Sling Chair with Pillow or Cushions

Abstract

A sling chair includes a frame having a base with a forward end and an opposing rearward end. A back rest upstands from the rearward end of the base and has an upper end. A plurality of flexible, spaced apart straps longitudinally extend from the upper end of the back rest to the forward end of the base. The effective length of the straps can be adjusted. A pillow or cushions can be disposed on the plurality of straps.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/579,763 filed on Aug. 30, 2023, and entitled “SLING CHAIR WITH PILLOW OR CUSHIONS,” which application is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to sling chairs and, more specifically, to adjustable sling chairs that can include a pillow or cushions on which to sit.

2. The Relevant Technology

A conventional sling chair comprises a rigid frame on which a flexible panel is supported. The flexible panel is freely suspended in a generally U or arc shaped configuration by being solely supported at the opposing ends thereof by the frame. The frame typically includes arm rests that upstand on opposing sides of the flexible panel. During use, the occupant sits on the curved flexible panel and can rest their arms on the arm rests.

Although conventional sling chairs are commonly used, they have a number of shortcomings. For example, most conventional sling chairs have no adjustability. That is, the frame and flexible panel typically have a fixed configuration. As such, there is no ability to adjust for factors such as size of the occupant or desired sitting orientation. Furthermore, sitting directly on the flexible panel can be uncomfortable after an extended period of time. In addition, because of the configuration of conventional sling chairs and the opposing arms rests, the occupant is typically constrained on the chair so as to limit their ability to turn laterally on the chair, i.e., they can only face forward. Furthermore, conventional sling chairs are limited or precluded in their ability to couple with other components to adjust for seating size or incorporate other desired accessories.

Accordingly, what is needed in the art are one or more improved alternative embodiments of sling chairs that address one or more of the above shortcomings or other known shortcomings associated with conventional sling chairs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sling chair including a pillow;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the sling chair shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of a loop adjustment assembly disposed at the end of one of the straps shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of straps each having the loop adjustment assembly as shown in FIG. 4 mounted thereon;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment the loop adjustment assembly shown in FIG. 4 disposed on a strap;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views illustrating how the pillow in FIG. 1 can be adjusted to adjust sitting position on the pillow;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2 having cushions disposed thereon;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two of the frame assemblies shown in FIG. 2 being adjacently secured together by clips;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one of the clips shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of two of the frame assemblies shown in FIG. 2 being secured together by a table assembly;

FIG. 13 is bottom perspective view of the table assembly shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2 using a single elongated strap;

FIG. 15 is a back perspective view of the strap shown in FIG. 14 having a pair of loop adjustment assemblies disposed thereon;

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the upper end of an alternative embodiment of the top rail of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 2 having straps mounted thereon;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame shown in FIG. 3 wherein the back rest is hingedly mounted to the base;

FIGS. 18A-18C are perspective views of alternative embodiments of sling chair assemblies each having a different table assembly;

FIGS. 19A-19C are perspective views of the alternative sling chair assemblies shown in FIGS. 18A-18C with the table tops thereof removed;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bedrail fastener that can be used to manually connect together the parts of the frame shown in FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 21A-21C are perspective views of using a thumb screw connector to secure together parts of the frame shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, or process parameters that may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

The term “comprising” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “strap” includes one, two, or more straps.

As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in various figures. Furthermore, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of a parent element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. For example, two instances of a particular element “10” may be labeled as “10A” and “10B”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “10”) to generally refer to all instances of the element or any one of the elements. Element labels including an appended letter (e.g., “10A”) can be used to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish or draw attention to multiple uses of the element. Furthermore, an element label with an appended letter can be used to designate an alternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of an element. For example, two alternative exemplary embodiments of a particular element may be labeled as “10A” and “10B”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “10”) to generally refer to all instances of the alternative embodiments or any one of the alternative embodiments.

Various aspects of the present devices and assemblies may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, and/or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements present. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements.

Various aspects of the present devices, assemblies, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the terms “embodiment,” “alternative embodiment” and “exemplary embodiment” mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as required or as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although a number of methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.

Depicted in FIG. 1 is one embodiment of sling chair 10 incorporating features of the present disclosure. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, sling chair 10 generally comprises a frame assembly 15 that includes a frame 12 and a plurality of straps 14 disposed on frame 12. A flexible pillow 16 is adjustably supported on the plurality of straps 14.

With reference to FIG. 3, frame 12 comprises a base 18 having a forward end 20 and an opposing rearward end 22. A back rest 24 upstands from rearward end 22 of base 18 and has a lower end 26 connected to base 18 and an opposing upper end 28. It is appreciated that frame 12 can have a variety of different configurations and sizes and can be made from a variety of different materials. In the depicted embodiment, base 18 comprises an apron 30 having a plurality of legs 32A-32D downwardly projecting therefrom. Apron 30 includes a pair of spaced apart side rails 34A and 34B, a front rail 36 that extends between side rails 34A and 34B at forward end 20, and a rear rail 38 that extends between side rails 34A and 34B at rearward end 22. Side rails 34A and 34B, or at least the top surfaces thereof, can be disposed in horizontal, parallel alignment when frame 12 is disposed on a flat horizontal surface. Front rail 36 and rear rail 38, or at least the top surfaces thereof, can also be horizontally disposed and extend orthogonally to side rails 34A and 34B. Apron 30 at least partially encircles an opening 42 along which straps 14 (FIG. 2) extend, as discussed below. Optional braces 40 can extend between any two pair of legs 32A-32D to provide further structural strength and stability to base 18. In the depicted embodiment, a brace 40A extends between legs 32A and 32D while a brace 40B extends between legs 32B and 32C. In other embodiments, a brace 40 can extend between legs 32A and 32B and/or legs 32C and 32D. It is noted that rear rail 38 of apron 30 is optional and can be eliminated. Where eliminated, a brace 40 can be positioned between legs 32C and 32D for additional support, if needed.

