Slotted Components Normal To Each Other Patents (Class 297/440.13)
  • Patent number: 11849850
    Abstract: Systems and methods for moving a convertible bench between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop, is described herein. While the described systems can include any suitable component, in some cases, they include a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from a first position that presents a backrest to a second position that presents a tabletop. Other implementations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: M. Brent Norton
  • Patent number: 11779119
    Abstract: A flat folding chair system is provided incorporating additional functionality. The folding chair, when collapsed, is retained on pegs protruding from an affixed wall plate. The rear portion of the chair is adapted to removably secure a support panel onto which artwork, marker board, or the like may be mounted. When the chair is in the folded position, the chair can be hung on a wall, where the artwork, or the like, can be displayed. In this manner, the folding chair serves as a decorative, or other useful, wall hanging when the chair is not in use. Further, when the chair is removed and opened to function as seating, the pegs may be available for use as a coat rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Beth Metsch Goldman
  • Patent number: 11432656
    Abstract: There is provided an ergonomic chair which is produced from flat components. The components may be made of paper. The components are designed using parametric equations which take the targeted user's proportions into account. The components are then folded, joined, and coated with strengthening material. The chair has a seat, a base, and three legs connecting the seat to the base. The base contains a counterweight mass for keeping the chair in a default upright position. The base contains an accelerometer which can transmit data to a computing device to track a user's posture and other health-related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Inventor: Patrick Allen Danielson
  • Patent number: 11039693
    Abstract: A safety stool/learning tower and method of assembling same, the safety stool having a first wall, at least two side walls, a second wall, and a platform, wherein the at least two side walls are configured to locate one on each side of the first wall, and wherein the second wall is configured to engage with the first and second walls, characterised in that, when engaged, the second wall interlocks the first and second walls with the first wall, and wherein the platform is configured to engage with at least two opposing walls of the interlocked first wall, at least two side walls and second wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Cara Gullick
  • Patent number: 10281247
    Abstract: An example resetting gun target includes a first curved rocking member; a second curved rocking member; a connector portion joining the first rocking member and the second rocking member and maintaining a space between the first rocking member and the second rocking member; and a central target panel attached to the connector portion and situated in the space between the first curved rocking member and the second curved rocking member. The resetting gun target may further include paddle portions respectively situated at a first end and a second end of each of the first curved rocking member and the second curved rocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventors: Jared Miller, Peter Bunnell
  • Patent number: 9874237
    Abstract: A support assembly for easy assembly and reliable operation is disclosed. Support assembly includes a plurality of support members, with at least one support member including connecting slot and at least one other support member having a complementary slot. Each slot features at least two tapered faces or walls to provide a wedge effect that ensures a tight reliable fit when the two members are fitted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Kinetic Furniture of Vermont LLC
    Inventors: Turner Osler, Matthew Flego, Erik Cooper
  • Patent number: 9512866
    Abstract: A dovetail and slot assembly made from panels comprising layered corrugated Kraft. The applications are multiple, ranging from items of furniture such as chairs, tables, benches, shelves, items for loading products, display units, and packagings. The assembly systems are also designed to be set up in such a way that it is practical and easy for the user without needing to use tools. It enables and facilitates the transport of the structures prior to assembly in parts arranged in a compact manner, occupying a relatively small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew E Gerstle
  • Patent number: 9512867
    Abstract: A mortise and tenon assembly comprising the insertion of tenons of multilayered corrugated Kraft into mortises in panels of corrugated Kraft. The tenons have a folding flap and tuck slot that form an interlocking connection. The assembly is practical and easy for the user to construct without needing to use tools. It enables and facilitates the transport of the structures prior to assembly in parts arranged in a compact manner, occupying a relatively small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew E Gerstle
  • Patent number: 9468298
