WO1990009749A1

WO1990009749A1 - Collapsible chaise longue

Info

Publication number: WO1990009749A1
Application number: PCT/NL1990/000019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Folkert Johan Bernard Praktiek
Original assignee: Sicommerce Ag; Folkert Johan Bernard Praktiek
Priority date: 1989-03-02
Filing date: 1990-02-23
Publication date: 1990-09-07
Also published as: CA2030801A1; NL191529C; AU5166390A; NL8900512A; NL8903030A

Abstract

A collapsible chaise longue has an under part (1, 2) to be positioned on the ground and an upper part supported by the under part and having longitudinal sides consisting of three section parts (21, 21, 41). These section parts are connected through hinges and form a back rest end portion (3), a central portion (4) and a leg support end portion (5). The opposite section parts (21, 21, 41) of both longitudinal sides are interconnected by collapsible connections so that the chaise longue may be collapsed both lengthwise and crosswise thereby creating a very small package. The central portion (4) of the chaise longue is adapted, when in use, to be positioned inclined to the horizontal in order to obtain a comfortable position for the user. For the same reason the chaise longue may be provided with arm rests (10).

Description

Collapsible chaise longue

The invention relates to a collapsible chaise longue having an under part to be positioned on a base and a upper part supported by the under part and having longitudinal sides each including at least three section parts connected through hinges and forming a back rest end portion, a central portion and a leg support end portion, the end portions of which are lockable in different positions with respect to the central portion when in use, and are collapsible together with the central portion when out of use, the chaise longue being further provided with a flexible cover to be stretched between the section portions of the longitudinal sides of the upper portion.

Chaises longues of this type are known in various embodiments and are utilized as stretcher or as lounge chair in the garden, on the camping site or on the beach. A disadvantage of this known chaises longues is that they still occupy a lot of space in their collapsed state so that the storage prior to their selling is expensive, and, when the chaise longue is used, it is difficult to transport and it occupies a lot of space in the trunk of a car, for instance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible chaise longue wherein these disadvantages are removed in an effective way.

For this purpose the chaise longue according to the invention is characterised in that the opposite section parts of both longitudinal sides of the upper part are inter¬ connected by collapsible cross-connections which are lockable in extended position by locking means.

Due to these features the chaise longue can also be collapsed in transverse direction thereby considerably reducing the volume in collapsed state in comparison to the known chaises longues. Furthermore, the chaise longue is easy to carry when it is stored in a carrier bag or such casing.

It is an advantage if the under part comprises section parts connected to the section parts of the longitudinal sides of the upper part and being interconnected in pairs by one of the collapsible cross-connections, wherein preferably the section parts of the under part are connected to the respective section parts of the central portion of the upper part.

In this way the cross-connection of the central part is formed by a cross-connection or connections of the under part so that there is no need for a separate collapsible cross-connection for the central portion of the upper part.

Therein it is favourable when the cross-connection between the section parts of the under part includes a plurality of pivotally connected section elements being movable from the collapsed condition beyond a dead centre and up to a locked end position determined by a stop.

These features ensure a locked position of the collapsible cross-connection of the under part since the cover stretched in the central portion of the upper part also causes a pressure force in the cross-connection of the under part so that there is required a certain force to collapse the collapsible cross-connection through the dead centre. As a result the cross-connection in the under part is prevented from being accidentally collapsed.

Preferably the cross-connections between the section parts of the longitudinal sides of both end portions of the upper part comprise two pivotable section parts forming the transverse sides of the upper part in the fold-out condition of the chaise longue.

In this way the section parts of the collapsible cross-connection of both end portions of the chaise longue together with the section parts of the longitudinal sides of the upper part form, in the extended position of the chaise longue, a stable closed frame in which the cover, preferably along all sides, can be stretched. A very favourable embodiment of the chaise longue according to the invention is characterized in that the position of the central portion is adjustable to the horizontal. Due to this feature the uses of the chaise longue are considerably extended. With this it is possible to position the central portion of the upper part together with the end portions horizontally to use the chaise longue as stretcher having a flat upper part, while at least a part of the central portion can be positioned slightly backwardly inclined thereby creating a very comfortable seat when the chaise longue is used as a normal chair or as a lounge chair. It should be noted that that indeed in known chaises longues both end portions can be adjusted such that besides a stretcher also a lounge chair or a normal chair could be formed, but there the central portion always remains horizontally thereby always causing the problem that a person sitting in the chair constantly slides to the front and cannot sit comfortably. On the other hand there are known chaises longues having an inclined seat portion, but these chaises longues cannot be used as stretcher. In principle, this measure according to the invention regarding the angular adjustment of the central portion of the upper part can also be used regardless of the preceding features.

In a first possible embodiment for adjusting the central portion the angle of the central portion to the horizontal is adjustable by adjusting the under part.

Preferably, near the transition of the central portion and the end portions pivotable front and rear legs are provided serving as under part and being provided with locking means for locking the front and/or rear legs of the under part in different pivotal positions.

In this manner a simple pivoting movement of the front and/or rear legs of the under part causes an adjustment of the central portion of the upper part. Of course an adjustment of the central portion would also be possible in another way, for example by means of front and/or rear legs of the under part which are adjustable in length. A further advantageous embodiment for adjusting the central portion is that wherein the section parts of the central portion comprise at least two section elements which are interlockable in different positions within a vertical plane. It is very favourable when the chaise longue is provided with arm rests because they provide additional comfort when the chaise longue is used as a chair.

Preferably the arm rests are connected to the central portion and to the end portion of the upper part serving as back rest by means of a parallelogram guide since as a result thereof in all positions of the back rest end portion there is maintained a similar position of the arm¬ rest with respect to the central portion of the upper part. When the back rest end portion of the upper part, in order to collapse the chaise longue, is collapsible under the central portion, while the arm rests remain substantially parallel to the back rest end portion in the downwardly collapsed positions thereof, the length of one of the sides of the parallelogram guide can be made adjustable.

Due to this feature it is possible,despite the presence of the parallel guides, to position the arm rests in a non-projecting and little space occupying manner along the back rest end portion when the chaise longue is collapsed. According to the invention it is also proposed to construct the hinges between the section parts of the back rest end portion and the central portion and between the section parts of the leg support end portion and the central portion respectively such that the back rest end portion and/ or the leg support end portion incline downwardly from the central portion when the chaise longue is used as camp-bed.

