WO2000040122A1

WO2000040122A1 - Folding chair

Info

Publication number: WO2000040122A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/000386
Authority: WO
Inventors: Howard Lee
Original assignee: Howard Lee
Priority date: 1999-01-05
Filing date: 2000-01-05
Publication date: 2000-07-13
Also published as: AU2721900A

Abstract

A folding chair having a frame comprised of a pair of front crossed legs, a pair of back crossed legs, and two pairs of side crossed legs, each pair of crossed legs pivotally connected together where they cross. The front legs and the front, side legs are pivotally connected to first and second lower, front pads. The back legs and the back, side legs are pivotally connected to first and second lower, back pads. The upper ends of the back legs and the upper, back ends of the side legs are pivotally connected to first and second upper, back pads. The upper ends of the front legs and the upper, front ends of the side legs are pivotally connected to first and second upper, front pads. The upper ends of the front legs can slidably pass through the first and second upper front pads when the chair is folded. A flexible seat means is connected to the frame with the corners at the four upper pads. An adjustable footrest extends from the lower front pads and a detachable headrest may be fitted at the top of the chair. The folding chair also has a removable cupholder and a back pouch extending from the rear of the back support.

Description

FOLDING CHAIR

This application is a continuation-in-part application of Serial No. 08/995,665 filed on December 22, 1997 which is a continuation application of Serial No. 08/857,309 filed on May 16, 1997.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed toward folding furniture. The invention is more particularly directed toward a folding chair with a removable footrest, removable headrest, backpouch and removable cup holder.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Folding chairs are generally of the type where the seat folds relative to the back of the chair. Thus the size of the chair is reduced in depth or in the Y direction. Such a folding chair still takes up a relatively large amount of space, since the width of the chair, in the X direction, has not been reduced.

It is known to provide folding chairs of the type which fold in both the X and Y directions to reduce the area taken up by the chairs. Examples of such chairs are shown in U.S. Patents 3,136,272 and 3,635,520 by way of example. These known chairs are, however, somewhat complicated in construction, particularly in providing arm rests and back rests. The chairs are also awkward and difficult to fold and unfold when provided with arm rests and back rests. The back rests in folding chairs are also generally not very strong and few folding chairs are adapted to seat more than one person at a time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the purpose of the present invention to provide a folding chair of the type which folds in both the X and Y directions and is easy to fold and unfold. It is also the purpose of the invention to provide a folding chair with a removable footrest, a removable headrest, back pouch and removable cup holder.

It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a folding chair which is constructed to provide hand rests which can also be used in folding and unfolding the chair. It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a folding chair with a relatively strong back rest. It is another purpose of the present invention to provide a folding chair which can seat more than one person. It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide connector pads for use in folding chairs which provide proper support for the chair, can lock the frame in the unfolded position and are multifunctional in use.

The folding chair of the present invention also includes a removable footrest comprised of a footrest pad supported by two crossed rods or steel tubings which extend from the lower, front pads. The footrest extends out in front of the chair which allows someone occupying the chair to place their legs up on the footrest. The rods are connected at their lower end to a connector or plug which inserts into a through hole or aperture formed in the front, lower pads when the footrest is attached. The rods extend outwardly from the front, lower pads and cross at approximately their midpoint and are pivotally connected where they cross. The rods are made of a flexible steel or aluminum which permits them to bend upon application of weight to the footrest. The footrest may be attached and removed by inserting and removing the connector from the lower front pads .

The footrest pad attaches at the upper end of the rods and is generally hexagonal in shape. The pad is made of a strong, flexible material. The two crossed rods pass underneath the footrest pad and provide structural support allowing the footrest pad to bear weight. The rods connect to the footrest pad through pockets or sleeves located underneath the footrest pad formed in the pads' front corners .

The footrest pad has elongated straps which extend from one end of the footrest pad to the front, crossed legs of the folding chair. The straps are fitted with plastic hooks at their ends which allow the straps to hook to the front crossed legs of the folding chair and provide additional support for the footrest . The height of the footrest may be adjusted by shortening or lengthening the straps.

The chair is also provided with hand rests which aid in easily folding and unfolding the chair. The hand rests are located at the front of the chair, above the seat, and form a part of the arm rests of the chair. The hand rests comprise part of the frame of the chair and, acting as levers, make the folding and unfolding operation easier. The folding chair of the present invention is also provided with a simple yet strong back rest in the unfolded position. The back rest of the chair is anchored at both the bottom of the chair and at the seat level forming a strong support for a person's back. On the rear of the back rest, a pouch may be provided for holding objects while the chair is in the unfolded position. The parts forming the back rest fold and unfold easily with the rest of the chair. The folding chair may also be fitted with a headrest. The headrest is comprised of a cushion with two headrest poles attached at its sides. The headrest poles are enclosed in two fabric sleeves which are fastened to the headrest poles. The lower end of the headrest poles extend from the bottom of the sleeves and are tapered inwardly where they extend out from the bottom of the sleeves. The headrest attaches to the folding chair by slidably connecting the headrest poles onto the upper ends of the rear vertical legs which are hollow at their upper ends and designed to receive the lower ends of the headrest poles. The lower ends of the headrest poles slide into the upper ends of the rear vertical legs holding the headrest in place.

