GB2530580A

GB2530580A - Sunlounger

Info

Publication number: GB2530580A
Application number: GB1417181.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Moira Gill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-09-29
Filing date: 2014-09-29
Publication date: 2016-03-30
Also published as: GB201417181D0

Abstract

A lounger comprising first 6 and second 10 end portions connected to an intermediate portion 8 wherein the first end portion 6 is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion 8 and the second end portion 10 is coupled to the intermediate portion 8 such that an angle between the two can be adjusted and/or the second end portion 10 may be moved in such a way that the angle between the two is maintained and wherein the second end portion 10 has an opening 14 for receiving a face. The lounger may have a shelf 12 positioned under the face opening 14 which is pivotally attached to the intermediate portion 10. Cut out portions for a users arms may be provided on the intermediate portion 8 and the second end portion 10 and the second end portion 10 may taper at its end. The arrangement is designed to make it easier to read when using a sun lounger.

Description

S UN LOU NG ER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to loungers, and in particular to S sunloungers.

BACKGROUND

Sunloungers are often used by people when sunbathing. Sunloungers allow people to lie in a prone position.

As entertainment, when sunbathing, people often read books or e-readers, or operate electronic devices such as smartphones or tablet computers.

GB 2 452 035 discloses a sunlounger that includes a face receiving cavity that allows a user to lie in a face-down prone position whilst also enabling the user to view or use items under the sunlounger. However, such sunloungers tend to be uncomfortable, for example, when a user is sat or lying in a face-up position, his/her head may fall back into the face receiving cavity which may be

uncomfortable.

In a separate field, many people suffer from back pain and or neck pain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a lounger comprising a first end portion, a second end portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted. The second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted and/or the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion in such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained. The second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.

The second end portion may be coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted, and the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained.

The first end portion may be configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The first position for the first end portion may be such that an upper surface of the first end portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with an upper surface of the intermediate portion. The second position for the first end portion may be such that the upper surface of the first end portion is oblique to the upper surface of the intermediate portion.

The second end portion may be configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The first position for the second end portion may be such that an upper surface of the second end portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with an upper surface of the intermediate portion. The second position for the second end portion may be such that the upper surface of the first end portion is oblique to the upper surface of the intermediate portion.

The second end portion may be configured to be moved between a first position and a third position. The first position for the second end portion may be such that an upper surface of the second end portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with an upper surface of the intermediate portion. The third position for the second end portion may be such that an upper surface of the second end portion is substantially parallel to and offset from the upper surface of the intermediate portion.

The first end portion may be configured to, in use, support an upper torso and head of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.

The first end portion may be configured to, in use, support at least part of the legs of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.

The intermediate portion may be a seat member configured to, in use, support at least pad of a lower torso of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.

The second end portion may be configured to, in use, support at least pad of the legs of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.

The second end portion may be configured to, in use, support at least a head of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.

The opening may be configured to, in use, receive a face of the person lying on their stomach in the prone position, without obstruction of the eyes, nose, and mouth of that person.

The lounger may further comprise an adjustable member having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the adjustable member may be attached to the intermediate portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the intermediate portion. The second end of the adjustable member may be attached to the second end portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the second end portion.

The adjustable member may have an adjustable length such that a distance between the first end of the adjustable member and the second end of the adjustable member may be changed.

The adjustable member may comprise a first elongate arm portion slidably mounted to a second elongate arm portion.

The first end of the adjustable member may be pivotally attached to the intermediate portion.

The second end of the adjustable member may be pivotally attached to the second end portion.

Upper surfaces of the first end portion, the intermediate portion, and the second end portion may be substantially contiguous.

The lounger may further comprise padding surrounding at least a part of the opening.

The lounger may further comprise a shelf positioned under the opening.

The shelf may be attached to the intermediate portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the intermediate portion.

The shelf may be configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The first position for the shelf may be such that an upper surface of the shelf is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the intermediate portion. The second position for the shelf may be such that the upper surface of the shelf is oblique to the upper surface of the intermediate portion.

The shelf may be configured to be moved between a first position and a third position. The first position for the shelf may be such that an upper surface of the shelf is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the intermediate portion. The third position for the shelf may be such that an upper surface of the shelf is substantially parallel to and offset from the upper surface of the intermediate portion.

