Misting furniture

Abstract

A chair or chaise capable of emitting a misting spray over a user of the chair is disclosed. The hollow, tubular frame of the chair acts as a conduit for water, while a plurality of apertures along the frame emits a spray. A quick connect fitting facilitates easy connection to a standard garden hose, for portability. A flow diverter diverts water from the tubular frame to a flexible hose connected to a hand held spray head for selective spraying of the user. A seat cushion provides a comfortable, continuous seating surface over the frame. The chair may be pre-assembled or in a user assembled/disassembled kit form with error free construction assembly means incorporated into the system.

Description

[0001] This application is related to Disclosure Document number 509,336, filed on Apr. 3, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to furniture for environments such as patio, lawn or pool. More particularly, the invention comprises a chair incorporating a misting system for cooling an occupant of the chair.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] The desire to cool off during hot weather has lead to a variety of different misting apparatus.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,617, issued to Richard D. Schafer on Oct. 20, 1998, presents a MISTING CHAIR in which a plurality of misting heads are situated around the perimeter of the chair such that an occupant of the chair is sprayed by a mist. Unlike the present invention, in which the hollow tube frame of the chair acts as a conduit for water and a plurality of apertures in the frame discharge a mist, Schafer uses small diameter flexible plastic tubing threaded through the hollow frame of the chair delivering water to the mister heads.

[0007] A MIST-EMITTING LOUNGE CHAIR is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,596, issued to Gregory A Dome on Mar. 3, 1998. The chair of Gregory is formed of two plies of sheet plastic with a network of copper tubes leading to a plurality of misting heads mounted in the chair. By contrast, the water distribution channels of the present invention are formed directly by the hollow tubular framework of the chair.

[0008] Don Aspinall discloses a SUN BATHING CHAIR APPARATUS EMPLOYING WATER MIST DEVICES in U.S. Pat. No. 5,613,731, issued on Mar. 25, 1997. Like Schafer and Dome, Aspinall distributes water to misting heads through flexible tubing attached to the frame of the chair, while the present invention utilizes the hollow tubular frame of the chair to channel water, and a plurality of apertures in the tubular frame to dispense a mist.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,525, issued to Ted A. Manning on Jul. 11, 1989, discloses a SPRAY SYSTEM FOR SUN TANNING, in which a flexible tube attached to the frame of a conventional lounge chair is attached to a bladder which may be filled with a suntan lotion. A sunbather may activate a pump to force suntan lotion through the tubing for spray discharge from a plurality of spray head situated along the length of the chair. By contrast, the present invention utilizes the hollow tubular frame of a chair to distribute water to misting apertures in the frame for cooling of the user.

[0010] A WATER SPRAY ATTACHMENT FOR LOUNGE CHAIR is disclosed by Robert C. Boyle, Jr., in U.S. Pat. No. Des. 297,991, issued on Oct. 11, 1988. Boyle removably attaches a tubular system having a plurality of spray heads around the perimeter of a lounge chair, as opposed to the present invention, which utilizes the hollow tubular frame of the chair as a water conduit.

[0011] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention discloses a chair for leisure use, which may cool a user by spraying a mist of water through misting apertures formed in the frame of the chair. The chair has a hollow, tubular frame which acts as a conduit for water, distributing it around the perimeter of the chair for a relatively even discharge over a users body. A diverter valve and hand held sprayer may, optionally, be included whereby a user may direct a spray to selected parts of the body. The chair of the present invention can be embodied as a recliner, an upright chair, a rocking chair, or a swing, with equal effectiveness. It would be evident that additional embodiments may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the chair of the present invention can be provided as a preassembled unit or in a user friendly kit form with error free assembly/disassembly means incorporated into the system.

[0013] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a leisure chair which incorporates a system for cooling an occupant with a fine spray of water.

[0014] It is another object of the invention to provide a misting leisure chair wherein the hollow, tubular frame of the chair forms the conduit for distribution of water to pre-determined sections of the chair by use of a flow diverter.

[0015] Still another object of the invention is to provide a misting leisure chair in which water may be diverted to a hand held sprayer for user application to specific areas of the body.

[0016] An additional object of the invention is to provide a misting leisure chair which may be provided as a pre-assembled unit.

[0017] It is a further object of the invention to provide a misting leisure chair which may be provided in an error free user friendly kit for assembly/disassembly.

