US20110156448A1

US20110156448A1 - Portable Chair, Table And Umbrella Stand

Info

Publication number: US20110156448A1
Application number: US12/647,468
Authority: US
Inventors: Stephen Fletcher
Original assignee: Lounge Crafters LLC
Current assignee: Lounge Crafters LLC
Priority date: 2009-12-26
Filing date: 2009-12-26
Publication date: 2011-06-30

Abstract

A device comprising a frame with two rails and a plurality of cross rails. Four pivoting legs support the frame. The legs are attached at each end of the two rails. The cross rails can connect two cross rails. The cross rails can support arms rests. A center cross rail can support a table that also functions as an umbrella stand. Two chairs with folding seat backs are also mounted to the rails.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application incorporates by reference herein the application filed Jul. 24, 2008, entitled “Pickup Truck Bed Mounted Chairs”, Ser. No. 12/179,146.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of Use
The device subject of this disclosure provides a collapsible and portable stand supporting two attached folding chairs, a table and an umbrella. The device can be used in numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, camping, tailgating, hunting, star gazing or watching spectator sports.
2. Technical Field
Portable folding chairs are known. Many are made of plastic or lightweight aluminum tubing. Some are combined with other accessories such as tables or umbrella. They can be unsteady in use and awkward to carry.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The device of the present invention includes but is not limited to a rectangular stand supported by four folding legs. The frame may also include vertical supports for chair arm rests and a middle table and umbrella stand.
When the legs are folded for storage or transportation, the folded legs are in the same plane as the rectangular frame. When extended for use, the legs extend downward and support the frame in a horizontal position. The frame comprises two or more rails. Intersecting each rail are one or more cross rails.
The extension and folding of the legs can be controlled by a knob controlled by a spring. A knob is positioned on each rail. Pulling the knob out disengages it from a slotted wheel connected to a shaft internal to the rail. When the knob is pulled out, the shaft and wheel can turn freely. The end of the shaft is connected to the pivot end of the leg. Therefore when the knob is pulled out, the leg can pivot up or down. The leg pivots at the end of the rail. Pushing the knob into the rail engages the knob with the slotted wheel and locks the two legs into a fixed position.
The each end of the rails may have at least one stop piece to control the range of motion of the pivoting leg. The stop piece may be attached to the end of the rail. The range of motion can also be controlled by pushing the knob into the rail to engage the slotted wheel and lock the two legs into a fixed position.
Also included are two foldable chairs that may be removably mounted to a front and back rail. Each chair has a base connecting the two front chair legs and a base connecting the two back chair legs. Each base is oriented parallel to the front and back rail. In one embodiment, two brackets are mounted to the front rail and two brackets are mounted to the back rail. Each bracket has a saddle shaped top into which the chair base fits. The chair can be secured in the bracket by a hook and loop strap. Other bracket and attachment mechanisms may be used.
Each chair comprises a chair seat and a chair back. Through the chair base combined with the brackets and strap, the chair seat is secured to the frame. The chair back is hingeably attached to the chair seat. The chair back can be folded down proximate to the seat for transportation or storage.
There may be multiple cross rails connecting the front and back rail. One cross rail is at the end of each rail. Each may hold the vertical posts for the arm rests. In another embodiment, the arm rests are attached to the chair base. One cross rail is positioned between the two chairs. This middle cross rail can be positioned in the center of each rail. A table can be attached to this cross rail. The back portion of the table can contain an umbrella stand.

SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention. These drawings, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a frame, chair, table and umbrella combination subject of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the collapsed combination ready for transport or storage. Included in the view is the folded umbrella stored along the back of the rail.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the invention showing the frame, two chairs, table and umbrella. Also shown is the shorter front rail than the back rail to allow both sets of legs to be folded up into the same plane as the front and back rails.

FIG. 4 illustrates the embodiment with the handle forming a storage space for the umbrella.

FIG. 5 illustrates the invention in a collapsed position. The folded umbrella can be seen extending past the support frame of each arm rest. The chair backs are also folded down. The height of the folded chair back and seat does not exceed the height of the arm rests and table.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the folded chair and support frame. The umbrella is shown stored on the handle and folded chairs. Notice the legs attached to the back rail are folded in front or outside of the legs attached to the front rail.

FIG. 7 illustrates the assembled frame including the front and back rails, the end rails and mid cross rail, and the handle.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the frame, including the stops for the front and back frame legs.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate the cam, sleeve and shafts used to control rotation of the legs.

