US20180368577A1 - Stackable Furniture System - Google Patents
Stackable Furniture System Download PDFInfo
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- US20180368577A1 US20180368577A1 US16/103,331 US201816103331A US2018368577A1 US 20180368577 A1 US20180368577 A1 US 20180368577A1 US 201816103331 A US201816103331 A US 201816103331A US 2018368577 A1 US2018368577 A1 US 2018368577A1
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- chair
- leg
- rear leg
- seat section
- chairs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C3/00—Chairs characterised by structural features; Chairs or stools with rotatable or vertically-adjustable seats
- A47C3/04—Stackable chairs; Nesting chairs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/002—Chair or stool bases
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- Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
Abstract
A stackable furniture device, comprises a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein there exists an acute angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the rear leg when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/643,723, filed Mar. 15, 2018, and U.S. Design Patent Application Ser. No. 29/579,410, filed Sep. 29, 2016, the disclosures of each of which being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- This present invention relates to a stackable furniture design and arrangements of the same in a stackable furniture system.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the first front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device. According to another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second front leg opposite the first front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the first front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the first front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device. According to another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second front leg opposite the first front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the first front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section. According to yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second rear leg opposite the first rear leg and rearward of the second front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and each of the second rear leg and the first rear leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a stackable furniture device may comprise a seat section and two or more legs interconnected to the seat section, and in particular embodiments, a first front leg located forward of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a first rear leg located rearward of the first front leg. According to this exemplary embodiment, each leg may extend for a length under the seat section and the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the first rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device. According to another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second front leg opposite the first front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the first front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section. According to yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise a second rear leg opposite the first rear leg and rearward of the second front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second rear leg is less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and each of the second rear leg and the first rear leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section. According to a still further aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the stackable furniture device may further comprise at least one slat on one of the first rear leg and the second rear leg such that the at least one slat extends outwardly from the seat section. Alternatively, there may be at least one slat in each of the first rear leg and second rear leg.
- In another exemplary embodiment, at least one slat on one of the first rear leg and the second rear leg may extend outwardly from the seat section and be interconnected to the seat section via an elbow. In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the slat found in both the first rear leg and the second rear leg may be located in an elbow interconnecting the seat section to one or more of the first rear leg and/or the second rear leg. In yet another embodiment the at least one slat comprises a first slat located in a first elbow and a second slat located in a second elbow, whereby the first rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the first elbow and the second rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the second elbow. In still another embodiment, the at least one slat may comprise a first slat in the rear leg and a second slat in the second rear leg, the first slat has a first surface and the second slat has a second surface, wherein the first surface faces is oriented opposite the second surface.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may have two to six chairs in which each chair has a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device: (i) a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length, (ii) a line in the plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length, (iii) the line in the plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length. Additionally in this embodiment, the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In another exemplary embodiment, the rear leg of the second chair is in contact with the rear leg of the first chair. In still another exemplary embodiment, the rear leg of the second chair is not in contact with the rear leg of the first chair.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may have two to six chairs in which each chair has a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device: (i) a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length, (ii) a line in a plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length, (iii) the line in the plane parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length. Additionally in this embodiment, the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In this exemplary embodiment, the stacked furniture system may further comprise a plurality of chairs disposed on top of six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair on top of the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In yet another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs creates a CG arc.
- In another exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may have two to six chairs in which each chair has a seat section and a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device: (i) a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length, (ii) a line in the plane that is parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length, (iii) the line in the plane that is parallel to the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length. Additionally in this embodiment, the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of chairs disposed on top of the six chairs is such that the center of gravity of each chair above the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system. In a further aspect of this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.
- In an exemplary embodiment, a stacked furniture system may comprise at least eight chairs, wherein each chair comprises a seat section, a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length is no greater than about 45° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and the at least eight chairs are stacked one on top of the other and when stacked create a (CG) arc.
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FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design. -
FIG. 1B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design in an exploded view. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second stackable furniture design. -
FIG. 3A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a second stackable furniture design.FIG. 3B illustrates the aforementioned exemplary embodiment of a second stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIGS. 4A-E illustrate exemplary embodiments of ganging features of a first stackable furniture design. -
FIGS. 4F-G illustrate exemplary embodiments of nesting features for exemplary front and rear legs for a first stackable furniture design. -
FIGS. 5A-B illustrate other exemplary embodiments of a first stackable furniture design in profile views. -
FIG. 5C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design when viewed from the rear. -
FIG. 6A illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of a first stackable furniture design. -
FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a rear leg assembly. -
FIG. 6C illustrates an exemplary rear leg brace in use in an exemplary first stackable furniture design. - Each of
FIGS. 6D-H illustrates a different view of an exemplary rear leg brace. -
FIGS. 6I-K illustrate exemplary embodiments of front and rear backings in separate and assembled forms, each in a profile view. -
FIG. 6L illustrates an exemplary seat rest from its underside. -
FIG. 6M illustrates an exemplary seat rest in a profile view. -
FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design. -
FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary second stackable furniture design. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a second stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a third stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fourth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fifth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sixth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a seventh stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an eighth stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary first stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of another stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary second stackable furniture design in a profile view. -
FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of yet another stacked arrangement comprised of an exemplary second stackable furniture design in a profile view. - In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different and interchangeable and interrelated figures. Parts and components of each figure may be substitutes for other components in other figures to achieve the various designs, products, systems, methods, and embodiments disclosed herein.
