Stackable chair sets

Abstract

Stackable chair sets are disclosed herein. The stackable chair set comprises a first chair and a second chair. The first chair comprises a first seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The first seat support includes openings. The first seat support further includes first legs coupled to the lower surface of the first seat support, the first legs aligned with the openings. The first legs have hollow bodies. The second chair comprises a second seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The second seat support further includes second legs coupled to the lower surface of the second seat support. The second legs are configured to be inserted into the openings of the first chair such that a portion of each of the second legs is disposed in one of the first legs to form the stackable chair set.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments described herein relate to stackable chair sets.BACKGROUND

[0002] Modular furniture designs have been incorporated into homes, offices, libraries, etc., to enhance the functionality of a given space. For example, modular furniture designs in schools include modular desks that are attachable / detachable from one another to provide various configurations based on the spatial constraints of a classroom, the lesson plan of the teacher, the number of students in the class, etc. Other modular furniture pieces, such as modular couches, provide a family home with additional flexibility and customization options.

[0003] Although modular furniture pieces can be rearranged to create different configurations and / or shapes, these pieces often occupy the same amount of space (e.g., floor space, wall space, etc.) regardless of their configuration. In other words, modular furniture may allow for multiple configurations but each configuration can still cover the same square footage of a given space. Further, modular furniture often sacrifices aesthetics for functionality. Thus, there is a need for modular furniture that saves space and is aesthetically pleasing to the atmosphere of a given space.SUMMARY

[0004] In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a stackable furniture set.

[0005] In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to a stackable chair set.

[0006] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a stackable chair set comprising a first chair and a second chair. The first chair comprises a first seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The first seat support includes openings extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The first chair further includes first legs coupled to the lower surface of the first seat support. The first legs are aligned with the openings in the first seat support. The first legs have hollow bodies. The second chair comprises a second seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The second chair further includes second legs coupled to the lower surface of the second seat support. The second legs are configured to be inserted into the openings of the first chair such that a portion of each of the second legs is disposed in one of the first legs to form the stackable chair set.

[0007] In some aspects, each of the first legs and each of the second legs are inwardly tapered.

[0008] In some aspects, the first seat support is coupled to a first backrest of the first chair and / or the second seat support is coupled to a second backrest of the second chair.

[0009] In some aspects, a side of the first backrest is configured to contact a side of the second backrest when the first chair and second chair are stacked.

[0010] In some aspects, the lower surface of the second seat support is configured to contact the upper surface of the first seat support when the first chair and second chair are stacked.

[0011] In some aspects, each of the first chair and the second chair are configured to bear load when unstacked.

[0012] In some aspects, when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the stackable chair set is configured to bear load.

[0013] In some aspects, when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the lower surface of the second seat support covers the upper surface of the first seat support.

[0014] In some aspects, the upper surface of the first seat support is curved in a direction towards the lower surface of the first seat support.

[0015] In some aspects, the upper surface of the second seat support is curved in a direction towards the lower surface of the second seat support.

[0016] In some aspects, the first backrest and the first seat support are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees and / or the second backrest and the second seat support are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0017] In some aspects, the first chair has a first chair depth and the second chair has a second chair depth, and wherein the first chair depth is greater than the second chair depth.

[0018] In some aspects, the first chair depth is about equal to a sum of the second chair depth and a thickness of the second backrest.

[0019] In some aspects, the second seat support comprises a first side opposing a second side, the first side includes a first opening and the second side includes a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are positioned to assist in separating the second chair from the first chair.

[0020] In some aspects, the second backrest comprises a releasing member to assist in releasing the second chair from the first chair.

[0021] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a stackable chair set comprising a plurality of chairs. Each chair comprises a seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The seat support includes openings extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. Further, each chair comprises hollow inwardly tapered legs coupled to the lower surface of the seat support. The hollow inwardly tapered legs are aligned with the openings in the seat support. Each chair is dimensioned to allow stacking of chairs on top of one another. Each of the hollow inwardly tapered legs of an upper chair is configured to be inserted into the openings of a lower chair such that a portion of each of the hollow inwardly tapered legs of the upper chair is disposed in one of the hollow inwardly tapered legs of the lower chair to form the stackable chair set.

