US20180206645A1

US20180206645A1 - Portable hammock style chair

Info

Publication number: US20180206645A1
Application number: US15/877,685
Authority: US
Inventors: Jennifer Mason; Mary Billingsley McDaniel; Chad Manning
Original assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC
Current assignee: Walmart Apollo LLC
Priority date: 2017-01-23
Filing date: 2018-01-23
Publication date: 2018-07-26

Abstract

Provided is a portable hammock style chair. The portable hammock style chair includes a foldable frame and a hammock style seat portion coupled to the foldable frame. The hammock style seat portion includes a seat fabric member and connection members. The seat fabric member may include a front edge and a rear edge, the rear edge shorter in length than the length of the front edge. The elongate connection members couple the hammock style seat portion to the foldable frame to retain the seat fabric member at a position higher than a ground surface. The foldable frame may be moved between a folded position and a useable position. In the folded position, the frame may be held together in a bag or otherwise retained in the folded position in order to improve portability.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[S]

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “PORTABLE HAMMOCK STYLE CHAIR,” Ser. No. 62/449,468, filed Jan. 23, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a chair, and more specifically, to a portable hammock style chair.

BACKGROUND

There are several types of folding, portable chairs available to consumers. Some include folding lawn chairs, folding camping chairs, metal folding chairs, plastic folding chairs, and the like. The existing types of folding, portable chairs lack the comfort that a hammock chair provides with the portability that the existing types of folding chairs provide.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, provided is a hammock style chair comprising: a foldable frame comprising: a base member having a first end and a second end; a first side member having a base end and a seat support, wherein the base end of the first side member is rotatably coupled to the first end of the base member and the seat support of the first side member extends away from the base cross member toward a vertical direction; a second side member having a base end and a seat support, wherein the base end of the second side member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the base cross member and the seat support of the second side member extends away from the base cross member toward a vertical direction; and a hammock style seat portion coupled between the seat support of the first side member and the seat support of the second side member, wherein the hammock style seat portion is retained at a position higher than the base cross member.
In another aspect, provided is a hammock style chair comprising: a foldable frame comprising: a base member having a first end and a second end; a first side member having a base support and a seat support, wherein the base support of the first side member is rotatably coupled to the first end of the base member and the seat support of the first side member extends away from the base member toward a vertical direction; a second side member having a base support and a seat support, wherein the base support of the second side member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the base member and the seat support of the second side member extends away from the base member toward a vertical direction; and a hammock style seat portion coupled between the seat support of the first side member and the seat support of the second side member, wherein the hammock style seat portion comprises a seat fabric member having a front edge and a rear edge, the rear edge shorter in length than the length of the front edge, and connection members, wherein the connection members couple the hammock style seat portion to the seat support of the first side member and the seat support of the second side member to retain the seat fabric member at a position higher than the base member.
In one aspect, provided is a hammock style chair comprising: a foldable frame; and a hammock style seat portion coupled to the foldable frame, wherein the hammock style seat portion comprises a seat fabric member having a front edge and a rear edge, the rear edge shorter in length than a length of the front edge and connection members, wherein the connection members couple the hammock style seat portion to the foldable frame to retain the seat fabric member at a position higher than a ground surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame in a folded position of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 1, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a frame in the folded position of a portable hammock style chair of FIG. 5, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 9, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 9, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a frame in the folded position of a portable hammock style chair of FIG. 9, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 13, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 13, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 16, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the portable hammock style chair of FIG. 18, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a frame of a portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a seat member of a portable hammock style chair, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The use of folding, portable chairs is very common. Often people utilize them during camping, at parks, at gatherings, at sporting events and the like. The portability of the chair is an important aspect to these chairs. The common types of folding chairs available do not have an opportunity to provide the comfort of a hammock style chair with the portability provided by these folding, portable chairs.