- With reference to
FIG. 1A , an exemplary stackable chair 1 may be comprised of aseat section 10 and a plurality of legs, such as, for example,legs seat section 10, abacking section 20, and a plurality of legs, such as, for example,legs seat section 10, abacking section 20, aback rest section 30, and a plurality of legs, such as, for example,legs FIG. 1A . - With further reference to
FIG. 1A , a stackable chair 1 may be oriented so that it is viewed from the front and left sides. In this exemplary orientation, frontleft leg 5 x is in a closer view than frontright leg 5 y and rearleft leg 6 x is in a closer view than rearright leg 6 y. Afront apron brace 11 may couplefront legs 5 x/y together to form a front portion ofseat section 10 whilecentral apron brace 13 may couple togetherrear legs 6 x/y to form a rear portion ofseat section 10. In an exemplary embodiment the front portion ofseat section 10 may be coupled to the rear portion ofseat section 10 via one or moretransverse brackets 12 x/y, with 12 x being a left transverse bracket and 12 y being a right transverse bracket as illustrated inFIG. 1A . Additionally and alternatively, arear apron brace 15 may couple any portion ofbacking section 20 toseat section 10 via an array of structures, such as, for example one or more reartransverse brackets 14 x/y or one or morelumbar supports 17 x/y, with 17 x being the left lumbar support and 17 y, the right lumbar support. And while thevarious braces 11/13/15, brackets 12/14, lumbar supports 17, andlegs seat section 10, their number and arrangement may be any suitable one that accomplishes one or more purposes described, such as, for example, enabling chair 1 to stand, enabling chair 1 to support the type and number of objects it is specifically designed to hold (e.g., a 400-lb North American Adult male, a 50th Percentile North American Adult male). In a preferred embodiment, the chair 1 may be designed to satisfy Business And Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) standards for stackable office furniture. In an exemplary embodiment, each ofbraces 11/13/15, brackets 12/14, lumbar supports 17, andlegs - As illustratively provided for in
FIG. 1A , chair 1 may comprise aleft shoulder 7 x and aright shoulder 7 y (riot shown) coupling each of left and right rear legs, 6 x and 6 y, respectively, to the remainder of chair 1.Shoulders 7 x/y may be integral withcentral apron brace 13 or may be mechanically attached thereto using known techniques in the art, e.g., welding, screws, bolts. Consequently, shoulders 7 x/y may be made of the same or different material from any other component comprising chair 1, includingrear legs 6 x/y. - As illustratively provided for in
FIG. 1A , chair 1 may also have one or more backing braces 21-25. Each of these may work withlumbar supports 17 x/y to enable seating in chair 1. And whileseat section 10 andbacking section 20 may be illustrated as substantially rectangular in shape, those skilled in the art may recognize that any number of shapes may be utilized and are suitable for the purposes of an exemplary chair 1, including circular, ovular, square, and other types of polygons/polyhedron structures. - As illustratively provided for in
FIG. 1A , chair 1 may also have openings for reception of material to enhance the seating experience, e.g.,seat openings 16A-B, backingopening 30, lumbar openings 31-33. Such materials may take the form of various fabrics, foams, upholstery, plastic panels, or other seat materials known to those skilled in the art. In another embodiment,such openings 16A-B/30-33 may not exist and chair 1 may be constructed from the same or similar materials making up any of the other of its components (e.g., braces 11/13/15, brackets 12/14,legs front legs 5 x/y andrear legs 6 x/y connected tochair section 10 at thefront brace 11 andrear brace 13, respectively, may together form a structure that has a yield strength that may be on average 7,900 pounds per square inch (psi) when a uniform force is applied to the constituents ofseat section 10. - As illustratively provided for in
FIG. 1B , chair 1 may be shown in exploded view with many of the same features illustratively depicted inFIG. 1A at the same vantage point. However, in addition to the aforementioned features,FIG. 1B may also feature aseat rest 40 which may be disposed substantially on top ofseat section 10, anundercarriage 41 disposed substantially belowseat section 10, afront backing 20A disposed substantially in front ofchair backing section 20, arear backing 20B substantially behindchair backing section 20, and an array of mount points 20C1, 20C2, 20C3, and 20C4, disposed about the frame ofchair backing section 20. An assembled embodiment of chair 1 as illustratively provided for inFIG. 1B may be provided for in an illustrative embodiment as shown inFIG. 6A . In one embodiment,front backing 20A andrear backing 20B are connected to one another via one or more of mount points 20C1, 20C2, 20C3, and 20C4. In another embodiment, fabric or cushion material may be placed inside and/or behindfront backing 20A and be sealed thereto once attached to mount points 20C1, 20C2, 20C3, and 20C4,rear backing 20B, or a combination of the same. In yet another embodiment,seat rest 40 may interconnect toundercarriage 41 via one or more parts ofseat section 10, including, for example, braces 12 x/y, 13, 14 x/y, and 15. According to this embodiment,undercarriage 41 andseat rest 40 may have connections to one another that go through one or more parts ofseat section 10 and/or connections to one another that go about one or more parts ofseat section 10. - In an alternative embodiment illustratively provided via
FIG. 2 , anexemplary chair 2 may have left and rightfront legs rear legs right shoulders 7 x/y, left and right lumbar braces 17 x and 17 y, respectively,chair backing section 20,gap 30, andbacking brace 21. In contrast with the chair 1 ofFIG. 1A ,chair 2 may be illustratively shown withseat rest 40 disposed on seat section 10 (not shown). In further contrast,chair 2 may be shown with anintegrated shoulder 7 x andleg 6 x, In an exemplary embodiment,legs chair 2 taper as they emerge fromshoulder section rear legs seat section 10 and which is in contact with the ground. The tapering of the rear legs may be further illustratively depicted in the front/rear views ofFIG. 3A . - As further illustratively provided for in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , an exemplaryrear leg 6 x/y may also deviate from the alignment offront leg 5 x/y at an angle relative toshoulder 7 x/y. In a preferred embodiment, when viewed from the front and/or rear, rightrear leg 6 y may be angled more to the right than rightfront leg 5 y. In a further preferred embodiment, when viewed from the front and/or rear, leftrear leg 6 x may be angled more to the left than leftfront leg 5 x. In yet another preferred embodiment, when viewed from the front and/or rear, rightrear leg 6 y may be angled more to the right than rightfront leg 5 y and leftrear leg 6 x may be angled more to the left than leftfront leg 5 x. As may be further illustrated byFIG. 3B ,seat section 10 may be bounded above byseat rest 40 and an undercarriage 41, which may be made out of the same or different material asseat rest 40. Alternatively, undercarriage 41 may be an extension ofseat rest 40 such thatundercarriage 41 attachesseat rest 40 toseat section 10, e.g., via buttons, Velcro, buckles, snaps, hooks, adhesives, screws, threading. In a preferred embodiment,undercarriage 41 may be comprised of a formed polymer. - In an exemplary embodiment,
