U.S. patent application number 13/233404 was filed with the patent office on 2012-09-27 for furniture-glide assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to HIWATT PRODUCTS, LLC. Invention is credited to John Chase.
Application Number | 20120240355 13/233404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39825653 |
Filed Date | 2012-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120240355 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chase; John |
September 27, 2012 |
Furniture-Glide Assembly
Abstract
A glide assembly is adapted to be mounted about an existing foot
attached to the free end of a leg of a piece of furniture that is
adapted to be supported upon a surface. The glide assembly includes
a body defining an exterior surface and a bore extending partially
through the body to define a hollow interior, an interior surface,
a top, open end of the body, and a bottom, closed end of the body
disposed opposite the open end. A cap is designed to be replaceably
attached to the closed end of the body and adapted to engage the
surface upon which the leg is supported.
Inventors: |
Chase; John; (Rochester,
MI) |
Assignee: |
HIWATT PRODUCTS, LLC
Rochester
MI
|
Family ID: |
39825653 |
Appl. No.: |
13/233404 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12106555 |
Apr 21, 2008 |
8037574 |
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13233404 |
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11784257 |
Apr 6, 2007 |
7757346 |
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12106555 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
16/42T |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 91/06 20130101;
Y10T 16/209 20150115; Y10T 16/21 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
16/42.T |
International
Class: |
A47B 91/06 20060101
A47B091/06 |
Claims
1. A glide assembly assembled to a free end of a leg of a piece of
furniture, the glide assembly comprising: a body defining a bore
extending from an open end and partially through the body and a
lower surface that is at least partially convex and disposed below
the free end when the assembly is assembled to the free end; and a
cap having an upper surface that is at least partially concave,
wherein the cap is assembled to the body with the upper surface of
the cap abutting the lower surface of the body.
2. The glide assembly of claim 1, wherein the body further includes
a rim extending about a perimeter of the partially convex surface,
and the cap further includes a side wall extending about a
perimeter of the concave surface, such that the rim directly
engages the side wall when the cap is assembled to the body.
3. The glide assembly of claim 2, wherein the cap is removable from
the body.
4. The glide assembly of claim 2, wherein said rim surrounds at
least a portion of the cap.
5. The glide assembly of claim 4, wherein the rim protrudes about
the lower surface of the body and downward to replaceably and
nestingly receive the cap on the lower surface with the rim not
contacting the floor.
6. The glide assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap is partially
spherical such that substantially the same amount of surface area
of said cap contacts the floor independent of the angle at which
the free end of the leg is engaged relative to the floor.
7. The glide assembly of claim 1, wherein said cap is bonded with a
suitable adhesive to the convex lower surface of the body.
8. The glide assembly of claim 1, wherein the cap is made of
plastic.
9. The glide assembly of claim 1, wherein the rim is made of
rubber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application and claims benefit to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/106,555 filed Apr. 21, 2008,
which is a continuation-in-part application of and claims benefit
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/784,257 filed Apr. 6, 2007,
now U.S. Pat. No. 7,757,346 issued Jul. 20, 2010, and entitled
"Furniture-Glide Assembly."
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates, in
general, to a glide attachable to a leg of a piece of furniture
and, in particular, to a glide assembly mountable about an existing
foot attached to the free end of a leg of a chair or desk.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] The free end of each leg of a piece of furniture often
includes a cap, foot, glide, or the like. In many institutionalized
settings, such as in a school or other educational facility, the
feet disposed on the corresponding free ends of the respective legs
of a piece of furniture are designed to allow easy sliding of a
chair or desk, for instance, upon a surface such as a floor. More
specifically, the feet are designed to increase the amount of
surface-area contact, but reduce the amount of frictional contact,
between the legs and the floor.
[0005] One type of foot commonly employed in the related art
generally includes an attachment portion and a gliding portion. The
attachment portion is adapted to be attached to the free end of a
leg, and the gliding portion is pivotally connected to an end of
the attachment portion located opposite the leg. The gliding
portion defines a relatively broad, flat bottom surface adapted to
be in operative contact with the floor. This type of foot is made
typically of a hard, durable material, such as metal, nylon, or
steel. The bottom surface of a conventional foot is sometimes made
of metal or plastic.
[0006] However, this type of foot suffers from many disadvantages.