In the depicted embodiment, frame 12 is configured as a single seat. In this embodiment the width between side rails 34A and 34B is typically in a range between 0.5 meters and 1.3 meters with between 0.5 meters and 1 meter or between 0.6 meters and 0.8 meters being more common. However, in other embodiments, frame 12 can be lengthened so as to be configured as a love seat or couch for simultaneously seating multiple people. In such embodiments, frame 12 can have a width between side rails 34A and 34B that is at least 1 meter, 1.3 meters, 1.6 meters, 2 meters, 2.5 meters, or is in a range between any two of the forgoing. Where frame 12 is in the configuration of a love seat or couch, one, two, three, or more additional legs 32 can be spaced apart and downwardly project from front rail 36 and/or rear rail 38 so as to provide additional support and strength. Frame 12 has a depth extending between front rail 36 and rear rail 38/rearward end 22 that is typically in the range between 0.5 meters and 1 meter. Other dimensions for each of the foregoing can also be used.

Back rest 24 comprises a pair of spaced apart back posts 48A and 48B that upstand from base 18/apron 30 at rearward end 20. A top rail 50 extends laterally between back posts 48A and 48B at upper end 28. Back posts 48A and 48B, top rail 50, and rear rail 38 at least partially encircles an opening 44 along which straps 14 (FIG. 2) also extend. The width between back posts 48A and 48B can be the same alternative widths as discussed above with regard to the widths between side rails 34A and 34B and can depend upon the desired configuration for frame 12, as discussed above.

Frame 12 can be made of any structural material capable of withstanding applied loads. Such materials can include wood, metal, plastic, composite, mixtures of the forgoing and other materials commonly used in forming other types of chairs. The various parts can be secured together using conventional fasteners and fastening techniques such as nails, pins, screws, bolts, clips, adhesive, welding, press fit, or the like. In one embodiment, frame 12 can be collapsible for case in shipping and/or storage. For example, side rail 34A, legs 32A and 32D, brace 40A, and back post 48A can be formed as a single, integral, unitary structure 52 while side rail 34B, legs 32B and 32C, brace 40B, and back post 48B can be formed as a single, integral, unitary structure 53. Front rail 36, rear rail 38, and top rail 50 can be separated from structures 52 and 53 during shipping and/or storage and then securely, but releasably, secured to structures 52 and 53, using conventional fasteners, during assembly of frame 12 for use.

Turning to FIG. 2, straps 14A-14E are shown extending from upper end 28 of back rest 24 to forward end 20 of base 18. More specifically, straps 14A-14E are shown extending from top rail 50 to front rail 36. Straps 14A-14E can be cumulatively or individually herein referred to as straps 14 or strap 14.

Straps 14 are typically made from a flexible and foldable material that can easily fold or contour without plastic deformation. For example, in one embodiment straps 14 are sufficiently flexible that they can be rolled into a loop having diameter of less than 40 cm, 30 cm, 20 cm, 10 cm or 5 cm without plastic deformation. In other embodiment, straps 14 are sufficiently flexible that they can be folded over an angle of at least 360°, 270°, 180°, or 90° without plastic deformation. Straps 14 can be formed from a sheet of material or in a sheet configuration so as to have a top face 54 and an opposing bottom face 56 that extend between opposing side edges 58A and 58B. Top face 54 and opposing bottom face 56 can both be planar and can be disposed in parallel alignment. Straps 14 can have a thickness extending between faces 54 and 56 that is typically less than 1 cm, 0.6 cm, 0.4 cm, or 0.2 cm or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. As discussed further below in greater detail, straps 14 typically have a width extending between side edges 58A and 58B that is typically less than 40 cm, 30 cm, 20 cm or 10 cm or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. All straps 14 can have the same width or straps 14 of different widths can be used. Other dimensions can also be used. The number of straps 14 used on a single frame 12 can depend, in part, on the size of strap 14 and on the size of the frame, e.g., single chair, love seat, or couch. For a single chair, the number of straps 14 is typically at least or less than 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. For the larger chairs, the number of straps 14 may be at least 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 or more or in a range between and two of the foregoing.

Although many of the depicted and discussed embodiments herein use five straps 14, i.e., straps 14A-14E, the use of five straps 14 is simply by way of example and other numbers of straps 14 can also be used. Although spacing between straps 14 is not required, straps 14 are commonly spaced apart by distance of at least 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 6 cm, or in a range between any two of the foregoing. By adjusting the size, number, and spacing of straps 14, properties such as stability, the ability to contour, and material costs can be adjusted. Other dimensions relative to the foregoing can also be used.

In one embodiment, straps 14 can be made of a fabric, woven material, leather, synthetic sheet, composite sheet material, or the like. In other alternative embodiments, straps 14 can be formed from cord, cable, chain, rope, or linked or interconnected strands.

Continuing with FIG. 2, each strap 14 has a first end 60 and an opposing second end 62. Each first end 60 is connected to top rail 50/upper end 28 of backrest 24 while each second end 62 is connected to front rail 36/forward end 20 of base 18. More specifically, in one embodiment, first end 60 of straps 14 can be looped around top rail 50 while second end of straps 14 can be looped around front rail 36. In the configuration, straps 14 can be freely suspended between top rail 50 and front rail 36 and at least partially extend into opening 42 and/or opening 44. The looping around top rail 50 and front rail 36 can be a fixed loop or an adjustable loop. For example, the fixed loop can be formed at first end 60 by folding a free terminal end 64 of strap 14 onto a central body portion 65 of strap 14 and then securing terminal end 64 to central body portion 65 by stitching, rivets, crimp, adhesive, bolts, screws, or the like. Second end 62 of straps 14 can similarly be connected to front rail 36 using fixed loops. By using fixed loops, however, adjusting of the length of straps 14 can be difficult.

