AU679232B2 - Reclining lounge - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original) APPLICATION NO:

LODGED:

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED: e* ACCEPTED:

PUBLISHED:

RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: CHANCE WAYNE THORNE ACTUAL INVENTOR(S): CHANCE WAYNE THORNE ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: KELVIN LORD AND COMPANY, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, of 4 Douro Place, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, AUSTRALIA.

INVENTION TITLE: "RECLINING LOUNGE" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S: PM 0347 DATED AUGUST 4 1993 The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to me/us: I I LII Il I eLL ~I a I I ie The present invention relates to a reclining lounge.

More particularly, the reclining lounge of the present invention is intended to provide the user with a 'seated' position that avoids many of the stresses induced by the semi-squat position of traditional seating.

There have been a number of attempts over recent years to provide a chair or lounge that prevented the stresses and accompanying pain of sitting for long periods of time. An example of these is the 'IPP' kneel sit chair. The user of such a chair is located in a kneeling position so that the bulk of the weight of the user's body is bourn by the knees and not their posterior. Another example is the reclining chair. Typically this is a chair that has a reclining back rest and a footrest that projects from the forward portion of the chair so as to place the user in an entirely supported position.

S In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a reclining S*0* lounge comprising a base support means, a reclining rest means and one or more resilient means, the base support means being arranged so as to engage a surface above which a user is to be supported, the reclining rest means being pivotally fixed to the base support means and wherein the or each resilient means extends between the base support means s and the reclining rest means so to bias the reclining rest means away from a horizontal position, characterised in that when the user is supported on the reclining rest means, the reclining rest means will pivot under the weight of the user by way of the one or more resilient means from a first position to a second position, and then when the user 0 dismounts from the reclining rest means, the reclining rest means will pivot back from the second position to the first position by way of the one or more resilient means.

Preferably, the or each resilient means is arranged so as to bias the reclining rest means to a position approximately vertical when a user is not reclining thereon. It is envisaged that an approximately vertical position is one within about 100 thereof.

Still, preferably, the reclining rest means comprises one or more support members to which are attached a plurality of cushions, the cushions being able to pivot or swivel in relation to the or each support member.

Yet still preferably, the reclining rest means comprises a plurality of panels each able to move or be moved independently of each other to suit the requirements of a user. The plurality of panels may also be provided with hydraulic or pneumatic ram(s) for Irlll I I L controlling movement therein to be actuated by a user.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of the reclining lounge in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, shown with a user in position thereon; Figure 2 is a side view of the reclining lounge of Figure 1 with the user in position thereon; Figure 3 is a side view of the reclining lounge of Figure 1 without the user in position thereon; 00 S**0

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Rr|w\ Figure 4 is a detail side view of the area marked A in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a detail side view of the area marked B in Figure 3; Figure 6 is a side view of a reclining lounge in accordance with a second aspect showing the entire reclining rest means thereof, Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the reclining lounge of Figure 6, showing only the base support means and a part of the reclining rest means thereof; Figure 8 is a top plan view of the reclining rest means of the reclining lounge of Figure 6; Figure 9 is a detail top plan view of a cushion, rib and connecting bolt of the reclining rest means of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a side view of a reclining lounge in accordance with a third aspect of the S\ present invention, shown in a first position; and Figure 11 is a side view of the reclining lounge of Figure 10, shown in a second position.

04 In Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a reclining lounge 10, in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention comprising a base support means 12, a reclining rest means 14 and a pair of resilient means' 16.

The base support means 12 further comprises a pair of substantially parallel lateral base members 18 and a transverse member 20 provided at a first end 22 thereof. A transverse member 24 is provided extending between a mid-point 26 on each lateral base member 18.

Each lateral base member 18 has a second end 28. An elongate rod 30 extends between 20 the second ends 28, as can be best seen in Figure 1.

The reclining rest means 14 further comprises a pair of substantially parallel lateral members 32, each having a first end 34 and a second end 36. The first ends 34 of the lateral members 32 have provided therein an aperture 38 through which the elongate rod extends. As such the reclining rest means 14 can pivot about the elongate rod A transverse end member 40 is provided between the second ends 36 of the lateral members 32, Two further transverse members 42 are provided extending between opposed points on the lateral members 32 between the first and second ends, 34 and 36 respectively. The lateral members 32 and the transverse members 40 and 42 support a I I I I I I I C -a -J r I Ls sPI11 I L- cushion 44.

Atransverse footboard 46 is located adjacent the first ends 34 of the lateral members 32.

The footboard 46 is spaced apart from the apertures 38 and the elongate rod 30, as can be best seen in Figures 1 to 3. The footboard 46 projects perpendicularly from the lateral members 32, as is best seen in Figures 2 and 3.