The shelf may comprise a U-shaped member, the end of each arm of the U-shaped member being pivotally attached to the intermediate portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the intermediate portion, and a sheet of material attached to the U-shaped member between the arms of the U-shaped member.

The intermediate portion may include a cutout area at each side edge of the intermediate portion for each arm of a person lying in a prone position on the lounger.

The second end portion may include a cutout area at each side edge of the intermediate portion for each arm of a person lying in a prone position on the lounger.

A width of the second end portion may taper inwards at least to some extent towards a distal end of the second end portion, a width of the second end portion being a distance between side edges of the second end portion.

In some aspects, the first end portion does not include an opening for receiving a face of a user.

The lounger may be sized to accommodate only a single user.

The lounger may be a sunlounger.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a lounger, the method comprising: providing a first end portion; providing a second end portion; and coupling an intermediate portion to the first end portion and the second end portion such that the intermediate portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The step of coupling is performed such that the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted, and the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted and/or the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained. The second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion in such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that a surface of the second end portion may be translated relative to a surface of the intermediate portion; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.

The surface of the second end portion and the surface of the intermediate portion may be surfaces that, in use, contact a person lying in a prone position on the lounger.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion in such a way that an orientation of the second end portion relative to the intermediate portion is preserved; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an embodiment of a sunlounger; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing further details of a first end of the sunlounger; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a first example way of using of the sunlounger; Figure 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing further details of a second end of the sunlounger; Figure 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) illustrating operation of the second end of the sunlounger; and Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a second example way of using of the sunlounger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an embodiment of a sunlounger 2.

In this embodiment, the sunlounger 2 comprises a base structure 4 and a bed portion comprising a first end portion 6, an intermediate portion 8, and a second end portion 10. The sunlounger 2 further comprises an adjustable shelf 12.

The base structure 4 elevates the bed portion up off an underlying surface such as the ground. The base portion may be made of any suitable material such as an aluminium frame that may be covered with any suitable covering such as a fabric or rattan covering.

The first end portion 6 is located at a first end of the base portion 4. The first end portion 6 is described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. As described in more detail later below, the first end portion 6 is attached to the base portion 4 such that the position of the first end portion 6 relative to the base portion 4 is adjustable.

The first end portion 6 may be made of any appropriate material, for example, plastic or an aluminium frame that may be covered by a covering. The first end portion 6 includes a padded upper surface formed of, for example, a foam material with a fabric cover.

The first end portion 6 is coupled to the intermediate portion 8 such that the upper surfaces of the first end portion 6 and the intermediate portion 8 are substantially contiguous, thereby providing a comfortable surface upon which a person may lie.

The intermediate portion 8 is located between the first end portion 6 and the second end portion 10. The intermediate portion 8 is fixedly attached to the base portion 4 such that the position of the intermediate portion 8 relative to the base portion 4 is fixed.

The intermediate portion 8 may be made of any appropriate material, for example, plastic or an aluminium frame that may be covered by a covering. The intermediate portion 8 includes a padded upper surface formed of, for example, a foam material with a fabric cover.

The second end portion 10 is located at a second end of the base portion 4 opposite to the first end of the base portion 4. The second end portion 10 is described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 4 to 6. As described in more detail later below, the second end portion 10 is attached to the base portion 4 such that the position of the second end portion 10 relative to the base portion 4 is adjustable.

The second end portion 10 may be made of any appropriate material, for example, plastic or an aluminium frame that may be covered by a covering. The second end portion 10 includes a padded upper surface formed of, for example, a foam material with a fabric cover.

The second end portion 10 is coupled to the intermediate portion 8 such that the upper surfaces of the second end portion 10 and the intermediate portion 8 are substantially contiguous, thereby providing a comfortable surface upon which a person may lie.

In this embodiment, the second end portion 10 comprises an opening 14 therethrough. As described in more detail later below, the opening 14 is configured to receive a face of a person lying on his/her stomach in the prone position, without obstruction of eyes, nose, and mouth. The second end portion further comprises a padded rim 16 around the edge of the opening 14 to enhance comfort to the face of the person.