The folding chair of the present invention can also be easily constructed to seat more than one person. The chair can be provided with framework for seating two people side- by-side, the framework providing support for double back rests and arm rests. The double seat chair is easily folded and unfolded. Outside hand rests act as levers in folding or unfolding the chair, facilitating the folding and unfolding of the chair. The back rests of the double chair are simple yet strong in construction, again being anchored at both the bottom of the chair and at seat level .

The folding chair, whether with a single or double seat, employs a frame made from pairs of crossed legs which are pivotally connected together where they cross. The crossed legs form the front back and sides of the chair and are joined together at the top and bottom by connector pads. The legs are pivotally connected to the connector pads allowing the legs to move toward a folded position, where they are nearly parallel, from their unfolded, crossed position so that the chair easily folds. The bottom connector pads provide stable footing for the chair when unfolded. The majority of the pads are identical in construction making the chair relatively inexpensive to produce. The seat and back of the chair is made of flexible material permitting the chair to fold and unfold.

The frame of the folding chair generally consists of: a pair of front crossed logs; a pair of back crossed legs; and two pairs of side legs. Each pair of the crossed legs are pivotally connected together where they cross. The lower ends of the front legs and the lower, front ends of the side legs are pivotally connected to first and second lower, front pads. The lower ends of the back legs and the lower, back ends of the side legs are pivotally connected to first and second lower, back pads. The upper ends of the back legs and the upper, back ends of the side legs are pivotally connected to first and second upper, back pads. The upper ends of the front legs and the upper, front ends of the side legs are connected to first and second upper, front pads. The upper ends of the front legs slidably pass through the first and second upper front pads, the upper ends are bent to form hand rests above the upper front pads. The upper front ends of the side legs are pivotally connected to the upper front pads .

The invention is also directed toward a connector pad for use in a folding chair, the pad having parallel generally quadratic, main faces joined by four side faces. A hole extends through the pad transversely between the main faces. A first slot extends inwardly from one main face and one side face, the slot parallel to a second side face adjacent the one side face. A second slot extends inwardly from the one main face and the second side face, adjacent the one side face, the second slot transverse to the first slot. The slots are just wide enough to receive frame legs. The connector pad may also be modified with a locking mechanism which will lock the chair in the unfolded position. The pads have a release lever which allows the chair frame to unlock and collapse to the folded position.

The right, front connector pad can be modified to receive a detachable cup holder. The cup holder is made of a durable plastic material and is shaped for receiving and holding a cup. The cup holder attaches to the side of the right, front connector pad and holds a cup upright on the outside edge of the connector pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of the folding chair in an unfolded position;

Figs. 1A-1D is a side perspective view of the chair, unfolded, showing details of the seat and armrest supports; Fig. 2 is a perspective front view of the folding chair in the folded position;

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of a connector pad; Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a connector pad;

Fig. 5A is a top view of a modified connector pad;

Fig. 5B is a cross-section view taken along line 5B-5B m

Fig. 5A; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a seat used m the folding chair;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a modified seat;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of an armrest used m the folding chair; Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of a folding two seat chair m the unfolded position;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a modified connector pad used m the two seat folding chair;

Fig. 11 is a top view of the top of the footrest attached to the front legs of the folding chair;

Fig. 11A is side-perspective view of the folding chair and footrest;

Fig. 11B is a close-up view of the attachment of the footrest straps to the front legs of the folding chair; Fig. 11C is a close-up view of a hook;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the headrest and back of the foldable chair;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the cup holder;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the cup holder and the upper, right, front modified connector pad;

Fig. 15 is a rear view of the folding chair and back pouch;

Fig. 16A is a perspective view of the front, right base and lower, front and side, front legs; Fig. 16B is a perspective view of the back, right base and folding chair legs;

Fig. 16C is a perspective view of the back, right mid- joint and folding chair legs;

Fig. 16D is a perspective view of the front, right mid joint and folding chair legs;

Figs. 17A - 17D show the connector and adaptor locking to through hole 79; Figs. 18A and 18B shows a perspective view of a modified frame;

