Flat plate packaging chair assembled without tool

Abstract

The invention provides a flat plate packaging chair which does not need to be assembled by a tool. A piece of furniture includes a first furniture component, a first fitting on the first furniture component, a second furniture component, and a second fitting on the second furniture component. The second fitting may be selectively connected to the first fitting to secure the first furniture assembly to the second furniture assembly. One of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding interference groove with an open end and a blind end, and the other one is a sliding tongue which can be slidably introduced into the open end of the interference groove.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 592,021, filed on October 20, 2023, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 914,772, filed on October 14, 2024, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein. Technical Field

[0003] The subject matter described herein is directed to a flat pack chair that can be assembled manually without tools. The flat pack chair is particularly, but not limited to, outdoor use. Background Art

[0004] The concept of flat-pack furniture is known, wherein the design of the components of the furniture can be simplified into assemblies that can be stored flat in, for example, a cardboard box. The flat-pack design can be used to reduce the cost of the furniture to the end user, for example, by reducing the shipping volume of the furniture, thereby reducing its shipping and storage costs. However, flat-pack furniture generally requires the end user to assemble it themselves, and the assembly steps and instructions can be complex and time-consuming, requiring a significant amount of time and space to complete. To overcome this challenge, services such as TaskRabbit exist to hire furniture assembly services, which can erode many of the cost savings associated with the flat-pack design. Therefore, it should be understood that such commonly used flat-pack furniture has many disadvantages, including complexity, cost, assembly time, etc. Therefore, there has long been a need to improve flat-pack furniture to address the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0005] The information contained in the background section of this specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is for technical reference purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] A flat pack chair is disclosed that can be assembled from four flat pack components without tools and can be assembled in only three steps. The flat pack chair disclosed herein is particularly but not limited to outdoor use, such as on a patio, porch, campsite, or around or near a fire pit.

[0007] One general aspect includes a piece of furniture. The piece of furniture includes a first furniture subassembly. The piece of furniture also includes a first accessory on the first furniture subassembly. The piece of furniture also includes a second furniture subassembly. The piece of furniture also includes a second accessory on the second furniture subassembly, the second accessory being selectively connectable to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly. One of the first accessory and the second accessory is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first accessory and the second accessory is a sliding tongue that is slidably inserted into the open end of the interference groove.

[0008] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape, or a dovetail shape. In some embodiments, the first accessory and the second accessory snap into place. In some embodiments, the first accessory may include one of a protrusion or an indentation, and the second accessory may include the other of a protrusion or an indentation. In some embodiments, the second accessory is connected to a second furniture subassembly. In some embodiments, the first furniture subassembly may include a first frame having a plurality of spaced first accessories thereon, and the second furniture subassembly may include a second frame having a plurality of spaced second accessories thereon to simultaneously secure to the plurality of spaced first accessories. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove includes: a longitudinal opening extending from an open end to a blind end, a longitudinal groove accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal groove having a second width greater than the first width. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware or methods or processes.

[0009] One general aspect includes a chair furniture. The chair furniture includes a side subassembly. The furniture also includes a first accessory on the side subassembly. The furniture also includes a seat assembly. The furniture also includes a second accessory on the seat assembly, the second accessory selectively connectable to the first accessory to secure the side subassembly to the seat assembly. In the furniture, one of the first accessory and the second accessory is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first accessory and the second accessory is a sliding tongue slidably inserted into the open end of the interference groove.

[0010] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape, or a dovetail shape. In some embodiments, the first accessory and the second accessory snap into place. In some embodiments, the first accessory may include one of a protrusion or an indentation, and the second accessory may include the other of a protrusion or an indentation. In some embodiments, the side subassembly may include a first frame having a plurality of spaced first accessories thereon, and the seat subassembly may include a second frame having a plurality of spaced second accessories thereon to simultaneously secure to the plurality of spaced first accessories. In some embodiments, the sliding interference groove includes: a longitudinal opening extending from an open end to a blind end, a longitudinal groove accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal groove having a second width greater than the first width. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware or methods or processes.

[0011] One general aspect includes a chair that includes a first side subassembly. The chair also includes a second side subassembly. The chair also includes a seat subassembly that is connectable to the first side subassembly and the second side subassembly. The chair also includes a back subassembly that is connectable to the first side subassembly and the second side subassembly. The first side subassembly, the second side subassembly, the seat subassembly, and the back subassembly are suitable for placement in a package having a total volume in the range of about 2.3 to 6.0 cubic feet and can be assembled without the use of tools.

