Abstract:
Disclosed is a hanging chair that is capable of accommodating more than one individual. Also provided is a hanging chair that includes a suspension structure that distributes the increased load that is associated with having more than one person in the chair over a length of the overhead support. By distributing the load, the possibility of the overhead support or the suspension structure failing is, inmost situations, reduced. The present invention further provides a hanging chair that is capable of rotating about a vertical axis without causing binding or twisting of the suspension structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/217,530, filed on Dec. 21, 1998, now abandoned which a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/933,805, filed on Sep. 19, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,053. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a hanging chair that is generally comprised of a chair member and a structure for suspending the chair from an overhead support. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A hanging chair is comprised of a chair and a suspension structure that connects the chair to an overhead support. In one type of hanging chair, the chair is comprised of a flexible panel that is defined by an upper edge, left edge, right edge and lower edge. The distance between the upper and lower edges is generally adequate for supporting the head, torso and at least a portion of the lower extremities of the typical user. Similarly, the distance between the left and right edge is generally sufficient to support the width of the typical user. The suspension structure includes a laterally extending support member, i.e., a member that extends left to right across the body of a user when the user is in the chair, that is connected to the left and right sides of the flexible panel. Also part of the suspension structure is a rope for connecting the laterally extending support member to the overhead support. The ends of the rope are attached to the ends of the laterally extending support member. A loop at the midpoint of the rope is used to suspend the chair from a hook or similar structure that is anchored into the overhead support. In this particular embodiment, the laterally extending support member is generally of a length that is greater than the lateral or left-right dimension of the typical user. As a consequence, the laterally extending support member prevents the left and right sides of the flexible panel from folding in on the user when the user reclines in the chair. 
     In another embodiment that employs a flexible panel, the suspension system has been modified so that it also prevents the upper and lower edges of the panel from folding in on the user when the user reclines in the chair. This is accomplished by using two side support members that extend along the sides of the chair. One end of each of the side support members is connected to the upper end of a side and the other end is connected to the lower end of the side, thereby preventing the upper and lower edges of the panel from folding in on the user. The ends of the two side support members are connected to the ends of the laterally extending support member, which is connected to the overhead support as previously described. 
     A further type of hanging chair employs a chair that is comprised of a rigid peripheral structure, which is generally made of wood or some kind of tubing, and a web that spans the rigid peripheral structure. Typically, ropes or cables are used to attach the rigid peripheral structure to the overhead support. 
     Yet another type of hanging chair uses a chair in which at least one of the back and seat portions is made of wood, plastic or other relatively rigid material. The lateral sides of the chair member are typically attached to the overhead support member using ropes or chains. An example of this type of chair is the well known porch swing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a hanging chair that provides the user with the ability to readily adjust the angle of the chair relative to the ground. One embodiment of the invention includes a chair with a back portion for supporting the user&#39;s torso and a seat portion for supporting at least a portion of the lower extremities of the user. The chair is also generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis that divides the back and seat portions into a left lateral side and a right lateral side. When in use, the user&#39;s body generally reclines in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chair. A suspension structure is provided that serves both to hang the chair from an overhead support and to provide the user with the ability to readily adjust the angle of the chair relative to the ground. The suspension structure includes a longitudinally extending rod or pole, a first linkage for connecting the chair to the rod, and a second linkage for connecting the rod to the overhead structure. In adjusting the angle of the chair relative to the ground, the first linkage serves to maintain the position of the chair relative to the rod. As a consequence, the angle of the rod relative to the ground substantially determines the angle of the chair relative to the ground. The second linkage provides the ability to easily and quickly adjust the angle of the rod and the angle of the chair relative to the ground. In one embodiment, the second linkage includes a rope whose ends are attached to the ends of the rod and a slip knot that engages a hook or similar structure associated with the overhead support. By adjusting the location of the slip knot, the angle of the rod and chair relative to the ground can be readily adjusted. In another embodiment, the second linkage again uses a rope whose ends are attached to the ends of the rod. However, in this embodiment, a fixed knot is employed and the length of the rope extending between the ends of the rod is adjusted to change the angle of the chair. The length of rope is adjusted by changing the point on the rope at which the rope is attached to one end of the rod. In a third embodiment, the angle of the rod is altered by employing a second linkage that contacts the rod at a single location which can be adjusted. For example, if the second linkage joins the rod at a point that is closer to the back portion of the chair than the seat portion of the chair, the chair will be oriented in a relatively upright position. If the point at which the second linkage joins the rod is then moved more towards the seat portion of the chair, the chair is oriented in a more reclined position. 
