The present disclosure relates to the field of furniture, and, more particularly, to furniture frames and related methods.
Many existing furniture pieces, especially in the case of increasing e-commerce applications, are often shipped in a dissembled state in separate packages. The users must then subsequently assemble the furniture pieces, and typically use screw type fasteners during the assembly. These approaches may have complicated assembly instructions, and may even require special tools for assembly, for example, power tools and specialty Allen wrenches.
In particular, e-commerce applicable approaches for chairs may have additional drawbacks. Typically, for chairs, the seat board, due to long-term use, receives a mutual shear force between the seat board and armrest components. This may cause fasteners to loosen during prolonged use. Further, in these approaches, disassembly of the chair may permanently affect structural strength of the fasteners.
Generally, a chair assembly includes first and second arm rests, a backboard, a pair of first connection devices coupling the backboard between the first and second arm rests, a seat board, and a pair of second connection devices coupling the seat board between the first and second arm rests. Each first connection device comprises a first L-shaped anchor, a second transverse anchor, and first and second openings opposite to and receiving the first L-shaped anchor and the second transverse anchor for coupling. Each second connection device comprises a third L-shaped anchor, and a third opening opposite to and receiving the third L-shaped anchor for coupling.
In particular, the first L-shaped anchor may be canted at an angle with respect to the first and second arm rests and the backboard. For example, the angle may be less than 15°. In some embodiments, the second transverse anchor may comprise a snap fastener. In other embodiments, the second transverse anchor may include an elongate anchor extending through one of the first and second arm rests and the backboard. The second transverse anchor may comprise a housing coupled to one of the first and second arm rests and the backboard and receiving the elongate anchor. The elongate anchor may be L-shaped.
Also, the first opening and the third opening may each comprise an elongate opening, and the second opening may comprise a circle-shaped opening. The first and second arm rests, the backboard, and the seat board may be hollow.
Another aspect is directed to a method for making a chair assembly to be assembled by a user. The method comprises providing first and second arm rests and a backboard, forming a pair of first connection devices to be coupled between the backboard and the first and second arm rests, and providing a seat board. The method also includes forming a pair of second connection devices to be coupled between the seat board and the first and second arm rests. Each first connection device comprises a first L-shaped anchor, a second transverse anchor, and first and second openings opposite to and receiving the first L-shaped anchor and the second transverse anchor for coupling. Each second connection device comprises a third L-shaped anchor, and a third opening opposite to and receiving the third L-shaped anchor for coupling.
The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the invention are shown. This present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and base 100 reference numerals are used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.
Given the deficiencies of the existing approaches, the present application provides a connection structure, and a chair frame, which can provide an approach to the aforementioned problems. The technical approach is a connection structure. The connection structure comprises a first part, provided with at least one L-shaped connection piece. The L-shaped connection piece includes a fixed end and a snap-on end. The angle between the fixed end and the snap-on end being α (e.g., 90°<=α<100°). The snap-on end is provided along the length direction of the first part's surface. The closest distance between the snap end and the first surface distance is L1. The connection structure also includes a second part, with at least one opening. The snap part extending into the opening and sliding to the openings' bottom to complete the snap. The connection structure also includes a locking piece, passing through the first part and fixedly connected to the second part or passing through the second part and fixedly connected to the first part.
Furthermore, the second part is made of hollow material and has a wall thickness of e; and where L1<=e. The distance between the centers of the semicircles at the openings ends is L2, and the length of the snap-on part is L3; L2>=L3. The diameter of the semicircle at both ends of the opening is d1, and the thickness of the L-shaped connecting piece is d2; d1>=d2.
Also, the first part is provided with a first through-hole, and the second part is provided with a first connection hole correspondingly. The locking piece passes through the first through-hole and locks in conjunction with the first connection hole. The second part is provided with a second through-hole, and the first part is provided with a second connection hole. The locking piece passes through the second through-hole and locks in conjunction with the second connection hole.
