Handle supported and height adjustable lounge chair

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to lounge chair assemblies. More specifically, the present invention teaches a foldable, height adjustable lounge chair exhibiting such additional features as collapsible and recessed side handles, as well as side frame engageable cylinder or the like for holding such as a beverage or lotion container.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The prior art is well documented with examples of lounge chair devices. The objective in each instance is to provide a user comfortable lounge device exhibiting a number of desired features.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,011, issued to Miller, teaches a chaise lounge including a chair having a back, a seat generally perpendicular to the back, and front and rear leg assemblies at opposite ends of the seat. Each of the front and rear leg assemblies have two upstanding and spaced-apart portions. A lounge member includes a rectangular frame member having two parallel spaced apart and longitudinally extending elongated members and a stabilizing rod connected between each one of the parallel spaced-apart and longitudinally extending elongated members and the associated one of the front leg portions for stabilizing the chair and the lounge member when each of the stabilizing rods are pivotally connected at one end of the associated one of the parallel spaced apart and longitudinally extending members and connected at an opposite end to the associated one of the front leg portions with a hook portion that extends behind and around the associated leg.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,009, issued to de la Sota Martinez, teaches a lounge chair article convertible between first and second positions of use as a chair and a lounge, respectively. A base structure includes two generally “U” shaped frameworks connected together in spaced parallel planes by a rod connecting the first legs and by a rigid panel extending between and connecting the second legs. The base structure is movable between a first position of use whereat the rigid panel is a seat of the chair and the first legs form one support of the chair, and a second position of use, whereat the first and second legs form two supports of the lounge. A first “U” shaped frame has arms pivotally mounted to respective frameworks about a first axis about which the first frame is rotatable between a first position, whereat the first frame forms another support of the chair, and a second position, whereat the first frame forms a seat of the lounge. A second U-shaped frame has arms pivotally mounted to respective about a second axis about which the second frame is movable between a first position, whereat the second frame forms a backrest of the chair, and a second position, whereat the second frame forms a backrest of the lounge.

Other references of note include Rodriquez, U.S. Pat. No. 6,840,580, which teaches an adjustable lounge chair having a seat portion, an adjustable back portion rotatable about a transverse axis through roughly a 9° angle from upright to flat, and an adjustable support associated with said back portion. The lounge chair includes a manually accessible lever extending from the side of the seating area to the adjustable support conventionally associated with the back to engage and reengage the support to change the angle of the back portion with respect to the seat position while a person is seated in the lounge chair.

Nagan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,265, teaches a lounge chair having a covered frame with a seat section, back rest section and foot rest section. The seat section is supported by two legs. Positioning gears are provided which permit the legs as well as the back rest and the foot rest section to be folded. Each of the legs are engagable in a locking position and the back rest and the foot rest section are engagable in a plurality of locking positions. The legs may be telescopic to permit the elevation of the lounger to be varied. Laterally disposed cross members improve the structural integrity of the telescopic legs. The cover is further stretchable about the frame and may be removable. The cover is fabricated of a mixture of nylon yarn and spandex fibers, providing a breathable and moisture absorbent cover which is cool and comfortable to the user. A supplemental support may be provided to ensure that the lounger is capable of sustaining larger individuals.

