EP4518722A1

EP4518722A1 - Kit comprising a chair, or sunbed, and an coupling device for a fabric element

Info

Publication number: EP4518722A1
Application number: EP23727884.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giampietro Nardi; Raffaello GALIOTTO
Original assignee: Nardi SpA
Current assignee: Nardi SpA
Priority date: 2022-05-06
Filing date: 2023-04-28
Publication date: 2025-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2043-04-28
Also published as: IT202200009365A1; EP4518722C0; CN119156156A; WO2023214275A1; ES3063558T3; EP4518722B1; MA70740B1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a kit (100) comprising a chair (10), or sunbed, and at least one coupling device (20), wherein said chair (10), or sunbed, includes a seating element (11) and a headrest element (12), wherein said headrest element (12) is configured, in use, to support a portion of a user's back or head, said coupling device (20) being coupled, or couplable, to at least said headrest element (12) of said chair (10), or sunbed, and being configured to removably attach a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, to said chair (10), or sunbed.

Description

KIT COMPRISING A CHAIR, OR SUNBED, AND AN COUPLING DEVICE FOR A FABRIC ELEMENT

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a chair, particularly an outdoor chair. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising a chair, or sunbed, and a coupling device configured to couple at least a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or a towel, to said chair or sunbed.

On many occasions, there is a need to place a towel or beach towel on a chair or sunbed. For example, when sunbathing at the beach or in the garden, it is common to place a towel or beach towel on a chair, sunbed, or beach chair to prevent direct contact between the user's skin and the chair, sunbed, or beach chair itself.

In particular, the towel or beach towel is traditionally arranged to preferably cover the portion of the chair or sunbed intended to come into contact with the user. Preferably, the towel or beach towel is arranged to cover a portion of the chair's backrest and a portion of its seat.

However, this arrangement of the beach towel on the chair or sunbed often poses a significant inconvenience, primarily due to the lack of a means or device for effectively securing the beach towel to the chair itself.

For instance, in windy conditions, the towel or beach towel tends to move or become detached from the seat, especially when the user gets up from the chair or sunbed. Additionally, the user's movements on the seat can cause the towel or beach towel to shift or slip off the chair or sunbed.

The present disclosure aims to provide a kit that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the prior art and/or achieves additional advantages.

This is achieved through a kit as defined in the independent claim. Further features and specific embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims.

The present disclosure starts from the recognition by the author of the present disclosure that, for an effective coupling between a fabric element, such as a towel or beach towel, and the chair or sunbed, at least one coupling device configured to removably couple a portion of the fabric element to the chair or sunbed is necessary.

In other words, the coupling device is configured to securely couple, when needed, a fabric element such as a beach towel or towel, or at least a portion thereof, to the chair or sunbed, thus preventing undesired movements of the towel or beach towel with respect to the chair or sunbed.

In particular, the kit according to the present disclosure comprises a chair or sunbed and at least one coupling device configured to removably couple a portion of a fabric element to the chair or sunbed. Specifically, the chair or sunbed comprises a seating element and a headrest element. The headrest element is configured to support a user's head. The coupling device is particularly couplable or coupled to at least that headrest element of the chair or sunbed.

In other words, the kit according to the present disclosure comprises a chair or sunbed and a coupling device attachable or preferably coupled to a head portion of the chair or sunbed. The coupling device is configured to removably couple at least a portion of a fabric element, such as a towel or beach towel, to the chair or sunbed. Advantageously, coupling at least a portion of the fabric element at the head portion of the chair or sunbed allows for an effective connection between the fabric element and the chair or sunbed, specifically preventing the portion of the fabric element from falling, for example due to gravity, from the head portion or headrest element of the chair or sunbed.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the headrest element comprises a first portion, disposed distal to the seating element, and a second portion interposed between the seating element and the first portion of the headrest element. In this aspect, the coupling device is coupled or couplable to at least the first portion of the headrest element. In other words, the coupling device can be coupled at the top area of the headrest element of the chair or sunbed. This advantageously prevents the fabric element, particularly the towel or beach towel, from falling or sliding by gravity onto the chair or sunbed.