[0018] Still another object of the invention is to provide a misting leisure chair which is of light weight and easily assembled/disassembled pipe construction that is portable for use indoors or out.

[0019] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0020] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION CIF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 is side perspective view of a chaise embodiment of the misting chair of the present invention, with a seat cushion installed.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a chaise embodiment of the misting chair of the present invention, with the seat cushion removed, showing one embodiment of the design.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of a chaise embodiment of the misting chair of the present invention, detailing back construction and water emission.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a depiction of the various elements of a kit form of the misting chair of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 depicts a typical assemblage of the various kit elements of FIG. 4 in a chaise embodiment of the misting chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the Constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Law “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0028] In general, the present invention relates to a chair or recliner which emits a mist of water for cooling an occupant thereof. In its preferred embodiment, the chair is provided as a user assembled/disassembled kit, which will be described in its individual elements, but it would be readily evident that the chair could also be produced as an assembled unit, as well. Initially, the assembled chair will be described, with the component parts of the user assembled kit described thereafter.

[0029] Referring first to FIGS. 1 thru 3, the chair 1 of the present invention is formed with a hollow, tubular frame 10 which provides form and support to the chair while further providing channeling for water to misting ports along the upper surfaces of the chair. Frame 10 consists of an upper frame 12 having a right and a left side rail 14 extending from the front of the chair to the rear of the chair, and at least a front transverse rail 16 and a rear transverse rail 18 connecting the front ends of the side rails 14 and the rear ends of the side rails 14, respectively. Front transverse rail 18 typically joins right and left side rails 14 at the extreme front end of right and left side rails 14, thereby forming a right angle, at each front corner of chair 1. Rear transverse rail 16 typically joins right and left side rails 14 at a distance forward of the rear end of right and left side rails 14, thereby forming a “T” joint with right and left side rails 14, although the joint may be at the extreme, rear end of right and left side rails 14, thereby forming a 90° joint. At least one intermediate transverse rail 20 typically connects right and left side rails 14 at a point(s) intermediate front transverse rail 16 and rear transverse rail 18 in order to provide support to a seat cushion (to be detailed hereinafter). Likewise, an intermediate rail 15 may be situated between right and left side rails 14 in order to provide even further support.

[0030] Upper frame 12 is supported by a plurality of legs 22. At a minimum, in a chair embodiment of chair 1, a leg 22 is situated at each end of right and left side rail 14. In a chaise embodiment of chair 1, at least one pair of intermediate legs 22, would typically provide support along the length of right and left side rails 14. Intermediate legs 22 may also be included in a chair embodiment of chair 1. Legs 22 may terminate at their lower end or be connected by a lower frame 24, having lower right and left side rails 26 and/or lower transverse rails 28.

[0031] A back and arm rest assembly 30 extends upwardly from the rear portion of upper frame 12. The rearmost right and left of legs 22 and the rearmost right and left of intermediate legs 22 extend upwardly beyond right and left side rails 14, the uppermost end of the extensions respective right and left legs 22 being joined by right and left arm rests 32, respectively. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that for a chair embodiment, the front legs 22 would extend upwardly to connect with the arm rests 32. A back support 34 is formed between arm rests 32, joined to arm rests 32 at the sides and rear transverse rail 18 at it lower limit. For the comfort of a user, the frame of back support 34 would preferably rise above the height of arm rests 32.

[0032] To reiterate, tubular frame 10 is formed of hollow tubing, preferably of a material such as, but not necessarily limited to, PVC. This hollow construction allows for water flow through at least portions of frame 10. A hose connector, typically, although not necessarily, having a quick connect adapter is formed as a part of frame 10 such that water may be delivered to frame 10 via a detachable water source, such as a garden hose. A plurality of apertures 36 along portions of frame 10, such as, but not necessarily limited to the arm rests 32, seat back support 34 and right and left side rails 14 of upper frame 12 allow water to be emitted from frame 10 as a mist, thereby cooling an occupant of the chair 1 by the mist. Optionally, a flow diverter 38 may be included to divert water flow from frame 10 to a flexible hose 40 connected to a hand held misting head 42 so an occupant of the chair 1 may direct the mist to desired area of his body, as opposed to the general misting received from frame 10.

