Patent Application
20180213938
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The instant disclosure relates to a seating system and a method of assembling the seating system.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,072,384 and 9,392,872 disclose a chair that allows small, subtle multi-directional motion by the user while maintaining the functionality and space requirements of a stack chair. The multi-directional motion is facilitated by flexible supports mounted to the frame of the chair which suspend and support the chair's seat. A range of motion in the seat is thereby provided which is limited by an integrated stopping mechanism built into the chair's frame. Allowing the user to change seating attitude with concomitant motion of the chair seat improves user comfort and prevents or delays user fatigue during long seating sessions while maximizing efficiency of work accomplished during a seating session.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,010,867 discloses an article of furniture comprising a stool configured to be used on a generally horizontal surface such as a floor. The stool comprises a seat and a base comprising a rounded bottom surface configured to rest upon the floor. A mass is positioned beneath the seat so that the base is at equilibrium in a first tilted orientation relative to the floor. The base can be tilted to second tilted orientation relative to the floor by tilting the rounded bottom surface of the base relative to the floor.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,998,319 discloses a seating device including a seat, a post positioned below and attached to the seat, a base positioned below and attached to the post, an inflatable bladder positioned below and attached to the base, and a guard positioned below and attached to the base. The inflatable bladder comprises a portion of a sphere, the portion comprising less than 35 per cent of the sphere. The inflatable bladder covers over 35 per cent of an underside of the base, and the guard comprises a solid circular piece extending downward from the base with a bottom edge located above a bottom of the inflatable bladder when the inflatable bladder is fully inflated.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,116 discloses an item of seating furniture containing a seat providing a seat surface, a generally circular foot panel positioning the item of seating furniture on a floor, and a central part, which connects the seat to the foot panel and of which a vertical center axis runs centrally through the foot panel. The foot panel is of at least partially convex configuration and that side of the foot panel which is directed toward the floor is configured, at least in part, as a non-slip surface. This creates an ergonomic item of seating furniture which stands in a stable state.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,478,878 discloses a self-righting chair having: (i) a seat; (ii) a base member; and (iii) a connector connecting the base member to the seat, wherein the base member has a curved configuration, and wherein the base member has sufficient weight, such that when a force is exerted to move the chair from a substantially vertical position to a tilted position, the chair is moved from the substantially vertical position to the tilted position, then returns to the substantially vertical position when the tilting force is removed.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,916 discloses a gardening stool that allows for tilting and pivoting. The gardening stool has an elongated base connected to a seat by a post. The elongated base is convex and is tapered towards the front for pivoting. The base may include a flattened region located toward the rear of the post for stability. The base may further include compartments for holding tools.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,558,186 discloses a child's high chair consisting of a plurality of hollow cylinders of successively smaller diameter, a chair, and a feeding tray. The cylinders being adapted to be stacked, one upon the other, and secured together, to form a high base for the chair and the feeding tray mounted thereon. When disassembled, the several components being nestable, one within the other, to form a compact carrying package of which the feeding tray forms the cover.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,560,785 discloses a hassock or the like comprising a plurality of separate structural units assembled in a plurality of side-by-side stacks, a pair of cover members extending across opposite ends of the stacks, and tie members fastened to the cover members and extending through the units in the stacks, whereby the units are held together by the tie members and cover members to form a unitary frame.
European Patent No. EP 1334675 discloses a stool having a base provided with a convex lower surface and a soft skirting, a central column which can be fitted with a height adjusting mechanism, and a seat facilitating a squatting position. The outer contours of the seat are curved, resulting in three sections shaped like a bicycle seat, allowing the child to sit in a stable position with the knees slightly apart and the pubic bone supported by the projecting section. The stool can be tilted because of the convex center of the base and the surrounding soft skirting which also protects the child from injury when his/her fingers get caught under the base.
Japanese Patent No. JP 10-229952 discloses a bath stool having of a top seating part, the lowest leg part, and a plurality of mutually stackable sections arranged in-between. The number of sections to use is determined depending on child's height when sitting, with the stool height adjusted by stacking the seating part, leg part and in-between sections like picnic boxes. Thus, when a parent and a child take a bath together, the child can sit on the stool with the head above the water level in the bathtub, thereby enabling them to enjoy taking a bath stably and leisurely.
A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a seating system includes a pedestal and a reversible base. The pedestal includes a top having an outer surface and a perimetrical wall extending away from the top. The reversible base includes spaced apart inner and outer surfaces, a wall extend between the spaced apart inner and outer surfaces, and a ledge extending outwardly from the inner surface. A bottom of the perimetrical wall of the pedestal and the ledge of the reversible base include a locking mechanism configured for removably and reversibly securing the pedestal and the reversible base to each other. The top of each pedestal and the bottom of the perimetrical wall of each pedestal are configured for removably securing two pedestals to each other. In some embodiments, the pedestal and the reversible base are removably secured to each other with an outer surface of the reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the pedestal or inwardly into a hollow of the pedestal. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the reversible base is convex. In some embodiments, the top of the pedestal is configured for seating.
