Folding Chair With Integral Transportation Tube

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to folding chairs and in particular to a folding chair with integral transportation tube.

2. Background

The outdoor chair industry is rapidly expanding due to America's increasing desire to be outdoors. Surveys have shown that more and more people are relocating to the nation's sunbelt regions and consequently are spending more time at beaches and other recreational areas.

Research has indicated that consumers' most frequent complaints are that beach chairs are cumbersome, not easily transportable and that they only last one season. These complaints stem from two major design flaws of the currently available outdoor folding chairs: 1. they are heavy, bulky and not designed with ease of carrying in mind, and 2. they are not constructed with materials which are capable of withstanding the rigors of sun and salt air.

The folding chair transportation problem is made worse if the distance to be travelled is great (as is frequently the case in California when carrying beach chairs from the parking lot to a Pacific Ocean beach) and when other supplies such as beach towels, sun block, reading materials, coolers, sun parasols, etc. must also be carried. A light folding chair capable of being carried in a hands-free manner would certainly make life easier.

Other problems associated with currently available folding chairs include the environmentally sensitive issue of the use of excessive packaging in the merchandising of these chairs, the chairs being blown over and the chairs sinking into the sand when occupied.

A few chairs are designed to be carried in storage bags; these bags tend to blow away and get lost when not in use.

Some folding chairs are designed to rest directly on the ground; if the ground is wet the occupant gets wet also.

Another problem of currently available folding chair designs is that the folding chair is sometimes damaged while in transit.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube which is easy to transport in a hands-free fashion. Features allowing the accomplishment of this object include a base and folding seat which fit inside a transportation tube, and a strap which allows the transportation tube to be carried over the shoulder. In addition, the folding chair with integral transportation tube is manufactured to be light and compact (the entire folding chair with integral transportation tube weighs under 4 pounds; the transportation tube measures approximately 4 inches in diameter and 24 inches in length). Advantages associated with the accomplishment of this object include the ability to carry more items per trip, the reduction of the number of trips which must be made, convenience, and ease of transporting the folding chair with integral transportation tube.

Another object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube which will last a long time. Features enabling the accomplishment of this object include the use of high quality, corrosion-resistant materials such as recycled PVC and aluminum, and an easily replaceable seat back and seat bottom. Advantages associated with the achievement of this object include cost savings and convenience.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube which does not require excessive packaging for point of purchase display. Features allowing this object to be accomplished include self-contained cylindrical packaging (the transportation tube) which may bear vivid and colorful descriptive markings, and transportation tubes which are stackable. Advantages associated with the accomplishment of this include preservation of scarce packaging materials such as plastics, cardboard, and styrofoam.

Another object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube resistant to transportation damage. Features permitting this object to be achieved include a base and folding seat which fit inside a protective transportation tube. Advantages include a more durable chair along with consequent cost savings.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube resistant to carrying container loss. A feature which allows this object to be accomplished is a transportation tube integral to the assembled chair. As the transportation tube forms part of the assembled chair, it is prevented from being blown away or otherwise lost, providing the advantages of convenience and cost savings.

Another object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube whose seat bottom does not rest on the ground, thereby affording the advantage of keeping its occupant dry even in the presence of wet ground.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube which will not sink into soft sand by virtue of features such as a base containing upper and lower rods, and the transportation tube to provide a wide support footprint. Advantages associated with the accomplishment of this object include comfort and convenience.

Still a further object of this invention is to provide a folding chair with integral transportation tube which resists being blown down in the presence of wind. A feature allowing this object to be accomplished is the inclusion of a transportation tube as a seat support. Advantages associated with the accomplishment of this object include a more stable seat and the comfort and convenience associated with a more stable seat.

Further objects of this invention include providing a folding chair with integral transportation tube which lends itself readily to the promotion of cylindrical items, sets up quickly, is aesthetically pleasing and can be manufactured of recylceable materials such as plastic, aluminum, etc.

The invention, together with the other objects, features, aspects and advantages thereof will be more clearly understood from the following in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Six sheets of drawings are provided. Sheet one contains FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. Sheet two contains FIGS. 4, 5 and 6. Sheet three contains FIGS. 7 and 8. Sheet four contains FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12. Sheet five contains FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. Sheet six contains FIG. 18.

FIG. 1 is a side isometric view of the folding chair with integral transportation tube.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a pedestrian carrying a folding chair with integral transportation tube over his shoulder by using the strap.

FIG. 3 is a side isometric view of a cyclist carrying a folding chair with integral transportation tube over his shoulder by using the strap.

