GB2581812A

GB2581812A - A sun lounger

Info

Publication number: GB2581812A
Application number: GB1902649.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lee Huntbatch David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-02-27
Filing date: 2019-02-27
Publication date: 2020-09-02
Also published as: GB201902649D0

Abstract

A sun lounger 2 comprising a frame 4, a support portion 6 containing an aperture (8, figure 2), to receive the face of a user and at least one cushion 10 configured to contact or extend across the aperture. Preferably the lounger has an upper and a lower support portion, where the upper support portion can be moved relative to the lower one. Optionally the lounger has a cushioned portion which extends around the perimeter of the opening. The pillow or cushion may be removable from the support. In further embodiments the sun lounger may comprise a basket or the support portion may comprise a cover. The frame may be formed from aluminium and be contoured to enable stacking.

Description

A SUN LOUNGER

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sun lounger, and in particular a sun lounger providing an opening for the face of a user in order to provide improved comfort for a user when lying on their front.

Background

Conventional sun loungers provide adjustable support for a user when resting on their back or on their front. However, it can be uncomfortable for a user to rest on their front as this requires a user to rotate their head to one side. This can cause discomfort and in particular neck ache. Furthermore, it can be difficult for a user to read a book when resting on their front on a sun lounger.

There is therefore a need for a sun lounger which addresses one or more of these issues associated with conventional sun loungers. In particular, there is a need for a sun lounger which provides improved comfort for a user when lying on their front.

Prior Art

W02017193211 discloses a lounge chair including a frame having an upper body section, and a lower body section, a support section and support material. The upper body section is operatively coupled to the lower body section to pivot between a plurality of angular positions. The upper body section includes an aperture extending through the support material to receive the face of an individual when lying in a supine position. The lower body section is operatively coupled to the support section with an anterior tilt. The lounge chair includes armrests which pivot incrementally between a plurality of angular positions in a direction transverse, parallel or both transverse and parallel to a plane of a side member of the lower body section.

US9901502 discloses a combination massage table with one or more resistance bands (hereinafter, a combination table). In some embodiments, the combination 35 table may comprise: a massage table; the one or more resistance bands; and a means for attaching the one or more resistance bands to the massage table; such that a client using the combination table receives at least one improved health benefit as compared against massage therapy without any resistance band use. Furthermore, methods for using the combination table are disclosed. Such methods may comprise: preparing the combination table for use; preparing the client so the client is laying on top of an upper surface of the combination table; and massaging the client while the client at least intermittently engages one or more resistance bands that are attached to the combination table; wherein in the at least intermittent engagement of the one or more resistance bands while the client is being massaged results in the at least one improved health benefit to the client.

GB2530580 discloses a sun lounger comprising first and second end portions connected to an intermediate portion wherein the first end portion is pivotally coupled to the intermediate portion and the second end portion is coupled to the intermediate portion such that an angie between the two can be adjusted and/or the second end portion may be moved in such a way that the angle between the two is maintained and wherein the second end portion has an opening for receiving a face. The lounger may have a shelf positioned under the face opening which is pivotally attached to the intermediate portion. Cut out portions for a user's arms may be provided on the intermediate portion and the second end portion and the second end portion may taper at its end. The arrangement is designed to make it easier to read when using a sun lounger.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a sun lounger comprising: a frame; a support portion connectable to the frame, in which the support portion provides an aperture extending therethrough to receive a face of a user; and at least one cushion configured to contact and extend across the first aperture of the support portion.

The support portion may comprise an upper body support portion configured to be contacted by an upper body of a user. The support portion may further comprise a lower body support portion configured to be contacted by a lower body of a user.

The upper body support portion may be moveable relative to the lower body support portion. For example, the upper body support portion may be rotatable relative to the lower body support portion to define an adjustable angle extending therebetween.

The support portion may further comprise at least one cushioned portion located at or 10 adjacent the first aperture. The at least one cushioned portion preferably extends substantially around the perimeter of the first aperture.

The at least one cushioned portion may be removably engageable to the support portion at or adjacent the aperture.

The at least one cushion may be releasably engageable with the support portion, for example using Velcro (RTM) or magnets. Alternatively, the at least one cushion may be engaged to one or more of the support portion or frame by an attachment member such as for example a tether. The attachment member ensures that the at least one cushion does not become separated from the sun lounger when not in use.

The sun lounger may further comprise a basket portion position on or adjacent the frame, for example at or adjacent an upper body portion of the support portion or frame. The basket portion is preferably configured to receive the at least one cushion when not in use. The basket portion may comprise a lid. The lid may provide an upper surface configured to be aligned in use with the aperture such that a user may rest a book on the upper surface and read the book while the head is supported within the aperture.

The support portion may comprise a cover. The cover may be releasably attached to the cover. The cover may be secured to the support portion and/or frame by suitable attachment features. The support portion and/or frame may include one or more attachment features for securing a towel in position. Suitable attachment features include, but are not limited to, hook members. The towel may for example be positioned to extend across the aperture when not in use and secured in position by the attachment features.

