Abstract
Disclosed herein are flexible, ergonomic, and deployable devices for use as leisure chairs. The devices described herein may include storage compartment mounts on the bottom surface of a seat or a seat frame for releasable attachment of a storage compartment. Additionally, the devices disclosed herein may include a flexible seatback and/or seatback frame to permit flexion of the seatback, which may be curved.
Claims
1. A deployable chair comprising: a seatback frame; a seat frame connected to said seatback frame; a plurality of legs connected to said seat frame; one or more armrests connected to said seatback frame; a seat connected to said seat frame; and one or more storage compartment mounts on a bottom surface of said seat frame.
2. The deployable chair of claim 1, wherein said one or more storage compartment mounts comprise one or more magnets.
3. The deployable chair of claim 1, wherein said one or more storage compartment mounts comprise dovetail connectors.
4. The deployable chair of claim 1, further comprising: a storage compartment comprising one or more connectors configured to releasably engage with said one or more storage compartment mounts.
5. The deployable chair of claim 4, wherein said one or more connectors are molded integrally with said storage compartment.
6. The deployable chair of claim 5, wherein said one or more connectors are configured for simultaneous engagement with said one or more storage compartment mounts.
7. The deployable chair of claim 6, wherein the number of said one or more connectors is equal to the number of said one or more storage compartment mounts.
8. The deployable chair of claim 4, wherein said one or more connectors are configured for asynchronous engagement with said one or more storage compartment mounts.
9. The deployable chair of claim 4, wherein said storage compartment has a height, wherein, when said deployable chair is in a deployed state, said one or more storage compartment mounts are at least a minimum distance above a surface on which said legs rest, and wherein said height is less than said minimum distance above said surface.
10. The deployable chair of claim 1, further comprising a release, wherein manipulation of said release enables the deployable chair to transition between a folded state and a deployed state.
11. The deployable chair of claim 1, wherein said seatback frame comprises a material that permits flexion of said seatback when a user leans back in said deployable chair.
12. The deployable chair of claim 1, further comprising: a sun shade configured to connect to said seatback frame.
13. The deployable chair of claim 12, further comprising: a sun shade enclosure configured to releasably connect to said sun shade.
14. The deployable chair of claim 1, wherein said one or more armrests comprise a button, and wherein pressing said button enables said seatback to incline or recline.
15. The deployable chair of claim 1, wherein said seat comprises tensioned fabric.
16. The deployable chair of claim 1, further comprising a tray configured to releasably attach to said one or more armrests.
17. The deployable chair of claim 16, wherein said tray comprises a track and a bracket.
18. The deployable chair of claim 1, further comprising a soft-close hinge between said seatback frame and said seat frame.
19. The deployable chair of claim 1, further comprising a self-close hinge between said seatback frame and said seat frame.
20. A deployable chair comprising: a seatback frame; a seat frame connected to said seatback frame; a plurality of legs connected to said seat frame; one or more armrests connected to said seatback frame; a seat connected to said seat frame; and one or more storage compartment mounts on a bottom surface of said seat.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The features and advantages of the various exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals and characters are used to denote like features, elements, components or portions of the inventive embodiments. It is intended that changes and modifications can be made to the described exemplary embodiments without departing from the true scope and spirit of the inventive embodiments described herein as defined by the claims.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a photograph of a prior art folding leisure chair 100, such as that available from Parkit Co. of Oceanside, California.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a deployable chair according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIGS. 3A-3E show another embodiment of a deployable chair according to the present disclosure.
[0013] FIGS. 4A-4C show an embodiment of an armrest of a chair according to the present disclosure.
[0014] FIGS. 5A-5E show embodiments of a hub of a chair according the present disclosure.
[0015] FIGS. 6A-6C show an embodiment of an adjustable sun shade of a chair according to the present disclosure.
[0016] FIGS. 7A-7C show an embodiment of an adjustable head rest of a chair according to the present disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 8A-8B show an embodiment of a tray of a chair according to the present disclosure.
