Portable Chair and Cup Holder Assembly

Abstract

The portable chair may include first and second front legs connected by a front sled and first and second rear legs connected by a rear sled. The front sled may include first and second front feet, and the rear sled may include first and second rear feet. Each of the feet attached to the front and rear sleds may include a retention mechanism hole configured to allow water to drain from the sled / foot junction. The portable chair may further include a seat including a seat frame boundary including a plurality of protrusions. The seat frame boundary may be rigidly attached to the seat via an injection molding process. Additionally, the portable chair may have a cup holder assembly that can be detachably attached to either of the front legs of the chair. The cup holder assembly may have a cup holder portion that can be attached to a mounting base that is attached to the legs of the portable chair.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 904,270, filed February 23, 2018, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 698,403, filed September 7, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 602,841, filed May 23, 2017. The above-cited patent applications are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments described herein relate generally to portable chairs and cup holder assemblies for use with portable chairs. More specifically, embodiments relate to portable folding chairs. [Background technology]

[0003] Portable chairs are commonly used during events and activities where sitting is desirable but not always possible, such as waiting in line, camping, and outdoor barbecues. However, in most cases, such chairs are made from inexpensive, low-grade materials that provide an uncomfortable seating experience, unsatisfactory durability, minimal long-term viability, and are susceptible to accelerated deterioration when exposed to environmental phenomena. Thus, low-grade portable chairs result in low overall user satisfaction and frequent replacement.

[0004] In other instances where higher quality materials are used in the manufacture of portable chairs, extended lifespans may be achievable compared to lower-grade products, however, such premium chairs offer only marginal improvements in comfort, resistance to weather-induced deterioration, and overall durability, albeit at a significantly higher price. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for high quality, comfortable and durable portable chairs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of various aspects described herein. This summary is not an exhaustive overview, and is not intended to identify key or critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claims. The following summary merely presents some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0007] To overcome the limitations of the prior art discussed above, as well as other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding this specification, aspects described herein are directed to a portable chair and a method of forming a portable chair.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, the portable chair may include first and second front legs connected by a front sled and first and second rear legs connected by a rear sled. The front sled may include first and second front feet, and the rear sled may include first and second rear feet. Each of the feet attached to the front and rear sleds may include retention holes configured to allow water to drain away from the sled / foot junction. The portable chair may further include a seat made of a highly permeable woven fabric-type structure that may include a seat frame boundary. The seat frame boundary may be a rigid thermoplastic overmolded bottom portion that includes multiple protrusions. The seat frame boundary may be rigidly attached to the seat via an injection molding process that may form the multiple protrusions. The portable chair may also include a seat frame including a first end, a second end, a first seat mounting rail, and a second seat mounting rail. The plurality of protrusions on the bottom surface portion of the seat frame boundary can be configured to removably engage the first seat mounting rail and the second seat mounting rail. Additionally, the seat frame can include a carrying handle.

[0009] In some embodiments, the seat can be configured to slope downward at the front end portion when the seat frame boundary of the seat is removably engaged with the first seat mounting rail and the second seat mounting rail.

[0010] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a first front leg fitting joint including a tubular protrusion into which the first front leg can be inserted and secured via a structural adhesive. The portable chair can also include a first rear leg fitting joint including a tubular protrusion into which the first rear leg can be inserted and secured via a structural adhesive.

[0011] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a first arm rest that can be configured to be rotatably secured to the first front leg feature joint and the first rear leg feature joint via the first forward pin.

[0012] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a second front leg fitting joint including a tubular protrusion into which the second front leg can be inserted and secured via a structural adhesive. The portable chair can also include a second rear leg fitting joint including a tubular protrusion into which the second rear leg can be inserted and secured via a structural adhesive.

[0013] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a second arm rest that can be configured to be rotatably secured to the second front leg fixture joint and the second rear leg fixture joint via the second forward pin.

[0014] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a backrest made of a highly permeable fabric-type structure that can include a backrest frame boundary. The backrest frame boundary can be a rigid thermoplastic overmolded structure that includes a plurality of protrusions on a back surface portion. The backrest frame boundary can be rigidly attached to the backrest via an injection molding process that can form the plurality of protrusions. The portable chair can also include a backrest frame that includes a first end, a second end, a first backrest mounting rail, and a second backrest mounting rail. The plurality of protrusions on the back surface portion of the backrest frame boundary can be configured to removably engage with the first backrest mounting rail and the second backrest mounting rail.

[0015] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a first back rest feature joint. The first back rest feature joint can include a tubular protrusion into which a first end portion of the back rest frame can be inserted and secured via a structural adhesive. The portable chair can also include a second back rest feature joint. The second back rest feature joint can include a tubular protrusion into which a second end portion of the back rest frame can be inserted and secured via a structural adhesive.

[0016] In some embodiments, the portable chair can further include a first seat feature joint. The first seat feature joint can include a tubular protrusion into which a first end of the seat frame can be inserted and secured via structural adhesive. The portable chair can also include a second seat feature joint. The second seat feature joint can include a tubular protrusion into which a second end of the seat frame can be inserted and secured via structural adhesive.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the first front leg, the second front leg, the front sled, the first rear leg, the second rear leg, the rear sled, the seat frame, and the back frame can be constructed from hydroformed aluminum.

[0018] Additional aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a cup holder assembly including a cup holder having an interior bottom surface, a rim, a substantially cylindrical wall positioned between the bottom surface and the rim, and an engagement member extending from the substantially cylindrical wall. The cup holder assembly may also include a collar having a first side releasably secured to the engagement member of the cup holder and a second side secured to a clamp member having a substantially C-shaped member, the collar being rotatable relative to the clamp member. The collar may have a plurality of flex fingers that engage with a corresponding plurality of flex fingers on the engagement member of the cup holder to releasably secure the cup holder to the collar. The plurality of flex fingers on the collar may include upper flex fingers positioned on an upper portion of the collar and lower flex fingers positioned on a lower portion of the collar, the upper flex fingers and the lower flex fingers being spaced apart from each other. The collar can further include an alignment member positioned between the upper and lower flex fingers, the alignment member having a radially extending flange that contacts a portion of at least one of the flex fingers on the engagement member of the cup holder to prevent rotation of the cup holder relative to the collar. Additionally, the lower flex fingers can be larger than the upper flex fingers to prevent improper installation of the cup holder on the collar. Finally, the collar can rotate relative to the clamp member in two positions.

[0019] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a portable chair and cup holder system, the system comprising: a portable chair having first and second front legs connected by a forward thread, first and second rear legs connected by a rear thread, a seat having a woven-type construction; and a cup holder assembly including a cup holder having an interior bottom surface, a rim, and a substantially cylindrical wall positioned between the interior bottom surface and the rim, and an engagement member extending from the substantially cylindrical wall of the cup holder. The engagement member can be releasably connected to a collar that can be secured to a clamp member having a substantially C-shaped member, and the C-shaped member can be releasably connected to either the first or second front leg. The cup holder can be rotated from an outer position to an inner position while still connected to the portable chair. The C-shaped member can have a portion of its upper surface and a portion of its lower surface with rounded edges such that the rounded edges contact bushings extending inward from either the first front leg or the second front leg of the portable chair. The cup holder can also rotate relative to the clamp member. The engagement member on the cup holder can include multiple flex fingers that engage with multiple flex fingers on the collar, and the collar can be slidably connected to the engagement member extending from the C-shaped member of the clamp member. The collar and the engagement member of the clamp member can each have a rotation restraint mechanism.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a cup holder assembly including a cup holder having a base, a rim, a substantially cylindrical wall positioned between the base and the rim, and an engagement member extending from the substantially cylindrical wall, and a collar having a first side releasably secured to the engagement member and a second side secured to a clamp member comprising a substantially C-shaped member, the collar being slidably engaged with the clamp member. The cup holder assembly may be configured such that the cup holder is released from the collar when a force exceeding 100 Newtons (N) is applied to the cup holder in a vertical direction.

[0021] Additionally, the collar may further include a plurality of rotational restraint mechanisms that engage with the plurality of rotational restraint mechanisms on the clamp member to prevent inadvertent rotation of the collar relative to the clamp member. When the plurality of rotational restraint mechanisms on both the collar and the clamp member are disengaged by slidably moving the collar outward from the clamp member, the collar may rotate relative to the clamp member. The plurality of rotational restraint mechanisms on the collar may include a plurality of rotatably spaced bosses, one of the plurality of bosses having a first length greater than the second lengths of the remaining bosses. Finally, the plurality of rotational restraint mechanisms on the clamp member may include a plurality of pockets.

[0022] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a cup holder assembly including a cup holder having an interior bottom surface, an upper rim, a substantially cylindrical wall positioned between the bottom surface and the upper rim, and a mounting member extending from the substantially cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may define a longitudinal axis. The mounting member may include a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls, each of which includes a rail extending from each of the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls toward each other. The cup holder assembly may also include a mounting base connected to a chair leg, the rails of the mounting member sliding along a pair of slots on the mounting base to secure the cup holder to the mounting base. Additionally, the interior of the cup holder may include multiple levels, each of which has a different height. The multiple levels may include three levels. The cup holder may also have a notch in the upper rim formed as a single component. Each rail can include a detent extending into a pocket located in a respective slot of the mounting base, and the pocket can be centered along each pair of slots. The pair of substantially parallel side walls can be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical wall.

[0023] Additional aspects of the present disclosure may relate to a portable chair and cup holder system, including a portable chair having first and second front legs connected by a front thread, first and second rear legs connected by a rear thread, a seat with a woven fabric-type construction, and a cup holder assembly. The cup holder assembly may include a cup holder having a bottom surface, an upper edge, and multiple cylindrical sections configured in a multi-tiered shape positioned between the bottom surface and the upper edge, the multiple cylindrical sections being concentric about a longitudinal axis. The cup holder may also include a mounting member including a spacer portion extending from at least one of the cylindrical sections and a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls, each of the sidewalls including a rail extending from each of the sidewalls toward each other. The cup holder assembly may also include a mounting base connected to the first front leg of the portable chair, with the rails of the mounting member sliding along a pair of slots on the mounting base to secure the cup holder to the mounting base. The mounting base may include at least one mounting hole and be attached to the first front leg of the portable chair using at least one mechanical fastener extending through the at least one mounting hole. The cup holder may be releasably secured to the mounting base, with the cup holder being removable from the mounting base without the use of tools. Each rail may include a detent extending into a pocket located in a respective slot of the mounting base, with the pocket being centered along each pair of slots. The interior of the cup holder may include multiple levels, each level having a different height.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a cup holder assembly, including a cup holder having a bottom surface, an upper rim, and multiple cylindrical sections positioned between the bottom surface and the upper rim, the cup holder including a notch in the upper rim, and a mounting member including a spacer portion extending from at least one of the cylindrical sections and a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls. Each of the sidewalls may include rails extending from each of the sidewalls toward each other. The cup holder assembly may further include a mounting base connected to a chair leg, the rails of the mounting member sliding along a pair of slots on the mounting base to secure the cup holder to the mounting base. The notch may have a length within a range of 12 percent and 38 percent of the circumference of the upper rim, or may have a length of approximately 25 percent of the circumference of the upper rim. The center of the notch may be positioned approximately 90 degrees from the location of the mounting member. Finally, the notch can have a height within 25% to 75% of the cup holder's upper tier.

[0025] These features, along with many other features, are discussed in more detail below.

[0026] A more complete understanding of the aspects described herein and their advantages can be obtained by reference to the following description in consideration of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an illustrative portable chair according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary compartment of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary compartment of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an exemplary compartment of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a first exemplary seat of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4B] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary seat frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4C] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary seat engaged with a first exemplary seat frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 4D] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of components of a first exemplary seat and a first exemplary seat frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary seat frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary seat of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5C] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a first exemplary seat of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5D] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary seat engaged with a second exemplary seat frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 5E] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary seat engaged with a second exemplary seat frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6A]FIG. 2 is a rear view of the exemplary back of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a front view of the example back frame of the example portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 6C] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary back engaged with the exemplary back frame of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cup holder assembly as is described herein. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cup holder securing a beverage container as described herein. [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cup holder securing a beverage container as described herein. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a cup holder assembly as installed on the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 as described herein. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a cup holder assembly as installed on the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 as described herein. [Figure 10A] FIG. 9C is a detailed view of a cup holder assembly installed on an exemplary portable chair such as that shown in FIG. 9B as described herein. [Figure 10B] FIG. 9C is a detailed view of a cup holder assembly installed on an exemplary portable chair such as that shown in FIG. 9B as described herein. [Figure 11]FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a cup holder assembly as installed on the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a cup holder assembly as installed on the exemplary portable chair of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13A] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cup holder assembly rotating from an outward position to an inward position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13B] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cup holder assembly rotating from an outward position to an inward position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 13C] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a cup holder assembly rotating from an outward position to an inward position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cup holder rotating relative to a clamping member according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cup holder rotating relative to a clamping member according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cup holder rotating relative to a clamping member according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 15A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cup holder assembly with a collar in an engaged position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 15B] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cup holder assembly with a collar in a disengaged position according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cup holder assembly with the cup holder removed for clarity, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 16B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cross-sectional view of a cup holder assembly through a collar component according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a front view of a clamping member of a cup holder assembly according to one of many embodiments described herein. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a collar component of a cup holder assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a collar component of a cup holder assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a detailed view of a cup holder component of a cup holder assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 20A] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cup holder assembly with a collar in an engaged position according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 20B] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a cup holder assembly with a collar in a disengaged position according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cup holder assembly with the cup holder removed for clarity, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 22A] FIG. 10 is a detailed perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cup holder assembly attached to a chair according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 22B] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a cup holder assembly attached to a chair according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exploded view of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 attached to a chair according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24A]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cup holder of FIG. 22 partially attached to a mounting base on a chair, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 24B] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an exploded view of the cup holder of FIG. 22 relative to a mounting base on a chair according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 25A] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a mounting base of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 attached to a chair according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 25B] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 and its attachment to a chair, according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26A] FIG. 23 is a side view of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 having a container secured within the cup holder according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26B] FIG. 23 is a side view of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 having a container secured within the cup holder according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 26C] FIG. 23 is a side view of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 having a container secured within the cup holder according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 having a container with a handle secured within the cup holder according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 28] FIG. 23 is a right-side front perspective view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 29] FIG. 23 is a left, front, perspective view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 30] FIG. 23 is a front view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 31] FIG. 23 is a rear view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 32] FIG. 23 is a right side view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 33] FIG. 23 is a left side view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 34] FIG. 23 is a top view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 35] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 36] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 shown in FIG. 34 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 37] FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the cup holder mounting member of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 38] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a mounting base of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 38 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 40] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a mounting base of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 40 according to one of many embodiments described herein. [Figure 42]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 43A] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 42 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 43B] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 42 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 44A] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a mounting base of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 42 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 44B] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an alternative mounting base for the cup holder assembly of FIG. 42 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 45] FIG. 23 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the cup holder of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 45 according to one of many embodiments described herein. [Figure 47] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a mounting base of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 45 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 48] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a mounting base of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more embodiments described herein. [Figure 49] FIG. 23 is a front view of a mounting base of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 22 according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of a mounting base of an alternative embodiment of the cup holder assembly of FIG. 49 according to one or more embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] In the following description of various examples and components of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, various exemplary structures and environments in which aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other structures and environments may be utilized and that structural and functional modifications may be made from the structures and methods specifically described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] Additionally, terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "side," "rear," "upward," "downward," right, and left may be used herein to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention; these terms are used herein for convenience, for example, based on exemplary orientations shown in the drawings or typical in-use orientations. Additionally, the term "plurality," as used herein, refers to any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, up to an infinite number as necessary. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional orientation of structures to fall within the scope of the present invention. The reader is also advised that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0030] Chair Overview FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of an example chair 100, which may be a foldable portable chair. Chair 100 may include a front sled 110 connecting front legs 112A and 112B and a rear sled 120 connecting rear legs 122A and 122B. Front sled 110 and rear sled 120 may be configured to support chair 100 on a surface. Front legs 112A and 112B may be further connected and reinforced by a front crossbar 114. Chair 100 may also include a seat 130 connected to a seat frame 131 and a back 140 connected to a back frame 141. Chair 100 may include armrests 150A and 150B. As discussed in more detail below, chair 100 may be configured to fold into a smaller profile for easier storage and transportation.

