Portable adaptable recliner

Abstract

An adaptable recliner may include a set of tubular members including an upper pair formed into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed into a lower leg shape, ends of the upper pair and the lower pair retained by a tubular member retaining hub; a separable use-mode adaptor rotatably attached to each of the lower pair of tubular members for retaining the lower pair in the first position; a flexible panel disposed between upper portions of the upper pair; and a set of length adjustable straps disposed between the upper pair and the lower pair for limiting a distance therebetween.

Description

PORTABLE ADAPTABLE RECLINERCLAIM TO PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following provisional application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety: USSN 63 / 670,004 filed July 11, 2024. [CHEZ- 0001-POl]FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to collapsible furniture for use outdoors on pliable ground.BACKGROUND

[0003] Outdoor activity may include relaxing with friends or alone in a field, on a lawn or the like. Users may prefer to change positions from sitting to laying. However, there does not exist in the marketplace a single lightweight, portable recliner that easily converts between a back rest for a sitting position and a head / foot rest for laying down, such as on one’s back.SUMMARY

[0004] Methods and systems of an adaptable recliner may include a set of components assembled into a multi-position device. The Adaptable recliner may include a set of tubular members having an upper pair formed substantially symmetrical into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed substantially symmetrical into a lower leg shape. The adaptable recliner may also include a tubular member retaining device disposed centrally and capturing ends of each member of the set of tubular members, the tubular member retaining device configured as a central hub for receiving opposite ends of each member of the set of tubular members in a distinct retention channel. Further, the adaptable recliner may include an articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor disposed to retain the lower pair of tubular members in one of two positions. Yet further the adaptable recliner may include a flexible panel formed to capture upper portions of the upper pair of tubular members at opposite ends of the panel, the flexible panel configured for supporting a head of a user for a first position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members and configured for supporting a torso of the user for a second position of the two positions of the lowerpair of tubular members. And, the adaptable recliner may include a set of length adjustable tensioning straps for adjusting a tension of the flexible panel, the set of tensioning straps configured to limit a distance between the lower pair and the upper pair in response to the flexible panel supporting one of the head of the user or the torso of the user. The lower pair of tubular members may be formed to present ground-penetrating feet. The articulating opposing tubular member usemode adaptor may cause a lateral distance between the lower pair of tubular members to be greater for the one of the two positions than for another position of the two positions. A first position portion of the articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor may be configured to rotate around a pivot formed in a second position portion thereof to adjust a length of the articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor. Also, the articulating opposing tubular member usemode adaptor may include three components, a male clasp, a female clasp, and a rotatable extension clasp. Further, the tubular member retaining device may include a lock mechanism that locks at least a portion of the captured ends in a plurality of adjustable positions. The flexible panel may comprise a padded fabric or a mesh fabric. In an aspect, the set of length adjustable tensioning straps may include a slidable buckle for configuring a limit of the distance between the lower pair and the upper pair. Also, each member of the set of tubular members may rotate about a corresponding retention channel of the tubular member retaining device.

[0005] Methods and systems of an adaptable recliner may include a method for assembling the adaptable recliner. This method may include forming a set of tubular members into an upper pair formed into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed into a lower leg shape. The method may also include centrally disposing a tubular member retaining hub that captures ends of each member of the set of tubular members. Yet further, the method may include receiving, with the tubular member retaining hub, both ends of each member of the set of tubular members in a distinct retention channel. Assembling the adaptable recliner may also include disposing a separable usemode adaptor to each of the lower pair of tubular members for retaining the lower pair in one of two positions. A further step of assembly in the method may include capturing, with a flexible panel, upper portions of the upper pair of tubular members at opposite ends of the panel, the flexible panel configured to provide support to a portion of a user based on a position of the two positions determined by the separable use-mode adaptor. Yet a further step of assembly of the adaptable recliner may include limiting, with a set of length adjustable tensioning straps disposed between the upper pair and the lower pair, a distance therebetween that is different for each of thetwo positions. This method may further include presenting ground-penetrating feet for use of the system as a backrest. In an aspect, the flexible panel may be configured to provide support to a back of a torso of a user for a second position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members. Further in this m method, the flexible panel may be configured to provide support to one of a head, feet, or knees of a user for a first position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members. The separable use-mode adaptor may cause a lateral distance between the lower pair of tubular members to be greater for a first position than for a second position of the two positions. In an aspect, the separable use-mode adaptor may include three components, a male clasp, a female clasp, and a rotatable extension clasp. Yet further, the set of length adjustable tensioning straps may include a slidable buckle for configuring a limit of the distance between the lower pair and the upper pair.