According to the present disclosure, the headrest element comprises a first face facing, in use, towards a user, particularly towards the user's head, and a second face opposite to the first face. In this aspect, at least the headrest element comprises a plurality of through holes configured to connect the first face with the second face. Each hole of this plurality of holes is configured to couple with the at least one coupling device, which includes a coupling portion configured to engage with at least one hole of the plurality of holes in the headrest element. Advantageously, the fact that the coupling device is coupled or attachable to the chair or sunbed through the coupling portion and at least one hole of the plurality of holes in the chair or sunbed enables an effective and stable connection between the coupling device and the chair or sunbed, preventing movements or displacements of the coupling device with respect to the chair or sunbed.

Furthermore, the coupling device comprises, in addition to the coupling portion configured to couple the coupling device to the chair, a hooking portion configured to removably couple a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, to the chair or sunbed. In other words, the coupling device includes two separate portions, a first portion configured to securely couple the coupling device to the chair, and a second portion configured to removably couple the fabric element to the chair. Consequently, movements of the fabric element, for example, due to wind or user movements, do not result in displacement of the coupling device with respect to the chair or sunbed.

The coupling portion is shaped like a "C" or a "U" and comprises a first protruding element and a second protruding element. Each of these first and second protruding elements is configured to couple with a through hole of the plurality of through holes. In other words, the coupling device is coupled to the chair or sunbed through a dual coupling, determined by two protruding elements, partially inserted into two through holes. The resulting coupling is therefore stable.

More specifically, according to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the first protruding element is configured to couple with the first through hole at one of the first and second faces, while the second protruding element is configured to couple with the second through hole at the other of the first and second faces of the headrest element of the chair or sunbed. In other words, the "C" or "U" shape of the coupling portion of the coupling device allows it to couple with the chair, particularly with the headrest element of the chair, from both sides or both faces of the headrest element. This further improves the coupling between the coupling device and the chair.

According to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the hooking portion is also shaped like a "C" or a "U" and is connected to the coupling portion. In this way, the coupling device is shaped like a double "C" or double "U". This configuration of the coupling device allows for effective coupling with the chair or sunbed and, at the same time, effective retention of a fabric element, as well as easy installation of the coupling device on the chair or sunbed. In this aspect, the hooking portion comprises an elastically deformable element configured to removably couple a fabric element or at least a portion of it to the chair or sunbed. In other words, the elastically deformable element can be a flap associated with the coupling portion and configured to be flexed or elastically deformed so that, when in use, it is possible to insert or place a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, between it and the chair or sunbed. In other words, the elastically deformable element can be moved or shifted from a resting position, where it is configured to retain a portion of a fabric element, to a deformed position in which a portion of a fabric element can be inserted or removed between the elastically deformable element and the chair.

Preferably, the elastically deformable element is configured, when in use, to exert a compressive force on a fabric element or a portion thereof. Preferably, this compressive force is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the headrest element of the chair or sunbed. In other words, the fabric element is held in place or retained by the compressive force exerted by the elastically deformable element, which pushes the fabric element towards the headrest element of the chair or sunbed.

According to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one coupling device is a first coupling device. In this aspect, the kit includes a second coupling device. The first and second coupling devices are preferably configured to be positioned on opposite sides of the headrest element of the chair or sunbed. In particular, this headrest element includes a first peripheral edge or right peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge or left peripheral edge, and a third peripheral edge configured to connect the first peripheral edge or right peripheral edge with the second peripheral edge or left peripheral edge. In this aspect, the first coupling device is coupled or can be coupled to the chair or sunbed at the first peripheral edge or right peripheral edge, while the second coupling device is coupled or can be coupled to the second peripheral edge or left peripheral edge. This further improves the coupling between the fabric element and the chair or sunbed.

Preferably, the kit according to the present disclosure further includes a fabric element, wherein the fabric element is a beach towel or towel.

Further advantages, features, and methods of use of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented for illustrative purposes and not limiting.