A chair frame includes a chair frame body and a connection structure. The chair frame body includes a seat board, a backboard, and an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly is set opposite to each other, and the seat board and backrest are respectively set between the armrest assembly and the connection structure.
Furthermore, the backboard and seat board are described as the first part, and the armrest assembly is described as the second part. The seat board is provided with various L-shaped connections to cooperate with the several openings correspondingly provided on the armrest assembly. The backboard is provided with several L-shaped connections to cooperate with the numerous openings correspondingly provided on the armrest assembly, and the locking piece is fixedly connected to the armrest assembly through the backboard. Furthermore, the backboard is provided at the rear of the seat board. The seat board provides lateral restriction, and the locking piece is provided to offer longitudinal restriction for the backboard.
The benefits of the present application are, for example: 1. by the L-shaped connection piece and the opening from the snap, the two parts complete the restriction in the lateral and wide directions; 2. by the locking piece, the two parts are longitudinally limited, for a solid and stable structure; and 3. by convenient and easy installation, the locking piece can be installed to complete the installation after the snap part is connected to the opening.
Referring to
The connection structure comprises a first part with at least one L-shaped connection piece 106. The L-shaped connection piece 106 includes a fixed end and a snap-on end, with the fixed end and the snap-on end having an angle of a between them. The snap-on end 106 is provided along the length of the first part's surface, and the closest distance between the snap-on end and the first surface is L1. The second part is provided with at least one opening 110, 111, and the snap-on part extends into the opening 110 and slides to the bottom of the opening to complete the snap. A locking piece 107 passes through the first part and fixedly connected to the second part or passing through the second part and fixedly connected to the first part. To enable the snap-on part to be snapped to the side wall of the second part, the second part is of hollow material, having a wall thickness of e, L1<=e.
To enable the snap-on part to reach into the opening 110, the distance between the center of the semicircle at both ends of the opening 110 is L2, and the length of the snap-on part is L3, L2>=L3. The diameter of the semicircle at both ends of the opening 110 is d1, and the thickness of the L-shaped connection piece 106 is d2, d1>=d2. Also, a is not less than 90° and not more than 100°, thus having a certain inclination to have a guiding effect.
For a more stable structure and a more solid connection, the first part is provided with a first through-hole, the second part is provided with a first connection hole, and the locking piece 107 passes through the first through-hole, and locks with the first connection hole; or, the second part is provided with a second through-hole, the first part is provided with a second connection hole, and the locking piece 107 passes through the second through-hole and locks with the second connection hole.
To enable the seat board 104, the backboard 102, and the armrest assembly 101a-101b to be interconnected to form a whole, the backboard and the seat board are provided as the first part, and the armrest assembly is provided as the second part. The seat board 104 is provided with several L-shaped connection pieces 106 to cooperate with numerous openings 110 correspondingly provided on the armrest assembly 101a-101b. The backboard 102 is provided with several L-shaped connection pieces 106 to cooperate with numerous openings 110 correspondingly provided on the armrest assembly 101a-101b. The locking piece 107 is fixedly connected to the armrest assembly 101a-101b through the backboard 102. The backboard 102 is provided at the rear of the seat board 104, and the backboard 102 provides lateral restriction. The locking piece 107 is set to provide longitudinal restriction for backboard 102. Similarly, the backboard 102 and seat board 104 can also be set as the second part and the armrest assembly 101a-101b as the first part for connection. Such a setup also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.
According to the above design, the L-shaped connection piece and the opening are connected so that the lateral and wide directions between the two parts are restricted. The longitudinal direction between the two parts is restricted by the locking piece, for a solid and stable structure. The operation is convenient and easy, and can be completed by installing the locking piece after the snap-on part is connected to the opening.
A connection structure, characterized by: the first part, with at least one L-shaped connecting piece set; the L-shaped connecting piece comprises a fixed end and a snap-on end, with the angle between the fixed end and the snap-on end being α; and the snap-on end is set along the length of the first part's surface, and the snap-on end has the closest distance of L1 from the first surface.
