GB2488110A

GB2488110A - Folding chair with pivoted stay to allow chair to adopt upright or reclined positions

Info

Publication number: GB2488110A
Application number: GB1102552.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dennis John Hughes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-14
Filing date: 2011-02-14
Publication date: 2012-08-22
Also published as: GB201202503D0; GB2488222A; GB2488222B; GB201102552D0

Abstract

A folding chair, e.g. a deck chair, comprises a first frame, e.g. back-rest frame 20, which is pivotally connected to a second frame, e.g. seat-rest frame 10, such that the chair is movable, in use, between a first and a second chair position, e.g. upright and reclined positions, wherein the chair further comprises a third frame, e.g. adjustable stay support frame 40, pivotally connected to the second frame 10, the third frame being movable within the internal periphery of the first frame 20 and receivable in one or more slots 25 to secure the chair in the first or second chair position. The or each slot 25 may be formed in the first back-rest frame member 20, or can be provided on an engagement member 24 mounted to the frame. Preferably, the third stay frame 40 is movable about the external periphery of the second frame 10. The third frame 40 may comprise a pair of side arms interconnected by a horizontal beam wherein the ends of the beam are received in the slots of the first frame 20.

Description

CHAIR

The present invention relates to a chair and is especially, although not exclusively, related to a folding deck chair having means to adjust the position of the seat.

Deck chairs having position adjusting means usually comprise two frames, a back-rest frame and a seat-rest frame, wherein one frame is pivotable with respect to the other. In these chairs, the longitudinal side members of the seat-rest frame comprise a plurality of slots spaced evenly from one another towards the ground engaging end of the frame. Each slot of one longitudinal side member has a corresponding slot in the other side member. Such slots are arranged to receive a part of an engagement member which depends from and is pivotable about the back-rest frame to lock the back-rest frame at an angle relative to the seat-rest frame.

This angle is adjustable by moving the engagement member along the seat-rest frame from one pair of slots to another. The provision of the slots enables the user to adjust the seat position, e.g. from an upright position to a reclined position.

However, there are a number of problems associated with prior art deck chairs of this type. First, the location and orientation of the slots means that should the engagement member inadvertently slip out of a pair of slots the chair will tend to collapse under the weight of the user. Clearly, this may cause a user of the chair some discomfort or injury. In fact, there have been incidents whereby pranksters have purposefully dislodged the engagement member from a pair of slots to provoke amusement at the expense of the chair collapsing under the weight of the user.

Moreover, the provision of the slots in the frame side members provides a number of weakness points which can, over time, cause the frame to break or split, rendering the chair irreparable. Further, the length of a prior art deck chair, when stowed, has a length equivalent to the length of the back-rest frame. Because the back-rest frame of such a chair provides both the user's head rest and the front ground engaging support, the back-rest frame is typically quite long. This can cause problems when it is desired to carry or stow the chair in a small space, e.g. in a shed or the boot of a motor car. Finally, prior art deck chairs, when stowed, do not have an even thickness across their length because the engagement member rests on the surface of the back-rest frame, rather than aligning flush with the back-rest frame.

The only way in which to provide an even thickness is to increase the length of the engagement member in order to bring the tie bar over and around the end of the back-rest frame. However, this further lengthens the chair which is clearly disadvantageous for the reasons described above.

It is an object of the present invention to provide chairs which overcome, or at least substantially reduce, the disadvantages associated with the known types of chair discussed above.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a folding chair comprising a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame such that the chair is movable, in use, between a first and a second chair position, wherein the chair further comprises a third frame pivotally connected to the second frame, the third frame being movable within the internal periphery of the first frame and receivable in one or more slots provided, for example, within the internal periphery of the first frame or in the first frame to secure the chair in the first or second chair position.

Preferably, the third frame is movable about the external periphery of the second frame.

Preferably, the chair further comprises spacers, e.g. for location between the first and second frame.

