US20040178665A1

US20040178665A1 - Folding, portable leisure chair

Info

Publication number: US20040178665A1
Application number: US10/484,115
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert May
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-20
Filing date: 2001-07-20
Publication date: 2004-09-16
Also published as: WO2003011077A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding, portable leisure chair, which for use as a canopied beach chair comprises a hood-type windbreak consisting of textile fabric and a folding supporting structure that is or can be fixed to two support rods in order to shield against the wind. The leisure chair is characterized in that despite its low weight and excellent portability, said chair provides good weather protection for the occupant.

Description

The present invention is directed to a foldable and portable leisure chair comprising a foldable basic framework having a lower and an upper cross rod, two arm-rests and two lateral support rods for the upper cross rod, and a web consisting of textile fabric and forming a seat between the two support rods, said web being fixed to the upper and lower cross rod, wherein the inclination of the seat is adjustable by adjustment of the inclination of the support rods.

Such leisure chairs are known and are used as garden furniture, camping furniture etc. They can be folded with few manipulations and can be transported without problems so that they can be used at many places.

Furthermore, so-called beach chairs are known which are relatively heavy wood/basket mesh structures which cannot be transported without problems on account of their weight. In order to move the beach chairs over large distances appropriate mechanical lift means as well as transport vehicles are necessary. Such beach chairs have the advantage that they enable a duration protected against wind and rain on account of their construction which includes solid side walls, a solid back wall and a solid ceiling, which is not the case with the above-described known foldable leisure chairs. Accordingly, the known leisure chairs are not used at exposed places, for instance at the beach, at which the user is exposed to the weather conditions relatively unprotected.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a foldable and portable leisure chair of the cited kind which has a low weight, a simple handling and a good portability and which offers a maximum of weather protection, especially wind protection, to the user.

According to the invention this object is obtained with a leisure chair of the cited kind which, for a design as beach chair, comprises a hood-like windbreak consisting of textile fabric and a foldable supporting structure for the windbreak which is or can be fixed to the support rods.

Accordingly, the inventive leisure chair comes very close to a beach chair since it is provided with a hood-like windbreak that enables a duration protected from the atmospheric conditions. On the other side, this leisure chair does not have the disadvantages of a conventional beach chair, namely a high weight and a large volume. The basic framework can be folded wherein the web of textile fabric forming the seat can be cofolded so that a compact portable assembly results. Of course, it is not out of the question that the web forming the seat can be removed from the basic framework prior to the folding of the same either. Also the supporting structure for the windbreak is foldable wherein the windbreak is cofolded either. Also in this case it is not out of the question that the windbreak can be removed prior to the folding of the supporting structure. Accordingly, in order to make the chair portable at first the supporting structure is folded and brought into a position which is approximately parallel to the support rods. Then, the support rods are laid down with the folded supporting structure onto the remaining basic framework with armrests, or the basic framework is laid down at the support rods. If, for instance, additional feet are present the same are folded into the plane of the other parts either. Now, all the parts are substantially in one plane so that an assembly results which can be handled and transported in a simple manner.

Advantageously, the basic framework is provided with wheels so that the formed compact assembly gets the form of a “buggy” in its folded condition. Then, the assembly can be grasped at one end while the other end has contact to the ground through the provided wheels. Accordingly, the assembly must not be carried but can be rolled.

Preferably, the windbreak extends over the upper side, back side and the two lateral surfaces of the chair. Accordingly, the chair is enclosed by the windbreak from all sides—without the front side—so that an especially effective weather protection results. The supporting structure which is or can be fixed to the support rods forms the supporting frame for the windbreak so that the same extends over the leisure chair in a hood-like manner. Practically, the windbreak is fixed to the basic framework in the lower region in order to reach a bracing effect. Of course, these fixations are removed prior to the folding of the leisure chair.

The windbreak consists of a suitable textile material which is used for such purposes, for instance linen cloth. It can be provided with windows, for instance at the side walls. These windows can be formed by suitable plastic foils which are impermeable with regard to wind, however, have a window effect. Moreover, the design of the windbreak depends on the construction of the leisure chair.

