U.S. patent application number 12/388734 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for modular seating system.
Invention is credited to Gabriel P. Hrib.
Application Number | 20100207442 12/388734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42559249 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100207442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hrib; Gabriel P. |
August 19, 2010 |
MODULAR SEATING SYSTEM
Abstract
The technology described herein provides a seat wedge comprising
at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first
edge of the seat wedge and at least one groove integrally formed
vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge. The seat wedge is
configured to interlock with an at least one adjacent seat wedge.
The technology described herein also provides a modular seating
system comprising a plurality of seat wedges. The plurality of seat
wedges, when interlocked, forms a circular seating pattern. The
technology described herein also provides a portable seating
assembly. The potable seating assembly includes plurality of seat
wedges, a seat cushion, a base, a table top, a post, an umbrella,
and a carrying means.
Inventors: |
Hrib; Gabriel P.; (Marietta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROSE LAW LLC
112 NORTHBROOKE TRACE
WOODSTOCK
GA
30188
US
|
Family ID: |
42559249 |
Appl. No.: |
12/388734 |
Filed: |
February 19, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/440.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 13/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/440.14 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/02 20060101
A47C007/02 |
Claims
1. A seat wedge comprising: an at least one dovetail, integrally
formed vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge; an at least
one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the
seat wedge; and wherein the seat wedge is configured to interlock
with an at least one adjacent seat wedge.
2. The seat wedge of claim 1, further comprising: a top surface
configured to be sat upon.
3. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is shaped
generally as a cylindrical triangle with a wide outer edge that
tapers to an apex.
4. The seat wedge of claim 1, further comprising: an inner
indentation in the seat wedge to receive a portion of a base of a
stand.
5. The seat wedge of claim 1, further comprising: an outer
indentation in the seat wedge to provide a foot and leg area under
a lip rim.
6. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised
of plastic.
7. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised
of aluminum.
8. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised
of fiberglass.
9. The seat wedge of claim 1, wherein the seat wedge is comprised
of a waterproof material.
10. The seat wedge of claim 3, wherein the outer edge is
rounded.
11. A modular seating system comprising: a plurality of seat
wedges, each having an at least one dovetail, integrally formed
vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at
least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge
of the seat wedge, and each configured to interlock with an
adjacent seat wedge on both a left and a right side; and wherein
the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a circular
seating pattern.
12. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: a
cylindrical aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when
interlocked, form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the
circular seating pattern configured to receive a post.
13. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: a
post base cavity, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when
interlocked, form the post base cavity between the plurality of
seat wedges and an underlying surface configured to receive a post
base.
14. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising: a
foot and lower leg area, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when
interlocked, form the foot and lower leg area to provide seated
patrons an ability to bend legs and tuck lower legs and feet
under.
15. The modular seating system of claim 11, further comprising:
wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, forms a
seating arrangement to accommodate a multiplicity of patrons.
16. A portable seating assembly, comprising: a plurality of seat
wedges, each having an at least one dovetail, integrally formed
vertically along a first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at
least one groove integrally formed vertically along a second edge
of the seat wedge, and each configured to interlock with an
adjacent seat wedge on both a left and a right side, wherein the
plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form a circular seating
pattern; and a seat cushion to cover collectively the plurality of
seat wedges and to provide additional comfort to an at least one
seated patron.
17. The portable seating assembly of claim 16, further comprising:
a post base configured for placement in a post base cavity, wherein
the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the post base
cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying
surface; and a post configured to support an item above the at
least one seated patron and configured for placement in a
cylindrical aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges when
interlocked, form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the
circular seating pattern configured to receive a post.
18. The portable seating assembly of claim 16, further comprising:
a carrying means to carry and transport the plurality of seat
wedges.
19. The portable seating assembly of claim 17, further comprising:
a table top configured for operable placement on the post.
20. The portable seating assembly of claim 17, further comprising:
an umbrella disposed upon the post.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The technology described herein relates generally to seating
systems and associated methods for providing seating to multiple
persons. More specifically, this technology relates to a portable,
modular seating system having multiple interlocking seat wedges, a
base, a table, a post, and an umbrella.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is not uncommon for one to be in attendance at a sporting
event, or the like, where the provided options for seating are
limited to hard and uncomfortable metal, wood, and concrete seats.
Sitting on such seating surfaces is difficult to endure for even a
short period of time, often leading to soreness in the buttocks and
lower back. This dilemma often encourages patrons to bring a seat
cushion, or the like, to provide additional comfort. Additionally,
such seating arrangements do not provide a table for use by those
seated. Furthermore, such seating arrangements do not provide for
an umbrella to provide a sun block.
[0003] Related patents known in the art include the following: U.S.
