US20180368577A1

US20180368577A1 - Stackable Furniture System

Info

Publication number: US20180368577A1
Application number: US16/103,331
Authority: US
Inventors: Bruce William Prock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-29
Filing date: 2018-08-14
Publication date: 2018-12-27

Abstract

A stackable furniture device, comprises a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein there exists an acute angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the rear leg when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/643,723, filed Mar. 15, 2018, and U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/579,410, filed Sep. 29, 2016, the disclosures of each of which being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This present invention relates to a stackable furniture design and arrangements of the same in a stackable furniture system.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the first front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device.
In another exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device. According to another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second front leg opposite the first front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the first front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.
In another exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the first front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device. According to another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second front leg opposite the first front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the first front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section. According to yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second rear leg opposite the first rear leg and rearward of the second front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and each of the second rear leg and the first rear leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.
In an exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the first front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device. According to another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second front leg opposite the first front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the first front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section. According to yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second rear leg opposite the first rear leg and rearward of the second front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and each of the second rear leg and the first rear leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section. According to a still further aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise at least one slat on one of the first rear leg and the second rear leg such that the at least one slat extends outwardly from the seat section. Alternatively, there may be at least one slat in each of the first rear leg and second rear leg.
In another exemplary embodiment, at least one slat on one of the first rear leg and the second rear leg may extend outwardly from the seat section and be interconnected to the seat section via an elbow. In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the slat found in both the first rear leg and the second rear leg may be located in an elbow interconnecting the seat section to one or more of the first rear leg and/or the second rear leg. In yet another embodiment the at least one slat comprises a first slat located in a first elbow and a second slat located in a second elbow, whereby the first rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the first elbow and the second rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the second elbow. In still another embodiment, the at least one slat may comprise a first slat in the rear leg and a second slat in the second rear leg, the first slat has a first surface and the second slat has a second surface, wherein the first surface faces is oriented opposite the second surface.
In an exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may have two to six chairs in which each chair has a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device: (i) a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length, (ii) a line in the plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length, (iii) the line in the plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length. Additionally in this embodiment, the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In another exemplary embodiment, the rear leg of the second chair is in contact with the rear leg of the first chair. In still another exemplary embodiment, the rear leg of the second chair is not in contact with the rear leg of the first chair.
In an exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may have two to six chairs in which each chair has a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device: (i) a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length, (ii) a line in a plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length, (iii) the line in the plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length. Additionally in this embodiment, the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In this exemplary embodiment, the stacked furniture system may further comprise a plurality of chairs disposed on top of six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair on top of the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs creates a CG arc.
In another exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may have two to six chairs in which each chair has a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device: (i) a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length, (ii) a line in the plane that is parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length, (iii) the line in the plane that is parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length. Additionally in this embodiment, the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of chairs disposed on top of the six chairs is such that the center of gravity of each chair above the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In a further aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.
In an exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may comprise at least eight chairs, wherein each chair comprises a seat section, a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length is no greater than about 45° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and the at least eight chairs are stacked one on top of the other and when stacked create a (CG) arc.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design.

FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design in an exploded view.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second stackable furniture design.

FIG. 3A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a second stackable furniture design. FIG. 3B illustrates the aforementioned exemplary embodiment of a second stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIGS. 4A-E illustrate exemplary embodiments of ganging features of a first stackable furniture design.

FIGS. 4F-G illustrate exemplary embodiments of nesting features for exemplary front and rear legs for a first stackable furniture design.

FIGS. 5A-B illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a first stackable furniture design in profile views.

FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design when viewed from the rear.

FIG. 6A illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design.

FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rear leg assembly.

FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary rear leg brace in use in an exemplary first stackable furniture design.

Each of FIGS. 6D-H illustrates a different view of an exemplary rear leg brace.

FIGS. 6I-K illustrate exemplary embodiments of front and rear backings in separate and assembled forms, each in a profile view.

FIG. 6L illustrates an exemplary seat rest from its underside.

FIG. 6M illustrates an exemplary seat rest in a profile view.

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design.

