Attachable weight for furniture base

BACKGROUND

[0001]The present disclosure relates to a weighted device that is mountable to an article of furniture and more specifically to a base weight that is mountable to the base of a swivel and/or rocking chair.

[0002]Swivel rocking chairs allow a user to customize their position when sitting in the chair by reclining the seat and rotating up to 360 degrees. However, the user's comfort and ability to recline and/or swivel may be limited if the base of the chair does not feel stable. Additionally, swivel rocking chairs stored and used outdoors may easily tip over or blow away when subject to high winds.

SUMMARY

[0003]An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a weighted device for mounting to an article of furniture. The device comprises a body portion comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more arms extending radially from the body portion, the arm comprising a hook and a tip, wherein the hook defines an opening between the tip of the arm and the body portion, and a weight secured to the bottom surface of the body portion.

[0004]In one or more embodiments, the body portion further comprises a body portion aperture extending therethrough.

[0005]In one or more embodiments, the weight further comprises a weight aperture extending therethrough.

[0006]In one or more embodiments, the weighted device further comprises a threaded rod securing the weight to the body portion.

[0007]In one or more embodiments, a distance between the tip of the arm and the body portion is about 1 to 4 inches.

[0008]In one or more embodiments, the device comprises four arms and a distance between each arm is about 2 to 8 inches.

[0009]Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a weighted seat system. The weighted seat system comprises a seat comprising a base portion having one or more legs extending therefrom, and a base weight comprising a body portion comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more arms extending radially from the body portion, the arm comprising a hook and a tip, wherein the hook defines an opening between the tip of the arm and the body portion, and a weight secured to the bottom surface of the body portion, wherein the opening of the arm receives the leg of the seat therein, and wherein the tip of the arm engages the leg.

[0010]In one or more embodiments, the seat is a rocking and/or swivel chair.

[0011]In one or more embodiments, the base weight comprises two or more arms.

[0012]In one or more embodiments, an amount of arms on the base weight is equal to an amount of legs on the seat.

[0013]In one or more embodiments, the body portion comprises a body portion aperture extending therethrough and the weight further comprises a weight aperture extending therethrough.

[0014]In one or more embodiments, the base weight comprises a threaded rod and the threaded rod extends through the body portion aperture and the weight aperture to secure the weight to the bottom surface of the body portion.

[0015]In one or more embodiments, the threaded rod engages the base portion of the seat.

[0016]In one or more embodiments, the top surface of the body portion is in direct contact with the base portion of the seat.

[0017]In one or more embodiments, the body portion aperture and/or the weight aperture receives the base portion of the seat therein.

[0018]Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of using a weighted device on an article of furniture. The method comprises securing a weight to the device, the device comprising a body portion comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more arms extending radially from the body portion, the arm comprising a tip and a hook, wherein the hook defines an opening between the tip of the arm and the body portion, wherein the weight is secured to the bottom surface of the body portion, wherein the article of furniture comprises a base portion comprising one or more legs extending therefrom, positioning the body portion of the device parallel to the base portion of the article of furniture, and rotating the device in a direction such that the opening of the arm receives the leg of the article of furniture and the hook engages the leg.

[0019]In one or more embodiments, the weight is secured to the bottom surface of the device by one or more threaded rods.

[0020]In one or more embodiments, the body portion further comprises a body portion aperture extending therethrough.

[0021]In one or more embodiments, the method comprises receiving the base portion of the article of furniture within the body portion aperture.

[0022]In one or more embodiments, the threaded rod engages the base portion of the article of furniture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a weighted device mounted to a swivel rocking chair according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0025]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0026]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0027]FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a weighted device mounted to a swivel rocking chair according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0028]FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the weighted device mounted to the swivel rocking chair according to one or more embodiments described in FIG. 5A.

[0029]FIG. 5C is an exploded perspective view of the weighted device mounted to the swivel rocking chair according to one or more embodiments described in FIG. 5A-5B.

[0030]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a weighted device mounted to a swivel rocking stool according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0031]FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the weighted device mounted to the swivel rocking stool according to one or more embodiments described in FIG. 6A.

[0032]FIG. 6C is an exploded perspective view of the weighted device mounted to the swivel rocking stool according to one or more embodiments described in FIG. 6A-6B.

[0033]FIG. 7A is a top and/or bottom view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0034]FIG. 7B is a side view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described in FIG. 7A.

