GB2568028A - A modular sporting chair - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular sporting chair 4 which comprises a plurality of adjustable legs 14 to allow the user to remain level, stable and supported on uneven ground, which may be telescopic 2, and may comprise articulated feet 13 which could incorporate spikes. The chair may also comprise adjustable seat back 5 and bottom 4 sections. The chair may also comprise connection parts 3 attachments useful for sports, such as fishing rod rests, binocular holders, a table, gun holders, etc. and these attachments may be attached via male and female connectors 19 and sockets 9, which may also be arranged on armrests 8 of the chair, which armrests may also utilise storage 10 which may have a lid or cover flap 11. Guy ropes 12 and loops 6 at the rear of the chair may also be used for added support or to attach accessories.

Description

A MODULAR SPORTING CHAIR

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a modular sporting chair, in particular a chair for connecting with sports apparatus and holders for sports apparatus; more particularly but not exclusively field sports apparatus.

Background

Increasing numbers of people in many societies enjoy spending time outdoors.

These people may spend time watching wildlife, or may participate in field sports such as fishing or shooting.

Often these activities take a great deal of time and the person, or the user, may therefore spend a great deal of time sitting in a seat or chair.

Currently available chairs on the market can be too low causing bad posture and excess strain on joints such as knee's hip and back. In addition or the alternative standard chairs are ill-equipped for a user to maintain or access implements or tools necessary or desirable for use whilst partaking in the activities, for example a fishing rod, necessitating that the user requires separate storage or apparatus.

Prior Art

CN 204 889 260 (LI) provides a portable multi -functional folding chair, including the chair lean on, inboard chair leg, outside chair leg, flexible chair lining, seat support, the one end of first flexible bracing piece sets up a swivelling joint axle, the top that leans on is connected with first flexible bracing piece through a swivelling joint axle, inboard chair leg sets up the seat support with outside chair leg top, inboard chair leg is connected through flexible chair lining with outside chair leg, the seat support is kept away from the one end that the chair leaned on and is set up the 3rd swivelling joint axle, the seat support is connected with outside chair leg through the 3rd swivelling joint axle, outside chair leg end sets up fourth swivelling joint axle. The utility model discloses simple structure through swivelling joint axle angle regulation as required, can make the folding chair adjust into simple and easy bed, has improved the comfort level of chair, according to the demand, can fold into less volume, conveniently carries.

US 7 334 837 (LONG) discloses a modular multi-functional portable seating device that provides individual telescopic legs to accommodate varied and uneven surfaces, the seating device further provides a firearm support which is both removable and adjustable. The frame and other components are durable and light weight. Detachable saddlebags are provided for additional convenience and item storage. A removable footrest is provided. Additional cushions and a strap for securing the seating device to an object are also provided. X-braced legs provide sturdy support.

US 6 042 180 (LOMBARDI) discloses a folding chair with fishing accessories for providing several comfort enhancing features to make fishing more enjoyable. The folding chair with fishing accessories includes a seat portion with front and back ends, a pair of sides extending between the ends, and upper and lower surfaces. A backrest portion extends upwardly from the back end of the seat portion. A pair of legs are pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the seat portion towards the front end of the seat portion. Another pair of legs are pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the backrest portion towards a lower end of the backrest portion. A pair of armrests are pivotally coupled to opposite sides of the backrest portion and extend forwardly therefrom. Upper ends of the legs are pivotally coupled to the armrests.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a modular sporting chair, comprising a frame, with a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are arranged with an adjustment mechanism for accommodating uneven ground and the frame comprises connection parts for connection of holders for sporting apparatus.

In this way a user may be enabled to sit in the chair and utilise the apparatus.