[0018] FIGS. 8C-8D show another embodiment of a tray of a chair according to the present disclosure.
[0019] FIGS. 9A-9C show an embodiment of a cup holder according to the present disclosure.
[0020] FIGS. 10A-10D show an embodiment of a chair transport bag according to the present disclosure.
[0021] FIGS. 11A-11D show an embodiment of a storage compartment according to the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a deployable chair according to the present disclosure.
[0023] FIGS. 13A and 13B show yet another embodiment of a deployable chair according to the present disclosure.
[0024] FIGS. 14A-14C show another embodiment of a deployable chair according to the present disclosure.
[0025] FIGS. 14D-14E show another embodiment of an adjustable sun shade of a chair according to the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The present disclosure relates to flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chairs. The chairs described herein contain a flexible seatback frame and/or seatback that permits flexion of the when a user leans back in the chair. Some embodiments of flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chairs according to the present disclosure include curved seatbacks to improve user comfort. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the bottom of the seat of the chair contains storage compartment mounting brackets. In other embodiments according to the present disclosure, storage compartment mounting brackets are located on the rear surface of the seatback of the flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chair.
[0027] Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term invention, device, method, disclosure, present invention, present device, present method, or present disclosure refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the invention, device, method, disclosure, present invention, present device, present method, or present disclosure throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).
[0028] It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being on or adjacent to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being attached, connected or coupled to another element, it can be directly attached, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being directly attached, directly connected or directly coupled to another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0029] Relative terms such as outer, above, lower, below, horizontal, vertical and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
[0030] Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.
[0031] The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms a, an, and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having, and similar terms, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0032] Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to different views and illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Like elements among embodiments are referenced herein with the same reference numerals, except where differences are articulated.
[0033] It is understood that while the present application is written using the terms flexible, deployable, and ergonomic and with the activities of sitting and lounging generally in mind, the devices, methods, and concepts herein could be applied to fields other than deployable chairs, as would be understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to fixed chairs.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of a deployable chair 200 according to the present disclosure. Some embodiments of the deployable chair 200 according to the present disclosure include one or more of a seat frame 202a, a seatback frame 202b, one or more armrests 204, one or more sun shades 206, a headrest 208, a tray 210, one or more cup holders 212, a storage compartment 214 (e.g., a cooler), and legs 216.
[0035] FIGS. 3A-3E show another embodiment of a deployable chair 300 according to the present disclosure that may be the same as or similar to the deployable chair 200. Referring to FIG. 3A, the deployable chair 300 contains a seatback frame 302a, a seat frame 302b (referred to herein from time to time as frame to refer to the seatback frame, the seat frame, or both), one or more armrests 304, a button 306, legs 308, a seatback 310, a seat 312, storage compartment mounts 314, and a hub 316. The seatback frame 302a may be made from a variety of materials, such as for example, polymers, metals, wood, and other materials known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing. In specific embodiments, the seatback frame 302a may comprise a flexible material capable of supporting a user's weight, but also capable of flexing in a nondestructive manner when a user leans back in the chair 300.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3B, the seatback frame 302a and/or the seatback 310, in some embodiments, are curved horizontally about an axis approximately normal to the seat 312 such that the center of the seatback frame 302a and/or such that the seatback 310 is posterior relative to the edges of the seatback frame 302a and/or the seatback 310. In such embodiments, the seatback frame 302a and/or seatback 310 may be curved similarly to the curvature of the human back. In some embodiments, the seatback 310 is substantially planar with respect to the axis 320. In more specific embodiments, the seatback 310 comprises a lower portion that is substantially planar with the axis 320 and an upper portion that curves vertically about an axis orthogonal to said axis 320, such that the top of the seatback 310 is posterior relative to the bottom of the seatback 310.
[0037] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the button 306 is integrated in the one or more armrests. While one button 306 is shown in FIG. 3A, it is understood that more than one button 306 is possible, such as two or more, three or more, or four or more, whether total or in each armrest 304. In specific embodiments, two buttons 306 are included, one in each armrest 304. As discussed in more detail below, depression of the button 306 may release the seatback 310 such that it may recline or incline, as shown in FIG. 3D.
