U.S. patent application number 11/346681 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-15 for interior weld and improved sling.
Invention is credited to Peter Schultz, Richard Schultz.
Application Number | 20060125305 11/346681 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34920495 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060125305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schultz; Richard ; et
al. |
June 15, 2006 |
Interior weld and improved sling
Abstract
An interior weld for furniture having a tubular member is
disclosed. The weld has a first tubular member and a second tubular
member. The first tubular member is adapted to receive the tubular
second member. An edge of the tubular second member contacts an
inner surface of the first tubular member. A weld is formed on the
inner surface of the first tubular member at the contact point
where the second tubular member contacts the first tubular member.
There is a weld at that contact point which immovably attaches the
second member to the first member.
Inventors: |
Schultz; Richard; (Barto,
PA) ; Schultz; Peter; (Barto, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Attn: Thomas A. O'Rourke;Bodner & O'Rourke
425 Broadhollow Road
Melville
NY
11747
US
|
Family ID: |
34920495 |
Appl. No.: |
11/346681 |
Filed: |
February 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10799355 |
Mar 12, 2004 |
7008021 |
|
|
11346681 |
Feb 3, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/452.56 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/2164 20150115;
A47C 7/282 20130101; A47C 31/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/452.56 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Claims
1. An interior weld comprising: a first member, said first member
adapted to receive a second member; a contact point on an inner
surface of said first member; an edge on said second member, said
edge of said member contacting said inner surface of said first
member of said contact point; and, a weld at said contact point,
said weld immovably attaching said second member to said first
member.
2. An interior weld according to claim 1 wherein said first member
is tubular.
3. An interior weld according to claim 1 wherein said second member
is tubular.
4. An interior weld according to claim 1 wherein said first member
has a larger radius than said second member.
5. An interior weld according to claim 1 wherein said first member
has a hole, said hole adapted to receive said second member.
6. An interior weld comprising: a first member, said first member
adapted to receive a plurality of additional members; a contact
point on an inner surface of said first member; and, a weld at said
contact point for each additional member, said weld immovably
attaching said additional members to said first member.
7. An interior weld according to claim 6 wherein said first member
is tubular.
8. An interior weld according to claim 6 wherein said additional
members are tubular.
9. An interior weld according to claim 6 wherein said first member
has a plurality of holes adapted to receive said additional
members.
10. An interior weld according to claim 6 wherein said first member
has a larger radius than said additional members.
11. An interior weld according to claim 6 wherein said contact
point is an attachment bar.
12. A method for providing an interior weld comprising: making a
hole in a first member; inserting a second member into said hole;
contacting said second member to said inner surface of said first
member.
13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said first member is
tubular.
14. A method according to claim 12 wherein said second member is
tubular.
15. A method according to claim 12 wherein said hole is the same
shape as a cross-section of said second member.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. (canceled)
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The function and inner workings of any device are usually
its most important attributes. Mechanical devices may employ a
series of gears and belts or chains. Electrical devices may utilize
resistors, capacitors and inductors connected in series or in
parallel. Devices which require chemical combination or interaction
may use catalysts or inhibitors. These devices are usually
purchased solely for the purpose they are intended to fulfill or
task they accomplish.
[0002] While gears, electronics, or chemicals may provide
performance for a device, many consumers look beyond function to
appearance. Aesthetic value has become one of the main
considerations in consumer purchasing. For example, car
manufacturers will sell the fiberglass bodies of normally expensive
vehicles which can be fitted over stock engines. Hence, a consumer
can appear to have purchased a brand-new luxury automobile, when,
in fact a fiberglass body has been placed over an old engine and
old parts.
[0003] Virtually every product has an aesthetic component. One of
the most common categories of products in which aesthetic value has
somewhat surpassed function is furniture. Many homeowners purchase
chairs and tables based on a color scheme or theme of the room or
house. Additionally, furniture for indoor use is vastly different
then that for outdoor use, mainly in appearance and material; but,
the function remains the same. For example, a chair for indoor use
may have a wood frame and cushions covered in cloth. Whereas, an
outdoor chair may be a solitary plastic or metal frame, possibly
with canvas, which can be left outside during rainstorms or
inclement weather, without deforming or breaking. While outdoor
furniture must have a durability and weather resistant factor,
appearance and craftsmanship do play a significant role in the
purchasing decisions.
[0004] Typically, outdoor furniture, tables and chairs, is
manufactured out of plastic, metal or a metal alloy. The chairs are
usually constructed out of hollow members which form a frame. The
hollow nature of the frame makes the chairs lightweight and easily
transportable. While plastic may be more lightweight and cheaper to
manufacture, it is easily deformable from overuse and can stain.