As a consequence thereof it is possible to create a very comfortable position as stretcher for someone lying on the stomach in vhich the sagging of the cover of the central portion of the upper part is compensated as it were by the declining end portions so that the back of a person lying on his of her stomach will not become concave and will preferably be slightly convex which is a position that is comfortable for a longer period. In the embodiment of the chaise longue in which the cover is connected to at least the section parts forming the longitudinal sides of the upper part by means of connection means engaging the cover divided along the length thereof, it is very favourable when the connection means on each longitudinal side of the cover comprise an integral elongate zigzag-shaped connection means having on each corner of the zigzag-shape an attachment means for alternate attachment to the cover and the section parts respectively. This connection means offers the possibility of automatically stretching the cover in the upper parts of the chaise longue thereby obtaining a considerable saving in time in comparison to the known method of stretching by means of a tacking-cord being threaded manually. Correspondingly the present invention also includes a method for mounting a cover into an upper part of a chaise longue having longitudinal sides formed of section parts, wherein the cover and the longitudinal sides of the upper part are retained in a pre-determined relative position and a zigzag-shaped elongate connection means being alternately attached to the longitudinal side of the cover and to the section parts forming the longitudinal side of the upper part respectively.

This method and said connection means are not only usable in the chaise longue according to the present invention but also in known chaises longues of the state of the art. The invention will hereafter be elucidated with reference to the drawings schematically showing a plurality of embodiments of the chaise longue according to the invention by way of example.

Fig. 1 is a very schematic side view of an embodiment of the chaise longue according to the invention illustrating the various uses thereof.

Fig. 2 and 3 ere side views of the collapsed chaise longue of Fig. 1 stored in a carrier bag.

Fig. 4-7 are four views of the collapsed chaise longue of Fig. 1, wherein for the sake of clarity the transverse dimensions of some of the parts of the chaise longue are shown exaggerated large, while in Fig. 7 the cover is removed.

Fig. 8, 9 and 10 show side views of the chaise longue in several stages of being unfolded lengthwise.

Fig. 11, 12 and 13 are three different views of the chaise longue being unfolded lengthwise but being still collapsed cross wise.

Fig. 14 and 15 are a side view and a plan view respectively of the chaise longue in the fully unfolded position as camp-bed or stretcher. Fig. 16 is a partial front view of the under part of the chaise longue in a condition collapsed cross wise.

Fig. 17 and 18 are a front view and a plan view respectively of the under part of Fig. 16 in the unfolded position. Fig. 19 is an enlarged sectional view along the line

XIX-XIX of Fig. 17.

Fig. 20 is a schematic partial plan view of the upper part of the chaise longue in the collapsed position in which the cover is omitted for the sake of clarity. Fig. 21, 21a and 22 are a partial plan view, a side view and a front view respectively of the upper part of the chaise longue according to the invention.

Fig. 23 and 24 are a side view and a rear view respectively of the chaise longue as a lounge chair. Fig. 25 and 26 are a side view and a rear view respectively of the chaise longue as a normal chair.

Fig. 27 and 28, and 29 and 30 respectively are two different sectional views of the connection between the upper part and the rear leg of the under part, on an enlarged scale and in two different positions.

Fig. 31 and 32, and 33 and 34 respectively are sectional views corresponding to those of Fig. 27, 28 and 29, 30 respectively showing an alternative embodiment.

Fig. 35 and 36 are partial schematic side views of the chaise longue as a lounge chair and as a camp-bed respectively.

Fig. 37 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the connection between the front leg of the under part and the upper part. Fig. 38 and 39 are two embodiments of a parallelo¬ gram guide for an arm rest of the chaise longue according to the invention.

Fig. 40 and 41 are very schematic side views of the chaise longue on different scales to illustrate the operation of the parallelogram guide for the arm rest according to Fig. 38.

Fig. 42 and 43 are a plan view and a side view respectively of a connection means according to the invention for connecting the cover with the upper part of the chaise longue.

Fig. 44 and 45 show in a sectional view two embodiments of the attachment of the connection means with a tube of the upper part of the chaise longue. Fig. 46 is a front view corresponding to that of

Fig. 17 showing a modified embodiment of an under part of the chaise longue according to the invention in the unfolded condition.

Fig. 47 and 48 are very schematic side views of a further embodiment of the chaise longue according to the invention by way of example, in which various positions thereof are illustrated.

Fig. 49 shows in a sectional view detail IL of Fig. 48 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 50 is a plan view of the detail of Fig. 49.

Fig. 51 is a very schematic plan view of the chaise longue of Fig. 47 and 48.

Fig. 52 shows in a sectional view detail LII of Fig. 51 on an enlarged scale. Fig. 53 is a sectional view corresponding to that of

Fig. 52 showing the chaise longue in its cross wise collapsed condition.

Fig. 54 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the chaise longue according to Figs. 47 and 48, wherein an arm rest is provided.

Fig. 1 of the drawing schematically shows the structure of an embodiment of the chaise longue according to the invention by way of example. The chaise longue includes, in principle, an under part consisting of front legs l and rear legs 2, and an upper part consisting of three main portions, that is an end portion 3 serving as back rest or head portion, a central portion 4 and an end portion 5 serving as leg support. The end portions 3, 5 are pivotally connected to the central portion 4 by means of hinge elements 6, 7 respectively and are lockable in different positions with respect thereto. The front legs 1 and the rear legs 2 are pivotally attached to the central portion 4 by means of hinges 8, 9 respectively. Of course the various portions 3, 4 and 5 of the upper part can be divided in further portions or could be provided with additional parts, while it is also possible to construct the under part of the chaise longue in a different manner or with more legs. An arm rest 10 co-operating with the back rest end portion 3 is also provided on each longitudinal side of the chaise longue. The structure of the above-mentioned parts of the chaise longue will be described further on with reference to more detailed figures.

In Fig. 1 the several positions of the chaise longue according to the invention are schematically indicated. If the portions 3, 4 and 5 forming the upper part are horizontally aligned with each other the chaise longue can be used as camp-bed or stretcher. If the back rest end portion 3 and the arm rest 10 co-operating with it are collapsed upwardly about the hinge element 6, while the central portion 4 is positioned in a backwardly and downwardly inclined position by adjustment of the legs 1 and/or 2 of the under part, the chaise longue can serve as a chair. The leg support end portion 5 can be locked in a downwardly inclined position to the central portion 4 thereby creating a lounge chair. The leg support end portion 5 can also be collapsed with the central portion 4 so that the end portion 5 serves as seat portion and the chaise longue is converted into a normal camping or garden chair.