     The present invention also provides for adjustment of the angle of the chair relative to the ground by permitting the distance between the seat portion and the ground to be adjusted. In this adjustment, the length of the linkage between the top of the back portion of the chair and the ground cannot be adjusted. However, the length of the linkage between points lower down on the back portion of the chair or on the seat portion of the chair and the ground can be adjusted. Adjustment of the length of this linkage, in effect, causes the chair to rotate about the top of the back portion of the chair, thereby changing the angle of the chair relative to the ground. Alternatively, a linkage associated with the seat portion of the chair could be of fixed length and the length of the linkage associated with points further up the chair could be adjustable to alter the angle of the chair relative to the ground. 
     Also provided by the present invention is a combination hanging chair and footrest that employs a less complex suspension structure than known hanging chairs. The chair portion of the invention is comprised of a flexible material. A suspension structure serves to hang the chair from an overhead support and to deploy the flexible material of the chair such that the chair does not collapse in upon the user. The suspension structure includes three rods and a linkage that connects the rods to the chair. The rods serve both to prevent (1) the left and right sides of the chair from collapsing in on the user and (2) the seat and back portions of the chair from collapsing in on the user. In other words, the rods serve to hold the flexible material of the chair open. At least one of the rods extends laterally, i.e. across the user&#39;s body when the user is in the chair. This rod is also employed to support the footrest. Know hanging chairs require at least four rods to accommodate a combination hanging chair and footrest. 
     The present invention also provides a hanging chair that is made of a flexible material and dimensioned to seat more than one person and a suspension structure that connects the chair member to an overhead support structure. Further, to prevent the individuals residing in the chair from being pushed towards one another, the chair includes a dividing member. In one embodiment, the dividing member includes a pair of straps that are located on a line that bisects the chair and that are attached to the suspension structure created an inverted V-shape in the flexible material to, in effect, separate a first chair from a second chair. 
     In another embodiment, the suspension structure is adapted to distribute the load that two or more individuals can create over a length of the overhead support. This serves, at least where the overhead support is supported at both of its ends, to reduce the possibility that the either the overhead support or suspension structure will fail under load. The load distribution aspect of the suspension structure is also applicable to hanging chairs that are dimensioned to seat a single individual. In one embodiment, the suspension structure is adapted to connect to at least two locations on the overhead beam. By establishing connections at two, spaced apart locations, the load of the chair and any occupants is divided such that a portion of the load is borne at one location and the remainder of the load is borne at the other location. 
     One embodiment of a hanging chair that can accommodate more than one individual employs a suspension structure that includes a longitudinal support member that, when the chair is suspended from an overhead support, lies substantially in a plane that bisects the chair member and is perpendicular to the ground. Also part of the suspension structure is a lateral support member that extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal support structure. The longitudinal and lateral support members serves, among other things, to hold a chair member that is made from flexible material open. In the case of a chair that accommodates more than one person, the lateral support member is longer than the longitudinal support member. For a two person chair, the lateral support member has a length greater than about four feet. 
     A further embodiment of the hanging chair includes a swivel that is located between the hanging chair and the overhead support. The swivel permits the chair to rotate about a vertical axis while prevent twisting or the binding of the remainder of the suspension structure. This prevents the chair from being rotated in, for example, a clockwise direction a number of times to establish a twist in the suspension structure and then later rotating in a counter-clockwise direction. Moreover, if a eye bolt is used to connect the chair member to the overhead support, the swivel prevents torque that could otherwise loosen the bolt. 
     A further embodiment of the hanging chair includes a chair member with a longitudinal line that bisects the chair member. When the chair member is suspended from an overhead support, the longitudinal line defines a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the ground. A suspension structure connects the chair member to the overhead support. The suspension structure includes a support member that has at least two points which lie in the plane defined by the longitudinal line; a first portion for connecting the chair member to the support member; and a second portion that connects the support member to the overhead support and lies substantially in the plane defined by the longitudinal line. Suitable support members include a rod that lies substantially entirely within the plane. Another suitable support member includes a hoop with two, diametrically opposite points located within the plane. Support members with many different shapes are possible, provided that the support member has at least two points that lie in the plane. In one embodiment, the second portion of the suspension structure also provides the ability to adjust the angle of the support member and, as a consequence, the angle of the chair member relative to the ground. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hanging chair of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a plan view of the chair portion of the hanging chair illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIGS. 3A and 3B are sides view of the hanging chair that illustrate the use of the longitudinally extending rod in adjusting the angle of the chair relative to the ground; 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the hanging chair that illustrate the use of an adjustable linkage to alter the angle of the chair relative to the ground; and 
     FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an alternative structure for adjusting the angle of the chair relative to the ground; 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another alternative structure for adjusting the angle of the chair relative to the ground; 
     FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative suspension structure that utilizes an I-shaped frame; 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a hanging chair that is capable of accommodating two, adult individuals; and 
     FIG. 9 illustrates a hoop shaped, support member. 