[0006] Methods and systems of an adaptable recliner may include a method of adapting the adaptable recliner between a first position and a second position. The method may start with an adaptable recliner that includes a set of tubular members including an upper pair formed into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed into a lower leg shape, ends of the upper pair and the lower pair retained by a tubular member retaining hub; a separable use-mode adaptor rotatably attached to each of the lower pair of tubular members for retaining the lower pair in the first position; a flexible panel disposed between upper portions of the upper pair; and a set of length adjustable straps disposed between the upper pair and the lower pair for limiting a distance therebetween. The method may continue by releasing a first end of an extension potion of the separable use-mode adaptor from a first position mounting point on a female portion of the separable use-mode adaptor, thereby releasing the lower pair from a locked first position. The method may continue further by adjusting a length of the set of length adjustable tensioning straps from a first position length to a second position length. The method may proceed further by securing an open end of the female portion of the separable use-mode adaptor to an open end of a male portion of the separable use-mode adaptor, thereby adapting the adaptable recliner from the first position to the second position. In this method, the first position of the adaptable recliner defines a back rest use-mode and the second position of the adaptable recliner defines a head rest use-mode.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the adaptable recliner.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts use of the adaptable recliner as a headrest.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a side perspective view of an assembled embodiment of the adaptable recliner.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a sequences of visual steps for assembly and use of a backrest embodiment of the adaptable recliner.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a side perspective view of the adaptable recliner configured as a backrest.

[0013] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of an adaptor arm in a retracted position for adapting the adaptable recliner into a backrest.

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an adaptor arm in a partially extended position.

[0015] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an adaptor arm in an extended position for adapting the adaptable recliner into a headrest.

[0016] FIG. 9 depicts a bottom view of partial assembly of the adaptable recliner.

[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a front perspective view of the adaptable recliner.

[0018] FIG. 11 depicts a side perspective view with detail of a side tensioning strap.

[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a plan and perspective view of a strap clip / buckle component.

[0020] FIG. 13 depicts a plan and perspective view of a bottom leg component.

[0021] FIG. 14 depicts a plan and perspective view of a top leg component.

[0022] FIG. 15 depicts a plan and perspective view of a central hub component.

[0023] FIG. 16 depicts a plan and perspective view of a first portion of the adaptor arm component.

[0024] FIG. 17 depicts a plan and perspective view of a second portion of the adaptor arm component.

[0025] FIG. 18 depicts a plan and side view of a head rest panel component.

[0026] FIG. 19 depicts a plan and side view of the side tensioning strap.DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein.

[0028] All documents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Thus, the term “or” should generally be understood to mean “and / or” and so forth.

[0029] Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words “about,” “approximately” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Similarly, words of approximation such as “approximately” or “substantially” when used in reference to physical characteristics, should be understood to contemplate a range of deviations that would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for a corresponding use, function, purpose, or the like. Ranges of values and / or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described embodiments. Where ranges of values are provided, they are also intended to include each value within the range as if set forth individually, unless expressly stated to the contrary. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the embodiments. Further dimension in the drawings are merely representative of an embodiment of the adaptable recliner. Other dimensions of individual components are contemplated. Examples include overall size increase / decrease, greater / smaller thickness of material, members, legs, and the like.