The frame may be formed from any suitable material, such as for example metal, such as aluminium. The frame may be coated in any suitable material. In one embodiment, the frame may be powder coated.

The frame is preferably contoured to enable stacking of a first sun lounger on top of a second sun lounger to aid storage.

In one embodiment, the sun lounger may comprise one or more of: a head support cushion configured in use to extend across the first aperture of the support portion; and/or a face support cushion configured in use to contact the first aperture of the support portion, and in which the face support cushion further provides a second aperture, and in which the face support cushion further comprises one or more cushioned portion located at or adjacent the aperture for contacting a face of a user; and/or a plug portion configured in use to contact and substantially seal the first aperture of the support portion, and optionally providing a surface to receive a 20 cushion.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a view from above of a sun lounger according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a view from below of a sun lounger of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view from above of the sun lounger of Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures, the sun lounger 2 comprises: a frame 4; a support portion 6 connectable to the frame 4, in which the support portion 6 5 provides a first aperture 8 extending therethrough to receive a face of a user; and at least one cushion 10 configured to contact and extend across the first aperture 8 of the support portion 6.

The first aperture 8 is substantially oval or circular in shape. It is however to be 10 understood that the aperture may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions.

The support portion 6 comprises an upper body support portion 12 configured to be contacted by an upper body of a user. The support portion 6 further comprises a lower body support portion 14 configured to be contacted by a lower body of a user.

The upper body support portion 12 is moveable relative to the lower body support portion 14 to define an adjustable angle extending therebetween.

The at least one cushion 10 is engaged to the frame 4 by an attachment member 16 20 such as for example a tether. The attachment member 16 ensures that the at least one cushion does not become separated from the sun lounger 2 when not in use.

The sun lounger 2 further comprises a basket portion 18 positioned on or adjacent the frame 4. In the illustrated embodiment the basket portion is provided on the 25 frame 4 adjacent the upper body portion 12 of the support portion 6. The basket portion 18 is configured to receive the at least one cushion 10 when not in use.

The support portion 6 may comprise a cover. The cover may be releasably attached to the cover. The cover may be secured to the support portion and/or frame by 30 suitable attachment features. The cover may be composed of any suitable material, such as for example Nylon.

The sun lounger 2 further includes one or more attachment features 20 for securing a towel in position. Suitable attachment features include, but are not limited to, hook 35 members. The towel may for example be positioned to extend across the aperture when not in use and secured in position by the attachment features.

The frame 4 is formed from any suitable material, such as for example metal, such as aluminium. The frame 4 may be coated in any suitable material. In one embodiment, the frame may be powder coated.

It is to be understood that the sun lounger 2 may comprise any suitable number of interchangeable cushions or plugs for covering and/or sealing the first aperture of the support portion 4.

For example, the sun lounger 2 may comprise one or more of: a head support cushion configured in use to extend across the first aperture of the support portion; and/or a face support cushion configured in use to contact the first aperture of the support portion, and in which the face support cushion further provides a second aperture, and in which the face support cushion further comprises one or more cushioned portion located at or adjacent the aperture for contacting a face of a user; and/or a plug portion configured in use to contact and substantially seal the first 20 aperture of the support portion, and optionally providing a surface to receive a cushion.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing 25 from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

Claims 1. A sun lounger comprising: a frame; a support portion connectable to the frame, in which the support portion provides a first aperture extending therethrough to receive a face of a user; and at least one cushion configured to contact and/or extend across the aperture of the support portion.
2. A sun lounger as claimed in claim 1, in which the support portion comprises an upper body support portion configured to be contacted by an upper body of a user, and a lower body support portion configured to be contacted by a lower body of a user.
3. A sun lounger as claimed in claim 2, in which the upper body support portion is moveable relative to the lower body support portion.
4. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one cushioned portion located at or adjacent the first aperture for contacting a face of a user.
5. A sun lounger as claimed in claim 4, in which the at least one cushioned portion extends substantially around the perimeter of the first aperture.
6. A sun lounger as claimed in either of claims 4 and 5, in which the at least one cushioned portion is removeably engageable to the support portion at or adjacent the first aperture.
7. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the at least one cushion may be engaged to one or more of the support portion or frame by an attachment member.
8. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising one or more of: a head support cushion configured in use to extend across the first aperture of the support portion; and/or a face support cushion configured in use to contact the first aperture of the support portion, and in which the face support cushion further provides a second aperture, and in which the face support cushion further comprises one or more cushioned portion located at or adjacent the aperture for contacting a face of a user; and/or a plug portion configured in use to contact and substantially seal the first aperture of the support portion, and optionally providing a surface to receive a cushion.
9. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a basket portion positioned on or adjacent the frame.
10. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the support portion further comprises a cover. 15
11. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame is formed from aluminium.
12. A sun lounger as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the frame is contoured to enable stacking of a first sun lounger on top of a second sun lounger.