The bottom surface of the conventional foot is relatively large,
which increases the amount of frictional contact with the floor and
causes scraping, scratching, or marring of relatively more surface
area of the floor. And, use of this type of foot generally
facilitates a sliding motion across the floor and, therefore,
increases incidence of floor scraping, scratching, or marring and
attendant noise. This relatively greater amount of scraping,
scratching, or marring, in turn, increases not only costs of
stripping, waxing, and buffing the floor and other labor and
material costs associated with maintaining the floor, but also the
number of airborne particulates and, thus, pollutants in the room
in which the corresponding chair or desk is used. Furthermore, the
bottom surface defines relatively more area upon which dirt, dust,
sand, and other debris can gather, thus making this type of foot
relatively more difficult, time-consuming, and, thus, expensive to
clean and keep sanitary. This debris can even be imbedded into the
bottom surface of the foot such that the texture of the bottom
surface becomes like sandpaper and, thus, scrapes, scratches, or
mars the floor even more than it does otherwise.
[0007] In addition, when the chair or desk is moved along the
floor, the frictional contact between this type of foot and the
floor produces a perceptible, often irritating, noise. In a
classroom setting, especially in an elementary school where there
are a substantial number of relatively young students moving or
"scooting" their respective chairs and desks at any one time, this
noise can be multiplied to a very significant level. Moreover, the
floor upon which the corresponding chair or desk is supported can
be mopped weekly, even daily. In such an especially wet
environment, this type of foot--being made mostly or even entirely
of metal--can rust and, hence, have a relatively shorter life,
produce rust marks on the floor when the chair or desk is moved
along the floor, and cause the legs of the chair or desk to be
aesthetically displeasing.
[0008] Because of these disadvantages, it is often desired to
replace the existing feet. As it turns out, however, the existing
feet, which are initially employed with the respective chairs or
desks, are not designed to be removed, so it is often a relatively
difficult and, thus, expensive chore to remove all of them.
Furthermore, the legs of the corresponding chairs or desks on which
the respective conventional feet are used are often disposed at
different angles relative to the floor. A replacement foot of the
type known in the related art has suffered from the disadvantage
that it is not adapted to interface between the free end of the
corresponding leg and the floor at an appropriate angle. This has
resulted in uneven contact of the foot with the floor and, thus,
increased scraping, scratching, or marring of the floor by the foot
and generation of more noise by the chair or desk as it is moved
relative to the floor. A replacement foot of the type known in the
related art has also suffered from the disadvantage that the
portion of it that operatively contacts the floor inevitably
becomes worn to the point that the replacement foot is no longer
adequately effective for its intended purpose. Yet, this portion is
not replaceable by itself such that even though the remainder of
the replacement foot may have much more useful life, the entire
replacement foot must be replaced. Of course, this results in
wasted material and, thus, money. A replacement foot of the type
known in the related art has also suffered from the disadvantage
that it has hinges, locking prongs, and/or seams exposed that would
allow dirt, dust, sand, and other debris to collect therein. These
difficulties have presented a barrier to use of improved caps,
feet, glides, and such.
[0009] Thus, there is a need in the related art for a relatively
efficient way of replacing an existing foot from a leg of a chair
or desk with a glide. More specifically, there is a need in the
related art for a relatively easy and, thus, inexpensive way of
mounting an aftermarket replacement glide to the free end of a leg
of a chair or desk. In particular, there is a need in the related
art for a glide that is adapted to accommodate an existing foot at
an appropriate angle relative to a floor while reducing incidence
of floor scraping, scratching, or marring and generation of noise,
in addition, there is a need in the related art for such a glide
that does not rust or otherwise mark the floor. Moreover, there is
a need in the related art for such a glide the portion of which
operatively contacts the floor is replaceable by itself (without
replacing the entire glide). There is a need in the related art for
such a glide that does not have hinges, locking prongs, and/or
seams exposed that would allow dirt, dust, sand, and other debris
to collect therein as well.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present invention overcomes the disadvantages in the
related art in a glide assembly adapted to be mounted about an
existing foot attached to the free end of a leg of a piece of
furniture that is adapted to be supported upon a surface. The glide
assembly includes a body defining an exterior surface and a bore
extending partially through the body to define a hollow interior,
an interior surface, a top, open end of the body, and a bottom,
closed end of the body disposed opposite the open end. A cap is
designed to be replaceably attached to the closed end of the body
and adapted to engage the surface upon which the leg is
supported.
[0011] One advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the present
invention is that it provides a relatively efficient way of
replacing the existing foot from the free end of the leg of the
furniture piece.
[0012] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it provides a relatively easy and, thus,
inexpensive way of mounting an aftermarket replacement glide to the
free end of the leg of the furniture piece.
[0013] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it is substantially spherical, and,
thereby, substantially the same amount of surface area of the glide
assembly contacts the surface upon which the furniture piece is
supported independent of the angle at which the free end of the leg
is engaged relative to the surface.
[0014] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that the surface area of the "footprint" of
the glide assembly on the surface upon which the furniture piece is
supported is substantially less than that of the existing foot.
