Portable, lightweight folding stool and carrying case

Abstract

The invention is of a PORTABLE, LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDING, STOOL AND CARRYING CASE. The stool frame is easily folded together and placed into the upholstered seat top, which when zippered together, acts as a carrying case. In this folded and enclosed form the stool becomes easily transportable to any location where seating is desired. The stool framework and seat top consists of the following basic elements: a) A center threaded shaft with a graspable handle surface at mid point. b) An upper and lower threaded locking bolt freely turning on the threaded shaft, above and below the center handle. c) A minimum of three seat support arms, hinge-connected to an upper pinning device, which is securely anchored to the upper end of the center, threaded shaft. d) A minimum of three lower legs, hinge-connected to a lower pinning device, which is securely anchored to the lower end of the center, threaded shaft. e) The upholstered seat-top sitting surface, which has pockets at the underside to receive and hold the outer ends of the upper seat support arms. The upholstered seat top has a zipper at the perimeter which, when folded and zippered together, becomes a carrying case to transport the folded stool frame. The upholstered seat top has a snap buckle attached at either side of the underside surface. f) For carrying the stool/carrying case, there is an attachable handle or adjustable shoulder strap. g) With the stool framework folded and inserted into the zippered seat top carrying case, the seating device is easily transported to a point of use or easily stored between uses.

1 ) A portable, lightweight, stool/seat as follows:
 a. A foldable, collapsible, metal or other framework which, when folded and doubled together, becomes small and compact.   b. A seat top, sitting surface, which doubles as a carrying case for the folded framework. The seat top is upholstered and contains a means for anchoring in place to the unfolded framework. The seat top has a zipper or other attachment means at the perimeter. The seat top/carrying case has a means for attaching a carrying handle or adjustable length shoulder strap.   c. When not in use as a stool/seat, the folded frame can be easily inserted into the seat top/carrying case and the case closed up together. With either the handle or shoulder strap attached, the frame and top combined is easily transported or stored between uses.   
     
     
         2 ) A portable, lightweight, stool/seat of  claim 1 ) wherein the framework consists of a center shaft with means to hinge-attach a minimum of 3 legs at the bottom end and a minimum of 3 seat support arms at the top end. Said legs and seat support arms can be securely locked in place when used to support the seat top and/or a seated person or other. When in unlocked condition, said legs and seat support arms can be folded and collapsed together. Means for locking and unlocking is gained by special bolts or other, rotating or locking element at the center shaft portion of the framework. 
     
     
         3 ) A portable, lightweight stool/seat of  claim 1 ) wherein the seat top is comprised of two surfaces of fabric permanently fixed together at the perimeter and filled in between with upholstering filler. Fixed at the perimeter of the seat top is one portion of a zipper or other attachment devise, positioned in order that when the top is folded together and zipped or attached, the seat top forms and becomes a carrying case or bag to contain the folded, collapsed framework. 
     
     
         4 ) A portable, lightweight, stool/seat of  claim 1 ) wherein the seat top perimeter, in lieu of a zipper or other attachment means is fabricated with perimeter draw strings and fixing devise so that when pulled tight and fixed, the draw string closes the seat top/carrying case in bag configuration. 
     
     
         5 ) A portable, lightweight stool/seat top of  claim 1 ) wherein the seat top/carrying case, in lieu of a zipper or other attachment means at the perimeter, is configured with VELCRO positioned at the perimeter so that when folded and doubled together, the seat top with VELCRO forms the carrying case described to contain and carry the folded stool framework.