[0031] Additionally, chair 100 may have a symmetrical structure, such that components on the left side of chair 100 (e.g., the side corresponding to armrest 150B) are mirrored on the right side (e.g., the side corresponding to armrest 150A). Thus, front leg 112B may correspond to front leg 112A, armrest 150B may correspond to armrest 150A, and so on. Furthermore, as described in more detail below, components of chair 100, such as seat frame 131 and back frame 141, which extend from the left side to the right side of chair 100, may also have a symmetrical structure. For example, seat frame 131 may include a first seat mounting rail on the left side and a second seat mounting rail on the right side, back frame 141 may include a first back mounting rail on the left side and a second back mounting rail on the right side, and so on.

[0032] leg The portable chair 100 may include two front legs 112A and 112B and two rear legs 122A and 122B. The two front legs 112A and 112B and the two rear legs 122A and 122B may be cylindrical rods, tubes, and / or shafts and may be made from, for example, aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, metal alloys, polymers, composites, carbon fiber, and / or wood, such as bamboo. When aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to make the two front legs 112A and 112B and the two rear legs 122A and 122B, the metal may be hydroformed and vacuum cast, and may be treated to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions, such as salt spray, by anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or applying an enamel. Additionally, the metals and alloys used to make the legs 112A, 112B, 122A, and 122B may be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0033] The front legs 112A and 112B of the portable chair 100 can be connected by a front crossbar 114. The front crossbar 114 can be made from the same material as the front legs 112A and 112B (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo), or can be made from a different material than the front legs 112A and 112B. If the front legs 112A and 112B are made from metal and the front crossbar 114 is also made from metal, the front crossbar 114 can be welded to the inner portions of the front legs 112A and 112B. Alternatively, the front legs 112A and 112B and the front crossbar 114 can be made from a single continuous piece in a molding operation. In such cases, fabrication can occur through hydroforming. Similarly, if the front legs 112A and 112B are made of carbon fiber and the front crossbar 114 is also made of carbon fiber, the front legs 112A and 112B and the front crossbar 114 can be made in a single continuous piece in a molding operation. However, it is contemplated that, for example, if the front legs 112A and 112B are made of a different material than the front crossbar 114, the front crossbar 114 can be screwed, bolted, clamped, or otherwise secured to the inner portions of the front legs 112A and 112B. The front crossbar 114 may be a low-flexibility, low-creep member and may be capable of supporting an applied load of up to 500 lb (226.796 kg). Although not shown in FIG. 1 , in some cases, the rear legs 120A and 120B of the portable chair 100 can be connected by a rear crossbar, similar to the configuration described above for the front legs 110A and 110B and the front crossbar 114.

[0034] In some embodiments, a combination of different materials can be used to form chair 100. For example, front legs 110A and 110B and front crossbar 114 may be made from a different material than rear legs 120A and 120B. For example, front legs 110A and 110B and front crossbar 114 may be made from carbon fiber, and rear legs 120A and 120B may be made from metal. Alternatively, front legs 110A and 110B and rear legs 120A and 120B may be made from a first material (e.g., metal), and front crossbar 114 may be made from a second material (e.g., carbon fiber).

[0035] In configurations that include a rear crossbar, chair 100 can be formed using a combination of different materials similar to those described above. For example, front legs 110A and 110B and front crossbar 114 may be made from a different material than rear legs 120A and 120B and rear crossbar. For example, front legs 110A and 110B and front crossbar 114 may be made from carbon fiber, and rear legs 120A and 120B and rear crossbar may be made from metal. Alternatively, front legs 110A and 110B and rear legs 120A and 120B may be made from a first material (e.g., metal), and front crossbar 114 and rear crossbar may be made from a second material (e.g., carbon fiber).

[0036] Sled and foot The two front legs 112A and 112B can be joined by a forward thread 110, which can be a continuous connecting member. As such, the two front legs 112A and 112B and the forward sled 110 can be fabricated in a single continuous piece, for example, through any of the manufacturing methods described herein. Similarly, the two rear legs 122A and 122B can be joined by the rear thread 120 and can be fabricated in a single continuous piece. The forward thread 110 and the rear thread 120 can be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray, and through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0037] Additionally, front sled 110 can include front feet 111A and 111B, which may be plastic and / or rubber caps at the bottom and / or lowest portion of sled 110 to promote or improve frictional engagement with an adjacent contact surface (e.g., floor, ground, etc.). The front feet may include a suitable material or texture to increase the coefficient of friction between the front feet and the surface on which the chair is placed. As shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, front feet 111A and 111B can be configured to engage with sections of front sled 110 adjacent to front legs 112A and 112B. Thus, front foot 111A can be configured to engage with sections of front sled 110 adjacent to front leg 112A, and front foot 111B can be configured to engage with sections of front sled 110 adjacent to front leg 112B.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2C , the front foot 111B can include an engagement plug 117B. In some cases, the engagement plug 117B can be a plastic, rubber, and / or metal protrusion extending radially from the front foot 111B. Additionally and / or alternatively, the engagement plug 117B can be a thread-like structure made of plastic, rubber, and / or metal. The engagement plug 117B can be configured to be inserted into the front sled 110. Before, during, or after insertion, a bonding agent and / or structural adhesive can be applied to the engagement plug 117B to secure the front foot 111B to the front sled 110. Additionally, the front foot 111B can include a retention feature hole 115B that can be configured to allow water to drain from the foot / sled joint. Similar to front foot 111B, front foot 111A can include an engagement plug 117A and a retention mechanism hole 115A, each of which can be configured to interface with sled 110 and function as described with respect to front foot 111B.

[0039] Additionally, the engagement plugs 117A, 117B may each include a series of holes 123 that provide a channel for moisture located within the frame. The series of holes 123, in combination with the retention feature holes 115A, 115B, form an outlet for any moisture that collects inside the chair frame. In one example, a single hole or multiple holes may be included on the ends of the engagement plugs 117A, 117B. In another example, the engagement plugs 117A, 117B may be formed from a porous material that allows water to flow through the engagement plugs 117A, 117B and escape through the retention feature holes 115A, 115B. It is also envisioned that separate holes may be included in the frame and front feet 111A, 111B to allow water or moisture to escape from the chair frame.

[0040] In other instances, the front feet 111A and 111B may be a plastic and / or rubber coating applied to the front sled 110 and may be contained within recessed or cutout pockets adjacent the two front legs 112A and 112B. Alternatively, the plastic and / or rubber coating may be applied along the length of the front sled 110 at the bottom and / or lowest portion and the first and second front engagement surfaces, forming a continuous front engagement surface. In other instances, the plastic and / or rubber coating may be applied intermittently at even intervals along the length of the front sled 110 at the bottom and / or lowest portion. In such instances, the front feet may form an intermittent front engagement surface.

[0041] Similar to the front sled 110, the rear sled 120 can include rear foot 121A and rear foot 121B, which may be plastic and / or rubber caps at the bottom and / or lowest portion to promote frictional engagement with an adjacent contact surface (e.g., floor, ground, etc.). The rear feet 121A and 121B can be configured to engage with sections of the rear sled 120 adjacent to the rear legs 122A and 122B. Thus, the rear foot 121A can be configured to engage with the section of the rear sled 120 adjacent to the rear leg 122A, and the rear foot 121B can be configured to engage with the section of the rear sled 120 adjacent to the rear leg 122B.

[0042] Similar to front feet 111A and 111B, rear feet 121A and 121B can each include an engagement plug and retention feature aperture. The engagement plug and retention feature aperture of rear feet 121A and 121B can be configured to interface with sled 120 and function as described with respect to front feet 111A and 111B. Rear feet 121A and 121B can also be provided with ejection mechanisms similar to those described above with respect to front feet 111A and 111B.

[0043] Again, in other instances, rear feet 121A and 121B may be a plastic and / or rubber coating applied to rear sled 120 and may be contained within recessed pockets adjacent two rear legs 122A and 122B. Alternatively, the plastic and / or rubber coating may be applied along the length of rear sled 120 at the bottom and / or lowest portion and the first and second rear engagement surfaces to form a continuous rear engagement surface. In other instances, the plastic and / or rubber coating may be applied intermittently at even intervals along the length of rear sled 120 at the bottom and / or lowest portion. In such instances, the first and second rear engagement surfaces may form an intermittent rear engagement surface.

[0044] Fixture joints As shown in FIG. 3 , at an upper and / or upper proximal end portion, the front leg 112A can intersect with the front leg feature joint 116A. In particular, the front leg feature joint 116A can include a tubular end portion configured for insertion of the front leg 112A. Before, during, or after insertion, a bonding agent and / or structural adhesive can be applied to the tubular end portion of the front leg feature joint 116A and / or the upper and / or upper proximal end portion of the front leg 112A to secure the front leg 112A to the front leg feature joint 116A. Such adhesives may include dry adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives, contact adhesives, hot adhesives, reactive adhesives, multi-component adhesives, and single-component adhesives. The adhesives may be either natural or synthetic and may be based on one or more of thermoplastics, emulsions, or thermosets, including epoxies, polyurethanes, cyanoacrylates, or acrylic polymers. Additionally and / or alternatively, nose landing gear 112A may be welded to nose landing gear feature joint 116A.

[0045] The front leg 112B can be configured to engage with the front leg feature joint 116B as described in connection with the front leg 112A and the front leg feature joint 116A (eg, by gluing and / or welding).

[0046] Similarly, at an upper and / or upper proximal end portion, the rear leg 122A can intersect with the rear leg feature joint 126A. In particular, the rear leg feature joint 126A can include a tubular end portion that can be configured for insertion of the rear leg 122A. Before, during, or after insertion, a bonding agent and / or structural adhesive as discussed herein can be applied to the tubular end portion of the rear leg feature joint 126A and / or the upper and / or upper proximal end portion of the rear leg 122A to secure the rear leg 122A to the rear leg feature joint 126A. Additionally and / or alternatively, the rear leg 122A can be welded to the rear leg feature joint 126A. The rear leg 122B can be configured to engage with the rear leg feature joint 126B as described in connection with the rear leg 122A and the rear leg feature joint 126A (e.g., by adhesive and / or welding). Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the joints discussed herein may be formed by mechanical fastening techniques, such as friction fits, threads, ball and socket joints, bayonet connections, and the like.

[0047] In certain configurations, at an upper and / or upper proximal end portion of front leg 112A, front leg 112A can bend at an obtuse angle in a rearward direction and terminate at front leg feature joint 116A. In some cases, front leg feature joint 116A can be a continuous upper and / or upper terminal portion of front leg 110A and can be made from the same material as front leg 112A (e.g., aluminum, titanium, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo).

[0048] Rear legs 122A can extend linearly to upper and / or upper proximal end portions and can terminate at rear leg feature joint 126A. Rear leg feature joint 126A can be a continuous upper and / or upper terminal portion of rear legs 122A and can be made from the same material as rear legs 122A (e.g., aluminum, titanium, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo).

[0049] The front leg feature joints 116A, 116B can be configured to join, interface, and / or otherwise connect with the rear leg feature joints 126A, 126B. In one example, the front feature joints 116A, 116B and the rear feature joints 126A, 126B are configured to pivot about pins 128A, 128B, such that the front legs 112A, 112B are configured to pivot relative to the rear legs 122A, 122B.

[0050] Seat and seat frame Portable chair 100 may include a seat 130 that may be removably attached to a seat frame 131. Front legs 112A and 112B may be configured to be rotatably joined and / or fixed to front leg mounting portions 170A and 170B of seat frame 131 via pins 171A and 171B, respectively. Bushings 173A and 173B may extend between front leg mounting portions 170A and 170B and front legs 112A and 112B.