[0015] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it contacts the surface upon which the
furniture piece is supported at only a point or relatively small
area, which, in turn, reduces the area of the surface that can be
scraped, scratched, or marred.
[0016] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it is operatively effectively independent
of the angle at which the free end of the leg is engaged relative
to the surface upon which the furniture piece is supported.
[0017] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it can be used on a leg of the furniture
piece that is engaged with respect to the surface upon which the
furniture piece is supported at any angle within a greater range of
angles such that the glide assembly can be used on a greater number
of furniture-piece legs.
[0018] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that the body thereof is designed to
distribute load applied thereto substantially evenly throughout the
body.
[0019] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it causes the furniture piece to be more
stable and, thereby, safer for a user of the furniture piece.
[0020] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it can be used on practically any type of
surface upon which the furniture piece is supported without risk of
scraping, scratching, or marring the surface.
[0021] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that the cap is easily removable and
replaceable by itself (without replacing the entire glide assembly)
and, thereby, saves material and, thus, money.
[0022] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it does not have hinges, locking prongs,
and/or seams exposed that would allow dirt, dust, sand, and other
debris to collect therein.
[0023] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that flattening, distortion, and/or separation
(e.g., sheering or peeling off) of the cap is prevented when the
leg slides across the surface upon which the furniture piece is
supported with a heavy load weighing down upon the cap.
[0024] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that the exterior surface is non-absorbent,
water-resistant, and impervious to dirt, dust, sand, and other
debris and most floor chemicals.
[0025] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that use thereof generally requires that the
furniture piece be picked-up when its movement relative to the
surface upon which it is supported is desired and, therefore,
reduces incidence of surface scraping, scratching, or marring and
attendant noise.
[0026] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that frictional contact between it and the
surface upon which the furniture piece is supported does not
produce a perceptible noise when the furniture piece is moved along
the surface.
[0027] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it facilitates reduction in costs of
stripping, waxing, and buffing the surface upon which the furniture
piece is supported and other labor and material costs associated
with maintaining the surface.
[0028] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it is easier and faster to clean and keep
sanitary.
[0029] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it is durable.
[0030] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it is more "green-friendly" in that it
increases quality of air of a room in which it is used by reducing
the amount of contact between the furniture piece and the surface
upon which it is supported and, thus, number of airborne
particulates.
[0031] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it does not rust and, hence, has a longer
life, does not produce rust marks on the surface upon which the
furniture piece is supported when it is moved along the surface,
and keeps the legs of the furniture piece more aesthetically
pleasing.
[0032] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it can be employed with existing feet of
various size.
[0033] Another advantage of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention is that it can be manufactured easily and
inexpensively.
[0034] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention are readily appreciated as the same becomes better
understood while reading the subsequent description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a
representative example of a chair-desk combination supported upon a
floor showing a typical furniture foot of the related art fixedly
secured about the free end of each of two legs of a chair and two
legs of a desk;
[0036] FIG. 2 is a partial-environmental exploded perspective view
of one embodiment of the furniture-glide assembly of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a partial-environmental perspective assembly view
of the embodiment of the furniture-glide assembly of the present
invention illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the insert assembly mounted
about a foot of the chair or desk and, thus, the free end of the
corresponding leg;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a partial-environmental perspective view of the
embodiment of the furniture-glide assembly of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the body mounted about the insert
assembly and, in turn, the glide assembly mounted about the foot of
the chair or desk and, thus, the free end of the corresponding
leg;
[0039] FIG. 5A is a partial-environmental perspective view of the
leg of the chair illustrated in FIG. 1 supported upon the floor at
a particular angle with respect to the floor showing the
furniture-glide assembly of the present invention mounted to the
free end of the leg;
[0040] FIG. 5B is a partial-environmental perspective view of the
leg of the desk illustrated in FIG. 1 supported upon the floor at a
particular angle with respect to the floor different than that at
which the chair leg is engaged with respect to the floor in FIG. 5A
and showing the furniture-glide assembly of the present invention
mounted to the free end of the leg;
[0041] FIG. 6 is a partial-environmental exploded perspective view
of another embodiment of the furniture-glide assembly of the
present invention;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a partial-environmental perspective view of the
embodiment of the furniture-glide assembly of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 6 showing the body mounted about the insert
assembly and, in turn, the glide assembly mounted about the foot of
the chair or desk and, thus, the free end of the corresponding leg;
and
[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective assembly view of the annular rim of
the body designed to replaceably receive the cap of the embodiment
of the furniture-glide assembly of the present invention
illustrated in FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] Referring now to the figures, where like numerals are used
to designate like structure, four embodiments of a furniture-glide
assembly of the present invention are generally indicated at 10 and
110. The glide assembly 10 and 110 is adapted to be mounted about
an existing foot, generally indicated at 12 in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 12,
and 16, that is attached to the free end of a leg 14 of a piece of
furniture.