[0035]FIG. 8A is a top and/or bottom view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0036]FIG. 8B is a side view of a weighted device according to one or more embodiments described in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037]Described herein is a weighted device that is mountable to the base of a swivel and/or rocking chair. The weighted device or base weight may add weight to the base of a chair providing a variety of benefits including, but not limited to, stability, balance, prevention of excessive movement, comfort, and/or durability. The base weight may help keep a rocking seat stable, especially during rocking. Additionally, the device may contribute to the overall durability of the seat by preventing excessive wear on the rockers and joints by reducing the impact of sudden movements or shifts.

[0038]The weighted device comprises a body portion having a top and bottom surface and one or more arms extending and/or projecting outward and/or away from the body portion. In one or more embodiments, the top surface of the body portion is configured to engage an article of furniture to which the weighted device is to be mounted. However, the top surface of the body portion need not contact the article of furniture and may be secured a distance from the article of furniture. For example, the body portion may be secured a distance from a base of a chair such that there is a distance between a top surface of the body portion and the base of the chair. The weighted device may be secured underneath a seat of the chair.

[0039]In one or more embodiments, an arm comprises a hook, which defines an opening between a tip of the arm and the body portion. The weighted device may comprise one or more arms, therefore the weighted device may comprise one or more hooks. The one or more arms may lie in the same plane, or substantially the same plane, as the body portion. The hook and/or opening of an arm may be configured to receive a leg of the article of furniture therein. For example, the dimensions of each opening, hook, and/or arm may be configured to securely fit a leg of a chair.

[0040]In one or more embodiments, the bottom surface of the body portion may be configured to host and/or suspend a weight thereon or therefrom. The weighted device may be configured such that a weight is removably securable to the bottom surface of the body portion. Such embodiments may allow for convenient swapping of weights. For example, it may be necessary or desirable to swap the weight for a different shape and/or size weight for different articles of furniture, applications, and/or environments. Additionally, or alternatively, the body portion and/or weighted device itself may have a sufficient weight such that it is not necessary to add the weight thereto. Additionally, or alternatively, to one or more embodiments described herein, a weight may be secured on a top surface of the body portion.

[0041]The weight may be different shapes and/or sizes. For example, the weight may be 5-10 pounds, 10-20 pounds, or more. The weight may have a circular, rectangular, or irregular shape. A different size and/or shape of weight may be desirable for different purposes and/or uses. In one or more embodiments, the weight is supported on a bottom surface of the body portion. Additionally, or alternatively, the weight may be removably securable to the body portion.

[0042]The weighted device may further comprise an attachment mechanism for attaching the weight to the body portion. In one or more embodiments, the weighted device further comprises one or more threaded rods and bolts to secure the weight to the body portion of the weighted device. The body portion may further comprise one or more body portion apertures extending through the thickness of the body portion, and the weight may further comprise one or more weight apertures extending through the thickness of the weight. A threaded rod may be configured to insert into and/or extend through the body portion aperture and the weight aperture thereby connecting the weight to the body portion. The weight aperture and/or the body portion aperture may comprise threads such that the threaded rod is screwed or rotated into one or both apertures. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more apertures may be smooth allowing the threaded rod to poke through the smooth apertures. The threaded rod may be rotated in a direction to adjust a distance between the bottom surface of the body portion and the weight. The body portion apertures and/or the weight apertures may vary in size and may be the same or different from one or more body portion apertures and/or weight apertures. In one or more embodiments, the body portion apertures and/or weight apertures may have dimensions sufficient to fit a base portion of a chair and/or a threaded rod.

[0043]In one or more embodiments, wherein the device is mounted to a chair, a threaded rod may extend completely through a weight aperture and a body portion aperture such that the threaded rod directly contacts a base portion of a chair. The threaded rod may contact the base portion of the chair and apply pressure and/or a force on the base portion of the chair and/or the chair. In one or more embodiments, the threaded rod may further comprise a cap to cap an end of the threaded rod that contacts the chair. The cap may protect the chair from the pressure and/or force exerted by the threaded rod and/or weighted device.

