CoolChair

Abstract

A portable storage and seating device, or apparatus, is disclosed. The device comprises a folding leg rest, a folding back rest, arm rests, a sliding head rest, a pair of wheels, a handle, a rear compartment, and at least one side compartment. The portable storage and seating device is configured to be compact when folded and easily maneuverable. The portable storage and seating device is able to store various items for outdoor activities and provides attachment points for accessories.

Claims

1. A portable storage and seating device comprising: a chair body; a pair of wheels coupled to the chair body; a handle coupled to the chair body and configured to maneuver the chair body; a back rest coupled to the chair body and configured to move between a folded and unfolded position; a folding leg rest coupled to the chair body and configured to move between a folded and unfolded position; one or more side compartments configured to slide outward from the chair body.

2. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, wherein the one or more side compartments is a pair of side compartments, and wherein each side compartment is located on an opposite side of the chair body and each side compartment is configured to slide out of its respective side of the chair body.

3. The portable storage and seating device of claim 2, further comprising wherein each side compartment is insulated.

4. The portable storage and seating device of claim 2, further comprising a handle on the respective sides of each side compartment.

5. The portable storage and seating device of claim 4, wherein the handle is an inverted handle.

6. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, wherein the leg rest is coupled to the chair body indirectly through a leg support and wherein the leg rest further includes a leg rest support member pivotably connected to the leg rest.

7. The portable storage and seating device of claim 6, wherein the leg rest is coupled to the leg support by one or more hinges and wherein the leg support is attached to the chair body by one or more hinges.

8. The portable storage and seating device of claim 6, wherein when the device is in a folded configuration, the back rest, leg rest, leg support and leg rest support member nest together and form a temporary seat.

9. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, wherein the seat back is coupled to the chair body with a pair of ratcheting joints.

10. The portable storage and seating device of claim 9, further comprising a pair of arm rests coupled to the chair body and the back rest; and a pair of linkages, each linkage coupled to the chair body with first swivel joints at a first end of the linkage and further connected to one of the respective arm rests with second swivel joints at a second end of the linkage; and a pair of back rest support members, each coupled to a respective ratcheting joints on the chair body to support the back rest and further coupled at a midpoint to a respective arm rest through an additional swivel joint.

11. The portable storage and seating device of claim 10, wherein, when the back rest is unfolded into an upright position, the back rest support members, the linkages, first set of swivel joints, second set of swivel joints and the additional swivel joints cooperate to maintain the arm rests substantially parallel with the chair body.

12. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment point coupled to the chair body.

13. The portable storage and seating device of claim 12, wherein the attachment point further comprises at least one of a pair of flanged heads or keyhole shaped openings configured to support an attachment plate.

14. The portable storage and seating device of claim 13, wherein the attachment plate comprises at least one of mating keyhole shaped openings sized to fit over respective flanged heads or mating flanged heads sized to fit in respective keyhole shaped openings, such that when the attachment plate is moved in the downward direction, the attachment plate locks to the attachment point.

15. The portable storage and seating device of claim 14, wherein the attachment plate supports one or more accessories including at least one of a fishing rod holder, a phone holder, an umbrella, a laptop table, a cup holder and/or a bottle holder.

16. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, further comprising a pair of brackets secured to the main body at a rear underside position, wherein an axle extends between the brackets, and the wheels are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of the axle.

17. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, further comprising a head rest movably coupled to the back rest, wherein the head rest is positioned between a pair of back rest support members and is configured to move within the back rest to adjust its position.

18. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, further comprising a rear compartment positioned at a rear portion of the chair body behind the seat back, wherein the rear compartment is open at a top surface of the chair body.

19. The portable storage and seating device of claim 18, further comprising a lid that covers the open top surface of the rear compartment.

20. The portable storage and seating device of claim 1, further comprising a rear hand hold positioned at a rear surface of the chair body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] These and other advantages and aspects of the invention will become clear with reference to the following drawings and detailed description, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portable storage and seating device in a folded position.