    Abstract: A furniture assembly and structuring systems comprising the insertion of tenons of multilayered corrugated Kraft into mortises in panels of corrugated Kraft in order to obtain furniture structures and other structures that are sturdy, as well as being light and self-supporting and optionally made from recyclable material. The tenons have a folding flap and tuck slot that form an interlocking connection. The invention also relates to a furniture assembly and structuring systems made from panels comprising layered corrugated Kraft comprising a dovetail and slot assembly. The applications are multiple, ranging from items of furniture such as chairs, tables, benches, shelves, items for loading products, display units, and packagings. The assembly systems are also designed to be set up in such a way that it is practical and easy for the user without needing to use tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Matthew E Gerstle
  • Patent number: 8899687
    Abstract: A seating assembly with a base, a seat and a back which have interlocking features, and a strap latch removeably securing the back to the base with a portion of the seat sandwiched therebetween. The strap latch comprises a strap affixed to one component, with a latch attached to its free end, and a catch member affixed to another component. The seat may also be configured to appear horizontal but to have a rearward incline when occupied, by affixing the seat webbing to a fixed forward member and a floating rear member, and attaching the floating member to a fixed rear member via straps, wherein the straps and the seat webbing have sufficient elasticity to allow the floating member to be depressed when a downward force is applied to the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sauder Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Martin Krause, Donald Newfer, Steven Stieglitz
  • Patent number: 8870294
    Abstract: A collapsible chair includes a frame having two sidepieces, each having a base portion and a back portion. The base has an upward facing concave edge complementary to a portion of a spherical profile of a seating ball, the base portion further includes a frontal aspect. Each sidepiece has one or more hinges to connect the two sidepieces. The sidepieces, when hinged together, are moveable between a collapsed arrangement and an open arrangement. The chair further includes a cross member having an upward facing concave edge complementary to a portion of the spherical profile of the seating ball. The cross member is configured to mate with the frontal aspects of the two sidepieces so as to stabilize the two sidepieces in the open position. The upward facing concave edges of the sidepieces and the cross member form a triangular cradle that supports the seating ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventor: Maria G. Mankin
  • Patent number: 8820841
    Abstract: A chair includes a first component resembling sporting equipment and including a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion is pivotable about a first axis located on the handle portion. The chair also includes a second component that is substantially identical to the first component and interconnects with the first component to form a chair. The second component also resembles sporting equipment and includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion of the second component is pivotable about a second axis located on the handle portion of the second component. When assembled, one of the head portion of the first component and the head portion of the second component forms a seat of the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Erik Robert Donley
  • Publication number: 20140167480
    Abstract: A knock-down furniture frame includes a plurality of panels having interlocking sides and at least one tensioning device having a band that draws the plurality of panels together under tension into an interlocking relationship. In one embodiment, the band may apply tension to each of the plurality of panels and extend exclusively within the interior space defined by the plurality of panels. In another embodiment, the band may be woven through the plurality of panels such that at least a first portion of the band extends along an outside surface of at least one of the plurality of panels and at least a second portion of the band extends within the interior space defined by the plurality of panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Blair
  • Publication number: 20140139000
    Abstract: A modular chair includes a lower support portion, a seat portion, and a back portion. The seat portion includes a front area having a retaining member which cooperates with a corresponding cross bar on the lower support portion, and a rear area including one or more slots therein. The back portion includes one or more protrusions, which are received in the slots of the seat portion, so that the seat portion is secured between the cross bar of the lower support portion via the retaining member and the protrusions of the back portion. The back portion is secured to the lower support portion via a latch mechanism accessible to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Ogg Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Ogg
  • Patent number: 8721005
    Abstract: A collapsible chair includes a frame having two sidepieces, each having a base portion and a back portion. The base has an upward facing concave edge complementary to a portion of a spherical profile of a seating ball, the base portion further includes a frontal aspect. Each sidepiece has one or more hinges to connect the two sidepieces. The sidepieces, when hinged together, are moveable between a collapsed arrangement and an open arrangement. The chair further includes a cross member having an upward facing concave edge complementary to a portion of the spherical profile of the seating ball. The cross member is configured to mate with the frontal aspects of the two sidepieces so as to stabilize the two sidepieces in the open position. The upward facing concave edges of the sidepieces and the cross member form a triangular cradle that supports the seating ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Balanced Body, Inc.
