Multi-position beach chair

A portable, foldable chair that configures to a straight-back chair, a bed, and a recliner, while also providing standard seat height.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to portable chairs, and more particularly, to a multi-position beach chair.

BACKGROUND

Many individuals enjoy spending time at the beach, whether for sunning, shelling, fishing, reading, or simply relaxing. A typical beachgoer will oftentimes carry a towel, sunscreen, and other accessories in a beach tote and will frequently also carry a folding chair. Numerous options exist for folding chairs however each is disadvantageous in view of the present disclosure.

For relaxing at the beach, an angularly reclined backrest is a popular option, but if a user also desires reclined leg support, presently available beach chair frames disadvantageously eliminate the option for upright seating. That is, upright seating and reclined backrest options are provided together, and reclined backrest and reclined leg support options are provided together, but no configuration offers all three options in one portable chair. Back support provided by presently available beach chairs is disadvantageous because back and leg positioning is not selectively convertible.

Still, some beachgoers prefer a chaise lounge for beach enjoyment in a fully prone position. A short-legged tri-fold style chaise remains popular for lying out prone, and also offers an adjustable backrest and reclined leg support. Unfortunately, such a foldable chaise is unable to serve as a traditional chair, wherein instead, for example, if a user were to desire to sit upright, he or she would necessarily be obligated to straddle the chair, or to sit sideways on the chaise in order to place feet on the ground. Moreover, the short-legged style, as with other short-legged beach chairs, while enjoyed by those who prefer to be close to the sand and/or water, is disadvantageously difficult or almost impossible to exit for many, requiring a user to raise to a standing position from a low center of gravity.

Standard height folding chairs enable a user to avoid such a difficult exit. However, portable chairs offering standard height are generally and disadvantageously limited in configurable positions, such that upright seating is exclusively offered. Even portable chairs that offer adjustable height legs are disadvantageous in view of the present invention by remaining limited in configurable positions. Moreover, known folding chair frame designs are generally not designed to support persons of a larger frame and/or heavier scale.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a portable, foldable chair that configures to a sturdy straight-back chair, a bed, and a recliner, while also providing standard seat height.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present device overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need by providing a multi-position beach chair that is adapted to define a: (1) compact, folded position for convenient transport, (2) standard height, upright seating position, wherein feet may be placed flat on the ground, (3) reclined position, wherein back and legs may be angularly supported, and (4) prone position, wherein a user may lay flat, as on a bed.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, in its preferred form, the present beach chair enables multi-positional functionality, improved ease of use, secure and adjustable features, facilitated ease of entry and exit, and minimization of sand and debris impact by allowing direction of blown materials under the chair, amongst other benefits.

More specifically, the device of the present disclosure in its preferred form is an improved multi-position beach chair comprising three main body support elements, a back, a seat, and a footrest, wherein the combination and structure of the body support elements enables at least three distinctive user positions, wherein a first position is an upright chair position with a generally straight chair back and no extended footrest, a second position is a bed position with all three body support elements essentially flat and in a single plane, and wherein a third position is a reclined lounge position with a partially declined footrest and optionally partially declined back. According to the preferred embodiment, a cushion is included, wherein a removable, multi-section cushion is preferred, formed from high-density foam and covered with durable yet comfortable outdoor canvas material.

Preferably, traditional full-chair-height legs are swivelably attached to the seat and may preferably be fixed into position for use with removable pins, or may be swiveled into the plane of the seat frame for folded transport. Armrests, too, may be swivelably connected with pins, wherein a sturdy and supportive relationship to the chair frame is adjustably provided, yet armrests may also preferably pivot and stow under the seat. Each of the plurality of selectably positioned pins facilitates feature set-up by the user according to personal preference. This may include leg height, wherein overall chair height may be extended even further in an embodiment with telescoping and fixable legs.

It is also noteworthy that accessories, such as a tray and/or a cupholder may be provided with the present beach chair device, wherein such accessories may operatively engage with an armrest, for example, or may be integrally formed therewith. Moreover, in order to facilitate ease of transport, part or all of the chair legs may be adapted or installed with wheels or other rollable and/or slidable features, wherein a full complement of four wheels enables, for example, the presently described device to transport a person.

