Modular outdoor furniture

Abstract

A modular pool chair system includes a molded back portion having a first internal cavity and a first connector, a molded leg portion having a second internal cavity and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector may be configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion. Each of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity have an open inlet and an open outlet, wherein the outlet is at a higher elevation than the corresponding inlet, such that as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each outlet is configured to release air as water enters a corresponding cavity through the inlet.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 567,603 filed on Mar. 20, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a modular pool chair system and, more particularly, a pool chair for use in shallow water.

[0003] Many existing pool chair designs require extensive setup and breakdown. In addition, those pool chairs that are modular are often ill-suited for convenient and comfortable use in the water. For chairs adapted to be used in shallow water, many require the user to fill an internal cavity with water to stabilize the chair from the effects of buoyancy. These chairs often use plugs which are not aesthetically pleasing and, moreover, may become heavy and awkward to move as they fill with water. As such, there remains a need for improvement in outdoor furniture.SUMMARY

[0004] Presently disclosed are embodiments of a modular pool chair system. In some embodiments, the system includes a molded back portion having a first internal cavity and a first connector; and a molded leg portion having a second internal cavity and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion. Each of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity have an open inlet and an open outlet, wherein the outlet is at a higher elevation than the corresponding inlet, such that as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each outlet is configured to release air as water enters a corresponding cavity through the inlet.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first connector and the second connector form a dovetail joint. In some embodiments, the first connector include alternating pins and tails and the second connector includes alternating pins and tails complementary to the first connector. In some embodiments, at least one of the first connector and the second connector is recessed relative to a top surface of the molded back portion. In some embodiments, the molded leg portion extends over the first connector to abut the molded back portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is a hole through a surface of the molded back portion or molded leg portion. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. In some embodiments, each of the molded back portion and the molded leg portion are separately fillable with water through their respective inlets.

[0007] In some embodiments, the molded back portion and the molded leg portion are configured to be separated without the use of tools.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inlet of the first internal cavity is located in a foot of the molded back portion. In some embodiments, the inlet of the second internal cavity is located in a foot of the molded leg portion. In some embodiments, the outlet of the first internal cavity is located at a top of a back surface of the molded back portion. In some embodiments, the outlet of the second internal cavity is located on a bottom surface of the molded leg portion at a peak of a knee bend.

[0009] In some embodiments, the molded back portion and the molded leg portion define a first foot, wherein the molded leg portion defines a second foot, and wherein a plane extends through a bottom surface of the first foot and a bottom surface of the second foot.

[0010] Also disclosed are embodiments of a modular pool chair component. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. the module pool chair component includes a molded chair portion having a first interior cavity and a first connector, with the first connector configured to interlock with a second connector of a second modular pool chair component without the use of tools to secure the molded chair portion to the second modular pool chair component. In some embodiments, the first interior cavity has an open inlet and an open outlet at a higher elevation than the inlet, such that as the molded chair portion is at least partially submerged, the outlet is configured to release air as water enters the first cavity through the inlet. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. the molded chair portion is a chair back. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. the molded chair component is a leg rest.

[0011] Also disclosed are embodiments of a modular pool chair. In some embodiments, the modular pool chair includes a molded back portion having a first interior cavity and a first connector, and a molded leg portion having a second interior cavity and a second connector, with the first connector and the second connector configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion. In some embodiments, each of the first interior cavity and the second interior cavity have an always open first port and an always open second port, with the second port of each cavity at a higher elevation than the first port of such cavity, such that as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each second port is configured to release air allowing water to enter through the first port of such cavity.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top front right side isometric view of a first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom rear left side isometric view of a first embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a first embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a top front right side isometric of a second embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom rear left side isometric of a second embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a front elevation of a second embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of a second embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a left side elevation of a second embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a right side elevation of a second embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a top plan of a second embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan of a second embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a top front right side isometric view of a third embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a bottom rear left side isometric view of a third embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a left side elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a right side elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a third embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1-24, embodiments of modular outdoor furniture according to the present disclosure as illustrated. The modular outdoor furniture is configured to be manufacturable, and to provide a comfortable seat for the user that is also aesthetically pleasing. The modular nature allows the furniture to be disassembled for easy storage and transportation, and for convenient display in a retail sales environment. The modular nature also allows the furniture to be easily assembled without the use of tools or other components often required for modular furniture.