     FIG. 10 illustrates a hanging chair that is capable of accommodating two, adult individuals while also providing a structure for separating the two individuals from one another. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hanging chair  10  of the present invention. Generally, the hanging chair  10  includes a chair  12 , a suspension structure  14  for suspending the chair  12  from an overhead support  16 , and a footrest  18 . 
     With reference to FIG. 2, the chair  12  is comprised of a back portion  22  for supporting the user&#39;s back, a seat portion  24  for supporting the lower extremities of the user, and right and left side portions  26 A,  26 B that cooperate with the back portion  22  and seat portion  24  to form a “bucket” type seat. The chair  12  also includes right and left padded armrests  28 A,  28 B. A padded seat edge  29  is also provided for the user&#39;s comfort. The chair is further defined by four suspension points  30 A,  30 B,  30 C and  30 D that are the points of contact between the chair  12  and the suspension structure  14 . The four suspension points  30 A,  30 B,  30 C and  30 D also roughly define a quadrilateral shape and more specifically a trapezoidal shape. To elaborate, a line drawn between the first and second suspension points  30 A,  30 B is substantially parallel to, but shorter than a line drawn between the third and fourth suspension points  30 C,  30 D. Further, a line drawn between the first and third suspension points  30 A,  30 C is substantially the same length as, but not parallel to a line drawn between the second and fourth suspension points  30 B,  30 D. It should also be appreciated that the chair  12  is substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis  32 . In the illustrated embodiment the chair is made of a flexible material, such as canvas, upholstery fabric, tapestry fabric, woven mesh, leather, pack cloth and the like. 
     The suspension structure  14  includes aback lateral bar  36  that is connected to the first and second suspension points  30 A,  30 B by back suspension straps  38 A,  38 B that include webbing cups, which are used throughout the suspension structure  14 . Similarly, a seat lateral bar  40  is connected to the third and fourth suspension points  30 C,  30 D by seat suspension straps  42 A,  42 B whose lengths can be adjusted by seat buckles  43 A,  43 B, respectively. Also forming part of the suspension structure  14  is a longitudinal bar  44  that is oriented substantially parallel to and preferable in the same plane as the longitudinal axis  32  of the chair  12 . The longitudinal bar  36  is connected to the back lateral bar  36  by a back rope  46  and connected to the seat lateral bar  40  by a seat rope  48 . The back lateral bar  36 , seat lateral bar  40  and longitudinal bar  44  cooperate to hold the chair, which is made of a flexible material, open so that it does not fold in on the user when the user reclines in the chair  12 . To elaborate, the back lateral bar  36  and seat lateral bar  40  prevent the right and left sides of the chair  12  from folding in on the user. Similarly, the longitudinal bar  44  prevents the back portion  22  and seat portion  24  of the chair  12  from collapsing in on a user. The lengths of the back lateral bar  36 , seat lateral bar  40  and longitudinal bar  44  are respectively 2, 3 and 4 feet. The bars are made of a hardwood, such as ash. However, other materials can also be used, such as plastic or metal piping. 
     Also part of the suspension structure  14  is a top rope  50  with ends that are operatively attached to the ends of the longitudinal bar  44 . Located intermediate to the ends of the top rope  50  is a slip knot that facilitates altering the angle of the longitudinal bar  44  and the chair  12  relative to the ground. A height adjustment rope  54  and hook  56  complete the suspension structure  12 . The height adjustment rope  54  allows the distance between the chair  12  and the ground to be adjusted to suit the user. In some cases, the height adjustment rope  54  may be unnecessary. 