[0051] The seat frame 131 may be a cylindrical bar, tube, shaft, and / or extruded I-beam and may be made from aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, metal alloys, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo. When aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to make the seat frame 131, the materials may be hydroformed and vacuum cast, and may be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to make the seat frame 131 may be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0052] The seat frame 131 may include front leg attachment portions 170A and 170B, which may be configured to facilitate rotatable attachment of the seat frame 131 to the front legs 112A and 112B via pins 171A and 171B, respectively. Additionally, the seat frame 131 may intersect with seat feature joints 133A and 133B. In particular, the seat feature joints 133A and 133B may include tubular ends that may be configured to insert the seat frame 131. Before, during, or after insertion, a bonding agent and / or structural adhesive, as discussed herein, may be applied to the tubular ends of the seat feature joints 133A and 133B and / or the terminal ends of the seat frame 131 to secure the seat frame 131 to the seat feature joints 133A and 133B.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4B, 5A, 7A, and 7B, the seat frame 131 can include a carrying handle 172. The carrying handle 172 can be a forward overmolded fixed extrusion extending from the inner surface of the seat frame 131. The handle 172 can be a double-sized, easy-to-grip carrying handle for transporting the chair 100. The carrying handle 172 can be positioned on the inner surface of the front portion of the seat frame 131 and can be made from the same material as the seat frame 131 (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo). As such, the carrying handle 172 can be manufactured as a continuous piece of the seat frame 131. Thus, if aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to construct seat frame 131 and carrying handle 172, the materials may be hydroformed and vacuum cast into seat frame 131 and carrying handle 172 and may be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to construct seat frame 131 and carrying handle 172 may be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0054] Alternatively, the carrying handle 172 may not form a continuous piece with the seat frame 131 and may therefore be a separate component. In such a case, the carrying handle 172 may be made from the same material as that of the seat frame 131, or may be made from a different material. In either case, the carrying handle 172 may be attached to the seat frame 131 via adhesive, welding, mechanical fastening (e.g., nuts and bolts), etc.

[0055] First embodiment of seat / seat frame engagement 4B , carrying handle 172 can include front mounting hole 177B on a first side of carrying handle 172 (e.g., the left side of carrying handle 172), front mounting hole 177A on a second side of carrying handle 172 (e.g., the right side of carrying handle 172), and front mounting hole 177B on a third side of carrying handle 172 (e.g., the center of carrying handle 172). As described in more detail below, front mounting holes 177, 177A, and 177B can be configured to engage front mounting clips 187, 187A, and 187B, respectively, of seat 130.

[0056] Additionally, the seat frame 131 may also include a seat mounting rail 172B. The seat mounting rail 172B may be positioned on the inner surface of the side of the seat frame 131 adjacent the armrest 150B, front leg 112B, etc. The seat mounting rail 172B may be made from the same material as the seat frame 131 (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo). As such, the seat mounting rail 172B may be manufactured as a continuous piece of the seat frame 131. Thus, when aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or a metal alloy are used to make the seat frame 131 and the seat mounting rail 172B, the material may be hydroformed and vacuum cast into the seat frame 131 and the seat mounting rail 172B, and may be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to make the seat frame 131 and seat mounting rails 172B may be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0057] Alternatively, the seat mounting rail 172B may not form a continuous piece with the seat frame 131 and may therefore be a separate component. In such a case, the seat mounting rail 172B may be made from the same material as that of the seat frame 131, or may be made from a different material. In either case, the seat mounting rail 172B may be attached to the seat frame 131 via adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical fastening (e.g., nuts and bolts), etc.

[0058] The seat mounting rail 172B can include a rib-engaging channel and a plurality of side mounting holes. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the seat mounting rail 172B can include a rib-engaging channel 175B and a side mounting hole 174B. The rib-engaging channel 175B can extend along the entire length of the seat mounting rail 172B. The rib-engaging channel 175B can be configured to support a side rib 185B and a flange 191B of the seat 130. A plurality of side mounting holes 174B can be positioned on the rib-engaging channel 175B. Each of the side mounting holes 174B can be configured to receive a side mounting screw joint 184B of the seat 130. While five side mounting holes 174B are shown in FIG. 4B , fewer (e.g., one, two, three, or four) or more (e.g., six, ten, etc.) side mounting holes 174B can be included.

[0059] The seat frame 131 may also include a seat mounting rail 172A. The seat mounting rail 172A may be positioned on the interior surface of the side of the seat frame 131 adjacent the armrest 150A, front leg 112A, etc. The seat mounting rail 172A may be made from the same material as the seat frame 131 (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo). As such, the seat mounting rail 172A may be manufactured as a continuous piece of the seat frame 131. Thus, when aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or a metal alloy are used to make the seat frame 131 and the seat mounting rail 172A, the material may be hydroformed and vacuum cast into the seat frame 131 and the seat mounting rail 172A, and may be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to make the seat frame 131 and seat mounting rails 172A may be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0060] Alternatively, the seat mounting rail 172A may not form a continuous piece with the seat frame 131 and may therefore be a separate component. In such a case, the seat mounting rail 172A may be made from the same material as that of the seat frame 131, or may be made from a different material. In either case, the seat mounting rail 172A may be attached to the seat frame 131 via adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical fastening (e.g., nuts and bolts), etc.

[0061] The seat mounting rail 172A can include a rib engagement channel and a plurality of side mounting holes. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B , the seat mounting rail 172A can include a rib engagement channel 175A and a side mounting hole 174A. The rib engagement channel 175A can extend along the entire length of the seat mounting rail 172A. The rib engagement channel 175A can be configured to support a side rib 185A and a flange 191A of the seat 130. A plurality of side mounting holes 174A can be positioned on the rib engagement channel 175A. Each of the side mounting holes 174A can be configured to receive a side mounting screw joint 184A of the seat 130. While five side mounting holes 174A are shown in FIG. 4B , fewer (e.g., one, two, three, or four) or more (e.g., six, ten) side mounting holes 174A can be included.

[0062] 4A, the seat 130 may be constructed from any of a number of materials, including, but not limited to, reinforced woven fabric, sailcloth, awning fabric, Kevlar, waterproof canvas, vinyl-coated polyester, nylon mesh, neoprene, aluminized nylon, and / or cotton canvas. In some embodiments, the material can be treated to allow for increased UV stability and weather resistance, fire resistance, abrasion and tear resistance, and water resistance.

[0063] The materials used to construct the seat portion 130 can be manufactured into a highly permeable woven and / or mesh-like structure, thereby enabling increased load capacity and user comfort. The periphery of the woven and / or mesh-like fabric structure of the seat portion 130 can be configured to interface with the seat frame boundary 183, which may be a rigid thermoplastic overmolded material. In forming the joint between the seat portion 130 and the seat frame boundary 183, the seat frame boundary 183 can be overmolded onto the seat portion 130 through a local injection molding process. This process can form thermoplastic features (e.g., the seat frame boundary 183 and components contained therein) through the fabric weave along the periphery of the seat portion 130. After the local injection molding process is complete, the woven and / or mesh-like fabric structure of the seat portion 130 can be tensioned, and the seat frame boundary 183 can be rigidly attached to the seat portion 130. Such an attachment method can eliminate stitching in the seat fabric, which by extension can provide benefits including repeatability, durability, dimensional accuracy, frame attachment flexibility, and improved aesthetics.

[0064] The seat-frame interface 183 may include a plurality of protrusions of various types configured to assist and / or facilitate engagement between the seat 130 and the seat frame 131. In particular, the seat-frame interface 183 may include forward mounting clips 187, 187A, and 187B, seat-frame corner engagement surfaces 189A and 189B, side mounting screw joints 184A and 184B, side ribs 185A and 185B, flanges 191A and 191B, and rear bar groove 196.

[0065] The seat 130 can be configured to removably attach and / or engage with the seat frame 131. In forming the removably attached and / or engaged, various protrusions on the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably connect, insert, and / or interface with particular aspects of the front handle 172 and seat mounting rails 172A and 172B. For example, the front mounting clips 187, 187A, and 187B and the side mounting screw joints 184A and 184B of the seat frame boundary 183 can be configured to removably connect, insert, and / or interface with the front mounting holes 177, 177A, and 177B of the carry handle 172 and the side mounting holes 174A and 174B of the seat mounting rails 172A and 172B, respectively. Additionally, the seat frame corner engagement surfaces 189A and 189B and rear bar groove 196 of the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably interface with the seat frame corners 179A and 179B and rear bar 197 of the seat frame 131, respectively.

[0066] Additionally, the side ribs 185A and 185B and flanges 191A and 191B of the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably interface with the rib engagement channels 175A and 175B of the seat mounting rails 172A and 172B. The side ribs 185A, 185B can be load-bearing ribs and can be configured to interface with the rib engagement channels 175A, 175B of the seat mounting rails 172A, 172B. The side ribs 185A, 185B can extend from the bottom surface of the right and left sides of the seat frame boundary 183, and flanges 191A, 191B can be located on each side of the seat frame boundary 183. A series of flanges 191A, 191B can extend perpendicular to the bottom surface of the seat frame boundary 183 and the outer surfaces of the side ribs 175A, 175B. The side ribs 185A, 185B and series of flanges 191A, 191B can prevent the side ribs from twisting when the seat is loaded. As such, the side ribs 185A, 185B and flanges 191A, 191B can relieve structural load from the side mounting screw joints 184A, 184B when the seat 130 and seat frame 131 are in either an attached or separated state, and can also provide a complementary force to that provided by the side mounting screw joints 184A, 184B when the seat 130 is attached to the seat frame 131. In the attached state, the side ribs 185A, 185B can traverse the length of the seat mounting rails 172A, 172B, and the flanges 191A, 191B can span the horizontal areas of the seat mounting rails 172A, 172B. The number of flanges 191A, 191B can be selected based on the desired threshold load of the chair, the thickness of each flange, and the weight distribution of the chair.

[0067] 4C and 4D , the side mounting screw joint 184A can be configured to be inserted through the side mounting hole 174B during formation of a removable attachment between the seat 130 and the seat frame 131. The side mounting screw joint 184A can be configured to receive a screw 194B to secure the seat 130 to the seat frame 131. For example, the side mounting screw joint 184B can be inserted through the side mounting hole 174B. The screw access panel 195B can be removed from the side rail 172B to expose the side mounting screw joint 184B. After removing the screw access panel 195B, the screw 194B can be rotatably inserted into the side mounting screw joint 184B. Similarly, multiple screws 194B can be rotatably inserted into each of the side mounting screw joints 184B. After each of the screws 194B has been inserted into the side mounting screw joints 184B, the screw access panel 195B can be reattached to the side mounting rail 172B. A similar process can be performed for the side mounting screw joints 184A, side mounting holes 178A, screw access panel 195A, and screws 195A.

[0068] As described above, the seat 130 can be configured to engage the side mounting rails 172A and 172B and the carrying handle 172 of the seat frame 131 via the seat-frame boundary 183 and a plurality of protrusions formed thereon. In some cases, the seat-frame boundary 183 can be secured to the seat frame 131 by placing a first end (e.g., a front portion) of the seat-frame boundary 183 within a first end (e.g., a front portion) of the seat frame 131 and rotating and / or bending the seat-frame boundary 183 from the first end of the seat frame 131 to a second end (e.g., a rear portion) of the seat frame 131. By rotating and / or bending the seat-frame boundary 183 from the first end to the second end of the seat frame 131, the plurality of protrusions of the seat-frame boundary 183 are aligned with a plurality of slots in the seat mounting rails, and the seat-frame boundary 183 can be removably mounted onto the seat frame 131.

[0069] Alternatively, the seat-frame boundary 183 may be secured to the seat frame 131 by inserting the rearmost side mounting screw joint 184B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 into the rearmost side mounting hole 174B in the left side mounting rail 172B, and inserting the rearmost side mounting screw joint 184A on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 into the rearmost side mounting hole 174A in the right side mounting rail 172A. The first, second, and third central side mounting screw joints 184B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can then be inserted into the first, second, and third central side mounting holes 174B in the left side mounting rail 172B. Similarly, the first, second, and third central side mounting screw joints 184A on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the first, second, and third central side mounting holes 174A in the right side mounting rail 172A. The forward-most side mounting screw joint 184B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can then be inserted into the forward-most side mounting hole 174B in the left side mounting rail 172B, and the forward-most side mounting screw joint 184A on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the forward-most side mounting hole 174A in the right side mounting rail 172A. The seat 130 can then be rotated and / or flexed at the front portion of the seat 130 by the seat frame boundary 183 so that the front mounting clips 187, 187A, and 187B of the seat frame boundary 183 are aligned with and inserted into the front mounting holes 177, 177A, and 177B of the carrying handle 172, and the front mounting clip on the right side of the seat frame boundary 183 is aligned with and inserted into the front mounting hole on the right end portion of the carrying handle 172. The screw access panels 195A and 195B can then be removed from the side mounting rails 172A and 172B, and each of the screws 194A and 194B can be threaded into the respective side mounting screw joints 184A and 184B. After insertion, the screw access panels 195A and 195B can be reattached to the side mounting rails 172A and 172B.

[0070] During assembly of the seat frame boundary 183 to the seat frame 131, the seat frame boundary 183 may be rotated from its rear end to its front end. Although such steps are described in a particular order from rear to front, these steps need not be performed in such order and may be performed in any particular order.

[0071] Additionally, when the seat 130 is attached to the seat frame 131, the seat frame boundary 183 can interface with an outer portion of the seat frame 131, as shown in Figure 4C. In some cases, the seat frame boundary 183 may be machined after the injection molding process described above to allow for aesthetic control of the joint between the seat frame boundary and the seat frame.

[0072] Second embodiment of seat / seat frame engagement According to a second embodiment of the seat / seat frame engagement, as shown in FIG. 5A , the carrying handle 172 can include a front mounting hole 177B and a side opening 178B on a knuckle side of the carrying handle 172 (e.g., the left side of the carrying handle 172), a front mounting hole 177A and a side opening 178A on a second side of the carrying handle 172 (e.g., the right side of the carrying handle 172), and a front mounting hole 177B on a third side of the carrying handle 172 (e.g., the center of the carrying handle 172). As described in more detail below, the front mounting hole 177B and the side opening 178B can be configured to engage with a front mounting clip 187B and a carrying handle side cover 188B, respectively, of the seat 130 as shown in FIG. 5B . As noted above, the components of the chair 100 extending from the left side to the right side of the chair 100 (e.g., the carrying handle 172) can be symmetrical. Accordingly, the carrying handle 172 may further include a front seat mounting hole and a side opening on a second side of the carrying handle 172 (e.g., the right side of the carrying handle 172) that are oriented and configured similarly to those of the front seat mounting hole 177B and side opening 178B.