Turning to FIG. 4, in an alternative embodiment strap 14A can be provided with an adjustable loop that loops around top rail 50. The adjustable loop can be formed by mounting a loop adjustment assembly 63A on first end 60 of strap 14A. Loop adjustment assembly 63A includes a plurality of adjusting loops 66A-66D formed on bottom face 56 of strap 14A. Adjusting loops 66A-66D are spaced apart along the length of strap 14A at or toward first end 60. Each adjusting loop 66A-66D bounds an adjusting channel 68 that extends lateral to a longitudinal axis of strap 14A. Adjusting loops 66A-66D can be formed in a variety of different ways. In the depicted embodiment, a strip of material 70 is laid longitudinally along a length of strap 14A on bottom face 56. Liner stitching lines 72A-72E are then formed that extend laterally across strip of material 70 so as to secure strip of material 70 to strap 14A. Liner stitching lines 72A-72E are longitudinally spaced apart along the length of strip of material 70 so that each adjusting loop 66A-66D is bound between two adjacent stitching lines 72A-72E.

Loop adjustment assembly 63A also includes a G-hook 76 which is connected to terminal end 64 of strap 14A by a mounting loop 80. G-hook 76 generally comprises a plate 82 having an opening 84 passing therethrough and an L-shaped catch 86 extending therefrom. As depicted in FIG. 5, during assembly, mounting loop 80 is looped through opening 84 of G-hook 76 and is sewn or otherwise secured to terminal end 64 of strap 14A so as to secure G-hook 76 to terminal end 64. G-hook 76 can then be manipulated so as to position catch 86 into any one of adjusting channels 68A-68D. By moving catch 86 between different adjusting channel 68A-D, the effective length of strap 14A extending from front rail 36 to top rail 50 can be selectively lengthened or shortened, which, as discussed below, can adjust the configuration and seating comfort of the sling chair 10.

A loop adjustment assembly can also be formed on each of the other straps 14B-14D. For example, straps 14B and 14C are shown in FIG. 5 as having loop adjustment assembly 63B and 63C mounted thereon, respectively. Loop adjustment assemblies 63B and 63C have the same configuration and operation as loop adjustment assemblies 63A and like reference numbers can be used to identify like elements. By using adjusting loops 66A-66D with G-hook 76 it is easy to adjust the length of straps 14 and it is easy to ensure that each of straps 14 are adjusted to the same length.

In different embodiments, first end 60 or second end 62 of each strap 14 can be formed as an adjustable loop while the opposing end is a fixed loop. In other embodiments, both the first end 60 and second end 62 can be formed as an adjustable loop. In still other embodiments, both first end 60 and second end 62 each strap 14 can be formed with a fixed loop.

It is appreciated that the loop adjustment assembly used in forming an adjustable loop on straps 14 can have a variety of different configurations. For example, depicted in FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of loop adjustment assembly 88A disposed on strap 14A. In this embodiment, loop adjustment assembly 88A includes a buckle 90 comprising a plate 92 having a first slot 94, a second slot 96, and a third slot 98 passing therethrough. Mounting loop 80 loops through first slot 94 and is secured to terminal end 64 of strap 14A. A pull strap 100 has a first end 102 and an opposing second end 104. Second end 104 is secured to central body portion 65 strap 14A, such as by stitching, rivets, or the like, at a location spaced apart from buckle 90. First end 102 is passed up through second slot 96 and down through third slot 98. In this embodiment, first end 102 can be pulled through buckle 90 to shorten the effective length of strap 14 or can be fed back through buckle 90 to lengthen the effective length of strap 14. Friction between pull strap 100 and buckle 90 prevents unwanted sliding of pull strap 100 through buckle 90. In alternative embodiments, buckle 90 can have a variety of alternative configurations that enables pull strap 100 to be adjustably pulled through, including two piece buckles that releasable snap together.

In still other embodiments, the loop adjustment assembly can be formed from VELCRO, generically referred to as hook material and loop material. For example, with reference to FIG. 4, in one embodiment the hook material or loop material can be secured to bottom face 56 of terminal end 64 of strap 14A while an elongated piece of the other of the hook material or loop material is secured to bottom face 56 of central body portion 65 of strap 14A. As a result, the length of strap 14A can be easily adjusted by securing together the hook material and loop material at different locations along bottom face 56 of central body portion 65. The above discussed loop adjustment assemblies and alternatives thereto are examples of means for adjusting the effective length of straps 14 between upper end 28 of backrest 24/top rail 50 and forward end 20 of base 18/front rail 36.

Turning to FIG. 7, a tie strap 106 can laterally extend between straps 14A-14E. Tie strap 106 helps to retain straps 14 in proper spacing and orientation so that pillow 16 does not excessively separate and pass between two of adjacent straps 14 and thereby influence the seating comfort. Tie strap 106 typically extends perpendicular to straps 14 and is secured to straps 14 by stitching, adhesive, rivets, or by the use of other fasteners or fastening techniques. Tie strap 106 can be made from the same materials and have the same dimensions as discussed above with regard to straps 14. In the depicted embodiment, a single tie strap 106 is used that overlays opening 42 of base 18. In other embodiments, 2, 3, 4, or more spaced apart tie straps 106 can be used that extend between straps 14. Although at least one tie strap 106 typically overlays opening 42 of base 18 because that is where the greatest load is received, one or more tie straps 106 can also be positioned so as to overlay opening 44 of backrest 24.

Returning to FIG. 1, flexible pillow 16 can have a variety of different configurations. In the depicted embodiment, flexible pillow 16 comprises a square or rectangular pillow that includes an outer cover 114 housing a fill material 116. Outer cover 114 is typically comprised of a flexible sheet of material that can be folded or rolled without plastic deformation. Outer cover 114 is commonly formed from a woven fabric, leather sheet, synthetic sheet, or any other material that conventional pillows or bean bags are made from. Outer cover 114 is commonly formed from a first material sheet 118 that overlays a second material sheet 120 where material sheets 118 and 120 are secured together around overlapping perimeter edges 122 such as by stitching, adhesive and/or the use of fasteners, such as buttons or zippers. In other embodiments, outer cover 114 can be comprised of a single sheet that is folded over and the overlapping perimeter edges secured together. Thus, sheets 118 and 120 can comprise a single sheet folded over. In still other embodiments, outer cover 114 comprises a section of tubular material where the opposing free overlapping ends are secured together.

