Seating System
20180213938 ยท 2018-08-02
Assignee
Inventors
- Charles Risdall (Plano, TX, US)
- Michael Risdall (Plano, TX, US)
- Charles A. Patterson (Durango, CO, US)
- Joe Ricchio (Long Beach, CA, US)
Cpc classification
A47C3/38
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
A seating system configured for providing multi-directional motion.
Claims
1. A seating system, comprising: a first pedestal comprising: a top having an outer surface; and a perimetrical wall extending away from the top; and a first reversible base comprising: spaced apart inner and outer surfaces; a wall extend between the spaced apart inner and outer surfaces; and a ledge extending outwardly from the inner surface; wherein, a bottom of the perimetrical wall of the first pedestal and the ledge of the first reversible base comprise a first locking mechanism configured for removably and reversibly securing the first pedestal and the first reversible base to each other.
2. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the first pedestal and the first reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the first reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the first pedestal or inwardly into a hollow of the first pedestal.
3. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first reversible base is convex.
4. The seating system of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the top of the first pedestal is configured for seating.
5. The seating system of claim 1, comprising: a second pedestal substantially identical to the first pedestal; and a second reversible base substantially identical to the first reversible base; wherein, a bottom of a perimetrical wall of the second pedestal and a ledge of the second reversible base comprise a second locking mechanism substantially identical to the first locking mechanism and configured for removably and reversibly securing the second pedestal and the second reversible base to each other.
6. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the top of the first pedestal and the bottom of the perimetrical wall of the second pedestal comprise a third locking mechanism configured for removably securing the first and the second pedestal to each other.
7. The seating system of claim 6, wherein: the first pedestal and the first reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the first reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the first pedestal or inwardly into a hollow of the first pedestal; and the second pedestal and the second reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the second reversible base oriented inwardly into a hollow of the second pedestal.
8. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the outer surface of either one or both of the first and the second reversible base is convex.
9. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the outer surface of the top of either one or both of the first and the second pedestal is configured for seating.
10. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the bottom of the perimetrical wall of the first pedestal and the top of the second pedestal comprise a third locking mechanism configured for removably securing the first and the second pedestal to each other.
11. The seating system of claim 10, wherein: the first pedestal and the first reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the first reversible base oriented inwardly into a hollow of the first pedestal; and the second pedestal and the second reversible base are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the second reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the second pedestal or inwardly into a hollow of the second pedestal.
12. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the first and the second pedestal are interchangeable.
13. The seating system of claim 5, wherein the first and the second reversible base are interchangeable.
14. A seating system, comprising: a plurality of pedestals, wherein each one of the plurality of pedestals comprises: a top having an outer surfaces; and a perimetrical wall extending away from the top; and a plurality of reversible bases, wherein each one of the plurality of reversible bases comprises: spaced apart inner and outer surfaces; a wall extend between the spaced apart inner and outer surfaces; and a ledge extending outwardly from the inner surface; wherein, a bottom of the perimetrical wall of each one of the plurality of pedestals and the ledge of each one of the plurality of reversible bases comprise a first locking mechanism configured for removably and reversibly securing one of the plurality of pedestals and one of the plurality of reversible bases to each other.
15. The seating system of claim 14, wherein the bottom of the perimetrical wall of each one of the plurality of pedestals and the top of each one of the plurality of pedestals comprise a second locking mechanism configured for removably securing any two of the plurality of pedestals to each other.
16. The seating system of claim 15, wherein a first of the plurality of pedestals and a first of the plurality of reversible bases are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the first reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the first pedestal or inwardly into a hollow of the first pedestal.
17. The seating system of claim 16, wherein a second of the plurality of pedestals and a second of the plurality of reversible bases are removably secured to each other with the outer surface of the second reversible base oriented inwardly into a hollow of the second pedestal; and the top of the first pedestal and the bottom of the perimetrical wall of the second pedestal are removably secured to each other.
18. The seating system of claim 14, wherein the outer surface of each of the plurality of reversible bases is convex.
19. The seating system of claim 14, wherein the outer surface of the top of each of the plurality of pedestals is configured for seating.
20. A method of assembling a seating system, comprising: providing one or more pedestals, each comprising a top having an outer surfaces configured for seating; and a perimetrical wall extending away from the top; and providing one or more reversible bases, each comprising spaced apart inner and outer surfaces; a wall extend between the spaced apart inner and outer surfaces; and a ledge extending outwardly from the inner surface; and removably securing a bottom of the perimetrical wall of a first of the one or more pedestals and the ledge of a first of the one or more reversible bases to each other.
21. The method of claim 20, comprising removably securing the first pedestal and the first reversible base to each other with the outer surface of the first reversible base oriented either outwardly and away from the first pedestal or inwardly into a hollow of the first pedestal.
22. The method of claim 21, comprising removable securing a bottom of the perimetrical wall of a second of the one or more pedestals and the top of the first pedestal to each other.
23. The method of claim 22, comprising removably securing the bottom of the perimetrical wall of the second pedestal and a second of the one or more reversible bases to each other with the outer surface of the second reversible base oriented inwardly into a hollow of the second pedestal.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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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]
[0034]
[0035]
[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
[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
[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]
[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]
[0047] Referring back to the embodiment of the pedestal 12 illustrated in
[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
[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
[0052] It will be further appreciated that while
[0053] It will be additionally appreciated that while
[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.