Foldable Chair

The presently disclosed subject matter is directed towards a foldable chair; and more particularly to a chair that is lightweight enough to be easily configured between a transport configuration in which the foldable chair is collapsed and a supporting configuration in which the foldable chair is reclinable and supports weight.

The ability to easily collapse and transport a chair is desirable in many use applications; including, for example, camping, sporting events, tailgating, traveling, going to the beach, etc. For this reason, a foldable chair must have the ability to perform well in two main configurations—a transport configuration and a supporting configuration. For example, to bear weight in the supporting configuration, many chairs rely on heavy-duty frame elements and sturdy materials that can hold weight up to four hundred pounds or more. However, such types of materials are also typically quite heavy so that in the transport configuration, the foldable chair is heavy and bulky to carry. Conversely, in another example, chairs that are made to be lightweight and easily transportable in the transport configuration are made of less heavy-duty materials and are flimsy and unable to hold as much weight in the supporting configuration. Thus, finding a balance between the two configurations is difficult in known chair designs.

Moreover, in many of these use applications, such a chair is subjected to a rugged environment, where the natural elements, such as the sand, dirt, salt water, sun, minerals, etc., may impact performance of the chair over time. For example, prolonged exposure of a chair frame to water may result in corrosion of any metal elements of the frame and cause rust, which degrades the structural integrity of the frame and is aesthetically displeasing. Exposure to salt water speeds up this process even more quickly than fresh water, so chairs used primarily at the beach are especially susceptible to this phenomenon.

In this way, there remains a need for a foldable chair that is both lightweight and sturdy, easily transportable and compact, but also resists corrosion and remains in good condition after repeated exposure to the elements.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from a reading of the following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The disclosure includes any combination of two, three, four, or more of the above-noted embodiments as well as combinations of any two, three, four, or more features or elements set forth in this disclosure, regardless of whether such features or elements are expressly combined in a specific embodiment description herein. This disclosure is intended to be read holistically such that any separable features or elements of the disclosed disclosure, in any of its various aspects and embodiments, should be viewed as intended to be combinable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