Fill material 116 is commonly comprised of a resiliently flexible foam such as memory foam or polyurethane foam. The foam can be in one or more sheets or can be shredded. Other conventional pillow stuffing, such as cotton, feathers, latex foam, polyester fiber, wool, bamboo, microbeads, or the like, can also be used. The size of flexible pillow 16 depends on the size and type of frame 12. However, in one embodiment where used as a single chair, flexible pillow 16 can have a height of at least 0.8, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 1.8, 2.0 or 2.4 meters, or in a range between any two of the foregoing, and a width of at least 0.8, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6 1.8, 2.0 or 2.4 meters. The height and width can be the same dimension or different dimensions. Flexible pillow 16 also typically has a maximum uncompress thickness that is in a range between 5 cm and 30 cm with between 5 cm and 20 cm or between 5 cm and 15 cm being more common. Other dimensions of the foregoing can also be used.

During use, flexible pillow 16 is freely disposed on and is supported by straps 14. The flexibility and mobility of straps 14 and the flexibility of flexible pillow 16 enables pillow 16 to easily and comfortably contour to the body of an occupant as the occupant sits on top of pillow 16. In one embodiment, pillow 16 is sized or oversized so that during use pillow 16 can simultaneously extend over top rail 50 of back rest 24 and over front rail 36 of base 18. As such, pillow 16 can shield the occupant from top rail 50 and front rail 36, thereby improving seating comfort and altering the aesthetic appearance of sling chair 10. Pillow 16 can also be oversized so as to extend laterally to simultaneously extend over side rails 34A and 34B. Here it is noted that in one embodiment frame 12 (FIG. 3) is intentionally designed without any arm rests. That is, there are no arm rests or other structures upstanding from base 18/side rails 34A or 34B and no arm rests or other structures outwardly extending from back rest 24/back posts 48A or 48B. By having no arm rests or other extending structures, pillow 16 can be oversized to freely extend over or fold over side rails 34A and 34B and/or back posts 48A or 48B. This configuration for sling chair 10 provides a unique aesthetic appearance, leaves pillow 16 unconstrained for more versatility in adjustment, and enables greater versatility in sitting orientation, i.e., occupants can comfortably sit in a lateral orientation (side to side), longitudinal orientation (front to back), and an angled orientation without obstruction by an arm rest. Oversizing pillow 16 also provides more surface area and bulk mass to increase sitting comfort. Although frame 12 can be formed without arm rests to achieve the benefits as discussed above or otherwise disclosed herein, in alternative embodiments frame 12 can be formed with arm rests.

By using pillow 16, the sitting posture of sling chair 10 can be easily adjusted. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, a more upstanding seated position can be achieved by shifting pillow 16 more toward top rail 50 of back rest 24 while a more reclined seated position can be achieved by shifting pillow 16 more toward front rail 36 of base 18.

In an alternative embodiment, pillow 16 can be replaced with one or more cushions. For example, as depicted in FIG. 9, pillow 16 is replaced with a back cushion 130 and a separate seat cushion 132. Back cushion 130 is seated against straps 14 extending from top rail 50, i.e., along back rest 24, while seat cushion 132 is seated against straps 14 extending from front rail 36, i.e., along base 18. Each cushion 130 and 132 includes an outer cover 134 that covers/houses a cushion pad 136. Outer cover 134 can be made of the same alternative materials as discussed above with regard to outer cover 114 of pillow 16. Cushion pad 136 is typically made of one or more sheets of resiliently expanded able foam such as memory foam, polyurethane foam or other types of foams or cushion materials commonly used in chairs, couches, or mattresses. Outer cover 134 of each cushion 130 and 132 includes a front panel 138 having a square or rectangular configuration, an opposing back panel 140 having a square or rectangular configuration, and an encircling side panel 142 that extends between front panel 138 and back panel 140. Again, the size and configuration of cushions 130 and 132 depends on the size and configuration of frame 12. Cushions 130 and 132 can be separate and discrete or can have a living hinge extending therebetween.

Sling chair 10 can be used as a standalone chair or can be selectively coupled with other sling chairs 10. For example, depicted in FIG. 10 are frame assemblies 15A and 15B which are both identical to frame assembly 15 depicted in FIG. 2. Like elements between frame assembly 15 and frame assemblies 15A and 15B are identified by like reference characters and all prior discussions and alternatives of frame assembly 15 are also applicable to frame assemblies 15A and 15B. in the depicted embodiment, frame assemblies 15A and 15B are set side by side so that side rail 34B of frame assembly 15A is disposed against or directly adjacent to side rail 34A of frame assembly 15B. One or more clips 150 can then be used to releasably secure together side rail 34B of frame assembly 15A and side rail 34A of frame assembly 15B.

Turning to FIG. 11, clip 150 is U-shaped and bounds a channel 151 having an open mouth 152. Channel 151 is configured to receive adjacently disposed side rails 34B and 34A so as to securely hold them together. More specifically, in one embodiment clip 150 comprises a U-shaped body 153 that includes a base 154 having a first arm 156A and a second arm 156B projecting from opposing ends of base 154 so as to have a U-shaped configuration that bounds channel 151. Arms 156A and 156B can be disposed in parallel alignment or can flare outwardly or inwardly. In one embodiment, the free terminal end of arms 156A and 156B can each flare outwardly to assist in receiving side rails 34B and 34A while the remainder of arms 156A and 156B can be disposed in parallel alignment. Base 154 and arms 156A and 156B can also have other contoured configurations. U-shaped body 153 is typically made of a metal, such as aluminum, so as to have desired strength properties. However, U-shaped body 153 can also be made from wood, plastic, composite, or other materials having the needed strength properties to function without failure.