The second part has at least one opening set, and the snap-on part extends into the opening and slides to the opening bottom to achieve the snap-on. A locking piece passes through the first part and fixedly connects to the second part, or passes through the second part and then fixedly connects to the first part.
Referring again to
Each of the first and second arm rests 101a-101b, the seat board 104, and the backboard 102 may comprise a hollow structure. Also, each of the first and second arm rests 101a-101b, the seat board 104, and the backboard 102 may comprise a rigid material, such as aluminum.
In some embodiments, the second transverse anchor 107 may comprise a snap fastener. Also, for the component carrying the second transverse anchor 107, the component may comprise a through-hole 112 for receiving the second transverse anchor 107 and being aligned with the second opening 111. The first opening 110 may comprise an elongate opening, and the second opening 111 may comprise a circle-shaped opening.
In the illustrated embodiment, only two connection devices 103a-103b comprise both the first L-shaped anchor 106 and the second transverse anchor 107, and both the first and second openings 110, 111 for coupling (i.e., the lower connection devices coupling the backboard 102 and the first and second arm rests 101a-101b). The other connection devices 105a-105b comprise only the first L-shaped anchor 106 and the first opening 110. Of course, in other embodiments, the other connection devices 105a-105b may also comprise both anchors and openings.
One aspect is directed to a method for making a chair assembly 100 to be assembled by a user. The method comprises providing first and second arm rests 101a-101b, providing a backboard 102, and forming a first pair of connection devices 103a-103b for coupling the backboard between the first and second arm rests. The method also includes providing a seat board 104, and forming a second pair of connection devices 105a-105b for coupling the seat board between the first and second arm rests 101a-101b. Each connection device 103a-103b, 105a-105b comprises a first L-shaped anchor 106, and a second transverse anchor 107, and first and second openings 110, 111 opposite to and receiving the first L-shaped anchor and the second transverse anchor for coupling.
In the illustrated embodiment, the backboard and the seat board both carry the first L-shaped anchor 106 and the second transverse anchor 107 for each of the connection devices 103a-103b, 105a-105b, and the first and second arm rests 101a-101b carry the first and second openings 110, 111. Of course, in other embodiments, the position of the anchors and the openings may be reversed. Further, it should be appreciated that the connection devices 103a-103b, 105a-105b may be applied to other furniture items for quick assembly, such as tables, lounge chairs, couches, etc.
For assembly of the chair assembly 100, the seat board 104 is coupled to the first and second arm rests 101a-101b via the first L-shaped anchors 106 extending from the sides of the seat board, and the first openings 110 on the first and second arm rests. Then, the backboard 102 is coupled to the first and second arm rests 101a-101b via the L-shaped anchors 106 extending from the sides of the backboard. Once the backboard 102 is locked into position, the second transverse anchors 107 are positioned through the through-holes in the backboard and into the second openings 111 on the first and second arm rests 101a-101b. As perhaps best seen in
Referring now to
As perhaps best seen in
As perhaps best seen in
Each second connection device 205a-205b illustratively includes a fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b, and a fourth opening opposite to and receiving the fourth L-shaped anchor for coupling. Here, the fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b illustratively extends downward, and the fourth openings respectively in the first and second arm rests 201a-201b would similarly be elongated along a vertical longitudinal axis. Advantageously, the fourth L-shaped anchors 214a-214b extend in the same direction as the shear force imparted onto the seat board 204 when the chair assembly 200 is in use.
Similar to the first L-shaped anchor 206a-206b and the third L-shaped anchor 213a-213b, the fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b is illustratively canted at the angle α with respect to the first and second arm rests 201a-201b and the seat board 204. Further, each of the first and second arm rests 201a-201b illustratively comprises a protrusion 208a-208b, which receives by the seat board 204 (i.e., the protrusion serves as a ledge for the seat board and resists against the shear forces whole the chair assembly 200 is in use).