[0073] Returning to FIG. 5A , the seat frame 131 can also include a seat mounting rail 172B. The seat mounting rail 172B can be positioned on the inside surface of the side of the seat frame 131 adjacent the arm rest 150B, front leg 112B, etc. The seat mounting rail 172B can be made from the same material as that of the seat frame 131 (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo). As such, the seat mounting rail 172B can be manufactured as a continuous piece of the seat frame 131. Thus, if aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to construct the seat frame 131 and seat mounting rails 172B, the materials can be hydroformed and vacuum cast into the seat frame 131 and seat mounting rails 172B and can be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to construct the seat frame 131 and seat mounting rails 172B can be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0074] Alternatively, the seat mounting rail 172B may not form a continuous piece with the seat frame 131 and may therefore be a separate component. In such a case, the seat mounting rail 172B may be made from the same material as that of the seat frame 131, or may be made from a different material. In either case, the seat mounting rail 172B may be attached to the seat frame 131 via adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical fastening (e.g., nuts and bolts), etc.

[0075] The seat mounting rail 172B can include a side opening, a rib-engaging channel, and a plurality of side mounting holes. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A , the seat mounting rail 172B can include a side opening 176B (e.g., distal and proximal side openings), a rib-engaging channel 175B, and a side mounting hole 174B. The side opening 176B can provide an opening through which the interior and / or inner portion of the seat mounting rail 172B can be accessed. The side opening 176B can be configured to be covered by a seat mounting rail side cover 186B of the seat 130. The rail side cover 186 can include an integral rib 192 to provide additional support for the seat frame boundary. The rib engagement channel 175B can extend along the entire length of the seat mounting rail 172B from a first side opening 176B (e.g., a distal side opening farthest from the backrest 140) to a second side opening 176B (e.g., a proximal side opening closest to the backrest 140) along a line parallel to the surface of the seat frame 131 to which the seat mounting rail 172B is attached. The rib engagement channel 175B can be configured to support a side rib 185B of the seat 130. A plurality of side mounting holes 174B can be positioned on the rib engagement channel 175B. Each of the side mounting holes 174B can be configured to receive a side mounting clip 184B of the seat 130. 4B shows four side mounting holes 174B, fewer (e.g., one, two, or three) or more (five, six, ten, etc.) side mounting holes 174B may be included. The seat frame 131 may further include additional seat mounting rails positioned on opposing inner surfaces of opposing side portions of the seat frame 131 relative to those of the seat mounting rails 172B. The additional seat mounting rails may be similar to those of the seat mounting rails 172B.

[0076] 5B, the seat-frame boundary 183 may include multiple protrusions of various types configured to assist and / or facilitate engagement between the seat 130 and the seat frame 131. In particular, the seat-frame boundary 183 may include a front mounting clip 187B, a carrying handle side cover 188B, a seat-frame corner engagement surface 189B, a seat mounting rail side cover 186B, a side mounting clip 184B, and a side rib 185B. Each such protrusion may be positioned on the left side of the seat 130 and may be adjacent to the front leg 112B, the armrest 150B, etc., when the seat 130 is engaged with the seat frame 131. Additionally, the seat 130 may further include a front mounting clip, a carrying handle side cover, a seat frame corner engagement surface, a seat mounting rail side cover, a side mounting clip, and a side rib on the right side of the seat 130. Such protrusions may be similar to those on the left side of seat 130 (e.g., front mounting clip 187B, carrying handle side cover 188B, seat frame corner engagement surface 189B, etc.), but are mirrored on the right side of seat 130. Thus, when seat 130 is engaged with seat frame 131, such protrusions on the right side of seat 130 may be adjacent to front legs 112A, arm rest 150A, etc.

[0077] The seat 130 can be configured to removably attach and / or engage with the seat frame 131. In forming the removably attached and / or engaged, various protrusions on the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably connect and / or interface with particular aspects of the front handle 172 and seat mounting rails 172B. For example, the front mounting clip 187B and the side mounting clip 184B of the seat frame boundary 183 can be configured to removably connect and / or interface with the front mounting hole 177B of the carrying handle 172 and the side mounting hole 174B of the seat mounting rails 172B of the seat frame 131, respectively. Further, the carrying handle side cover 188B and the seat mounting rail side cover 186B of the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably interface with the side opening 178B of the carrying handle 172 and the side opening 176B of the seat mounting rail 172B of the seat frame 131, respectively. Additionally, the seat frame corner engagement surface 189B and the side rib 185B of the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably interface with the seat frame corner 179B of the seat frame 131 and the rib engagement channel 175B of the seat mounting rail 172B, respectively. The aforementioned connections and / or interfaces may be made on the left side of the chair 100. With the seat 130 removably attached and / or engaged to the seat frame 131, such connections and / or interfaces may be proximate the front leg 112B, the armrest 150B, etc.

[0078] Similarly, the front mounting clip, carrying handle side cover, seat frame corner engagement surface, seat mounting rail side cover, side mounting clip, and side rib on the right side of the seat frame boundary 183 of the seat 130 can be configured to removably connect and / or interface with the front seat mounting hole and side opening on the right side of the carrying handle 172, the seat frame corner on the right side of the seat frame 131, and the side opening, rib engagement channel, and multiple side mounting holes in the seat mounting rail on the right side of the seat frame 131, as described above.

[0079] Referring more particularly to FIG. 5D , the lateral mounting clips 184B can be configured to be inserted through the lateral mounting holes 174B during formation of a removable attachment between the seat 130 and the seat frame 131. The lateral mounting clips 184B can have an elongated rectangular structure with a semi-arrow-shaped distal end, which can allow for rotational flexibility during insertion and removal, as well as vertical force distribution during engagement. For example, a rotational force can be applied to the outer surface of the semi-arrow terminal end of the lateral mounting clip 184B during insertion into the lateral mounting hole 174B. In response to the rotational force, the lateral mounting clips 184B can be configured to rotatably displace, allowing the lateral mounting clips 184B to be inserted into the lateral mounting holes 174B. After insertion is complete and the rotational force is removed, the side mounting clips 184B can be configured to return to a rest position, and the upper and / or overhanging surfaces of the half-arrow portions of the side mounting clips 184B can be configured to interface with the lowermost surfaces of the rib engagement channels 175B of the seat mounting rails 172B. Such an interface provided by the side mounting clips 184B can be combined with other side and front mounting clips to allow for removable attachment of the seat portion 131 to the seat portion 130.

[0080] The lateral ribs 185A, 185B may be load-bearing ribs and may be configured to interface with the rib-engagement channels 175A, 175B in the seat mounting rails 172A, 172B. The lateral ribs 185A, 185B may extend from the bottom surface of the right and left sides of the seat-frame boundary 183, and a series of flanges 191 may be located on each side of the seat-frame boundary 183. The series of flanges 191 may extend perpendicular to the bottom surface of the seat-frame boundary 183. The series of flanges 191 and the bottom surface of the seat-frame boundary 183 may prevent the lateral ribs from twisting when the seat is under load. As such, the lateral ribs 185A, 185B and flanges 191 can relieve structural loads from the lateral mounting clips 184A, 184B and other lateral mounting clips in use when the seat 130 and seat frame 131 are in either an attached or separated state, and can also provide a complementary force to that provided by the lateral mounting screw joint lateral mounting clips 184A, 184B when the seat 130 is attached to the seat frame 131. The number of lateral ribs 185 can be selected based on the desired threshold load of the chair, the thickness of each lateral rib, and the weight distribution of the chair. Additionally, it is contemplated that the lateral ribs can be formed from integrally extending ribs that extend the length of the channels of the mounting rails 175A, 175B.

[0081] As described above, the seat 130 can be configured to engage the side mounting rails and the carrying handle 172 of the seat frame 131 via the seat-frame boundary 183 and a plurality of protrusions formed thereon. In particular, the seat-frame boundary 183 can be secured to the seat frame 131 by placing a first end (e.g., a front portion) of the seat-frame boundary 183 within a first end (e.g., a front portion) of the seat frame 131 and rotating and / or bending the seat-frame boundary 183 from the first end of the seat frame 131 to a second end (e.g., a rear portion) of the seat frame 131. By rotating and / or bending the seat-frame boundary 183 from the first end to the second end of the seat frame 131, the plurality of protrusions of the seat-frame boundary 183 are aligned with a plurality of slots in the seat mounting rails, and the seat-frame boundary 183 can be removably mounted onto the seat frame 131.

[0082] Alternatively, the seat-frame boundary 183 may be secured to the seat frame 131 by inserting the rearmost side mounting clip 186B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 into the rearmost side mounting hole 176B in the left side mounting rail 172B, and the rearmost side mounting clip on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 into the rearmost side mounting hole in the right side mounting rail. Then, the first and second central side mounting clips 186B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the first and second central side mounting holes 176B in the left side mounting rail 172B, and the first and second central side mounting clips on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the first and second central side mounting holes in the right side mounting rail. The forward-most side mounting clip 186B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can then be inserted into the forward-most side mounting hole 176B on the left side mounting rail 176B, and the forward-most side mounting clip on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the forward-most side mounting hole on the right side mounting rail. The seat 130 can then be rotated and / or flexed at the front portion of the seat 130 by the seat-frame boundary 183 so that the front mounting clip 187B on the left side of the seat-frame boundary 183 is aligned with the front mounting hole 177B on the left end portion of the carry handle 172, and the front mounting clip on the right side of the seat-frame boundary 183 is aligned with the front mounting hole on the right end portion of the carry handle 183. Next, the front mounting clip 187B on the left side of the seat frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the front mounting hole 177B on the left end portion of the carrying handle 172, and the front mounting clip on the right side of the seat frame boundary 183 can be inserted into the front mounting hole on the right end portion of the carrying handle 172.

[0083] During assembly of the seat frame boundary 183 with the seat frame 131, the seat frame boundary 183 can be rotated from its rear end to its front end. Although such steps are described in a particular order from rear to front, these steps do not have to be performed in such order and may be performed in any particular order.

[0084] Backrest and backrest frame Along with the seat 130, the portable chair 100 can include a back 140 that can be removably attached to a back frame 141. The back frame 141 can be a cylindrical rod, tube, shaft, and / or extruded I-beam and can be made from aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, metal alloys, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo. When aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to make the back frame 141, the material can be hydroformed and vacuum cast, and can be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel application to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to make the back frame 141 can be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0085] Back frame 141 can include armrest attachment portions that can be configured to facilitate rotatable attachment of back frame 141 to armrests 150A and 150B via pins, including pin 157B. Additionally, back frame 141 can intersect with back feature joints 143A and 143B. In particular, back feature joints 143A and 143B can include tubular ends that can be configured to insert back frame 141. Before, during, or after insertion, a bonding agent and / or structural adhesive can be applied to the tubular ends of back feature joints 143A and 143B and / or the terminal ends of back frame 141 to secure back frame 141 to back feature joints 143A and 143B.

[0086] Similar to that described above with respect to seat frame 131, back frame 141 can include a carrying handle and one or more back mounting rails. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B , carrying handle 272 can include an upper mounting hole 277B on a first side of carrying handle 272 (e.g., the left side of carrying handle 272), an upper mounting hole 277A on a second side of carrying handle 272 (e.g., the right side of carrying handle 272), and an upper mounting hole 277B on a third side of carrying handle 272 (e.g., the center of carrying handle 272). As described in more detail below, upper mounting holes 277, 277A, and 277B can be configured to engage with upper mounting clips 287, 287A, and 287B, respectively, of back 140.

[0087] Additionally, the back frame 141 may also include a back mounting rail 272B. The back mounting rail 272B may be positioned on the inner surface of the side of the back frame 141 adjacent the armrest 150B, the front leg 112B, etc. The back mounting rail 272B may be made from the same material as that of the back frame 141 (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo). As such, the back mounting rail 272B may be manufactured as a continuous piece of the back frame 141. Thus, if aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to fabricate the back frame 141 and back mounting rails 272B, the materials can be hydroformed and vacuum cast into the back frame 141 and back mounting rails 272B and can be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to fabricate the back frame 141 and back mounting rails 272B can be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0088] Alternatively, the backrest mounting rail 272B may not form a continuous piece with the backrest frame 141 and may therefore be a separate component. In such a case, the backrest mounting rail 272B may be made from the same material as that of the backrest frame 141, or may be made from a different material. In either case, the backrest mounting rail 272B may be attached to the backrest frame 141 via adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical fastening (e.g., nuts and bolts), etc.

[0089] The backrest mounting rail 272B can include a rib-engaging channel and a plurality of side mounting holes. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the backrest mounting rail 272B can include a rib-engaging channel 275B and a side mounting hole 274B. The rib-engaging channel 275B can extend along the entire length of the backrest mounting rail 272B. The rib-engaging channel 275B can be configured to support a side rib 285B and a flange 291B of the backrest 140. A plurality of side mounting holes 274B can be positioned on the rib-engaging channel 275B. Each of the side mounting holes 274B can be configured to receive a side mounting screw joint 284B of the backrest 140. Although five side mounting holes 274B are shown in FIG. 6B, fewer (e.g., one, two, three, or four) or more (e.g., six, ten, etc.) side mounting holes 274B can be included.

[0090] The back frame 141 may also include a back mounting rail 272A. The back mounting rail 272A may be positioned on the inner surface of the side of the back frame 141 adjacent the armrest 150A, the front leg 112A, etc. The back mounting rail 272A may be made from the same material as that of the back frame 141 (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, a metal alloy, carbon fiber, and / or bamboo). As such, the back mounting rail 272A may be manufactured as a continuous piece of the back frame 141. Thus, if aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, scandium, and / or metal alloys are used to fabricate the back frame 141 and back mounting rails 272A, the materials can be hydroformed and vacuum cast into the back frame 141 and back mounting rails 272A and can be treated through anodizing, plating, painting, powder coating, and / or enamel deposition to prevent corrosion induced by environmental conditions such as salt spray. Additionally, the metals used to fabricate the back frame 141 and back mounting rails 272A can be treated through annealing, case hardening, precipitation strengthening, tempering, normalizing, and / or quenching to increase hardness, toughness, and tensile and shear strength.