    Inventor: Maria G. Mankin
  • Patent number: 8684466
    Abstract: A knock-down, modular furniture frame including a plurality of panels having interlocking sides and at least one tensioning device having a band that girds the plurality of panels to secure the plurality of panels together under tension into an interlocking relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Blair
  • Patent number: 8657374
    Abstract: There is provided a chair (101) comprising: a seating portion (102) for occupation; a base portion (103) for location upon a support surface; and a connecting portion (104) connectedly extending between said seating portion (102) and said base portion (103); wherein said connecting portion (104) is configured to provide a degree of freedom of the position of said seating portion (101) relative to said base portion (103), such that said seating portion (102) is movable between a default unloaded position relative to said base portion (103) and each of a plurality of available loaded positions relative to said base portion (103), whereby when unoccupied, said seating portion (102) is in said default unloaded position relative to said base portion (103), and when occupied, said seating portion (102) is in one of said plurality of available loaded positions relative to said base portion (103), whereby said chair is configured to dynamically respond to changes in the posture of an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Oliver Duncan Higgs
  • Patent number: 8646136
    Abstract: Encasement assemblies, systems, and related methods employing interlocking support components to provide at least a portion of an encasement for bedding or seating are disclosed. The assembly may include a base having flip-up support member(s). The base may include elongated channel(s) disposed therein having a first geometry and a portion of the elongated channel(s) may also be disposed in the flip-up support member(s). The assembly may also include elongated support member(s) each having a first side and a second side. The first side may contain a rail and the second side may contain a second rail. Each rail and second rail may be interlocked with the elongated channel(s), such that the elongated support member(s) are attached to the base and provide at least a portion of the encasement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Nomaco Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Thomas Young, Timothy Michael Witherell, Christopher Dean Page
  • Patent number: 8590976
    Abstract: A knock down furniture system is presented. The furniture uses joints which bend or twist a panel when inserted into an adjoining panel to place the joint under stress and stiffen the joint. Preferably, tabs are used in combination with offset or rotated slots to achieve the same. The system allows for furniture which does not require fasteners or tools and which is easily assembled while still being stable. Parts of the furniture can be interchanged within a piece of furniture or between different pieces of furniture to customize the configuration of the furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Clark Davis
  • Patent number: 8550562
    Abstract: A child car seat subframe that is easily disassembled into component sections for washing within a residential-sized dishwasher. The car seat subframe can be disassembled by hand, and each individual component is capable of fitting in a residential-sized dishwasher individually and collectively. The component sections are attached by a combination of registration tabs and slots, and held tightly together by fasteners, or attached by a combination of tongue and groove joints. Hanging devices, such as hooks, may be formed on one side of each component section to facilitate hanging on racks in a dishwasher. The car seat subframe back panel and side panels are disassembled into a plurality of segments for easily fitting in a dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Goldberg, Ruth G. Timme
  • Patent number: 8528979
    Abstract: Several variations of a tool-less, reversible joint having two tension fingers and at least one shear finger are described. Applications of the joint include items of flat-pack-style furniture such as chairs, tables and bookshelves. The joints can be formed in a sheet material such as plywood or medium-density fiberboard (“MDF”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Philip M. College
  • Patent number: 8393685
    Abstract: An interlocking precast slab assembly such as a bench or memorial marker is provided. Each assembly includes a precast seat member having upper and lower surfaces and an elongated groove formed in the upper surface of the seat member. Each assembly also includes a precast back member having an engraved front surface and an elongated lower edge portion which fits into the elongated groove to form a joint which interlocks the members together to form the assembly with the engraved front surface supported above the upper surface of the seat member for viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Hill
  • Patent number: 8393676
    Abstract: A bench or seat assembly including a decorative work bonded thereto in an essentially permanent fashion is provided wherein the work includes a photoluminescent material. The assembly includes a masonry seat member having an upper surface, a masonry back member having front and back surfaces and a support having exterior surfaces for supporting the seat member at a desired height. The work may include advertising or an image of which the photoluminescent material is a part of. The photoluminescent material may be photoluminescent particulate pigment or at least one photoluminescent stone which gives off light sufficient to allow at least a portion of the work to be viewed under limited ambient light conditions. In this way, the assembly is decorative not only in the daytime but also at night. The assembly may be an interlocking precast slab bench or seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Hill
