System and methods for adjusting chair position

Abstract

An embodiment of a chair having a frame comprising a base portion couple to a front portion and a back portion rotatable relative to the base portion. A rope may extend between the front and back portions to provide support and permit adjustability of the back portion relative to the base portion. The back portion may be secured in a desired position by securing the rope to a locking mechanism positioned on the front portion.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present technology relates generally to chairs, and, more particularly, to portable chairs comprising a reclining mechanism.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Furniture plays a large part of most people's lives. Typically, people may own items of furniture including sofas, tables, dressers, and chairs.

[0003] While many items of furniture are designed for permanent placement within one's home, many items of furniture are designed to be portable. However, many issues arrive with portable furniture, such as comfort and practicality.

[0004] Further, current portable chairs either do not have a reclining feature or have reclining mechanisms that require the user to stand up in order to adjust them. In portable chairs that have a reclining mechanism, none offer infinite increments of inclination, resulting in difficulty achieving an optimal chair position which is comfortable for the user.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to have a comfortable portable chair that includes a reclining mechanism which is easily used while sitting down and offers infinite positions of inclination.SUMMARY

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claims included herewith.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for adjusting a chair position. A chair comprising a frame is provided. In one embodiment, the chair may comprise a base portion, a front portion, and a back portion. The base portion may be coupled to the front and back portions to permit rotation relative to the base portion. In one embodiment, the chair may further comprise a cover extending over any of the frame portion to provide a support for a user.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base portion may comprise two shaped side structures coupled to each other by a rear crossbar.

[0009] In an embodiment, the front portion may comprise two front-side structures secured to one another by at least one front crossbar extending between the two front-side structures. In one embodiment, the at least one front crossbar may be two front crossbars. In a further embodiment, each of the two front-side structures may comprise an armrest portion. Each of the two front-side structures may comprise a hole extending between an inner surface of the armrest portion and an outer surface of the armrest portion.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the back portion may comprise two rear-side structures and at least one rear crossbar extending between the two rear-side structures. In an embodiment, the at least one rear crossbar may be two rear crossbars. In one embodiment, each of the two rear-side structures may comprise an aperture. More particularly, a first rear-side structure may comprise a first aperture and a second rear-side structure may comprise a second aperture. In some embodiments, each aperture may comprise a divider operative to define a first and second portion of the aperture.

[0011] In one embodiment, one or more ropes may extend between the front and back portions to support the chair. Further, in another embodiment, the one or more ropes may permit adjustment of the chair. For example, the one or more ropes may permit the back portion to recline. Each of the one or more ropes may comprise a first terminal point and a second terminal point. In one embodiment, the first terminal point may be secured to any portion of the frame and the second terminal point may be free relative to the frame. In some embodiments, the second terminal point may comprise a stopper, for example, and without limitation, a knot or a fastener.

[0012] In an embodiment, one of the two front-side structures may comprise a first terminal point of one of the one or more ropes. In the interest of clarity, and without limitation, reference will be made to a rope having the first terminal point on the first front-side structure, however, in other embodiments the first terminal point may be secured to the second front-side structure. In one embodiment, the first terminal point may extend from the armrest on the first front-side structure towards the first aperture on the first rear-side structure configured to receive the rope. The rope may extend from the first aperture through the second aperture on the second rear-side structure. The rope may further extend from the second aperture on the second rear-side structure through a first hole on the second armrest portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the rope may extend from the first hole on the second armrest portion through the second aperture. The rope may further extend from the second aperture through the first aperture and through a second hole on the first armrest portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first armrest portion may comprise a locking mechanism operative to temporarily fix the rope in place. In some embodiments, the first armrest portion may comprise the locking mechanism and may be positioned adjacent to the second hole. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism may comprise a cleat. In a further embodiment, the locking mechanism may comprise a clamp. Of course, any locking mechanism capable of temporarily fixing the rope may be utilized and the aforementioned is provided as a non-limiting example.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second terminal point of the rope may be disposed of externally of the second hole of the first armrest portion. It is contemplated that the second terminal point may be sized to prevent the second terminal point from passing through the second hole of the first armrest portion.

[0016] In an embodiment, the front and back portion may be coupled to the base portion by one or more rivets. Of course, other coupling means may be utilized and the aforementioned is provided as a non-limiting example only. The front and back portions may fold towards the base portion to define a collapsed state. It is contemplated that the front and back portions folding towards the base portion may create a low-profile chair. Further, folding the front and back portions towards each other may result in an easily portable chair.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The incorporated drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification exemplify the aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, explain and illustrate principles of this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the chair.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the frame.