Figs. 19A - 19D shows alternate views of the locking pad; and, Figs. 20A and 20B shows a side perspective view of the locking pad in a locked and unlocked position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The folding chair 1 of the present invention, as shown in Figs. 1A, IB and 2, has a frame 3 made from tubular members or legs which may be made of steel or aluminum. The frame has a pair of front crossed legs 5 and 7, a pair of back crossed legs 9 and 11 and two pairs of side crossed legs 13, 15 and 17, 19. Each pair of crossed legs are pivotally joined together at their approximate centers by a pivot pin 21. The upper and lower ends of the pairs of crossed legs are connected together using connector pads 23 and 25. Six connector pads 23A - 23F are provided, one at each lower corner of the chair and one at each upper, rear corner of the chair with the chair in the unfolded position. One of the lower, front connector pads 23A connects the lower end 27 of a front leg 5 to the lower, front end 29 of one of the side legs 13 of one side pair. Another of the lower, front connector pads 23B connects the lower end 31 of the other front leg 7 to the lower, front end 33 of one of the side legs 17 of the other side pair. A lower, back connector pad 23C connects the lower end 35 of a back leg 11 to the lower, back end 37 of the other side leg 15 of the one side pair. A second lower, back connector pad 23D connects the lower end 39 of the other back leg 9 to the lower, back end 41 of the other side leg 19 of the other side pair.

A top, back connector pad 23E connects the upper end 47 of the one side leg 13 of the one side pair to the upper end 49 of the other back leg 9 and a second top, back connector pad 23F connects the upper end 51 of the one back leg 11 to the upper end 53 of the one leg 17 of the other side pair. All of the connections are pivot connections.

A top, front connector pad 25A connects the upper portion of the other front leg 7 to the upper, front end 57 of the other side leg 15 of the one side pair. A second top, front connector pad 25B connects the upper portion of the one front leg 5 to the upper, front end 59 of the other side leg 19 of the other side pair.

The six connector pads 23A - 23F are identical and, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, each pad comprises a pair of parallel main, or upper and lower, generally quadratic surfaces 61 and 63 joined by four side surfaces 65, 67, 69 and 71, serially connected together. The main or upper and lower surfaces 61 and 63 are generally square in shape and side surfaces 65, 67, 69 and 71 are rectangular with the corners rounded where the side surfaces join together and with the main surfaces .

Each pad 23 has a first slot 75 extending into the pad from one main surface 61 and one side surface 65. This first slot 75 is located adjacent to side surface 67 and adjacent side surface 65. A second slot 77 also extends into the pad from the one main surface 61 and the other side surface 71 adjacent side surface 65. This second slot 77 is transverse or generally perpendicular to the first slot 75 and is located in the center of the other side surface 71 between the one side surface 65 and the other side surface 69 adjacent to side surface 71. The pad also has a through hole or aperture 79 that extends between the main surfaces 61 and 63. The through hole 79 is adjacent the corner defined by sides 67 and 69 of the pad. Each slot 75 and 77 is just wide enough to snugly receive one of the legs 5 - 19. The leg fits into the slot 75 or 77 and a pin 81 or 83 is passed through the pad 23 from one side wall, and through the leg, to pivotally connect the leg to the pad. The slots 75 and 77 are appropriately sized to allow the leg to swing or pivot within the slot thereby allowing the chair to fold and unfold. The through hole 79 is sized to slidably receive a leg. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the bottom pads 23A - 23D are mounted on the bottom of the legs with the main surface 61 having the slots 75 and 77 facing upwards and the top pads 23E and 23F are mounted on the legs with the main surface 61 facing down. The sides of the pads 23 are about three times as long as the diameter of the legs so that the offset slot 75 adjacent one of the side surfaces is spaced approximately the width of one leg from the centered slot 77 when the slots face each other in adjacent pads. Having one of the slots 75 offset laterally on its side face and the other slot 77 centered in its side face accommodates the crossed leg pairs which are offset relative to each other. Looking, for example, at the mounting of the crossed front legs 5 and 7 in Figure 1, the lower end 27 of leg 5 is mounted in the offset slot 75 of its pad 23A while the lower end 31 of the crossed leg 7 is mounted in the centered slot 77 of its pad 23B. Thus, legs 5 and 7 do not have to be bent to obtain a square base formed by the pads in the unfolded position of the chair. The chair 1 is provided with hand rests. To this end, the front legs 5 and 7 are each provided with extensions 87 at their upper ends, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, which extend through the front, upper pads 25A and 25B. Each extension 87 can be bent slightly at 89 (see Fig. 1) to have an upward extending portion 91 above the pads 25A and 25B and then bent again at 93 to have a transverse extending hand rest 95. The front, upper pads 25A and 25B are similar to the other connector pads 23 except that they are modified to have the slot 75A extend through the pads 25A and 25B, as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, so that extensions 87 on the front legs 5 and 7 slidably pass through the pads 25A and 25B. The front legs 5 and 7 are not pinned to pads 25A and 25B. The hand rests 95 on the extensions 87 extend generally parallel to the front of the chair. The hand rests 95 provide a means for easily folding and unfolding the chair, providing good leverage for causing the legs to pivot simultaneously apart or together in both the X and Y directions .

