Hanging chair

Abstract

This utility model relates to furniture, specifically hanging chairs and swings, and can be used in residential premises and outdoor areas. The hanging chair comprises a suspension unit and a seat. The support frame is designed as two symmetrical, C-shaped curved side posts connected by a lower support crossbar and an upper horizontal crossbar. The seat is flexible, forming a suspended support surface, and the support frame is additionally equipped with an intermediate crossbar rigidly connecting the side posts at their middle section. The technical result is the creation of a stable, portable hanging chair that does not require ceiling mounting, with a simplified design and increased swing stability. 6 c.p. fils, 1 fig.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to furniture, namely hanging chairs and swings, and can be used in residential premises and outdoor areas.

[0002] The prior art discloses various hanging chairs and hammock chairs comprising a flexible seat and a suspension unit for attaching to an external support.

[0003] Such solutions provide for the user to be placed in a suspended state, but do not always have sufficient structural rigidity, dimensional stability, and uniform load distribution.

[0004] Hanging chairs with a rigid spatial frame, which provides a stable seating position, are also known. The disadvantages of these solutions include increased structural weight, manufacturing complexity, and increased material consumption and dimensions.

[0005] The closest analogue (prototype) adopted is the technical solution disclosed in US patent US4002368A, which relates to a hanging chair.

[0006] The said patent describes a suspended chair comprising a flexible seat; suspension elements; frame load-bearing elements interacting with the seat; and attachment to an external support.

[0007] The design according to US4002368A provides for the use of an upper supporting element and a suspension system that ensures the user is placed in a suspended state.

[0008] Analysis of the technical solution for patent US4002368A shows that it has inherent disadvantages in the form of the fact that the load in the structure is predominantly transmitted through the upper suspension elements, which leads to the concentration of forces in the suspension zone, there is no lower power element involved in the formation of the seating geometry and the redistribution of the load, and the geometry of the chair is largely formed by flexible elements, which reduces the stability of the shape under dynamic load.

[0009] The technical result achieved through the use of the utility model is the creation of a stable portable hanging chair that does not require ceiling mounting, with a simplified design and increased swing stability.

[0010] The technical result is achieved due to the design, which is a hanging chair containing a suspension unit and a seat, characterized in that the support frame is made in the form of two symmetrical curved side posts connected by a lower support crossbar and an upper horizontal crossbar, while the seat is made flexible, with the formation of a suspended support surface.

[0011] The support frame is additionally provided with at least one intermediate crossbar rigidly connecting the side posts in their middle part.

[0012] The seat is made of textile fabric, the upper edge of which is fixed to the upper crossbar, and the lower edge is fixed to the lower crossbar.

[0013] A hanging unit is installed in the central part of the hanging chair.

[0014] The hanging unit contains a hook.

[0015] The textile fabric is additionally secured with longitudinal straps to the upper crossbar.

[0016] The structural elements are made of rectangular metal profile.

[0017] The frame is collapsible.

[0018] The ends of two symmetrical C-shaped curved side posts are connected to each other.

[0019] The feature that characterizes the generic affiliation of the device to hanging chairs containing a suspension unit and a seat lays the foundation for simplification compared to stationary rocking chairs or complex swings, since the suspension concept itself eliminates the need for bulky guides or pendulum mechanisms, and also sets the initial conditions for stability, which will depend on subsequent design solutions, determining the type of oscillating system.

[0020] The support frame, constructed from two symmetrical curved C-shaped side posts connected by a lower support crossbar and an upper horizontal crossbar, directly simplifies the design, replacing a complex spatial truss with just three rigid elements (two posts and two crossbars), reducing material consumption and assembly labor. The C-shape of the posts and their rigid connection by the crossbars form a closed force circuit, ensuring swing stability. The frame's geometry prevents lateral twisting or overturning under dynamic loads, while its symmetry ensures uniform distribution of vibrations in the longitudinal plane.

[0021] The feature indicating that a seat is flexible, forming a suspended support surface, leads to simplification, as the flexible element doesn't require complex backrest and armrest frames, hinges, or cushions to ensure anatomical conformity—it adapts to the user's body shape under their weight. The impact on rocking stability is twofold: the seat's flexibility dampens sudden jerks, and by changing its curvature under load, the seat adapts to the body's position, shifting the system's center of gravity within the stability zone, reducing the amplitude of unwanted lateral rocking.

