Chair connection system

Abstract

A connection system for folding chairs and a method for connecting folding chairs in a row. The connection system includes: a first connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slit at each end thereof, wherein each slit is parallel to an axis defined by the u-shaped recess; a second connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced further apart than the second recesses and the third side is orthogonal to the second side; and a third connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof. The first, second and third connection members are configured to snap-fit ​​into engagement with tubular members of adjacent folding chairs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a safety system for a conference room. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to a chair connection system for a folding chair that prevents tumbling of the chair in an emergency situation. Background Art

[0002] Chairs that are easily attached to one another are typically used in multi-purpose rooms to provide a variety of different chair configurations and numbers of chairs in a row. Such chairs are suitably lightweight and have a construction that enhances the ability of the chairs to be stacked on one another when not in use. In some cases, folding chairs are used for conference purposes. Folding chairs can be folded and stored in a more limited storage space.

[0003] To improve safety and provide uniform spacing and number of chairs in a row, adjacent chairs are often interlocked to one another using a linkage system. A variety of interlocking or linkage devices are known and attached to chairs in a variety of ways. However, most grouping devices are permanently attached to non-foldable chairs and are typically not suitable for use with folding chairs.

[0004] When folding chairs are used in a conference room or other assembly, they are typically aligned with one another in rows to provide the widest seating array available for the room. Unlike stackable non-folding chairs, folding chairs are not easily connected to one another. If an emergency situation arises and meeting attendees must move quickly from the room, the folding chairs may be pushed or collapsed due to the sudden movement or panic, thereby presenting a trip hazard when people attempt to leave the room. In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a connection system for folding chairs that will significantly reduce the clutter of chairs when an emergency situation arises during a meeting. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the foregoing, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a connection system for folding chairs and a method for connecting folding chairs in a row. The connection system includes: a first connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slit at each end thereof; a second connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced farther apart than the second recesses; and a third connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof. The first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are configured to snap-fit ​​into tubular members of adjacent folding chairs.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method for connecting folding chairs in a row is provided. The method includes providing a connection system having: a first connection member, the first connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and having a slit on each end; a second connection member, the second connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced farther apart than the second recesses; and a third connection member, the third connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof. The first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are configured to snap-fit ​​engage tubular members of adjacent folding chairs. The connection system is attached to the tubular members of adjacent folding chairs to provide a row of connected folding chairs.

[0007] In another embodiment, a connection system for a folding chair is provided. The connection system includes: a first connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slit at each end thereof, wherein the first connection member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the lower front legs and cross members of two adjacent folding chairs; a second connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof; and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are further spaced-apart than the second recesses, and the second connection member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the upper rear legs and rear support members of two adjacent folding chairs; and a third connection member having two spaced-apart u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof, wherein the third connection member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the lower rear legs of two adjacent folding chairs.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage lower front legs and cross members of two adjacent folding chairs.

[0009] In other embodiments, the second connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the upper rear legs and rear support members of two adjacent folding chairs.

[0010] In some other embodiments, the third connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the lower rear legs of two adjacent folding chairs.

[0011] In other embodiments, the first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member are molded from a thermoplastic material.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member further include reinforcing webs for strength.

[0013] In some embodiments, each slit in the first connecting member is parallel to an axis defined by the u-shaped recess.

[0014] In other embodiments, the third side of the second connecting member is orthogonal to the second side.

[0015] One advantage of the connection system described herein is that the system provides a simple yet robust method for attaching folding chairs in rows so that dislocation of the chairs in an emergency situation does not create a tripping hazard. Surprisingly and quite unexpectedly, the connection system is able to prevent a row of eleven connected chairs from deforming more than 200 millimeters from an initial starting position when subjected to a 200 Newton force applied to the middle chair in the row of eleven chairs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The invention is characterized by illustrating features of the disclosed embodiments by way of example; and wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view, not to scale, of a first connecting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A not-to-scale rotated top perspective view of a first connecting member.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A not-to-scale rotated bottom perspective view of a first connecting member.

[0020] Figure 4 is a not-to-scale perspective view of a second connecting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A not-to-scale rotated bottom perspective view of a second connecting member.

[0022] Figure 6 is a not-to-scale perspective view of a third connecting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A not-to-scale rotated bottom perspective view of a third connecting member.

[0024] Figure 8 is a not-to-scale perspective view of a folding chair and connection system according to the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a perspective view, not to scale, of a connection system according to the present disclosure attached to two folding chairs.

[0026] Fig.10 is an enlarged perspective view, not to scale, showing how the connection system is attached to the tubular member of the folding chair.

[0027] Fig.11 is a not-to-scale top plan view of folding chairs connected by the connection system of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 Not to scale front view of a folding chair.

