GB2442704A

GB2442704A - Pannier storage means for sun lounger or the like

Info

Publication number: GB2442704A
Application number: GB0617324A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul White; Nikki White
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-02
Filing date: 2006-09-02
Publication date: 2008-04-16
Also published as: US20080061607A1; AU2007214323A1; EP1902642A1; GB0617324D0

Abstract

A storage system 10 for a seating unit such as a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner, deck chair or the like. The storage system comprises storage means 12 for storing articles and attachment means 14 for securing said storage means to said seating unit. The attachment means 14 is securable around a portion of said seating unit such that said storage means 12 are accessible to a user. The storage means 12 comprises at least two pannier, or saddle bag portions 16, each pannier portion arranged to depend from the attachment means 14 on a respective side of said seating unit. Each pannier portion 16 may have a plurality of pockets 20, 22, 24, 26 provided therein.

Description

A storage system The present invention relates to storage system for a

seating unit such as, but not limited to, a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner, deck chair or the like.

It is well known for sunbathers and the like to take a variety of articles with them both to provide entertainment or distraction whilst sunbathing, and for practical reasons. Typically for example, a sunbather may have a media player such as an mp3 player, CD player, iPOD , hand held games console, or the like for providing entertainment. The sunbather may also have reading material such as a book, magazine, andlor newspapers, a cold drink for avoiding dehydration, sun lotion, money, a digital camera,jewellery, sun glasses, etc.. The convenient storage of such articles, whilst sun bathing, is a known problem.

Typically, articles are left on the ground such as hot concrete by a swimming pool, or on a sandy beach near the sea. Alternatively the articles may be stored haphazardly in a bag.

However, in both cases there is a significant risk of the articles becoming damaged or being stolen.

Where the articles are left on the ground, for example, they are easily kicked or trodden on, and hence damaged by a passer-by. They also represent a health and safety hazard because the passer-by might be injured as a result of treading on / tripping over an article. Additionally, electronic articles and especially those with mechanical / electro-mechanical parts can become damaged by sand, water, and or heat. Furthermore thieves can easily steal an article whilst the sunbather is distracted / asleep.

Storage in a bag is preferable but the articles remain at risk of damage during transit and while a user is looking through the contents of the bag. Additionally, the bag and all its contents are still at significant risk of theft while a user is asleep / distracted.

The present invention provides a storage system for a seating unit such as a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner, deck chair or the like, which mitigates the above problems.

According to the present invention there is provided, a storage system for a seating unit such as a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner, deck chair or the like the storage system comprising: storage means for storing articles; and attachment means for securing said storage means to said seating unit; wherein said attachment means is securable around a portion of said seating unit such that said storage means are accessible to a user; and wherein said storage means comprises at least two pannier portions, each pannier portion arranged to depend from the attachment portion on a respective side of said seating unit.

Preferable features of the storage system are recited in the dependent claims.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a storage system according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a pannier portion of the storage system of figure 1; and Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a pannier portion.

In figure 1 a storage system is shown generally at 10. The storage system is intended for use with a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner or the like. It will be appreciated, however, that the system could also be used with other seating units, such as deck chairs, other outdoor chairs etc. The storage system comprises storage means 12 for storing articles, and attachment means 14 for securing the storage means 12 to the seating unit.

The storage means 12 comprises a pair of pannier portions 16, each of which includes a plurality of storage pockets 20, 22, 24, 26 for storing articles of different shapes, sizes and configurations. In the embodiment shown, the pannier portions 16 are of substantially identical configuration. However, it will be appreciated that each pannier portion could have a different arrangement of storage pockets, or the like.

As seen in Figure 2, each pannier portion 16 comprises a generally rectangular main pocket 20, on the front of which the other pockets 22, 24,26 are formed. The main pocket 20 has the general from of an envelope having a stiff back portion 30, a flexible front portion 32 and a flap portion 34 extending along an upper edge 36 of the back portion 30, for closing the main envelope pocket 20, in operation. The remaining pockets 22, 24, 26 comprise narrow and wide envelope pockets 22, 24, and a pouch pocket 26. The pockets 22, 24, 26, are arranged adjacent one another on the flexible front 32 of the main pocket 20, the wide envelope pocket 24 being located between the narrow envelope pocket 22 and the pouch pocket 26, although any other suitable arrangement is possible.