U-shaped body 153 has an interior surface 158 that bounds channel 151 and an opposing exterior surface 160. An optional liner 162 can be disposed on interior surface 158. Liner 162 is made of a material that is softer and more foldable than U-shaped body 153. In one embodiment, liner 162 is comprised of a foldable sheet of material such as a fabric, felt, fleece, or the like. Liner 162 can help prevent unwanted marking of side rails 34B and 34A during use and can assist in easy attachment to and removal from side rails 34B and 34A. Liner 162 is typically attached by an adhesive or tape, but other conventional attachment mechanisms or methods can also be used.

Optionally disposed on exterior surface 160 of U-shaped body 153 is a handle 164. In the depicted embodiment, handle 164 comprises an elongated flexible strap 166 having a first end 168 and an opposing second end 170. Strap 166 passes over base 154 with first end 168 secured to first arm 156A toward base 154 and second end 170 secured to second arm 156B toward base 154. Opposing ends of strap 166 can be secured to U-shaped body 153 by a connector 172, such as a rivet, screw, bolt, crimp, adhesive, or other fasteners or fastening techniques. In other embodiments, strap 166 can be secured to opposing end of base 154. Strap 166 is sized so that the middle of strap 166 is or can be spaced apart from U-shaped body 153/base 154 so that an operator can easily manually grasp strap 166. Strap 166 can be used for pulling clip 150 off of side rails 34B and 34A when clip 150 is no longer needed. Strap 166 can be made from the same types of materials as previously discussed with regard to straps 14. It is appreciated that a variety of other handle configurations can also be used.

With frame assemblies 15A and 15B secured together by one or more clips 150, pillow 16, as shown in FIG. 1, or cushions 130 and 132, as shown in FIG. 9, can be disposed on each frame assembly 15A and 15B so that they can function as adjacently disposed sling chairs. By using clips 150, any desired number of frame assemblies 15 can be removably secured together in consecutive order so that they are adjacently disposed as shown in FIG. 10. For example, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more frame assemblies 15 can be removably secured together in consecutive order with pillows 16 or cushions 130 and 132 disposed thereon. Here it is again noted that that lack of arm rests or other structures on frame 12 enables multiple frame assemblies 15 to be connected together by clips so that the coupled frame assemblies 15 can function as a single elongated chair, i.e., love seat or couch. For example, with two frame assemblies 15 coupled together by clips 150, two single pillows 16 can be placed thereon side by side or one elongated pillow 16 that is twice the size of a single pillow 16 can be placed thereon without interference.

Turning to FIG. 12, in contrast to directly securing together frame assemblies 15A and 15B side by side, as shown in FIG. 10, frame assemblies 15A and 15B can be secured together by having a table assembly 180 extending therebetween. As depicted in FIGS. 12 and 13, table assembly 180 comprises a tabletop 182 having a top surface 184 and an opposing bottom surface 186 extending between a first end 188 and an opposing second end 190. Tabletop 182 can be made of wood, plastic, metal, composite, or any other desired material and can be formed as a laminated material, solid surface material, or other type of material. Top surface 184 and bottom surface 186 are typically flat and disposed in parallel alignment.

A clip 192A downwardly projects from bottom surface 186 of tabletop 182 at first end 188 while a clip 192B downwardly projects from bottom surface 186 of tabletop 182 at second end 190. Each clip 192A and 192B is U-shaped and can include previously discussed body 153 bounding channel 151 and can optionally include liner 162. The elements, materials, configurations, and alternatives of body 153 and liner 162, as previously discussed with regard to clips 150, are also applicable to clips 192 and like elements are identified by like reference numbers. However, clips 192 need not include handle 164/strap 166 as used with clips 150. Rather, base 154 of clips 192 are typically secured to bottom surface 186 of tabletop 182, such as by screws, bolts, adhesive or the like. Clips 192A are configured so that channel 151 thereof can snugly and removably receive side rail 34B of frame assembly 15A while clip 192B is configured so that channel 151 thereof can snugly and removably receive side rail 34A of frame assembly 15B.

Tabletop 182 has a top edge 194 and an opposing bottom edge 196 that both extend between a first side edge 198 at first end 188 and a second side edge 200 at second end 190. In the depicted embodiment, tabletop 182 has the configuration of a trapezoid. More specifically, tabletop 182 has the configuration of an isosceles trapezoid with top edge 194 and bottom edge 196 being disposed in parallel alignment and opposing side edges 198 and 200 inwardly converging toward top edge 194. Clips 192A and 192B are typically disposed at or adjacent to side edges 198 and 200, respectively. As a result of the tapering of side edges 198 and 200, table assembly 180 can function as a corner table. That is, with clip 192A secured to side rail 34B of frame assembly 15A and clip 192B secured to side rail 34A of frame assembly 15B, frame assemblies 15A and 15B can be orientated so that an angle α between side rails 34B and 34A is in a range between 70° and 110° with between 80° and 100° or between 85° and 95° being more common. In other embodiments, side edges 198 and/or 200 can be tapered so that the angle between side rails 34B and 34A is at least or less than 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80° or 90° or is in a range between any two of the foregoing.

With frame assemblies 15A and 15B secured together by table assembly 180, pillow 16, as shown in FIG. 1, or cushions 130 and 132, as shown in FIG. 9, can be disposed on each frame assembly 15A and 15B so that they can function as adjacently disposed sling chairs. By using a plurality of table assemblies 180, any desired number of frame assemblies 15 can be removably secured together in consecutive order. For example, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more frame assemblies 15 can be removably secured together with a table assembly 180 disposed and extending between each adjacent pair of frame assemblies 15.

In an alternative embodiment, in contrast to tabletop 182 being a trapezoid, tabletop 182 could be square or rectangular with clips 192 mounted at the opposing ends thereof. As such, side edges 198 and 200 can be disposed in parallel alignment. In this configuration, side rails 34B and 34A can be disposed in parallel alignment when table assembly 180 is disposed and extends between frame assemblies 15A and 15B. In still other embodiments, tabletops can be used having a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or irregular configuration with two, three, or more clips 192 mounted thereon for coupling with a side rail 34 or rear rail 38 of different sling chairs 10. In still other embodiments, any desired number of frame assemblies 15 can be coupled together in any desired configuration by using different combinations of clips 150 coupling frame assemblies 15 directly together and tabletops 182 coupling frame assemblies 15 together at spaced apart positions.