An important aspect of the present invention is the possibility to collapse the under and upper parts of the chaise longue into a very small package which can easily be transported and stored without occupying a lot of space.

Fig. 2 and 3 show the collapsed lounge chair in a casing 11 in the form of a carrier bag. In this manner the collapsed chaise longue can easily be carried by the handle or shoulder belt.

Fig. 4-7 show the chaise longue in the collapsed position without the casing 11. It is visable therein that both end portions 3 and 4 are collapsed on either side of the central portion 4, while the front and rear legs 1, 2 of the under part are folded between the central portion 4 and the back rest end portion 3. In the collapsed position the arm rests 10 are substantially besides and parallel to the end portion 3. A cover 12 of the chaise longue remains, in the collapsed position thereof, substantially connected to the upper part of the chaise longue, which will be elucidated in more detail further on. In Fig. 7 it is schematically indicated that the chaise longue can also be collapsed cross¬ wise by means of special pivoting cross-connections 13, 14 respectively the structure of which will be discribed in detail. It is obvious that for collapsing the chaise longue no parts have to be removed which is an important advantage since no parts can get lost.

Fig. 8-10 schematically show by means of arrows the several unfolding movements of the under and upper parts to fold out the chaise longue length wise from the fully collapsed condition of Fig. 8 to the camp-bed position of Fig. 10.

Fig. 11-13 show the camp-bed position of Fig. 10 once again in which the chaise longue is still collapsed cross wise and in which the cross-connections 13 of 14 of the under part and upper part respectively are still collapsed.

Fig. 14 and 15 show the chaise longue in a position ready for use as camp-bed. From this position the chaise longue can also be adjusted into other positions as a chair. Fig. 16-19 show the special cross-connection 13 provided for collapsing and extending the front and rear legs 1 and 2 of the under part of the chaise longue. This cross- connection 13 is provided between parallel tubes 15 of the front and rear legs 1, 2, said tubes 15 being bent 90^* on their lower end in order to form a larger base, while the end faces of the bent ends of the tubes 15 can serve as stop during the collapsing operation.

The fully symmetrically constructed cross-connection includes two elongate section elements 16 pivotally connected at an outer end to the lower end of the respective tube 15 and pivotally interconnected at their inner facing ends. Spaced above the lower end of the tubes 15 section elements 17 are pivotally attached with their one end, while the other end of the section elements 17 pivotally connect to section elements 18 which are pivotally interconnected at their ends facing away from the section elements 17. Spaced from their inner interconnected ends the section elements 18 are pivotally connected with respective section elements 16 thereby creating a quadrangular linkage. Fig. 19 shows that the section elements 16 and 17 are formed of double flat section pieces, while the section elements 18 are singular and flat and can therefore extend between both parts of the section elements 16 and 17 thereby enabling a compact collapse of the section elements 16, 17 and 18. The section elements 16-18 formed in this manner also provide a rigid and still light structure.

The section elements 18 are each provided on their ends facing the section elements 17 with an end part 19 fixed at an obtuse angle and cooperating with a stop pin 20 on the respective section element 17.

By means of the pivoting cross-connection 13 both tubes 15 of the front and rear legs 1, 2 of the chaise longue can be moved away from each other in a parallel relationship from the position of Fig. 16 in which the section elements 16, 17 and 18 make pivot or link movements such as indicated with dash lines in Fig. 16. The end parts 19 of the section elements 18 and the stops 20 of the section elements 17 permit the section elements 17 and 18 to pass beyond their dead centre so that, when the end parts 19 have come to lie to the stops 20 a light bend between the section elements 17 and 18 is created causing a stable position of the cross-connection 13 of the under part. Since the cover 12 stretched in the upper part of the chaise longue is under tension in the cross- wise extended position and said tension also works upon the under part and therefore also on the front and rear legs l, 2 thereof, a certain force is required to push the section elements 17 and 18 back again beyond the dead centre in order to obtain a collapse of the front and rear legs 1, 2. As a result there is provided a security against an accidental collapse of the front or rear legs 1, 2. Because the section elements 16 and 17 engage to the tubes 15 with a substantial spacing a stable cross-connection is created. On the other hand the section elements 16 and 18 extend at a substantial distance below the upper part in the transverse centre of the lower part thereby avoiding any problem when the cover 12 of the upper part sags through the weight of a person sitting or lying on the chaise longue. Fig. 20 and 21 show one of the end portions 3, 5 of the upper part of the chaise longue. For the sake of simplicity it is assumed that Figs. 20 and 21 show the end portion 5 serving as leg support, while it should be kept in mind that the end portion 3 is constructed in a similar manner. The end portion 5 includes two tubes 21 extending longitudinally of the upper part on either side thereof and being connected on their one end with the central portion 4 through hinge elements 7 and being interconnected on the other end through the pivotable and collapsible cross- connection 14. This pivotable cross-connection 14 includes two substantially equal tube elements 22 being connected on their one end to the 90° flanged end of the respective tube 21 by means of hinges 23 and being pivotally attached on their other end through a short pivotable connecting piece 24. In the collapsed condition of the end portion 5 both tube elements 22 lie substantially side-by-side which is made possible by the short connecting piece 24 such as shown in Fig. 20. In the extended condition according to Fig. 21 and 22 the tube elements 22 and the short connection piece 24 are aligned with each other transverse to the longitudinal direction of the upper part of the chaise longue and in connection to the bend ends of the tubes 21. In this position the tube elements 22 are interlocked by a slide sleeve serving as locking means and being slid over both inner end portions of the tube elements 22 and the connecting piece 24 up to a stop 26 on one of the tube elements 22. In the collapsed position according to Fig. 20 the slide sleeve 25 is slid onto the tube element 22 without the stop 26.