These qualities of plastic outdoor furniture make it less desirable
than metal furniture. However, plastic furniture can be
manufactured from a single sheet. Whereas, metal furniture
typically must be assembled by welding a variety of pieces
together. Also, metal furniture typically employs a sling, netting
or mesh that serves as the back and seat portions of the chair.
[0005] The site of an external weld can be an eyesore and
significantly decrease the aesthetic value of a piece of furniture.
An exterior weld gives off a messy finish to an otherwise sleek
piece of furniture. For example, at a junction of two smooth,
stainless steel tubes, an exterior weld will give the appearance of
an unclean fit. Hence, there is a need for an interior weld that
will give the appearance of a smooth fit at junctions on metal
furniture.
[0006] Additionally, typical metal outdoor furniture employs a
sling for the back and seat portions of the chair. This sling may
be one or two pieces. The sling typically attaches to the frame of
the chair through a series of sewn pockets. The frame members fit
within these pockets. However, as time goes by, the sling begins to
sag, which results in replacing the sling, if possible, or
purchasing a new chair. Hence, there is a need for a sling which is
easily replaceable and easily attachable to the frame of a metal
chair and can be tightened if it begins to sag.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
interior weld for junctions of members on furniture.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
interior weld which will increase the aesthetic value of
furniture.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
interior weld which will provide a smooth finish at the connection
point of frame members on a piece of furniture.
[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved sling which can fit easily into the frame of a piece of
furniture.
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved sling which can be easily replaced.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved sling which can be tightened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
interior weld. The interior weld can be comprised of a first member
and a second member. The first member can be a tubular part of the
frame of a piece of furniture. The first member may be adapted to
receive the second member. Preferably, the first member will have a
hole which receives the second member. The second member can be
inserted into the hole until it contacts an inner surface of the
first member. Preferably, the first member has a greater radius
than the second member. At a point where the second member contacts
the inner surface of the first member, a weld may immovably connect
the first and second members.
[0014] In an alternative embodiment, a first member may be adapted
to receive any number of additional members. In this embodiment,
the additional members may not contact the inner surface of the
first member. In this embodiment, the additional members may have a
weld which connects them inside the first member.
[0015] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to
an improved sling. The improved sling may comprise a sling, which
can be a cloth mesh or any suitable material that might be used as
a back and/or seat of a chair or other piece of furniture. The
sling may be connected to a runner. Preferably, the sling is sewn
to the runner. However, any other suitable attachment method, such
as adhesive or staples may be used. The runner may attach to the
full length of the sling along its edges. Also, runners may be on
the top and bottom edges of the sling.
[0016] Elastically attached to the runner may be a connection
means. Preferably, the connections means has an extension member
and a flange member. The flange member may be adapted to fit within
a slot of a member of the frame of a chair. Preferably, the
connecting means can be slid into place, which provides for easy
attachment and removal. Also, the sewn attachment of the sling to
the runner will give the sling a clean look, rather than the bulky
appearance of tubular membranes with pockets of the sling.
[0017] Also, the improved sling can overcome the problem of
deformation due to overuse or use over an extended time. In this
further embodiment, the improved sling can comprise a threaded knob
on the inside of the frame of a chair. Attached to the threaded
knob can be a threaded member, which preferably has threads that
mate with the threads of the threaded knob. The threaded member can
fit within a hole on the frame of the chair and attach to the
threaded knob. A portion of the threaded member may remain outside
of the frame of the chair.
[0018] Preferably attached to the portion outside the frame of the
chair of the threaded member is a connector member. A portion of
the connector member can fit over the outside of the threaded
member which is inside the frame of the chair. An outer portion of
the connector member can be threaded and adapted to receive a
tightening member. Preferably, the tightening member is a screw,
bolt, or other suitable item. On a surface of the connector member
can be the attachment frame. The attachment frame can be adapted to
receive a runner that may be attached to the sling. In operation,
the tightening member can be turned which can move the connector
member over the threaded member. As the connector member moves
inwardly over the threaded member, the attachment frame will pull
the sling in a generally outward direction, making it taut.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the prior art exterior
weld.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prior art exterior
weld.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the interior weld of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
interior weld of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a front view of the prior art sling.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sling of the present
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a side view of the sling of FIG. 6.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a side view of the sling of FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the prior art sling
attachment.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the sling tightening
mechanism of the improved sling of the present invention in use on
a chair.
[0029] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the sling tightening
mechanism of the improved sling of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 12 is an assembled view of the sling tightening
mechanism of the improved sling of the embodiment in FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of
the sling tightening mechanism of the improved sling of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 14 is an assembled view of the sling tightening
mechanism of the improved sling of the embodiment in FIG. 13.
