Folding chair with detachable container

Abstract

Portable chairs including a detachable container. The container can be insulated for keeping beverages and food cold for an extended period. The folding chair preferably is designed and constructed for the demands of the outdoors. Various detachable, reconfigurable, and/or interchangeable features including the container, carrying straps, and cup holder. The container can be easily and conveniently attached and detached from the folding chair. The container can have exterior pockets which are welded and sealed to protect items contained within. The straps can have multiple different attachment points which allow multiple different carrying styles and reconfigurations including a backpack type carrying configuration, over-the-shoulder briefcase type carrying configuration, and across the body satchel type configuration, for example. The cupholder is interchangeable from each side of the folding chair and can be designed to accommodate various types of beverage containers including cups having a handle, a can, and a canteen, for example.

Claims

1. A folding chair, comprising a chair frame including: a left front leg frame element; a right front leg frame element; a left rear leg frame element; a right rear leg frame element; a seat frame including two or more seat frame elements, including: a left seat frame element; and a right seat frame element; a left arm support frame element; a right arm support frame element; a left back support frame element pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element; a right back support frame element pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element; and an upper back support frame element connecting the left back support frame element to the right back support frame element; a left front joint, the left front joint pivotally coupling the left front leg frame element to the left seat frame element, the left front joint includes a left front joint insulated container connector for connecting the left front joint to an insulated container; a right front joint, the right front joint pivotally coupling the right front leg frame element to the right seat frame element, the right front joint includes a right front joint insulated container connector for connecting the right front joint to the insulated container; a left rear joint, the left rear joint pivotally coupling the left rear leg frame element to the left seat frame element, the left rear joint includes a left rear joint insulated container connector for connecting the left rear joint to the insulated container; a right rear joint, the right rear joint pivotally coupling the right rear leg frame element to the right seat frame element, the right rear joint includes a right rear joint insulated container connector for connecting the right rear joint to the insulated container; the insulated container connectable and disconnectable to the chair frame such that the insulated container is disposed under a seat of the folding chair when the insulated container is connected to the chair frame; and the seat including seat material extending between the first seat frame element and the second seat frame element, wherein: a first side of the seat material at least in part provides the seat for a person to sit upon; and a second side of the seat material extends over the insulated container when the insulated container is connected to the chair frame.

2. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the left front joint further includes a left front interchangeable accessory connection implement.

3. The folding chair according to claim 2, wherein the left front interchangeable accessory connection implement includes a left front joint cup holder connector for selectively connecting the left front joint to a cup holder.

4. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the right front joint further includes a right front interchangeable accessory connection implement.

5. The folding chair according to claim 4, wherein the right front interchangeable accessory connection implement includes a right front joint cup holder connector for selectively connecting the left front joint to a cup holder.

6. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein: the left front joint further includes a left front joint cup holder connector for selectively connecting the left front joint to a cup holder; and the right front joint further includes a right front joint cup holder connector for selectively connecting the right front joint to the cup holder.

7. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein: the left rear joint further includes a left rear joint strap connector; and the right rear joint further includes a right rear joint strap connector.

8. The folding chair according to claim 7, further comprising a handle, the handle being connected to two loops, the loops being disposed around the upper back support frame element, the loops being connectable to first ends of two carrying straps, second ends of the two carrying straps being connected to the left and right rear joint strap connectors for carrying the folding chair in a backpack configuration.

9. The folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising a metal handle connected to the upper back support frame element of the folding chair.

10. The folding chair according to claim 9, the metal handle being further configured for connection of one or more carrying strap connectors.

11. The folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising: a left arm rest comprising wood an connected to and upper side of the left arm support frame element; and a right arm rest comprising wood and connected to an upper side of the right arm support frame element.

12. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the second side of the seat material extends over and is directly adjacent to the insulated container when the insulated container is connected to the chair frame.

13. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein: the left front leg frame element is connected to the right front leg frame element by a front leg ground surface frame element; and the left rear leg frame element is connected to the right rear leg frame element by a rear leg ground surface element.

14. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein the seat frame further includes a front seat frame element, the left seat frame element and right seat frame element being connected by the front seat frame element.

15. The folding chair having the insulated container according to claim 1, the insulated container including a plurality of straps sewn thereto and having connectors disposed proximate to opposing ends of the plurality of straps for connection to front and rear couplings of the folding chair.

16. The folding chair having the insulated container according to claim 15, the front and rear couplings each including a clip connector for releasably connecting to the connectors of the insulated container.

17. The folding chair having the insulated container according to claim 1, the right rear joint being connected to the left rear joint by a horizontal support brace.

18. The folding chair having the insulated container according to claim 17, the horizontal support brace being connected to the left rear leg frame element by a left rear support bracket, the horizontal support brace being further connected to the right rear leg frame element by a right rear support bracket.

19. The folding chair having the insulated container according to claim 1, one or both of the left and right front joints including a connector for securing a cup holder thereto.

20. A method of configuring the foldable chair of claim 1, comprising: connecting a first strap in a satchel carrying configuration; reconfiguring the first strap in a brief case carrying configuration; and/or reconfiguring the first strap in a backpack carrying configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a folding chair having an insulated container connected to a a seat frame;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates the folding chair having the insulated container connected to the seat frame from a front, left and right view;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a person carrying the folding chair with the insulated container and sitting on the folding chair with the insulated container;

(5) FIG. 4 shows people carrying the folded chair with the insulated container and a carrying strap in a backpack, satchel, and brief case configuration;

(6) FIG. 5 shows the interchangeable cup holder connectors and insulated container with welded exterior pockets in further detail;

(7) FIG. 6 shows the front coupling joint having the interchangeable cup holder connector as wells as connectors for connecting to the insulated container and carrying strap(s);

(8) FIG. 7 shows the rear coupler having integrated connectors for connecting to the insulated container and carrying strap(s);

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates additional examples and views of the front and rear couplers as well as an example of a closure retention element;

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates additional features of the folding chair with the detachable and independently usable insulated container;

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates additional features of the cup holder connector and an example of a closure retention element;

(12) FIG. 11 is an exploded view of various examples of elements of the folding chair;

(13) FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate further examples of closure retention elements;

(14) FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a handle connected to the back support frame element; and

(15) FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a handle that can be used as a connector for carrying straps in a backpack carrying configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) Embodiments of the invention relate to a portable chair having superior craftsmanship and improved functionality. The portable chair includes a detachable container, which can be insulated for keeping beverages and food cold for an extended period according to certain embodiments. The chair preferably is designed and constructed for the demands of the outdoors. The chair can be constructed of improved materials including, according to some preferred embodiments, a frame made from aircraft grade aluminum. The chair can include a seat and back made of fabric webbing that is soft to touch and encircles a nylon webbed core maintaining strength and “like new” comfort. The fabric webbing can include a woven polyester fabric that can be made water-resistant. The chair can have armrests, made of wood that can be laminated & sealed for elemental protection. The armrests can also be bamboo armrests that are lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly.

(17) Other improvements and features which exhibit distinctive advantages include various detachable, reconfigurable, and/or interchangeable features including the insulated container, carrying straps, and cup holder. The insulated container can be easily and conveniently attached and detached from the folding chair. The insulated container can be welded, insulated and sealed with exterior pockets which are also welded and sealed to protect items contained within. The straps can have multiple different attachment points which allow multiple different carrying styles and reconfigurations including a backpack type carrying configuration, over-the-shoulder briefcase type carrying configuration, and across the body satchel type configuration, for example. The cupholder can be interchangeable from each side of the folding chair and can be designed to accommodate various different types of beverage containers including cups having a handle, a can, and a canteen, for example. Additional interchangeable accessory connection implements can accommodate umbrellas, tables, fishing rod holders, etc. as would be understood in view of the teachings disclosed hereinafter.