seat section 10 may be an internal S-shaped saddle seat foundation for a cold-moldedfoam cushion 40. In another exemplary embodiment, theseat section 10 may be an ergonomic blow-molded or injected design comprised of metals, composites, or plastics. Additionally, an exemplaryseat foam cushion 40 may be an ergonomic cold-molded design, a CNC-cut contoured slab cushion, a slab cushion with contoured upholstery treatment, and/or may further include a gel-memory topper. - Additionally and alternatively, an
exemplary chair 1 or 2 may also include a flex-back structure known to those skilled in the art, for example, spring-L(s) or flex-spine comprised of hardened steel alloys or composites, for example, a flex-back with internal webbing that may curve slightly back as it rises to create a comfortable and relaxed feel and/or also provides lumbar support. - An exemplary composition for a
chair 1 or 2 may include lightweight alloys for the seat and backing frame components (e.g., 5 x/y, 6 x/y, 7 x/y, 10-11, 12 x/y, 13, 14 x/y, 15-16A/B, 17 x/y, 20-25, 31-33), polymers for any seat and back foundations, and cold-molded polyurethane and Commercial Grade Fabric forseat rest 40. - With respect to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 4A , an exemplary chair 1 may be shown again from the vantage point of its underside. In this view, each offront legs seat section 10 to their respective terminus that comes in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment,front legs 5 x and/or 5 y may have a taper at an angle of about 2.00° with a deviation of 0.5°. Also in this view, each ofrear legs respective shoulders rear legs 6 x and/or 6 y may have a taper at an angle of 1.90° with a deviation of 0.5°. In accordance with both of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of tapered legs, such angles and ranges of the same are critical for assuring the optimized stacking arrangements described herein. - With respect to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 4B , a closer view of a portion of the left underside of chair 1 may be depicted. As illustrated, rearleft leg 6 x couples toseat section 10 of chair 1 viaright shoulder 7 x and joint 12 z. An exemplary joint 12 z may comprise a bracket, hearing, channel, or other structure or combination of structures to permit rotation ofshoulder 7 x or its connecting structures (e.g., central transverse cross brace 13) within chair 1. Alternatively, an exemplary joint 12 z may fixshoulder 7 x to the remainder of chair 1 by way of mechanical connections (e.g., bolts, screws, interlocking mechanisms, snap-fit channels) or integrated connections (e.g., welding, extrusion, chemical adhesives) - With further reference to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 4B , adownward slat 9 x may be formed in or attached to a periphery ofshoulder 7 x. In an exemplary embodiment,downward slat 9 x may have the same cross-section asshoulder 7 x, provided it is capable of receiving another structure within its surfaces to interlockshoulder 7 x to another structure or otherwise permit attachments, i.e., ganging. In one embodiment, the other structure may be another chair 1. In another embodiment, the other structure may be an accessory for chair 1, such as, for example, a tray table, beverage or food holder, media holder, basket, compartment, umbrella, or bag holding apparatus. In a preferred embodiment,downward slat 9 x may be circular in cross-section with a space between its outer surface andrear leg 6 x/6 y, depending on which side it appears on chair 1. Additionally, while oneslat 9 x may be illustrated inFIG. 4B , it may be that multiple slats and/or interlocking combinations may exist to maximize interactivity between thedownward slat 9 x. - Referring now to
FIG. 4C , an illustrative right side view of chair 1 may be depicted showing ashoulder 7 y and anupward slat 9 y extending outwardly from rearright leg 6 y. In a preferred embodiment,upward slat 9 y may be configured to interlock withdownward slat 9 x, for example, as may be illustratively provided for inFIGS. 4D-E . In yet another preferred embodiment,upward slat 9 y may be of similar shape and cross-section todownward slat 9 x. An exemplaryupward slat 9 y may be configured to extend fromshoulder 7 y andrear leg 6 y in the same or similar fashion asdownward slat 9 x. Similarly,upward slat 9 y may also be used to hold accessories (both permanent and removable) to chair 1, such as, for example, a tray table, beverage or food holder, media holder, basket, compartment, umbrella, or bag holding apparatus (e.g., IV bags, heart monitors, and other health diagnostic equipment), or cup holders. - As illustratively provided for in
FIGS. 4D and 4E , an exemplary plurality of chair 1 may compriseslats slats shoulders set section 10 of chair 1. And whileslats 9 x/y may be shown running parallel to the cross-section ofshoulder 7 x/y, they may be any other angular orientation with respect to such a cross-section to implement a particular assembly of chair 1 in a space, e.g.,slats 9 x/y may be at acute angles relative to the cross section of theirrespective shoulders 7 x/7 y to allow for angled chair 1 coupling formations (e.g., jagged, diagonal, circular, ovular) so long as they are oriented to receive one another on an adjoining chair (e.g., having opposite configurations, interlocking arrangements, mating joints, recesses, brackets). In an alternative embodiment,slats 9 x/y may be comprised of glass, which can hide finish welds onbrace 13, for example. In another alternative embodiment,slats 9 x/y may be able to pivot forward/backward and/or 180 degrees to the floor to allow for chair-chair coupling at multiple angles. - As illustratively provided for in
FIGS. 4F and 4G , an exemplary chair 1/2 may further comprise a variation offront legs 5 x/5 y and/orrear legs 6 x/6 y that differ from those illustratively shown in other figures. With reference to the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 4F ,front legs 5 x/5 y may have an arcuate cross-section from the part of the leg that attaches to seat section 10 (e.g., brace 11 as shown inFIG. 4H ) to the part of the leg in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, thefront leg 5 x/5 y may have a “v”-shaped cross-section when viewed from itsseat section 10 contact point (e.g., brace 11). An arcuate structure such as a v-shaped cross-section may facilitate overlapping arrangements offront legs 5 x/5 y so that they may nest or slidably translate when placed atop one another as shown in further figures herein described. - With reference to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 4G ,rear legs 6 x/6 y may have an arcuate cross-section from the part of the leg that attaches to seat section 10 (e.g., shoulders 7 x/7 y) to the part of the leg in contact with the ground. In an exemplary embodiment, therear leg 6 x/6 y may have a “v”-shaped cross-section when viewed from its seat section 10 (e.g., shoulders 7 x/7 y) contact point. An arcuate structure such as a v-shaped cross-section may facilitate overlapping arrangements ofrear legs 6 x/6 y so that they may nest and or slidably translate when placed atop one another as shown in further figures herein described. With respect to the illustrativerear legs 6 x/6 y ofFIG. 4G , the portion of therear legs 6 x/6 y that comes into contact with the ground G may be at an angle A sufficient to satisfy the preferred ranges illustrated and described with respect toFIGS. 5A-C . Alternatively, the angle λ of the ground-contact portion ofrear legs 6 x/6 y may be between 36° and about 24°, and preferably about 39°. In an exemplary embodiment, each of thearcuate legs 5 x/5 y/6 x/6 y may be made pursuant to monocoque and pseudo-monocoque techniques, stamping, extrusion, or other manufacturing methods known to those skilled in the art. - With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 5A and 5B , an exemplary chair 1 may be configured so that its constituent parts may have certain dimensions and/or may be within certain positions relative to others and/or reference points. For example, with reference toFIG. 