US20070296261A1

US20070296261A1 - Leaning Molds System

Info

Publication number: US20070296261A1
Application number: US11/309,121
Authority: US
Inventors: Maruja Fuentes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-06-23
Filing date: 2006-06-23
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

The leaning molds system is a structure suitable for leaning where the individual instead of seating, leans against it. It comprises two molds, a back support mold with a convex surface and a resting mold with a convex surface or arm rest, both mounted to a vertical supporting surface. The leaning support surface of said resting mold is positioned at a predetermined distance so that an average person will be able to lean without seating. The molds fit like puzzle pieces to create different patterns. The system becomes part of the public landscape by transforming vertical surfaces, particularly walls, of crowded spaces by making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to structures suitable for leaning, specifically a furniture system suitable for leaning mounted on a vertical supporting surface allowing the user to temporarily release the pressure of its feet without seating.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED PRIOR ART

In the world that we are living were the vehicle has become an issue in our daily life because of traffic, parking and especially because of high gasoline prices, we are depending more and more on public transit systems to get to our destinations. Public transit or mass transit comprises all transport systems in which passengers do not travel in their own vehicles. While it is generally taken to include rail and bus services, it includes airline services, ferries, taxicab services etc., mainly any system that transports members of the general public. Whether a bus, train, or subway station in some point of the day there will be a waiting period for any mass transit to arrive. Although the waiting period is usually of short duration, it sometimes becomes uncomfortable when there are no seats and/or resting areas available. Most public transit systems have seating systems available but they have failed to work because of their sizes and/or locations. Most of them are located within the terminal in areas that block passengers' corridors. Also, these seating systems have failed to work because of their comfort and/or design which lead to people sleeping and/or seating for long periods of time.
Therefore, in order for a passenger and/or person to be able to rest, while waiting for any type of mass transit to arrive, and/or in any waiting area, he or she must either bring with them their own seats or sit in regular seats, if there are any available, causing an inconvenience in terms of cargo and seats availability. There have been prior attempts in the art to solve the abovementioned problems. However, they all fail to solve the problems in an efficient and economical way. Thus, there is a need for a resting surface in mass transit and/or waiting areas that is comfortable, while providing efficient space utilization within a crowded space in a convenient way. Although the preceding paragraphs address the issues pertaining to mass transit systems, the present invention should not be limited to mass transit systems; it is suitable for any waiting area such as museums, malls, buildings, parks and any other area wherein the use of a chair or a seating system is not convenient due to space availability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore disclosed herein is a structure suitable for leaning comprising a resting mold for resting by leaning a person's body part such as, but not limited to a person's buttocks and a person's arm. In order to avoid seating, the resting mold further comprises a convex surface which is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from the vertical supporting surface. Said perpendicular distance represents the average depth for leaning, making it insufficient for seating. This distance is based on experiments conducted to determine how much of a depth is needed so that the structure suitable for leaning is used to lean instead of seating. The convex surface of the resting mold also comprises an inclination portion which aids in making the structure suitable for leaning. The perpendicular distance depends on the inclination portion of the convex surface; the more inclined the convex surface is, the perpendicular distance could result in a deeper depth so that the person is able to lean but not sit. The resting mold is positioned at a height that adjusts to the average distance from the buttocks to the floor for a person when in a leaning position. Because the structure suitable for leaning is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface, and because said resting mold is selectively configured to be positioned at a height that adjust to the average distance from the buttocks to the floor for a person when in a leaning position, said structure suitable for leaning is adaptable to persons of different heights, including children.
Also disclosed is a structure suitable for leaning comprising a back support mold. Said back support mold comprises a convex surface for providing back support to a person. The structure suitable for leaning comprising the back support mold is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface. Since the back support mold is removably mounted to a vertically supporting surface it may be adaptable to persons of different heights, including children.
Also disclosed is a structure suitable for leaning comprising a back support mold and a resting mold which is conveniently incorporated into vertical surfaces of mass transit systems and/or waiting areas in order to provide a comfortable surface for resting by leaning, which also maximizes space. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said structure suitable for leaning comprises a back support mold which comprises a convex surface suitable for supporting the back of a person. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, said structure suitable for leaning comprises a resting mold which comprises a convex surface which is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from said vertical supporting surface. Said perpendicular distance represents the average depth for leaning, making it insufficient for seating. Said convex surface may be adaptable.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure suitable for leaning is mounted to a vertical supporting surface with screws through at least one aperture, however said mounting can be achieved by any fixing or securing means such as one of bolts, screws, clamps, pins, rivets, adhesive, plaster, tacks, locks, staples and spacers, without the need for incorporating said at least one aperture.
Further advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuring description and drawings.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