[0038] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the legs 308 may be connected to the one or more armrests 304, the seat 312, and/or the hub 316. For instance, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3E, the front legs 308 are connected to seat 312 and/or the armrests 304, while the rear legs are connected to the hubs 316. As discussed in more detail below, manipulation of a release (e.g., via a button) enables the deployable chair 300 to transition between a folded state, in which the deployable chair 300 may be transported, and a deployed state, in which a user may sit in the deployable chair 300. In some embodiments, there are one or more intermediate states between folded and deployed such that the height and/or angle of the seat 312 may be adjusted.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3C, and 3D (and discussed in further detail below), some embodiments of a deployable chair 300 according to the present disclosure contain a seat 312 having a bottom surface that comprises storage compartment mounts 314. While four storage compartment mounts 314 are shown in FIG. 3A, it is understood that a different number of storage compartment mounts 314 are possible, such as for example one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3B, some embodiments of a deployable chair 300 contain a crossbar 318. The crossbar 318 may, in some embodiments, be integrally molded with the seatback frame 302a. Like the seatback frame 302a, the crossbar 318 may be made of a variety of materials, including in certain embodiments, a flexible material capable of supporting a user and flexing when the user leans back. In some embodiments, the crossbar 318 may be molded as a monolithic component with the seatback frame 302a. In other embodiments, the crossbar may connect a top portion of the seatback frame 302a with a bottom portion of the seatback frame 302a. In such embodiments, the top portion of the seatback frame 302a may be substantially planar with the bottom portion of the seatback frame 302a until a user leans back, thereby moving the top portion into a separate plane. With reference to FIG. 3C, in embodiments where the seatback frame 302a and the crossbar 318 comprise flexible materials, the seatback 310 may flex such that at least a portion of the seatback 310 is no longer substantially planar with the axis 320.
[0041] While the crossbar 318 shown in FIGS. 3A-3D is shown at the same height as the one or more armrests 304, one of skill in the art would understand that the crossbar 318 may be located at any height on the seatback frame 302a. For instance, the crossbar 318 may be located at the height of the average user's lumbar spine when seated in the deployable chair 300. The crossbar 318 may be or in the lower half of the seatback frame 302a, the upper half of the seatback frame 302a, or exactly halfway between the top and the bottom of the seatback frame 302a. Many different embodiments are possible. Additionally, while only one crossbar 318 is shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, more than one crossbar 318 is possible.
[0042] The seatback 310 and the seat 312 may be manufactured using many different materials known in the art. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3D, the seatback 310 may be constructed of a breathable and/or flexible mesh material having closely spaced holes or openings and constructed from, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or other materials known in the art. The seatback 310 may be constructed of (alternatively or in addition to the breathable and flexible mesh material) a solid fabric, such as synthetic leather, vinyl, woven fabrics, and/or others known in the art. Certain embodiments of the seatback 310 include a durable fabric enclosing a cushion made of, for example, foam, padding, cotton stuffing, and/or other materials known in the art (referred to herein as a cushioned material). In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the seatback 310 may comprise a lower seatback made from a breathable and flexible mesh material, and an upper seatback made from a cushioned material. It is understood that the lower seatback may be made from a cushioned material, and the upper seatback may be made from a cushioned material. In certain embodiments, the seat 312 is constructed from a cushioned material. In other embodiments, the seat 312 may be constructed from a breathable mesh material.
[0043] In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the seatback 310 and/or the seat 312 may be comprise tensioned fabric (i.e. said breathable and flexible mesh and/or cushioned material). FIG. 3E shows an exemplary cross section view of a portion of a seatback 310 or a seat 312. In embodiments comprising tensioned fabric, the fabric 322 may be securedvia adhesive, fastener, friction, or other securing mechanisms known in the artbetween a first component/securing mechanism such as a fabric fixture 324 and a second component such as the frame 302a, 302b. It is understood that, while not shown in FIG. 3E, one or more additional fabric securing mechanisms, e.g. another (mirrored) fabric fixture 324 and frame 302a, 302b, may be required to maintain tension on the fabric 322.
