U.S. patent application number 14/634627 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-03 for extendable seating structure with storage region for extended portion.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sunny Designs, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sunny Soankyu Hwang.
Application Number | 20150245716 14/634627 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54006159 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150245716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hwang; Sunny Soankyu |
September 3, 2015 |
EXTENDABLE SEATING STRUCTURE WITH STORAGE REGION FOR EXTENDED
PORTION
Abstract
An extendable seating structure includes a first portion, a
second portion, a coupling structure, and a third seating portion.
The first portion includes a first seating portion and legs coupled
to the first seating portion. The second portion includes a second
seating portion and legs coupled to the second seating portion. The
coupling structure is coupled to the first portion and the second
portion. The coupling structure is configured to allow the first
portion and second portion to move relative to each other. The
third seating portion is configured to be positioned in a first
position or a second position. The first position is between the
first seating portion and the second seating portion when the
seating structure is in a first configuration. The second position
is a storage region of the seating structure when the seating
structure is in a second configuration.
Inventors: |
Hwang; Sunny Soankyu;
(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sunny Designs, Inc. |
Rancho Cucamonga |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54006159 |
Appl. No.: |
14/634627 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61946506 |
Feb 28, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/284.3 ;
108/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 1/02 20130101; A47C
13/00 20130101; A47B 1/10 20130101; A47C 11/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 11/00 20060101
A47C011/00; A47B 1/02 20060101 A47B001/02; A47B 1/10 20060101
A47B001/10; A47C 4/00 20060101 A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. An extendable seating structure comprising: a first seating
portion; at least one first leg coupled to the first seating
portion; a second seating portion; at least one second leg coupled
to the second seating portion; a coupling structure coupled to the
first seating portion and the second seating portion, wherein the
coupling structure is configured to allow the first seating portion
and second seating portion to move relative to each other; and a
third seating portion configured to be positioned in a first
position or a second position, wherein the first position is
between the first seating portion and the second seating portion
when the extendable seating structure is in a first configuration,
wherein the second position is a storage region of the extendable
seating structure when the extendable seating structure is in a
second configuration.
2. The extendable seating structure of claim 1, wherein the
coupling structure comprises: a first set of sliders; and a first
set of railings coupled to the first set of sliders.
3. The extendable seating structure of claim 2, wherein the storage
region is formed by the first set of railings.
4. The extendable seating structure of claim 2, wherein the third
seating portion is positioned on the first set of railings when the
extendable seating structure is in a contracted configuration.
5. The extendable seating structure of claim 1, wherein the
coupling structure comprises: a first slider coupled to the first
seating portion; a second slider coupled to the second seating
portion; and a first railing coupled to the first slider and the
second slider, wherein the first slider, the second slider and the
first railing are configured to allow the first seating portion and
the second seating portion to move relative to each other.
6. The extendable seating structure of claim 5, wherein the
coupling structure further comprises: a third slider coupled to the
first seating portion; a fourth slider coupled to the second
seating portion; and a second railing coupled to the third slider
and the fourth slider, wherein the third slider, the fourth slider
and the second railing are configured to allow the first seating
portion and the second seating portion to move relative to each
other.
7. The extendable seating structure of claim 6, wherein the third
seating portion is positioned on the first railing when the
extendable seating structure is in a first configuration, and the
third seating portion is positioned on the second railing when the
extendable seating structure is in a second configuration, wherein
the first railing and the second railing are on different
levels.
8. The extendable seating structure of claim 1, wherein the first
configuration is an extended configuration, and the second
configuration is a contracted configuration.
9. The extendable seating structure of claim 1, wherein the third
seating portion is a foldable seating portion.
10. The extendable seating structure of claim 1, wherein the third
seating portion comprises: a first fold portion; a second fold
portion; and a hinge coupling the first fold portion to the second
fold portion.
11. The extendable seating structure of claim 1 further comprising
a locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the extendable
seating structure in the first configuration and/or the second
configuration.
12. An extendable table structure comprising: a first table
portion; at least one first leg coupled to the first table portion;
a second table portion; at least one second leg coupled to the
second table portion; a coupling structure coupled to the first
table portion and the second table portion, wherein the coupling
structure is configured to allow the first table portion and second
table portion to move relative to each other; and a third table
portion configured to be positioned in a first position or a second
position, wherein the first position is between the first table
portion and the second table portion when the extendable table
structure is in a first configuration, wherein the second position
is a storage region of the extendable table structure when the
extendable table structure is in a second configuration.
