FURNITURE WEIGHT SYSTEMS AND METHODS

Abstract

A pool furniture includes a support structure and a furniture weight system. The support structure defines a hollow interior. The support structure includes a rest surface and an underside. The furniture weight system is attached to the support structure. The furniture weight system includes a fillable anchor and a cap. The fillable anchor defines a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior. The fillable anchor can receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture. The cap can selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening and inhibit fill material from escaping the hollow interior.

Claims

1. A pool furniture, comprising: (a) a support structure defining a hollow interior, wherein the support structure comprises: (i) a rest surface, (ii) at least one support leg extending downward from the rest surface, and (ii) an underside defining a lower vent opening in fluid communication with the hollow interior; and (b) a furniture weight system attached to the support structure, wherein the furniture weight system comprises: (i) a fillable anchor defining a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture, and (ii) a cap configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening, wherein the cap is configured to inhibit the fill material from escaping the hollow interior while the cap is attached to the fillable anchor.

2. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to selectively attach and detach from the support structure.

3. The pool furniture of claim 2, wherein the furniture weight system further comprises a fastener configured to selectively attach the fillable anchor to the support structure.

4. The pool furniture of claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt, the furniture weight system comprises an embedded insert configured to selectively receive the bolt, and the embedded insert is embedded into the support structure.

5. The pool furniture of claim 4, wherein the furniture weight system comprises an alignment pin extending from the fillable anchor, and wherein the underside of the support structure defines a pin hole dimensioned to receive the alignment pin when the fillable anchor is attached to the support structure.

6. The pool furniture of claim 2, wherein the underside of the support structure defines an anchor cavity dimensioned to selectively receive the fillable anchor.

7. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a backrest and a seat rest.

8. The pool furniture of claim 7, wherein the backrest is attached to the seat rest via an attachment screw.

9. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the at least one support leg comprises a front support leg and a pair of rear support legs.

10. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the rest surface defines at least one upper vent opening.

11. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises an adjustable backrest.

12. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a lounge chair.

13. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises an Adirondak chair.

14. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a loveseat.

15. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises an adjustable back lounge chair.

16. The pool furniture of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a stool.

17. A pool furniture, comprising: (a) a support structure defining a hollow interior, wherein the support structure comprises: (i) a resting upper surface configured to support a user, (ii) at least one support leg extending downward from the resting upper surface, and (iii) an underside defining an anchor cavity; and (b) a furniture weight system attached to the support structure, wherein the furniture weight system comprises: (i) a fillable anchor configured to selectively attach to the support structure via the anchor cavity defined by the underside of the support structure, wherein the fillable anchor defines a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture, and (ii) a cap configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening and inhibit the fill material from escaping outside of the hollow interior.

18. The pool furniture of claim 17, wherein the support structure defines a plurality of vent openings in fluid communication with the hollow interior.

19. The pool furniture of claim 17, wherein the fillable anchor comprises a fastener configured to selectively couple the fillable anchor to the support structure.

20. A pool furniture, comprising: (a) a support structure defining a hollow interior, wherein the support structure comprises: (i) a rest surface defining an upper vent opening, (ii) at least one support leg extending downward from the rest surface, and (iii) an underside defining: (A) a lower vent opening in fluid communication with the hollow interior, and (B) an anchor cavity; and (b) a furniture weight system attached to the support structure, wherein the furniture weight system comprises: (i) a fillable anchor defining a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to selectively attach to the support structure via the anchor cavity, and (ii) a cap configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening, wherein the cap is configured to inhibit the fill material from escaping the hollow interior while the cap is attached to the fillable anchor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] It is believed that certain embodiments will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative lounge chair, wherein the lounge chair is partially submerged and resting on a bottom surface of a swimming pool tanning ledge;

[0006] FIG. 2 depicts a bottom perspective view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1 including a furniture weight system of the lounge chair;

[0007] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1;

[0008] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded sectional view of the furniture weight system of FIG. 2 taken along a centerline thereof, wherein an anchor is void of any weighted material;

[0009] FIG. 5 depicts a sectional view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1, taken along a centerline thereof;

[0010] FIG. 6A depicts a cross-sectional view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1, taken along a centerline thereof, wherein the anchor is filled with a weighted material, and wherein the lounge chair is held above the swimming pool tanning ledge;

[0011] FIG. 6B depicts a cross-sectional view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1, taken along a centerline thereof, wherein the anchor is filled with a weighted material, and wherein the lounge chair is initially released into the swimming pool at a location above the swimming pool tanning ledge;

[0012] FIG. 6C depicts a cross-sectional view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1, taken along a centerline thereof, wherein the anchor is filled with a weighted material, and wherein the lounge chair is resting on the bottom surface of the swimming pool tanning ledge;

