LOUNGE CHAIR FOR ACCOMMODATING ABDOMINAL REGIONS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lounge chair. The lounge chair is configured to provide comfort to person with an enlarged abdomen when lying in a prone position and can be configured to be used as a chair. More specifically, the lounge chair has a facial opening for receiving face of the individual and a stomach opening for receiving stomach of the individual when the person lies in prone position. The chair has three pivotable sections allowing the chair to be used as beach or lounge chair. In the beach chair configuration, the user sits on a lower pivotable section using a middle section as a backrest. The chair has collapsible legs that can be folded to collapse the chair for easy carrying.

Claims

1. A lounge chair for an individual with an enlarged abdominal area, the lounge chair comprising: a frame comprised of an upper section, a middle section and a lower section; a fabric covering each of the upper, middle and lower sections; a plurality of retractable legs attached to the frame; and an opening provided in the fabric of the middle section, wherein the opening is sized and configured to accommodate the enlarged abdominal area.

2. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein a second opening is provided in the upper section of the fabric of the lounge chair.

3. The lounge chair as recited in claim 2, wherein the second opening is sized and configured for a face of the individual.

4. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric is selected from a group comprised of a natural fiber, a synthetic fiber, a recycled fiber or a renewable fiber.

5. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric is washable.

6. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the fabric of at least one of the upper, middle and lower sections is provided with a graphic.

7. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the frame and the plurality of retractable legs comprise telescoping elements.

8. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of legs have a wheel or a castor.

9. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of the upper, middle and lower sections is provided with an accessory holder.

10. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the opening is provided with a removable cover to cover the opening when not in use.

11. The lounge chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the lounge chair is repositionable between a flat configuration and a sitting configuration.

12. A method of providing a lounge chair for customized use by an individual with an extended abdomen, the method comprising the steps of: providing a lounge chair, the lounge chair having a frame comprised of an upper section, a middle section and a lower section, an a fabric; taking measurements of the individual; cutting at least one opening in the fabric covering the middle section of the lounge chair to accommodate the extended abdomen of the individual; and delivering the lounge chair to the individual.

13. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising a step of sealing an edge of the opening to prevent fraying after the step of cutting.

14. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising a further step of adjusting a size of the opening after the step of delivering.

15. The method as recited in claim 12 further comprising a step of cutting a second opening in the fabric covering the upper section of the frame.

16. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the lounge chair comprises at least one graphic and an accessory holder.

17. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the lounge chair comprises a plurality of retractable legs each having a telescoping element.

18. A lounge chair for a pregnant woman, the lounge chair comprising: a frame having an upper section, a middle section and a lower section, wherein each of the upper, middle and lower sections is covered with a fabric material; a first set of legs attached to the upper section; a second set of legs attached to the lower section; an opening in the fabric of the middle section, wherein the opening is sized and configured to accommodate an abdomen of the pregnant woman; and a removable cover portion to cover the opening when not in use.

19. The lounge chair as recited in claim 18, wherein at least one of the first and second set of legs comprises a telescoping element.

20. The lounge chair as recited in claim 18, wherein each of the first and second set of legs comprises a castor or a wheel, the middle section comprises an accessory holder and a handle, and the lower section comprises a graphic or other indicia applied to the fabric.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a maternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a pregnant woman lying in a prone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a pregnant woman lying in a prone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pregnant woman sitting in one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the chair is in a beach chair configuration;

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the chair is in a compact or closed configuration for easy transportation and storage; and

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of making the maternity lounge chair of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0024] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0025] As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a beach lounge chair that allows the individuals with enlarged abdominal areas, such as pregnant women or others recovering from stomach surgery, to comfortably lie face down on the lounge chairs while relaxing on the beaches, or engaging in other outdoor activity. There is also a long felt need in the art for a lounge chair that prevents the belly of pregnant women from pressing against the lounge chair surface, to help avoid suffering from any pregnancy complications due to the prolonged pressing of the belly. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a lounge chair that is designed while keeping in mind the comfort of those with enlarged abdominal areas. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a lounge chair device that allows pregnant women and others with stomach issues to comfortably lie face down on the chair while tanning on the beach, relaxing outdoors or by the pool, and enhances their experience when engaging in such activities as well. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a lounge chair that allows the individuals to lie face down without keeping their face to the left or right side, and provides a comfortable relaxing experience. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a lounge chair that allows individuals with abdominal issues and pregnant women to comfortably sit as well. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for an improved lounge chair that can completely fold up for storage and transportation.