13. The extendable seating structure of claim 12, wherein the
coupling means comprises: a first set of sliders; and a first set
of railings coupled to the first set of sliders.
14. The extendable seating structure of claim 13, wherein the
storage region is formed by the first set of railings.
15. The extendable seating structure of claim 13, wherein the third
seating portion is positioned on the first set of railings when the
extendable seating structure is in a contracted configuration.
16. An extendable seating structure comprising: a first portion
comprising: a first seating portion; and a first set of legs
coupled to the first seating portion; a second portion comprising:
a second seating portion; and a second set of legs coupled to the
second seating portion; a coupling structure coupled to the first
portion and the second portion, wherein the coupling structure is
configured to allow the first portion and second portion to move
relative to each other; and a third seating portion configured to
be positioned in a first position or a second position, wherein the
first position is between the first seating portion and the second
seating portion when the extendable seating structure is in a first
configuration, wherein the second position is a storage region of
the extendable seating structure when the extendable seating
structure is in a second configuration.
17. The extendable seating structure of claim 16, wherein the
coupling structure comprises: a first set of sliders; and a first
set of railings coupled to the first set of sliders.
18. The extendable seating structure of claim 17, wherein the
storage region is formed by the first set of railings.
19. The extendable seating structure of claim 16, wherein the
coupling structure comprises: a first railing comprising a
protrusion; and a second railing comprising a cavity, the second
railing coupled to the first railing through the cavity and the
protrusion.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY/CLAIM OF BENEFIT
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/946,506 titled "Extendable Seating Structure
with Storage Region for Extended Portion", filed Feb. 28, 2014,
which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Various features relate to an extendable seating structure
with a storage region for extended portion.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional bench 100. As shown in
FIG. 1, the bench 100 includes a seating portion 102, a first set
of legs 104, and a second set of legs 106. The seating portion 102
is coupled to the first set of legs 104. The seating portion 102 is
also coupled to the second set of legs 106.
[0006] One of the drawbacks of a conventional bench, as shown in
FIG. 1, is that they are not adjustable. Therefore, there is a need
for an improved design for a bench.
SUMMARY
[0007] Various features relate to an extendable seating structure
with a storage region for extended portion.
[0008] A first example provides an extendable seating structure
that includes a first seating portion, at least one first leg
coupled to the first seating portion, a second seating portion, at
least one second leg coupled to the second seating portion, a
coupling structure coupled to the first seating portion and the
second seating portion, and a third seating portion configured to
be positioned in a first position or a second position. The
coupling structure is configured to allow the first seating portion
and second seating portion to move relative to each other. The
first position is between the first seating portion and the second
seating portion when the extendable seating structure is in a first
configuration. The second position is a storage region of the
extendable seating structure when the extendable seating structure
is in a second configuration.
[0009] A second example provides an extendable table structure that
includes a first table portion, at least one first leg coupled to
the first table portion, a second table portion, at least one
second leg coupled to the second table portion, a coupling
structure coupled to the first table portion and the second table
portion, and a third table portion configured to be positioned in a
first position or a second position. The coupling structure is
configured to allow the first table portion and second table
portion to move relative to each other. The first position is
between the first table portion and the second table portion when
the extendable table structure is in a first configuration. The
second position is a storage region of the extendable table
structure when the extendable table structure is in a second
configuration.
[0010] A third example provides an extendable seating structure
that includes a first portion, a second portion, a coupling
structure, and a third seating portion. The first portion includes
a first seating portion and a first set of legs coupled to the
first seating portion. The second portion includes a second seating
portion and a second set of legs coupled to the second seating
portion. The coupling structure is coupled to the first portion and
the second portion. The coupling structure is configured to allow
the first portion and second portion to move relative to each
other. The third seating portion is configured to be positioned in
a first position or a second position. The first position is
between the first seating portion and the second seating portion
when the extendable seating structure is in a first configuration.
The second position is a storage region of the extendable seating
structure when the extendable seating structure is in a second
configuration.