5A , an exemplary rightrear leg 6 y may have a taper β relative to the forward most surface of the right rear leg. In an exemplary embodiment, taper β may be between about 2.35° and about 3.15°, preferably 2.85°. As will be explained further, these ranges of taper for β may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized stacking of a chair 1 with other such chairs. Similarly, an exemplary rightfront leg 5 y may have a taper ε relative to the forward most surface of the right front leg. In an exemplary embodiment, taper ε may be between about 0.9° and about 1.9°, preferably 1.4°. As will be explained further, these ranges of taper for ε may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized stacking of a chair 1 with other such chairs. While the aforementioned angles and ranges have been described with respect to the right front and rear legs, 5 y and 6 y, respectively, these angles and ranges may be suited for the left front and rear legs, 5 x and 6 x, respectively, as they may also be especially suitable and critical for the same or similar applications to which chair 1 would be put. - With reference to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 5B , an exemplary chair 1 may be characterized by at least three different axes “L1,” “L2,” and “L3,” and the ground “G” as may be illustrated. In this configuration, all legs (5 x/y and/or 6 x/y) of chair 1 are in contact with ground line G. In an exemplary embodiment, may be designated the line which best represents the positional orientation of the rear leg (6 x/y). In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L1 may be the centerline for a majority of the length of the leg going from the bottom of therear leg 6 x/y to the part of the rear leg coupling toshoulder 7 x/y. In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L1 may be the line that passes through the center of the cross sections of the upper and lower terminus of therear leg 6 x/y, e.g., those cross sections in contact with ground line G andshoulder 7 x/y. In an exemplary embodiment, L2 may be designated the line which best represents the positional orientation of the front leg (5 x/y). In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L2 may be the centerline for a majority of the length of the leg going from the bottom of thefront leg 5 x/y to the part of the front leg coupling to seat portion 10 (e.g., at front apron brace 11). In another aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L2 may be the line that passes through the center of the cross sections of the upper and lower terminus of thefront leg 5 x/y, e.g., those cross sections in contact with ground line G andseat portion 10, those cross sections in contact with ground line G andfront apron brace 11. In an exemplary embodiment, L3 may be designated the line which best represents the plane of theseat portion 10. In one aspect of this exemplary embodiment, L3 may be the line connecting the centers of mass of each of the constituent parts ofseat portion 10. Alternatively, L3 may be the line from chair 1's front to chair 1's back in the plane parallel to the bottom ofseat 40 when assembled inchair 10. Further alternatively, L3 may be the plane that intersects the upper terminus oflegs 5 x/y and 6 x/y. While the above exemplary methods of determining reference axes L1, L2, and L3 may be utilized, those skilled in the art may determine other methods of identifying axes for these components consistent with the disclosures herein. - Referring again to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 5B , an exemplary chair I may have numerous ranges of angles between components and/or the ground to effect its operation. In one embodiment, the angle α between L1 and L2 may be between about 39° and about 45′,and preferably 42°. In another embodiment, the angle ρ between L1 and L3 may be between about 45° and 51°, and preferably 48°. In another embodiment, the angle θ between L3 and ground G may be between about 6° and about 1°, and preferably about 3°. In yet another embodiment, an angle ω between L2 and L3 may be between about 87° and about 93°, and preferably about 90°. And in still further of another embodiment, an angle Δ between L1 and ground G may be between about 48° and about 54°, and preferably about 51°. - Referring to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 5C , an exemplary chair 1 may also have a particular taper ξ betweenfront legs 5 x/y that may range from about 1.7° to about 2.3°, and preferably about 2.0°. Additionally and/or alternatively, an exemplary chair 1 may have a particular taper π betweenrear legs 6 x/y that may range from about 3.5° to about 4.1°, and preferably about 3.8°. - As previously explained, these ranges described with respect to
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized nesting and stacking of a chair 1 with other such chairs. For example, without these above particular angles and measurements, chair 1 may not be able to suitably nest and stack with additional chairs 1 to maintain a first balanced furniture arrangement. As an additional example, without the above particular angles and measurements,chair 2 may not be able to suitably stack and nest withadditional chairs 2 to maintain a second balanced furniture arrangement. - With reference to the illustrative embodiment provided for in
FIG. 6B , an exemplaryrear leg assembly 90 may be shown in exploded view. An exemplaryrear leg assembly 90 may comprisetransverse brace 13, left and rightrear legs slatted ends 9 x/9 y, and left andright leg brackets FIG. 6B , transvers brace 13 may includeproximal contours 13 p anddistal contours 13 d, which may be, for example, rectangular cut-outs from acylindrical brace 13 tube or indentations/channels inbrace 13's surface. In an exemplary embodiment according toFIG. 6B ,rear legs 6 x/y may couple to the distal contours 13D ofbrace 13 via welding, bolts, screws, interlocking joints, adhesives, or other mechanical and/or chemical connections known to those skilled in the art. - In further accordance with that exemplary embodiment illustratively provided for in
FIG. 6B , aleg bracket 8 x/8 y may be disposed withinbrace 13 and within respectiverear leg 6 x/6 y. In this configuration,bracket 8 x/8 y spans between openings inbrace 13 and the respectiverear leg 6 x/6 y via the distal contour 13D. Accordingly,bracket 8 x/8 y may be shaped so as to interlock withbracket 13 and its respectiverear leg 6 x/6 y through distal contour 13D. In a preferred embodiment,bracket 8 x/8 y may be configured to achieve any of the aforementioned angles that may be deemed critical for applications. A closer view ofleft leg bracket 8 x as situated withinbrace 13 and leftrear leg 6 x may be illustratively provided for inFIG. 6C . Additionallyleg bracket 8 x/8 y may also have in its surfaces theslat 9 x/9 y, respectively, to allow for ganging, provided enough ofbracket 8 x/87 protrudes from withinbrace 13 when situated therein. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6C , an exemplaryrear leg assembly 90 may be attached to lefttransverse bracket 12 x onseat section 10 viaproximal contour 13 p. In a preferred embodiment,proximal contour 13 p may be dimensioned so that a lower-most surface ofbrace 13 is substantially flush with the lower surface ofbracket 12 x and/or all or substantially all of the other brackets and braces making upseat section 10. Accordingly, in this preferred embodiment,contour 13 p may allow for a relatively flat underside ofseat section 10 for receipt ofundercarriage 41. A benefit of maintaining a relatively flush underside forseat section 10 may be to reduce contours and curvatures inundercarriage 41 and/or streamline chair 1. In an exemplary embodiment of arear leg assembly 90 as illustratively provided for inFIG. 