The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating various embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting, wherein:
For a general understanding, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like references have been used throughout to designate identical or equivalent elements. It is also noted that the drawings may not have been drawn to scale and that certain regions may have been purposely drawn disproportionately so that the features and concepts may be properly illustrated.
The flexible furniture leg sock 10 may be made of knitted material, such as yarns. The yarns in the knitting process may consist of at least two different yams such as elastic and/or non-elastic. The elastic yarns may be a spandex-type yarn. The knitting is accomplished by a narrow gauge knitting machine which initially will knit an endless tubular hose.
Once the hose is knitted, it will be turned inside out and a friction material 4, such as rubber knobs, as illustrated in
It is noted that the application of friction material 4 may be done in a geometric pattern.
After this procedure, the tube will be turned right side out again and an appropriate length will be cut and a double thickness will then be formed by turning a short section of the cut tube inwardly and fasten the same by an appropriate seam 2.
This procedure provides a finished top portion of the flexible furniture leg sock 10.
The open bottom end of the flexible furniture leg sock 10 may be closed on a sewing machine by making an overcast seam 3.
In contrast to the conventional devices disclosed above, the flexible furniture leg sock 10 has no material disks, such as felt, applied to the bottom of the flexible furniture leg sock 10 because the overcast seam 3 provides enough of a cushion to protect the floor below from being marred or scratched.
It is noted that other types of friction material patterns, such as horizontal lines or open circles, etc., may be utilized.
As illustrated in
The expandable non-friction material includes a top portion having an interior surface, an exterior surface and an opening to slip the sock onto the furniture leg; a closed bottom portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the closed bottom portion being position between the bottom surface of the furniture leg and the floor when the closed bottom portion engages the furniture leg; and a middle portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the middle portion extending between the opening of the top portion and the closed bottom portion, the middle portion engaging the side surface of the furniture leg.
The middle portion is substantially orthogonal, when the closed bottom portion and the middle portion engage the furniture leg, to the closed bottom portion.
The friction material is applied only to a portion of the interior surface of the closed bottom portion and to a portion of the interior surface of the middle portion. The friction material is applied so that the friction material and the interior surface of the closed bottom portion engage the bottom surface of the furniture leg. The friction material is also applied so that the friction material and the interior surface of the middle bottom portion engage the side surface of the furniture leg.
The friction material minimizes, when the furniture leg is moved across the floor, slippage of the sock parallel to the bottom surface of the furniture leg by providing friction therebetween and minimizes slippage of the sock parallel to the side surface of the furniture leg by providing friction therebetween.
The exterior surface of the top portion, closed bottom portion, and the middle portion are without any of the friction material.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock is capable of being stretched to different widths.
With respect to
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 has an upper portion 33, a middle portion 35, and a bottom portion 37.
As illustrated in
It is noted that, in a different embodiment, the friction material 40 is located in the upper portion 33 of the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
In
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 has an upper portion 33, a middle portion 35, and a bottom portion 37.
As illustrated in
It is noted that, in a different embodiment, the friction material 40 is located in the upper portion 33 of the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Moreover, as illustrated in
The stabilizing material 50 provides rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100; however, the stabilizing material 50 is stretchable/expandable to enable the furniture leg protective sock 100 to fit over a furniture leg.
It is noted that the stabilizing material 50 may be a single device that provides rigidity and stretchability, or the stabilizing material 50 may be multiple devices that provide rigidity and stretchability.
The stabilizing material 50 may be a stabilizer like the Pellon® 70 Peltex® Ultra-firm Sew In stabilizer or any stabilizing material which provides support and expandability.
In addition, although
In
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 has an upper portion 33, a middle portion 35, and a bottom portion 37.