[0038] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a modular pool chair 100, including a molded back portion 102 and a molded leg portion 104. In embodiments, the modular outdoor furniture can be roto-molded and provided as a two (or more) piece modular design of interlocking components. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that roto-molding may advantageously be used to produce hollow or substantially hollow parts or pieces at a low cost. In at least one embodiment, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 are hollow. In embodiments, extra material may be added to parts of the modular pool chair 100 to increase the corner thickness, thereby improving the strength of the chair and reducing the risk of failure in stress-concentration corners.

[0039] The back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 may be separably connected. When connected, the pool chair 100 defines a contour 106 generally matching the shape of a user's body while reclined, allowing the user to sit comfortably. The contour 106 may define an aesthetically pleasing and robust curvature, which may not be to scale. In embodiments, the sides of the contour may be non-parallel, such that the width of the contour is variable along its length, as shown at least in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0040] As best shown in FIG. 5, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 interlock to define a seat 108. The seat 108 may generally define the bottom of the U-shaped region of the contour 106. Underneath the seat 108, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 cooperate to define a base 110. More specifically, the back portion 102 includes a first or “back” base portion 110a, and the leg portion 104 includes a second or “leg” base portion 110b. When assembled, the base portions 110a,b cooperate to define the base 110.

[0041] The base 110 may extend from underneath the contour 106 to contact the ground or floor and may support a majority of the user's weight. The base 110 may lift the seat 108 about 9″ (nine inches) off of the ground, but may lift the seat more or less than 9″. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 110 may extend laterally between the sides of the seat 108, but may have a width less than the width of the seat 108. The base 110 may define one or more transition surfaces extending between the base 110 and the contour, such as a first transition surface 112a sloping between the back base portion 110a and the back of the back portion 102, as shown in FIG. 2, and a second transition surface 112b sloping between the leg base portion 110b and the bottom of the leg portion 104, as best shown in FIG. 24. The transition surfaces 112a,b may supply extra material to the pool chair 100 to help to support the weight of the user and / or to facilitate the molding process.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 5, the leg portion 104 extends upwards from the seat 108 before arching downwards towards a foot 114. As shown, the leg portion 104 defines a raised portion 116 adapted for a user's knees, allowing a user to comfortably recline against the contour 106. The foot 114 may include a heel 118 extending rearwards from the foot. The foot 114 including the heel 118 defines the second ground contact point of the pool chair 100.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9-17 and 18-24, embodiments of a modular pool chair component are shown. Each modular pool chair component includes a molded chair portion. As explained further below, each molded chair portion has a first interior cavity and a first connector. The connector is configured to interlock with a second connector of a second modular pool chair component without the use of tools to secure the molded chair portion to the second modular pool chair component. The first interior cavity has an open inlet and an open outlet at a higher elevation than the inlet, such that the molded chair portion is at least partially submerged, the outlet is configured to release air as water enters the first cavity through the inlet.

[0044] Referring generally to FIGS. 8, 9 and 18, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 may include interlocking features or connectors 120a,b to separably or releasably connect the back and leg portions 102, 104. As shown, the back portion 102 includes a first or “female” connector 120a (FIG. 9), and the leg portion 104 includes a second or “male” connector 120b (FIG. 18). In at least one embodiment, the connectors may include a lap-joint 120a provided by the back portion 102 adapted to receive a dovetail protrusion 120b provided by the leg portion 104. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the back portion may alternatively include the male connector 120b, and the leg portion 104 may include the female connector 120a, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In other embodiments, other connections may be used to separably attach the back and legs portions 102, 104. For example, the first and second connectors 120a,b may include complementary mating features, such as alternating pins and tails provided on the first connector 120a and complementary pins and tails provided on the second connector 120b.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows the female connector 120a extending from the back portion 102, and FIG. 18 shows the male connector 120b extending from the leg portion 104. Together, the interlocking connectors 120a,b define the base 110 (FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 18, the connectors 120a,b are recessed such that they sit below the contour 106, with the leg portion 104 defining an overhanging feature 122 extending overtop the male connector 120b. With brief reference to FIG. 1, the recessed interlocking connectors 120a,b may allow a smooth transition between the back portion and the leg portion, which a user may view as almost seamless. Referring again to FIG. 9, the female connector 120a includes two hooks 124 extending from back portion 102 and protruding inwards from the sides. The hooks 124 may define a recess or “lap”126 for receiving the male connector or “dovetail”120b. The female connector 120a may include ribs 128 along the lap-facing surfaces of the female connector 120a to help grip and hold the male connector 120b in place. In some embodiments, the male connector 120b may include complementary ribs or features compatible with ribs 128.