It is evident, however, that each embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure may have one or more of the advantages listed above. In any case, it is not required that each embodiment simultaneously possesses all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a kit according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 2 represents a side view of a kit according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

Figure 3 shows a rear view of a kit according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

- Figure 4 shows another perspective view of a kit according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

- Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a coupling device of a kit according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

- Figure 6 shows a side view of a coupling device of a kit according to an aspect of the present disclosure. With reference to the attached figures, one embodiment of a kit according to the present disclosure is indicated by reference number 100.

In particular, the kit 100 according to the present disclosure comprises a chair 10 or a sunbed, and at least one coupling device 20 configured, in use, to removably couple at least a portion of a fabric element to said chair 10 or sunbed. Preferably, the coupling device 20 is also removably coupled or attachable to the chair 10 or sunbed.

The term "chair or sunbed" within the scope of the present disclosure refers to a piece of furniture configured to support the body of a user. In particular, this piece of furniture can take the form of a chair, sunbed, recliner, or armchair in which a user can sit or lie down, for example, to sunbathe.

The term "fabric element" within the scope of the present disclosure refers to an element configured, in use, to be interposed between the body of a user and the chair, sunbed, or armchair. For example, this fabric element can be a towel or a beach mat.

The term "coupling device" or "coupling element" within the scope of the present disclosure refers to a device or element configured to removably couple a fabric element, or at least a portion thereof, particularly a towel or a beach mat, or a portion thereof, to a chair or sunbed. For example, the coupling device or element can be a clip or a clamp.

In particular, the chair 10 or sunbed comprises a seating element or portion 11 configured to support a user. The chair 10 or sunbed further comprises a headrest element or portion 12 configured, in use, to support a portion of a user's back or head.

Preferably, the at least one coupling device 20 is attachable, or in use coupled, at least to the headrest element 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed. More preferably, the at least one coupling device 20 is attachable or coupled to the headrest element 12 at a peripheral edge thereof.

The headrest element 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed preferably comprises a first distal portion 12a with respect to the seating element 1 1 and a second portion 12b interposed between the seating element 1 1 and the first portion 12a. Preferably, the at least one coupling device 20 is attachable or coupled to the first portion 12a of the chair 10 or sunbed.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, at least the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed comprises a first face 13 facing, in use, towards a user, and a second face 14 opposite to the first face 13. In accordance with this aspect, at least the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed includes a plurality of through holes 15 configured to connect the first face 13 with the second face 14. Each hole of this plurality of through holes 15 is configured for a coupling with the at least one coupling device 20. In other words, the coupling device 20 and the chair 10 or sunbed are coupled or attachable at one or more of the through holes in the plurality of through holes 15.

Specifically, the coupling device 20 comprises a coupling portion 21 configured to couple said coupling device 20 with said chair 10 or sunbed. In particular, the coupling portion 21 is configured for a coupling with at least one through hole in the plurality of through holes 15. In other words, the coupling between the coupling device 20 and the chair 10 or sunbed occurs through a coupling, preferably a male-female type of coupling, between a coupling portion 21 of the coupling device 20 and one or more through holes of the plurality of through holes 15 of the chair 10 or sunbed.

Preferably, the coupling portion 21 of the coupling device 20 is shaped like "C" or "U" and comprises a first protruding element 22 and a second protruding element 23. Specifically, the first protruding element 22 is configured for a coupling with a first through hole of the plurality of through holes 15 of the chair 10 or sunbed, while the second protruding element 23 is configured for a coupling with a second through hole of the plurality of through holes 15 of the chair 10 or sunbed. Furthermore, each of the first protruding element 22 and the second protruding element 23 is configured to be partially inserted into a through hole of the plurality of through holes 15 of the chair 10 or sunbed.

Preferably, each through hole in the plurality of through holes 15 has a substantially square, rectangular, or rhomboidal section. According to this aspect, the first protruding element 22 and the second protruding element 23 have a complementary section to the section of each through hole in the plurality of through holes 15, allowing them to be partially inserted into such through holes. Advantageously, the substantially square, rectangular, or rhomboidal section of the plurality of through holes 15, and the corresponding section of the first protruding element 22 and the second protruding element 23, ensure an effective coupling between the coupling device 20 and the chair 10 or sunbed, preventing relative movements between these two components.