[0012] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, a first side subassembly may be connected to a seat subassembly, a second side subassembly may be connected to the seat subassembly, a backrest subassembly may be connected to the first and second armrest subassemblies, and the backrest subassembly is configured to be adjacent to but not connected to the seat subassembly. In some embodiments, the first side subassembly may be connected to the seat subassembly by snapping into place, and the second side subassembly may be connected to the seat subassembly by snapping into place. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware or methods or processes.

[0013] One general aspect includes a piece of furniture that can be assembled without the use of tools. The piece of furniture includes a first furniture subassembly having a first accessory thereon. The piece of furniture also includes a second furniture subassembly having a second accessory thereon. The piece of furniture also includes the second accessory shaped and dimensioned to be selectively connected to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly.

[0014] Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, one of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding tongue that is slidably inserted into the open end of the interference groove. Embodiments of the described technology may include hardware or methods or processes.

[0015] This Summary section provides a simplified form of some concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This Summary section is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive introduction to the features, details, uses, and advantages of a flat pack chair as defined by the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 is a left side perspective view of an example flat pack chair according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2is a rear left perspective view of an example flat-pack chair in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 is a left rear perspective exploded view of an example flat pack chair in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4A The first step of a flat pack chair assembly process is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4B A second step of the flat pack chair assembly process is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4C The third step of the flat pack chair assembly process is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a back subassembly and a left side subassembly of an example flat pack chair in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting and a male slide snap fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a female slide snap fitting and a male slide snap fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a partially locked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a partially locked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a fully locked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a fully locked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting and a male sliding snap fitting in a fully locked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.13Ais a schematic, diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure of a male and female slide snap fittings according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 13B is a schematic, diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure of a male and female slide snap fittings according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 13C is a schematic, diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure of a male and female slide snap fittings according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Fig.14 is a bottom perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting mating into a base or frame recess of a seat assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig.15 is an underside perspective view of an example flat-pack chair in its flat-pack, packable, unassembled configuration in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.16 is a left side perspective view of an example flat pack chair according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B is a perspective view of an example snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.18A and Fig.18B is a perspective view of an example snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.19 is a perspective view of an example flat-pack chair in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of an example flat-pack chair with associated cushions according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Fig.21 is a perspective view of an example flat-pack chair in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an example flat-pack chair in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.23 is a left side perspective view of an example flat pack chair according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.24Ais a side view of an example snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 24B is a cross-sectional view of an example snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.25 is a side view of an example snap-fitting according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a flat-pack chair is provided that can be assembled from four flat-pack components in a minimal amount of time and without the need for tools or user-operable fasteners. The flat-pack chair includes a right subassembly and a left subassembly that slide and snap into place on the seat subassembly via sliding snap fittings, and a backrest subassembly that slides into notches in the seat subassembly and forms a friction fit connection with the armrest assembly via pins on both sides of the backrest and receivers on each armrest. This novel and simple arrangement facilitates assembly of the chair in only three steps, even by a novice with no furniture assembly experience.

[0048] These descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered to limit the scope of the flat pack chair. Certain features may be added, deleted, or modified without departing from the spirit of the claimed subject matter.

[0049] In order to promote the understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments shown in the figures and described using specific language. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Any changes and further modifications to the described devices, systems and methods, as well as any further application of the principles of the present disclosure, are within the scope of the present disclosure, as would normally be expected by those skilled in the art. In particular, it is entirely possible to combine the features, components and / or steps described in one embodiment with the features, components and / or steps described in other embodiments of the present disclosure. However, for the sake of brevity, the numerous iterations of these combinations will no longer be described separately.

[0050] Figure 1 is a left perspective view of an example flat-pack chair 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In the example shown, the flat pack chair 100 includes a right side subassembly or right armrest subassembly 110, a left side subassembly or left armrest subassembly 120, a seat subassembly 130 and a backrest subassembly 140. These four components can be snapped together in a three-step assembly process without tools, as described below.

[0051] In one example, the right subassembly 110, the left subassembly 120, the seat subassembly 130, and the backrest subassembly 140 are made of any suitable material. In some implementations, these subassemblies are made of a rigid polymer material that provides weather resistance and is lightweight, but other materials may be used alternatively or additionally, including but not limited to wood, metal, ceramic, composite materials, or combinations thereof.