The present inventive concepts include a hammock style chair with a folding and portable frame. It provides added comfort to the seat portion while maintaining the portability comparable to existing folding chairs. In each embodiment of a portable hammock style chair, the foldable frame may be moved between a folded position and a useable position. In the folded position, the frame may be held together in a bag or otherwise retained in the folded position in order to improve portability.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-4 depict an embodiment of a folding and portable hammock style chair 10. The chair 10 comprises a foldable frame 11 comprising a base cross member 12 having a first end and a second end. The foldable frame 11 also includes first and second side members 14. Each side member 14 includes a base support 16 and a seat support 18. The base support 16 of the first side member 14 is coupled to the first end of the base cross member 12 and the seat support 18 of the first side member 14 extends away from the base cross member 12 in a transverse direction. The base support 16 of the second side member 14 is coupled to the second end of the base cross member 12 and the seat support 18 of the second side member 14 extends away from the base cross member 12 in a transverse direction. The chair 10 further includes a hammock style seat portion 20 coupled between the seat support 18 of the first side member 14 and the seat support 18 of the second side member 14, wherein the hammock style seat portion 20 is retained at a position higher than the base cross member 12.
In embodiments, the first side member and the second side member 14 are each an L-shaped member with the base support 16 and seat support 18 form leg portions of the L-shaped member. The base support 16 of the side member 14 contacts a ground surface for supporting the hammock style chair 10 with the seat support 18 extending substantially perpendicular to the base support 16. In embodiments, the first and second side members 14 are hingedly coupled to the base cross member 12. The hammock style chair 10 may further comprise an elongate connection member 22 or a plurality of elongate connection members 22. The elongate connection member 22 may be a rope. In other embodiments, the elongate connection member 22 may be a spring.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 5-8 depict an embodiment of a folding and portable hammock style chair 10. The chair 10 comprises a foldable frame 11 comprising a base cross member 30 having a first end and a second end. The foldable frame 11 also includes first and second side members 14. Each side member 14 includes a base support 16 and a seat support 18. The base support 16 of the first side member 14 is coupled to the first end of the base cross member 30 and the seat support 18 of the first side member 14 extends away from the base cross member 30 in a transverse direction. The base support 16 of the second side member 14 is coupled to the second end of the base cross member 30 and the seat support 18 of the second side member 14 extends away from the base cross member 30 in a transverse direction. The chair 10 further includes a hammock style seat portion 20 coupled between the seat support 18 of the first side member 14 and the seat support 18 of the second side member 14, wherein the hammock style seat portion 20 is retained at a position higher than the base cross member 30.
In embodiments, the first side member and the second side member 14 are each an L-shaped member with the base support 16 and seat support 18 form leg portions of the L-shaped member. The base support 16 of the side member 14 contacts a ground surface for supporting the hammock style chair 10 with the seat support 18 extending substantially perpendicular to the base support 16. In embodiments, the first and second side members 14 are hingedly coupled to the base cross member 30. Base cross member 30 may include a first member 32 and a second member 34 that may foldable over each other in order to fold the frame 11. The hammock style chair 10 may further comprise an elongate connection member 22 or a plurality of elongate connection members 22. The elongate connection member 22 may be a rope. In other embodiments, the elongate connection member 22 may be a spring.
FIGS. 9-12 depict an embodiment of a folding and portable hammock style chair 40. The chair 40 comprises a foldable frame 41 comprising a base cross member 50 having a first end and a second end. The foldable frame 41 also includes first and second side members 42. Each side member 42 includes a base support 44 and a seat support 46. The base support 44 of the first side member 42 is coupled to the first end of the base cross member 50 and the seat support 44 of the first side member 42 extends away from the base cross member 50 in a transverse direction. The base support 44 of the second side member 42 is coupled to the second end of the base cross member 50 and the seat support 46 of the second side member 42 extends away from the base cross member 50 in a transverse direction. The chair 40 further includes a hammock style seat portion 20 coupled between the seat support 46 of the first side member 42 and the seat support 46 of the second side member 42, wherein the hammock style seat portion 20 is retained at a position higher than the base cross member 30.
In embodiments, the first side member and the second side member 42 are each a T-shaped member with the base support 44 forming a cross portion of the T-shaped member and the seat support 46 forming a leg portion of the T-shaped member. The base support 44 of the side member 42 contacts a ground surface for supporting the hammock style chair 40 and the seat support 46 extends substantially perpendicular from the base support 44 and the ground surface. The seat support 46 of the T-shaped side members may be slideably coupled to the base support 44 of the T-shaped member. In embodiments, the first and second side members 42 are hingedly coupled to the base cross member 50. Base cross member 50 may include a first member 52 and a second member 54 that may foldable over each other in order to fold the frame 41. The hammock style chair 40 may further comprise an elongate connection member 22 or a plurality of elongate connection members 22. The elongate connection member 22 may be a rope. In other embodiments, the elongate connection member 22 may be a spring.