A seat 96 made of flexible material can be mounted on the frame 3. The seat 96 is generally square in shape, as shown in Fig. 6, and is attached at its rear corners 97 and 99 by a suitable pin means (not shown) passed through grommets 101 and 103 in the corners 97 and 99. The pins have enlarged heads so they do not pass through the grommets. The shank of the pins passes through the holes 79 in the top, rear connector pads 23E and 23F. A suitable means (not shown) connect the pins to the pads 23E and 23F. The front corners 105 and 107 of the seat 96 have grommets 109 and 110 located therein so that the front corners of the seat can be slipped over the extensions 87 of the front legs 5 and 7. The seat 96 limits the unfolding of the chair and when the chair is folded up, the seat folds as well.

As shown in Figure 11, the folding chair also includes a footrest 323 comprised of a footrest pad 324 which is supported by two crossed rods or steel tubings 325, 327 which extend from the lower, front pads 23A and 23B to underneath the footrest pad 324. The footrest pad 324 is generally hexagonal in shape and made of the same material as the seat 96 and backflap 121.

The rods 325 and 327 are connected at their lower end to a plastic extension 401 or plug which is inserted into the through hole 79 of the front, lower pads 23A and 23B when attaching the footrest 323 (see Figures 17A - 17D) . When the footrest 323 is attached, crossed rods 325 and 327 extend outwardly from the front, lower pads 23A and 23B and cross at approximately their midpoint and are pivotally connected where they cross .

The rods 23A and 23B are made of a flexible steel which permits them to bend upon application of weight to the footrest 323. At the upper ends of rods 325 and 327, the footrest pad 324 attaches by receiving the rods in pockets or sleeves (not shown) formed underneath the footrest pad 324. The two crossed rods 325 and 327 are located beneath the footrest pad 324 and provide structural support allowing the footrest 323 to bear weight. The pockets are formed in the front corners of the footrest 323 which allows the rods 325 and 327 to support the footrest pad 324.

As shown in Figure 17B, plastic extension 401 has an adaptor 403 in the shape of a cross at its lower end.

Adaptor 403 consists of four rectangular extensions oriented at right angles to eachother as shown in Figure 17B. Lower, front pads 23A and 23B receive plastic extension 401 in through hole 79 when the footrest 323 is attached to the folding chair 1. Through hole 79 has ridges formed inside of the hole 79 where the extensions of adaptor 403 fit inbetween. Adaptor 403 is inserted inbetween and beneath extensions 405 as connector 401 is inserted into through hole 79 (see Figure 17B) . By rotating connector 401 once it is inserted in through hole 79, the adaptor 403 locks in through hole 79 locking the rods 325 and 327 and footrest 323 in place. The plastic extension 401 may be manually turned to lock the adaptor 403 or simply by placing downward force or weight on the footrest pad 324, adaptor 403 turns in through hole 79 locking the adaptor 403 and footrest 323 in place.

Each plastic extension 401 has a pin (not shown) extending horizontally from one side of the extension to the other through the middle of the extension. The pin fits through an opening or hole formed in the lower end of the rods 325 and 327 which connects the rods to the extensions and allows the rods to pivot in relation to the extension and allows for the adjustment of the angle of incline of the footrest 323 to the floor. The footrest pad 324 has elongated straps 329 and 331 which extend from one end of the footrest pad 324 to the front, crossed legs 5 and 7 of the folding chair 1. As shown in Figure 11B, the straps 329 and 331 are fitted with plastic hooks 333 and 335 at their ends which allow the straps 329 and 331 to hook to the front crossed legs 5 and 7 of the folding chair helping to support the footrest 323. The straps 329 and 331 may either be crossed or uncrossed as they extend to the front legs 5 and 7 of the folding chair. Straps 329 and 331 are adjustable by shortening or lengthening the straps as shown in Figure 11B. Adjusting the length of the straps 329 and 331 raises and lowers the height of the footrest 323 in relation to the floor. The footrest 323 can therefore be raised and lowered depending on the desire of the occupant of the chair 1.

The folding chair 1 also has a back rest 111. In this embodiment, the frame 3 of the chair 1 includes two additional back legs 112 and 113 which are used to define the back rest 111 as shown in Figures 1 and 2. These back legs 112 and 113 are longer than the crossed pairs of legs and extend vertically at the back of the chair. The back legs 112 and 113 slide through the through holes 79 in the upper, back pads 23E and 23F and are inserted in the through holes in the lower, back pads 23C and 23D. The legs 112 and 113 are pinned to the pads 23C and 23D in the same manner as the front legs.