[0033] In order to drain frame 10 for storage, at least one drain outlet 44 is formed in a lower portion of frame 10, typically in the rear legs 22. Drain outlets 44 are sealed by threaded plugs 45. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that portions of frame 10 could be plugged internally to prevent water from flowing into portions of frame 10 from which misting is not desired.

[0034] A seat cushion 48 rests upon upper frame 12 and back rest assembly 30, thereby providing a comfortable resting surface for a user. It would be evident to one skilled in the art that back rest assembly 30 and upper frame 12 could be wrapped with webbing or vinyl tubing material, as is commonly known in the art, in lieu of a seat cushion 48, providing such wrapping does not hinder flow of water from the misting apertures 36.

[0035] Now referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the kit 100 of the preferred embodiment, the chair 1 consists of the following PVC components:

[0036] a plurality of straight pipe sections 102,

[0037] at least one straight connector 104 with a female slip fitting at one end and female threaded fitting at the second end,

[0038] a plurality of “T” connectors 106 with slip fittings at each fitting,

[0039] at least one “T” connector 108 with slip fittings at each end and female threaded fitting at the “T” fitting,

[0040] at least one treaded plug 110,

[0041] a plurality of cross connectors 112 with female slip fittings at each fitting,

[0042] a plurality of 90° elbow connectors 114 with female slip fittings at each fitting,

[0043] at least one pipe nipple 116,

[0044] at least one male adaptor 118,

[0045] at least one quick connector 120,

[0046] at least one diverter valve 122,

[0047] at least one hand held spray head 124,

[0048] plumber's Teflon® tape 125 or equivilent,

[0049] a pvc solvent/glue kit 126, and

[0050] an inflatable seat cushion 48.

[0051] Threaded plug 110 may be a standard plug which must be removed to drain frame 10, although an automatic plug 10 which opens whenever water pressure is released is preferrable.

[0052] While a chaise embodiment present invention is presented, it would be evident to one skilled in the art that the chair could be embodied as a straight chair, a swing, or any other embodiment of seats commonly known.

[0053] In as much as one particular configuration is illustrated, showing a finite number of each of the parts for construction, it is to be appreciated that a larger quantity or lesser quantity of the individual parts to construct alternate embodiments.

[0054] It would be evident to one skilled in the art that the various elements of the kit could be coded for coupling in a variety of ways, including, but certainly not limited to color coding, alpha/numeric coding, a tactile or braille type code, and unique channeling and keying of mating elements, with easy to assemble/disassemble with error free assembly means incorporated into the system.

[0055] It would be evident to one skilled in the art that while threaded or slip joint fitting combinations are specified herein, other combinations of fittings could work with equal effectiveness.

[0056] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A misting chair for delivering a cooling mist of water over an occupant of said chair comprising:

water conductive frame means for framing a chair to support a user in a seated or reclined position and conducting water through said chair,

connector means for connecting said water conductive frame means to a water source,

misting means for emitting water from said frame means in the form of a mist,

drainage means for draining water from said water conductive frame means, and

supporting means for providing a substantially continuous seating or reclining surface across said framing means.

2. A misting chair, as defined in claim 1, wherein said water conductive frame means comprises a hollow, tubular structure, comprising:

at least four legs,

a perimetric seat frame with at least one intermediate seat support member, and

a back/arm rest assembly extending above the plane of said seat frame.

3. A misting chair, as defined in claim 2, wherein said connector means comprises a hose connector for attachment to a standard garden hose.

4. A misting chair, as defined in claim 3, wherein said connector means further comprises a quick connect hose connector.

5. A misting chair, as defined in claim 4, wherein said misting means comprises a plurality of apertures formed in at least a portion of said hollow, tubular structure.

6. A misting chair, as defined in claim 5, wherein said drainage means comprises a threaded plug proximate a lower end of at least one of said legs.

7. A misting chair, as defined in claim 6, wherein said supporting means comprises an inflatable seat cushion supported upon said water conductive frame means.

8. A misting chair, as defined in claim 6, wherein said supporting means comprises a webbing woven around said water conductive frame means.

9. A misting chair, as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

a hand-held spray delivery means, and

diverting means for diverting water from said water conductive framing means to a said hand-held spray delivery means.

10. A misting chair, as defined in claim 9, wherein:

said diverting means comprises a fluid flow diverter,

and said hand held spray delivery means comprises a

hose

connecting said flow diverter and a hand held spray head.

11. A misting chair, as defined in claim 2, wherein said seat frame is sized and configured to accommodate the upper leg and buttocks of a person seated in an upright position.