[0052] Before continuing, it should be noted that the above examples are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Other devices and / or device configurations may be used to perform the operations described herein.

[0053] Figure 2 is a left rear perspective view of an exemplary flat pack chair 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are right side subassembly 110, left side subassembly 120, seat subassembly 130, and backrest subassembly 140. Figure 2 In the example shown, the backrest subassembly includes a left backrest portion 242 and a right backrest portion 244, and a top strip 246, a middle strip 248, and a bottom strip 249 that connect the left backrest portion 242 to the right backrest portion 244. The middle strip 240 also connects the backrest subassembly 140 to the left subassembly 120 and the right subassembly 110, as described below. The bottom strip 249 is supported on the seat subassembly 130. Depending on the implementation, the left backrest portion 242, the right backrest portion 244, the top strip 246, the middle strip 248, and the bottom strip 249 can be connected together (via adhesive, fasteners, or other means), or can be formed as a single unitary body (e.g., by injection molding).

[0054] Figure 3 is a left rear perspective exploded view of an exemplary flat pack chair 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are right side assembly 110, left side assembly 120, seat assembly 130, and backrest assembly 140. Figure 3 In the example shown, the left armrest assembly and the right armrest assembly each include an armrest 312, a front vertical support 314, a diagonal support 316, a horizontal support 318, and a rear vertical support 319. The armrest 312, the front vertical support 314, the diagonal support 316, the horizontal support 318, and the rear vertical support 319 can be connected together as shown (e.g., by adhesives, fasteners, or other means), or can be formed into a single component (e.g., by injection molding, 3D printing, or other means). Although each subassembly can be composed of multiple parts, these multiple parts are fixed together in a way to form the subassemblies described herein. That is, they are shipped and provided to consumers in the form of subassemblies so that they can be simply assembled together without the use of tools to form the chair 100.

[0055] In the illustrated example, the left and right armrest assemblies each include three male snap-fit ​​fittings 350 that form a sliding snap-fit ​​fit with three female snap-fit ​​fittings 360 located on the left and right sides of the seat assembly 130 , as described below.

[0056] The left side assembly 120 and the right side assembly 110 can be, for example, mirror images of each other. It is understood that, depending on the specific implementation, the male snap fittings 350 can be located on the seat assembly 130, while the female snap fittings 160 can be located on the armrest assembly, or some male snap fittings 350 can be located on the seat assembly and some on the armrest, while some female snap fittings 360 can be located on the seat assembly and some on the armrest assembly, which is obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art. Other numbers of pairs of snap fittings 350, 360 can be used alternatively or additionally, including but not limited to one, two, four or five pairs.

[0057] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the seat assembly 130 includes a base 339 to which a front slat 332, a middle slat 334, and a rear slat 338 are fixed. The base 339, the front slat 332, the middle slat 334, and the rear slat 338 can be connected together as shown (e.g., by adhesive, fasteners, or other means), or can be formed into a single component (e.g., by injection molding, 3D printing, or other means). The female snap fitting 160 is shown on the side of the base 339. There is a receiving slot 336 between the middle slat 334 and the rear slat 338 for receiving the lower portion 346 of the backrest assembly 140.

[0058] The back assembly 140 also includes friction pins 370 that are configured to form a friction fit with receiving holes 380 in the left and right armrest assemblies.

[0059] Figure 4A The first step in the assembly process of the flat pack chair 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the first assembly step, the seat assembly 130 snaps together with the left side assembly 120 using male and female sliding snap fittings 350, 360 as shown above and described below.

[0060] Figure 4B The second step in the assembly process of the flat pack chair 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the second assembly step, the seat assembly 130 snaps together with the right side assembly 110 using male and female sliding snap fittings 350, 360, as shown above and described below.

[0061] Figure 4CFIG. 1 shows a third step in the assembly process of the flat pack chair 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third assembly step, the backrest assembly 140 is engaged with the receiving slot 336 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ), and frictionally mate with the left side component 120 and the right side component 110 using the friction pin 270 and the receiving hole 380, as shown above and described below.