The seat 96 is modified to include a flexible back flap 121 which extends upwardly from the rear portion of the seat, as shown in Fig. 7. The back flap 121 has a pair of pockets 123 and 125 along the top portion of its sides 127 and 129 into which the upper ends 131 and 133 of legs 112 and 113 are inserted to hold the back flap 121 in place. If desired, the upper end portions 131 and 133 of the legs 112 and 113 can be angled slightly to the back to form a more comfortable back for the chair. The upper portions of the rear vertical legs 112 and 113 and the back flap 121 on the seat 96 form the back rest 111 of the chair. Having the legs 112 and 113 anchored in both the lower back and upper back pads 23C, 23D, 23E and 23F, ensures a firm support for the back rest 111. When the chair is folded up, the back legs 112 and 113 remain parallel to each other and move toward one another while the upper back pads 23E and 23F slide up on the legs as the sides and the front and back of the chair move together.

Another modification which can be made is the attachment of a headrest 351 to the top of the backrest 111 of folding chair 1. The head rest 351, as shown in Figure 12, is comprised of a cushion 353, which is generally rectangular in shape, with three straps extending outwardly from each side. Each set of three straps is attached to a sleeve or elongated pocket 355 and 357. Each sleeve 355 and 357 has attached within the sleeve a headrest pole 359 and 361. The head rest poles 359 and 361 extend downwardly from below the sleeves 355 and 357 and are tapered inwardly at their lower ends 363 and 365 as shown in Figure 12. The lower ends of the head rest poles 359 and 361 are inserted into the upper ends of back legs 112 and 113, which are hollow inside and receive head rest pads 399 and 361 and fix the headrest 351 in place. Folding chairs which are able to utilize a headrest have specially modified pockets 123 and 125 on back flap 121. The pockets 123 and 125 have end straps 367 and 369 which fold over the top of the upper ends of legs 112 and 113. The end straps 367 and 369 have buttons 370A and 37OB sewn into the fabric of the straps which allow the straps to be folded over the upper ends of legs 112 and 113 and fasten to a snap (not shown) attached to the outside of the pockets 123 and 125 on the rear of the chair. When attaching the headrest 351, the straps 367 and 369 are unbuttoned from the rear of the pockets 123 and 125 which exposes the hollow top of the upper ends of legs 112 and 113. The lower tapered ends 363 and 365 of the headrest poles are then inserted into the upper ends of legs 112 and 113 to fit the headrest 351 in place . Once the headrest 351 is firmly in place, straps 367 and 369 can be fastened to sleeves 355 and 357 of the head rest by fastening buttons 370A and 370B to snaps 371A and 371B of sleeves 355 and 357. The straps help hold the headrest 351 in place . The chair 1, with the back rest 111 and hand rests 95, can also be provided with two arm rests. The arm rests 137, as shown in Fig. 8, each comprise a strip 139 of flexible fabric having a transverse pocket 141 at the front end 142 that receives a hand rest 95 on one of the front legs 5 and 7 and a grommet 143 at its back end 145 by means of which it is slipped over one of the back legs 112 and 113 behind the hand rest . A pin (not shown) , passed through the back leg 112 and 113 above the seat 96, can hold the back end 145 of the armrest in place on the back leg. The armrest 137 is pulled tight when the chair is unfolded, extending generally horizontally, parallel to the side of the chair as shown in Fig. 1. The arm rest 137 folds up as the chair folds. One of the upper, front connector pads may also be modified as shown in Figure 14 to receive a cup holder 377. The cup holder 377 (see Figure 13) is made of a hard plastic material and is elongated in shape with a rounded section 379 at one end of the cup holder for receiving and holding a cup upright. Adjacent the rounded section 379 is a bottom section 380 which can be used to hold small objects. On the outside of the cup holder 377, a coupling member 381, comprised of two L-shaped brackets, is formed for receiving a T-shaped clip 383 extending outwardly from the connector pad 375. The coupling member 381 is designed so that it can slide over and be received by the T-shaped clip 383 thereby holding the cup holder 377 in place when the cupholder is attached to the connector pad 375. Beneath T-shaped clip 383, is a horizontally extending flap 385 which extends below the T-shaped clip and helps support the cup holder 377 when it is attached to the modified connector pad 375. Flap 385 helps stabilize the cup holder 377 in place when a cup is placed in the rounded section 379.