Each resilient means 16 comprises a length of sprung steel 48 forming a flat spring having a first end 50 and a second end 52. Each first end 50 is fastened to a point 54 on a respective lateral base member 18. Each second end 52 is fastened to a point 56 on a respective lateral member 32.

In Figure 4 there is shown the point 56 at which the second end 52 of the length of sprung steel 48 is fastened to the lateral member 32. The end 52 forms a broken loop 58 within which is provided a bush 60. The bush 60 is secured by way of a nut and bolt combination 62 to the lateral member 32.

In Figure 5 there is shown the point 54 at which the first end 5C of the length of sprung .:165 steel 48 is fastened to the lateral base member 18. The first end 50 forms a broken loop 64 within which is provided a bush 66. The bush 66 is secured to the lateral base member 18 by way of a nut and bolt combination 68.

In Figures 1 and 2 there is also shown a user 70 reclining on the reclining rest means 14 of the reclining lounge 10. The user's body is supported by the cushion 44 whilst their feet abut the footboard 46, 0.00 The length of sprung steel 48 describes an arc at an acute angle between the reclining rest means 14 and the base support means 12, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3. This acute angle is exaggerated when the user 70 reclines on the reclining rest means 14 and the resilient means 14 is tensioned or flexed. As such, the resilient means 16 acts to bias the reclining rest means 14 towards the vertical. It is to be understood that the resilient means 16 may be arranged so as to flex in a direction away from the point at which the lateral base members 18 and lateral members 32 join.

In Figures 6 and 7 there is shown a reclining lounge 100 in accordance with a second LI I I I I aspect of the present invention. The reclining lounge 100 comprises a base support means 102, a reclining rest means 104 and a single resilient means 106.

The base support means 102 comprises a single lateral member 108, two transverse members 110 and two diagonal members 112. The transverse members 110 extend from a point 114 adjacent but spaced apart from a first end 116 thereof. The diagonal members 112 project away from the point 114 towards a second end 118 of the lateral member 108.

The first end 116 of the lateral member 108 has provided therein an aperture 120.

The reclining rest means 104 comprises a central support member 122 having an upper end 124 and a lower end 126. The lower end 126 has a n-shaped bracket 128 provided thereat so as to receive the first end 116 of the lateral member 108, as can be best seen in Figure 7. The n-shaped bracket 128 has an aperture provided therein whereby an attachment means 130 may pass through both the aperture 120 and the aperture provided in the bracket 128. As such the central support member 122 is able to pivot about the attachment means 130.

A plurality of ribs 132 are provided at intervals along the central support member 122.

Each rib 132 has a mid-point 134 rigidly attached to the central support member 122, as can be best seen in Figure 8. Each rib 132 supports a single cushion 136.

The ribs 132 have end portions 138 provided with apertures 140 through each of which projects a bolt 142. The bolts 142 extend from a rear face 144 of each cushion 136.

A remote end 146 of each bolt 142 has provided thereat a locking nut 148 to which is attached a resilient means, for example a compression spring 150. This spring 150 is also attached to the rib 132 about the aperture 140 through which the bolt 142 is projecting, as can be best seen in Figure 9. This has the action of biasing the cushion 136 away from the central support member 122.

The resilient means 106 compries a length of sprung steel 152 having a first end 154 and a second end 156, as is best seen in Figures 6 and 7. The first end 154 of the length of sprung steel 152 is attached to the lateral member 108 at a point 158. The second end 156 of the length of sprung steel 152 is attached to the central support member 122 of the II I I reclining rest means 104 at a point 160 approximately mid-way therealong.

The point 158 at which the length of sprung steel 152 is attached to the lateral member 108 is adjustable. This allows for differing reclining angles and for differing weights to be catered for.

The resilient means 106 is arranged as shown in Figures 7 and 8 such that any pressure applied against ront face 162 of the cushions 136 will tension the resilient means 106.

As such, the I.,ent means 106 acts to bias the reclining rest means 104 towards the vertical.

A footboard 164 is provided projecting in a perpendicular manner from the central ::1i0 support member 122 adjacent the lower end 126 thereof, as can be seen best in Figure 6.

In Figures 10 and 11 there is shown a reclining lounge 200 in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention. The reclining lounge 200 comprises a base support means 202, a reclining rest means 204 and a single resilient means 206. The reclining lounge 200 is substantially similar to the reclining lounge 10 and like numerals denote like parts.

An intermediate member 208 is provided between a join or point 210 adjacent the second end 28 of each lateral base member 18 and a join or point 212 adjacent the first end 34 of the lateral member 32. The point 210 is nearer the second end 28 than the point 212 is near to the first end 34. The intermediate member 208 is able to pivot about the points 210 and 212. It is envisaged that the intermediate member 208 may be formed of a resilient material.