[0022] Making the seat from a fabric with the upper edge secured to the top crossbar and the lower edge secured to the bottom crossbar simplifies the design to the level of a single assembly, eliminating any fasteners or tensioning mechanisms—the fabric simply functions as a stretched membrane between two rigid points. This fixation along two parallel lines (upper and lower) dramatically improves swing stability, as it creates a flat, taut surface that, like a hammock, limits body twisting around the vertical axis and prevents the user from shifting forward or backward relative to the suspension axis, centering the user.

[0023] The feature that determines the installation of the suspension unit in the center of the suspension chair undoubtedly simplifies the design, allowing for the use of a single suspension point instead of complex balance beam systems or multi-point slings, reducing the number of rigging components. In terms of swing stability, the central location of the suspension unit is key, as it ensures symmetrical mass distribution around the vertical axis. This transforms the chair into a physical pendulum with its fulcrum at the system's center of mass, ensuring predictable and uniform oscillations and eliminating the "tilt" effect that would inevitably occur if the suspension point were shifted off-center.

[0024] Regarding the feature disclosing that the suspension unit includes a hook, it should be noted that this solution leads to maximum simplification of the design in terms of connection to the supporting support (ceiling, beam, or bracket), since the hook is a standardized and technologically simple product that does not require complex threaded connections or fasteners for hanging, which also speeds up the installation and dismantling of the product. Increased swing stability is achieved due to the hook providing a precise and rigid fixation in the horizontal plane without backlash, eliminating unwanted swinging of the chair along an elliptical trajectory, typical of articulated or cable suspensions with multiple degrees of freedom; the shape of the hook also allows the suspension to self-center under load.

[0025] Regarding the feature where the fabric is additionally secured to the upper crossbar with longitudinal straps, this is seen as a simplification of the design in terms of reducing the strength requirements for the main fabric. The straps bear the primary tensile load, allowing for the use of lighter and more flexible fabrics for the seat. This also simplifies replacement of the fabric when worn without dismantling the entire frame. In terms of swing stability, the longitudinal straps, acting as tensioners, limit the lateral movement of the upper edge of the seat relative to the crossbar and prevent twisting of the fabric in the longitudinal axis, maintaining a flat support surface and preventing the user's torso from "falling" to the side during rotational oscillations.

[0026] Analysis of the characteristic indicating the use of rectangular metal profiles for structural elements reveals a direct impact on simplifying the production cycle: rectangular profiles are easy to cut and weld, require no complex bending to ensure flexural strength, and have flat edges that facilitate drilling holes for fasteners compared to round profiles. Regarding improved swing stability, rectangular profiles provide a high moment of resistance under bending loads in the longitudinal swing plane, as well as critical torsional rigidity, which prevents twisting of the C-shaped pillars under dynamic loads, ensuring the frame's geometry is maintained and, consequently, the chair's trajectory remains constant.

[0027] Considering the feature describing the frame's collapsible design, it should be noted that it directly simplifies the design for logistical and consumer purposes: collapsibility allows the product to be packaged in a compact flat-pack, reducing shipping costs and simplifying storage. It also allows the end user to transport and assemble the product independently without special equipment. The impact on swing stability is not negative, as collapsible units require rigid locking joints (flanged or nipple-type), which, when assembled, ensure a solid structure similar to non-collapsible welded counterparts, eliminating play in the joints that could lead to instability during swinging.

[0028] The addition of an additional crossbar in the middle of the uprights simplifies the seat design. By providing the fabric with an intermediate support point (it rests on or is attached to this crossbar), there's no need for complex templates, multiple ties, or thick, multi-layered materials to maintain the seat's shape under load. The fabric automatically assumes an ergonomic shape, being secured at three points (top, middle, bottom), reducing sewing labor and material consumption.

[0029] The addition of an additional crossbar in the middle of the uprights simplifies the seat design. By providing the fabric with an intermediate support point (it rests on this crossbar or is attached to it), there's no need for complex templates, multiple ties, or thick, multi-layered materials to maintain the seat's shape under load. The fabric automatically assumes an ergonomic shape, being secured at three points (top, middle, bottom), reducing sewing labor and material consumption.

