GB2180150A - Recliner - Google Patents

Abstract

A recliner is disclosed which has a pair of U-shaped frame members 1 which are pivotally connected by straps at the bases of the U-shaped frames so as to be pivotable between an open and a closed position. The frame has a flexible resilient cover 4 with a trailing portion which can be positioned on the ground for a user to lie on. The uprights 3 of the U-shaped members act as legs to support the recliner and the angle of recline can be varied easily by pivoting the frame members. The frame is preferably made of lightweight tubular aluminium. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Recliner The present invention relates to a recliner and, in particular, to a recliner of a type which may be used out of doors, on the beach for resting and sunbathing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight compact recliner which is portable and easily stored.

According to the present invention there is provided a reclinercomprising, a pair of frame members which are pivotably connected together so as to be pivotable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and a cover which covers the frame members and which as a portion which trails from a frame member to provide a means for supporting a user in a lying or sitting position.

Preferably, each frame member is U-shaped and the frame members are connected at the base of each U-shaped member. The uprights of each U-shaped frame member defines legs upon which the recliner can be supported on the ground.

Preferably, each frame member consists of a iightweight tubular material, such as tubular aluminium or steel.

The cover may be comprised of naturally occurring textile materials, such as cotton, or of man made materials, such as plastics.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of the frame of a recliner according to the present invention; and Fig. 2 shdws a view of a recliner with the frame of Fig. 1 having a cover disposed thereon.

Reference is first made to Fig. 1 of the drawings which shows a frame consisting of two U-shaped frame members 1, each formed from tubular aluminium. Each of the two U-shaped frame members 1 have respective bases which are connected together by straps 2 which allow the frame members 1 to pivot relative to each other, like a hinge, about the bases between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Between these two positions the frame members 1 define a Vshaped structure, as shown in the drawing, the angle between the two sides of which is fully adjustable and is maintained by the straps 2. The uprights 3 of the two U-shaped frames 1 define legs on which the frame can be rested on the ground.

Referring now to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the frame of Fig. 1 is shown covered by a cover 4 which is secured at the edges around the legs 3 of the two frame members 1. The cover 4 consists of an elongate strip of cotton or a plastic material which is substantially the same width as the frame, but much longer than the frame so that the cover lies forward of one of the frame members 1. The material from which the cover 4 is comprised is flexible for bending with the frame and has a degree of "give" or resilience so as to afford a degree of comfort when the recliner is laid on the ground.

In use, the frame portion of the recliner is positioned on the ground on its legs 3 with the trailing portion of the cover 4 stretched out infront.

The user then adjusts the extent to which the frame members 1 are opened to adjust the angle of recline.

For example, if the user desires to sit upright the two frame members 1 are moved close together, or if the user desires to lie back the two frame members 1 are spread wide apart. If the ground is soft enough the legs 3 of the frame may be dug in to prevent them slipping from the position determined by the user.

Because the recliner consists of only two frame members and a cover it is very light and compact.

This makes it easy to carry about and transport. To enhance the lightness of the frame the frame members may be made of aluminium or steel tubing. The cover is made of a material which has a degree of "give" or resilience so that it can mold itself to the users contours to provide comfort. In this respect, naturally occurring materials such as cotton or synthetic plastic can be used.

1. A reciiner comprising, a pair of frame members which are pivotably connected together so as to be pivotable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and a cover which covers the frame members and which has a portion which trails from a frame member to provide a means for supporting a user in a lying or sitting position.

2. A recliner as claimed in claim 1 wherein, each frame member is U-shaped and the frame members are connected at the base of each U-shaped member.

3. A recliner as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, the uprights of each U-shaped frame member defines legs upon which the recliner can be supported on the ground.

4. A recliner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, each frame member consists of a lightweight tubular material.

5. A recliner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (5)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Recliner The present invention relates to a recliner and, in particular, to a recliner of a type which may be used out of doors, on the beach for resting and sunbathing. An object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight compact recliner which is portable and easily stored. According to the present invention there is provided a reclinercomprising, a pair of frame members which are pivotably connected together so as to be pivotable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and a cover which covers the frame members and which as a portion which trails from a frame member to provide a means for supporting a user in a lying or sitting position. Preferably, each frame member is U-shaped and the frame members are connected at the base of each U-shaped member. The uprights of each U-shaped frame member defines legs upon which the recliner can be supported on the ground. Preferably, each frame member consists of a iightweight tubular material, such as tubular aluminium or steel. The cover may be comprised of naturally occurring textile materials, such as cotton, or of man made materials, such as plastics. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of the frame of a recliner according to the present invention; and Fig. 2 shdws a view of a recliner with the frame of Fig. 1 having a cover disposed thereon. Reference is first made to Fig. 1 of the drawings which shows a frame consisting of two U-shaped frame members 1, each formed from tubular aluminium. Each of the two U-shaped frame members 1 have respective bases which are connected together by straps 2 which allow the frame members 1 to pivot relative to each other, like a hinge, about the bases between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Between these two positions the frame members 1 define a Vshaped structure, as shown in the drawing, the angle between the two sides of which is fully adjustable and is maintained by the straps 2. The uprights 3 of the two U-shaped frames 1 define legs on which the frame can be rested on the ground. Referring now to Fig. 2 of the drawings, the frame of Fig. 1 is shown covered by a cover 4 which is secured at the edges around the legs 3 of the two frame members 1. The cover 4 consists of an elongate strip of cotton or a plastic material which is substantially the same width as the frame, but much longer than the frame so that the cover lies forward of one of the frame members 1. The material from which the cover 4 is comprised is flexible for bending with the frame and has a degree of "give" or resilience so as to afford a degree of comfort when the recliner is laid on the ground. In use, the frame portion of the recliner is positioned on the ground on its legs 3 with the trailing portion of the cover 4 stretched out infront. The user then adjusts the extent to which the frame members 1 are opened to adjust the angle of recline. For example, if the user desires to sit upright the two frame members 1 are moved close together, or if the user desires to lie back the two frame members 1 are spread wide apart. If the ground is soft enough the legs 3 of the frame may be dug in to prevent them slipping from the position determined by the user. Because the recliner consists of only two frame members and a cover it is very light and compact. This makes it easy to carry about and transport. To enhance the lightness of the frame the frame members may be made of aluminium or steel tubing. The cover is made of a material which has a degree of "give" or resilience so that it can mold itself to the users contours to provide comfort. In this respect, naturally occurring materials such as cotton or synthetic plastic can be used. CLAIMS

1. A reciiner comprising, a pair of frame members which are pivotably connected together so as to be pivotable between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and a cover which covers the frame members and which has a portion which trails from a frame member to provide a means for supporting a user in a lying or sitting position.

2. A recliner as claimed in claim 1 wherein, each frame member is U-shaped and the frame members are connected at the base of each U-shaped member.

3. A recliner as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein, the uprights of each U-shaped frame member defines legs upon which the recliner can be supported on the ground.

4. A recliner as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, each frame member consists of a lightweight tubular material.

5. A recliner substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.