[0022] In some aspects, the seat support of each chair is coupled to a backrest.

[0023] In some aspects, the lower surface of the seat support of the upper chair is configured to contact the upper surface of the seat support of the lower chair when the plurality of chairs are stacked.

[0024] In some aspects, each chair of the plurality of chairs can bear load when the plurality of chairs are unstacked from one another.

[0025] In some aspects, the upper surface of the seat support of each chair is curved in a direction towards the lower surface of the seat support of each chair.

[0026] In some aspects, the backrest and the seat support of each chair are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.

[0027] In some aspects, the seat support of each chair comprises openings on opposing sides of the seat support to assist in releasing each chair from the other chairs of the stackable chair set.

[0028] In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method of stacking a stackable chair set, the method comprises placing a first chair on a support surface. The first chair comprises a first seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The first seat support includes openings extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The first chair further includes first legs coupled to the lower surface of the first seat support. The first legs have hollow bodies aligned with the openings in the seat support. The method further comprises aligning second legs of a second chair with the openings in the first chair. The second chair has a second seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface. The second legs are coupled to the lower surface of the second seat support. Further, the second legs are configured to be inserted into the openings of the first chair. The method further comprises positioning the second legs into the openings of the first chair such that a portion of each of the second legs is disposed in one of the first legs to form the stackable chair set.

[0029] In some aspects, each of the first legs and each of the second legs are inwardly tapered.

[0030] In some aspects, the first seat support is coupled to a first backrest and / or the second seat support is coupled to a second backrest.

[0031] In some aspects, the method comprises removing at least one of (i) the first backrest from the first seat support or (ii) the second backrest from the second seat support.

[0032] In some aspects, the second seat support is configured to contact the first seat support when the first chair and second chair are stacked.

[0033] In some aspects, each of the first chair and the second chair is configured to bear load when unstacked.

[0034] In some aspects, when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the stackable chair set is configured to bear load.

[0035] In some aspects, when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the lower surface of the second seat support covers the upper surface of the first seat support.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1A depicts a first stackable chair set in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0037] FIG. 1B depicts the first stackable chair set of FIG. 1A in an unstacked configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 2 depicts a second stackable chair set in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 3 depicts a third stackable chair set in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0040] FIG. 4 depicts a fourth stackable chair set in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 5 depicts a method of stacking a stackable chair set, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Embodiments described herein relate to stackable chair sets or stackable furniture items. Additional furniture items (e.g., spare chairs for guests) are often stored in hard to reach or difficult to access locations such as basements, closets, attics, etc. Typically, storing these spare furniture items in a living room or dining room would unnecessarily cover or clutter floor space. In homes, apartments, offices, or schools, clutter is a mess at best and a safety hazard at worst. Stackable furniture items described herein are configured to stack and unstack to conserve space within a given area. Moreover, stackable furniture items described herein maintain an aesthetic of the given area by hiding, concealing, and / or camouflaging at least one of the furniture items within another furniture item. In this manner, the stackable furniture set having at least two furniture items resembles a single furniture item. Further, the stackable furniture set described herein is configured to (e.g., in a stacked configuration) function as a single furniture item. As such, a user of the stackable furniture set can sit on, position, or use the stackable furniture set as a single furniture item as needed and desired. Embodiments described herein conserve space by enabling a stackable furniture set to optionally function as at least two independent furniture items while taking up the floor space of the single furniture item. Embodiments described herein keep multiple furniture items close at hand by concealing at least one of the furniture items within another furniture item and storing the furniture set in a living room, dining room, kitchen, etc. As such, embodiments described herein conserve the time, energy, and / or muscle required to fill a space with additional furniture.

[0043] As used herein, the terms “stack,”“stackable,”“stacking,”“stacked,” or the like refer to placing a second furniture item or furnishing (i) at least partially on or under or (ii) at least partially into or within a cavity, channel, hollow body, etc., of a first furniture item. For example, a second furniture item stacked on a first furniture item can be positioned on top of the first furniture item and can extend at least partially into the first furniture item.