Alternatively, each through hole of the plurality of through holes 15 may have a substantially round section. According to this aspect, the first protruding element 22 and the second protruding element 23 have a complementary section to the section of each through hole in the plurality of through holes 15, allowing them to be partially inserted into such through holes.

The presence of two protruding elements, namely the first and second protruding elements 22 and 23, respectively, configured for a coupling with a respective through hole of the plurality of through holes 15 ensures an effective coupling between the coupling device 20 and the chair 10 or sunbed, regardless of the shape of the holes and protruding elements.

Preferably, the first protruding element 22 is configured for a coupling with a first through hole in the plurality of through holes 15 at one of the first face 13 and the second face 14 of the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed. The second protruding element 23 is instead configured for a coupling with a second through hole in the plurality of through holes 15 at the other of the first face 13 and the second face 14 of the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed. In other words, the first protruding element 22 is configured to be partially inserted into one of the holes of the plurality of through holes 15 starting from one of the first face 13 and the second face 14, while the second protruding element 23 is configured to be partially inserted into one of the holes of the plurality of through holes 15 from the other of the first face 13 and the second face 14, substantially in the opposite direction to the first protruding element 22.

Therefore, the "C" or "U" shape of the coupling portion 21 of the coupling device 20 allows it to be coupled to both the first face 13 and the second face 14 of the chair 10 or sunbed, further enhancing the coupling between these two components. In essence, in a coupled condition between the coupling device 20 and the chair 10 or sunbed, the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed is interposed between the coupling portion 21 of the coupling device 20. Furthermore, the "C" or "U" shape of the coupling portion 21 of the coupling device allows for easy coupling and uncoupling of the coupling device 20 with/from a perimeter edge of the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the coupling device 20 further comprises a hooking portion 24 configured to removably attach a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, to the chair 10 or sunbed.

Preferably, the hooking portion 24 is shaped as a "C" or "U" and is connected to the coupling portion 21 in such a way that the coupling device 20 is shaped as a double "C" or double "U." This configuration of the coupling device 20 allows for easy coupling of the coupling device 20 to the chair 10 or sunbed on one hand, and easy attachment or securing of a fabric element to the chair 10 or sunbed on the other hand. Additionally, this configuration of the coupling device 20 ensures effective coupling of the coupling device 20 even when a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, is not used. In essence, effective coupling between the coupling device 20 and the chair 10 or sunbed is guaranteed, even without the use of a fabric element like a beach towel or towel. In other words, the coupling device 20 can remain coupled to the chair 10 or sunbed even in the absence of a fabric element, avoiding the need to remove the coupling device 20 when not necessary. This also reduces the risk of the user losing the coupling device 20, as it can remain coupled to the chair 10 or sunbed.

In particular, the hooking portion 24 includes an elastically deformable element 25 configured to removably attach a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel, to the chair 10 or sunbed. Preferably, this elastically deformable element 25 can be shaped as a wing or flap branching off from a base element of the coupling device 20. Essentially, the hooking portion 24 and the coupling portion 21 of the coupling device 20 can be associated with this base element.

Preferably, the elastically deformable element 25 is configured to exert a compressive force on a portion of a fabric element, such as a beach towel or towel. Preferably, this compressive force is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed. In other words, the fabric element is held in place or retained by the compressive force exerted by the elastically deformable element 25, pushing the fabric element towards the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed.

Essentially, the elastically deformable element 25 is an element configured to be flexed or elastically deformed so that, when in use, it is possible to insert or place a portion of a fabric element between it and the chair 10 or sunbed. In other words, the elastically deformable element 25 can be moved or displaced from a resting position, where it is configured to retain a portion of a fabric element, to a deformed position in which a portion of a fabric element can be inserted or removed between the elastically deformable element 25 and the chair 10 or sunbed.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one coupling device 20 is a first coupling device. In this aspect, the kit 100 further comprises a second coupling device.

