Privacy screen for a beach chair, and connecting arrangement

Abstract

Privacy screen (100) for a beach chair (200), comprising at least two fabric panels (11, 12) for covering the front of the beach chair (200), a holding structure (2) on which the fabric panels (11, 12) are mounted, and connecting means (31) for detachably connecting the holding structure (2) to the beach chair (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a privacy screen for covering the front of a beach chair and a detachable connection arrangement of such a privacy screen on a beach chair. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] On beaches, especially those along the North and Baltic Seas, traditional beach chairs are a common sight, used by vacationers as seating for sunbathing and as shelter from the wind. These beach chairs typically consist of a wooden frame with synthetic or natural wicker, upholstered interior, an adjustable backrest, and extendable footrests. Beach chairs come in various sizes to accommodate different numbers of users. The most common two-seater beach chairs are approximately 118–130 cm wide, 155–165 cm high, and 75–85 cm deep. Multi-seater beach chairs can be up to 170 cm wide. A fold-out awning may be attached to the upper front of the backrest or the top of the chair for sun protection.

[0003] The traditional construction method results in two problems that have not yet been solved: on the one hand, insufficient sun protection, especially for people with sun-sensitive skin, and on the other hand, a lack of privacy, e.g. when changing clothes. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] To overcome the aforementioned problem, the present invention discloses a privacy screen according to claim 1 and a connection arrangement of such a privacy and sun protection screen on a beach chair according to claim 11. Advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] The technical teaching of the invention discloses a privacy and sun protection for a beach chair, comprising at least two fabric panels for covering the front of the beach chair, a holding structure on which the fabric panels are received, and connecting means for detachably connecting the holding structure to the beach chair.

[0006] The invention is based on the idea that a lightweight and easily retrofitted privacy and sunshade enhances the beach experience by offering users more adjustment options for their sun protection and, in particular, privacy during intimate moments, such as changing into swimwear, from neighboring beach chairs and their occupants. This is all the more advantageous because changing cabins or similar facilities are often lacking on or near the beach.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment, the support structure is designed as an inflatable air frame. Air frames are known in the prior art, for example, in the camping sector as a replacement for fiberglass poles in so-called air tents. The air frame comprises an inner bladder (air tube) for holding air, made of TPU or another elastic plastic, and an outer shell made of robust fabric, in particular polyester or a polyester-cotton blend, which defines the shape, length, and curvature and bears the loads. Furthermore, the air frame has a valve for inflating and deflating the inner bladder, in particular a non-return or bayonet valve. The air frame is particularly lightweight and stable, can be customized in shape and length, has a relatively high load-bearing capacity, and is similar in style, operation, and accessories to other air mattresses, inflatable swimming aids, etc., used on the beach.

[0008] The fabric panels are preferably made of thin and absorbent terry cloth or microfiber. This allows them to provide the intended privacy and sun protection, but they can also be used for drying after swimming. This also saves the user weight and volume when traveling to and from the beach, as separate towels may no longer be necessary.

[0009] Preferably, the support structure has an arc-shaped form, in particular a circular arc shape with a radius in the range of 40 cm to 100 cm, preferably 60 cm to 80 cm. In the embodiment with air rods, this shape is assumed by the rods when fully inflated. The dimensions of the support structure must be adapted to the dimensions of the associated beach chair.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the connecting means comprise straps that are arranged at the end sections of the support structure and are designed for attachment to the head area of ​​the beach chair, for example to the frame of a beach chair awning, in particular for attachment by means of knots or by means of snap fasteners arranged on the straps.

[0011] Furthermore, the connecting means can include a tension strap arranged on the central section of the support structure and designed for attachment to the rear or underside of the beach chair, in particular by means of a hook or bent sheet metal part attached to the tension strap. The tension strap serves to stabilize the support structure in the desired position. The tension strap and the bent sheet metal part or hook are designed in such a way that they neither impair the function of the beach chair nor cause damage to it.

[0012] For example, the fabric panels are detachably attached to the support structure, in particular by means of Velcro straps, buttons, snap fasteners, hooks, loops or towel clips. In addition, the fabric panels can be designed to fasten together, in particular by means of straps, buttons or snap fasteners, so that reliable privacy screening is ensured even in windy conditions.