Pat. No. D570,615, issued to Harrison on Jun. 10, 2008, discloses
the ornamental design for a double lounge cabana.
[0004] The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state
of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a
view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor
in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the
patentability of the technology described herein. It is
respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and
other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when
considered in combination, the inventor's claimed invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a portable, modular seating system having multiple
interlocking seat wedges, a base, a table, a post, and an
umbrella.
[0006] In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein
provides a seat wedge. The seat wedge includes at least one
dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of the
seat wedge and at least one groove integrally formed vertically
along a second edge of the seat wedge. The seat wedge is configured
to interlock with at least one adjacent seat wedge. The outer edge
of the seat wedge is rounded in at least one embodiment.
[0007] The seat wedge includes a top surface configured to be sat
upon. The seat wedge is shaped generally as a cylindrical triangle
with a wide outer edge that tapers to an apex. The seat wedge also
includes an inner indentation in the seat wedge to receive a
portion of a base of a stand. The seat wedge additionally includes
an outer indentation in the seat wedge to provide a foot and leg
area under a lip rim.
[0008] The seat wedge can be manufactured from plastic, aluminum,
fiberglass, or the like, lightweight, easily transportable
material. The seat wedge can be manufactured from a waterproof
material. The seat wedge can be porous, having void spaces within,
to create a lighter weight seat wedge.
[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described
herein provides a modular seating system. The modular seating
system includes a plurality of seat wedges, each having an at least
one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a first edge of
the seat wedge, each having an at least one groove integrally
formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge, and each
configured to interlock with an adjacent seat wedge on both a left
and a right side. The plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked,
forms a circular seating pattern and a seating arrangement to
accommodate a multiplicity of patrons.
[0010] The modular seating system also includes a cylindrical
aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked,
form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the circular seating
pattern configured to receive a post.
[0011] The modular seating system additionally includes a post base
cavity, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked,
form the post base cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and
an underlying surface configured to receive a post base.
[0012] The modular seating system further includes a foot and lower
leg area, wherein the plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked,
form the foot and lower leg area to provide seated patrons an
ability to bend legs and tuck lower legs and feet under.
[0013] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the technology
described herein provides a portable seating assembly. The portable
seating assembly includes a plurality of seat wedges, each having
an at least one dovetail, integrally formed vertically along a
first edge of the seat wedge, each having an at least one groove
integrally formed vertically along a second edge of the seat wedge,
and each configured to interlock with an adjacent seat wedge on
both a left and a right side. The plurality of seat wedges, when
interlocked, forms a circular seating pattern.
[0014] The portable seating assembly also includes a seat cushion
to cover collectively the plurality of seat edges and to provide
additional comfort to an at least one seated patron.
[0015] The portable seating assembly additionally includes a post
base configured for placement in a post base cavity, wherein the
plurality of seat wedges, when interlocked, form the post base
cavity between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying
surface and a post configured to support an item above the at least
one seated patron and configured for placement in a cylindrical
aperture, wherein the plurality of seat wedges when interlocked,
form the cylindrical aperture in a center of the circular seating
pattern configured to receive a post.
[0016] The portable seating assembly includes a carrying means to
carry and transport the plurality of seat wedges, a table top
configured for operable placement on the post, and an umbrella
disposed upon the post.
[0017] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the technology in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that
will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it
is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology
and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described
herein.
[0019] Further objects and advantages of the technology described
herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of
a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically
in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The technology described herein is illustrated with
reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers
denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively,
and in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a single seat wedge,
according to an embodiment of the technology described herein,
illustrating, in particular, the dovetails and wedges utilized for
interlocking with other seat wedges;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front planar view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1, illustrating, in particular, an area wherein
the base of an umbrella stand is to be placed;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a rear planar view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating, in particular, an area for
placement of feet and lower legs of one seated;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a top planar view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a bottom planar view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a left side planar view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a right side planar view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the single seat wedge
depicted in FIG. 1 being placed together with other single seat
wedges to form a generally cylindrical seating arrangement;
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of multiple seat wedges being
placed together to form a generally cylindrical seating
arrangement;
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of multiple seat wedges placed
together to form a generally cylindrical seating arrangement;
and
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portable, modular seating
system, according to an embodiment of the technology, and
illustrating, in particular, the multiple seat wedges placed
together, an umbrella, a table, a post, and a seat cushion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this
technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of
other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the
purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0033] In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described
herein provides a portable, modular seating system having multiple
interlocking seat wedges, a base, a table, and an umbrella.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 7, a seat wedge 10 is
shown. The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from plastic,
aluminum, fiberglass, or the like, lightweight, easily
transportable material. The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from
a waterproof material. The seat wedge 10 can be porous, having void
spaces within, to create a lighter weight seat wedge.