[0044] FIG. 4A shows an expanded view of one armrest 304 and the button 306. The armrest 304 and button 306 may be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and others known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing. FIGS. 4B and 4C show schematic views of the button 306 within the armrest 304. The button 306 may comprise (or, in other embodiments, attach to) a spring 402. When the button 306 is pressed by a user, the spring 402 is displaced, thereby applying a restoring force on the button 306. Additionally, in certain embodiments, pressing the button 306 may engage a cam 404. Engagement of the cam 404 may allow the seatback 310 to incline and/or recline. The cam 404 may be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or other materials known in the art.
[0045] FIG. 5A shows an expanded view of the hub 316 of the deployable chair 300. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the hub 316 is connected to one or more armrest supports 502, which may in turn be connected to one or more armrests 304. The hub 316 may also be connected to the seatback frame 302a, the seat frame 302b, and the legs 308. FIGS. 5B and 5C show schematic views of the hub 316 connected to the seatback frame 302a and the seat frame 302b. The hub 316 houses a hub spring 506 connected to a release 504 (not pictured). While the release 504 is not engaged, the seatback frame 302a and the seat frame 302b are radially fixed relative to each other. When a user engages the release 504, the hub spring 506 is displaced, and the seatback frame 302a and the seat frame 302b are released, thereby permitted a user to transition the deployable chair 300 between a folded state and a deployed state.
[0046] It is understood that many mechanisms may be used as a release 504 to releasably fix the seatback frame 302a to the seat frame 302b, such as a latch, a pull tab, a pin, and other mechanisms known in the art. FIGS. 5D and 5E show one exemplary embodiment of a release 504 in the hub 316. As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, the release 504 may comprise a cable 508 connected to a spring 510, which may in turn connect to a pin 512. The pin 512 may be configured to be seated in one of slots 514a, 514b when the deployable chair 300 is in one of a deployed stateas shown in FIG. 5Dand a folded stateas shown in FIG. 5E. When the pin 512 is so seated, the seatback frame 302a and the seat frame 302b are fixed relative to each other.
[0047] To operate the release 504, a user may pull on the cable 508-or another element connected thereto, not pictured in the figures-which in turn displaces the spring 510. The spring 510 then imparts a force on the pin 512, removing it from the slot 514a, 514b in which it may be seated. Then, the seatback frame 302a is free to rotate such that the spring 510 can force the pin back into one of the slots 514a, 514b.
[0048] In some embodiments, the hub 316 comprises a self-close hinge, wherein manipulation of a release by a user causes the deployable chair 300 to fold itself vis--vis an internal spring. In other embodiments, the hub 316 comprises a soft-close hinge, wherein manipulation of the release 504 by a user enables the deployable chair 300 to slowly and quietly fold.
[0049] FIG. 6A shows an embodiment of a deployable chair 300 connected to a sun shade 602which may be the same as or similar to the sun shade 202via arms 604a, 604b. Manipulation of the arms 604a, 604b change the position of the sun shade 602 with respect to the seatback 310. In some embodiments, the sun shade 602 may transition between an active position, as shown in FIG. 6A, and a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 6B. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the arms 604a, 604b comprise a telescoping mechanism 606a, 664b that enable height adjustment of the sun shade 202. As shown in FIG. 6C, the arms 604a, 642b may, in some embodiments, connect to a bracket 608. In certain embodiments, the bracket 608 comprises side buttons 610 that connect to tabs 612. The tabs 612 may be configured to engage with one or more bracket slots 614 in the rear surface of the seatback frame 302a. By pressing the side buttons 610, the user can attach or remove the bracket 608, and the sun shade 602, from the deployable chair 300.