[0046] To secure the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 together, the bottom of the male connector 120b may be guided into the lap 126. The overhanging feature 122 will contact the tops of the hooks 124 to prevent the male connector from sliding through the lap 126 and separating. The connectors 120a,b may secure the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 together without the use of tools. The back portion and the leg portion may similarly be separated without the use of tools by lifting the leg portion relative to the back portion and allowing the connectors 120a,b to separate.

[0047] The pool chair 100 may rest on dry land or in shallow water. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the back portion 102 includes a first internal cavity 128a (obscured from view), and the leg portion 104 includes a second internal cavity 128b (obscured from view). Each internal cavity is formed by the interior of the corresponding portion. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first internal cavity is accessible through a first inlet 130a defined in back base portion 110a. Similarly, the second internal cavity is accessible through second inlet 130b defined in the heel 118. The inlets 130a,b may be defined in the bottom-facing surfaces of the base 110 and the foot 114, respectively. The back portion 102 also includes a first outlet 132a, defined at the top of the back portion in FIG. 2, and the leg portion 104 includes a second outlet 132b, defined in the contour 106 adjacent the foot 114 (FIG. 1). When the pool chair 100 is placed in shallow water, water may enter through the inlets 130a,b, forcing air trapped inside the internal cavities 128a,b out through the outlets 132a,b. The internal cavities 128a,b may fill, or partially fill, with water, allowing the base 110 and the foot 114 to rest squarely against the bottom of a shallow pool. In embodiments, the inlets 130a,b and the outlets 132a,b are holes and are always open eliminating the need for plugs. The internal cavities 128a,b may be self-filling and self-draining due to the inlets 130a,b being always open.

[0048] Moreover, the base 110 and the foot 114 may have each have bottoms with non-uniform profiles. More specifically and as shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 18, the base 110 includes a peripheral surface 134a around the outside of the bottom of the base and a recessed inner surface 136a, shown in dashed lines. The foot 114 similarly includes a peripheral surface 134b around the outside of the foot and a recessed inner surface 136b, shown in dashed lines. The peripheral surfaces 134a,b may provide the ground contact point and may lie in a single plane such that the peripheral surfaces 134a,b are each parallel to the ground. FIGS. 10 and 18 show the back and leg portions 102, 104 in isolation. In at least one embodiment, the back base portion 110a defines a peripheral surface 134a and a recessed surface 136a, and the leg base portion 110b defines a peripheral surface 134a and a recessed surface 136a, all of which define the bottom surface of the base 110. In other embodiments, both the back base portion 110a and the leg base portion 110b share a peripheral surface 134a and a recessed internal surface 136a when assembled.

[0049] The remaining FIGS. 6, 7, 11-17, and 19-23 show different views of the modular pool chair 100, including views of the back portion 102 and views of the leg portion 104.

[0050] While the modular furniture is illustrated in form a lounge chair, other modular furniture is contemplated that incorporates the same or similar interlocking dovetail and lap-joint configuration. Moreover, various components of modular furniture may be interchanged based upon a customers preference. For example, the illustrated seat portion may be used in combination with other back portions. Alternatively, the illustrated back portion may be used in combination with other seat portions. Embodiments with more than two portions are also contemplated. Shapes and / or dimensions shown in the figures are for example, and other shapes and / or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the present disclosure, unless specified otherwise.

[0051] As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

[0052] It is to be further understood that like or similar numerals in the drawings represent like or similar elements through the several figures, and that not all components or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,”“comprises”, and / or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0054] Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there is a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,”“comprising,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0055] While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0037]Referring to FIGS. 1-24, embodiments of modular outdoor furniture according to the present disclosure as illustrated. The modular outdoor furniture is configured to be manufacturable, and to provide a comfortable seat for the user that is also aesthetically pleasing. The modular nature allows the furniture to be disassembled for easy storage and transportation, and for convenient display in a retail sales environment. The modular nature also allows the furniture to be easily assembled without the use of tools or other components often required for modular furniture.