A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of assembling a seating system includes providing a pedestal and a reversible base and removably and reversibly securing the pedestal and the reversible base to each other. In some embodiments, a height of the seating system is adjusted by stacking two pedestals, one atop another, and removably securing them to each other.
One or more non-limiting exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure to the illustrated and described embodiments. While multiple non-limiting exemplary embodiments are provided, variations thereof will become apparent or obvious. Accordingly, any and all variants for providing functionalities similar to those of the illustrated and described embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a first locking mechanism configured for removably securing (or coupling) the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 to each other. In particular, the first locking mechanism is configured for removably securing (or coupling) a bottom 30 of the perimetrical wall 20 and the ledge 28 of the reversible base 14 to each other. In some embodiments, the bottom 30 and the ledge 28, i.e., the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14, are removably secured (or coupled) to each other with the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 oriented, i.e., facing, outwardly and away from the pedestal 12. In certain embodiments, the bottom 30 and the ledge 28 are removably secured (or coupled) to each other with the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 oriented, i.e., facing, inwardly into a hollow 32 of the pedestal 12.
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the first locking mechanism includes complementary elements 34 and 36, respectively, disposed along the bottom 30 and the ledge 28. In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism is configured for removably securing the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 to each other when the outer surface 24 is oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal 12 and also when the outer surface 24 is oriented inwardly into the hollow 32 of the pedestal.
In certain embodiments, the complementary elements 34 and 36 of the first locking mechanism are configured for slidable engagement. For example, as perhaps best illustrated in
In some embodiments, the first locking mechanism additionally or in the alternative includes one or more detents or similar mechanisms configured for preventing or minimizing accidental separation of the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 after they have been removably secured to each other. In certain embodiments, the slot 34 is open at both ends, and the tab 36 is slid into the channel of the slot 34 through either one of the two open ends. In some embodiments, one of the slot 34 and tab 36 has a detent and the other has a complementary element or configuration whereby the tab 36 can be “locked” or “held in place” within the channel of the slot 34. In certain embodiments, the slot 34 is open at one end through which the tab 36 enters the channel, and the opposite end of the slot 34 is closed for preventing the tab 36 from exiting or disengaging from the slot 34. In some embodiments, the opposite end has a reduced width less than the thickness of the tab 36.
In certain embodiments, the first locking mechanism is configured as one or more tabbed connectors. Consequently, the first locking mechanism may be engaged by simply placing the ledge 28 proximate the bottom 30, aligning the complementary elements of each tabbed connectors, and displacing either the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 towards each other or one towards the other. In certain embodiments, the first locking mechanism may include one or more fasteners configured for removably securing the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 to each other. Additional or alternative embodiments or enhancements of locking mechanisms configured for removably securing the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 to each other are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 is convex. Consequently, when the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 are removably secured to each other with the outer surface 24 oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal 12, the seating system 10 will have a convex base or bottom. When the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 are removably secured to each other with the outer surface 24 oriented inwardly into the hollow 32 of the pedestal 12, the seating system 10 will have a planar or essentially flat base or bottom. As such, the pedestal 12 is configured for stowing or storing the reversible base 14, for example when not in “use”.
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, when the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 are removably secured to each other, the outermost edge along the bottom 30 of the perimetrical wall 20 and the portion of the wall 26 along the outer boundary or perimeter of the reversible base 14 are spaced-apart from each other. With reference to
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 18 of the pedestal 12 is configured for seating. In some embodiments, the outer surface 18 is substantially planar. In certain embodiments, the outer surface 18 is at least partially concave. In some embodiments, the outer surface 18 is cushioned, i.e., the outer surface 18 includes or is configured as a cushion.
In the illustrated embodiment, the seating system 40 includes two pedestals, viz., first pedestal 12 and second pedestal 42, and two reversible bases, viz., first reversible base 14 and second reversible base 44. In some embodiments, the second pedestal 42 is substantially identical to the first pedestal 12, and the second reversible base 44 is substantially identical to the first reversible base 14. Consequently, a second locking mechanism for removably securing (or coupling) the second pedestal 42 and the second reversible base 44 to each other is substantially identical to the first locking mechanism. In other words, all locking mechanisms for removably securing (or coupling) a pedestal and a reversible base to each other, regardless of being labeled as the first or the second locking mechanism, are substantially identical. As such, it will be apparent that the substantially identical first and second pedestals 12 and 42 are interchangeable, and the substantially identical first and second reversible bases 14 and 44 are also interchangeable. In other words, any one of the substantially identical first and second pedestals 12 and 42 and any one of the substantially identical first and second reversible bases 14 and 44 can be removably, and interchangeably, secured (or coupled) to each other. As such, a seating system defined at least in part by removably securing (or coupling) the second pedestal 42 and the second reversible base 44 to each other is substantially identical to the seating system 10 which is defined at least in part by removably securing (or coupling) the first pedestal 12 and the first reversible base 14 to each other.