[0044] In some embodiments, the stackable furniture set is configured to function as at least two furniture items in an unstacked configuration. As used herein, the terms “unstack,”“unstacking,”“unstacked,” or the like refer to removing, separating, displacing, pulling, etc., the second furniture item from the cavity, channel, hollow body, etc., of the first furniture item. As such, a user of the stackable furniture set can sit on, position, or use the first furniture item and the second furniture item as two independent furniture items as needed and desired.

[0045] When an element, feature, or piece is referred to as being “on,”“engaged to,”“connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, feature, or piece, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element, feature, or piece, or intervening elements, features, or pieces may be present.

[0046] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,”“outer,”“lower,”“above,”“upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element, feature, or piece's relationship to another element(s), feature(s), or piece(s) as illustrated in the figures.

[0047] In some embodiments, the stackable furniture set is a stackable chair set, wherein the first furniture item is a first chair and the second furniture item is a second chair. In an embodiment, a user can position a first stackable chair set in a stacked configuration adjacent to a dining table and a second stackable chair set in a stacked configuration adjacent to the dining table. In their respective stacked configurations, the first stackable chair set can function as a chair adjacent the dining table and the second stackable chair set can function as another chair adjacent the dining table. Alternatively, a user can maneuver the first stackable chair set to an unstacked configuration such that the stackable chairs are removed or pulled apart from one another. Thus, the first stackable chair set is unstacked to provide a first chair adjacent the dining table and a second chair adjacent the dining table. Further, the second stackable chair set can remain in the stacked configuration to provide an additional chair adjacent the dining table or can be maneuvered to the unstacked configuration to provide a third chair and a fourth chair adjacent the dining table. In some embodiments, the user can maneuver any number of the stackable chair sets from the stacked configuration to the unstacked configuration depending on a number of household members, a number of guests, a size of the table, a size of the dining room, a desired aesthetic, etc. In other embodiments, the furniture item (e.g., the first furniture item or the second furniture item) is a stool, a table, a bench, or the like.

[0048] The stackable chairs may be attached to each other when stacked for easier storage and transport and to facilitate the use of the stackable chair set for seating. An example of a suitable mode of attachment includes one or more latches on the side of the seat support. These latches may be used to connect the first and second seat support in a stackable chair set.

[0049] FIG. 1A depicts a first stackable chair set 100 in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment. FIG. 1B depicts the first stackable chair set 100 of FIG. 1A in an unstacked configuration, according to an embodiment. The first stackable chair set 100 includes a first chair 110 (e.g., a lower chair) and a second chair 140 (e.g., an upper chair). The first chair 110 includes a first backrest 120 and a first seat support 130 coupled to the first backrest 120. The first backrest 120 and the first seat support 130 are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees. The first chair 110 has a first chair depth spanning / extending between a front edge 132 of the first seat support 130 and the first backrest 120 (e.g., a front side of the first backrest 120).

[0050] The first seat support 130 has an upper surface 134 and a lower surface 136 facing away from the upper surface 134. The first seat support 130 includes openings 138a-138d extending from the upper surface 134 to the lower surface 136. In particular, the openings 138a-138d extend through the upper and lower surfaces 134, 136. The first chair 110 further includes first legs 112a-112d aligned with the openings 138a-138d. The first legs 112a-112d have hollow bodies. The first legs 112a-112d may be referred to herein as the hollow legs 112a-112d. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the hollow bodies of the first legs 112a-112d are approximately the same size (e.g., width, diameter, etc.) as corresponding ones of the openings 138a-138d. For example, a width of the hollow body of the leg 112a is approximately equal to a width of the opening 138a, a length of the hollow body of leg 112a is approximately equal to a length of the opening 138a, etc. Further, the leg 112a is attached and / or adhered to a portion of the lower surface 136 surrounding the opening 138a. Similarly, the first legs 112b-112d are attached and / or adhered to portions of the lower surface 136 surrounding respective ones of the openings 138b-138d.