[0030] The crossbar acts as a diaphragm, transforming the U-shaped contour (two uprights + bottom) into a closed frame with a crossbar. This prevents the side uprights from folding or twisting during intense swinging, especially under an asymmetrical load (when a person is sitting at the edge). The stiffer the frame, the more stable the swing trajectory.

[0031] Located in the middle (at lumbar or hip level), this crossbar limits excessive body movement into the seat. It creates a natural support that prevents slippage and unwanted changes in the system's center of gravity during the rocking motion. Furthermore, this crossbar divides the seat into two functional zones (the backrest and the seat), preventing the body from curling into a "cocoon" and maintaining the user in a position optimal for uniform pendulum-like oscillation.

[0032] The essence of the claimed utility model is explained by graphic materials, where:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a general view of the hanging chair from the front (a - with textile fabric, b - without textile fabric).

[0034] The claimed hanging chair is implemented as follows.

[0035] The core of the design is a support frame that supports all static and dynamic loads. Two C-shaped side posts are positioned symmetrically relative to the vertical longitudinal plane of the chair. The C-shaped post configuration was chosen to ensure an optimal swing trajectory: the smooth curvature of the posts creates a natural range of motion and serves as a passive limiter, preventing excessive backward or forward tilt of the chair due to the geometric parameters of the post itself.

[0036] The uprights are connected by three crossbars, significantly increasing the spatial rigidity of the structure. The lower support crossbar closes the frame's load-bearing contour at the base and simultaneously serves as a fixing point for the lower edge of the seat fabric. The upper horizontal crossbar, in addition to connecting the uprights, serves as a load-bearing element for the suspension unit and the upper part of the seat. The presence of an additional crossbar in the middle of the uprights plays a key role in achieving the stated technical result.

[0037] The additional crossbar simplifies the design by providing intermediate support for the fabric. This eliminates the need for complex templates, additional cushions, or multiple ties to achieve an ergonomic seat shape. The fabric, secured at three points (top, middle, bottom), automatically forms an anatomically correct profile under the user's weight, providing significant support for the lumbar and popliteal areas, significantly simplifying the design and sewing process.

[0038] The additional crossbar's effect on increased rocking stability is twofold. First, it acts as a stiffening diaphragm, transforming the open frame contour into a closed power system. This eliminates the possibility of twisting or folding the parallelogram of uprights under dynamic loads, especially during periods of intense rocking or when the user's position is asymmetrical. Second, by mechanically acting on the fabric, the crossbar divides it into two functional zones and prevents excessive body "sagging" into the chair, stabilizing the system's center of mass relative to the suspension point and preventing chaotic oscillations.

[0039] Making all frame elements from rectangular metal profile also significantly contributes to achieving the stated results. A rectangular profile, unlike a round one, has a high moment of resistance during vertical bending and exceptionally high torsional rigidity. This directly impacts swing stability, as it eliminates elastic deformations of the frame that could alter the trajectory of movement. Furthermore, the flat edges of the profile simplify production: they are convenient for drilling mounting holes and ensure a secure fit of parts in detachable joints.

[0040] The frame's disassemblable design, implemented using bolted or flanged connections, simplifies logistics processes. When disassembled, the product can be packaged in a compact flat-pack box, reducing shipping costs and simplifying storage. For the consumer, this means independent transportation and assembly without the need for specialized equipment. Furthermore, the detachable assembly design ensures a solid structure and rigidity comparable to welded joints, eliminating play that could negatively impact swing stability.

[0041] The seat, made of a fabric fabric secured at its upper edge to the top crossbar and at its lower edge to the bottom crossbar, is an example of structural simplification, replacing a complex and expensive rigid seat frame. The additional fastening of the fabric fabric to the top crossbar with longitudinal straps serves two purposes. In terms of simplification, the straps bear the brunt of the load, protecting the seams and fabric from tearing, allowing for the use of lighter and more comfortable materials. They also simplify the replacement of worn fabric without dismantling the entire structure. In terms of stability, the straps located along the fabric prevent it from twisting and bunching laterally, keeping the upper edge of the seat flat and taut, helping to maintain the correct geometry of the support surface during rocking.