[0026] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel lounge chair. The lounge chair is configured to provide comfort during pregnancy or to a person with an extended abdomen or other stomach issues when lying in a prone position. The lounge chair further comprises a main frame having three sections; an upper section, a middle section and a lower section. Each section has fabric fastened along the edges for the individual to lie on the fabric, a leg frame having a pair of identical legs and a second pair of identical legs to support the main frame, the upper section has a facial opening for receiving face of the individual when that person lies in prone position. The middle section has a stomach opening for receiving the stomach or abdominal region of the individual, and the lower section which provides support to the legs of the person using the lounge chair. The upper section is pivotably-attached to the middle section and the middle section is pivotably-attached to the lower section such that the middle section is pivoted in a reclined position and the upper section adheres to or otherwise removably attaches to a rear surface of the middle section, thereby allowing a user to sit on the lower section using the middle section as a backrest. The fabric applied to each section is removable so as to be washable and may be made from any suitable material such as natural, synthetic, renewable or recycled fibers.

[0027] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention is configured and designed to facilitate comfort to pregnant women or those with abdominal issues where it is beneficial or comfortable to avoid pressure on the abdominal region. The maternity chair 100 is a one-piece unit having a main frame and tubular leg frame. The main frame has an upper section 102, a middle section 104 and a lower section 106. The main frame has a rectangular dimension with a pair of side arms for each section 102, 104, 106 of the main frame.

[0028] The frame may be made from aluminum, aluminum alloys, plastic, fiber glass or other suitable materials which are sufficiently strong to hold the weight of an adult as well, as to be lightweight enough to allow the easy transportation of the chair. The tubular leg frame has a first pair of identical legs connected to the upper section 102 and a second pair of identical legs connected to the lower section 106. The upper section 102 is hingedly-connected to the middle section 104 via a first pair of hinges 116. Each of the tubular leg section may be provided with wheels or castors 133 to facilitate the movement of the lounge chair from place to place. The first pair of hinges 116 allows the upper section 102 to rotate from a position in alignment with the middle section 104 (as shown in FIG. 1 to completely adhere to the rear portion of the middle section 104 (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0029] The other end of the middle section 104 is connected to the lower section 106 via a second pair of hinges 118. The second pair of hinges 118 can be similar or different than the first pair of hinges 116. The second pair of hinges 118 has a locking mechanism to rotate and lock the middle section 104, while the lower section 106 remains horizontal. The locking mechanism can have mechanical fasteners or any other locking mechanism to lock the middle section 104 in a stable, angular position or reclining position, thereby allowing an individual to sit on the lower section 106 using middle section 104 as a backrest.

[0030] The upper section 102 has a facial opening 112 configured and dimensioned in a circular shape to receive a user's face. The facial opening 112 allows the user to lie in a prone position with his or her face comfortably resting in the facial opening 112. The facial opening 112 permits the user to rest in a relaxed breathing position.

[0031] The middle section 104 has an abdomen/stomach opening 114 configured and dimensioned in a circular shape to receive the user's stomach. The abdomen opening 114 allows the user to lie in a prone position with his or her stomach comfortably resting in the stomach opening 112. The opening 114 is also showing with a covering 137 which is provided to cover the opening 114 when the opening is not in use such as when the person is lying on his or her back or the lounge chair is positioned in the sitting position. The abdomen opening 114 can also be created based on the size of the individual, so that the opening is not too large and keeps the user comfortable.

[0032] The lower section 106 has a complete layer of fabric 120 with no opening allowing the user to comfortably place his or her legs. The upper section 102, middle section 104 and the lower section 106 can have the same fabric layer allowing the user to comfortably lie in prone position. Any or all of the sections have a removable or retractable accessory platform 139 where a user may place a beverage, book or other convenience item. The lower section 106 is also shown with a graphic 135 which may include any sort of trademark, trade name, design element or the like so that the lounge chair can be personalized for each user.

[0033] The facial opening 112 and the abdomen opening 114 have a zip or snap-style cover 137 attached from the underside of the lounge chair 100 allowing the user to lie in a supine position on the lounge chair 100. The zip, hook and loop fasteners or snap-style covers can cover the openings 112, 114 such that the user feels comfortable in a supine position or during sitting when the middle section 104 is used in a reclining position.