[0044]In one or more embodiments, the weighted device may be configured for mounting to a swivel and/or rocking chair having a base portion and legs. The weighted device may be positioned parallel to the base portion such that the one or more arms fit between the legs. For example, one arm fits between two legs such that the top surface of the body portion may engage the base portion of the chair. In one or more embodiments, the weighted device is secured to the chair by rotating the weighted device such that the hook and/or opening of each arm receives one leg of the chair. The dimensions of the body portion, arm, hook, and/or openings may be configured such that when the legs are received therein, the weighted device is secured. In one or more embodiments, a threaded rod may extend through an aperture in the body portion and an aperture in the weight such that the weight is suspended from the body portion. Furthermore, the threaded rod may be rotated in a direction to move the weight closer to the body portion. In one or more embodiments, rotating the threaded rod in the direction moves the threaded rod through the body portion aperture and/or the weight aperture. For example, a distance between the weight and the bottom surface of the body portion may be reduced. The threaded rod may move through the body portion and the weight and extend beyond the top surface of the body portion. In one or more embodiments, the threaded rod may engage the base portion of the chair.

[0045]The weighted device may be made of one or more materials and preferably materials that assist in weight and durability while contributing to the overall aesthetic of the article of furniture. For example, it may be desirable for elements of the weighted device that are visible to a user to be made of an aesthetically pleasing material. In one or more embodiments, the weighted device may be painted and/or plated to be of a color or design that matches or corresponds to the article of furniture to which it is mounted. In one or more embodiments, the weighted device may be made of one or more materials including, but not limited to, wood, steel including alloy steel, iron, concrete, tungsten, copper, sand, brass, and/or granite. The weighted device may maintain a flat configuration or may flex and/or bend when mounted to a chair.

[0046]The dimensions of the weighted device may vary. In one or more embodiments, the diameter of the weighted device may be about 8 to 12 inches. The diameter of the weight may be about 4-6 inches. In one or more embodiments, the weight has the same, or about the same, diameter as the body portion of the device. The diameter of the weighted device may be about double the diameter of the weight. The weighted device may have a thickness of about 0.15 to 1 inch. The thicknesses of the weight may vary depending on the mass of the weight. In one or more embodiments, the thickness of the weight may be about 0.75 to 2 inches. The arms may have a length that is about 1/4 the diameter of the weighted device (wherein the length is the distance an arm extends from the body portion) and a width that is about ⅛ to ½ the diameter of the weighted device. The opening may have a length of about 1 to 4 inches (the distance between the tip of the arm and the body portion) and a width of about 2 to 8 inches (distance between arms). In one or more embodiments, the arm, hook, and/or tip of the arm may have dimensions sufficient to receive a standard size leg of a chair. For example, the leg of a chair may have a width of about 0.5 to 6 inches and/or a height/thickness of about 0.5 to 6 inches. The body portion apertures and/or weight apertures may be spaced apart a distance, for example, 1.5 inches. The dimensions given herein are by way of example and are not to be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0047]A weighted device 10 according to one or more embodiments described herein is illustrated in FIGS. 1-8B. Referring to FIG. 1, the device 10 comprises a body portion 12 comprising four arms 14 extending radially therefrom. The body portion 12 further comprises a top surface 16 and bottom surface 18. The weighted device 10 further comprises a weight 20 mounted to the bottom surface 18 of the body portion 12. The top surface 16 of the body portion 12 may be configured to engage an article of furniture, for example, a base portion of a chair.

[0048]The arms 14 may be configured for mounting the device 10 to the article of furniture. The arms 14 extend outwardly and away from the body portion 12. The arms 14 are in the same plane as the body portion 12. The arms further comprise a hook 22, wherein the hook 22 defines an opening 24 between a tip 26 of the arm 14 and the body portion 12. The hooks 22 and/or openings 24 of the arms 14 may be configured to receive a leg of the article of furniture therein. For example, the dimensions of each opening, hook, and/or arm may be configured to securely fit a leg of a chair.

[0049]The weighted device 10 further comprises a weight 20. The weight 20 is engages the bottom surface 18 of the body portion 12. Additionally, or alternatively, the weight 20 is configured to suspend a distance from the bottom surface 18 of the body portion. The weight 20 is the shape of a cylinder and contacts most of the body portion 12 of the weighted device 10. The weight 20 does not directly contact the arms 14 of the body portion 12.

[0050]The weighted device 10 further comprises a threaded rod 28 and bolt 30 to secure the weight 20 to the body portion 12 of the weighted device 10. The body portion 12 comprises a body portion aperture (not shown) extending through the thickness of the body portion 12. The weight 20 comprises a weight aperture 32 extending through the thickness of the weight 20. The threaded rod 28 is inserted through the body portion aperture and/or the weight aperture 32 thereby connecting the weight 20 to the body portion 12. The body portion aperture and/or the weight aperture 32 may be threaded or smooth. The threaded rod 28 may be rotated a direction to adjust a distance between the bottom surface 18 of the body portion 12 and the weight 20.