[0050] FIGS. 7A-7C show expanded views of a headrest 708which may be the same as or similar to the headrest 208according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The headrest 708 may be made of a padded, or cushioned, material to provide comfort to the user. As shown in FIG. 7B, in certain embodiments, the headrest 708 may be adjustable via, for example, one or more tracks 702. In such embodiments, the user may raise the headrest 708 by pulling it up the track 702 or lower the headrest 708 by pushing it down the track 702. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the headrest may be connected to the seatback frame 302a via a clasp 704, which may be flexible. The clasp 704 may, in some embodiments, interface (e.g. via one or more clasp protrusions) with the track 702 to enable vertical adjustment of the headrest 708 relative to the seatback frame 302a.
[0051] FIGS. 8A-8B show expanded views of a tray 810which may be the same as or similar to the tray 210according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the tray 810 comprises one or more flanges 802, as shown in FIG. 8B. The one or more flanges 802 may engage with one or more grooves 804 in the one or more armrests 304 to substantially stabilize the tray 810. The one or more flanges 802 may be made of or include a soft material to prevent or reduce marring of the one or more armrests 304. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the tray 810 may be configured to move anteriorly or posteriorly along the grooves 804 of the one or more armrests 304, i.e. away from or towards the user. While the tray 810 shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B is configured to attach to the right armrest 304, it is understood that the tray 810 may be configured to attach to a left armrest 304 or to both left and right armrests 304.
[0052] FIGS. 8C-8D show another embodiment of a tray 850. Like the tray 810, the tray 850 may be configured to move anteriorly or posteriorly along the grooves 804 of the one or more armrests 304, i.e. away from or towards the user. Unlike the tray 810, however, the tray 850 may comprise a track 854 in which a bracket 856 may be inserted and configured to travel across said track 854. In some embodiments, the bracket 856 may include one or more flanges 802. The bracket 856 may be configured to mount to the grooves 804 of the one or more armrests 304. As shown in FIG. 8C, the tray 850 may move horizontally in the direction of arrows 852 by virtue of the bracket traveling in the track 854.
[0053] FIGS. 9A-9C show expanded views of a cup holder 912which may be the same as or similar to the cup holder 212according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the cup holder 912 is attached to the one or more armrests 304 via, for example, a twist lock mechanism 902. In more specific embodiments, the twist lock mechanism 902 may be engaged with a slot 904 in the one or more armrests 304 to orient the cup holder 912 to one of the outside of the armrest 304 (as shown in FIG. 9A) or the front of the armrest 304 (not pictured). The cup holder 912, in some embodiments, may be configured to telescope, i.e. to transition between substantially flat (as shown in FIG. 9B) and extended (as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9C).
[0054] FIGS. 10A-10D show a chair transport bag 1002 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the chair transport bag 1002 is configured to securely retain the deployable chair 300 in a folded state. Some embodiments of a chair transport bag 1002 according to the present disclosure comprise one or more storage compartment mounts 1014, which may be the same as or similar to the one or more storage compartment mounts 314. The chair transport bag 1002 may, in certain embodiments, include one or more closures 1004, such as a zipper as shown. It is understood that many other closure 1004 mechanisms are possible, such as hook and loop, magnets, buttons, and others known in the art.
[0055] The chair transport bag 1002 may comprise a variety of materials, such as for example, fabric, mesh, leather, artificial leather, and/or other materials known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing. In some embodiments of a chair transport bag 1002, the bag may comprise a mesh bottom configured to permit the removal of dirt, dust, sand, and other debris through gravity when in use. Similarly, the mesh bottom may permit moisture to escape from the deployable chair 300 when stored.
[0056] In some embodiments, the chair transport bag 1002 may be configured to securely retain other elements disclosed herein, such as for example, the sun shade 602, the headrest 708, the tray 810, and/or the cup holder 912 (in a substantially flat state or in a telescoped state) (referred to collectively herein as the accessories for simplicity). In more specific embodiments, the chair transport bag 1002 includes pockets with dimensions that approximately correspond with the respective sizes of the accessories. In certain embodiments of a chair transport bag 1002 according to the present disclosure, retention mechanisms 1006 may be used to secure the accessories within the chair transport bag 1002.