In this embodiment, the second end portion 10 tapers inwards at its distal end such that the width of the second end portion 10 at its distal end is less than the width of the second end portion 10 at its proximal end. This advantageously tends to provide that a user lying face-down on the sunlounger 2 may more comfortably place their arms down the sides of the sunlounger 2 and more easily access the shelf 12 and items placed thereon.

In some embodiments, the upper surface of the sunlounger 2 (i.e. the upper surfaces of the first end portion 6, the intermediate portion 8, and the second end portion 10) is covered by a continuous covering such that the upper surface of the sunlounger 2 has a continuous appearance. The padded upper surfaces of the first end portion 6, the intermediate portion 8, and the second end portion 10 may be connected together to form a single item, e.g. a single padded mattress. The padded upper surfaces of the first end portion 6, the intermediate portion 8, and/or the second end portion 10 may be removable from the rest of the sunlounger 2, for example, to facilitate washing or replacement.

In this embodiment, the shelf 12 is coupled to the second end of the base portion 4 such that the shelf 12 is below the second end portion 10, and in particular, below the opening 18. The shelf 12 comprises a substantially U-shaped member 18, the end of each of the arms of the U-shaped member 18 being pivotally attached to the base portion 4 by a first attachment device 19.

The U-shaped member 18 may be rotated about the first attachment devices 19 as described in more described in more detail later below with reference to Figure 5.

The shelf 12 further comprises a taught sheet of mesh material 20 between the arms of the U-shaped member 18. The mesh material 20 provides a surface that, in use, a person using the sunlounger 2 may place items on. For example, a user may place a book, a smartphone, a tablet computer, or an e-reader etc. on the upper surface of the mesh material 20.

In this embodiment, the shelf 12 is multi-functional, and also serves as an arm rest for a user lying on the sunlounger 2 in a prone, face-down position.

In some embodiments, the width of the shelf 12 may be greater than the width of at least part of the rest of the sunlounger 2, for example, greater than the width of the second end portion 10. This advantageously tends to provide greater comfort to a user when using the shelf 12 as an arm rest. Also, in some embodiments, the parts of the shelf 12 that in use receive the arms of the user are padded.

In this embodiment, when viewed from the side, the arms of the U-shaped member 18 include a bend or kink. This advantageously provides that the mesh material 20 that forms a surface of the shelf 12 includes a ridge that, in use when the inclination of the shelf is changed, prevents or opposes items on the shelf from sliding off the shelf 12. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the ridge, the shelf 12 includes one or more retaining members (such a clips) configured to retain items placed on the shelf 12 so as to prevent those items falling from the shelf 12 in use.

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing further details of the first end portion 6 of the sunlounger 2.

In this embodiment, the first end portion 6 is configured to pivot about a point at or proximate to the intermediate portion 8 such that the inclination of the first end portion 6 relative to the intermediate portion 8 may be adjusted by a user.

In this embodiment, the sunlounger 2 further comprises a supporting frame 22 pivotally attached to an underside of the first end portion 6 by second attachment devices 24. Also, the base portion 4 of the sunlounger 2 comprises two sets of retaining members 26 for retaining the supporting frame 22. Each retaining member 26 is attached to an internal surface of a respective side of the base portion 4. Each of the retaining members 26 comprises a plurality of spaced apart slots or grooves. Each of the slots of one of the retaining members 26 is aligned with a respective slot of the other retaining member 26.

In use, the supporting frame 22 may be positioned into a pair of aligned slots of the retaining members 26, thereby fixing the position of the supporting frame relative to the base portion 4 and the first end portion 6. Thus, the position and orientation of the first end portion 6 relative to the base portion 4 may be fixed.

Each of the pair of aligned slots of the retaining members 26 corresponds to a different respective position of the supporting frame 22, and thus the first end portion 6, relative to the base portion 4. Thus, the angle of the first end portion 6 relative to the base portion can be adjusted by a user.

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a first example way of using of the sunlounger 2.

In this example, from a position where the upper surface of the first end portion 6 is substantially parallel with the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8, the first end portion 6 has been pivoted about the point at or proximate to the intermediate portion 8 through a distance indicated in Figure 3 by an arrow and the reference numeral 28. The position of the first end portion 6 relative to the intermediate portion 8 has been fixed by locating the supporting frame 22 in a pair of slots of the two retaining members 26. In this example, the second end portion 10 is positioned such that its upper surface is aligned with and parallel to the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8.