The narrow and wide envelope pockets 22,24 are similar in configuration to the main pocket 20, each having a respective flap 38, 40 for closing the pocket 22, 24. Unlike the main pocket 20, however, the envelope pockets 22, 24 have a flexible back formed by the flexible front 32 of the main pocket 20. The narrow and wide envelope pockets 22, 24 are generally equal in height, relative to the orientation seen in Figure 2. Contrastingly, the pouch pocket 26 is shorter and is preferably approximately half the height of the two envelope pockets 22, 24, depending on requirements.

A small loop 42 of material is provided adjacent the wide pocket 24, above the pouch pocket 26, for receiving an arm of a pair of sunglasses, spectacles or the like. The loop 42 has size, configuration and location such that in operation, the glasses may be hung from the loop with at least a portion of the glasses received in the pouch pocket 26, for the protection of a lens or lenses thereof.

The narrow pocket 22 is further provided with an internal hidden pocket 44 having fastener means 46 for opening and closing the pocket in use. The fastener means 46 may comprise any suitable means for example a zip, poppers, button/button hole or the like. The hidden pocket 44 and/or the narrow pocket 22 are/is thermally insulated such that an ice pack, freeze pack, or the like, stored in the hidden pocket 44, keeps articles in the narrow pocket 22 cool, and is insulated from heat from external sources such as, for example, the sun. The hidden pocket 44 is preferably formed in the narrow envelope pocket 22 on the flexible front 32 of the main pocket 20.

Alternatively or additionally the hidden pocket may be used to conceal valuable items such as wallets, mobile phones, jewellery, or the like when the ice pack / freeze pack is removed.

The pockets 20, 22, 24, 26 may be of any suitable size and configuration. Preferably, however, the main pocket 20 is of size and configuration for receiving a newspaper, magazine or the like. The narrow pocket 22 is preferably configured for receiving a drinks carton, bottle, can or the like. The wide pocket 24 is preferably configured for receiving a book, sun cream, CD or the like. The pouch pocket 26 is preferably configured for receiving loose change, a media player, a watch or the like, in addition to the portion of the glasses. The hidden pocket 44 is preferably configured to receive an ice pack, freeze pack, or the like.

The attachment means 14 comprises first portion and second portions 50, 52.

The first portion 50 is configured for support by an upper surface of the seating unit, in operation, and comprises a plurality of generally parallel strips 54 having substantially equal length. Either end of each strip 54 is respectively secured to the upper edge 36 of the back 30 of a corresponding pannier portion 16. The strips 54 may be formed from any suitable material but are preferably formed of an elastically stretchable material to allow use with chairs of different widths, and to allow a tight fit when secured around the seating unit in operation.

The length of the strips 54 is such that, in operation when the first portion 50 extends transversely across an upper surface of, and is supported by, the seating unit, each pannier portion 16 depends from a respective side of the seating unit for access by a user seated / reclining on the unit.

The number of strips 54, width and elasticity are configured such that in operation when the pockets contain articles, the weight of the pockets do not cause the first portion 50 of the attachment means to overstretch significantly, for example in a manner which causes the pockets to touch the ground. It will be appreciated that whilst three strips are shown and a plurality of strips described any suitable number of strips 54 may be provided including a single strip of suitable width and elasticity.

The second portion 52 of the attachment portion 14 is configured to extend around an underside of the seating unit and comprises first and second strips 56, 58 of elastically stretchable material. One end of each strip 56, 58, is secured to the upper edge 36 of a corresponding pannier portion 16. The opposite end of each strip 56, 58 are each provided S with mutually engageable securing means 60, 62, for fixing the respective opposite ends to one another, in operation, to secure the attachment means 14 around the seating unit, thereby securing the pannier portions 16 in a position accessible to the user. The securing means 60, 62, comprises respective hook and eye pads of a material fastener of the type sold under the Velcro t trade mark or the like. Alternatively, or additionally the securing means could comprise any suitable means, for example, mutually engageable clip portions, poppers, buttons/button holes or the like.

It will be appreciated that while the material of the first and second portions are described as being elastically stretchable, and that such a configuration is preferable for providing flexibility, the material need not be elastically stretchable.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first and second portions 50, 52, may be adjustable in length, beyond that provided by any natural elastic stretchability of the corresponding material. Each strip 54 of the first portion 50 may, for example, be provided with an adjustor buckle through which the strip 54 passes to allow the length the strip to be adjusted. Similarly one or both strips 56 of the second portion 52 may be provided with an adjustor buckle through which the corresponding strip 56 passes to allow the length the strip 56 to be adjusted. It will be appreciated that where adjustor buckles are used each adjustable strip 54, 56, may comprise a plurality of material sections arranged to provide the adjustability.