The inventive leisure chair, i.e. its basic framework, cross rods, support rods and supporting structure, consists of a plurality of tubes or rods which are fixedly or movably connected with one another. Suitable materials herefor are especially steel, aluminum or plastics. The rigid connections are preferably formed by welding connections while the movable connections are customary hinge joints. In order to fix the respective members relative to another, for instance in order to determine the inclination of the support rods with respect to the basic framework, known means are used, for instance protrusions on the arm-rests which can engage into different holes of the basic framework.

An embodiment of the inventive leisure chair is characterized by the fact that the windbreak is disposed substantially only above the support rods. In this case it is desisted from enclosing the leisure chair in its lower range. For instance, such a windbreak can have the shape of an openable hood which can be folded in such a manner that it is approximately in one plane with the support rods.

Of course, the windbreak can consist of several parts either. For instance, with this embodiment two windbreak parts can be used of which one is disposed substantially only above the support rods and has the shape of a foldable hood while the other windbreak portion encloses the side surfaces and the back surface of the leisure chair. When the leisure chair is folded at first the lower windbreak portion is removed whereafter the upper windbreak portion is folded.

Preferably, the supporting structure for the windbreak has two stays which are pivotally supported at the support rods and which have at their free ends retaining means for the windbreak. Preferably, this embodiment is used if the windbreak surrounds the entire chair. When erecting the chair the stays which are situated in the plane of the support rods are tilted outwardly and brought into a fixed end position. Together with this movement the windbreak is spread, or the windbreak is fixed at the stays after outwardly tilting of the same. The retaining means provided at the ends of the stays serve for this purpose. These retaining means are preferably formed by retaining rods lying within the plane of the stays and pivotally supported at the stays approximately in the middle thereof.

Preferably, the stays are displacably supported at the support rods so that they can be moved along the stays when tilting outwardly or tilting inwardly and can be fixed in different end positions. In this manner the stays reach a position approximately parallel with regard to the support rods when they are folded so that they do not substantially extend beyond the support rods in their folded condition. This is realized by the feature that the stays are connected to sleeves gripping around the support rods and adapted to be fixed at the same in certain positions.

For further stabilization the stays can have connecting rods which realize a connection between their free end portions and the support rods. Of course, these connecting rods are also pivotally and displacably fixably supported.

Preferably, the stays are formed as telescopic rods. This has the advantage that they have a relatively great length in their operating condition and can thus support the windbreak sufficiently high over the seat so that the comfort is increased. In the transport condition they can be retracted and thus can obtain a small length which is desired for the folding of the chair. The inward and outward movement of the telescopic rods can be preferably realized manually wherein a fixation in the respective end position is preferably obtained by a relative rotation between the two telescopic rod portions.

According to another embodiment of the supporting structure the same comprises a plurality of arcuate members extending over the seat and pivotally supported at their two ends at a respective holding device fixed at the support rod. Preferably, the windbreak and the arcuate members form an assembly, i.e. the windbreak is fixed at the arcuate members. Accordingly, the supporting structure can be folded by tilting of the arcuate members into the plane of the support rods. According to this embodiment the windbreak is preferably fixed at the upper cross rod connecting the two support rods. The holding devices for the arcuate members are displacably supported at the support rods and can be fixed in a desired position.

As regards the design of the basic framework, an embodiment is preferred according to which the basic framework includes two retention rods which are connected to the support rods like scissors and between which the lower cross rod extends. According to this embodiment in the operating condition of the chair a fixation of the retention rods and the support rods relative to one another takes place. If this fixation is released, the support rods and the retention rods can be folded like scissors so that they are substantially in one plane. For instance, the arm-rests are pivotally arranged at the forward ends of the retention rods and are also moved into the common plane during the folding of the support rods and the retention rods. The angle which is formed by the support rods and the retention rods is adjustable by means of the fixation means so that the inclination of the seat can be changed in this manner, if desired. For instance, a flexible member (ribbon, band etc.) is used as fixation means which is fixed at the lower end of the retention rods, extends around a deflection roller disposed at the lower end of the support rods and can be fixed at corresponding protrusions of the support rods which are positioned at different heights. The fixation means is released prior to the folding step.