[0030] In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram depicts an exploded view of an embodiment of the adaptable recliner 100. In this embodiment, each component in the exploded view of the adaptable recliner 100 is identified by a component identifier that matches a simple description in table 102. The table 102 lists, for each component: an assembly item reference, a quantity, an inventory / sourcing party number, a simple description, and suggested material. Components that may share a function on opposite sides of the adaptable recliner 100 may reference the same part number but may be may be identified as distinct components in the exploded view for assembly purposes. Such components include, without limitation, left strap 10L and right strap 10R that are identified by inventory part number LFC-009 that is common to both. Similarly, left strap buckle 5L and right strap buckle 5R are also identified by an inventory part number LFC-005 that is common to both. Upper / top legs 2L and 2R as well as lower / bottom legs IL and 1R may be uniquely identified for assembly purposes although each set may share a common part number.

[0032] In example embodiments, a fabric panel cushion 9 may be constructed of flexible, soft, plush material, such as fabric with a comfortable pile filling. Although having a degree of flexibility for comfort, the cushion 9 may be constructed so as to avoid stretching or expansion under pressure as may be presented by a user’s head / neck or other body part, such as feet, knees and the like, when in use as a head rest and / or the user’s back / torso when in use as a back rest. Material choices for the cushion 9 may be determined at least in part based on an intended use environment. A choice of weather resistant fabric (e.g., canvas, coated woven fabric, mesh, and the like) at least for an exterior layer of the cushion 9 may be selected for use in outdoor applications. In example embodiments, the cushion 9 may be constructed of a plurality of layers of material that maybe sewn together in one or more patterns for comfort, durability, appearance, and the like. The cushion 9 may be constructed with reinforced edges, loops, or other sections where strain may be expected, such as along lateral edges where the cushion 9 may contact a user’s back and / or neck.

[0033] The cushion 9 may be constructed with features that enable semi-permanent attachment to each of the left and right upper legs. In one such example, flaps 9A may be formed when the cushion 9 fabric is initially shaped (e.g., die cut, and the like). Each of up to four or more suchflaps 9A may be formed so that each can be placed around an upper horizontal portion of a corresponding upper leg (2R / 2L) and affixed to a proximal portion of the cushion 9, such as by sewing, adhering, welding (e.g., heat / ultrasonic) and the like. The flaps 9A, may be formed around the upper leg so as to retain a snug fit, while allowing at least rotational movement of the leg relative to the cushion. This rotational movement may afford the adaptable recliner flexibility to take on two or more relative orientations of the leg(s) and the cushion 9. Each of the two or more relative orientations may be determined by which use-mode is selected by the user. A back rest use-mode may result in an angle formed between the upper leg(s) and the cushion 9 to be greater than a corresponding angle for a head rest use-mode. Alternatively, the flaps 9A of the cushion 9 may be constructed with a transverse cylindrical shape through which a portion of a corresponding upper leg may pass. Such a cylindrical shape may include an inner diameter that is slightly greater than an outer diameter of a corresponding upper leg to facilitate passage there through of the upper leg as a step in assembly of the adaptable recliner 100.

[0034] The flaps 9A may also be formed along an edge of the cushion 9A in two or more sections. Each of the two or more sections may be separated by a space 9B that may be centrally located along the edge of the cushion 9. This intervening space 9B may be sized to accept a strap, such as side strap 10R or 10 L. A portion of a leg that passes through the flaps 9A may also be accessible within this intervening space 9B for capturing a side strap disposed there.

[0035] Continuing a description of the exploded view of adaptable recliner 100, the reader’s attention is now directed to side strap(s) 10R and / or 10L. In example embodiments, there may be no differences in the construction of these side straps. However, during assembly the side straps may be installed to effect a difference that facilitates ease of use. Side straps 10R and 10L may express an elongated profile from top to bottom, while generally being constructed for strength and resilience to stretching. Each end of side straps may be constructed in a way that is similar to the flaps 9A of the cushion. This construction approach may be guided by the intended purpose, which includes, without limitation, securing each end to a corresponding upper / top leg and lower / bottom leg. In example embodiments, an end of the side straps may be looped around a corresponding upper / lower leg portion and secured to a mating portion of the strap. Securing techniques may be similar to the flaps 9A as described above such as by sewing, adhering, welding (e.g., heat / ultrasonic) and the like. Alternatively a leg-receiving aperture (e.g., a hollow cylindrical portion) may be shaped / formed / sewn-in, and the like substantially at an end of the strap forreceiving a corresponding portion of one of the upper legs and / or the lower legs. In example embodiments, at least one of the end portions of the straps may be reinforced through additional stitching, use of or an addition of increased strength fabric, and the like so as to imbue durability for what is likely to be a high stress region.