[0020] FIG. 3 is one embodiment of the chair in a collapsed state.

[0021] FIG. 4 is one embodiment of the chain in a reclined state.

[0022] FIG. 5 is one embodiment of the first front-side structure.

[0023] FIG. 6 is one embodiment of the locking mechanism.

[0024] The terms “first,”“second,”“third,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable in certain circumstances.

[0025] The term “couple” and the like refers to connecting two or more elements mechanically or otherwise for any length of time.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the accompanying drawing(s), in which identical functional elements are designated with like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings show by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, specific aspects, and implementations consistent with principles of this disclosure. These implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and it is to be understood that other implementations may be utilized and that structural changes and / or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be construed in a limited sense.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 1 a front perspective view of one embodiment of a chair 100 is illustrated. The chair 100 may include a frame forming the support structure of the chair 100 and a cover 160. The frame may be constructed from a variety of materials suitable for bearing the mass of an average user. For example, the frame may be constructed using a material capable of bearing a mass of up to approximately 500 lbs, although higher weight tolerances may be possible. Such materials may include wood, metal, or plastic. In one embodiment, the frame may be constructed using a light-weight material. For example, the material for constructing the frame may comprise teak. However, any suitable material may be used.

[0028] The chair 100 may comprise a base portion 110, a front portion 120, and a back portion 130. As shown in FIG. 2, the base portion 110 may comprise two shaped rear-side structures 112a,b connected toward the rear of the chair 100 by a rear crossbar 114. The front portion 120 may comprise two front-side structures 122a,b connected by two front crossbars 124a,b. The two front-side structures 122a,b may include an armrest portion 140a, 140b disposed on a top end of each front-side structure 122a,b. The back portion 130 may comprise two rear-side structures 134a,b connected by two rear crossbars 132a,b. While two crossbars 124a,b are disclosed as connecting the two front-side structures 122a,b and the two rear-side structures 134a,b, any suitable number of crossbars may be used.

[0029] Returning to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the front portion 120 may couple to the base portion 100 via one or more rivets 150b. However, any suitable coupling device may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the one or more rivets 150b allow the front portion 120 to rotate relative to the base portion 130.

[0030] In some embodiments, the back portion 130 may couple to the base portion 110 via one or more rivets (obscured). However, any suitable coupling device may be used. In an embodiment, the coupling device may allow the back portion 130 to rotate relative to the base portion 110.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the configuration of the front portion 120, back portion 130, and base portion 110 may allow the chair 100 to fold. A person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that folding may promote easy portability of the chair 100. As also exemplified in the above figure, the front 120 and back 130 portions may rotate about the base portion 110 to define a collapsed state. One or both of the two shaped side structures 112a,b of the base portion 110 may include a stopping arm, such that, when the chair 100 is in an extended state, the stopping arm may create a stopping point which the front portion 120 is unable to rotate past. Such mechanism may create a “locked distance” between the bottom portions of the base portion 110 and front portion 120. In an embodiment, the locked distance is approximately 29 inches. However, the stopping arm and / or portions of the chair 100 may be adjusted to create a locked distance of any suitable length.

[0032] Other dimensions of the chair 100 may include a height, and a width. In some embodiments, the chair may have a height of up to 45 inches depending on the angle of the back portion (which may be adjusted as disclosed below). In an embodiment, the chair 100 may have a width of between 10 and about 50 inches. In one embodiment, the chair 100 may comprise a height of up to 32 inches and a width of about 25 inches. However, any suitable height and / or width may be used.

[0033] The portions of the chair may be configured with certain accessories. For example, the front portion of the chair may include one or more cup holders, and / or a type of storage container. However, the accessories may be attached to any suitable portion of the chair, such as to the back portion, base portion, or side structures. The accessories may be permanently attached to the frame, or may be removably attached.

[0034] As shown above, the two front-side structures 140a,b may include structures configured to interface with one or more ropes. For purposes of the present disclosure, reference will be made to one rope 102, although it is contemplated that multiple ropes may be utilized. In an embodiment, the rope 102 includes two terminal points 104a, 106a located at opposing ends of the rope 102. The first terminal point 104a may be attached to a top portion of a first front-side structure 122a comprising an armrest 140a. From there, the rope 102 may extend toward the back portion 130 of the chair 100.