  • Patent number: 8167377
    Abstract: An intermediate support structure provides a device whereby individual members of a furniture item can be assembled into an optimized configuration. The use of the intermediate structure allows the individual members of the furniture item to be assembled to achieve maximum structural benefit from their arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: John G. Kovach
  • Patent number: 8152238
    Abstract: A child car seat subframe that is easily disassembled into component sections for washing within a residential-sized dishwasher. The car seat subframe can be disassembled by hand, and each individual component is cable of fitting in a residential-sized dishwasher individually and collectively. The component sections are attached by a combination of registration tabs and slots, and held tightly together by fasteners, or attached by a combination of tongue and groove joints. Hanging devices, such as hooks, may be formed on one side of each component section to facilitate hanging on racks in a dishwasher. The car seat subframe back panel and side panels are disassembled into a plurality of segments for easily fitting in a dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventors: Ruth G. Timme, Michael Goldberg
  • Publication number: 20120056463
    Abstract: An article of furniture and associated methods and kits comprising at least one first leg support structure, at least one second leg support structure, the at least one first leg support structure being inter-fitted with the at least one second first leg support structure via an interference fit to define a support assembly, a top that is supported by and attached to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive; and means for creating a force state that attaches the top to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive, and thereby stabilizes the article of furniture, wherein the force state includes one or more forces applied to the at least one first leg support structure and the at least one second leg support structure, in addition to any frictional force from the interference fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Roger Jason Berent, Kyle David Hulewat
  • Patent number: 8112868
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a chair assembly (20) with a customized backrest (46) includes fabricating a standardized frame (22), preparing a contoured plywood blank (48) for the backrest (46), selecting a customized design for the backrest (46) and then converting the design for the backrest (46) into a readable format, loading the readable format for the backrest (46) design into a customized cutting apparatus, loading the blank (48) into the cutting apparatus, cutting the blank (48) in conformity with the selected backrest (46) design, removing the completed blank (48) from the cutting apparatus, mounting the backrest (46) onto the frame (22), and lastly, mounting a seat (36) onto the frame (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Grand Rapids Chair Company
    Inventor: David H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100276971
    Abstract: A chair includes a first support structure, a second support structure, a seat and a backrest. The backrest is attached to each of the first and second support structures. The seat is attached to each of the first and second support structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew C. Maxwell, John D. Sinchok, Shelby J. Buell, Paul Claude Gilles, John L. Hradisky
  • Patent number: 7744161
    Abstract: A modular furniture assembly for securing together a plurality of furniture members, the modular furniture assembly comprising: a plurality of substantially planar frame members, each frame member comprising a plurality of ends, the plurality of ends comprising: a first end including a first cavity extending latitudinally along the first end; and a second end including a second cavity substantially identical to the first cavity, the second cavity being oriented and extending latitudinally along the second end such that a combined cavity is formed when the first end and second end come together; a base furniture member; and a securing system, configured to secure a first substantially planar frame member to a second substantially planar frame member, the securing system comprising an elongated member sized to extend through the combined cavity. The plurality of furniture members may comprise: a front member; opposing side furniture members; and a back furniture member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Robin Berg, Thomas Berg
  • Patent number: 7533940
    Abstract: A convertible multiple panel assembly includes a plurality of panels that carry complementary releasable interlocking components. The components are selectively interengagable in a first pattern such that the panels define a box. The components are selectively disengaged from one another and re-interengaged in an alternative, second pattern to define a table and at least one associated bench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Zook
  • Patent number: 7523989