[0011] A fourth example provides an extendable table structure that
includes a first portion, a second portion, a coupling structure,
and a third table portion. The first portion includes a first table
portion and a first set of legs coupled to the first table portion.
The second portion includes a second table portion and a second set
of legs coupled to the second table portion. The coupling structure
is coupled to the first portion and the second portion. The
coupling structure is configured to allow the first portion and
second portion to move relative to each other. The third table
portion is configured to be positioned in a first position or a
second position. The first position is between the first table
portion and the second table portion when the extendable table
structure is in a first configuration. The second position is a
storage region of the extendable table structure when the
extendable table structure is in a second configuration.
[0012] A fifth example provides an extendable seating structure
that includes a first portion, a second portion, a coupling means,
and a third seating portion. The first portion includes a first
seating portion and a first set of legs coupled to the first
seating portion. The second portion includes a second seating
portion and a second set of legs coupled to the second seating
portion. The coupling means is coupled to the first portion and the
second portion. The coupling means is configured to allow the first
portion and second portion to move relative to each other. The
coupling means is further configured to provide a storage region.
The third seating portion is configured to be positioned in a first
position or a second position. The first position is between the
first seating portion and the second seating portion when the
extendable seating structure is in a first configuration. The
second position is the storage region of the coupling means when
the extendable seating structure is in a second configuration.
DRAWINGS
[0013] Various features, nature and advantages may become apparent
from the detailed description set forth below when taken in
conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters
identify correspondingly throughout.
[0014] FIG. 1 conceptually illustrates a conventional bench.
[0015] FIG. 2 conceptually illustrates an angled view of an
extendable seating structure in an extended configuration.
[0016] FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a top view of an extendable
seating structure in an extended configuration.
[0017] FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates a profile view of an
extendable seating structure in an extended configuration.
[0018] FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates an angled view of an
extendable seating structure in an extended configuration, with an
extended portion removed.
[0019] FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates a plan view (e.g., top view)
of an extendable seating structure in an extended configuration,
with an extended portion removed.
[0020] FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates another plan view (e.g.,
bottom view) of an extendable seating structure in an extended
configuration, with an extended portion removed.
[0021] FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a view of an extended
portion in a folded configuration.
[0022] FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates a view of an extended
portion in a folded configuration being positioned in a storage
region of the seating structure.
[0023] FIG. 10 conceptually illustrates a profile view of an
extended portion in a folded configuration in a storage region of
the seating structure.
[0024] FIG. 11 conceptually illustrates a plan view (e.g., bottom
view) of an extendable seating structure in a contracted
configuration, with an extended portion removed.
[0025] FIG. 12 conceptually illustrates a plan view (e.g., top
view) of an extendable seating structure in a contracted
configuration, with an extended portion removed.
[0026] FIG. 13 conceptually illustrates a profile view of an
extendable seating structure in a contracted configuration, with an
extended portion removed.
[0027] FIG. 14 (which includes FIGS. 14A-14B) illustrates a
sequence for changing the configuration of the extendable seating
structure.
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a coupling structure.
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates another coupling structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, specific details are given to
provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the
disclosure. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art that the aspects may be practiced without these specific
details.
Overview
[0031] Some implementations provide an extendable seating structure
that includes a first portion, a second portion, a coupling
structure, and a third seating portion. The first portion includes
a first seating portion and a first set of legs coupled to the
first seating portion. The second portion includes a second seating
portion and a second set of legs coupled to the second seating
portion. The coupling structure is coupled to the first portion and
the second portion. The coupling structure is configured to allow
the first portion and second portion to move relative to each
other. The third seating portion is configured to be positioned in
a first position or a second position. The first position is
between the first seating portion and the second seating portion
when the extendable seating structure is in a first configuration.
The second position is a storage region of the extendable seating
structure when the extendable seating structure is in a second
configuration.
[0032] In some implementations, the coupling structure includes a
set of railings and a set of sliders. In some implementations, the
third seating portion is a foldable seating portion. In some
implementations, the third seating portion includes a first fold
portion, a second fold portion, and a hinge coupling the first fold
portion to the second fold portion.