As illustrated in
It is noted that, in a different embodiment, the friction material 40 is located in the upper portion 33 of the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Moreover, as illustrated in
The non-penetrating material 60 may be composed of a rubber material or other material which would prevent a furniture leg from piercing through the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Although
It is noted that if the non-penetrating material 60 is located on the inner surface of the bottom portion 37 of the furniture leg protective sock 100, the friction material may be formed on the non-penetrating material 60.
It is further noted that if the non-penetrating material 60 is located on the inner surface of the bottom portion 37 of the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the non-penetrating material 60 is composed of a rubber material, the friction material may be left off the bottom portion 37 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
In
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 has an upper portion 33, a middle portion 35, and a bottom portion 37.
As illustrated in
It is noted that, in a different embodiment, the friction material 40 is located in the upper portion 33 of the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Moreover, as illustrated in
The stabilizing material 50 provides rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100; however, the stabilizing material 50 is stretchable/expandable to enable the furniture leg protective sock 100 to fit over a furniture leg.
It is noted that the stabilizing material 50 may be a single device that provides rigidity and stretchability, or the stabilizing material 50 may be multiple devices that provide rigidity and stretchability.
The stabilizing material 50 provides rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100; however, the stabilizing material 50 is stretchable/expandable to enable the furniture leg protective sock 100 to fit over a furniture leg.
In addition, although
Moreover, as illustrated in
The non-penetrating material 60 may be composed of a rubber material or other material which would prevent a furniture leg from piercing through the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Although
It is noted that if the non-penetrating material 60 is located on the inner surface of the bottom portion 37 of the furniture leg protective sock 100, the friction material may be formed on the non-penetrating material 60.
It is further noted that if the non-penetrating material 60 is located on the inner surface of the bottom portion 37 of the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the non-penetrating material 60 is composed of a rubber material, the friction material may be left off the bottom portion 37 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Floating between the inner layer 110 and outer layer 120 is a stabilizing material 50 that provides vertical rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100. The stabilizing material 50 includes a stabilizing material gap 55 that allows the stabilizing material 50 to “expand” as the furniture leg protective sock 100 expands. This expansion characteristic will be discussed in more detail with respect to
Floating between the inner layer 110 and outer layer 120 is a stabilizing material 50 that provides vertical rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100. The stabilizing material 50 includes a stabilizing material gap 55.
As the diameter of the inner layer 110 increases, the width of the stabilizing material gap 55 correspondingly increases because the stabilizing material 50 floats between the inner layer 110 and outer layer 120, thereby allowing the stabilizing material 50 to “expand” with of the inner layer 110 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
Floating between the inner layer 110 and outer layer 120 are a plurality of pieces of stabilizing material 500 that provide vertical rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100. Between each piece of stabilizing material 500 is a stabilizing material gap 550 that allows the “stabilizing material” to “expand” as the furniture leg protective sock 100 expands.
More specifically, as the diameter of the inner layer 110 increases, the widths of the stabilizing material gaps 550 correspondingly increase, thereby allowing the stabilizing material to “expand” with of the inner layer 110 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that the pieces of stabilizing material 500 may be sewn or fused to the inner surface of the inner layer 110 or the inner surface of the outer layer 120 such that the pieces of stabilizing material 500 provide vertical rigidity to the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the gaps provide expandability or stretchability.
To prevent the stabilizing material 50 from retaining an expanded state (larger gap), an elastic material 70 is attached across gap 55. The elastic material 70 biases the two ends of the stabilizing material 50 together, thereby minimizing the width of the gap 55. The elastic material 70 may be sewn or fused to the stabilizing material 50.
To prevent the stabilizing material 50 from retaining an expanded state (larger gap), an elastic material 70 is attached across each gap 55. The elastic material 70 biases the two pieces of the stabilizing material 50 together, thereby minimizing the width of each gap 55. The elastic material 70 may be sewn or fused to the pieces of stabilizing material 50.
It is noted that the elastic material 70 may be a single piece of elastic instead of the individual pieces of elastic material 70, as shown in
The furniture leg protective sock 100 of
As illustrated in
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a contoured caster cup 600 composed of plastic or other rigid material. The caster cup 600 may be fused or glued to the inner surface of the inner layer 110.