The preferred embodiments of the invention will herein after be described in conjunction with the included drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a back support mold in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal section through FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a resting mold in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a transversal cross section of through FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the two main components FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal section through FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a right side perspective view of FIG. 7 as used by user 0.

FIG. 10 shows a composition of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 shows a left side perspective of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of FIG. 10 as used by user 0.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a repeat pattern layout done with the molds like FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 shows an example of an individual layout done with the molds like FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 shows another example of a repeat pattern layout done with the molds like FIG. 10 as used by a variety of users.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This specification and the accompanying figures disclose the preferred embodiment as example of the invention. Other embodiments without these features are contemplated as well. The drawings illustrated in the figures are not to scale and are only intended to serve as illustrating examples of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described hereinafter in accordance with FIGS. 1 through 15.
FIG. 1 shows a front view of the back support mold 22 and its convex surface 30. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the back support mold 22 comprises at least one aperture 24 for mounting said back support to a vertical supporting surface. However, said mounting can be achieved by any fixing or securing means such as one of bolts, screws, pins, rivets, adhesive, plaster, tacks, staples and spacers, without the need for incorporating said at least one aperture 24. In a preferred embodiment said vertical supporting surface comprises a wall.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section through back support mold 22 showing the convex surface 30. It also shows at the corners the apertures 24 for mounting said back support mold according to the preferred embodiment, with screws, to the vertical supporting surface which, in a preferred embodiment is the wall.
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the back support mold 22 with the convex surface 30 and at least one aperture 24 for mounting into the vertical supporting surface.
FIG. 4 shows the resting mold 20 with the convex surface 28 for resting the arm. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the convex surface 28 comprises a cushion 26 made of at least one of foam, rubber and fiber. The resting mold 20 is mounted to a vertical supporting surface, which according to the preferred embodiment comprises a wall.
FIG. 5 shows a transversal cross section of the convex surface 28 of the resting mold 20. As shown, said convex surface 28 is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from a vertical supporting surface. Said perpendicular distance represents the average depth for leaning without actually seating. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the perpendicular distance could be substantially less than or equal to 9 inches. However, it is important to point out that the present invention is not limited to this average distance because said distance will be selected at least in part to prevent a person from seating. Moreover, in the preferred embodiment the convex surface 28 of the resting mold 20 comprises a cushion 26. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the molds are attached to the wall.
FIG. 6 shows a top view of resting mold 20 showing the convex surface and arm rest 28 with the cushion 26. As shown, said convex surface is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from a vertical supporting surface. Said perpendicular distance represents the average depth for leaning, making it insufficient for seating.
FIG. 7 shows a front view of the two main components of the invention, the back support mold 22 and the resting mold 20. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the resting mold 20 is positioned at a height that adjusts to the average distance from the buttocks to the floor for a person when in a leaning position. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the back support mold is aligned vertically, the resting mold is aligned horizontally and said back support mold is mounted above said resting mold.
FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section through the two main components: resting mold 20 and back support mold 22. Also shown is the convex surface 28 for the resting mold which is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from the vertical supporting surface. Said perpendicular distance represents the average depth for leaning, making it insufficient for seating.
FIG. 9 is a right side perspective view of the two main components of the invention, resting mold 20 and back support mold 22 with the user 0 leaning against them.
FIG. 10 is a composition made out of two back support molds 22 and two resting molds 20. As shown, the convex surface 28 of the resting mold 20 is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from a vertical supporting surface. Said perpendicular distance represents the average depth for leaning, making it insufficient for seating.