(18) The detachable insulated container can be designed to keep ice frozen for more than eight hours, according to some preferred embodiments. The detachable insulated container can have soft or hard sidewalls and construction, or a mixture of soft and hard sidewalls and construction. The folding chair and insulated container can include exterior pockets to securely carry and protect additional items. Such exterior pockets can be welded as opposed to sewn so as to ensure a waterproof seam and streamlined appearance. According to certain preferred embodiments, the multiple carrying options provide for hands free carrying experience which is also ergonomically designed for comfort. Such multiple different carrying configurations can also lend to a wide variety of different carrying situations depending on the environment and desires of the user.

(19) The detachable container can secure snugly to the underside of the seat base frame of the chair through carabiner-like clips according to certain preferred embodiments. Such convenient connection allows for easy access to the contents of the insulated container. In addition, the insulated container can be easily detached from the seat frame of the foldable chair for additional mobility, separate use, and as may otherwise be desirable in different circumstances.

(20) A hands-free carrying strap runs across the chest in a satchel carrying configuration allowing freedom for the user's hands to carry additional equipment and items. According to various embodiments, the folding chair can be used to secure additional items such as snorkels, flippers, and other items within the folded chair for any particular use.

(21) The interchangeable cup holder can be included with cutouts designed for cans, insulated water bottles, canteens, and coffee mugs. Advantageously, the interchangeable cup holder can be releasably connected to an innovative frame element joint as opposed to situated on, or formed in, the arm rest to provide an improved ergonomic, multi-functionality, reduction in parts, and multi-purpose joints for supporting rotatable frame elements in addition to the interchangeable cup holders.

(22) Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a folding chair 100 including an insulated container 140 is illustrated. The folding chair 100 includes a folding chair frame. The folding chair frame can include a left arm support frame element 125A and a right arm support frame element 125B.

(23) The folding chair frame can further include a front leg frame element 105 pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The front leg frame element 105 also being pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element 125B.

(24) The folding chair frame can further include a rear leg frame element 110. The rear leg frame element 110 being pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The rear leg frame element 110 also being pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element 125B.

(25) The folding chair frame can further include a back support frame element 115 pivotally connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The back support frame element 115 also being pivotally connected to the right arm support frame element 125B.

(26) The folding chair frame can further include a seat support frame element 120. The seat support frame element 120 can be pivotally coupled to the rear leg frame element 110. The seat support frame element 120 can also be pivotally coupled to the front leg frame element 105.

(27) The folding chair 100 can further include seat support material 155 and back support material 150. The back support material 155 can extend from the sides of the back support frame 115. The seat support material 155 can extend from the sides of the seat support frame element 120. The seat support material 155 and/or back support material 150 can include a webbing of seat and back support material. The webbing of material can include horizontal webbing interlaced with perpendicular horizontal seat support webbing material 155 or vertical back support webbing material 150 as shown in FIG. 1. The seat support material 155 and/or the back support material 150 can also be a sheet of material, strips of material or other configuration of material so as support the seat and back of a person sitting in the folding chair 100.

(28) The folding chair 100 can further include a left arm rest 160A connected to the left arm support frame element 125A. The folding chair 100 can further include a right arm rest 160B connected to the right arm support frame elements 125B. The arm rests 160 can be made of any material. However, according to preferred particularly ergonomic designs, the arm rests 160 can be made of wood according to embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the arm rests 160 can be made of bamboo wood according to some preferred embodiments.

(29) The folding chair 100 can include a cup holder 130. The cup holder 130 can be easily interchangeable from/to the left and right sides of the folding chair 100. The cup holder 130 can include a cutout 131 to accommodate a mug or handle of a cup. The cup holder 130 can be connectable and disconnectable to cup holder connectors 132. The folding chair 100 can include two cup holder connectors 132, one cup holder connector 132A on the left side of the folding chair 100 and one cup holder connector 132B on the right side of the folding chair 100. The cup holder 130 can be connected and disconnected to the cup holder connectors 132 on each side of the folding chair 100 as preferred by the person sitting in the folding chair 100. Advantageously, the cup holder connectors 132 can be coupled, attachable or attached to the front leg frame element 105 as well coupled, attachable or attached to the seat frame element 120. For example, the cup holder connectors 132 can include an interlocking or mating slot that corresponds to an interlocking or mating key or protrusion disposed on the cup holder 131.