In this example, the user 30 sits or lays on the sunlounger 2, in particular on the upper surfaces of the first end portion, the intermediate portion 8, and the second end portion 10. The user 30 lays on his/her back, i.e. such that his/her back is in contact with the sunlounger 2. In this example, the user's head and upper torso are supported by the first end portion 6. Also, the user's lower torso and upper legs are supported by the intermediate portion 8. Also, the user's lower legs and feet are supported by the second end portion 10.

Advantageously, the user 30 may adjust the angle of the first end portion 6 relative to the intermediate portion 8 into a position that is more comfortable to them. Also, as described in more detail later below, may adjust the position and orientation of the second end portion 10 relative to the intermediate portion 8 into a position and orientation that is more comfortable to them. For example, the user 30 may raise or lower the second end portion (i.e., such that the upper surface of the second end portion 10 is above or below that of the intermediate portion 8) to provide more comfortable foot support.

Advantageously, the user 30 may position his/her feet either side of the opening 18. Thus, when lying on his/her back on the sunlounger 2 (as shown in Figure 3), the user's comfort is not adversely affected by the opening 18, which is located remotely from the user's head. Thus, a problem encountered when using some conventional sunloungers is solved.

Figure 4 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing further details of the second end portion 10 of the sunlounger 2.

In this embodiment, the second end portion 10 is coupled to the base portion 4 by an adjustable arm 32. In this embodiment, there is only one adjustable arm 32 connecting the second end portion 10 to the base portion 4.

The adjustable arm 32 may be centrally located such that the adjustable arm 32 is substantially equidistant from the sides of the sunlounger 2. However, in other embodiments the second end portion 10 is coupled to the base portion 4 by multiple adjustable arms or a different appropriate structure.

In this embodiment, the adjustable arm 32 is at least partially housed within the base portion 4 of the sunlounger 2, thereby improving the aesthetic appearance of the sunlounger 2 at also protecting the adjustable arm 32 from damage at least to some extent.

The adjustable arm 32 comprises a first arm portion 34 and a second arm portion 36.

The first arm portion 34 is an elongate member. The first arm portion 34 is pivotally attached at its first end to the base portion 4 via a third attachment device 38. The first arm portion 34 is configured to rotate about the third attachment device 38 as indicated in Figure 4 by a double headed arrow and the reference numeral 40. The first arm portion 34 is coupled at its second end (which is opposite to the first end of the first arm portion 34) to the second arm portion 36.

The second arm portion 36 is an elongate member. The second arm portion 36 is pivotally attached at its first end to the second end portion 10 via a fourth attachment device 42. The second arm portion 36 is configured to rotate about the fourth attachment device 42 as indicated in Figure 4 by a double headed arrow and the reference numeral 44. The second arm portion 36 is coupled at its second end (which is opposite to the first end of the second arm portion 36) to the first arm portion 34.

In this embodiment, the first arm portion 34 and the second arm portion 36 are coupled together such that they are aligned longitudinally, i.e. such that the longitudinal axes of the first arm portion 34 and the second arm portion 36 are aligned. Also, the first arm portion 34 and the second arm portion 36 are coupled together at their second ends such that the second arm portion 36 may be moved longitudinally (i.e. in a direction that points along its longitudinal axis) with respect to the first arm portion 34. For example, the second arm portion 34 may be slidably mounted in the first arm portion or vice versa. The relative positions of the first arm portion 34 and the second arm portion 36 may be fixed by any appropriate locking mechanism. Thus, in this embodiment, length of the adjustable arm 32 (i.e. the distance between the first ends of the first arm portion 34 and the second arm portion 36) is adjustable, i.e. may be increased or decreased, as indicated in Figure 4 by a double headed arrow and the reference numeral 46.

In this embodiment, as recited earlier above, the ends the arms of the U-shaped member 18 are pivotally attached to the base portion 4 by a first attachment device 19. Thus U-shaped member 18 of the shelf 12 is configured to rotate about the first attachment device 19, as indicated in Figure 4 by a double headed arrow and the reference numeral 48.

Figure 5 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) illustrating operation of the second end portion 10.