The caster cup 600 includes a bottom surface, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup 600 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that the sidewall feature may be realized by non-continuous sidewall segments, each non-continuous sidewall segment being a projection from the bottom surface.
It is further noted that the sidewall feature may have a dimension equal to a dimension of a caster on a furniture leg.
It is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include stabilizing material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
Moreover, it is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include a non-penetrating material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a contoured caster cup 600 composed of plastic or other rigid material. The caster cup 600 may be attached to the inner surface of the inner layer 110 by attachment pieces 112, wherein the attachment pieces 112 may attach to the caster cup 600 using snaps or a loop/hook system.
It is noted that the attachment pieces 112 may be extensions of the material making up the inner layer 110.
The caster cup 600 includes a bottom surface, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup 600 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that the sidewall feature may be realized by non-continuous sidewall segments, each non-continuous sidewall segment being a projection from the bottom surface.
It is further noted that the sidewall feature may have a dimension equal to a dimension of a caster on a furniture leg.
It is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include stabilizing material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
Moreover, it is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include a non-penetrating material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a contoured caster cup 600 composed of plastic or other rigid material. The caster cup 600 may be fused or glued to the outer surface of the outer layer 120.
The caster cup 600 includes a bottom surface, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup 600 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that the sidewall feature may be realized by non-continuous sidewall segments, each non-continuous sidewall segment being a projection from the bottom surface.
It is further noted that the sidewall feature may have a dimension equal to a dimension of a caster on a furniture leg.
It is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include stabilizing material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
Moreover, it is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include a non-penetrating material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
The furniture leg protective sock 100 may also include optional friction material 40 located on the inner surface of the inner layer 110.
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a contoured caster cup 600 composed of plastic or other rigid material. The caster cup 600 may be attached to the outer surface of the outer layer 120 by attachment pieces 112, wherein the attachment pieces 112 may attach to the caster cup 600 using snaps or a loop/hook system.
It is noted that the attachment pieces 112 may be extensions of the material making up the outer layer 120.
The caster cup 600 includes a bottom surface, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup 600 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that the sidewall feature may be realized by non-continuous sidewall segments, each non-continuous sidewall segment being a projection from the bottom surface.
It is further noted that the sidewall feature may have a dimension equal to a dimension of a caster on a furniture leg.
It is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include stabilizing material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
Moreover, it is noted that although not shown, the furniture leg protective sock 100 may include a non-penetrating material located in the gap 115, as illustrated in
The furniture leg protective sock 100 may also include optional friction material 40 located on the inner surface of the inner layer 110.
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a contoured caster cup 600 composed of plastic or other rigid material. The caster cup 600 may be located in the gap 115 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The caster cup 600 includes a bottom surface, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup 600 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that the sidewall feature may be realized by non-continuous sidewall segments, each non-continuous sidewall segment being a projection from the bottom surface.
It is further noted that the sidewall feature may have a dimension equal to a dimension of a caster on a furniture leg.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 may also include optional friction material 40 located on the inner surface of the inner layer 110.
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and inner layer 110 forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer 110 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer 110 defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer 110 defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a contoured caster cup 600 composed of plastic or other rigid material. The caster cup 600 may be located in the gap 115 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The caster cup 600 includes a bottom surface, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup 600 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
As illustrated in
Moreover, as illustrated in
It is further noted that a stabilizing material or fabric stiffening material could be used in the top portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100 to enable the top portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100 in retaining its vertical state.
It is also noted that the top portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100 may be folded over to cover the top of the caster 15, thereby effectively covering the caster 15 so that only the furniture leg 20 is visible.
It is additionally noted that the sidewall feature of the caster cup 600 may be realized by non-continuous sidewall segments, each non-continuous sidewall segment being a projection from the bottom surface.