[0038]FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a modular pool chair 100, including a molded back portion 102 and a molded leg portion 104. In embodiments, the modular outdoor furniture can be roto-molded and provided as a two (or more) piece modular design of interlocking components. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that roto-molding may advantageously be used to produce hollow or substantially hollow parts or pieces at...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 567,603 filed on Mar. 20, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a modular pool chair system and, more particularly, a pool chair for use in shallow water.

[0003] Many existing pool chair designs require extensive setup and breakdown. In addition, those pool chairs that are modular are often ill-suited for convenient and comfortable use in the water. For chairs adapted to be used in shallow water, many require the user to fill an internal cavity with water to stabilize the chair from the effects of buoyancy. These chairs often use plugs which are not aesthetically pleasing and, moreover, may become heavy and awkward to move as they fill with water. As such, there remains a need for improvement in outdoor furniture.SUMMARY

[0004] Presently disclosed are embodiments of a modular pool chair system. In some embodiments, the system includes a molded back portion having a first internal cavity and a first connector; and a molded leg portion having a second internal cavity and a second connector. The first connector and the second connector are configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion. Each of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity have an open inlet and an open outlet, wherein the outlet is at a higher elevation than the corresponding inlet, such that as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each outlet is configured to release air as water enters a corresponding cavity through the inlet.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first connector and the second connector form a dovetail joint. In some embodiments, the first connector include alternating pins and tails and the second connector includes alternating pins and tails complementary to the first connector. In some embodiments, at least one of the first connector and the second connector is recessed relative to a top surface of the molded back portion. In some embodiments, the molded leg portion extends over the first connector to abut the molded back portion.

[0006] In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is a hole through a surface of the molded back portion or molded leg portion. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. In some embodiments, each of the molded back portion and the molded leg portion are separately fillable with water through their respective inlets.

[0007] In some embodiments, the molded back portion and the molded leg portion are configured to be separated without the use of tools.

[0008] In some embodiments, the inlet of the first internal cavity is located in a foot of the molded back portion. In some embodiments, the inlet of the second internal cavity is located in a foot of the molded leg portion. In some embodiments, the outlet of the first internal cavity is located at a top of a back surface of the molded back portion. In some embodiments, the outlet of the second internal cavity is located on a bottom surface of the molded leg portion at a peak of a knee bend.

[0009] In some embodiments, the molded back portion and the molded leg portion define a first foot, wherein the molded leg portion defines a second foot, and wherein a plane extends through a bottom surface of the first foot and a bottom surface of the second foot.

[0010] Also disclosed are embodiments of a modular pool chair component. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. the module pool chair component includes a molded chair portion having a first interior cavity and a first connector, with the first connector configured to interlock with a second connector of a second modular pool chair component without the use of tools to secure the molded chair portion to the second modular pool chair component. In some embodiments, the first interior cavity has an open inlet and an open outlet at a higher elevation than the inlet, such that as the molded chair portion is at least partially submerged, the outlet is configured to release air as water enters the first cavity through the inlet. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. the molded chair portion is a chair back. In some embodiments, each inlet and each outlet is always open. the molded chair component is a leg rest.

[0011] Also disclosed are embodiments of a modular pool chair. In some embodiments, the modular pool chair includes a molded back portion having a first interior cavity and a first connector, and a molded leg portion having a second interior cavity and a second connector, with the first connector and the second connector configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion. In some embodiments, each of the first interior cavity and the second interior cavity have an always open first port and an always open second port, with the second port of each cavity at a higher elevation than the first port of such cavity, such that as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each second port is configured to release air allowing water to enter through the first port of such cavity.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to one of ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top front right side isometric view of a first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom rear left side isometric view of a first embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a left side elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a right side elevation view of a first embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a first embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a top front right side isometric of a second embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom rear left side isometric of a second embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a front elevation of a second embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a rear elevation of a second embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a left side elevation of a second embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 14 is a right side elevation of a second embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 15 is a top plan of a second embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 16 is a bottom plan of a second embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 17 is a top front right side isometric view of a third embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 18 is a bottom rear left side isometric view of a third embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 20 is a rear elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 21 is a left side elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 22 is a right side elevation view of a third embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a third embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1-24, embodiments of modular outdoor furniture according to the present disclosure as illustrated. The modular outdoor furniture is configured to be manufacturable, and to provide a comfortable seat for the user that is also aesthetically pleasing. The modular nature allows the furniture to be disassembled for easy storage and transportation, and for convenient display in a retail sales environment. The modular nature also allows the furniture to be easily assembled without the use of tools or other components often required for modular furniture.