[0045] The foot 12 is described below and shown in the figures
specifically attached about the free end of the leg 14. Also, the
glide assembly 10 and 110 is described below and shown in the
figures used in connection with a chair-desk combination, generally
indicated at 16 in FIG. 1. However, it should be appreciated by
those having ordinary skill in the related art that the glide
assembly 10 and 110 can be used in connection with a chair and a
desk that are not combined with each other and are, thus,
free-standing. It should also be so appreciated that the foot 12
and, thus, glide assembly 10 and 110 can be used in connection with
any suitable piece of furniture. It should also be so appreciated
that the glide assembly 10 and 110 can find special application
when it is used in connection with chairs and desks of the type
colmnonly employed in institutions, such as schools. However, it
should also be so appreciated that the glide assembly 10 and 110 is
in no way limited to use in this fashion.
[0046] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the foot 12 is
substantially cylindrical and includes generally an upper portion,
generally indicated at 18, and a lower portion, generally indicated
at 20. More specifically, the upper portion is a substantially
cylindrical hollow attachment portion 18, and the lower portion is
a substantially disk-shaped gliding portion 20. The attachment
portion 18 defines a bottom wall or closed end 22, an open end 24,
and a side wall 26 extending therebetween of the attachment portion
18. The open end 24 is adapted to receive the free end of the leg
14 such that the free end of the leg 14 is securely attached within
the attachment portion 18. Those having ordinary skill in the
related art should appreciate that the free end of the leg 14 can
be securely attached within the attachment portion 18 by any
suitable means.
[0047] The gliding portion 20 is typically pivotally connected to
and extends from the closed end 22 of the attachment portion 18
away from the leg 14. More specifically, the gliding portion 20
often defines a substantially circular, flat bottom surface 28
located opposite the attachment portion 18 and adapted to pivot
with respect to the attachment portion 18 such that the bottom
surface 28 can be in operative contact with a floor 29, for
example. The gliding portion 20 also includes a side wall and
defines a substantial equator 30 that divides the side wall into an
upper side exterior surface 32 and a lower side exterior surface
34. The upper side exterior surface 32 is substantially planar and
tapers from the equator 30 to a central area of the closed end 22
of the attachment portion 18. The lower side exterior surface 34 is
substantially planar and tapers from the equator 30 to the
circumference of the bottom surface 28 of the gliding portion 20.
The amount of surface area of the upper side exterior surface 32 is
greater than that of the lower side exterior surface 34 such that
the circumference of the equator 30 is greater than that of the
bottom surface 28 of the gliding portion 20. The gliding portion 20
is broader than the attachment portion 18.
[0048] It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in
the related art that the foot 12, in general, and each of the
attachment portion 18 and gliding portion 20, in particular, can
have any suitable shape, size, and structure. It should also be so
appreciated that each of the attachment portion 18 and gliding
portion 20 can have any suitable structural relationship with the
other, the free end of the leg 14, and the floor 29. It should also
be so appreciated that the attachment portion 18 and gliding
portion 20 form no part of the present invention.
[0049] Thus, while there are two different embodiments of the glide
assembly 10 and 110 disclosed herein, those having ordinary skill
in the related art should appreciate that, within the scope of the
appended claims, other means of providing the mounting of the glide
assembly 10 and 110 to the foot 12 may be possible without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the
various embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the
figures are described in greater detail below.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 5B, the structure of the
glide assembly 10 is addressed. The glide assembly 10 is adapted to
be mounted about the foot 12, which, in turn, is adapted to be
supported upon the floor 29. To this end, the glide assembly 10
includes a body, generally indicated at 36, defining an exterior
surface, generally indicated at 48, and a bore 44 extending
partially through the body 36 to define a hollow interior 38, an
interior surface, generally indicated at 46, and an open end 50 of
the body 36. An insert assembly, generally indicated at 37, is
mountable about the foot 12 and adapted to be received through the
open end 50 and fixedly secured within the hollow interior 38 of
the body 36 so as to mount the body 36 about the foot 12.
[0051] More specifically, the body 36 is substantially spherical
and defines a central axis "A." The exterior surface 48 is adapted
to be disposed in contact with the floor 29. The bore 44 is
substantially cylindrical and extends through nearly the entire
body 36 such that the bore 44 defines a closed end 39 of the body
36. The central longitudinal axis of the bore 44 defines the axis
"A" of the body 36. The bore 44 is adapted to be coaxial with the
free end of the leg 14.