Advantageously, the spacers may prevent the frames from skewing with respect to each other, in use.

Preferably, the or each slot is provided in an engagement portion of the chair.

Preferably, the engagement portion lies contiguous with the periphery of the first frame.

Preferably, the engagement portion is a discrete member mechanically attached, e.g. by screws or adhesive or another suitable means, to the first frame.

Alternatively, the engagement portion and the first frame are formed as a unitary body, e.g. from wood or plastics material.

Preferably, the chair comprises a pair of engagement portions. For example, an engagement portion may be provided within each of the side members of the first frame.

Preferably, each engagement portion comprises two or more slots. For instance, the engagement portion may comprise from two to eight slots, e.g. from two to four slots, say three slots.

It is an advantage of the present invention that the slots are provided in a portion adjacent the framework so that the framework is not weakened.

Preferably, the or each slot comprises an inlet.

Preferably, the inlet extends inwardly at an angle from the direction normal to the front face (or user face) of the engagement portion.

Preferably, the angle is between 5 and 75° from the normal. More preferably, the angle is between 5 and 45° from the normal. Even more preferably, the angle is between 10 and 20° from the normal, e.g. 15°.

Preferably, the or each slot comprises a lip.

Preferably, the lip is arranged to provide an abutment, e.g. to prevent the third frame from exiting the slot when a user is seated in the chair.

Preferably, the third frame comprises a pair of side arms interconnected by a horizontal beam.

Preferably, the horizontal beam extends beyond the arms to provide a pair of end portions.

The end portions may have a diameter equal to that of the remainder of the horizontal beam.

Alternatively, the end portions may have a smaller or greater diameter to that of the remainder of the horizontal beam.

Preferably, the end portions are receivable, in use, by the slots, e.g. such that a slot in one engagement member has a corresponding slot in the other engagement member.

Preferably, the chair comprises a fourth frame.

Preferably, the fourth frame is pivotally connected to the second frame, e.g. to provide a forward ground-engaging support.

Preferably, the chair comprises locking means to lock one frame relative to another.

Preferably, the locking means comprises a strap pivotally connected at a first end to a frame, e.g. to the fourth frame.

Preferably, the strap comprises a longitudinal slot arranged to receive a first spigot extending from an adjacent frame, e.g. the second frame.

Preferably, a second end of the longitudinal slot comprises a rebate arranged to receive the first spigot, e.g. to lock a frame relative to an adjacent frame when a user intends to sit in the chair.

Preferably, a second spigot is provided adjacent the first spigot.

Preferably, the locking means is formed of metal or a plastics material.

It is to be appreciated that one or more locking means can be employed to prevent relative movement between the frames when the chair is erected.

Preferably, the chair comprises a canvas.

Preferably, the chair framework is made from a rigid material such as wood, metal or plastics. However, any other suitable material may be used.

The chair framework may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, e.g. circular, elliptical or rectangular and so on.

Preferably, the chair has a length of from 50 to 120 cm, more preferably of from 60 to 100 cm, even more preferably of from 70 to 90 cm, e.g. 80 cm.

Preferably, the chair has a width of from 45 to 65 cm, more preferably of from 50 to 60 cm, e.g. 55 cm.

Preferably, the chair has a thickness of from 2 to 6 cm, more preferably of from 2.5 to 4 cm, even more preferably of from 3 to 3.5 cm, e.g. 3.25 cm.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a foldable chair comprising first, second and third frame members successively pivotally connected, the chair having a relatively flat folded condition and an erected condition wherein ends of the first and third frame members provide ground engaging supports, the chair further comprising a locking member pivotally connected to the second frame member and having a portion to removably engage the third frame member at a plurality of points to secure the chair in a plurality of erected conditions.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a folding deck chair according

to the prior art;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a folding deck chair according to the invention in an erected position; Figure 3 shows a rear view of the chair of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the chair of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a detailed view of one part of an adjustable locking mechanism; Figures 6 and 6A show respective plan and side elevation views of a chair according to the invention folded in readiness for stowing; Figure 7 shows a view of a locking mechanism; and Figure 8 shows a view of one part of an adjustable locking mechanism.