0 00 ,0 The two intermediate members 208 of the reclining lounge 200 replace the need for the elongate rod 30 provided in the reclining lounge It is envisaged that an additional 'shock absorber(s)' may be provided between the base support means and the reclining rest means of each of reclining lounges 10, 100 and 200.

For example, one or more pneumatic rams of the type used on the hatches of cars or automobiles could be employed.

A further specific embodiment relating to the cushions 136 is envisaged. In this embodiment, the rear face 144 of each cushion 136 has a elongate bar mounted thereto II II running lengthways thereacross. Effectively, the bar runs between the points at which the bolts 142 in the reclining lounge 100 attach to the rear face 144.

In this further embodiment, the bolts 142 are replaced by bolts substantially the same as bolts 142 but having an eye formed therein through which the bar may be received in a rotatable manner. This arrangement will allow a limited amount of rotation of the cushion 136 about the transverse axis defined by the bar. This action would increase the way in which the cushions 136 are able to conform to a user reclining thereagainst.

It is further envisaged that any number of materials may be utilised for the majority of the present invention other than the resilient means', these include wood, steel or plastics .*10 materials.

In use, the user 70 wishing to recline on the reclining lounge 10 simply steps onto the footboard 46 and reclines against the reclining rest means 14. Prior to the user stepping onto the footboard 46 the reclining lounge 10 is in the position depicted in Figure 3. Once the user 70 has stepped onto the footboard 46 and reclined against the reclining rest means 14, the reclining lounge 10 adopts the position depicted in Figures 1 and 2.

The user 70 is supported by the cushions 34 provided on the reclining rest means 14.

The resilient means 16 absorbs tension or pressure firom the weight of the user 70 through the reclining rest means 14. As described hereinabove, the acute angle described by the length of sprung steel 48 is exaggerated when the user 70 reclines on the reclining means i'.'2p 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.

As the reclining rest means 14 reclines, it pivots about the elongate rod 30, that passes through the first ends 34 of the lateral members 32 of the reclining rest means 14. The elongate rod 30 attaches the lateral members 32 to the lateral members 18 of the base support means 12.

When the user 70 wishes to dismount the reclining lounge 10 they simply transfer their weight forward and step off the footboard 46. The reclining lounge 10 subsequently returns to the position depicted in Figure 3, The tension in the length of spring steel 48 actually aids in the dismounting action by applying some force to the user 70 as they -I dismount.

The manner of use of the reclining lounge 100 and the reclining lounge 200 is substantially similar to that of the reclining lounge 10. However, we would note the following differences or additions.

A user (not shown) utilising the reclining lounge 100 as best shown in Figure 6 will find that the cushions 136 conform to his or her particular body shape and thereby increases the comfort level for that user. The cushions 136 are able to be adjusted by the weight of a user pressing thereagainst. The pressure applied to the front face 162 of the cushion 136 causes the bolts 142 to be pushed further through the apertures 140 provided in the end portions 138 of the ribs 132. This provides a flexibly resilient support for the weight bearing on the cushion 136 through the flexibly resilient means or spring 150, as is best seen in Figures 8 and 9.

It is envisaged that only one of the bolts 142 may be forced further through one end portion 138 of the rib 132 so that in effect, the cushion 136 may pivot centered around the mid-point 134 of each rib 132.

With regard to the reclining lounge 200, we would note that the initial operation by a user (not shown) is substantially similar to that of the reclining lounge 10. However, the intermediate member 208 introduces an additional stage or phase of reclining over that

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provided by the reclining lounge 10 or 100.

*i'.2D The user steps onto the reclining lounge 200 in a manner similar to that previously described for the reclining lounge 10. The position depicted in Figure 10 is that of the reclining rest means 204 in a reclining position without the user being depicted thereon.

It should be noted that in this initial position, the intermediate members are located in a position such that the points 212 at which they join the lateral members 32 have not passed over the points or joins at which the intermediate members 208 join the lateral members 18 of the base support means 202. As such, the joins 212 are effectively closer to the first end 22 of the lateral members 18 than other points 210.

The user reclining on the reclining rest means 204 is able to, by a shift in their body weight to cause the reclining rest means 204 to move into a additional phase or stage of reclining as depicted in Figure 11. It should be noted that the stage depicted in Figure 11 is such that a user would be expected to be in position reclining on the reclining rest means 204.

It should also be noted that the points 212 at which the intermediate members 208 join the lateral members 32 of the reclining rest means 204 have moved over the points 210 at which the intermediate members 208 join the lateral members 18 of the base support means 202.

Accordingly, the points 212 are effectively further from the first end 22 of the lateral members 18 than are the points 210. This is in effect, an "over-centre" arrangement. The user reclining on the reclining rest means 204 is able, through a complimentary shift in body weight to return the reclining rest means 204 from the position depicted in Figure 11 to that shown in Figure 10 during which the points 212 pass over the points 210. It should be noted that in the second position depicted in Figure 11, there is a greater tension imparted to the resilient means 16 as the centre of gravity is moved towards the second end 36 of the lateral members 32 forming in part the reclining rest means 204.