[0035] The back portion 130 of the chair 100 may include a first aperture 136a and second aperture 136b configured to receive the rope 102. In an embodiment, the apertures are defined by external hardware which may be attached to the back portion 130. Accordingly, the first and second apertures 136a,b may be sized to be slightly wider than the rope being received. The length of rope 102 formed between the first front-side structure 122a and the back portion 130 may function as a first armrest for the user.

[0036] Each of the first aperture 136a and the second aperture 136b may include at least one divider. In one embodiment, the divider may comprise a pin. It is contemplated that the pin may separate different portions of the rope 102 passing through the first aperture 136a and the second aperture 136b. In one embodiment, the pin may be constructed from metal. However, other materials may be used such as plastic, wood, or any other suitable material known to one of skill in the art.

[0037] From the first aperture 136a, the rope 102 may then extend through the second aperture 136b. A length formed by the rope 102 extending between the first aperture 136a and the second aperture 136b may function to support the back of the user. It is contemplated that in some embodiments the cover 160 secured to the frame may be capable of independently supporting the back of the user, without support of the rope 102. Additionally, the rope 102 extending between the first aperture 136a and the second aperture 136b may be utilized as a handle for carrying the chair 100.

[0038] In an embodiment, not shown, the portions of rope located between the first and second apertures may be surrounded by a grip. The grip may include a cylindrical member covering a length of the rope and configure to be held by the user. The grip may be configured to allow the rope to pass freely through its center. In an embodiment, the grip is constructed from plastic and has a rubber coating. However, any suitable materials may be used such as metal and / or wood.

[0039] From the second aperture 136b, the rope 102 may extend toward the front portion 120 of the chair 100 and may interface with the second front-side structure 122b. As shown in FIG. 2, the second front-side structure 122b may define a first hole 142b extending through the second front-side structure 122b and configured to receive the rope 102. In an embodiment, the first hole 142b is located toward the top-front end of the second front-side structure 122b. In one embodiment, the first hole 142b may be located on an outer, or medial, surface of the second front-side structure 122b. However, the first hole 142b may be located at any suitable position on the second front-side structure, such as toward the top-rear end of the second front-side structure. It is contemplated that the length of rope 102 formed between the second front-side structure 122b and the back portion 130 may function as a second armrest for the user.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 2, the rope 102 may then pass through the first hole 142b on the second front-side structure 122b and extend through the second aperture 136b and the first aperture 136a before extending towards the first front-side structure 122a. At this point, the rope 102 may extend through a second hole 142a defined by the first front-side structure 122a. As shown in the images above, the second hole 142a may be configured to receive the rope 102. In an embodiment, the second hole is located toward the top-front end of the first front-side structure (as shown in the above figure). However, the second hole 142a may be located at any suitable position on the first front-side structure 122a, such as toward the top-rear end of the first front-side structure 122a.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, the rope 102 may extend through the second hole 142a, after which the rope 102 may interface with a locking mechanism 144a. The locking mechanism 144a may be any mechanism capable of temporarily fixing the rope 120 in place. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the locking mechanism 144a may comprise a cleat. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleat may be a clam cleat. However, other types of cleats may be used, such as a horn cleat, cam cleat, or any other suitable cleat known to those of skill in the art. Returning to FIG. 5, the locking mechanism 144a may be located adjacent to the second hole 142a on the first front-side structure 122a. However, in another embodiment, not shown, the aforementioned configuration may be reversed such that the locking mechanism is adjacent to the hole on the second front-side structure. Further, it is contemplated that no locking mechanism may be used. For example, the user may tie a knot to prevent the length of the rope from moving through the first and / or second hole. As yet a further example, the user may wrap or tie the rope around any part of the front, back, or base portion of the chair. In another embodiment, the chair may further comprise a fixture for securing the rope. The fixture may be attached to the frame. For example, the chair may include a hook, horn cleat, peg, or other suitable fixture for securing the rope.

[0042] Returning to the embodiment of the locking mechanism 144a shown in FIG. 5, the locking mechanism 144a may be a clam cleat comprising a main body and at least one clip 146a. In an embodiment, the at least one clip 146a may comprise a clip hole 146a′ configured to receive the rope 102. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 144a may frictionally secure the rope 102 within a grooved channel 148a of the cleat, and, in a further embodiment, the clip 146a may be further configured to secure the rope 102 within the grooved channel 148a. It is contemplated that the clip 146a may operative to prevent the rope 102 from being accidently removed from the cleat, which could result in an unexpected and unwanted shift in the back portion's 130 position. In an embodiment, the locking mechanism 144a is constructed using polyethylene. However, other materials may be used such as wood, metal, or any other suitable material known to those of skill in the art. Of course, in another embodiment, the clam cleat may function without any clip.

