Patent Publication Number: US-2023136879-A1

Title: Outdoor chaise lounge with integrated lock-box to secure valuables

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/551,556, filed Aug. 26, 2019, entitled “Outdoor Chaise Lounge with Integrated Lock-Box to Secure Valuables,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/192,772, filed Jun. 24, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,390,624 issued on Aug. 27, 2019, entitled “Outdoor Chaise Lounge with Integrated Lock-Box to Secure Valuables,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/445,854, filed Jul. 29, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,375,092 issued on Jun. 28, 2016, entitled “Outdoor Chaise Lounge With Integrated Lock-Box To Secure Valuables,” which is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/021,827, filed Sep. 9, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,884 issued on Jul. 29, 2014, entitled “Outdoor Chaise Lounge With Integrated Lock-Box To Secure Valuables,” which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Attending pools and beaches is a favorite pastime for people around the globe. Pools, such as hotel pools, and beaches have become destination locations that often include snack bars or have food for purchase, items, such as inner-tubes, for rent or sale, or other items available for rent or purchase. To purchase or rent the food or items, people generally bring wallets and/or purses, to carry forms of payment, such as money, credit cards, or otherwise. 
     Mobile electronic devices, such as mobile phones, electronic games, and digital reading devices, have become prevalent throughout society. People take mobile electronic devices nearly everywhere, including pools and beaches, because mobile electronic devices provide safety, entertainment, communications, leisure reading, and other information and utility. While having valuables, such as forms of payment and mobile electronic devices, are beneficial to people at pools and beaches, it also provides an opportunity for theft by others when people leave the valuables unattended. Because of the fear of theft, people tend to leave one person with the valuables while others go swimming or elsewhere or limit their separation from the valuables (e.g., stay within eyesight of the valuables, concealing valuables with a towel or clothes, etc.) when enjoying themselves in the water, when playing on the beach, etc. As a result, the desired leisure experience tends to be limited as a result of the stress of having valuables stolen while at pools and beaches. In addition to potential theft, there is also a concern of damage to mobile devices (i) if sand or water enters the devices through a data power socket or otherwise or (ii) if the user simply drops the device on a pool deck. 
     SUMMARY 
     In order to minimize the chance of damage, loss, or theft of valuables, such as forms of payment, mobile electronic devices, or otherwise, the principles of the present invention provide for an outdoor chaise lounge that includes an integrated lock-box such that a user may lock his or her valuables in the lock-box to be secured therein. The lock-box may have a mechanical or electromechanical lock to enable a user to lock and unlock his or her valuables in the lock-box. If an electromechanical lock is used, the outdoor chaise lounge may include a photovoltaic device to convert light into electricity to charge a rechargeable battery used to power the electromechanical lock. 
     One embodiment of an outdoor chaise lounge may include a frame, multiple legs coupled to and extending below the frame to support the frame, a seat member coupled to the frame to enable a user to sit or lay on the seat member, a lock-box fixedly supported by the frame that enables a user of the outdoor chaise lounge to store and lock items therein. The lock-box may include a lock-box door inclusive of a user interface that enables a user to lock and unlock the lock-box. A door member may be coupled to the seat member and have a closed position and an open position such that when said door member is in the open position, the user has access to the user interface on the lock-box door. 
     One method of manufacturing an outdoor chaise lounge may include providing a frame, providing a plurality of legs, coupling the legs to and extending the legs below the frame to support the frame, coupling a seat member to the frame to enable a user to sit or lay on the seat member, and fixedly supporting a lock-box by the frame to enable a user of the outdoor chaise lounge to store and lock items therein. The lock-box may include a lock-box door inclusive of a user interface that enables a user to lock and unlock the lock-box. A door member may be coupled to the seat member and having a closed position and an open position such that when the door member is in the open position, the user has access to the user interface on the lock-box door. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1 A  is an illustration of an illustrative outdoor chaise lounge that has an integrated lock-box positioned beneath a backrest of the outdoor chaise lounge in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  1 B  is an illustration of an illustrative RFID bracelet that may be utilized with the lock-box of  FIG.  1    for unlocking an electronic lock of the lock-box; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are illustrations of an alternative illustrative outdoor chaise lounge that has an integrated lock-box that is positioned beneath a foot portion of the seat member of the outdoor chaise lounge; 
         FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  are illustrations of yet another alternative illustrative outdoor chaise lounge that has an integrated lock-box that extends sideways from the outdoor chaise lounge; 
         FIG.  4    is an illustration of an illustrative outdoor chaise lounge that has integrated lock-boxes in an armrest and a leg at a foot region of the outdoor chaise lounge in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is an illustration of an illustrative network environment in which a mobile device may be configured to communicate with a safe or lock-box positioned at an outdoor chaise lounge to lock and/or unlock the lock-box; 
         FIG.  6    is a block diagram of illustrative circuitry for use in controlling and operating a lock-box positioned at an outdoor chaise lounge; 
         FIG.  7    is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for renting and operating a lock-box at an outdoor chaise lounge; 
         FIG.  8    is a block diagram of an illustrative network environment in which a user may rent a lock-box at an outdoor chaise lounge; 
         FIG.  9    is an illustration of an illustrative outdoor chaise lounge that has been retrofitted with a lock-box; 
         FIG.  10    is an illustration of a cutout view of an illustrative lock-box that is weather proof for use with outdoor chaise lounges; 
         FIG.  11    is an illustration of a rear view of an illustrative lock-box having a wire basket for use with outdoor chaise lounges; 
         FIG.  12    is an illustration of an illustrative lock-box configured with a hinged lid door; 
         FIG.  13    is an illustration of an illustrative lock-box configured with sliding lid door; 
         FIG.  14    is an illustration of an illustrative lock-box configured with a sliding drawer; 
         FIG.  15    is an illustration of illustrative outdoor chaise lounges, configured with one or more lock-boxes, in a stacked configuration; 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 C  are illustrations of an illustrative sliding lock-box in three different positions that may be integrated with an outdoor chaise lounge; and 
         FIG.  17    is a flow diagram of an illustrative process for enabling a user to rent a lock-box configured with an outdoor chaise lounge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With regard to  FIG.  1 A , an illustration of an illustrative outdoor chaise lounge  100  that has an integrated lock-box  102  supported by a frame  103  and legs  104  of the outdoor chaise lounge  100  is shown. The outdoor chaise lounge  100  may include a seat member  106   a  and  106   b , where seat member  106   b  may rotate upward to operate as a backrest  106   b . In this embodiment, the integrated lock-box  102  is positioned beneath the backrest  106   b . The lock-box  102  may include a door  108  with a user interface  110  that enables a user to access the lock-box  102 . The user interface  110  may have a wide range of configurations, including keypad, RFID scanner, wireless receiver, barcode reader, credit/debit card reader (e.g., magnetic strip reader), room key reader, electronic display, keyhole, or any other electromechanical or electronic interface that enables a user or device responsive to a user to communicate with the user interface  110  to lock and unlock the lock-box  102  so as to enable the user to add and remove personal items from the lock-box  102 . In an alternative embodiment, the lock-box  102  may utilize a mechanical key and lock mechanism, as understood in the art. The door  108  of the lock-box  102  may also include a handle  111  that is integral or integrated with the door  108  to allow for the user to open and close the door  108  of the lock-box  102 . 
     With regard to  FIG.  1 B , an illustration of an illustrative RFID bracelet  118  that may be utilized with the lock-box  102  of  FIG.  1    for unlocking an electronic lock (not shown) of the lock-box  102  is shown. The RFID bracelet  118  may include a band  120  that is flexible and size adjustable to accommodate for adults and children. The RFID bracelet  118  may have an integrated RFID tag  122  that may be fixedly programmed with a certain code so as to be limited to a single lock-box or be reprogrammable to enable an operator or user (e.g., renter) to change the code. In one embodiment, the RFID tag  122  may be disposable. Alternatively, the RFID tag  122  may be configured to be moved from one band to another, as the RFID tag  122  may be expensive, whereas the bands may be inexpensive or have different sizes. It should be understood that any form of RFID tag may be utilized in accordance with the principles of the present invention. However, because the outdoor chaise lounges are generally used around pools or beach, the use of a bracelet may provide more convenience and safety for users than other forms or carriers in which the RFID tags may be incorporated. 
     With regard to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , illustrations of an alternative illustrative outdoor chaise lounge  200  that has an integrated lock-box  202  that is positioned beneath a foot region  204  of a seat member  206  of the outdoor chaise lounge  200  are shown. In this embodiment, the lock-box  202  may be positioned beneath a door  208 , such as a hinged door, that is integrated with the seat member  206  that enables the user to access the lock-box  202  through the seat member  206 . In one embodiment, the door  208  may be configured with a user interface (not shown), as described with regard to  FIG.  1 A . Alternatively, the door  208  may be more of a protector cover for the lock-box  202  and be of the same or different material, such as wood or plastic, than that of the seat member  206 . If the door  208  functions as a cover, than another door (not shown) for the lock-box  202  may be position beneath the door  208  and include the user interface. It should be understood that the user interface need not be a physical “touch” user interface, such as a keypad, with which a user physically touches, but may be a wireless user interface that communicates locally with an RFID tag, near field communication (NFC) interface that communicates locally with a mobile device or other item, or otherwise (e.g., remote control receiver that receives lock and unlock commands with a remote control device with which the user may use). 
     By having the lock-box  202  positioned at the foot region  204  of the seat member  206 , in the event that the outdoor chaise lounge  200  is positioned in a tight spacing configuration with other outdoor chaise lounges, as is common at large, crowded pools and beaches, the user can access the lock-box  202  without having to walk around the outdoor chaise lounge  200  to raise a backrest member  212  of the seat member  206 , as is the case with outdoor chaise lounge  100  of  FIG.  1 A . The lock-box  202  is shown to include a housing  214  that extends below the seat member  206  and be shorter than legs  210  of the outdoor chaise lounge  200 , thereby enabling the outdoor chaise lounge  200  to be stacked with other outdoor chaise lounges (see  FIG.  15   ). 
     With regard to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , illustrations of yet another alternative illustrative outdoor chaise lounge  300  that has an integrated lock-box  302  that extends sideways from the outdoor chaise lounge  300  are shown.  FIG.  3 A  shows the lock-box  302  in a stowed position, and  FIG.  3 B  shows the lock-box  302  in an extended position. In the extended position, the lock-box  302  may provide a user with access to the lock-box  302 , as previously described, and also provide a user with a “table” or shelf (i.e., top surface or lid  304  of the lock-box  302 ) on which drinks or other items may be placed. In one embodiment, sufficient hardware (e.g., slides) (not shown) may be provided to enable the lock-box  302  to be extended to either or both sides of the outdoor chaise lounge  302 . In one embodiment, multiple lock-boxes may be supported by the outdoor chaise lounge, thereby enabling the user to store items in each without having to extend a larger lock-box to one side (i.e., smaller lock-boxes may be slid out on each side and/or from the foot and/or head) of the outdoor chaise lounge. In the case of a larger lock-box, rather than the door covering the entire compartment, the door may be hinged half way over the chamber, so that a portion, such as half, of the lock-box  302  may remain beneath the seat member to limit the extent that the lock-box  302  has to be extended from the outdoor chaise lounge. Having a hinged half-door may also allow a user to open the door without having to move items from the non-rotating portion of the door. 
     With regard to  FIG.  3 C , a detailed view of the lock-box  302  of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  is shown. The lock-box  302  is shown to include a variety of different user interface items, including a keypad  306 , antenna(s)  308  for receiving wireless communications, credit card reader  310 , touch screen display  312 , and/or other user interface component(s), such as status indicator(s)  314 . In one embodiment, a coin and/or bill reader (not shown) may be included at the outdoor chaise lounge  300  to rent the lock-box  302 . The lid or door  304  may be pivotally configured with the lock-box  302 , and be inclusive of a seal  315  either on the door or along an interface with which the door  304  contacts when closed to prevent water from entering a compartment of the lock-box  302 . Moreover, the compartment may be sub-divided with divider(s)  316  and be padded with a soft material (e.g., felt) to limit damaging items that are stored therein. Outlets, charging ports, input/output (I/O) ports or other ports  318  that a user may desire to use to charge or access content via a network, such as the Internet, may be provided within the lock-box  302 . 
     A variety of different configurations to provide the user with access to the various ports, such as through a front or side internal or external wall of the lock-box  302  may be provided in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Such access to the ports  318  may be restricted to a user who rents the lock-box  302  or any user of the outdoor chaise lounge  300 . A master key slot  320  may provide for an operator to override any electronic control of the lock-box  302 . A master passcode or PIN may also be available to an operator to access the lock-box  302 . The lock-box  302  may also have an identifier, serial number, other printed indicia  322  to allow a user and operator to know which lock-box is positioned on an outdoor chaise lounge  300 . In one embodiment, a solar panel  324  positioned on a front face  326  of the lock-box  302 . Mounting hardware  328  that enables the lock-box  302  to slide in and out from beneath a seat portion (chair deck and rails)  330  may be utilized. 
     With regard to  FIG.  4   , an illustration of an illustrative outdoor chaise lounge  400  that has integrated lock-boxes  402  and  404  respectively positioned in an armrest  406  and leg  408  at a foot region of the outdoor chaise lounge  400  in accordance with the principles of the present invention is shown. A lock-box  410  may also be positioned beneath a headrest  412  of the outdoor chaise lounge  400 . It should be understood that multiple lock-boxes are optional and that more than two lock-boxes may be integrated with the outdoor chaise lounge  400 . As further shown, a solar panel  414  may be positioned along a top portion of the back rest  412  of the outdoor chaise lounge  400  and integrated therein. The solar panel  414  may alternatively be retrofitted onto an existing outdoor chaise lounge. Because the lock-box(es)  402 ,  404 , and  410  may use electricity for powering electronics configured to provide for functionality (e.g., lock and unlock), the solar panel  414  may be used to power and/or recharge one or more rechargeable batteries (not shown) mounted to or integrated with the outdoor chaise lounge  400  or lock-box(es)  402 ,  404 , and/or  410 . And, because the outdoor chaise lounge  400  has the availability of electricity, additional features may be provided with the outdoor chaise lounge  400 , including: 
     (i) a pager interface (not shown) for notifying an attendant to visit the user at the outdoor chaise lounge; 
     (ii) an alarm (not shown) to alert a lifeguard or attendant of an incident, such as a drowning victim; 
     (iii) a fan (not shown) for cooling down a person; 
     (iv) a mister (not shown) for use in providing water mist to the user; 
     (v) a charger (not shown) for charging a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, which may be inside the lock-box; 
     (vi) a media device (not shown), such as a radio, television, CD player, electronic display, speakers with Bluetooth® interface (all not shown); 
     (vii) a display (not shown) that provides for status of lock-box  402 , enables a user to create a personal identification number (PIN) or passcode, input a passcode, open lock of the lock-box, or otherwise (e.g., usage status of the outdoor chaise lounge  400 ); 
     (viii) a light (not shown) positioned on the outdoor chaise lounge  400  or extending vertically from the outdoor chaise lounge  400  on an extension arm (not shown) to notify an attendant that attention is desired; or 
     (ix) any other device that may use electricity that is capable of being powered by a rechargeable battery by the solar panel  414 . 
     It should be understood that the solar panel  414  may be configured in a variety of ways with the outdoor chaise lounge  400  or that an external solar panel that is not integrated with the outdoor chaise lounge  400  (e.g., integrated with a nearby table or umbrella) may be plugged into an outlet (not shown) on the outdoor chaise lounge  400  for recharging a rechargeable battery (not shown) that is integrated with the lock-box  402  or outdoor chaise lounge  400 . 
     With regard to  FIG.  5   , an illustration of an illustrative network environment  500  in which a mobile device  502  may be configured to wirelessly communicate via a communications network  504   a  and/or  504   b  (e.g., mobile communications network, WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, Infrared, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or otherwise) with a safe or lock-box  506  positioned at an outdoor chaise lounge, such as outdoor chaise lounge  300  of  FIG.  3   , to lock and/or unlock the lock-box  506  is shown. It should be understood that a variety of different mechanisms, techniques, and communications protocols, for communicating with a user interface and/or looking mechanism of a lock-box are contemplated. 
     With regard to  FIG.  6   , a block diagram of illustrative circuitry  600  for use in controlling and operating a lock-box positioned at an outdoor chaise lounge is provided. The circuitry  600  may be formed of multiple modules, including master control unit  602 , I/O circuitry  604 , electronic display  606 , antenna(s)  608  for communicating over one or more different frequency bands and using one or more different communications protocols, locking mechanism  610 , battery and/or rechargeable battery  612 , power management module  614 , solar panel(s)  616 , keypad  618 , alarm (e.g., speaker)  620 , and so on. The master control unit  602  may execute software to manage operations of the circuitry for communicating with and operating the locking mechanism  610  to control access to a compartment  622  of the lock-box. Power and databus outlets (not shown) may also be provided by the circuitry  600 . An override mechanism  624  that may be electrical (e.g., circuitry and/or software) or mechanical (e.g., physical key/lock) that may be used as a master override may be utilized to open the lock mechanism  610 . 
     With regard to  FIG.  7   , a flow diagram of an illustrative process  700  for using an app on a mobile device for renting and operating a lock-box at an outdoor chaise lounge is shown. The process  700  may start at step  702  for loading an app on a mobile device or accessing a website. Payment/authorization may be received from the app or website to enable a lock-box to be rented at step  704 . In one embodiment, an identifier of the particular lock-box may be given. The identifier may be associated with a particular network address that is unique to a lock-box, thereby enabling remotely controlling the lock-box via a communications network. A token, password, key, or other identifier may be generated by a computing device or received from the user, or simply communicated to the lock-box at step  706 . At step  708 , to unlock the lock-box, the user may enter a passcode or PIN (supplied by the user via the app or website) into a user interface. Alternatively, the lock-box may be controlled remotely via a remote server or other communications device or system, such as a kiosk or operator station. At step  710 , a time duration (e.g., 4 hours) for rental or use of the lock-box may be monitored and, if time runs out, then the process may restart at step  702 . Otherwise, the user may continue to access (i.e., lock and unlock) the lock-box. The user may also actively terminate using the lock-box, and the process  700  is restarted in response thereto. An information management system managed and/or operated by an operator or owner of the outdoor chaise lounges may be utilized to store information being used to control and operate the lock-boxes associated with the outdoor chaise lounges. 
     With regard to  FIG.  8   , a block diagram of an illustrative network environment in which a user may rent a lock-box at an outdoor chaise lounge from among multiple outdoor chaise lounges  802   a - 802   c  (collectively  802 ) is shown. In the network environment  800  shown, a local area network  804  may be utilized. The local area network  804  may be a WiFi network or any other LAN configuration or protocol, as understood in the art, where each of the outdoor chaise lounges with lock-boxes may have a different network address, as understood in the art. An access point  806 , server  808 , and other network devices may be provided to support communications to and from the lock-boxes. If the outdoor chaise lounges  802  are at a hotel, resort, cruise ship, or otherwise, then the user may access the lock-boxes via a hospitality management system via a hotel television system, telephone system, intranet, or any other system offered by the hotel, resort, cruise ship, or otherwise. The access point  808  may be a kiosk, vending machine, web portal, smartphone app, and/or hospitality management system. 
     With regard to  FIG.  9   , an illustration of an illustrative outdoor chaise lounge  900  that has been retrofitted with a lock-box  902  is shown. In this embodiment, a lock-box may be retrofitted into an existing outdoor chaise lounge by adding brackets  904  that support the lock-box. In addition to the brackets  904 , other hardware, such as sliders  906 , hinges (not shown), and/or other members (e.g., fastening members) may be used to support the lock-box  902 . By retrofitting the lock-box  902  onto an existing outdoor chaise lounge  900 , an owner of outdoor chaise lounges may simply purchase, rent, or otherwise acquire the lock-boxes and supporting communications equipment without having to purchase new outdoor chaise lounges or have an operator of the lock-boxes have to provide new outdoor chaise lounges in the case where the operator of the lock-boxes offers new outdoor chaise lounges with integrated lock-boxes with a revenue sharing arrangement, for example. In retrofitting the outdoor chaise lounge  900 , fastening members that are atypical, non-standard, or configured in a manner (e.g., overlapping retrofitting elements) to be difficult to remove may be utilized to reduce the potential for the lock-boxes to be removed by someone other than authorized personnel. To further secure a lock-box, such as lock-box  114  ( FIG.  1   ) or lock-box  902 , to an outdoor chaise lounge, such as outdoor chaise lounges  100  ( FIG.  1   ) and  900 , the lock-box may be fixedly attached to a frame member of a frame, such as frame  103  ( FIG.  1   ). In one embodiment, the frame may be formed of multiple frame elements. One or more brackets (e.g., brackets  904 ) may be configured to be connected between the multiple frame elements, thereby fixedly securing the lock-box  902  to the frame and preventing the lock-box from being removed from the frame without separating the multiple frame members. Additionally and/or alternatively, a bracket may be configured to mount the lock-box to the frame, and fastening members may be configured to fixedly secure the lock-box to the frame. A cover member may be configured to prevent direct access to the fastening members, where the cover member includes at least one cover fastening member being different from the fastening members. 
     With regard to  FIG.  10   , an illustration of a cutout view of an illustrative lock-box  1000  that is weather proof for use with an outdoor chaise lounge  1001  is shown. A locking mechanism  1002  may be included, where an elastomeric seal  1004  surrounding a region at which a lid or door of the lock-box  1000  may be included to protect a compartment  1006  of the lock-box  1000  in which items may be stored. 
     With regard to  FIG.  11   , an illustration of a rear view of an illustrative lock-box  1100  having a wire basket  1102  for use with an outdoor chaise lounge  1104  is shown. The use of the wire basket  1102  is not weather proof, but simply provides for a secured holder of personal items. In one embodiment, a cover may be formed of a solid material, such as plastic or wood, that prevents rain and sun from directly entering the wire basket. Because the cover will be subjected to sunlight and weather conditions, the cover may be formed of a material that is capable of surviving long periods of time in sunlight and can withstand wide temperature and moisture conditions for longer use without having to be replaced. 
     With regard to  FIG.  12   , an illustration of an illustrative lock-box  1200  configured with a hinged lid door  1202  is shown. Such a configuration may be used with certain configurations and positions of lock-boxes, such as those described hereinabove. In one embodiment, the door  1202  may be biased to a closed position using a spring (not shown) or other design mechanism, so that the door will close automatically unless being physically held open by a user, thereby reducing the chance that rain or other water will enter the compartment. Other covers or enclosure mechanisms may use the same or similar close-position bias design function. 
     With regard to  FIG.  13   , an illustration of an illustrative lock-box  1300  configured with a sliding lid door  1302  is shown. The use of the sliding door  1302  enables the lock-box  1300  not to be fully slid out from beneath an outdoor chaise lounge to access a compartment of the lock-box. 
     With regard to  FIG.  14   , an illustration of an illustrative lock-box  1400  configured with a sliding drawer  1402  is shown. The sliding drawer  1402  may be used to reduce the amount of hardware that would otherwise have to support movement of the entire lock-box  1400 . 
     With regard to  FIG.  15   , an illustration of illustrative outdoor chaise lounges  1500 , configured with one or more lock-boxes  1502 , in a stacked configuration is shown. Because of the configurations and positions of the various lock-boxes or safes  1502 , the outdoor chaise lounges are able to be stacked as is normally done. In one embodiment, the lock-boxes  1502  may be centrally positioned with respect to the outdoor chaise lounges (i.e., centered horizontally and longitudinally), thereby making moving and lifting the outdoor chaise lounges more balanced for attendants and users of the outdoor chaise lounges. 
     With regard to  FIGS.  16 A- 16 C , illustrations of an illustrative sliding lock-box  1600  in three different positions that may be integrated with an outdoor chaise lounge are shown. In  FIG.  16 A , the lock-box  1600  is stowed under a seat member  1602  and chair rail or frame  1604  of the outdoor chaise lounge. In  FIG.  16 B , the lock-box is extended from beneath the seat member  1602 , thereby providing for a “table” or shelf  1606  on which a user may place items. In  FIG.  16 C , a lock-box compartment  1608  may be further extended from beneath the table  1606  portion or cover of the lock-box  1600 , thereby enabling a user to access the contents of the lock-box  1600  without having to alter the table  1606 . In one embodiment, the lock-box  1600  may be slid out from beneath the seat member  1602  whether or not the user has rented or is using the compartment  1608  to provide the user with convenience of the table  1606 . This configuration may also be considered a two-stage drawer. 
     With regard to  FIG.  17   , a flow diagram of an illustrative process  1700  for enabling a user to rent a lock-box configured with an outdoor chaise lounge is shown. The process  1700  may include making a payment at step  1702 . The safe or lock-box may be in a closed position at step  1704 , and a passcode or PIN may be created or received at step  1706 . At the lock-box or via a remote system, the user may enter a passcode to cause the lock-box to lock. In the event that the user is provided with an RFID bracelet (see  FIG.  1 B ), then the user may place the RFID tag of the bracelet near the lock-box to cause the lock-box to lock. The lock-box or remote system may confirm a passcode provided to the lock-box at step  1708 . If the passcode matches at step  1710 , the lock-box may be locked at step  1712 , otherwise the process may reform to step  1706 . To unlock the lock-box, the passcode may be reentered into and received by the lock-box by a user at step  1714 . It should be understood that the lock-box may be configured to remain unlocked unless a valid passcode is entered, as determined at step  1716 , where the lock-box may be opened at step  1718 . In other words, the lock-box may be normally unlock unless controlled by a user to cause the lock-box to lock, thereby reducing the chance that something will unintentionally be locked in the lock-box by someone who does not know the passcode. At step  1720 , an override process, such as using a physical key, may be used to unlock and open the lock-box. 
     Although the lock-boxes described herein have been applied to an outdoor chaise lounge, it should be understood that the lock-box may be applied to other items or fixtures in accordance with the principles of the present invention. For example, tables, chairs, and other devices may also have lock-boxes applied thereto for rental or otherwise. 
     The previous description is of a preferred embodiment for implementing the invention, and the scope of the invention should not necessarily be limited by this description. The scope of the present invention is instead defined by the following claims.