The back of the chair may also be fitted with a back pouch 390 as shown in Figure 15. The backpouch 390 is sewn into the back flap 121 as shown in Figure 15. The back pouch 390 extends from the rear of the back flap 121 and has a velcro strip (not shown) sewn into the fabric with the velcro material facing outward. The upper, inside edge of the backpouch 390 has a velcro cover 391 which may be brought together with the velcro strip of the backpouch 390 to seal the back pouch 390 to the rear of the back flap 121. Objects may be placed in the back pouch and the back pouch sealed for holding the objects. The chair embodiments described above are single seat chairs. However, the chair can be modified to provide double seats. In a double seat embodiment, the chair has a frame comprising two pairs of crossed front legs, two pairs of crossed back legs and three pairs of crossed side legs. Both seats share a single pair of crossed side legs located between them. This middle pair of crossed side legs is pivotally mounted in middle connector pads that are modified to mount the front and back pairs of crossed legs of both seat portions. The double seat chair has hand rests on either side of the chair formed by extensions on the outside top end of the crossed leg in each front pair of crossed legs. The double seat chair also has a back rest for each seat, the back rests sharing a central back, vertical leg. In more detail, as shown in Fig. 9, the double seat chair 201 has a frame 203, the frame 203 consisting of a first pair of crossed front legs 205 and 207, a second pair of front crossed legs 209 and 211, a first pair of crossed back legs 213 and 215, a second pair of crossed back legs 217 and 219, and three pairs of crossed side legs 221 and 223, 225 and 227, nd 229 and 231. The first outside pair of crossed side legs 221 and 223 are connected to the ends of the first pair of crossed front legs 205, 207 by outer front, upper and lower connector pads 245 and 247. The second outside pair of crossed side legs 229, 231 are connected to the outside ends of the second pair of crossed front legs 209, 211 by outer front, upper and lower connector pads 249, 251. The second outside pair of crossed side legs 229 and 231 are also connected to the outside ends of the second pair of crossed back legs 217, 219 by outer back upper and lower connector pads 253 and 255. The third middle pair of crossed side legs 229, 231 are connected at their front ends to the inside ends of the first and second pairs of crossed front legs 205, 207 and 209, 211 by middle, front, upper and lower connector pads 257 and 259. The third middle pair of crossed side legs 229, 231 are also connected at their back ends to the inside ends of the first and second pairs of crossed back legs 213, 215 and 217, 219 by middle back upper and lower connector pads 261, 263.

The outer, front and back upper and lower connector pads 243 to 247 and 251 to 255, are the same as the connector pads 23 used in the single seat chair and the pads 241, 249 are the same as pads 25. The middle, front and back upper and lower connector pads 257 to 263, however, have two slots 75, 77 and a through hole 79 plus an additional slot 265 in a third side surface 69 of the pad, the slot 265 extending into the main surface 61. This third slot 265 is offset from slot 75 opposite to it. The through hole 79 is more centered in this pad. The three slots 75, 77 and 265 allow three crossed legs to be connected to the pad by pivot pins and the through hole 79 allows a vertical leg, if used, to be connected to the pad as will be described.

The connector pads 241 and 249 on the outer, upper, front corners of the chair have the through slot 77A which allows an extension 287 on the upper outer end of the crossed legs 207 and 209 of the front pairs to slide through the connector pad. The extension 287 is bent as before to form a hand rest 289.

Preferably the double seat chair also has a back rest 291 for each seat. The back rests 291 include vertical legs 295, 297 and 299 at each back corner and in the middle of the back. The vertical legs are mounted in the through holes 79 in the bottom connector pads 247, 263 and 255 and slide through the upper back connector pads 245, 261 and 253.

The seat 301 for the double seat chair, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9 is made in one piece with grommets (not shown) on the front corners 303, 305 and in the front middle 307. A pin 309 connects the front, middle 307 grommet to the middle, front upper connector block 257. Without back rests the seat 301 is connected by pins (not shown) through grommets (not shown) to the rear corners 311, 313 and the rear middle 315. With back rests 291, a back flap 316 is provided on the seat 301 with corner and middle pockets 317, 319 and 321 for receiving the upper ends of the vertical back legs 295, 297 and 299. The grommets on the back corners and in the back middle of the seat slide over the back vertical legs. The seat 301 limits the amount the chair can unfold. The chair is unfolded by grasping the hand rests 289 and pulling them apart, the chair unfolding in both the X and Y directions and away from the middle pair of crossed side legs. While a two seat has been described a three seat chair or a four seat chair could be made in a similar manner.