[0062] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a back assembly 140 and a left side assembly 120 of an exemplary flat-pack chair according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 In the example shown, the pin 370 projects downwardly from a leftwardly projecting tab 570 of the middle slat 248 of the back assembly. The tab 570 is configured to fit into a notch 580 in the armrest 312 of the left side assembly 120, such that the tab 570 and notch 580, as well as the friction pin 370 and receiving hole 380, form a friction fit between the back assembly 140 and the left side assembly 120. In one example, the right side of the back assembly 140 has a mirror image tab 570 and pin 370, and the right side assembly has a mirror image notch 580 and receiving hole 380.

[0063] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In the example shown, the female sliding snap fitting 360 includes a longitudinal trapezoidal groove 610 having an open end 612 and a blind end 614. The groove 610 is supported by a body or wing 615 extending around three sides of the groove 610 and forming a plurality of through holes 620 through the wing 615 for connecting the female sliding snap fitting 360 to the base of the seat assembly by fasteners. The male sliding snap fitting 350 includes a trapezoidal tongue 630 supported by a body or wing 631 extending around three sides of the tongue 360 ​​and forming a plurality of countersunk through holes 650 through the wing 631, and a pair of snap protrusions 640. In some embodiments, the through holes 620, 650 may not be present, and the sliding snap fittings 350, 360 may be formed as part of the armrest assembly and the seat assembly, respectively.

[0064] The shape of the trapezoidal groove 610 and the trapezoidal tongue 630 means that they are wider at the open end 612, which makes it easier for a novice user to align the female sliding snap fitting 360 with the male sliding snap fitting 350 than if the groove 610 and the tongue 630 were rectangular in shape. This helps the user assemble the seat subassembly to the left and right armrest subassemblies. Figure 3 This is also helpful when, in the example shown, there are multiple sliding snap assemblies 360 that all need to be aligned together in order for the subassembly to snap into place.

[0065] In one example, the female and male slide snap fittings 360 and 350 are made of plastic, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), although other materials may alternatively or additionally be used, including but not limited to wood, metal, ceramic, or composite materials.

[0066] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible are the trapezoidal groove 610, the trapezoidal tongue 630, and the through holes 620, 650. Figure 7 In the example shown, the trapezoidal groove 610 of the female sliding snap fitting 360 includes a dovetail interference groove 710, and the trapezoidal tongue 630 of the male sliding snap fitting 350 includes a dovetail ridge 720, which is configured to interlock with the dovetail interference groove 710, so that the male sliding snap fitting 350 is retained by friction when sliding into the female sliding snap fitting 360. In addition, the female sliding snap fitting 360 includes a pair of grooves or snap grooves 740, which are configured to interlock with the snap protrusions 640 of the male sliding snap fitting, so that the male sliding snap fitting 350 is firmly retained by the snap protrusions 640 when sliding into the female sliding snap fitting 360. Therefore, when the seat subassembly is connected to the armrest subassembly, the subassemblies are held together by the sliding snap fittings 350, 360.

[0067] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a partially interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 In the example shown, the dovetail ridge 720 (not visible) interlocks with the dovetail interference groove 710 (not visible) so that the female sliding snap fitting 360 and the male sliding snap fitting 350 can slide relative to each other along the sliding axis 910, but cannot move relative to each other in any other direction. One of the snap protrusions 640 of the male sliding snap fitting 350 is visible.

[0068] exist Figure 3 In the configuration shown, the orientation of the female and male sliding snap fittings 360, 350 is such that any weight on the seat assembly presses the female and male sliding snap fittings 360, 350 together along the sliding axis 910 rather than apart, thereby providing a strong load-bearing structure.

[0069] Fig. 9 6 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a partially interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. One of the snap protrusions 640 of the male sliding snap fitting 350 is visible.

[0070] Fig.10FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a fully interlocked state according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 In the example shown, the dovetail ridge 720 interlocks with the dovetail interference groove 710, and the snap protrusion 640 (not visible) of the male sliding snap fitting 350 interlocks with the groove or snap groove 740 (not visible) of the female sliding snap fitting 360, so that the male sliding snap fitting 350 and the female sliding snap fitting 360 can no longer move relative to each other in any direction, thereby forming a strong load-bearing connection (for example, between the seat assembly and the left or right armrest assembly).

[0071] In one example, the weight capacity of the six sets of male and female sliding snap fittings, and thus the weight capacity of the entire flat pack chair, ranges from approximately 100-600 pounds.

