US20120098302A1

US20120098302A1 - Tanwings plus system

Info

Publication number: US20120098302A1
Application number: US12/955,751
Authority: US
Inventors: Cindi Place
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-21
Filing date: 2010-11-29
Publication date: 2012-04-26

Abstract

TanWings is a device, which can be added to a common style lounge chair, to promote even tanning. It is designed to provide a comfortable and even tanning means during outdoor sunbathing episodes. TanWings Plus may also provide shade and an out-of-sight compartment for picnic items or the like. It may also be used to provide a private shaded space for changing a child's diaper or allowing a child to nap while at the pool, beach or even in the back yard.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/405,445, filed Oct. 21, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of outdoor lounge chair attachments and more specifically relates to an outdoor lounge chair attachment which provides a method for even tanning and a shaded protection means for items.
2. Description of the Related Art
A chair is a stable, raised surface used to sit on, commonly for use by one person. Chairs often have the seat raised above floor level, supported by four legs. However, a chair can have three legs (in a triangle shape) or could have a different shape depending on the criteria of the chair specifications. A chair without a back or arm rests is a stool, or when raised up, a bar stool. A chair with arms is an armchair and with folding action and inclining footrest, a recliner. A permanently fixed chair in a train or theater is a seat; when riding, it is a saddle and bicycle saddle, and for an automobile, a car seat or infant car seat. With wheels it is a wheelchair and when hung from above, a swing.
A chaise lounge or lounge chair is typically the size of a daybed, and it may have a raised back that can recline or alternately be rigid. Although originally developed as an ornate piece of indoor furniture, the chaise lounge comes in many forms and can be found in many locations around the house, including the bedroom, living room or outside next to the pool when a person is sun tanning or sun bathing.
Sun tanning is the act of exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, for the purpose of darkening skin color, either during sun bathing or using artificial sources, such as tanning beds. Tanning is a natural process in which the skin creates the brown-colored pigment called melanin, to protect it against the overexposure UV rays in sunlight. It can also be caused by artificial UV radiation. The ultraviolet frequencies responsible for tanning are often divided into the UVA and UVB ranges. Many individuals in modern society enjoy sun tanning.
Currently consumers that like to sunbathe outdoors do not have a comfortable way to achieve an even tan on their arms. Comfort and even tanning is difficult to accomplish on a standard lounge chair. Also, many consumers that enjoy sunbathing would prefer to have their young children with them at the beach or other such sun tanning location. These consumers may not desire the children to be in direct sunlight for long periods of time, and a shady spot may not always be nearby. There may also be times when a sunbather may want a private compartment to shadingly-store objects. Regular lounge chairs may not offer any of these mentioned benefits. Therefore a need exists for an outdoor lounge chair that both promotes an even tan while also offering the user the option of offering shade and an out of sight compartment for picnic items is needed.
Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,158,069; 7,017,215; 4,379,588; 2006/0202523; 5,443,233; and 3,336,060. This prior art is representative of support structures to promote tanning or shading. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.
Ideally, an outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair should be convenient and user-friendly and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a TanWings Plus system that is designed to provide a comfortable and even tan during outdoor sunbathing episodes while also alternately providing shade and an out-of-sight compartment for picnic items and to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known outdoor lounge chair attachments device art, the present invention provides a novel TanWings plus. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to promote an even and comfortable tanning means. TanWings is a device, which can be added to a common style lounge chair, to promote even tanning. It is designed to provide a comfortable and even tanning means during outdoor sunbathing episodes. TanWings Plus may also provide shade and an out-of-sight compartment for picnic items or the like. It may also be used to provide a private shaded space for changing a child's diaper or allowing a child to nap while at the pool, beach or even in the back yard. Virtually any consumer that enjoys sunbathing outdoors and prefers an even tan can benefit from this innovative device.
The present outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair disclosed herein preferably comprises the following components: a pair of inwardly/outwardly foldable bendable permanently affixed tan wings, a foamed cushioned core-supported portion resting horizontally across the outdoor lounge chair; and a towel cover.
The pair of inwardly foldable bendable permanently affixed tan wings may comprise PVC pipe covered with mesh and sewn onto an underside of each of the pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings to aid in supporting an arm of a user-sunbather when sun-bathing during at least one sunbathing period. Further, the pair of permanently affixed tan wings are permanently attachable to sides of the outdoor lounge chair, providing supports for the user-sunbather's arms to be positioned while tanning. The pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings are upwardly pivotable such that they are able to be pulled up into a tent-like position and securably temporarily held in vertical stasis via hook and loop fasteners or other such fastening means.
The cushioned core-supported portion may comprise a cushioning surface for a back/front of the user-sunbather. The user-sunbather is thereby comfortably supported via the outdoor tanning device for even-tanning during at least one sunbathing period.
The towel-cover may be used in conjunction with the pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings to form a private shaded area. The tent-like position provides the private shaded area for a child to rest out of the sun. Additionally the tent-like position provides a private shaded area for picnic items to be shadingly-stored as well.
A kit is embodied herein for the TanWings Plus system comprising: the outdoor tanning device; at least one pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings; the towel-cover; and a set of user instructions.
In accordance with the embodiments of the present invention a preferred method of use is disclosed herein comprising: coupling a pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings of the outdoor tanning device to an outdoor lounge chair; outwardly unfolding the pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings; optionally laying on the outdoor lounge chair; optionally sun-bathing while supported by the outdoor tanning device and thereby promoting an even tan; and/or optionally bending the permanently affixed tan wings to form a private shaded area. In this way the present invention may serve as a multi-purpose device.
The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a TanWings plus system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, TanWings Plus system device constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a TanWings Plus system in an ‘in-use’ condition according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view illustrating an outdoor tanning device folded inwardly relative to an outdoor lounge chair of the TanWings Plus system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a tent-like position providing a private shaded area for a child to rest out of the sun according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the tent-like position providing a private shaded area for picnic items to be shadingly-stored according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5. is a flowchart illustrating a method of use according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to outdoor lounge chairs and more specifically relate to a outdoor lounge chair attachment device which provides a method and means for even tanning.
Referring now to FIG. 1 showing a perspective view of TanWings Plus system 100 in an ‘in-use’ condition 106 according to an embodiment of the present invention. TanWings Plus system 100 comprises outdoor tanning device 102. Outdoor tanning device 102 preferably promotes even tanning and is adapted for use with outdoor lounge chair 110. Further, user-sunbather 140 is comfortably supported via outdoor tanning device 102 for even-tanning during at least one sunbathing period. Outdoor tanning device 102 comprises a pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120; and cushioned core-supported portion 130.
Pair of permanently affixed tan wings 120 are preferably permanently attached/attachable to the sides of outdoor lounge chair 110, thereby providing (substantially planar) supports for arms of user-sunbather 140 to be positioned for tanning. Further, pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 may comprise PVC pipe 124. PVC pipe 124 aids in supporting an arm of user-sunbather 140 when sun-bathing during said at least one sunbathing period. PVC pipe 124 may be coupled/sewn onto an underside of each pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 to provide rigidity of the structure. PVC pipe 124 is preferred due its lightweight, and because it is cost-effective and readily available. Additionally, PVC pipe 124 of pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 may be covered with mesh. The mesh functions/serves as a deformation means for displacement upwardly and downwardly as arms of user-sunbather 140 are adjusted and cushioned customized to what is a comfortable and preferred position for each individual user-sunbather 140. It should be noted that outdoor tanning device 102 may be used during non-sunbathing periods such as in the evening when there are no Ultra-Violet rays radiating from the sun. It should also be appreciated that mesh and PVC may be replaced with equivalent materials and achieve substantially the same result.
Cushioned core-supported portion 130 preferably comprises a cushioning surface for a back and/or a front (depending on laying position) of user-sunbather 140. Further, cushioned core-supported portion 130 preferably comprises foam, however other deformable materials may be used such as polypropylene, polyurethane, honeycomb etc. Cushioned core-supported portion 130 preferably rests horizontally across outdoor lounge chair 110 in a substantially planar position.
Referring now to FIG. 2 showing a perspective view illustrating outdoor tanning device 102 folded inwardly 200 relative to outdoor lounge chair 110 of the TanWings Plus system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 may be folded inwardly 200 (as shown) by rotating bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 about an axis for portability such as when outdoor lounge chair 110 is being moved or adjusted.
Referring now to FIG. 3, showing a perspective view illustrating tent-like position 300 providing private shaded area for child or infant 310 to rest out of the sun according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 are pivotable/rotatable such that they are able to be pulled/rotated about an axis up into tent-like position 300 and securably temporarily held there in vertical stasis. Preferably, tent-like position 300 is held in vertical stasis via hook and loop fasteners, however other types of securement(s) such as Velcro or elastic straps may be used and be considered equivalent as per the scope of the present invention. Towel-cover 150 may be used in conjunction with pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 to form private shaded area 320. Towel-cover 150 may be temporarily draped over pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120 and temporarily held in vertical stasis in tent-like position 300 to provide more complete shading. In this way the present invention may be used for multiple convenient purposes.
Referring now to FIG. 4, showing a perspective view illustrating tent-like position 300 providing private shaded area 420 for picnic items 400 to be shadingly-stored according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1. Picnic items 400 that may benefit from being shaded may include fresh fruits or vegetables, frozen or refrigerated items such as ice cream, yogurt, or milk, along with hot or insulated beverages such as coffee or soups. In this way the present invention may provide shading means for a plurality of comestibles or other such items, rendering it as an effective shading means to preserve food for a longer duration.
TanWings Plus system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4 may comprise kit 440. Kit 440 may comprise the following parts outdoor tanning device 102; at least one pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings 120; towel-cover 150; and a set of user instructions.
Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately.
Referring now to FIG. 5. showing a flowchart illustrating method of use 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4. A method (at least herein embodying method of use 500) of using outdoor tanning device 102 preferably comprising the steps of: step one 501 coupling a pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings of the outdoor tanning device to an outdoor lounge chair; step two 502 outwardly unfolding the pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings; step three 503 laying on the outdoor lounge chair; step four 504 sun-bathing while supported by the outdoor tanning device and thereby promoting an even tan; and step five 505 bending (upwardly folding/rotating) permanently affixed tan wings to form a private shaded area.
It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. An outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair comprising:

a pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings; and

a cushioned core-supported portion;

wherein said pair of permanently affixed tan wings are permanently attached to the sides of said outdoor lounge chair, and rotatable, when horizontally positioned providing supports for a user-sunbather's arms to be positioned for tanning;

wherein said cushioned core-supported portion comprises a cushioning surface for a back of said user-sunbather;

wherein said user-sunbather is comfortably supported via said outdoor tanning device for even-tanning during at least one sunbathing period.

2. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 1 wherein said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings are inwardly foldable-rotatable about an axis for portability.

3. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 1 wherein said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings comprise PVC pipe.

4. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 3 wherein said PVC pipe aids in supporting an arm of said user-sunbather when sun-bathing during said at least one sunbathing period.

5. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 4 wherein said PVC pipe is sewn onto an underside of each of said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings.

6. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 5 wherein said PVC pipe of said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings is covered with mesh.

7. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 1 wherein said cushioned core-supported portion comprises foam.

8. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 1 wherein said cushioned core-supported portion rests horizontally across said outdoor lounge chair.

9. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 1 wherein said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings are upwardly pivotable such that they are able to be pulled up into a tent-like position and securably temporarily held in vertical stasis.

10. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 9 wherein said tent-like position is held in vertical stasis via hook and loop fasteners.

11. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 9 wherein a towel-cover is used in conjunction with said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings to form a private shaded area.

12. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 11 wherein said tent-like position provides said private shaded area for a child to rest out of the sun.

13. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 11 wherein said tent-like position provides said private shaded area for picnic items to be shadingly-stored.

14. An outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair comprising:

a pair of inwardly foldable bendable permanently affixed tan wings comprising PVC pipe covered with mesh and sewn onto an underside of each of said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings to aid in supporting an arm of a user-sunbather when sun-bathing during at least one sunbathing period;

a foamed cushioned core-supported portion resting horizontally across said outdoor lounge chair; and

a towel cover;

wherein said pair of permanently affixed tan wings are permanently attached to sides of said outdoor lounge chair, providing support(s) for said user-sunbather's arms to be positioned for tanning;

wherein said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings are pivotable such that they are able to be pulled up into a tent-like position and securably temporarily held in vertical stasis via hook and loop fasteners;

wherein said cushioned core-supported portion comprises a cushioning surface for a back and/or front of said user-sunbather;

wherein said user-sunbather is comfortably supported via said outdoor tanning device for even-tanning during at least one sunbathing period;

wherein said towel-cover is used in conjunction with said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings to form a private shaded area;

wherein said tent-like position provides said private shaded area for a child to rest out of the sun; and

wherein said tent-like position provides said private shaded area for picnic items to be shadingly-stored.

15. The outdoor tanning device to promote even tanning adapted for use with an outdoor lounge chair of claim 14 further comprising a kit including: said outdoor tanning device; at least one said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings; said towel-cover; and a set of user instructions.

16. A method of using an outdoor tanning device for attachment to an outdoor lounge chair comprising the steps of:

coupling a pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings of said outdoor tanning device to an outdoor lounge chair;

outwardly unfolding/rotating said pair of bendable permanently affixed tan wings;

laying on said outdoor lounge chair;

sun-bathing while supported by said outdoor tanning device and thereby promoting an even tan; and

bending/rotating said permanently affixed tan wings to form a private shaded area.