[0013] FIG. 6D depicts a cross-sectional view of the lounge chair of FIG. 1, taken along a centerline thereof, wherein the anchor is filled with a weighted material, and wherein the lounge chair is resting on the bottom surface of the swimming pool tanning ledge and the interior of the anchor is further filled with water from the swimming pool;

[0014] FIG. 7 depicts a top perspective view of an alternative illustrative lounge chair;

[0015] FIG. 8 depicts a bottom perspective view of the lounge chair of FIG. 7;

[0016] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional exploded view of the lounge chair of FIG. 7, taken along a centerline thereof,

[0017] FIG. 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of the lounge chair of FIG. 7, taken along a centerline thereof;

[0018] FIG. 11 depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative Adirondak chair;

[0019] FIG. 12 depicts a bottom perspective view of the Adirondak chair of FIG. 11;

[0020] FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional exploded view of the Adirondak chair of FIG. 11, taken along a centerline thereof,

[0021] FIG. 14 depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative loveseat;

[0022] FIG. 15 depicts a bottom perspective view of the loveseat of FIG. 14;

[0023] FIG. 16 depicts a cross-sectional exploded view of the loveseat of FIG. 14, taken along a centerline thereof,

[0024] FIG. 17 depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative adjustable back lounger;

[0025] FIG. 18 depicts a bottom perspective view of the adjustable back lounger of FIG. 17;

[0026] FIG. 19 depicts a cross-sectional exploded view of the adjustable back lounger of FIG. 17, taken along a centerline thereof,

[0027] FIG. 20 depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative pool stool;

[0028] FIG. 21 depicts a bottom perspective view of the pool stool of FIG. 20; and

[0029] FIG. 22 depicts a cross-sectional view of the pool stool of FIG. 20, taken along a centerline thereof.

[0030] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several suitable examples and, together with the description, serve to explain various features of the present disclosure; it being understood, however, that this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description of certain examples should not be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other examples, features, embodiments, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description which is, by way of illustration, among the best modes contemplated for carrying out the same. As will be realized, the presently contemplated principles are capable of other different and obvious variations, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0032] For clarity of disclosure, to the extent that spatial terms such as top, bottom, upper, lower, vertical, horizontal, or the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be appreciated that such terms are used for exemplary description purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that furniture, such as those disclosed herein, can be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms about, approximately, and the like as used herein in connection with any numerical values or ranges of values are intended to encompass the exact value(s) referenced as well as a suitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combination of features to function for the intended purpose described herein.

I. Illustrative Furniture with Furniture Weight System and Methods of Use

[0034] As mentioned above, some furniture is intended to rest on the floor containing a body of water for a substantial period of time (e.g., a day, a week, a month, etc.) while being at least partially submerged within the body of water. One typical body of water in which this type of furniture is used is a tanning ledge of swimming pools. For convenience, this type of furniture can be referred to herein as pool furniture. However, it should be understood that pool furniture is not limited to use in conjunction with just swimming pools. Pool furniture can be used in conjunction with other suitable bodies of water as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein, such as baths, tubs, lakes, beaches, etc.

[0035] Typical types of non-limiting materials used in the construction of pool furniture include suitable plastic materials such as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Polypropylene (PP). One issue with using plastic in the construction of pool furniture is the fact that the density of most plastic material is less than the density of water. If material(s) forming pool furniture has a density less than water, at least a portion of such pool furniture can be prone to undesirable floating and/or drifting when placed into the tanning ledge of the swimming pool. In other words, pool furniture formed (at least in part) of plastic materials can be undesirably buoyant, and thus unacceptable as, for example, since some pool furniture can be intended to firmly rest on the floor of the tanning ledge of a swimming pool while at least partially submerged for a substantial period of time.

[0036] Pool furniture formed of plastic material can include at least one body forming a hollow shell defining at least one inner cavity. Previously, in order to address the undesirable buoyancy issue, pool furniture was provided with a plug(s) providing access to the inner cavity of the hollow shell. Users on site of the pool would fill the entirety of the inner cavity of the pool furniture with water and seal the water within the inner cavity via the plug(s). Once the pool furniture was placed within the tanning ledge of the pool, the portions of the water within the inner cavity of the pool furniture, both above and below the water line of the tanning ledge, would provide enough weight to sink the pool furniture to the tanning ledge floor. When the pool furniture was intended to be removed from the tanning ledge, the plug(s) would be removed and the water within the chair would be drained.

[0037] However, since the inner cavity was required to be filled with an amount of water such that at least some of the water within the inner cavity was located above the water line, a large amount of water was required to suitably weigh the pool furniture, thereby making such pool furniture heavier than desired. Notably, in some instances, only certain sections of the pool furniture can be prone to drifting, such that some of the water filled within the inner cavity can be overkill in order to suitably sink the pool furniture. This results in overly heavy pool furniture which is undesirably burdensome for a single person to transport when water filled and plugged, thus resulting in need for emptying water from the pool furniture prior to movement thereof.