[0072] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a fully interlocked state, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 and a male sliding snap fitting 350 in a fully interlocked state, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In certain embodiments, the female slide snap fitting 360 is disposed on the base 339 of the chair subassembly 130 and the male slide snap fitting 350 is disposed on the side subassembly. In certain embodiments, the base 339 includes cutouts to receive the female slide snap fitting 360 or the male slide snap fitting 350. These cutouts can be recessed grooves having a depth that is approximately the same as the depth of the flanges 615, 631 of the respective slide snap fittings 350, 360. Thus, the flange surfaces on the slide snap fittings can be approximately flush with the surfaces of the respective base 339 or diagonal support 316. In this way, any gaps between the sides of the base 339 and the diagonal support 316 can be minimized even when assembled.

[0075] Fig.13A is a schematic, diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a tongue-and-groove structure of a male sliding snap fitting 350 and a female sliding snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first embodiment, the tongue 720 and the interference groove 710 are dovetail-shaped as described above. However, other possible configurations may also be used alternatively or additionally.

[0076] Fig. 13Bis a schematic, diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a tongue and groove structure of a male slide snap fitting 350 and a female slide snap fitting 360 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second embodiment, both the tongue 1220 and the groove 1210 are T-shaped.

[0077] Fig. 13C is a schematic, diagrammatic, cross-sectional view of a tongue and groove structure of a male sliding snap fitting 350 and a female sliding snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the third embodiment, both the tongue 1320 and the groove 1310 are L-shaped. Other cross-sectional shapes are possible and are clearly within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0078] Fig.14 is a bottom perspective view of a female sliding snap fitting 360 that fits into a groove 1410 of a base or frame 339 of a seat assembly 130 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The groove configuration allows the female sliding snap fitting 360 to be flush along the surface of the frame 339.

[0079] Fig.15 is a bottom perspective view of an example flat-pack chair 100 in its flat-pack, packable, unassembled configuration 1500 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The right subassembly 110, the left subassembly 120, the seat subassembly 130, and the backrest subassembly 140 are visible. In one example, the length L of the flat-pack, packable, unassembled configuration 1600 can be between 508 mm and 870 mm, the width W can be between 508 mm and 634 mm, and the height H can be between 253 mm and 308 mm. In this configuration, the flat-pack chair 100 can be stored and shipped, for example, in a cardboard box. Other sizes or size ranges, whether larger or smaller, can also be used alternatively or additionally.

[0080] Fig.16 1 is a left perspective view of an example flat-pack chair 1600 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Flat-pack chair 1600 is similar to flat-pack chair 100, except that seat subassembly 1630 is longer and includes more slats 1632 than seat subassembly 130, and side assemblies 1610 and 1620 do not include armrests. In contrast, side assemblies 1610, 1620 each include a top horizontal support 1612 connected to seat subassembly 1630, short front legs 1614, bottom horizontal support 1618, and tall rear legs 1619 connected to back subassembly 1640.

[0081] Fig.17A 6 is a front perspective view of a male snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Trapezoidal tongue 630, flange 631, snap protrusion 640, and through hole 650 are visible.

[0082] Fig. 17B yes Fig.17A 1 is a rear perspective view of a male snap fitting 350 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this view, a plurality of reinforcing features 1710 formed in the male snap fitting 350 can be seen. The reinforcing features are molded ribs that extend laterally across the snap fitting, providing structural support with minimal weight or material addition. As shown, the molded ribs extend to the rear opening, forming a cavity in the male snap fitting, and in this embodiment, also extend along an outer plane.

[0083] Fig.18A 6 is a front perspective view of a female snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Trapezoidal groove 610, blind end 614, side flange 615, through hole 620, and groove or snap groove 740 are visible.

[0084] Fig.18B yes Fig.18A 1 is a side perspective view of a female snap fitting 360 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this view, a plurality of reinforcing features 1810 formed in the female snap fitting 360 can be seen. The reinforcing features 1810 are molded ribs that extend transversely to the direction of connection of the male and female snap fittings. The ribs are spaced apart to provide structural support with minimal weight or material addition.

[0085] Fig.19 1 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a flat pack chair according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, configured as a love seat 1900. Love seat 1900 includes two side assemblies or armrest assemblies 1910, 1920, a seat subassembly 1930 and a backrest subassembly 1940. Seat subassembly 1930 includes a seat deck front panel 1932, a seat deck middle panel 1934 and a seat deck rear panel 1936. For ease of assembly and carrying, the seat deck middle panel 1934 includes two hand grips 1950. Backrest subassembly 1940 includes a right backrest panel 1942, two middle backrest panels 1944 and a left backrest panel 1946.