It is envisaged that an adjustable stop means may be provided to be received between the base support means and the reclinii- rest means. Such an adjustable stop means may allow the user to set the angle at which they wish to recline on the reclining rest means, The adjustable stop means would be positioned an appropriate point relative to the point 20 at which the base support means and the reclining rest means are pivotably fixed. As the 9 user reclined on the reclining rest means, the reclining rest means would abut the adjustable stop means preventing the reclining means reclining beyond the point predetermined by the user.

It is envisaged that the sprung steel 48 of the resilient means 16 and the sprung steel 152 of the resilient means 106 may be replaced by an appropriate pneumatic or hydraulic ram means. For example, one or more hydraulic or pneumatic rams could be provided between the reclining means and the base support means and attached thereto in a similar manner as the length of sprung steel 48 or 152.

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Modifications and variations such as would apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed within the scope of the present invention.

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Claims (14)

1. A reclining lounge comprising a base support means, a reclining rest means and one or more resilient means, the base support means being arranged so as to engage a surface above which a user is to be supported, the reclining rest means being pivotally fixed to the base support means and wherein the or each resilient means extends between the base support means and the reclining rest means so to bias the reclining rest means away from a horizontal position, characterised in that when the user is supported on the reclining rest means, the reclining rest means will pivot under the weight of the user by way of the one or iore resilient means from a first position to a second position, and then when the user dismounts from the reclining rest means, the reclining rest means will pivot back from the second position to the first position by way of the one or more resilient means.

2. A reclining lounge according to claim 1, in which the reclining rest means is pivotally fixed to the base support means adjacent one end thereof.

3. A reclining lounge according to claim 2, in which a footboard is provided adjacent the end of the reclining rest means at which the same is pivotally fixed to the base support means.

4. A reclining lou:nge according to any one of the preceding claims, in which both the reclining rest means and the base support means comprise in part two substantially parallel lateral members, wherein a resilient means is provided between opposed pairs of lateral members, the opposed pairs consisting of a single lateral member from the base support means and a single lateral member from the reclining rest means.

5. A reclining lounge according to claim 1, in which the or each resilient means acts to bias the reclining rest means to a position approximating 900 relative to the base support means when there is no pressure being applied thereto,

6. A reclining lounge ccording to any one of the preceding claims, in which an adjustable stop means is provided to be received between the base support means and the reclining rest mneans at an appropriate position relative to the point at which the same are pivotally fixed whereby the abutting of the reclining rest means against the stop means prevents the reclining rest means reciining beyond a predetermined point.

7. A reclining lounge according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reclining rest means comprises one or more support members to which are attached a plurality of 't cushions, the cushions being able to pivot or swivel in relation to the or each support a. 455* II I II I I I 12 member.

8. A reclining lounge according to claim 7, in which a single support member is provided in the reclining rest means, to which are rigidly fixed a plurality of rib members having cushions pivotally attached thereto, each cushion being able to pivot independently to that lying adjacent.

9. A reclining lounge according to claim 8, in which the cushions are arranged so as to be able to pivot both about a substantially vertical and a transverse axis. A reclining lounge according to anyone of the preceding claims, in which the reclining rest means comprises a plurality of panels, each able to move or be moved independently of each other to suit the requirements of a user.

11. A reclining lounge according to claim 10, in which the panels are provided with hydraulic or pneumatic ram for controlling movement therein to be actuated by a user.

12. A reclining lounge according to claim 1, in which the pivotal fixing of the reclining rest means to the base support means comprises at least one intermediate member attached to both the reclining rest means and the base support means, wherein the attachment of the or each intermediate member to the base support means is adjacent to an end removed from the resilient means and the attachment of the intermediate member to the reclining rest means is adjacent to an end of the reclining rest means which is removed from the resilient means.

13. A reclining lounge according to claim 12, in which a user is able to recline on the reclining rest means in a normal manner whereby the reclining rest means effectively "°'pivots about the attachment of the intermediate member to the base support means with the intermediate member moving substantially with the reclining rest means, wherein the user is able to shift their body weight to cause the reclining rest means to move independently of the intermediate member such that the reclining rest means is now supported by the or each resilient means and the or each intermediate member, an equivalent shift in body weight in the opposite direction being able to return the reclining rest means to the condition in which it pivots about the fixing of the intermediate member to the base support means. 13

14. A reclining lounge substantially as hereirtbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to A reclining lounge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 6 to9.

16. A reclining lounge substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures and 11, mATED AUGUST 2 1994 :.:::IoCHANCE WAYNE THORNE 0 06 By hs Patent Attorneys KELVIN LORD AND COMPANY PERTK~ WESTERN AUSTRALIA