A first example embodiment of a foldable chair comprising: a first plurality of frame components forming a seat of the chair, the first plurality of frame components comprising at least first and second horizontal frame components each longitudinally extending between first and second ends; a second plurality of frame components forming a backrest coupled with the seat and moveable relative thereto, the second plurality of frame components comprising at least first and second vertical frame components each longitudinally extending between first and second ends; first and second rear legs; rear joint assemblies coupling the first horizontal frame component with the first vertical frame component and the first rear leg, and coupling the second horizontal frame component with the second vertical frame component and the second rear leg, the rear joint assemblies enabling the backrest to translate between angles of reclination relative to the seat in a supporting configuration and to collapse the backrest toward the seat and align the first and second rear legs with the first and second horizontal frame components in a transport configuration; first and second front legs coupled with the first plurality of frame components; and first and second engagement structures each extending from a respective one of the first and second horizontal frame components and engaged with respective first and second front legs to allow for an indirect coupling between the first horizontal frame component and the first front leg and the second horizontal frame component and the second front leg, the first and second engagement structures operating in tandem with the rear joint assemblies to hingedly collapse the first and second front legs against the respective first and second rear legs in the transport configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising a front crossbar engaged with and extending between the first and second front legs.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the front crossbar is formed to lie within substantially a same plane as the first and second front legs in the supporting configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first and second rear legs are substantially coplanar with the first and second horizontal frame components in the transport configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the angles of reclination are between about 95 degrees and about 160 degrees relative to the seat.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein each of the first and second horizontal frame components and the first and second vertical frame components has a non-circular shaped cross section.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the seat and backrest are formed from a single piece of material engaged with the first and second horizontal frame components and the first and second vertical frame components.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first and second horizontal frame components and the first and second vertical frame components each defines a c-shaped channel extending between the first and second ends and along a respective length thereof, and wherein longitudinal edges of the single piece of material are inserted into and secured within each of the c-shaped channels.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the material is a permeable, woven material selected from the group consisting of mesh, canvas, polyester, nylon, water resistant marine fabrics, and combinations thereof.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the transport configuration has a height of between about 3 inches and about 4 inches.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the second plurality of frame components further comprises an upper crossbar engaged with and extending between the first and second vertical frame components.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising a carry strap and a strap attachment mechanism arranged on the upper crossbar or one of the second plurality of frame components, the carry strap being coupled to or engageable with the strap attachment mechanism for transporting the chair in the transport configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising first and second armrests each longitudinally extending between first and second ends, the first armrest being engaged with the first vertical frame component proximate the first end of the first armrest and the second armrest being engaged with the second vertical frame component proximate the first end of the second armrest.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising a first armrest connecting joint arranged on an underside of the first armrest in between the first and second ends thereof and coupling the first rear leg and the first front leg into a movable relationship, and a second armrest connecting joint arranged on an underside of the second armrest in between the first and second ends thereof and coupling the second rear leg and the second front leg into a movable relationship, the first armrest connecting joint allowing the first front leg to collapse adjacent to the first rear leg and the second arm rest connecting joint allowing the second front leg to collapse adjacent to the second rear leg in a transport configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising a clip arranged on the underside of each of the first and second armrests between the respective first ends and the respective first and second armrest connecting joints to securely receive respective ones of the first and second rear legs in the transport configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein each of the first and second armrests has a substantially constant width along a length between the first end to the second end thereof.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising a rear support member engaged between the first and second rear legs, and a front support member engaged between the first and second front legs.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising a stability foot arranged at intersections between the rear support member and the first and second rear legs, and intersections between the front support member and the first and second front legs, the stability foot resting on a ground surface when the foldable chair is in the supporting configuration.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first and second engagement structures each comprises a first portion welded to a respective one of the first and second horizontal frame components and a second portion comprising a fastener extending through a respective one of the first and second front legs and into engagement with the respective first portion.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising an accessories connecting mechanism engaged with one of the fasteners of the respective first and second engagement structures, wherein the fastener extends through the accessories connecting mechanism, through a respective one of the first and second front legs and into engagement with the respective first portion.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, further comprising one or more accessories removably engageable with the accessories connecting mechanism.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the one or more accessories comprises a cup holder comprising a circumferential wall formed of a neoprene material.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the rear joint assemblies comprise a first rear joint assembly with a first translating arm and a first rear connecting joint, and a second rear joint assembly with a second translating arm and a second rear connecting joint.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first and second rear connecting joints each defines a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, and wherein the first ends of the first and second vertical frame components are pivotably received in the respective first receiving cavity of the first and second rear connecting joints and the first ends of the first and second horizontal frame components are non-movably received in the respective second receiving cavity of the first and second rear connecting joints, such that in configuring the foldable chair between the supporting configuration and the transport configuration, the first and second vertical frame components move toward and away from the first and second horizontal frame components.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first and second translating arms each comprises a first end and an opposing bifurcated end defined by two parallel arms extending from the first end, and wherein each of the first ends of the first and second translating arms is pivotably connected to the respective one of the first and second rear connecting joints via a fastener that acts as a pivot point and extends through the first end of the respective one of the first and second translating arms, through a respective one of the first receiving cavities, and into the respective one of the first ends of the first and second vertical frame components received in the respective one of the first receiving cavities to enable pivotable movement of the first and second vertical frame components toward and away from the first and second horizontal frame components.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein the first rear leg has a portion arranged and engaged between the two parallel arms of the bifurcated end of the first translating arm, and wherein the second rear leg has a portion arranged and engaged between the two parallel arms of the bifurcated end of the second translating arm.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein in the supporting configuration, the two parallel arms of the first and second translating arms each extend substantially parallel to the respective first and second rear legs.

The example embodiment of the foldable chair of any preceding example embodiment or any combinations of preceding example embodiments, wherein each of the first and second rear connecting joints defines a third receiving cavity, the foldable chair further comprising a lower crossbar non-movably received in the third receiving cavities of the first and second rear connecting joints and extending therebetween.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which some, but not all embodiments of the disclosure are shown. Indeed, various embodiments of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

For example, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, references to first, second or the like should not be construed to imply a particular order. A feature described as being above another feature (unless specified otherwise or clear from context) may instead be below, and vice versa; and similarly, features described as being to the left of another feature may instead be to the right, and vice versa. Also, while reference may be made herein to quantitative measures, values, geometric relationships or the like, unless otherwise stated, any one or more if not all of these may be absolute or approximate to account for acceptable variations that may occur, such as those due to engineering tolerances or the like.

As used herein, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, the “or” of a set of operands is the “inclusive or” and thereby true if and only if one or more of the operands is true, as opposed to the “exclusive or” which is false when all of the operands are true. Thus, for example, “[A] or [B]” is true if [A] is true, or if [B] is true, or if both [A] and [B] are true. Further, the articles “a” and “an” mean “one or more,” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

As used herein, the terms “bottom,” “top,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “rightward,” “leftward,” “interior,” “exterior,” and/or similar terms are used for ease of explanation and refer generally to the position of certain components or portions of the components of embodiments of the described disclosure. It is understood that such terms are not used in any absolute sense.