In an alternate embodiment of the folding chair as shown in Figure 18A, a modified frame is proposed. This frame differs from the previous frame in that the front crossed legs 5 and 7, do not extend through upper front pads 375 and 25B and form extensions 87. Instead, front side legs 15 and 19 extend through upper front pads 375 and 25B and their upper ends form extensions 87 and hand rests 95. The upper ends of front legs 5 and 7 are pivotally connected inside pads 375 and 25B as shown in Figure 18A in the same manner as back legs 9 and 11 are pivotally attached to back connector pads 23E and 23F. This modified frame differs from the previously described frame in how force is distributed when an occupant of a chair rises from a sitting position while holding on to and applying downward force to handles 95. Often a person sitting in a chair will rise from a chair by leveraging himself by pushing down on handles 95. In the frame disclosed in Figure 1, pressing down on handles 95 would exert pressure on pivot point 21 of front legs 5 and 7. This action, repeated over the life of a chair, could possibly weaken pivot point 21 of the front legs 5 and 7 due to the fact that pressure from both handles 95 of front legs 5 and 7 are directed on the one pivot point 21. Alternatively, by modifying the frame so that front, side legs 15 and 19 upper ends 87 form handles 95, this repeated force would be distributed on two pivot points 21, between side legs 13 and 15 and 17 and 19. Thus, rather than the same amount of downward force being applied to one pivot point, the force is distributed to two pivot points thereby providing for a more durable design.

Another modification which can be made is to provide locking pads for the upper, back pads which locks the folding chair m the unfolded or open position. This may be useful as precautionary device to prevent unintended folding of the chair particularly when handled by children. A locking pad of this type is shown m Figure 19A.

The locking pad 415 of Figure 19A is similar to the previously described pads except a slidable side piece 417 moves back and forth between a locked and an unlocked position. The slidable side piece 417 is attached to the locking pad 415 by screws 419 and 421. Slidable side piece 417 is formed in the side surface of locking pad 415 and is shaped to fit within pad 415 by being curved at its two end sections 418 and 420 to match the contours of the pad 415. Screw 421 is permanently fitted through hole 425, which s a hole or opening formed m the side of slidable side piece 417 through end section 420. Opening 427 is also formed m the curved side wall 429 of pad 415 which is aligned with hole 425. Back leg 112 also has an opening 431 formed through it which when properly aligned with holes 425 and 427, receives screw 421 which is then fitted through openings 425, 427 and 431 respectively. This locks the frame m place.

Screw 419 helps guide the slidable side piece and is attached to pad 415 through an elongated opening 435 of slidable side piece 417. Slidable side piece 417 is spring loaded with spring 423 exerting force against inner wall 423 of pad 415. The force of spring 423 exerts against inner wall 433 pushing screw 421 into and through openings 427 and 431 respectively, thereby locking pad 415 to the back leg. The frame can be unlocked by disengaging screw 421 from openings 427 and 431. This is accomplished by manually pushing back end 418 of slidable side piece 417 as shown in Figures 20A and 2OB. Figure 20A shows pad 415 in the locking position with screw 421 in the locking position (extending into leg 112) and spring mechanism 423 fully extended which maintains the pad in the locked position. Figure 20B shows pad 415 in the unlocked position with slidable side piece 417 moved to the unlocked position, that is, disengaged from openings 427 and 431 (not shown) and spring 423 compressed against inner wall 433. Figures 19C and 19D show slidable side piece 417 from the reverse angle with Figure 19C showing the pad in the locked position with spring 423 extended and Figure 19C shows slidable side piece in the unlocked position with the spring 423 compressed.

Thus, simply by manually pulling back on slidable side piece 417 at end 418, the pad moves from a locked to an unlocked position thereby withdrawing screw 421 from openings 427 and 431 and unlocking the frame which allows for the chair to be folded and unfolded.

In all embodiments the chair folds into a compact space and can be inserted into a flexible, tubular carrying bag for transport .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A folding chair which moves from a folded to an unfolded position comprising: a frame comprised of a pair of front crossed legs, a pair of back crossed legs, and two pairs of side crossed legs, each pair of crossed legs pivotally connected where they cross ,- first and second lower, front pads and third and fourth lower, back pads; each of the lower pads supporting the chair on the ground surface; each of the lower pads having an upper surface and a lower surface with a side surface located between the upper and lower surfaces joining the upper and lower surfaces together; the lower ends of the front legs being pivotally connected to the first and second lower, front pads and the lower, front ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to the first and second lower, front pads; the lower ends of the back legs being pivotally connected to the third and fourth lower, back pads and the lower, back ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to the first and second lower, back pads; the upper ends of the back legs and the upper, back ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to first and second upper back pads ; the upper ends of the front legs and the upper, front ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to first and second upper, front pads; a removable footrest comprised of a footrest pad and support rods attached to the lower, front pads; the rods pivotally attached to the lower front pads for pivotally adjusting the vertical height of the footrest; a flexible seat means connected to the frame at the four upper pads .

2. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest has straps extending therefrom for attaching to the front, crossed legs.

3. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1 including a pair of rear legs, substantially parallel to each other, the bottoms of the rear legs connected within an opening formed through the upper surface of the lower, back pads, the rear legs slidably passing through the upper, back pads.

4. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least two of said upper pads releasably locks to the folding chair in the unfolded position.