Nastu, U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,708, teaches a folding chaise lounge or chair which includes a seat section having a hingedly connected back section and a leg support section, readily adjusted relative to one another in the unfolded position. The leg support section further includes a foot extender which is adjustably connected to extend or adjust the length of the leg support section to comfortably accommodate persons of varying height. Opposed pockets are connected to the sides of the seat section which are constructed to receive, store and/or stow personal articles in either the folded or unfolded position of the chaise lounge or chair. A handle is conveniently located to facilitate carrying of the chaise lounge or chair in the folded position thereof. Folding leg members are hingedly connected to the opposite ends of the seat section whereby the leg members are folded inwardly to one side of the seat section as the back section and leg support section are folded inwardly to overlap each other on the opposite sides of the seat sections, with the pockets stowed between the folded back or leg support section and the seat section.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,685, issued to Lindsey et al., discloses a lounge chair which may be used by a person to comfortably lie on her back or stomach while supporting her arms and/or hands. In one embodiment, the lounge chair includes a median member having a first end portion and a second end portion. The lounge chair further comprises a lower member and an upper member rotatably engaged with the first and second end portions of the median member, respectively. The lounge chair further includes an arm support member rotatably engaged with the upper member. The arm support member includes first and second arm portions disposed at opposite ends of the upper member. In operation, a person may rotate the upper member and arm support member from a first or inclined position wherein the upper member is substantially vertical to the median member and the arm support member is parallel to the median member, thereby allowing a person to sit upright while comfortably supporting her arms and/or hands on the first and second arm portions to a second or flat position wherein both the upper member and the arm support members are parallel with the median member thereby allowing a person to lie on her stomach while comfortably supporting her arms and/or hands on the first and second arm portions.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses a height adjustable lounge chair capable of being utilized by individuals, such as the more elderly as well as those exhibiting back or other disabilities. In particular, the present invention teaches an adjustable “high lounge” chair, in which the downwardly extending legs are capable of adjusting a seat height of the chair upwards of 26″ from a ground surface.

Additional features associated with the present design include the provision of side frame extending and recess engageable handles. These are capable of being selectively recess engaged within or underneath the lounger frame and, when actuated outwardly, assist the user in moving the lounge chair from one location to another.

A further lounge chair configuration incorporates a side frame mounted pivot canister assembly for securing a selected item such as a beverage container, lotion applicating tube or the like. A yet further lounge configuration incorporates a pair of forward and rearward extending “U” shaped frame members, such as in substitution of other variants including no fewer than six individual and height adjustable legs, these being engageable with the individual front and rear associated and telescoping leg locations of the lounger to achieve the desired height adjusting aspects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the lounge chair according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1A is a partial view in cutaway and illustrating the pin supported and telescoping aspect of a selected leg subassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is side plan view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1 and illustrating the features of the telescopically and height adjustable legs incorporated into the lounge chair assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of handle subassembly, capable of being recess mounted within the side extending location of the lounge chair frame;

FIG. 4 is a further side plan view illustration illustrating the seat, back and lower leg support components in a fold flat condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a further lounge chair configuration illustrating a pair of pivotal and drink supporting arms in addition to a side frame mounted pivot canister assembly for securing a selected item according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially cutaway perspective view of a lounge configuration according to a yet further variant incorporating a pair of forward and rearward extending “U” shaped frame members engageable with the individual telescoping leg locations of the design according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a yet further preferred embodiment of the lounge chair and illustrating a modified, non-telescoping variant of lower extending leg supports according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the lounge chair of FIG. 7 taken along lines 8-8;

FIG. 9 is an side plan view of the lounge chair of FIG. 7 and further illustrating the provision of the back supporting bracket engaging with the ground in a fully reclined position; and

FIG. 10 is a slightly enlarged sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7 and illustrating a variant of a slidable and rail engageable beverage canister holder according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a lounge chair assembly (or lounger) is illustrated at 10 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. As will be further described, the lounger 10 is capable of being utilized by individuals, such as the more elderly as well as those exhibiting back or other disabilities. In particular, the present invention teaches an adjustable “high lounge” chair, in which the downwardly extending legs are capable of adjusting a seat height of the chair upwards of 26″ from a ground surface, and such as to render the device more user friendly than many other known types of lounge chair assemblies.

The lounger 10 includes a seat portion 12, a pivotally associated back portion 14 secured along a first extending edge of said seat portion 12 and a further pivotally associated lower leg portion 14 secured along a second extending edge of the seat portion 12. Each of the seat 12, back 14 and leg 16 portions including an outer tubular frame (such as lightweight aluminum) construction, within which is secured an inner user supporting covering, such as a durable stitched fabric, a plasticized covering or the like which is known to one of skill in the art.

