DEVICE FOR STABALIZING AN OBJECT

A stabilization device for preventing an object from falling backwards or sideways, the device comprising: an upright portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; a base portion mounted to the upright portion comprising at least one leg; and at least one stabilization arm, wherein the at least one stabilization arm is mounted to the upright portion and the base portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for stabilizing an object in general, and more particularly to a device for stabilizing the legs of a chair in order to prevent the chair from tipping backwards and/or falling sideways.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing an object, particularly objects having legs which can fall backwards or sideways. It should be appreciated that a device which can be used on a variety of objects having a variety of leg-types is desirable so that a single device can be used to stabilize a large number of objects (e.g., chairs, pianos, dressers, etc.). Thus, with the present invention, a single device can be used around the home (or any other location) to prevent objects from falling backwards and or sideways.

It should also be appreciated that such a device is particularly useful for parents. Parents currently use a wide variety of childproofing and child-safe products to keep their children safe in the home. A problem faced by many parents is that many standard chairs (e.g., kitchen table chairs, kitchen island chairs, high chairs, etc.) easily tip completely backwards or fall sideways when a child is not sitting properly in the chair (i.e., when a child is standing on the chair and/or rocking in the chair, etc.).

Thus there is a need for a device which stabilizes the legs of a chair which is easy to attach to a chair leg, can be attached to any style of chair leg (e.g., straight, angled, etc.) and provides support to prevent a chair from falling backwards and/or from falling sideways when a child is playing on the chair and/or not sitting properly in the chair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects are addressed by the provision and use of a new and improved device for stabilizing an object. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is configured to stabilize the legs of an object. The device may be attached to any style of leg, is easy to attach (and remove), and prevents the object from falling backwards and/or falling sideways.

More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a new and improved device for stabilizing the legs of an object which is designed to be positioned on a leg of the object. The new and improved device for stabilizing the legs of an object generally comprises an upright portion which is attached to a leg of an object, a base portion which contacts the floor and at least one stabilizing arm connected to the upright portion and the base portion.

In use, the device is releasably secured to a leg of an object, with the device making a secure fit against the leg. Then the device is secured to the leg using a strap or cable tie. A second device may then be secured to a second leg of the object in the same manner. Thus, when the present invention is used to stabilize a chair, when a child is sitting/standing on the chair, the chair will rock backwards/sideways slightly but will not completely fall backwards and/or sideways. When the device is no longer needed, the straps or cable ties are released and the device is removed from the leg(s) of the object, whereupon the device may be moved to another object or placed into storage.

In one form of the invention, there is provided a stabilization device for preventing an object from falling backwards or sideways, the device comprising:an upright portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;a base portion mounted to the upright portion comprising at least one leg; andat least one stabilization arm, wherein the at least one stabilization arm is mounted to the upright portion and the base portion.

In another form of the invention, there is provided a method for stabilizing an object, the method comprising:providing a stabilization device, the stabilization device comprising:an upright portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface;a base portion mounted to the upright portion comprising at least one leg; andat least one stabilization arm, wherein the at least one stabilization arm is mounted to the upright portion and the base portion;positioning the inner surface of the upright portion on an object; andsecuring the stabilization device to the object.

In another form of the invention, there is provided a chair stabilization system comprising:an adjustable upright portion comprising an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface is configured for placement on a chair leg and the outer surface comprises at least one strap bridge configured to receive a strap;a base portion hingedly mounted to the upright portion comprising a first leg, a second leg and a track disposed in between the first leg and the second leg, wherein the base portion is configured for placement on a floor;a stabilization arm hingedly mounted to the upright portion comprising a mount configured to be releasably secured in the track of the base portion; andat least one strap configured to be held by the at least one strap bridge for securing the device to a leg of a chair.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The Stabilization Device in General

The present invention comprises the provision and use of new and improved device for stabilizing an object. In one preferred form of the invention, the device is configured to prevent an object from falling backwards or sideways. In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may be positioned on the back legs of a chair (or another object having legs, e.g., a piano, a dresser, etc.) so as to prevent the chair from tipping backwards and/or falling sideways when a person is sitting or standing on the chair. The device may be 3D printed and made of plastics, metals or composite materials (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polylactic acid (PLA), resin, stainless steel, titanium, nylon, etc.). The device may also be made by injection molding and formed from plastics or composite materials (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, nylon, etc.). It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the production processes and materials disclosed herein; any production process and any materials apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure may be used.