    Abstract: A corner unit for an article of sectional furniture. In an exemplary embodiment, the corner unit includes a frame having a plurality of frame members. The frame may include two internal frame members which are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other. The internal frame members provide rigidity and strength to the frame without requiring other angled cuts and connections for the frame. The frame may also include a cover assembly which provides a seat and at least one storage compartment. The frame members may be interconnected by interlocking protrusions and cutout portions, as well as by threaded fasteners received in push-in connector elements which are held in recesses within the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Home Reserve, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine L. Wieland, Byron T. Shank, Wesley S. Anspach, Randolph Brown
  • Publication number: 20090066140
    Abstract: An article of furniture and associated methods and kits comprising at least one first leg support structure, at least one second leg support structure, the at least one first leg support structure being inter-fitted with the at least one second first leg support structure via an interference fit to define a support assembly, a top that is supported by and attached to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive; and means for creating a force state that attaches the top to the support assembly without the need for a mechanical fastener or adhesive, and thereby stabilizes the article of furniture, wherein the force state includes one or more forces applied to the at least one first leg support structure and the at least one second leg support structure, in addition to any frictional force from the interference fit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Roger Jason Berent, Kyle David Hulewat
  • Patent number: 7303230
    Abstract: A juvenile vehicle seat includes a seat base and a backrest. The backrest is mounted on the seat base and includes a seat back that is retained in an upright fixed seat-forming position relative to a seat bottom included in the seat base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Cosco Management, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Munn, William Horton, Philip W. Burbrink
  • Patent number: 7300110
    Abstract: Collapsible furniture assemblies having resilient locking barbs are provided. The furniture assemblies are comprised of plurality of panels that are interlockable by a plurality of registerable slots defined by the panels. The panels are further positively locked together in an assembled configuration by the incorporation of locking barbs into at least one panel of the furniture assembly which are received by at least one additional panel of the assembly. In multiple applications, several locking barbs are incorporated into different panels to positively lock the panels is an assembled configuration. Additionally, collapsible furniture assembles such as chairs, rocking chairs, beach chairs, desks, toy boxes, and cradles are provided, which include locking barbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Fred R. Debien
  • Patent number: 7255403
    Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for use in a watercraft (12) having a deck (14). The seat assembly (10) comprises a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) spaced from the first portion (16). First (52) and second (54) connector panels that are separable from and independent of the first (16) and second (18) portions interconnect the first (16) and second (18) portions. A plurality of locking tabs (56) extend from each of the connector panels (52,54) and are inserted into a plurality of slots (58) defined in the portions (16,18) to connect the connector panels (52,54) to the first (16) and second (18) portions. A mounting bracket (84) is attached to a base (82) of each of the connector panels (52,54) and perpendicularly extends from the connector panels (52,54) to mount the connector panels (52,54) to the deck (14) thereby securing the first (16) and second (18) portions to the deck (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Moeller Marine Products
    Inventor: David L. Butler
  • Patent number: 7219962
    Abstract: A furniture system comprising mutually supporting components including a pair of identically configured side panels, a load supporting panels and a back panel. The back panel is engages the side panels and the load supporting panel to provide rigidity to the furniture item. A locking member is provided that holds the furniture item rigidly in an assembled condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Kathleen A. Stone
  • Patent number: 7168766
    Abstract: A chair and desk assembly that is a “knock-down” or “ready-to-assemble” (RTA) structure having members formed from a single sheet of, for example, plywood, that are assembled into interlocking relationship requiring no fasteners for the assembly. The assembly can be readily disassembled and knocked down into a compact form for storage, transportation, or packaging. Optionally, the chair and desk assembly, includes a reading stand, book storage compartment and may be a rocking chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Mead Pelletier
  • Patent number: 7066548
    Abstract: A seat assembly (10) for use in a watercraft (12) having a deck (14) is provided. The seat assembly (10) comprises a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) spaced from the first portion (16). First (52) and second (54) connector panels that are separable from and independent of the first (16) and second (18) portions interconnect the first (16) and second (18) portions. A plurality of locking tabs (56) extend from each of the connector panels (52,54) and are inserted into a plurality of slots (58) defined in the portions (16,18) to connect the connector panels (52,54) to the first (16) and second (18) portions. A mounting bracket (84) is attached to a base (82) of each of the connector panels (52,54) and perpendicularly extends from the connector panels (52,54) to mount the connector panels (52,54) to the deck (14) thereby securing the first (16) and second (18) portions to the deck (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Moeller Marine Products