It is appreciated that other table assemblies can also be used for connecting together frame assemblies 15A and 15B. For example, depicted in FIG. 18A is a table assembly 260A extending between frame assemblies 15A and 15B. As depicted in FIGS. 18A and 19A, table assembly 260A includes a first telescoping rail 262A, a second telescoping rail 262B, and a tabletop 264A. First telescoping rail 262A includes a telescoping rail body 266 having a first end 268 and an opposing second end 270. Telescoping rail body 266 includes two rail portions that are slidably mounted together, such as where one rail portion is slidably received within the other, so that telescoping rail body 266 can selectively lengthen or shorten. Clip 192A (FIG. 13) is mounted on first end 268 of telescoping rail body 266 and is removably secured to side rail 34B of frame assembly 15A while clip 192B (FIG. 13) is mounted on second end 270 of telescoping rail body 266 and is removably secured to side rail 34A of frame assembly 15B. Second telescoping rail 262B has the same elements and functions in the same was a first telescoping rail 262A and thus like elements between first telescoping rail 262A and second telescoping rail 262B are identified by like reference numbers. Second telescoping rail 262B is spaced apart from first telescoping rail 262A but with clip 192A thereof removably secured to side rail 34B of frame assembly 15A and clip 192B thereof removably secured to side rail 34A of frame assembly 15B. Tabletop 264A is mounted on top of telescoping rails 262A and 262B so as to extend therebetween. Tabletop 264A can be removably mounted to telescoping rails 262A and 262B such as by using clips, clamps, Velcro straps, or other types of fasteners.

By selectively adjusting the length of telescoping rails 262A and 262B, the spacing between frame assemblies 15A and 15B can be adjusted. For example, in FIG. 19A telescoping rails 262A and 262B are collapsed so that frame assemblies 15A and 15B are close together while in FIG. 19B telescoping rails 262A and 262B are expanded so that frame assemblies 15A and 15B are spaced further apart. By expanding telescoping rails 262A and 262B, tabletop 264A can be replaced with a larger tabletop or two or more separate tabletops. For example, in FIG. 18B, shows a table assembly 260B that includes telescoping rails 262A and 262B that are expanded (as shown in FIG. 19B) with a first tabletop 264A and a second tabletop 264B removably mounted on top of telescoping rails 262A and 262B.

As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, in one embodiment the length of telescoping rails 262A and 262B can be concurrently adjusted so that frame assemblies 15A and 15B are retained in the same relative orientation, e.g., in parallel alignment with each other. In an alternative embodiment, the length of telescoping rails 262A and 262B can be independently adjusted so as to alter the angular orientation between frame assemblies 15A and 15B. For example, as depicted in FIG. 19C, first telescoping rail 262A has been shorted while second telescoping rail 262B has been lengthened, thereby altering the angular orientation between frame assemblies 15A and 15B. As depicted in FIG. 18C, with frame assemblies 15A and 15B being angled relative to each other, a table assembly 260C can be use which includes a tabletop 264C having a trapezoid or isosceles trapezoid configuration removably mounted on top of telescoping rails 262A and 262B. By further adjusting the angular orientation between frame assemblies 15A and 15B, other configurations of tabletops can be mounted on telescoping rails 262A and 262B.

It is appreciated that sling chair 10 can also be designed having a variety of other configurations. For example, the plurality of straps 14 (FIG. 2) can be replaced with a single strap. Specifically, as depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15 is a frame assembly 15C which comprises frame 12, as previously discussed, having a single strap 214 mounted thereon. Strap 214 can have the same properties, elements, functions, and be made of the same materials as straps 14 but is wider than an individual strap 14 so that only a single strap 214 is required on frame 12. Like elements between strap 14 and strap 214 are identified by like reference characters. For example, strap 214 has a first end 60 and an opposing second end 62. First end 60 is connected to top rail 50/upper end 28 of backrest 24 while second end 62 is connected to front rail 36/forward end 20 of base 18. More specifically, first end 60 of strap 214 can be looped around top rail 50 while second end of strap 214 can be looped around front rail 36. The looping around top rail 50 and front rail 36 can be a fix loop or an adjustable loop, as previously discussed. For example, a fixed loop can be formed at first end 60 by folding free terminal end 64 of strap 214 onto central body portion 65 of strap 214 and then securing terminal end 64 to central body portion 65 by stitching, rivets, crimp, adhesive, bolts, screws, or the like.

However, as with straps 14, strap 214 can also be made with one or both opposing loops being adjustable. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, loop adjustment assembly 63A and loop adjustment assembly 63B, as previously discussed, can be spaced apart and disposed on strap 214. Loop adjustment assemblies 63A and 63B on strap 214 can be mounted and used in the same manner as previously discussed with regard to straps 14 to adjust the effective length of strap 214 between upper end 28 of backrest 24/top rail 50 and forward end 20 of base 18/front rail 36 (FIG. 3). As previously discussed with regard to straps 14, other configurations of loop adjustment assemblies can also be used on strap 214 for adjusting the effective length thereof. Using two spaced apart loop adjustment assemblies on strap 214 can help avoid unwanted twisting or movement of strap 214 during use. However, in other embodiments, strap 214 can be used with or with at least 1, 2, 3, 4 or more spaced apart loop adjustment assemblies at one or both opposing ends of strap 214.

During use, pillow 16 or cushions 130 and 132 can be placed on top of strap 214. However, as a result of strap 214 being wide, an occupant can also sit directly on strap 214 without the use of pillow 16 or cushions 130 and 132.