[0052] However, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the related art that the body 36 can have any suitable
size and structure, such as being hollow. It should also be so
appreciated that the bore 44 can extend any suitable distance
through the body 36 and have any suitable structural relationship
with the axis "A" of the body 36. Similarly, the bore 44 can have
any suitable shape and size such that the insert assembly 37 can be
disposed within the bore 44 and structural relationship with the
free end of the leg 14 so as to mount the body 36 about the foot
12.
[0053] The exterior surface 48 of the body 36 may be textured. In
particular, the exterior surface 48 includes a plurality of
slightly raised surfaces 41 adapted to facilitate smooth frictional
contact between the glide assembly 10 and the floor 29. In the
embodiment shown, the raised surfaces 41 are substantially
non-uniformly shaped and non-contacting with respect to each other,
substantially smooth, and raised a substantially equal height with
respect to each other above the exterior surface 48 of the body 36,
which is only a slight amount relative to the radius of the body
36. The exterior surface 48 also defines a substantially uniform
circular and planar rim 43 completely encircling the open end 50 of
the body 36.
[0054] However, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the related art that the exterior surface 48 of the body
36 can include any suitable number of raised surfaces 41. In turn,
the raised surfaces 41 can have any suitable shape, size, and
texture and structural relationship with each other and the
remainder of the body 36. For instance, the raised surfaces 41 can
be substantially uniformly shaped and contacting with respect to
each other, substantially rough, and raised a substantially unequal
height with respect to each other above the exterior surface 48 of
the body 36. Alternatively, the exterior surface 48 of the body 36
can include no raised surfaces 41 and be substantially smooth. It
should also be so appreciated that the rim 43 14 of the exterior
surface 48 can have any suitable shape, size, and structure and
structural relationship with the remainder of the exterior surface
48. Alternatively, the exterior surface 48 of the body 36 can
define no rim 43 and be completely arcuate.
[0055] The spherical nature of the body 36 creates numerous
advantages of the glide assembly 10 over caps, feet, and other
glides of the related art. More specifically and as shown in FIGS.
5A and 5B, substantially the same amount of surface area of the
glide assembly 10 contacts the floor 29 independent of the angle at
which the free end of the leg 14 is engaged relative to the floor
29. In fact, the glide assembly 10 can be used on a leg 14 of the
chair or desk 16 that is engaged with respect to the floor 29 at
any angle within a greater range of angles such that a sufficient
amount of the glide assembly 10 always operatively engages the
floor 29. In this way, the glide assembly 10 causes the chair or
desk 16 to be more stable and, thereby, safer for a user of the
chair or desk 16 and can be used on a greater number of
furniture-piece legs 14. For instance, in FIG. 5A, the free end of
the leg 14 of the chair 16 is disposed at angle ".alpha." with
respect to the floor 29, and in FIG. 5B, the free end of the leg 14
of the desk 16 is disposed at angle ".beta." with respect to the
floor 29, wherein angle ".beta." is greater than angle ".alpha.."
Thus, the glide assembly 10 is operatively effectively independent
of the angle at which the free end of the leg 14 is engaged
relative to the floor 29.
[0056] As can be easily seen, because of the spherical nature of
the glide assembly 10, the surface area of the "footprint" of the
glide assembly 10 on the floor 29 is substantially equal in both
cases and substantially less--about 80% less--than that of the
furniture foot of the related art. The glide assembly 10 contacts
the floor 29 at only a point or relatively small area, which, in
turn, reduces the surface area of the floor 29 that can be scraped,
scratched, or marred. The glide assembly 10 is more aesthetically
pleasing and defines relatively much less surface area thereof upon
which dirt, dust, sand, and other debris can gather, thus making
the glide assembly 10 easier and faster to clean and keep sanitary.
The glide assembly 10 is durable and more "green-friendly" in that
it increases quality of air of a room in which it is used by
reducing the amount of contact between the chair or desk 16 and the
floor 29 and, thus, number of airborne particulates. The glide
assembly 10 is designed to distribute load applied thereto
substantially evenly throughout the body 36.
[0057] The insert assembly 37 includes a pair of insert parts,
generally indicated at 45, adapted to be fitted about the foot 12
and securely attached to each other about the foot 12 to mount the
insert assembly 37 thereabout, all of which is described in detail
below. The insert assembly 37 is substantially cylindrical and
defines an exterior surface, generally indicated at 47, and a
passageway 49 extending at least partially through the insert
assembly 37 to define a hollow interior 51 and at least one open
end 53 of the insert assembly 37. In an embodiment of the glide
assembly 10, the insert assembly 37 defines a pair of opposed,
substantially identical open ends 53 of the insert assembly 37 such
that the closed end 39 of the body 36 operatively supports a bottom
surface of the foot 12. The foot 12 is adapted to at least
partially, even completely, fit within the hollow interior 51 of
the insert assembly 37 to mount the insert assembly 37 about the
foot 12. As shown in FIG. 4, a rim 55 of the insert assembly 37 is
disposed substantially flush with the rim 43 of the body 36.