In another embodiment (not shown) of the invention the pannier portions are provided with mutually engageable fixing means arranged around their respective perimeter edges for allowing the two pannier portions to be fixed to one another such that the pockets 20,22,26, 28,44 are located within a substantially enclosed package. The fixing means may comprise any suitable means, but typically comprise mutually engageable zip portions, poppers, or the like. In such an embodiment the attachment means may be configured either for concealment and storage within the enclosed package, or for use as a strap or the like to allow a user to carry the package on their shoulder. Alternatively, or additionally, one or both the pannier portions may be provided with handle means extending from the upper edge 36 to allow the package to be carried in the hand of the user.

In figure 3 another embodiment of a pannier portion suitable for use in the storage system 10, is shown generally at 70. The panmer portion 70 is generally similar to the pannier portion 16 described with reference to figure 2, and like parts are given like reference numerals.

However in the embodiment of figure 3, a small additional pocket 72, is provided on the front of the wide envelope pocket 24, in the lower right corner as viewed. The additional pocket is provide for receiving additional small articles 72 such as earrings, rings, other jewellery, loose change, or the like. It will be appreciated additional pockets could be provided in this manner on the front of any of the pockets 22, 24, 26.

Conveniently, any of the embodiments may be provided with a pouch for receiving the storage system to form an enclosed package. The pouch may be separate or may form an integral part of one of the pannier portions.

It will be appreciated that whilst a plurality of separate embodiments are described the features of the embodiments are generally interchangeable to the extent practically possible.

Typical operation of the storage system will now be described, by way of example only.

In typical operation the storage system pannier portions are pre-packed with a plurality of desired articles such as sun-cream, drinks, media players, electronic games, reading material etc., by a user. Where the pannier portions are securable to one another to form a substantially enclosed package, the articles may be secured in the package for transport to a desired location such as a poolside lounger or the like. Alternatively or additionally the storage system may be placed in the associated pouch, if available, to form an enclosed package.

The storage system may then be carried to the desired location using the shoulder strap, handle means, or the like, where provided.

At the desired location any enclosed pouch is opened and the storage system secured to a seating unit such as a lounger, recliner or the like using the attachment means 14. The strips 54 of the first portion 50 are placed over an upper surface of the seating unit and the strips 56 of the second portion passed beneath it. The strips 56 of the lower portion are then secured to one another, such that the attachment means 14 forms a tight loop around the seating unit, and each pannier portion 16 depends from the attachment means 14 on a respective side of the seating unit. Where adjustor means are provided, the length of the first andlor second portion may be adjusted to tighten the loop.

Conveniently, where the seating unit has a cushion, or the like, the attachment means may be arranged to pass over an upper surface of the frame of the seating unit but beneath the cushion for enhanced comfort.

The user then uses the seating unit and the articles within the storage system to the extent required. Where the user wishes to move the seating unit, for example to take account of the movement of the sun when sun bathing, the storage system is moved along with the seating unit.

After the user has finished at the desired location the storage system is removed with the articles remaining in place in the associated pockets. Where provided for the system may be arranged to form an enclosed package, as described previously by securing the two pannier portions to one another and/or using an associated pouch. The storage system may then be transported to another location as desired.

