PH12013000252A1 - Suspended seat - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides for a portable swing with a backrest that is easy and comfortable to use as a seat for relaxation. It is particularly useful for outdoor activities like camping of hiking wherein a momentary stop over is sought. Such as swing described in this disclosure is made of a pliable material so that it can be easily stowed thereby allowing it to be easily mounted or collapsed. A stowage section within the seat portion can also be provided for easy storage of the swing when not in use.

Description

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SUSPENDED SEAT —, WE

Field of Invention - F..

The present invention pertains to a seat intended to be suspended, or better known as o swing. More particularly, the invention refers to a swing suitable for use in outdoors such as in picnics, camping, hiking, or even for leisure and amusement purposes. ~

Background Art -

Mountain climbers usually, make use of tents for resting. The problem with using tents is = that they are composed of several parts including frame, pegs, as well as some sheets for - roofing or matting. The whole tent with its components is typically cumbersome for some pro campers or hikers. When the campers/hikers take a temporary rest before reaching their destination, pitching a tent might not be preferable because it is time consuming. Most of the time during stopovers, campers/hikers may only have to sit down on a rock or on a tree that is elevated from the ground. Even worse, they may need to sit on the ground without any elevation therefrom. Sometimes, there may not be a suitable place to take a sit that provides comfort to a person especially when the place is wet due to fog or after a heavy rain. In such a case, a portable swing may come in handy.

Several versions of portable swings are already known in the art. An example of which is a hammock made of an elongate canvas or net attached with a rope on both ends, and a swing made of woven rattan wherein the structure is not flexible. The problems with these swings are simplicity and comfort when used as a seat since they are typically intended for users to lie down. For a hammock, the mid-section thereof will sag while the edges will cave in on the user because of his weight. For a stiff structured-swing such as a woven rattan, the disadvantage is emphasized if the width of the swing is significantly longer than the user's thighs because he will be sitting on the edge without support on his back; not to mention the portability. :

In both cases, the user should lean further to his back or completely lie thereon so as to comfortably use those swings. However, if the area is wet with mud almost all over his : shoes; he has to take them off or else mud would entrain into the swing. Should the user : insists on lying down without taking off his shoes and just let his feet hang on the edge of those swings, he may still feel uncomfortable since the edge of the swing presses with his legs while his body is arched inside the swing.

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This position creates pressure on his legs through the swing edge and blocks off blood or circulation through his feet which will eventually cause numbness. Hence, taking a seat or a : position aside from lying down on those swings would be uncomfortable. Oftentimes, it 7 : may be inconvenient because the user will need to position his body or the swing or unnecessarily and awkwardly before he is able to use such swing as a seat.

The problem to be solved by the present invention therefore is to provide a portable swing that is easy and comfortable to use as a seat with a backrest for relaxation. The said id portable swing is made of pliable material formed in a sheet, preferably a rectangular sheet, such that a first end and a second end are obtained. In one embodiment of the invention, = there is provided a portable swing that has a back rest with opening in at least a portion et thereof, preferably having a pliable mesh, for better air circulation on the back of the user. h

The backrest may be adjusted if the user wants to sit on the swing in a leaned back position.

Another aspect of the invention is a portable swing attached with stowing section on one of the swing'’s surface which allows it to be folded and stored in a contracted form. In another embodiment, the stowing section consists of slide fasteners. A further embodiment thereof is a stowing section having a strap for binding the portable swing into its contracted form. A further aspect of the invention provides for a portable swing that has an attachment means for holding a pouch or other items that may be useful for the user while sitting on the swing.

The gist of the invention can be fully understood when the ensuing detailed description is readin complement with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure 1A is a prior art showing a rectangular hammock.

Figure 1B is another prior art showing a conventional swing, usually made of rattan.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the present invention showing the major components.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the swing showing the stowing section with a slide fastener.

Figure 4 is a front view of the present invention in its contracted form.

Figure 5 shows a side view of the swing showing the stowing section having a strap. ;

Figure 6 illustrates an example of folding steps in stowing the present invention.

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Embodiments of the [nvention .