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary second stackable furniture design.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a third stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fourth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fifth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sixth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a seventh stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an eighth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of another stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary second stackable furniture design in a profile view.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of yet another stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary second stackable furniture design in a profile view.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different and interchangeable and interrelated figures. Parts and components of each figure may be substitutes for other components in other figures to achieve the various designs, products, systems, methods, and embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIG. 1A, an exemplary stackable chair 1 may be comprised of a seat section 10 and a plurality of legs, such as, for example, legs 5 x, 5 y, 6 x, and 6 y. In another embodiment, an exemplary stackable chair 1 may be comprised of a seat section 10, a backing section 20, and a plurality of legs, such as, for example, legs 5 x, 5 y, 6 x, and 6 y. In a further embodiment, an exemplary stackable chair 1 may be comprised of a seat section 10, a backing section 20, a back rest section 30, and a plurality of legs, such as, for example, legs 5 x, 5 y, 6 x, and 6 y. Each of the foregoing embodiments may be illustratively depicted in FIG. 1A.
With further reference to FIG. 1A, a stackable chair 1 may be oriented so that it is viewed from the front and left sides. In this exemplary orientation, front left leg 5 x is in a closer view than front right leg 5 y and rear left leg 6 x is in a closer view than rear right leg 6 y. A front apron brace 11 may couple front legs 5 x/y together to form a front portion of seat section 10 while central apron brace 13 may couple together rear legs 6 x/y to form a rear portion of seat section 10. In an exemplary embodiment the front portion of seat section 10 may be coupled to the rear portion of seat section 10 via one or more transverse brackets 12 x/y, with 12 x being a left transverse bracket and 12 y being a right transverse bracket as illustrated in FIG. 1A. Additionally and alternatively, a rear apron brace 15 may couple any portion of backing section 20 to seat section 10 via an array of structures, such as, for example one or more rear transverse brackets 14 x/y or one or more lumbar supports 17 x/y, with 17 x being the left lumbar support and 17 y, the right lumbar support. And while the various braces 11/13/15, brackets 12/14, lumbar supports 17, and legs 5 x, 5 y, 6 x, and/or 6 y may be assembled to one another and vis-à-vis one another about seat section 10, their number and arrangement may be any suitable one that accomplishes one or more purposes described, such as, for example, enabling chair 1 to stand, enabling chair 1 to support the type and number of objects it is specifically designed to hold (e.g., a 400-lb North American Adult male, a 50th Percentile North American Adult male). In a preferred embodiment, the chair 1 may be designed to satisfy Business And Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) standards for stackable office furniture. In an exemplary embodiment, each of braces 11/13/15, brackets 12/14, lumbar supports 17, and legs 5 x, 5 y, 6 x, and/or 6 y may be one or more of a combination of solid bars and/or tubes of circular, rectangular, or other polygonal shapes.
As illustratively provided for in FIG. 1A, chair 1 may comprise a left shoulder 7 x and a right shoulder 7 y (riot shown) coupling each of left and right rear legs, 6 x and 6 y, respectively, to the remainder of chair 1. Shoulders 7 x/y may be integral with central apron brace 13 or may be mechanically attached thereto using known techniques in the art, e.g., welding, screws, bolts. Consequently, shoulders 7 x/y may be made of the same or different material from any other component comprising chair 1, including rear legs 6 x/y.
As illustratively provided for in FIG. 1A, chair 1 may also have one or more backing braces 21-25. Each of these may work with lumbar supports 17 x/y to enable seating in chair 1. And while seat section 10 and backing section 20 may be illustrated as substantially rectangular in shape, those skilled in the art may recognize that any number of shapes may be utilized and are suitable for the purposes of an exemplary chair 1, including circular, ovular, square, and other types of polygons/polyhedron structures.
As illustratively provided for in FIG. 1A, chair 1 may also have openings for reception of material to enhance the seating experience, e.g., seat openings 16A-B, backing opening 30, lumbar openings 31-33. Such materials may take the form of various fabrics, foams, upholstery, plastic panels, or other seat materials known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment, such openings 16A-B/30-33 may not exist and chair 1 may be constructed from the same or similar materials making up any of the other of its components (e.g., braces 11/13/15, brackets 12/14, legs 5 x, 5 y, 6 x, and/or 6 y). In a preferred embodiment, front legs 5 x/y and rear legs 6 x/y connected to chair section 10 at the front brace 11 and rear brace 13, respectively, may together form a structure that has a yield strength that may be on average 7,900 pounds per square inch (psi) when a uniform force is applied to the constituents of seat section 10.
As illustratively provided for in FIG. 1B, chair 1 may be shown in exploded view with many of the same features illustratively depicted in FIG. 1A at the same vantage point. However, in addition to the aforementioned features, FIG. 1B may also feature a seat rest 40 which may be disposed substantially on top of seat section 10, an undercarriage 41 disposed substantially below seat section 10, a front backing 20A disposed substantially in front of chair backing section 20, a rear backing 20B substantially behind chair backing section 20, and an array of mount points 20C₁, 20C₂, 20C₃, and 20C₄, disposed about the frame of chair backing section 20. An assembled embodiment of chair 1 as illustratively provided for in FIG. 1B may be provided for in an illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 6A. In one embodiment, front backing 20A and rear backing 20B are connected to one another via one or more of mount points 20C₁, 20C₂, 20C₃, and 20C₄. In another embodiment, fabric or cushion material may be placed inside and/or behind front backing 20A and be sealed thereto once attached to mount points 20C₁, 20C₂, 20C₃, and 20C₄, rear backing 20B, or a combination of the same. In yet another embodiment, seat rest 40 may interconnect to undercarriage 41 via one or more parts of seat section 10, including, for example, braces 12 x/y, 13, 14 x/y, and 15. According to this embodiment, undercarriage 41 and seat rest 40 may have connections to one another that go through one or more parts of seat section 10 and/or connections to one another that go about one or more parts of seat section 10.
In an alternative embodiment illustratively provided via FIG. 2, an exemplary chair 2 may have left and right front legs 5 x and 5 y, respectively, left and right rear legs 6 x and 6 y, respectively, left and right shoulders 7 x/y, left and right lumbar braces 17 x and 17 y, respectively, chair backing section 20, gap 30, and backing brace 21. In contrast with the chair 1 of FIG. 1A, chair 2 may be illustratively shown with seat rest 40 disposed on seat section 10 (not shown). In further contrast, chair 2 may be shown with an integrated shoulder 7 x and leg 6 x, In an exemplary embodiment, legs 6 x and 6 y of chair 2 taper as they emerge from shoulder section 7 x and 7 y (not shown) and terminate at the floor position. The taper of rear legs 6 x and 6 y may be illustratively shown in their profile and topographical views such that the sides of each of the rear legs converge downwardly towards a smaller cross-section located most distally from the seat section 10 and which is in contact with the ground. The tapering of the rear legs may be further illustratively depicted in the front/rear views of FIG. 3A.