     With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, adjustment of the reclination angle or angle of the chair relative to the ground is discussed. FIG. 3A illustrates the chair  12  at a first angle relative to the ground and the longitudinal bar  44  substantially parallel to the ground. The angular orientation of the chair  12  and longitudinal bar  44  is determined by the location of the slip knot  52 . In this particular case, the slip knot  52  is located substantially midway between the ends of the top rope  50 . The components of the suspension structure located between the longitudinal bar  44  and the chair  12  have little effect on the angle of the longitudinal bar  44  and the chair  12  relative to the ground. As a consequence, these components substantially maintain the positional relationship of the chair  12  relative to the longitudinal bar  44 . 
     FIG. 3B illustrates the chair  12  in a more reclined position relative to the chair  12  in FIG.  3 A. Also apparent from comparison of FIGS. 3A and 3B is that the longitudinal bar  44  in FIG. 3B is no longer substantially parallel to the ground. The change in the angles of the chair  12  and the longitudinal bar  44  relative to the ground is attributable to a change in the location of the slip knot  52 , which is now located more towards the seat portion  24  of the chair  12  than the slip knot  52  of FIG.  3 A. From the foregoing, it can be appreciated that the angle of the chair  12  relative to the ground can be easily and quickly adjusted by adjusting the location of the slip knot  52  in the top rope  50 . In contrast, the suspension structures of other known hanging chairs requires that two ropes or linkages, one associated with each side of the chair, be adjusted to change the angle of the chair relative to the ground. If the two linkages are not adjusted equally these chairs become skewed. Consequently, time must be taken to adjust two separate structures and to assure that both structures are adjusted equally. 
     With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a different manner of adjusting the reclination angle of the chair  12  is discussed. This manner of adjusting the angle of reclination involves changing the distance between the seat portion  24  of the chair  12  and the ground  60 . In the illustrated embodiment, this adjustment is achieved by changing the lengths of the seat suspension straps  42 A,  42 B using buckles  43 A,  43 B. In FIG. 4A, the seat suspension straps  42 A,  42 B are relatively long. As a consequence, the seat portion  24  of the chair  12  is relatively close to the ground and the chair  12  is in a relatively upright position. FIG. 4B, in contrast, illustrates the use of the buckles  43 A,  43 B to shorten the length of the seat suspension straps  42 A,  42 B and thereby place the chair  12  in a more reclined position with the chair  12  positioned further from the ground  60  relative to the chair in FIG.  4 A. To facilitate making the seat suspension straps  42 A,  42 B of equal length, the straps are made from a webbing material that has a colored thread which is exposed at a predetermined interval, such as once every inch. 
     The padded footrest  18  is connected to the seat lateral bar  40  by footrest suspension straps  64 A,  64 B. The position of the footrest  18  is adjusted by changing the length of the footrest suspension straps  64 A,  64 B using footrest buckles  66 A,  66 B. To assure that both of the footrest suspension straps  64 A,  64 B are of equal length, the straps are marked at a predetermined interval, as with the seat suspension straps  42 A,  42 B. 
     With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a different linkage for adjusting the angle of the longitudinal rod  44  and the chair  12  is discussed. In this case, a length adjustable top rope  70  is provided with a fixed knot  72  located between the ends of the rope. As shown in FIG. 5A, the fixed knot  72  is located substantially midway between the points of the rope that are connected to the ends of the longitudinal bar  44 . As a consequence, the longitudinal bar  44  is oriented substantially parallel to the ground  50 . The chair  12  has an orientation relative to the ground that is dependent upon the linkage between the longitudinal rod  44  and the chair  12 . By changing the point at which one end of the rope  70  is attached to the end of the longitudinal rod, the length of the rope  72  between the ends of the longitudinal rod  44  is changed. Changing the length of the rope  70  causes the fixed knot  72  to be moved more towards the back portion  22  of the chair  12 . Moving the fixed knot  72 , in turn, changes the angle of the longitudinal bar  44  and the chair  12  relative to the ground  60 . It is also possible to change the point at which the other end of the rope  70  attaches to the other end of the longitudinal rod  44  to affect the angle of the longitudinal rod  44  and chair  12  relative to the ground  60 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a further structure for changing the angle of the longitudinal bar  44  and chair  12  is discussed. This particular linkage includes a fixture  76  that can be fixed in place at any point along the length of the longitudinal bar  44 . A linkage  78  that can swivel or rotate with respect to the fixture  76  provides at least part of the connection between the fixture  76  and the overhead support  16 . In FIG. 6, the fixture  76  is located substantially midway between the ends of the longitudinal bar  44  and the longitudinal bar  44  is positioned substantially parallel to the ground  60 . This, in turn, places the chair  12  in a particular orientation. As shown in FIG. 6B, the position of the fixture  76  has been changed relative to the position shown in FIG.  6 A. As a consequence, the angle of the longitudinal bar  44  relative to the ground  60  has been changed. This, in turn, has changed the angle of the chair  12  relative to the ground as previously discussed. 