[0021] FIG. 2A includes a rear view of the portable storage and seating device, illustrating an example wheel configuration and attachment.

[0022] FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the portable storage and seating device, illustrating an example wheel attachment bracket.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a front view of a portable storage and seating device in a folded position.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a front view of a portable storage and seating device with slide out compartments.

[0025] FIG. 5A is a side view of a flanged head for securing items to the portable storage and seating device.

[0026] FIG. 5B is a front view of an attachment plate for use with the flanged head.

[0027] FIG. 5C is a side view of the flanged head and attachment plate in use.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating the unfolding process of a portable storage and seating device.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a detailed view of a folding foot rest for a portable storage and seating device.

[0030] FIG. 7B is a detailed front view of a folding leg rest support for a portable storage and seating device.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a detailed side view illustrating a folding seat back configuration for a portable storage and seating device.

[0032] FIG. 9 is a detailed front view illustrating an adjustable headrest for a portable storage and seating device.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a side view of a portable storage and seating device in an unfolded configuration.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a top view of a portable storage and seating device in an unfolded configuration with concave leg portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of numerous different embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the description is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this disclosure. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent application, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0036] It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent application, other than the language of the claims. To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent application is referred to in this patent application in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word means and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph (f).

[0037] Although the figures illustrate the invention from a left-side view of the portable storage and seating device, it is to be understood that certain illustrated features may be mirrored on the opposite, right-side thereof. For simplicity of illustration, such counterparts are not separately depicted but are understood to be structurally and functionally the same as the illustrated part and will be called out where necessary for understanding of the disclosed invention.

[0038] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side view of a foldable wheeled storage chair device, hereinafter referred to as a portable storage and seating device or apparatus, is shown in a folded position. A main body 6 serves as a frame and provides support for a variety of components that make up the portable storage and seating device. Wheels 22 are attached to a rear underside of the main body 6 of the portable storage and seating device.

[0039] The portable storage and seating device has a side compartment 14a which pulls out from the main body 6. The side compartment 14a may be pulled out using an inverted hand hold 12a, and may be insulated to function as a cooler.

[0040] A carry along handle 4 is located on a front side of the main body 6, and is configured to allow a user to easily maneuver and re-position the portable storage and seating device. An arm rest 2a and a seat back mount 10 are located on top of the main body 6. The seat back mount 10 provides a cover and mounting location for a folding seat back ratcheting mechanism, which will be described in detail later, and which makes up one of a matching, mirrored pair of seatback mounts, only one of which is illustrated. A rear compartment 21 is located at the rear or trailing sidewall of the main body 6. The rear compartment 21 has a rear compartment lid 16 and an inverted rear hand hold 24.

[0041] A number of attachment points are as shown, and will be further described later. A rear attachment point 20 is located on the rear of the portable storage and seating device. A middle attachment point 18 is located at a bottom of the main chair body 6 near the wheels 22. A front attachment point 8 is located on a front bottom of the main chair body 6. The locations of the attachment points are illustrative. The number of attachment points may be varied, and they may alternatively be positioned at other locations or on other sides of the main body 6.

[0042] Turning now to FIGS. 2a and 2b, an example configuration of a wheel assembly of the portable storage and seating device as generally described in FIG. 1 is shown. A pair of brackets 30 are secured to the main body 6 at a rear underside position. An axle 32 extends between the brackets 30, and wheels 22 are rotatably mounted on opposite ends of the axle 32 in a conventional manner. The wheels 22 may alternatively be mounted on separate axles or attached using other conventional arrangements as would be known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] Additionally, a rear compartment lid handle 34 built into the rear compartment lid 16 is shown. Rear compartment lid handle 34 allows easy access to the rear compartment 21 by allowing a user to remove the rear compartment lid 16 and may generally be of any suitable configuration. The rear compartment lid 16 may be attached to the main body 6 using a hinge, pivoting connector or other suitable mechanism (not shown), or it may be configured to lift off and fit snugly on main body 6.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a front view of a portable storage and seating device in a folded position. A back rest 26 is folded on top of leg rest 36. Carry along handle 4 is attached to a front of main body 6 and is configured to pivot so that a user may slightly raise the front edge off the ground and shift substantially the entire weight of the portable storage and seating device to the rear wheels 22, and allows a user to maneuver the device. Arm rests 2a, 2b are configured to cover the sides of back rest 26 and temporary seat and leg rest 36 when in the folded position as shown.