    Inventor: David L. Butler
  • Patent number: 7044557
    Abstract: The present invention provides fully upholstered, ready-to-assemble furniture which may be custom ordered by a purchaser, shipped directly to the home of the purchaser by a parcel delivery service, and then easily and quickly assembled by the purchaser. The ready-to-assemble article of furniture includes a frame having a composite frame member with a long dimension which is formed by a plurality of planar frame members assembled in an end-to-end and overlapping manner. The plurality of planar frame members are interconnected by interlocking protrusions and cutout portions, as well as by threaded fasteners received in push-in connector elements which are held in recesses within the frame members. The interlocking and threaded fastener connections allow a plurality of smaller frame members to form the composite frame member of the furniture frame, wherein the frame has the torsional and longitudinal stability of known furniture frames which include long, single boards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Home Reserve, Inc.
    Inventor: Blaine L Wieland
  • Patent number: 7017996
    Abstract: A portable chair which, when assembled, supports a user in the prone position and comprises inter-fitting parts allowing the chair assembly to be reconfigurable, adjustable, collapsible and easy to transport. Two side panels are pivotally connected at a straddle edge into which a seat member slidably attaches for supporting the panels in a stable splayed open position. Optional and additional support members inter-fit through corresponding openings in the side panels. Elbow and arm rests removeably attach to the side panels. The hinged connection allows the side panels to rotate between a collapsed to a parallel, closed position to the open position. The various seat member, support members and arm rests removeably attach to an inner wall of the collapsed side panels for easy transportation as one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Merrill-Lee Peterson
  • Patent number: 6968790
    Abstract: A portable picnic table/sawhorse and bench furniture set. The picnic table/sawhorse includes a tabletop having spaced cross member guides and guide rib on the underside of said tabletop. A pair of sawhorses have lengthwise grooves in their spines to receive the cross members and supporting the tabletop. The sawhorses have generally triangular end supports for each spine The spine has a main support forms an upper tongue and a tenon spaced below the upper tongue, each extending from respective ends of the spine joint main support member. Upper tongues and lower tenons are removably engaged with corresponding grooves and mortises in each table end support. The furniture set includes a pair of benches having similar joinery. Removable pins are provided for each joint in the sawhorses and benches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Richard L. Kocsis
  • Patent number: 6955401
    Abstract: A collapsible rocker chair includes a back member having an top section and a base having first locking holes extending through said base at a first and second distal end thereof. A seat member includes second locking holes extending therethrough. The chair also includes first and second sideboards each having a curvilinear base. Each of the sideboards includes a first slot extending from an edge thereof and a second slot positioned substantially perpendicular to the first slot. The further includes a first and second locking member each having a crescent shape. The first distal end of the base is inserted though the second slot of the first sideboard and the second distal end of the base is inserted through the second slot in the second side board so that said first locking holes are positioned on an exterior side of each of said first and second sideboards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Jon Shoulberg
  • Patent number: 6848747
    Abstract: An article of furniture formed from a plurality of slotted substantially planar members joined together at their respective slots is disclosed. The planar members can be formed into a chair, a bench, a bed, or a table. In a preferred embodiment, the furniture is doll furniture, and the chair can also include a slotted substantially planar desk member or tray member, thereby allowing the chair to serve as a desk or highchair. The seat of the chair and the seats of the bench preferably include a substantially arcuate protrusion sized so that a doll's legs straddle it. Accordingly, dolls with at least a pair of legs extending therefrom and having no pivoting leg joints, only pivoting hip joints, or pivoting knee joints and pivoting hip joints can all appear to be sitting in the chair simply by straddling the arcuate protrusion. The planar members can include surfaces adapted to allow the user to apply desirable surface ornamentation thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Dina M. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20040056526