[0051]Referring to FIG. 2, the device 10 is mounted to a chair 34 having a base portion 36. The chair 34 may be a swivel rocking chair. The device 10 is positioned parallel to the base portion 36 of the chair 34. The chair 34 further comprises four legs 38. The arms 14 fit between the legs 38 such that the device 10 may meet and/or contact the base portion 36 of the chair 34. Furthermore, rotating the device 10 allows the tips 26 of the arms 14 to cross over the legs 38 and the hooks 22 and/or openings 24 to receive the legs 38 thereby securing the weighted device 10 to the chair 34.

[0052]FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the device 10 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The device 10 comprises a weight 20 and two threaded rods 28. The device 10 further comprises a body portion 12 having three body portion apertures 40 extending therethrough. The weight 20 also has three weight apertures 32 extending therethrough. The size and spacing of the body portion apertures 40 and the weight apertures 32 may correspond to each other for coupling. The weight 20 may be mounted to the device 10 by inserting and/or screwing the threaded rods 28 through the weight aperture 32 and the body portion aperture 40.

[0053]FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the device 10 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The device 10 comprises a weight 20 secured to the body portion 12 such that it engages the bottom surface 16 of the body portion 12. A threaded rod 28 is configured to be inserted through a weight aperture 32 and a body portion aperture 40 such that the threaded rod 28 extends completely through the thickness of the body portion 12 and the weight 20. The threaded rod 28 further comprises a cap 42 for capping an end of the threaded rod 28 that extends through the body portion 12 and the weight 20.

[0054]FIG. 5A-5B illustrate a device 10 mounted to a chair 34. The chair 34 may be a swivel rocking chair. The chair 34 comprises a base portion 36 and four legs 38. The weighted device 10 is secured parallel to the base portion 36 such that the one or more arms 14 fit between the legs 38. Each arm 14 fits between two legs 38 such that the top surface 16 of the body portion 12 engages the base portion 36 of the chair 34. The weighted device 10 is secured to the chair 34 by rotating the weighted device 10 such that the hook 22 and/or opening 24 of each arm receives one leg 38 of the chair 34.

[0055]FIG. 5C illustrates an exploded view of the device 10 according to one or more embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. The body portion 12 of the device 10 comprises three body portion apertures 40 extending therethrough. One or more body portion apertures 40 and/or weight apertures 32 have dimensions sufficient to receive a portion of the base portion 36 of the chair 34. Additionally, one or more body portion apertures 40 are configured to receive a threaded rod 28 for securing the weight 20 to the body portion 12. One or more threaded rods 28 may be configured to extend completely through the body portion 12 and the weight 20 such that an end of the one or more threaded rods 28 engage and/or contact the base portion 36 of the chair 34.

[0056]FIG. 6A-6B illustrate a device 10 mounted to a chair 34. The chair 34 may be a swivel rocking stool. The chair 34 comprises a base portion 36 and five legs 38. The weighted device 10 is secured parallel to the base portion 36 such that the one or more arms 14 fit between the legs 38. Each arm 14 fits between two legs 38 such that the top surface 16 of the body portion 12 engages the base portion 36 of the chair. The weighted device 10 is secured to the chair 34 by rotating the weighted device 10 in a direction such that the hook 22 and/or opening 24 of each arm receives one leg 38 of the chair 34.

[0057]FIG. 6C illustrates an exploded view of the device 10 according to one or more embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6B. The body portion 12 of the device 10 comprises three body portion apertures 40 extending therethrough. One or more body portion apertures 40 and/or weight apertures 32 have dimensions sufficient to receive a portion of the base portion 36 of the chair 34. Additionally, one or more body portion apertures 40 are configured to receive a threaded rod 28 for securing the weight 20 to the body portion 12. One or more threaded rods 28 may be configured to extend completely through the body portion 12 and the weight 20 such that an end of the one or more threaded rods 28 engage and/or contact the base portion 36 of the chair 34.

[0058]FIG. 7A illustrates a top and/or bottom surface 16/18 of a weighted device 10 having four arms 14. FIG. 7B is a side view of the weighted device 10 described in one or more embodiments according to FIG. 7A.

[0059]FIG. 8A illustrates a top and/or bottom surface 16/18 of a weighted device 10 having five arms 14. FIG. 8B is a side view of the weighted device 10 described in one or more embodiments according to FIG. 8A.

[0060]Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.