In one preferred form of the invention, the device generally comprises an upright portion for disposition on a leg of an object, a base portion for disposition on the floor and at least one stabilization arm mounted to the base portion and the upright portion. The upright portion is intended to be releasably attached to a leg of an object. The base portion is designed to lay flat on any type of floor (e.g., wood, carpet, etc.). The stabilization arm acts as a support structure for handling the weight of an object (and, in the case of a chair, the weight of the chair and the person sitting/standing in the chair) when it tips backwards and/or sideways.

Device for Use with Objects Having Straight Legs

In one preferred form of the invention, the device is constructed for use with objects having straight legs. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is formed as a single piece.

More particularly, and looking now atFIGS.1-7, there is shown a new and improved device5. Device5generally comprises an upright portion10for disposition on a leg of an object, a base portion15for disposition on a floor and at least one stabilization arm20mounted to upright portion10and base portion15.

In this form of the invention, upright portion10comprises a first vertical portion25and a second vertical portion30which form a 90 degree angle at a seam31. Each vertical portion25,30has a top portion35and a bottom portion40. Each vertical portion25,30has an inner surface32for disposition on a leg of an object and an outer surface34. If desired, inner surfaces32may be provided with a gripping material36(e.g., foam pads, tape, double sided Velcro®, furniture pad material, etc.) in order for the device5to better grip a leg of an object and/or protect a leg of an object from damage due to the attachment (and future removal) of a device5.

Each outer surface34of top portion35comprises a strap bridge55and each outer surface34of bottom portion40also comprises a strap bridge60. Strap bridges55,60are configured so that a first strap62(e.g., Velcro®, cable ties, etc.) can be slid through strap bridges55on top portions35, a second strap62can be slid through strap bridges60on bottom portions40, and the straps can then be placed around a leg of an object (and possibly through the strap bridges a second time, depending on the length of the straps) and tightly fastened so as to secure the device5to a leg of an object (seeFIGS.4-7).

Base portion15comprises a first leg45and a second leg50which are connected to bottom portions40of vertical portions25,30of upright portion10so as to form a90degree angle between legs45,50. In other words, vertical portion25is connected to leg45and vertical portion30is connected to leg50. It should be appreciated that legs45,50can be any length, width or height required for stabilization, however, legs45,50must be configured to keep an object stable but not so long, wide or thick so as to protrude too far out from the object to be stabilized. In one embodiment of the present invention, legs45,50may be thin and flexible so that legs45,50can bend and slide along a floor thus providing further stability to device5. Furthermore, if desired, the edges of legs45,50may be rounded. In another embodiment of the present invention, legs45,50may be rigid.

If desired, base portion15may comprise a material (not shown) for contacting the floor (e.g., furniture pad material, felt, etc.). It should be appreciated that, if desired, base portion15may comprise a single leg or more than two legs. Furthermore, base portion15may comprise straight edges or rounded edges.

A single stabilization arm20is mounted to each vertical portion25,30and to the associated leg45,50of that vertical portion25,30(i.e., a stabilization arm20is mounted to vertical portion25and leg45and a second stabilization arm20is mounted to vertical portion30and leg50). It should be appreciated that stabilization arm20absorbs the weight of the tipping object and adds stability to device5.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, stabilization arms20are mounted to top portions35of vertical portions25,30underneath strap bridges55. It should be appreciated that the position and thickness of stabilization arms20determines how much weight a device5can support and how much force can be put against upright portion10. Thus, stabilization arms20may be mounted anywhere along vertical portions25,30and legs45,50and may comprise varying degrees of thickness (i.e., a variable cross-section) along the length of each stabilization arm20. SeeFIG.9, for example, which shows a form of device5in which stabilization arms20are mounted closer to strap bridges60of bottom portions40of vertical portions25,30than the form of the device5shown inFIG.1.