As used herein, “directly” engaged, coupled, joined, etc., means that two or more components are connected via direct contact with one another, i.e., touching, whereas “indirectly” engaged, coupled, joined, etc., means that two or more components do not directly contact one another, but are still connected via one or more intervening component. Such direct or indirect engagement, coupling, joining, etc., may be permanent or may be removable, unless otherwise specified. Likewise, the use of engage, couple, join, connect, fasten, etc., is not to be limited to being indirect or direct, and/or permanent or removable, unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, “fastener(s)” may refer to any type of hardware device or mechanism that mechanically, magnetically, chemically, etc., affixes or joins two or more objects together. Though generally a fastener may be used to create a non-permanent joint, as used herein, “fastener” may refer to both permanent and non-permanent joints unless otherwise specified. Exemplary fasteners may include, but are not limited to, a threaded fastener (e.g., screws, nuts, and bolts, captive threaded fasteners, studs, threaded inserts, and threaded rods), anchor bolt, batten, bolt snap, brass fastener, buckle, button, cable tie, cam, captive fastener, clamp (or cramp), hose clamp, clasp and shackle, bolt snap, carabiner, circle cotter, lobster clasp, cleco, clip, binder clip, BULLDOG® clip, crocodile clip, circlip, clothespin, hairpin clip, paper clip, terry clip, clutch, drawing pin (thumbtack), flange, frog, grommet, hook-and-eye closure, hook and loop fastener, VELCRO®, latch, nail and rivet, solid/round head rivets, semi-tubular rivets, blind (pop) rivet, pegs, tent peg, PEM nut, pins, clevis fastener, cotter, dowel, linchpin, R-clip, safety pin, split pin, spring pin, tapered pin, retaining rings, e-ring, well nut, rock bolt, rubber band (or bands of other materials), screw anchor, snap fastener, snap-fit engagement, staple, stitches, strap, tie, toggle bolt, tolerance ring, treasury tag, twist tie, wedge anchor, and zipper. Otherwise, components affixed together may be joined using a permanent joint such as, but not limited to, crimping, welding, soldering, brazing, taping, gluing, cement, or the use of other adhesives. Force may also be used, such as with magnets, vacuum (like suction cups), or even friction (like sticky pads). Some types of woodworking joints make use of separate internal reinforcements, such as dowels or biscuits, which in a sense may be considered fasteners as used herein.

The present disclosure is directed to a foldable chair, designated as. As described in more detail below, the chair being “foldable” means that the chair is designed to be maneuvered between two configurations—a supporting configuration (e.g.,) in which the foldable chairbears weight from a user and a transport configuration in which the foldable chairis collapsed into a compact arrangement (e.g.,) for easier transport, though the chair may be transportable in the supporting configuration. As used herein, collapsing means that the components of the foldable chairare brought closer together in one or more of the X, Y, and Z directions, Regardless of whether the foldable chairis in the supporting configuration or in the transport configuration, the foldable chairmay be lightweight and easily portable, while simultaneously being sturdy enough to hold up to about 300 pounds, about 400 pounds, about 500 pounds, etc. In one example embodiment of the foldable chair, a total weight of the chair is between about 5 pounds to about 10 pounds; typically the chair is about 8 pounds. In other example embodiments of the foldable chair, such as a “mini” version of the foldable chair, a total weight of the chair may be reduced to between about 3 pounds to about 7 pounds, while in a “tall” version of the foldable chair, a total weight of the chair may be increased to between about 7 pounds to about 12 pounds. In other example embodiments of the foldable chair, the total weight may be more or less than between about 5 to about 15 pounds, depending on various characteristics of the chair, such as, for example, the length(s) and/or weight(s) of various components of the foldable chair, materials of the chair, number and type of attached accessories, etc.

The foldable chairas described herein, may also have components that enable the chair to be folded into the compact arrangement in the transport configuration with as minimal a height as possible. Having the chair fold into the transport configuration with as minimal a height as possible is beneficial for storing and transporting the chair; especially in circumstances where space is limited (e.g., a trunk of a car). For example, in the transport configuration, a height of the chair may be between about 3 inches to about 4 inches; preferably the height is about 375 inches.