[0034] The lounge chair 100 allows a pregnant woman or another individual with an abdominal issue to maintain correct posture while lying in both prone and supine positions. The chair 100 is useful for reclining comfortably as well for a pregnant women or other individual. The lower section 106 acts as a footrest and the middle section 104 acts as a backrest and supports the individual's stomach safely and comfortably. The middle section 104 accommodates the bulge of the abdomen with continuity of support.

[0035] The lounge chair 100 is simple in design, inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, easy to use and efficient in operation. The lounge chair 100 can be used in both an extended position for lying down, and a more compact position for seating. The lounge chair 100 is dimensioned for a pregnant woman or other individual with abdominal issues, however, it can be used by any individual having an enlarged belly or stomach area.

[0036] The upper section 102 has a rectangular frame on which the fabric is fastened, secured or sewn. The upper section 102 has a pair of tubular legs 108 which are configured to be placed on a surface and can be folded inward to meet the rear surface of the upper section 102. To easily carry the chair 100, the upper section 102 has an attached handle 122. The handles 122, 124 form part of the main frame of the chair 100.

[0037] The lower section 106 is the longest section of the chair 100 and is generally rectangular in shape. The lower section 106 is designed to act as a footrest for a user lying on the chair 100. The lower section 106 has a second pair of tubular legs 110 along the longitudinal edges of the lower section 106. The second pair of tubular legs 110 can be folded inward to meet the rear surface of the lower section 106. The first pair of tubular legs 108 and the second pair of tubular legs 108 are unfolded to elongate the chair 100 and can be folded to make the chair 100 compact. The lounge chair 100 is also collapsible at a first set of hinges 116 and at a second set of hinges 118. The hinges 116, 118 are adjustable and movable hinges known in the art, and allow the hinged movement of the upper section 102 and the middle section 104.

[0038] The chair 100 is ideal for sunbathing, tanning, relaxing, napping and other restful activities. The facial opening 112 also permits the user to comfortably read a book or novel while sunbathing or otherwise lying face down on the lounge chair. The fabric of the maternity chair 100 is stretchy, soft and flexible. The zip covers for openings 112, 114 are also made up of the same material as the fabric. Along each section of the lounge chair 100, the fabric is a continuous sheet and does not have any holes or small openings.

[0039] The fabric used with the lounge chair 100 is preferably breathable and heavy-duty, and can be made of a quick-drying polyester, natural or other synthetic materials, or recycled or renewable fibers. The tubular leg members are durable, rust-resistant and can be made up of lightweight aluminum, other metal alloys, plastic, fiberglass and the like. The frame ensures durability over a long period of time and ease of transport. It should be noted that each of the upper section 102, the middle section 104 and the lower section 106 have fabric. A user lies on the top surface of the fabric, and the top surface of the fabric is the top surface of all the sections. Each section further comprises a rear surface where the tubular legs are folded inwards.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a pregnant woman lying in a prone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the lounge chair 100 allows a user 200 with an enlarged abdomen or stomach, such as a pregnant woman, to lie in prone position comfortably. The lounge chair 100 is in an elongated position with the first pair of tubular legs 108 and the second pair of tubular legs 110 in an unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the chair 100 can have a height of up to three feet. The facial opening 112 of the upper section 102 comfortably receives a user's face 204 and the stomach opening 114 of the middle section 104 receives the enlarged abdomen or stomach 202 of the user 200. The legs 206 of the user 200 are supported by the lower section 106.

[0041] The facial opening and the stomach opening are dimensioned to easily and comfortably receive the face 204 and the bulging stomach 202, respectively, of the user 200. The stomach opening for the abdomen has a cover that can be expanded to conform to the size and shape of the user's abdomen 202 and can conform to the abdomen of the pregnant woman 200 throughout the pregnancy.

[0042] The upper section 102, middle section 104 and lower section 106 are dimensioned to allow the user 200 to comfortably lie on the fabric. A first handle 122 attached to the upper section 102 and a second handle 124 attached to the lower section 106 are used for carrying the chair 100 comfortably. It should be appreciated that the fabric of the chair 100 can be replaced when worn out due to repeated usage. In one embodiment, the height of the chair 100 in an elongated position can be increased using a telescoping mechanism 153 in the tubular legs 108, 110 or frame 106.