In another form of the invention, and looking now atFIG.8, top portions35and bottom portions40of vertical portions25,30may also comprise slots65. Slots65are configured to receive one or more straps62(not shown inFIG.8) for securing device5to a leg of an object as will hereinafter be discussed in further detail.

Use Of Device5

Device5may be used to prevent an object from falling backwards or to the side. In a preferred embodiment, device5may be used to prevent a chair from falling backwards or to the side.

More particularly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, device5may be attached to a straight back chair leg by placing inner surfaces32(or gripping material36) on to the chair leg. Once inner surfaces32(or gripping material36) are placed on the chair leg, straps62are placed through strap bridges55,60and around the chair leg. Straps62are then tightened and set so that the device5is securely attached to the chair leg. The same procedure may be repeated for the second back chair leg so that each chair has two devices5attached (seeFIG.6). The device5may be positioned so that one leg45,50is pointing straight back away from the chair (see direction A inFIGS.6and7) and the other leg45,50is pointing directly from the side of the chair (see direction B inFIGS.6and7).

With the device5secured to a back chair leg, when a child is on the chair, if the chair begins to tip backwards or sideways, the legs45,50and stabilization arms20will absorb and transfer the weight of the child and the chair so that the device5stabilizes the chair and prevents the chair from completely falling backwards or sideways. It should be appreciated that the chair may still tip slightly backwards or sideways and/or may move along the floor, but the chair will not fall completely backwards or to the side, thus preventing injury to the child on the chair.

When a device5is no longer needed, the device5may be removed from a chair leg by simply releasing the straps62and removing device5from the chair leg.

Note that, in the preferred form of the invention, at no time is device5permanently fastened to a leg of an object. However, it should be appreciated that device5may be configured to be permanently fastened to a leg of an object, or formed integral with a leg of an object, if desired.

Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides an easy to install device5which stabilizes objects having straight legs and prevents objects having straight legs from falling backwards and/or falling sideways.

Flexible Device for Use with Objects Having Various Leg Angles, Shapes and Sizes

It should be appreciated that not all objects are built with legs having the same shape/length/size or angle, and thus not all objects are compatible with device5. Therefore, the present invention also provides for a device that can be adapted to fit a variety of leg angles, sizes, styles, etc. In the foregoing embodiment of the invention, the device is formed as several separate pieces.

In another form of the invention, and looking now atFIGS.10-13, there is provided a novel device5A. Device5A is generally similar to device5except that with this form of the invention, the upright portion is hingedly mounted to the base portion and the stabilization arm is hingedly mounted to the upright portion and the base portion.

More particularly, in this form of the invention, device5A generally comprises upright portion10for disposition on a leg of an object, base portion15for disposition on a floor and an adjustable stabilization arm70hingedly mounted to upright portion10and base portion15.

Base portion15comprises first leg45, second leg50, a track75and mounts80. Track75is positioned in between first leg45and second leg50. Mounts80hingedly connect to bottom portions40of vertical portions25,30via a rod or pin (not shown). It should be appreciated that, in this form of the invention, legs45,50may be configured to have a greater distance between them which also provides more support and stability to device5A. It should also be appreciated that the length, width and height of legs45,50can be any length, width or height required for stabilization, however legs45,50must be configured to keep the object stabilized but not so long, wide or thick so as to protrude too far from the object to be stabilized. In one embodiment of the present invention, legs45,50may be thin and flexible. In another embodiment of the present invention, legs45,50may be rigid. Legs45,50may be formed with straight edges or rounded edges.

Adjustable stabilization arm70comprises a top portion85which is mounted to vertical portions25,30of upright portion10via a rod or pin86, and a bottom sliding portion90releasably mounted to track75. Bottom sliding portion90comprises a base95, at least one fastener100for securing base95to track75and a hinge mount102for hingedly securing stabilization arm70to base95(seeFIG.13). Fastener100may comprise a screw, a nut and bolt, etc. It should be appreciated that stabilization arm70absorbs the weight of the tipping object and adds stability to device5A.

Track75comprises at least one slot105for slidably receiving at least one fastener100of base95. The edges of track75may be straight or rounded. It should be appreciated that when the back edge of track75is rounded device5A is able to slide further if an object is tipping very far backwards, thus providing more stability to device5A. Furthermore, if desired, the edges of legs45,50may also be rounded and/or legs45,50made thin so that legs45,50have additional flexibility and can bend and slide along a floor.