[0035] The seat wedge 10 includes at least one dovetail 12 located
vertically along an edge of the seat wedge 10. As shown, there are
two dovetails 12. The dovetail 12 can be integrally formed within
the seat wedge 10. The seat wedge 10 includes at least one groove
14 located vertically along an opposite edge of the seat wedge 10.
As shown, there are two grooves 14. The groove 14 can be integrally
formed with the seat wedge 10. The dovetail 12 provides a means for
the seat wedge 10 to connect with an adjacent seat wedge on one
side. The groove 14 provides a means for the seat wedge 10 to
connect with an adjacent seat wedge on the opposite side. As such,
the seat wedge is configured to interlock with at least one
adjacent seat wedge. The dovetail 12 and groove 14 do not have to
be shaped as shown in order to successfully and securely hold two
or more seat wedges 10 together. Alternative joining means can be
utilized in alternative embodiments.
[0036] The seat wedge 10 includes a top surface 22 that is
configured to be sat upon by a person or multiple persons. The top
surface 22 is generally planar and is configured to receive a seat
cushion. In at least one embodiment, the seat wedge 10 is porous,
having a multiplicity of void spaces in the material of its
manufacture. Generally, the greater the porosity of the seat wedge,
the lighter the seat wedge 10 will be. The seat wedge 10 is
configured to be very lightweight and easily transportable.
[0037] The seat wedge 10 is shaped generally as a cylindrical
triangle with a wide outer edge 18 that tapers to an apex 16. The
outer edge 10 can be rounded, straight, or patterned. Generally, a
person is likely to sit upon the seat wedge 10 at a location closer
to the outer edge 18 than the apex 16; however, the seat wedge 10
is constructed to support the weight of multiple persons in varied
seating arrangements.
[0038] The seat wedge 10 includes an inner indentation 24 to
receive a portion of a base of a stand. The base of an umbrella
stand, or the like, can be placed under this inner indentation 24
without affecting the stability of the seat wedge 10.
[0039] The seat wedge 10 includes an outer indentation 20 to
receive the lower legs and/or feet of a seated person who curls his
or her legs under.
[0040] The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from plastic,
aluminum, fiberglass, or the like, lightweight, easily
transportable material. The seat wedge 10 can be manufactured from
a waterproof material.
[0041] The outermost portion of the seat wedge includes outer rim
28 and lip rim 26. The lip rim 26 is suspended just above the outer
indentation 20.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 8 through 10, a seat wedge 10 is
shown in a modular seating system 32. The seat wedge 10 is placed
in the wedge placement area 30 to be joined with other adjacent
seat wedges 10. Each seat wedge 10 is configured to connect to two
other adjacent seat wedges 10, one on the left side and one on the
right side.
[0043] A series of seat wedges 10 joined together forms a circular,
cylindrical seating arrangement. Each seat wedge has a top surface
22. Collectively the several top surfaces 22 form a modular seating
system 32, upon which a multiplicity of persons can be seated. The
modular seating system 32 is also configured to receive a seating
cushion.
[0044] The modular seating system 32 also includes a cylindrical
aperture 34 in the center. While the multiple seat wedges 10 are
interlocked, a cylindrical aperture 34 is formed in a center of the
seating system 32. The cylindrical aperture 34 is configured to
receive a post.
[0045] The modular seating system 32 also includes a post base
cavity 24 (as depicted in earlier figures). Collectively, multiple
seat wedges 10, when interlocked, form the post base cavity 24
between the plurality of seat wedges and an underlying surface
configured to receive a post base.
[0046] The modular seating system 32 further includes a foot and
lower leg area, formed from the collective outer indentations 20.
While the plurality of seat wedges are interlocked, they form the
foot and lower leg area to provide seated patrons an ability to
bend legs and tuck lower legs and feet under.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 11, a seating system 32 is shown. The
seating system 32 includes a seat cushion 42 to cover collectively
the joined seat wedges 10 and to provide additional comfort to a
seated patron.
[0048] The seating system 32 includes a post base (not shown)
configured for placement in a post base cavity 24. The seating
system 32 includes a post 36 configured to support an item above
the seating area. By way of example, post 36 can include an
umbrella 38 to provide a sun block. The post 36 can hold other
items such as, for example, a light or heating unit. Mounted upon
the post 36 is a table top 40 to provide seated patrons a placed
upon which to place items. Additionally, the seating system 32
includes a means to carry and transport the seat wedges, base,
post, umbrella, table, and other associated items. By way of
example, the carry means is a carrying bag.
[0049] Although this technology has been illustrated and described
herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific
examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform
similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent
embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the
invention and are intended to be covered by the following
claims.
* * * * *