[0038] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a modular pool chair 100, including a molded back portion 102 and a molded leg portion 104. In embodiments, the modular outdoor furniture can be roto-molded and provided as a two (or more) piece modular design of interlocking components. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that roto-molding may advantageously be used to produce hollow or substantially hollow parts or pieces at a low cost. In at least one embodiment, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 are hollow. In embodiments, extra material may be added to parts of the modular pool chair 100 to increase the corner thickness, thereby improving the strength of the chair and reducing the risk of failure in stress-concentration corners.

[0039] The back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 may be separably connected. When connected, the pool chair 100 defines a contour 106 generally matching the shape of a user's body while reclined, allowing the user to sit comfortably. The contour 106 may define an aesthetically pleasing and robust curvature, which may not be to scale. In embodiments, the sides of the contour may be non-parallel, such that the width of the contour is variable along its length, as shown at least in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0040] As best shown in FIG. 5, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 interlock to define a seat 108. The seat 108 may generally define the bottom of the U-shaped region of the contour 106. Underneath the seat 108, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 cooperate to define a base 110. More specifically, the back portion 102 includes a first or “back” base portion 110a, and the leg portion 104 includes a second or “leg” base portion 110b. When assembled, the base portions 110a,b cooperate to define the base 110.

[0041] The base 110 may extend from underneath the contour 106 to contact the ground or floor and may support a majority of the user's weight. The base 110 may lift the seat 108 about 9″ (nine inches) off of the ground, but may lift the seat more or less than 9″. As shown in FIG. 2, the base 110 may extend laterally between the sides of the seat 108, but may have a width less than the width of the seat 108. The base 110 may define one or more transition surfaces extending between the base 110 and the contour, such as a first transition surface 112a sloping between the back base portion 110a and the back of the back portion 102, as shown in FIG. 2, and a second transition surface 112b sloping between the leg base portion 110b and the bottom of the leg portion 104, as best shown in FIG. 24. The transition surfaces 112a,b may supply extra material to the pool chair 100 to help to support the weight of the user and / or to facilitate the molding process.

[0042] With reference to FIG. 5, the leg portion 104 extends upwards from the seat 108 before arching downwards towards a foot 114. As shown, the leg portion 104 defines a raised portion 116 adapted for a user's knees, allowing a user to comfortably recline against the contour 106. The foot 114 may include a heel 118 extending rearwards from the foot. The foot 114 including the heel 118 defines the second ground contact point of the pool chair 100.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9-17 and 18-24, embodiments of a modular pool chair component are shown. Each modular pool chair component includes a molded chair portion. As explained further below, each molded chair portion has a first interior cavity and a first connector. The connector is configured to interlock with a second connector of a second modular pool chair component without the use of tools to secure the molded chair portion to the second modular pool chair component. The first interior cavity has an open inlet and an open outlet at a higher elevation than the inlet, such that the molded chair portion is at least partially submerged, the outlet is configured to release air as water enters the first cavity through the inlet.

[0044] Referring generally to FIGS. 8, 9 and 18, the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 may include interlocking features or connectors 120a,b to separably or releasably connect the back and leg portions 102, 104. As shown, the back portion 102 includes a first or “female” connector 120a (FIG. 9), and the leg portion 104 includes a second or “male” connector 120b (FIG. 18). In at least one embodiment, the connectors may include a lap-joint 120a provided by the back portion 102 adapted to receive a dovetail protrusion 120b provided by the leg portion 104. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the back portion may alternatively include the male connector 120b, and the leg portion 104 may include the female connector 120a, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In other embodiments, other connections may be used to separably attach the back and legs portions 102, 104. For example, the first and second connectors 120a,b may include complementary mating features, such as alternating pins and tails provided on the first connector 120a and complementary pins and tails provided on the second connector 120b.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows the female connector 120a extending from the back portion 102, and FIG. 18 shows the male connector 120b extending from the leg portion 104. Together, the interlocking connectors 120a,b define the base 110 (FIG. 8). As shown in FIGS. 9 and 18, the connectors 120a,b are recessed such that they sit below the contour 106, with the leg portion 104 defining an overhanging feature 122 extending overtop the male connector 120b. With brief reference to FIG. 1, the recessed interlocking connectors 120a,b may allow a smooth transition between the back portion and the leg portion, which a user may view as almost seamless. Referring again to FIG. 9, the female connector 120a includes two hooks 124 extending from back portion 102 and protruding inwards from the sides. The hooks 124 may define a recess or “lap”126 for receiving the male connector or “dovetail”120b. The female connector 120a may include ribs 128 along the lap-facing surfaces of the female connector 120a to help grip and hold the male connector 120b in place. In some embodiments, the male connector 120b may include complementary ribs or features compatible with ribs 128.