[0091] Alternatively, the backrest mounting rail 272A may not form a continuous piece with the backrest frame 141 and may therefore be a separate component. In such a case, the backrest mounting rail 272A may be made from the same material as that of the backrest frame 141, or may be made from a different material. In either case, the backrest mounting rail 272A may be attached to the backrest frame 141 via adhesive bonding, welding, mechanical fastening (e.g., nuts and bolts), etc.

[0092] The backrest mounting rail 272A can include a rib-engaging channel and a plurality of side mounting holes. For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the backrest mounting rail 272A can include a rib-engaging channel 275A and a side mounting hole 274A. The rib-engaging channel 275A can extend along the entire length of the backrest mounting rail 272A. The rib-engaging channel 275A can be configured to support a side rib 285A and a flange 291A of the backrest 140. A plurality of side mounting holes 274A can be positioned on the rib-engaging channel 275A. Each of the side mounting holes 274A can be configured to receive a side mounting screw joint 284A of the backrest 140. Although five side mounting holes 274A are shown in FIG. 6B, fewer (e.g., one, two, three, or four) or more (e.g., six, ten, etc.) side mounting holes 274A can be included.

[0093] 6A, the backrest 140 may be constructed from any of a number of materials, including, but not limited to, reinforced woven fabric, sailcloth, awning fabric, Kevlar, waterproof canvas, vinyl-coated polyester, nylon mesh, neoprene, aluminized nylon, and / or cotton canvas. In some embodiments, the material can be treated to allow for increased UV stability and weather resistance, fire resistance, wear and tear resistance, and water resistance.

[0094] In certain cases, the backrest 140 may be constructed from materials similar to those of the seat portion 130. However, in some cases, the materials used to manufacture the backrest 140 may be different from those used to manufacture the seat portion 130. For example, the backrest 140 may be made from a first material and / or combination of materials, and the seat portion 130 may be made from a second material and / or combination of materials that is different from the first material and / or combination of materials.

[0095] The material used to construct the backrest 140 can be manufactured into a highly permeable woven and / or mesh-like structure, thereby enabling increased load capacity and user comfort. The periphery of the woven and / or mesh-like fabric structure of the backrest 140 can be configured to interface with a backrest frame boundary 193, which may be a rigid thermoplastic overmolding. In forming a joint between the backrest 140 and the backrest frame boundary 193, the backrest frame boundary 193 can be overmolded onto the backrest 140 through a local injection molding process. This process can form thermoplastic features (e.g., the backrest frame boundary 193 and components contained therein) through the fabric weave along the periphery of the backrest 140. After the local injection molding process is completed, the woven and / or mesh-like fabric structure of the backrest 140 can be tensioned, and the backrest frame boundary 193 can be rigidly attached to the backrest 140. Such an attachment method can eliminate stitching in the seat fabric, which by extension can provide benefits including repeatability, durability, dimensional accuracy, frame attachment flexibility, and improved aesthetics.

[0096] The back frame boundary 193 may include a plurality of protrusions of various types configured to assist and / or facilitate engagement between the back 140 and the back frame 141. In particular, the back frame boundary 193 may include upper mounting clips 287, 287A, and 287B, back frame corner engagement surfaces 289A and 289B, lateral mounting screw joints 284A and 284B, lateral ribs 285A and 285B, and flanges 291A and 291B.

[0097] The backrest 140 can be configured to removably attach to and / or engage with the seat frame 141. In forming the removably attached and / or engaged, various protrusions on the backrest frame boundary 193 of the backrest 140 can be configured to removably connect, insert, and / or interface with particular aspects of the upper handle 272 and the backrest mounting rails 272A and 272B. For example, the backrest's upper mounting clips 287, 287A, and 287B and side mounting screw joints 284A and 284B on the frame boundary 193 can be configured to removably connect to, insert, and / or interface with the upper mounting holes 277, 277A, and 277B of the carrying handle 272 and the side mounting holes 274A and 274B of the backrest mounting rails 272A and 272B, respectively. Additionally, back frame corner engagement surfaces 289A and 289B of back frame boundary 283 of back 140 can be configured to removably interface with back frame corners 279A and 279B of back frame 141, respectively.

[0098] Additionally, the lateral ribs 285A and 285B and flanges 291A and 291B of the back frame boundary 193 of the backrest 140 can be configured to removably interface with the rib engagement channels 275A and 275B of the back mounting rails 272A and 272B. The lateral ribs 285A, 285B can be load-bearing ribs and can be configured to interface with the rib engagement channels 275A, 275B of the back mounting rails 272A, 272B. The lateral ribs 285A, 285B can extend from the bottom surface of the right and left sides of the back frame boundary 193, and flanges 291A, 291B can be located on each side of the back frame boundary 193. A series of flanges 291A, 291B can extend perpendicular to the bottom surface of the back frame boundary 193 and the outer surfaces of the lateral ribs 275A, 275B. The lateral ribs 285A, 285B and series of flanges 291A, 291B can prevent the lateral ribs from twisting when the back is loaded. As such, the lateral ribs 285A, 285B and flanges 291A, 291B can relieve structural load from the lateral mounting screw joints 284A, 284B when the back 140 and back frame 141 are in either an attached or separated state, and can also provide a complementary force to that provided by the lateral mounting screw joints 284A, 284B when the back 140 is attached to the back frame 141. In the attached state, the lateral ribs 285A, 285B can traverse the length of the back mounting rails 272A, 272B, and the flanges 291A, 291B can span the horizontal region of the back mounting rails 272A, 272B. The number of flanges 291A, 291B can be selected based on the desired threshold load of the chair, the thickness of each flange, and the weight distribution of the chair.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6C , the side mounting screw joint 284A can be configured to be inserted through the side mounting hole 274A during formation of a removable attachment between the backrest 140 and the backrest frame 141. The side mounting screw joint 284A can be configured to receive a screw 294A to secure the backrest 140 to the backrest frame 141. For example, the side mounting screw joint 284A can be inserted through the side mounting hole 274A. A screw access panel 295A can be removed from the side rail 272A to expose the side mounting screw joint 284A. After removing the screw access panel 295A, the screw 294A can be rotatably inserted into the side mounting screw joint 284A. Similarly, multiple screws 294A can be rotatably inserted into each of the side mounting screw joints 284A. After each of the screws 294A has been inserted into the side mounting screw joints 284A, the screw access panel 295A can be reattached to the side mounting rail 272A. A similar process can be performed for the side mounting screw joints 284B, side mounting holes 278B, screw access panel 295B, and screws 295B.

[0100] As described above, the backrest 140 can be configured to engage with the side mounting rails 272A and 272B and the carrying handle 272 of the backrest frame 141 via the backrest frame boundary 193 and a plurality of protrusions formed thereon. In some cases, the backrest frame boundary 193 can be secured to the backrest frame 141 by positioning a first end (e.g., an upper portion) of the backrest frame boundary 193 within the first end (e.g., an upper portion) of the backrest frame 141 and rotating and / or bending the backrest frame boundary 193 from the first end (e.g., a lower portion) of the backrest frame 141 to a second end (e.g., a lower portion) of the backrest frame 141. By rotating and / or bending the backrest frame boundary 193 from the first end to the second end of the backrest frame 141, the multiple protrusions of the backrest frame boundary 193 are aligned with the multiple slots in the backrest mounting rails, and the backrest frame boundary 193 can be removably mounted on the backrest frame 141.

[0101] Alternatively, the back frame boundary 193 may be secured to the back frame 141 by inserting the lowest side mounting screw joint 284B on the left side of the back frame boundary 193 into the lowest side mounting hole 274B of the left lateral mounting rail 272B, and inserting the lowest side mounting screw joint 284A on the right side of the back frame boundary 193 into the lowest side mounting hole 274A of the right lateral mounting rail 272A. The first, second, and third central side mounting screw joints 284B on the left side of the back frame boundary 193 can then be inserted into the first, second, and third central side mounting holes 274B of the left lateral mounting rail 272B. Similarly, the first, second, and third central side mounting screw joints 284A on the right side of the back frame boundary 193 can be inserted into the first, second, and third central side mounting holes 274A in the right side mounting rail 272A. Then, the top side mounting screw joint 284B on the left side of the back frame boundary 193 can be inserted into the top side mounting hole 274B in the left side mounting rail 272B, and the top side mounting screw joint 284A on the right side of the back frame boundary 193 can be inserted into the top side mounting hole 274A in the right side mounting rail 272A. Backrest 140 can then be rotated and / or flexed rearward at the top of backrest 140 by backrest frame boundary 193 so that upper mounting clips 287, 287A, and 287B of backrest frame boundary 193 align with and can be inserted into upper mounting holes 277, 277A, and 277B of carrying handle 272, and the upper mounting clip on the right side of backrest frame boundary 193 can be aligned with and inserted into the upper mounting hole on the right end portion of carrying handle 272. Screw access panels 295A and 295B can then be removed from side mounting rails 272A and 272B, and screws 294A and 294B can each be threaded into their respective side mounting screw joints 284A and 284B. Once inserted, the screw access panels 295A and 295B can be reattached to the side mounting rails 272A and 272B.

[0102] In some cases, the back frame interface 193 can have multiple back attachment clips, as described above with respect to the seat frame interface 183, as opposed to the back attachment screw joint 284A. In such cases, the side attachment clips can be configured to be inserted through the side attachment holes 274B during formation of a releasable attachment between the back 140 and the back frame 141. The side attachment clips can have an elongated rectangular structure with a semi-arrow-shaped distal end, which can allow for rotational flexibility during insertion and removal, as well as vertical force distribution during engagement. For example, a rotational force can be applied to the outer surface of the semi-arrow terminal end of the lateral attachment clip during insertion into the lateral attachment hole 274B. In response to the rotational force, the lateral attachment clip can be configured to rotatably displace, allowing the lateral attachment clip to be inserted into the lateral attachment hole 274B. After insertion is complete and the rotational force is removed, the side mounting clips can be configured to return to a rest position, and the upper and / or overhanging surfaces of the half-arrow portions of the side mounting clips can be configured to interface with the lowermost surfaces of the rib-engagement channels 275B of the back mounting rails 272B. Such an interface provided by the side mounting clips can be combined with other side and upper mounting clips to allow for removable attachment of the backrest 140 to the backrest 141.

[0103] In any event, during assembly of the back frame boundary 193 to the back frame 141, the back frame boundary 193 can be rotated from bottom to top. While such steps are described in a particular order from bottom to top, these steps need not be performed in such order and may be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, with the back 140 attached to the back frame 141, the back frame boundary 193 can interface with an outer portion of the back frame 141, as shown in FIG. 6C . In some cases, the back frame boundary 193 may be machined after the injection molding process described above to allow for aesthetic control of the joint between the back frame boundary and the back frame.

[0104] armrest 1, portable chair 100 may also include arm rests 150A and 150B. Arm rests 150A and 150B may be pivotally attached to arm rest attachment portions of back frame 141 via one or more pins, including pin 157B. Arm rests 150A and 150B may be further configured to be attached to feature joint 116A and rear feature joint 126A via pin 128A and to front feature joint 116B and rear feature joint 126B via pin 128B, respectively.

[0105] Arm rests 150A and 150B can be made from plastic, rubber, metal, carbon fiber, etc., and in one example can be configured to support up to 500 lb (226,796 kg). In some cases, arm rests 150A and 150B can act as buoyancy aids to prevent portable chair 100 from submerging in water. Similarly, in one example, arm rests 150A and 150B can be fabricated through a gas-assisted injection molding process to create hollow cavities within the arm rests. Such hollow cavities can act as buoyancy aids for chair 100.

[0106] Foldability 7A, portable chair 100 may be a foldable portable chair. By actuating a rotatable and pivotable joint, portable chair 100 may be able to fold into a portable configuration and unfold into a seating configuration. While in the folded portable configuration, chair 100 may be locked and / or maintained in the folded portable configuration by one or more detents. The one or more detents may provide resistance to opening of chair 100 from the folded portable configuration to the unfolded seating configuration. While in the unfolded seating configuration, the one or more detents may also provide resistance to closing of chair 100 from the unfolded seating configuration to the folded portable configuration.

[0107] For further illustration, chair 100 can be configured to open from a foldable portable configuration to an unfolded seating configuration. In the foldable portable configuration, front legs 112A and 112B can be substantially parallel to rear legs 122A and 122B, and seat 130 can be substantially parallel to backrest 140. One or more detents can be included at the attachment joint between seat feature joints 133A and 133B of seat frame 131. Additionally and / or alternatively, one or more detents can be included at the attachment joint between front leg attachment portions 170A and 170B and front legs 112A and 112B via pins 171A and 171B.

[0108] The one or more detents may provide resistance to open displacement of front legs 112A and 112B and seat 130 outward from rear legs 122A and 122B and backrest 140, and thus may function to lock and / or retain the chair in the folded and portable configuration. In addition to resistance, the one or more detents may also provide intentional audible feedback to a user of chair 100 that indicates chair 100 is in a locked position when an attempt is made to open chair 100 from the folded and portable configuration to the unfolded seating configuration.

[0109] While in the foldable portable configuration, if an opening force greater than the locking force and / or resistance provided by one or more detents is applied to chair 100, chair 100 may become openable, and front legs 112A and 112B and seat 130 may be rotatably displaced from rear legs 122A and 122B and backrest 140. At such point, chair 100 may be in an unlocked and transitional state between the foldable portable configuration and the unfolded seating configuration. With continued application of the opening force, chair 100 may achieve maximum open displacement and reach the unfolded seating configuration. In the unfolded seating configuration, front legs 112A and 112B and seat 130 may be angled relative to rear legs 122A and 122B and backrest 140.

