EP2111774A1

EP2111774A1 - Support structure for a swing

Info

Publication number: EP2111774A1
Application number: EP08425277A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giuliano Marini
Original assignee: RETI GRITTI SpA
Current assignee: RETI GRITTI SpA
Priority date: 2008-04-22
Filing date: 2008-04-22
Publication date: 2009-10-28
Anticipated expiration: 2028-04-22
Also published as: EP2111774B1; PL2111774T3; DK2111774T3; ES2388639T3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support structure, joinable in an oscillating manner to a stand and convertible from a swing into a bed and vice versa between a sitting configuration and a lying-down configuration.

The support structure comprises a seating frame, which forms a seating surface for a user and a back frame hinged to the seating frame and rotating from a sitting configuration to a lying-down configuration. Furthermore, the seating frame is supported in a sliding manner in order to allow its raising or lowering during conversion.

Description

The present invention relates to a support structure, joinable in an oscillating manner to a stand, for a swing convertible into a bed and vice versa.
In the art garden swings are known, having a support structure joinable in an oscillating manner to a base resting on the ground and comprising a back and a seat suitable for accommodating and supporting a user.
Some known swings allow to convert the support structure from a swing to a bed and vice versa, from a sitting configuration to a lying-down configuration.
However, the known swings have a plurality of drawbacks.
In particular, in some devices, when the swing is in the lying-down configuration, the supporting surface is uncomfortable for the user, mainly due to the weight of the back.
The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks known in the art and, especially, those mentioned herein before.
This aim is achieved through a support structure according to claim 1. Further advantages are achieved by the features of the dependent claims.
The present invention is described below with the help of the attached figures, wherein:
- figures 1, 2 and 3 show a support structure according to the present invention, according to a first embodiment, during three separate conversion steps from swing to bed;
- figures 4a and 4b, 5a and 5b, 6a and 6b show enlarged views of the manoeuvring and safety means of the structure shown in the previous figures, during the steps shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, respectively;
- figures 7, 8 and 9 show a support structure according to the present invention, according to a further embodiment, during three separate conversion steps from swing to bed;
- figure 10 shows an enlarged detail of the manoeuvring and stop means during the phase shown in figure 8.
With reference to the mentioned figures, reference numeral 1 globally indicates a support structure, joinable in an oscillating manner to a stand and convertible from a swing into a bed and vice versa, between a sitting configuration and a lying-down configuration.
The structure 1 comprises seating frame 2, defining a seating surface for a user, and a back frame 3, hinged to the seating frame 2 and rotable around a primary rotation axis X between the sitting configuration and the lying-down configuration.
According to an embodiment variation, the seating frame 2 and/or the back frame 3 may comprise support means, such as a bedspring or a plurality of substantially parallel staves, in order to make the use of the support structure 1 comfortable for the user.
Preferably, each stave is positioned transversally to the primary rotation axis X and, for example in the case of the seating frame 2, extends from a first extremity portion 2a to a second extremity portion 2b of the seating frame 2.
Preferably, the angle α between the seating surface and the back frame 3 is smaller in the sitting configuration than in the lying-down configuration.
Even more preferably, the angle α between the seating surface and the back frame 3 in the lying-down configuration is substantially 180°.
The structure 1 further comprises at least a pair of uprights 4', 4", operatively connected to the seating frame 2 and the back frame 3 in order to sustain them in an oscillating manner in relation to the stand, and manoeuvring means, actionable in order to convert the support structure 1 between the sitting configuration and the lying-down configuration.
In the embodiments shown in figures 1 and 7, the uprights 4', 4" are essentially "L"-shaped, and present a extremity portion 14, having for example a hole or slot 15, joinable in an oscillating manner to the stand.
Furthermore, the seating frame 2 is sustained in a sliding manner in order to allow its raising or lowering during conversion.
In other words, switching the support structure 1 from the sitting configuration to the lying-down configuration, the seating frame 2 shifts forwards, orthogonally to the primary rotation axis X. Besides, at the same time, the seating frame 2 raises itself in relation to a vertical axis in order to provide a substantially horizontal supporting surface for a user.