[0042] The central location of the suspension unit is critical to ensuring stable pendulum oscillations. Only when the suspension point is aligned with the vertical axis passing through the system's center of mass can equilibrium be achieved and the sideways "tilt" effect is prevented. Designing the suspension unit as a hook simplifies connection to the external support (the hook does not require complex latches or threaded fasteners) and ensures pinpoint load application. With the correct hook geometry, pinpoint contact between the hook and the support allows the suspension to self-center and eliminates play in the horizontal plane, which is the primary cause of unwanted elliptical and lateral oscillations.

[0043] Thus, the proposed hanging chair is a holistic design, in which each feature works synergistically with the others. A rigid and lightweight rectangular frame with three crossbars ensures the system's geometric stability. A central point suspension ensures the correct oscillation pattern. The flexible fabric seat with additional straps and support on the middle crossbar adapts to the user's body and stabilizes the user's position. The disassemblable design solves logistical problems without compromising strength.

[0044] The result is a hanging chair that is more technologically advanced in production (simple cutting and assembly of the profile instead of complex casting or weaving), more convenient to transport (compact packaging), more ergonomic to use (adaptive textile surface) and has increased swing stability due to the rigid, spatially fixed frame and central suspension point.

[0045] The side supports of the support frame are essentially C-shaped, ensuring the required swing path. However, various variations in this curvature geometry are possible.

[0046] In the simplest case, the bend is made with a constant radius of curvature along the entire length of the stand, simplifying the profile bending technology. Alternatively, the stands can have a variable radius of curvature: a gentler bend at the top to increase the amplitude of backward movement and a steeper bend at the bottom to limit forward movement and provide support when standing up. It is also possible to design the stands not with a smooth bend, but with a broken configuration consisting of several straight sections connected at an angle, which also creates a rocking effect when centrally suspended.

[0047] The uprights can be designed to be mirror-symmetrical relative to the vertical longitudinal plane of the chair. Alternatively, slight asymmetry (for example, different angles of the uprights' tops) is permitted if dictated by design considerations, as long as the overall balance of the system is maintained.

[0048] The preferred option is to use a rectangular steel profile, as it is the most affordable and technologically advanced material, providing high rigidity. However, other implementation options are possible:

[0049] - Rectangular aluminum profile (including anodized) significantly reduces the overall weight of the structure while maintaining sufficient strength, facilitating transportation and installation. Stainless steel can be used for models designed for use in high-humidity environments (open verandas, swimming pools).

[0050] - While a rectangular cross-section is optimal, in some embodiments, a round or oval profile may be used for individual frame elements (e.g., decorative upright caps). However, the load-bearing elements (the uprights and crossbars themselves) preferably retain a rectangular cross-section to ensure the stated torsional rigidity.

[0051] In the premium version, the racks can be made of wood. This solution maintains high rigidity and is environmentally friendly, but requires a more complex manufacturing technology.

[0052] The greatest variety of possible designs relates to the seat, made of fabric. Some materials include natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, or dense teak, which provide a comfortable microclimate but require treatment to enhance wear resistance. Synthetic fabrics are also possible, including high-strength polyester, acrylic, or nylon, which offer high abrasion and UV resistance, which is especially important for outdoor models. The fabric can also be treated with a water-repellent finish. Using a breathable mesh seat increases comfort in hot weather through ventilation. In more complex designs, the fabric can be multilayered, consisting of a decorative top layer, a soft lining of foam, hollow fiber, or felt, and a lower reinforcing layer, which increases comfort, although it does complicate the design somewhat.The use of fabrics with added elastane allows the fabric to fit more closely to the body, enhancing the adaptive effect, but requires a more precise calculation of tension.

[0053] The methods for attaching the fabric to the crossbars can also vary. The simplest option is to create stitched pockets on the top and bottom edges of the fabric, through which the crossbars are threaded, allowing for quick removal. Another option involves reinforcing the edge of the fabric with eyelets through which a cord, tie-down strap, or cable is threaded, securing the fabric to the crossbar with adjustable tension. Attachment can also be done with straps equipped with plastic or metal buckles that snap onto mating parts attached to the crossbars, allowing for very quick removal for washing. A wide Velcro strip, sewn to the edge of the fabric and secured to the crossbar, allows for easy adjustment of position and tension.