[0036] Each of the left strap 10L and right strap 10R may be assembled with a length-adjustability buckle (corresponding in FIG. 1 as 5R and 5L) fitted generally slidably and centrally along the elongated strap. Each length-adjustability buckle 5R / 5L may enable manual adjustment of an overall elongated length of the strap, such as by adjusting a portion of the strap that forms a loop through / around a central spoke of the buckle. In example embodiments, each buckle may be assembled to its corresponding strap at various points in time during assembly of the adaptable neck rest, such as prior to forming at least one securing end of the corresponding strap and / or prior to assembling at least one end of the strap to a corresponding upper or lower leg portion. In example embodiments, the length-adjustability buckle 5R / 5L may be formed as a single component through various techniques including casting, molding, and the like. Alternatively, one or more portion(s) of the buckle 5R / 5L may be integrated with at least one other portion, such as through welding, adhering, and the like. In an example, a central tab of the buckle may be integrated with an outer ring during assembly with the strap. The assembled combination of strap 10R / 10L and buckle 5R / 5L, when assembled to each of an upper leg 2R / 2L and a lower leg 1R / 1L may be manually adjusted by a user based on a user’s intended use of the adaptable recliner as one of a back rest or head rest. The strap 10R / 10L and buckle 5R / 5L assembly may be adjusted to a first, shorter length for a head rest use-mode and to a longer length or a back rest user-mode.

[0037] Continuing with descriptions of components of the adaptable recliner 100 of the embodiments of FIG. 1, attention is now directed at the upper legs 2L and 2R. Initially, the upper legs may each be formed from a single source member, such as a rod-shaped or tubular member. In example embodiments, the rod-shaped member may be hollow, solid, filled, and the like. A side profile of the rod-shaped member may be round, oval, multi-sided (e.g., triangle, square, hexagon, and the like). Component number LFC-001 may be used for each of the left and right upper legs. Component number LFC-001 may be formed / shaped / bent into a quadrilateral with one open side. The open side of the quadrilateral may be shaped to facilitate retention of each open end of the leg by a central hub 8. Two of the other sides of the quadrilateral, adjacent to the open end may be formed in an elongated shape that facilitates extending the leg from the central hub 8to a corresponding flap 9A portion of the cushion. A fourth, final side of the quadrilateral may continue as an upper end that joins each of the extended portion of the legs. In other words, the source rod-shaped member is formed into a first end for insertion into the hub 8 and continuing as a first elongated side, further continuing as a top side for retention by the flaps 9A of the cushion 9 (and one of strap 10R / 10L), and further continuing as a second elongated side that joins to a corresponding shortened end forming the second end for insertion into an aperture of the hub 8 that is directly opposite an area on the hub 8 in which the first end is inserted.

[0038] Lower legs IL and 1R may be formed generally as described for the upper legs with further forming steps that result in ground gripping / penetrating tabs / feet / mount points distal from the open ended side. These feet may be formed by creating an acute angle between each elongated side and the intervening side. The result of this formation includes a vertex / corner of the lower legs that, when delivered to pliable earth, forms an intersection between the lower leg and the earth that is highly resistant to unintended movement. Generally, when a force from a user’s back is applied to the cushion 9 while the adaptable recliner is in a back rest use-mode, each of the two or more feet in contact with the earth will self-secure by embedding themselves into and at least partially displacing some of the earth. The further forming steps also include shaping a generally central portion of the distal side to be substantially parallel with the open-ended side. This central portion may also be shaped / sized to accept an end of a corresponding strap in a similar way to how the opposite end of the strap is accepted by the upper leg proximal to the cushion 9.