Exemplary Extendable Seating Structure
[0033] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate an extendable seating structure in an
extended configuration. Specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates an angled
view of an extendable seating structure 200 in an extended
configuration, FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view (e.g., top view) of
the extendable seating structure 200 in the extended configuration,
and FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of the extendable seating
structure 200 in the extended configuration.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the extendable seating structure 200
includes a first seating portion 202, a second seating portion 204,
and a third seating portion 205. In some implementations, the third
seating portion 205 is a foldable seating portion. In some
implementations, the third seating portion 205 includes a first
fold portion 206, a second fold portion 208, and a hinge (not
shown) coupling the first fold portion 206 to the second fold
portion 208. The third seating portion 205 may also include holes
and protrusions. The third seating portion 205 will be described in
further detail below in at least FIG. 8. The third seating portion
205 may be positioned on a coupling structure (not shown). Examples
of coupling structures are further described below in at least
FIGS. 5-7 below.
[0035] FIG. 2 also illustrates a first set of legs 220 and a second
set of legs 222. A set of legs may include one or more legs.
Different implementations may provide legs with different shapes,
sizes and/or configurations. The legs illustrated in FIG. 2 are
merely exemplary. The first set of legs 220 is coupled (e.g.,
directly coupled, indirectly coupled) to the first seating portion
202, and the second set of legs 222 is coupled (e.g., directly
coupled, indirectly coupled) to the second seating portion 204. As
mentioned above, the extendable seating structure 200 is shown in
FIG. 2 in an extended configuration. In such a configuration, the
third seating portion 205 (which includes the first fold portion
206 and the second fold portion 208) is positioned between the
first seating portion 202 and the second seating portion 204. The
third seating portion 205 may be positioned on a set of railings
(not visible). The set of railings may be coupled (e.g., directly
coupled, indirectly coupled) to the first seating portion 202 and
the second seating portion 204. In some implementations, the set of
railings may be coupled to the first seating portion 202 and the
second seating portion 204 through a set of sliders (not visible).
A set of railings and a set of sliders are described in further
detail below in at least FIG. 7.
[0036] It is noted that first seating portion 202, the second
seating portion 204, the third seating portion 205, the legs 220,
and/or the legs 222 may be formed by one or more pieces. Thus, the
above portions (e.g., seating portion) and/or legs may be defined
by one piece (e.g., unibody) or they may be formed by several
pieces. In some implementations, an adhesive (e.g., glue) or other
mechanism (e.g., nails, screw) may be use to couple the various
pieces and/or portions together. A seating portion (e.g., first
seating portion 202) may include a seating surface and non-seating
surfaces. A seating portion (e.g., first seating portion 202) may
include portions and/or pieces that are not configured to be seated
on.
[0037] In some implementations, a first portion of the extendable
seating structure 200 may include the first seating portion 202 and
the set of legs 220. In some implementations, a second portion of
the extendable seating structure 200 may include the second seating
portion 204 and the set of legs 222.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a plan view (e.g., top view) of the
extendable seating structure 200 in the extended configuration. As
shown in FIG. 3, the extendable seating structure 200 includes the
first seating portion 202, the second seating portion 204, and the
third seating portion 205. In some implementations, the third
seating portion 205 is a foldable seating portion that includes the
first fold portion 206 and the second fold portion 208. As
mentioned above, a hinge (not shown) may couple the first fold
portion 206 and the second fold portion 208. The hinge may be
configured to allow the third seating portion 205 to be able to
fold.
[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of the extendable seating
structure 200 in the extended configuration. As shown in FIG. 4,
the first set of legs 220 is coupled to the first seating portion
202, and the second set of legs 222 is coupled to the second
seating portion 204. The third seating portion 205 is positioned
between the first seating portion 202 and the second seating
portion 204.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates an angled view of the extendable seating
structure 200 with the third seating portion 205 removed. As shown
in FIG. 5, a coupling structure 500 couples the first seating
portion 202 to the second seating portion 204. The coupling
structure 500 may be coupling means. The coupling structure 500 may
include a set of railings and a set of sliders. The coupling
structure 500 may provide structure support for the extendable
structure 200. The coupling structure 500 may also provide a
storage region for the extendable structure 200. The coupling
structure 500 will be described in further detail below in at least
FIG. 7. FIG. 5 also illustrates that the extendable seating
structure 200 includes holes and/or protrusions. More specifically,
the first seating portion 202 may include protrusions 502, and the
second seating portion 204 may include holes 504. As will be
described later in at least FIG. 12, the protrusions 502 may be
coupled to the holes 504 when the extendable seating structure 200
is in a second configuration (e.g., contracted configuration).