[0054] Longitudinal straps, which additionally secure the seat cover to the upper crossbar, can be made of the same fabric as the main cover in various variations, but a special nylon or polyester webbing, 25 to 50 millimeters wide, is preferred. These straps can be sewn to the upper edge of the cover across its entire width at a specified pitch, or they can run underneath the cover and be attached to the lower crossbar, forming a single support system. In one embodiment, the straps are adjustable in length with buckles, allowing for adjustment of the seat depth and tension. The straps can be decoratively woven into the texture of the cover or run externally, also serving as armrests if widened and padded.

[0055] The flexible fabric can be connected to the additional middle crossbar in various ways. In the simplest version, the fabric simply rests loosely on top of the middle crossbar, folding over it, creating a clear separation between the backrest and the seat. Alternatively, the middle section of the fabric can be secured to the additional crossbar with ties, straps, or fabric ties, creating a more pronounced anatomical shape with fixed lumbar support. It is also possible to create an additional pocket or loop in the fabric that fits onto the middle crossbar, completely fixing the fabric relative to this support. By implementing a middle crossbar with longitudinal movement and locking capability, the seat depth can be adjusted.

[0056] Finally, the claimed utility model can be supplemented with a number of auxiliary elements that do not alter its essence, such as a removable soft headrest attached to the top crossbar, decorative or orthopedic pillows secured to the canvas with ties, storage pockets sewn onto the fabric or on longitudinal straps, and a free-standing footrest. For outdoor use, a lightweight sunshade can be attached to the top of the frame, and LED elements can be integrated into the middle or top crossbar to create atmospheric lighting. For public spaces, a vandal-resistant design is possible, with reinforced joints, thicker metal, and wear-resistant fabrics with a higher strength rating.

[0057] All of the above embodiments are aimed at achieving the same technical result - simplifying the design and increasing the stability of the swing - as the main utility model, and do not go beyond the scope of the requested legal protection, determined by the formula.

[0058] Considering the possible design options for the support frame, it should be noted that the side posts, while essentially C-shaped, can be designed with various curvature geometries. In the simplest case, the curvature can have a constant radius of curvature along the entire length of the post, greatly simplifying the profile bending process. Alternatively, the posts can have a variable radius of curvature, for example, with a gentler curve at the top to increase the amplitude of backward movement and a steeper curve at the bottom to limit forward movement and provide support when the user stands up. It is also possible to design posts with a non-smooth curve, consisting of several straight sections connected at an angle, which, when centrally suspended, also creates the desired rocking effect.The stands are generally made mirror-symmetrical relative to the vertical longitudinal plane of the chair, however, slight asymmetry is permissible if dictated by design considerations, provided that the overall balance of the system is maintained.

[0059] The overall dimensions of the chair can vary widely depending on its purpose and capacity. The height of a hanging chair, determined by the length of the side C-shaped supports, can be 650 mm or more, making it suitable for both compact spaces with low ceilings and spacious interiors where larger dimensions are acceptable. The width of the chair, determined by the distance between the side supports and the length of the crossbars, can be 380 mm or more, with the specified lower limit providing a minimum comfortable seating width for one person.By increasing the width above the specified minimum value, it becomes possible to create multi-seat modifications, and the design allows for the creation of both two-seater and three-seater and more variants, which is achieved by proportionally increasing the length of all crossbars and the corresponding width of the seat fabric, while maintaining the overall geometry and rigidity of the frame through the use of a profile of the corresponding section.

Claims

1. A hanging chair comprising a suspension unit and a seat, characterized in that the support frame is made in the form of two symmetrical, C-shaped curved side posts connected by a lower support crossbar and an upper horizontal crossbar, while the seat is made flexible, forming a suspended support surface, and the support frame is additionally provided with an intermediate crossbar, rigidly connecting the side posts in their middle part.

2. A hanging chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the seat is made of textile fabric, the upper edge of which is fixed to the upper crossbar, and the lower edge of which is fixed to the lower crossbar.

3. A hanging chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that a suspension unit is installed in the central part of the hanging chair.

4. A hanging chair according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension unit contains a hook.

5. A hanging chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the textile fabric is additionally secured with longitudinal straps to the upper crossbar.

6. A hanging chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the structural elements are made of a rectangular metal profile.

7. A hanging chair according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the frame is collapsible.

Images