FIG. 4 is a side isometric view of a folding chair with integral transportation tube with the three basic components separated.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a seat support.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a folded seat support.

FIG. 7 is a front isometric detail of an upper rod and a lower rod being assembled into the second base end,

FIG. 8 is a rear isometric detail of the way a horizontal member snaps into a tube end.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a transportation tube.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a transportation tube.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional side view of a transportation tube taken at section A--A of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional top view of a transportation tube taken at section B--B of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a side isometric view of a folding chair with integral transportation tube showing how the base and folded seat fit into the transportation tube.

FIGS. 14-17 show how the seat folds in order to fit into the transportation tube.

FIG. 18 is a side isometric view of a seat showing how seat back and seat bottom may be quickly and easily replaced.

Referring now to FIG. 1 we see a side isometric view of folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 in the chair configuration. Folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 is supported on transportation tube 4 and base 6.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 in the carrying configuration: all components other than the transportation tube 4 are contained within transportation tube 4. Strap 8 is attached to transportation tube 4 and may be used to carry folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 over the shoulder of pedestrian 10, thereby freeing the hands of pedestrian 10.

FIG. 3 is a side isometric view of cyclist 12 carrying folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 over his shoulder by means of strap 8.

FIG. 4 is a side isometric view of the three main components of folding chair with integral transportation tube 2: seat 14, transportation tube 4 and base 6.

Seat 14 is comprised of two seat supports 36 to which a seat back 42 and a seat bottom 44 are attached.

FIG. 5 shows the components of each seat support 36: vertical member 38 is pivotally attached to horizontal member 40 by means of hinges 16. Vertical member 38 is comprised of seat back support 37 rigidly attached to leg 39.

When seat support 36 is in the unfolded position, as depicted in FIG. 5, the end of horizontal member 40 which is attached to hinges 16 butts up against vertical member 38, thereby fixing the angle between horizontal member 40 and seat back support 37.

Seat end 42 is installed over the end of horizontal member 40 opposite hinges 16.

It has been found that the ergonomically optimum angle 41 between the vertical 45 and seat back support centerline 43 is 5 degrees.

FIG. 6 shows a seat support 36 in the folded position. Vertical member 38 has been pivoted about hinge 16 until roughly parallel to horizontal member 40.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the second main component of folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 is transportation tube 4. Transportation tube 4 comprises a tube end 18 with tube end mouth 19 attached to each end of tube 5; strap 8 is attached to tube 5.

Base 6 is comprised of first base end 22 attached to second base end 24 by means of upper rod 26 and lower rod 20.

First base end 22 is comprised of first base end seat support aperture 46 sized to admit passage to leg 39, first base end upper aperture 28 sized to admit passage to one end of upper rod 26, and first base end lower aperture 30 sized to admit passage to one end of lower rod 20.

Second base end 24 is comprised of second base end seat support aperture 48 sized to admit passage to leg 39, second base end upper aperture 32 sized to admit passage to one end of upper rod 26, and second base end lower aperture 34 sized to admit passage to one end of lower rod 20.

FIG. 7 is a front isometric detail of a typical attachment of upper rod 26 and lower rod 20 to a base end--in this case second base end 24.

Second base end upper aperture 32 is sized to admit passage to one end of upper rod 26 as indicated by arrow 72. Upper rod 26 may be glued, staked or otherwise be permanently fixed within second base end upper aperture 32.

Second base end lower aperture 34 is sized to admit passage to one end of lower rod 20 as indicated by arrow 74. Lower rod 20 may be glued, staked or otherwise be permanently fixed within second base end lower aperture 34.

FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view depicting the manner of attachment of seat end 42 over horizontal member 40, and the subsequent assembly of horizontal member 40 into tube end mouth 19 during the chair erection procedure.

The end of horizontal member 40 opposite hinges 16 is inserted into seat end bore 50 as indicated by arrow 76. Seat end 42 may be glued, staked or otherwise permanently attached to horizontal member 40.

During the chair erection procedure, the end of horizontal member 40 to which seat end 42 is attached is snapped into tube end mouth 19 as indicated by arrow 78. Tube end mouth 19 is sized to frictionally admit passage to horizontal member 40.

Seat end mouth 52 is sized to conform to the outside shape of tube end 18.

In this manner, when folding chair with integral transportation tube 2 is in the chair configuration, seat end mouth 52 locates horizontal member 40 on transportation tube 4, and tube end mouth 19 locates transportation tube 4 relative to horizontal member 40.