In this embodiment, the second end portion 10 may be moved such that the upper surface of the second end portion 10 is substantially parallel to, and also below, the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8. In other words, second end portion 10 may be moved such that the upper surface of the second end portion 10 is substantially parallel to the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8 and offset from the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8 by a desired distance 50. This distance may be any appropriate value, for example, in the range 0cm -5cm, or 0cm -2.5cm, e.g. 1.25cm. This configuration of the sunlounger may be achieved by shortening the length of the adjustable arm 32 (e.g. by moving the second arm portion 36 relative to the first arm portion 34 in a direction indicated in Figure 5 by an arrow and the reference numeral 52, i.e., by moving the second arm portion 36 towards the first arm portion 34), and rotating the adjustable arm 32 about the third attachment device 38, and rotating the second end portion 10 about the fourth attachment device 42, until the desired configuration is realised. The relative positions of the base portion 4, the intermediate portion 8, the adjustable arm 32, and the second end portion may be maintained by any appropriate locking mechanism.

In a similar way to that described above mutatis mutandis, the second end portion 10 may be moved such that the upper surface of the second end portion 10 is substantially parallel to, and also above, the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8. This may include increasing the length of the adjustable arm 32.

When offset from the intermediate portion 8, the second end portion 10 may also be rotated about the fourth attachment device 42 into a position that is comfortable for a user. For example, the second end portion 10 may be moved such that, in addition to being offset from the intermediate portion 8, the second end portion 10 is oblique to the intermediate portion 8. Such a position for the second end portion 10 is indicated in Figure 5 by dotted lines and the reference numeral 10'. Rotation of the second end portion 10 about the fourth attachment device 42 to move the second end portion 10 into the position 10 is indicated in Figure 5 by an arrow and the reference numeral 54.

In this embodiment, the U-shaped member 18 may be rotated about the first attachment device 19 so that the upper surface of the shelf 12 (i.e. the upper surface of the mesh material 20) remains substantially parallel with the second end portion 10. For example, if the second end portion 10 is rotated about the fourth attachment device 42 in direction 54 such that it adopts the position 10' oblique to the intermediate portion 8, the U-shaped member 18 may be rotated about the first attachment device 19 correspondingly to the position 18 (as indicated in Figure 5 by an arrow and the reference numeral 56) so that the upper surface of the shelf 12 is substantially parallel with the second end portion 10.

Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) showing a second example way of using of the sunlounger 2.

In this example, from a position where the upper surface of the second end portion 10 is substantially parallel and aligned with the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8, the second end portion 10 has been moved such that it is offset from and oblique to the intermediate portion 8, e.g., as described in more detail above with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In this example, the first end portion 6 is positioned such that its upper surface is aligned with and parallel to the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8.

In this example, the user 30 lies on the sunlounger 2, in particular on the upper surfaces of the first end portion 6, the intermediate portion 8, and the second end portion 10. The user 30 lies in the prone position on his/her front. In this example, the user's head is supported by the second end portion 10 with the user's face comfortably positioned in the padded face opening 18. The user's upper torso and upper legs are supported by the intermediate portion 8.

Also, the user's lower legs and feet are supported by the first end portion 10.

Advantageously, having the upper surface of the second end portion 10 offset (e.g. by distance 50) from the upper surface of the intermediate portion 8 tends to provide for greater comfort for the user, for example, when the user uses the sunlounger 2 as shown described earlier above with reference to Figure 6. Moreover, the sunlounger 2 is particularly useful for people who suffer from neck and/or upper back pain, or other associated problems. By offsetting the second end portion 10 from the intermediate portion 8 as described above, a beneficial traction effect on the user's neck and spine tends to be produced.

This traction effect may be increased by, in addition to offsetting the second end portion 10 from the intermediate portion 8, angling the second end portion 10 downwards (i.e. position 10'). Also, the position adopted by the user 30 when using the sunlounger 2 as shown in Figure 6 tends to allow for the user's postural muscles to relax. Also, blood flow to discs in the user's back and neck tends to be encouraged, which tends to result in a decrease in neck/back pain experienced by the user. Furthermore, loads borne by the user's neck tend to be reduced compared to in other positions, for example, compared to when the user is lying face-down on a conventional sunlounger with the head supporting portion aligned with (i.e. at the same level as) the body supporting portion.

