Chairs and seats – Convertible – Alternately usable seat mounts
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-26
2001-12-11
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Chairs and seats
Convertible
Alternately usable seat mounts
C052S272000, C052S271000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06328378
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 471,794 filed on Apr. 3, 2000. There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to rocking devices for conventional chairs and, more particularly, to a portable rocking chair conversion apparatus.
2. Description of the Related Art
Just about everyone has sat in a rocking chair at one time or another. They are enjoyed by people of all ages for their ability to increase relaxation and reduce stress. Additionally, the rhythmic motion along with any repetitive creaks that they make while rocking is just about to put all but the toughest insomniac to sleep. However, there are times when a person's favorite rocking chair may not be handy. This will most likely occur while traveling, such as when staying at a hotel. Ironically, it is times like these that the comfort of a rocking chair is most needed, especially if traveling with an infant who is uncomfortable with the new surroundings or even an adult who may have difficulty falling asleep in a strange place.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose a modular chair construction: U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,988 issued in the name of Heidmann et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,634 issued in the name of Heidmann et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,536 issued in the name of Heidmann et al.
The following patents describe a chair-to-rocking chair conversion unit: U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,307 issued in the name of Leach et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,486,034 issued in the name of Dalke; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,353 issued in the name of Clough.
The following patents disclose the design and function for a rocker attachment: U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,152 issued in the name of Shaw, U.S. Pat. No. 1,231,151 issued in the name of Gerrard, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 145,036 issued in the name of Wilcox et aL; and U.S. Pat. No. D 380,633 issued in the name of Shaw.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,431 issued in the name of Leach describes a rocker conversion for lawn-type chairs.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a device which allows for a standard, conventional chair to provide the soothing comfort of rocking in a rocking chair almost anywhere in a manner which is quick, easy, portable and efficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a portable rocking chair conversion apparatus which allows any chair with legs to be converted into a rocking chair.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device which readily adapts to chairs of various sizes.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a retractable, lightweight device which is easily transportable.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device which easily converts conventional chairs to rocking chairs without tools.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable rocking chair conversion apparatus is provided for converting any conventional chair into a rocking chair. A pair of arcuate, cylindrical, telescoping rocking members provide a retractable device being easily transportable.
Each of the rocking members are held into their desired position via a spring-loaded pin assembly.
A leg attachment means is disclosed for securely accommodating legs of a chair. The leg attachment means includes a plurality of selectably adjustable impingement cylinders having a frictional gripping slot formed on an upper, external circumferential surface thereof for removably receiving a chair leg. The frictional gripping slot is adapted so as to conform to and securely grip an inserted chair leg. Such design allows the frictional gripping slot to grippingly receive chair legs formed not only in circular shapes having a particular diameter, but in cross-sectional shapes such as square and hexagonal having various diameters as well.
To accommodate chairs of various sizes, bolts are attached at ends of each of the cylinders for slidably engaging slots formed along opposing vertical sidewalls of each of the rocking members. The ends of the cylinders are operable to slide within and along the slots thereby allowing for the selective adjustment of the cylinders for accommodating chairs of various sizes. Fasteners are secured to the bolts for locking each of the cylinders in place once a desired position is provided.
The use of the present invention allows for a conventional chair to provide the soothing comfort of rocking in a rocking chair almost anywhere in a manner which is quick, easy, portable and efficient.
REFERENCES:
patent: 264917 (1882-09-01), Andrews
patent: 1317580 (1919-09-01), Kanode
patent: 1367390 (1921-02-01), Hinson
patent: 6086147 (2000-07-01), Gladstone
Dorsey Dennis L.
Friedman Carl D.
Gugliotta John D.
LandOfFree
Portable rocking chair conversion apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Portable rocking chair conversion apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Portable rocking chair conversion apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2560516