U.S. patent application number 13/614866 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for outdoor folding chair.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert Lee Nickell. Invention is credited to Robert Lee Nickell.
Application Number | 20130214565 13/614866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48981719 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130214565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nickell; Robert Lee |
August 22, 2013 |
OUTDOOR FOLDING CHAIR
Abstract
A portable tri-folding chair includes a chair seat portion, a
chair footrest portion configured to fold relative to the chair
seat portion, and a chair back portion that fold relative to the to
the chair seat portion. One or more side containers are coupled to
the chair seat portion.
Inventors: |
Nickell; Robert Lee;
(Austin, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nickell; Robert Lee |
Austin |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48981719 |
Appl. No.: |
13/614866 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61534160 |
Sep 13, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/62 20130101; A47C
4/00 20130101; A47C 7/622 20180801; A47C 7/66 20130101; A47C 1/143
20130101; A47C 4/52 20130101; A47C 7/624 20180801; A47C 4/04
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/30 |
International
Class: |
A47C 4/00 20060101
A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. A portable tri-folding chair, comprising: a chair seat portion;
a chair footrest portion configured to fold relative to the chair
seat portion; a chair back portion configured to fold relative to
the to the chair seat portion, the chair back portion comprising a
front and a rear; a container on the rear of the chair back
portion; and a pair of shoulder straps on the rear of the chair
back portion.
2. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 1, further comprising
one or more side containers coupled to the chair seat portion.
3. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 2, wherein at least one
of the side containers comprises a zippered pouch.
4. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 2, wherein at least one
of the side containers comprises two or more pouches or
compartments, wherein each of at least two of the pouches or
compartments comprises a zipper.
5. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 2, wherein at least one
of the side containers comprises three or more pouches or
compartments, wherein each of at least two of the pouches or
compartments comprises a zipper.
6. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 1, further comprising a
shade coupled to the chair back portion.
7. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 6, wherein the shade is
detachable from the chair back portion.
8. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 6, wherein the shade is
configurable to translate on one or more frame members of the chair
back portion to translate the shade up or down relative to the
chair seat portion.
9. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 1, further comprising
one or more connectors configurable to inhibit the chair back
portion from unfolding from the chair seat portion when the chair
is in a folded state.
10. A portable tri-folding chair, comprising: a chair seat portion;
a chair footrest portion configured to fold relative to the chair
seat portion; a chair back portion configured to fold relative to
the to the chair seat portion, the chair back portion comprising a
front and a rear; a pair of shoulder straps on the rear of the
chair back portion; and a shade detachably coupled to the chair
back portion.
11. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 10, wherein the shade
is detachable from the chair back portion.
12. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 10, wherein the shade
is configurable to translate on one or more frame members of the
chair back portion to translate the awning up or down relative to
the chair seat portion.
13. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 1, further comprising
one or more connectors configurable to inhibit the chair back
portion from unfolding from the chair seat portion when the chair
is in a folded state.
14. A portable tri-folding chair, comprising: a chair seat portion;
a chair footrest portion configured to fold relative to the chair
seat portion; a chair back portion configured to fold relative to
the to the chair seat portion, the chair back portion comprising a
front and a rear; a pair of shoulder straps on the rear of the
chair back portion; and one or more side containers coupled to the
chair seat portion, wherein at least one of the side containers
comprises a zippered pouch or a zippered compartment.
15. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 14, wherein at least
one of the side containers comprises two or more pouches or
compartments, wherein each of at least two of the pouches or
compartments comprises a zipper.
16. The portable tri-folding chair of claim 14, wherein at least
one of the side containers comprises three or more pouches or
compartments, wherein each of at least two of the pouches or
compartments comprises a zipper.
17-24. (canceled)
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/534,160 entitled "Portable Beach Chair with
Storage Compartments and Canopy" to Nickell, et al. filed Sep. 13,
2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates generally to portable outdoor
folding chairs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates
to folding beach chairs.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Portable chairs are often used in outdoor leisure
activities, such as enjoying the beach. To increase portability,
some beach chairs are foldable. A folding chair may include, for
example, a seat section, a back section, and a footrest section
that can be folded relative to one another.