As further illustratively provided for in FIGS. 3A and 3B, an exemplary rear leg 6 x/y may also deviate from the alignment of front leg 5 x/y at an angle relative to shoulder 7 x/y. In a preferred embodiment, when viewed from the front and/or rear, right rear leg 6 y may be angled more to the right than right front leg 5 y. In a further preferred embodiment, when viewed from the front and/or rear, left rear leg 6 x may be angled more to the left than left front leg 5 x. In yet another preferred embodiment, when viewed from the front and/or rear, right rear leg 6 y may be angled more to the right than right front leg 5 y and left rear leg 6 x may be angled more to the left than left front leg 5 x. As may be further illustrated by FIG. 3B, seat section 10 may be bounded above by seat rest 40 and an under carriage 41, which may be made out of the same or different material as seat rest 40. Alternatively, under carriage 41 may be an extension of seat rest 40 such that undercarriage 41 attaches seat rest 40 to seat section 10, e.g., via buttons, Velcro, buckles, snaps, hooks, adhesives, screws, threading. In a preferred embodiment, undercarriage 41 may be comprised of a formed polymer.
In an exemplary embodiment, seat section 10 may be an internal S-shaped saddle seat foundation for a cold-molded foam cushion 40. In another exemplary embodiment, the seat section 10 may be an ergonomic blow-molded or injected design comprised of metals, composites, or plastics. Additionally, an exemplary seat foam cushion 40 may be an ergonomic cold-molded design, a CNC-cut contoured slab cushion, a slab cushion with contoured upholstery treatment, and/or may further include a gel-memory topper.
Additionally and alternatively, an exemplary chair 1 or 2 may also include a flex-back structure known to those skilled in the art, for example, spring-L(s) or flex-spine comprised of hardened steel alloys or composites, for example, a flex-back with internal webbing that may curve slightly back as it rises to create a comfortable and relaxed feel and/or also provides lumbar support.
An exemplary composition for a chair 1 or 2 may include lightweight alloys for the seat and backing frame components (e.g., 5 x/y, 6 x/y, 7 x/y, 10-11, 12 x/y, 13, 14 x/y, 15-16A/B, 17 x/y, 20-25, 31-33), polymers for any seat and back foundations, and cold-molded polyurethane and Commercial Grade Fabric for seat rest 40.
With respect to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4A, an exemplary chair 1 may be shown again from the vantage point of its underside. In this view, each of front legs 5 x and 5 y may be shown tapering as they descend from seat section 10 to their respective terminus that comes in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, front legs 5 x and/or 5 y may have a taper at an angle of about 2.00° with a deviation of 0.5°. Also in this view, each of rear legs 6 x and 6 y may be shown tapering from their respective shoulders 7 x and 7 y to each of their terminus that comes in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, rear legs 6 x and/or 6 y may have a taper at an angle of 1.90° with a deviation of 0.5°. In accordance with both of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of tapered legs, such angles and ranges of the same are critical for assuring the optimized stacking arrangements described herein.
With respect to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4B, a closer view of a portion of the left underside of chair 1 may be depicted. As illustrated, rear left leg 6 x couples to seat section 10 of chair 1 via right shoulder 7 x and joint 12 z. An exemplary joint 12 z may comprise a bracket, hearing, channel, or other structure or combination of structures to permit rotation of shoulder 7 x or its connecting structures (e.g., central transverse cross brace 13) within chair 1. Alternatively, an exemplary joint 12 z may fix shoulder 7 x to the remainder of chair 1 by way of mechanical connections (e.g., bolts, screws, interlocking mechanisms, snap-fit channels) or integrated connections (e.g., welding, extrusion, chemical adhesives)
With further reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4B, a downward slat 9 x may be formed in or attached to a periphery of shoulder 7 x. In an exemplary embodiment, downward slat 9 x may have the same cross-section as shoulder 7 x, provided it is capable of receiving another structure within its surfaces to interlock shoulder 7 x to another structure or otherwise permit attachments, i.e., ganging. In one embodiment, the other structure may be another chair 1. In another embodiment, the other structure may be an accessory for chair 1, such as, for example, a tray table, beverage or food holder, media holder, basket, compartment, umbrella, or bag holding apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, downward slat 9 x may be circular in cross-section with a space between its outer surface and rear leg 6 x/6 y, depending on which side it appears on chair 1. Additionally, while one slat 9 x may be illustrated in FIG. 4B, it may be that multiple slats and/or interlocking combinations may exist to maximize interactivity between the downward slat 9 x.
Referring now to FIG. 4C, an illustrative right side view of chair 1 may be depicted showing a shoulder 7 y and an upward slat 9 y extending outwardly from rear right leg 6 y. In a preferred embodiment, upward slat 9 y may be configured to interlock with downward slat 9 x, for example, as may be illustratively provided for in FIGS. 4D-E. In yet another preferred embodiment, upward slat 9 y may be of similar shape and cross-section to downward slat 9 x. An exemplary upward slat 9 y may be configured to extend from shoulder 7 y and rear leg 6 y in the same or similar fashion as downward slat 9 x. Similarly, upward slat 9 y may also be used to hold accessories (both permanent and removable) to chair 1, such as, for example, a tray table, beverage or food holder, media holder, basket, compartment, umbrella, or bag holding apparatus (e.g., IV bags, heart monitors, and other health diagnostic equipment), or cup holders.
As illustratively provided for in FIGS. 4D and 4E, an exemplary plurality of chair 1 may comprise slats 9 x and 9 y that engage one another to hold each of the plurality of chair 1 to one another, i.e., ganging. As previously described, slats 9 x and 9 y extend from shoulders 7 x and 7 y, respectively, which themselves extend outwardly from set section 10 of chair 1. And while slats 9 x/y may be shown running parallel to the cross-section of shoulder 7 x/y, they may be any other angular orientation with respect to such a cross-section to implement a particular assembly of chair 1 in a space, e.g., slats 9 x/y may be at acute angles relative to the cross section of their respective shoulders 7 x/7 y to allow for angled chair 1 coupling formations (e.g., jagged, diagonal, circular, ovular) so long as they are oriented to receive one another on an adjoining chair (e.g., having opposite configurations, interlocking arrangements, mating joints, recesses, brackets). In an alternative embodiment, slats 9 x/y may be comprised of glass, which can hide finish welds on brace 13, for example. In another alternative embodiment, slats 9 x/y may be able to pivot forward/backward and/or 180 degrees to the floor to allow for chair-chair coupling at multiple angles.
As illustratively provided for in FIGS. 4F and 4G, an exemplary chair 1/2 may further comprise a variation of front legs 5 x/5 y and/or rear legs 6 x/6 y that differ from those illustratively shown in other figures. With reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4F, front legs 5 x/5 y may have an arcuate cross-section from the part of the leg that attaches to seat section 10 (e.g., brace 11 as shown in FIG. 4H) to the part of the leg in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the front leg 5 x/5 y may have a “v”-shaped cross-section when viewed from its seat section 10 contact point (e.g., brace 11). An arcuate structure such as a v-shaped cross-section may facilitate overlapping arrangements of front legs 5 x/5 y so that they may nest or slidably translate when placed atop one another as shown in further figures herein described.