[0051] The second chair 140 includes a second backrest 150 and a second seat support 160 coupled to the second backrest 150. The second backrest 150 and the second seat support 160 are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees. In some embodiments, at least one of (i) the first seat support 130 is coupled to the first backrest 120 or (ii) the second seat support 160 is coupled to the second backrest 150. Put differently, the first backrest 120 may be optionally removed from the first seat support 130 and / or the second backrest 150 may be optionally removed from the second seat support 160. The second chair 140 has a second chair depth spanning / extending between a front edge 162 of the second seat support 160 and the second backrest 150 (e.g., a front side of the second backrest 150). The first chair depth is greater than the second chair depth. Further, the first chair depth is about equal to a sum of the second chair depth and a thickness of the second backrest 150. In some embodiments, the first chair depth is greater or less than the sum of the second chair depth and the thickness of the second backrest 150.

[0052] The second seat support 160 has an upper surface 164 and a lower surface 166 facing away from the upper surface 164. The second chair 140 includes second legs 142a-142d coupled to the lower surface 166. Further, the second legs 142a-142d extend away from the lower surface 166. The second legs 142a-142d are configured to be inserted into the openings 138a-138d of the first seat support 130. For example, when the first stackable chair set 100 is moved from the unstacked configuration of FIG. 1B to the stacked configuration of FIG. 1A, the second legs 142a-142d are aligned with the openings 138a-138d such that the second legs 142a-142d move into (e.g., descend) into the openings 138a-138d. As shown in FIG. 1A, a portion of each of the second legs 142a-142d are disposed in corresponding openings 138a-138d of the first seat support 130. Further, another portion of each of the second legs 142a-142d are disposed in corresponding hollow bodies of the first legs 112a-112d.

[0053] In the stacked configuration of FIG. 1A, the lower surface 166 of the second seat support 160 contacts the upper surface 134 of the first seat support 130. Put differently, the lower surface 166 of the second seat support 160 rests on top of the upper surface 134 of the first seat support 130 such that first seat support 130 supports the load of the second chair 140. Alternatively, the lower surface 166 of the second seat support 160 substantially rests on top of the upper surface 134 of the first seat support 130. The lower surface 166 of the second seat support 160 can at least partially cover (e.g., partially cover, fully cover, etc.) the upper surface 134 of the first seat support 130. Further, the second backrest 150 is configured to contact or substantially contact the first backrest 120 in the stacked configuration. The second backrest 150 includes a side 152 (e.g., back, backside, etc.) that is backed, supported, or is otherwise leaning on a side 122 (e.g., front, frontside, etc.) of the first backrest 120. The first stackable chair set 100 can function as a chair (e.g., one chair) such that the upper surface 164 of the second seat support 160 can bear / support load. For example, the first stackable chair set 100 is configured to support seating of a subject (e.g., a human, a pet, etc.) when the first chair 110 and the second chair 140 are stacked. Alternatively, the first chair 110 is configured to bear / support load and the second chair 140 is configured to bear / support load (e.g., another load) when the first stackable chair set 100 is positioned in the unstacked configuration of FIG. 1B. For example, each of the first chair 110 and the second chair 140 are configured support seating of a subject when the first chair 110 and the second chair 140 are unstacked.

[0054] The second seat support 160 includes a first side 165 opposing a second side 167. The first side 165 includes a first opening 168a (e.g., slot, notch, etc.) and the second side 167 includes a second opening 168b. The first and second openings 168a, 168b can assist in separating / releasing the second chair 140 from the first chair 110. For example, a user can insert fingers and / or hands into the first and second openings 168a, 168b. In turn, the user can apply an upward force on the second seat support 160 to lift the second chair 140 away from the first chair 110 to achieve the unstacked configuration of FIG. 1B.

[0055] In FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first legs 112a-112d and the second legs 142a-142d have a generally rectangular prismatic shape. However, the first and second legs 112a-112d, 142a-142d can be any shape (e.g., cylindrical) or size. The first chair 110 and the second chair 140 each include four legs. However, the first chair 110 and the second chair 140 can each include any number of legs (e.g., three, five, etc.). Accordingly, the first seat support 130 can include any number of the openings 138a-138d (e.g., three, five, etc.). In some embodiments, a number of the openings 138a-138d in the first seat support 130 is greater than a number of the first legs 112a-112d attached to the first seat support 130. In some embodiments, a number of the first legs 112a-112d attached to the first chair 110 is greater than a number of the second legs 142a-142d attached to the second chair 140. The upper surfaces 134, 164 of the first and second seat supports 130, 160 are approximately flat. In other embodiments, the upper surfaces 134, 164 are curved, contoured, not flat, etc. For example, the upper surface 134 of the first seat support 130 is curved in a direction towards the lower surface 136 of the first seat support 130. As such, the upper surface 134 can be concave to define a basin, a seat depression, etc., to receive a load. Similarly, the upper surface 164 of the second seat support 160 can be curved in a direction towards the lower surface 166 of the second seat support 160. As such, the upper surface 164 can be concave to define a basin, seat depression, etc., to receive a load. The first stackable chair set 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B includes two chairs (e.g., the first chair 110 and the second chair 140).