The swing (10) referred to in this invention is essentially a sheet of material (preferably rectangular in shape) being placed with suspenders (200) on either ends (210, 220) along the - length thereof. The present invention derives from known prior arts shown in Figures 1A and 1B: a hammock and a traditionally made swing using a piece of canvas, net, or other suitable weaved material. In those prior arts, each end of the hammock is tied with a rope - and attached to spaced apart supports (not shown) so as to suspend it and essentially form a . hanging blanket or sheet of material that will be used as a bed. wT

Referring now to Figure 2, there is provided a swing (10) having a seat portion (100) made - from a sheet of pliable material preferably rectangular in shape. Itis possible to use nets or ww meshes, nylon, silk, cotton, canvas, and other polymer based materials like neoprene and polyester as seat portion (100). A first end (210) and a second end (220) of the seat portion (100) are individually provided with suspenders (200) on its extremities along the longitude : thereof. These suspenders (200) are adapted to be used for attaching the swing (10) to a support (not shown). The support could be two separate structures like posts or a single horizontal piece such as a branch of a tree. When the swing (10) is mounted for use, the seat portion (100) takes an arcuate form that is facing upward similar to a V-shape. A first surface (110) of the seat portion (100) is situated at the concave section of the V-shape and a second surface (120) corresponds to the convex section thereof. A turning point ora vertex (111) of the seat portion (100) is where the user will sit on.

Each of the first end (210) and the second end (220) were seamed at the edge (e.g. by sewing, vulcanizing, or use of adhesive) so as to create a sleeve (230) with openings situated transverse to the longitude of the seat portion (100). In this embodiment, the suspenders (200) are cords connected to the seat portion (100) by inserting the same through the sleeve (230) on the first and second ends (210, 220) of the seat portion (100). It is also possible to mount the suspenders (200) by attaching the cord directly onto the ends (210, 220) of the seat portion (100) (e.g. by sewing). Another way of doing it is by knotting the suspenders (200), i.e. the cord, and seat portion ends (210, 220) together. The suspenders (200) may also be of another elongate material such as rope, nylon or other.

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Preferably, the length of seat portion (100) from the first end (210) to the second end (220) » : is adapted to extend beyond the height of the user when the invention is used so as to - provide protection from surroundings such as sunlight or extending branches. The width of wd the seat portion (100) is defined by the distance from a first edge (130) and a second edge - (131) of the seat portion (100) taken perpendicular to the longitude axis thereof. Preferably, ’ such width less than a meter so as to facilitate convenience in using since it will be easier for - the user to get on/off the swing (10). -

Still referring to Figure 2, a backrest (300) is provided at the first edge (130) of the seat portion (100) disposed in between the first end (210) and the second end (220) essentially - ; connecting both ends (210, 220) together. Thus the backrest (300) holds the first and = second ends (210, 220) of the seat portion (100) along the first edge {130} such that the V- h shape thereof is substantially maintained. In addition, the backrest (300) is preferably placed above the turning point (111) of the V-shaped seat portion (100) so as to create some space (320) that allows the buttocks and the dorsum of the user to be supported firmly so as to take an upright sitting position. Preferably, the said space (320) between the bottom of the V-shaped seat portion (100) and the nearest edge of the backrest (300) is less than a foot when the swing is in fold such as shown in Figure 3.

Hence, the user can sit comfortably on the vertex (111) of the swing {10} entering through the second edge (130) in front of the backrest (300) because he is not forced to lay back farther if he intends to lean on the backrest (300). Should the user wishes to sit on the swing (10) in a reclined position, the separation distance between the first end (210) and the second end (220) may be decreased. In short, they are brought closer to each other. This allows the user to use the swing (10) as a relaxation implement. On the contrary, extending the separation of both ends (210, 220) will stiffen the backrest (300) and user can sitin a non-reclined position. This offers adjustability of the backrest (300) depending on the need of the user.

Preferably, the backrest (300) is a wide structure such that the whole back including the head of the user can be supported entirely. At least a portion of the said backrest (300) is provided with a plurality of holes (310) so as to allow air passage regulating the temperature and reduces sweating of the user’s dorsum section. Alternatively, the plurality of holes can be emulated by placing a mesh (310) in at least a portion of the backrest (300). :

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Furthermore, at least one loop (330) is disposed proximal to either the first end (210) or the Fe second end (220) of the seat portion (100). Such loop (330) can be used as an attachment ) means for holding a pouch or other items that may be useful for the user while sitting on the = swing (10). It is also possible to have several of these loops; say for example, two loops or : (330) are placed on each end (210, 220) of the seat portion (100). In this case, the total - number of loops (330) is four which could be used as an holder for a canopy if the user BN wants to place one for protection from falling objects (e.g. leaves, twigs, etc.) or from direct - sunlight. Optionally, the loop (330) can also be placed on the backrest (330) itself. i.