It is further noted that the sidewall feature may have a dimension equal to a dimension of a caster on a furniture leg.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 may also include optional friction material 40 located on the inner surface of the inner layer.
In some circumstances, when a furniture sock is utilized with a caster, even if the furniture sock includes a caster cup, the caster can roll and leave the caster cup. The exiting of the caster cup can cause the furniture sock slip down the furniture leg and eventually disengage from the caster and furniture leg.
Thus, it is desirable to prevent a caster from rolling out of a caster cup.
The deformable friction material 700 may include a slit or channel 750, therein to receive the wheel or ball of a caster. The slit or channel 750 allows the wheel or ball of the caster to “penetrate” the deformable friction material 700 such that the deformable friction material 700 will interface with the sides of the wheel or ball of the caster.
The resistive or friction characteristic of the deformable friction material 700 assists in preventing the wheel or ball of the caster from “rolling around” in the caster cup 600, thereby assisting in preventing the wheel or ball of the caster from rolling out of the caster cup 600 and causing the furniture sock to slide down the furniture leg having the caster.
Moreover, slit or channel 750 causes the deformable friction material 700 to create a vertical barrier (the vertical interface between the deformable friction material 700 and the wheel or ball of the caster) when the wheel or ball of the caster “penetrates” the slit or channel 750 in the deformable friction material 700. The vertical barrier prevents the wheel or ball of the caster from rolling out of the caster cup 600.
As illustrated in
The engagement or interface site is substantially vertical, thereby creating a vertical barrier to prevent the wheel or ball of the caster 15 from rolling out of the caster cup 600.
Moreover, the deformable friction material 700 has a resistive or friction characteristic, the engagement or interface of the deformable friction material 700 with the wheel or ball of the caster 15 prevents the wheel or ball of the caster 15 from rolling out of the caster cup 600.
It is noted that the friction material 40 on the inner layer of the double layered flexible furniture leg sock 100 also assists in preventing the wheel or ball of the caster 15 from rolling out of the caster cup 600.
It is noted that the double layered flexible furniture leg sock 100 may include a slit (not shown) that corresponds to the slit or channel 750 in the deformable friction material 700 so that the deformable friction material 700 engages directly with the wheel or ball of the caster 15.
It is further noted that the bottom portion of the inner layer of double layered flexible furniture leg sock 100 may be bonded to the deformable friction material 700.
It is noted that the first cup member length of the first cup dimension 825 may not equal the first bottom member length of first bottom dimension 815.
It is noted that the first cup member length of the first cup dimension 825 may be less than the first bottom member length of first bottom dimension 815.
It is noted that the first cup member length of the first cup dimension 825 may be less than the second cup member length of the second cup dimension 827.
It is noted that the second cup member length of the second cup dimension 827 may be less than the first bottom member length of first bottom dimension 815.
It is noted that the second cup member length of the second cup dimension 827 may be equal to the first bottom member length of first bottom dimension 815.
It is noted that the second cup member length of the second cup dimension 827 may be greater than the first bottom member length of first bottom dimension 815.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of an elastic material such as an elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, neoprene, or polybutadiene.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky material to assist in holding the caster cup member 820 in place around the furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky elastic material.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of an elastic material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky elastic material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The bottom 810 of the caster cup member 820 may be constructed of felt to allow the furniture caster covering to slide across a surface.
It is noted that the caster cup member 820 may be constructed of stretchable (elastic) material having a volume that is smaller than a volume of a caster when not engaged with a caster but has enough elasticity to expand to a volume to securely hold a volume of a caster when engaged with a caster.
It is noted that the third cup member length of the third cup dimension 821 may not equal the third bottom member length of third bottom dimension 813.
It is noted that the third cup member length of the third cup dimension 821 may be less than the third bottom member length of third bottom dimension 813.
It is noted that the third cup member length of the third cup dimension 821 may be less than the fourth cup member length of the fourth cup dimension 823.