(30) Referring to FIG. 3, the folding chair 100 including the insulated container 140 is shown with a person sitting on the chair on the left of FIG. 3 as well as the person carrying the folded folding chair 100 on the right of FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the insulated container 140 is easily accessible to the person in the sitting position and is easily carried by the connectable and reconfigurable strap 165 in the folded position.

(31) Referring to FIG. 4, the folding chair 100 is shown with three different configurations of one or more connectable and disconnectable carrying straps 165. In a first configuration on the left the straps 165 are configured in a backpack configuration. In a second configuration in the middle a strap 165 is in a briefcase carrying configuration over the woman's shoulder. And, in the third configuration on the right the reconfigurable strap 165 is in a satchel configuration over the man's shoulder and across his chest.

(32) Referring to FIG. 5 additional optional and advantageous components of the insulated container 140 are illustrated. The insulated container 140 includes a handle 141. The handle 141 can be used to carry the insulated container 140 when disconnected from the frame of the folding chair 100.

(33) The insulated container 140 can be connectable and disconnectable by front connectors 144 and rear connectors 145 of the insulated container 140. The front connectors 144 and rear connectors 145 can be in the form of loops, clips, or hooks attached, coupled, or connected to the insulated container 140, for example.

(34) The insulated container 140 can also include one or more exterior pockets 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the insulated container 140 can include pockets 142 with closure devices, such as zippers. The insulated container 140 can include one or more bottom pockets 142 and/or one or more side pockets (not shown) as illustrated in FIG. 5. The pockets 142 can be welded as opposed to sewn in some embodiments to ensure a water-tight seam between the pockets 142 and the insulated container 140.

(35) The folding chair 100 is illustrated in the figures as having a generally U-shaped front leg frame element 105, U-shaped seat support frame element 120, U-shaped rear leg support frame element 110 and U-shaped back support frame element 115 interconnected by multiple couplings, folding joints and/or pivotable joints. However, individual or distinct portions of the back support frame element 115, leg support frame elements 105 and 110, and seat support frame elements 120 may be implemented. Use of U-shaped frame elements 105, 120, 110 and 115 renders various improvements, functional strength, and ergonomic benefits as discovered by the inventor of this patent application.

(36) For example, referring still to FIG. 5, the folding chair 100 can include the chair frame having a left front leg frame element portion 105A and a right front leg frame element portion 105B. The left front leg frame element portion 105A can, but need not, be connected to the right front leg element 105B by an interconnecting front leg frame element portion 105C. The elements of the front leg frame element 105 can be a U-shaped single integrated support frame element or can be separate individual portions according to embodiments not specifically illustrated. Any element of the frame elements can be made from singles frame elements which may be bent to perform structural support functions, or may be multiple individual support frame elements which may be connected our coupled together or designed for different configurations or individual functionality.

(37) Similarly, the rear leg frame element 110 can include a left rear leg frame element portion 110A and a right rear leg frame element portion 110B. The left rear frame element 110A can be, but need not, be connected to the right rear leg element 110B by an interconnecting rear leg frame element portion 110C. As shown, the elements of the rear leg frame element 110 can be a single piece as shown or separate pieces (not shown) which may be coupled together according to some embodiments.

(38) Similarly, the seat frame element 120 can include two or more seat frame element portions. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the seat frame element 120 can include a first seat frame element portion 120A and a second seat frame element portion 120B. The first seat frame element portion 120A can be a left seat frame element portion and the second seat frame element portion 120B can be a right seat frame element portion 120B. The first seat frame element portion 110A can be connected to the right seat frame element portion 110B by an interconnecting seat frame element portion 110C. As shown, the elements of the seat frame element 120 can be a single piece or separate pieces. Similar teachings can be understood with reference to the back support frame element 115 as would be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing teachings.

