SEATING SYSTEM

Abstract

A seating system configured for providing multi-directional motion.

Claims

1. A seating system, comprising: at least two pedestals removably attached and stacked with respect to one another so as to form the seating system from the stacked pedestals; an uppermost pedestal of the stacked pedestals including a top surface configured for seating; a lowermost pedestal of the stacked pedestals including a removable base having a convex surface; the seating system being capable of multi-directional motion when the removable base is positioned with the convex surface facing outwardly away from the lowermost pedestal; and the seating system having an essentially flat bottom when the removable base is positioned so that the convex surface does not face outwardly away from the lowermost pedestal.

2. The seating system of claim 1, wherein each pedestal of the at least two pedestals includes a removable base.

3. The seating system of claim 2, wherein the removable base of each pedestal is reversible.

4. The seating system of claim 3, wherein the lowermost pedestal further includes a locking system for securing the removable base to the lowermost pedestal.

5. The seating system of claim 4, wherein the locking system can secure the base to the lowermost pedestal with the convex surface facing inwardly.

6. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the locking system can secure the base to the lowermost pedestal with the convex surface facing outwardly away from the pedestal.

7. The seating system of claim 1, wherein each pedestal includes a locking system for securing the removable attachment of the at least two pedestals with respect to one another.

8. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the top surface of the uppermost pedestal includes a cushion.

9. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the convex surface of the base faces inwardly into the pedestal when the base is positioned so as not to face outwardly away from the pedestal.

10. A seating system, comprising: a pedestal forming a body of the seating system and including a top surface configured for seating and further having a removable base having a convex surface; the seating system being capable of multi-directional motion when the removable base is positioned with the convex surface facing outwardly away from the pedestal; and the seating system having an essentially flat bottom when the removable base is positioned so that the convex surface does not face outwardly away from the pedestal.

11. The seating system of claim 10, wherein the removable base of the pedestal is reversible.

12. The seating system of claim 10, wherein the pedestal further includes a locking system for securing the removable base to the pedestal.

13. The seating system of claim 12, wherein the locking system can secure the base to the pedestal with the convex surface facing inwardly.

14. The seating system of claim 12, wherein the locking system can secure the base to the pedestal with the convex surface facing outwardly away from the pedestal.

15. The seating system of claim 12, wherein the top surface of the pedestal includes a cushion.

16. The seating system of claim 10, wherein the base is attached to the pedestal when the seating system has an essentially flat bottom.

17. A seating system, comprising: a pedestal forming a body of the seating system and including a top surface configured for seating and further having a removable base having a convex surface, and further having a locking system for securing the removable base to the pedestal; the seating system being capable of multi-directional motion when the removable base is secured to the pedestal through the locking system with the convex surface of the removable base facing outwardly away from the pedestal; and the seating system having an essentially flat bottom when the removable base is secured to the pedestal through the locking system with the convex surface of the removable base facing inwardly into the pedestal.

18. The seating system of claim 17, wherein the removable base of the pedestal is reversible.

19. The seating system of claim 18, wherein the top surface of the uppermost pedestal includes a cushion.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a seating system; and

[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view orthogonal to the side view of FIG. 3;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a top view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the seating system of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a pedestal for the seating system of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the pedestal of FIG. 7;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the pedestal of FIG. 7;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a reversible base for the seating system of FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the reversible base of FIG. 10;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a top view of the reversible base of FIG. 10;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the reversible base of FIG. 10;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a two pedestal seating system wherein the seating system of FIG. 1 is at the bottom;

[0030] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of the seating system of FIG. 14 in a disassembled state; and

[0031] FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of the upper pedestal of the two pedestal seating system of FIGS. 14 and 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, are top and bottom perspective views of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a seating system 10. FIGS. 3 and 4 are orthogonal side views of the seating system 10, and FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, are top and bottom views of the seating system 10. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the seating system 10 includes a pedestal 12 and a reversible base 14.

[0034] FIGS. 7 and 8, respectively, are top and bottom perspective views of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the pedestal 12, and FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the pedestal 12. In some embodiments, the pedestal 12 includes a top 16 having an outer surface 18, and a perimetrical wall 20 extending away from the top 16.

[0035] FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively, are top and bottom perspective views of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the reversible base 14, and FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively, are top and bottom views of the reversible base 14. In some embodiments, the reversible base 14 includes spaced apart inner and outer surfaces 22 and 24, respectively, and a wall 26 extending between the spaced apart inner and outer surfaces 22 and 24. In certain embodiments, the wall 26 is configured as a structural support wall. In some embodiments, the reversible base 14 includes a perimetrical ledge 28 extending outwardly from the inner surface 22.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 FIGS. 8 and 10, the elements 34 and 36, respectively, are complementary slots (or channels, grooves) and tabs wherein the first locking mechanism is activated by engaging the slots 34 and tabs 36 with each other. In use, the ends of the slots 34 and the ends of the tabs 36 are aligned, for example positioned proximate each other, and the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 rotated whereby the tabs 36 slide into the slots 34. It will be appreciated that after aligning the complementary elements 34 and 36, either both the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 are rotated in opposing directions or only one of the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 is rotated relative to the other.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the reference numeral 38 illustrates an exemplary distance by which the outermost edge along the bottom 30 and the portion of the wall 26 along the outer boundary or perimeter of the reversible base 14 are spaced-apart from each other. In some embodiments, the distance 38 is configured as a stop which inhibits the seating system 10 from tipping over when a user leans the seating system 10 in which the convex outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 is oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal 12. In certain embodiments, the convex outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 is configured to provide an arc or displacement of approximately 10 degrees between the bottom 30 of the perimetrical wall 20 and a substantially planar surface on which the seating system 10 is placed.