[0038] Another previous approach to address the undesirable buoyancy issue was to incorporate a weight of a fixed mass into the pool furniture. The weight would be formed of a material having a heavier density compared to water, thereby allowing the pool furniture to sink and remain in place when inserted into the tanning bed ledge of a pool. However, incorporating a weight of a fixed amount into the pool furniture undesirably increased the shipping weight of the product, making it more expensive to ship. Further, since the weight was fixed in mass, the weight can have been too heavy for some applications (such as being inserted into a very shallow pool), or too light for other applications (such as when used in a salt-pool and/or locations with more volatile weather).

[0039] Therefore, it can be desirable to provide pool furniture with a weight system that addresses the buoyancy issue while also providing a localized and adjustable mass, thereby (A) reducing the overall weight of the pool furniture compared to previous approaches in order to allow the pool furniture to be easily transported (both during shipping and while in use), and (B) providing the proper (i.e., effective but not excessive) amount of weight at suitable location(s) in order to inhibit floating/drifting of sections of the pool furniture that would otherwise be prone to such.

[0040] FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6D show an illustrative piece of pool furniture in the form of a lounge chair (100). As shown in FIG. 1, lounge chair (100) is configured to firmly rest on the bottom (B) of a swimming pool tanning ledge (P) while also being partially submerged within water (W) of the swimming pool. As will be described in greater detail below, the lounge chair (100) can include a furniture weight system (130) (see FIGS. 2-4 and 6A-6D) configured to selectively attach to an underside (110) of a support structure of the lounge chair (100) in order to sink select portions of the lounge chair (100) (e.g., front support leg (106)) that might otherwise be prone to drifting and/or floating when placed within water (W). As will also be described in greater detail below, a fillable anchor (132) (see FIGS. 3-4) of the furniture weight system (130) can be selectively filled with a suitable fill material (F) (see FIGS. 6A-6D) in order to customize the mass of the furniture weight system (130) for the particular needs of the lounge chair (100).

[0041] The support structure of the lounge chair (100) can include a backrest (102), a seat rest (104), at least one front support leg (106) extending downward from the seat rest (104), and a pair of rear support legs (108) extending downward from the backrest (102). A rest surface for a user can be provided by one of, or through cooperation of, the backrest (102) and the seat rest (104). The backrest (102), the seat rest (104), and the support legs (106, 108) can be formed of a suitable material and/or combination of materials as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, such components can be formed of a suitable plastic material(s). As shown in FIG. 1, during illustrative use, the support legs (106, 108) can firmly rest on the bottom (B) of the swimming pool tanning ledge (P). Further, a portion of the seat rest (104) and/or the backrest (102) can be at least partially submerged within the water (W) such that when a user sits in the lounge chair (100), the user is also partially submerged within the water (W) of the swimming pool tanning ledge (P).

[0042] As illustrated in at least FIG. 5, the backrest (102), the seat rest (104), and the support legs (106, 108) can be shell structures defining one or more hollow interiors (120). As will be described in detail below, in some instances, the one or more hollow interiors (120) can be configured to partially fill with water (W) when resting within the swimming pool tanning ledge (P). In some instances, the backrest (102) and the seat rest (104) are separate components that are attached to each other via complementary mating features and/or one or more fasteners such as an attachment screw (105) (see FIGS. 5-6D). Of course, in some instances, the backrest (102) and the seat rest (104) can be a unitary piece, more than two pieces, and/or be attached to each other using any other suitable means as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0043] The support structure of the lounge chair (100) also includes an underside (110) that faces toward the bottom (B) of the tanning ledge (P). As illustrated in at least FIG. 2, a terminating end of the rear support legs (108) located on the underside (110) includes a rear lower surface (112), while a terminating end of at least one support leg (106) located on the underside (110) includes a front lower surface (114). The rear and the front lower surface (112, 114) can each define at least one lower vent opening (115) in fluid communication with the one or more hollow interiors (120) (see FIG. 5). The lower vent openings (115) are configured to receive water (W) when the lounge chair (100) is initially placed within the swimming pool such that the one or more hollow interiors (120) at least partially fill with water (W). As best shown in FIG. 1, the backrest (102) and the seat rest (104) can define at least one upper vent opening (116) which is also in fluid communication with the one or more hollow interiors (120) (see FIG. 5). The upper vent openings (116) can be configured to allow air to displace from the one or more hollow interiors (120) of the lounge chair (100) in response to water (W) entering the one or more hollow interiors (120) via the lower vent openings (115). Therefore, the vent openings (115, 116) can be configured to work in conjunction with each other in order to simultaneously allow water (W) to at least partially fill the one or more hollow interiors (120) while also allowing air to escape the one or more hollow interiors (120). It should be understood that when the lounge chair (100) is removed from the swimming pool, water (W) can escape via vent openings (115) while air can enter via vent openings (116). It should also be understood that such escaping of water (W) can occur without requiring the user to remove any plugs from the lounge chair (100).