[0086] Fig. 20 According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 1, with the addition of two removable seat cushions 2010 and two removable back cushions 2020. The cushions 2010, 2020 may provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, as well as increased comfort for a user of the love chair 1900. In some embodiments, the cushions 2010, 2020 are not secured to the love chair 1900. In other embodiments, the cushions 2010, 2020 may be secured to the love chair 1900 by ties, secured by latches that slide between the backrest panels, or secured in other ways.

[0087] Fig.21 According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Fig.19 and Fig. 20 A bottom side view of a love seat 1900 is shown. Visible are armrest assemblies or side assemblies 1910, 1920, seat deck slats 1932, 1934 and 1936, and a hand grip 1950. Also visible are two seat deck outer supports 2110, a seat deck inner support 2120, two seat deck legs 2130, and a seat deck leg support cross brace 2140, which together can provide additional support to accommodate two people on a flat chair. In one example, the seat deck legs 2130 and the seat deck leg support cross brace 2140 form a separate subassembly that is connected to the seat deck outer supports 2110 by a sliding snap fitting, but other arrangements are possible and are clearly within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0088] Fig. 22 According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 19-21 A bottom rear view of a love seat 1900 is shown. Visible are the armrest assemblies or side assemblies 1910, 1920, the seat deck outer support 2110, the seat deck inner support 2120, the seat deck legs 2130, and the seat deck leg support cross brace 2140. Also visible are the backrest right panel 1942, the backrest inner panel 1944, the backrest left panel 1945, and the backrest cushion 2020.

[0089] The back support 2248 connects and supports the back panels 1942, 1944, 1945, and also connects and supports the back top support 2246 to form the back subassembly 1940. For example, this connection can be made in the factory by screws or other fasteners 2210 so that the assembled back subassembly 1940 can be shipped to the end user. The seat deck cross brace 2249 is connected to and / or associated with the back panels 1942, 1944, 1945, the armrest assembly or side assembly 1910, 1920, the seat deck outer support 2110, the seat deck inner support 2120 and the seat panel. The seat deck front cross beam 2220 is connected to and / or associated with the armrest assembly or side assembly 1920, the seat deck outer support 2110, the seat deck inner support 2120 and the seat panel.

[0090] Fig.23 According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 19-22 A rear perspective view of the love seat 1900 is shown. In some embodiments, the angle of the backrest top support or reinforcement 2246 makes its rearmost portion higher than the frontmost portion. This arrangement can increase the structural integrity of the love seat 1900.

[0091] Fig.24A 2400 is a side view of an exemplary screw-type snap-fit ​​assembly 2400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Depending on the specific implementation, the screw-type snap-fit ​​assembly may replace or be in addition to the Figure 6 The invention provides a sliding snap fitting for connecting two parts or subassemblies together. In one example, a screw-type snap fitting connects the backrest subassembly 140 to the left and right armrest subassemblies 110, 120, while a sliding snap fitting connects the seat subassembly 130 to the left and right armrest subassemblies 110, 120. Other arrangements or combinations are also possible and are clearly within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] The screw-type snap-fit ​​fitting 2400 includes a female portion or receiver 2410 and a male portion or pin 2420 that can snap together to connect two components, such as the seat subassembly 130 and the armrest subassembly 110. The female portion 2410 can be made of a polymer such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), for example. The female portion 2410 includes male threads 2430 and an unthreaded cavity 2440. The threads 2430 can be screwed into a threaded hole of appropriate size in a component (such as the seat subassembly 130) so that the face 2445 of the female portion is flush with the surface of the component.

[0093] In some embodiments, the male portion 2420 may be made primarily of a polymer such as HDPE and include a pin portion 2450 configured to be received by the cavity 2440 of the female portion 2410. The male portion 2420 also includes a threaded portion 2470 separated from the pin portion 2450 by a collar 2455. The threaded portion 2470 may be screwed into a threaded hole of an appropriate size in a component such as an armrest subassembly so that the collar 2455 is flush with the surface of the component. The pin portion 2450 of the male portion 2420 also includes at least one spring-loaded capture bearing or tab 2460 configured to be received by a groove in the cavity 2440 of the female portion 2410 so that the male portion 2420 and the female portion 2410 snap together, thereby connecting the two components into which they are screwed. In one example, the pin portion 2450 includes two spring-loaded capture bearings or tabs 2460, although in other embodiments it may include one, three, four, or more capture bearings or tabs 2460. In one example, once the male portion 2420 and the female portion 2410 are snapped together, the force required to separate them is greater than what might occur during normal handling, but can be generated by a person without the use of tools when separation of the components is required.