(39) Referring to FIGS. 6-10, the folding chair can further include multiple couplings and joints adjoining two or more of the front leg frame element 105, rear leg frame element 110, back support frame element 115, seat support frame element 120, and cup holder connectors 132. The couplings and joints can further include, and be integrated with in some embodiments, connectors for connecting the coupling joints to the one or more carrying straps 165 and insulated container 140.

(40) For example, the foldable chair 100 can include two front couplings 170 and two rear couplings 180. The front couplings 170 can have a first front coupling joint portion 170A for connecting to the front leg frame element 105 and a second front coupling joint portion 170B for connecting to the seat frame element 120. The first front coupling joint portion 170A is rotatably connected to the second front coupling joint 170B such that the seat frame element 120 is rotatably coupled to the front leg frame element 105.

(41) As shown in FIG. 7, the front coupling joints 170 can include a pivot rod 173 extending through the first front coupling joint portion 170A and the second front coupling joint portion 170B providing for the rotation of the first front coupling joint portion 170A relative to the second front coupling joint portion 170B while providing support for a person sitting upon the seat of the folding chair 100.

(42) The front coupling joints 170 can further include first front coupling connectors 171 for connecting the second front coupling joint portions 170B of each front coupling joint 170 to the insulated container 140. For example, as shown, the first front coupling connector 171 can include an integrated clip like a carabiner for connecting to a front connector 144 of the insulated container 140. As shown in FIG. 7, front connectors 144 of the insulated container 140 can be affixed to a top side of the insulated container 140 by straps 146 sewn or otherwise attached the upper side of the insulated container 140. The front coupling joints 170 can further include a second front coupling joint connector 172 as shown in FIG. 6 for connecting and disconnecting the front coupling joints 170 to an end of a carrying strap (not shown).

(43) The folding chair frame can further include two rear rotatable and foldable couplings 180. The rear couplings 180 can foldably couple ends of the back support frame element 115 to ends of the seat support frame element 120. The rear couplings 180 can further rotatably couple the back support frame element 120 and the seat support frame element 120 relative to the rear leg frame element 110.

(44) More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 the right rear coupling 180 is illustrated and includes two foldable rear coupling portions 180A and 180B. The first foldable rear coupling portion 180A connects to the back support frame element 115. The second foldable rear coupling portion 180B connects to the seat frame element 120. When in the folded position (not shown), the back support frame element 115 is folded over against the seat support frame element 120. Moreover, due to the rotational connection of the rear leg support frame element 110 to the rear couplings 180, the rear leg support frame element 110 is rotatable into the folded position adjacent to and approximately parallel to the seat support frame element 120, back support frame element 115 and front leg support frame element 105 as well. The rotation and support of the seat frame element 120 is enabled by a pivotable support rod 183 coupled to the rear leg frame element 110 by a rotation support fame arm 184.

(45) The rear couplings 180 further can further include a first rear coupling connector 181 for connecting the rear couplings 180 to the insulated container 140. The first rear coupling connector 181 can be formed integral with the second portion 180B of the rear couplings 180. The first rear coupling connectors 181 can be similar in function to a carabiner with a metallic clip biased into the closed position.

(46) The rear couplings 180 can further include a second rear coupling connector 182 for connecting and disconnecting to a carrying strap (not shown). Thus, the foldable chair can include one, two, three or four front and rear coupling connections for selectively connecting the one or more carrying straps (e.g. see FIG. 4) to both sides of the front and/or back of the seat of the foldable chair 100 by the second rear coupling connectors 182 as shown in FIG. 7 and by the second front coupling joint connectors 172 as shown in FIG. 6.