[0033] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a further alternative
embodiment of the sling tightening mechanism of the improved sling
of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 16 is an assembled view of the sling tightening
mechanism of the improved sling of the embodiment in FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] A typical example of an exterior weld of the prior art can
be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. In both prior art exterior welds, there
is a non-uniform communication of the members of the frame at the
welding point. In these exterior welds the soldering material tends
to be lumped around the junction of the members being joined. The
present invention is directed to an interior weld which provides a
smooth junction of members of a frame of a piece of furniture or
other device. The present invention has particular application to
high end furniture, bicycles and other products where clean weld
lines are desirable.
[0036] As seen in FIG. 3, one embodiment of the interior weld 10 is
viewed. A first frame member 11 can be adapted to receive a second
frame member 12. Preferably, first frame 11, which is adapted to
receive second frame member 12, has a larger radius than second
frame member 12. Each frame member may be of any shape or size.
Preferably, both frame members are tubular. In one embodiment, both
tubular members have the same shaped cross section.
[0037] First frame member 11 may have an orifice or hole 13, in
which second frame member 12 may fit. Depending on the shape of the
second frame member 12, the hole 13 may be circular, square or any
shape of the second frame member 12.
[0038] When the second frame member 12 is passed through hole 13,
edge 14 of second frame member 12 may contact an inner surface 15
of the first frame member 11. At first contact point 16, a,weld 17
may be placed to attach immovably second frame member 12 to first
frame member 11. In another embodiment, a weld (not shown) may be
placed at second contact point 18. Alternatively, welds at both
contact points may be employed for added support and strength at
the joint. Also, these additional welds may prevent slipping or
twisting of second frame member 12 within hole 13.
[0039] In another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 4, first frame member
100 is adapted to receive a second frame member 101 and a third
frame member 102. Second frame member 101 may be received by a
first hold 103 and third frame member 102 may be received by a
second hole 104. Again, the size and shape of the holes can depend
on the size and shape of the frame members.
[0040] An attachment bar 105 may be adapted to contact second frame
member 101 and third frame member 102. Attachment bar 105 may have
first weld 106 and a second weld 107 to an inner surface 108 of
first frame member 100. Also, attachment bar may have a third weld
109, which connects to second frame member 101. A fourth weld (not
shown) may connect attachment bar 105 to third frame member
102.
[0041] It is understood that a first frame member may be adapted to
receive any number of additional frame members. Also, the
additional frame members may attach by weld to an inner surface of
the first frame member, to an attachment bar within the first frame
member, or in any other suitable manner that would be consistent
with an interior weld.
[0042] The sling of the prior art is shown in FIG. 5. The pockets
of the prior art sling present a bulky and unfinished look. As seen
in FIG. 6, an improved sling 200 may overcome the disadvantages of
the prior art.
[0043] As seen in FIG. 7, the improved sling assembly 200 may
comprise a sling 201. Sling 201 may be composed of any suitable
material, such as cloth, rubber, wire mesh, etc. Sling 201 may be
defined as having a top surface 202 and a bottom surface 203. A
score line 204, crease or fold may be present. The sling 201 may be
folded back on itself along score line 204. In this manner, a
bottom surface 205 of folded portion 206 may contact bottom surface
203 of sling 201.
[0044] When folded portion 206 is beneath sling 201, a runner 207
may be attached to folded portion 206. Runner 207 may have a top
surface 208 that can attach to top surface 209 of folded portion
206. The method of attachment of runner 207 to folded portion 206
may also incorporate sling 201. Attachment may be by staple,
adhesive or stitching.
[0045] On a side surface 210 of runner 207 may be a connection
means 211. Connection means 211 is preferably composed of an
extension member 212 and a flange 213. The runner 207 and
connection means 211 may be composed of the same material or a
composite of materials. Preferably, the runner 207 and connection
means 211 are a solitary piece of plastic or rubber.
[0046] Also, as seen in FIG. 7, a slot 214 for receiving connecting
means 211 can be cut into a frame member 215. Frame member 215 may
be any shape provided it incorporates a slot 214. Preferably, frame
member 215 has an oval cross-section with a slot 214 in top surface
216.
[0047] As seen in FIG. 8, flange 213 can be received by slot 214.
In this manner, flange 213 has circulation surfaces 217 and 218,
which may contact the inner surface 219 of frame member 215.
Extension member 212 can reside in the slot 214 when flange 213 is
inside frame member 215. Also, runner 207 may be in contact with
top surface 216 of member 215. Preferably, extension member is
taught when the flange is inside the frame member, and the runner
is contacting the frame member, thereby providing for a tight
sling.
[0048] Use of the improved sling of the present invention can also
aid in cleaning and removal. For example, if the sling is cotton
and becomes stained, it may be removed and put in a washing
machine. Also, this will not damage the improved sling because the
runner and connection means are preferably made out of plastic.