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a plan view (e.g., top view) of the
extendable seating structure 200 with the third seating portion 205
removed. As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling structure 500 couples the
first seating portion 202 to the second seating portion 204.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates another plan view (e.g., bottom view) of
the extendable seating structure 200 with the third seating portion
205 removed. As shown in FIG. 6, the coupling structure 500 couples
the first seating portion 202 to the second seating portion 204.
The first set of legs 220 is coupled to the first seating portion
202, and the second set of legs 222 is coupled to the second set of
seating portion 204. It is noted that the first set of legs 220 and
the second set of legs 222 shown in FIG. 7 are abstract
representations of legs that provide support for the extendable
seating structure 200. The legs coupled to extendable seating
structure may have different shapes.
[0043] The coupling structure 500 is configured to allow the first
seating portion 202 and the second seating portion 204 to move back
and forth relative to each other. The coupling structure 500
includes a set of railings (e.g., first set of railings, second set
of railings) and a set of sliders (e.g., first set of sliders,
second set of sliders). More specifically, the coupling structure
500 includes a first railing 720, a second railing 722, a third
railing 730, a fourth railing 732, a first slider 702, a second
slider 712, a third slider 704, and a fourth slider 714.
[0044] A set of railings may include one or more railings. In some
implementations, a first set of railings includes the first railing
720 and the second railing 722. In some implementations, a second
set of sliders includes the third railing 730 and the fourth
railing 732. A set of sliders may include one or more sliders. In
some implementations, a first set of sliders includes the first
slider 702 and the second slider 712. In some implementations, a
second set of sliders includes the third slider 704 and the second
slider 714.
[0045] A slider (e.g., first slider 702) may include a first slider
portion 740, a second slider portion 742, a first set of bearings
744, and a second set of bearings 746. A set of bearings may
include one or more bearings. The first set of bearings 744 and the
second set of bearings 746 are coupled to the second slider portion
742. Different implementations may couple the first set of bearings
744 and the second set of bearings 746 to different parts of the
second slider portion 742. The second slider portion 742 may move
back and forth relative to the first slider portion 740 through the
first set of bearings 744 and the second set of bearings 746. In
some implementations, this allows the first seating portion 202 and
the second seating portion 204 to move back and forth relative to
each other. In some implementations, instead of bearings, wheels
may be used.
[0046] In some implementations, the first slider portion 740 is
coupled to a seating portion (e.g., first seating portion 202), and
the second slider portion 742 is coupled to a railing (e.g., first
railing 720). However, in some implementations, the first slider
portion 740 is coupled to a railing (e.g., third railing 730), and
the second slider portion 742 is coupled to a seating portion
(e.g., second seating portion 204).
[0047] It is noted that the coupling structure 500 and/or the
railings may be formed by one or more pieces. Thus, the above
structure and/or railings may be defined by one piece (e.g.,
unibody) or they may be formed by several pieces. In some
implementations, an adhesive (e.g., glue) or other mechanism (e.g.,
nails, screw) may be use to couple the various pieces and/or
portions together.
[0048] In some implementations, a first portion of the extendable
seating structure 200 may include the first seating portion 202,
the set of legs 220, the first slider 702 and/or the third slider
704. In some implementations, a second portion of the extendable
seating structure 200 may include the second seating portion 204,
the set of legs 222, the second slider 712 and/or the fourth slider
714.
[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a view of the third seating portion 205
in a folded configuration. As shown in FIG. 8, the third seating
portion 205 is folded such that a surface (e.g., seating surface)
of the first fold portion 206 is facing a surface (e.g., seating
surface) of the second fold portion 208. The first fold portion 206
is coupled to the second fold portion 208 through a first hinge 802
and a second hinge 804. Different implementations may use hinges
with different designs and shapes. The first hinge 802 and the
second hinge 804 allow the third seating portion 205 to be
foldable. The first fold portion 206 and the second fold portion
each have an L-shape. However, different fold portions may have
different shapes. The first fold portion 206 may include one or
more pieces. Similarly, the second fold portion 208 may include one
or more pieces.