6C , left leg bracket 8C may be shaped so that a portion passes throughdistal contour 13 d and passes overproximal contour 13 p. In a further exemplary embodiment, the portion ofleg bracket 8 x that passes overcontour 13 p may be in contact withtransverse bracket 12 x and either connect to or rest thereon. At its other end, anexemplary leg bracket 8 x may be configured to frictionally engage within the inside walls of therear leg 6 x. While the portion ofbracket 8 x withinrear leg 6 x may be shown abutting the wall ofleg 6 x facingtransverse bracket 12 x, this portion ofbracket 8 x (to be described elsewhere herein) may be configured to contact a plurality of inside walls of its respective rear leg 6 into which it may be inserted. Those skilled in the art would readily appreciate that whileFIG. 6C provides a left-hand side vantage point, the same features would be understood to exist on the right-hand side in substantially the same fashion. - With reference to the illustrative embodiments provided for in
FIGS. 6D, 6E, 6F, 6G , and 6H, an exemplaryrear leg bracket 8 may be shown.FIGS. 6D and 6E may illustrate an exemplaryrear leg bracket 8 in isometric view, showingstem 81,plank 82, plank bend 83A,plank wing 83B,branch 85,lower rest 84, andupper rest 86. As may be provided for inFIGS. 6E-6F and 6H , betweenbranch 85 andplank 82 may be afinger 88 separated from the plank by agap 89 and separated from thebranch 85 by aslot 87. As may be illustratively provided for inFIG. 6E , aslot 87 may separateplank wing 83B fromupper rest 86 in like manner to slot 87 betweenfinger 88 andbranch 85. In one exemplary embodiment, the undulating profile ofupper rest 86,lower rest 84, andbranch 85 may allow for spring-like capabilities forbracket 8 so as to allow it to apply friction to the walls of its respectiverear leg 6 x/y when inserted therein. The degree of springiness in theupper rest 86,lower rest 84, andbranch 85 may be a function of the span ofslots 87 andgap 89 in conjunction with the relative lengths of theupper rest 86,lower rest 84, andbranch 85, as well as the thickness of the connection betweenbranch 85 and plank bend 83A, which connection thickness may also be affected by the size offinger 88. Anexemplary bracket 8 may be constructed from steel or hardened alloy and made by die stamping. As previously described, anexemplary slat 9 x/9 y may be made in a portion ofplank 82, plank bend 83A, orplank wing 83B to the extent one or all of these components protrude frominside brace 13 when situated therein. In other words,leg bracket 8 x/8 y may take on the form of a “T” shape as opposed to the illustrative “L.” shape depicted inFIGS. 6C-H . - As illustratively provided for in
FIGS. 6I, 6J, and 6K , an exemplary profile view of afront backing 20A, arear backing 20B, and a combination of both front andrear backing 60, may be shown. In the exemplary embodiment illustratively provided for inFIG. 6I , an exemplaryfront backing 20A may comprise anupper hand 61, afront apron 65 and alower hand 67. Disposed between theupper hand 61 and thefront apron 65, at least one frontupper link 63 may be located. Disposed between thelower hand 67 and thefront apron 65, at least one frontlower link 69 may be located. In the exemplary embodiment illustratively provided for inFIG. 6J , an exemplaryrear backing 20B may comprise an upper hand 62, arear apron 66 and a lowerrear hand 68. Disposed between the upper hand 62 and therear apron 66, at least one rear upper link 64 may be located. Disposed between the lowerrear hand 68 and therear apron 66, at least one rearlower link 70 may be located. When combined as illustratively assembled inFIG. 6K ,space 71 formed by the combination ofupper hand 61 and upper hand 62 may allow for passage of components ofseat section 20, e.g., upper extremity of brace orrail 21 ofseat section 20. When combined as illustratively assembled inFIG. 6K ,space 72 formed by the combination offront apron 65 andrear apron 66 may allow for passage of components ofseat section 20, e.g., backingbrace 22. When combined as illustratively assembled inFIG. 6K ,space 73 formed by the combination oflower hand 67 andlower hand 68 may allow for passage of components ofseat section 20, e.g., backingbrace 23. Thus, the hands and aprons ofbackings seat section 20. An exemplaryfront backing 20A may be constructed from semi-flexible polymers and made by injection, rotary and/or blow molding processes known to those skilled in the art. An exemplaryrear backing 20B may be constructed from semi-flexible polymers and made by injection, rotary and/or blow molding processes known to those skilled in the art. - With reference to the illustrative embodiment provided for in
FIGS. 6L and 6M , anexemplary seat rest 40 may be shown from its underside (as inFIG. 6L ) and in profile view (as inFIG. 6M ). As provided for in the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 6L , anexemplary seat rest 40 may have a right adapter broken into two discrete portions, front right adapter 42 y 1 and rear right adapter 42 y 2. Anexemplary seat rest 40 may also have a left adapter broken into two discrete portions, front right adapter 42 x 1 and rear right adapter 42 x 2. Collectively, right and left adapters 42 y 1, 42 y 2, 42 x 1, and 42 x 2 may be referred to as adapters 42. Each of the portions of the right, central, and left adapters may be separated by achannel 46, which may be dimensioned to fit aroundbrace 13 ofseat section 10. According to one embodiment,seat rest 40 may have its adapters 42 and/or 45 dimensioned so thatseat section 40 can fill openings inseat section 10, e.g.,chair spaces frame seat section 10 of chair 1 on either side ofbraces 12 x/y and 14 x/y. According to another embodiment, adapters 42 and 45 ofseat rest 40 may operate to click or friction fit around braces 12 x/y and 14 x/y of chair 1. According to yet another embodiment,channel 46 may friction fit or snap ontobrace 13, e.g., wherebrace 13 possesses corresponding channels for receiving such friction fittings or snap geometries or possesses corresponding structures to snap into or friction fit withinchannel 46. According to still another embodiment,seat rest 40 may be designed so that adapters 42 and/or 45 or elsewhere onseat rest 40's underside, receiving surfaces forundercarriage 41 may exist so that it can snap into or friction fit withseat section 40. Alternatively, anexemplary undercarriage 41 may snap into, friction fit, or otherwise attach toseat section 10 and/orseat rest 40 via bolts, screws, Velcro, magnets, adhesives, or other forms of attachment known to those skilled in the art. Anexemplary seat rest 40 with one or more adaptors 42 and/or 45 may be constructed from variety of polymers and polyurethanes and made by injection, rotary, or blow-molding polymers and cold-molding or machine forming polyurethanes . An exemplary undercarriage for coupling to seatrest 40,seat section 10, and/or both may be constructed from variety of polymers and made by injection, rotary, blow-molding or vacuum-forming. - In a first embodiment of a first balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 7A , afirst chair 1A may be nested with asecond chair 1B. In an exemplary embodiment of nesting as illustrated inFIG. 