[0044] As illustrated in at least FIG. 2, the underside (110) corresponding with the seat rest (104) of the lounge chair (100) can include a plurality of stiffening ribs (118) which can provide enhanced structural rigidity to the lounge chair (100).

[0045] As illustrated in at least FIG. 3, the plurality of stiffening ribs (118), in conjunction with other portions of the seat rest (104), can define an anchor cavity (122) dimensioned to house a fillable anchor (132) of a furniture weight system (130). Additionally, in the current example, the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100) can also define a plurality of pin holes (124) and a cap recess (126).

[0046] The pin holes (124) can be dimensioned to receive alignment pins (138) of the fillable anchor (132), thereby assisting in coupling the fillable anchor (132) with the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100). Interaction between the pin holes (124) and the alignment pins (138) can assist in suitably orienting the fillable anchor (132) relative to the anchor cavity (122).

[0047] The cap recess (126) can be located adjacent to a removable cap (150) of the furniture weight system (130) when suitably installed on the lounge chair (100). Portions of the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100) defining the cap recess (126) can act as a sheath for the removable cap (150) once the furniture weight system (130) is suitably coupled to the lounge chair (100), thereby inhibiting external forces from inadvertently decoupling the removable cap (150) from the fillable anchor (132) during illustrative use within the swimming pool.

[0048] As mentioned above, the furniture weight system (130) (see FIGS. 2-4 and 6A-6D) can selectively receive suitable fill material (F) in order to customize the mass of the furniture weight system (130) at one or more targeted locations along the lounge chair (100) that might otherwise be prone to drifting and/or floating when placed within the water (W) (e.g., front support leg (106)). Turning to FIGS. 3-4, the furniture weight system (130) can additionally include an insert (140) configured to be embedded into the underside (110) of either backrest (102) or the seat rest (104), as well as a fastener such as a bolt (146) configured to selectively secure the fillable anchor (132) to the underside (110) of either the backrest (102) or the seat rest (104).

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, the insert (140) can include an external threading (142) and an internal threading (144). The external threading (142) can be configured to reliably engage the support structure of the lounge chair (100) (e.g., the underside (110) of the seat rest (104)), such as by threading into a suitable aperture in a plastic wall thereof. The insert (140) can be embedded or installed during the manufacturing of the lounge chair (100) or thereafter, namely during assembly thereof by a user. The internal threading (144) can be complementary to the external threading of the bolt (146) and, for example, can comprise a common machine screw thread. Therefore, the bolt (146) can suitably engage the insert (140) via such complementary threading. The bolt (146) can be selectively attached and detached from the embedded insert (140) at the location of use (e.g., poolside). The bolt (146) and the insert (140) can each be formed of any suitable material as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, in one example, the bolt (146) and the insert (140) can each be formed of a suitable metallic material configured to be submerged within a pool, such as stainless steel.

[0050] The fillable anchor (132) can be configured to selectively attach to one or more targeted sections of the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100) which would otherwise be prone to drifting and/or floating when in the swimming pool. Additionally, the fillable anchor (132) can be configured to receive a suitable amount of fill material (F) (see FIGS. 6A-6D) at or near the location of use (e.g., poolside) in order to increase the weight of the fillable anchor (132) on location. Since the fillable anchor (132) can be positioned to target location(s) prone to drifting and/or floating, the furniture weight system (130) can weigh less than prior furniture weights systems. Additionally, since weight of the fillable anchor (132) can be increased at the site of use, shipping and transporting the lounge chair (100) can also be easier and less expensive compared to previous furniture weights systems.

[0051] The fillable anchor (132) can includes a hollow body (131) defining a hollow interior (135) and an opening (134). The opening (134) can facilitate selective access into the hollow interior (135). In the current example, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, the hollow body (131) can include the alignment pins (138) extending away from remaining portions of the hollow body (131). As mentioned above, the alignment pins (138) can be configured to be selectively inserted into the pin holes (124) defined by the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100) in order to assist in selectively coupling the fillable anchor (132) with the seat rest (104) and/or the backrest (102). The fillable anchor (132) can be formed of a suitable plastic or any other suitable material(s) as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0052] A portion of the hollow body (131) can define a through hole (136) dimensioned to allow the bolt (146) to pass therethrough. When the fillable anchor (132) is suitably inserted within the anchor cavity (122) of the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100), as illustrated in FIG. 5, the through hole (136) and the embedded insert (140) can be suitably aligned such that the bolt (146) can pass the through hole (136) and into threaded engagement with the internal threads (144) of the embedded insert (140). The bolt (146) can be threaded and thereby advanced a suitable distance into the embedded insert (140) via the internal threads (144) in order to suitably compress the fillable anchor against the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100). In this fashion, the bolt (146), the embedded insert (140), and the through hole (136) can cooperate to facilitate coupling of the fillable anchor (132) with the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100). In some instances, more than one bolt (146) and insert (140) can be used. In another embodiment, one or more sheet metal type screws, rivets, clevis pins, or other types of suitable fasteners can be provided in place of a bolt and associated embedded insert.