Materials of construction for the presently described multi-position beach chair are preferably selected for characteristics such as strength, lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion, and weatherability. For example, and without limitation, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and/or any other natural or manmade material may be utilized, either alone or in combination with other material(s), as long as the preferred characteristics are considered, recognizing however that a beach chair constructed with inferior materials, such as heavy and/or easily corrodible materials, but according to that structure as described herein is intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to support a person of large stature.

Another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to convert from an upright chair to a lounge chair to a bed.

Still another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to allow for ease of entry and exit of a user, by raising the user's center of gravity and by providing armrests that are easily moveable into and out of position.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to provide back support to a user, with adjustable back and leg positioning.

Still yet another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to fold flat to its frame for easy, one-handed transport.

Another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to enable a user to exit from the side, yet still provide an armrest, as may be desired.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present device is its ability to be utilized as a beach chair, or resort or cruise line seating, and also to be selectively utilized in other non-recreative environments, such as in nursing homes, assisted living centers, rehabilitation facilities, and/or hospitals for older adults, larger persons, and/or for those with special needs,

These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present device, as illustrated in the figures and/or described herein, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The device, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-4, multi-position beach chair10preferably comprises frame20, back40, seat60, and footrest80, wherein seat60is preferably a coplanar part of frame20, and wherein back40and footrest80are each preferably swivelably related to frame20. Preferably, front leg member100and rear leg member102are each also pivotally related to frame20. Plurality of removable pins110preferably facilitate selective and secure positioning of each pivotal and swivelable element while inserted, and allow for formation of a generally flat configuration for transport when removed.

Preferably, frame20is rectangularly shaped, defining base periphery22for multi-position beach chair10with elongate side frame members24a,24b, rear frame member26a, and front frame member26b. First cross support frame member28and second cross support member30are each preferably positioned between elongate side frame members24a,24b, preferably perpendicularly related thereto, wherein back40is preferably pivotally related to first cross support frame member28. Preferably, back supports32a,32bare positioned generally between rear frame member26aand second cross support member30, preferably perpendicularly related thereto, and wherein each back support32a,32bis of a length that extends a distance from second cross support member30, away from rear frame member26a, and towards back40. Each back support32a,32bis preferably adapted with respective positional stop member34a,34b, wherein secure placement of positional stop members34a,34bmay be accomplished with bolts, welding, or any other suitable means from the art.

According to the preferred method of manufacture, with preferred materials, frame20is formed as a singular piece of aluminum tubing, bent into a rectangular shape, wherein first cross support frame member28and second cross support member30are welded thereinto, to increase rigidity and overall support strength. One skilled in the art should readily recognize that although an integrally formed aluminum frame with welded supports is preferred, other frame constructions and materials could be utilized, such as formation from a plurality of bracketed members, securely adhered or otherwise related PVC members, galvanized pipe, or any other suitable materials that would provide the desirable or necessary features described herein, namely strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, weatherability, and overall lightweight nature.

According to the preferred embodiment, back40is defined by generally U-shaped member42, with pivotal base connectors44a,44bpreferably operatively engaged with first cross support frame member28in such manner as to enable a 180° range of movement for back40relative to the plane of frame20. Back support arm46is preferably U-shaped, with pivotal lengths48a,48boperatively engaged with side supports50a,50bof back40, and support length52extending therebetween. Back support arm46is preferably dimensioned to enable removable engagement between second cross support member30and positional stop members34a,34b, resting on back supports32a,32bfor definition of upright position A, as depicted inFIG. 4. Back support arm46is also preferably dimensioned to enable removable engagement proximate rear frame member26a, preferably abuttingly related thereto, and resting on back supports32a,32bfor definition of reclined position B, as depicted inFIG. 3. Moreover, back support arm46is preferably dimensioned to enable disassociation from back supports32a,32b, and positioning proximate rear surface49of back40for definition of bed position C, as depicted inFIG. 2.

Preferably, U-shaped member42of back40is formed from a single piece of aluminum tubing bent into the U-shape, and with sleeve41at each end for swivelable engagement with frame20. Again, as with frame20, one skilled in the art should readily recognize that although a singularly formed U-shaped member with end sleeves41is preferred, other back constructions and materials could be utilized, such as formation from a plurality of bracketed members, securely adhered or otherwise related PVC members, or any other suitable materials that would provide the supportive strength necessary to perform as described and to enable desirable characteristics for portable transport. Moreover, as representatively depicted inFIG. 7B, U-shaped member42may be adapted with alternate back support arm47, wherein height adjustment features may be provided.

Front leg member100and rear leg member102are each preferably U-shaped, defined by respective leg height members101a,band103a,band respective cross support members104and106. Leg height members101a,bof front leg member100are preferably swivelably engaged with front frame support member26b, and leg height members103a,bof rear leg member102are preferably swivelably engaged with rear frame support member26ain such manner as to enable a 90° range of movement for each leg member100,102relative to the plane of frame20. Each leg member100,102is preferably formed from a single piece of aluminum tubing bent into the U-shape, and with sleeve101at each end for swivelable engagement with frame20. Moreover, each leg height member101a,band103a,bis preferably fourteen inches in length, thereby defining a “full” or traditional chair height, such as to provide a most preferred 18-inch seat height, wherein ease of entry and exit is consistently facilitated, and wherein during windy beach conditions, sand and other undesirable debris may blow under frame20rather than impacting the user. Other heights lengths could be utilized for leg height members101a,band103a,b, as desired, but standard height relative to traditional chairs is preferred in order to realize each of the preferred embodiment features and benefits of multi-position beach chair10. Of course, as with frame20, one skilled in the art should readily recognize that although an singularly formed leg member with end sleeves101is preferred, other leg constructions and materials could be utilized, such as formation from a plurality of bracketed members, securely adhered or otherwise related PVC members, or any other suitable materials that would provide the strength and dimensional relationship relative to frame20so as to enable upright seating with a seated user's feet flat on the ground. As representatively depicted inFIG. 7A, alternate leg member105could be utilized to enable leg height adjustment, as desired.

Footrest80is preferably defined by U-shaped member82, with pivotal connectors84a,84bpreferably operatively engaged with front frame support member26b, preferably proximate and between leg height members101a,bof front leg member100, in such manner as to enable a 270° range of movement for footrests80relative to the plane of frame20. Footrest80is preferably dimensioned and of an overall length to enable generally flush positioning thereof relative to front leg member100for definition of footrest position A, as shown inFIG. 4, wherein a user's feet may be flat on the ground surface while seated. Preferably, with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, front frame support member26band pivotal connects84a,84bare adapted with selectable plurality of apertures112, wherein insertion of a respective plurality of removable pins110therewithin serves to fix footrest80relative to frame20. For selective definition of footrest position B, as depicted inFIG. 3, plurality of removable pins110are inserted into plurality of apertures112such that footrest80forms an acute angle with the plane of front leg member100. For selective definition of footrest position C, as depicted inFIG. 2, plurality of removable pins110are inserted into a different plurality of apertures112such that footrest80is fixed in a position coplanar with frame20.

Preferably, each pin of plurality of removable pins110has cable114securely related thereto, wherein each cable114is preferably securely related to frame20. In such manner, plurality of removable pins110may remain generally associated with frame20irrespective of direct engagement therewith. In similar fashion to footrest80, front leg member100and rear leg member102may preferably be locked into a selected support position by engagement of a select plurality of removable pins110with selected plurality of apertures112. Plurality of cables114may be related to frame20according to any suitably secure means, however, riveted positioning is preferred.

According to the preferred embodiment, frame20, seat60, and footrest80of multi-position beach chair10are each provided with supportive fabric130. Fabric130may directly contact and support the user. However, in the preferred embodiment, cushion141is removably positioned proximate fabric130for additional back support and comfort. Both support fabric130and cushion141are preferably constructed from water-resistant outdoor fabric, or other suitable covering known in the art for such applications, such as, for exemplary purposes only, composite webbing, canvas, or any other desirable covering. Support fabric130is preferably securely fastened to chair10, such as with rivets, adhesive, or the like, but may be removable related, such as with snaps or other means. Cushion141is preferably formed as a three-section high density foam cushion, adapted to bend according to the selected positional arrangement of chair10.

As noted relative to frame20and back80, footrest80and back support arm46are each preferably bent from a singular piece of aluminum tubing, with footrest80bearing sleeves81at each end, and back support arm46distinguished by flattened ends. As noted, other materials and methods of manufacture may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the present disclosure, wherein any suitable materials may be related according to the design disclosed to enable multi-positional enjoyment of a standard height beach chair.

In a further embodiment of the present device, armrests140a,140bare pivotally engaged with respective elongate side frame members24a,24bof frame20. As depicted inFIG. 3, a select one of plurality of pins110is located proximate to each armrest140a,140bfor engagement therewith, thereby securing each armrest140a,140bin an upright position for use. Referring now toFIG. 2, it should be appreciated that without such engagement of pin110, armrest140a,140bmay be pivoted about respective elongate side frame member24a,24b, out of the plane of frame20, thereby enabling a user to exit chair10from a side, as may be desired or required according to physical limitations, without any obstacle.

In a further embodiment, armrest140a,140bmay be adapted with one or more cupholders, as representatively shown inFIG. 7C, and/or with removable tray107configured for removable engagement therewith, such as, for exemplary purposes only, as shown inFIGS. 8A-8B, with plurality of engageable clips109for removable fastening to a single armrest140aor140b, alongside a user, or to both armrests140aand140b, across a user's lap. Of course, other means of engagement may be utilized, as may be appropriate, convenient, or desired.

In yet another embodiment, a plurality of wheels150may be installed proximate front leg member100and/or rear leg member102. Depending upon the total number of wheels150, chair10may function as a rolling bed, a wheeled chair, or a two-wheeled device for either ease of transport of folded chair10, or for reclined transport of a seated user.

In still another embodiment, front leg member100and rear leg member102may be height adjustable, such as in alternate leg member105. For example, and without limitation, each leg member100,102may be formed as a multi-element telescoping member, such as shown inFIG. 7A, with selectable pin-receiving apertures enabling a variety of seat height selections.

In another alternate embodiment, back support arm46could be formed as two independent arms and/or could be installed inside of the periphery of back40, with the ability to pivotally collapse fully within the periphery thereof, and facilitate creation of a fully flat configuration. Moreover, additional stops or otherwise selectable positions on back support members32a,32bcould allow for additional recline positions for back40.

According to the preferred method for assembly and connection of components, frame20preferably functions as a base element for connective support of all other parts. Each leg member100,102is preferably attached to frame20by slidable attachment of each leg member100,102sleeve101onto front frame member26band rear frame member26a. Similarly, back40and footrest80are slidably related, respectively to first cross support member28and front frame member26b. Each leg member100,102is preferably secured relative to frame20by plurality of pins110, inserted through sleeve101of each leg member100,102and into frame20.

Preferably, back support arm46is hingedly secured to back40with nut and bolt fasteners known in the art. It should be recognized that any suitable and appropriate fastening means could be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the present disclosure, such as, for exemplary purposes only, a compression or cotter pin, a hinge, spring, or the like. Positional stop members34a,34bare preferably fixedly secured to frame20with a plurality of bolts and lock nuts, as known in the art. As previously noted, other fastening means may be utilized and/or positional stop members34a,34bmay be welded or integrally formed with frame20.

Accordingly, as described, selectable adjustment of multi-position beach chair10enables definition of three in-use positions: (A) as an upright seat with a users feet flat on the ground, (B) as a recliner, with an angularly reclined back and an angularly declined footrest, and (C) as a bed, with an essentially coplanar back, seat, and footrest, and also a storage and transport position (D) folded flat. In use, first, leg member100,102may be rotated into a generally perpendicular position relative to the plane of frame20, and leg members100,102for secure support of chair10thereupon. Once secure, any of the plurality of positions may be selected.

For position (A), back support arm46may be raised to position between second cross support member30and positional stop members34a,34b. Coincidentally thereto, footrest80may be lowered to a position essentially flush with front leg member100. Generally, in preferred position A, back40and footrest80are each perpendicular to the plane of frame20, defining a standard upright chair configuration. For position (B), back support arm46may be lowered to position proximate rear frame member26a, forming an acute angle relative to the plane of frame20. Footrest80may be raised to form an acute angle relative to the plane of front leg member100, preferably about 45°, but any desirable angle may be selected. Plurality of pins110may be installed to fix the selected position of footrest80for use. For position (C), back support arm46may be positioned generally flush against back40, thereby enabling back40to define a position relatively near coplanar, or parallel, with the plane of frame20. Footrest80may be raised and secured to form, preferably, a right angle relative to the plane of front leg member100. Support surfaces of chair10are generally horizontal, relative to the ground, in such a position. Finally, for position (D), back40may be rotated and positioned in a generally flush position relative to the plane of frame20. Similarly, footrest80may be rotated and positioned in a generally flush position relative to the plane of frame20, and proximate back40, and leg members100,102may be opposingly rotated and opposingly positioned also proximate back40. At any time, cushion141may be placed thereupon, as desired.