In Fig. 21 the cover 12, which was omitted in Fig. 20 for the sake of clarity, is shown in a condition stretched within the frame formed by the upper part. In all positions the cover 12 remains with its longitudinal sides attached to the longitudinal sides of the upper part of the chaise longue by means of the tacking-cords 27 which are threaded through eyelets 28 and openings 29 respectively in the cover 12 and in the flanges of the tubes 21 respectively. In the embodiment shown, however, a connection between the transverse side of the cover 12 and the respective transverse side of the upper part is released to collapse the upper part, which connection keeps the cover 12 tensioned in the longitudinal direction when the chaise longue is fully extended. Said connection consist of an elastic cord 30 being threaded through eyelets 31 in the cover 12 and being turned over about the tube elements 22 and being hooked into hooks 32 on the cover in the extended position of the chaise longue (cf. Fig. 21a) . To release the cord 30 it is only required to remove it from the hooks 32. Said connection between the transverse side of the cover 12 and the transverse side of the upper part of the chaise longue is, of course, not always necessary, but is recommended particularly with covers which can be stretched in longitudinal direction.

Fig. 23-26 show the chaise longue in different chair positions wherein it is obvious that the inclined seating angle of the central portion 4, or the central portion 4 and the end portion 5 respectively is obtained by adjustment of the front and rear legs 2 with respect to their position when the chaise longue is used as camp-bed, such as shown in Fig. 40. In the position of Figs. 23 and 25 the front legs 1 of the under part extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the central portion 4 of the upper part, while the rear legs 2 are positioned with a more acute angle to the central portion 4 or the horizontal respectively. As a result thereof the transverse side of the central portion 4 is lowered near the back rest 3 and the transverse side of the central portion 4 near the leg support end portion 5 is raised with respect to the camp-bed position, thereby creating a very comfortable seating angle of preferably 15* preventing the person sitting in the chair from sliding from the seat. Fig. 27-30 show the connection between one of the rear legs 2 of the under part with the respective hinge element 6 between the end portion 3 and the central portion 4 of the upper part of the chaise longue. This connection is such that the rear legs 2 may be adjusted into two pivoting positions. Fig. 27 and 28 show the first highest position of the rear legs 2 in which the chaise longue can be used as camp-bed. In this position each tube 15 of the rear legs 2 is locked with respect to the hinge element 6 by means of a pawl 33 pivotally arranged on the upper end of the tube 15 and projecting into an opening 34 in an upper flange 43 of the hinge element 6 and resting against the upper flange 43 with its edge facing away from the tube 15. A projecting lip 35 rests on the upper face of the hinge element 6 adjacent the opening 35 and prevents a downward pivoting movement of the pawl 33. In this manner the rear legs 2 of the under part are locked in their highest position.

Fig. 29 and 30 show the lower position of the rear legs 2 of the under part in which the chaise longue can be used as chair. The tube 15 of the rear legs 2 can be brought into this position by pivoting the pawl 33 upwardly from the position of Fig. 27 about the pivot point to the tube 15 so that the upper end of the tube 15 is permitted to pivot down¬ wardly about the hinge 9 until it comes to lie against a stop pin 36 of the hinge element 6.

Fig. 31-34 show an alternative embodiment of a lock for the tube 15 of the rear legs 2 of the under part. This lock consists of a cam 37 being provided rotationally fixed on a hinge pin 38 which is rotatably supported in the hinge element 6. On one end the hinge pin 38 is provided with a square extension 39 serving as handle. In the lower position of the cam 37 the tube 15 bears on one side with its upper end against the cam 37, while on the other side of the upper end of the tube 15 a stop pin 40 is provided in the hinge element 6 so that the tube 15 is confined between the cam 37 and the stop pin 40. By pivoting the cam 37 upwardly by means of the handle 39 it comes out of engagement with the upper end of the tube 15 so that the tube 15 is permitted to pivot about the hinge 9 to the lower position in which it abuts the stop pin 36. In this way a simple and very safe unlocking of the rear legs 2 is possible.

The locking of the rear legs 2 in the highest position thereof are in both embodiments such that, when the under part is loaded, that is when a person is sitting in the chaise longue, the lock cannot be operated so that an accidental unlocking of the rear legs 2 of the under part is not possible. Only in the unloaded condition thereof unlocking and adjusting can take place. Fig. 27, 29, 31 and 33 show the connection between a tube 41 on one of the longitudinal sides of the upper part of the central portion 4 of the chaise longue and the hinge element 6. At its end the tube 41 is pivotally attached to the hinge element 6 through a hinge 42, while the tube 41 bears against the stop pin 36 and the upper flange 43 of the hinge element 6 in the position shown. A semi-round locking pin 44 locks the tube 41 in the extended position as shown. The angle end portion of the tube 41 of the central portion 4 creates a space saving arrangement of the parts in the hinge element 6. Fig. 35 and 36 illustrate the position of the front legs 1 of the under part when the chaise longue is used as chair (Fig. 35) and as camp-bed (Fig. 36) , wherein the front legs 1 are positioned steaper in the chair position (angle 1) than in the camp-bed position (angle 2) . Fig. 37 shows the construction of the connections of the front legs 1 to the central portion 4 and the pivoting connection between the central portion 4 and the leg support end portion 5 of the upper part of the chaise longue in more detail.

Each hinge 8 of the front legs 1 of the under part extends through the respective tube 41 of the central portion 4 and a head piece 44 being fixed in the upper end of the respective tube 15 of the front legs 1. A locking slide 45, which is slidable along the tube 41 of the central portion 4 and which may be fixed by means of wings screws 46 serves to provide a stop for the highest position of the front legs 1 (Fig. 37) and by sliding it forwardly for providing a stop to the front legs 1 in their lowest position in which the upper end of the tube 15 bears to an inclined face 47 of the locking slide 45. Each tube 15 of the front legs 1 of the under part is upwardly loaded by a tension spring 48 engaging on its lower end to the tube 15 and being connected on its other end with an end of a lever 49. This leaver 49 is pivotable about a hinge part 51 by means of a hinge 50, said hinge part 51 and a hinge part 52 together forming the hinge element 7. The hinge part 51 is inserted into the front end of the tube 41 of the central portion 4, while the hinge part 52 is locked in the rear end of the tube 21 of the leg support end portion 5. Both hinge parts 51 and 52 are pivotally connected through a pivot pin 53. The hinge part 52 is provided with a toothing 54 in which a locking means 55 to the lever 49 can engage in order to lock the hinge part 52 and consequently the leg support end portion 5 in different positions in downward direction with respect to the hinge part 51 and consequently with respect to the central portion 4. Herein the locking means 55 to the lever 49 is maintained in engagement with the toothing 54 by the tension spring 48 engaging the other end of the lever 49. The hinge parts 51 and 52 are constructed such that the hinge part 52 and consequently the leg support end portion 5 may be turned over from the position of Fig. 37 180° with respect to the hinge part 51 and consequently with respect to the central portion 4 of the chaise longue in order to form a seating surface in a normal chair position on the one hand and on behalf of the collapse of the chaise longue on the other hand.