[0058] However, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the related art that the insert assembly 37 can have any
suitable shape, size, and structure so as to be receivable through
the open end 50 and within the bore 44 of the body 36. For
instance, the top of the insert assembly 37 can be disposed any
suitable distance above or below the rim 43 of the body 20. It
should also be so appreciated that the passageway 49 can have any
suitable structural relationship with the insert assembly 37. The
passageway 49 can have any suitable shape and size and structural
relationship with the foot 12 such that the foot 12 is adapted to
fit within the hollow interior 51 of the insert assembly 37 to
mount the insert assembly 37 about the foot 12. It should also be
so appreciated that any suitable amount of the foot 12 can fit
within the hollow interior 51 of the insert assembly 37 to mount
the insert assembly 37 about the foot 12.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the interior surface 46 of the
body 36 includes at least one groove 57, and the exterior surface
47 of the insert assembly 37 includes at least one rib 59 adapted
to cooperate with the groove 57 to fixedly secure the body 36 about
the insert assembly 37. In the embodiment shown, the interior
surface 46 of the body 36 includes a plurality of grooves 57, and
the exterior surface 47 of the insert assembly 37 includes a
plurality of ribs 59 adapted to cooperate with the corresponding
grooves 57 to fixedly secure the body 36 about the insert assembly
37. As shown, the grooves 57 are substantially equidistantly spaced
and disposed substantially parallel with respect to each other and
perpendicular to the free end of the leg 14. Also, each groove 57
is disposed substantially entirely about the bore 44 of the body
36, and the corresponding rib 59 is disposed substantially entirely
about the exterior surface 47 of the insert assembly 37.
[0060] However, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the related art that the interior surface 46 of the body
36 can include any suitable number of grooves 57 and the exterior
surface 47 of the insert assembly 37 can include any suitable
number of ribs 59 adapted to cooperate with the groove(s) 57 to
fixedly secure the body 36 about the insert assembly 37. It should
also be so appreciated that each groove 57 can have any suitable
shape and size and structural relationship with each of any of the
other grooves 57, the corresponding rib 59, and the bore 44 of the
body 36. In turn, it should also be so appreciated that each rib 59
can have any 17 suitable shape, size, and structure and structural
relationship with each of any of the other ribs 59 so as to
cooperate with the groove(s) 57 to fixedly secure the body 36 about
the insert assembly 37.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the hollow interior 51 of the
insert assembly 37 defines an interior surface, generally indicated
at 61, of the insert assembly 37. The interior surface 61 of each
insert part 45 is adapted to be nested with a corresponding portion
of the foot 12. In particular and referring specifically to FIG. 2,
the interior surface 61 defines an upper portion 63 and a lower
portion 65 of the interior surface 61. The shape of the upper
portion 63 is adapted to conform to the shape of the outside
surface of the attachment portion 18 of the foot 12, and the shape
of the lower portion 65 is adapted to conform to the shape of the
outside surface of the gliding portion 20 of the foot 12. The upper
portion 63 is designed to support the side wall 26 of the
attachment portion 18, and the lower portion 65 is designed to
taper away from the free end of the leg 14 to support the lower
side exterior surface 34 of the gliding portion 20. In this way,
the interior surface 61 of an insert part 45 can be firmly nested
with a corresponding portion of the foot 12, the interior surface
61 of the other insert part 45 can be firmly nested with the
remainder of the foot 12, and the closed end 39 of the body 36 can
operatively support the bottom surface 28 of the foot 12.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the insert parts 45 are adapted
to be snappingly engaged to each other to mount the insert assembly
37 about the foot 12. In particular and referring specifically to
FIG. 3, each end of one insert part 45 combines with a
corresponding end of the other insert part 45 to form a snapping
mechanism, generally indicated at 67. As shown in FIG. 2, each
snapping mechanism 67 includes a stud 69 located on a side edge of
an insert part 45 and a hollow flange 71 located spaced from and
substantially directly beneath the 18 stud 69 and extending
circumferentially outward from the side edge. An aperture 73 is
defined into the opposed side edge of the other insert part 45 and
adapted to receive the stud 69 when the insert parts 45 are brought
into contacting relationship with each other. A boss 75 is located
spaced from and beneath the aperture 73 on the exterior surface 47
of the insert part 45 and adapted to be received within the hollow
flange 71 when the insert parts 45 are brought into contacting
relationship with each other. When the insert parts 45 are brought
into contacting relationship with each other, they snappingly
engage to each other to mount the insert assembly 37 about the foot
12.