FIG. 9 is a side view of transportation tube 4. Tube end 18 is attached to tube 5. End cap 58 removably fits into tube end 18, and is held in place by means of strap 8.

FIG. 10 is a top view of transportation tube 4. Strap 8 is permanently attached to one side of tube 5 by means of fastener 62, and removably attached to the opposite side of tube 5 by means of male snap 54 attached to strap 8 and female snap 56 attached to tube 5.

FIG. 11 is a side cross sectional view of transportation tube 4 taken at section A--A of FIG. 10. End cap 58 fits into tube end 18. Tube end 18 is attached to tube 5.

FIG. 12 is a top cross sectional view of transportation tube 4 taken at section B--B of FIG. 9. Strap 8 is permanently attached to tube 5 by means of fastener 62. Strap 8 loops through end cap apertures 60 and then is removably attached to the side of tube 5 opposite fastener 62 by means of male snap 54 and female snap 56.

FIGS. 14-17 show how seat 14 folds in order to fit into transportation tube 4 for transport.

FIG. 14 shows seat 14 after horizontal members 40 have been unsnapped from tube end mouths 19 and legs 39 have been removed from first base end seat support aperture 46 and second base end seat support aperture 48.

FIG. 15 shows vertical members 38 pivoted down about hinges 16 so as to bring seat back 42 adjacent seat bottom 44.

FIG. 16 depicts the two folded seat supports 36 side by side, with seat back 42 and seat bottom 44 ready to be wrapped around them.

FIG. 17 shows seat back 42 and seat bottom 44 wrapped around seat supports 36. Seat 14 is now ready to be inserted into transportation tube 4 along with base 6, as shown in FIG. 13.

Seat back 42 and seat bottom 44 may be fabricated of canvas, synthetic fabric or other appropriate material. Seat supports 36, base 6 and most of transportation tube 4 may be fabricated of recycled PVC, plastic or other appropriate materials. Hinges 16 fastener 62, male snap 54 and female snap 56 may be manufactured of corrosion resistant aluminum, stainless steel or other appropriate material. Strap 8 may be made of synthetic material or other appropriate material.

A. Remove male snap 54 from female snap 56.

B. Remove end cap 58 from tube end 18 as shown in FIG. 13.

C. Remove base 6 and seat 14 from transportation tube 4.

D. Replace end cap 58 in tube end 18 by reversing steps A and B above.

E. Unfold seat 14 by reversing the steps depicted in FIGS. 14-17.

F. Insert one leg 39 into first base end seat support aperture 46 and the other leg 39 into second base end seat support aperture 48.

G. Snap one horizontal member 40 into each tube end mouth 19 such that each tube end 18 is located within the corresponding seat end mouth 52.

A. Reverse steps A-G above in Chair Erecting Procedure.

Seat back 42 and seat bottom 44 may be quickly and easily replaced as shown in FIG. 18.

To replace seat back 42, simply slide seat back supports 37 out of seat back sleeves 64, then slide seat back supports 37 into the corresponding seat back sleeves 64 of the new seat back 42 as indicated by arrow 80. In the presence of optional screws 68, unscrew and remove screws 68 prior to beginning the replacement operation, and replace screws 68 after the new seat back 42 is in place.

To replace seat bottom 44, simply slide horizontal members 40 out of seat bottom sleeves 66, then slide horizontal members 40 into the corresponding seat bottom sleeves 66 of the new seat bottom 44 as indicated by arrow 82. In the presence of optional screws 70, unscrew and remove screws 70 prior to beginning the replacement operation, and replace screws 70 after the new seat bottom 44 is in place.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated herein, it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appending claims.

2 folding chair with integral transportation tube

4 transportation tube

5 tube 6 base

8 strap

10 pedestrian

12 cyclist

14 seat

16 hinges

18 tube end

19 tube end mouth

20 lower rod

22 first base end

24 second base end

26 upper rod

28 first base end upper aperture

30 first base end lower aperture

32 second base end upper aperture

34 second base end lower aperture

36 seat support

37 seat back support

38 vertical member

39 leg

40 horizontal member

41 angle

42 seat back

43 seat back support centerline

44 seat bottom

45 vertical

46 first base end seat support aperture

48 second base end seat support aperture

50 seat end bore

52 seat end mouth

54 male snap

56 female snap

58 end cap

60 end cap aperture

62 fastener

64 seat back sleeve

66 seat bottom sleeve

68 screw

70 screw

72 arrow

74 arrow

76 arrow

78 arrow

80 arrow

82 arrow