[0094] Fig. 24B 24 is a side cross-sectional view of an example screw-type snap-fitting 2400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Visible is a groove 2480 within the cavity 2440 of the female portion 2410, which is configured to receive a bearing portion or tab 2460 of the male portion 2420. Also visible is a spring 2490 that loads the bearing portion 2460.

[0095] Screwing the male and female components 2420, 2410 into pre-formed threaded or unthreaded holes in components such as the seat subassembly 130 and the armrest subassembly 110 may be accomplished without tools, but tool guides 2499 may also be provided in the male and female components 2420, 2410 to receive and engage tools that may drive the male and female components into the furniture subassembly. Fig. 24B In the example shown, the tool guide 2499 is hexagonal so that the male component 2420 and the female component 2410 can be screwed in using a hex wrench. However, in other embodiments, the tool guide 2499 can be slotted (e.g., for a flat-blade screwdriver), cross-shaped (e.g., for a Phillips screwdriver), or formed in other ways, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be noted that the male component 2420 and / or the female component 2410 can be screwed into the connectable components at the factory, so that the end user does not need to perform this assembly step, and therefore does not require a tool guide or corresponding tool. Instead, the end user simply snaps the components together.

[0096] Fig.25 is a side cross-sectional view of an example screw-type snap-on accessory 2400 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.25 In the example shown, the female component 2410 and the male component 2420 have been snapped together, for example, to connect together the components they are each screwed into. The carrier portion 2460 can be seen captured within the groove 2480.

[0097] All dimensions and configurations shown in this disclosure are exemplary. Other dimensions and configurations are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the left and right assemblies may be armrest subassemblies, such as Figure 1-5 In other embodiments, the left and right side components can be armless side components, such as Fig.16 Examples shown. Still other configurations are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the technology described herein can be applied to other furniture or other types of furniture, including but not limited to tables, stools, and benches.

[0098] As will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art upon becoming familiar with the teachings of the present disclosure, the flat-pack chair of the present disclosure advantageously provides a sturdy, load-bearing structure that is comprised of only four flat-packable subassemblies and can be assembled together in only three steps without the need for tools or complicated instructions. When packaged for shipping, these subassemblies can occupy only 2.3-6.0 cubic feet of volume, while the fully assembled chair can occupy 9.2 cubic feet to 14.2 cubic feet of volume. Thus, it can be seen that the flat-pack chair satisfies a long-standing need in the art by reducing the time and skill level required for assembly compared to flat-pack furniture of the same size and load-bearing capacity.

[0099] Many variations of the examples and embodiments described above are possible. For example, a flat-pack chair could be made of different materials than described herein, could be different sizes, could have a greater or lesser load capacity, could have a different number of legs, slats, or supports, and could have a different shape (e.g., an Adirondack chair, a deck chair, a lounge chair, etc.) while still conforming to the principles described herein.

[0100] Therefore, the logical operations constituting the technical embodiments described herein are variously referred to as operations, steps, objects, elements, components or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that these may occur, be executed or be arranged in any order unless explicitly required or a specific order is inherently required by the claim language.

[0101] All directional references, such as up, down, inside, outside, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, counterclockwise, proximal and distal, are used for identification purposes only to help the reader understand the claimed subject matter and are not intended to be limiting, particularly with respect to the location, orientation or use of the flat pack chair. Connection references, such as attached, coupled, connected, engaged or "communicating", should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between a set of elements and relative movement between elements, unless otherwise specified. Thus, connection references do not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected and fixed together. The term "or" should be interpreted as "and / or" rather than "exclusive or". The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Unless otherwise specified in the claims, the values ​​​​said should be interpreted as merely illustrative and should not be considered limiting.

[0102] The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments of the flat pack chair as defined in the claims. Although the various embodiments above have been described with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0103] Still other embodiments are contemplated. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted only as illustrative of particular embodiments and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A piece of furniture, comprising: First furniture subassembly; a first accessory on a first furniture subassembly; second furniture subassembly; and a second accessory on the second furniture subassembly, the second accessory being selectively connectable to the first accessory to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly, One of the first and second fittings is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first and second fittings is a sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the open end of the interference groove.