Referring now to Figure 3, a stowage section (140) is disposed on the second surface (120) of o the seat portion (100). This stowage section (140) enables the swing (10) to be contracted ~ into a compact form (20) through a series of folding steps. In this embodiment, the stowage (140) consists of a fastening means {140a) whereby the two zipper tapes (141, 142} with complementary teeth are separately attached on the second surface (120) of the seat portion (100). The two zipper tapes (141, 142) are essentially forming an open (“[“} and a close (“]”) brackets juxtaposed along an imaginary axis (150) of symmetry for the two tapes (141, 142). Hence, the zipper stopper (143) and the retainer box (140) are adjoining the two zipper tapes (141, 142) together at this axis (150) with the pull tab (145) engaging at least a portion of the said tapes (141, 142). This axis {150} can be used as a reference on where the last fold should be in folding the swing {10) into its contracted form (20).

When the pull tab (145) is operated forward, the zipper teeth are engaged sealing the whole piece into a contracted form (20), which is a bag-like assembly. This arrangement allows the whole swing (10) to be folded into a contracted form (20) such as shown in Figure 4.

Reversing the operation of the pull tab (145) opens the bag-like assembly (20) and allows access to the swing (10). Moreover, it is intuitive to a person skilled in the art of using zippers that it can be attached to any surface of the seat portion (100) through known means such as by sewing. itis also possible to obtain another contracted form (20) such as circular or semi-circular by adjusting the arrangement of the two zipper tapes (141, 142) when it is attached onto the second surface (120). For example: If the zipper tapes (141, 142) are arranged as juxtaposed open and close parentheses, a crescent shape is obtained. If the zipper tapes (141, 142) are arranged as juxtaposed “C” with its mirror image “2” will lead to a disc shape.

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Hence, the contracted form (20) depends entirely on the arrangement of the zipper tapes Er (141, 142) on the second surface (120) of the seat portion (100). Optionally, a handle (160) - may also be added to make the contracted form (20) of the swing (10) handy. -

Alternatively, it is also possible that the stowage section (140) may consist of a different kind } of fastening means (140a). An example of such alternative is a plurality of Velcro® tapes o being positioned deliberately such that the effect would be the same when a zipper was - used. However, it is also possible to use a single pair of Velcro® tape as a fastening means ~ (140a), wherein the contracted form (20) shown in Figure 4 can be replicated. As shown in ~

Figure 5, a strap (146) may be provided in order compensate the thickness of the whole = swing (10) when it is folded. The said strap (146) has a corresponding receiving element = (147) preferably disposed opposite thereof about an imaginary axis (150). The strap (146) and the receiving element (147) are arranged in a manner such that when the swing (10) is folded about the axis (150), at least a portion of the strap (146) engages with the receiving element (147) substantially maintaining the contracted form (20) of the swing (10).

Preferably, the strap (146) can be an elongate piece of any pliable material wherein one end (146a) thereof is fixedly attached to the seat portion (100) while the other end (146b) is hanging freely and adapted to be received in the receiving element (147). At least a portion of the receiving element (147) and the strap (146) are attached with a Velcro® tape. The

Velcro® tape could be either a hook-containing or loop-containing piece, both of which could be interchanged. For example: if the receiving element (147) contains hook Velcro® tape attached to the seat portion (100) facing away therefrom, then the strap should have a loop

Velcro® tape arranged facing towards the seat portion (100). Furthermore, a long Velcro® tape, either the hook or the loop, could be directly used as a strap (146).

Optionally, the said strap (146) may not have a free end {146a) because Velcro® tapes can be mounted directly on the seat portion (100) and used for restraining the contracted form (20) of the swing (10). In this case, both the receiving element (147) and the strap (146) are completely fixed on the seat portion (100). Since there will be no free end of the strap (146) to compensate for the thickness of the whole swing (10), the section to be folded should be adjusted so that either of the strap (146) or the receiving element (147) will be able to communicate with each other in the contracted form (20) of the swing (10). Therefore, itis essential that the strap (146) and the receiving element (147) are exposed to each other when the final folding of the seat portion (100) is performed.

