US20100314919A1 - Portable, lightweight folding stool and carrying case - Google Patents
Portable, lightweight folding stool and carrying case Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100314919A1 US20100314919A1 US12/800,201 US80020110A US2010314919A1 US 20100314919 A1 US20100314919 A1 US 20100314919A1 US 80020110 A US80020110 A US 80020110A US 2010314919 A1 US2010314919 A1 US 2010314919A1
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- Prior art keywords
- folded
- stool
- seat
- seat top
- carrying case
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C9/00—Stools for specified purposes
- A47C9/10—Camp, travelling, or sports stools
- A47C9/105—Camp, travelling, or sports stools having several foldable or detachable legs converging in one point
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to a portable stool/seat with foldable framework.
- This specific invention uses the upholstered top-sitting surface as the carrying case for the folded stool framework.
- the upholstered top sitting surface has a zipper or other attaching means applied to the perimeter edges which, when folded and zipped or otherwise attached together, becomes a carrying case for the folded framework.
- This invention provides a foldable, lightweight stool that is stable, very easily folded into a small size for carrying, and easily unfolded and set up for use.
- the invention has an upholstered top/sitting surface that, when folded and zippered together, doubles as a carrying case.
- the stool shown in detail here has three (3) legs and (3) upper seat support arms.
- the same basic design configuration can be manufactured with four (4) legs and upper seat support arms or five (5) legs and upper seat support arms.
- the same basic system for folding and unfolding will apply.
- the design with four (4) legs and arms, or the design with five (5) legs and arms will slightly increase the weight but will greatly increase the stability during the use of the stool. Increasing the number of legs and top seat support arms to four or five will also increase the carrying capacity/loading maximum, which the stool will support without failure.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE in its fully assembled form, ready to be used as a seat.
- FIG. 2 is an elevation drawing showing the stool framework in set up and locked configuration.
- the upholstered seat surface is shown dotted.
- the drawing shows the folding direction of the upper seat support arm and the lower leg.
- FIG. 3 is a plan drawing showing the arrangement of the three upper seat support arms and the three lower legs. There is a 60-degree angle between each upper and lower element, allowing each to fold inward without interference with any other element.
- FIG. 4 is a plan drawing detail of the legs as they relate to the center shaft and the lower pinning unit, which holds the legs together and allows them to fold.
- FIG. 5 is a partial section detail of the upper end of the center threaded shaft intersection with the upper pinning unit and the upper seat support arm.
- FIG. 6 is a partial section detail of the lower end of the center threaded shaft intersection with the lower pinning unit and the lower leg.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lightweight, portable, folding stool and carrying case with the stool framework folded and placed into the partially zippered together seat top, which becomes a carrying case for the folded frame.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two persons carrying the folded stool frame and carrying case.
- the person at the right side of the view has the carrying case with the attached handle in place.
- the person at the left side of the perspective view has the carrying case with the attached, adjustable shoulder strap in place.
- upper pinning unit A two-piece metal unit fabricated to receive and hold the pin end of the upper seat support arm 17.
- 17 upper seat support arm Metal tubular arm held in place by the upper pinning unit 16.
- 18 upper seat support arm The dotted indication shows the (shown dotted) upper seat support arm 17 in the folded position.
- 19 upper locking bolt A special bolt threaded to match the center shaft thread. The bolt, when rotated up toward the upper pinning unit 16, will lock the upper seat support arm 17 in position.
- upper locking bolt shows the (shown dotted) upper locking bolt in unlocked position, allowing the upper seat support arm to rotate into the folded position 18.
- 21 arrow indication The broken line/arrow indicates the distance of travel of the upper seat support arm 17 from locked position to folded position 18.
- center threaded shaft A hollow metal, threaded shaft used for the center segment of the stool framework.
- center threaded shaft This is the center threaded shaft (shown dotted) where it is in plan view, and where it is hidden below or above the element attached to the center shaft.
- 25 handle The handle at the center shaft is formed around the center shaft. The handled has a non-slip surface that can be easily gripped.
- 26 travel distance The vertical travel distance of the upper locking bolt is approximately 1′′ from locked position to unlocked position.
- end of center shaft This is the upper end of the center threaded shaft 23 which is firmly anchored into the upper pinning unit 16.
- 28 plane of reference This is the plane of reference as shown on plan drawing FIG.
- FIG. 1 through FIG. 8 consists of an upholstered seat top 14 and folded framework 47 .
- the framework consists of three upper seat support arm(s) 17 and three lower leg(s) 40 hinge-connected onto either end of the center threaded shaft 23 .
- the operation requires loosening of the upper locking bolt 19 and the lower locking bolt 30 at the center threaded shaft 23 , and folding the lower leg(s) 40 and upper seat support arm(s) 17 together, approximately parallel to the center shaft.
