For most sunbathers a towel, a bottle of lotion, and some sunglasses are all they need for a day at the beach. But with every activity there's always that one person who has to do overdo it, and they'll be easy to spot dragging around this 22-pound transforming monstrosity of a lounge chair. Featuring everything from an insulated cooler, to a wine bottle holder, to an over-padded seat; the LoungePac seems like a miniature, portable all-in-one resort. And with an optional umbrella and battery-powered sound system, why would anyone actually need to book a hotel room when traveling to a sunny destination spot? Just blow your vacation budget on this $260 beach throne and spend every last second of your free time getting your money's worth out of it.We don't know about you, but we're ready to hit the beach this weekend. We've packed our sunscreen, shades, and a good beach read, but something's missing... We don't have a chair to enjoy the beautiful view in comfort! Before your next trip to the surf and sand, read our buying guide to help you choose the best beach chair for your style.
Most chairs will fold for easy storage and transportation, but some become more compact than others and even include carrying straps. Our favorite models are designed as backpacks, such as the Rio Brands high back steel backpack chair by WearEver, so you can carry them hands-free. Also, adjustable models are available that offer anywhere from 2-7 reclining positions. We like the ones that fully recline, so we can take a little snooze in the sun. Other attractive qualities to look out for are integrated cup holders, adjustable neck rests, zippered storage pocket, and canopies to block the strong rays.Beach chair frames can be found in a range of materials, from metal to wood to plastic, and they each have their benefits... and downsides. Although aluminum frames are the most portable and lightweight, they may dent or bend if not handled gently. Steel frames are more durable, but make sure the metal has been powder-coated so it's rust-resistant. Wooden chairs tend to be heavier than metal but they are very sturdy and have a classic appeal.
Additionally, hardwood or plastic armrests won't get as hot in the sun, burning your forearms. Most seats are made from polyester, plastic or polypropylene because these materials are durable, washable, dry quickly and allow air to circulate through their open weaves. They also can be made in bright colors and patterns. Cotton or canvas seats are also available, which are softer to the touch, but don't hold up to the elements as well. A Variety Of Styles. There are several types of chair models that range in price, comfort and portability for you to choose from. For a budget option, classic sand chairs offer a simple and lightweight design, but have little to no adjustability options or bells and whistles. Hi-boy beach chair are similar, but are raised 16-18 inches off the sand. Classic butterfly chair are popular for the beach or other outdoor environments, because they fold small for easy transportation. Chaise lounge chairs offer the most comfort and total relaxation because they extend longer than classic style chairs so you can stretch out and rest your legs, although these models are often bulkier and less portable.
Out of all the styles available, our picks are the new ergonomic "zero gravity" models designed to reduce pressure off the spine and mold to your body. They can adjust into any position, from straight up to fully reclined and look pretty cool too! To see all of these varieties of beach chairs available and where to purchase them now, click through our slideshow below.This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/136,739, filed Sep. 29, 2008. 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to portable seating, and more specifically to a dual-chair beach wagon that combines beach chairs to create a beach wagon. 2. Description of the Related Art A beach wagon is very desirable for beach goers (families) who take lots of items from their car/house to the beach when packing for a day at the beach. Many families take large children's wagons loaded down with beach chairs, beach umbrella, towels, coolers, and beach toys etc. when packing for a day at the beach.
The Dual Chair Beach Wagon concept consolidates the beach chairs and beach wagon into one multi purpose item that can reduce some of the many separate items families haul down to the shore. Also, it would be desirable to have an item that reduces a beach wagon storage area needed in a family's vehicle. So many families have to deal with negotiating space to pack a wagon when packing it on a trip to the beach for the convenience of carrying all their beach items to the shore. The concept of a dual chair beach wagon reduces the storage of a beach wagon down to the storage area of two folded beach chairs. Thus, a dual-chair beach wagon solving the aforementioned problems is desired. The dual-chair beach wagon is a rolling cart that can be converted into separately usable beach chairs after a user has finished transporting items with the beach wagon. The cart comprises opposing beach chairs designed with wheels. Beach chairs are removably connected together at opposing ends to form a wagon.
When disconnected each chair serves as a standard beach chair. The beach chairs include reconfigurable legs equipped with retractable wheels. In preparation for beach wagon mode, the front legs can be folded up into a recessed locked position to facilitate attachment of the two chairs to form the beach wagon. A rotatable platform joins the axle of one of the chairs to facilitate wagon transport. These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a dual-chair beach wagon according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the dual-chair beach wagon according to the present invention. Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dual-chair beach wagon 10 is a device that can be broken down into two beach chairs 20 a and 20 b.
The beach wagon 10 comprises opposing beach chairs 20 a and 20 b and sets of wheels 40 connected to axles 38. Lower frame members 30 form the periphery of seat portion of chairs 20 a and 20 b. An extension member 59 extends from front portion 58 b of beach chair 20 b. The extension member 59 may be equipped with a recess or through bore proximate its end. Front portion 58 a of beach chair 20 a is hollow and adapted to receive extension member 59. Two pins 60 inserted through holes in respective front portions 58 a of beach chair 20 a align with the hole or recess in extension member 59 to securely connect the two chairs 20 b and 20 a together thus forming the wagon 10. In versions of the chairs where arms 55 are long, the connection may be fortified by attaching the arms 55 as well as front seat portions 58 a and 58 b. When disconnected, chair 20 a and chair 20 b serve as standard individual beach chairs. Each of beach chairs 20 a and 20 b includes attachment boss 200 disposed on frame member 30 for attachment of reconfigurable legs 35 having a ratchet mechanism and wheels 40 attached to axles 38.
The leg can be ratcheted up or down via ratchet mechanism disposed on boss 200. The front legs 25 include a pivotal locking mechanism allowing the legs 25 to be folded away into a recess on the chair when a user desires the beach wagon configuration. Note that front portion of the legs 25 has an arcuate design 210. Legs 25 may be fixed or adjustable. Additionally chair 20 b has a storage bin 205 disposed under a lower portion of the chair. Hardware or material may be strategically attached on either chair 20 a or 20 b allowing for storage compartments that may be suspended from the exterior body of the wagon as when the chairs 20 a and 20 b have been assembled. When the user desires a standard chair configuration, the chair legs 25 may be pulled out from the recessed portion of chairs 20 a and 20 b and assembled to form a sturdy forward chair leg assembly. A steering platform 52 is attached to the wheel assembly, which includes axle 38, the steering platform being pivotally attached to lower cross member 31 of chair 20 b.