GB2330766A - Portable chair useable as a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The chair 1 folds into two configurations : (i) A rectangular box shape defined by the depth of the arms 3 between the seat base and the back 2 when the back and legs 4 are folded; (ii) A flat rectangular shape produced when additionally the arms are folded. The seat can be secured in either folded position. A bag is inserted into the box cavity to form a carrier and carrying straps are provided. The seat and back are removable.

Description

Portable Director's Chair This invention relates to a portable director's chair.

Director's chairs are a well known design of chair, normally comprising a wooden frame with a canvas seat and back. While they can be conveniently folded away when not required, they fold in such a manner that they remain bulky items, which are not easy to carry around by an individual. This chair is designed to fold into either a flat rectangular shape, or into a rectangular box shape. When folded, it can be carried as a shoulder bag or as a backpack.

When folded into a box shape, it is able to accommodate a bag within the frame. Thus, when an individual wishes to go on a picnic or to the beach, they can carry the chair slung over their shoulder, together with their personal items in one compact and convenient unit. The seat and back can be removed, for replacement or for cleaning purposes.

According to the present invention there is provided a portable chair, comprising a chair frame, a seat and back, a means of folding the legs, back and armrests so that the chair can be folded into either a flat rectangular shape or a rectangular box shape, a means of releasably securing the legs, back and armrests in the open and closed position, a means of accommodating a bag within the folded chair frame and a means of carrying the chair with straps or handles.

The chair may have a different mechanism to guide and secure the legs in the open and closed positions. The chair may have a means of releasably securing the back and armrests in the open and closed positions. The chair may have components of different sizes which can be interchanged. The chair may have a variety of hinges, components and mounting points. The chair may have the frame and seat and back made of various materials. The chair may have a removable seat and back.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows the front perspective of the assembled chair in the upright position.

Figure 2 shows the side perspective of the back of the chair being folded onto the arm-rests.

Figure 3 shows the front perspective of the legs of the chair being folded up against the frame.

Figure 4 shows the side perspective of the folded chair and the bag to be inserted.

Figure 5 shows the top perspective of the chair folded flat.

Referring to the drawing, the chair comprises a frame 1 with a hinged back 2 and back securing mechanism (not shown), hinged armrests 3, folding legs 4 and leg securing mechanism (not shown), handles and straps (not shown) and abag5.

In order to fold the chair, the back of the chair 2 is folded against the armrests on the frame 1 and secured by a mechanism (not shown) such as, for example, a bolt, catch, strap, magnetic or other means.

The leg securing mechanism (not shown), is then released so that the legs 3 can be folded up against the frame 1 and secured in the closed position. The leg securing mechanisms can contain a variety of components, such as, for exampIe, bolts, studs, magnets, hinges, guides, slides and support brackets in various configurations or combinations.

Various combinations of hinges can be used in the chair and the mounting point can vary according to the type of hinge.

In this state, the bag can be inserted into the frame, as shown in figure 3. The bag is suspended within the frame by means of items such as, for example, rods, hooks and straps.

If the bag is not required, the armrests can be folded inwards, so that the chair is flat.

To open the chair, the steps described above are carried out in the reverse sequence.

The chair can be made in changeable components of various sizes, so that the height and width of the chair can be altered to suit individual preferences.

The seat and back material can be removed.

Various materials can be used for the chair frame, such as, for example, wood, plastic metal, metal alloys and non-metal alloys, glass fibre composites and carbon fiber composites.

Various types of hinge and components can be used and the mounting points for each of these can be altered to suit different configurations.

Various materials can be used for the seat, back and the bag, such as for example canvas or cotton. The bag can contain internal and external pockets.

The chair can be carried on a handle, a strap or straps. A variety of strap types can be used, so that the chair can be carried in a number of different ways, such as for example, a shoulder bag or a backpack.

Claims (7)

1. Claims 1. A portable chair, comprising a chair frame, a seat and back, a folding means for folding the legs, back and armrests so that the chair can be folded into a flat rectangular shape or a rectangular box shape, a securing means for releasably securing the legs, back and armrests in the open and closed position, a means of accommodating a bag within the folded chair frame and a means of carrying the chair with straps or handles. When the chair is in the folded position it can be carried as a shoulder bag or as a backpack.
2. 2. A chair, as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a means of releasably securing the legs into the open and closed positions is provided.
3. 3. A chair, as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, where a means of releasably se curing the back in the open and closed positions is provided.
4. 4. A chair, as claimed in any preceding claim, where a means of releasably securing the armrests in the open and closed positions is provided.
5. 5. A chair, as claimed in any preceding claim, where a means of removing and replacing the seat and back is provided.
6. 6. A chair, as claimed in any preceding claim, that can accommodate a bag within the frame in a manner that they can be carried together as one unit.
7. 7. A chair, substantially as described herein, with reference to Figures 1-5 of the accompanying drawing.