12. A misting chair, as defined in claim 2, wherein said seat frame is sized and configured to accommodate the full leg length and buttocks of a person seated with legs extended on said seat.

13. A misting chair for delivering a cooling mist of water over an occupant of said chair comprising:

a water conductive frame means for framing a chair to support a user in a seated or reclined position and conducting water through said chair, said frame further comprising:

a hollow, tubular structure comprising:

at least four legs,

a perimetric seat frame with at least one intermediate seat support member, and

a back/arm rest assembly extending above the plane of said seat frame;

a quick connect hose connector for attachment of said water conductive frame means to a water source,

a plurality of apertures formed in at least a portion of said hollow, tubular structure for emitting water from said frame means in the form of a mist,

a removable, threaded plug proximate a lower end of at least one of said legs for draining water from said water conductive frame means,

a hand held spray delivery system, said hand held delivery system comprising:

a fluid flow diverter for diverting water flow from said water conductive frame means,

a hand-held spray head for selectively directing a spray, and

a flexible hose, said flexible hose connected at a first end to said flow diverter and at a second end to said hand-held spray head, and

supporting means for providing a substantially continuous seating or reclining surface across said frame means, said supporting means comprising one of the group consisting of a removable seat cushion supported on said frame means and webbing woven around said frame means.

14. A kit for a user assembled misting chair for delivering a cooling mist of water over an occupant of said chair comprising:

a water conductive frame for supporting a user in a seated position and conducting water through said chair, said frame further comprising:

a hollow, tubular structure comprising:

at least four legs,

a perimetric seat frame with at least one intermediate seat support member, and

a back/arm rest assembly extending above the plane of said seat frame;

a quick connect hose connector for attachment of said water conductive frame to a standard garden hose,

a plurality of apertures formed in at least a portion of said hollow, tubular structure for emitting water from said framing means in the form of a mist,

a removable, threaded plug proximate a lower end of at least one of said legs for draining water from said water conductive frame, and

a removable, inflatable cushion for providing a continuous seating surface across said framing means;

said kit consisting of standard plumbing elements comprising:

a plurality of polyvinylchloride (PVC) straight pipe sections,

at least one PVC straight connector, said straight connector having a female slip fitting at a first end and female threaded fitting at a second end,

a plurality of PVC “T” connectors, said “T” connectors having slip fittings at each fitting,

at least one PVC “T” connector, said “T” connectors having slip fittings at each end and a female threaded fitting at the “T” fitting,

at least one threaded PVC plug,

a plurality of PVC cross connectors, said cross connectors having female slip fittings at each fitting,

a plurality of PVC 900 elbow connectors, said 90° elbow connectors having female slip fittings at each fitting,

at least one pipe nipple, said pipe nipple having male threads at each end,

at least one PVC male adaptor, said male adaptor having a female threaded fitting at a first and a male threaded fitting at a second end,

at least one quick hose connector,

a roll of Teflon® plumbing tape,

a can of PVC solvent,

a can of PVC glue, and

an inflatable seat cushion.

15. A kit for a user assembled misting chair, as defined in claim 14, wherein said chair further comprises a hand held spray delivery system, said hand held delivery system further comprising:

a fluid flow diverter for diverting water flow from said water conductive frame to

a flexible hose, said flexible hose connected at a first end to said flow diverter and at a second end to

a hand held spray head for selectively directing a spray, and

said kit further comprises:

at least one diverter valve,

at least on length of flexible hose,

at least one spray head.

16. A kit for a user assembled misting chair, as defined in claim 15, wherein said plumbing elements include coupling coding means for indicating proper mating of said plumbing elements.

17. A kit for a user assembled misting chair, as defined in claim 16, wherein said coupling coding means comprises color coding indicators formed on the connector ends of each plumbing element.

18. A kit for a user assembled misting chair, as defined in claim 16, wherein said coupling coding means comprises alpha/numeric coding indicators formed on the connector ends of each plumbing element.

19. A kit for a user assembled misting chair, as defined in claim 16, wherein said coupling coding means comprises tactile coding indicators formed on the connector ends of each plumbing element.

20. A kit for a user assembled misting chair, as defined in claim 16, wherein said coupling coding means comprises a male key formed in a first of mating plumbing elements and a female keyway formed in a second of mating plumbing elements.