[0039] Continuing yet further a description of components of the adaptable recliner 100 depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 1, centrally disposed hub 8 for retaining the ends of the tubular members may be configured with four substantially parallel cylindrical channels / ports sized to receive, at opposite ends of each port, a set of ends of an open-ended side of each leg / tubular member. In example embodiments, one or more of the cylindrical ports may be formed completely through the central hub 8. Alternatively, one of more of the cylindrical ports may penetrate only part way into the central hub from opposite sides thereof. The ports of the central hub 8 may be constructed with a rotatable locking feature that secures each end of the legs while allowing for each leg to rotate with light resistance within the port. In example embodiments, the central hub 8 may be formed from a material such as aluminum, steel, plastic, composite, and the like. Forming may include milling, drilling, injection molding, and the like.

[0040] The remaining components depicted in the exploded view of the adaptable recliner 100 in FIG. 1 address at least in part adaptability of the head rest to be reconfigured as a back rest. Male adaptor arm 3, female adaptor arm 4, and extension adaptor arm 7 may be formed for assembly with the lower legs. The combination of male adaptor arm or clasp 3, female adaptor arm or clasp 4, and extension adaptor arm or clasp 7 may be configured as a separable articulating opposing leg use-mode adaptor to retain the lower legs in one of two positions. In example embodiments, male adaptor arm 3 and female adaptor arm 4 may have a first end shaped to be rotatably secured to the lower legs. The male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4 may each be formed as a “Y” shape. Each of the top two tips of the “Y” may be shaped to rotate in unison around at least a portion of the generally central parallel portion of the lower leg, substantially adjacent to (e.g., on either side of) the corresponding end of each strap 10L / 10R. The base of the “Y” maybe constructed with a fastener system that enables the based of each of the male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4 to be fastened together by a user of the adaptable recliner. In example embodiments, the fastener system of the male adaptor arm 3 may include a pin-type protrusion that may be sided and shaped to mate with a receptacle of the fastener system of the female adaptor arm 4. In example embodiments, other fastener systems may be contemplated, including without limitation clamps, mating slots, and the like. When the fastener systems of the male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4 are mated, the adaptable recliner may be configured for use as a back rest. Such a configuration (back rest use-mode) may be characterized by a height of the cushion relative to a ground use point being greater than for a head rest use-mode. The extension adaptor arm 7 may be inserted between the fastener systems of the male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4 with a corresponding end of the extension adaptor arm 7 being secured thereto. Use of the extension adaptor arm 7 in this way may (mating between the fastener systems of the male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4) can result in a shorter height of the cushion 9 relative to the ground use point than for the back rest configuration.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of a head rest use case of the adaptable recliner 100 is depicted. In this exemplary use embodiment, a user’s head 202 may be comfortably supported by the cushion 9 when the user 204 lays down (e.g., on his / her back). The use case of FIG. 2 is indicative of a head rest configuration of the adaptable recliner 100. In particular, in the embodiment of FIG. 2 the extension adaptor arm 7 is positioned for mating between the fastener systems of the male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3, a side perspective view of the adaptable recliner 100 with detail of the strap 10L and buckle 5R is depicted. In this embodiment, the components of the adaptable recliner 100 (other than extension adaptor arm 7) depicted in FIG. 1 are assembled and configured into a back rest use-mode. The left strap 10L is depicted in this figure as being attached to the upper leg 2L between the two flaps 9A of the cushion 9 generally in the space identified in FIG. 1 as intervening space 9B. The left strap 10L is further depicted as being attached to the lower leg IL in a central region 302 substantially between points of attachment of the male adaptor arm 4 to the lower leg IL.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, a diagram showing a set of steps for configuring the adaptable recliner 100 in a back rest use-mode. At step 402, the adaptable recliner 100 is retrieved in a storage or transport-ready 3 configuration. In this configuration, the male 3 and female 4 adaptor arms are disconnected and the legs are gathered in pairs (left pair and right pair) against the underside of the cushion 9. The cushion is folded upward so that the pairs of legs substantially meet in a folded configuration. Each opposite end of each strap 10L and 10R come together proximal to where the legs substantially meet. In this folded configuration, the pairs of legs define an upper / top extent and the central hub 8 defines a lower / bottom extent.