[0006] Typically, a beach-goer will have several items other than a
chair for enjoying his or her outing. In the case of the beach, for
example, these items may include towels, lotion, sunscreen, balls,
keys, mobile phones, or other personal items. Because of this, a
beach-goer may have to make several trips to get all of the needed
items to and from the destination.
SUMMARY
[0007] Embodiments of an outdoor folding chair and a shade are
described herein. In an embodiment. In an embodiment, a portable
tri-folding chair includes a chair seat portion, a chair footrest
portion configured to fold relative to the chair seat portion, and
a chair back portion that fold relative to the to the chair seat
portion. A container (for example, a pouch) is included on the rear
of the chair back portion. A pair of shoulder straps is included on
the rear of the chair back portion.
[0008] In an embodiment, a portable tri-folding chair includes a
chair seat portion, a chair footrest portion configured to fold
relative to the chair seat portion, and a chair back portion that
fold relative to the to the chair seat portion. One or more side
containers are coupled to the chair seat portion. At least one of
the side containers includes a zippered pouch or a zippered
compartment.
[0009] In an embodiment, a portable folding chair includes a chair
seat portion and a chair back portion that folds relative to the to
the chair seat portion. One or more side containers coupled to the
chair seat portion. At least one of the side containers is foldable
relative to the chair seat portion.
[0010] In an embodiment, a shade system for an outdoor chair
includes a shade and one or more mounting elements that can
detachably couple the shade to an outdoor chair, and one or more
containers to hold items. The shade may be at least partially
collapsible.
[0011] In an embodiment, a portable tri-folding chair includes a
chair seat portion, a chair footrest portion configured to fold
relative to the chair seat portion, and a chair back portion that
fold relative to the to the chair seat portion. A detachable shade
is coupled to the chair back portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of
a tri-fold chair with backpack straps and a removable shade.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the tri-fold
chair shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a shade system
including zippered pouches for carrying items.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating one embodiment of a side
bag having multiple compartments with a zippered cover protecting
the contents in the compartments.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of side bags that have been
folded onto a seat.
[0017] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a chair including a
detachable shade mount and shade.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates a tri-fold chair with a mount for a shade
installed on the back of the chair.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a shade system
including a detachable shade.
[0020] While the invention is described herein by way of example
for several embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in
the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the
embodiments or drawings described. It should be understood, that
the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to
limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined by the appended claims. The headings used
herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be
used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used
throughout this application, the word may is used in a permissive
sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the
mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words
"include", "including", and "includes" mean including, but not
limited to.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0021] As used herein, a "container" includes any element or
combination of elements that can hold items. Examples of a
container include a bag, a box, a pouch, or bin. In one embodiment,
a container is a saddlebag.
[0022] As used herein, a "shade" includes any element or
combination of elements that can at least partially shade a person
from light, such as sunlight. Examples of a shade include an
awning, a canopy, a screen, a roof panel, an umbrella, or a
parasol.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of
a tri-fold chair with backpack straps and a removable shade. FIG. 2
is a rear perspective view illustrating the tri-fold chair shown in
FIG. 1. Folding chair 20 includes chair seat 22, chair back 24,
footrest 26, front leg member 28, and rear leg member 30. Chair
seat 22 is suspended between opposing seat frame members 32. Chair
seat 22 and seat frame members 32 may form a chair seat portion of
folding chair 20. In one embodiment, folding chair 20 is a beach
chair. A folding chair may, however, be used in other outdoor
settings, such as swimming pool, at a park, or for viewing a
sporting event (such as a soccer match, football game, or
volleyball match).
[0024] Footrest 26 is suspended on footrest frame member 34.
Footrest 26 and footrest frame member 34 may form a footrest
portion of folding chair 20.
[0025] Chair back 24 is suspended on chair back frame member 36.
Chair back 24 and chair back frame member 36 may form a chair back
portion of folding chair 20.