[0053] While the bolt (146), the insert (140), the alignment pins (138) and the pin holes (124) are shown to selectively attach the fillable anchor (132) with the rest of the lounge chair (100), any of a variety of other suitable coupling techniques and/or combination of coupling techniques can be utilized as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, some non-limiting fastening arrangements can include (including combinations thereof) pins, rods, latches, snaps, screws, bolts, thumb screws, wingnuts, etc.

[0054] As mentioned above, the opening (134) can provide selective access into the hollow interior (135) of the hollow body (131). The cap (150) can be configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor (132) in order cover and expose the opening (134). When the fillable anchor (132) is detached from the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100), a user can remove the cap (150) from the fillable anchor (132) in order to gain access to the hollow interior (135). Next, a user can fill the hollow interior (135) with a suitable amount of fill material (F) (see FIGS. 6A-6D) via the opening (134). After the user fills the hollow interior (135) with a suitable amount of fill material (F), the user can then reattach the cap (150) onto the portion of the hollow body (131) defining the opening (134), thereby inhibiting the fill material (F) from inadvertently escaping the fillable anchor (132). Further, the user can attach the fillable anchor (132) onto the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100) in accordance with the description herein. The fill material (F) can have a greater density than water (W) such that the fill material (F) can assist in inhibiting floating and/or drifting of the lounge chair (100) when placed within the swimming pool in accordance with the teachings herein.

[0055] As mentioned above, since the fillable anchor (132) is attached to targeted locations of the chair (100), an optimal amount of the fill material (F) can be utilized in order to inhibit floating and/or drifting of the lounge chair (100) such that the lounge chair (100) does not possess an overly excessive weight. Additionally, since the anchor (132) can be filled on site (e.g., poolside), transportation of the lounge chair (100) can be easier and less expensive as compared to conventional weighted furniture systems using a weight with a fixed mass. Any suitable fill material (F) or combination of fill material can be used, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. For example, fill material (F) can include sand, gravel, or any variety of other solid or semi-solid materials. In some instances, fill material (F) can be configured to conform to the interior of the container.

[0056] The cap (150) can be selectively attachable and detachable from the fillable anchor (132) via any of a variety of suitable arrangements as will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. As one illustrative example, the cap (150) can be threadedly coupled to the fillable anchor (132). As another illustrative example, the cap (150) can couple with the fillable anchor (132) using a flange lock, snap fit or other interference fit. As a specific example, the cap (150) can selectively couple with the fillable anchor (132) via complementary tapered surfaces.

[0057] In some instances, the cap (150) can provide a sealed connection with the portion of the hollow body (131) defining the opening (134), such that the hollow interior (135) is fluidly isolated from the exterior. In other instances, the cap (150) might not provide a sealed connection with a portion of the hollow body (131) defining the opening (134), such that fluid can enter and exit the hollow interior (135), though with the fill material (F) (see FIGS. 6A-6D) being inhibited from escaping the hollow interior (135) via the opening (134). In such a configuration, for example, small holes (e.g., smaller than the fill material (F) to prevent escape of the fill material (F)) can be provided in the cap (150). Otherwise, a gap can be allowed between the cap (150) and the opening (134) such that, once an assembled lounge chair (100) is inserted into the water (W) in accordance with the description herein, water (W) can eventually fill the hollow interior (135) via the gap, while air originally housed within the hollow interior (135) can escape via the same gap.

[0058] FIGS. 6A-6D depict an illustrative use of the furniture weight system (130) sinking the lounge chair (100) onto the bottom (B) of a swimming pool tanning ledge (P) filled with water (W). Prior to such use, a user can fill the fillable anchor (132) with a suitable amount of fill material (F), selectively attach the cap (150) onto the fillable anchor (132) in order to suitably contain the fillable material (F) within the hollow interior (135), and subsequently attach the assembly of the fillable anchor (132) and the cap (150) to the underside (110) of the lounge chair (100) in accordance with the description herein.

