Chair shelter

Abstract

A collapsible user support coupled to a collapsible, walled shelter. Individual and multi-occupant chairs provide a sling chair having a number of pivoting frame pieces that are trained through grommets at a fabric seat and backrest. An independently collapsible shelter or cover framework includes frame pieces that pivot under tension about the collapsible chair. Washer-like members splay the frame pieces away from the chair. The shelter framework supports a surrounding, collapsible fabric cover that can include windows, panel voids and / or doors and / or vents. The chair, shelter framework and fabric cover are organized to collapse and deploy to conditions that partially and completely cover the chair. The fabric cover can be constructed of netting and / or solid and / or three-dimensional fabric panels containing sleeves and pockets to support resiliently bowed stays.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 108,333 filed Apr. 18, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to portable shelters and, in particular, to a collapsible shelter fitted to a collapsible chair for use during outdoor recreation, such as ice fishing, hunting and summer camping or beach recreation.[0003]Portable shelters for ice fishing have been constructed in a variety of designs. Many recent designs provide for rigid walled shelters that mount on trailer frames. Beds, cabinets, stoves, lights, hole covers and other accommodations are permanently mounted to the walls, floors and ceiling. The wheels are rotated down for travel and up when located of a fishing spot.[0004]Some shelter designs are constructed on runners with rigid, windowed walls in the form of small outbuildings. The structures are insulated for heat retention and use for several days. Heating and cooking appliances are added as desir...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shelter that can be deployed to pre-defined latched conditions that completely enclose and / or partially cover the user and the underlying ground, sand or ice.

[0025]The stays are arranged to support to fabric shelter panels that are organized to cover the chair. The type fabric material and arrangement of panels are adjusted to fit particular applications. The stays can be secured to the panels and can be rotated to partially or completely enclose the chair and seated occupant. That is, when the chair and shelter are erected, the stays can be rotated to several conditions wherein the chair and user are partially or completely covered and protected from the environment. A user seated at the chair is also able to obtain protection from the wind and sun and with the aid of auxiliary appliances arrayed within the covered space. The heat / light sources can control internal ambient conditions to a desired personal comfort level.

[0027]The wrinkled 3D material provides a fabric with a random, raised finish. The wrinkles produce ridges, valleys and pockets that absorb light without compromising the weave of the substrate. A substantially wind and weather resistant material is thereby attained. When used in hunting blinds, clothing or the like, the blinds, clothing etc. are typically sewn to match an oversize pattern before the sewn material is collected and passed through a treating station. The treating station subjects the material for suitable times to pressurized steam at a pressures and temperatures that produce permanent wrinkling. Sleeves and / or closed-ended pockets are sewn into the shelter enclosures constructed from the fabric to contain distal ends of the stays to maintain a tension on the shelter cover. The 3D covers also include devices or sewn regions that maintain a relaxed condition at the wrinkle to prevent the stretching of the fabric and consequent loss of the wrinkling and visual 3D relief.

Problems solved by technology

Each of the foregoing provides advantages and disadvantages in regards to cost, portability and durability; consequently, the large numbers of alternative designs.

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