[0045] FIG. 4 is a front view of a portable storage and seating device with side compartments 14a and 14b extended from the left and right sides of main body 6. Each side compartment 14a and 14b has a compartment lids 37a and 37b attached to their inner surfaces in a pivotally secured manner that allows the lids to pivot into an open position while remaining fixed to the side compartment wall. Compartment lids 37a and 37b each have respective compartment lid hand holds 38a and 38b, and may further serve as a flat surface to support drinks or other items. Side compartments 14a and 14b are each configured to slide out of a side of main body 6, and preferably have double wall insulation. Although described preferably as two side compartments, in an alternative embodiment a single side compartment 14a may be used, though it is desirable that in such a configuration, the compartment lids 37a, 37b and their functionality are retained.

[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C an attachment method for a portable storage and seating device is described. As shown in FIG. 5A, attachment points, such as attachment points 8, 18, and 20, include flanged heads 40 and 41. Attachment plate 42, shown in FIG. 5B, has keyhole shaped openings 43 and 44 that are sized to fit over flanged heads 40 and 41 respectively. When attachment plate 42 is placed over flanged heads 40 and 41, attachment plate 42 is moved in the downward direction indicated by arrow 45 (FIG. 5C), to lock the attachment points in place. Although the embodiment shown and described includes flanged heads 40 and 41 on the chair body 6, and keyhole shaped openings 43 and 44 on the attachment plate 42, these elements are functionally complementary and it should to be understood that the arrangement may be reversed. In an alternative arrangement, the keyhole shaped openings 43 and 44 may be provided on chair body 6 and the flanged heads 40 and 41 may be provided on attachment plate 42, without altering the manner in which the components engage or the operation of the portable storage and seating device. Such variations are considered to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0047] Attachment plate 42 is configured to work with attachment points 8, 18, and 20 as described above, and is further configured to support various accessories (not shown). Examples of such accessories include a fishing rod holder, a phone holder, an umbrella, a laptop table, a cup or bottle holder, among others. Attachment plate 42 provides a secure means of attachment for accessories and permits the portable storage and seating device to be transported easily with the accessories attached. Accessories may be swapped or re-positioned as needed, depending on the outdoor activity and the user's needs.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B, a side view of a portable storage and seating device in the process of expanding and unfolding is shown. To unfold the back rest 26 and leg rest 36, a user first lifts the back rest 26 into an upright position as shown. The back rest 26 overlies leg rest 36 in the folded configuration. A linkage 46 forms one of a mirrored pair of linkages, only one of which is illustrated, each having a first end configured to connect to the chair body 6 and an opposite end configured to connect to an arm rest 2a or 2b. Each linkage 46 pivots to maintain the arm rests 2a and 2b substantially parallel with the chair body 6. Back rest 26 is held in position by a pair of ratcheting mechanisms 48a and 48b as generally shown and as will be described in further detail later. An adjustable slide up head rest 52 (hereinafter referred to as head rest 52) may be extended from the back rest to a height suitable for the user when sitting.

[0049] Once seat back 26 is unfolded, leg rest 36 is folded outward into a position suitable for supporting a user's legs. Leg support 54 is connected at one end to chair body 6, and at the opposite end to leg rest 36 by one or more hinges or equivalent pivoting connectors. Leg rest 36 is supported off the ground by extending leg rest support 50 out from underside, where it is folded for storage and transport. As shown in FIG. 7B, leg rest support 50 is a substantially U-shaped member which is riveted to the underneath side of leg rest 36. A secondary leg rest support, shown in hidden dashed lines in FIG. 7A, may be positioned near leg support 54 in order to provide additional support to leg rest 36, and is similarly arranged.