[0057] Some embodiments of a chair transport bag 1002 according to the present disclosure include one or more top handles 1008, and certain embodiments include one or more side handles 1010a, 1010b. In some embodiments, the chair transport bag 1002 includes one or more straps 1012 and may include one or more torso straps 1016. Each of the one or more top handles 1008, one or more side handles 1010a, 1010b, one or more straps 1012, and one or more torso straps 1016 may be configured to enable the user to comfortably transport the chair transport bag 1002 and its contents, if any. In some embodiments, the chair transport bag 1002 may include-on one or more of a back portion of the transport bag 1002 configured to mate with the user's back when the one or more straps 1012 are in use, the one or more top handles 1008, one or more side handles 1010a, 1010b, one or more straps 1012, and one or more torso straps 1016a padded portion configured to provide comfort to the user when the one or more straps 1012 is used.
[0058] FIGS. 11A-11D show an embodiment of a storage compartment 1100which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment 214according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the storage compartment 1100 includes one or more closures 1102, one or more connectors 1104, a lid 1106, a body 1108 defining a chamber 1110 therein, and one or more handle 1112. In some embodiments, the one or more closures 1102 may be configured to releasably attach the lid 1106 to the body 1108. In certain embodiments, the lid 1106 and/or the body 1108 may be insulated to prevent or reduce thermal exchange between the chamber 1110 and ambient temperature.
[0059] The one or more connectors 1104 may, in some embodiments, by configured to engage with the one or more storage compartment mounts 314, 1014 to releasably attach the storage compartment 1100 to the deployable chair 200, 300 or to the chair transport bag 1002. As shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D, some embodiments of a storage compartment 1106 comprise one or more connectors 1104 configured to releasably attach the storage compartment 1100 directly to the bottom of the seat 312. Enabling the storage compartment 1100 to directly connect to the bottom of the seat 312, rather than via, e.g. clips/carabiners, reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating unnecessary elements. Additionally, direct connection between the storage compartment 1100 and the bottom of the seat 312 may reduce or eliminate oscillations in the storage compartment 1100, for example when a user initially sits in the deployable chair 300 or shifts their weight. In some embodiments, the storage compartment 1100 is configured to be suspended off the ground when releasably attached to the bottom of the seat 312. Such a configuration may prevent the storage compartment 1100 from becoming soiled by the ground and may reduce or prevent thermal exchange between the ground and the storage compartment 1100.
[0060] Specific embodiments of connectors 1104 comprise one or more magnets configured to magnetically connect with corresponding magnets on the one or more storage compartment mounts 314, 1014. It is understood that many different connectors 1104 are possible, including for example, Fidlock connectors, dovetail connectors, cleats, and others known in the art. It is understood that the storage compartment 1100 may be created from a variety of materials, such as for example metal, plastic, fabric, and other materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the one or more connectors 1104 is molded integrally with the storage compartment 1100 such that they form one monolithic piece. In certain embodiments, the one or more connectors 1104 may be configured to enable simultaneous engagement of a plurality of connectors 1104 with a plurality of storage compartment mounts 314, 1014. In such embodiments, the storage compartment 1100 can be mounted to the plurality of connectors 1104 without touching the ground, unlike a connection via, for example cooler clips.
[0061] Some embodiments of a storage compartment 1100 according to the present disclosure may include one or more pockets 1114 for storage of miscellaneous items or the accessories. The one or more pockets 1114 may be located on the interior or exterior of the body 1108 and may be located on the interior or exterior of the lid 1106.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of a deployable chair 1200 according to the present disclosure. The deployable chair 1200 includes rear storage compartment mounts (not pictured), which allow for mounting a storage compartment 1204, which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment 214, to the rear of the deployable chair 1200.