The web consisting of textile material forming the seat is normally fixed at the lower cross rod. According to the above-described embodiment this cross rod extends preferably between the two retention rods. However, it can be also provided between the forward ends of the two arm-rests wherein these arm-rests are pivotally connected to the retention rods.

According to another embodiment the basic framework comprises a frame including the lower cross rod wherein the support rods are pivotally supported at the frame. In the erected condition of the leisure chair this frame is preferably slightly inclined while the two support rods form approximately an angle of 90° herewith which can be adjusted for adjustment of the inclination. Preferably, two wheels are positioned in the rear portion of the leisure chair at the frame wherein these wheels enable a simple transport, In its forward portion the frame has two tiltable feet. A suitable foot support member can be fixed at the forward frame portion of the basic framework or can be fixable at the same. According to this embodiment the arm-rests are practically pivotally supported at the support rods and rest upon support members disposed at the frame wherein they can be fixed at the same in different positions depending on the inclination of the support rods.

According to the above-described embodiment the folding of the chair is carried out in such a manner that at first the supporting structure carrying the windbreak is tilted into the plane of the support rods with or without windbreak. By releasing the arm-rests from their fixed positions the support rods are then tilted into the plane of the frame forming the basic framework. The feet disposed at the frame and/or the foot support member are also tilted from the lower side into the plane of the frame. Then the assembly can be transported.

For the transport the folded assembly can be also accommodated in a receptacle, for instance a suitable bag or a suitable sack. The receptacle can be provided with handles.

Furthermore, the invention provides that two or more inventive leisure chairs can be laterally joined. According to this embodiment one side surface of both side surfaces of the windbreak are separable, for instance by means of a zipper. Accordingly, when joining the chairs the adjacent side surfaces of the windbreak can be removed.

Generally, it can be said that the windbreak can be provided with separable portions which can also be preferably realized by means of zippers.

Fixation means can be provided in order to connect several joined chairs with one another.

Above it was mentioned that the stays of the supporting structure for the windbreak can be formed as telescopic rods. However, the invention is not restricted to this embodiment. The stays can be rather generally adjusted in their length in order to fulfill their supporting function and to form a compact assembly for the transport as much as possible.

Furthermore, it was mentioned that the holding device for the windbreak located at the free stay end comprises a pivotally supported retention rod. However, the invention is not restricted to this embodiment either. Also in this case other means can be provided, for instance frames, angle members etc. These holding devices can be disposed freely tiltable at the stays or can be also fixed in a certain position. The corresponding design can depend on the fact whether the windbreak is braced at the basic framework or hangs only in a free manner.