- the folded frame 47 is then placed in the zippered together upholstered seat top 14 and attached to a carrying handle 43 or an adjustable shoulder strap 44 for transportation.
- reference number 10 the complete assembled and locked unit is shown ready to use as a seat at any selected location.
- the metal seat framework is built around a center threaded shaft 23 with a center handle 25 located at approximately mid-point of the shaft.
- the surface of the handle 25 is covered with a non-slip exterior face to facilitate handholding.
- Threaded onto the center threaded shaft 23 and movable above the handle 25 is the upper locking bolt 19 .
- Threaded onto the center threaded shaft 23 and movable below the handle 25 is the lower locking bolt 30 .
- the purpose of the upper locking bolt 19 is to turn on the center threaded shaft 23 , moving up in order to engage the adjacent lower surface of the upper pinning unit 16 and the inner end of the upper seat support arm 17 , locking the upper seat support arm 17 in a somewhat horizontal position as illustrated in FIG. 5 .
- the purpose of the lower locking bolt 30 is to turn on the center threaded shaft 23 , moving down in order to engage the adjacent upper surface of the lower pinning unit 36 and the upper, inner end of the lower leg 40 , locking the lower leg 40 in an angular position as illustrated in FIG. 6 . With the upper seat support arm(s) 17 and the lower leg(s) 40 locked in place, the next task is to install the upholstered seat top 14 .
- FIG. 2 Shown in FIG. 2 is an elevation drawing of the PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE.
- the plane of reference 28 for the elevation drawing is as indicated on FIG. 3 .
- the upholstered seat top 14 is shown dotted in this drawing in order to indicate how the outer ends of the upper seat support arm 17 is formed flat to engage into the pocket 13 at the underside of the upholstered seat top 14 .
- the snap buckle 15 is omitted in this drawing in order to clarify the upper seat support arm 17 and the engagement with the pocket 13 at the underside of the upholstered seat top 14 .
- FIG. 3 Shown in FIG. 3 is a plan drawing of the stool framework.
- the dotted outline of the upholstered seat top 14 is indicated. Also shown dotted are the locations of the pocket 13 at underside of upholstered seat top 14 . Also shown dotted is the attached snap buckle 15 location.
- the angle between element 29 indicated between the position of the upper seat support arm 17 and the lower leg 40 is 60 degrees. This is consistent at all locations between elements.
- the upper pinning unit 16 is shown in plan from above with the upper hinge pin 12 at the inner end of the upper seat support arm 17 shown dotted as the pin is contained and held within the upper pinning unit 16 .
- the upper hinge pin 12 is a solid metal, round item built into and fixed into the flattened, formed end of the upper seat support arm 17 .
- the center threaded shaft 24 (shown dotted) is because it is below the upper pinning unit 16 in this view.
- the approximate fold line 45 is indicated and is the fold location for the folding and zippering operation of the upholstered seat top 14 as the top is reconfigured to become the carrying case for holding and transporting the folded framework 47 , as indicated in FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 4 Shown in FIG. 4 is a larger scale plan drawing and section.
- the section cut line 33 is shown on FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 .
- the inner ends of the lower leg 40 are indicated with lower hinge pin 37 shown dotted because the pin is contained within the configuration of the lower pinning unit 36 .
- the lower hinge pin 37 is a solid metal round item built into and fixed into the flattened, formed end of the low leg 40 .
- the lower pinning unit 36 is fabricated with adequate clearances to allow the lower leg 40 and lower hinge pin 37 to be contained within the lower pinning unit 36 while still allowing the lower leg 40 and pin to rotate when the leg is moved to a folded position as indicated at lower leg (shown dotted) 41 , FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 5 Shown in FIG. 5 is a large-scale section and detail indicating the configuration of the elements at the top end of the center threaded shaft 23 .
- a portion of the upholstered seat top 14 is shown dotted at this drawing.
- the upholstered seat top 14 consists of two thickness of material with the center space between packed with soft, pliable filler as shown here.
- the inner end of the upper seat support arm 17 with the upper hinge pin 12 fixed into the formed, flattened end, is shown contained between the two segments of the upper pinning unit 16 .
- the two segments of the upper pinning unit 16 are fabricated with adequate clearances to allow the upper seat support arm 17 and upper hinge pin 12 to be contained within the upper pinning unit 16 while still allowing the upper seat support arm 17 and pin to rotate to a folded position as indicated at upper seat support arm (shown dotted) 18 .
- the travel distance of the upper seat support arm 17 from locked position to the folded position is indicated by broken line arrow indication 21 .
- the upper locking bolt 19 is drawn in full side view in order to show the way in which the inner end of the upper seat support arm 17 , which is notched, engages the top and sloped side of the upper locking bolt 19 .