(47) The folding chair portion 100 can further include the seat support material 155 and back support material 150. The fabric of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 can include fabric webbing of fabric strips. The fabric straps can include longitudinal strips of material that extend from a top end of the back support element 125 to an end of the seat support element 130. Transverse strips of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 can extend transverse to side of the back support element 125 and sides of the seat support element 130 and connect to opposing sides thereof. A design of the fabric of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 of the folding chair 100 can be tailored to coincide with a design of fabric or wall pattern of the insulated container 180. The strips of the seat support material 155 and back support material 150 of the folding chair 100 can be woven or can be a single sheet of fabric or multiple sheets of fabric.

(48) The folding chair frame can include the two front pivotable couplings 170. The front pilotable couplings 170 rotatably coupling ends of the seat support frame element 120 to the front leg frame element 105. The folding chair frame can further include the two rear pivotable couplings 180, the rear pivotable and foldable couplings 180 rotatably coupling ends of the back support frame element 115 and the seat support frame element 120 to the rear leg frame element 110.

(49) The insulated container 180 can be connected to the two front pivotable couplings 170 and two rear pivotable and foldable couplings 180. And, the insulated container 180 can have the handle 141 (not shown) attached thereto for carrying the insulated container 140 when the insulated container 140 is disconnected from the front pivotable couplings 170 and rear pivotable and foldable couplings 180.

(50) The foldable chair portion 100 further including the arm rests 160 connected to the left arm support frame element 125A and the right arm support frame element 125B. The arm rests 160 can be made of wood such as bamboo.

(51) The foldable chair portion 110 can further include various different releasable closure retention mechanisms. For example, referring to FIGS. 5 and 7-12 a first embodiment of a folding chair closure retention element 190 is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the folding chair closure retention element 190 includes a rotatable clip rotatably connected to the front leg support frame element 105. When the folding chair 100 is placed in the folded position the folding chair closure retention element 190 is rotated about the a center axis of the front leg support frame element 105 and clips onto the rear support frame element 110 as shown in FIG. 12.

(52) Referring to 13 a second embodiment of a folding chair closure retention element 191 is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the folding chair closure retention element 190 includes a rotatable clip rotatably connected to a side of the front leg support frame element 105. When the folding chair 100 is placed in the folded position the second folding chair closure retention element 191 is rotated perpendicular the a center axis of the front leg support frame element 105 and clips onto a post connected to the rear support frame element 110 as shown in FIG. 13.

(53) Referring to FIG. 13 a second embodiment of a folding chair closure retention element 191 is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the folding chair closure retention element 190 includes a rotatable clip rotatably connected to a side of the front leg support frame element 105. When the folding chair 100 is placed in the folded position the second folding chair closure retention element 191 is rotated perpendicular the a center axis of the front leg support frame element 105 and clips onto a post connected to the rear support frame element 110 as shown in FIG. 13.

(54) Referring to FIG. 14 a third embodiment of a folding chair closure retention element 192 is illustrated. According to this embodiment, the folding chair closure retention element 190 includes a strap connected to a side of the front leg support frame element 105. When the folding chair 100 is placed in the folded position the third folding chair closure retention element 192 is wrapped around the rear support frame element 110 as shown in FIG. 14. The third chair closure retention element 192 includes a snap, VELCRO, or other connecting element for releasably retaining the strap of the third folding chair closure retention element 192 in place and securing the folding chair 100 in the folded position.

(55) Referring to FIG. 15, the folding chair 100 can further include a handle 199 connected to the top of the rear back support frame element 115 and spanning a back support web element 155 for carrying the folding chair.

(56) Referring to FIG. 16, the folding chair 100 another example of a handle 194 is illustrated. The handle 194 being connected to two loops of cord 196, the loops being disposed around the upper back support frame element 115. The loops are connectable to first ends of two carrying straps 165. Second ends of the two carrying straps 165 are connected to the left and right rear joint strap connectors 182 (not shown) for carrying the folding chair in a backpack configuration.

(57) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.