     With reference to FIG. 7, a single piece bar  82  for use in the suspension structure  14  is illustrated. The unitized bar  82  combines the back lateral bar  36 , seat lateral bar  40  and longitudinal bar  44  associated with the suspension structure discussed with respect to FIG. 1 into a monolithic unit that avoids the need for the back rope  46  and seat rope  48 . The unitized bar  82  can be constructed in from conventional piping materials or by other methods known in the art. 
     The adjustment of the angle of the chair  12  via adjustment to the angle of the longitudinal bar  44  is applicable to other types of chairs from that disclosed with respect to FIG.  1 . For instance, the adjustment of the angle of the chair disclosed hereinabove can be applied to chairs that have a rigid peripheral framework that is spanned by a flexible web. The structure for adjusting the reclining angle of a chair can also be applied to chairs that use a panel of relatively rigid material, such as wood, to realize the back and/or seat portion of the chair. If a chair structure is utilized in which at least a portion of the periphery or outer edges of the back or seat portions is rigid, as with either of the two noted types of chairs, the suspension structure is susceptible to modifications that eliminate either or both of the lateral bars but retain the longitudinal bar  44  and associated structure for adjusting the angle of the longitudinal bar  44 . For example, if a chair is utilized in which the back and seat portions are made from panels of wood and connected to one another so that their positions with respect to one another are fixed, the lateral bars are no longer needed to hold the chair in an open position. As a consequence, linkages between the chair and the longitudinal bar  44  that do not incorporate the lateral bars are feasible. The structure for adjusting the reclining angle of a chair can also be applied to chairs of different shapes. For instance, the structure can be applied to oval, round, and rectangular chair shapes, as well as many other chair shapes. 
     With reference to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a hanging chair  100  that is capable of accommodating two individuals is illustrated. Elements of the hanging chair  100  that are common to the hanging chair  10  are given the same reference numbers as the comparable elements of the hanging chair  10 . However, to differentiate the elements of the hanging chair  100  that are common to the chair  10 , the reference numbers associated with the hanging chair  100  are given primed reference numbers. The chair  12 ′ has substantially the same length as the hanging chair  12 . As a consequence, the longitudinal bar  44 ′ of the hanging chair  100  is substantially the same length as the longitudinal bar  44 , i.e, approximately four feet in length. However, the chair  12 ′ is of a greater width that is capable of accommodating two adults. Due to this greater width, the back lateral bar  36 ′ and seat lateral bar  40 ′ are also of greater lengths. The back lateral bar  36 ′ is approximately 3 ½ feet in length. The seat lateral bar  40 ′ is approximately five feet in length. To address the greater load, the diameters of the back lateral bar  36 ′, seat lateral bar  40 ′ and longitudinal bar  44 ′ are appropriately increased. If a hanging chair capable of accommodating a greater number of individuals is required, the dimensions of the chair  12 ′, back lateral bar  36 ′ and seat lateral bar  40 ′ are scaled accordingly. 
     To address the greater load associated with more than one individual in the hanging chair  100 , the suspension structure for connecting the chair  12 ′ to the overhead support  16  includes a load distribution device  102 . The load distribution device include two, eye bolts  104 A,  104 B that engage the overhead support  16 . Also included in the load distribution device is a loop  106  that, in operation, extends through the eye bolts  104 A,  104 B. The loop  106  is, in turn, attached to the top rope  50 ′. This attachment scheme distributes the load of the chair  12 ′ and any occupants over a length of the overhead support  16  rather than concentrating the load at a single point on the overhead support  16 . Attachment devices other than the eye bolts  104 A,  104 B are also feasible. For instance, bolts that extend laterally through the overhead support can be used. Further, an alternative to the loop  106  is a length of rope with one end attached to the eye bolt  104 A , the other end attached to the eye bolt  104 B, and an intermediate point attached to the top rope  50 ′. In situations where the overhead support  16  is exposed in two places such that a rope can be tied around the support  16 , holes can be drilled through the overhead support  16  in two places, or the overhead support  16  is exposed in one location and a hole can be drilled in another location, the use of bolts can be avoided. In this case, one end of rope is attached to one locations, the other end of the rope is attached to the other location, and a point on the rope that is located intermediate to the two ends of the rope is attached to the top rope  50 ′. It should be appreciated that the a structure for distributing the load can also be used with chair  10  if needed. 