In particular, the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed includes a first perimeter edge 16, or right perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge 17, or left perimeter edge, and a third perimeter edge 18 configured to connect the first perimeter edge 16, or right perimeter edge, with the second perimeter edge 17, or left perimeter edge. Preferably, in this aspect, the first coupling device is coupled or can be coupled to the chair 10 or sunbed at the first perimeter edge 16, or right perimeter edge, while the second coupling device is coupled or can be coupled to the chair 10 or sunbed at the second perimeter edge 17, or left perimeter edge. In other words, preferably, the first and second coupling devices are coupled to opposite sides of the headrest 12 of the chair 10 or sunbed. This ensures effective attachment of a fabric element, such as a towel or beach towel, to the chair 10 or sunbed when in use.

However, it is also possible to position the first and second coupling devices at different portions of the chair 10 or sunbed or to use a greater number of coupling devices 20 in order to attach a fabric element, particularly a beach towel or towel.

According to another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the kit 100 according to the present finding further comprises a fabric element, wherein said fabric element is a beach towel or towel.

The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described thus far with reference to specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims may exist, which pertain to the same inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS Kit (100) comprising a chair (10) or sunbed, and at least one coupling device (20), wherein said chair (10) or sunbed comprises a seating element (1 1 ) and a headrest element (12), wherein said headrest element (12) is configured, in use, to support a portion of the back or head of a user, said coupling device (20) being coupled or attachable to at least said headrest element (12) of said chair (10) or sunbed, and being configured to removably couple at least a portion of a fabric element to said chair (10) or sunbed, wherein said headrest element (12) comprises a first face (13) facing, in use, towards a user, and a second face (14) opposite to said first face (13), wherein at least said headrest element (12) comprises a plurality of through holes (15) configured to connect said first face (13) with said second face (14), wherein each hole of said plurality of holes (15) is configured for a coupling with said at least one coupling device (20), said coupling device (20) comprising a coupling portion (21 ) configured for a coupling with at least one hole of said plurality of through holes (15), wherein said coupling device (20) comprises said coupling portion (21 ) and a hooking portion (24), wherein said coupling portion (21 ) is configured to couple said coupling device (20) to said chair (10) or sunbed, and wherein said hooking portion (24) is configured to removably couple a portion of a fabric element to said chair (10) or sunbed, wherein said coupling portion (21 ) is shaped like a "C" or a "U" and comprises a first protruding element (22) configured for a coupling with a first through hole of said plurality of through holes (15), and a second protruding element (23) configured for coupling with a second through hole of said plurality of through holes (15). Kit (100) according to claim 1 , wherein said headrest element (12) comprises a first portion (12a) distal to said seating element (1 1 ) and a second portion (12b) interposed between said seating element (1 1 ) and said first portion (12a) of the headrest element

(12), wherein said at least one coupling device (20) is coupled or attachable to at least said first portion (12a) of the headrest element (12). Kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first protruding element (22) is configured to couple with said first through-hole at one of said first face

(13) and said second face (14), and wherein said second protruding element (23) is configured to couple with said second through-hole at the other of said first face (13) and said second face (14). Kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said hooking portion (24) is shaped like a "C" or a "U" and is connected to said coupling portion (21 ) such that said coupling device (20) is formed as a double "C" or double "U", said hooking portion (24) comprises an elastically deformable element (25) configured to detachably couple a portion of a fabric item to said chair (10) or sunbed.

5. Kit (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in use, said elastically deformable element (25) is configured to exert a compressive force on a portion of the fabric item, wherein said compressive force is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to said headrest (12) of said chair (10) or sunbed. 6. Kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one coupling device (20) is a first coupling device, said kit (100) further comprising a second coupling device, wherein said first portion (12a) of the headrest (12) comprises a first perimeter edge (16), or right perimeter edge, a second perimeter edge (17), or left perimeter edge, and a third perimeter edge (18) configured to connect said first perimeter edge (16), or right perimeter edge, to said second perimeter edge (17), or left perimeter edge, wherein said first coupling device is coupled, or attachable, at said first perimeter edge (16), or right perimeter edge, and wherein said second coupling device is coupled, or attachable, at said second perimeter edge (17), or left perimeter edge. 7. Kit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fabric element, wherein said fabric element is a beach towel, or towel.