2. The furniture according to claim 1, wherein the sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape or a dovetail shape.

3. The piece of furniture of claim 1, wherein the first accessory and the second accessory snap into place.

4. The piece of furniture of claim 1, wherein the first accessory comprises one of a protrusion and a groove and the second accessory comprises the other of a protrusion and a groove.

5. The piece of furniture of claim 1, wherein the second accessory is connected to the second furniture subassembly.

6. The furniture according to claim 1, wherein the first furniture subassembly comprises a first frame having a plurality of spaced first accessories thereon, and the second furniture subassembly comprises a second frame having a plurality of spaced second accessories thereon to be simultaneously fixed to the plurality of spaced first accessories.

7. The furniture of claim 1, wherein the sliding interference groove comprises: A longitudinal opening extending from an open end to a blind end, A longitudinal groove is accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal groove has a second width greater than the first width.

8. A chair furniture, comprising: Side subassembly; a first fitting on the side subassembly; Seat assembly; as well as a second fitting on the seat subassembly, the second fitting being selectively connectable to the first fitting to secure the side subassembly to the seat subassembly, One of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a sliding tongue that can be slidably introduced into the open end of the interference groove.

9. The furniture of claim 8, wherein the sliding interference groove is one of a T-shape, an L-shape or a dovetail shape.

10. The piece of furniture of claim 8, wherein the first accessory and the second accessory snap into place.

11. The piece of furniture of claim 8, wherein the first fitting comprises one of a protrusion and a groove and the second fitting comprises the other of the protrusion and the groove.

12. The furniture according to claim 8, wherein the side subassembly includes a first frame having a plurality of spaced first accessories thereon, and the seat subassembly includes a second frame having a plurality of spaced second accessories thereon to be simultaneously fixed to the plurality of spaced first accessories.

13. The piece of furniture according to claim 8, wherein the sliding interference groove comprises: A longitudinal opening extending from an open end to a blind end, A longitudinal groove is accessible through the longitudinal opening, the longitudinal opening having a first width, and the longitudinal groove has a second width greater than the first width.

14. A chair, comprising: a first side subassembly; a second side subassembly; a seat subassembly connectable to the first side subassembly and the second side subassembly; a backrest subassembly connectable to the first side subassembly and the second side subassembly; The first side subassembly, the second side subassembly, the seat subassembly, and the backrest subassembly are packaged in a package having a total volume within a range of approximately 2.3 to 6.0 cubic feet and can be assembled without the use of tools.

15. The chair of claim 14, wherein the first side subassembly is connectable to the seat subassembly, the second side subassembly is connectable to the seat subassembly, the back subassembly is connectable to the first and second armrest subassemblies, and the back subassembly is configured adjacent to but not connected to the seat subassembly.

16. The chair of claim 14, wherein the first side subassembly is connectable to the seat subassembly by snapping into place and the second side subassembly is connectable to the seat subassembly by snapping into place.

17. A piece of furniture that can be assembled without the use of tools, comprising: a first furniture subassembly having a first accessory thereon; as well as a second furniture subassembly having a second accessory thereon, The second fitting is shaped and sized to be selectively connectable to the first fitting to secure the first furniture subassembly to the second furniture subassembly.

18. The furniture according to claim 17, wherein one of the first and second accessories is a sliding interference groove having an open end and a blind end, and the other of the first and second accessories is a sliding tongue slidably introduced into the open end of the interference groove.

19. The piece of furniture of claim 18, wherein one of the first accessory and the second accessory comprises a plurality of reinforcing features.

20. The piece of furniture of claim 17, wherein one of the first and second parts is a pin having: Threaded portion; Non-threaded portions; and at least one spring loaded bearing or tab provided in the non-threaded portion, The other of the first fitting and the second fitting is a threaded receiver having: a non-threaded cavity configured to receive a non-threaded portion of a pin; and A groove configured to receive the at least one spring loaded bearing or tab.

21. The piece of furniture of claim 17, further comprising at least one cushion reversibly positionable on a seat or backrest of the piece of furniture.

22. The piece of furniture of claim 17, further comprising four back panels and four seat panels.

23. The piece of furniture of claim 17, further comprising at least one handle sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a user's hand during assembly or movement of the furniture.

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