Accordingly, in one example embodiment, and as shown in, the foldable chaircomprises a first plurality of frame components forming a seatof the chair, the first plurality of frame components comprising at least first and second horizontal frame components,each longitudinally extending between first and second ends,; a second plurality of frame components forming a backrestcoupled with the seatand moveable relative thereto, the second plurality of frame components comprising at least first and second vertical frame components,each longitudinally extending between first and second ends,; first and second rear legs,; rear joint assembliescoupling the first horizontal frame componentwith the first vertical frame componentand the first rear leg, and coupling the second horizontal frame componentwith the second vertical frame componentand the second rear leg, the rear joint assembliesenabling the backrestto translate between angles of reclination relative to the seatin a supporting configuration and to collapse the backresttoward the seatand align the first and second-rear legs,with the first and second horizontal frame components,in a transport configuration; first and second front legs,coupled with the first plurality of frame components; and first and second engagement structures,each extending from a respective one of the first and second horizontal frame components,and engaged with respective first and second front legs,to allow for an indirect coupling between the first horizontal frame componentand the first front legand the second horizontal frame componentand the second front leg, the first and second engagement structures,operating in tandem with the rear joint assembliesto hingedly collapse the first and second front legs,against the respective first and second rear legs,in the transport configuration. Each of the components will be discussed in more detail below.

As illustrated in, the first plurality of frame components form the seatof the chair. The first plurality of frame components comprises at least first and second horizontal frame components,(hereinafter referred to collectively as the “horizontal frame components” unless specified otherwise) each longitudinally extending between first and second ends,. As shown, the first and second horizontal frame components,are substantially parallel to one another in one or both of the supporting configuration and the transport configuration. The first plurality of frame components may also comprise additional horizontal frame components (not shown), such as, for example, a third horizontal frame component engaged with and extending between the first endsof the first and second horizontal frame components,, and/or a fourth horizontal frame component engaged with and extending between the second endsof the first and second horizontal frame components,. However, and as shown in, the first plurality of frame components only comprises the first and second horizontal frame components,, which typically reduce an overall weight of the chair and increase comfort of the seat. In some example embodiments, the first plurality of frame components may be removable and replaceable. Otherwise, the first plurality of frame components are permanently joined together either directly or indirectly via fasteners, welding, chemical bonding, adhesive, any combination thereof, and the like.

A length of each of the horizontal frame components may be defined between the first and second ends,thereof. In some example embodiments, the length of each of the first and second horizontal frame components,may be between about 35 centimeters (cm) to about 56 cm. As such, a shape of each of the horizontal frame components along the length thereof may be substantially straight, curved, contoured, or otherwise formed with a combination of these shapes at different portions to create a comfortable and ergonomic seating surface. Thus, in some example embodiments, one or both of the horizontal frame components are continuously straight along their lengths. However, in some example embodiments and as illustrated in, the first and second horizontal frame components,have a shape that changes along each of their lengths. For example, each of the first and second horizontal frame components,may have a first portion having a substantially straight shape along its length beginning from the first endsand ending at a point along the length between the first and second ends,thereof, and a second portion extending from the point along the length to the second end. The second portions in this embodiment may each be bent at a downward angle from the first portions. Otherwise, the second portions may be bent outward, upward, inward, etc. This angle may be a slight angle (e.g., between about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees; typically about 12 degrees in some example embodiments) to provide a comfortable transition for a user's legs while sitting in the chair in the supporting configuration. In other example embodiments, one or more of the horizontal frame components may comprise third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc., portions having various shapes along their length to create a further contoured seat. The first and second horizontal frame components,may have the same shape along their length or may be differently shaped.

The horizontal frame components may also be configured with a cross-section that is substantially circular, square, rectangular, triangular, oval-shaped, or any other geometric shape. For purposes of reducing an overall weight of the foldable chair, in the example embodiment shown in, each of the first and second horizontal frame components,have a non-circular shaped cross-section. In particular, the cross-section may comprise two vertical walls that are connected by arcs. The cross-sectional shape may extend through an entirety or a substantial entirety of the lengths of each of the first and second horizontal frame components,or the cross-section may change along the length thereof to provide additional support and/or comfort. In the embodiment illustrated in, the cross-sectional shape remains constant along the length of the first and second horizontal frame components,. The cross-sectional diameter of the first and second horizontal frame components,may be defined between the vertical walls or determined by a circumference of the cross-section. In this manner, the diameter may be between about 10 millimeters (mm) to about 30 mm, and may vary depending on the cross-sectional shape along the length of the first and second horizontal frame components,. In the embodiment illustrated in, the diameter between the two vertical walls is about 16 mm, while the diameter between the two arcs is about 25 mm.