In some embodiments the frame comprises one or more sockets for connection of apparatus, which sockets allow connection of the holders.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise the holders for sporting or similar apparatus, which apparatus may be available separately or comprise independently available apparatus. Such holders may comprise a gun holder, for example a flexible clip which can fold to hold gun next to the chair for quick access or a second clip on the back of the chair, for spare rifles or rods. Some embodiments may comprise holders or rests for fishing rods. Others may provide falconry perches such as a round attachment with fake grass pad for falcons, and an additional bar for hawks and eagles where required. Still further embodiments may provide apparatus such as binoculars, which may be on a moveable support or integrated, or may provide a rest or holder for books and notes.

The chair may comprise a fabric seatback and seatbottom and in some embodiments the chair comprises an adjustable seatback or seatbottom, for example wherein the seatback may comprise lumbar support or seatbottom may comprise adjustment for tilt, rake or swivel. This may comprise movement or displacement of the seatbottom or seatback or fabric, or may be provided by independent or discrete parts.

In some embodiments the seatback and seatbottom comprise padding, for example which padding may enable a greater and/or adjustable level of padding for the user.

This may enable an increase in user comfort, so as to permit use of the chair over prolonged periods.

In some embodiments the legs may comprise a telescopic adjustment mechanism. Such adjustment mechanism may therefore comprise individual telescoping.

In some embodiments the adjustment mechanism may comprise feet, which feet may be arranged to adjust for underlying surfaces. In some embodiments the feet may comprise articulation. In other embodiments the feet may comprise spikes in addition or the alternative, so as to spike into underlying surfaces.

In some embodiments the chair may be arranged for storage, such that sporting apparatus may be stored in the chair for easy access in use.

In some embodiments the chair comprises armrests, which armrests. These 110 armrests may be arranged for storage, wherein the armrest provides an advantageously easily accessible location for small items of sporting or activity apparatus, such as shells or hooks. The armrests may comprise hollow storage portions which may be provided with a lid or cover.

115 In some embodiments the connectors may comprise ties, wires or guy ropes, which ties may be utilised to tie the chair to something or viceversa. These can be used to stabilise or support the chair, particularly where several pieces of apparatus are in use or held on the chair.

120 In this way the chair of the present invention may primarily work as a multipurpose sports chair for field sports (such as fishing, falconry, bird watching-wild life observation and shooting) but may also be used as a normal chair, such as for camping, having adjustable legs that enable positioning on rough and uneven ground, and allowing improvement of the chair to suit the user, as current chairs can 125 be too low and be hard to get up, causing bad back or knees.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

130

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the chair, with no holders connected;

135

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with a detail view of a connector;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with a 140 storage flap open and feet adjusted;

Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment as shown in Figure 3;

Figures 5 show isometric views of embodiments of the holders for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 6 show reverse isometric views of the embodiments of the holders shown in Figures 5;

Figures 7 show isometric views of lumbar support bars for use with the embodiment of the chair shown in Figure 1; and

Figures 8 show isometric views of connectors for use with the embodiment of the chair shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of the chair 99 generally comprising a modular sporting chair 4, comprising a frame 1, with four legs 14 arranged with an adjustment mechanism 2 for accommodating uneven ground, and a frame 1 that comprises connection parts 3 for connection of modular sporting apparatus.

The chair is comprised by a fabric sling 7 forming the seatback 5 and seatbottom 4.

The connection parts 3 comprise two sockets 9 for receipt of the connectors 19, which in turn receive and support the adaptors 300 of holders 70-75 as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The sockets 9 are female and are located at the front edge of the armrests 8, to the outer edges, such that holders can be connected and apparatus made easily accessible.

The connection parts 3 also include connection portions 15 at the rear legs, comprising male connection parts which are located above the armrests 8 and comprise articulated projecting studs for receipt in female connectors 200.

The armrests 8 comprise liftable flaps 11 over storage compartments 10 inset into the armrests 8 and having corresponding hook and loop sections 17, 18 so as to facilitate sealed closure, as well as a flap underside that allows holding of small apparatus such as fishhooks.

The connection parts also include loops 6 to rear of the backrest’s top edge, which loops 6 serve to hold elongate apparatus such as guns, leaning on the ground.

