Multi-position multi-purpose support and storage structure

A multi-position support structure providing a firm support surface selectively disposable at different angles for supporting articles or portions of the human body. The device also provides interior space for the storage of articles such as books or magazines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
In the past so-called recliners or cushions have been proposed which 
provide alternate positions of use for supporting the user in a generally 
upright position or in a position of repose. Such proposals are 
exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,244,440; 2,769,486; 3,003,815; and 
3,120,008. 
While certain of these prior devices have at least limited effectiveness 
for specialized use, they are in some cases of relatively complex 
construction, require adjustment, or repositioning of parts. In many cases 
they do not provide the rigid support required for many applications and 
none provide an effective available article storage space. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
It is a principal purpose and object of the present invention to provide a 
two-position hard surface support or recliner which is rigid, durable, and 
of relatively uncomplicated construction so as to permit its manufacture 
and sale at a modest price. 
In attaining these and other objects, the present invention provides a 
two-position recliner or support comprising a main planar rigid support 
member together with alternate base structures rigid with the support 
member to permit the stable disposition of the support surface in either 
of two angled positions with respect to a floor, table or other similar 
surface. 
The recliner of the present invention is always ready for instant use and 
may be disposed in either of its two principal positions without the 
adjustment of parts. 
The recliner of the present invention is of rigid, durable construction and 
retains its configuration despite the application of relatively heavy 
loads. By virture of the utilization of a unique angular and dimensional 
relationship between the support surface and the base structure, the 
recliner achieves stability under any given applied load and effectively 
resists tipping or displacement. 
The recliner of the present invention also provides a convenient, readily 
accessible storage space for small articles, such as magazines or books. 
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become 
apparent as the description proceeds.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the recliner of the 
present invention comprises a main, rigid support member 10 adapted to be 
supported in a generally upright position as shown in FIG. 1 on a first 
base structure indicated generally at 12 and in a less steeply inclined 
position as shown, for example, in FIG. 4 on a second base structure 
indicated generally at 14. 
The unit may be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, masonite or 
plastic. In all cases, however, the materials selected should provide the 
requisite strength, rigidity, light weight and low cost. 
In the illustrated embodiment, the main support member 10 and the base 
structure 12 are of 1/8 inches thick masonite and the remaining components 
are wood. All of the parts may be secured together by screws or glue to 
form a strong, rigid, durable construction. 
A pair of stiffeners 16 extend along the side edges of the main support 
member 10 and are suitably secured at one end to a cross-member 18 which 
extends along one end of the support member 10 to form a portion of the 
base structure 14. The adjacent ends of the main support member 10 and the 
main base member 20 are suitably secured to appropriately angled surfaces 
of a cross-brace 22. Additional bracing is provided by side members 24 and 
26 which are suitably secured to the base member 20 and to the main 
support member 10 and to the stiffeners 16. This structure is completed by 
a cross-strip 28, which extends across the unit from side to side and is 
secured to the end of the base member 20 and the adjacent surfaces of the 
brace members 24 and 26. It will be noted that the base members 28 and 18 
are coplanar to form the base structure when the unit is utilized in the 
position of FIG. 4. 
When the unit occupies the position of FIGS. 1 and 2, the support surface 
10 is disposed at a pitch angle A which is the angle between the support 
surface 10 and the base structure 12 and when the unit is installed in a 
position of FIG. 4, the support surface is disposed at a pitch angle B 
with respect to the supporting surface. 
It is a feature of the invention that the unit is stable in either of its 
positions, that is, it resists tipping on the application of applied load 
and is resistant to displacement along its supporting surface. To achieve 
this result it has been discovered that the sum of the pitch angles A and 
B shall be not more than 80.degree. for most common surfaces. It has also 
been discovered that the larger pitch angle A shall be less than 
45.degree..The tangent of the smaller pitch angle B shall be greater than 
one-half of the sine of double the pitch angle A divided by the quantity 
(2-cosine of double the pitch angle A). 
So long as these angular relationships are maintained the unit can be 
scaled up or down as desired. Typically, a recliner designed for general 
use may have a main support surface approximately 27 inches by 16 inches, 
and a base 20 approximately 14 inches by 16 inches. If desired, the upper 
surface of the main support member 10 may be covered by a cushion or pad 
of conventional construction. 
In addition to its utility for supporting the head and upper body of user 
or the legs of a user in a suitably elevated position, the unit may also 
be installed as shown in FIG. 5 to provide a convenient and decorative 
storage space for books, magazines and the like, the base structure 12, 
the side supports 24 and 26 and the cross-member 14 providing, with the 
main support member 10, a storage base of considerable volume. Also, the 
base member 18 provides a convenient handle to enhance supportability of 
the unit. 
The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing 
from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present 
embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative 
and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the 
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes 
which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are 
therefore intended to be embraced therein.