     Adjustment of the angle of the chair  12 ′ can be accomplished as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B or as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. With appropriate modifications, adjustment of the angle of the chair  12 ′ can also be accomplished as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In addition, adjustment of the angle of the chair  12 ′ can be accomplished using the buckles  43 A′,  43 B′. 
     The chair  100  also includes two, padded foot rests  108 A,  108 B, one for each the potential occupants of the chair  12 ′. The foot rest  108 A includes foot rest suspension straps  110 A,  110 B that extend from the seat lateral bar  40 ′ and buckles  112 A,  1121 B that permit adjustment of the lengths of the strap  110 A,  111 B. Likewise, foot rest  108 B includes foot rest suspension straps  114 A,  114 B and adjustment buckles  116 A,  1163 B. 
     To provide the ability to rotate the chair about a vertical axis, the chair  100  includes a swivel  118  that is disposed between the chair  12 ′ and the overhead support  16 . The swivel  118  also prevents twisting of the suspension structure that would create a torque that might loosen any bolts or other threaded elements that are used to engage the overhead support  16 . 
     With reference to FIG. 9, a unitary bar structure  120  that has at least two points that lie in the plane defined by the bisecting line of the chair  12  is illustrated. The unitary bar structure  120  is in the shape of a hoop that has two, diametrically opposite points that lie in the noted plane. As noted with respect to the single piece bar  82  of FIG. 7, the use of a unitary bar structure avoids the need for the back rope  46  and seat rope  48 . It should be noted that there are many unitary bar structure shapes that satisfy the criteria of having at least two points located in the noted plane. Characteristic of many, but not necessarily all of these structures is that they are symmetrical about the plane. When using the unitary bar structure  120 , adjustment of the angle of the chair  12  or the chair  12 ′ is accomplished as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B or as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In addition, adjustment of the angle of the chair  12  or chair  12 ′ can be accomplished using the buckles  43 A,  43 B. 
     With reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a hanging chair  130  that is capable of accommodating two individuals is illustrated. For ease of illustration, the footrests have been omitted. Elements of the hanging chair  130  that are common to the hanging chair  100  are given the same reference numbers as the comparable elements of the hanging chair  100 . The hanging chair  130  includes a dividing structure that divides the chair  12 ′ into a first chair  132 A and a second chair  132 B. The dividing structure includes a first strap system  134  and a second strap system  136  that cooperate to create a ridge  138  with an inverted V-shape cross section that runs along the longitudinal axis of the chair  12 ′ to divide the first chair  132 A from the second chair  132 B. The first strap system  134  includes a first D-ring  140  that is attached to the edge of the chair  12 ′ by a piece of reinforcing fabric  142 . Also part of the first strap system  134  is a first strap  144  with one end that includes a first snap hook  146  for engaging the first D-ring  140 . The other end of the first strap  144  is attached to an end of the longitudinal bar  44 ′. Located between the ends of the first strap  144  is a first buckle  148  that permits the length of the first strap  144  to be adjusted. The second strap system includes a second D-ring  150  that is attached to the edge of the chair  12 ′ by a piece of webbing  152 . Also part of the second strap system  136  is a second strap  154  with one end that includes a second snap hook  156  for engaging the second D-ring  150 . The other end of the second strap  154  is attached to an end of the longitudinal bar  44 ′. Located between the ends of the second strap  154  is a second buckle  158  that permits the length of the second strap  154  to be adjusted. 
     When the dividing system is in use, the shape of the ridge  138  is adjusted by adjusting the lengths of the first strap  144  and the second strap  154  using, respectively, the first buckle  148  and the second buckle  158 . Further, if desired, the first snap hook  146  and the second snap hook  156  can be respectively disengaged from the first D-ring  140  and the second D-ring  150  to eliminate the ridge  138  dividing the chair  12 ′ into the first chair  132 A and second chair  132 B. 
     The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Further, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill or knowledge in the relevant art are within the scope of the present invention. The embodiment described hereinabove is further intended to explain the best mode known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with the various modifications required by their particular applications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternate embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.