[0046] To secure the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 together, the bottom of the male connector 120b may be guided into the lap 126. The overhanging feature 122 will contact the tops of the hooks 124 to prevent the male connector from sliding through the lap 126 and separating. The connectors 120a,b may secure the back portion 102 and the leg portion 104 together without the use of tools. The back portion and the leg portion may similarly be separated without the use of tools by lifting the leg portion relative to the back portion and allowing the connectors 120a,b to separate.

[0047] The pool chair 100 may rest on dry land or in shallow water. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the back portion 102 includes a first internal cavity 128a (obscured from view), and the leg portion 104 includes a second internal cavity 128b (obscured from view). Each internal cavity is formed by the interior of the corresponding portion. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first internal cavity is accessible through a first inlet 130a defined in back base portion 110a. Similarly, the second internal cavity is accessible through second inlet 130b defined in the heel 118. The inlets 130a,b may be defined in the bottom-facing surfaces of the base 110 and the foot 114, respectively. The back portion 102 also includes a first outlet 132a, defined at the top of the back portion in FIG. 2, and the leg portion 104 includes a second outlet 132b, defined in the contour 106 adjacent the foot 114 (FIG. 1). When the pool chair 100 is placed in shallow water, water may enter through the inlets 130a,b, forcing air trapped inside the internal cavities 128a,b out through the outlets 132a,b. The internal cavities 128a,b may fill, or partially fill, with water, allowing the base 110 and the foot 114 to rest squarely against the bottom of a shallow pool. In embodiments, the inlets 130a,b and the outlets 132a,b are holes and are always open eliminating the need for plugs. The internal cavities 128a,b may be self-filling and self-draining due to the inlets 130a,b being always open.

[0048] Moreover, the base 110 and the foot 114 may have each have bottoms with non-uniform profiles. More specifically and as shown in FIGS. 2, 10 and 18, the base 110 includes a peripheral surface 134a around the outside of the bottom of the base and a recessed inner surface 136a, shown in dashed lines. The foot 114 similarly includes a peripheral surface 134b around the outside of the foot and a recessed inner surface 136b, shown in dashed lines. The peripheral surfaces 134a,b may provide the ground contact point and may lie in a single plane such that the peripheral surfaces 134a,b are each parallel to the ground. FIGS. 10 and 18 show the back and leg portions 102, 104 in isolation. In at least one embodiment, the back base portion 110a defines a peripheral surface 134a and a recessed surface 136a, and the leg base portion 110b defines a peripheral surface 134a and a recessed surface 136a, all of which define the bottom surface of the base 110. In other embodiments, both the back base portion 110a and the leg base portion 110b share a peripheral surface 134a and a recessed internal surface 136a when assembled.

[0049] The remaining FIGS. 6, 7, 11-17, and 19-23 show different views of the modular pool chair 100, including views of the back portion 102 and views of the leg portion 104.

[0050] While the modular furniture is illustrated in form a lounge chair, other modular furniture is contemplated that incorporates the same or similar interlocking dovetail and lap-joint configuration. Moreover, various components of modular furniture may be interchanged based upon a customers preference. For example, the illustrated seat portion may be used in combination with other back portions. Alternatively, the illustrated back portion may be used in combination with other seat portions. Embodiments with more than two portions are also contemplated. Shapes and / or dimensions shown in the figures are for example, and other shapes and / or dimensions may be used and remain within the scope of the present disclosure, unless specified otherwise.