[0029] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. However, it will be understood that no limitation on the scope of the invention is intended thereby. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] As described above, the connection system according to the present disclosure includes three connection members. The first connection member 10 is Figure 1-Figure 3 The second connecting member 40 is Figure 4-Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , and the third connecting member 70 is Figure 6-Figure 7 Shown in.

[0031] See now Figure 1-Figure 3 , the first connecting member 10 has a generally rectangular prismatic body 12 having a first end 14, a second end 16, a first side 18, and a second side 20. A pair of spaced-apart u-shaped recesses 22A and 22B are formed on the first side 18 of the first connecting member 10. The u-shaped recesses 22A and 22B define an axis 24. The recesses extend from the top side 26 of the first connecting member 10 to the bottom side 28. The centerline distance CD between the pair of recesses 22A and 22B can be in the range of about 30 millimeters (mm) to about 130 mm. Each recess 22A and 22B has a first diameter D1 and a second diameter D2, the first diameter being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe for the front leg of the folding chair, and the second diameter being substantially the same as the outer diameter of the pipe for the front leg of the folding chair, so that the first connecting member 10 can be snap-fitted with the front leg of the folding chair, as described in more detail below.

[0032] The first connecting member 10 also includes a first slit 30A on its first end 14 and a second slit 30B on its second end 16. The slits 30A and 30B have a length that extends partially from the bottom side 28 of the first connecting member 10 to the top side 26. The width W of the slits 30A and 30B can range from about 5 mm to about 20 mm so as to engage the cross member between the front legs of the folding chair.

[0033] The first connecting member 10 may have a solid body 12; or Figure 3 As shown, it may be a blow molded or injection molded structure having a reinforcing web 32 for the generally hollow body 12 .

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 . A second connecting member 40 is shown in FIG. Similar to the first connecting member 10, the second connecting member 40 has a generally rectangular prismatic body 42 having a first side 44 and a second side 46. A first pair of spaced-apart u-shaped recesses 48A and 48B are formed on the first side 44 of the second connecting member 40. The u-shaped recesses 48A and 48B define a first axis 50. The recesses 48A and 48B extend from the top side 52 of the second connecting member 40 to the second side 46. The centerline distance CD between a pair of recesses 48A and 48B is the same as the centerline distance CD of the first connecting member, and can also be in the range of about 30 mm to about 130 mm. As with the first connecting member 10, each recess 48A and 48B has a first diameter D1 ( Figure 5 ) and the second diameter D2( Figure 5 ), the first diameter is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pipe for the front legs of the folding chair, and the second diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the pipe for the front legs of the folding chair, so that the second connecting member 40 can be snap-fitted with the front legs of the folding chair.

[0035] The second connection member 40 also includes a second pair of spaced u-shaped recesses 54A and 54B spaced apart by a second distance CD2, which is greater than the distance CD and may be in the range of from about 80 mm to about 190 mm. The second pair of spaced u-shaped recesses 54A and 54B are formed on the second side 46 of the body 42 and extend from the third side 56 to the first side 44. The second axis 58 defined by the second pair of spaced u-shaped recesses 54A and 54B is orthogonal to the first axis 50. Each recess 54A and 54B has a third diameter D3 that is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the tubing for the rear legs of the folding chair and a fourth diameter D4 that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tubing for the rear legs of the folding chair, so that the second connection member 40 can be snap-fitted with the rear legs of the folding chair, as described in more detail below.

[0036] Similar to the first connecting member 10, the second connecting member 40 may also have a solid body 42; or Figure 5 As shown, it may be a blow molded or injection molded structure having a reinforcing web 60 for the generally hollow body 42 .

[0037] The third connecting member 70 is Figure 6 and Figure 7, having a generally rectangular prismatic body 72 having a first side 74 and a second side 76. A pair of spaced-apart u-shaped recesses 78A and 78B are formed in the first side 74 of the third connecting member 70. The recesses 78A and 78B extend from the top side 80 of the third connecting member 70 to the bottom side 82. The centerline distance CD2 between the pair of recesses 78A, 78B is the same as the centerline distance CD2 of the second connecting member 40. Each recess 78A and 78B has a first diameter D3 and a second diameter D4, the first diameter being slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubing for the rear legs of the folding chair, and the second diameter being substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tubing for the rear legs of the folding chair, so that the third connecting member 70 can be snap-fitted with the rear legs of the folding chair, as described in more detail below.

[0038] Similar to the first and second connecting members 10 and 40, the third connecting member 70 may also have a solid body 72; or Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, it may be a blow molded or injection molded structure having a reinforcing web 84 for the generally hollow body 72 .

[0039] See now Figure 8-Figure 12 , showing the placement and use of first, second and third connecting members 10, 40 and 70 for fastening folding chairs 100 to each other. Each folding chair 100 has a tubular support member including a lower front leg 102, an upper front leg 104, an upper rear leg 106 and a lower rear leg 108. Each chair 100 also includes a seat 114 partially supported by the rear legs 106-108 and a backrest 116 attached to the tubular members 102-104 providing the front legs.