[0050] Seat back 26, leg rest 36, leg support 54, and leg rest support 50 are designed in such a way that they are in a nested, compact configuration, comparable in form to a folding box. This configuration allows the entire seat assembly to remain compact when folded, and offers the additional benefit of providing a temporary seat made up of the combined back rest 26 and leg rest 36.

[0051] FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of back rest 26. Linkages 46 are attached at a first end to chair body 6 by way of a mirrored pair of swivel supports 56, and further connected at the opposite end to arm rests 2a and 2b to a pair of mirrored swivel supports 57. Swivel supports 56 are connected to the chair body 6, while swivel supports 57 are connected to the front end of arm rests 2a and 2b by conventional means such as screws or rivets. Linkages 46 connect respectively to swivel supports 56 and swivel supports 57 via pins that allow each end of a linkage 46 to swivel. The rear ends of arm rests 2a and 2b connect to a midpoint of support members 58a and 58b in back rest 26 by way of another pair of swivel joints 59 and corresponding pins. In this way, when the seat back 26 is lifted from a folded position to an upright, unfolded position the arm rest 2a and 2b and linkages 46 move together in unison. One end of the seat back 26 is secured to the chair body 6 by way of ratcheting joints 48a and 48b. Ratcheting joints 48a and 48b are connected to chair body 6 by conventional means and positioned behind seat back mounts 10, which serve to cover and hide the ratcheting joints 48a and 48b as well as swivel connectors 56. Ratcheting joints 48a and 48b are conventional joints which allows for motion with positive stops, and allow seat back 26 to be positioned at a comfortable angle for a user in a simple and stable manner.

[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a pair of back rest support members 58a and 58b positioned within and on either side of seat back 26. As shown, head rest 52 fits within seat back 26 and between back rest support members 58a and 58b and is configured to raise and lower. Head rest 52 may be configured to raise and lower using conventional configurations, such as, a pin and lock commonly found in automobile seats, or a sliding rail system such as those used in airplane seats.

[0053] FIG. 10 is a side view of a portable storage and seating device in a fully unfolded configuration. In this configuration, the seat back 26 is upright and locked, the head rest 52 is positioned to support a user's head and neck, while the leg rest support 50 is seated firmly on the ground to support the leg rest 36 and leg support 54. Leg leg rest 36 and leg support 54 are preferably arranged so that in the unfolded position they are substantially parallel to whatever surface the portable storage and seating device has been placed on by the user. Leg rest support 50 is preferably arranged to be perpendicular to the leg rest 36 and leg support 54 to keep the leg rest 36 supported above the surface. Alternately, leg rest support 50 may remain folded to allow leg rest 36 to sit on the surface.

[0054] FIG. 11 is a top view of a portable storage and seating device in a fully unfolded configuration. Permanent seat 64 is attached to the top of chair body 6. Head rest 52 is extended from seat back 26. Side compartments 14a and 14b are extended from either side of chair body 6. Leg support 54 is attached at one end to leg rest 36 by a hinge 68, and at the other end to chair body 6 by hinge 66, which is situated below seat 64. Leg support 54 further includes open concave leg rest areas 60 and 62, located at the lateral sides thereof, for easy entrance and exit of the unfolded seat. In practice, the user may sit in a lounging position with their legs supported by leg support 54 and leg rest 36, or in an upright position with their legs situated in the concave leg rest areas 60 and 62. In the latter configuration, the concave leg rest areas also facilitate easier sitting and standing since the legs do not need to be awkwardly positioned over the full width of the leg support 54. This enhances overall comfort and usability.

[0055] Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0056] It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described. The components, operations, steps, features, objects, benefits, and advantages that have been discussed herein are merely illustrative. None of them, nor the discussions relating to them, are intended to limit the scope of protection. While various advantages have been discussed herein, it will be understood that not all embodiments necessarily include all advantages. Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are outlined in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they pertain.

[0057] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprises, comprising, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by a or an does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.