In some embodiments, the second transverse anchor 207a-207b may comprise a snap fastener (
Further, as shown in
In some embodiments, the first and second arm rests 201a-201b, the backboard 202, and the seat board 204 may be hollow. In other embodiments, the first and second arm rests 201a-201b, the backboard 202, and the seat board 204 may be solid with respective recesses for the first, second, third, and fourth openings. As for material, the first and second arm rests 201a-201b, the backboard 202, and the seat board 204 may comprise any rigid material with sufficient mechanical strength, for example, metallic materials such as aluminum, or polymers, such as plastic polymers.
Also, the first opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening each comprises an elongate opening, which is similarly constituted to the first opening 110 of
In the illustrated embodiments, the first opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening are defined in each of the first and second arm rests 201a-201b. The first L-shaped anchor 206a-206b, the third L-shaped anchor 213a-213b, and the fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b are carried by the backboard 202 and seat board 204, and are respectively received within the first opening, the third opening, and the fourth opening. The second opening is defined within the backboard 202, and the second transverse anchor 207a-207b is received within the second opening. It should be appreciated that the placement of opening/anchor can be reversed, and is within the scope of the disclosed embodiments.
Another aspect is directed to a method for making a chair assembly 200 to be assembled by a user. The method comprises providing first and second arm rests 201a-201b and a backboard 202, forming a pair of first connection devices 203a-203b to be coupled between the backboard and the first and second arm rests, and providing a seat board 204. The method also includes forming a pair of second connection devices 205a-205b to be coupled between the seat board 204 and the first and second arm rests 201a-201b. Each first connection device 203a-203b comprises a first L-shaped anchor 206a-206b, and a second transverse anchor 207a-207b, and first and second openings opposite to and receiving the first L-shaped anchor and the second transverse anchor for coupling. Each second connection device 205-205b comprises a fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b, and a fourth opening opposite to and receiving the fourth L-shaped anchor for coupling.
During assembly, the user would first assemble the seat board 204 and the first and second arm rests 201a-201b by aligning the fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b into the fourth openings. The user would then position the backboard 202 between the first and second arm rests 201a-201b, aligning the first L-shaped anchor 206a-206b and the third L-shaped anchor 213a-213b with the first and third openings respectively. Lastly, the user would insert the second transverse anchor 207a-207b to lock the assembly into place for use.
Advantageously, the chair assembly 100, 200 may be readily assembled without any tools (i.e., toolless assembly). Further, as noted herein above, the first L-shaped anchor 206a-206b, the third L-shaped anchor 213a-213b, and the fourth L-shaped anchor 214a-214b are vertically oriented and aligned with the shear forces imparted on the chair assembly 100, 200 during use. This may provide for a more durable chair assembly 100, 200. Further, the pair of first connection devices 203a-203b and the pair of second connection devices 205a-205b may be disassembled without degrading the physical integrity of the coupling.
Referring now additionally to
The chair assembly 300 illustratively includes third and fourth connection devices 303a-303b, each comprising first and second L-shaped connection pieces 306a-306b coupling the backboard 302 to each of the first and second arm rests 301a-301b. Each of the first and second arm rests 301a-301b has first and second openings 310a-310b to receive the first and second L-shaped connection pieces 306a-306b. Here, the second opening 310b comprises a canted shape, rather than the elongate straight shape of the first opening 310a. When the backboard 302 is coupled to the first and second arm rests 301a-301b, the backboard may be tilted to force the second L-shaped connection piece 306b into the canted terminal portion of the second opening 310b, thereby preventing unintended dislodgment.
Referring now additionally to
Referring now additionally to
It should be appreciated that features of the first example embodiment of the chair assembly 100 may be combined with features of the second example embodiment of the chair assembly 200 or the third example embodiment of the chair assembly 300 and vice versa. Also, it should be appreciated that the assembly features of the chair assembly 100, 200, 300 may be applied to other furniture pieces, such as a tables (
Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
This application is based upon prior filed copending Application No. 63/508,400 filed Jun. 15, 2023 and prior filed copending Application No. 63/517,708 filed Aug. 4, 2023, the entire subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63508400 | Jun 2023 | US | |
63517708 | Aug 2023 | US |