FIGS. 13-15 depict an embodiment of a folding and portable hammock style chair 60. The chair 60 comprises a foldable frame 61 comprising a base cross member 64 having a first support member 66 and a second support member 68 rotatably coupled together to form an X-shape. The foldable frame 61 also includes first and second side members 62. The first side member 62 is coupled to a first end of the base cross member 62 and extends away from the base cross member 64 and a ground surface in a transverse direction. The second side member 62 is coupled to a second end of the base cross member 64 and extends away from the base cross member 64 in a transverse direction. The chair 60 further includes a hammock style seat portion 20 coupled between the first side member 62 and the second side member 62, wherein the hammock style seat portion 20 is retained at a position higher than the base cross member 64.
In embodiments, the base cross member 64 folds in a manner similar to a director chair. The hammock style chair 60 may further comprise an elongate connection member 22 or a plurality of elongate connection members 22. The elongate connection member 22 may be a rope. In other embodiments, the elongate connection member 22 may be a spring.
FIGS. 16-17 depict an embodiment of a folding and portable hammock style chair 70. The chair 70 comprises a foldable frame 72. The chair 70 further includes a hammock style seat portion 74 coupled to the foldable frame 72, wherein the hammock style seat portion 74 is retained at a position higher than a ground surface. The chair 70 may further include a back rest portion 76 coupled to the foldable frame 72.
FIGS. 18-19 depict an embodiment of a folding and portable hammock style chair 80. The chair 80 comprises a foldable frame 82 that may be circular in shape. The chair 80 further includes a hammock style seat portion 84 coupled to the foldable frame 82, wherein the hammock style seat portion 84 is retained at a position higher than a ground surface.
FIGS. 20-22 depict another embodiment of a folding and protable hammock style chair 100. The chair 100 comprises a foldable frame 110 comprising a base member 112 having a first end 111 and a second end 113. The foldable frame 110 also includes first and second side members 114 and 116. Each side member 114 and 116 includes a base end 116 and a seat support 118. The base end 117 of the first side member 114 is coupled to the first end 111 of the base member 112 and of the first side member 114 extends away from the base member 112 toward a vertical direction with the seat support 118 coupled on an end of the first side member 114 opposite the base end 117. The base end 117 of the second side member 116 is coupled to the second end 113 of the base member 112 and the second side member 116 extends away from the base member 112 toward a vertical direction with the seat support 118 coupled on an end of the second side member 116 opposite the base end 117. The chair 100 further includes a hammock style seat portion 120 coupled between the seat support 118 of the first side member 114 and the seat support 118 of the second side member 116, wherein the hammock style seat portion 120 is retained at a position higher than the base member 112.
In embodiments, the first side member 114 and the second side member 116 are each an A-shaped or triangular-shaped member with the base end 117 forming a base of the triangle and the side members 114 and 116 extending to a point wherein the seat support 18 is coupled to form the A-shape or triangular shaped side member 114 and 116. The base member 112 of the contacts a ground surface for supporting the hammock style chair 100 with the seat supports 118 coupled to ends opposite the base end 117 of the side members 114 and 116 extending substantially vertical away from the base member 112. In embodiments, the first and second side members 114 and 116 are hingedly coupled to the base member 112. The hammock style chair 100 may further comprise connection members 122, such as, but not limited to rings coupled to ends of the seat portion 120, wherein the connection members 122 are coupled to the seat support 118 to connect to the frame 110 to support the seat portion above the base member 112.
The first and second side members 114 and 116 may fold over the base member 112, along the general path depicted by arrows 130 and 140, to place the frame 110 in a folded position, wherein the seat supports 118 are rotated adjacent the base member 112 and the base end 117 of the other side member 114 or 116. This allows for easy storage and easy transporting of the frame 110. When rotated to an useable position, the side members 114 and 116 may be rotated toward a vertical direction, along the general path depicted by arrows 130 and 140, and held at a predetermined angle and locked into place. The seat portion 120 may then be coupled to the seat supports 118 and the chair 100 may then be utilized for sitting.
The seat portion 120 may be a seat fabric member having a front edge 124 and a rear edge 126. The rear edge 126 is shorter in length than the length of the front edge 124. The allows the rear side of the of the seat portion 120 to be used as a seat back and allows the front edge 124 to hang lower than the rear edge 126 thereby allowing the user's legs to hang over the front edge 124. This allows the hammock seat portion 120 to operate as a seat and not as a standard hammock. It provides proper seat orientation and support for the user.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hammock style chair comprising:

a foldable frame comprising:

a base member having a first end and a second end;

a first side member having a base end and a seat support, wherein the base end of the first side member is rotatably coupled to the first end of the base member and the seat support of the first side member extends away from the base cross member toward a vertical direction;

a second side member having a base end and a seat support, wherein the base end of the second side member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the base cross member and the seat support of the second side member extends away from the base cross member toward a vertical direction; and

a hammock style seat portion coupled between the seat support of the first side member and the seat support of the second side member, wherein the hammock style seat portion is retained at a position higher than the base cross member.

2. The hammock style chair of claim 1, wherein the base member contacts a ground surface for supporting the hammock style chair and the side support extends vertically from the base support and the ground surface.

3. The hammock style chair of claim 2, wherein the first side member and the second side member are a triangle-shaped members.

4. The hammock style chair of claim 2, wherein the first side member and the second side member are A-shaped members.

5. The hammock style chair of claim 1, wherein the seat portion includes a seat fabric member having a front edge and a rear edge, the rear edge shorter in length than the length of the front edge.

6. A hammock style chair comprising:

a foldable frame comprising:

a base member having a first end and a second end;

a first side member having a base support and a seat support, wherein the base support of the first side member is rotatably coupled to the first end of the base member and the seat support of the first side member extends away from the base member toward a vertical direction;

a second side member having a base support and a seat support, wherein the base support of the second side member is rotatably coupled to the second end of the base member and the seat support of the second side member extends away from the base member toward a vertical direction; and

a hammock style seat portion coupled between the seat support of the first side member and the seat support of the second side member, wherein the hammock style seat portion comprises a seat fabric member having a front edge and a rear edge, the rear edge shorter in length than the length of the front edge, and connection members, wherein the connection members couple the hammock style seat portion to the seat support of the first side member and the seat support of the second side member to retain the seat fabric member at a position higher than the base member.

7. The hammock style chair of claim 6, wherein the base member contacts a ground surface for supporting the hammock style chair and the side support extends vertically from the base support and the ground surface.

8. The hammock style chair of claim 7, wherein the first side member and the second side member are a triangle-shaped members.

9. The hammock style chair of claim 7, wherein the first side member and the second side member are A-shaped members.

10. The hammock style chair of claim 6, wherein the first and second side members are hingedly coupled to the base member.

11. The hammock style chair of claim 10, wherein the first and second side members are moveable between a folded and useable position.

12. The hammock style chair of claim 11, wherein in the folded position, the seat supports of the first and second side members are rotated adjacent the base member and the base end of the other side member.

13. The hammock style chair of claim 6, further wherein each connection member is a ring.

14. A hammock style chair comprising:

a foldable frame; and

a hammock style seat portion coupled to the foldable frame, wherein the hammock style seat portion comprises a seat fabric member having a front edge and a rear edge, the rear edge shorter in length than a length of the front edge and connection members, wherein the connection members couple the hammock style seat portion to the foldable frame to retain the seat fabric member at a position higher than a ground surface.

15. The hammock style chair of claim 14, wherein the foldable frame comprises:

a base member having a first end and a second end;

a first side member rotatably coupled to the first end of the base member and a seat support coupled to an end of the first side member opposite the coupling to the base member, wherein the first side member extends away from the base cross member toward a vertical direction; and

a second side member rotatably coupled to the second end of the base member and a seat support coupled to an end of the second side member opposite the coupling to the base member, wherein the second side member extends away from the base member toward a vertical direction.

16. The hammock style chair of claim 15, the foldable frame is moveable between a folded and a useable position.

17. The hammock style chair of claim 16, wherein in the folded position, the seat supports of the first and second side members are rotated adjacent the base member and the base end of the other side member.

18. The hammock style chair of claim 14, wherein each connection member is a ring.