- the upper locking bolt 19 When the upper locking bolt 19 is turned tight in the uppermost position fitting into the notch at the inner end of the upper seat support arm 17 , the upper seat support arm 17 is fully locked into position to support a seated person on the stool framework and upholstered top.
- the end of center shaft 27 is the upper end of the center threaded shaft 23 , which is firmly fixed into the upper pinning unit 16 .
- the two segments of the upper pinning unit 16 are assembled together with recessed bolts (not shown).
- the upper locking bolt 19 shown in the locked position is also indicated in the unlocked position by upper locking bolt (shown dotted) 20 . This is the bolt position prior to moving the upper seat support arm 17 down into the folded position upper seat support arm (shown dotted) 18 .
- the center threaded shaft 23 and the handle 25 are partially shown here in greater detail.
- FIG. 6 Shown in FIG. 6 is a large-scale section and detail indicating the configuration of the elements at the bottom end of the center threaded shaft 23 .
- the upper end of the lower leg 40 with the lower hinge pin 37 fixed into the formed, flattened end is shown contained between the two segments of the lower pinning unit 36 .
- the two segments of the lower pinning unit 16 are fabricated with adequate clearances to allow the lower leg 40 and lower hinge pin 37 to be contained within the lower pinning unit 36 while still allowing the lower leg 40 and pin to rotate to a folded position as indicated at lower leg (shown dotted) 41 .
- the travel distance of the lower leg 40 from locked position to the folded position is indicated by broken line arrow indication 38 .
- the lower locking bolt 30 is drawn in full side view in order to show the way in which the upper end of the lower leg 40 which is notched, engages the bottom and sloped side of the lower locking bolt 30 .
- the end of center shaft 39 is the lower end of the center threaded shaft 23 , which is firmly fixed into the lower pinning unit 36 .
- the two segments of the lower pining unit 36 are assembled together with recessed bolts (not shown).
- the lower locking bolt 30 shown in the locked position is also indicated in the unlocked position by lower locking bolt (shown dotted) 31 . This is the bolt position prior to moving the lower leg 40 up into the folded position lower leg (shown dotted) 41 .
- the center threaded shaft 23 and the handle 25 are partially shown here in greater detail.
- FIG. 7 Shown in FIG. 7 is the upholstered seat top 14 folded together at the approximately fold line 45 shown in FIG. 3 , and partially zippered together to form the carrying case to contain and carry the folded framework 47 .
- the pocket 13 Shown also at the underside of the upholstered seat top 14 is the pocket 13 . There are three pockets to accommodate and contain the outer ends of the upper seat support arm(s) 17 when the upholstered seat top 14 is placed on top of the unfolded and locked stool framework.
- Indicated is the zipper located at the perimeter edge of the underside of the upholstered seat top 14 .
- the zipper 22 in this view is shown partially zipped, closed.
- the zipper 22 would be fully zipped together forming the carrying case for the folded framework 47 .
- the two snap buckle 15 will protrude out at the top of the carrying case in order to attach either the carrying handles 43 or the adjustable shoulder strap 44 .
- the packed stool is ready for transport to any location desired or ready for storage between uses.
- FIG. 8 Shown at FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting two persons carrying the LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE, FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE.
- the stool framework is fully folded into the folded framework 47 position as shown in FIG. 7 , deposited into the zippered, upholstered seat top 14 and attached to either the adjustable shoulder strap 44 or the carrying handle 43 .
- the lightweight, portable, folding stool and carrying case is complete and ready to be easily transported to any location desired for sitting.
- the outer surfaces (the top surface when the stool is fully assembled) of the upholstered seat top 41 are available for decoration with or by several existing processes.
- the surface can be modified and decorated with embroidery, existing items can be attached via adhesive and/or heat seal or the surface can be coated with flexible paint type coatings which are currently applied to shirts and other apparel.
- This applied decoration 46 can take the form of advertising, sport logos, personalized names or slogans, etc. The potential use of the outer surfaces is almost endless.
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- Special Chairs (AREA)
Abstract
The invention is of a PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING, STOOL AND CARRYING CASE. The stool frame is easily folded together and placed into the upholstered seat top, which when zippered together, acts as a carrying case. In this folded and enclosed form the stool becomes easily transportable to any location where seating is desired. The stool framework and seat top consists of the following basic elements:
- a) A center threaded shaft with a graspable handle surface at mid point.
- b) An upper and lower threaded locking bolt freely turning on the threaded shaft, above and below the center handle.
- c) A minimum of three seat support arms, hinge-connected to an upper pinning device, which is securely anchored to the upper end of the center, threaded shaft.