[0026] Footrest frame member 34, back frame member 36, front leg
member 28, and rear leg members 30 are coupled to seat frame
members 32 by way of hinges 40. Hinges 40 may allow any or all of
footrest frame member 34, back frame member 36, front leg member
28, and rear leg members 30 to fold relative to the chair seat
portion of folding chair 20. In some embodiments, the chair back
portion of folding chair 20 swings downward to a position on top of
chair seat 22, and the footrest portion of the folding chair 20
swings downward to a position underneath chair seat 22.
[0027] Frame members and other elements of folding chair 20, such
as footrest frame member 34, back frame member 36, front leg member
28, and rear leg members 30 are coupled to seat frame members 32
may be made of tubing, such as aluminum tubing. In one embodiment,
the frame members folding chair 20 are anodized aluminum
tubing.
[0028] Seating elements of folding chair 20 may be made of any
suitable material. Examples of materials for supporting a user
include nylon fabric or cloth. In one embodiment, chair seat 22,
chair back 24, and footrest 26 are made of a UV-resistant
fabric.
[0029] Folding chair 20 includes backpack system 41. Backpack
system 41 includes backpack pouch 42 and straps 44. Backpack pouch
42 may include pouch cover 46. Pouch cover 46 may be zippered. In
one embodiment, backpack pouch 42 for a chair has a capacity of
about two cubic feet. A zippered container may protect items
against contamination or damage (for example, sand or salt water
encountered at the beach).
[0030] Straps 44 may be used to carry folding chair 20. Straps 44
may be adjustable (for example, to fit the size of the person
carrying the chair). Folding chair 20 may be folded such that the
footrest portion, legs, and back portion are folded relative to the
chair seat portion. The folded chair may be carried using straps
44.
[0031] In some embodiments, a chair includes elements for securing
sections of the chair to one another when the chair is folded. For
example, folding chair 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes
buckle systems 50. Each of buckle systems 50 includes buckle plug
52 and buckle socket 54. Buckle plugs 52 are strapped to back frame
member 36. Each of buckle sockets 54 are strapped to one of seat
frame members 32. Some or all of the straps for buckle plug 52 and
buckle socket 54 may be adjustable in length (for example, by
sliding a buckle on the strap).
[0032] When chair back 24 and chair seat 22 are folded with respect
to one another, buckle plugs 52 may be coupled to buckle sockets 54
to inhibit chair back 24 and chair seat 22 from unfolding. In some
embodiments, buckle systems 50 are used to maintain folding chair
20 in a folded condition while folding chair 20 is carried on the
back of a user using straps 44.
[0033] Folding chair 20 includes side bags 58. Side bags 58 may be
saddlebags on chair seat 22. In some embodiments, side bags 58 are
flexible and/or collapsible. One of side bags 58 is coupled to each
of seat frame members 32. Side bags 58 include compartments 60.
Each of compartments 60 may hold various items, such as a mobile
phone, media player, keys, watch, lotion, or sunscreen.
[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of side
bags 58 includes two compartments. Containers may nevertheless in
various embodiments include any number of compartments or pouches.
In certain embodiments, side bags 58 include zippered covers.
[0035] Folding chair 20 includes shade system 64. Shade system 64
includes rear shade frame member 65, front shade frame member 66,
shade panel 67, hinges 68, and shade mount clip 69. Shade system 64
may be coupled to back frame member 36 by way of shade mount clip
69. Shade panel 67 may be made of a flexible material, such as a
nylon sheet, cloth, or fabric. Shade panel 67 includes mesh vent
71.
[0036] Shade system 64 may be adjustable (for example, to control
how far shade panel 67 extends over a user's head). Shade system 64
may serve as an awning for a user a chair. Shade system 64 may be
collapsible. For example, front shade frame member 66 may be moved
on hinges 68 to collapse shade system 64 and/or retract shade
system 64 against the back of chair 20.