[0056] In some embodiments, the first stackable chair set 100 includes a plurality of stackable chairs (e.g., three, four, etc.). For example, the second seat support 160 includes openings extending from the upper surface 164 to the lower surface 166. In particular, the openings extend through the upper and lower surfaces 164, 166. The second legs 142a-142d are aligned with the openings of the second seat support 160. The second legs 142a-142d can have hollow bodies configured to receive legs of another chair (e.g., a third stackable chair). Thus, each chair (e.g., the first chair 110, the second chair 140, a third chair, a fourth chair, etc.) is dimensioned to allow stacking of chairs on top of one another.

[0057] FIG. 2 depicts a second stackable chair set 200 in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment. The second stackable chair set 200 is structurally and / or functionally similar to the first stackable chair set 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the second stackable chair set 200 includes a first chair 210 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first chair 110 of FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a second chair 240 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second chair 140 of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The first chair 210 includes a first backrest 220 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first backrest 120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a first seat support 230 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first seat support 130 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and first legs 212a-212d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first legs 112a-112d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The first seat support 230 includes an upper surface 234 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the upper surface 134 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a lower surface 236 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the lower surface 136 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and openings 238a-238d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the openings 138a-138d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The second chair 240 includes a second backrest 250 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second backrest 150 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a second seat support 260 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second seat support 160 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and second legs 242a-242d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second legs 142a-142d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The second seat support 260 includes an upper surface 264 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the upper surface 164 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a lower surface 266 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the lower surface 166 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a first side 265 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first side 165 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a second side 267 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second side 167 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and a front edge 262 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the front edge 162 of FIGS. 1A and 1B).

[0058] Further, the second stackable chair set 200 includes a releasing member 254 and an opening 268c. The releasing member 254 is positioned on the second backrest 250. The opening 268c is positioned in a third side 269 of the second seat support 260. The third side 269 extends between or connects the first side 265 to the second side 267. Further, the third side 269 is adjacent to the front edge 262 of the second seat support 260. The releasing member 254 can be a handle, strap, loop, etc., configured to facilitate unstacking of the second stackable chair set 200. For example, the releasing member 254 assists in the release / removal of the second chair 240 from the first chair 210. Fingers and / or hands of a user of the second stackable chair set 200 can grasp the releasing member 254 and pull (e.g., pull up) on the releasing member 254 to maneuver the second stackable chair set 200 to an unstacked configuration.

[0059] Similarly, the opening 268c can be an opening or grip on the third side 269 to facilitate unstacking of the second stackable chair set 200. Fingers and / or hands of a user of the second stackable chair set 200 can be inserted into the opening 268c. In turn, the user can apply force (e.g., upward force) on the second seat support 260 to assist in the release / removal of the second chair 240 from the first chair 210. In some embodiments, a first hand of the user can grasp the releasing member 254 and a second hand of the user can enter the opening 268c such that the first and second hands of the user can (e.g., simultaneously) facilitate removal of the second chair 240 from the first chair 210.