In still other words, moving the support structure 1 from the sitting configuration to the lying-down configuration, the seating frame 2 shifts forwards and rises vertically while the back frame 3 rotates in relation to the seating frame 2 in order to increase the angle α.
According to a preferred embodiment, the seating frame 2 is supported by the pair of uprights 4', 4", as shown in the figures.
According to a further variation, the support structure 1 further comprises friction reduction means, such as a spacer in plastic material, suitable for preventing the areas of reciprocal contact, between the seating frame 2 and the uprights 4', 4", from suffering damage caused by abrasion during the conversion.
Preferably, the pair of uprights 4', 4" is mechanically connected by a primary connection section 13, extending along a conjunction line parallel to the primary rotation axis X and distanced from it, in order to create the support for the seating frame 2.
In other words, in the sitting configuration the extremity portion 2b of the seating frame 2 and the primary connection section 13 are substantially vertically aligned. In the lying-down configuration, the extremity portion 2b advances in relation to the primary connection section 13, in an orthogonal direction to the primary rotation axis X.
According to a still further variation, the friction reduction means comprise a clip, for example substantially "U"-shaped, which can be snapped onto the primary connection section 13.
According to a further variation, the manoeuvring means comprise at least one lever 5', 5" comprising a first extremity portion 5a, a central portion 5b and a second extremity portion 5c.
Preferably, the manoeuvring means comprise a first 5' and a second lever 5", each positioned at the sides of the seating frame 2 and mechanically connected by a secondary connection section 11, extending along a conjunction line parallel to the primary rotation axis X.
In other words, when the first lever 5' is actuated by the user to perform the conversion, the actuation movement is transmitted to the second lever 5" by the secondary connection section 11. This way the user can always use the lever that is more easily accessible to him.
Advantageously, the lever 5', 5" creates an armrest for the user.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the first extremity portion 5a extends along a primary axis A, the central portion 5b extends along a secondary axis B, these axis A, B being reciprocally incident.
In other words, the first extremity portion 5a and the central portion 5b form a broken line, which contributes to bringing and keeping the back frame 3 in the lying-down position without inclining the entire structure 1 in relation to an horizontal plane.
According to a further embodiment, the second extremity portion 5b extends along a tertiary axis C, the central portion 5b extends along a secondary axis B, these axis C, B being reciprocally incident.
According to a preferred variation, the first extremity portion 5a is hinged to the back frame 3 and is rotable around a secondary rotation axis Y.
Preferably, the primary rotation axis X and the secondary rotation axis Y are parallel.
According to a further preferred variation, the central portion 5b is operatively connected to one of the uprights 4', 4".
An embodiment variation foresees also that the second extremity portion 5c is suitable for being gripped by the user in order to perform the conversion.
Preferably, the manoeuvring means comprise a retainer element 6, integral with one of the uprights 4', 4", and a rack element 7, integral with the lever 5', 5", for example along the central portion 5b.
According to an advantageous variation, the rack element 7 comprises a lower engagement portion 7a, comprising at least one tooth or protuberance 8 suitable for abutting against the retainer element 6 in order to block the back frame 3 in the sitting configuration, as illustrated for example, in figures 1, 4a and 4b. The rack element 7 further comprises an upper disengagement portion 7b, wherein the retainer element 6 is free to slide along the rack element 7, in order to enable the conversion of the support structure 1 to the lying-down configuration.
Preferably, the lower engagement portion 7a comprises a plurality of protuberances 8, reciprocally spaced, in order to enable a plurality of intermediate regulations between the sitting and lying-down configuration.
In other words, depending on the protuberance 8 against which the retainer element 6 abuts, a different angle α and a different inclination degree of the back frame 3 will be produced.
Preferably, the support structure 1 further comprises safety means, movable from a safety position, suitable for preventing the accidental translation of the retainer element 6 along the rack element 7, as shown in figures 4b and 6b, to a conversion position, wherein the translation of the retainer element 6 along the upper disengagement portion 7a of the rack element 7 is enabled, as shown in figure 5b.