Fig. 38 shows a parallelogram guide for the arm rest 10 ensuring the angle between the arm rest 10 and the central portion 4 to remain the same when the back rest end portion 3 is adjusted, as well as the adjustment and locking of the end portion 3 of the chaise longue serving as back rest. The parallelogram guide on each side of the chaise longue is in principle formed by the tube 21 of the back rest end portion 3, the tube part 56 extending parallel thereto, the levers 57 and 58 extending between the back rest end portion 3 and the tube part 56 and extending parallel to the arm rest 10 in the chair position of the chaise longue, and as fourth side of the parallelogram guide a double armed lever 59 extending between the lower end of the tube part 56 and the lower end of the back rest end portion 3. The lever 57 engages intermediate the hinges 67 and 68 to the lever 58. The tube part 56 is pivotally connected at its upper end to the arm rest 10 at a distance from the back rest end portion 3 and is pivotally connected at its lower end to the lever 59 which is connected to the hinge element 6 pivotable about the hinge 9. The end of the lever 59 facing away from the tube part 56 is provided with a locking means 60 which, in the chair position of the chaise longue, is in engagement with a toothing on an end piece 62 being inserted into the lower end of the respective tube 21 of the back rest end portion 3. The end piece 62 is connected to the hinge element 6 pivotable about a hinge 63. A tension spring 64 engaging the lever 59 intermediate the hinge 9 and the tube part 56 and being connected at its lower end to the respective tube 15 of the rear legs 2 holds the locking means 60 in engagement with the toothing 61. By pivoting, the arm rest 10 upwardly about the hinge joint to the back rest end portion 3 in the chair position of the chaise longue, the lever 59 pivots about the hinge 9 and the locking means 60 comes out of engagement with the tooting 61 so that the back rest end portion 3 can be pivoted about the hinge 63. By releasing the arm rest 10 the lever 59 is pivoted back again by the tension spring 64 where¬ by the locking means 60 engages into the toothing 61 again and the back rest end portion is locked again in rearward direction with respect to the hinge element 6 and consequently with respect to the central portion 4 of the chaise longue.

Fig. 39 shows an alternative embodiment of the parallelogram guide of the arm rest 10, wherein the levers 57 and 58 are omitted and consequently the arm rest 10 is directly connected to the respective tube 21 of the back rest end portion 3. The tube part 56 consists in this embodiment of two telescoping tube portions 56' and 56'' which, in their extreme extended position, are interlockable by means of a conventional push button lock 65. The tube portions 56' and 56" should only be unlocked with respect to each other when the chaise longue is collapsed, for which purpose the back rest end portion 3 should be turned over fully downwardly to a position parallel to the central portion 4. Since from the position, in which the back rest end portion 3 is in extension of the central portion 4, the arm rest 10 remains parallel to the back rest end portion 3, the parallelogram quadrangular between the arm rest 10, the back rest end portion 3, the tube part 56 and the lever 59 is disturbed so that one of the sides of the parallelogram should be changed in length in order to enable a further rotation of the back rest end portion 3. In the embodiment of Fig. 39 this is effected by the telescoping tube part 56.

In the embodiment of Fig. 38 the adjustment of the parallelogram guide for the arm rest 10 is obtained by means of said both levers 57 and 58, such as illustrated by Fig. 40 and 41. In Fig. 41 the circular segment X indicates the rotation of the hinge 66 between the tube part 56 and the arm rest 10 about the lower pivot point of the tube part 56, while the circular segment Y shows the rotation of the hinge 67 between the lever 58 and the respective tube 21 of the back rest end portion 3 about the hinge 63. When the back rest end portion 3 is rotated from a vertical position to a horizontal position the line of connection between the hinges 66 and 67 in Fig. 41 remains horizontal so that their spacing remains the same. Since upon a further rotation of the back rest end portion 3 from the horizontal position in Fig. 41 the arm rest 10 is rotated along with this back rest end portion 3 about the hinge 63, the spacing of the hinges 66 and 67 becomes smaller which, in this embodiment, is compensated in that the lever 58 turns about the hinge 67 so that the hinge 68 between lever 58 and the arm rest 10 lies beyond the hinge 67 in a position according to detail B and as seen from the hinge 66. Due to this movement the arm rest 10 slides as it were along the back rest end portion 3.

Fig. 42-45 show a connection means 69 adapted to replace the tacking-cord 27 (Fig. 21) for stretching the cover 12 into the upper part of the chaise longue. The connection means 69 that is intended to connect one longitudinal side of the cover 12 with the respective longitudinal side of the upper part of the chaise longue is formed in one piece. By means of a conventional discontinuous process a row of such connection means 69 can be moulded integrally with each other wherein two successive connection means 69 are interconnected by a bridge part 70 which is cut off after the connection means 69 have been moulded so that a plurality of separate connection means 69 are formed. Each connection means 69 has a zigzag-shape in which on each corner point between the zigzag portions 71 a snap means 72 is formded. Preferably the zigzag portions 71 of the connection means 69 are elastic, and the snap means 72 being harder. This is for instance possible by forming the connection means 69 from nylon wherein at the position of the snap means 72 a additional amount of hardening agent is added whereby the snap means 72 become harder than the remaining portions of the connection means 69.

The snap means 72 are alternately inserted into an eyelet 8 of the cover 12 and into an opening 29 in a longitudinal side of the upper part respectively. These openings 29 may be provided in a flange 73 formed to a tube 21, 41 of the upper part (Fig. 44), but it is also possible that the openings 29 are formed directly into a tube 74 forming the upper part of the chaise longue and having an adapted transverse section (Fig. 45) . The arrangement of the connection means 69 between the cover 12 and the upper part of the chaise longue can take place fully automatically by means of a specially designed apparatus thereby obtaining a substantial time saving compared to manually threading a tacking-cord 27 through the eyelets 28 of the cover 12 and the openings 29 in the upper part. In principle it is also possible to use one single connection means 69 for the whole circumference of the cover 12 in case it is not necessary to release the transverse sides of the cover 12 from the upper part of the chaise longue. The use of the connection means 69 is also not limited to the chaise longue disclosed herein, but is also usable in conventional chaises longues or camp-beds.