[0043] The grooved channel may be constructed using the same material as the rest of the cleat. However, the grooved channel may be constructed using other materials designed to better grip the rope when in use. The grooved channel may include a coating, such as rubber, or any other suitable material known to one of skill in the art, to also aid the cleat in gripping the rope when in use.

[0044] Returning to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the rope 102 and locking mechanism 144a may be used to adjust the inclination of the back portion 130 of the chair 100 relative to the base portion 110. The locking mechanism 144a may secure the length of the rope 102 at any suitable point between the first terminal point 104a and the second terminal point 106a of the rope 102.

[0045] It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the user may pull on the second terminal point 106a of the rope 102 which may cause a reduction in the length of the rope between the second hole 142a and first hole 142b, and may increase the length of the rope between the second hole 142a and the second terminal point 106a. Further, the reverse may be done which may cause an increase in the length of the rope 102 between the second hole 142a and the first hole 142b, and may decrease the length of the rope 102 between the second hole 142a and the second terminal point 106a. As a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, such changes in length may result in an adjustment in the back portion 130 relative to the front portion 110.

[0046] As shown in the differences in position between FIGS. 1 and 4, the length of the rope 102 between the second hole 142a and first hole 142b may be adjusted until a desired position of the back portion 130 is reached. Such length may be adjusted by pulling a length of the rope 102 through either side of the second hole 142a.

[0047] Once a desired position of the back portion 130 is reached, the locking mechanism 144a may be engaged to prevent the rope 102 from moving and fixing the position of the back portion 130. As shown in the figure below, the locking mechanism 144a may be engaged by placing the rope 102 in the grooved channel 148a. By placing the rope 102 in the grooved channel 148a, the locking mechanism 144a may be operative to restrict the rope's 102 ability to move. However, depending on the type of locking mechanism used, the locking mechanism may be engaged using different methods than the methods described herein.

[0048] While the presently disclosed features include the first and second holes, locking mechanism, and first and second terminal points on their respective sides of the chair, the presently disclosed system may function on an opposite side of the chair. Finally, while certain novel features of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and, in its operation, can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for adjusting a position of a chair, comprising:a base portion;a front portion comprising a first front-side structure, a second-side structure, a first hole, a second hole, and a locking mechanism,wherein the front portion is coupled to the base portion;a back portion including a plurality of apertures,wherein the back portion is coupled to the base portion; anda rope comprising a first terminal point, and a second terminal point,wherein:the first terminal point is attached to the first front-side structure,a length of the rope intersects the plurality of apertures, the first hole, and the second hole,the length of the rope between the first hole and second hole correlates with a position of the back portion relative to the front portion, andthe rope is removably engaged with the locking mechanism, such that, when engaged, the length of rope between the first hole and second hole is fixed.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises two shaped side structures coupled to each other by a rear crossbar.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cover secured to the front and back portion.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a cleat.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is located adjacent to the second hole on the first front-side structure.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a main body and a clip, wherein the main body defines a grooved channel configured to receive the rope.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the back portion may be rotated relative to the base portion by changing the length of the rope between the first and the second hole.

8. A chair comprising:a base portion;a front portion;a back portion; anda rope configured to support the base portion having a first and second terminal portion, the first terminal portion coupled to the front portion, andwherein the front and back portions are coupled to the base portion to permit rotation relative to the base portion.

9. The chair of claim 8, wherein the base portion comprises two shaped side structures coupled to each other by a rear crossbar.

10. The chair of claim 8, wherein the front portion comprises a first front-side structure secured to a second front-side structure by at least one front crossbar, wherein:the first front-side structure comprises a second hole and a locking mechanism; andthe second front-side structure comprises a first hole.

11. The chair of claim 8, wherein the back portion comprises a first rear-side structure secured to a second rear-side structure by at least one back crossbar, a first aperture extending through the first rear-side structure, and a second aperture extending through the second rear-side structure.

12. The chair of claim 8, further comprising a locking mechanism disposed of the first front-side structure configured to removable secure the rope adjacent to the second terminal point.

13. The chair of claim 12, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a main body and a clip, wherein the main body defines a grooved channel configured to receive the rope.

14. The chair of claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism is a cleat.

Images