[0059] As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B, a user can place the lounge chair (100) above the water (W) and then allow the lounge chair (100) to sink toward the bottom (B) of the swimming pool tanning ledge. As shown in FIG. 6B, water (W) can enter the hollow interior (120) of the lounge chair (100) via the lower vent openings (115) as the lounge chair (100) begins to sink toward the bottom (B) of the swimming pool tanning ledge. Simultaneously, air can escape the hollow interior (120) of the lounge chair (100) via the upper vent openings (116) in accordance with the description herein. With the fillable anchor (132) housing a suitable amount of fill material (F), the fillable anchor (132) can urge the seat rest portion (104) of the lounge chair (100) in sinking toward the bottom (B) of the swimming pool tanning ledge, thereby overcoming the upward buoyant force imparted upon the seat rest portion (104) by the water (W). Next, as shown in FIG. 6C, the support legs (106, 108) of the lounge chair (100) can rest firmly on the bottom (B) of the swimming pool tanning ledge (P). As such, the hollow interior (120) further fills with water via the lower vents (115). Water (W) housed within the hollow interior (120) can also help inhibit portions of the lounge chair (100) from floating and/or drifting. Furthermore, the additional weight provided by the fillable anchor (132) can inhibit the seat rest portion (104) from floating and/or drifting, thereby ensuring that portions of the lounge chair (100) that would otherwise be prone to floating and/or drifting (e.g., front support leg (106)) remain engaged with the bottom (B) of the swimming pool tanning ledge (P).

[0060] As mentioned above, and as shown in FIG. 6D, in instances where the cap (150) does not fully seal the opening (134) of the fillable anchor (132), some of the water (W) can eventually fill any remaining interstices within the hollow interior (135) of the hollow body (131), thereby displacing any remaining air within the hollow interior (135). Similar to the water (W) housed within the hollow interior (120), any water filled within the fillable anchor (132) can provide further ballast to the lounge chair (100) to help inhibit portions of the lounge chair (100) from floating and/or drifting.

[0061] Once a user desires to remove the lounge chair (100) from the swimming pool tanning ledge (P), because the lounge chair (100) need not have a very large weight, the user can simply lift the lounge chair (100) from the swimming pool. Since the vent openings (115) are not plugged, water (W) can naturally escape from the hollow interior (120) once the lounge chair (100) is removed from the tanning ledge (P).

[0062] In the current example, the furniture weight system (130) is shown to include one fillable anchor (132) located under the seat rest (104) of the lounge chair (100) along its lateral center line. Further, the fillable anchor (132) is shown to include a geometry complementary to that of the specific targeted location (i.e., the underside of the seat rest (104)). However, it should be understood that a furniture weight system can alternatively include one or more fillable anchors located at any of a variety of suitable location(s) upon a lounge chair or other item of furniture. Such fillable anchors can have a suitable geometry to complement mating features of intended pieces of pool furniture. Therefore, many types of pool furniture, of a variety of shapes and configurations, can benefit from incorporation of a furniture weight system in accordance with the present teachings.

[0063] FIGS. 7-10 show another illustrative lounge chair (200) having a furniture weight system (230). The lounge chair (200) and the furniture weight system (230) can be generally similar to the lounge chair (100) and the furniture weight system (130) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. The lounge chair (200) is shown to include a backrest (202), a seat rest (204), at least one front support leg (206), a pair of rear support legs (208), and an underside (210), which each can respectively generally correspond with the backrest (102), the seat rest (104), the at least one front support leg (106), the pair of rear support legs (108), and the underside (110) described above. However, for example, the seat rest (204) in the current example is shown to be longer and to have a larger radius of curvature as compared with the seat rest (104).

[0064] The furniture weight system (230) can include a fillable anchor (232), a pair of alignment pins (238), an embedded insert (240), a bolt (246), and a cap (250), which each can respectively generally correspond with the fillable anchor (132), the pair of alignment pins (138), the embedded insert (140), the bolt (146), and the cap (150) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the fillable anchor (232) can be longer compared to the fillable anchor (132) described above, which in this instance can better correspond with the shape of the seat rest (204) of the lounge chair (200) being longer than the seat rest (104) of the lounge chair (100). The fillable anchor (232) can be sized and shaped, when provided with fill material, in order to help inhibit floating and/or drifting of the seat rest (204) and the lounge chair (200).

[0065] FIGS. 11-13 show another illustrative pool chair in the form of an Adirondak chair (300) having a furniture weight system (330). The Adirondak chair (300) and the furniture weight system (330) can be generally similar to the lounge chairs (100, 200) and the furniture weight systems (130, 230) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the Adirondak chair (300) can include a backrest (302), a seat rest (304), at least one front support leg (306), a pair of rear support legs (308), and an underside (310), which each can respectively generally correspond with the backrests (102, 202), the seat rests (104, 204), the at least one front support legs (106, 206), the pairs of rear support legs (108, 208), and the undersides (110, 210) described above. However, for example, the backrest (302) and the seat rest (304), in the current example, take the general form of a traditional Adirondak chair rather than a lounge chair.