With reference to Figure 1, there is shown a prior art folding deck chair comprising a back-rest frame 101 and a seat-rest frame 102 pivotable thereto about a pivot 103. The seat-rest frame 102 comprises a pair of longitudinal side members 104, 105, each having a plurality of slots 106 carved into the members 104, 105 towards a ground engaging end of the frame 102. An engagement member 108 depends from and is pivotable about the back-rest frame 101. The engagement member 108 comprises a pair of parallel side members 109, 110 interconnected by a transverse member 111. The transverse member 111 is received by a pair of slots 106, which lock the back-rest frame 101 at an angle relative to the seat-rest frame 102. The angle, and hence of the chair position, can be adjusted by moving the transverse member 111 along the side members 104, 105 from one pair of slots 106 to another. As will be appreciated, it is fairly easy for the transverse member 111 to become displaced from the slots 106 such that the engagement member 108 unlocks and the chair 100 collapses to the ground under the weight of the user.

Referring particularly to Figures 2 to 4, a chair according to the present invention, indicated generally at 1, comprises a seat-rest frame 10 having a pair of parallel side members 11, 12 which are interconnected by transverse members 13, 14 adjacent the front and back. A further transverse member 15 is located adjacent and to the rear of transverse member 14.

The chair 1 further comprises a back-rest frame 20, a ground-engaging support 30, an adjustable member 40 and a canvas 50.

Each end of the transverse member 15 extends through and beyond the seat frame side members 11, 12. The transverse member 15 provides the pivot to which the seat-rest support 10 and back-rest support 20 rotate.

The back-rest support 20 further comprises a pair of longitudinal side members 21, 22. The side members 21, 22 are interconnected by a transverse member 23 adjacent the upper end thereof. The transverse member 13 and 23 provide anchorages for the ends of the canvas 50 which supports the body of a user.

The ground-engaging support 30 includes two parallel uprights 31, 32 which are pivoted adjacent their upper ends about the transverse member 13. The uprights 31, 32 are interconnected by transverse members 33, 34 to ensure that the support 30 is rigid. It will be appreciated that the uprights 31, 32 are located inboard the side members 11, 12 and they each have connected thereto a strap 60. The strap 60 is provided with a longitudinal slot 61 to engage the neck of a headed pin 62 fastened to the associated side members 11, 12 (as shown in Figure 7). The straps 60 limit the extent of angular movement of the ground-engaging support 30 and provide a locking mechanism as will be discussed below.

The back-rest support 20 further comprises a pair of engagement members 24. Each engagement member 24 is located contiguous with the inner periphery of the corresponding side member 21, 22 and approximately half way along the side member 21, 22. Slots 25 extend into each engagement member 24 from a forward (or user) facing side of the chair 1. It will be appreciated that the adjustable member 40 is arranged to move between the side members 21, 22 of the back-rest support 20. This is advantageous for at least two reasons: the first is that access to the adjustable member 40 is hindered by the back-rest support and the second is that the chair 1, when stowed, has a width defined by the width of the back-rest support 20.

In the embodiment described herein the adjustable member 40 is arranged to move external to the periphery of the seat-rest frame, as shown, for example, in Figure 3. In such an embodiment one or more spacers 70 are provided toward each end of the transverse member 15 and between the seat-rest 10 and back-rest 20 supports. These spacers provide rigidity by preventing the supports 10, 20 from skewing with respect to each other in use.