[0013] In another embodiment, the fabric panels have fastening means for attaching them to the side sections of the beach chair at the edges, in particular straps, buttons, and / or snap fasteners. This allows the interior of the beach chair to be protected from view from the sides as well. The straps can be attached to existing structures of the beach chair, e.g., the tilting mechanism or the carrying handle of the upper part of the beach chair.

[0014] The fabric panels must be adapted to the dimensions of the corresponding beach chair. For example, the fabric panels each have a length ranging from 130 cm to 180 cm and / or a width ranging from 60 cm to 140 cm.

[0015] Another advantage is that the fabric panels are made of absorbent terry cloth or microfiber. This means they can also be used as beach towels for drying after swimming or as a mat for sunbathing. After use, the fabric panels can be hung on the support structure to dry quickly.

[0016] The invention further relates to a connecting arrangement comprising a beach chair and a privacy screen according to the invention according to one of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the holding structure of the privacy screen is detachably connected to the beach chair by means of the connecting means, and wherein the fabric panels form a front cover of the beach chair. IMPLEMENTATION EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the figures, which show, in purely schematic form, an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 1: a side view of a connection arrangement according to the invention, Fig. 2: a front view, Fig. 3: a view from above Fig. 4: a view of the privacy screen from the inside, and Fig. 5: A detailed view of the support structure.

[0018] Fig. 1 to Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the connection arrangement 1000 according to the invention in side view ( Fig. 1), in front view ( Fig. 2), under supervision from above ( Fig. 3).

[0019] The connecting arrangement 1000 comprises the beach chair 200 and an embodiment of the privacy screen 100 according to the invention. The privacy screen 100 has the two fabric panels 11, 12, which form a front cover of the beach chair 200 and are received on the holding structure 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of the privacy screen from the inside. This is achieved using the connecting elements 3 (see also the detailed view). Fig.5) The privacy screen 100 is detachably connected to the beach chair 200 via the support structure 2 at the attachment points of the awning 201 by the straps 31 and knots and loops or attached snap fasteners 32. The support structure 2 is horizontally stabilized on the beach chair by means of the tension strap 33 and the bent sheet metal part 34 and can be pulled further upwards out of the view of the beach chair users. The tension strap 33 holds the support structure 2 in the middle (between the fabric panels 11 and 12) with a loop and a clamping lock. At the other end, the tension strap 33 is connected to a sheet metal part 34 that is bent to fit the beach chair frame. The sheet metal part 34 is detachably attached under the beach chair (by its own weight).

[0020] The inner bladder 22 of the support structure 2 (air pole) is only inflated with air on the beach via the valve 21 (using a suitable air pump). This makes the support structure 2 very compact for transport. The inner bladder 22 is made, for example, of an elastic plastic, preferably TPU. The semi-circular outer shell 23 is made of a robust fabric, preferably polyester or a polyester-cotton blend. The robust fabric of the outer shell 23 extends approximately 15 cm longer than the inner bladder on both sides of the support structure 2, serving as a fastening element 31, and may include snap fasteners 32 as an additional fastening element.

[0021] The fabric panels 11 and 12 are detachably attached to the holding structure 2 by means of a Velcro strip 13 (or several buttons and eyelets in the towel or so-called beach towel clips adapted in size).

[0022] The fastening by means of the loop tape sewn to the upper side of the fabric panels 11 and 12 and the hook tape of the Velcro 13 sewn and / or glued to the holding structure allows for quick and easy attachment and detachment from the holding structure 2, while maintaining high holding power.

[0023] To prevent side views into the beach chair / privacy screen, fastening elements 14, designed as straps, are sewn onto the fabric panels 11 and 12. These straps allow the fabric panels to be attached, for example, to the side of the beach chair's handle. Viewing from the front is prevented by the multiple connections between the fabric panels 11 and 12. These fastening elements 15 are preferably designed as (snap) buttons and buttonholes / eyelets. (Alternatively, the fastening elements 15 can also be designed as straps.)

[0024] For all components of the privacy screen 100 described here, attention is paid to saving weight and space in order to ensure excellent transportability. Reference symbol list: 100 privacy screens 11, 12 fabric panels 13 push button 14 Fasteners 15 push buttons 2 Support structure 20 air rods 21 valve 22 inner bladder 23 Outer shell 3 Connecting agents Volume 31 32 push buttons 33 Tensioning strap 34 sheet metal parts 200 beach chairs 201 beach chair awning 1000 connection arrangement

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