Fig. 46 shows a modified embodiment of the under part according to Fig. 16 and 17 of the chaise longue according to the invention, wherein the section elements 16-18 are constructed slightly different, but wherein the principle of unfolding, locking and collapsing is kept substantially the same. First of all, for economic considerations, the section elements 16 and 18 are made of tube parts having a circular transverse section, while the section elements 17 consist of a substantially ϋ-shaped section. Furthermore the length of the section elements 16-18 are changed in order to prevent, in the cross wise collapsed condition of the chaise longue, the section elements 17 and 18 from projecting beyond the upper ends of the tubes 15 of the legs 1, 2 so that the chaise longue may be collapsed to a still smaller package. In this embodiment the section elements 17 and 18 can also be pivoted beyond a dead centre wherein the end of the section elements 18 abuts the web or the bottom of the respective U-shaped section element 17 so that also in this case there is effected a stable position of the cross-connection 13 of the under part and a security against an accidental collapse of the legs 1, 2 of the under part.

Fig. 47 and 48 schematically show the structure of a further embodiment of the chaise longue according to the invention by way of example. Herein, the front legs 1 and the rear legs 2 are connected directly to the hinge elements 7 and 6 respectively of the central portion 4 through the hinges 8 and 9. These hinge elements 6 and 7 are having an additional locking position so that the back rest end portion 3 and the leg support end portion 5 incline slightly downwardly from the central portion 4 in the bed position of the chaise longue. This is particularly favourable when a person is lying on the stomach, for instance to have a sun-bath, since the back of said person is then not curved in a concave manner, as would be the case with a normal stretcher wherein the back rest end portion 3 and the leg support end portion 5 can be adjusted not further than horizontally, but for instance slightly convex whereby back pain will not occur so soon. Also in this embodiment the central portion 4 of the upper part of the chaise longue is constructed in a particular way in order to be able to adjust the chaise longue between a camp-bed position of Fig. 47 and a chair position according to Fig. 48. For this purpose the longitudinal sides of the central portion 4 each consist of two tube elements 75 and 76 respectively which are interconnected through a hinge 77 and are interlockable through an adjustable locking mechanism 78 which will be explained in more detail later on.

In the position of the chaise longue of Fig. 47 the tube elements 75 and 76 are locked aligned with each other so that the central portion is permitted to extend parallel to the base. In the chair position of Fig. 48 the tubes elements 75 and 76 are rotated to each other about the hinge 77 and form an obtuse angle in between, for instance in the order of 150° to 160° whereby there is formed as it were a sitting hole in the central portion 4 of the upper part. In this manner there is created a chair sitting comfortably and in which the inclining portion of the central portion 4 at the position of the tube elements 76 prevents a person from sliding further to the leg support end portion 5, and by displacing the seat up to the bend in the central portion 4 a person sitting in the chaise longue will mostly have his head below the free end of the back rest end portion so that the head can find support and is not hindered by a transverse tube at the free end of the back rest end portion.

In principle, the chaise longue may be substantially symmetrically to the hinge 77 in the central portion so that the back rest end portion 3 and the leg support end portion 5 may be selectively interchanged. If required, the tube elements 75 and 76 of the central portion 4 may also have a different length when this could lead to a better sitting position. Of course, in this embodiment by way of example, it is possible to combine the adjustment of the front and rear legs 1 and 2 of the under part according to Fig. 23-37 with the present adjustment of the central portion 4.

Fig. 49, 50 show the hinge 77 and the locking mechanism 78 of the tube elements 75 and 76 of the central portion in more detail. The locking mechanism 78 includes a locking pin 79 which is slidable within the tube element 75. The stroke of the sliding movement of the locking pin 79 is determined by the slots 80 provided in the wall of the tube element 75 and in which a transverse pin 81 extending through the lockin pin 79 projects. The locking pin 79 has such a design that it fits into the ends of the tube element 76 projecting beyond the hinge 77 when the tube element 75 and the tube element 76 are aligned. In this manner the tube elements 75 and 76 are interlocked in that position. A second locking position is adapted when the tube element 76 is rotated about the hinge 77 until the lower side of the tube element 76 near the end thereof abuts a stop 82 of a section part 83 at the end of a tube element 75 and the upper side of the tube element 76 contacts an upper flange 84 of the section part 83. In this position the locking pin 79 is lying with its respective end against the outer side of the tube element 76, for instance in an indentation 85 so that the tube elements 75 and 76 are also interlocked in this position.

For operating the locking pin 79, in order to bring it out of engagement with the tube part 76 and hence to be able to move the tube element 76 from one locking position to the other one, a leaf spring 86 is provided of which the one end is fixed to the transverse pin 81 and of which the other end is connected to the hinge 77 constructed as a pin or rivet. The leaf spring is urged to take a curved positition so that the locking pin 79 is pre-stressed to the locking position shown in Fig. 49 and 15 by means of the leaf spring 86. By pushing the leaf spring 86 to the tube element 75 the locking pin 79 is pushed out of the locking position through the transverse pin 81, to the left in Fig. 49 and 50. In the left unlocked or released position the tube element 76 may freely pivot about the hinge 77, and after releasing the leaf spring 86 the locking pin 79 is urged to the locking position by the leaf spring 86 and a tube element 76 is locked in one of its two locking positions with respect to the tube element 75.

The leaf spring 86 is preferably provided on the side of the tube element 75 that is facing the opposite longitudinal side of the upper part so that the leaf spring 86 is protected by the tube part 75 and the leaf spring 86 is prevented from being accidentally pushed, particularly when the cover 12 extends above and below the leaf spring 86 which makes the operation of the leaf spring 86 in the loaded condition of the cover 12 almost impossible. In that case the leaf spring 86 can only be operated when the cover 12 is unloaded and the leaf spring 86 can be engaged through the cover 12 which is then less tensioned.