[0044] Continuing the embodiment of FIG. 4, at step 404, an initial unfolding of the legs are depicted. In this step, lower legs are rotated around their corresponding receptacles in the hub 8. In general, the lower legs are rotated until each strap 10L and 10R reaches a maximum length that is dependent on the relative position of each buckle 5L and 5R on the straps.

[0045] At step 406, the cushion 9 unfolds, causing the upper legs to separate until the cushion 9 is substantially fully unfolded. Also in this step 406, the lower legs continue to rotate relative to the hub 8. A result of steps 404 and 406 includes the fastening systems of adaptor arms 3 and 4 moving toward each other.

[0046] Step 408 depicts the adaptable recliner 100 configured as a back rest with the fastening systems of adaptor arms 3 and 4 engaged and the cushion 9 in an open, back-receiving mode.

[0047] Step 410 depicts an action to orient the adaptable recliner for back rest use-mode, which includes positioning the lower extent of the lower legs (aka the feet) on a somewhat pliable surface, such as earth, so that the cushion is substantially parallel to the pliable surface. To complete the orientation for back rest use-mode, the adaptable recliner is tilted and positioned behind a user’s lower back as depicted in step 412. A preferred direction of tilt includes positioning the straps sothat they are disposed along the left and right side of the user’s torso, rather than being disposed centrally along the back / torso of the user. This orientation results in the unsupported edges of the cushion being positioned to conform laterally with the back / torso of the user between the upper legs. In this preferred back rest use-mode, a user may comfortable sit on the pliable surface (or upon an additional cushion or the like) while reclining the user’ s back against the adaptable recliner cushion 9.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, the adaptable recliner configured and oriented in a back rest use-mode is depicted. In this exemplary embodiment, left strap 10L is depicted with corresponding left buckle 5L positioned proximal to the cushion 9. This position of the buckle 5L may be indicative of the strap 10L being configured into a back rest use-mode length, which is greater than a corresponding length for a head rest use-mode.

[0049] Referring to FIGs. 6, 7, and 8, an alternate embodiment 600 of the extension adaptor arm 7A is depicted. In this alternate embodiment, a first end of extension adaptor arm 7A is rotatably attached to one of the other adaptor arms, such as male adaptor arm 3 or female adaptor arm 4, generally in proximity to the fastening system thereof. The extension adaptor arm 7A may be attached to a surface that is opposite the fastening system of the adaptor arm to which it is attached, thereby avoiding interference with operation of the fastening system. FIG. 6 depicts the extension adaptor arm 7A rotated into an inactive position, which may be substantially parallel and overlapping the adaptor arm 3 or 4 to which it is rotatably attached. In this position the fastening system of the attached adaptor arm (not shown) is available to be used for attaching to the mating adaptor arm for configuring the adaptable recliner in a back rest use-mode. FIG. 7 depicts extension adaptor arm 7A partially opened rotated to an approximately 90 degree angle relative to its inactive position. This FIG. 7 is useful for visualizing a portion of a method by which the adaptable recliner can be configured between back rest and head rest use-modes. FIG. 8 depicts extension adaptor arm 7A in a fully opened orientation in which it has been rotated approximately 180 degrees from its inactive position. This fully opened orientation depicted in FIG. 8 may be useful for completing a configuration of the adaptable recliner in a head rest use-mode by orienting the extension adaptor arm 7A so as to facilitate connection to a second of the two adaptor arms. In an example, extension adaptor arm 7A may be rotatably attached to a male adaptor arm 3; rotated from an inactive position overlapping the male adaptor arm 3 into a ready-to-engageposition in which a fastener system of the extension adaptor arm 7A is positioned to engage a fastener system of the female adaptor arm 4.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 9, the adaptable recliner 100 is depicted during a step of adapting from a back rest use-mode to a head rest use-mode based on the alternate embodiment for extension adaptor arm 7A depicted in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8. In this embodiment, extension adaptor arm 7A is depicted as rotatable attached to a fastening system of a first adaptor arm (e.g., male adaptor arm 3), being rotated to align with a fastening system of a second adaptor arm (e.g., female adaptor arm 4).