- d) A minimum of three lower legs, hinge-connected to a lower pinning device, which is securely anchored to the lower end of the center, threaded shaft.
- e) The upholstered seat-top sitting surface, which has pockets at the underside to receive and hold the outer ends of the upper seat support arms. The upholstered seat top has a zipper at the perimeter which, when folded and zippered together, becomes a carrying case to transport the folded stool frame. The upholstered seat top has a snap buckle attached at either side of the underside surface.
- f) For carrying the stool/carrying case, there is an attachable handle or adjustable shoulder strap.
- g) With the stool framework folded and inserted into the zippered seat top carrying case, the seating device is easily transported to a point of use or easily stored between uses.
Description
- This is the patent submission following granting of the Provisional Patent, Application No. 61/268,205 with Filing or 371 (c) date of Jun. 10, 2009 in the name of William Charles Jackson, Davidsonville, Md., 21035.
- This invention relates in general to a portable stool/seat with foldable framework. This specific invention uses the upholstered top-sitting surface as the carrying case for the folded stool framework. The upholstered top sitting surface has a zipper or other attaching means applied to the perimeter edges which, when folded and zipped or otherwise attached together, becomes a carrying case for the folded framework.
- It is often desirable to have a portable, foldable, lightweight stool that is easily transported from one place to another and available for sitting upon in an unlimited variety of indoor and/or outdoor locations and occasions. It is also desirable that the stool be reduced to a small, lightweight package for the ease of conveying and storage. Many folding sitting devices have been developed in the past. The existing assortment of folding stools have been, to some extent, unstable, difficult to fold and unfold, heavy, and of comparatively large size when folded, making them not easily carried or stored between uses.
- This invention provides a foldable, lightweight stool that is stable, very easily folded into a small size for carrying, and easily unfolded and set up for use. The invention has an upholstered top/sitting surface that, when folded and zippered together, doubles as a carrying case. The stool shown in detail here has three (3) legs and (3) upper seat support arms. The same basic design configuration can be manufactured with four (4) legs and upper seat support arms or five (5) legs and upper seat support arms. The same basic system for folding and unfolding will apply. The design with four (4) legs and arms, or the design with five (5) legs and arms will slightly increase the weight but will greatly increase the stability during the use of the stool. Increasing the number of legs and top seat support arms to four or five will also increase the carrying capacity/loading maximum, which the stool will support without failure.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT, FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE in its fully assembled form, ready to be used as a seat. -
FIG. 2 is an elevation drawing showing the stool framework in set up and locked configuration. The upholstered seat surface is shown dotted. The drawing shows the folding direction of the upper seat support arm and the lower leg. -
FIG. 3 is a plan drawing showing the arrangement of the three upper seat support arms and the three lower legs. There is a 60-degree angle between each upper and lower element, allowing each to fold inward without interference with any other element. -
FIG. 4 is a plan drawing detail of the legs as they relate to the center shaft and the lower pinning unit, which holds the legs together and allows them to fold. -
FIG. 5 is a partial section detail of the upper end of the center threaded shaft intersection with the upper pinning unit and the upper seat support arm. -
FIG. 6 is a partial section detail of the lower end of the center threaded shaft intersection with the lower pinning unit and the lower leg. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the lightweight, portable, folding stool and carrying case with the stool framework folded and placed into the partially zippered together seat top, which becomes a carrying case for the folded frame. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two persons carrying the folded stool frame and carrying case. The person at the right side of the view has the carrying case with the attached handle in place. The person at the left side of the perspective view has the carrying case with the attached, adjustable shoulder strap in place. -
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE DRAWINGS DETAILED DESCRIPTION ITEM NUMBER NAME ASSIGNED OF THE ITEM 10 perspective view of invention Perspective view of the stool framework and upholstered top, completely assembled and ready for use as a seat. 12 upper hinge pin Metal pin attached through the closed end of the upper seat support arm. 13 pocket Fabric pocket located at the underside of the upholstered seat top which is used to engage the outer end of the upper seat support arms. This holds the seat top to the frame. 14 upholstered seat top Upholstered, fabric seat top with zipper at perimeter edges. When folded and zippered together, it becomes the carrying case for the folded stool framework. 15 snap buckle A two piece molded item with each end of the snap buckle fixed to a piece required to be attached together. 16 upper pinning unit A two-piece metal unit fabricated to receive and hold the pin end of the upper seat support arm 17.17 upper seat support arm Metal tubular arm held in place by the upper pinning unit 16.18 upper seat support arm The dotted indication shows the (shown dotted) upper seat support arm 17 in thefolded position. 