Abstract
A chair, couch or bench with a backrest that is pivotally attached by hinge to the seat. When folded down, the backrest covets itself, the seat and the armrests.
Claims
1. A chair (10, 12 or 18) with a backrest (20) that is pivotally attached by hinge to a seat (22) such that when the chair (10) is in the closed position the backrest (20) overlaps and covers the seat (22) with a weather resistant seal.
2. A chair (12) as in claim 1, further comprising a cushioned, spring mounted, recessing seat (22) or backrest (20) which rise out of the lower compartment (26) or the recesses of the backrest (20) to the ready position when the backrest (20) is completely opened.
3. A chair (18) as in claim 1 or 2, further comprising armrests (56 and 60) that are pivotally attached to the backrest (20) and the seat (22) such that when the chair (18) is in the closed position the armrests (56 and 60) fold along with the backrest (20) and cover the backrest (20), armrests (56 and 60) and the seat (22) with a weather resistant seal.
4. A chair (10 or 18) as in claim 1 or 3, further comprising ventilation holes extending downward through the seat (22) to aid in drying precipitation.
5. A chair (10, 12 or 18) as in claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a sloped backrest (20) such that when the chair (10, 12 or 18) is in the closed position moisture is unable to collect on the back of the backrest (20).
6. A chair (10, 12 or 18) as in claim 5, further comprising a shape that provides lumbar support for the back and form fitting support for the buttocks in the seat (22).
7. A chair (10, 12 or 18) as in claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a hinge that allows for a plurality of reclining angles.
8. A chair (10, 12 or 18) as in claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a seat (22) or backrest (20) made of flexible, weather resistant fabric.
9. A chair (10, 12 or 18) as in claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising a gasket to seal the backrest (20) and the seat (22) together when closed.
10. A chair (12) as in claim 2, further comprising a rack and pinion locking hinge (14) that locks the seat (22) or backrest (20) in place preventing it from recessing downward into the lower compartment (26) or recesses of the backrest (20) while in use.
11. A chair (12) as in claim 2, further comprising a deadbolt locking hinge (16) that locks the seat (22) or backrest (20) in place preventing it from recessing downward into the lower compartment (26) or recesses of the backrest (20) while in use.
12. A chair (12) as in claim 2, further comprising four or more rails (42 and 44) rigidly attached to the inside walls of the lower compartment (26) or inside recesses of the backrest (20) such that the attached seat (22) or backrest (20) can easily glide up and down ultimately facilitating the opening and closing of the chair (12).
13. A chair (12) as in claim 2, further comprising a latch (30) that is attached to the backrest (20) and the lower compartment (26) which prevents the spring loaded seat (22) or backrests (20) from popping up when it is meant to be in the closed position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of embodiment 1 of the chair in the open and closed positions.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of embodiment 2 of the chair in the open position.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of embodiment 2 of the chair in the closed position.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of embodiment 1 of the hinge in the open and closed positions.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of embodiment 2 of the hinge in the open and closed positions.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of embodiment 3 of the chair in the open and closed positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are chairs 10, 12 and 18.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows the chair 10 in both the open and closed positions. The backrest 20 is pivotally attached by a simple hinge 24 to the seat 22. This allows the backrest 20 to be folded down and cover the seat 22 and protect it from debris and moisture found in outdoor environments. The backrest 20 is shown to be larger and therefore overhang the seat 22 to allow for better coverage. A gasket may be used to further protect the chair from debris and moisture. The backrest 20 may be made of any material including flexible, moisture resistant fabric.
[0024] FIG. 2 shows the chair 12 in the open position. The backrest 20 is pivotally attached by rack and pinion locking hinges 14 or deadbolt locking hinges 16 to the lower compartment 26. One or more springs 24 are mounted to the bottom of the seat 22 or back of the backrest 20 which causes the seat 22 or backrest 20 to automatically rise to operational level when the backrest 20 is opened. The seat 22 or backrest 20 is stored in the lower compartment 26 or the recesses of the backrest 20 when the chair 12 is not in use.
[0025] FIG. 3 shows the chair 12 in the closed position. The backrest 20 is pivotally attached by rack and pinion locking hinges 14 or deadbolt locking hinges 16 to the lower compartment 26. One or more springs 28 are mounted to the bottom of the seat 22 or back of the backrest 20 which are depressed by the backrest 20 depressing the seat 22 and are locked closed with the latch 30. When the latch 30 is not locked, the backrest 20 rises slightly due to the depressed springs 28 which place the chair 12 in a position ready to be opened and used. In the case of a recessing backrest 20, no locking mechanism is required to prevent the backrest cushion 20 from recessing when an occupant is leaning against it. When the chair 12 is in the closed position, debris and moisture are prevented from entering keeping the chair 12 clean, dry and ready for use. A gasket may be utilized to further seal the backrest to the lower compartment to improve protection from the debris and moisture found in outdoor environments.
[0026] FIG. 4 shows the rack and pinion locking hinge 14 in the locked and unlocked positions. Connection point 32 is attached to the backrest 20 and is also the outer hinge cover. The inner hinge cover 34 is rigidly attached to the back of the lower compartment 26. Connection point 50 is attached to the seat 22. Attached to the axle 36 is the rack 38 and pinion 40. The rack 38, when activated by raising the backrest 20 and turning the pinion 40, slides into the rail track hole 46 and the rail hole 48 ultimately locking the seat 22 and preventing it from recessing down into the lower compartment 26. The four or more rail tracks 42 are rigidly attached to the inside of the lower compartment 26. The rail 44 is attached to the seat 22 by the seat connection 50 within the rail track 42.
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a deadbolt locking hinge 16 in the locked and unlocked positions. The backrest 20 is pivotally attached to the axle 36. The seat 22 is attached to the connection point 50. The deadbolt 52 is attached to the axle 36 within the hinge cover 54. The deadbolt 52 slips into the rail track hole 46 and the rail hole 48 when the chair 12 is in the open position ultimately locking the seat 22 in place preventing the seat 22 from recessing into the lower compartment 26.
[0028] FIG. 6 shows a hinged chair 18 with armrests and supports 56 and 60. The chair 18 has simple hinges 24 attached to the backrest 20. The armrests 56 and 60 are pivotally attached to the backrest 20 and the seat 22. When the chair 18 is in the closed position, the backrest 20 overlaps and covers the seat 22, the armrests 56 and 60 and the backrest 20 also covers itself ultimately keeping the chair clean, dry and ready for use.