[0063] However, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the related art that each insert part 45, in general, and
interior surface 61 thereof, in particular, can have any suitable
shape, size, and structure and structural relationship with a
corresponding portion of the foot 12 so as to nestingly fit the
insert assembly 37 about the foot 12. It should also be so
appreciated that the insert parts 45 can be securely attached to
each other in any suitable manner to mount the insert assembly 37
about the foot 12.
[0064] Preferably, the insert assembly 37 is made of plastic, in
general, and either high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or nylon, in
particular. The insert assembly 37 is preferably made of
DuPont.RTM. Zytel.RTM. lubricated or unlubricated nylon resin. On
the other hand, the body 36 is preferably made of a soft PVC
material such that frictional contact between the glide assembly 10
and the floor 29 does not produce a perceptible noise and rust
marks on the floor 29 when the chair or desk 16 is moved along the
floor 29. In any event, the glide assembly 10 is preferably a
device having a dual durometer with typically the insert assembly
37 made of a hard plastic material and the body 36 made of a softer
plastic material.
[0065] However, it should be appreciated by those having ordinary
skill in the related art that the insert assembly 37 can be made of
any suitable material and the body 36 can be made of any suitable
soft material such that it does not scrape, scratch, or mar the
floor 29. In the same manner, the exterior surface 48 of the glide
assembly 10 can have any suitable texture such that frictional
contact between the glide assembly 10 and the floor 29 does not
produce a perceptible noise and rust marks on the floor 29 when the
chair or desk 16 is moved along the floor 29. Likewise, the
exterior surface 48 of the glide assembly 10 can be any suitable
color and have any suitable color combination so as to have a
desired aesthetic appeal.
[0066] The soft nature of the body 36 creates numerous advantages
of the glide assembly 10 over caps, feet, and other glides of the
related art. More specifically, the glide assembly 10 can be used
on practically any type of floor, including, but not limited to,
carpeted, marble, Terrazo, tile, VCT, and wood floors. The exterior
surface 48 is non-absorbent, water-resistant, and impervious to
dirt, dust, sand, and other debris and most floor chemicals.
Frictional contact between the glide assembly 10 and the floor 29
does not produce a perceptible noise when the chair or desk 16 is
moved along the floor 29. Use of the glide assembly 10 generally
requires that the chair or desk 16 be picked-up when its movement
relative to the floor 29 is desired and, therefore, reduces
incidence of scraping, scratching, or marring of the floor 29 and
attendant noise. In this way, the glide assembly 10 facilitates
reduction in costs of stripping, waxing, and buffing the floor 29
and other labor and material costs associated with maintaining the
floor 29. The glide assembly 10 does not rust and, hence, has a
longer life, does not produce rust marks on the floor 29 when the
chair or desk 16 is moved along the floor 29, and keeps the free
end of the legs 14 of the chair or desk 16 more aesthetically
pleasing.
[0067] In operation, the interior surface 61 of a first insert part
45 is firmly nested with a corresponding portion of the foot 12 to
be replaced, and then the interior surface 61 of a second insert
part 45 is firmly nested with the remainder of the foot 12 and
snappingly engaged to the first insert part 45 so as to mount the
insert assembly 37 about the foot 12. The free end of the leg 14
and, thus, the foot 12 and insert assembly 37 are then raised off
the floor 29 a sufficient amount to allow the insert assembly 37 to
be received through the open end 50 of the body 36. The insert
assembly 37 is then received through the open end 50 and within the
hollow interior 38 of the body 36 until the closed end 39 of the
body 36 operatively supports the bottom surface 28 of the foot 12
such that the body 36 is fixedly secured about the insert assembly
37 and, thus, foot 12. The free end of the leg 14 and, thus, the
foot 12 and glide assembly 10 are then lowered to the floor 29 such
that the glide assembly 10 can be used for frictional contact with
the floor 29.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, another embodiment of
the glide assembly is generally indicated at 110. Similar or like
parts of the glide assembly 110 with respect to the glide assembly
10 have similar or like reference numerals as those of the glide
assembly 10 increased by one hundred (100). However, since
structure relating to supporting the glide assembly 110 upon the
floor 29 vis.about.t-vis the structure relating to supporting the
glide assembly 10 upon the floor 29 is the only difference between
the glide assembly 110 and the glide assembly 10, respectively,
only this difference is described immediately below.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the body 136 of the glide
assembly 110 defines the bottom, closed end, generally indicated at
139, of the body 136 disposed opposite the top, open end 150 of the
body 136. A cap, generally indicated at 186, is designed to be
replaceably attached to the closed end 139 and adapted to engage
the floor 29.