For example, the safety means comprise at least one safety lever 9, having an extremity pivotally connected to at least one of the uprights 4', 4" and rotable from the safety position, wherein the tooth 8 is held in abutment against the retainer element 6, and the conversion position.
For example, the connected extremity of the safety lever 9 is cam-shaped and has an upper rim, orthogonal to its rotation axis, inclined in a manner to render the release operation more complex than the blocking operation.
Preferably, the support structure 1 comprises a safety lever 9 for each lever 5', 5", that is for each rack element 7.
This way a child is prevented, while playing on the swing, from accidentally actuating the structure conversion, thus risking for example to crush his extremities between the moving parts.
The activation of the conversion must, in fact, be concerted, releasing both safety levers 9 positioned on the respective levers 5', 5".
According to a preferred embodiment, the manoeuvring means comprises at least one junction lever 10 having a first extremity 10a pivotally joined, to one of the uprights 4', 4", and a second extremity 10b pivotally joined to the lever 5', 5".
In the embodiment shown in figures 7 to 10, the junction lever 10 is a plate, for example of ellipsoidal shape, sufficiently thin to be able to freely rotate in the free space between the upright 4', 4" and the lever 5', 5".
Preferably, the first extremity 10a of the junction lever 10 is connected, in relation to a vertical axis, at a lower height than that at which the second extremity 10b is attached to the lever 5', 5", when the support structure 1 is positioned in the sitting configuration, to prevent the accidental conversion of the structure 1.
According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 1 further comprises stop means suitable for stopping the rotation of the lever 5' , 5" in the sitting configuration and in the lying-down configuration.
For example, the stop means comprise at least one stop pin 12, integral with one of the uprights 4', 4" and positioned, in relation to a vertical axis, at a lower height than the height at which the first extremity 10a is attached.
Preferably the stop pin 12 has an external perimeter coated with a material suitable for cushioning impacts of the lever 5', 5", resulting at each conversion.
According to a preferred embodiment, the structure 1 also comprises a lower support element, for example for the user's legs, operatively connected to the pair of uprights 4', 4" and movable from a use position, wherein the support element is accessible to the user, to a non-use position, wherein the support element is positioned below the seating frame 2.
Preferably, the lower support element, for example of tubular cross-section and essentially "U"-shaped, is hinged to the uprights 4', 4" and is rotable around an axis parallel to the primary rotation axis X between the use position and the non-use position.
According to a further embodiment, the support structure 1 also comprises oscillation blocking means of the structure 1, in order to prevent the oscillation of the structure 1, both in the sitting or lying-down configuration, in relation to the stand.
For example, the oscillation stopping means comprise hooks, tension rods or similar, extending from the structure 1 to the stand and suitable for keeping them integral.
Innovatively, the support structure according to the present invention makes it possible to convert the swing into a bed having a support surface for a user lying in a horizontal position.
Advantageously, the support structure according to the present invention makes it possible to have a horizontal bed and swinging in relation to the stand.
Advantageously, the support structure according to the present invention makes it possible to perform the conversion between at least two configurations by a simple gesture and using only one manoeuvring lever.
Advantageously, the support structure according to the present invention has a high safety level, preventing accidental conversion of the structure, and thus avoiding extremities crushing, vertebral column knocks and similar.
Advantageously, the support structure according to the present invention enables the user to actuate the most accessible lever.
Advantageously, the support structure according to the present invention allows to achieve a plurality of intermediate regulations between the sitting and lying-down configuration.
Advantageously, the support structure according to the present invention allows to convert the structure in a single movement and with minimum effort, in order to permit its performance by the elderly or people with motor disabilities.
A person skilled in the art may make modifications to the embodiments of the structure described above in order to satisfy contingent requirements, while remaining within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.
Each one of the features described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be performed independently from the other described embodiments.