[0051] As used herein, the term “coupled” or “coupled to” or “connected” or “connected to” or “attached” or “attached to” may indicate establishing either a direct or indirect connection, and is not limited to either unless expressly referenced as such. Wherever possible, like or identical reference numerals are used in the figures to identify common or the same elements. The figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features and certain views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale for purposes of clarification.

[0052] It is to be further understood that like or similar numerals in the drawings represent like or similar elements through the several figures, and that not all components or steps described and illustrated with reference to the figures are required for all embodiments or arrangements.

[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “contains”, “containing”, “includes”, “including,”“comprises”, and / or “comprising,” and variations thereof, when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0054] Terms of orientation are used herein merely for purposes of convention and referencing and are not to be construed as limiting. However, it is recognized these terms could be used with reference to an operator or user. Accordingly, no limitations are implied or to be inferred. In addition, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third) is for distinction and not counting. For example, the use of “third” does not imply there is a corresponding “first” or “second.” Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,”“comprising,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

[0055] While the disclosure has described several exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made, and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation, or material to embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, or to the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0037]Referring to FIGS. 1-24, embodiments of modular outdoor furniture according to the present disclosure as illustrated. The modular outdoor furniture is configured to be manufacturable, and to provide a comfortable seat for the user that is also aesthetically pleasing. The modular nature allows the furniture to be disassembled for easy storage and transportation, and for convenient display in a retail sales environment. The modular nature also allows the furniture to be easily assembled without the use of tools or other components often required for modular furniture.

[0038]FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a modular pool chair 100, including a molded back portion 102 and a molded leg portion 104. In embodiments, the modular outdoor furniture can be roto-molded and provided as a two (or more) piece modular design of interlocking components. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that roto-molding may advantageously be used to produce hollow or substantially hollow parts or pieces at...

Claims

1. A modular pool chair system comprising:a molded back portion having a first internal cavity and a first connector;a molded leg portion having a second internal cavity and a second connector;wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion;wherein each of the first internal cavity and the second internal cavity have an open inlet and an open outlet, wherein the outlet is at a higher elevation than the corresponding inlet, andwherein, as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each outlet is configured to release air as water enters a corresponding cavity through the inlet.

2. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector form a dovetail joint.

3. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the first connector comprises alternating pins and tails and the second connector comprises alternating pins and tails complementary to the first connector.

4. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector is recessed relative to a top surface of the molded back portion.

5. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the molded leg portion extends over the first connector to abut the molded back portion.

6. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein each inlet and each outlet is a hole through a surface of the molded back portion or molded leg portion.

7. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein each of the molded back portion and the molded leg portion are separately fillable with water through their respective inlets.

8. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the molded back portion and the molded leg portion are configured to be separated without the use of tools.

9. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the first internal cavity is located in a foot of the molded back portion.

10. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the inlet of the second internal cavity is located in a foot of the molded leg portion.

11. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the first internal cavity is located at a top of a back surface of the molded back portion.

12. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the outlet of the second internal cavity is located on a bottom surface of the molded leg portion at a peak of a knee bend.

13. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein the molded back portion and the molded leg portion define a first foot, wherein the molded leg portion defines a second foot, and wherein a plane extends through a bottom surface of the first foot and a bottom surface of the second foot.

14. The modular pool chair system of claim 1, wherein each inlet and each outlet is always open.

15. A modular pool chair component comprising:a molded chair portion having a first interior cavity and a first connector;wherein the first connector is configured to interlock with a second connector of a second modular pool chair component without the use of tools to secure the molded chair portion to the second modular pool chair component;wherein the first interior cavity has an open inlet and an open outlet at a higher elevation than the inlet, andwherein, as the molded chair portion is at least partially submerged, the outlet is configured to release air as water enters the first cavity through the inlet.

16. The modular pool chair component of claim 15, wherein the molded chair portion is a chair back.

17. The modular pool chair component of claim 15, wherein the molded chair component is a leg rest.

18. A modular pool chair comprising:a molded back portion having a first interior cavity and a first connector;a molded leg portion having a second interior cavity and a second connector;wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to interlock without the use of tools to secure the molded back portion to the molded leg portion;wherein each of the first interior cavity and the second interior cavity have an always open first port and an always open second port, wherein the second port of each cavity is at a higher elevation than the first port of such cavity, andwherein, as the pool chair is at least partially submerged, each second port is configured to release air allowing water to enter through the first port of such cavity.

Images