[0043] As stated earlier, a first pair of hinges 116 connects the upper section 102 and the middle section 104 allowing the upper section to pivot along the first pair of hinges 116 to an exemplary decline position 102. The pivot allows the upper section 102 to adhere to or be adjacent to the rear surface of the middle section 104. Similarly, the middle section 104 and the lower section 106 are connected using the second pair of hinges 118 allowing the middle section to pivot with respect to the lower section 106. In the preferred embodiment, the lower section 106 is fixed, remains horizontal and cannot be pivoted.

[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a pregnant woman lying in a prone position on one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, the user 200 lies on the top surface of the main body of the chair 100. The main body has the upper section 102 that allows the user to put his or her face in the facial opening 112 and can view a book or watch a video by placing the book or an electronic device on the surface directly underneath the facial opening 112. The stomach is received by the stomach opening 114 of the middle section 102 to provide comfort to the user 200. The circumferential boundary of the stomach opening 114 is soft and is comfortable for the user 200.

[0045] The lower section 106 provides adequate space to the legs 206 of the user 200. During use for lying on the top surface of the main body, the tubular legs 108, 110 are unfolded allowing a stable and secure positioning of the chair 100 on any plane surface. Additionally, the tubular legs 108, 110 provide support and prevent tilting of the chair 100 during use.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a pregnant woman sitting in one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the chair is in a beach chair configuration. More specifically, to use the lounge chair 100 as a beach chair as shown in the present embodiment, the upper section 102 is pivoted to completely adhere to the rear surface of the middle section 104. The first pair of tubular legs (shown in FIG. 1) of the upper section 102 are folded inwards to touch the rear surface of the upper section 102 so that the upper section 102 completely adheres to the rear surface of the middle section 104.

[0047] Also, the stomach opening of the middle section 104 is covered with a zip, hook and loop or snap-style cover. The stomach opening when enclosed by the cover 137 (see FIG. 1) allows the user 200 to use the fabric of the middle section 104 as a backrest. The middle section 104 is pivoted in a reclined position with locked hinges 118, thereby allowing the user 200 to use the middle section 104 comfortably and securely as a backrest.

[0048] The lower section 106 remains horizontal, fixed and stable on the tubular legs 110, allowing the user 200 to sit comfortably. The lower section 106 supports the user 200 in a sitting position. The hinges 116, 118 lock the sections of the main body of the lounge chair 100 and do not allow the movement of the upper section 102, middle section 104 and lower section 106 with respect to each other.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture, wherein the chair 100 is in a compact or closed configuration for easy transportation and storage. One advantage of the lounge chair 100 of the present invention is that it can be easily compacted and folded for comfortably carrying and may be provided with a handle element 151. To completely fold the maternity chair 100, the pair of tubular legs 108 which are attached to the upper section 102 are folded inwards to touch the rear surface of the upper section 102. Then, the second pair of tubular legs 110 attached to the lower section 106 are folded inwards to touch the rear surface of the lower section 106. Thereafter, the middle section 104, which is hingedly-connected to the upper section 102, is pivoted to the rear portion of the lower section 106 such that the middle section 104 and the upper section 102 adhere to the lower section 102, thereby approximately reducing the length of the chair 100 to half in comparison to the elongated length of the chair 100.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of making the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. More specifically, a lounge chair is provided at step 600 and then measurements of the individual to use the lounge chair are taken at step 610. The measurement step may include one or both the facial area as well as the abdominal area of the user. Next, one or more openings are cut into the fabric of the lounge chair at step 620 based on the measurements taken in step 610. The edges of the fabric around the cut areas may be sealed or otherwise seamed to prevent fraying of the fabric material at step 625. Graphics, other indicia and accessories may be added to the chair at step 640 depending on the preferences of the user. Finally, once the lounge chair is completed, the chair is delivered to the customer at step 650. In a further step the openings of the chair may be adjusted at step 655.

[0051] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “maternity lounge chair”, “maternity chair”, “chair”, “lounge chair” and “maternity beach chair” are interchangeable and refer to the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention.

[0052] Notwithstanding the forgoing, the maternity lounge chair 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the maternity lounge chair 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the maternity lounge chair 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the maternity lounge chair 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the maternity lounge chair 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0053] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0054] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.