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An example of how to stow the swing (10) into its contracted form is illustrated in Figure 6, ~ wherein the letters A to F designate the order of steps in folding as well as the : representative line where to fold. In step A, the swing (10) is basically folded into half , according to its V-shape form. The backrest {300} is tucked into the seat portion (100) such that no part thereof significantly exceeds the first edge (130) or the second edge (131). Next step is to fold along B or C which could be done in any order. Thereafter, the ends (210, 220) ~ are then folded inwards followed by another fold along E. The final step is to fold the whole : piece along F which is the juxtaposition line or axis of symmetry (150) of the zipper tapes {141, 142). Other modes of folding can also be done as long as the last fold is made about — the juxtaposition line since it is necessary for the pull tab of the zipper to engage. -

The abovementioned embodiments were only indicated in order to give further implications of the present invention to a person skilled in the art. They should not therefore be considered as an unnecessary limitation to the invention described herein. Other embodiments may be perceived without going away from the spirit of the said invention through the following claims.

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Claims (16)

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1. Acollapsible swing (10) comprising: 2 \ oe a seat portion (100) made from a pliable sheet of material, having a first end (210) and £ = a second end (220); . a suspender (200) for attaching the seat portion (100) to a support, cooperating with nN each of the first end (210) and the second end (220) of the seat portion (100); and - a backrest (300) disposed across the first end (210) and the second end (220) of the ~ seat portion (100), essentially connecting both ends (210, 220) together in a manner BN such that the seat portion (100) substantially takes an arcuate form facing upward - when mounted; characterized in that the backrest (300) is disposed at some distance from the vertex (111) of the arcuate seat portion (100) such that a gap (320) between the seat portion (100) and the backrest (300) is maintained.

2. The collapsible swing (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the backrest (300) is extended vertically so as to accommodate the dorsum and the head of the user. .

3. The collapsible swing (10) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the gap (320) between the backrest (300) and the vertex (111) of the arcuate seat portion (100) is not more than twelve inches.

4. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the seat portion (100) is a rectangular in form with the first end (210) and second end (220) disposed at the longitude ends of the rectangle.

5. The collapsible swing {10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the width of the rectangular seat portion (100) is from six to twenty-four inches, preferably about eighteen inches; and the length is at least forty-eight inches.

6. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the seat portion (100) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of: canvas, neoprene, polyester, nets or meshes, fabric made of nylon, silk, or cotton; or a combination of any of the foregoing materials. Page 8 of 11

7. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that B the backrest (300) contains at least one opening (310) disposed along the surface thereof. ~

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8. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least BN a portion of the backrest (300) is a mesh. -

9. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that - an attachment means (330) adapted for holding articles, is provided proximal to either . of the following: the first end (210) of the seat portion (100), the second end {220) of the - seat portion (210), or at the backrest (300). B

10. The collapsible swing (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the attachment : means (330) is a loop of an elongate material.

11. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that a stowage section (140) for keeping the said swing (10) in a contracted form (20), the said stowage section (140) is disposed along a surface of the seat portion (100); preferably disposed on the convex surface (120) thereof.

12. The collapsible swing (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the stowage section (140) comprises at least one fastening means {(140a) arranged in a manner so as to restrain the said swing (10) when it is reduced into a contracted form (20).

13. The collapsible swing (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening means (140a) is a pair of complementary first zipper tape (141) and second zipper tape (142), engaged with a stopper (143), a retainer box (144) and a pull tab (145); the said tapes are mounted on the seat portion (100) juxtaposed with each other such that the first zipper tape (141) is symmetrical to the second zipper tape (142) along an axis.

14. The collapsible swing (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the fastening means (140a) comprises a strap (146) attached on a surface of the seat portion (100), and a receiving element (147) disposed coplanar to the said strap (146). Page 9 of 11

15. The collapsible swing (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the strap (146) is -.. : an elongate strip with one end {146a) fixed attached to the seat portion (100) and the } other end (146b) is free.

16. The collapsible swing (10) according to any of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that at least a portion of the strap (146) and the receiving element (147) contains either a hook iN or a loop fastener so arranged in a manner such that the strap (146) is removably attached to the receiving element (147) when both are engaged. a Page 10 of 11