US20170086592A1

US20170086592A1 - Chair having a tray assembly and method of manufacturing the same

Info

Publication number: US20170086592A1
Application number: US15/281,465
Authority: US
Inventors: Shaina Siverson; Erin Doubleday
Original assignee: Exxel Outdoors LLC
Current assignee: Exxel Outdoors LLC
Priority date: 2015-09-30
Filing date: 2016-09-30
Publication date: 2017-03-30

Abstract

A tray assembly for coupling to a chair is provided. The tray assembly includes a tray support coupled to the chair; a first support rotatably coupled to the tray support; a second support coupled to the first support and comprising a first end, a second end, and a body located between the first end and the second end. A tray coupled to the body, wherein the first support is configured to selectively rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/235,023, filed on Sep. 30, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The field of the invention relates generally to chairs and more particularly to chairs having a tray assembly.
Known chairs, which are collapsible, are popular with consumers because they can be readily folded and stored. Such features enable chairs to be transported and used during recreational activities, such as during camping. Known collapsible chairs include a frame that is selectively moveable between a collapsed or folded configuration when the chair is not in use and a non-folded configuration during use. A fabric frame cover is coupled to the frame to define a back portion and a seat portion of the chair such that a user may sit on the seat portion and have his or her back positioned against the back portion. Such collapsible chairs may also include arms or armrests that have a cup holder. The cup holder enables the user to place, for example, a drinking cup within the cup holder.
However, some known collapsible chairs may not include a portion for positioning, for example, a plate thereon. As such, while a user may be able to place a drink within the cup holder during a meal, the user would need to position a plate of food on the ground or, more commonly, on his or her lap. Therefore, known collapsible chairs may not provide a convenient or comfortable setting for the user to eat from a dish (for example, a paper or plastic disposable plate) of food while sitting in the chair. Moreover, known collapsible chairs may not provide a convenient or comfortable setting that includes a tray assembly that enables a user sitting in the chair to be provided with a surface suitable for allowing a user to rest an object (for example a laptop, a mobile phone, a book, or notebook) while sitting in the chair.

SUMMARY

A tray assembly for coupling to a chair is provided. The tray assembly includes a tray support coupled to the chair. A first support is rotatably coupled to the tray support. A second support is coupled to the first support and includes a first end, a second end, and a body located between the first end and the second end. A tray is coupled to the body, wherein the first support is configured to selectively rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.
A collapsible chair is provided. The collapsible chair includes a frame selectively moveable between a collapsed configuration of the chair and a use configuration of the chair. A tray assembly is coupled to the frame and includes a tray support coupled to the chair. The tray assembly further includes a first support rotatably coupled to the tray support; and, a second support coupled to the first support. The second support includes a first end, a second end, and a body located between the first end and the second end. A tray is coupled to the body, wherein the first support is configured to rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.
A method of manufacturing a chair is provided. The method includes coupling a tray support to a frame of the chair. A first support is rotatably coupled to the tray support. The method includes coupling a second support to the first support, wherein the second support includes a first end, a second end, and a body located between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the method includes coupling a tray to the body, wherein the first support is configured to rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary chair in a use configuration of the chair;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsed configuration of the chair shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the chair shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the chair having a tray assembly;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the chair of FIG. 4A with the tray assembly decoupled from the chair;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a tray assembly of the tray assembly;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the tray assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a use position;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the tray assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a storage position;

FIG. 8 is front view of the tray assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the chair illustrating the tray assembly in a plurality of positions;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the tray assembly in the plurality of positions shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the chair and another exemplary tray coupled to the chair;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the tray assembly and the tray shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the tray assembly and the tray shown in FIG. 11 and the tray assembly in a use position;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the tray assembly and the tray shown in FIG. 11 and the tray assembly in a storage position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary chair and the tray assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another exemplary chair and the tray assembly of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of manufacturing the chair and the tray assembly shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary collapsible chair and methods described herein overcome at least some known disadvantages associated with at least some known collapsible chairs. More specifically, the embodiments described herein provide a chair that includes a rotatable and removeable tray assembly that enables a user sitting in the chair to be provided with a surface suitable for allowing a user, while sitting in the chair, to rest a dish (for example, a paper or plastic disposable plate) of food while eating a meal. Accordingly, the collapsible chair provides a convenient or comfortable setting for the user to be able to eat a dish of food while sitting in the chair. Additionally, the embodiments described herein provide a tray assembly for the tray wherein the tray assembly is moveable between a use position and a storage positon. Moreover, the embodiments described herein provide a chair that includes a rotatable and removeable tray assembly that enables a user sitting in the chair to be provided with a surface suitable for allowing a user to rest an object (for example a laptop, a mobile phone, a book, or notebook) while sitting in the chair.
FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible chair 100 in a “use configuration.” The chair extends a length 102 in a longitudinal direction 1 and a width 104 that extends in a lateral direction 2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the chair in a “collapsed position.” FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the chair shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the chair 100 includes a frame 106 that defines a framework for the chair 100. The frame 106 is selectively moveable between the collapsed configuration 108, as shown in FIG. 2, and the use configuration 110, as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the frame 106 may be folded to form the collapsed configuration 108 such that the width 104 of the frame 106 is substantially decreased and the chair 100 may be stored in, for example, a trunk of a car or a closet. Alternatively, the frame 106 may be extended from the collapsed configuration 108 to form the use configuration 110 wherein the width 104 of the frame 106 is substantially increased and a user may sit on the chair 100. The frame 106 may be fabricated from plastic, metal (for example, steel, aluminum) or any suitable material that enables the chair 100 to function as described herein. Moreover, the frame 106 includes at least one of a quad chair frame, a captain chair frame, a bi-fold chair frame, a tri-fold chair frame, a zero gravity chair frame, a butterfly chair frame, a director chair frame, a lounge chair frame, and a tripod chair frame. Alternatively, the frame 106 can include any configuration to enable the chair to function as described herein.
In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 106 includes a plurality of segments 112 that define a base portion 114 and a top portion 118. A fabric frame cover 120 is coupled to the frame 106 to define a seat portion 122, a back portion 124, and a pair of arms 126 of the chair 100. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of the fabric frame cover 120 is coupled to the frame base portion 114 to define the seat portion 122 and a portion of the fabric frame cover 120 is coupled to the frame top portion 118 to define the back portion 124. Accordingly, during use, the user may be seated on the seat portion 122 and the user may position his or her back against the back portion 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat portion 122 and back portion 124 of the fabric frame cover 120 are formed as a single-piece. It is understood, however, that the seat portion 122 and back portion 124 can be formed as separate pieces.
In the illustrated embodiment, the fabric frame cover 120 includes at least one layer of suitable fabric. For example, the fabric frame cover 120 can be manufactured from a wide selection of materials, such as, but not limited to, synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), and/or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The fabric frame cover 120 includes a first layer of fabric, a second layer of fabric, and a padded material (none shown) sandwiched between and captured by the first and second layers of fabric. The padded material may include foam for providing cushioning to the user. Examples of suitable foam include a closed-cell polyolefin foam, a foam with a negative Poisson ratio and other similar foams. The fabric frame cover 120 may also include a binding portion 123 (or trim) that defines an outer periphery 125 of the fabric frame cover 120. The binding portion 123 of the fabric frame cover 120 may also be a textile material that can be manufactured from a wide selection of materials, such as, but not limited to, synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), natural fibers (for example, wood or cotton fibers), and/or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated chair 100 includes the pair of arms 126. One of the arms 126 extends outward from the right side of the back portion 124 (as viewed in FIG. 1), and the other arm extends outward from the left side of the back portion (as viewed in FIG. 1). More specifically, each arm 126 includes a first end 128 positioned adjacent to the respective side of the back portion 124 and a second end 131 spaced a predefined distance 132 from the first end 128. Moreover, the arms 126 are spaced apart by a predefined distance 136, such as, for example, approximately a width of the seat portion 122. Accordingly, when the user is seated on the seat portion 122, the user may have each arm positioned on one of the arms 126. While the illustrated embodiment includes the arm 126 being fabricated and defined by the fabric frame cover 120, the arms 126 can also be fabricated separate from the fabric frame cover and/or made from other suitable materials.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, a tray assembly 130 and a cup holder 133 are removably coupled to or integrally formed to the frame 106 and the fabric frame cover 120, respectively. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the tray assembly 130 extends from the frame base portion 114 and is coupled to the second end 131 of one of the arms 126. The cup holder 133, on the other hand, is defined within the fabric frame cover 120 of the second end 131 of the other arm 126. It is contemplated that cup holder 133 can be omitted. It is also contemplated that tray assembly 130 can be positioned on either side of the chair 100. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the tray assembly 130 is positioned on the right side of the chair 100 (as viewed in FIG. 1), but it is contemplated that the tray assembly can be positioned on the left side of the chair. It is further contemplated that tray assemblies 130 can be positioned on both arms 126. That is, the chair 100 can have two tray assemblies 130.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the cup holder 133 includes an end portion 134 that defines a substantially circular opening 136. Moreover, the cup holder 133 includes a portion of the fabric frame cover 120 that extends through the circular opening 136 to define a substantially cylindrical pocket 140 having an opened first end portion 142 coupled to the opening 136 and a closed second end portion 144 that extends a predefined distance 146 from the first end portion 142. Accordingly, a cylindrical object (for example, a cup, a can, a bottle) may be positioned within the pocket 140. The second end portion 144 can be fabricated from substantially the same material as the fabric frame cover 120. It is contemplated, however, that the second end portion 144 can be fabricated from any suitable material, such as a mesh or web material.
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the chair 100 and the tray assembly 130. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the chair 100 with the tray assembly 130 decoupled from the chair 100. FIG. 5 is a side view of tray assembly 130. The tray assembly 130 includes a tray 150 such as, for example only, a plate that is sized and shaped for allowing the user to rest a dish (for example, a paper or plastic disposable plate) of food while eating a meal while sitting in the chair 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The tray assembly 130 includes a tray support 202 having a connector 204 that, in the illustrated embodiments, is coupled to the frame 106. Alternatively, the connector 204 can be integrally formed with the frame 106. In an embodiment, the connector 204 includes a tubular shape. Alternatively, the connector 204 can include other shapes having a non-tubular cross section. The tray assembly 130 further includes a first support 206 that is telescopically received in the connector 204. More specifically, the first support 206 is rotateably and removeably coupled to the tray support 202. The first support 206 has a first end portion 210 positioned substantially within the outer connector 204, a middle portion 212, and a second end portion 214 extending at least partially outwardly from the outer connector 204. The tray assembly 130 also includes a second support 216 coupled to the first support 206. Alternatively, the second support 216 can be integrally formed with the first support 206. In the exemplary embodiment, the second support 216 includes a first end 218, a second end 220, and a body 222 located between the first end 218 and the second end 220.
As shown, the tray 150 is coupled to the second support 216. In the exemplary embodiment, the tray 150 is coupled to the body 222. Alternatively, the tray 150 can couple to at least one of the first end 218 and the second end 220. The tray 150 can be integrally formed with the second support 216, can be formed separately from the second support 216 and permanently attached thereto, or can be formed separately from the second support 216 and releasably attached thereto. The tray 150 includes a circular disk 224 and an annular ridge 226 extending circumferentially about the disk 224. The dimensions, such as the diameter, of the disk 224 can be predetermined to enable at least one object, such as a food dish (not shown), to be positioned on the disk. While the illustrated tray 150 includes a circular disk 224, it will be appreciated that the tray 150 can have any suitable shape.
The 224 also includes first surface 238 (FIG. 4B) such as, for example only, an upper surface and an opposing second surface 240 (FIG. 6) such as, for example only, a bottom surface. The upper surface 238 is configured such that at least one object, such as an eating dish, may be positioned thereon. The disk's upper surface 238 may include a design molded therein, such as a graphic pattern, a textual pattern, an indicia pattern, and/or numeric value(s) for advertising or entertainment purposes. It is also contemplated that the upper surface 238 of the disk 224 can be formed by or coated with a material (for example, an elastomeric material, a rubber material) to increase friction between the tray 150 and objects placed thereon. The disk's bottom surface 240 may include embossed grooves or ribs (not shown) to increase stability against deformation, such as bending.
As noted, the first support 206 of the tray support 202 is telescopically received within the outer connector 204 of the tray support 202. Thus, the first support 206 can be moved upward and downward in the longitudinal direction 1 within the outer connector 204 such that the longitudinal extent or height of the first support 206 is selectively adjustable relative to the chair 100. In an embodiment, the tray support 202 includes a stop 242. The stop 242 is configured to couple to the first support 206 and to selectively adjust the longitudinal position of the first support 206 within the tray support 202. A lock mechanism 260 (for example, a ball or pin) can be used to securely couple the first support 206 to the outer connector 204 such that the first support 206 is not movable relative to the outer connector 204. In one suitable embodiment, the telescopic connection between the tray support 202 and the first support 206 allows the height of the tray assembly 130, and more specifically the tray 150, to be adjustable. Accordingly, the user of the chair 100 can selectively adjust the height of the tray 150 relative to the chair 100.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the tray assembly 130 in a use position 266. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the tray assembly 130 in a storage position 268. FIG. 8 is front view of the tray assembly 130 in the use position 266. In the use position 266, the first support is removably coupled to the tray support 202 and is positioned perpendicular to the tray 150. In this position, the first support 206 is positioned vertically extending away from the second surface 240 of the tray 150.
The tray 150 includes a fastener 264 coupled to the second surface 240. In the exemplary embodiment, the fastener 264 includes a bracket having a square cross sectional area. Alternatively, the fastener 264 can include at least one of a lock and pin system, a thread system, a friction fit system, a snap fit system, a spring pin system, a ratcheting system, and a slide lock system. The fastener 264 can include any configuration to couple to the second support 216 and to the second surface 240. In the storage position 268, the user decouples the first support 206 from the tray support 202. When the first support 206 is decoupled from the tray support 202, the second support 216 is rotatably coupled to the fastener 265. More particularly, the second support 216 is configured to rotate between the use position 266 (FIGS. 6 and 8) and the storage position 268 (FIG. 7).
The square body 222 of the second support 216 is configured to rotate within the square cross section of the fastener 264 between the use position 266 (FIG. 6, 8) and the storage position 268 (FIG. 7). The square cross sectional shapes of the body 222 and the fastener 264 are configured to rigidly couple the second support 216 to the fastener 264 while allowing movement of the second support 216, under an applied pressure, within the fastener 264. When the second support 216 moves to the storage position 268, the second support 216 is configured to move the first support 206 adjacent and abutting against the tray 150. In this position, the first support 206 is positioned horizontally adjacent to the second surface 240 of the tray 150.
In the use position 266, the first support 206 is configured to rotatably and removeably couple to the tray support 202 while the second support 216 is configured to suspend the tray 150 as the tray 150 moves through the plurality of positions 262. In the storage position 268, the second support 216 rotates within the fastener 264 to position the first support 206 adjacent to the second surface 240. In the storage position 268, the first support 206 is moved via the second support 216 next to the second surface 240 to conserve storage space and to prevent the first support 206 from extending outward from the second surface 240 to reduce an injury risk during non-use of the tray assembly 130. Additionally, in the storage position 268, the second support 216 rotates within the fastener 264 to move the first support 206 to facilitate next to the tray 150 to reduce space or a foot print of the tray assembly 130 for convenient and efficient storage purposes.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the chair 100 and the tray assembly 130 in a plurality of positions 262. FIG. 10 is a top view of the tray 130 in the plurality of positions 262. The first support 206 is configured to rotate within the tray support 202 to facilitate movement of the tray 150 through the plurality of positions 262 relative to the tray support 202. More particularly, the first support 206 is configured to reciprocally move the tray 150 toward the seat portion 122 and toward the back portion 124 through the plurality of positions 262. In an embodiment, the first support 206 is configured to rotate through 360 degrees relative to the tray support 202. In such an embodiment, the user of the chair 100 can selectively rotate the tray 150 toward themselves when seated in the chair (for example, while eating) and away from themselves (for example, when getting into and out of the chair 100). The lock mechanism 260 is configured to couple to the first support 206 to facilitate selective locking of the first support 206 as the tray 150 moves through the plurality of positions 262. In the exemplary embodiment, the lock mechanism 260 includes at least one of a lock and pin system, a thread system, a friction fit system, a snap fit system, a spring pin system, a ratcheting system, and a slide lock system. Alternatively, the lock mechanism 260 can include any configuration to removably couple to the first support 206.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the chair 100 and another tray 151 coupled to the chair. FIG. 12 is a side view of the tray assembly 130 and the tray 151 shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the tray assembly 130 and the tray 151 shown in FIG. 11 and the tray assembly 130 in the use position 266. FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the tray assembly 130 and the tray 151 shown in FIG. 11 and the tray assembly in the storage position 268. In the exemplary embodiment, the tray 151 includes a rectangular plate coupled to the tray assembly 130 as described herein. The rectangular plate is configured to enable a user sitting in the chair to be provided with a surface suitable for allowing a user to rest an object (for example, a laptop, a mobile phone, a book, or notebook) while sitting in the chair.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another chair 270 and the tray assembly 130 coupled thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, the chair 270 includes a director chair configuration. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another chair 272 and the tray assembly 130 coupled thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, the chair 272 includes a lounge chair configuration.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 1700 of manufacturing the chair 100 and the tray assembly 130 shown in FIG. 1. The method 1700 includes coupling 1702 the tray support 202 to the frame 106 of the chair 100. A first support 206 is rotatably coupled 1704 to the tray support 202. Further, the method 1700 includes coupling 2706 a second support 216 to the first support 206. The second support 216 includes the first end 218, the second end 220, and the body 222 located between the first end 218 and the second end 220. The tray 150 is coupled 1708 to the body 222. The second support 216 is coupled to the tray 150. The first support 206 is configured to rotate within the tray support 202 to facilitate movement of the tray 150 through a plurality of positions 262 relative to the chair 100.
Exemplary embodiments of the collapsible chair and methods are described above in detail. The collapsible chair and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the collapsible chair and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the systems may also be used in combination with other systems and methods, and is not limited to practice with only the embodiments as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other applications such as tables.
Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tray assembly for coupling to a chair, the tray assembly comprising:

a tray support coupled to the chair;

a first support rotatably coupled to the tray support;

a second support coupled to the first support and comprising a first end, a second end, and a body located between the first end and the second end; and

a tray coupled to the body, wherein the first support is configured to selectively rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.

2. The tray assembly of claim 1 wherein the tray support comprises a stop which is removably coupled to the first support and configured to selectively adjust a position of the first support within the tray support.

3. The tray assembly of claim 1 wherein the tray support comprises a lock mechanism which is configured to couple to the first support to facilitate selective locking of the first support as the tray moves through the plurality of positions.

4. The tray assembly of claim 1 wherein the first support is configured to rotate through 360 degrees relative to the tray support.

5. The tray assembly of claim 1 wherein the tray comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a fastener coupled to the second surface.

6. The tray assembly of claim 5 wherein the second support is rotatably coupled to the fastener.

7. The tray assembly of claim 5 wherein the second support is rotatably coupled to the fastener and is configured to rotate between a use position and a storage position relative to the second surface.

8. The tray assembly of claim 7 wherein, in the use position, the first support is positioned vertically extending away from the second surface, and in the storage position, the first support is positioned horizontally adjacent to the second surface.

9. The tray assembly of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a square cross section.

10. The tray assembly of claim 1 wherein the tray comprises at least one of a disk plate and a rectangular plate.

11. A collapsible chair comprising:

a frame selectively moveable between a collapsed configuration of the chair and a use configuration of the chair; and

a tray assembly coupled to the frame and comprising:

a tray support coupled to the chair;

a first support rotatably coupled to the tray support;

a tray coupled to the body, wherein the first support is configured to rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.

12. The chair of claim 11 wherein the frame comprises at least one of a quad chair frame, a captain chair frame, a bi-fold chair frame, a tri-fold chair frame, a zero gravity chair frame, a butterfly chair frame, a director chair frame, a lounge chair frame, and a tripod chair frame.

13. The chair of claim 11 wherein the fastener comprises at least one of a lock and pin system, a thread system, a friction fit system, a snap fit system, a spring pin system, a ratcheting system, and a slide lock system.

14. The chair of claim 1 wherein the second support is rotatably coupled to the tray.

15. The chair of claim 1 wherein the first support is removably coupled to the tray support.

16. The chair of claim 15 wherein when the first support is decoupled from the tray support, the second support is configured to rotatably move within the fastener between a use position and a storage position.

17. The chair of claim 16 wherein, in the use position, the first support is positioned perpendicular to the tray.

18. The chair of claim 16 wherein, in the storage configuration, the first support is positioned adjacent to and abutting the tray.

19. A method of manufacturing a chair, the method comprising:

coupling a tray support to a frame of the chair;

rotatably coupling a first support to the tray support;

coupling a second support to the first support, the second support comprises a first end, a second end, and a body located between the first end and the second end; and

coupling a tray to the body, wherein the first support is configured to rotate within the tray support to facilitate movement of the tray through a plurality of positions relative to the chair.

20. The method of claim 19 further comprising rotatably coupling the body within a fastener of the tray.