Chairs and seats – Oscillating suspender connected to or through adjunctive rest
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-28
2002-04-02
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Chairs and seats
Oscillating suspender connected to or through adjunctive rest
C297S232000, C297S233000, C297S248000, C297S277000, C297S297000, C005S120000, C005S123000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06364412
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hanging chair that is generally comprised of a chair member and a structure for suspending the chair from an overhead support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A hanging chair is comprised of a chair and a suspension structure that connects the chair to an overhead support. In one type of hanging chair, the chair is comprised of a flexible panel that is defined by an upper edge, left edge, right edge and lower edge. The distance between the upper and lower edges is generally adequate for supporting the head, torso and at least a portion of the lower extremities of the typical user. Similarly, the distance between the left and right edge is generally sufficient to support the width of the typical user. The suspension structure includes a laterally extending support member, i.e., a member that extends left to right across the body of a user when the user is in the chair, that is connected to the left and right sides of the flexible panel. Also part of the suspension structure is a rope for connecting the laterally extending support member to the overhead support. The ends of the rope are attached to the ends of the laterally extending support member. A loop at the midpoint of the rope is used to suspend the chair from a hook or similar structure that is anchored into the overhead support. In this particular embodiment, the laterally extending support member is generally of a length that is greater than the lateral or left-right dimension of the typical user. As a consequence, the laterally extending support member prevents the left and right sides of the flexible panel from folding in on the user when the user reclines in the chair.
In another embodiment that employs a flexible panel, the suspension system has been modified so that it also prevents the upper and lower edges of the panel from folding in on the user when the user reclines in the chair. This is accomplished by using two side support members that extend along the sides of the chair. One end of each of the side support members is connected to the upper end of a side and the other end is connected to the lower end of the side, thereby preventing the upper and lower edges of the panel from folding in on the user. The ends of the two side support members are connected to the ends of the laterally extending support member, which is connected to the overhead support as previously described.
A further type of hanging chair employs a chair that is comprised of a rigid peripheral structure, which is generally made of wood or some kind of tubing, and a web that spans the rigid peripheral structure. Typically, ropes or cables are used to attach the rigid peripheral structure to the overhead support.
Yet another type of hanging chair uses a chair in which at least one of the back and seat portions is made of wood, plastic or other relatively rigid material. The lateral sides of the chair member are typically attached to the overhead support member using ropes or chains. An example of this type of chair is the well known porch swing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a hanging chair that provides the user with the ability to readily adjust the angle of the chair relative to the ground. One embodiment of the invention includes a chair with a back portion for supporting the user's torso and a seat portion for supporting at least a portion of the lower extremities of the user. The chair is also generally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis that divides the back and seat portions into a left lateral side and a right lateral side. When in use, the user's body generally reclines in a direction that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chair. A suspension structure is provided that serves both to hang the chair from an overhead support and to provide the user with the ability to readily adjust the angle of the chair relative to the ground. The suspension structure includes a longitudinally extending rod or pole, a first linkage for connecting the chair to the rod, and a second linkage for connecting the rod to the overhead structure. In adjusting the angle of the chair relative to the ground, the first linkage serves to maintain the position of the chair relative to the rod. As a consequence, the angle of the rod relative to the ground substantially determines the angle of the chair relative to the ground. The second linkage provides the ability to easily and quickly adjust the angle of the rod and the angle of the chair relative to the ground. In one embodiment, the second linkage includes a rope whose ends are attached to the ends of the rod and a slip knot that engages a hook or similar structure associated with the overhead support. By adjusting the location of the slip knot, the angle of the rod and chair relative to the ground can be readily adjusted. In another embodiment, the second linkage again uses a rope whose ends are attached to the ends of the rod. However, in this embodiment, a fixed knot is employed and the length of the rope extending between the ends of the rod is adjusted to change the angle of the chair. The length of rope is adjusted by changing the point on the rope at which the rope is attached to one end of the rod. In a third embodiment, the angle of the rod is altered by employing a second linkage that contacts the rod at a single location which can be adjusted. For example, if the second linkage joins the rod at a point that is closer to the back portion of the chair than the seat portion of the chair, the chair will be oriented in a relatively upright position. If the point at which the second linkage joins the rod is then moved more towards the seat portion of the chair, the chair is oriented in a more reclined position.
The present invention also provides for adjustment of the angle of the chair relative to the ground by permitting the distance between the seat portion and the ground to be adjusted. In this adjustment, the length of the linkage between the top of the back portion of the chair and the ground cannot be adjusted. However, the length of the linkage between points lower down on the back portion of the chair or on the seat portion of the chair and the ground can be adjusted. Adjustment of the length of this linkage, in effect, causes the chair to rotate about the top of the back portion of the chair, thereby changing the angle of the chair relative to the ground. Alternatively, a linkage associated with the seat portion of the chair could be of fixed length and the length of the linkage associated with points further up the chair could be adjustable to alter the angle of the chair relative to the ground.
Also provided by the present invention is a combination hanging chair and footrest that employs a less complex suspension structure than known hanging chairs. The chair portion of the invention is comprised of a flexible material. A suspension structure serves to hang the chair from an overhead support and to deploy the flexible material of the chair such that the chair does not collapse in upon the user. The suspension structure includes three rods and a linkage that connects the rods to the chair. The rods serve both to prevent (1) the left and right sides of the chair from collapsing in on the user and (2) the seat and back portions of the chair from collapsing in on the user. In other words, the rods serve to hold the flexible material of the chair open. At least one of the rods extends laterally, i.e. across the user's body when the user is in the chair. This rod is also employed to support the footrest. Know hanging chairs require at least four rods to accommodate a combination hanging chair and footrest.
The present invention also provides a hanging chair that is made of a flexible material and dimensioned to seat more than one person and a suspension structure that connects the chair member to an overhead support structure. Further, to prevent the individuals residing in the chair from being pushed towards one another, the chair includes a dividing member. In one embodiment, the div
Cuomo Peter M.
Holme Roberts & Owen LLP
Kulish, Esq. Christopher J.
White Rodney B.
LandOfFree
Hanging chair does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Hanging chair, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Hanging chair will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2831284