With reference to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4G, rear legs 6 x/6 y may have an arcuate cross-section from the part of the leg that attaches to seat section 10 (e.g., shoulders 7 x/7 y) to the part of the leg in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear leg 6 x/6 y may have a “v”-shaped cross-section when viewed from its seat section 10 (e.g., shoulders 7 x/7 y) contact point. An arcuate structure such as a v-shaped cross-section may facilitate overlapping arrangements of rear legs 6 x/6 y so that they may nest and or slidably translate when placed atop one another as shown in further figures herein described. With respect to the illustrative rear legs 6 x/6 y of FIG. 4G, the portion of the rear legs 6 x/6 y that comes into contact with the ground G may be at an angle A sufficient to satisfy the preferred ranges illustrated and described with respect to FIGS. 5A-C. Alternatively, the angle λ of the ground-contact portion of rear legs 6 x/6 y may be between 36° and about 24°, and preferably about 39°. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the arcuate legs 5 x/5 y/6 x/6 y may be made pursuant to monocoque and pseudo-monocoque techniques, stamping, extrusion, or other manufacturing methods known to those skilled in the art.
With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, an exemplary chair 1 may be configured so that its constituent parts may have certain dimensions and/or may be within certain positions relative to others and/or reference points. For example, with reference to FIG. 5A, an exemplary right rear leg 6 y may have a taper β relative to the forward most surface of the right rear leg. In an exemplary embodiment, taper β may be between about 2.35° and about 3.15°, preferably 2.85°. As will be explained further, these ranges of taper for β may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized stacking of a chair 1 with other such chairs. Similarly, an exemplary right front leg 5 y may have a taper ε relative to the forward most surface of the right front leg. In an exemplary embodiment, taper ε may be between about 0.9° and about 1.9°, preferably 1.4°. As will be explained further, these ranges of taper for ε may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized stacking of a chair 1 with other such chairs. While the aforementioned angles and ranges have been described with respect to the right front and rear legs, 5 y and 6 y, respectively, these angles and ranges may be suited for the left front and rear legs, 5 x and 6 x, respectively, as they may also be especially suitable and critical for the same or similar applications to which chair 1 would be put.
With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5B, an exemplary chair 1 may be characterized by at least three different axes “L₁,” “L₂,” and “L₃,” and the ground “G” as may be illustrated. In this configuration, all legs (5 x/y and/or 6 x/y) of chair 1 are in contact with ground line G. In an exemplary embodiment, may be designated the line which best represents the positional orientation of the rear leg (6 x/y). In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L₁may be the centerline for a majority of the length of the leg going from the bottom of the rear leg 6 x/y to the part of the rear leg coupling to shoulder 7 x/y. In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L₁may be the line that passes through the center of the cross sections of the upper and lower terminus of the rear leg 6 x/y, e.g., those cross sections in contact with ground line G and shoulder 7 x/y. In an exemplary embodiment, L₂may be designated the line which best represents the positional orientation of the front leg (5 x/y). In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L₂may be the centerline for a majority of the length of the leg going from the bottom of the front leg 5 x/y to the part of the front leg coupling to seat portion 10 (e.g., at front apron brace 11). In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L₂may be the line that passes through the center of the cross sections of the upper and lower terminus of the front leg 5 x/y, e.g., those cross sections in contact with ground line G and seat portion 10, those cross sections in contact with ground line G and front apron brace 11. In an exemplary embodiment, L₃may be designated the line which best represents the plane of the seat portion 10. In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L₃may be the line connecting the centers of mass of each of the constituent parts of seat portion 10. Alternatively, L₃may be the line from chair 1's front to chair 1's back in the plane parallel to the bottom of seat 40 when assembled in chair 10. Further alternatively, L₃may be the plane that intersects the upper terminus of legs 5 x/y and 6 x/y. While the above exemplary methods of determining reference axes L₁, L₂, and L₃may be utilized, those skilled in the art may determine other methods of identifying axes for these components consistent with the disclosures herein.
Referring again to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5B, an exemplary chair I may have numerous ranges of angles between components and/or the ground to effect its operation. In one embodiment, the angle α between L₁and L₂may be between about 39° and about 45′,and preferably 42°. In another embodiment, the angle ρ between L₁and L₃may be between about 45° and 51°, and preferably 48°. In another embodiment, the angle θ between L₃and ground G may be between about 6° and about 1°, and preferably about 3°. In yet another embodiment, an angle ω between L₂and L₃may be between about 87° and about 93°, and preferably about 90°. And in still further of another embodiment, an angle Δ between L1 and ground G may be between about 48° and about 54°, and preferably about 51°.
Referring to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5C, an exemplary chair 1 may also have a particular taper ξ between front legs 5 x/y that may range from about 1.7° to about 2.3°, and preferably about 2.0°. Additionally and/or alternatively, an exemplary chair 1 may have a particular taper π between rear legs 6 x/y that may range from about 3.5° to about 4.1°, and preferably about 3.8°.
As previously explained, these ranges described with respect to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized nesting and stacking of a chair 1 with other such chairs. For example, without these above particular angles and measurements, chair 1 may not be able to suitably nest and stack with additional chairs 1 to maintain a first balanced furniture arrangement. As an additional example, without the above particular angles and measurements, chair 2 may not be able to suitably stack and nest with additional chairs 2 to maintain a second balanced furniture arrangement.
With reference to the illustrative embodiment provided for in FIG. 6B, an exemplary rear leg assembly 90 may be shown in exploded view. An exemplary rear leg assembly 90 may comprise transverse brace 13, left and right rear legs 6 x and 6 y, respectively, and their respective slatted ends 9 x/9 y, and left and right leg brackets 8 x and 8 y, respectively. Additionally, according to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6B, transvers brace 13 may include proximal contours 13 p and distal contours 13 d, which may be, for example, rectangular cut-outs from a cylindrical brace 13 tube or indentations/channels in brace 13's surface. In an exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 6B, rear legs 6 x/y may couple to the distal contours 13D of brace 13 via welding, bolts, screws, interlocking joints, adhesives, or other mechanical and/or chemical connections known to those skilled in the art.
In further accordance with that exemplary embodiment illustratively provided for in FIG. 6B, a leg bracket 8 x/8 y may be disposed within brace 13 and within respective rear leg 6 x/6 y. In this configuration, bracket 8 x/8 y spans between openings in brace 13 and the respective rear leg 6 x/6 y via the distal contour 13D. Accordingly, bracket 8 x/8 y may be shaped so as to interlock with bracket 13 and its respective rear leg 6 x/6 y through distal contour 13D. In a preferred embodiment, bracket 8 x/8 y may be configured to achieve any of the aforementioned angles that may be deemed critical for applications. A closer view of left leg bracket 8 x as situated within brace 13 and left rear leg 6 x may be illustratively provided for in FIG. 6C. Additionally leg bracket 8 x/8 y may also have in its surfaces the slat 9 x/9 y, respectively, to allow for ganging, provided enough of bracket 8 x/87 protrudes from within brace 13 when situated therein.