Referring back to the embodiment of the pedestal 12 illustrated in
In certain embodiments, the complementary elements 48 and 50 of the third locking mechanism are configured for slidable engagement. For example, as perhaps best illustrated in
In some embodiments, the third locking mechanism additionally or in the alternative includes one or more detents or similar mechanisms configured for preventing or minimizing accidental separation of the pedestals 12 and 42 after they have been removably secured to each other. In certain embodiments, the slot 50 is open at both ends, and the tab 48 is slid into the channel of the slot 50 through either one of the two open ends. In some embodiments, one of the tab 48 and the slot 50 has a detent and the other has a complementary element or configuration whereby the tab 48 can be “locked” or “held in place” within the channel of the slot 50. In certain embodiments, the slot 50 is open at one end through which the tab 48 enters the channel, and the opposite end of the slot 50 is closed for preventing the tab 48 from exiting or disengaging from the slot 50. In some embodiments, the opposite end has a reduced width less than the thickness of the tab 48.
In certain embodiments, the third locking mechanism is configured as one or more tabbed connectors. Consequently, the third locking mechanism may be activated or engaged for removably securing the pedestals 12 and 42 to each other by simply aligning the complementary elements of each tabbed connectors, and displacing the pedestals 12 and 42 towards each other or one towards the other. In certain embodiments, the third locking mechanism may include one or more fasteners configured for removably securing the pedestals 12 and 42 to each other. Additional or alternative embodiments or enhancements of locking mechanisms configured for removably securing the pedestals 12 and 42 to each other are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
It will be appreciated that while
It will be further appreciated that while
It will be additionally appreciated that while
It will be further appreciated that in non-limiting exemplary embodiments of seating systems with, for example three pedestals, two or more separate seating systems can be assembled. For instance, such a seating system can be configured to provide two individual or separate seating systems having one seating system similar to the seating system 10 and another seating system similar to the seating system 40. Or, the seating system can be configured to provide three individual or separate seating systems, each similar to the seating system 10.
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the perimetrical walls of the pedestals 12 and 42 include one or more set-backs or depressions 52 configured for lifting the pedestals individually and for lifting the seating system 10 or 40 using a user's fingers. In some embodiments, the one or more set-backs 52 are used for removably securing (or coupling) two pedestals to each other. In certain embodiments, the one or more set-backs 52 are used for removably securing (or coupling) a pedestal and a reversible base to each other.
It will be appreciated that while the pedestals 12 and 42 are illustrated as cylindrical, this is not a requirement. Pedestals having any geometrical shape are contemplated and are therefore considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. In some embodiments, the non-cylindrical pedestals have an opening in the bottom configured for accommodating the reversible bases 14 and 54. In certain embodiments, the non-cylindrical pedestals have an opening in the bottom configured for accommodating a reversible base having a geometry different from that of the reversible bases 14 and 54. Reversible bases having alternative shapes are contemplated and are therefore considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In addition thereto, a method of assembling one or more seating systems 10 and/or 40 will be apparent in light of the description of the components, i.e., the pedestals 12 and 42, the reversible bases 14 and 44, and the various locking mechanisms.
Briefly, a method of assembling the seating system 10 includes removably securing a pedestal 12 or 42 and a reversible base 14 or 44 to each other at the bottom of the perimetrical wall of the pedestal, e.g., the bottom 30 of the perimetrical wall 20 of the pedestal 12. The pedestal and the reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the pedestal or inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal. For example, the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 are removably secured to each other with the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 oriented either outwardly and away from the pedestal 12 or inwardly into the hollow 32 of the pedestal 12. As such, a plurality of pedestals and a plurality of reversible bases can be removably secured to each other with the respective outer surface of each reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the pedestal to which it is removably secured or inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal to which it is removably secured. The pedestal with the outer surface of the reversible base oriented inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal can be used for seating and/or can be removably secured to another pedestal to provide a stacked seating system.
A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of assembling a seating system with multiple stacked pedestals, e.g., the seating system 40, includes removably securing two pedestals to each other. The pedestals are removably secured to each other either before or after removably securing the bottom most pedestal and a reversible base to each other. The bottom most pedestal and the reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the pedestal or inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal. It will be apparent that an additional pedestal can be added, for example for increasing the height of the seating system, by removably securing the top pedestal of a two pedestal seating system and the additional pedestal to each other. Each pedestal other than the bottom pedestal and a reversible base can be removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the reversible base oriented inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal. Obviously, this step will need to be performed before removably securing the pedestals to each other. The bottom pedestal and a reversible base can be removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the pedestal or inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal.
It should be apparent that the seating system will be capable of multi-directional motion when the base or bottom of the seating system has a convex surface. Accordingly, in non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the seating systems 10 and 40 will provide multi-directional motion when the single or the bottom pedestal and the reversible base are removably secured to each other with a convex outer surface of the reversible base oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal.
In view thereof, modified and/or alternate configurations of the embodiments described herein may become apparent or obvious. All such variations are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, while reference may have been made to particular feature(s) and/or function(s), the disclosure is considered to also include embodiments configured for functioning and/or providing functionalities similar to those disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure is to embrace all such variations. Consequently, the metes and bounds of the disclosure is solely defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