[0110] Additionally, one or more detents included in the attachment joints between front leg attachment portions 170A and 170B and front legs 112A and 112B via pins 171A and 171B can provide resistance to closing displacement of front legs 112A and 112B and seat 130 toward rear legs 122A and 122B and backrest 140. As such, the one or more detents can function to lock and / or retain chair 100 in the unfolded, sitting configuration. In addition to foldable, portable configuration resistance, the one or more detents can also provide intentional audible feedback to a user of chair 100 indicating that chair 100 is in a locked position when an attempt is made to close chair 100 from the unfolded, sitting configuration to the foldable, portable configuration. While in the unfolded seating configuration, when a closing force greater than the locking force and / or resistance provided by one or more detents is applied to the chair 100, the chair 100 can be closed and the front legs 112A and 112B and seat 130 can be rotatably displaced toward the rear legs 122A and 122B and backrest 140.

[0111] Cup holder 8-21 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a cup holder assembly 300 that can be attached to portable chair 100. Cup holder assembly 300 can include cup holder 310, collar 340, and clamp member 360. Cup holder 310 can be rotatably engaged with clamp member 360, such that cup holder 310 can rotate relative to clamp member 360. Clamp member 360 can be releasably engaged with either front leg 112A or 112B of chair 100, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. For example, cup holder assembly 300 can be attached to front leg 112A adjacent to its intersection with front leg mounting portion 170A of seat frame 131, or alternatively, cup holder assembly 300 can be attached to front leg 112B adjacent to its intersection with front leg mounting portion 170B of seat frame 131. Cup holder assembly 300 can typically be oriented in an exterior or user-accessible position such that cup holder 310 is positioned outside the profile of front legs 112A, 112B. In some instances, cup holder assembly 300 may be rigidly attached to either front leg 112A, 112B, or, as in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, cup holder assembly 300 may be releasably attached.

[0112] In either case (e.g., rigidly or releasably attached), cup holder assembly 300 can be configured to secure a cup, bottle, thermos, glass, can, mug, or beverage container of any of several sizes. For example, cup holder 310 can secure various sizes of YETI® Ramblers, such as 10 oz., 20 oz., 30 oz., 18 oz., and 26 oz. YETI® Colsters, YETI® bottles, or even Solo Cups. The cup holder 310 embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-21 can have a single-wall construction without incorporating any insulation.

[0113] Alternatively, cup holder 310 may be a vacuum insulated cup holder, an aerogel cup holder, or may include one or more vacuum insulated panels and may be configured to maintain a temperature lower or higher than the ambient environment. Cup holder 310 may be configured to cool an inserted beverage container and / or maintain or extend the period of time that the temperature of an inserted beverage container is below ambient. Additionally or alternatively, cup holder 310 may be configured to accept ice packs and / or natural ice inserts to assist in cooling an inserted beverage container and / or extend the period of time that the temperature is below ambient.

[0114] Cup holder 310 may include a rim 312, an interior bottom surface 313, and a substantially cylindrical wall 314 positioned between rim 312 and bottom surface 313. Substantially cylindrical wall 314 may have a smooth surface with a diameter equal to the overall height, or may have a two-tiered configuration with an upper tier 315 and a lower tier 316, with a step or substantially horizontal connecting wall 317 between upper tier 315 and lower tier 316, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A-8C . Upper tier 315 may have a larger diameter than the diameter of lower tier 316. The two-tiered configuration of cup holder 310 may allow cup holder 310 to support and secure containers of different sizes. For example, as shown in FIG. 8B, a 10 oz. YETI® Rambler 15 rests on a step or connecting wall 317 of cup holder 310, while in FIG. 8C, a 12 oz. can 17 can contact an interior bottom surface 313 of cup holder 310. Cup holder 310 can have an engagement member 318 that releasably connects to collar 340, as described in more detail below. Engagement member 318 can be integrally formed or molded into cup holder 310.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, clamp member 360 of cup holder assembly 300 can engage front leg 112A near its intersection with front leg mounting portion 170A of seat frame 131, or alternatively, cup holder assembly 300 can be attached to front leg 112B near its intersection with front leg mounting portion 170B of seat frame 131. As shown in FIGS. 8A, 10A, and 10B, clamp member 360 can include a C-shaped member 362 having an upper surface 364 and a lower surface 366. Each of upper surface 364 and lower surface 366 can include a portion with a rounded surface for engaging either bushing 173A or 173B. The rounded surfaces can have a diameter similar to that of bushings 173A and 173B. By engaging bushings 173A, 173B, cup holder assembly 300 can provide increased support when in the outboard or user accessible position.

[0116] To connect the clamping member 360 to the collar 340, the engagement member 368 can extend from the C-shaped member 362 at a first end 370 and can have a second end 372 for engaging the collar 340. The engagement member 368 can have a portion that is a curved member 369 and a portion that is a straight member 371. Additionally, the first end 370 and the second end 372 can be positioned at an angle to each other. The outer surface of the engagement member 368 can form a rounded or partially cylindrical shape. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 17 , the inner portion of the curved member 369 can have a plurality of ribs 374 connecting from the first end 370 or the C-shaped member 362 to the straight member 371. The ribs 374 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 376 of the engagement member 368, although other orientations and combinations of orientations are possible. The plurality of ribs 374 can increase the strength of the clamping member 360 to withstand forces from repeated attachment and detachment. The contour of the clamping member 360 can be symmetrical about a horizontal plane extending through the longitudinal axis 376 of the engagement member 368. FIGS. 11 and 12 show another feature of the cup holder assembly 300 that makes the portable chair 100 easier to transport when the portable chair 100 is in the folded configuration. When attached to the portable chair 100, the cup holder assembly 300 can be rotated from an outer position, shown in FIG. 11, where the cup holder 310 is positioned outside the profile of the front legs 112A, 112B, to an inner position, shown in FIG. 12, where the cup holder 310 is positioned inside the profile of the front legs 112A, 112B. The cup holder assembly 300 can be rotated from an outboard position to an inboard position while still connected to one of the front legs 112A, 112B of the portable chair 100.

[0117] 13A-13C illustrate how cup holder assembly 300 can be rotated from the outboard position to the inboard position when portable chair 100 is in the folded configuration. As shown in FIG. 13A, cup holder assembly 300 is in the outboard position. During the next step, as shown in FIG. 13B, a user can slide C-shaped member 362 of clamp member 360 along either one of front legs 112A, 112B to which cup holder assembly 300 is attached outwardly from its respective bushing 173A or 173B. Once lower surface 366 is above the respective bushing 173A or 173B, the user can then rotate the C-shaped member around front leg 112A, 112B while clamp member 360 is still attached. Finally, as shown in Figure 13C, the user completes the rotation of cup holder assembly 300 to the inboard position where cup holder 310 is positioned inside the profiles of front legs 112A, 112B.

[0118] As described above, cup holder assembly 300 can be releasably connected to either front leg 112A, 112B. To move cup holder assembly 300 from one side of portable chair 100 to the other, cup holder 310 can be rotated relative to clamp member 360, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14C , to ensure that cup holder 310 is in the proper beverage-holding orientation for the user. In at least the exemplary embodiment described above, the longitudinal axis of C-shaped member 362 is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of cylindrical wall 314 of cup holder 310; as a result, the two axes are positioned at an angle to one another. To rotate cup holder 310 relative to clamp member 360, a user can pull cup holder 310 and collar 340 outward from clamp member 360. Collar 340 and cup holder 310 can then be slid a predetermined distance along longitudinal axis 376 of engagement member 368 to disengage the set of rotational restraint mechanisms 341, 367 on collar 340 and engagement member 368, respectively, shown in FIGS. 16B, 17, and 18A-18B. Once cup holder 310 and collar 340 have been moved a predetermined distance, both collar 340 and cup holder 310 can be rotated to a desired position for use on the opposite side of chair 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14A-14C, cup holder 310 can rotate a certain amount relative to clamp member 360 when collar 340 is slid rearwardly toward clamp member 360, shown in FIG. 14C, from its initial position shown in FIG. 14A, or until rotational restraint mechanisms 341, 367 engage each other. Cup holder 310 can rotate from a first position to a second position, the first and second positions being approximately 144 degrees apart. Alternatively, the first and second positions may be within a range of 130 to 150 degrees apart, or within a range of 120 to 160 degrees apart, or within a range of 110 to 170 degrees apart. As another option, the first and second positions may be within a range of 5 to 15 degrees apart, or within a range of 15 to 30 degrees apart, or within a range of 30 to 90 degrees apart.Rotation restraint mechanisms 341, 367 can be configured to secure collar 340 and cup holder 310 to clamp member 360 in a predetermined position that allows the bottom of cup holder 310 to be parallel to the ground when attached to either the left-hand or right-hand side of chair 100. While the exemplary embodiment shows two predetermined positions for cup holder 310 relative to clamp member 360, there may be any number of predetermined positions, such as three, four, or five or more. Optionally, a user can rotate cup holder 310 to any location relative to clamp member 360 within a predetermined range of motion. Alternatively, cup holder 310 can be freely rotated a full 360 degrees relative to collar 340.

[0119] To assist a user in properly aligning cup holder 310 and collar 340, cup holder 310, collar 340, and clamp member 360 may each have an alignment indicia 396. Alignment indicia 394 may comprise a portion positioned on each of the outer surfaces of engagement member 318 of cup holder 310 and collar 340. Alignment indicia 394 may align with one of two corresponding alignment indicia 396 positioned on clamp member 360. When alignment indicia 394, 396 are collinear, collar 340 and clamp member 360 are properly aligned such that cup holder assembly 300 is in one of the predetermined optimal operating positions. Alignment indicia 394, 396 may be raised surfaces, indentations, or other contrasting features to allow a user to easily identify the predetermined optimal operating position of cup holder assembly 300.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 16B, 18A, and 18B, the multiple rotational restraint features 341 on the collar 340 can include multiple bosses 341 rotatably spaced about the central axis of the collar 340. Each of the multiple bosses 341 can engage with a corresponding rotational restraint feature 367 on the clamp member 360, as shown in FIGS. 16B and 17. The multiple rotational restraint features 367 on the clamp member 360 can include multiple pockets sized to receive the bosses 341 on the collar 340. Each of the multiple bosses 341 and the multiple pockets 367 can have a substantially rectangular shape. The pockets 367 can include only side walls and not have a rear surface to allow for the reception of bosses of multiple lengths. The number of pockets 367 on the clamp member 360 can be greater than the number of bosses 341 on the collar 340 to allow the collar 340 to rotate in multiple orientations relative to the clamp member 360. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment of Figures 16B, 17, 18A, and 18B, the number of bosses 341 is three, while the number of pockets is four. This configuration allows the collar to be rotated relative to the clamping member 360 such that at least three rotational restraint mechanisms remain engaged with the clamping member 360 when the cup holder 310 is in the operative position.

[0121] Additionally, to determine the range of rotation of the collar 340 relative to the clamping member 360, at least one of the rotation restraining features on the collar can limit the maximum allowable rotation. For example, one of the bosses 341, boss 341A, can have a longer length than the other bosses 341, such that when a user pulls the collar 340 from the clamping member 360 a predetermined distance to disengage the bosses 341 from the pockets 367, the longer length of boss 341A can prevent the collar 340 from rotating beyond the maximum allowable rotation. The collar 340 can rotate until boss 341A strikes one of two side surfaces 367A that form a portion of at least two of the pockets 367 on the clamping member 360. Surface 367A can also extend a longer length and closer to the second end 372 of the engagement member 368 than the other pocket side surfaces. Side 367A may form a stop by which boss 341A controls the amount of rotation of collar 340 relative to clamping member 360, effectively setting the optimum operating position of cup holder 310 relative to clamping member 360. In an exemplary embodiment, the maximum allowable rotation may be approximately 144 degrees, although it may be any predetermined angle.

[0122] Once the cup holder 310 is rotated to a new position, the user can separate the C-shaped member 362 of the cup holder assembly 300 from the first front leg 112A, 112B and reattach the C-shaped member 362 to the second front leg 112B, 112A. The C-shaped member 362 can have a plurality of ridges 386 that can increase the holding force of the C-shaped member 362 on the front legs 112A, 112B. The plurality of ridges 386 can extend longitudinally within the C-shaped member 362 between the upper surface 364 and the lower surface 366. Furthermore, the plurality of ridges 386 can be evenly spaced within the C-shaped member 362. Alternatively, the plurality of ridges 386 can be unevenly spaced, such that there are more ridges 386 near the open end of the C-shaped member 362. The plurality of ridges 386 may be integrally formed with the C-shaped member 362. Optionally, or alternatively, the plurality of ridges 386 may have a coating to improve their holding strength. The C-shaped member 362 may require a force of 25 to 40 Newtons (N) to be applied toward the closed end of the C-shaped member to engage the clamp member 360 with the front legs 112A, 112B.

[0123] 15A and 15B show cross-sectional views of the connection between the engagement member 368 of the clamping member 360, the collar 340, and the cup holder 310 along a longitudinal axis 376. The engagement member 318 can have an outer surface 320 and an inner cavity 322 that generally conforms to the shape of the outer surface 320. For example, the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 18 has a substantially cylindrical outer surface 320, although the outer surface may have any shape. Within the inner cavity 322, multiple flex fingers 324 can extend inward from an inner surface 326. Each flex finger 324 can have a tapered member 328. The multiple flex fingers 324 can be spaced apart from one another and can have different sizes.

[0124] As shown in FIGS. 15-19 , collar 340 can have a first end 342 with a corresponding plurality of flex fingers 344 that engage with flex fingers 324 of cup holder 310, providing a snap-fit ​​engagement to secure collar 340 to cup holder 310. Flex fingers 344 on collar 340 can have portions that extend along the longitudinal axis and portions that are tapered. Flex fingers 344 can be spaced apart from one another, similar to flex fingers 324 on cup holder 310. Collar 340 can also include a plurality of alignment members 352 positioned between flex fingers 344, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 . Each alignment member 352 may provide a pair of radially extending flanges 353 that may contact at least one end of flex fingers 324 on cup holder 310 to prevent cup holder 310 from rotating relative to collar 340 and ensure that cup holder 310 is properly secured to collar 340. Thus, cup holder 310 may be secured to collar 340 in only one orientation to prevent the components from being incorrectly assembled. The multiple flex fingers 324, 344 may each include two flex fingers 324, 344, but may also include three or more flex fingers. For example, flex fingers 324, 344 may include upper flex fingers positioned within the upper portions of engagement member 318 and collar 340, respectively, and lower flex fingers positioned within the lower portions of engagement member 318 and collar 340, respectively. The flex fingers 324, 344 can have different sizes such that one flex finger is larger than the other. For example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the lower flex finger is larger than the upper flex finger because the lower flex finger extends around a larger portion of the diameter of the collar 340 than the upper flex finger.