7A , afirst chair 1A may have aseat rest 40A and left front and rear legs, 5 x 1 and 6 x 1, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y 1 and 6 y 1, respectively attached to aseat section 10A, and further providing for abacking section 20A coupled to theseat section 10A. In further accordance with the aforementionedFIG. 7A embodiment, asecond chair 1B may have anundercarriage 41B and left front and rear legs, 5 x 2 and 6 x 2, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y 2 and 6 y 2, respectively attached to aseat section 10B, and further providing for abacking section 20B coupled to theseat section 10B. According to the nesting arrangement illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A ,undercarriage 41B may rest atopseat rest 40A so that the following surfaces may share substantial contact with one another about the following contacting surface areas: (i) the front ofhacking section 20A and the rear ofbacking section 20B; (ii) the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B); (iii) the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2; and/or (iv) the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6 y 2. Among the various surfaces identified for nesting according to this exemplary embodiment, the most critical surface-to-surface abutment would be equally (i) the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2; and/or (ii) the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6y 2, and (iii) the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B), - In a second embodiment of a first balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 7A , afirst chair 1A may be nested with asecond chair 1B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B), the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2, and the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6 y 2 are in substantial contact. - In a third embodiment of a first balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 7A , afirst chair 1A may be nested with asecond chair 1B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B), the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2, the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6 y 2, and the front ofbacking section 20A and the rear ofbacking section 20B are in substantial contact. - In a first embodiment of a second balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 7B , afirst chair 2A may be nested with asecond chair 2B. In an exemplary embodiment of nesting as illustrated inFIG. 7B , afirst chair 2A may have aseat rest 40A and left front and rear legs, 5 x 1 and 6 x 1, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y 1 and 6 y 1, respectively attached to aseat section 10A, and further providing for abacking section 20A coupled to theseat section 10A. In further accordance with the aforementionedFIG. 7B embodiment, asecond chair 2B may have anundercarriage 41B and left front and rear legs, 5 x 2 and 6 x 2, respectively, and right front and rear legs, 5 y 2 and 6 y 2, respectively attached to aseat section 10B, and further providing for abacking section 20B coupled to theseat section 10B. According to the nesting arrangement illustratively provided for inFIG. 7B ,undercarriage 41B may rest atopseat rest 40A so that the following surfaces may share substantial contact with one another about the following contacting surface areas: (i) the front ofbacking section 20A and the rear ofbacking section 20B; (ii) the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B); (iii) the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2; and/or (iv) the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6 y 2. Among the various surfaces identified for nesting according to this exemplary embodiment, the most critical surface-to-surface abutment would be equally (i) the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2; and/or (ii) the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6y 2, and (iii) the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B). - In a second embodiment of a second balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 7B , afirst chair 2A may be nested with asecond chair 2B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B), the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2, and the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6 y 2 are in substantial contact. - in a third embodiment of a second balanced furniture arrangement as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 7B , afirst chair 2A may be nested with asecond chair 2B so that only the top of seat rest 40A and theundercarriage 41B (or if no undercarriage is used, thenseat section 10B), the top-most surface of leftrear leg 6 x 1 and the underside of leftrear leg 6 x 2, the top-most surface of rightrear leg 6 y 1 and the underside of rightrear leg 6 y 2, and the front ofbacking section 20A and the rear ofbacking section 20B are in substantial contact. - In an exemplary embodiment of a stacked furniture arrangement when viewed from the right-hand side, as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 8 , afirst chair 1A and asecond chair 1B may be placed in accordance with one or more of the first balanced. furniture arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . As such, arear contact point 35 may be considered the point at which the rearward-most portion offirst chair 1A that is in contact with ground G. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , an exemplaryfirst chair 1A has a center of mass or center of gravity (“CG”) denoted CG1 located aboveseat rest 40A. The center of gravity or center of mass may be the point at which the entire weight of a body may be considered as concentrated so that if supported at this point the body would remain in equilibrium in any position. In other words, CG1 may be the point at which the entire weight ofchair 1A may be considered as concentrated so that if it is supported at that point it would be stable in any position. It may also be known that bodies tend to rotate about their centers of gravity when impacted by a force. - With further reference to
FIG. 8 , asecond chair 1B may be placed onfirst chair 1A in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 1A andsecond chair 1B may have a center of gravity denoted CG2. The CG2 may be located on secondchair seat rest 40B and not in free space as may be the case for CG1. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary two-chair system comprising first andsecond chairs chair 1A from.position 36A to position 36B. - With reference to
FIG. 9 , athird chair 1C may be placed on thesecond chair 1B in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 1A,second chair 1B, andthird chair 1C may have a center of gravity denoted CG3. The CG3 may be located in thirdchair seat rest 40C. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary three-chair system comprising first, second, andthird chairs chairs position 36B to position 36C. As may be further illustratively provided for inFIG. 9 , the location of CG3 and prior CG2 and CG1 may be substantially aligned with therear leg 6 y 3 ofchair 1C. - With reference to
FIG. 10 , a fourth chair ID may be placed on thethird chair 1C in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 1A,second chair 1B,third chair 1C, andfourth chair 1D may have a center of gravity denoted CG4. The CG4 may be located on top of thirdchair seat rest 40C or below fourthchair seat rest 40D. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary four-chair system comprising first, second, third, andfourth chairs chairs position 36C to position 36D. As may be further illustratively provided for inFIG. 10 , the location of CG4 and prior CG3, CG2 and CG1 may be substantially aligned with therear leg 6 y 4 ofchair 1D. As may also be illustratively provide for inFIG. 10 , an exemplary four-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top. - With reference to