It is noted that the fourth cup member length of the fourth cup dimension 823 may be less than the third bottom member length of third bottom dimension 813.
It is noted that the fourth cup member length of the fourth cup dimension 823 may be equal to the third bottom member length of third bottom dimension 813.
It is noted that the fourth cup member length of the fourth cup dimension 823 may be greater than the third bottom member length of third bottom dimension 813.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of an elastic material such as an elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, neoprene, or polybutadiene.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky material to assist in holding the caster cup member 820 in place around the furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky elastic material.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of an elastic material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky elastic material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
As further illustrated, the dimensionally biased nature, as noted above, of the caster cup member 820 causes the caster cup member 820 to fit tightly around the furniture caster 15. The dimensionally biased cup member 820 prevents the furniture caster 15 from rolling out of the caster cup member 820.
The bottom 810 of the caster cup member 820 may be constructed of felt to allow the furniture caster covering to slide across a surface.
The caster cup 800 is covered by a furniture sock 10, as described above. The furniture sock 10 enables the caster cup 800 to slide across a surface (floor) without causing scratches or mars to the surface (floor).
As further illustrated, the dimensionally biased nature, as noted above, of the caster cup member 820 causes the caster cup member 820 to fit tightly around the furniture caster 15. The dimensionally biased cup member 820 prevents the furniture caster 15 from rolling out of the caster cup member 820.
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 is “cupped” shape, wherein the outer layer 120 forms an outer surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100, and an inner layer forms the inner surface of the “cupped” shaped furniture leg protective sock 100.
It is noted that furniture leg protective sock 100 may have alternative shapes which include an enclosed bottom, sides, and an opened top.
The outer layer 120 has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer layer 120 defines a portion of a gap 115 and the outer surface of the outer layer 120 defines the outer surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The inner layer has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the inner layer defines a portion of the gap 115 and the outer surface of the inner layer defines the inner surface of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
As illustrated, the furniture leg protective sock 100 further includes a caster cup member 820 located in the gap 115 of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
The caster cup member 820 includes a bottom surface 710, which is associated with a bottom portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100. The caster cup member 820 includes a continuous sidewall that is associated with a middle portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100.
As illustrated in
Moreover, as illustrated in
It is further noted that a stabilizing material or fabric stiffening material could be used in the top portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100 to enable the top portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100 retain its vertical state.
It is also noted that the top portion of the furniture leg protective sock 100 may be folded over to cover the top of the caster 15, thereby effectively covering the caster 15 so that only the furniture leg 20 is visible.
The furniture leg protective sock 100 may also include optional friction material (not shown) located on the inner surface of the inner layer.
When the wheel or ball of the caster 15 “penetrates” the opening in the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the caster cup member 820, the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the caster cup member 820 expands so that the caster cup member 820 engages (interfaces), through the inner layer of the furniture leg protective sock 100, the sides of the wheel or ball of the caster 15.
The engagement or interface site is substantially vertical, thereby creating a vertical barrier to prevent the wheel or ball of the caster 15 from rolling out of the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the caster cup member 820.
It is noted that optional friction material (not shown) on the inner layer of the double layered flexible furniture leg sock 100 can assist in preventing the wheel or ball of the caster 15 from rolling out of the furniture leg protective sock 100 and the caster cup member 820.
It is further noted that the bottom portion of the inner layer of double layered flexible furniture leg sock 100 may be bonded to the bottom 810 of the caster cup member 820.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of an elastic material such as an elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, neoprene, polybutadiene.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky material to assist in holding the caster cup member 820 in place around the furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky elastic material.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of an elastic material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The caster cup member 820 may be constructed of a tacky elastic material such that the caster cup member 820 is dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
A furniture caster covering includes a caster cup member configured to engage a caster of a furniture leg; and a bottom member configured to engage a surface; the caster cup member being constructed of an elastic material.