5. A folding chair as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first and second upper back pads releasably locks the folding chair in the unfolded position.

6. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1 wherein the seat means includes a back flap extending upwards from the rear of the seat means, the back flap having two pocket means for attaching the flap to the frame by hooking over the upper ends of the rear legs.

7. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1 including flexible armrests, the armrests slidably connected to the rear legs and having pocket means at their end for hooking over the hand rests on the extensions of the upper ends of the front legs.

8. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rods are pivotally attached to connectors extending out of the lower front pads .

9. A folding chair as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of the upper, front pads are modified for receiving a cupholder.

10. A folding chair as claimed m claim 9, wherein the upper, front right pad has a clip formed on its exterior surface for receiving the cup holder.

11. A folding chair as claimed m claim 7 wherein the cupholder is comprised of a an elongated member with a rounded portion for receiving a cup.

12. A folding chair comprising: a frame comprised of a pair of front crossed legs, a pair of back crossed legs, and two pairs of s de crossed legs, each pair of crossed legs pivotally connected where they cross; first and second lower front pads and third and fourth lower back pads; each of the lower pads supporting the chair on the ground surface ; the lower ends of the front legs being pivotally connected to the first and second lower, front pads and the lower, front ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to the first and second lower, front pads; the lower ends of the back legs being pivotally connected to the third and fourth lower, back pads and the lower, back ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to the first and second lower, back pads; the upper ends of the back legs and the upper, back ends of the side legs being pivotally connected to first and second upper back pads; the upper ends of the front legs and the upper, front ends of the side legs being pivotally connected within first and second upper, front pads; a pair of rear legs, substantially parallel to each other, the bottoms of the rear legs connected within an opening formed through the upper surface of the lower, back pads, the rear legs slidably passing through the upper, back pads a flexible seat means connected to the frame at the four upper pads; the seat means including a back flap extending upwards from the rear of the seat means, the back flap having two sleeves for attaching the flap to the frame by hooking over the upper ends of the rear legs; and, a headrest comprised of a head cushion attached to two headrest poles which slidably connects to the upper ends of the rear legs for attaching the headrest to the folding chair.

13. The folding chair of claim 12 wherein the headrest poles are enclosed in sleeves which are attached to the head cushion.

14. The folding chair of claim 12 wherein the headrest poles are tapered inwardly at their ends for fitting into the upper ends of the rear legs.

15. The folding chair of claim 12, wherein the two sleeves of the back flap have a foldable strap for fastening to the sleeves of the headrest.

16. The folding chair of claim 12, wherein the back flap has a a backpouch for holding objects.

17.A folding chair comprising: a frame comprised of a pair of front crossed legs, a pair of back crossed legs, and two pairs of side crossed legs, each pair of crossed legs pivotally connected where they cross; a first and second lower front pad, a third and fourth lower back pad and a pair of upper back pads; the lower, front pads, the lower back pads and the upper back pads having parallel, generally quadratic, main faces joined by at least one side face; a hole extending through each pad transversely between the main faces; 74 a first slot extending inwardly from one main face and

75 one side face, the slot parallel to a second side face

76 adjacent the one side face;

77 a second slot extending inwardly from the one main face

78 and a third side face, adjacent the one side face, the

79 second slot transverse to the first slot, the slots just

80 wide enough to receive the frame legs;

81 the lower ends of the front legs and the lower, front

82 ends of the side legs being pivotally connected within the

83 second slot of the first and second lower, front pads;

84 the lower ends of the back legs and the lower, back ends

85 of the side legs being pivotally connected within first and 86 second lower, back pads;

87 the upper ends of the back legs and the upper, back ends

88 of the side legs being pivotally connected within the first

89 and second upper back pads;

90 the upper ends of the front legs being pivotally

91 connected to first and second upper, front pads;

92 the upper, front ends of the side legs extending through

93 an opening formed in the first and second upper, front pads

94 and forming armrests at their upper ends;

95 one of the upper front pads being modified for receiving

96 a cup holder; and,

97 a flexible seat means connected to the frame at the four

98 upper pads.

99 18. The folding chair of claim 17 wherein the upper, front

100 right pad has a clip formed on its exterior side surface for

101 receiving the cup holder.

102 19. The folding chair of claim 17 wherein the cup holder is

103 comprised of an elongated member with a rounded portion for

104 receiving a cup.

105 20. The folding chair of claim 17 wherein a removable

106 footrest comprised of a footrest pad and support rods is

107 attached to the lower, front pads.

108 21. The folding chair of claim 17 wherein a removable

109 headrest slidably inserts into the upper ends of the back

110 legs.

111 22. The folding chair of claim 18 wherein the cup holder has

112 a bracket for receiving the clip formed on the exterior

113 surface of the upper, front right pad.