19 upper locking bolt A special bolt threaded to match the center shaft thread. The bolt, when rotated up toward the upper pinning unit 16, will lock the upper seat support arm 17 inposition. 20 upper locking bolt The dotted indication shows the (shown dotted) upper locking bolt in unlocked position, allowing the upper seat support arm to rotate into the folded position 18.21 arrow indication The broken line/arrow indicates the distance of travel of the upper seat support arm 17 from lockedposition to folded position 18.22 zipper The zipper attached to the perimeter of the upholstered seat top. 23 center threaded shaft A hollow metal, threaded shaft used for the center segment of the stool framework. 24 center threaded shaft This is the center threaded shaft (shown dotted) where it is in plan view, and where it is hidden below or above the element attached to the center shaft. 25 handle The handle at the center shaft is formed around the center shaft. The handled has a non-slip surface that can be easily gripped. 26 travel distance The vertical travel distance of the upper locking bolt is approximately 1″ from locked position to unlocked position. 27 end of center shaft This is the upper end of the center threaded shaft 23 which is firmlyanchored into the upper pinning unit 16. 28 plane of reference This is the plane of reference as shown on plan drawing FIG. 3 at the position from which elevation drawing FIG. 2 is taken. 29 angle between elements The angle between elements where indicated on FIG. 3 for this 3-leg/arm stool design in 60 degrees. The angle between elements for a 4-leg/arm design is 45 degrees. The angle between elements for a 5-leg/arm design is 36 degrees. 30 lower locking bolt A special bolt threaded to match the center threaded shaft. The bolt, when rotated down toward the lower pinning unit 36,will lock the lower leg 40 inposition. 31 lower locking bolt The dotted indication shows the (shown dotted) lower locking bolt in unlocked position allowing the lower leg to rotate up to the folded position 41.32 travel distance The vertical travel distance of the lower locking bolt is approximately 1″ from locked position to unlocked position. 33 section cut line The section cut line location is indicated on FIG. 2 and FIG. 6. It is the location along the center threaded shaft 23 where thesection and plan in FIG. 4 is cut. 36 lower pinning unit A two-piece metal unit fabricated to receive and hold the pin end of the lower leg 40.37 lower hinge pin A metal pin attached through the closed end of the lower leg 40.38 arrow indication The broken line/arrow indicates the distance of travel of the lower leg 40, from locked position to folded position 41.39 end of center shaft This is the lower end of the center threaded shaft 23, which is firmlyanchored into the lower pinning unit 36.40 lower leg A metal tubular leg held in place by the lower pinning unit 36.41 lower leg The dotted indication shows the (shown dotted) lower leg 40 in the foldedposition. 42 molded foot The molded foot material firmly attached to the lower end of the lower leg 40 to provide “non-slip”condition in use. 43 carrying handle A formed, easy grip surface with two snap buckles for attaching to the folded and zippered upholstered seat top 14. Thisconfiguration forms a carrying case for the folded stool framework 47. 44 adjustable shoulder strap A woven fabric/plastic webbing with adjustable length and two snap buckles 15. The strap is attached to the folded and zippered, upholstered seat top 14. This configuration forms a carrying case for the folded stool framework 47. 45 approximate fold line This is the approximate fold line in the upholstered seat top 14.This is where the seat top is folded prior to zippering in order to become the carrying case for the folded frame 47.46 applied decoration This is applied decoration to the seat top surface of the upholstered seat top. It can be a sewn monogram material or print/ink, paint or stencil, applied to the outside/top surface. The decoration can be in the form of sports logos, advertising, and/or other promotions. 47 folded framework This is the center threaded shaft 23 with all upper seat support arms 17 and all lower leg 40folded together against the center shaft to form a compact unit for stowing. 50 folded framework inserted into This is pictured in FIG. 7. carrying case. The fully folded framework 47, isinserted into the partially zippered together, upholstered seat top 14,forming a carrying case for efficient portage of the stool. - The PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE as shown in the drawings,
FIG. 1 throughFIG. 8 consists of anupholstered seat top 14 and foldedframework 47. The framework consists of three upper seat support arm(s) 17 and three lower leg(s) 40 hinge-connected onto either end of the center threadedshaft 23. When it is desired that the stool framework be folded for stowing and/or transport, the operation requires loosening of theupper locking bolt 19 and thelower locking bolt 30 at the center threadedshaft 23, and folding the lower leg(s) 40 and upper seat support arm(s) 17 together, approximately parallel to the center shaft. The foldedframe 47 is then placed in the zippered together upholsteredseat top 14 and attached to a carryinghandle 43 or anadjustable shoulder strap 44 for transportation. - As shown in