[0050] FIG. 8 also illustrates holes 810 and protrusions 812 in the
third seating portion 205. The holes 810 may be located in a side
portion of the first fold portion 206 and/or a side portion the
second fold portion 208. The protrusions 812 may be located on a
side portion of the first fold portion 206 and/or a side portion of
the second fold portion. The holes 810 may be configured to couple
to protrusions from the first seating portion 202 and/or the second
seating portion 204. Similarly, the protrusion 812 may be
configured to couple to holes in the first seating portion 202
and/or the second seating portion 204. For example, the holes 810
of the third seating portion 205 may be coupled to protrusions 502
of the first seating portion 202, when in an extended configuration
of the extendable seating structure 200. Similarly, the protrusions
812 of the third seating portion 205 may be coupled to holes 504 of
the second seating portion 204, (e.g., when in an extended
configuration of the extendable seating structure 200) in some
implementations.
[0051] It is noted that the first fold portion 206 and/or the
second fold portion 208 may be formed by one or more pieces. Thus,
the above portions may be defined by one piece (e.g., unibody) or
they may be formed by several pieces. In some implementations, an
adhesive (e.g., glue) or other mechanism (e.g., nails, screw) may
be use to couple the various pieces and/or portions together.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a view of the third seating portion 205
in a folded configuration being positioned in a storage region of
the extendable seating structure 200. In some implementations, the
storage region may be defined by the set of railings (e.g., first
set of railings, second set of railings) of the extendable seating
structure 200. For example, the storage region may be defined
and/or formed by the first railing 720, the second railing 722, the
third railing 730, and the fourth railing 732. As shown in FIG. 9,
the third seating portion 205 is being positioned on the railings
(e.g., second railing 722, fourth railing 732).
[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates a profile view of the third seating
portion 205 in a folded configuration in a storage region of the
extendable seating structure 200. More specifically, FIG. 10
illustrates the third seating portion 205 positioned on a first set
of railings and/or a second set of railings. The first fold portion
206 is positioned on the fourth railing 732 and the second fold
portion 208 is positioned on the second railing 722. However,
different implementations may position the fold portions on
different railings. A railing may include several railings and/or
portions of a railing. In some implementations, two or more
railings may be formed as one unibody railing. For example, the
first railing 720 and the second railing 722 may be formed as one
unibody railing having a shape and/or design that is similar to the
combined first railing 720 and the second railing 722. In some
implementations, the unibody railing may have a portion on a first
level (e.g., upper level) and a second portion on a second level
(e.g., lower level). One railing (or portions of a railing) may be
on a lower level than another railing (or portions of a
railing).
[0054] For example, the second railing 722 is located on a lower
level than the first railing 720. Similarly, the fourth railing 732
is located on a lower level than the third railing 730. In some
implementations, these different levels of railings and/or
different levels of portions of railings provide the storage region
in the coupling structure 500.
[0055] When the extendable seating structure 200 is in an extended
configuration, the third seating portion 205 (e.g., unfolded third
seating portion) may be positioned on the first railing 720 and the
third railing 730 in a similar manner as how the first seating
portion 202 is on the first railing 720 and the third railing
730.
[0056] FIG. 11 illustrates a plan view (e.g., bottom view) of the
third seating portion 205 in a folded configuration in a storage
region of the extendable seating structure 200, when the extendable
seating structure 200 is in a first configuration (e.g., contracted
configuration). More specifically, FIG. 11 illustrates that the
third seating portion 205 is positioned on the coupling structure
500, which includes a first set of railings and/or a second set of
railings.
[0057] FIG. 12 illustrates another plan view (e.g., top view) of
the third seating portion 205 in a folded configuration in a
storage region of the extendable seating structure 200. From this
plan view, the third seating portion 205 is positioned in a storage
region, and covered by the first seating portion 202 and the second
seating portion 204. That is, the third seating portion 205 is
underneath the first seating portion 202 and the second seating
portion 204. In the contracted configuration of the extendable
seating structure 200, the protrusions 502 may be coupled to the
holes 504.
[0058] FIG. 13 illustrates a profile view of the extendable seating
structure 200 in a contracted configuration. In the contracted
configuration, the third seating portion 205 is positioned in the
storage area (e.g., which may be defined by the coupling structure,
the railings, as mentioned above). Moreover, in the contracted
configuration, the third seating portion may be underneath the
first seating portion 202 and/or the second seating portion 204.