Fig. 51 shows in a plan view the fully extended chaise longue in its camp-bed position, wherein particular a further embodiment of the cover 12 can be seen. In this embodiment the cover 12 is almost completely wrapped around the longitudinal and transverse side of the upper part, wherein only the hinge elements 7 and 6 are left clear. Flaps 87 of the cover 12 are turned to the lower side and have eyelets 88 through which an elastic 89 is threaded in a manner shown. Flaps 90 at the back rest end portion 3 and the leg support end portion 5 can be detachably attached to the lower side of the cover 12 and can be connected in pairs by a detachable elastic means similar to the flaps 87. End flaps 91 on both ends of the upper part are only stitched at their side edges that are further left loose in order to enable the pivotally mounted cross-connections 14 to pivot inwardly. The locking means of these pivotable cross-connections 14 differs slightly from those of Figs 20 and 21 and are shown in Figs. 52 and 53.

Fig. 52 and 53 show that locking means in this embodiment consist of a locking pin 92 being slidably provided within one of the tube elements 22. The locking pin 92 is slidable between a retracted or unlocking position in which it is substantially positioned within the respective tube element, and a locking position in which the lockin pin 92 projects a distance from the respective tube element 22 and is consequently able to project into the other tube element 22 for retaining both tube elements 20 aligned with each other. The stroke of the sliding movement of the locking pin 92 is determined by the engagement of a hinge pin 93 between the connecting piece 24 and the respective tube element 22 projecting through a slot 94 provided in the locking pin 92. The locking pin 92 is operable by means of a bent leaf spring 95 connected on one end to the hinge pin 93 and attached on the other end to the locking pin 92 through a cross pin 96. The cross pin 96 slidably projects through slots 97 and into the respective tube element 22. The locking pin 95 may be operated by pushing the bent leaf spring 95 to the tube element 22 thereby pulling the locking pin 95 to its unlocking position and enabling the tube elements 22 to pivot with respect to each other and with respect to the substantially U-shaped connecting piece 24 between the unfolded position of Fig. 52 and the collapsed position of Fig. 53. By releasing the leaf spring 95 in the unfolded position of Fig. 52 the locking pin 92 is automatically urged to the locking position by the leaf spring 95. Also in this locking means, that is the locking pin 92, the operating means thereof, i.e. the leaf spring 95, is provided on the inner side of the upper part so that the locking means is substantially prevented from being operated by accident. Also in this case it is possible to replace the leaf spring by another operating means, for instance a lever. Fig. 54 shows a further embodiment of the arm rest 10 adapted to be combined with the chaise longue according to the invention. The arm rest 10 is pivotable within limits and is mounted to the upper end of a section element 98, possibly lockable, said section element 98 being connected to the tube 15 of the rear legs 2 by means of a hinge 99, while the lower end of the section element 98 may bear against this tube 15. In choosing the dimensions of the section elements 98 it should preferably be noted that the length A from the hinge 9 between the rear legs 2 and the central portion 4 to the upper ends of the section element 98 is equal to or smaller than the length B from the hinge 9 to the outer end of the hinge element 6 so that in the collapsed condition of the chaise longue the section element 98 of the arm rest 10 does not protrude beyond the hinge element 6.

The embodiments of the chaise longue according to the invention and shown in the drawings by way of example are made such that, as much as possible, use can be made of equal tube parts so that the number of different tubes required for the chaise longue is as small as possible which will lead to a simple manufacture. Of course it is possible not only to use metal tubes having a circular transverse section but also to use tubes having other transverse sectional configurations or other types of (plastic) section parts for the under and upper parts. Most of the hinges which are explicity mentioned or shown in the drawings consist of simple rivets which are simple and easy to mount.

According to the invention there is provided a chaise longue having lots of uses and is adapted to be comfortable and stable in each condition of use but wherein none the less a simple structure of the chaise longue is maintained. Further the chaise longue can be collapsed to a very small volume so that the chaise longue occupies little space and is easy to transport both during storage prior to selling it and when out of use after selling. Since the structure is kept simple and only little additional tubes are used in comparison to conventional chaises longue the weight can be kept low.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments shown in the drawings and discribed herein before, which can be varied in different manners within the scope of the invention.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Collapsible chaise longue having an under part (1, 2) to be positioned on the ground and an upper part supported by the under part and having longitudinal sides each including at least three section parts (21, 21, 41) connected through hinges (6, 7) and forming a back rest end portion (3) , a central portion (4) and a leg support end portion (5), the end portions (3, 5) of which are lockable in different positions with respect to the central portion (4) when in use, and are collapsible together with the central portion (4) when out of use, the chaise longue being further provided with a flexible cover (12) to be stretched between the section portions of the longitudinal sides of the upper portion, ch a r a c t e r i z e d in that the opposite section portions (21, 21, 41) of both longitudinal sides of the upper part are interconnected by collapsible cross connections (13, 14) which are lockable in extended position by locking means (19, 20, 25).

2. Chaise longue according to claim 1, wherein the under part (1, 2) comprises section parts (15) connected to the section parts (21, 21, 41) of the longitudinal sides of the upper part and being interconnected in pairs by one (13) of the collapsible cross-connections (13, 14).

3. Chaise longue according to claim 2, wherein the section parts (15) of the under part (1, 2) are connected to the respective section parts (41) of the central portion (4) of the upper part.

4. Chaise longue according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cross-connection (13) between the section parts (15) of the under part includes a plurality of pivotally connected section elements (16-18) being movable from the collapsed condition beyond a dead centre and up to a locked end position determined by a stop (20) .

5. Chaise longue according to claim 4, wherein the section elements (16-18) of each cross-connection (13) of the under part (1, 2) are linked in such a manner that in the unfolded condition thereof the section elements (16-18) extend substantially lower in the cross centre of the under part (1, 2) then outwardly thereof.

6. Chaise longue according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a plurality of section elements (16, 17) of each cross connection (13) consist of double flat section pieces, and section elements (18) crossing them consist of a single flat section piece extending between both section pieces of the crossing section element (16, 17) .

7. Chaise longue according to one of claims 1-6, wherein the cross-connections (14) between the section parts

(21) of the longitudinal sides of both end portions (3, 5) of the upper part comprise two pivotable section parts (22) forming the transverse sides of the upper part in the unfolded condition of the chaise longue.

8. Chaise longue according to claim 7, wherein the section parts (22) of the cross-connection (14) are inter¬ connected by a short pivotable connecting piece (24) .