In the following the invention is described by means of examples in connection with the drawing in detail. Of the drawing [0028]
FIG. 1 shows a spacial view of a first embodiment of a leisure chair designed as beach chair; [0029]
FIG. 2 shows the leisure chair of FIG. 1 in a folded condition; [0030]
FIG. 3 shows the chair of FIG. 1 at the beginning of the spreading of the chair; [0031]
FIG. 4 shows the chair of FIG. 1 in a further phase of spreading; [0032]
FIG. 5 shows the chair of FIG. 1 still in a further phase of spreading; [0033]
FIG. 6 shows the chair of FIG. 1 still in another phase of spreading; [0034]
FIG. 7 shows the chair of FIG. 1 still in a further phase of spreading; [0035]
FIG. 8 shows the chair of FIG. 1 in the final position of operation;, [0036]
FIG. 9 shows a lateral view of a leisure chair designed as beach chair according to another embodiment of the invention; [0037]
FIG. 9[0038] a shows an enlarged side view similar to FIG. 9 which shows some details of the leisure chair;
FIG. 10 shows a side view of a leisure chair designed as beach chair according to still another embodiment of the invention: [0039]
FIG. 11 shows the chair of FIG. 10 with its windbreak folded back; and [0040]
FIG. 12 shows the chair of FIG. 10 in the folded condition.[0041]
FIG. 1 shows in a spacial view a leisure chair designed as canopied beach chair which has a [0042] basic framework 1 including a forward cross rod 8 and a rear cross rod as well as two side rods. Two wheels 7 are rotationally supported at the rear cross rod while two swiveling feet 6 are pivotally supported at the corners between the side rods and the forward cross rod 8. FIG. 1 shows these feet in their swiveled condition. Furthermore, a foot support 5 is fixed at the forward cross rod 8 and can be tilted into the plane of the basic framework 1 either.
Furthermore, the leisure chair has two [0043] support rods 2 which are pivotally supported at the two side rods of the basic framework 1. These support rods each carry an arm-rest 10 which is supported at the side rod of the basic framework 1 by means of a support member 16. The arm-rest 10 can be fixed in different positions at the support member 16 so that by this the inclination of the support rods relative to the basic framework can be changed. The two support rods 2 are fixedly connected with one another at their upper ends by means of an upper cross rod 9.
A [0044] seat 18 formed by a web of textile material extends between the lower cross rod 8 and the upper cross rod 9. The web of the textile material is guided around the upper and lower cross rods 8, 9 so that a respective loop is formed through which the cross rod extends.
Furthermore, the [0045] leisure chair 1 includes a supporting structure for a hood-like windbreak 4. This supporting structure comprises two stays 12 of which one is pivotally and displacably supported at the respective support rod 2. A sleeve 17 gripping around the support rod 2 and fixable at the same in different positions serves as bearing means. The stay 12 is held in its tilting position through a cross rod 13. The cross rod 13 is also pivotally supported at the support rod 2. The stay 12 supports at its free end a pivotally supported retention rod 14 for the windbreak 4.
The [0046] windbreak 4 is fixed to the basic framework (here at the feet 6) by means of suitable fixation means, here fixation ribbons 15, so that a braced or stretched condition of the windbreak 4 results. At its side surfaces the windbreak has windows 11 which are formed by a suitable transparent plastic foil.
The leisure chair shown in FIG. 1 and designed as beach chair can be folded to obtain a compact transport assembly, The several stages of the erection of the chair are shown in FIGS. [0047] 2 to 8.
FIG. 2 shows the leisure chair in its transport condition in which the same has the form of a buggy and can be transported through its [0048] wheels 7. The windbreak can be folded and form a storage space shown at 30 or can have been separated from the leisure chair prior to the folding. In FIGS. 2 to 7 the erected condition of the chair is schematically shown for comparing purposes.
One recognizes in FIG. 2 that the [0049] feet 6, the basic framework 1 and the support rods 2 as well as the supporting structure for the windbreak are folded in such a manner that they are substantially in a single plane.
FIG. 3 shows the first step for the erection of the chair which consists of tilting [0050] feet 6 outwardly from the basic framework 1 so that the chair receives a fixed bottom position.
FIG. 4 shows the chair in the following erection phase in which the two [0051] support rods 2 connected with one another through the cross rod 9 are tilted up out of the plane of the basic framework 1. The arm-rests take the position shown in FIG. 4. The supporting structure for the windbreak is still substantially in the plane of the support rods 2 in this condition.
According to FIG. 5 the [0052] support rods 2 have come into their end position, and the supporting structure for the windbreak is moved into its operation position. Here the two stays 12 with the bearing sleeves 17 are moved upwardly along the support rods 2 until the bearing sleeves reach their end position. When doing this the cross rod 13 is tilted.
FIG. 6 shows another phase of movement of the [0053] stays 12 with the cross rods 13. These have reached their end position in the position shown in FIG. 7. In this position the retention rods 14 take an approximately horizontal position after the bracing of the windbreak.
FIG. 8 shows the leisure chair in its end position after the [0054] foot support 5 has been tilted outwardly. The same is not shown in the preceding FIGS. 2 to 6. Furthermore, the fixation means for bracing the windbreak are not shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 either.
FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a leisure chair designed as canopied beach chair in a lateral view. In FIG. 9 and in the further figures the same reference numbers are used for the same or similar parts. [0055]
The leisure chair shown in FIG. 9 has a [0056] basic framework 1 which is differently formed compared with the basic framework of the preceding embodiment. According to this embodiment the basic framework 1 consists of two retention rods 19 which are arranged with the two support rods 2 like scissors and are pivotally connected to the same. At their forward ends the retention rods 19 are pivotally connected to two arm-rests 10 which support a cross rod 8 at their forward ends. Also with this embodiment the two support rods 2 are connected with one another through a cross rod 9 at their upper ends. A seat 18 extends between the cross rods 8 and 9 and is formed by a web of textile material.
Also this embodiment has a [0057] windbreak 4 which, apart from an open front side, surrounds the leisure chair. A support construction including two stays 12 which are pivotally and displacably supported at the support rods 2 by means of a bearing sleeve 17 serves for holding the windbreak 4. The bearing sleeve 17 is adapted to be fixed in suitable positions at the associated support rods 2. Furthermore, the tilting position of the stays 12 can be fixed (for instance through cross struts which are not shown).
According to this embodiment the [0058] stays 12 are formed as telescopic stays. Retention rods 14 are supported at the free end portions of the telescopic stays and substantially correspond to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Fixation means for fixing the windbreak 4 at the basic framework are not shown.
FIG. 9[0059] a shows an enlarged side view of the leisure chair of FIG. 9 wherein several details are shown. The two retention rods 14 are connected with one another through a forward cross rod 34 and a rear cross rod (not shown) so that on the whole a rod rectangle results which is pivotally supported at 33 at the ends of the two stays 12. In the stretched and at the basic framework fixed condition of the windbreak 4 the retention rods (rod rectangle) have substantially the position shown in FIG. 9a. The rods 14 are supported at the stays 12 approximately centrally. Accordingly, the rod rectangle is supported at the stays 12 freely tiltable, however, is fixed in the shown position by the windbreak 4. Of course, the support of the rods or of the rod rectangle must not be absolutely realized centrally depending on the desired conditions.
As mentioned above, the [0060] stays 12 are designed as telescopic stays. In the embodiment which is shown here the telescopic stays have two stay portions which can be displaced into one another. In order to fix both stay portions with one another an elastic locking member 32 is arranged in the thinner stay portion and engages into a hole of the thicker stay portion. A corresponding locking member 32 is also provided in the thinner portion of the support rod 2 in order to enable also here a fixation of both rod portions with respect to one another. The portion of the locking member which is in the respective hole is pushed manually inwardly and the thinner portion is pushed into the thicker portion for pushing the stays or rods together.
Furthermore, in FIG. 9a a [0061] wheel 30 is shown which is fixed at the lower end of the support rods 2. Of course, such a wheel can be also disposed at the other support rod. The wheel 30 is supported at the support rod in such a manner that it can be tilted off upwardly, as shown in FIG. 9a, in order to not form an impediment in the erected condition of the leisure chair. For transporting purposes the wheel is tilted downwardly so that the folded leisure chair can be transported like a buggy, as for instance shown in FIG. 12.
The fixation means for fixing the basic framework in its operating condition is formed as [0062] rope 20 in the embodiment of FIG. 9a which rope is fixed at the lower end of the support rod 2 and extends over a roller at the right end of the retention rod 19. Then the rope is fixed in a clamping means 31 in the range of the left end of the support rod 19. It can be removed from the clamping means 31 manually and in the respective desired position of the leisure chair fixed again there. The clamping means 31 is formed like a clamping means known from sailing boats. So, the rope 20 can be pulled through the clamping means in FIG. 9a to the left, however, is blocked with regard to a movement to the right by the clamping means. In order to enable a movement to the right the rope has to be removed from the clamping means. In this manner a comfortable adjusting possibility for the inclination of the support rods 2 and thus of the leisure chair results.
As mentioned above, the [0063] seat 18 is formed by a web consisting of textile material. This web extends around the cross bar 8. In order to support at this place the bend of the knee of the user of the leisure chair a key 35 consisting of relatively soft material, for instance plastics, has been pushed into the triangular space formed by the web so that a smooth transition from the cross bar 8 to the seat 18 results.
Furthermore, a [0064] stabilization bag 36 is provided at the side surface of the windbreak 4 which can be fastened to the windbreak by means of an adhesive tape, for instance. This stabilization bag 36 can be filled with sand, for instance.
Of course, the [0065] windbreak 4 can also extend forwardly beyond the cross rod 34 of the retention rods 14 or there an additional sunshade can be mounted.
When folding the chair the telescopic stays [0066] 12 are retracted and tilted into the plane of the support rods 2, thereafter, by releasing a fixation means (not shown) holding the support rods 2 and retention rods 19 in the operating condition shown in FIG. 9 the chair is brought into a transport position in which the support rods 2, retention rods 19 and arm-rests 10 are substantially in one plane. The windbreak 4 is also folded or removed from the chair in advance.
FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a leisure chair which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of FIG. 9 with regard to the [0067] basic framework 1 and the support rods 2. According to this embodiment the fixation means for fixing the basic framework in the operating position is shown. This fixation means is a band 20 which is fixed at a retention rod 19 and which extends around a deflection roller disposed at the lower end of a support rod 2. Then the band 20 is fixed at the support rod 2 by fixing one from a row of holes at one of a row of pegs positioned one above the other. By releasing the band the scissors-like basic framework 1 can be folded.
According to this embodiment a [0068] windbreak 4 is provided which extends approximately to the upper end of the cross rod 9 and which surrounds the back side as well as the two side surfaces of the chair. In its upper portion the chair has a second windbreak 21 which is formed like a hood and can be folded back into the plane of the support rods 2. The supporting structure for the second windbreak 21 consists of a plurality of arcuate members 22 extending transversely over the seat and pivotally supported at their both ends at a respective holding device fixed at the support rod 2.
FIG. 11 shows the [0069] second windbreak 21 in its rearwardly tilted position. Practically, the windbreak is fixed at the upper cross rod 9, and the holding device 23 (here only schematicly shown) is preferably displacably supported at the associated support rod.
FIG. 12 shows the leisure chair of FIGS. 10 and 11 in its folded condition. The basic framework with the two [0070] retention rods 19 as well as the support rods 2 are folded so that they are substantially in one plane. The windbreak 21 is folded into the plane of the support rods 2. In this position the chair can be transported, possibly after suitable packing.
Supplementary to FIG. 9 it is to be pointed out that the bearing sleeve (hinge) [0071] 17 is tiltably formed in order to enable a folding which is still compacter. In the tilted condition of the support rod 2 the hood-like windbreak 4 is fixedly connected to the cross rod 9. Moreover, the support rod can be formed in a tiltable or retractable manner in order to shorten the same.

Claims

1. A foldable and portable leisure chair comprising a foldable basic frame work having a lower and upper cross rod, two arm-rests and two lateral support rods for the upper cross rod, and a web consisting of textile material and forming a seat between the two support rods which is fixed to the upper and lower cross rod, wherein the inclination of the seat can be adjusted by adjustment of the inclination of the support rods, characterized in that, for the design as beach chair, it includes a hood-like windbreak (4, 21) consisting of textile material and a support structure for the windbreak (4, 21) that is or can be fixed to the support rods (2).

2. The leisure chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the windbreak (4) extends over the upper side, rear side and the two side surfaces of the chair.

3. The leisure chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the windbreak (21) is substantially disposed only above the support rods (2).

4. The leisure chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the windbreak (4) is formed from several parts.

5. The leisure chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting structure has two stays (12) which are pivotally supported at the support rods (2) and at the free ends of which retaining means for the windbreak (4) are located.

6. The leisure chair according to claim 5, characterized in that the stays (12) are displacably supported at the support rods (2).

7. The leisure chair according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the stays (12) are formed as telescopic rods.

8. The leisure chair according to one of the claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each of the retaining means comprises a retention rod (14) pivotally supported at the free stay end.

9. The leisure chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the windbreak (4) is fixed to the basic framework (1).

10. The leisure chair according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supporting structure comprises a plurality of arcuate members (22) extending over the seat and pivotally supported at their two ends at a respective holding device (23) fixed to the support rod (2).

11. The leisure chair according to claim 10, characterized in that the holding device (23) at the support rod (2) is displacable.

12. The leisure chair according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the basic framework (1) has two retention rods (19) which are connected to the support rods (2) in a scissors-like manner and between which or between the associated arm-rests (10) the lower cross rod (8) extends.

13. The leisure chair according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the basic framework (1) comprises a frame including the lower cross rod (8) wherein the support rods (2) are pivotally supported at said frame.