[0125] By adjusting the stiffness of flex fingers 344, the connection of cup holder 310 to collar 340 can support cup holder 310 under normal use, such as inserting a bottle or other device into and removing it from cup holder 310, but flex fingers 324 and flex fingers 344 on cup holder 310 can be adjusted to disengage flex fingers 324, 344 from each other, allowing cup holder 310 to come off collar 340 if a large force is applied to cup holder 310 beyond that seen during normal use. For example, if a force of more than 100 Newtons (N) is applied to cup holder 310 in the vertical direction, cup holder 310 will release from collar 340; or, alternatively, if a force of more than 115 Newtons (N), more than 130 Newtons (N), or even more than 145 Newtons (N) is applied to cup holder 310, cup holder 310 will release from collar 340. Because this release force is applied vertically, it generates a moment about C-shaped member 362. However, because the release force and moment are directed in different directions relative to the clamp-on force, clamp member 360 can remain secured to chair 100. By releasing cup holder 310 from collar 340, collar 340 and clamp member 360 can remain unbroken and without any lasting damage. Cup holder 310 can then be reattached to collar 340, ready for use again.

[0126] As mentioned above, a feature of cup holder assembly 300 is that collar 340 and cup holder 310 can rotate relative to clamp member 360. To enable this rotation, collar 340 can slidably and rotatably engage clamp member 360 at second end 346, which connects to second end 372 of engagement member 368 of clamp member 360. As shown in FIG. 15B , to rotate collar 340 relative to clamp member 360, a user can apply a pulling force to collar 340 outward from clamp member 360. Pulling collar 340 outward from clamp member 360 disengages sets of rotation restraint mechanisms 341, 367 of collar 340 and clamp member 360, allowing collar 340, along with cup holder 310, to rotate relative to clamp member 360. Rotational restraint mechanisms 341, 367 prevent any unwanted or accidental rotation between collar 340 and clamping member 360 when cup holder 310 is in place. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, cup holder 310 can rotate from a first position to a second position, the first and second positions being approximately 144 degrees apart.

[0127] The collar 340 can be permanently secured to the clamp member 360. The collar 340 can have a central protrusion 345 extending opposite the first end 342 of the collar 340. The central protrusion 345 can extend into an opening 382 in the clamp member 360. The collar 340 can then be secured to the clamp member 360 using a securing member 390 that extends through the opening 382 in the clamp member 360 and through an opening 350 that extends through the collar 340 from the first end 342 through the second end 346. The openings 350, 382 can extend through the center of the collar 340 and the center of the engagement member 368 of the clamp member 360, respectively. Additionally, the collar 340 can be secured to the clamp member 360 by a spring 392 positioned in the opening 350 of the protrusion 345, which is secured to the clamp member 360 by the securing member 390. The spring 392 applies a force to the collar 340 to keep the mating surface 348 in contact with the mounting surface 378 of the clamping member 360 until a user applies a counterforce large enough to overcome the spring force and slide the collar 340 outward from the clamping member 360 along the securing member 390, disengaging the rotational restraint features 341, 367. The protrusion 345 can remain partially extended into the opening 382 even while the rotational restraint features 341, 367 are disengaged. The collar 340 can slidably move a predetermined distance, which can be controlled by the length of the securing member 390. The engagement member 368 can also have a ledge 384 extending around the periphery of the second end 372. The securing member 390 may be a mechanical fastener such as a rivet, where the rivet joins the collar 340 to the clamping member 360, or alternatively, the securing member 390 may be a screw that can be secured by a nut that secures the collar 340 and the clamping member 360.

[0128] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate alternative embodiments of collar 340 and clamping member 360 of the embodiments of FIGS. 8-19. For the embodiment of FIGS. 20A and 20B, these features are referenced using similar reference numerals under the "4xx" series of reference numerals rather than the "3xx" series used for the embodiments of FIGS. 8-19. Accordingly, certain features of cup holder 400 already described above in connection with cup holder 300 of FIGS. 8-19 may be described in less detail or not at all. Specifically, FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate an alternative connection between collar 440 and clamping member 460, with FIG. 20A illustrating collar 440 in an engaged position and FIG. 20B illustrating collar 440 in a disengaged position. The alternative embodiments of collar 440 and clamping member 460 are similar to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, in that collar 340 can be permanently secured to clamping member 360. 20A and 20B can have all of the features of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15A and 15BA, except that the collar 440 and clamp member 460 are configured such that the collar 440 lacks the projection 345 of the collar 340 extending into the clamp member 360. In addition, the clamp member 460 can also have a sleeve or spring guide surface 480 extending inward from the second end 472 of the engagement member 468. As shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, a securing member 490 can secure the collar 440 to the clamp member 460, the securing member 490 extending through an opening 482 in the clamp member 460 and through an opening 450 extending through the collar 440 from the first end 442 through the second end 446. The openings 450, 482 can extend through the center of the collar 440 and the center of the engagement member 468 of the clamp member 460, respectively. Additionally, the collar 440 may be secured to the clamping member 460 by a spring 492 positioned within an opening 482 that is secured to the clamping member 460 by a securing member 490 .The spring 492 applies a force to the collar 440 to keep the mating surface 448 in contact with the mounting surface 478 of the clamping member 460 until the user applies a counter force large enough to overcome the spring force and slide the collar 440 outward from the clamping member 460 along the fixing member 490, disengaging the rotation restraining features 441, 467.

[0129] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of collar 540, which serves as an alternative embodiment to collar 340 of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-20B. For the embodiment of FIG. 21, features of collar 340 are referenced using similar reference numerals under the "5xx" series of reference numerals rather than the "3xx" used in the embodiments of FIGS. 8-19. Accordingly, certain features of collar 540 already described above in connection with collars 340, 440 of FIGS. 8-20B may be described in less detail or may not be described at all. Specifically, collar 540 may have any of the joints shown in the description of collars 340 and 440 as they relate to their corresponding clamping members 360 or 460. FIG. 21 specifically shows an embodiment of collar 540 in which flex fingers 544 have gussets 554 to support the stiffness of flex fingers 544 and adjust or adjust the stiffness to the correct stiffness to allow flex fingers 544 to disengage from flex fingers 324 of cup holder 310 when forces beyond normal use are applied to cup holder 310, allowing cup holder 310 to disengage from collar 540.

[0130] Each of the major components of cup holder assembly 300, such as cup holder 310, collar 340, and clamp member 360, can be formed from a metallic material, such as an aluminum alloy, or a non-metallic material, such as a polymer. The polymer may be fiber-reinforced, such as a carbon fiber or glass fiber polymer. Alternatively, the polymer may be unfilled. For example, cup holder 310 may be formed from a nylon or polyamide-type material, while clamp member 360 and collar 340 may be made from polyoxymethylene (POM) or other similar materials. Additionally, the components may be formed from an injection molding process, machining, or additive manufacturing process.

[0131] 22A-37 illustrate another alternative embodiment of cup holder assembly 600. Cup holder assembly 600 can include cup holder 610 and a corresponding mounting base 650. Mounting base 650 is attached to front leg 112A of chair 100 near corresponding front leg mounting portion 170A of seat frame 131, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B. Cup holder 610 then engages with mounting base 650 to secure cup holder 610 to chair 100. As shown in FIGS. 24-25B, cup holder 610 can have a mounting member 630 extending from a substantially cylindrical side wall 614 of cup holder 610 that slidably and releasably engages mounting base 650 to secure cup holder 610 to chair 100. Mounting member 630 may allow a user to easily install and remove cup holder 610 from mounting base 650 without the use of tools.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 23, 24A, and 24B, cup holder 610 slides onto mounting base 650. Mounting member 630 may have a generally inverted U-shape with a pair of parallel side walls 632, 634, each having a rail 636 extending toward the opposing side wall 634, 632. Mounting member 630 may also include a spacer portion 631 extending from a portion of cup holder 610. Spacer portion 631 may have a length for positioning the cylindrical shape of cup holder 610 at a desired distance from chair 100 to allow a user to easily reach a container secured within cup holder 610. Mounting member 630 may also have a top wall 638 connecting side walls 632, 634. Top wall 638 may have a generally curved shape, but may be any shape. Mounting member 630 can further include an opening 640 in a lower portion for engaging mounting base 650. Additionally, substantially parallel sidewalls 632, 634 of mounting member 630 can be angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical shape of the cup holder. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, parallel sidewalls 632, 634 can be oriented at an angle of approximately 18 degrees from the longitudinal axis, or parallel sidewalls 632, 634 can be oriented at an angle in the range of 15 to 21 degrees, or parallel sidewalls 632, 634 can be oriented at an angle in the range of 10 to 30 degrees.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B , to install cup holder 610 on mounting base 650, mounting base 650 is inserted into opening 640 of mounting member 630. Once mounting base 650 is inserted, rails 636 slide along a pair of slots 652 in the sides of mounting base 650. Slots 652 can act to guide cup holder 610 during the installation process. Each rail 636 can also have a detent or protrusion 642 that extends into pockets 654 positioned within each of slots 652. The engagement of detents 642 and pockets 654 acts as a locking mechanism to not only secure cup holder 610 and mounting base 650, but also provide positive feedback to the user that cup holder 610 is securely attached. The pocket 654 may be generally centered on the mounting base 650 along its length, which is defined from the top 656 to the bottom 658. Alternatively, the pocket 654 may be located anywhere along the length of the slot 652. Additionally, the mounting base 650 may include a pair of mounting holes 660 extending through a front surface 662 and a rear surface (not shown). The mounting base 650 may be attached to either of the front legs 112A, 112B using mechanical fasteners that extend through each of the mounting holes 660 and into receiving means positioned within the chair, which may be nuts or other devices configured to receive the mechanical fasteners, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B .

[0134] The cup holder 610 can have a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially layered cylindrical shape along the longitudinal axis 602. The cup holder 610 can include an upper rim 612 and at least one substantially cylindrical wall 614 positioned between the rim 612 and a bottom surface 616. The substantially cylindrical wall 614 can have a smooth surface having the same diameter throughout its height, or, as shown in the illustrative embodiment, can have a layered cylindrical profile with three levels: an upper level 618, a middle level 620, and a lower level 622. Each of the levels 618, 620, and 622 can be concentric with one another along the longitudinal axis 602. An upper step 624 or an upper connecting wall can be disposed between the upper level 618 and the middle level 620. Similarly, a lower step 626 or a lower connecting wall can be disposed between the middle level 620 and the lower level 622. Connecting walls 624, 626 may have a generous radius that can encompass a majority of the connecting walls. Upper level 618 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of both middle level 620 and lower level 622. Additionally, middle level 620 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of lower level 622. Each of levels 618, 620, and 622 may have a different height, or each level may have the same height. This multi-level structure, similar to cup holder 310 described above and shown in FIGS. 26A-26C, may allow cup holder 610 to support and secure containers of different sizes. Alternatively, each of the substantially cylindrical walls of levels 618, 620, and 622 may have a slight taper. Also, while the illustrative embodiment shows three levels, cup holder 610 may have any number of levels, such as two, four, or even five levels. Alternatively, the exterior of cup holder 610 may have a smooth tapered shape extending from upper edge 612 to bottom surface 616, while the interior surface may have a stepped shape as described above.

[0135] Additionally, the upper edge 612 of the upper level 618 may have a notch 628 extending along one side of the cup holder 610 to enable the cup holder 610 to support and secure a container 21 having a handle, as shown in FIG. 27 . The notch 628 may have a length extending along approximately one-quarter or 25 percent of the circumference of the upper edge 612. Alternatively, the length of the notch 628 may be within a range of 12 percent to 38 percent of the circumference of the upper edge 612, or within a range of approximately 6 percent to 50 percent of the circumference of the upper edge 612. The notch may have a center that may be positioned approximately 90 degrees from the location of the mounting member, such that the center of the notch may be positioned toward the rear of the cup holder 610 when the cup holder is installed in the chair 100. Cutout 628 can have a height that is 50 percent of the height of upper tier 618, or can have a height that is in the range of 25 percent to 75 percent of the height of upper tier 618. Alternatively, cutout 628 can include multiple cutouts, such as a pair of cutouts as described above that are positioned on opposite sides of each other.

[0136] 36 , the wall thickness of multi-tiered cylindrical wall 614 can be substantially constant, resulting in tiers on both the exterior and interior of cup holder 610. An interior pocket 629 can extend within spacer portion 631 of mounting member 630. Pocket 629 can have a shape that is generally offset from the exterior surface of spacer portion 631. Additionally, opening 617 can extend through bottom surface 616.

[0137] Cup holder 610 can be formed as a single-piece component by a forming process such as injection molding. The illustrated embodiment of cup holder 610 can have a single-wall construction without any built-in insulation. Additionally, mounting base 650 can also be formed as a single-piece component by a forming process such as injection molding, metal injection molding, casting, or other similar processes or methods described above in connection with cup holder 310. Both cup holder 610 and mounting base 650 can be formed from a polymeric material, such as a nylon-based polymer. Alternatively, the mounting base can be formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum.

[0138] Alternatively, cup holder 610 may be a vacuum insulated cup holder, an aerogel cup holder, or may include one or more vacuum insulation panels and may be configured to maintain a temperature lower or higher than the ambient environment. Cup holder 610 may be configured to cool an inserted beverage container and / or maintain and extend the period of time that the temperature of an inserted beverage container is below ambient. Additionally or alternatively, cup holder 610 may be configured to accept ice packs and / or natural ice inserts to assist in cooling an inserted beverage container and / or extend the period of time that the temperature is below ambient.