9. Chaise longue according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking means of the cross-connection (14) comprise a slide sleeve (25) slidable over the section parts (22) and maintaining them aligned in the extended condition of the cross-connection (14) .

10. Chaise longue according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking means of the cross-connection comprise a locking pin (92) slidable within one of the section parts (22) and being slidable into both section parts (22) and maintaining them aligned in the extended condition of the cross-connection (14) , said locking pin (92) being slidable by an operating means (95) preferably consisting of a bent leave spring pre-stressing the locking pin (92) to its locking position.

11. Chaise longue according to one of claims 7-10, wherein the cover (12) thereof is connected on its transverse side to the section parts (22) of the cross-connection (14) in the extended condition thereof and can be disconnected there- from in order to collapse the chaise longue.

12. Chaise longue according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of the central portion (4) is adjustable to the horizontal.

13. Chaise longue according to claim 12, wherein the angle of the central portion (4) to the horizontal is adjustable by adjusting the under part (1, 2) .

14. Chaise longue according to claim 13, wherein near the transition of the central portion (4) and the end portions (3, 5) pivotable front and rear legs (1, 2) are provided serving as under part and being provided with locking means (33, 37,. 45) for locking the front and/or rear legs (1, 2) of the under part in different pivotal positions.

15. Chaise longue according to claim 14, wherein the rear legs (1) are adjustable between a highest position and a lowest position, and the locking means comprising a locking cam (39) being pivotable about a hinge pin (38) by means of a handle (39) , and to which the respective rear legs can bear in their highest position, or comprising a pawl (33) pivotally connected to the upper end of the rear legs (2) and being lockable in an opening (34) in the central portion (4) in the highest position of the rear legs.

16. Chaise longue according to claim 14, wherein the front legs are adjustable between a highest position and a lowest position, and the locking means comprising a locking slide (43) slidable along the upper part between two positions and being adapted to provide support to the respective front legs in their highest and lowest positions.

17. Chaise longue according to one of claims 12-16, wherein the section parts of the central portion (4) comprise at least two section elements (75, 76) which are interlockable in different positions within a vertical plane.

18. Chaise longue according to claim 17, wherein the section elements (75, 76) on each longitudinal side of the central portion (4) are interconnected by a hinge (77) , and a locking mechanism (78) being provided for locking the section elements (75, 76) in different pivotal positions.

19. Chaise longue according to claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism (78) comprises a locking pin (79) slidable within one of the section elements (75) between a locking position in which it engages the other section element (76) in different positions, and an unlocking position in which it is brought out of engagement with the other section element (76) .

20. Chaise longue according to claim 19, wherein the locking pin (79) is slidable by means of an operating means, preferably being a bent leaf spring (86) being connected at its opposite ends to the locking pin (79) and to the section element (75) receiving the locking pin respectively and pre- stressing in its bent position the locking pin (79) to the locking position.

21. Chaise longue according to claim 20, wherein the operating means, or the leaf spring (86) respectively is attached on the side of the respective section element (75) facing the opposite longitudinal side of the upper part.

22. Chaise longue according to one of the preceding claims further provided with arm rests (10) .

23. Chaise longue according to claim 22, wherein the arm rests (10) are connected to the central portion (4) and the back rest end portion (3) of the upper part by means of a parallelogram guide.

24. Chaise longue according to claim 23, wherein the back rest end portion (3) of the upper part, in order to collapse the chaise longue, is collapsible under the central portion (4) , while the arm rests (10) remain substantially parallel to the back rest end portion (3) in the downwardly collapsed positions thereof, for which purpose the length of one of the sides of the parallelogram guide is adjustable.

25. Chaise longue according to claim 24, wherein each parallelogram guide includes a tube part (56) pivotally provided between the respective arm rest (10) and the central portion (4) and extending parallel to the back rest end portion (3) , and comprising, in order to adjust its length, two telescoping tube portions (56', 56") interlockable in the positions of the chaise longue when in use.

26. Chaise longue according to claim 24, wherein one of the sides of each parallelogram guide for the arm rests (10) comprises two pivotable levers (57, 58) connecting the upper end of a tube part (56) supporting the arm rest (10) to the back rest end portion (3) of the upper part and being integral with the arm rest (10) in the chair position of the chaise longue, but being permitted to pivot with respect to each other and with respect to the arm rest (10) when the back rest end portion (3) and the central portion (4) are collapsed.

27. Chaise longue according to one of claims 22-26, wherein locking means (60, 61) between the back rest end portion (3) and the central portion (4) of the upper part are operable by the arm rests (10) to lock the back rest in different positions.

28. Chaise longue preferably according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hinges (6, 7) between the section parts (21, 41) of the back rest end portion (3) and the central portion (4) and between the section parts (21, 41) of the leg support end portion (5) and the central portion (4) respectively are constructed such that the back rest end portion (3) and/or the leg support end portion (5) incline downwardly from the central portion (4) when the chaise longue is used as camp-bed.

29. Chaise longue preferably according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (12) is connected to at least the section parts (21, 41, 74) forming the longitudinal sides of the upper part by means of connection means engaging the cover (12) divided along the length thereof, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the connection means on each longitudinal side of the cover comprise an integral elongate zigzag-shaped connection means (69) having on each corner of the zigzag-shape an attachment means (72) for alternate attachment to the cover (12) and the section parts (21, 41, 74) respectively.

30. Chaise longue according to claim 29, wherein the attachment means (72) comprise snap means being snapped into opening (28, 29) provided in a edge part of the cover (12) and in the section parts (21, 41) respectively.

31. Chaise longue according to claim 30, wherein the openings (29) are provided directly in the section parts (74) constructed as tubes.

32. Chaise longue according to claim 30, wherein the section parts (21, 41) consist of tubes formed with flanges in which the openings (29) for the snap means (72) are provided.

33. Connection means for connecting the cover (12) and the longitudinal sides of the upper part of a chaise longue according to one of claims 29-32.

34. Method for mounting a cover (12) into an upper part (3, 4, 5) of a chaise longue having longitudinal sides formed of section parts (21, 41), wherein the cover (12) and the longitudinal sides of the upper part are retained in a predetermined relative position and a zigzag-shaped elongate connection means (69) being alternately attached to the longitudinal side of the cover (12) and to the section parts (21, 41) forming the longitudinal side of the upper part respectively.