When at least one fastener100is loosened, base95(and thus adjustable stabilization arm70) can be slid along slot105until the desired angle of upright portion10is achieved (as vertical portions25,30will be moved forward or backward as base95moves up and down slot105in track75). Once the desired angle of upright portion10is reached, fastener100is tightened so as to secure base95to track75and thus set the angle of upright portion10. In a preferred form of the present invention, device5comprises at least two fasteners100and at least two slots105. It should be appreciated that the way in which adjustable stabilization arm70is connected to base95may comprise any means apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure.

In another form of the invention, and looking now atFIGS.14-16, there is provided a device5B which allows for additional flexibility of use, as the upright portion10is configured to fit a wider variety of legs. Device5B is generally similar to device5A except that in this form of the invention, the upright portion is a single component (i.e., there are no longer vertical portions25,30). With upright portion10formed as a single component, device5B may be used with legs which could not fit in or be properly secured in the upright portions of devices5or5A.

More particularly, in this form of the invention, upright portion10is a single component and has an inner surface110for disposition on a leg of an object and an outer surface115. If desired, inner surface110may be provided with a gripping material120(e.g., foam pads, tape, double sided Velcro®, furniture pad material, etc.) in order for device5B to better grip a leg of an object and/or protect a leg of an object from damage due to the attachment (and future removal) of device5B.

Outer surface115of top portion35of upright portion10comprises a first strap bridge55, and outer portion115of bottom portion40comprises a second strap bridge60. It should be appreciated that upright portion10may be provided in different dimensions.

In a preferred form of the present invention, the device may be provided with a lock mechanism for providing easier selection of the angle of the device and a more secure lock on the device to ensure that the angle of the device does not change once weight is pressed against the device (e.g., when an object begins to tilt backwards) while still allowing for the flexibility of the device to be used on various leg angles, shapes, sizes, etc.

More particularly, and looking now atFIGS.17-28, there is provided another novel device200formed in accordance with the present invention. Device200is generally similar to device5B, however, device200comprises additional features for improving the stability and endurance of the device. Device200generally comprises an upright portion205for disposition on a leg of an object, a base portion210for disposition on a floor, an adjustable stabilization arm215and a lock mechanism217.

Upright portion205comprises a top portion220and a bottom portion225, an inner surface230for disposition on a leg of an object and an outer surface235. If desired, inner surface230may be provided with a gripping material240(e.g., foam pads, tape, double sided Velcro®, furniture pad material, etc.) in order for the device200to better grip a leg of an object and/or protect a leg of an object from damage due to the attachment (and future removal) of a device200. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of upright portion205may be varied as needed.

Top portion220of upright portion205comprises a housing245having a slot250passing therethrough (seeFIG.18). Bottom portion225of upright portion205comprises a strap bridge255and is hingedly mounted to base portion210via a rod or pin (not shown). Slot250and strap bridge255are configured so that a first strap260(e.g., Velcro®, cable ties, etc.) can be slid through slot250and a second strap260can be slid through strap bridge255, around a leg of an object (and, if desired, possibly through the slot and strap bridge a second time, depending on the length of the straps) and tightly fastened so as to secure the device200to a leg of an object (seeFIG.28which shows device200secured to the leg of a chair).

Adjustable stabilization arm215comprises a first end265and a second end270. First end265is hingedly mounted to housing245of upright portion205via a pin or rod272. Second end270comprises a mount275. Mount275is hingedly connected to second end270via a pin or rod280and comprises a plurality of teeth285and a plurality of ridges290(seeFIG.26).

Base portion210comprises a first leg295, a second leg300, a track305positioned in between first leg295and second leg300, mounts310and a plurality of raised tunnels312. First leg295and second leg300may comprise slots315for receiving a strap320(seeFIG.28). Legs295,300may be ramped so that the thickest portion of legs295,300are connected to base portion210. Mounts310hingedly connect to bottom portion225of upright portion205via a rod or pin (not shown). It should be appreciated that the length, width and height of legs295,300may be any length, width or height required for stabilization, however legs295,300must be configured to keep an object stable during tipping, but not so long, wide or thick so as to protrude too far from the object to be stabilized. In one embodiment of the present invention, legs295,300may be thin and flexible. In another embodiment of the present invention, legs295,300may be rigid. Legs295,300may be formed with straight edges or rounded edges.