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the composition shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 shows a front view with a user 0 using the structure suitable for leaning by leaning the buttocks against the convex surface 28 of the resting mold 20 and leaning the arms against the convex surface 28 of the resting mold 20.
FIG. 13 is an example of a repeat pattern layout of FIG. 10 done with multiple back support molds 20 and resting molds 22 puzzled together. As it is evident, the molds can be configured to create a variety of designs and configurations.
FIG. 14 shows an example of an individual layout done only with the two main components, the resting mold 20 and the back support mold 22.
FIG. 15 shows an example of a repeat pattern layout of FIG. 10 done with multiple back support molds 20 and resting molds 22 puzzled together with various users leaning against it. As shown in this figure, the structure suitable for leaning is able to accommodate persons of all ages including, small children. Of course, with respect to children as users, the resting mold 20 will be positioned at a height that adjusts to the average distance from the children's buttocks to the floor for a child when in a leaning position. The fact that this structure suitable for leaning is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface makes this invention suitable for persons of different heights.
In the preferred embodiment the back support mold 22 and the resting mold 20 are screwed to the wall through at least one aperture 24. After mounting the molds in the desired pattern the user may lean against it as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 and FIG. 15. The user leans on the convex surface or arm rest 28 of the resting mold 20. This helps the user to temporarily release the pressure of his/her feet. The back is placed on the convex surface 30 of the back support mold 22. If there are multiple molds the user may also rest his/her arm on the other convex surface or arm rest 28 of the resting mold 20 as shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 15.
Accordingly the reader will see that disclosed is a structure suitable for leaning that becomes part of the public landscape by transforming vertical surfaces, particularly walls, of crowded spaces by making them both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Since the space is transitional, the needs of all the passengers and/or users are taken in consideration. The invention is intended for the person to lean instead of seating while also leaving space for the other passengers and/or users in a crowded area to pass through without congesting the corridors.
The present invention also discloses various methods for producing the structure suitable for leaning comprising the back support mold 22 and the resting mold 20. One of at least said method comprises sculpting a pattern for the back support mold and a pattern for the resting mold out of a modeling or styling material; producing a negative of said pattern for said back support mold and said pattern for said resting mold using vacuum forming. In a preferred method of practicing the invention, the negative is filled with fiber reinforced plastic material such as fiberglass or carbon filament threads material such as carbon fiber. After said material is dried, said fiber reinforced plastic material is then released from the template to produce the back support mold 22 and the resting mold 20. After the molds are produced, they are sanded and painted. Although as disclosed herein, this method of practicing the invention comprises various acts, this disclosure should not be limited to the present available technology for vacuum forming, but should extend to its legal equivalents.
Disclosed in the present invention is an alternative method of practicing the invention. According to said method, a two part mold is created out of a three-dimensional computer generated design. The two part mold is created out of stainless steel material, but it can also be created out of epoxy or aluminum. Once the two part mold is created, the molds are filled with plastic using the injection molding technology. With the molten plastic already injected, pressure is applied to make sure all the mold's cavities are filled. When finished the plastic is allowed to cool to its solid form within the mold. After the plastic is cooled, the finished piece is removed as a finished product. Although as disclosed herein, this method of practicing the invention comprises various acts, this disclosure should not be limited to the present available technology for injection molding, but should extend to its legal equivalents.
Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be constructed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments of this invention. Many other ramifications and variations are possible with the teaching of the invention. For example, different sizes and shapes schemes can be used for the components disclosed. Moreover, the present invention could be adapted to comprise at least one of: visual indicia, holding surfaces, storage area, playing surface, roof top, ventilation means, power and/or data access, water fountain, and communication equipment or a combination thereof. It is also envisioned that the present invention could comprise a protection mold for protecting the user from the external environment or weather conditions like rain, heat, sunrays, etc, which could also be selectively configured to be puzzled with the structure suitable for leaning as disclosed herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems the several purposes of this invention.
Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A structure suitable for leaning comprising a resting mold.

2. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 1 wherein said resting mold comprises a convex surface providing leaning support for at least one of a person's body part.

3. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 2 wherein said convex surface comprises a curved element for receiving a person's buttocks.

4. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 2 wherein said convex surface comprises a curved element receiving a person's arm.

5. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 2 wherein said convex surface comprises an inclined surface.

6. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 3 wherein said convex surface is selectively configured to be positioned at a height corresponding to a distance from the persons buttocks to the floor when a person is in a leaning position.

7. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 2 further comprising a curved element comprising a cushioning surface made of a material selected from a group comprising at least one of: foam, rubber, fiber, or a combination thereof.

8. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 1, wherein said resting mold is aligned horizontally.

9. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 1, wherein said resting mold is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface.

10. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 9, wherein said resting mold is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface by at least one of: fastening elements, adhesive elements, plaster, tacks, staples, spacers, an interference fit, welding, bolts, screws, or a combination thereof.

11. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 1 wherein said resting mold comprises at least one aperture for removably mounting said resting mold to a vertical supporting surface.

12. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 11 wherein said resting mold is removably mounted to said vertical supporting surface by at least one of: bolts, screws, pins, rivets, or a combination thereof.

13. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 2 wherein said convex surface is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from a vertical supporting surface, wherein said perpendicular distance is substantially less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

14. A structure suitable for leaning comprising a back support mold.

15. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 14 wherein said back support mold comprises a convex surface providing back support to a person.

16. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 14 wherein said back support mold is aligned vertically.

17. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 14, wherein said back support mold is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface.

18. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 17, wherein said back support mold is removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface by at least one of: fastening elements, adhesive elements, plaster, tacks, staples, spacers, an interference fit, welding, bolts, screws, or a combination thereof.

19. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 14 wherein said back support mold comprises at least one aperture for removably mounting said back support mold to a vertical supporting surface.

20. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 19 wherein said back support mold is removably mounted to said vertical supporting surface by at least one of: bolts, screws, pins, rivets, or a combination thereof.

21. A structure suitable for leaning comprising a back support mold; and a resting mold.

22. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein said back support mold comprises a convex surface providing back support to a person.

23. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein said resting mold comprises a convex surface providing leaning support for at least one of a person's body part.

24. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 23, wherein said convex surface comprises a curved element receiving a person's buttocks.

25. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 23, wherein said convex surface comprises a curved element receiving a person's arm.

26. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 23 wherein said convex surface further comprises an inclined surface.

27. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 24, wherein said convex surface is selectively configured to be positioned at a height corresponding to a distance from the person's buttocks to the floor when a person is in a leaning position.

28. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 23, further comprising a curved element comprising a cushioning surface made of a material selected from the group comprising at least one of: foam, rubber, fiber, or a combination thereof.

29. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein said back support mold is aligned vertically.

30. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein said resting mold is aligned horizontally.

31. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein said back support mold is selectively configured to be positioned above said resting mold.

32. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein the back support mold and the resting mold are removably mounted to a vertical supporting surface.

33. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 32, wherein said back support mold and said resting mold are removably mounted to said vertical supporting surface by at least one of: fastening elements, adhesive elements, plaster, tacks, staples, spacers, an interference fit, welding, bolts, screws, or a combination thereof.

34. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein the back support mold and the resting mold comprise at least one aperture for removably mounting said back support mold and said resting mold to a vertical supporting surface.

35. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 34, wherein said back support mold and said resting mold are removably mounted to said vertical supporting surface by securing means comprising at least one of: bolts, screws, pins, rivets, or a combination thereof.

36. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21 wherein said resting mold is selectively configured to extend a perpendicular distance from a vertical supporting surface, wherein said perpendicular distance is substantially less than or equal to a predetermined distance.

37. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein at least one back support mold and at least one resting mold are removably interconnected to selectively create at least one leaning arrangement.

38. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 37, wherein said at least one leaning arrangement comprises positioning a back support mold above a resting mold to provide a resting surface for a person's buttocks, and another resting mold positioned to either side of said back support mold to provide a resting surface for a person's arm.

39. The structure suitable for leaning of claim 21, wherein said back support mold and said resting mold are made by at least on of: injection molding or vacuum forming or a combination thereof.