    Abstract: A ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture system includes a collection of identically configured side panels, with sets of the side panels having different aesthetic and/or functional features, a collection of base panels and back panels spanning between pairs of side panels, the collection of base and back panels being provided in different sets of lengths and configurations to permit construction of different types of furniture. The panels are interconnected through a series of slots and notches. A locking member is provided that can be wedged into a slot to lock the entire RTA furniture item together. A second locking member can be provided to be wedged into a slot in the back panel to provide additional support for a base panel. A wide variety of furniture items are show that can be constructed using the two locking members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Willy
  • Patent number: 6688699
    Abstract: The device relates to modular furniture. The furniture has a seat, a back and an arm that interlock with each other in a substantially vertical manner. These frames typically use hooks that interlock with slots. The furniture can also have an interconnected table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Transformations
    Inventor: Ronald Bowie
  • Patent number: 6631957
    Abstract: A dismantleable chair comprising a back member, leg members and a seat member all formed from generally two-dimensionally shaped materials such as plywood, and the like. The back member is somewhat arcuately shaped in both the horizontal and vertical cross-sections to provide superior seating comfort and strength. The arcuate shape also provides for a unique curved compressively pre-loaded joint design among the chair members, which substantially increases the strength and rigidity of the chair. The compressively preloaded joints are protected from bending and rotational loads by their respective positioning, and the presence of other spaced apart joints. The chair can be assembled and disassembled numerous times without loosing strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Po Shun Leong
  • Patent number: 6619749
    Abstract: A ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture system includes a collection of identically configured side panels, with sets of the side panels having different aesthetic and/or functional features, a collection of base panels and back panels spanning between pairs of side panels, the collection of base and back panels being provided in different sets of lengths and configurations to permit construction of different types of furniture. The panels are interconnected through a series of slots and notches. A locking member is provided that can be wedged into a slot to lock the entire RTA furniture item together. A second locking member can be provided to be wedged into a slot in the back panel to provide additional support for a base panel. A wide variety of furniture items are show that can be constructed using the two locking members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Willy
  • Publication number: 20030107254
    Abstract: A system of ready-to assemble (RTA) furniture includes rectangular and circular tables. The tables include a base structure that is formed from several panels and/or spars having an interlocking slot engagement. The base structure defines a number of upper edges that form a support surface for the tabletop. At least some of the edges include a top-locking flange that overhangs a portion of the edge to define a gap therebetween. The tabletop is formed from at least two panels, with at least one of the panels configured for a tight-fit or press-fit engagement within a gap at a top-locking flange to hold the panel in position on the support surface. The panels include complementary inboard edges so that the tabletop panels can be juxtaposed to form a complete tabletop. The RTA furniture system also includes a bed that includes a box-like base structure with slotted side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Willy
  • Publication number: 20030107255
    Abstract: A ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture system includes a collection of identically configured side panels, with sets of the side panels having different aesthetic and/or functional features, a collection of base panels and back panels spanning between pairs of side panels, the collection of base and back panels being provided in different sets of lengths and configurations to permit construction of different types of furniture. The panels are interconnected through a series of slots and notches. A locking member is provided that can be wedged into a slot to lock the entire RTA furniture item together. A second locking member can be provided to be wedged into a slot in the back panel to provide additional support for a base panel. A wide variety of furniture items are show that can be constructed using the two locking members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Willy
  • Patent number: 6413349
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing furniture or sculpture by cutting plies from a sheet material, laminating the plies into a beam element, and removing excess portions of the plies. Bars of similar diameters and lengths are cut. The beam elements are interconnected with other beam elements. The bars are inserted into some of the slots, grooves, cut-outs and tabulated apertures in beam elements. By orienting some of the beam elements or some of the bars to be in collinear alignment to a load acting upon the furniture, and by orienting some of the beam elements such that some of the individual plies are disposed with an edge facing forward, a structural object can be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Philip C. Cannata