It should be appreciated that, if desired, base portion210may comprise a single leg or more than two legs. Furthermore, base portion210may comprise straight edges or rounded edges. If desired, base portion210may comprise a material (not shown) for contacting the floor (e.g., furniture pad material, felt, etc.).

Track305comprises a plurality of ribbed racks325along its sides and an opening330(seeFIGS.24-26). Ribbed racks325are configured to engage teeth285of mount275of stabilization arm215. The edges of track305may be straight or rounded. It should be appreciated that when the back edge332of track305is rounded (seeFIGS.28A-28C) device200is able to slide further if an object is tipping very far backwards, thus providing more stability to device200. Furthermore, if desired, the edges of legs295,300may also be rounded and/or legs295,300made thin so that legs295,300have additional flexibility and can bend and slide along a floor.

Lock mechanism217comprises a first portion335having a hook340, a second portion345having a ribbed rack350and a through hole355, and a third portion360having a ribbed rack365and a through hole370(seeFIG.23). Hook340is configured to hingedly mount in opening330of track305. Ribbed racks350,365are configured to engage the plurality of ridges290on mount275of stabilization arm215. Through holes355,370are configured to receive a fastener375for securing lock mechanism217to track305via raised tunnels312of base portion210. Fastener375may comprise a nut and bolt or any other fastening means known in the art.

Thus it will be appreciated that when fastener375is not passed through raised tunnels312and through holes355,370so as to secure lock mechanism217to track305, lock mechanism217may be opened (via moving hook340in opening330) and mount275may be moved to a desired location in track305.

It should be appreciated that lock mechanism217is provided to selectively lock stabilization arm215in place, and thereby lock upright portion205at a desired angle. More particularly, lock mechanism217is provided to selectively lock mount275of stabilization arm215in an “engaged” position (and hence prevent stabilization arm215from movement) wherein (i) teeth285of mount275engage ribbed racks325of track305, (ii) lock mechanism217is closed so that ridges290of mount275engage ribbed racks350,365of lock mechanism217, and (iii) fastener375is placed through through holes355,370of lock mechanism217and raised tunnels312of base portion210. When lock mechanism217is in a “disengaged” position (and hence stabilization arm215is free to move and thus adjust the angle of upright portion205) (i) fastener375is removed from through holes355,370of lock mechanism217and raised tunnels312of base portion210, (ii) lock mechanism217is opened so that ridges290of mount275of stabilization arm215are disengaged from ribbed racks350,365of lock mechanism217, and (iii) teeth285of mount275are disengaged from ribbed racks325of track305.

It should also be appreciated that with device200the stress from the tipping object is absorbed by top portion220of upright portion205and transfers down stabilization arm215and into track305of base portion210to the ground.

If desired, and looking now atFIGS.29and30, a clip380may be provided in order to provide additional securement of a strap260to top portion220of upright portion205. Clip380may be formed in housing245of top portion220of upright portion205or be provided separately. Clip380may be configured to receive a strap260(e.g., Velcro®, cable ties, etc.) (not shown inFIGS.29and30) via slot250of housing245.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the aforementioned lock mechanism or such other lock mechanisms which will be apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure may be used with the present invention.

Use Of Device200

Device200may be used to prevent an object from falling backwards or to the side. In a preferred embodiment, device200may be used to prevent a chair from falling backwards or to the side.

More particularly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, device200can be attached to a back chair leg by adjusting the angle of upright portion205via stabilization arm215to fit the angle of the chair leg.

In order for stabilization arm215to be able to move, lock mechanism217must be in its “disengaged” position. In order to disengage lock mechanism217, fastener375is removed from through holes355,370and raised tunnels312whereby to allow lock mechanism217to open (thus removing teeth285from ribbed racks325of track305and removing ridges290from ribbed racks350,360). Mount275of stabilization arm215may then be removed from ribbed racks325of track305and placed along the ribbed racks325in the desired position to achieve the desired angle of upright portion205which matches the angle of the chair leg. Once mount275is placed back into position (i.e., so that teeth285are engaged in ribbed racks325), lock mechanism217may be closed so that ribbed racks350,360seat over ridges290of mount275. Fastener375is then placed back through through holes355,370and raised tunnels312. When fastener375is locked in place (e.g., with a nut), lock mechanism217is in the “engaged” position and thus stabilization arm215(and hence upright portion205) is held in place.