The caster cup member may be constructed of elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, or neoprene.
The bottom member may be constructed of felt to allow the furniture caster covering to slide across a surface.
The caster cup member may be constructed of a tacky elastic material.
The caster cup member may be constructed to be dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The bottom member may include protrusions configured to prevent the non-slip furniture caster covering from sliding across a surface.
The bottom member may include dimples configured to prevent the non-slip furniture caster covering from sliding across a surface.
A furniture leg protective sock to prevent a furniture leg from scraping or marring a floor includes a stretchable/expandable double-layered non-friction material to form an outer layer, an inner layer, and a gap therebetween, the outer layer having a first outer layer surface and a second outer layer surface, the inner layer having a first inner layer surface and a second inner layer surface, the first outer layer surface and the first inner layer surface being continuous, the second outer layer surface and the second inner layer surface being continuous, the gap being formed between the second outer layer surface and the second inner layer surface; and a caster cup member configured to engage a caster of a furniture leg; the caster cup being located in the gap of the stretchable/expandable double-layered non-friction material; the caster cup member being constructed of an elastic material.
The caster cup member may be constructed of elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, silicone, or neoprene.
The caster cup member may be constructed to be dimensionally biased to a smaller volume when not engaged with a furniture caster.
The first inner layer surface of the inner layer of the stretchable/expandable double-layered non-friction material may include friction material.
It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the description above and the claims below.
The present application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/472,888, filed on Jun. 14, 2023. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/472,888, filed on Jun. 14, 2023, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/368,015, filed on Mar. 28, 2019, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/874,080, filed on Jan. 18, 2018, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/582,836, filed on May 1, 2017, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/685,726, filed on Apr. 14, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/075,283, filed on Mar. 11, 2008, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/963,061, filed on Aug. 3, 2007, is hereby incorporated by reference. The entire content of Published US Patent Application Number US-2015-0223602-A1, published on Aug. 13, 2015 and filed on Apr. 14, 2015, is hereby incorporated by reference. To prevent a floor from being damaged when a chair or table is moved, various sizes of felt disks or other soft material has been, conventionally, fastened to the bottom of the chair or table legs. The conventional protective materials are usually attached to the bottom of the furniture legs by adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Conventional protective products are not durable, and the adhesives tend to lose adhesiveness, ultimately causing the bond to fail. Mechanically connecting a conventional leg covering to the bottom of a furniture leg creates problems in that when the felt deteriorates, the remaining mechanical fastener contributes to a scraping on the floor. U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,246 illustrates a conventional furniture leg glide in the form of a cup which is slid over the leg. It has an accordion-type section that will adjust itself to any slanting of a furniture leg. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,246 is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,830 shows a conventional leg slide protector in the form of a spirally wound tube that is inserted into a bore of the leg. This type of protection can be quite cumbersome and expensive to manufacture. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 7,159,830 is hereby incorporated by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,986 discloses a conventional protective cover for use on the bottom of chairs and table legs. An elastomeric sleeve or cup has a bottom to which is connected a disk or soft dense material such as felt. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 7,124,986 is hereby incorporated by reference. The protective device consists of a sock to be applied to a bottom of a furniture leg. The sock is made of an elastic material and made on a circular knitting machine. The inside surface of the sock has applied thereto a friction material to enhance the friction between the sock and the furniture leg. A top of the circular material is doubled back upon itself to form a double seam. The bottom of the sock is closed by an overcast seam and, ordinarily, does not require any additional material, such as felt, to act in its protective purpose, and that is, to protect a floor from being scratched or marred. However, there times and occasions when additional protection material may be useful such as a felt pad. Such a felt pad may be adhesively applied to a bottom of the sock or on the inside. An example of a conventional caster cup is disclosed in Published US Patent Application Number 2021/0345775. The entire content of Published US Patent Application Number 2021/0345775 is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63472888 | Jun 2023 | US |