EP0751725B1 - Folding garden swing seat - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR94/01122 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 11, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 11, 1995 PCT Filed Sep. 27, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO95/26151 PCT Pub. Date Oct. 5, 1995A folding swing hammock that has a main rectangular support frame that is held in a generally vertical position by leg members when the hammock is in an unfolded condition. A rectangular seat frame is rotatably supported between two support arms which, in turn, are suspended by springs in the top element of the support frame. A cover is rotatably mounted in the top section of the support frame over the seat frame. The interrelated parts of the hammock are connected together so that they can all be folded into the plane described by the support frame.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of garden furniture, and more particularly to the swings.

As part of the approval of gardens, parks or rest areas, commonly uses swings that allow two or three people or sometimes more to rest and relax.

The known swings as shown in Figure 1, are made with a frame generally comprising two shaped lateral legs triangular, secured in their upper part and able to receive articulation an adjustable marquee covered with fabric. Spacers connect the legs to ensure stability.

The swing thus designed receives a seat frame capable of receive cushions or other quilted padding. This frame can be in one or two parts, with its backsplash part and its seat part. The backsplash is generally in an inclined plane of the order of 100 to 120 ° from the seat plane to ensure good comfort of the users.

Sometimes the backrest part can be slightly adjustable in position by relation to the seat plan, using for example means of the type chains and connecting pins allowing an appropriate variation according to the needs.

This type of swing has drawbacks, in particular as part of its storage and space. In case of no use and storage in garages or other similar places, this type swing is annoying. In addition, users tend to consider the seating area as an additional storage area provisional for a wide variety of articles, so that the risk of soiling of the cover fabrics is significant, which can adversely affect the presentation and therefore the aesthetics of the swing.

We also observe that the displacement of these swings cannot only be carried out with the help of two people, taking into account the size of the mounting. This is the reason why users leave the swings in an environment which could be harmful to their quality and aesthetics. Moisture, rain, plant waste volatile are sources of dirt, mold, deterioration of colors, which diminishes the attractive appearance of such garden furniture.

US Pat. No. 4,537,392 discloses a collapsible and removable swing which comprises a rectangular frame arranged with tubular elements constituting the longitudinal and horizontal dimensions by defining a ground support zone and a zone upper of the articulation of a marquee

The object of the invention was therefore to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a new folding swing design, manufacturing and mounting simple, compact, and can be easily transported by a single person.

Another goal sought was to design on such a swing a new design of the seat which offers another comfort.

• en ce que les extrémités recourbées des éléments permettent l'engagement et la mise en rotation de tubes intermédiaires pour constituer ensemble les côtés latéraux et transversaux du cadre,
• et en ce que des éléments profilés en L sont rapportés et fixés par rapport aux tubes intermédiaires par une partie de liaison tandis que les piètements se prolongent par des parties d'appui au sol :
• et en ce que la partie d'assise est constituée par une armature tubulaire rectangulaire pivotante par rapport à des bras supports profilés en L mis en suspension par rapport au cadre, ladite partie d'assise ayant un mouvement de pivotement limité par rapport aux bras, ladite partie d'assise recevant une toile ou similaire formant hamac.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the swing is remarkable:

• in that the curved ends of the elements allow the engagement and rotation of intermediate tubes to together constitute the lateral and transverse sides of the frame,
• and in that L-shaped elements are attached and fixed with respect to the intermediate tubes by a connecting part while the legs are extended by support parts on the ground:
• and in that the seat part is constituted by a rectangular tubular frame pivoting with respect to L-shaped support arms suspended in relation to the frame, said seat part having a limited pivoting movement with respect to the arms, said seat part receiving a canvas or the like forming a hammock.

La figure 1 est une vue en perspective à caractère schématique illustrant une balancelle selon l'art antérieur.

La figure 2 est une vue en perspective illustrant une balancelle pliante selon l'invention.

La figure 3 est une vue de côté selon la figure 2.

La figure 4 est une vue partielle de côté illustrant le relevage de la structure d'assise en vue du pliage de la balancelle.

La figure 5 est une vue illustrant le pliage de la balancelle par pivotement partiel de son piètement avant.

La figure 6 est une vue partielle en coupe illustrant la liaison par pivotement du piètement avant par rapport au cadre ou armature principale de la balancelle.
Afin de rendre plus concret l'objet de l'invention, on le décrit maintenant d'une manière non limitative illustrée aux figures des dessins.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following description. To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a swing according to the prior art.

Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a folding swing according to the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view according to FIG. 2.

Figure 4 is a partial side view illustrating the lifting of the seat structure for folding the swing.

Figure 5 is a view illustrating the folding of the swing by partial pivoting of its front base.

Figure 6 is a partial sectional view illustrating the pivoting connection of the front base relative to the frame or main frame of the swing.
In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The swing according to the invention is referenced as a whole by (1). She comprises a rectangular frame (2) corresponding substantially to the desired swing length and desired sound height marquee (C). This frame is composed of tubular elements (2.1) and (2.2) constituting the longitudinal and horizontal sides by defining an area support (2.1.a) on the ground and an upper zone (2.1.b) for the articulation of the marquee. Each of these elements (2.1,2.2) of great length has curved end wings (2.1.c or 2.2.c) oriented at 90 ° one by relation to each other, and defining side branching zones lateral. These elements are arranged at a certain distance from each other. others and will allow the adaptation of intermediate tubes (3) completing the lateral and transverse sides, these tubes receiving at the end of the sleeves (3.1) capable of penetrating inside the curved wings longitudinal sides (2.1, 2.2). After fitting, the tubes intermediaries abut against the edges opposite said wings.