[0063] FIGS. 13A and 13D show yet another embodiment of a deployable chair 1300 according to the present disclosure. The deployable chair 1300 includes a bar 1318. When a user manipulates the bar 1318, the deployable chair 1300 can be transitioned between a folded state and a deployed state.
[0064] FIGS. 14A-14C show another embodiment of a deployable chair 1400 according to the present disclosure. The deployable chair 1400 may contain one or more of a seatback frame 1402a (which may be the same as or similar to the seatback frame 302a), a seat frame 1402b (which may be the same as or similar to the seat frame 302b), one or more armrests 1404 (which may be the same as or similar to the one or more armrests 304) connected to a bar 1418 (which may be the same as or similar to the bar 1318), a button 1406 (not pictured) (which may be the same as or similar to the button 306), legs 1408 (which may be the same as or similar to the legs 308), a seatback 1410 (which may be the same as or similar to the seatback 310), a seat 1412 (which may be the same as or similar to the seat 312), storage compartment mounts 1414 (which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment mounts 314), and a hub 1416 (which may be the same as or similar to the seatback frame 316). The deployable chair 1400 also contains an adjustable sun shade 1420 (which may be the same as or similar to the sun shade 602).
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, a user can collapse the deployable chair 1400 by pulling back on the bar 1418, which in turn engages a release 1422 (not pictured) (which may be the same as or similar to the release 504). In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the release 1422 comprises one of a soft-close hinge or a self-close hinge, as described hereinabove. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the bar 1418 is connected to the rear of the one or more armrests. In more specific embodiments, the bar 1418 is suspended relative to the seatback 1410 such that a gap is formed between the bar 1418 and the seatback 1410.
[0066] Referring to FIGS. 14D and 14E, the deployable chair 1400 may further comprise a sun shade enclosure 1424. In some embodiments, the sun shade enclosure 1424 may be removably attached the sun shade 1420. In other embodiments, the deployable chair 1400 does not comprise a sun shade 1420, and only contains a sun shade enclosure 1424, which may be removably attached to the deployable chair 1400 in some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the sun shade enclosure 1424 comprises an attachment mechanism 1426 which may be used to attach the bottom of the sun shade enclosure 1424 to the deployable chair 1400. The sun shade enclosure 1424 may be configured in some embodiments to substantially wrap around the rear and sides of a user when seated in the deployable chair 1400, thereby providing privacy and protection from the sun and wind. The sun shade enclosure may be made of a variety of materials, such as those described herein regarding the seatback 310 and the seat 312, or others known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 14D and 14E, the deployable chair 1400 may be configured to accept a storage compartment 1428 (which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment 1100). In some embodiments, the storage compartment 1428 may be mounted on the rear of the deployable chair 1400 (as shown in FIG. 14D). In other embodiments, the storage compartment 1428 may be mounted under the seat 1412. Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are configured such that the storage compartment 1428 can be mounted to either the rear of the chair 1400 or under the seat 1412. In embodiments where the storage compartment 1428 can be mounted on the rear of the deployable chair 1400, the storage compartment 1428, when so mounted, may be posterior relative to the user such that any fluid dripping off of the user, e.g. water from swimming, sweat, spilled beverages, etc. would not contact the storage compartment 1428.
[0068] The various exemplary inventive embodiments described herein are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles underlying the inventive concept. It is therefore contemplated that various modifications of the disclosed embodiments will without departing from the inventive spirit and scope be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art. They are not intended to limit the various exemplary inventive embodiments to any precise form described. Other variations and inventive embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings, and it is not intended that the inventive scope be limited by this specification, but rather by the claims following herein.
[0069] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred configurations thereof, other versions are possible. Embodiments of the present invention can comprise any combination of compatible features shown in the various figures, and these embodiments should not be limited to those expressly illustrated and discussed. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the invention should not be limited to the versions described above. Moreover, it is contemplated that combinations of features, elements, and steps from the appended claims may be combined with one another as if the claims had been written in multiple dependent form and depended from all prior claims. Combination of the various devices, components, and steps described above and in the appended claims are within the scope of this disclosure. The foregoing is intended to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