[0060] FIG. 3 depicts a third stackable chair set 300 in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment. The third stackable chair set 300 is structurally and / or functionally similar to the first stackable chair set 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B and / or the second stackable chair set 200 of FIG. 2. For example, the third stackable chair set 300 includes a first chair 310 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first chair 110 of FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a second chair 340. The first chair 310 includes a first backrest 320 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first backrest 120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B) having a side 322 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the side 122 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a first seat support 330 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first seat support 130 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and first legs 312a-312d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first legs 112a-112d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The first seat support 330 includes an upper surface 334 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the upper surface 134 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a lower surface 336 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the lower surface 136 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and openings 338a-338d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the openings 138a-138d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The second chair 340 includes a second seat support 360 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second seat support 160 of FIGS. 1A and 1B) and second legs 342a-342d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second legs 142a-142d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The second seat support 360 includes an upper surface 364 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the upper surface 164 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a lower surface 366 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the lower surface 166 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a first side 365 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first side 165 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a second side 367 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second side 167 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a third side 369 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the third side 269 of the second seat support 260 of FIG. 2), first and second openings 368a, 368b (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first and second openings 168a, 168b of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and a front edge 362 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the front edge 162 of FIGS. 1A and 1B).

[0061] However, certain aspects of the second chair 340 of the third stackable chair set 300 are different from the second chair 140 of the first stackable chair set 100. For example, the second chair 340 does not include a backrest (e.g., the second backrest 150 of the second chair 140). In some embodiments, the second chair 340 had a backrest that was removed or decoupled from the second seat support 360. Alternatively, the second chair 340 is a stool / bench with no backrest. As such, the second chair 340 may be referred to herein as the stool 340 or the bench 340. The third depth of the stool 340 is aligned with the upper surface 364 of the stool 340. For example, the third depth extends from the third side 369 to a fourth side 363 of the second seat support 360, where the fourth side 363 contacts or substantially contacts the first backrest 320. In particular, the fourth side 363 contacts the side 322 of the first backrest 320.

[0062] FIG. 4 depicts a fourth stackable chair set 400 in a stacked configuration, according to an embodiment. The fourth stackable chair set 400 is structurally and / or functionally similar to the first stackable chair set 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, the fourth stackable chair set 400 includes a first chair 410 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first chair 110 of FIGS. 1A and 1B) and a second chair 440 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second chair 140 of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The first chair 410 includes a first backrest 420 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first backrest 120 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a first seat support 430 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first seat support 130 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and first legs 412a-412d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first legs 112a-112d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The first seat support 430 includes an upper surface 434 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the upper surface 134 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a lower surface 436 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the lower surface 136 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and openings 438a-438d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the openings 138a-138d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The second chair 440 includes a second backrest 450 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second backrest 150 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a second seat support 460 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second seat support 160 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and second legs 442a-442d (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second legs 142a-142d of FIGS. 1A and 1B). The second seat support 460 includes an upper surface 464 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the upper surface 164 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a lower surface 466 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the lower surface 166 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a first side 465 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the first side 165 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), a second side 467 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the second side 167 of FIGS. 1A and 1B), openings 468a, 468b (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the openings 168a, 168b of FIGS. 1A and 1B), and a front edge 462 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to the front edge 162 of FIGS. 1A and 1B).

[0063] In contrast to the first legs 112a-112d and the second legs 142a-142d of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the first legs 412a-412d and the second legs 442a-442d taper. For example, the leg 412a tapers (e.g., inwardly tapers) in a direction from the lower surface 436 of the first seat support 430 towards an end 414a of the leg 412a. The leg 412a includes inner surface(s) defining a hollow body of the leg 412a. The inner surface(s) of the leg 412a can likewise taper in a direction from the lower surface 436 towards the end 414a. Similarly, the legs 412b-412d and / or inner surfaces of the legs 412b-412d taper (e.g., inwardly taper) in a direction from the lower surface 436 towards respective ends 414b-414d of the corresponding legs 412b-412d.