[0037] In some embodiments, a shade system includes containers,
such as pouches, for carrying items. FIG. 3 illustrates one
embodiment of a shade system including zippered pouches for
carrying items. Shade system 74 is may be clipped onto a chair by
way of clips 69. Shade system 74 includes zippered containers 76.
Zippered containers 76 are located on the bottom of shade panel 67
of shade system 74. Shade system 74 includes carrying strap 77.
Carrying strap 77 may be a shoulder strap. Carrying strap 77 may be
connected and disconnected from another portion of the shade
system, such as frame members 65 or 66, for purposes of carrying
shade system 74. When not in use, carrying strap 77 may be stowed
in one of zippered containers 76.
[0038] In one example of a use of a shade system, a user uses
carrying strap 77 to carry shade system 74 to a location that
already has chairs, such as a swimming pool at a resort. The user
may attach shade system 74 to one of the chairs that is already at
the location.
[0039] Although in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3,
the shade system includes a clip that allows a user to snap the
shade system onto a chair, a shade system for a chair may, in
various embodiments, be detachably connected to a chair in other
manners, such as by screws, clamps, magnets or a cam lock
mechanism.
[0040] In some embodiments, a side compartment includes multiple
containers for holding items. FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating one
embodiment of a side bag having multiple compartments with a
zippered cover protecting the contents in the compartments. Side
bags 51 include compartments 60, zippered cover 57, and mounting
sleeve 53. In some embodiments, mounting sleeve 53 slides onto a
tubular member. Mounting sleeve 53 may be used to mount side bags
51 on chair, (for example, on seat frame members 32 of folding
chair 20).
[0041] In some embodiments, side containers can be retracted or
captured when a chair is folded. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment
of side bags that have been folded onto a seat. In some
embodiments, the side bags are folded over and onto a chair seat
before the back of the seat is folded down to enable transporting
the chair to or from a location. In some embodiments, the side bags
flip inward onto the seat on tubular frame members of a chair, such
as seat frame members 32. In some embodiments, items are
transported in side bags while the side bags and chair are folded
up. For example, items may be held in side bags 51 while the user
carries folding chair 20 using straps 44 of the backpack
system.
[0042] FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a chair including a
detachable shade mount and shade. FIG. 7 illustrates a tri-fold
chair with a mount for a shade installed on the back of the chair.
FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a chair shade system including
a detachable shade. Folding chair 80 includes shade system 84.
Shade system 84 includes shade 86 and shade mount 88. Shade 86 may
be coupled to back frame member 36 by way of shade mount 88. Shade
86 may be detachable. Shade 86 may be adjustable (for example, to
control the position of shade 86 to better shade the user of the
chair. Shade 86 includes shade panel 89 and shade frame 90. Shade
panel 89 may be made of a flexible material, such as a nylon sheet,
cloth, or fabric. Shade mount 88 may be made of tubing, such as
aluminum tubing. Shade 86 is coupled to shade mount 88 by way of
ball mount coupler 92.
[0043] In some embodiments, shade 86 is detachable by a user from
shade mount 98. For example, in one embodiment, ball mount coupler
92 includes a release that allows shade 86 to be separated from
shade mount 88. A shade may be detached from one chair and
redeployed on another chair.
[0044] Although in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8,
shade 86 is coupled by way of a ball mount, a shade may in various
embodiments be mounted to a chair in other manners. For example, a
shade may be coupled by way of a fixed connection or hinge. In
certain embodiments, a shade is coupled to a chair using fasteners,
such as screws, clamps, a clip, or a cam lock mechanism.
[0045] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various
aspects of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the
art in view of this description.
[0046] Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled
in the art the general manner of carrying out the invention. It is
to be understood that the forms of the invention shown and
described herein are to be taken as embodiments. Elements and
materials may be substituted for those illustrated and described
herein, parts and processes may be reversed, and certain features
of the invention may be utilized independently, all as would be
apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description of the invention. Methods may be implemented manually,
in software, in hardware, or a combination thereof. The order of
any method may be changed, and various elements may be added,
reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. Changes may be made in
the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as described in the following claims.
* * * * *