Claims

Support structure (1), joinable in an oscillating manner to a stand, for a swing convertible into a bed and vice versa, between a sitting configuration and a lying-down configuration, comprising:
- a seating frame (2) defining a seating surface for a user;

- a back frame (3), hinged to the seating frame (2) and rotable around a primary rotation axis (X) between the sitting configuration and the lying-down configuration;

- at least a pair of uprights (4', 4"), operatively connected to said frames (2, 3) so as to sustain them in an oscillating manner in relation to the stand; and

- manoeuvring means, actionable in order to convert the support structure (1) between the sitting configuration and the lying-down configuration;
said support structure (1) being characterised in that the seating frame (2) is supported in a sliding manner in order to allow its raising or lowering during conversion.
Structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the seating frame (2) is supported by the pair of uprights (4', 4").
Structure (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the pair of uprights (4', 4") are mechanically connected by a primary connection section (13), extending along a conjunction line parallel to the primary rotation axis (X) and separated from it, in such a way to create the support for the seating frame (2).
Structure (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the angle (α) between the seating surface and the back frame (3) is smaller in the sitting configuration than in the lying-down configuration.
Structure (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the angle (α) between the seating surface and the back frame (3) in the lying-down configuration is substantially 180°.
Structure (1) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the manoeuvring means comprise at least one lever (5', 5") comprising a first extremity portion (5a), a central portion (5b) and a second extremity portion (5c).
Structure (1) according to claim 6, comprising a first (5') and a second lever (5"), each positioned at the sides of the seating frame (2) and mechanically connected by a secondary connection section (11), extending along a conjunction line parallel to the primary rotation axis (X).
Structure (1) according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the first extremity portion (5a) extends along a primary axis (A), the central portion (5b) extends along a secondary axis (B), these axis (A, B) being incident.
Structure (1) according to any of the claims from 6 to 8, wherein the first extremity portion (5a) is hinged to the back frame (3) and is rotable around a secondary rotation axis (Y).
Structure (1) according to any of the claims from 6 to 9, wherein the central portion (5b) is operatively connected to one of said uprights (4', 4").
Structure (1) according to any of the claims from 6 to 10, wherein the manoeuvring means comprise a retainer element (6), integral with one of the uprights (4', 4"), and a rack element (7), integral with the lever (5', 5").
Structure (1) according to claim 11, wherein the rack element (7) comprises a lower engagement portion (7a), comprising at least one tooth or protuberance (8) suitable for abutting against the retainer element (6) so as to block the back frame (3) in the sitting configuration, and an upper disengagement portion (7b), wherein the retainer element (6) is free to slide along the rack element (7) in order to enable the conversion of the support structure (1) to the lying-down configuration.
Structure (1) according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising safety means, movable from a safety position, suitable for preventing the accidental translation of the retainer element (6) along the rack element (7), and a conversion position, wherein the translation of the retainer element (6) along the upper disengagement portion (7a) of the rack element (7) is enabled.
Structure (1) according to claim 13, wherein the safety means comprise at least one safety lever (9), having one extremity pivotally connected to at least one of the uprights (4', 4") and rotable from a safety position, wherein the tooth (8) is held in abutment against the retainer element (6), and a conversion position.
Structure (1) according to any of the claims from 6 to 10, wherein the manoeuvring means comprise at least one junction lever (10) having a first extremity (10a) pivotally joined to one of the uprights (4', 4"), and a second extremity (10b) pivotally joined to the lever (5', 5").
Structure (1) according to claim 15, wherein the first extremity (10a) of the junction lever (10) is connected, in relation to a vertical axis, at a lower height than that at which the second extremity (10b) is connected to the lever (5', 5"), when the support structure (1) is positioned in the sitting configuration, in order to prevent accidental conversion.
Structure (1) according to claims 15 or 16, further comprising stop means suitable for stopping the rotation of the lever (5', 5") in the sitting configuration and in the lying-down configuration.
Structure (1) according to claim 17, wherein the stop means comprise at least one stop pin (12), joined to one of the uprights (4', 4") and situated, in relation to a vertical axis, at a lower height than the height at which the first extremity (10a) is attached.