FIG. 11 , afifth chair 1E may be placed on thefourth chair 1D in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 1A,second chair 1B,third chair 1C,fourth chair 1D, andfifth chair 1E may have a center of gravity denoted CG5. The CG5 may be located within the fourthchair seat rest 40D or below fifthchair seat rest 40E. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary five-chair system comprising first, second, third, fourth, andfifth chairs chairs position 36D to position 36E, although not as great an increased distance as that between 36A to 36B, 36B to 36C, and/or 36C to 36D. As may be further illustratively provided for inFIG. 11 , the location of CG5 and prior CG4, CG3, CG2 and CG1 may be substantially aligned with both ofrear leg 6 y 4 ofchair 1D andrear leg 6 y 5 ofchair 1D. As may also be illustratively provide for inFIG. 11 , an exemplary five-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top. - With reference to
FIG. 12 , asixth chair 1F may be placed on thefifth chair 1E in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 1A,second chair 1B,third chair 1C,fourth chair 1D,fifth chair 1E andsixth chair 1F may have a center of gravity denoted CG6. The CG6 may be located on top of the fourthchair seat rest 40D, which may be below fifthchair seat rest 40E and substantially below sixthchair seat rest 40F. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary six-chair system comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, andsixth chairs chairs position 36E to position 36F, although not as great an increased distance as that between 36A to 36B, 36B to 36C, 36C to 36D, and/or 36D to 36E. As may be further illustratively provided for inFIG. 12 , the location of CG6 and prior CG5, CG4, CG3, CG2 and CG1 may be substantially aligned with both ofrear leg 6 y 4 ofchair 1D andrear leg 6 y 5 ofchair 1E. As may also he illustratively provide for inFIG. 12 , an exemplary six-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top. In a preferred embodiment, CG6 may be substantially unchanged from CG5 in the horizontal (x) direction. - With reference to
FIG. 13 , aseventh chair 1G may be placed on thesixth chair 1F in accordance with one or more of the first balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7A . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 1A,second chair 1B,third chair 1C,fourth chair 1D,fifth chair 1E,sixth chair 1F, andseventh chair 1G may have a center of gravity denoted CG7. The CG7 may be located in the fifthchair seat rest 40E, which may be below the sixthchair seat rest 40F and substantially below seventhchair seat rest 40G. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizes chair 1, an exemplary six-chair system comprising first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, andseventh chairs chairs position 36F to position 36G, although not as great an increased distance as that between 36A to 36B, 36B to 36C. 36C to 36D, 36D to 36E and/or 36E to 36F. In a preferred embodiment, CG7 may be substantially unchanged from CG6 in the horizontal (x) direction, which may be substantially unchanged from CG5 in the horizontal (x) direction. - As may be further illustratively provided for in
FIG. 13 , the location of CG7 and prior CG6, CG5, CG4, CG3, CG2 and CG1 may be substantially aligned withrear leg 6 y 5 ofchair 1E. As may also be illustratively provide for inFIG. 13 , an exemplary seven-chair system may be seen to arch towards the rear with each subsequent chair placed on top. - According to the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 14 , a stacked arrangement IS comprising a plurality of chairs 1 may have an arching progression of CGs as additional chairs 1 are added to thestack 1S. In addition to the previously illustrated CG1 through CG7, CG8 and CG9 are illustratively shown inFIG. 14 in positions that tend to be substantially aligned with CG4, CG5, CG6, and/or CG7, while also appearing to follow an arc towards the rear of thestack 1S. The arc of sequential CGs in anexemplary stack 1S as the number of chairs increases from 1 to 12 may be illustratively shown inFIG. 15 's depiction ofCG arc 37. - In contrast,
FIG. 16 illustratively provides for a stacking arrangement ofchairs 2. As was illustratively provided with respect to stacking arrangements involving a plurality of chairs 1, a plurality ofchairs 2, comprisingchair - As previously explained, the orientations described with respect to
FIGS. 2 and 3 may be especially suitable, and in certain applications critical, for optimized nesting and stacking of achair 2 with other such chairs. For example, without these above orientations,chair 2 may not be able to suitably nest and stack withadditional chairs 2 to maintain a first balanced furniture arrangement. - In an exemplary embodiment of a stacked furniture arrangement when viewed from the right-hand side, as illustratively provided for in
FIG. 16 , afirst chair 2A and asecond chair 2B may be placed in accordance with one or more of the second balanced furniture arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7B . As such, arear contact point 35 may be considered the point at which the rearward-most portion offirst chair 2A that may be in contact with ground G. As illustrated inFIG. 16 , an exemplaryfirst chair 2A has a CG denoted CGA located aboveseat rest 40A. As previously explained with respect to chair 1 inFIG. 8 , CGA may he the point at which the entire weight ofchair 2A may be considered as concentrated so that if it is supported at that point it would be stable in any position. It may also be known that bodies tend to rotate about their centers of gravity when impacted by a force. - With further reference to
FIG. 16 , asecond chair 2B may be placed onfirst chair 2A in accordance with one or more of the second balanced chair arrangements illustratively provided for inFIG. 7B . When arranged in that manner, the system offirst chair 2A andsecond chair 2B may have a center of gravity denoted CGA+B. The CGA+B may be located on secondchair seat rest 40B and not in free space as may be the case for CGA. Thus, where an exemplary system utilizeschair 2, an exemplary two-chair system comprising first andsecond chairs chair 2A fromposition 38A to position 38B. - As
subsequent chair 2 are added to an exemplary secondbalanced chair arrangement 2S, each subsequent CG may be substantially aligned in avector 39 that may itself be oriented at substantially the same angle as the majority of the length of a majority of therear legs 6 x/y of all thechairs 2 inchair arrangement 2S. - As illustratively provided for in
FIGS. 7A and 713 , chair 1 and/or 2 may function as a banquet chair, despite lacking a traditional banquet chair appearance. In one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, an exemplary stackable furniture system may be ergonomically enhanced and compact to enable nesting. In another aspect as illustratively provided for inFIGS. 7A-B and 8-17, an exemplary stacking functionality may utilize leg-on-leg nesting in the rear, seat-on-seat nesting with an integrated angled nesting pan that locks the seat above onto the seat below. An additional aspect of an exemplary stacking furniture system may also include integrated stacking buttons, integrated stacking glides, and nested seat-pan on seat arrangement. In certain embodiments, a “smile” shape of the seat and nesting pan along with the rear leg-on-leg nesting may create a compact nesting stackedchair arrangement 1S and/or 2S for tight, secure stack configurations.