Advantageously, the shelf 12 enables the user 30 while in the prone position on his/her stomach to read a book (or other entity such as a display screen) through the face opening 18 without having to hold that book in his/her hands. By rotating the U-shaped member 18 such that the upper surface of the shelf 12 is parallel with the second end portion 10, the book may be held parallel with the user's face, which tends to be a preferred reading configuration.

Furthermore, by changing the distance 50 by which the second end portion 10 is offset (above or below) the intermediate portion 8, and/or by moving the shelf 12 relative to the base 4, the user 30 may change the distance between the second end portion 10 and the shelf 12. Thus, the user 30 may adjust the distance between the second end portion 10 and the shelf 12 such that, in use, the distance between the user's face and an item on the shelf is a preferred distance (e.g. an ideal reading distance for the user 30 which may be.

for example, between 30cm and 60cm, e.g. 40cm.

The above described sunlounger 2 may be any appropriate size. For example, the total length of the sunlounger 2 may be 181cm to 206cm. The length of the first end portion 6 may be 70cm to 80cm. The length of the intermediate portion 8 may be 81cm to 86cm. The length of the second end portion 10 may be 30cm to 40cm, or more preferably 35cm to 37cm. The height of the sunlounger 2 may be 35cm to 46cm, e.g. 38cm or 43cm. The maximum width of the sunlounger 2 may be 50cm to 80cm, for example the first portion and the intermediate portion may have widths of between 73cm and 80cm. The width of the second end portion at its proximal end may be, for example, 73cm to 80cm. The width of the second end portion at its distal end may be, for example, 55cm. The opening 18 may have a diameter of, for example, 15cm to 20cm, e.g. 16cm.

In the above embodiments, the shelf of the sunlounger is coupled to the base via an attachment device about which it may pivot. However, in other embodiments, the shelf is attached to the base in a different appropriate way, for example, such that the position of the shelf is fixed and cannot be adjusted.

In some embodiments, the shelf is attached to the base portion via an adjustable arm, in the same way or a similar way as the second end portion in the above embodiments and described in more detail earlier above with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In some embodiments, the shelf is omitted from the sunlounger. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to the shelf, the sunlounger comprises one or more different structures, for example, an arm rest or a drinks holder, which may be attached to the rest of the sunlounger in the same way as is the shelf in the above embodiments. In some embodiments, the shelf has a different shape to that described above.

In the above embodiments, the upper surface of the shelf upon which books and the like may be placed is formed of the mesh material. However, in other embodiments, the shelf may be made of a different material. For example, in some embodiments, the upper surface of the shelf may be made of a solid, rigid plastic or other material.

In some embodiment, the sunlounger includes wheels or rollers to facilitate the sunlounger being moved around.

In some embodiments, the intermediate portion and/or the second end portion has a cutout area at each side edge for each arm of a user, so as to allow for easy access to an item on the shelf by the user. In some embodiments, the second end portion does not taper inwards towards its distal end.

The terminology "sunlounger" is used herein to refer any lounger, chair, or bed that allows a user to lie in a prone position (face-up and/or face-down) and may be adjusted to allow the user to be in a seated position, i.e. having his/her head and upper torso above the rest of his/her body. The terminology "sunlounger" and "lounger" may be used interchangeably and includes, but is not limited to, sunloungers, loungers, comfort lounge chairs, chaise lounges, etc. A sunlounger may be an item of outdoor furniture, indoor furniture, or furniture that is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