In an alternative embodiment, the slots 25 may be provided in the side members 21, 22 of the back-rest support 20. In such an embodiment it is advantageous to increase the depth of the side members 21, 22 in order to avoid weakening of the members 21, 22. One advantage of this arrangement is that the engagement member 24 and one or more spacers can be disposed of, thus reducing the width of the chair 1. Of course, there is also the need for a further notch (not shown) in the side members 21, 22 toward their transverse member 23 end in order to receive the protruding ends 44, 45 of the adjustable member 40 when the chair 1 is in a stowed arrangement.

Turning back to the embodiment described herein each engagement member 24 comprises three slots 25. However, in alternative embodiments, any number of slots 25 may be provided, e.g. one to eight slots 25. An advantage of providing slots 25 in the engagement member 24, rather than the side members per se, is that the side members 21, 22 maintain their maximum structural capacity.

As best shown in Figures 4 and 8, the slots 25 comprise an inlet 25a, which opens into a cavity 25b. The cavity 25b comprises a basin 25c and a lip 25d. The inlet 25a extends into the member 40 at an angle from the direction normal to the front face thereof.

As best shown in Figures 4 and 5, the adjustable member 40 comprises a pair of parallel arms 41, 42 interconnected at one end by a transverse member 43. The transverse member 43 extends through and beyond a drilled bore in the arms 41, 42 to provide a pair of protruding ends 44, 45.

The protruding ends 44, 45 are receivable, in use, by the slots 25.

Moreover, the arms 41, 42 are pivotally coupled, respectively, to the side members 11, 12 by a pivot 46, e.g. a bolt secured by a nut 47 on the inner face of each side member 11, 12. Thus, the adjustable member 40 is pivotable about the seat-rest frame 10 such that the angle between the seat-rest frame 10 and back-rest frame 20 can be adjusted.

In use, the chair 1 can be erected from the stowed orientation of Figures 6 and 6A to the erected orientation of Figures 2 to 5 by pivoting the ground engaging support 30 downwardly to contact the ground. The back-rest frame 20 is then swung away from the seat-rest frame 10 to open the canvas 50. The canvas 50 is anchored to each of the transverse members 13, 23 by dome headed pins 51. However, other anchoring means such as nails, rivets, adhesive, and stitches and so on may be employed.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a mechanism to limit the extent of angular movement of the ground engaging support 30. The strap 60, preferably a metal strap, comprises a longitudinal slot 61. The strap 60 is pivotally connected to the support 30 by a pivot 64 and slidably connected to the seat-rest frame 10 via a headed pin 62. The neck of the pin 62 is slidable in the slot 61 when the support 30 is moved relative to the seat-rest frame 10. The slot 61 is shaped at the end proximal to the pin 62 to provide a catch 63 for receiving the neck of the pin 62 to prevent the support 30 from swinging back towards the seat-frame rest 10, in use.

The mechanism further provides a pin 65 protruding from the surface of the side members 11, 12 of the seat-rest frame 10. In the embodiment described herein the chair 1 comprises two straps 60, one strap 60 connecting side member 11 to upright 31 and one strap 60 connecting side member 12 to upright 32. However, in alternative embodiments, only one strap 60 may be provided.

The back-rest frame 20 is positioned accordingly by placing the protruding ends 44, 45 of the adjustable member 40 into a pair of slots 25. The protruding ends 44, 45 pass along the inlet 25a under gravity (due to the angle in which the inlet is formed) and into the cavity 25b where they rest on the surface of the basin 25c. When it is desired to adjust the position of the chair 1, e.g. from an upright (sitting) position to a reclined (lying) position or vice versa, the transverse member 43 is lifted and the ends 44, 45 are removed from the slot 25 via the inlet 25a and transferred to another, e.g. neighbouring slot 25.