A pair of pivotal readjusting brackets, see selected bracket 18 in FIG. 1 with the other corresponding bracket being hidden from view, are provided for securing the pivotal connection between the seat 12 and back 14 segments of the lounger 10 and, as is known in the art, will include any suitable linkage to permit the seat back to be angularly readjustable relative to the seat bottom. It is also contemplated that the linkage associated with the pivotal connection between the seat back and the seat bottom can incorporating a “memory” type mechanism, and such that the seat back 14 can “pop up” to a preset position.

The back 14 is further illustrated as pivotally connecting to the seat bottom 12 at an inwardly spaced location, see pivot axis 20 in FIG. 1, and relative to a rear edge 22 of seat bottom 12. An outwardly pivotal bar 23 may also be secured to the back side of the seat back 14 and which engages a ground location to provide additional prevention against rearward tipping. This will permit the seat back 14 to also be relocated to the very rear edge 22 in pivotal fashion with the bottom 12. Also, a hinged bracket 25 will extend between the U-bar 23 and an underside location of the pivoting back in order to secure the bar and to prevent collapse underneath seat back 14 (also termed as a headrest portion). This is desirable in situations where tipping of the lounger 10 may otherwise occur if a user seated thereupon (not shown) places too much pressure upon the back 14. In such a situation, it is desirable that a corresponding rear area of the seat bottom 12, see as referenced at 24, can be height recessed relative to the remaining seating area 26, further such that the back 14 is positioned substantially flush with the seat 12 in a fully reclined position (see as further shown at 14′ in FIG. 2).

At least first and second pairs of spaced apart and downwardly extending legs, and further typically three such individual pairs of two legs apiece, extend from locations associated with the seat portion 12. The perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrates selected leg subassemblies 28, 30 and 32 (corresponding opposite side subassemblies being hidden from view) extending from front, intermediate and rear locations associated with the seat bottom.

As further shown in the enlarged partial and cutaway view of FIG. 1A, each of the leg subassemblies (and referencing selected leg 28) includes an outer fixed portion 34 and a telescopically extending inner portion 36. The bottom edge locations of each leg subassembly may include further such as a rounded (e.g. 3″ diameter) rubber disc support, see at 37 in FIG. 3, and which is secured to the bottom of the inner telescoping portion 36. As further shown in FIG. 1A, an inwardly depressible and outwardly spring biased pin 38 is supported within the inner telescoping portion 36 and, upon repositioning the selected inner portion 36 in an axially recessed fashion within the associated outer tube 34, aligns and seats with one of a plurality of height adjustable apertures (see further at 40, 42 and 44).

In this fashion, the inner portions are collectively adjustable to vary a height of the seat portion relative to a supporting ground surface. As also shown in FIG. 4, a fold flat condition of the lounger 10 may further include the option having the fixed leg portions of each subassembly, e.g. again as shown at 28, 30 and 32, hingedly secured to the underside locations of the seat portion 12.

It is also envisioned that each of the leg assemblies may be constructed such that they are capable of being pivoted outwardly relative to the seat frame 12, and in order to better provide anti-tipping support. As shown in FIG. 1A, such would contemplate a further hinged connection, see at 45, to permit the leg 28 to angle outwardly relative to the seat frame 12, as well as hingedly connecting, such as shown at 47, to fold the associated leg subassembly to the fold flat position of FIG. 4.

Referring now to FIG. 3 in cooperation of FIG. 1, a pair of recess mounted and outwardly displaceable handle assemblies, see as generally shown at 46 and 48, are illustrated and which are associated with first and second side frame locations of the seat portion 12. In particular, each handle assembly, see as further referenced by enlarged illustration of assembly 46 in FIG. 3, includes a specified, typically “U” shaped handle portion 50, capable of being selectively recess engaged within interior apertures 52 and 54 associated with the side frame locations, preferably in a laterally or outwardly displacing fashion, but also potentially upwardly relative to the seat 12. An upper and crosswise extending recess, see at 56, permits the “U” shaped handle to be fully recessed relative to the seat frame and, as further illustrated, a push button assembly 58 may be positioned proximate each of the recess engageable handles and such that, upon being actuated, causes the handles to project outwardly to a position for grasping by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective illustration is shown at 60 of a further lounge chair configuration, this again including a seat bottom 62 and pivotally associated back 64, as well as optionally a pivotal lower leg portion 66. The variant 60 includes only first and second pairs of telescoping leg subassemblies, see as representatively shown at 68 and 70.

The lounger version 60 illustrates a pair of pivotal and drink supporting arms, see at 72 and 74, extending from side frame locations of the back portion 64. The arms 72 and 74 each include a drink supporting aperture, see inner annular rim locations 76 and 78 for arms 72 and 74, respectively, defined therethrough and proximate extending ends thereof. The arms each are capable of being pivotally movable relative to the back portion 64, see as referenced by arrows 80 and 82, and in order to adapt to a fold fiat position when not in use.

Another feature of the lounger, whether incorporated into the embodiment 10 of FIG. 1, that shown at 60 in FIG. 5, or any other version contemplated by the present invention, is the provision of a side frame mounted pivot canister assembly, generally shown at 84, for securing a selected item according to the present invention. The canister assembly includes a first semi-cylindrical portion 86 secured to an underside location of the side frame, such as by welding, fasteners or the like. A second semi-cylindrical portion 88 is hingedly secured to the first portion 86 at an end thereof (see pivotal location 90). A latch (at 92) is engaged to downwardly displace the second portion 88 from the first portion 86, such as to reveal an item held within a three-dimensional interior of the canister assembly, such as further being a water bottle (see at 94), lotion container or the like.

Referring to FIG. 6, a partially cutaway perspective view is shown at 96 of a lounge configuration according to a yet further variant and incorporating a pair of forward and rearward extending “U” shaped frame members 98 and 100 engageable with individual and outer telescoping leg locations, see further at 102 & 104 and 106 & 108. The variant of FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative to the use of individual and downwardly extending inner leg portions, it being understood that the “U” frame members 98 and 100 can provide the same anti-tipping support and can also be employed at two or three individually securing locations relative to the seat bottom. The other features of the illustration of FIG. 6 are not repetitively enumerated but are understood to adhere to the concepts illustrated throughout the several preceding views.

Other variants include the provision of a padded mattress (not shown) such as upon the surfaces 62, 64 and 66 associated with the variant of FIG. 5. In this application, the provision of the armrests 72 and 74 in their downward position further serve to prevent a sleeper supported upon the device from rolling off sideways therefrom.

Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated at 110 is a perspective view of a yet further preferred embodiment of the lounge chair, this illustrating a modified, non-telescoping variant of lower extending leg supports according to the present invention. Specifically, a similar arrangement of three sections is shown, including a bottom 112, pivotally secured back 114 and pivotally secured lower leg 116.

In substitution of the lower telescoping legs of the prior variants, a series of fixed (non-telescoping) legs are provided, these elevating the vertical displacement of the seat bottom 112 to within a range of 26″, more or less, and again to provide a lounge chair device more easily utilized by older individuals. Included are front legs 118 (extending from a forward edge of the lower leg portion 116) and which are foldable inwardly (see arrow 120) in order to allow the portion 116 to pivot about its connection relative to the seat bottom 112.

Additional rear leg supports, see triangularly arranged, angularly extending and elongated “U” shaped members 120 and 122 likewise extend the width of the chair and interconnect at joining upper end locations (see at 124 and 126 in FIG. 7). A pair of horizontally extending support arms 128 and 130 are illustrated supported at midpoint locations at the hinged upper end locations 124 and 126, the arms securing at rear end locations 132 and 134. Although not shown, drink holding apertures may be provided proximate to end locations of the arms 128 and 130.

The leg supports also include a pair of intermediate located and downwardly extending side supports 136 and 138, in the embodiment shown extending both sideways and downwardly relative to spaced apart side locations associated with the lower leg portion 116, it further being understood that the side supports 136 and 138 can be repositioned to locations along the middle seat portion 112.

The additional leg supports 136 and 138 each further include a laterally projecting side component (typically up to several inches in length and as shown at 140 and 142, respectively). The purpose of the laterally projecting side components 140 and 142 is to provide additional lateral stability and support to the lounge chair. Additional downwardly extending components, see as further shown at 144 and 146, engaging ground locations at lower ends (see further such as enlarged platform engaging locations 148 and 150, such as also shown in preceding variants).

As also best shown in FIG. 7, the leg supports 136 and 138 are offset linearly (see crosswise axial lines 152 and 154, respectively) these permitting the lower extending portions 144 and 146 to pivot inwardly underneath the lounge portion 116 when not in use and without contacting one another. Although illustrated in somewhat reduced length, it is again understood that the leg portions 144 and 146 may each be upwards of 26″ in length, thus necessitating a lengthwise offset in order to fold neatly underneath the associated lounger portion when not in use.

Finally, a pivotal “U” bracket 156 is releasably and pivotally secured to an end underside of the pivotal back 114. Upon converting the chair 110 to the reclining position of FIG. 9, U bracket 156 is folded downwardly to provide end support and to prevent tipping of the recliner 110 at the back 114.

The act of reclining the back 114 further contemplates removing pins (not shown) from associated slots securing the arms 128 and 130 at the rear locations 132 and 134 to the sides of the seat back 114. In this fashion, the back 114 is permitted to fold down, and the angularly connected members 120 and 122 to further pivot outwardly relative to one another to lower the arms 128 and 130 to a concurrent height position relative to the reclining coaxial positioning established between the bottom 112 and back 114 components.

Referring finally to FIG. 10, a slightly enlarged sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7 is shown at 158 and illustrates a variant of a slidable and rail engageable beverage canister (similar in many respects to that shown at 84 in FIG. 5 and such as including pivotal semi-cylindrical halves for holding such as a beverage container, lotion bottle or the like). Also illustrated in FIG. 10 is the provision of a sleeve 160 coaxially mounted over the associated leg support (in this instance angled member 120).

The sleeve 160 securing a side located cylindrical container holding assembly, see at 162, in either of a linearly readjustable (see arrow 164) or rotatably adjustable (see further arrow 166) fashion relative to the fixed leg support. Although not shown, it is understood that a slot and pin arrangement or other suitable construction can be employed for repositioning the canister assembly 158 in a desired manner for ease of access to a user.

Having described my invention, other and additional preferred embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lounge chair assembly, comprising: a seat portion and a pivotally associated back portion, each of said seat and back portions including an outer frame which supports an inner user supporting covering; first and second pairs of spaced apart and downwardly extending legs extending from locations associated with said seat portion, each of said pairs of legs including telescopically extending inner portions to vary a height of said seat portion relative to a supporting ground surface; and a pair of recess mounted and displaceable handle portions associated with first and second side frame locations of said seat portion.
2. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a pair of pivotal readjusting brackets associated with first and second pivotally adjoining side locations between said seat and back portions.
3. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a pair of handles defined along opposite side extending locations of said seat portion.
4. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 3, said handles each having a specified shape and size and capable of being selectively recess engaged within said side frame locations, said handles further capable of being actuated outwardly to assist the user in moving the lounge chair from one location to another.
5. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 4, further comprising a push button positioned proximate each of said recess engageable handles for selectively actuating said handles to the outward position.
6. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a side frame mounted and pivotable canister assembly for securing a selected item.
7. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 6, said canister assembly further comprising a first semi-cylindrical portion secured to an underside location of said side frame, a second semi-cylindrical portion hingedly secured to said first portion at an end thereof, a latch being engaged to downwardly displace said second portion and to reveal an item holding and three-dimensional interior of said canister assembly.
8. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a pair of arms extending from side frame locations of said back portion.
9. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 8, said arms each including a drink supporting aperture defined therethrough and proximate an extending end thereof.
10. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 8, said arms each being pivotally movable relative to said back portion.
11. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, said inner telescoping leg portions further comprising a pair of forward and rearward extending “U” shaped frame members engageable with said pairs of downwardly extending legs.
12. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a lower leg support portion pivotally connected along an edge of said seat portion opposite said pivotally interconnecting back portion.
13. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 12, seat lounge chair having a specified shape and size and further comprising a plurality of six individual and telescoping height adjustable legs distributed along front, intermediate and rear downwardly extending locations associated with said seat portion.
14. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 1, each of said inner telescoping portions further comprising an inwardly depressible and outwardly biased spring portion seating within a selected one of a plurality of linearly spaced apertures defined along an associated outer and fixed portion.
15. A lounge chair assembly, comprising: a seat portion; a pivotally associated back portion secured along a first extending edge of said seat portion; a pivotally associated lower leg portion secured along a second extending edge of said seat portion, each of said seat, back and leg portions including an outer frame to which is secured an inner user supporting covering; at least first and second pairs of spaced apart and downwardly extending legs extending from locations associated with said seat portion, each of said pairs of legs including an outer fixed portion and a telescopically extending inner portion, said inner portions being adjustable to vary a height of said seat portion relative to a supporting ground surface; and a pair of recess mounted and outwardly displaceable handle portions associated with first and second side frame locations of said seat portion.
16. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 15, further comprising a side frame mounted and pivotable canister assembly for securing a selected item.
17. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 16, said canister assembly further comprising a first semi-cylindrical portion secured to an underside location of said side frame, a second semi-cylindrical portion hingedly secured to said first portion at an end thereof, a latch being engaged to downwardly displace said second portion and to reveal an item holding and three-dimensional interior of said canister assembly.
18. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 15, further comprising a pair of arms extending from side frame locations of said back portion.
19. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 18, said arms each including a drink supporting aperture defined therethrough and proximate an extending end thereof.
20. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 18, said arms each being pivotally movable relative to said back portion.
21. A lounge chair assembly, comprising: a seat portion; a pivotally associated back supporting portion secured along a first extending edge of said seat portion; a pivotally associated lower leg supporting portion secured along a second extending edge of said seat portion, each of said seat, back and leg portions including an outer frame to which is secured an inner user supporting covering; a forward ground engaging support extending from first and second side locations associated with said lower leg supporting portion; a pair of side located ground supports extending from first and second side locations associated with at least one of said lower leg supporting portion and said seat portion, said ground supports extending in a combined laterally and downwardly projecting fashion; and a pair of elongated and U shaped rear leg supports arranged in a triangular fashion and extending the width of said back support to interconnect at joining upper end locations associated with sides of said back support.
22. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 21, further comprising a pair of horizontally extending support arms supported at midpoint locations at hinged upper end locations associated with said U shaped and triangularly arranged rear support, said arms securing at rear end locations to said back support portion.
23. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 21, said side located ground supports securing to said lower leg supporting portion and linearly offset side frame locations to permit said ground supports to be pivotally folded underneath said lower leg support portion when not in use.
24. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 22, said horizontally extending support arms being disengaged from said back upon rearward reclining of the same.
25. The lounge chair assembly as described in claim 21, further comprising a canister shaped beverage holding assembly secured in at least one of slidably translatable and rotatable fashion to a selected leg support.

Handle supported and height adjustable lounge chair

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Abstract

Description

Claims