As previously discussed with regard to FIG. 2, the opposing ends of straps 14 are looped around top rail 50 at upper end 28 and front rail 36 at forward end 20. In this embodiment, however, the looped ends of straps 14 can potentially be visible when pillow 16 or cushions 130 and 132 are disposed thereon. In other embodiments, however, top rail 50 and/or front rail 36 can have a modified configuration to help hide the looped ends of straps 14, thereby modifying the aesthetic appearance of sling chair 10. For example, depicted in FIG. 16 is upper end 28 of backrest 24 showing an alternative embodiment of a top rail 50A extending between back posts 48A and 48B. In this embodiment, top rail 50A comprises a primary top rail 220 and a secondary top rail 222. Primary top rail 220 can have a configuration similar to top rail 50 and extend between back posts 48A and 48B.

In one embodiment, secondary top rail 222 can extend from primary top rail 220 and have straps 14A-14E coupled thereto. For example, secondary top rail 222 can have a U-shaped configuration that includes an elongated shaft 226 having legs 228A and B outwardly projecting from opposing ends thereof and connected to primary top rail 220. Secondary top rail 222 can project from primary top rail 220 toward lower end 26 of back rest 24 (FIG. 3). For example, secondary top rail 222/legs 228A and B can project from an inside face 224 of primary top rail 220. Straps 14 can loop around or otherwise be connected to secondary top rail 222/shaft 226 in the same manner that straps 14 can connect to top rail 50, as previously discussed. By connecting straps 14 to secondary top rail 222, straps 14 are better obscured by pillow 16 or cushions 130 and 132 during usc. In one embodiment, shaft 226 can extend parallel to at least a portion of primary top rail 222.

In another alternative embodiment, legs 228A and B can be eliminated and shaft 226 can extend entirely between back posts 48A and 48B, as illustrated by dashed lines 230, so as to be spaced apart from primary top rail 222. Again, straps 14 can be looped or otherwise secured to shaft 226. It is appreciated that front rail 36 at forward end 20 (FIG. 3) can also be constructed similar to top rail 50A for coupling straps 14 thereto.

With regard to frame 12 in FIG. 3, back rest 24 is rigidly or integrally formed with base 18 so that back rest 24 cannot selectively recline or upstand relative to base 18. However, in an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 17, a frame 12A can be formed and used as part of a sling chair wherein the orientation of back rest 24 is selectively adjustable relative to base 18. Like elements between frame 12 and frame 12A are identified by like reference numbers. Frame 12A comprises base 18 and back rest 24, as previously discussed. However, in this embodiment, lower end 26 of back rest 24 is hingedly mounted to base 18. More specifically, the lower end of back posts 48A and 48B are hingedly mounted to side rails 34A and 34B of base 14 at a location spaced forward of rear rail 38. In this embodiment, an optional brace can be added extending between back posts 48A and 48B at or toward lower end 26.

Frame 12A also includes a first support arm 250A and a second support arm 250B each having a first end 252 and an opposing second end 254. First end 252 is hingedly mounted to back rest 24. More specifically, first end 252 of first support arm 250A is hingedly mounted to back post 48A at a location between upper end 28 and lower end 26 of back rest 24 while first end 252 of second support arm 250B is hingedly mounted to back post 48B at a location between upper end 28 and lower end 26 of back rest 24. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart catches 256 outwardly project from each support arm 250A and 250B and face toward base 18. Each catch 256 is configured to engage with rear rail 38 so as to support back rest 24 in a desired orientation. Thus, to place back rest 24 in a more reclined position, support arms 250A and 250B are positioned so that a catch 256 located toward first end 252 is engaged with rear rail 38 while to place back rest 24 in a more upstanding position, support arms 250A and 250A are positioned so that a catch 256 located toward second end 254 is engaged with rear rail 38. It is appreciated that other mechanisms known in the art can also be used for selectively adjusting the angular orientation of back rest 24 relative to base 18.

Finally, as previously discussed with regard to FIG. 3, frame 12 can be packaged in a disassembled state for case in shipping, storage, and end sale to consumers. Although any of a variety of conventional fasteners can be used to interconnect the various disassembled parts of frame 12, in one embodiment fasteners can be used that do not require tools, thereby simplifying assembly of frame 12 for the end user. For example, as depicted in FIG. 20, in one embodiment a bedrail fastener 280 can be used to manually connect together each of or at least some of the disassembled parts of frame 12. Bedrail fastener 280 comprises a hook component 282 and a slot component 284. Hook component 282 includes a plate 286 secured to a first part of frame 12 and a pair of spaced apart hooks 288A and 288B outwardly projecting from plate 286. Slot component 284 comprises a plate 290 secured to a second part of frame 12 and a pair of spaced apart slots 292A and 292B formed thereon. Slots 292A and 292B are configured to manually receive hooks 288A and 288B, respectively, so as to form a secure connection between the first part and the second part of frame 12.

In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 21A-21C, a thumb screw connector 300 can be used to manually connect together each of or at least some of the disassembled parts of frame 12. Thumb screw connector 300 includes a plate 302 having a pair of spaced apart threaded holes 303A and 303B formed thereon and a pair of thumb screws 304A and 304B that can be manually threaded into holes 303A and 303B, respectively. Each thumb screw 304A and 304B has an enlarged head 305 that enables manual rotation and tightening of thumb screws 304A and 304B.

In one use of thumb screw connector 300, plate 302 is secured onto an end face of a tenon 306 formed on a first part of frame 12. A mortise 308, complementary to tenon 306, is formed on a second part of frame 12. A pair of spaced apart holes 310A and 310B extend through the second part of frame 12 so as to communicate with mortise 308. During assembly, tenon 306 is manually received within mortise 308. Thumb screws 304A and 304B are then manually passed through holes 310A and 310B and screwed into threaded holes 303A and 303B, respectively. Thumb screws 304A and 304B can be manually tightened so as to form a secure connection between the first part and the second part of frame 12.