This gives free and pivotable mounting of the tubes (3) relative to the longitudinal sides (2) and wings (2.1.c, 2.2.C).

To ensure the stability of the main frame (2) thus designed, are arranged and fixed L-shaped legs (4), part of which (4.1) is fixed by screwing, bolting (5) or equivalent to the intermediate tubes (3) mounted laterally on the frame. Each profile (4) present in its part lower an arm (4.2) of great length located in an angular plane by relation to the framework by constituting the support plan of the whole, the part end (4.3) being curved to come into contact with the ground.

Thus, the swing is stabilized when the frame comes to rest on the ground and when the lateral profiled legs are open, constituting a three-point support area. The profiled legs can thus pivot on 90 ° to the lateral sides of the frame (2) while being deployed open at 90 °, either rotate while being in the interior plane of the frame.

The seat part (6) is advantageously constituted by a frame rectangular tubular with rounded bent angles (6.1), this reinforcement being made to integrate into the interior volume of the frame of the swing. This frame is held in position by being suspended by L-shaped arms (7), the upper end (7.1) of which is hooked in suspension using return means (8) on the upper longitudinal side (2.2) of the frame (2). The arms in their front part (7.2), are in situation normal use of the swing in the same plane as the frame forming a seat (6).

The seat frame is articulated relative to the part (7.2) of the arm of suspension (7) relative to an axis of rotation (9) and within a limit of tipping given. More particularly, it is planned to have on the transverse sides of the seat frame (6) of the profiled legs (10) coming from in external overflow, to come into abutment either against the upper part front of the support arm (7.2), either against the vertical rear part (7.1) of suspension of the support arm. These legs are reported anyway appropriate and allow a limitation of the angular movement of the seat frame.

The latter by its shape, is arranged to receive a fabric or other material covering (11), thus constituting a hammock. This packing can be fixed in any suitable way to be removed if necessary for cleaning or changing. The width of fabric used defines the depth of the seat.
To ensure good performance of the assembly, connecting spacers (12) can be added between the lower part of the frame and the base. In particular, these spacers are fixed to the pivoting part of the intermediate tubes (3), so that they accompany in their movement the legs during the folding of the swing.

In its upper part, the frame allows articulation positioning a marquee (C) covered with a fabric or other protective element and decorative character.

It is now necessary to explain the methods of using this type of swing. In the use position, it comes in the configuration of Figure 2. In view of its folding, the support frame is first raised forming a seat (6) until the lateral tabs (10) come into abutment against the vertical part or substantially of the suspension arm (7). We then proceeds to pivot the side legs (4), which causes simultaneously the rotation of the intermediate tubes (3) of the frame, until that the legs come in a plane substantially underlying the interior volume of the frame. By this rotation effect, they then block in position the seat frame. Then we switch the marquee.

The articulation of the legs also causes movement accompanying connecting crosspieces, which gives rigidity to the whole.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention and in particular the simple assembly and disassembly of the swing, its very low space, its low cost price, and the new type of seat in hammock offering an originality compared to the prior art. We underline also the ease of transport by a person who can grasp the swing folded in various places including its seat frame for the carry.

Claims (5)

1. Folding garden swing seat of the type comprising a rectangular frame (2) assembled with tubular elements (2.1, 2.2) constituting the longitudinal and horizontal sides and defining a zone resting against the ground (2.1.a) and an upper zone (2.1.b) on which a canopy structure (C) may be rotatingly connected;
      characterised in that the curved ends (2.1.c, 2.2.c) of the elements (2.1, 2.2) make it possible to insert and rotate intermediate tubes (3), the whole constituting the lateral and transverse sides of the frame,

   and in that L-shaped elements (4) are added and fixed to the intermediate tubes (3) by a linking part (4.1), their legs being extended by parts (4.2, 4.3) resting against the ground;

   and in that the seating part (6) is constituted by a rectangular tubular structure swivelling in relation to L-shaped support arms (7) suspended in relation to the frame (2), the said seating part (6) having a limited swivelling movement in relation to the arms, and the said seating part accommodating canvas or similar material so as to form a hammock.
2. Folding garden swing seat as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the intermediate tubes (3) have sleeves (3.1) at the ends, these said sleeves penetrating the inside of the tubular parts of the curved wings of the longitudinal sides (2.1, 2.2).
3. Folding garden swing seat as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the profiled legs (4) are fixed to the intermediate tubes by screwing or bolting (5).
4. Folding garden swing seat as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that linking crosspieces are positioned between the intermediate tubes (3) and the leg part (4.2).
5. Folding garden swing seat as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the seating structure (6) comprises on its transverse sides profiled brackets overlapping on the outside so as to rest against either the front upper part (7.1) of the support arm or against the vertical rear suspension part (7.2) of the support arm.

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