FIG. 1 ,reference number 10, the complete assembled and locked unit is shown ready to use as a seat at any selected location. The metal seat framework is built around a center threadedshaft 23 with acenter handle 25 located at approximately mid-point of the shaft. The surface of thehandle 25 is covered with a non-slip exterior face to facilitate handholding. Threaded onto the center threadedshaft 23 and movable above thehandle 25 is theupper locking bolt 19. Threaded onto the center threadedshaft 23 and movable below thehandle 25 is thelower locking bolt 30. The purpose of theupper locking bolt 19 is to turn on the center threadedshaft 23, moving up in order to engage the adjacent lower surface of the upper pinningunit 16 and the inner end of the upperseat support arm 17, locking the upperseat support arm 17 in a somewhat horizontal position as illustrated inFIG. 5 . The purpose of thelower locking bolt 30 is to turn on the center threadedshaft 23, moving down in order to engage the adjacent upper surface of the lower pinningunit 36 and the upper, inner end of thelower leg 40, locking thelower leg 40 in an angular position as illustrated inFIG. 6 . With the upper seat support arm(s) 17 and the lower leg(s) 40 locked in place, the next task is to install theupholstered seat top 14. Open and completely unzipzipper 22 at the perimeter of theupholstered seat top 14. Place the openupholstered seat top 14 generally centered over the top of the stool frame with the surface containing the pocket(s) 13 in a down position. Engage and insert the end of each upperseat support arm 17 into thepocket 13 at the underside of theupholstered seat top 14. The stool configuration is now fully assembled as shown inFIG. 1 , and ready for use as a seat. Place the framework on a suitable, generally horizontal surface, which will support the stool and person sitting upon the stool/seat. - Shown in
FIG. 2 is an elevation drawing of the PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE. The plane ofreference 28 for the elevation drawing is as indicated onFIG. 3 . Beginning at the upper portion of the drawing, theupholstered seat top 14 is shown dotted in this drawing in order to indicate how the outer ends of the upperseat support arm 17 is formed flat to engage into thepocket 13 at the underside of theupholstered seat top 14. Thesnap buckle 15 is omitted in this drawing in order to clarify the upperseat support arm 17 and the engagement with thepocket 13 at the underside of theupholstered seat top 14. When theupper locking bolt 19 is rotated and moved down to thedotted position 20, the upperseat support arm 17 is allowed to swing down into the folded position 18 (shown dotted). When thelower locking bolt 30 is rotated and moved up to thedotted position 31, the lower leg is allowed to swing up in the into the folded position 41 (shown dotted). With both the upperseat support arm 17 and thelower leg 40 in foldedposition 18 and foldedposition 41, the stool framework becomes the foldedframework 47 as indicated inFIG. 7 . - Shown in
FIG. 3 is a plan drawing of the stool framework. The dotted outline of theupholstered seat top 14 is indicated. Also shown dotted are the locations of thepocket 13 at underside of upholsteredseat top 14. Also shown dotted is the attachedsnap buckle 15 location. The angle between element 29 indicated between the position of the upperseat support arm 17 and thelower leg 40, is 60 degrees. This is consistent at all locations between elements. The upper pinningunit 16 is shown in plan from above with theupper hinge pin 12 at the inner end of the upperseat support arm 17 shown dotted as the pin is contained and held within the upper pinningunit 16. Theupper hinge pin 12 is a solid metal, round item built into and fixed into the flattened, formed end of the upperseat support arm 17. The center threaded shaft 24 (shown dotted) is because it is below the upper pinningunit 16 in this view. Theapproximate fold line 45 is indicated and is the fold location for the folding and zippering operation of theupholstered seat top 14 as the top is reconfigured to become the carrying case for holding and transporting the foldedframework 47, as indicated inFIG. 7 . - Shown in
FIG. 4 is a larger scale plan drawing and section. The section cutline 33 is shown onFIG. 2 andFIG. 6 . The inner ends of thelower leg 40 are indicated withlower hinge pin 37 shown dotted because the pin is contained within the configuration of the lower pinningunit 36. Thelower hinge pin 37 is a solid metal round item built into and fixed into the flattened, formed end of thelow leg 40. The lower pinningunit 36 is fabricated with adequate clearances to allow thelower leg 40 andlower hinge pin 37 to be contained within the lower pinningunit 36 while still allowing thelower leg 40 and pin to rotate when the leg is moved to a folded position as indicated at lower leg (shown dotted) 41,FIG. 2 andFIG. 6 . - Shown in
FIG. 5 is a large-scale section and detail indicating the configuration of the elements at the top end of the center threadedshaft 23. A portion of theupholstered seat top 14 is shown dotted at this drawing. Theupholstered seat top 14 consists of two thickness of material with the center space between packed with soft, pliable filler as shown here. The inner end of the upperseat support arm 17 with theupper hinge pin 12 fixed into the formed, flattened end, is shown contained between the two segments of the upper pinningunit 16. The two segments of the upper pinningunit 16 are fabricated with adequate clearances to allow the upperseat support arm 17 andupper hinge pin 12 to be contained within the upper pinningunit 16 while still allowing the upperseat support arm 17 and pin to rotate to a folded position as indicated at upper seat support arm (shown dotted) 18. The travel distance of the upperseat support arm 17 from locked position to the folded position is indicated by brokenline arrow indication 21. Theupper locking bolt 19 is drawn in full side view in order to show the way in which the inner end of the upperseat support