[0066] The furniture weight system (330) can include a fillable anchor (332), a pair of alignment pins (338), an embedded insert (340), a bolt (346), and a cap (350), which each can respectively generally correspond with the fillable anchors (132, 232), the pairs of alignment pins (138, 238), the embedded inserts (140, 240), the bolts (146, 246), and the caps (150, 250) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the fillable anchor (332) can have a shape, configuration and size that better corresponds with the share, configuration and size of an Adirondak style chair, as compared with that of the fillable anchors (132, 232) described above. The fillable anchor (332) can be sized and shaped, when provided with fill material, in order to help inhibit floating and/or drifting of the seat rest (304) and the Adirondak chair (300).

[0067] FIGS. 14-16 show another illustrative pool chair in the form of a loveseat (400) having a furniture weight system (430). The loveseat (400) and the furniture weight system (430) can be generally similar to the pool furniture (100, 200, 300) and the furniture weight systems (130, 230, 330) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the loveseat (400) can include a backrest (402), a seat rest (404), at least one front support leg (406), a pair of rear support legs (408), and an underside (410), which each can respectively generally correspond with the backrests (102, 202, 302), the seat rests (104, 204, 304), the at least one front support legs (106, 206, 306), the pairs of rear support legs (108, 208, 308), and the undersides (110, 210, 310) described above. However, for example, the backrest (402) and the seat rest (404), in the current example, can take the general form of a loveseat dimensioned to support two users with an armrest located laterally within the middle of the loveseat (400).

[0068] The furniture weight system (430) can include a fillable anchor (432), a pair of alignment pins (438), an embedded insert (440), a bolt (446), and a cap (450), which each can respectively generally correspond with the fillable anchors (132, 232, 332), the pairs of alignment pins (138, 238, 238), the embedded inserts (140, 240, 340), the bolts (146, 246, 346), and the caps (150, 250, 350) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the fillable anchor (432) can have an elongated shape that better corresponds with the shape of the loveseat (400) as compared with the fillable anchors (132, 232, 332) described above. The fillable anchor (432) can be sized and shaped, when provided with fill material, in order to help inhibit floating and/or drifting of the seat rest (404) and the loveseat (400).

[0069] FIGS. 17-19 show another illustrative pool chair in the form of an adjustable back lounge chair (500) having a furniture weight system (530). The adjustable back lounge chair (500) and the furniture weight system (530) can be generally similar to the pool furniture (100, 200, 300, 400) and the furniture weight systems (130, 230, 330, 430) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the adjustable back lounge chair (500) can include a backrest (502), a seat rest (504), at least one front support leg (506), a pair of rear support legs (508), and an underside (510), which each can respectively generally correspond with the backrests (102, 202, 302, 402), the seat rests (104, 204, 304, 404), the at least one front support leg (106, 206, 306, 406), the pairs of rear support legs (108, 208, 308, 408), and the undersides (110, 210, 310, 410) described above. However, for example, the backrest (502) of the current example can be configured to adjust to a variety of angles relative to the seat rest (504).

[0070] The furniture weight system (530) can include a fillable anchor (532), a pair of alignment pins (538), an embedded insert (540), a bolt (556), and a cap (550), which each can respectively generally correspond with the fillable anchors (132, 232, 332, 432), the pairs of alignment pins (138, 238, 238, 438), the embedded inserts (140, 240, 340, 440), the bolts (146, 246, 346, 446), and the caps (150, 250, 350, 450) described above, with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the fillable anchor (532) can have a shape, configuration and size which is well suited for the shape, configuration and size of the adjustable back lounge chair (500) and can be located on the underside (510) of the adjustable back lounge chair (500) adjacent to the juncture between the backrest (502) and the seat rest (504). The fillable anchor (532) can be sized and shaped, when provided with fill material, in order to help inhibit floating and/or drifting of the seat rest (504) and the adjustable back lounge chair (500).

[0071] FIGS. 20-22 show another illustrative pool chair in the form of a barstool or stool (600) having a furniture weight system (630). The stool (600) and the furniture weight system (630) can be generally similar to the pool furniture (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) and the furniture weight systems (130, 230, 330, 430, 530) described above, though with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the stool (600) can include a backrest (602), a seat rest (604), and an underside which each can respectively generally correspond with the backrests (102, 202, 302, 402, 502), the seat rests (104, 204, 304, 404, 504), and the undersides (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) described above. However, for example, the stool (600) is shown to include a support leg (606) extending down from the seat rest (604) and terminating into the underside (610). Therefore, the stool (600) takes the form of a traditional stool seat rather than a lounger and/or chair.