As illustrated in FIG. 6C, an exemplary rear leg assembly 90 may be attached to left transverse bracket 12 x on seat section 10 via proximal contour 13 p. In a preferred embodiment, proximal contour 13 p may be dimensioned so that a lower-most surface of brace 13 is substantially flush with the lower surface of bracket 12 x and/or all or substantially all of the other brackets and braces making up seat section 10. Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment, contour 13 p may allow for a relatively flat underside of seat section 10 for receipt of undercarriage 41. A benefit of maintaining a relatively flush underside for seat section 10 may be to reduce contours and curvatures in undercarriage 41 and/or streamline chair 1. In an exemplary embodiment of a rear leg assembly 90 as illustratively provided for in FIG. 6C, left leg bracket 8C may be shaped so that a portion passes through distal contour 13 d and passes over proximal contour 13 p. In a further exemplary embodiment, the portion of leg bracket 8 x that passes over contour 13 p may be in contact with transverse bracket 12 x and either connect to or rest thereon. At its other end, an exemplary leg bracket 8 x may be configured to frictionally engage within the inside walls of the rear leg 6 x. While the portion of bracket 8 x within rear leg 6 x may be shown abutting the wall of leg 6 x facing transverse bracket 12 x, this portion of bracket 8 x (to be described elsewhere herein) may be configured to contact a plurality of inside walls of its respective rear leg 6 into which it may be inserted. Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that while FIG. 6C provides a left-hand side vantage point, the same features would be understood to exist on the right-hand side in substantially the same fashion.
With reference to the illustrative embodiments provided for in FIGS. 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G, and 6H, an exemplary rear leg bracket 8 may be shown. FIGS. 6D and 6E may illustrate an exemplary rear leg bracket 8 in isometric view, showing stem 81, plank 82, plank bend 83A, plank wing 83B, branch 85, lower rest 84, and upper rest 86. As may be provided for in FIGS. 6E-6F and 6H, between branch 85 and plank 82 may be a finger 88 separated from the plank by a gap 89 and separated from the branch 85 by a slot 87. As may be illustratively provided for in FIG. 6E, a slot 87 may separate plank wing 83B from upper rest 86 in like manner to slot 87 between finger 88 and branch 85. In one exemplary embodiment, the undulating profile of upper rest 86, lower rest 84, and branch 85 may allow for spring-like capabilities for bracket 8 so as to allow it to apply friction to the walls of its respective rear leg 6 x/y when inserted therein. The degree of springiness in the upper rest 86, lower rest 84, and branch 85 may be a function of the span of slots 87 and gap 89 in conjunction with the relative lengths of the upper rest 86, lower rest 84, and branch 85, as well as the thickness of the connection between branch 85 and plank bend 83A, which connection thickness may also be affected by the size of finger 88. An exemplary bracket 8 may be constructed from steel or hardened alloy and made by die stamping. As previously described, an exemplary slat 9 x/9 y may be made in a portion of plank 82, plank bend 83A, or plank wing 83B to the extent one or all of these components protrude from inside brace 13 when situated therein. In other words, leg bracket 8 x/8 y may take on the form of a “T” shape as opposed to the illustrative “L.” shape depicted in FIGS. 6C-H.
As illustratively provided for in FIGS. 6I, 6J, and 6K, an exemplary profile view of a front backing 20A, a rear backing 20B, and a combination of both front and rear backing 60, may be shown. In the exemplary embodiment illustratively provided for in FIG. 6I, an exemplary front backing 20A may comprise an upper hand 61, a front apron 65 and a lower hand 67. Disposed between the upper hand 61 and the front apron 65, at least one front upper link 63 may be located. Disposed between the lower hand 67 and the front apron 65, at least one front lower link 69 may be located. In the exemplary embodiment illustratively provided for in FIG. 6J, an exemplary rear backing 20B may comprise an upper hand 62, a rear apron 66 and a lower rear hand 68. Disposed between the upper hand 62 and the rear apron 66, at least one rear upper link 64 may be located. Disposed between the lower rear hand 68 and the rear apron 66, at least one rear lower link 70 may be located. When combined as illustratively assembled in FIG. 6K, space 71 formed by the combination of upper hand 61 and upper hand 62 may allow for passage of components of seat section 20, e.g., upper extremity of brace or rail 21 of seat section 20. When combined as illustratively assembled in FIG. 6K, space 72 formed by the combination of front apron 65 and rear apron 66 may allow for passage of components of seat section 20, e.g., backing brace 22. When combined as illustratively assembled in FIG. 6K, space 73 formed by the combination of lower hand 67 and lower hand 68 may allow for passage of components of seat section 20, e.g., backing brace 23. Thus, the hands and aprons of backings 20A and 20B may be configured to mold around the various backing braces 21-25 comprising seat section 20. An exemplary front backing 20A may be constructed from semi-flexible polymers and made by injection, rotary and/or blow molding processes known to those skilled in the art. An exemplary rear backing 20B may be constructed from semi-flexible polymers and made by injection, rotary and/or blow molding processes known to those skilled in the art.
With reference to the illustrative embodiment provided for in FIGS. 6L and 6M, an exemplary seat rest 40 may be shown from its underside (as in FIG. 6L) and in profile view (as in FIG. 6M). As provided for in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 6L, an exemplary seat rest 40 may have a right adapter broken into two discrete portions, front right adapter 42 y ₁and rear right adapter 42 y ₂. An exemplary seat rest 40 may also have a left adapter broken into two discrete portions, front right adapter 42 x ₁and rear right adapter 42 x ₂. Collectively, right and left adapters 42 y ₁, 42 y ₂, 42 x ₁, and 42 x ₂may be referred to as adapters 42. Each of the portions of the right, central, and left adapters may be separated by a channel 46, which may be dimensioned to fit around brace 13 of seat section 10. According to one embodiment, seat rest 40 may have its adapters 42 and/or 45 dimensioned so that seat section 40 can fill openings in seat section 10, e.g., chair spaces 16A and 16B, and otherwise further rigidify the frame seat section 10 of chair 1 on either side of braces 12 x/y and 14 x/y. According to another embodiment, adapters 42 and 45 of seat rest 40 may operate to click or friction fit around braces 12 x/y and 14 x/y of chair 1. According to yet another embodiment, channel 46 may friction fit or snap onto brace 13, e.g., where brace 13 possesses corresponding channels for receiving such friction fittings or snap geometries or possesses corresponding structures to snap into or friction fit within channel 46. According to still another embodiment, seat rest 40 may be designed so that adapters 42 and/or 45 or elsewhere on seat rest 40's underside, receiving surfaces for undercarriage 41 may exist so that it can snap into or friction fit with seat section 40. Alternatively, an exemplary undercarriage 41 may snap into, friction fit, or otherwise attach to seat section 10 and/or seat rest 40 via bolts, screws, Velcro, magnets, adhesives, or other forms of attachment known to those skilled in the art. An exemplary seat rest 40 with one or more adaptors 42 and/or 45 may be constructed from variety of polymers and polyurethanes and made by injection, rotary, or blow-molding polymers and cold-molding or machine forming polyurethanes . An exemplary undercarriage for coupling to seat rest 40, seat section 10, and/or both may be constructed from variety of polymers and made by injection, rotary, blow-molding or vacuum-forming.