arm 17, which is notched, engages the top and sloped side of theupper locking bolt 19. When theupper locking bolt 19 is turned tight in the uppermost position fitting into the notch at the inner end of the upperseat support arm 17, the upperseat support arm 17 is fully locked into position to support a seated person on the stool framework and upholstered top. The end ofcenter shaft 27 is the upper end of the center threadedshaft 23, which is firmly fixed into the upper pinningunit 16. The two segments of the upper pinningunit 16 are assembled together with recessed bolts (not shown). Theupper locking bolt 19 shown in the locked position is also indicated in the unlocked position by upper locking bolt (shown dotted) 20. This is the bolt position prior to moving the upperseat support arm 17 down into the folded position upper seat support arm (shown dotted) 18. The center threadedshaft 23 and thehandle 25 are partially shown here in greater detail. - Shown in
FIG. 6 is a large-scale section and detail indicating the configuration of the elements at the bottom end of the center threadedshaft 23. The upper end of thelower leg 40 with thelower hinge pin 37 fixed into the formed, flattened end is shown contained between the two segments of the lower pinningunit 36. The two segments of the lower pinningunit 16 are fabricated with adequate clearances to allow thelower leg 40 andlower hinge pin 37 to be contained within the lower pinningunit 36 while still allowing thelower leg 40 and pin to rotate to a folded position as indicated at lower leg (shown dotted) 41. The travel distance of thelower leg 40 from locked position to the folded position is indicated by brokenline arrow indication 38. Thelower locking bolt 30 is drawn in full side view in order to show the way in which the upper end of thelower leg 40 which is notched, engages the bottom and sloped side of thelower locking bolt 30. When thelower locking bolt 30 is turned tight in the lowermost position fitting into the notch at thelower leg 40, thelower leg 40 is fully locked into position to support a seated person on the stool framework and upholstered top. The end ofcenter shaft 39 is the lower end of the center threadedshaft 23, which is firmly fixed into the lower pinningunit 36. The two segments of thelower pining unit 36 are assembled together with recessed bolts (not shown). Thelower locking bolt 30 shown in the locked position is also indicated in the unlocked position by lower locking bolt (shown dotted) 31. This is the bolt position prior to moving thelower leg 40 up into the folded position lower leg (shown dotted) 41. The center threadedshaft 23 and thehandle 25 are partially shown here in greater detail. - Shown in
FIG. 7 is theupholstered seat top 14 folded together at the approximately foldline 45 shown inFIG. 3 , and partially zippered together to form the carrying case to contain and carry the foldedframework 47. Shown also at the underside of theupholstered seat top 14 is thepocket 13. There are three pockets to accommodate and contain the outer ends of the upper seat support arm(s) 17 when theupholstered seat top 14 is placed on top of the unfolded and locked stool framework. Shown also is thesnap buckle 15. There are two, one at either side of the underside of theupholstered seat top 14. Indicated also is the zipper located at the perimeter edge of the underside of theupholstered seat top 14. Thezipper 22 in this view is shown partially zipped, closed. With the foldedframework 47 placed inside, thezipper 22 would be fully zipped together forming the carrying case for the foldedframework 47. The twosnap buckle 15 will protrude out at the top of the carrying case in order to attach either the carrying handles 43 or theadjustable shoulder strap 44. With the upholsteredseat top 14 fully zipped and the carryinghandle 43 or theadjustable shoulder strap 44 attached into thesnap buckle 15, the packed stool is ready for transport to any location desired or ready for storage between uses. - Shown at
FIG. 8 is a perspective view depicting two persons carrying the LIGHTWEIGHT, PORTABLE, FOLDING STOOL AND CARRYING CASE. The stool framework is fully folded into the foldedframework 47 position as shown inFIG. 7 , deposited into the zippered, upholsteredseat top 14 and attached to either theadjustable shoulder strap 44 or the carryinghandle 43. In this configuration the lightweight, portable, folding stool and carrying case is complete and ready to be easily transported to any location desired for sitting. As indicated and shown atFIG. 8 , the outer surfaces (the top surface when the stool is fully assembled) of theupholstered seat top 41 are available for decoration with or by several existing processes. The surface can be modified and decorated with embroidery, existing items can be attached via adhesive and/or heat seal or the surface can be coated with flexible paint type coatings which are currently applied to shirts and other apparel. This applieddecoration 46 can take the form of advertising, sport logos, personalized names or slogans, etc. The potential use of the outer surfaces is almost endless. - Beginning with the folded
framework 47 in a fully folded configuration, the unfolding, and locking process is as follows: - a) Using the
center handle 25, hold the foldedframework 47 vertical with legs unfolding down into a fully open position. - b) With the lower leg(s) 40 in a down/fully open position, turn the
lower locking bolt 30 in a clockwise direction on the center threadedshaft 23 until the legs are locked tight in a down position (typically, approximately 1″ movement vertically of the locking bolt turning on the center threaded shaft). - c) Invert the frame so that the upper seat support arm(s) 17 fall down into a fully open position.