[0040] Figure 9-10 1 is a perspective view of a chair 100 showing the placement of the first, second and third connecting members 10, 40 and 70 between two chairs 100. As shown, the first connecting member 10 snaps onto the lower front leg 102 and the slots 30A-30B slide over the front leg support 110 of each chair 100. The second connecting member 40 snaps onto the upper front leg 104 and the upper rear leg 106 on both chairs 100. The third connecting member 70 snaps onto the lower rear leg 108 of both chairs to form a Fig.11 and Fig.12 The connected chair 100 is shown.

[0041] exist Fig.11 and Fig.12 . Three chairs 100 are shown connected together. Fig.11 is a top plan view of three connected chairs 100, Fig.12 yes Fig.11The connection system of the present disclosure is strong enough so that up to 10 or more chairs can be connected together in a row so that a force of 200 Newtons on the center chair 100 in the row will cause any chair 100 in the row of connected chairs to displace no more than 200 millimeters from the chair's starting position.

[0042] In the embodiment described herein, the front and rear legs and support members of each chair can be made of relatively strong metal tubing (such as steel or aluminum). The seat 114 and backrest 116 of each chair can be made of common, low-cost natural or synthetic materials, such as wood, plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or equivalent polymeric materials. Each of the seat 114 and backrest 116 can be filled or unfilled with material.

[0043] The description and explanation of one or more embodiments provided in the present application are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the claimed invention in any way. The embodiments, examples and details provided in the present application are considered to be sufficient to convey ownership and enable others to make and use the best mode of the claimed invention. The claimed invention should not be interpreted as being limited to any embodiment, example or details provided in the present application. No matter it is combined or separately shown and described, different features (both structure and method) are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce an embodiment with a specific feature set. Description and explanation of the present application have been provided, and those skilled in the art can envision changes, modifications and alternative embodiments in the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in the present application without departing from the broader scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

1. A connection system for a folding chair, comprising: a first connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slit at each end thereof; a second connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced farther apart than the second recesses; as well as a third connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof, wherein the first connecting member, the second connecting member and the third connecting member are configured to snap-fit ​​into tubular members of adjacent folding chairs, wherein the first connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage lower front legs and cross members of two adjacent folding chairs; wherein the second connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the upper rear legs and rear support members of two adjacent folding chairs; Wherein, the third connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​into engagement with lower rear legs of two adjacent folding chairs.

2. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein: The first connecting member, the second connecting member and the third connecting member are molded from a thermoplastic material.

3. The connection system according to claim 2, wherein: The first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member further include reinforcing webs for strength.

4. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein: Each slit in the first connecting member is parallel to an axis defined by the u-shaped recess.

5. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein: The third side of the second connecting member is orthogonal to the second side.

6. A method for connecting folding chairs into a row, comprising: A connection system is provided, the connection system basically comprising: a first connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slit at each end thereof; a second connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced farther apart than the second recesses and the third side is orthogonal to the second side; and a third connecting member having two spaced-apart, u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof, wherein the first connecting member, the second connecting member, and the third connecting member are configured to snap-fit ​​engage tubular members of adjacent folding chairs; attaching the connection system to the tubular members of adjacent folding chairs to provide a row of connected folding chairs, wherein the first connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage lower front legs and cross members of two adjacent folding chairs; wherein the second connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the upper rear legs and rear support members of two adjacent folding chairs; Wherein, the third connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​into engagement with lower rear legs of two adjacent folding chairs.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The first connecting member, the second connecting member and the third connecting member are molded from a thermoplastic material.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The first connection member, the second connection member, and the third connection member further include reinforcing webs for strength.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Each slit in the first connecting member is parallel to an axis defined by the u-shaped recess.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The third side of the second connecting member is orthogonal to the second side.

11. A connection system for a folding chair, comprising: a first connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped first recesses on a first side thereof and a slot on each end thereof, wherein the first connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage lower front legs and cross members of two adjacent folding chairs; a second connecting member having two spaced-apart u-shaped second recesses on a second side thereof and two spaced-apart u-shaped third recesses on a third side thereof, wherein the u-shaped third recesses are spaced farther apart than the second recesses, wherein the second connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage the upper rear legs and rear support members of two adjacent folding chairs; as well as A third connecting member has two spaced-apart, u-shaped fourth recesses on a fourth side thereof, wherein the third connecting member is configured to snap-fit ​​engage lower rear legs of two adjacent folding chairs.

12. The connection system according to claim 11, wherein: Each slit in the first connecting member is parallel to an axis defined by the u-shaped recess.

13. The connection system according to claim 11, wherein: The third side of the second connecting member is orthogonal to the second side.

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