In a first embodiment of a first balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A, a first chair 1A may be nested with a second chair 1B. In an exemplary embodiment of nesting as illustrated in FIG. 7A, a first chair 1A may have a seat rest 40A and left front and rear legs, 5 x ₁and 6 x ₁, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y ₁and 6 y ₁, respectively attached to a seat section 10A, and further providing for a backing section 20A coupled to the seat section 10A. In further accordance with the aforementioned FIG. 7A embodiment, a second chair 1B may have an undercarriage 41B and left front and rear legs, 5 x ₂and 6 x ₂, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y ₂and 6 y ₂, respectively attached to a seat section 10B, and further providing for a backing section 20B coupled to the seat section 10B. According to the nesting arrangement illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A, undercarriage 41B may rest atop seat rest 40A so that the following surfaces may share substantial contact with one another about the following contacting surface areas: (i) the front of hacking section 20A and the rear of backing section 20B; (ii) the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B); (iii) the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x ₁and the underside of left rear leg 6 x ₂; and/or (iv) the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y ₁and the underside of right rear leg 6 y ₂. Among the various surfaces identified for nesting according to this exemplary embodiment, the most critical surface-to-surface abutment would be equally (i) the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of left rear leg 6 x 2; and/or (ii) the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of right rear leg 6 y 2, and (iii) the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B),
In a second embodiment of a first balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A, a first chair 1A may be nested with a second chair 1B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B), the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x ₁and the underside of left rear leg 6 x ₂, and the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y ₁and the underside of right rear leg 6 y ₂are in substantial contact.
In a third embodiment of a first balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A, a first chair 1A may be nested with a second chair 1B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B), the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x ₁and the underside of left rear leg 6 x ₂, the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y ₁and the underside of right rear leg 6 y ₂, and the front of backing section 20A and the rear of backing section 20B are in substantial contact.
In a first embodiment of a second balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in FIG. 7B, a first chair 2A may be nested with a second chair 2B. In an exemplary embodiment of nesting as illustrated in FIG. 7B, a first chair 2A may have a seat rest 40A and left front and rear legs, 5 x ₁and 6 x ₁, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y ₁and 6 y ₁, respectively attached to a seat section 10A, and further providing for a backing section 20A coupled to the seat section 10A. In further accordance with the aforementioned FIG. 7B embodiment, a second chair 2B may have an undercarriage 41B and left front and rear legs, 5 x ₂and 6 x ₂, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y ₂and 6 y ₂, respectively attached to a seat section 10B, and further providing for a backing section 20B coupled to the seat section 10B. According to the nesting arrangement illustratively provided for in FIG. 7B, undercarriage 41B may rest atop seat rest 40A so that the following surfaces may share substantial contact with one another about the following contacting surface areas: (i) the front of backing section 20A and the rear of backing section 20B; (ii) the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B); (iii) the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x ₁and the underside of left rear leg 6 x ₂; and/or (iv) the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y ₁and the underside of right rear leg 6 y ₂. Among the various surfaces identified for nesting according to this exemplary embodiment, the most critical surface-to-surface abutment would be equally (i) the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of left rear leg 6 x 2; and/or (ii) the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of right rear leg 6 y 2, and (iii) the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B).
In a second embodiment of a second balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in FIG. 7B, a first chair 2A may be nested with a second chair 2B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B), the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x ₁and the underside of left rear leg 6 x ₂, and the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y ₁and the underside of right rear leg 6 y ₂are in substantial contact.
in a third embodiment of a second balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in FIG. 7B, a first chair 2A may be nested with a second chair 2B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and the undercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, then seat section 10B), the top-most surface of left rear leg 6 x ₁and the underside of left rear leg 6 x ₂, the top-most surface of right rear leg 6 y ₁and the underside of right rear leg 6 y ₂, and the front of backing section 20A and the rear of backing section 20B are in substantial contact.
In an exemplary embodiment of a stacked furniture arrangement when viewed from the right-hand side, as illustratively provided for in FIG. 8, a first chair 1A and a second chair 1B may be placed in accordance with one or more of the first balanced. furniture arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. As such, a rear contact point 35 may be considered the point at which the rearward-most portion of first chair 1A that is in contact with ground G. As illustrated in FIG. 8, an exemplary first chair 1A has a center of mass or center of gravity (“CG”) denoted CG₁located above seat rest 40A. The center of gravity or center of mass may be the point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position. In other words, CG₁may be the point at which the entire weight of chair 1A may be considered as concentrated so that if it is supported at that point it would be stable in any position. It may also be known that bodies tend to rotate about their centers of gravity when impacted by a force.
With further reference to FIG. 8, a second chair 1B may be placed on first chair 1A in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 1A and second chair 1B may have a center of gravity denoted CG₂. The CG₂may be located on second chair seat rest 40B and not in free space as may be the case for CG₁. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary two-chair system comprising first and second chairs 1A and 1B, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG₂) that may be closer to the front of chair 1A from. position 36A to position 36B.
With reference to FIG. 9, a third chair 1C may be placed on the second chair 1B in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 1A, second chair 1B, and third chair 1C may have a center of gravity denoted CG₃. The CG₃may be located in third chair seat rest 40C. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary three-chair system comprising first, second, and third chairs 1A, 1B and 1C, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG₃) that may be closer to the front of each of chairs 1A and 1B from position 36B to position 36C. As may be further illustratively provided for in FIG. 9, the location of CG₃and prior CG₂and CG₁may be substantially aligned with the rear leg 6 y ₃of chair 1C.
With reference to FIG. 10, a fourth chair ID may be placed on the third chair 1C in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 1A, second chair 1B, third chair 1C, and fourth chair 1D may have a center of gravity denoted CG₄. The CG₄may be located on top of third chair seat rest 40C or below fourth chair seat rest 40D. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary four-chair system comprising first, second, third, and fourth chairs 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG₄) that may be closer to the front of each of chairs 1A, 1B, and 1C from position 36C to position 36D. As may be further illustratively provided for in FIG. 10, the location of CG₄and prior CG₃, CG₂and CG₁may be substantially aligned with the rear leg 6 y ₄of chair 1D. As may also be illustratively provide for in FIG. 10, an exemplary four-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top.