The sling chairs and the alternatives discussed herein have a number of unique advantages over conventional sling chairs. By way of example and not by limitation, the adjustability of the effective length of the one or more straps 14/214 allows the occupant to modify the sling chair to adjust for size of the occupant and desired sitting orientation. The adjustability is further enhanced in embodiments where the back rest of the frame can selectively pivot, i.e., recline, relative to the base of the frame. The use of pillow 16 or cushions 130, 132 adds comfort to the occupant and greater diversity in sitting arrangement. For example, the use of pillow 16 while eliminating arms rest and other upstanding structures on the frame enables the occupant to easily turn side to side so as to face different directions while sitting on the sling chair. In addition, the use of oversized pillow 16 enables the occupant to easily adjust sitting orientation, i.e., upstanding versus reclined, by simply adjusting the position of the pillow. Using a plurality of straps 14, as opposed to a single enlarged panel, can reduce material costs while permitting greater adjustability in contouring the configuration of the chair and the feel of the sitting. For example, if desired, different straps 14 can be adjusted to different lengths on a single chair.

In addition to the above, the unique configuration of frame assemblies 15 enables them to be easily clipped together in any desired number so that a single chair can be converted to a love seat, couch, or an extended sectional of a desired length. Furthermore, the frame assemblies 15 can be coupled with table assemblies of different configurations so that the sling chairs can be connected together in any desired configuration. Other unique benefits also exist.

Various alterations and/or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. While a number of methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.

It will also be appreciated that systems, processes, and/or products according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative assemblies, processes, products, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While certain embodiments and details have been included herein and in the attached disclosure for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods, products, devices, and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure or of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A sling chair comprising:

a frame comprising: a base having a forward end and an opposing rearward end; and a back rest upstanding from the rearward end of the base and having an upper end; and a plurality of spaced apart straps, each of the plurality of spaced apart straps being flexible and longitudinally extend from the upper end of the back rest to the forward end of the base, each of the plurality of spaced apart straps being adjustable in length.

2. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of straps comprise at least 3 spaced apart straps.

3. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

the base of the frame comprising a front rail disposed at the forward end of the base;

the back rest of the frame comprising a top rail at the upper end of the back rest; and

each of the plurality of straps having a first end looped over the top rail and an opposing second end looped over the front rail.

4. The sling chair as recited in claim 3, further comprising a loop adjustment assembly disposed on the first end or the second end of each of the plurality of straps.

5. The sling chair as recited in claim 4, wherein each loop adjustment assembly comprises a G-hook.

6. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the back rest of the frame is hingedly mounted to the base of the frame.

7. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising a flexible tie strap connected to and extending laterally between each of the plurality of straps.

8. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame is absent of any arm rests.

9. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising a pillow disposed on the plurality of straps.

10. The sling chair as recited in claim 1, further comprising a seat cushion and a back cushion disposed on the plurality of straps.

11. A sling chair comprising:

a frame comprising: a base having a forward end and an opposing rearward end; and a back rest upstanding from the rearward end of the base and having an upper end; and a first strap longitudinally extending from the upper end of the back rest to the forward end of the base, the first strap being selectively adjustable in length.

12. The sling chair as recited in claim 11, further comprising:

the base of the frame comprising a front rail disposed at the forward end of the base;

the back rest of the frame comprising a top rail at the upper end of the back rest; and

the first strap having a first end looped over the top rail and an opposing second end looped over the front rail.

13. The sling chair as recited in claim 12, further comprising a loop adjustment assembly disposed on the first end or the second end of the first strap.

14. The sling chair as recited in claim 12, further comprising means for adjusting an effective length of the first strap extending between front rail and the top rail.

15. A sling chair comprising:

a frame comprising: a base having a first side rail and an opposing second side rail that each extend horizontally between a forward end and an opposing rearward end and a front rail that extends between the first side rail and the second side at the forward end; and a back rest having a pair of opposing back posts upstanding from the rearward end of the base and a top rail extending between the opposing back posts at an upper end of the back rest; and a plurality of flexible straps extending between the top rail of the frame and the front rail of the frame,

wherein the frame is free of any arm rests or other structures upstanding from the first side rail and the second side rail forward of the back rest.

16. The sling chair as recited in claim 15, further comprising a pillow disposed on the plurality of straps, the pillow being sized so that it extends over the first side rail and the second side rail of the base.

17. The sling chair as recited in claim 16, further comprising the pillow being sized so that the pillow extends over the top rail and the forward rail of the frame.

18. The sling chair as recited in claim 16, wherein the pillow comprises:

a first sheet of fabric extending to a perimeter edge;

a second sheet of fabric extending to a perimeter edge, the second sheet of fabric overlaying the first sheet of fabric with the perimeter edge of the first sheet of fabric being secured directly to the perimeter edge of the second sheet of fabric; and

a fill material disposed between the first sheet of fabric and the second sheet of fabric.

19. The sling chair as recited in claim 15, wherein each of the plurality straps are adjustable in length.

20. The sling chair as recited in claim 15, further comprising a flexible tie strap connected to and extending laterally between each of the plurality of flexible straps.

21. A sling chair assembly comprising:

a first sling chair comprising: a frame comprising: a base having a forward end and an opposing rearward end; and a back rest upstanding from the rearward end of the base and having an upper end; and a plurality of spaced apart straps, each of the plurality of spaced apart straps being flexible and longitudinally extend from the upper end of the back rest to the forward end of the base;

a second sling chair comprising: a frame comprising: a base having a forward end and an opposing rearward end; and a back rest upstanding from the rearward end of the base and having an upper end; and a plurality of spaced apart straps, each of the plurality of spaced apart straps being flexible and longitudinally extend from the upper end of the back rest to the forward end of the base; and a table assembly extending between and being removably secured to the first sling chair and the second sling chair.

22. The sling chair assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein the table assembly comprises a table top having a first clip mounted thereon and being removably secured to the first sling chair and a second clip mounted thereon and being removably secured to the first sling chair.

23. The sling chair assembly as recited in claim 21, wherein the table assembly comprises:

a first telescoping rail extending between the first sling chair and the second sling chair;

a second telescoping rail extending between the first sling chair and the second sling chair; and

a tabletop removably secured to and extending between the first telescoping rail and the second telescoping rail.