Claims

Claims I A storage system for a seating unit such as a sun bed, sun

lounger, other recliner, deck chair or the like the storage system comprising: storage means for storing articles; and attachment means for securing said storage means to said seating unit; wherein said attachment means is securable around a portion of said seating unit such that said storage means are accessible to a user; and wherein said storage means comprises at least two pannier portions, each pannier portion arranged to depend from the attachment portion on a respective side of said seating unit.
2 A storage system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pannier portions are securable to one another to form a generally enclosed package for carrying articles stored therein.
3 A storage system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said attachment means is configured to act as carrying means for carrying said package on a users shoulder.
4 A storage system as claimed in claim 2 wherein said attachment means is configured for storage within said package.
A storage system as claimed in claim 2, 3, or 4 wherein at least one of said pannier portions comprises handle means arranged for location externally to said package when formed, such that said package can be carried using said handle means.
6 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said attachment means is elastically stretchable.
7 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said attachment means comprises first and second portions; wherein said first portion is configured to extend over an upper surface of said seating unit, and said second portion is configured to extend around an underside of said seating unit; and wherein said pannier portions depend from an interface between said portions.
8 A storage system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said first portion is adjustable in length.
9 A storage system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first portion is elastically stretchable.
A storage system as claimed in claim 8, or 9, wherein said first portion comprises at least one strip of material, and an adjustor buckle through which said strip passes for allowing said length of said first portion to be adjusted.
11 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein said first portion comprises a plurality of strips arranged parallel to one another.
12 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 11, wherein said second portion is adjustable in length.
13 A storage system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said second portion is elastically stretchable.
14 A storage system as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein said second portion comprises at least one strip of material, and an adjustor buckle through which said strip passes for allowing said length of said second portion to be adjusted.
A storage system as claimed in any of claims 7 to 14, wherein said second portion comprises first and second strips extending from respective ends of said first portion, said first and second strips being fixable to one another to form a continuous loop with said first portion.
16 A storage system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first and second strips are fixable to one another.
17 A storage system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first and second strips are fixable to one another using at least one of, a hook and eye pad pair, mutually engageable clip halves, and/or popper means.
18 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each pannier portion comprises a plurality of pockets of different sizes for holding said articles.
19 A storage system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said pockets are secured directly or indirectly to a generally rigid back portion.
A storage system as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a further pocket concealed therein.
21 A storage system as claimed in claim 18, 19, or 20, wherein one of said further pocket comprises a thermal lining for insulating the contents of said further pocket.
22 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, wherein at least one said pannier portion comprises a loop of material for receiving an armature of a pair of glasses; and wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a pouch arranged for location beneath said armature to receive said glasses when said armature is located within said loop, thereby to at least partially protect said glasses.
23 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a large pocket extending a full width of said panther portion, the or each remaining pocket being located on a front of said pocket.

23 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 22, wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a large pocket extending a full width of said pannier portion, the or each remaining pocket being located on a front of said pocket.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows l.

Claims A storage system for selective attachment to a seating unit such as a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner, deck chair or the like, the storage system comprising: storage means for storing articles comprising at least two pannier portions; and attachment means in the form of one or more strips of material comprising first and second opposing portions for securing said storage means to said seating unit, each pannier portion arranged to depend from the attachment means on a respective side of said seating unit during use; said attachment means being securable around a portion of said seating unit such that said storage means are accessible to a user; and wherein either said first or second portions comprise releasable securing means such that the first and second portions can be passed around the seating unit during use and selectively fastened together so as to form a closed loop..

2 A storage system aàcording to claim I, wherein said attachment means comprises first and second strips of material, said first strip being configured to extend over an upper surface of said seating unit, and said second strip being configured to extend around an underside of said seating unit.

3 A storage system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said pannier portions depend from an interface between said portions.

4 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said attachment means is elastically stretchable.

A storage system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein said first strip is adjustable in length. l.

6 A storage system as claimed in claim 5wherein said first strip is elastically stretchable.

7 A storage system as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein said first strip comprises at least one strip of material, and an adjustor buckle through which said strip passes for allowing said length of said first portion to be adjusted.

8 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first portion comprises a plurality of strips arranged parallel to one another.

9 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 8, wherein said second strip is adjustable in length.

A storage system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said second strip is elastically stretchable.

11 A storage system as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein said second portion comprises at least one strip of material, and an adjustor buckle through which said strip passes for allowing said length of said second portion to be adjusted.

12 A storage system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second strip comprises the first and second portions extending from respective ends of said first strip, said first and second portions being fixable to one another to form a continuous loop with said first strip.

13 A storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second portions are fixable to one another using at least one of, a hook and eye pad pair, mutually engageable clip halves, and/or popper means.

14 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said pannier portions are securable to one another to form a generally enclosed package for carrying articles stored therein. 3.

A storage system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said attachment means is configured to act as carrying means for carrying said package on a user's shoulder.

16 A storage system as claimed in claim 14 wherein said attachment means is configured for storage within said package.

17 A storage system as claimed in claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein at least one of said pannier portions comprises handle means arranged for location externally to said package when formed, such that said package can be carried using said handle means.

18 A storage system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each pannier portion comprises a plurality of pockets of different sizes for holding said articles.

19 A storage system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said pockets are secured directly or indirectly to a generally rigid back portion.

A storage system as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a further pocket concealed therein.

21 A storage system as claimed in claim 18, 19, or 20, wherein one of said further pocket comprises a thermal lining for insulating the contents of said further pocket.

22 A storage system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, wherein at least one said pannier portion comprises a loop of material for receiving an armature of a pair of glasses; and wherein at least one of said pockets comprises a pouch arranged for location beneath said armature to receive said glasses when said armature is located within said loop, thereby to at least partially protect said glasses.