With reference to FIG. 11, a fifth chair 1E may be placed on the fourth chair 1D in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 1A, second chair 1B, third chair 1C, fourth chair 1D, and fifth chair 1E may have a center of gravity denoted CG₅. The CG₅may be located within the fourth chair seat rest 40D or below fifth chair seat rest 40E. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary five-chair system comprising first, second, third, fourth, and fifth chairs 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG₅) that may be closer to the front of each of chairs 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D from position 36D to position 36E, although not as great an increased distance as that between 36A to 36B, 36B to 36C, and/or 36C to 36D. As may be further illustratively provided for in FIG. 11, the location of CG₅and prior CG₄, CG₃, CG₂and CG₁may be substantially aligned with both of rear leg 6 y ₄of chair 1D and rear leg 6 y ₅of chair 1D. As may also be illustratively provide for in FIG. 11, an exemplary five-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top.
With reference to FIG. 12, a sixth chair 1F may be placed on the fifth chair 1E in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 1A, second chair 1B, third chair 1C, fourth chair 1D, fifth chair 1E and sixth chair 1F may have a center of gravity denoted CG₆. The CG₆may be located on top of the fourth chair seat rest 40D, which may be below fifth chair seat rest 40E and substantially below sixth chair seat rest 40F. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary six-chair system comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chairs 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E and 1F, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG₆) that may be closer to the front of each of chairs 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 1E from position 36E to position 36F, although not as great an increased distance as that between 36A to 36B, 36B to 36C, 36C to 36D, and/or 36D to 36E. As may be further illustratively provided for in FIG. 12, the location of CG₆and prior CG₅, CG₄, CG₃, CG₂and CG₁may be substantially aligned with both of rear leg 6 y ₄of chair 1D and rear leg 6 y ₅of chair 1E. As may also he illustratively provide for in FIG. 12, an exemplary six-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top. In a preferred embodiment, CG₆may be substantially unchanged from CG₅in the horizontal (x) direction.
With reference to FIG. 13, a seventh chair 1G may be placed on the sixth chair 1F in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7A. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 1A, second chair 1B, third chair 1C, fourth chair 1D, fifth chair 1E, sixth chair 1F, and seventh chair 1G may have a center of gravity denoted CG₇. The CG₇may be located in the fifth chair seat rest 40E, which may be below the sixth chair seat rest 40F and substantially below seventh chair seat rest 40G. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary six-chair system comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chairs 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F and 1G, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG₇) that may be closer to the front of each of chairs 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and 1F from position 36F to position 36G, although not as great an increased distance as that between 36A to 36B, 36B to 36C. 36C to 36D, 36D to 36E and/or 36E to 36F. In a preferred embodiment, CG₇may be substantially unchanged from CG₆in the horizontal (x) direction, which may be substantially unchanged from CG₅in the horizontal (x) direction.
As may be further illustratively provided for in FIG. 13, the location of CG₇and prior CG₆, CG₅, CG₄, CG₃, CG₂and CG₁may be substantially aligned with rear leg 6 y ₅of chair 1E. As may also be illustratively provide for in FIG. 13, an exemplary seven-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top.
According to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 14, a stacked arrangement IS comprising a plurality of chairs 1 may have an arching progression of CGs as additional chairs 1 are added to the stack 1S. In addition to the previously illustrated CG₁through CG₇, CG₈and CG₉are illustratively shown in FIG. 14 in positions that tend to be substantially aligned with CG₄, CG₅, CG₆, and/or CG₇, while also appearing to follow an arc towards the rear of the stack 1S. The arc of sequential CGs in an exemplary stack 1S as the number of chairs increases from 1 to 12 may be illustratively shown in FIG. 15's depiction of CG arc 37.
In contrast, FIG. 16 illustratively provides for a stacking arrangement of chairs 2. As was illustratively provided with respect to stacking arrangements involving a plurality of chairs 1, a plurality of chairs 2, comprising chair 2A and 2B, may be shown.
As previously explained, the orientations described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3 may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized nesting and stacking of a chair 2 with other such chairs. For example, without these above orientations, chair 2 may not be able to suitably nest and stack with additional chairs 2 to maintain a first balanced furniture arrangement.
In an exemplary embodiment of a stacked furniture arrangement when viewed from the right-hand side, as illustratively provided for in FIG. 16, a first chair 2A and a second chair 2B may be placed in accordance with one or more of the second balanced furniture arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7B. As such, a rear contact point 35 may be considered the point at which the rearward-most portion of first chair 2A that may be in contact with ground G. As illustrated in FIG. 16, an exemplary first chair 2A has a CG denoted CG_Alocated above seat rest 40A. As previously explained with respect to chair 1 in FIG. 8, CG_Amay he the point at which the entire weight of chair 2A may be considered as concentrated so that if it is supported at that point it would be stable in any position. It may also be known that bodies tend to rotate about their centers of gravity when impacted by a force.
With further reference to FIG. 16, a second chair 2B may be placed on first chair 2A in accordance with one or more of the second balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for in FIG. 7B. When arranged in that manner, the system of first chair 2A and second chair 2B may have a center of gravity denoted CG_A+B. The CG_A+Bmay be located on second chair seat rest 40B and not in free space as may be the case for CG_A. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 2, an exemplary two-chair system comprising first and second chairs 2A and 2B, respectively, may have a vertically increased CG (CG_A+B) that may be closer to the front of chair 2A from position 38A to position 38B.
As subsequent chair 2 are added to an exemplary second balanced chair arrangement 2S, each subsequent CG may be substantially aligned in a vector 39 that may itself be oriented at substantially the same angle as the majority of the length of a majority of the rear legs 6 x/y of all the chairs 2 in chair arrangement 2S.
As illustratively provided for in FIGS. 7A and 713, chair 1 and/or 2 may function as a banquet chair, despite lacking a traditional banquet chair appearance. In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an exemplary stackable furniture system may be ergonomically enhanced and compact to enable nesting. In another aspect as illustratively provided for in FIGS. 7A-B and 8-17, an exemplary stacking functionality may utilize leg-on-leg nesting in the rear, seat-on-seat nesting with an integrated angled nesting pan that locks the seat above onto the seat below. An additional aspect of an exemplary stacking furniture system may also include integrated stacking buttons, integrated stacking glides, and nested seat-pan on seat arrangement. In certain embodiments, a “smile” shape of the seat and nesting pan along with the rear leg-on-leg nesting may create a compact nesting stacked chair arrangement 1S and/or 2S for tight, secure stack configurations.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. A stackable furniture device, comprising:

a seat section;

a plurality of legs interconnected to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the rear leg is an acute angle less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device.

2. The stackable furniture device of claim 1, further comprising a second front leg opposite the front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.

3. The stackable furniture device of claim 2, further comprising a second rear leg opposite the rear leg and rearward of the second front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second rear leg is an acute angle less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and wherein each of the second rear leg and the rear leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.

4. The stackable furniture device of claim 3, further comprising at least one slat on one of the rear leg and the second rear leg, wherein the at least one slat extends outwardly from the seat section.

5. The stackable furniture device of claim 3, further comprising at least one slat in each of the rear leg and the second rear leg, wherein the at least one slat extends outwardly from the seat section.

6. The stackable furniture device of claim 4, wherein the at least one slat is located in an elbow, the at least one of the rear leg and the second rear leg being interconnected to the seat section via the elbow.

7. The stackable furniture device of claim 6, wherein the at least one slat is located in an elbow, the rear leg or the second rear leg being interconnected to the seat section via the elbow.

8. The stackable furniture device of claim 5, wherein the at least one slat comprises a first slat located in a first elbow and a second slat located in a second elbow, wherein the rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the first elbow and the second rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the second elbow.

9. The stackable furniture device of claim 5, wherein the at least one slat comprises a first slat in the rear leg and a second slat in the second rear leg, the first slat has a first surface and the second slat has a second surface, wherein the first surface faces is oriented opposite the second surface.

10. The stackable furniture device of claim 8, wherein the first slat has a first surface and the second slat has a second surface, wherein the first surface is oriented opposite the second surface.

11. A stacked furniture system, comprising:

two to six chairs, wherein each chair comprises:

a seat section;

a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device:

a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length,

a centerline passing through the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length,

the centerline passing through the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length,

and further wherein the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.

12. The stacked furniture system of claim 11, wherein the rear leg of the second chair is in contact with the rear leg of the first chair.

13. The stacked furniture system of claim 11, wherein the rear leg of the second chair is not in contact with the rear leg of the first chair.

14. The stacked furniture system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of chairs disposed on top of six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair on top of the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.

15. The stacked furniture system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.

16. The stacked furniture system of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of chairs disposed on top of the six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair above the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.

17. The stacked furniture system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.

18. The stacked furniture system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of chairs disposed on top of the six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair above the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.

19. The stacked furniture system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.

20. A stacked furniture system, comprising:

at least eight chairs, wherein each chair comprises:

a seat section;

a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length is no greater than about 45° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device;

wherein the at least eight chairs are stacked one on top of the other and when stacked create a CG arc.