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 10, the adaptable recliner 100 is depicted as assembled and configured in a head rest use-mode embodiment. In this embodiment, straps 10L and 10R have been shortened by adjusting a corresponding buckle 5L and 5R (not shown). Also in this embodiment, extension strap 7 is depicted in place between the male adaptor arm 3 and the female adaptor arm 4.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 11, the adaptable recliner 100 is depicted in a right side view that includes details of a strap 10R with installed and configured length adjusting buckle 5R. In example embodiments, adjusting a position of the buckle 5R along the strap 10R changes the overall distance permitted between the lower leg and the upper leg on each side of the adaptable recliner 100. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, sliding the buckle 5R up 1102 toward the cushion 9 lengthens the strap 10R. Sliding the buckle 5R down 1104 away from the cushion 9, shortens the strap 10R.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 12-19, detailed views of each of a plurality of components of the adaptable recliner 100 are depicted. In each figure, multiple views of the component including a top, side and perspective view are depicted. Dimensions depicted on each detailed component view in FIGS. 12-19 are merely exemplary and do not connote any limit on the size of each individual component. In particular, the dimensions indicated are consistent with at least one embodiment of the adaptable recliner. While variation of these dimensions is contemplated by the inventors, the dimensions indicated offer at least one suggested set of measurements for each component. In the case of, for example the buckle depicted in FIG. 12, while dimensions may vary in implementations, maintaining consistency with corresponding dimensions of mating parts, such as the strap depicted in FIG. 19 is preferred.

[0054] FIG. 12 depicts a top, side, and perspective view of the buckle identified herein as 5L or 5R. FIG. 13 depicts a top, side, and perspective view of a lower leg 1L / 1R. An upper leg 2L / 2R is rendered in three views (top, side, and perspective) in FIG. 14. Further, top, side, and perspective views of the hub 8 are depicted in FIG. 15. Note the detail that is visible regarding an embodiment depicting partially penetrating leg-end receptacles / ports 1 02. FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of an assembly of an adaptor arm 1602 and an extension arm 1604. In example embodiments, adaptor arm 1602 may be constructed and used similarly to male adaptor arm 3 and or female adaptor arm 4 that are depicted and described herein elsewhere. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, a side and plan view of extension arm 1604 is depicted as rotatable attached to adaptor arm 1602 via a rotatable rivet fastener 1606. Depicted in FIG. 17 is a plan and side view of an adaptor 1702 that may be constructed and used similarly to male adaptor arm 3 and or female adaptor arm 4 that are depicted and described herein elsewhere. In example embodiments, a fastening system detail 1704 is depicted as a mechanism to secure the adaptor arm 1702 to one of the extension arm 1604 and / or the adaptor arm 1602. Depicted in FIG. 18, are top and side views of cushion 9 with details for flaps 9A and intervening space 9B. Generally, the curve present in the side view of the cushion 9 in FIG. 18 may be indicative of an anticipated side profile of the cushion 9 when assembled to the adaptable recliner 100. Regarding FIG. 19, a side and plan view of the strap 10L / lORis depicted. Generally the curve depicted in the side view of the strap 10L / 10R may be indicative of the strap being flexible rather than it suggestive of an anticipated profile. Strap 10L / 10R may, based on use state of the adaptable recliner, present a degree of slack that may present itself as an irregular curve consistent with the side view of FIG. 19. However, generally when in use, such as when a head of a user is resting on the cushion in head rest use-mode or when a back of a user is resting against the cushion in back rest use-mode, tension applied to the strap by the upper and lower legs is anticipated to tighten the strap 10L / 10R substantially straight.

[0055] It should further be appreciated that the methods above are provided by way of example. Absent an explicit indication to the contrary, the disclosed steps may be modified, supplemented, omitted, and / or re-ordered without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] It will be appreciated that the methods and systems described above are set forth by way of example and not of limitation. Numerous variations, additions, omissions, and other modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, the order or presentation of method steps in the description and drawings above is not intended to require thisorder of performing the recited steps unless a particular order is expressly required or otherwise clear from the context. Thus, while particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and are intended to form a part of the invention as defined by the following claims, which are to be interpreted in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

PORTABLE ADAPTABLE RECLINERClaims:

1. A system comprising: a set of tubular members having an upper pair formed substantially symmetrical into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed substantially symmetrical into a lower leg shape; a tubular member retaining device disposed centrally and capturing ends of each member of the set of tubular members, the tubular member retaining device configured as a central hub for receiving opposite ends of each member of the set of tubular members in a distinct retention channel; an articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor disposed to retain the lower pair of tubular members in one of two positions; a flexible panel formed to capture upper portions of the upper pair of tubular members at opposite ends of the panel, the flexible panel configured for supporting a head of a user for a first position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members and configured for supporting a torso of the user for a second position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members; and a set of length adjustable tensioning straps for adjusting a tension of the flexible panel, the set of tensioning straps configured to limit a distance between the lower pair and the upper pair in response to the flexible panel supporting one of the head of the user or the torso of the user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower pair of tubular members are formed to present ground-penetrating feet for use of the system as a backrest.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor causes a lateral distance between the lower pair of tubular members to be greater for the first position than for the second position of the two positions.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein a first position portion of the articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor rotates around a pivot formed in a second position portion thereof to adjust a length of the articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the articulating opposing tubular member use-mode adaptor comprises three components, a male clasp, a female clasp, and a rotatable extension clasp.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tubular member retaining device includes a lock mechanism that locks at least a portion of the captured ends in a plurality of adjustable positions.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible panel comprises a padded fabric.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the flexible panel comprises a mesh fabric.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of length adjustable tensioning straps includes a slidable buckle for configuring a limit of the distance between the lower pair and the upper pair.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein each member of the set of tubular members rotates about a corresponding retention channel of the tubular member retaining device.

11. A method comprising: forming a set of tubular members into an upper pair formed into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed into a lower leg shape; centrally disposing a tubular member retaining hub that captures ends of each member of the set of tubular members; receiving, with the tubular member retaining hub, both ends of each member of the set of tubular members in a distinct retention channel; disposing a separable use-mode adaptor to each of the lower pair of tubular members for retaining the lower pair in one of two positions;capturing, with a flexible panel, upper portions of the upper pair of tubular members at opposite ends of the panel, the flexible panel configured to provide support to a portion of a user based on a position of the two positions determined by the separable use-mode adaptor; and limiting, with a set of length adjustable tensioning straps disposed between the upper pair and the lower pair, a distance therebetween that is different for each of the two positions.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising presenting ground-penetrating feet for a back rest use-mode.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible panel is configured to provide support to a back of a torso of a user for a second position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the flexible panel is configured to provide support to one of a head, feet, or knees of a user for a first position of the two positions of the lower pair of tubular members.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein capturing the upper portions of the upper pair of tubular members includes inserting the upper pair of tubular members through a hollow portion of the flexible panel.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the separable use-mode adaptor causes a lateral distance between the lower pair of tubular members to be greater for a first position than for a second position of the two positions.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the separable use-mode adaptor comprises three components, a male clasp, a female clasp, and a rotatable extension clasp.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the set of length adjustable tensioning straps includes a slidable buckle for configuring a limit of the distance between the lower pair and the upper pair.

19. A method of adapting an adaptable recliner between a first position and a second position, the method comprising: taking an adaptable recliner comprising: a set of tubular members including an upper pair formed into an upper leg shape and a lower pair formed into a lower leg shape, ends of the upper pair and the lower pair retained by a tubular member retaining hub; a separable use-mode adaptor rotatably attached to each of the lower pair of tubular members for retaining the lower pair in the first position; a flexible panel disposed between upper portions of the upper pair; and a set of length adjustable straps disposed between the upper pair and the lower pair for limiting a distance therebetween; releasing a first end of an extension potion of the separable use-mode adaptor from a first position mounting point on a female portion of the separable use-mode adaptor, thereby releasing the lower pair from a locked first position; adjusting a length of the set of length adjustable straps from a first position length to a second position length; and securing an open end of the female portion of the separable use-mode adaptor to an open end of a male portion of the separable use-mode adaptor, thereby adapting the adaptable recliner from the first position to the second position.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first position of the adaptable recliner defines a back rest use-mode and the second position of the adaptable recliner defines a head rest use-mode.

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