In use, when a user sits in the chair 1 and applies weight to the canvas 50, the back-rest frame 20 moves forward slightly as indicated by arrow A in Figure 2. This has the effect that the protruding ends 44, 45 of the adjustable member 40 abut the lip 25d of the slot to lock the member 40 secure. Moreover, should the ends 44, 45 become dislodged from a pair of slots 25, the chair will not collapse to the ground under the weight of a user. Rather, the angle between the seat-rest frame 10 and the back-rest frame 20 will decrease slightly. However, the presence of a user sitting in the chair 1 will prevent collapse of the chair 1. Thus, the user simply has to reposition the member 40 by placing the ends 44, 45 into a desired pair of slots 25. This fail-safe mechanism prevents the user of the chair 1 from potential discomfort of injury.

When it is desired to fold the chair for stowing, the ends 44, 45 are removed from a pair of slots 25 such that the member 40 can be pivoted upwardly. The back-rest frame 20 is then swung forwardly to lie outside the seat-rest frame 10. The strap 60 is then lifted to disengage the neck of the pin 62 from the catch 63 so that the ground engaging support 30 can be swung upwardly to lie within the seat-rest frame 10.

Advantageously, the perimeter of the strap 60 comes into an abutment with the pin 65, which inhibits further rotation of the ground engaging support 30. In other words, the ground engaging support 30 may only pivot about the seat-rest frame 10 in one direction.

It will be seen that the height of the back-rest frame 20 need only be made sufficiently greater than the fore-and-aft dimension of the seat-rest frame 10 for the latter to be stowed within it. Moreover, because the adjustable member 40 is connected approximately 25 % the way along the seat-rest frame 10 the member 40 can also be stowed within the back-rest frame 20. Thus, the chair 1, when folded, is shorter than prior art chairs and can be stowed away in a small space such as the boot of a small car.

The folded chair 1 has a thickness equal to that of the thickest of the members 11, 21, 31 and 41. In the embodiment described herein, the chairs dimensions are as follows: height (80 cm), width (54.6 cm) and thickness (3.25 cm). Such dimensions mean that the chair can fit easily into the boot of a small motor car.

To put the sizes into perspective, the BMW mini, at the time of writing, has a boot opening having a width of 114 cm and a depth of 38 cm. The Ford Fiesta has a boot opening having a width of 119 cm and a depth of 43 cm.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A folding chair comprising a first frame and a second frame pivotally connected to the first frame such that the chair is movable, in use, between a first and a second chair position, wherein the chair further comprises a third frame pivotally connected to the second frame, the third frame being movable within the internal periphery of the first frame and receivable in one or more slots to secure the chair in the first or second chair position.
2. The folding chair according to Claim 1, wherein the or each slot is provided in the first frame.
3. The folding chair according to Claim 1, wherein the or each slot is is provided within the internal periphery of the first frame.
4. The folding chair according to Claim 3, wherein the or each slot is provided in an engagement portion lying contiguous with the inner periphery of the first frame.
5. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the third frame is movable about the external periphery of the second frame.
6. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the or an engagement portion comprises two or more slots, such as from two to eight slots, e.g. from two to four slots, say three slots.
7. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the or each slot comprises an inlet.
8. The folding chair according to Claim 7, wherein the inlet extends inwardly at an angle from the direction normal to the front face (or user face) of the engagement portion.
9. The folding chair according to Claim 8, wherein the angle is between 5 and 75° from the normal, e.g. the angle is between 5 and 45° from the normal, e.g. the angle is between 10 and 20° from the normal, e.g. 15° from the normal.
10. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the or each slot comprises a lip, e.g. arranged to provide an abutment to prevent the third frame from exiting the slot when a user is seated in the chair.
11. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, wherein the third frame comprises a pair of side arms interconnected by a horizontal beam.
12. The folding chair according to Claim 11, wherein the horizontal beam extends beyond the arms to provide a pair of end portions.
13. The folding chair according to Claim 12, wherein the end portions are receivable, in use, by the slots.
14. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, further comprising a fourth frame.
15. The folding chair according to Claim 14, further comprising locking means to lock the fourth frame relative to the second frame.
16. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, further comprising one or more spacers.
17. The folding chair according to any preceding Claim, further comprising a canvas.
18. A folding chair, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.