FIGS. 10A through 10D illustrate the components comprising the attachment of each leg to the end of the rails including the pivoting or rotating mechanism and the shaft.

FIG. 11A through 11C illustrates the components for each leg attached to the end of each rail.

FIG. 12A through 12D illustrates the attachment of the leg to the components of the rail. Attention is directed to FIG. 12D showing the back rail being longer than the front rail.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrates the installation of the two chairs on the frame. In the embodiment illustrated, components having saddle shaped tops are mounted on to the top of the front and back rails. The front and back chair base fit within the saddle.

FIG. 14 illustrates the assembled chair and frame legs attached to the frame. The table and arm rest supports are shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

Disclosed is a lightweight and portable frame containing double chairs, table and umbrella for outdoor use 100. The frame can be constructed of aluminum or similar metal. It can also be constructed of stiff, light weight composite materials such as a carbon fiber matrix. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 in an assembled or deployed position. Illustrated are the seats 101, 102, center table 355, umbrella 200 and umbrella stand 201 fitting within a complementary opening 370 in the table. The legs 191, 192, 193, 194 are illustrated in a deployed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the invention is in a folded or collapsed position for storage or transportation as shown in FIG. 2. In this position the seat 101, 102 backs are folded down. The folded seat backs are no higher than the arm rests 356, 357 or middle table 355. See FIG. 5.
The frame comprises two rails and a plurality of connecting cross rails. The frame is supported by four legs 191, 192, 193, 194. When deployed, the foot of the legs are wider (front to back) at the ground than the top of the legs at the frame. This provides stability in contrast to the legs being vertical. See FIG. 1. The legs are pivotably attached to the frame. The legs can be deployed downward for use and retracted for storage or transportation. In the retracted position, the legs are held parallel to the frame as illustrated in FIG. 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the back rail 122 (of the frame) is longer than the front 121. See FIG. 7. This additional length is shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 or FIG. 7, item 195. This allows both the front leg and back leg to be fully retracted parallel to the horizontally oriented frame without the front and back legs colliding.
The pivoting leg mechanism can be controlled by extendable knob and shaft that is operable from the front rail. An identical arrangement can exist for the back rail controlling the pivoting motion of the back legs. The knobs can be pulled outward from the frame rail, thereby releasing a slotted cam 305 within the rail. The cam and attached shaft can then rotate. (See FIG. 9B) The cam controls the rotational movement of a shaft 321 attached to the ends of the both front legs. An identical mechanism 322 can control the position and movement of the back legs. When the control knob is returned to its original position, the attached control knob shaft (not shown) moves into a slot 306 on the round cam, thereby holding the legs in a fixed position.
The shaft 321, controlled by the cam, attaches to an end piece 332. The end piece can include set screws that tighten on the shaft. The shaft 321 can be a long square rod. See FIG. 10B. This shape facilitates the shaft maintaining the position of the legs. The end piece 331, 332 can have attachment components for the frame leg. One component 331 of the end piece fits inside the rail which may be circular, square or other shape. The second component 332 is secured to the shaft. As illustrated in FIG. 10C, this attachment mechanism can be multiple screw holes or bolt holes. It fits into an aperture 335 (FIG. 11B) at the top portion of the leg and attaches by screws or bolts using complementary holes in the top portion of the leg. (See FIGS. 12B and 12C.) Other attachment mechanisms are possible. See also FIG. 12A through 12D for the attachment of the legs to the end piece.
Movement of each leg is also controlled by “stops” attached to the frame. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the stops 140, 141 control the leg movement by interaction of protrusions 334 (see FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C) attached to the inside portion of each leg with the stop located at the end of each rail. The combination restricts the forward/upward rotation and the backward rotation of each leg. The legs are restricted to a position parallel to the frame and a downward and outward position when deployed for use. Compare the position of the legs illustrated in FIG. 1 with FIG. 2. Also illustrated is the aperture 335 within the top portion 330 of the leg.
The frame comprises a front rail 121 and a back rail 122. (See FIG. 7.) In the embodiment illustrated, both rails are circular. However one or both rails can be square or rectangular. They may also be a “C” shape. The rails define the width of the device. The chairs also sit on the rails. See FIG. 14. In the embodiment illustrated, the back rail is longer than the front rail. This relationship may be reversed.
The rails are connected by two cross rails 181, 182 mounted at the end of rails 121, 122. The cross rails are a rectangular shape. Other shapes are possible. The length of the cross rails are complementary to the length between the front base and back base of the chairs. Stated differently, the chairs rest upon the front and back rails 121, 122. See FIG. 13A and 14. There may be additional cross rails connecting the front rail to the back rail. In the embodiment illustrated a third cross rail 183 is attached in the middle of each rail. This rail can support an optional table 355 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The table comprises two vertical posts 345, 346. Each post may have a horizontal plate 371, 372 supporting the top of the table. The back post 346 of the table attached to the middle rail 183, contains an annulus 202 which may serve as an umbrella stand. The table 355 includes a complementary aperture 370 through which the umbrella pole 201 may be inserted. See FIGS. 1, 2 and 10A.
Each post has a horizontal plate 371, 372 used to support the table or the chair arm rest.
Also shown in FIG. 7 is the handle 170 attached to the back rail. The handle can also be attached to the front rail. The handle may be curved to facilitate transport of the collapsed umbrella. Stated differently, the handle cradles the umbrella. It will also be appreciated that the collapsed umbrella may be secured to the frame by straps. The straps may be simply tied together, attach with hook and loop attachments or attach with buckles. Other connective devices may be used.
As stated, the chairs may be removeably attached to the front and back rail. The chairs are made of light weight material. The seat and back of the chairs may be fabric or mesh covered. Other materials may be used. The fabric may be attached to a chair frame comprised of material such a tubular aluminum. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the front and back portions of the chair seat frame create the chair base. The chair base rests upon the front and back rail. Attachment components 361 can be installed on a rail. See FIG. 13B. The component may comprise a bracket of plastic or similar material that can be screwed into the rail. The bracket has a saddle shaped top. This shaped top can receive the round tubular chair base. The chair base may be further removeably attached to the front and back rails by hook and loop straps. Other type of straps may be used such as straps containing buckles. These securing straps (not shown) can be attached to the rails in conjunction with the brackets.
In addition, this specification is to be construed as illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be understood that the forms of the invention herein shown and described are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments. As already stated, various changes may be made in the shape, size and arrangement of components or adjustments made in the steps of the method without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those illustrated and described herein and certain features of the invention maybe utilized independently of the use of other features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the invention.
While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A double chair combination comprising:

a) a frame comprising a front rail and a back rail, two end rails, and four pivoting legs; and

b) a chair mounted adjacent to each end of the frame further comprising a chair seat and foldable chair back wherein each chair seat is attached to the front and back rail.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a middle rail extending between the first rail and back rail that may hold an umbrella.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising the chair removeably attached to the frame.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising the chair back folding proximate to the seat wherein the folded chair back and seat is not higher than a chair arm rest.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a handle attached to the front or back rail.

6. A chair and table combination comprising:

a) a frame comprising a front rail and a back rail, two end rails, and four pivoting legs;

b) two chairs attached to the frame and wherein the chair back folds down proximate to the chair seat;

c) two arm rests attached to the frame; and

d) a table attached to the frame.

7. The device of claim 6 further comprising the table comprising an umbrella stand.

8. The device of claim 6 further comprising:

a) the back rail is longer than the front rail and the back legs pivot over the front legs for storage;

b) the pivoting motion of the legs is controlled by stop components attached to the rail ends;

c) each arm rest is attached to an end rail; and

d) the table is attached to a middle rail extending from the front rail to the back rail.

9. The chair and table combination of claim 6 further comprising at least one cam control mechanism controlling movement of the pivoting legs attached to the front rail or back rail.

10. The chair and table combination of claim 8 further comprising stops mounted on the rail ends interacting with protrusions on the pivoting legs.

11. The chair and table combination of claim 7 further comprising a handle for holding an umbrella.

12. The chair and table combination of claim 11 further comprising the handle holding the umbrella when the chair and table combination is transported or stored.

13. The chair and table combination of claim 6 further comprising an umbrella positioned in an umbrella stand in the table attached to the frame.

14. The chair and table combination of claim 6 further comprising a chair having a base comprising a back base and the front base attached to the front rail and back base is attached to the back rail.

15. The chair and table combination of claim 14 further comprising saddle shaped frame holder attached to at least one rail.

16. The chair and table combination of claim 14 further comprising a strap fixed to at least one rail and attachable to the chair frame.

17. The chair and table combination of claim 14 further comprising a chair removably attached to the front and back rail.