For example, the third seating portion may be underneath a seating
surface of the first seating portion 202 and/or a seating surface
of the second seating portion 204.
Exemplary Sequence for Configuring an Extendable Seating
Structure
[0059] FIG. 14 (which includes FIGS. 14A-14B) illustrates a
sequence for configuring an extendable seating structure. The
sequence of FIG. 14 may be used to change the configuration of the
extendable seating structure from an extended configuration to a
contracted configuration.
[0060] Stage 1 illustrates a state when the first seating portion
202 and the second seating portion 204 are pulled apart. In some
implementations, this uncouples the third seating portion 205 from
the first seating portion 202 and the second seating portion 204.
Before this is done however, in some implementations, a lock
mechanism 1300 (e.g., lock) is unlocked to allow the uncoupling of
the third seating portion. The lock mechanism 1300 is optional. The
lock mechanism 1300 may be coupled to the coupling structure 500,
the first seating portion 202, the second seating portion 204,
and/or the third seating portion 205 in some implementations. Once,
unlocked, the third seating portion 205 can be removed (e.g.,
pulled out) from the extendable seating structure 200.
[0061] Stage 2 illustrates a state after the third seating portion
205 is folded (e.g., as described in FIG. 8) and then positioned in
the storage area of the extendable seating structure 200. More
specifically, the third seating portion 205 is positioned on the
coupling structure 500. In some implementations, the third seating
portion is positioned on at least one railing of the coupling
structure 500.
[0062] Stage 3 illustrates a state after the first seating portion
202 and the second seating portion 204 are moved (e.g., pushed)
towards each other. This movement covers the third seating portion
205 such that the third seating portion 205 is located underneath a
seating surface of the first seating portion 202 and/or a seating
surface of the second seating portion 204. In some implementations,
the locking mechanism 1300 may be located to ensure that the
extendable seating structure 200 is in a contracted configuration.
Thus, in some implementations, the locking mechanism 1300 is
configured to lock and unlock the extendable seating structure in
the first configuration (e.g., extended configuration) and/or the
second configuration (e.g., contracted configuration).
[0063] In some implementations, the order of the above sequence may
be reversed to change the configuration of the extendable seating
structure 200 from a contracted configuration to an extended
configuration.
Exemplary Coupling Structures
[0064] Different implementations may use different coupling
structures. FIGS. 15-16 illustrate different coupling structures.
FIG. 15 illustrates a coupling structure 1500 that includes a first
set of railings and a second set of railings. The first set of
railings may include the first railing 1520 and the second railing
1522. The second set of railings may include the third railing 1530
and the fourth railing 1532. The first railing 1520 includes a
first protrusion and the second railing 1522 includes a first
cavity. The first railing 1520 is coupled to the second railing
1522 such that the first protrusion is coupled to the first cavity.
The first railing 1520 may be a male railing, and the second
railing 1522 may be a female railing. The first railing 1520 may be
able to move back and forth relative to the second railing 1522. In
some implementations, the first railing 1520 and/or the second
railing 1522 may be coupled to a respective slider (e.g., first
slider 702, second slider 712). In some implementations, the first
railing 1520 and/or the second railing 1520 may bypass the sliders,
and may be coupled to a respective seating portion without the
slider. For example, the first railing 1520 may be coupled to the
first seating portion 202, and the second railing 1522 may be
coupled to the second seating portion 204.
[0065] The third railing 1530 includes a first protrusion and the
fourth railing 1532 includes a first cavity. The third railing 1530
is coupled to the fourth railing 1532 such that the first
protrusion is coupled to the first cavity. The third railing 1530
may be a male railing, and the fourth railing 1532 may be a female
railing. The third railing 1530 may be able to move back and forth
relative to the fourth railing 1532. In some implementations, the
third railing 1530 and/or the fourth railing 1532 may be coupled to
a respective slider (e.g., first slider 702, second slider 712). In
some implementations, the third railing 1530 and/or the fourth
railing 1530 may bypass the sliders, and may be coupled to a
respective seating portion without the slider. For example, the
third railing 1530 may be coupled to the first seating portion 202,
and the fourth railing 1532 may be coupled to the second seating
portion 204.