[0070] More specifically, the closed end 139 of the body 136
defines a convex (as viewed in FIG. 8), cross-sectionally circular
surface 184 and an annular rim 188 that protrudes about the
circumference of the convex surface 184 and downward. The convex
surface 184 and rim 188 combine with each other to provide a
recessed volume 190 for replaceably and nestingly receiving the cap
186.
[0071] In turn, the cap 186 defines a convex (as viewed in FIG. 8),
cross-sectionally circular bottom surface, generally indicated at
191, and an annular side wall, generally indicated at 194, that
protrudes upward from the circumference of the bottom surface 191
and defines a top edge 196. In the embodiment shown, a felt pad 192
is disposed upon the entire bottom surface 191 and adapted to
engage the floor 29. The cap 186 defines also a concave (as viewed
in FIG. 6), cross-sectionally circular surface 198 located interior
of and extending from the top edge 196. The space defined directly
and immediately above the concave surface 198 provides a recessed
volume for replaceably and nestingly receiving the convex surface
184 of the closed end 139.
[0072] The cap 186 can be frictionally fitted into the recessed
volume 190 such that the concave surface 198 nestingly abuts the
convex surface 184 and the side wall 194 frictionally abuts the rim
188. Alternatively or additionally, the cap 186 can be bonded with
a suitable adhesive (not shown) to the convex surface 184 and/or
rim 188 such that the cap 186 is fitted into the recessed volume
190. For example, glue or tape or any other suitable adhesive can
be disposed on the side wall 194 and/or concave surface 198 for
bonding the side wall 194 and/or concave surface 198 to the rim 188
and/or convex surface, respectively.
[0073] The rim 188 operatively surrounds at least a portion of the
side wall 194 of the cap 186 and helps to prevent flattening,
distortion, and/or separation (e.g., sheering or peeling off) of
the cap 186 when the leg 14 slides across the floor 29 with a heavy
load weighing down upon the cap 186. The cap 186 extends downward a
distance below the rim 188 so that the felt pad 192 rests on the
floor 29 without the rim 188 contacting the floor 29. As shown in
FIG. 7, when the cap 186 is properly received within the recessed
volume 190, the body 136 of the glide assembly 110 takes on its
substantially spherical nature.
[0074] Preferably, the cap 186 is made of plastic, and the rim 188
is made of rubber. Also preferably, the cap 186 and felt pad 192
are substantially water-resistant and impervious to floor
chemicals.
[0075] In operation, the felt pad 192 may wear down over time so
that the cap 186, and even the rim 188, may eventually engage the
floor 29. The cap 186 and rim 188 are formed of a material that
does not scrape, scratch, or mar floor 29. However, in the event
that the felt pad 192 or cap 186 wears down to this level so that
the cap 186 or rim 188, respectively, hits the floor 29, the cap
186 and, thus, felt pad 192 can be easily removed and replaced with
a new cap 186 and, thus, felt pad 192 that protrude down
considerably below the rim 188, thus avoiding continued contact of
the cap 186 or rim 188 on the floor 29.
[0076] It should be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in
the related art that each of the closed end 139 of the body
136--including each of the convex surface 184, annular rim 188, and
recessed volume 190--and cap 186--including each of the bottom
surface 191, felt pad 192, side wall 194, and concave surface
198--can have any suitable shape, size, and structure and
structural relationship with each other such that the cap 186 is
replaceably attachable to the closed end 139 and adapted to engage
the floor 29. It should be so appreciated also that the cap 186 can
be fitted into the recessed volume 190 and/or bonded to the closed
end 139 in any suitable manner, it should be so appreciated also
that the felt pad 192 can have any suitable shape, size, and
structure and structural relationship with each of the cap 186 and
floor 29 and be disposed upon the cap 186 in any suitable manner.
It should be so appreciated also that the cap 186 can extend
downward any suitable distance below the rim 188 so that the felt
pad 192 rests on the floor 29. It should be so appreciated also
that each of the closed end 139 of the body 136 and cap 186 can be
made of any suitable material.
[0077] The curved nature of the surface of the cap 186 that
contacts the floor 29 means less surface area of the glide assembly
110 that contacts the floor 29 relative to glide assemblies of the
related art. Also, unlike glide assemblies of the related art, the
spherical glide assembly 110 does not have any hinges, locking
prongs, or seams exposed that would allow dirt, dust, sand, and
other debris to collect therein.
[0078] The present invention has been described in an illustrative
manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been
used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather
than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the
present invention are possible in light of the above teachings.
Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present
invention may be practiced other than as specifically
described.
* * * * *