[0072] The furniture weight system (630) can include a fillable anchor (632), embedded inserts (640), bolts (646), and a cap (550), which each can respectively generally correspond with the fillable anchors (132, 232, 332, 432, 532), the embedded inserts (140, 240, 340, 440, 540), the bolts (146, 246, 346, 446, 546), and the caps (150, 250, 350, 450, 550) described above, with certain differences as will be appreciated. For example, the fillable anchor (632) can have a shape, configuration, and size which is well suited to correspond with the shape, configuration and size of the stool (600) and is located on the underside (610) of the stool (600). The fillable anchor (632) can be sized and shaped, when provided with fill material, in order to help inhibit floating and/or drifting of the seat rest (604) and the stool (600).

II. Illustrative Combinations

[0073] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein can be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that can be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein can be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations can omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent filings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

Example 1

[0074] A pool furniture, comprising: (a) a support structure defining a hollow interior, wherein the support structure comprises: (i) a rest surface, (ii) at least one support leg extending downward from the rest surface, and (ii) an underside defining a lower vent opening in fluid communication with the hollow interior; and (b) a furniture weight system attached to the support structure, wherein the furniture weight system comprises: (i) a fillable anchor defining a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture, and (ii) a cap configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening, wherein the cap is configured to inhibit the fill material from escaping the hollow interior while the cap is attached to the fillable anchor.

Example 2

[0075] The pool furniture of Example 1, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to selectively attach and detach from the support structure.

Example 3

[0076] The pool furniture of Example 2, wherein the furniture weight system further comprises a fastener configured to selectively attach the fillable anchor to the support structure.

Example 4

[0077] The pool furniture of Example 3, wherein the fastener comprises a bolt, the furniture weight system comprises an embedded insert configured to selectively receive the bolt, and the embedded insert is embedded into the support structure.

Example 5

[0078] The pool furniture of Example 4, wherein the furniture weight system comprises an alignment pin extending from the fillable anchor, wherein the underside of the support structure defines a pin hole dimensioned to receive the alignment pin when the fillable anchor is attached to the support structure.

Example 6

[0079] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 2 through 5, wherein the underside of the support structure defines an anchor cavity dimensioned to selectively receive the fillable anchor.

Example 7

[0080] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 6, wherein the support structure comprises a backrest and a seat rest.

Example 8

[0081] The pool furniture of Example 7, wherein the backrest is attached to the seat rest via an attachment screw.

Example 9

[0082] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 8, wherein the at least one support leg comprises a front support leg and a pair of rear support legs.

Example 10

[0083] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 9, wherein the rest surface defines at least one upper vent opening.

Example 11

[0084] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the support structure comprises an adjustable backrest.

Example 12

[0085] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the support structure comprises a lounge chair.

Example 13

[0086] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the support structure comprises an Adirondak chair.

Example 14

[0087] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the support structure comprises a loveseat.

Example 15

[0088] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the support structure comprises an adjustable back lounge chair.

Example 16

[0089] The pool furniture of any one or more of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the support structure comprises a stool.

Example 17

[0090] A pool furniture, comprising: (a) a support structure defining a hollow interior, wherein the support structure comprises: (i) a resting upper surface configured to support a user, (ii) at least one support leg extending downward from the resting upper surface, and (iii) an underside defining an anchor cavity; and (b) a furniture weight system attached to the support structure, wherein the furniture weight system comprises: (i) a fillable anchor configured to selectively attach to the support structure via the anchor cavity defined by the underside of the support structure, wherein the fillable anchor defines a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture, and (ii) a cap configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening and inhibit the fill material from escaping outside of the hollow interior.

Example 18

[0091] The pool furniture of Example 17, wherein the support structure defines a plurality of vent openings in fluid communication with the hollow interior.

Example 19

[0092] The pool furniture of Example 17 or 18, wherein the fillable anchor comprising a fastener configured to selectively couple the fillable anchor to the support structure.

Example 20

[0093] A pool furniture, comprising: (a) a support structure defining a hollow interior, wherein the support structure comprises: (i) a rest surface defining an upper vent opening, (ii) at least one support leg extending downward from the rest surface, and (iii) an underside defining: (A) a lower vent opening in fluid communication with the hollow interior, and (B) an anchor cavity; and (b) a furniture weight system attached to the support structure, wherein the furniture weight system comprises: (i) a fillable anchor defining a hollow interior and an opening in communication with the hollow interior, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to receive a fill material to increase a mass of the pool furniture, wherein the fillable anchor is configured to selectively attach to the support structure via the anchor cavity, and (ii) a cap configured to selectively attach to the fillable anchor to cover the opening, wherein the cap is configured to inhibit the fill material from escaping the hollow interior while the cap is attached to the fillable anchor.

III. Miscellaneous

[0094] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0095] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0096] The description of embodiments and examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting to the forms described. Numerous modifications are possible in light of the teachings herein. Some of those modifications have been discussed, and others will be understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to illustrate principles of various embodiments as are suited to particular uses contemplated. The scope is, of course, not limited to the examples set forth herein, but can be employed in any number of applications and equivalent devices by those of ordinary skill in the art.