be mode from a suitably stiff material
such as High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), while backing layer 2049
can be made from a suitably material such as Ethyl Vinyl Acetate
(EVA). These layers can be stitched to form a pocket 2056 for sling
section 2058, as shown in FIG. 20B together with edging tape 2082,
2084. Additional reinforcing stitches can also be applied to stress
locations such as 2062, 2064, 2068.
[0087] The exemplary embodiments of the portable chairs described
above can be made from a wide variety of suitable materials. For
example, the frames can be constructed from one or more strong and
lightweight materials including metallic alloys such as aluminum,
titanium, magnesium and steel. It is also possible to use plastics
such as polycarbonate or fiberglass, carbon fiber, and combinations
thereof. It may also be possible to construct chair frames using
natural materials such as bamboo. The chair slings can be made from
suitable flexible materials such as nylon, canvas and jute and
combinations thereof.
[0088] Many modifications and additions to the above described
embodiments are possible. In addition, many of the portable chair
components, including connectors, couplers and joints described
above, can also useful for constructing other assemblies. For
example, connectors 1610 described above for mounting front support
assemblies 1580, 1780, 1900A, 1900B, 1900C to portable chairs also
useful for mounting assemblies for other portable structures and
furniture, including cots beds, tables, and shelters such as
tents.
[0089] While this invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments, there are alterations, modifications, permutations,
and substitute equivalents, which fall within the scope of this
invention. Although sub-section titles have been provided to aid in
the description of the invention, these titles are merely
illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative
ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present
invention. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims be interpreted as including all such alterations,
modifications, permutations, and substitute equivalents as fall
within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *