Patent Publication Number: US-2003227209-A1

Title: Armchair

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to an armchair and, more particularly, to an armchair in which a plurality of elastic cords is stretched in a seat area and a seatback area and in which a pair of armrests is adjustable in the lateral direction of the armchair.  
       [0003] 2. Description of Related Art  
       [0004] It is well known that chairs are made in various configurations. One of them is provided with a plurality of elastic cords that are stretched in a seat area and a seatback area for a person to sit on and recline against. Because the spaces between the cords expose additional parts of his/her body to the surrounding air, the person feels comfortably cool especially on hot summer days.  
       [0005] However, this chair has no structure to support the hands and the person has to rest his/her hands on other parts of his/her body while sitting on the chair.  
       [0006] Therefore, it is an objective of the invention to provide an armchair to mitigate and/or obviate the aforementioned problem.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an armchair in which a plurality of elastic cords is stretched in a seat area and a seatback area.  
       [0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an armchair in which a pair of armrests is adjustable in the lateral direction of the armchair.  
       [0009] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0010]FIG. 1 is a front view of an armchair in accordance with the present invention; and  
     [0011]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view, showing a pair of devices for connecting armrests to a frame. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0012] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of an armchair in accordance with the present invention. The armchair includes a frame ( 10 ) defining a seatback area and a seat area, with a plurality of elastic cords ( 30 ) stretched in the two areas. As illustrated, the cords ( 30 ) may be arranged into groups, each consisting of two cords ( 30 ) that terminate in opposed buckles ( 31 ) fastened to the frame ( 10 ). The frame ( 10 ) is supported on a base ( 20 ), preferably in such a manner that it may swivel on the base ( 20 ). It is more preferable that the base ( 20 ) is formed with several bottom wheels and is adapted to lift the frame ( 10 ) pneumatically.  
     [0013] Alternatively, as can be conceived, the frame ( 10 ) may be supported on the base ( 20 ) in such a manner that the frame ( 10 ) is fixed to said base ( 20 ).  
     [0014] Irrespective of the manner in which the frame ( 10 ) is supported, there is provided a pair of armrests ( 50 ) arranged on sides of the frame ( 10 ). The armrests ( 50 ) are connected to the frame ( 10 ) by means of devices ( 40 ), which are to be described in detail hereinafter.  
     [0015] Referring to FIG. 2, each of the devices ( 40 ) has an upper piece ( 41 ) and a lower piece ( 42 ). The upper piece ( 41 ) is bent to form a raised top portion ( 411 ) and a bottom portion ( 412 ) and each of the portions ( 411 ,  412 ) is attached to the frame ( 10 ) beneath the seat area, such as by screws. Additionally, the upper piece ( 41 ) has an inclined piece ( 413 ) sloping from the top portion ( 411 ) towards the bottom portion ( 412 ) to cover the screws.  
     [0016] The lower piece ( 42 ) is fastened to the upper piece ( 41 ). In detail, the lower piece ( 42 ) includes an arm ( 422 ) having an outer end formed with a connector ( 421 ) that is attached to the armrest ( 50 ). The lower piece ( 42 ) is further formed, in the arm ( 422 ), with a plurality of oblong holes ( 423 ) through which screws extend and then threadedly engage with the upper piece ( 41 ), thereby allowing the lower piece ( 42 ) and hence the armrest ( 50 ) to be adjustable in the lateral direction of the armchair.  
     [0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the lateral adjustment of the lower pieces ( 42 ) enables variation of the distance between the two armrest ( 50 ) for an individual person sitting in the armchair.  
     [0018] From the above description, it is apparent that this invention has the advantage of allowing the armrests to be adjustable in the lateral direction of the armchair.  
     [0019] It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.