[0139] As described above, cup holder assembly 600 can include cup holder 610 and mounting base 650. FIGS. 38 and 39 disclose an alternative cup holder assembly 700. For the embodiment of FIGS. 38 and 39, features of cup holder assembly 700 are referenced using similar reference numerals under the "7xx" series of reference numerals rather than the "6xx" used in the embodiment of FIGS. 22A-37. Accordingly, certain features of cup holder assembly 700 already described above in connection with cup holder assembly 600 of FIGS. 22A-37 may be described in less detail or may not be described at all. Specifically, the embodiment of FIGS. 38 and 39 discloses an alternative mounting member 730 and mounting base 750 for mounting cup holder 710 to chair 100. Here, mounting base 750 includes a collar 752, which may have a generally cylindrical shape that surrounds leg 112A of chair 100, and which may be secured by a mechanical fastener at the rear of collar 752 to provide the clamping force necessary to secure mounting base 750 to leg 112A of chair 100. Collar 752 may have a hinge 751 near the front of collar 752 and a vertical locking mechanism 754 at the rear of collar 752. Mounting member 730 of cup holder 710 may have a generally C-shaped clamping member 732 that engages with mounting base 750 to secure it to chair 100. Clamping member 732 may have a corresponding vertical locking mechanism 754 for vertical locking mechanism 734 of collar 752. 38, although vertical securing features 734, 754 may each have a cylindrical shape oriented perpendicular to the cylindrical shape of collar 752, as shown in FIG. 38, vertical securing features 734, 754 may have any shape that allows clamping member 732 to slide into collar 752 when engaged together while still providing some vertical support. Additionally, collar 752 may have a ledge 756 that can also provide vertical support for cup holder 710 when engaged with a chair to support the weight of cup holder 710 and a container received therein.

[0140] Additionally, FIGS. 40 and 41 disclose an alternative cup holder assembly 800. For the embodiment of FIGS. 40 and 41, features of cup holder assembly 800 are referenced using similar reference numerals under the "8xx" series of reference numerals rather than the "6xx" series used in the embodiments of FIGS. 22A-37. Accordingly, certain features of cup holder assembly 800 already described above in connection with cup holder assembly 600 of FIGS. 22A-37 may be described in less detail or may not be described at all. Specifically, the embodiment of FIGS. 40 and 41 discloses an alternative mounting member 830 and mounting base 850 for mounting cup holder 810 to chair 100. Here, mounting base 850 may include a bracket 852 having a front portion 853 and a rear portion 854 connected together on each side of leg 112A of chair 100. The bracket 852 may then be secured to the leg 112A using a number of mechanical fasteners to provide a clamping force to secure the bracket 852 to the leg. The bracket may have an opening 856 near the top to receive a hook (not shown) formed on the mounting member 830. The hook may comprise a post extending downward from the top surface 832 of the mounting member 830. The post may then be inserted into the opening 856. The opening 856 and the post may each have a tapered surface to create a dovetail effect to secure the cup holder 810 to the mounting base 850.

[0141] Alternatively, FIGS. 42, 43A, 43B, 44A, and 44B disclose an alternative cup holder assembly 900. For the embodiments of FIGS. 42, 43A, 43B, 44A, and 44B, features of cup holder assembly 900 are referenced using similar reference numerals under the "9xx" series of reference numerals rather than the "6xx" series used in the embodiments of FIGS. 22A-37. Accordingly, certain features of cup holder assembly 900 already described above in connection with cup holder assembly 600 of FIGS. 22A-37 may be described in less detail or may not be described at all. Specifically, the embodiments of FIGS. 42, 43A, 43B, 44A, and 44B disclose an alternative mounting member 930 and mounting base 950 for mounting cup holder 910 to chair 100. Here, the mounting base 950 can include a bracket 952 that can be permanently attached to the leg 112A by means including but not limited to welding or adhesives, as shown in FIG. 44A . Alternatively, the bracket 952 can be releasably attached to the leg 112A using a hinge 954 positioned on one side to allow the bracket 952 to wrap around the leg 112A of the chair 100. The bracket 952 can then be secured to the leg 112A using a plurality of mechanical fasteners to provide a clamping force to secure the bracket 952 to the leg, as shown in FIG. 44B . The bracket 952 can have an opening 956 near the top to receive a hook 932 formed on the mounting member 930. The opening 956 can extend through the top and bottom surfaces of the bracket 952. The hook 932 can include a post 934 extending downward from the top surface of the mounting member 930. 43A shows post 934 as part of a U-shaped bracket that is attached to mounting member 930, while FIG. 43B shows an alternative option in which post 934 is integrally formed with cup holder 910. Post 934 can then be inserted into opening 956.While the exemplary embodiment may show post 934 as a rectangular plate element, post 934 may have any non-circular shape, such that the non-circular shape provides a rotational restraint mechanism to keep cup holder 910 from rotating relative to chair leg 112A. Alternatively, post 934 may be a circular shape with protrusions, such as a key, spline, flat surface, or similar feature that can act as a rotational restraint mechanism. Similarly, opening 956 may have a shape that corresponds to post 934, such that it provides a surface for engaging the non-circular shape or rotational restraint mechanism of post 934.

[0142] As yet another option, FIGS. 45, 46, and 47 disclose an alternative cup holder assembly 1000. For the embodiments of FIGS. 45, 46, and 47, features of cup holder assembly 1000 are referenced using similar reference numerals under the "10xx" series of reference numerals rather than the "6xx" series used in the embodiments of FIGS. 22A-37. Accordingly, certain features of cup holder assembly 1000 already described above in connection with cup holder assembly 600 of FIGS. 22A-37 may be described in less detail or not at all. Here, mounting base 1050 may include a recess 1052 or pocket having a mounting surface 1054 with at least one mounting hole 1056. Mounting base 1050 may be attached to leg 112A of chair 100 using mechanical fasteners extending through the holes. The cup holder 1010 can have an attachment member 1030 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the pocket 1052. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 45, 46, and 47, the attachment member 1030 and pocket 1052 can have a generally rectangular shape. Alternatively, the shapes of the attachment member 1030 and pocket 1052 are not limited to a rectangular shape and can have other geometric shapes, such as a circle, an oval, a square, or other shapes. The attachment member 1030 can have a hook portion 1032 extending upward from a top surface 1034 of an end 1036 of the attachment member 1030. Additionally, the attachment member 1030 can have flex fingers 1038 extending from a bottom surface 1040 of the end 1036 of the attachment member 1030. In addition, the pocket 1052 can have an undercut surface within the pocket 1052 that is offset from a front surface of the pocket 1052.

[0143] To engage the mounting member 1030 with the mounting base 1050, a user can angle the mounting member 1030 so that the hook 1032 is inserted into the undercut at the top of the pocket 1052. Once the hook 1032 is engaged in the undercut, the user can then rotate the cup holder 1010 downward until the flex fingers 1038 engage the lower portion of the pocket 1052. To remove the cup holder 1010, a user can pull upward on the outside of the cup holder 1010 to disengage the flex fingers 1038 and remove the cup holder 1010 from the mounting base 1050. While the various mounting bases and methods discussed herein relate to attaching a cup holder, the methods can also be used to attach other accessories, such as a tray or a fishing rod holder.

[0144] As yet another option, FIG. 48 discloses an alternative mounting base 1150 for a cup holder assembly. Here, the mounting base 1150 can include a forward mounting surface 1152 having a pair of mounting holes 1154 extending therethrough. A boss or protrusion 1156 can extend from the forward mounting surface 1152 and have an opening 1158 extending therethrough. The opening 1158 can receive a cup holder by way of a mounting member having a bayonet-type connector (not shown). The opening 1158 can have a generally rectangular shape.

[0145] As yet another option, FIGS. 49 and 50 disclose an alternative mounting base 1250 for a cup holder assembly. Here, the mounting base 1250 can include a front mounting surface 1252 having a pair of mounting holes 1254 extending therethrough. A T-shaped boss or protrusion 1256 can extend from the front mounting surface 1252. The T-shaped boss 1256 can have an exterior upper surface 1258 and an undercut 1260 between the upper surface 1258 and the front mounting surface 1252. The T-shaped boss can be aligned with a side surface 1262 of the mounting base 1250 or can be positioned at an angle relative to the side surface 1262 of the mounting base 1250, as shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 49 and 50. The undercut 1260 allows a cup holder (not shown) or other accessory to be attached to the T-shaped boss 1256.

[0146] Optionally, a cup holder as described above can be attached to chair 100 by a number of mechanical connection methods, such as a threaded connection between the cup holder and chair 100. These mechanical connection methods can releasably or permanently engage the cup holder to chair 100. Other possible options include connecting the cup holder to the chair in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, a ball-and-socket connection, a snap-fit ​​connection, a hook-and-loop type connection, flex fingers that engage the legs of the chair, a friction or press fit of a member of the cup holder to a portion of the chair, a rivet connection, a pin or pins that engage chair 100, such as a quick-release ball-lock pin, a bayonet type connection, a quarter-turn fastener, or a cam type connection.

[0147] In another example, chair 100 may include an accessory mounting interface (not shown) on front leg 112A proximate its intersection with front leg mounting portion 170A of seat frame 131. The accessory mounting interface may be fabricated within front leg 112A and configured to accept YETI® Tundra accessories, including a YETI® beverage holder, a YETI® fishing rod holster, a YETI® Molle Zinger, etc. Additionally, the accessory mounting interface may be configured to accept a waterproof storage compartment, an insect repellent device, a fish finder, etc.

[0148] Additionally and / or alternatively, on front leg 112B proximate its intersection with front leg mounting portion 170B of seat frame 131, chair 100 may include a rigidly mounted cup holder, a detachably mountable cup holder accessory, and / or an accessory mounting interface configured to accept YETI® Tundra accessories and additional accessories as described above.

[0149] The present invention has been disclosed above and in the accompanying drawings with reference to various examples. However, the purpose achieved by this disclosure is not to limit the scope of the invention, but to provide examples of various features and concepts related to the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and adaptations can be made to the above-described examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. a cup holder having a bottom surface, an upper rim, a substantially cylindrical wall positioned between said bottom surface and said upper rim, and a mounting member extending from said substantially cylindrical wall, said cylindrical wall defining a longitudinal axis, said mounting member including a pair of substantially parallel side walls and a spacer portion extending from said cylindrical wall, each of said parallel side walls including rails extending from each of said parallel side walls toward one another, said spacer portion including an interior pocket extending therein; a mounting base connected to a chair leg, the rails of the mounting member sliding along a pair of slots on the mounting base to secure the cup holder to the mounting base; A cup holder assembly comprising:

2. 10. The cup holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the interior of the cup holder comprises a plurality of levels, each of the levels having a different height.

3. The cup holder assembly of claim 2 , wherein the plurality of tiers includes three tiers.

4. The cup holder assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cup holder includes a notch in the upper edge.

5. The cup holder assembly of claim 1 , wherein the cup holder is formed as a single component.

6. 2. The cup holder assembly of claim 1, wherein each rail includes a detent that extends into a pocket located in a respective slot of the mounting base.

7. The cup holder assembly of claim 6 , wherein the pocket is centrally located along each of the pair of slots.

8. 2. The cup holder assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of parallel side walls are disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the substantially cylindrical wall, the angle relative to the longitudinal axis being between 10 and 30 degrees.

9. A portable chair, a first front leg and a second front leg connected by a forward sled; a first rear leg and a second rear leg connected by a rear sled; and Seat including a woven type structure a portable chair comprising:

1. A cup holder assembly comprising: a cup holder having a bottom surface, an upper rim, and a plurality of cylindrical portions configured in a multi-tiered shape positioned between the bottom surface and the upper rim, the plurality of cylindrical portions being concentric about a longitudinal axis, and a mounting member including a spacer portion and a pair of substantially parallel side walls extending from at least one of the cylindrical portions, each of the parallel side walls including a rail extending from each of the parallel side walls toward one another, and the spacer portion including an interior pocket extending therein; a mounting base connected to the first front leg of the portable chair, the rails of the mounting member sliding along a pair of slots on the mounting base to secure the cup holder to the mounting base; a cup holder assembly comprising: A portable chair and cup holder system comprising:

10. 10. The portable chair and cup holder system of claim 9, wherein the mounting base includes a pair of holes and is attached to the first front leg of the portable chair using a pair of mechanical fasteners extending through each of the pair of holes.

11. 10. The portable chair and cup holder system of claim 9, wherein the cup holder is releasably secured to the mounting base, and wherein the cup holder can be removed from the mounting base without the use of tools.

12. 10. The portable chair and cup holder system of claim 9, wherein each rail includes a detent that extends into a pocket located in a respective slot of the mounting base.

13. 13. The portable chair and cup holder system of claim 12, wherein said pocket is centrally located along each of said pair of slots.

14. 10. The portable chair and cup holder system of claim 9, wherein the interior of the cup holder comprises a plurality of levels, each of the levels having a different height.

15. 10. The portable chair and cup holder system of claim 9, wherein the pair of substantially parallel side walls are angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the cup holder.

16. a cup holder having a bottom surface, an upper edge, and a plurality of cylindrical portions configured in a multi-tiered shape positioned between the bottom surface and the upper edge, the cup holder including a notch in the upper edge, an attachment member including a spacer portion extending from at least one of the cylindrical portions and a pair of substantially parallel side walls, each of the parallel side walls including a rail extending from each of the parallel side walls toward one another, and the spacer portion including an internal pocket extending into the spacer portion; a mounting base connected to a chair leg, the rails of the mounting member sliding along a pair of slots on the mounting base to secure the cup holder to the mounting base; A cup holder assembly comprising:

17. 17. The cup holder assembly of claim 16, wherein the notch has a length in the range of 12 percent to 38 percent of the circumference of the upper edge.

18. 17. The cup holder assembly of claim 16, wherein the notch has a length that is approximately 25 percent of the circumference of the upper edge.

19. 17. The cup holder assembly of claim 16, wherein the center of the notch is positioned approximately 90 degrees from the location of the mounting member.

20. 17. The cup holder assembly of claim 16, wherein the cutout has a height within 25 to 75 percent of the upper tier of the cup holder.

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