Furthermore the connection parts 3 also include guy ropes 12, which when not in use are wound around a cleat, and in use can stabilise the chair from toppling.

The adjustment mechanism comprises four articulated feet 13 at the leg ends, having discs which can accommodate differing angles of ground below. The legs 14 comprise diagonal bracing 16, allowing the frame to be collapsed for transport or storage. Adjustable legs and feet will keep the chair stable allowing the pelvis and the entire spine to stay straight. Spring clips help are used to easily adjust and hold the desired height.

The fabric backrest has a lumbar support bar 17 behind it, which may be padded in some embodiments. The lumbar support bar has two tolerance fitting resilient clip ends and may be envisaged to clip onto the back legs in two different directions or be removed entirely, such that the two different directions provide different levels of support.

The holders shown in Figure 5 comprise attached apparatus, namely binoculars in the first embodiment 70, and respectively a holder for a gun or other elongate apparatus 71, a rectangular side table 72, a falconry perch 73, fishing rod holders 74 and round side table 75.

The sockets 9 are arranged to allow connection of the unique connector 19 component comprising of a cross extrusion end 21, which means the user must purchase accessories from this range to allow modularity. The cross extrusion end 21 furthermore allows for positioning of the holder 19 within the corresponding socket 9 in four directions. A screw thread points in a perpendicular direction 22 and horizontally 23, so as to allow connection of the adaptors 300 and appropriate apparatus in an appropriate direction. When fitted in place a screw cap 91 is tightened onto and over the socket 9 on the arm rest 8 so the connector 19 stays locked in place, and the various holders 70-75 may be attached using the appropriate screw thread.

The fishing rod supports comprise extending arms and V crutch supports, and one is arranged with a female socket 200 to sit on the projecting stud of the rear connection portion 15, and the other is arranged with an adaptor 300 to connect via the connector 19 to the socket 9.

The pictured embodiment thereby provides a collapsible, transportable outdoor chair aimed at field sports enthusiasts that is larger and more comfortable that its competitors and has the ability to fold up to be compact. The fabric may incorporate Kevlar (RTM) fabric and quilting for comfort. The leg length can be adjusted quickly and easily using a mechanism that can slide when a lever is depressed. Arms can be attached and detached easily. Additional apparatus to assist with specific pursuits such as falconry, fishing, hunting, bird watching-wild life observation etc can be easily added to the arms and other areas using bespoke holders. These include a gun holder with a flexible top section which can be replaced by a perch for birds of prey, a swing-arm table top for sketching and making notes and an anglepoise style binoculars holder. There is an ammunition/bait holder built into both of the chair armrests with a waterproof cover and elastic holders for bullets as well as a compartment for cartridges. The design includes a lumbar support section and a second gun holder on the top of the back-rest as well as a section on one of the legs to allow it to be tethered to a fixed object.

The armrests and holders all unclip and allow for easy fold down of the chair, which can be stored in a canvas string bag (such as traditional camping chairs).

The frame of the chair is made from tubular metal or alloy. The quilted seatback and seatbottom may be made from Kevlar (RTM) or a similar fabric which may be envisaged to accommodate up to 40 stone.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims (8)

1. A modular sporting chair, comprising a frame, with a plurality of legs, wherein the legs are arranged with an adjustment mechanism for accommodating uneven ground and the frame comprises connection parts for connection of holders for sporting apparatus.

2. A chair according to claim 1 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises articulated feet.

3. A chair according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises telescopic legs.

4. A chair according to any preceding claim wherein the connection parts comprise male connectors and female sockets.

5. A chair according to claim 4 wherein the sockets are arranged on armrests of the chair.

6. A chair according to any preceding claim comprising armrests with storage compartments.

7. A chair according to any preceding claim comprising guy ropes.

8. A chair according to any preceding claim wherein the connection parts include loops extending behind the frame.