It is noted that the embodiment of the sunlounger described herein in detail for exemplary purposes is of course subject to many different variations in structure, design, application and methodology. Because many varying and different embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept(s) herein taught, and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIM S1. A lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and S an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that: an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; and/or the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion in such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.
2. A lounger according to claim 1, wherein the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that: an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; and the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained.
3. A lounger according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: -20 -the first end portion is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position; the first position for the first end portion is such that an upper surface of the first end portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with an upper surface of the intermediate portion; and the second position for the first end portion is such that the upper surface of the first end portion is oblique to the upper surface of the intermediate portion.
4. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the second end portion is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position; the first position for the second end portion is such that an upper surface of the second end portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with an upper surface of the intermediate portion; and the second position for the second end portion is such that the upper surface of the first end portion is oblique to the upper surface of the intermediate portion.
5. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the second end portion is configured to be moved between a first position and a third position; the first position for the second end portion is such that an upper surface of the second end portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with an upper surface of the intermediate portion; and the third position for the second end portion is such that an upper surface of the second end portion is substantially parallel to and offset from the upper surface of the intermediate portion. -21 -
6. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first end portion is configured to, in use, support an upper torso and head of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.
7. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first end portion is configured to, in use, support at least part of the legs of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.
8. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the intermediate portion is a seat member configured to, in use, support at least part of a lower torso of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.
9. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second end portion is configured to, in use, support at least part of the legs of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.
10. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second end portion is configured to, in use, support at least a head of a person lying on the lounger in a prone position.
11. A lounger according to claim 10, wherein the opening is configured to, in use, receive a face of the person lying on their stomach in the prone position, without obstruction of the eyes, nose, and mouth of that person.
12. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lounger further comprises an adjustable member having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; -22 -the first end of the adjustable member is attached to the intermediate portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the intermediate portion; and the second end of the adjustable member is attached to the second end portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the second end portion.
13. A lounger according to claim 12, wherein the adjustable member has an adjustable length such that a distance between the first end of the adjustable member and the second end of the adjustable member may be changed.
14. A lounger according to claim 13, wherein the adjustable member comprises a first elongate arm portion slidably mounted to a second elongate arm portion.
15. A lounger according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first end of the adjustable member is pivotally attached to the intermediate portion.
16. A lounger according to any of claims 12 to 15, wherein the second end of the adjustable member is pivotally attached to the second end portion.
17. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 16, wherein upper surfaces of the first end portion, the intermediate portion, and the second end portion are substantially contiguous.
18. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 17, further comprising padding surrounding at least a part of the opening. -23 -
19. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a shelf positioned under the opening.
20. A lounger according to claim 19, wherein the shelf is attached to the intermediate portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the intermediate portion.
21. A lounger according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: the shelf is configured to be moved between a first position and a second position; the first position for the shelf is such that an upper surface of the shelf is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the intermediate portion; and the second position for the shelf is such that the upper surface of the shelf is oblique to the upper surface of the intermediate portion.
22. A lounger according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein: the shelf is configured to be moved between a first position and a third position; the first position for the shelf is such that an upper surface of the shelf is substantially parallel to an upper surface of the intermediate portion; and the third position for the shelf is such that an upper surface of the shelf is substantially parallel to and offset from the upper surface of the intermediate portion.
23. A lounger according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the shelf comprises: -24 -a U-shaped member, the end of each arm of the U-shaped member being pivotally attached to the intermediate portion or a structure that has a fixed position relative to the intermediate portion; and a sheet of material attached to the U-shaped member between the arms of the U-shaped member.
24. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the intermediate portion has a cutout area at each side edge of the intermediate portion for each arm of a person lying in a prone position on the lounger.
25. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the second end portion has a cutout area at each side edge of the intermediate portion for each arm of a person lying in a prone position on the lounger.
26. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 25, wherein a width of the second end portion tapers inwards at least to some extent towards a distal end of the second end portion, a width of the second end portion being a distance between side edges of the second end portion.
27. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first end portion does not include an opening for receiving a face of a user.
28. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 27, wherein the lounger is sized to accommodate only a single user.
29. A lounger according to any of claims 1 to 28, wherein the lounger is a sunlounger. -25 -
30. A method of providing a lounger, the method comprising: providing a first end portion; providing a second end portion; and coupling an intermediate portion to the first end portion and the second S end portion such that the intermediate portion is disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the step of coupling is performed such that: the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; and the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted and/or the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.
31. A lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; -26 -the second end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.
32. A lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion in such a way that the angle between the second end portion and the intermediate portion may be maintained; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.
33. A lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein -27 -the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that a surface of the second end portion may be translated relative to a surface of the intermediate portion; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user.
34. A lounger according to claim 33, wherein the surface of the second end portion and the surface of the intermediate portion are surfaces that, in use, contact a person lying in a prone position on the lounger.
35. A lounger comprising: a first end portion; a second end portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion; wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angle between the first end portion and the intermediate portion may be adjusted; the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that the second end portion may be moved relative to the intermediate portion in such a way that an orientation of the second end portion relative to the intermediate portion is preserved; and the second end portion comprises an opening for receiving a face of a user. -28 -
36. A sunlounger as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.
37. A method of using a sunlounger as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.