Claims (20)
1. A stackable furniture device, comprising:
a seat section;
a plurality of legs interconnected to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the stackable furniture device's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the rear leg is an acute angle less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device.
2. The stackable furniture device of claim 1 , further comprising a second front leg opposite the front leg, wherein each of the second front leg and the front leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.
3. The stackable furniture device of claim 2 , further comprising a second rear leg opposite the rear leg and rearward of the second front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second front leg and a centerline passing through a majority of the length of the second rear leg is an acute angle less than 50° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device and wherein each of the second rear leg and the rear leg are tapered as they extend from under the seat section.
4. The stackable furniture device of claim 3 , further comprising at least one slat on one of the rear leg and the second rear leg, wherein the at least one slat extends outwardly from the seat section.
5. The stackable furniture device of claim 3 , further comprising at least one slat in each of the rear leg and the second rear leg, wherein the at least one slat extends outwardly from the seat section.
6. The stackable furniture device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one slat is located in an elbow, the at least one of the rear leg and the second rear leg being interconnected to the seat section via the elbow.
7. The stackable furniture device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one slat is located in an elbow, the rear leg or the second rear leg being interconnected to the seat section via the elbow.
8. The stackable furniture device of claim 5 , wherein the at least one slat comprises a first slat located in a first elbow and a second slat located in a second elbow, wherein the rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the first elbow and the second rear leg is interconnected to the seat section via the second elbow.
9. The stackable furniture device of claim 5 , wherein the at least one slat comprises a first slat in the rear leg and a second slat in the second rear leg, the first slat has a first surface and the second slat has a second surface, wherein the first surface faces is oriented opposite the second surface.
10. The stackable furniture device of claim 8 , wherein the first slat has a first surface and the second slat has a second surface, wherein the first surface is oriented opposite the second surface.
11. A stacked furniture system, comprising:
two to six chairs, wherein each chair comprises:
a seat section;
a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between each of the following is an acute angle when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device:
a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length,
a centerline passing through the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the front leg's length,
the centerline passing through the seat section and the centerline passing through the majority of the rear leg's length,
and further wherein the seat section of a first chair is disposed on top of the seat section of a second chair such that the center of gravity for the second chair is forward of the center of gravity for the first chair when measured in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.
12. The stacked furniture system of claim 11 , wherein the rear leg of the second chair is in contact with the rear leg of the first chair.
13. The stacked furniture system of claim 11 , wherein the rear leg of the second chair is not in contact with the rear leg of the first chair.
14. The stacked furniture system of claim 11 , further comprising a plurality of chairs disposed on top of six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair on top of the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.
15. The stacked furniture system of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.
16. The stacked furniture system of claim 12 , further comprising a plurality of chairs disposed on top of the six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair above the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.
17. The stacked furniture system of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.
18. The stacked furniture system of claim 13 , further comprising a plurality of chairs disposed on top of the six chairs such that the center of gravity of each chair above the sixth chair is substantially aligned above one another when viewed in the profile view of the stacked furniture system.
19. The stacked furniture system of claim 18 , wherein the plurality of chairs when disposed on top of the six chairs create a CG arc.
20. A stacked furniture system, comprising:
at least eight chairs, wherein each chair comprises:
a seat section;
a plurality of legs coupled to the seat section, each leg extending for a length thereunder, the plurality of legs comprising a front leg located forwardly of the seat section's center of gravity and a rear leg located rearwardly of the front leg, wherein the angle between a centerline passing through a majority of the front leg's length and a centerline passing through a majority of the rear leg's length is no greater than about 45° when measured in a profile view of the stackable furniture device;
wherein the at least eight chairs are stacked one on top of the other and when stacked create a CG arc.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/103,331 US20180368577A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2018-08-14 | Stackable Furniture System |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US29/579,410 USD848174S1 (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2016-09-29 | Stack chair |
US201862643723P | 2018-03-15 | 2018-03-15 | |
US16/103,331 US20180368577A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2018-08-14 | Stackable Furniture System |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/579,410 Continuation-In-Part USD848174S1 (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2016-09-29 | Stack chair |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180368577A1 true US20180368577A1 (en) | 2018-12-27 |
Family
ID=64691195
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/103,331 Abandoned US20180368577A1 (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2018-08-14 | Stackable Furniture System |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20180368577A1 (en) |
-
2018
- 2018-08-14 US US16/103,331 patent/US20180368577A1/en not_active Abandoned
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