[0049] As seen in FIG. 9, the prior art sling attaches to the
furniture frame by a loop and patch. This is undesirable because
the sling will inevitably deform from use. Hence, FIG. 10 shows an
sling tightening means of the present invention for use on the
frame of a piece of furniture which would use a sling as a backing
or seating, such as a chair, stool, chaise lounge, or other pieces
that might hold a person.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the sling
tightening mechanism of the present invention. A frame 220 of a
piece of furniture, such as a chair, can be defined as having an
inner surface 221 and an outer surface 222. Frame 220 can be any
shape that would be used as the frame of a piece of furniture, such
as a cylinder, tube, box, etc. On inner surface 221 of frame 220
can be a knob 223. In one embodiment knob 223 is threaded and
adapted to receive a threaded member 224.
[0051] Threaded member 224 is preferably a hollow cylinder defined
by a sidewall 225 with an inner surface 226 and an outer surface
227. One end 228 of threaded member 224 can be adapted to mate with
knob 223. A second end 229 of threaded member 224 can be housed in
connector member 230. Connector member 230 is preferably composed
of a smooth portion 231 and a threaded portion 232. Smooth portion
can be adapted to receive threaded member 224. In this manner,
threaded member 224 preferably has a smaller radius than smooth
portion 231 of connector member 230, such that threaded member 224
may fit within connector member 230. An inner surface 233 of smooth
portion 231 can contact outer surface 222 of threaded member 224.
Threaded portion 232 can receive a tightening means 234, such as a
screw. An outer surface 235 of connector member 230 may have an
attachment frame 236 attached thereto. Attachment frame 236 may
receive a runner, which is attached to a sling (not shown).
[0052] As seen in FIG. 12, the assembled tightening mechanism can
be operated by rotation of the tightening means 234. When the sling
237 becomes deformed or begins to sag, the owner can rotate the
tightening means 234. When the tightening means 234 is rotated, the
connector member 230 is forced inward, over the threaded member 224
towards the frame 220 of the piece of furniture. As the connector
member 230 moves toward the frame 220, the attachment frame 236 can
pull the sling 237 taut.
[0053] FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the sling
tightening mechanism of the present invention. In this embodiment,
the frame 300 of a piece of furniture may have a connector member
301 attached to it. Connector member 301 may have a sidewall 302
and a first end 303 and a second end 304. Also, connector member
301 may have a slot 305 on a generally upper portion 306 of
sidewall 202.
[0054] Slot 305 on connector member 301 can be adapted to receive
fin 307 in second end 304. On a first end of fin 307 a threaded
member 308 can be attached, and on a second end of fin 307 an
attachment frame 309 can be attached. Slot 305 allows threaded
member to ride along an inner surface 310 of sidewall 302 of
connector member 301. Preferably, threaded member has a sidewall
311 with a threaded inner surface 312 and a smooth outer surface
313. Smooth outer surface 313 allows for frictionless movement of
threaded member 308 within connector member 301. Attachment frame
309 can hold sling 314.
[0055] Attached to first end 303 of connector member 301 can be a
connection cap 315. Connection cap 315 can be immovably attached to
the first end 303 of connector member 301. Connection cap 315 can
have a threaded inner surface 316 and a smooth outer surface 317.
The threaded inner surface 316 can be adapted to mate with a
tightening means 318, such as a screw, bolt, etc. Connection cap
315 can be first attached to a support bar 319, and the support bar
319 can be attached to the connector member 301. Support bar 319
can be generally defined as a slender, rod-shaped member with a
hole 320, which can receive connection cap 315.
[0056] As seen in FIG. 14, tightening means 318 can fit through
connection cap 315 into a portion of threaded member 308. In this
manner, when the sling 314 becomes deformed or begins to sag, the
tightening means 318 can be rotated. Rotation of the tightening
means 318 can pull the threaded member 308 toward support bar 319.
As threaded member 308 moves toward support bar 319, fin 307 will
move attachment frame 309 generally in the same direction as
threaded member 308. The resultant movement can operate to pull the
sling taut.
[0057] FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the sling tightening
mechanism of the present invention. This embodiment can generally
be defined as a combination of elements of the previously defined
embodiments. In this embodiment, the frame 400 of a piece of
furniture can have a knob 401 and a hole 402. Hole 402 can be
adapted to receive a first threaded member 403, which can mate with
knob 401. Connector member 404 can slide over first threaded member
403 into hole 402. Connector member 404 can have a slot 405 in a
generally upper portion of the connector member. Slot 405 can be
adapted to receive a fin 406, which can attach a second threaded
member 407 to an attachment frame 408. Attachment frame 408 can
hold sling 409. A tightening means 410 can be inserted into the
second threaded member 407 through connector member 404 and into
the first threaded member 403.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 16, the rotation of tightening means 410
will move second threaded member 407 along slot 405. The movement
of the second threaded member 407 can pull the sling taut.
* * * * *