In some example embodiments, one or more of the horizontal frame components may comprise a hollow interior that extends through an entirety or a substantial entirety of the lengths of each of the horizontal frame components. Having a hollow interior may beneficially further reduce an overall weight of the foldable chair. In other example embodiments, only a portion of each of the horizontal frame components may be hollow and the other portions may comprise an interior support rod or other support structure to provide further stability to the horizontal frame components. In still further example embodiments, interior support rods may extend through an entirety or a substantial entirety of the lengths of each of the horizontal frame components. The interior support rods may be of a metallic or metal alloy such as steel or aluminum, a fibrous material such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, or a plastic or natural material (like wood), or any combination thereof. Other materials and interior support structures, such as cells, ribs, etc., are also contemplated herein.

In some example embodiments, the first and/or second ends,of each of the horizontal frame components may be capped with removable or permanently attached caps to prevent debris and other undesirable material from entering into the interior of the horizontal frame components. Should debris enter the interiors, where the caps are removable, they may be simply removed and then replaced when the debris has been removed. Otherwise, the first and second ends,may be welded shut or closed off. In some other example embodiments, though, the first and/or second ends,of the horizontal frame components may be left open so that debris may not remain trapped within the interiors. To prevent trapped debris from remaining within the interiors of the horizontal frame components, one or more openings may be provided along the length of the horizontal frame components to allow such debris to escape.

For forming the chair seatbetween the horizontal frame components, each of the horizontal frame components may comprise a channel that extends along a substantial entirety or an entirety of the length of the horizontal frame components. The channel may begin toward or at the first ends of the horizontal frame components and end toward or at the second ends of the horizontal frame components. The channel may be c-shaped, T-shaped, L-shaped, D-shaped, Z-shaped, or any other shape that will allow for the seatmaterial to be inserted into and secured within the channels on each of the horizontal frame components. For example, and as shown in the embodiment in, the channel is a c-shaped channel extending between the first and second ends,and along the respective lengths of the first and second horizontal frame components,, and longitudinal edges of the seatmaterial are inserted into and secured within each of the c-shaped channels. In this way, the seatmaterial may remain taut when supporting weight. Notably, and as discussed in further detail below, the seatmaterial may be a single piece of material that extends from the first and second horizontal frame components,to the first and second vertical frame components,, Otherwise, the backrestmaterial and the seatmaterial may be separate pieces of material. However, the seatmaterial may be engaged with or coupled to the first and second horizontal frame components,in other manners, such as for example, the seatmaterial is wrapped around the horizontal frame components and sewn to itself such that the seatmaterial forms a loop and the horizontal frame components extend therethrough, the seatmaterial is wrapped around the horizontal frame components and a fastener extends through the seatmaterial and into the horizontal frame components to retain the seatmaterial, one or more fasteners (e.g., zippers, button snaps, or other fasteners) retain the seatmaterial in place when it is looped around the horizontal frame components, bungee cords extend through eyelets on the seatmaterial and attach to the horizontal frame components, the seatmaterial is formed as a circular loop and extends around both horizontal frame components, the seatmaterial includes padding and rests on top of a foundation extending between the horizontal frame components, and the like.

The horizontal frame components may comprise a material that is both lightweight and sturdy in order to make the foldable chaireasily usable in the transport configuration and the supporting configuration. For example, the material of the first and second horizontal frame components,may be an aluminum alloy such as 6 series or 7 series (including but not limited to 6063, 6061, and 7001), Otherwise, the material of the first and second horizontal frame components,may be other metallic compositions, steel, plastic, wood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. The horizontal frame components may be further coated with a coating that resists corrosion, fading, mold and mildew, scratching, absorbs heat to prevent it from being overly hot to the touch, any combination thereof, and the like, Such a coating may be, for example, powder coat, ceramic, paint, hydrodip, anodizing, alodining, urethane, epoxy, and Polyvinylidene Fluoride, Some or all of the material of the horizontal frame components may be fully or partially recycled,

As illustrated in, the second plurality of frame components form the backrestof the chair that is coupled with the seat. The manner in which the backrestand the seatcouple together is discussed in more detail below with regard to the rear joint assemblies. The second plurality of frame components comprises at least first and second vertical frame components,(hereinafter referred to collectively as the “vertical frame components” unless specified otherwise) each longitudinally extending between first and second ends,. As shown, the first and second vertical frame components,are substantially parallel to one another in one or both of the supporting configuration and the transport configuration. The second plurality of frame components may also comprise additional vertical frame components (not shown), such as, for example, a third vertical frame component engaged with and extending between the first endsof the first and second vertical frame components,, and/or a fourth vertical frame component engaged with and extending between the second endsof the first and second vertical frame components,. In some example embodiments, the second plurality of frame components may be removable and replaceable. Otherwise, the second plurality of frame components are permanently joined together either directly or indirectly via fasteners, welding, chemical bonding, adhesive, any combination thereof, and the like.