[0064] Additionally, the second legs 442a-442d taper in a direction from lower surface 466 of the second seat support 460 towards respective ends 444a-444d of the second legs 442a-442d. The taper or angle of the second legs 442a-442d can match / align with the taper or angle of the first legs 412a-412b. In particular, the taper or angle of the second legs 442a-442d can match / align with the taper or angle of the inner surface(s) of the hollow bodies of the corresponding first legs 412a-412d. In some embodiments, outer surfaces of the first legs 412a-412d may not taper (e.g., are approximately flat or straight) and the inner surface(s) of the hollow bodies of the first legs 412a-412d taper (e.g., to receive the tapered second legs 442a-442d). In some embodiments, the first legs 412a-412d and the inner surface(s) of the hollow bodies of the first legs 412a-412d may not taper (e.g., are approximately flat or straight) but can still receive the tapered second legs 442a-442d. In FIG. 4, the full lengths (e.g., from the lower surfaces 436, 466 to the ends 414a-414d, 444a-444d) of the first and second legs 412a-412d, 442a-442d are tapered. In some embodiments, the first and second legs 412a-412d, 442a-442d are partially tapered. For example, a first portion the first leg 412a can be approximately straight and a second portion of the first leg 412a can be tapered. The first portion is closer to the lower surface 436 than the end 414a and the second portion is closer to the end 414a than the lower surface 436. Similarly, a third portion of the second leg 442a can be approximately straight and a fourth portion of the second leg 442a can be tapered. The third portion is closer to the lower surface 466 than the end 444a and the fourth portion is closer to the end 444a than the lower surface 466.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a method 500 of stacking the first stackable chair set 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, according to an embodiment. However, the method 500 can describe the stacking of any stackable chair set disclosed herein (e.g., the second stackable chair set 200 of FIG. 2, the third stackable chair set 300 of FIG. 3, and / or the fourth stackable chair set 400 of FIG. 4). The method 500 begins at operation 502 with placing the first chair 110 on a support surface (e.g., ground, floor, etc.). The first chair 110 includes the first seat support 130 and the hollow legs 112a-112d. The first seat support 130 includes the openings 138a-138d. At operation504, the second legs 142a-142d of the second chair 140 are aligned with the openings 138a-138d. In some embodiments, the first backrest 120 of the first chair 110 may be optionally decoupled or removed from the first seat support 130. In some embodiments, the second backrest 150 of the second chair 140 may be optionally decoupled or removed from the second seat support 160. At operation 506, the second legs 142a-142d are positioned in the openings 138a-138d such that portions of the second legs 142a-142d are disposed within the hollow legs 112a-112d of the first chair 110.

[0066] The stackable chairs described herein may be made from any suitable materials. Examples of suitable materials for the stackable chairs include wood, plastic and metal. The stackable chair may also contain more than one material, for example, the stackable chairs may be made from a combination of wood and metal, or a combination of plastic and metal.

[0067] As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.

[0068] As used herein, the term “set” and “plurality” can refer to multiple features or a singular feature with multiple parts. For example, when referring to a set of slots, the set of slots can be considered as one slot with multiple portions, or the set of slots can be considered as multiple, distinct slots. Additionally, for example, when referring to a plurality of legs, the plurality of legs can be considered as multiple, distinct legs or as one leg with multiple portions. Thus, a set of portions or a plurality of portions may include multiple portions that are either continuous or discontinuous from each other. A plurality of particles or a plurality of materials can also be fabricated from multiple items that are produced separately and are later joined together (e.g., via mixing, an adhesive, or any suitable method).

[0069] Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Put differently, it is to be understood that such features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, operations, steps, and / or the like that may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and / or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others.

[0070] In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, and / or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Depending on the particular desires and / or characteristics of an individual and / or enterprise user, elements, furniture pieces, furniture material, and furniture designs, and / or the like, various embodiments of the furniture pieces disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein.

[0071] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0072] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0073] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the embodiments, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,”“one of,”“only one of,” or “exactly one of.”“Consisting essentially of,” when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0074] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0075] In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,”“including,”“carrying,”“having,”“containing,”“involving,”“holding,”“composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

[0076] One of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, after reviewing this disclosure, that the elements or pieces may be used in connection with different types and configurations of chairs. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, after reviewing this disclosure, that the disclosed chairs may have other suitable size, shapes, configurations, and / or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the chairs.

[0077] The optimum dimensional relationships for the elements / parts of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.

Claims

1. A stackable chair set comprising:a first chair comprising:a first seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface, the first seat support including openings extending from the upper surface to the lower surface; andfirst legs coupled to the lower surface of the first seat support, the first legs aligned with the openings in the first seat support, the first legs having hollow bodies; anda second chair comprising:a second seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface; andsecond legs coupled to the lower surface of the second seat support, the second legs configured to be inserted into the openings of the first chair such that a portion of each of the second legs is disposed in one of the first legs to form the stackable chair set.

2. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein each of the first legs and each of the second legs are inwardly tapered.

3. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein the first seat support is coupled to a first backrest of the first chair and / or the second seat support is coupled to a second backrest of the second chair.

4. The stackable chair set of claim 3, wherein a side of the first backrest is configured to contact a side of the second backrest when the first chair and second chair are stacked.

5. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the second seat support is configured to contact the upper surface of the first seat support when the first chair and second chair are stacked.

6. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein each of the first chair and the second chair are configured to bear load when unstacked.

7. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the stackable chair set is configured to bear load.

8. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the lower surface of the second seat support covers the upper surface of the first seat support.

9. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the first seat support is curved in a direction towards the lower surface of the first seat support.

10. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the second seat support is curved in a direction towards the lower surface of the second seat support.

11. The stackable chair set of claim 3, wherein:the first backrest and the first seat support are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees; and / orthe second backrest and the second seat support are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.

12. The stackable chair set of claim 3, wherein the first chair has a first chair depth and the second chair has a second chair depth, and wherein the first chair depth is greater than the second chair depth.

13. The stackable chair set of claim 12, wherein the first chair depth is about equal to a sum of the second chair depth and a thickness of the second backrest.

14. The stackable chair set of claim 1, wherein the second seat support comprises a first side opposing a second side, the first side includes a first opening and the second side includes a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are positioned to assist in separating the second chair from the first chair.

15. The stackable chair set of claim 3, wherein the second backrest comprises a releasing member to assist in releasing the second chair from the first chair.

16. A stackable chair set comprising a plurality of chairs, each chair comprising:a seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface, the seat support including openings extending from the upper surface to the lower surface; andhollow inwardly tapered legs coupled to the lower surface of the seat support, the hollow inwardly tapered legs aligned with the openings in the seat support,each chair dimensioned to allow stacking of chairs on top of one another where each of the hollow inwardly tapered legs of an upper chair is configured to be inserted into the openings of a lower chair such that a portion of each of the hollow inwardly tapered legs of the upper chair is disposed in one of the hollow inwardly tapered legs of the lower chair to form the stackable chair set.

17. The stackable chair set of claim 16, wherein the seat support of each chair is coupled to a backrest.

18. The stackable chair set of claim 16, wherein the lower surface of the seat support of the upper chair is configured to contact the upper surface of the seat support of the lower chair when the plurality of chairs are stacked.

19. The stackable chair set of claim 16, wherein each chair of the plurality of chairs can bear load when the plurality of chairs are unstacked from one another.

20. The stackable chair set of claim 16, wherein the upper surface of the seat support of each chair is curved in a direction towards the lower surface of the seat support of each chair.

21. The stackable chair set of claim 17, wherein the backrest and the seat support of each chair are positioned to form an angle between about 90 degrees and 120 degrees.

22. The stackable chair set of claim 16, wherein the seat support of each chair comprises openings on opposing sides of the seat support to assist in releasing each chair from the other chairs of the stackable chair set.

23. A method of stacking a stackable chair set comprising:placing a first chair on a support surface, the first chair comprising:a first seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface, the first seat support including openings extending from the upper surface to the lower surface; andfirst legs coupled to the lower surface of the first seat support, the first legs having hollow bodies aligned with the openings in the first seat support;aligning second legs of a second chair with the openings in the first chair, the second chair having a second seat support having an upper surface and a lower surface, the second legs coupled to the lower surface of the second seat support, the second legs configured to be inserted into the openings of the first chair; andpositioning the second legs into the openings of the first chair such that a portion of each of the second legs is disposed in one of the first legs to form the stackable chair set.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein each of the first legs and each of the second legs are inwardly tapered.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the first seat support is coupled to a first backrest and / or the second seat support is coupled to a second backrest.

26. The method of claim 25, further including removing at least one of (i) the first backrest from the first seat support or (ii) the second backrest from the second seat support.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the second seat support is configured to contact the first seat support when the first chair and second chair are stacked.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein each of the first chair and the second chair is configured to bear load when unstacked.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the stackable chair set is configured to bear load.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein when the first chair and the second chair are stacked, the lower surface of the second seat support covers the upper surface of the first seat support.

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