[0066] FIG. 16 illustrates another coupling structure 1600 that
includes a first set of railings and a second set of railings. The
first set of railings may include the first railing 1620 and the
second railing 1622. The second set of railings may include the
third railing 1630 and the fourth railing 1632. The first railing
1620 includes a second cavity and the second railing 1622 includes
a second protrusion. The first railing 1620 is coupled to the
second railing 1622 such that the second cavity is coupled to the
second protrusion. The first railing 1620 may be a female railing,
and the second railing 1622 may be a male railing. The first
railing 1620 may be able to move back and forth relative to the
second railing 1622. In some implementations, the first railing
1620 and/or the second railing 1622 may be coupled to a respective
slider (e.g., first slider 702, second slider 712). In some
implementations, the first railing 1620 and/or the second railing
1620 may bypass the sliders, and may be coupled to a respective
seating portion without the slider. For example, the first railing
1620 may be coupled to the first seating portion 202, and the
second railing 1622 may be coupled to the second seating portion
204.
[0067] The third railing 1630 includes a second cavity and the
fourth railing 1632 includes a second cavity. The third railing
1630 is coupled to the fourth railing 1632 such that the second
cavity is coupled to the second protrusion. The third railing 1630
may be a female railing, and the fourth railing 1632 may be a male
railing. The third railing 1630 may be able to move back and forth
relative to the fourth railing 1632. In some implementations, the
third railing 1630 and/or the fourth railing 1632 may be coupled to
a respective slider (e.g., first slider 702, second slider 712). In
some implementations, the third railing 1630 and/or the fourth
railing 1630 may bypass the sliders, and may be coupled to a
respective seating portion without the slider. For example, the
third railing 1630 may be coupled to the first seating portion 202,
and the fourth railing 1632 may be coupled to the second seating
portion 204.
[0068] One or more of the above railings may form and/or define a
storage region for the extended seating structure as described
above in at least FIG. 10. Thus, at least one of the above railings
may be configured such that a third seating portion 205 can be
positioned on them as illustrated in FIGS. 15-16 and/or as
described in FIG. 10.
[0069] One or more of the elements, steps, features, and/or
functions illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14A-14B, 15, and/or 16 may be rearranged and/or combined into a
single component, step, feature or function or embodied in several
components, steps, or functions. Additional elements, components,
steps, and/or functions may also be added without departing from
the invention.
[0070] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation or aspect
described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed
as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure.
Likewise, the term "aspects" does not require that all aspects of
the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of
operation. The term "coupled" is used herein to refer to the direct
or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A
physically touches object B, and object B touches object C, then
objects A and C may still be considered coupled to one
another--even if they do not directly physically touch each
other.
[0071] It should be noted that the above disclosure describes an
extendable seating structure. However, in some implementations, the
above disclosure can be implemented on a table. Thus, in some
implementations, the above extendable structure may be configured
as an extendable table structure that includes table portions
instead of seating portions, table surfaces instead of seating
surfaces.
[0072] For example, an extendable table structure may include a
first portion, a second portion, and a third table portion. The
first portion includes a first table portion, a first set of legs
coupled to the first table portion, and a first set of railings
coupled to the first table portion. The second portion includes a
second table portion, a second set of legs coupled to the second
table portion, and a second set of railings coupled to the second
table portion. The second set of railings is coupled to the first
set of railings. The first set of railings and second set of
railings are configured to allow the first portion and second
portion to move relative to each other. The third table portion is
configured to be positioned in a first position or a second
position. The first position is between the first table portion and
the second table portion when the extendable table structure is in
a first configuration (e.g., extended configuration). The second
position is a storage region of the table structure when the table
structure is in a second configuration (e.g., contracted
configuration). In some implementations, the third table portion is
a foldable table portion. In some implementations, the third table
portion includes a first fold portion, a second fold portion, and a
hinge coupling the first fold portion to the second fold
portion.
[0073] The various features of the invention described herein can
be implemented in different systems without departing from the
invention. It should be noted that the foregoing aspects of the
disclosure are merely examples and are not to be construed as
limiting the invention. The description of the aspects of the
present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit
the scope of the claims. As such, the present teachings can be
readily applied to other types of apparatuses and many
alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
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