[0043] 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.

[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a seating system 40 having two pedestals removably secured (or coupled) to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, an additional, or second, seating system is removably secured (or coupled) to the pedestal 12, i.e., to the seating system 10. FIG. 15 illustrates the seating system 40 with the second seating system de-coupled, or separated, from the pedestal 12, i.e., the seating system 10. FIG. 16 illustrates the de-coupled second seating system.

[0045] 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.

[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 removably secured (or coupled) to each other with the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal 12. FIG. 15 illustrates the pedestal 42 and the reversible base 44 removably secured (or coupled) to each other with the inner surface 46 of the reversible base 44 oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal 42. That is, the outer surface (not shown) of the reversible base 44 is oriented inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal 42. As such, the reversible base 44 can be considered as being stored or stowed within the pedestal 42.

[0047] Referring back to the embodiment of the pedestal 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1-9, a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the pedestal 12 includes complementary elements 48 and 50, respectively, disposed on the top 16 of the pedestal 12 and the bottom 30 of the perimetrical wall 20 of the pedestal 12. Accordingly, each substantially identical pedestal, e.g., pedestals 12 and 42, will have substantially identical complementary elements, e.g., complementary elements 48 and 50, disposed on their respective tops and bottoms. As described with reference to FIG. 15, a third locking mechanism, defined at least in part by the complementary elements 48 of a first pedestal (e.g., pedestal 12) and 50 of a second pedestal (e.g., pedestal 42), is configured for removably securing (or coupling) the first pedestal (e.g., pedestal 12) and the second pedestal (e.g., pedestal 42) to each other and minimizing the potential of accidental separation. In general, the third locking mechanism is configured for removably securing (or coupling) two pedestals to each other and minimizing the potential of accidental separation.

[0048] 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 FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, the elements 48 and 50, respectively, are complementary tabs and slots (or channels, grooves) wherein the third locking mechanism is activated by coupling or engaging the tabs 48 and the slots 50 with each other. In use, the ends of the tabs 48 and the ends of the slots 50 are aligned, for example positioned proximate each other, and the pedestals 12 and 42 are rotated whereby the tabs 48 slide into the slots 50. It will be appreciated that after aligning the complementary elements 48 and 50, either both pedestals 12 and 42 are rotated in opposing directions or only one of the pedestals 12 and 42 is rotated relative to the other.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] It will be appreciated that while FIG. 14 illustrates the pedestal 42 and the reversible base 44 removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the reversible base 44 oriented inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal 42, this is not a requirement for removably securing the pedestals 12 and 42 to each other. For instance, the pedestal 42 may not include the reversible base 44 when the pedestals 12 and 42 are removably secured to each other. However, in order to ensure that the reversible base 44 does not get misplaced or lost, it is probably desirable to removably secure the pedestal 42 and the removable base 44 to each other, as illustrated, prior to removably securing the pedestals 12 and 42 to each other.

[0052] It will be further appreciated that while FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 removably secured to each other with the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 oriented outwardly and away from the pedestal 12, this is not a requirement. For instance, in some embodiments, the pedestal 12 and the reversible base 14 may be removably secured to each other with the outer surface 24 of the reversible base 14 oriented inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal 12.

[0053] It will be additionally appreciated that while FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate two pedestals 12 and 42, this should not be construed as limiting. For instance, some embodiments of the seating system may include three or more removably secured pedestals. For example, a non-limiting embodiment of a seating system may include three pedestal, a bottom, a middle and a top pedestal. In some embodiments, the middle and the top pedestals are removably secured to each other much like the pedestals 12 and 42. Likewise, the middle and the bottom pedestals are also removably secured to each other much like the pedestals 12 and 42 (or like the top and the middle pedestals). In certain embodiments of the seating system with three pedestals, as described, one or more reversible bases may be provided. However, this is not a requirement nor a limitation. For instance, the seating system may not include any reversible bases. In some embodiments, only one reversible base may be provided for removable securement with the bottom pedestal. The one reversible base and the bottom pedestal may be removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the bottom pedestal or inwardly into the hollow of the bottom pedestal. If one additional reversible base is provided, it would be preferable to stow or store the additional reversible base within the middle or the top pedestal by removably securing the reversible base and either one of the pedestals to each other to circumvent the possibility of misplacing the reversible base. Of course if one more, i.e., a third, reversible base is provided, it can be also stowed or stored by removably securing the remaining pedestal, i.e., the pedestal without a reversible base, and the third reversible base to each other. It should be apparent that in order to provide a seating system with three pedestals, the other surface of any reversible bases stowed or stored within the middle and/or the top pedestal must be oriented inwardly into the hollow of the pedestal.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.