- d) With the upper seat support arm(s) 17 in a down/fully open position, turn the
upper locking bolt 19 in a clockwise direction on the center threadedshaft 23 until the arms are locked tight in a down position (typically, approximately 1″ movement vertically of the locking bolt turning on the center threaded shaft). - e) With legs locked in a down position and seat support arms locked in an up position, set the framework on a generally horizontal, stable surface.
- f) Completely unzip and open the upholstered
seat top unit 14 and place the outer end of the upper seat support arm(s) 17 into the pocket(s) 13 at the underside of theupholstered seat top 14. - g) With you hand, press down on the center of the
upholstered seat top 14 to make sure all upper seat support arm(s) 17 are fully engaged into the seat top pocket(s) 13. - h) Sit down upon the portable, folding stool unit.
Claims (5)
1) A portable, lightweight, stool/seat as follows:
a. A foldable, collapsible, metal or other framework which, when folded and doubled together, becomes small and compact.
b. A seat top, sitting surface, which doubles as a carrying case for the folded framework. The seat top is upholstered and contains a means for anchoring in place to the unfolded framework. The seat top has a zipper or other attachment means at the perimeter. The seat top/carrying case has a means for attaching a carrying handle or adjustable length shoulder strap.
c. When not in use as a stool/seat, the folded frame can be easily inserted into the seat top/carrying case and the case closed up together. With either the handle or shoulder strap attached, the frame and top combined is easily transported or stored between uses.
2) A portable, lightweight, stool/seat of claim 1 ) wherein the framework consists of a center shaft with means to hinge-attach a minimum of 3 legs at the bottom end and a minimum of 3 seat support arms at the top end. Said legs and seat support arms can be securely locked in place when used to support the seat top and/or a seated person or other. When in unlocked condition, said legs and seat support arms can be folded and collapsed together. Means for locking and unlocking is gained by special bolts or other, rotating or locking element at the center shaft portion of the framework.
3) A portable, lightweight stool/seat of claim 1 ) wherein the seat top is comprised of two surfaces of fabric permanently fixed together at the perimeter and filled in between with upholstering filler. Fixed at the perimeter of the seat top is one portion of a zipper or other attachment devise, positioned in order that when the top is folded together and zipped or attached, the seat top forms and becomes a carrying case or bag to contain the folded, collapsed framework.
4) A portable, lightweight, stool/seat of claim 1 ) wherein the seat top perimeter, in lieu of a zipper or other attachment means is fabricated with perimeter draw strings and fixing devise so that when pulled tight and fixed, the draw string closes the seat top/carrying case in bag configuration.
5) A portable, lightweight stool/seat top of claim 1 ) wherein the seat top/carrying case, in lieu of a zipper or other attachment means at the perimeter, is configured with VELCRO positioned at the perimeter so that when folded and doubled together, the seat top with VELCRO forms the carrying case described to contain and carry the folded stool framework.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/800,201 US20100314919A1 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2010-05-12 | Portable, lightweight folding stool and carrying case |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US26820509P | 2009-06-10 | 2009-06-10 | |
US12/800,201 US20100314919A1 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2010-05-12 | Portable, lightweight folding stool and carrying case |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100314919A1 true US20100314919A1 (en) | 2010-12-16 |
Family
ID=43305804
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/800,201 Abandoned US20100314919A1 (en) | 2009-06-10 | 2010-05-12 | Portable, lightweight folding stool and carrying case |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100314919A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN108147203A (en) * | 2018-01-26 | 2018-06-12 | 海盐爱华机械有限责任公司 | A kind of portable unwinding rack |
CN109198941A (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2019-01-15 | 刘胜照 | A kind of faldstool function cylinder, fold mechanism and adjustable portable faldstool |
US11344129B2 (en) | 2020-01-23 | 2022-05-31 | Lawrence Walker | Portable seat assembly |
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US11344129B2 (en) | 2020-01-23 | 2022-05-31 | Lawrence Walker | Portable seat assembly |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |