Flexible and Ergonomic Deployable Chair

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/637,244 to Reed, et al., entitled “FLEXIBLE AND ERGONOMIC DEPLOYABLE CHAIR,” filed on Apr. 22, 2024, the entirety of which is fully incorporated by reference herein.

This disclosure is directed generally toward foldable chairs. More specifically, this disclosure is directed toward ergonomic, flexible, and deployable leisure chairs capable of flexing and having bottom and/or rear mounts for attaching accessories.

Folding leisure chairs are widely used by hikers, beach goers, Campers, and others for on-the-go seating solutions. The designs of available folding leisure chairs fail to account for ergonomics, thereby causing user discomfort when used in prolonged seating sessions. Many available folding leisure chairs prioritize inexpensive manufacture over user comfort and are made from uncomfortable materials as a result. Further, folding leisure chairs contain rigid back rests that fail to conform to user physiology or natural movement.

One prior art folding leisure chairis shown in. The prior art folding leisure chaircomprises an internal metal frame, a cooler, cooler clips, a cup holder, webbing, and legs. The internal metal frameforms a rigid seat that can be folded. The webbingis attached to the internal metal frameand forms a flat seatback. The cooleris releasably mounted to the legsvia the cooler clips. The cup holderis permanently mounted to the legs.

The rigid and flat seatback formed by the internal metal frameand the webbingsimplify manufacturing, but sacrifice user comfort, given that users' backs are not flat. Additionally, because the internal metal frameis rigid, the seatback cannot flex when a user leans back in the prior art folding leisure chair. Because the cooleris mounted to the legsvia four cooler clips, the user must unclip four separate cooler clipsto remove the cooler.

The present disclosure describes flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chairs. In some embodiments, chairs according to the present disclosure include a seatback frame connected to a seat frame, a plurality of legs and a seat connected to the seat frame, one or more armrests connected to the seatback frame, and one or more storage compartment mounts on a bottom surface of the seat frame.

Other embodiments of chairs according to the present disclosure include a seatback frame connected to a seat frame, a plurality of legs and a seat connected to the seat frame, one or more armrests connected to the seatback frame, and one or more storage compartment mounts on a bottom surface of the seat.

This has outlined, rather broadly, the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described below. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the teachings of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further features and advantages, will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure relates to flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chairs. The chairs described herein contain a flexible seatback frame and/or seatback that permits flexion of the when a user leans back in the chair. Some embodiments of flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chairs according to the present disclosure include curved seatbacks to improve user comfort. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the bottom of the seat of the chair contains storage compartment mounting brackets. In other embodiments according to the present disclosure, storage compartment mounting brackets are located on the rear surface of the seatback of the flexible, ergonomic, and deployable leisure chair.

Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples illustrated should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the term “invention,” “device,” “method,” “disclosure,” “present invention,” “present device,” “present method,” or “present disclosure” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “invention,” “device,” “method,” “disclosure,” “present invention,” “present device,” “present method,” or “present disclosure” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

It is also understood that when an element or feature is referred to as being “on” or “adjacent” to another element or feature, it can be directly on or adjacent the other element or feature or intervening elements or features may also be present. It is also understood that when an element is referred to as being “attached,” “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly attached, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly attached,” “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

Relative terms such as “outer,” “above,” “lower,” “below,” “horizontal,” “vertical” and similar terms, may be used herein to describe a relationship of one feature to another. It is understood that these terms are intended to encompass different orientations in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements or components, these elements or components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element or component from another element or component. Thus, a first element or component discussed below could be termed a second element or component without departing from the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated list items.

The terminology used herein is for describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” and similar terms, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to different views and illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealized embodiments of the invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances are expected. Embodiments of the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of the regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. Like elements among embodiments are referenced herein with the same reference numerals, except where differences are articulated.

It is understood that while the present application is written using the terms “flexible,” “deployable,” and “ergonomic” and with the activities of sitting and lounging generally in mind, the devices, methods, and concepts herein could be applied to fields other than deployable chairs, as would be understood by one of skill in the art, including but not limited to fixed chairs.

shows a first embodiment of a deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure. Some embodiments of the deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure include one or more of a seat frame, a seatback frame, one or more armrests, one or more sun shades, a headrest, a tray, one or more cup holders, a storage compartment(e.g., a cooler), and legs.

show another embodiment of a deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure that may be the same as or similar to the deployable chair. Referring to, the deployable chaircontains a seatback frame, a seat frame(referred to herein from time to time as “frame” to refer to the seatback frame, the seat frame, or both), one or more armrests, a button, legs, a seatback, a seat, storage compartment mounts, and a hub. The seatback framemay be made from a variety of materials, such as for example, polymers, metals, wood, and other materials known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing. In specific embodiments, the seatback framemay comprise a flexible material capable of supporting a user's weight, but also capable of flexing in a nondestructive manner when a user leans back in the chair.

As shown in, the seatback frameand/or the seatback, in some embodiments, are curved horizontally about an axis approximately normal to the seatsuch that the center of the seatback frameand/or such that the seatbackis posterior relative to the edges of the seatback frameand/or the seatback. In such embodiments, the seatback frameand/or seatbackmay be curved similarly to the curvature of the human back. In some embodiments, the seatbackis substantially planar with respect to the axis. In more specific embodiments, the seatbackcomprises a lower portion that is substantially planar with the axisand an upper portion that curves vertically about an axis orthogonal to said axis, such that the top of the seatbackis posterior relative to the bottom of the seatback.

In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the buttonis integrated in the one or more armrests. While one buttonis shown in, it is understood that more than one buttonis possible, such as two or more, three or more, or four or more, whether total or in each armrest. In specific embodiments, two buttonsare included, one in each armrest. As discussed in more detail below, depression of the buttonmay release the seatbacksuch that it may recline or incline, as shown in.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, some or all of the legsmay be connected to the one or more armrests, the seat, and/or the hub. For instance, in the embodiment of, the front legsare connected to seatand/or the armrests, while the rear legs are connected to the hubs. As discussed in more detail below, manipulation of a release (e.g., via a button) enables the deployable chairto transition between a folded state, in which the deployable chairmay be transported, and a deployed state, in which a user may sit in the deployable chair. In some embodiments, there are one or more intermediate states between folded and deployed such that the height and/or angle of the seatmay be adjusted.

As shown in(and discussed in further detail below), some embodiments of a deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure contain a seathaving a bottom surface that comprises storage compartment mounts. While four storage compartment mountsare shown in, it is understood that a different number of storage compartment mountsare possible, such as for example one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more.

Referring now to, some embodiments of a deployable chaircontain a crossbar. The crossbarmay, in some embodiments, be integrally molded with the seatback frame. Like the seatback frame, the crossbarmay be made of a variety of materials, including in certain embodiments, a flexible material capable of supporting a user and flexing when the user leans back. In some embodiments, the crossbarmay be molded as a monolithic component with the seatback frame. In other embodiments, the crossbar may connect a top portion of the seatback framewith a bottom portion of the seatback frame. In such embodiments, the top portion of the seatback framemay be substantially planar with the bottom portion of the seatback frameuntil a user leans back, thereby moving the top portion into a separate plane. With reference to, in embodiments where the seatback frameand the crossbarcomprise flexible materials, the seatbackmay flex such that at least a portion of the seatbackis no longer substantially planar with the axis.

While the crossbarshown inis shown at the same height as the one or more armrests, one of skill in the art would understand that the crossbarmay be located at any height on the seatback frame. For instance, the crossbarmay be located at the height of the average user's lumbar spine when seated in the deployable chair. The crossbarmay be or in the lower half of the seatback frame, the upper half of the seatback frame, or exactly halfway between the top and the bottom of the seatback frame. Many different embodiments are possible. Additionally, while only one crossbaris shown in, more than one crossbaris possible.

The seatbackand the seatmay be manufactured using many different materials known in the art. As shown in, the seatbackmay be constructed of a breathable and/or flexible mesh material having closely spaced holes or openings and constructed from, for example, polyester, nylon, spandex, and/or other materials known in the art. The seatbackmay be constructed of (alternatively or in addition to the breathable and flexible mesh material) a solid fabric, such as synthetic leather, vinyl, woven fabrics, and/or others known in the art. Certain embodiments of the seatbackinclude a durable fabric enclosing a cushion made of, for example, foam, padding, cotton stuffing, and/or other materials known in the art (referred to herein as a “cushioned material”). In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the seatbackmay comprise a lower seatback made from a breathable and flexible mesh material, and an upper seatback made from a cushioned material. It is understood that the lower seatback may be made from a cushioned material, and the upper seatback may be made from a cushioned material. In certain embodiments, the seatis constructed from a cushioned material. In other embodiments, the seatmay be constructed from a breathable mesh material.

In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the seatbackand/or the seatmay be comprise tensioned fabric (i.e. said breathable and flexible mesh and/or cushioned material).shows an exemplary cross section view of a portion of a seatbackor a seat. In embodiments comprising tensioned fabric, the fabricmay be secured—via adhesive, fastener, friction, or other securing mechanisms known in the art—between a first component/securing mechanism such as a fabric fixtureand a second component such as the frame,. It is understood that, while not shown in, one or more additional fabric securing mechanisms, e.g. another (mirrored) fabric fixtureand frame,, may be required to maintain tension on the fabric.

shows an expanded view of one armrestand the button. The armrestand buttonmay be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal, rubber, wood, and others known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing.show schematic views of the buttonwithin the armrest. The buttonmay comprise (or, in other embodiments, attach to) a spring. When the buttonis pressed by a user, the springis displaced, thereby applying a restoring force on the button. Additionally, in certain embodiments, pressing the buttonmay engage a cam. Engagement of the cammay allow the seatbackto incline and/or recline. The cammay be made of rubber, plastic, metal, or other materials known in the art.

shows an expanded view of the hubof the deployable chair. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the hubis connected to one or more armrest supports, which may in turn be connected to one or more armrests. The hubmay also be connected to the seatback frame, the seat frame, and the legs.show schematic views of the hubconnected to the seatback frameand the seat frame. The hubhouses a hub springconnected to a release(not pictured). While the releaseis not engaged, the seatback frameand the seat frameare radially fixed relative to each other. When a user engages the release, the hub springis displaced, and the seatback frameand the seat frameare released, thereby permitted a user to transition the deployable chairbetween a folded state and a deployed state.

It is understood that many mechanisms may be used as a releaseto releasably fix the seatback frameto the seat frame, such as a latch, a pull tab, a pin, and other mechanisms known in the art.show one exemplary embodiment of a releasein the hub. As shown in, the releasemay comprise a cableconnected to a spring, which may in turn connect to a pin. The pinmay be configured to be seated in one of slots,when the deployable chairis in one of a deployed state—as shown in—and a folded state—as shown in. When the pinis so seated, the seatback frameand the seat frameare fixed relative to each other.

To operate the release, a user may pull on the cable-or another element connected thereto, not pictured in the figures-which in turn displaces the spring. The springthen imparts a force on the pin, removing it from the slot,in which it may be seated. Then, the seatback frameis free to rotate such that the springcan force the pin back into one of the slots,

In some embodiments, the hubcomprises a “self-close” hinge, wherein manipulation of a release by a user causes the deployable chairto fold itself vis-à-vis an internal spring. In other embodiments, the hubcomprises a “soft-close” hinge, wherein manipulation of the releaseby a user enables the deployable chairto slowly and quietly fold.

shows an embodiment of a deployable chairconnected to a sun shade—which may be the same as or similar to the sun shade—via arms,. Manipulation of the arms,change the position of the sun shadewith respect to the seatback. In some embodiments, the sun shademay transition between an active position, as shown in, and a stowed position, as shown in. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the arms,comprise a telescoping mechanism,that enable height adjustment of the sun shade. As shown in, the arms,may, in some embodiments, connect to a bracket. In certain embodiments, the bracketcomprises side buttonsthat connect to tabs. The tabsmay be configured to engage with one or more bracket slotsin the rear surface of the seatback frame. By pressing the side buttons, the user can attach or remove the bracket, and the sun shade, from the deployable chair.

show expanded views of a headrest—which may be the same as or similar to the headrest—according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The headrestmay be made of a padded, or cushioned, material to provide comfort to the user. As shown in, in certain embodiments, the headrestmay be adjustable via, for example, one or more tracks. In such embodiments, the user may raise the headrestby pulling it up the trackor lower the headrestby pushing it down the track. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the headrest may be connected to the seatback framevia a clasp, which may be flexible. The claspmay, in some embodiments, interface (e.g. via one or more clasp protrusions) with the trackto enable vertical adjustment of the headrestrelative to the seatback frame

show expanded views of a tray—which may be the same as or similar to the tray—according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the traycomprises one or more flanges, as shown in. The one or more flangesmay engage with one or more groovesin the one or more armreststo substantially stabilize the tray. The one or more flangesmay be made of or include a soft material to prevent or reduce marring of the one or more armrests. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the traymay be configured to move anteriorly or posteriorly along the groovesof the one or more armrests, i.e. away from or towards the user. While the trayshown inis configured to attach to the right armrest, it is understood that the traymay be configured to attach to a left armrestor to both left and right armrests.

show another embodiment of a tray. Like the tray, the traymay be configured to move anteriorly or posteriorly along the groovesof the one or more armrests, i.e. away from or towards the user. Unlike the tray, however, the traymay comprise a trackin which a bracketmay be inserted and configured to travel across said track. In some embodiments, the bracketmay include one or more flanges. The bracketmay be configured to mount to the groovesof the one or more armrests. As shown in, the traymay move horizontally in the direction of arrowsby virtue of the bracket traveling in the track.

show expanded views of a cup holder—which may be the same as or similar to the cup holder—according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the cup holderis attached to the one or more armrestsvia, for example, a twist lock mechanism. In more specific embodiments, the twist lock mechanismmay be engaged with a slotin the one or more armreststo orient the cup holderto one of the outside of the armrest(as shown in) or the front of the armrest(not pictured). The cup holder, in some embodiments, may be configured to telescope, i.e. to transition between substantially flat (as shown in) and extended (as shown in).

show a chair transport bagaccording to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the chair transport bagis configured to securely retain the deployable chairin a folded state. Some embodiments of a chair transport bagaccording to the present disclosure comprise one or more storage compartment mounts, which may be the same as or similar to the one or more storage compartment mounts. The chair transport bagmay, in certain embodiments, include one or more closures, such as a zipper as shown. It is understood that many other closuremechanisms are possible, such as hook and loop, magnets, buttons, and others known in the art.

The chair transport bagmay comprise a variety of materials, such as for example, fabric, mesh, leather, artificial leather, and/or other materials known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing. In some embodiments of a chair transport bag, the bag may comprise a mesh bottom configured to permit the removal of dirt, dust, sand, and other debris through gravity when in use. Similarly, the mesh bottom may permit moisture to escape from the deployable chairwhen stored.

In some embodiments, the chair transport bagmay be configured to securely retain other elements disclosed herein, such as for example, the sun shade, the headrest, the tray, and/or the cup holder(in a substantially flat state or in a telescoped state) (referred to collectively herein as “the accessories” for simplicity). In more specific embodiments, the chair transport bagincludes pockets with dimensions that approximately correspond with the respective sizes of the accessories. In certain embodiments of a chair transport bagaccording to the present disclosure, retention mechanismsmay be used to secure the accessories within the chair transport bag.

Some embodiments of a chair transport bagaccording to the present disclosure include one or more top handles, and certain embodiments include one or more side handles,. In some embodiments, the chair transport bagincludes one or more strapsand may include one or more torso straps. Each of the one or more top handles, one or more side handles,, one or more straps, and one or more torso strapsmay be configured to enable the user to comfortably transport the chair transport bagand its contents, if any. In some embodiments, the chair transport bagmay include-on one or more of a back portion of the transport bagconfigured to mate with the user's back when the one or more strapsare in use, the one or more top handles, one or more side handles,, one or more straps, and one or more torso straps—a padded portion configured to provide comfort to the user when the one or more strapsis used.

show an embodiment of a storage compartment—which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment—according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the storage compartmentincludes one or more closures, one or more connectors, a lid, a bodydefining a chambertherein, and one or more handle. In some embodiments, the one or more closuresmay be configured to releasably attach the lidto the body. In certain embodiments, the lidand/or the bodymay be insulated to prevent or reduce thermal exchange between the chamberand ambient temperature.

The one or more connectorsmay, in some embodiments, by configured to engage with the one or more storage compartment mounts,to releasably attach the storage compartmentto the deployable chair,or to the chair transport bag. As shown in, some embodiments of a storage compartmentcomprise one or more connectorsconfigured to releasably attach the storage compartmentdirectly to the bottom of the seat. Enabling the storage compartmentto directly connect to the bottom of the seat, rather than via, e.g. clips/carabiners, reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating unnecessary elements. Additionally, direct connection between the storage compartmentand the bottom of the seatmay reduce or eliminate oscillations in the storage compartment, for example when a user initially sits in the deployable chairor shifts their weight. In some embodiments, the storage compartmentis configured to be suspended off the ground when releasably attached to the bottom of the seat. Such a configuration may prevent the storage compartmentfrom becoming soiled by the ground and may reduce or prevent thermal exchange between the ground and the storage compartment.

Specific embodiments of connectorscomprise one or more magnets configured to magnetically connect with corresponding magnets on the one or more storage compartment mounts,. It is understood that many different connectorsare possible, including for example, Fidlock® connectors, dovetail connectors, cleats, and others known in the art. It is understood that the storage compartmentmay be created from a variety of materials, such as for example metal, plastic, fabric, and other materials known in the art. In some embodiments, the one or more connectorsis molded integrally with the storage compartmentsuch that they form one monolithic piece. In certain embodiments, the one or more connectorsmay be configured to enable simultaneous engagement of a plurality of connectorswith a plurality of storage compartment mounts,. In such embodiments, the storage compartmentcan be mounted to the plurality of connectorswithout touching the ground, unlike a connection via, for example cooler clips.

Some embodiments of a storage compartmentaccording to the present disclosure may include one or more pocketsfor storage of miscellaneous items or the accessories. The one or more pocketsmay be located on the interior or exterior of the bodyand may be located on the interior or exterior of the lid.

shows another embodiment of a deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure. The deployable chairincludes rear storage compartment mounts (not pictured), which allow for mounting a storage compartment, which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment, to the rear of the deployable chair.

show yet another embodiment of a deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure. The deployable chairincludes a bar. When a user manipulates the bar, the deployable chaircan be transitioned between a folded state and a deployed state.

show another embodiment of a deployable chairaccording to the present disclosure. The deployable chairmay contain one or more of a seatback frame(which may be the same as or similar to the seatback frame), a seat frame(which may be the same as or similar to the seat frame), one or more armrests(which may be the same as or similar to the one or more armrests) connected to a bar(which may be the same as or similar to the bar), a button(not pictured) (which may be the same as or similar to the button), legs(which may be the same as or similar to the legs), a seatback(which may be the same as or similar to the seatback), a seat(which may be the same as or similar to the seat), storage compartment mounts(which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment mounts), and a hub(which may be the same as or similar to the seatback frame). The deployable chairalso contains an adjustable sun shade(which may be the same as or similar to the sun shade).

As shown in, a user can collapse the deployable chairby pulling back on the bar, which in turn engages a release(not pictured) (which may be the same as or similar to the release). In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the releasecomprises one of a soft-close hinge or a self-close hinge, as described hereinabove. In some embodiments according to the present disclosure, the baris connected to the rear of the one or more armrests. In more specific embodiments, the baris suspended relative to the seatbacksuch that a gap is formed between the barand the seatback.

Referring to, the deployable chairmay further comprise a sun shade enclosure. In some embodiments, the sun shade enclosuremay be removably attached the sun shade. In other embodiments, the deployable chairdoes not comprise a sun shade, and only contains a sun shade enclosure, which may be removably attached to the deployable chairin some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the sun shade enclosurecomprises an attachment mechanismwhich may be used to attach the bottom of the sun shade enclosureto the deployable chair. The sun shade enclosuremay be configured in some embodiments to substantially wrap around the rear and sides of a user when seated in the deployable chair, thereby providing privacy and protection from the sun and wind. The sun shade enclosure may be made of a variety of materials, such as those described herein regarding the seatbackand the seat, or others known in the art, or combinations of the foregoing.

As shown in, the deployable chairmay be configured to accept a storage compartment(which may be the same as or similar to the storage compartment). In some embodiments, the storage compartmentmay be mounted on the rear of the deployable chair(as shown in). In other embodiments, the storage compartmentmay be mounted under the seat. Some embodiments according to the present disclosure are configured such that the storage compartmentcan be mounted to either the rear of the chairor under the seat. In embodiments where the storage compartmentcan be mounted on the rear of the deployable chair, the storage compartment, when so mounted, may be posterior relative to the user such that any fluid dripping off of the user, e.g. water from swimming, sweat, spilled beverages, etc. would not contact the storage compartment.