Once the correct angle of upright portion205is achieved and stabilization arm215is locked in place, inner surface230(or gripping material240) of upright portion205is placed on to the chair leg. Once inner surface230(or gripping material240) is placed on the chair leg, a first strap260is placed through slot250of housing245of upright portion205and around the chair leg, and a second strap260is placed through strap bridge255of bottom portion225of upright portion205and around the chair leg. Straps260are then tightened and set so that the device200is securely attached to the chair leg. If needed, the angle of the device200can be further adjusted after securement to a chair leg. The same procedure may be repeated for the second back chair leg so that each chair has two devices200(see FIG.28). The device200should be positioned so that track305sits directly behind the chair leg (seeFIG.28).

It should be appreciated that in some cases, devices200can shift to the side during use, but having strap320placed between two devices200further stabilizes the devices200and holds the devices200straight (i.e., so that track305remains directly behind a chair leg). Thus, if desired, optional strap320may be placed through a slot315in one of each of leg295,300so that strap320connects two devices200together, further stabilizing the devices on the chair legs (seeFIG.28) or any other object with legs.

When it is desired to remove device200from an object to which it is mounted, straps260are simply released and device200removed from the object.

Note that, in the preferred form of the invention, at no time is device200permanently fastened to a leg of an object. However, it should be appreciated that device200may be configured to be permanently fastened to a leg of an object, or formed integral with a leg of an object, if desired.

Thus it will be seen that the present invention provides an easy to install device200which stabilizes objects having legs of various angles, shapes, sizes, etc.

Alternative Embodiments Of The Device

It should be appreciated that different means for allowing stabilization arm215to move in track305may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

More particularly, in addition to the sliding slot configuration of devices5A and5B, and the lock mechanism configuration of device200, discussed above, a device200A may be provided. Looking now atFIGS.31and32, device200A is similar to device200except that lock mechanism217and ribbed racks325of track305are not provided, and mount275of stabilization arm215has a different configuration. In this form of the invention, there is provided a pole system385for allowing mount275to slide in track305(and hence change the angle of upright portion205). Pole system385may comprise at least one pole390for tracking and securing stabilization arm215to base portion210. Mount275of stabilization arm215comprises at least one slider395configured to move along the at least one pole390. Mount275may be secured in position along the at least one pole390with locking tabs400(or other means known in the art).

It should be appreciated that any of the aforementioned means for allowing movement of the stabilization arm in the track of the base portion of a device, or any other means for allowing movement of the stabilization arm which will be apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure, may be used with any of the devices disclosed herein. In other words, the device is not limited to the means specifically disclosed with respect to a particular embodiment (i.e., devices5A,5B and200may use any means disclosed herein for moving the stabilization arm in the track of the base portion and any other means apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure).

Furthermore, it should also be appreciated that any of the aforementioned lock mechanisms or such other lock mechanisms which will be apparent to one of skill in the art in view of the present disclosure may be used with the present invention.

Chair Stabilization System

The present invention also comprises the provision and use of a table connector that may be used in conjunction with the stabilization devices of the present invention.

More particularly, and looking now atFIGS.33-36, there is shown a table connector405formed in accordance with the present invention.

Table connector405comprises a base410having a first side415and a second side420and a raised slot425on first side415of base410. Base410comprises an adhesive (not shown) on second side420. The adhesive may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive, double sided Velcro®, etc. for securing table connector405to the underside of a table (seeFIGS.34and35). A strap430(e.g., Velcro®, cable ties, etc.) is slid through raised slot425and around the seat back of a chair (seeFIG.36) and fastened so as to secure a chair to the table. Thus, a chair cannot be pulled out from the table when table connector405is in place.

Modifications

While the present invention has been described in terms of certain exemplary preferred embodiments, it will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, and that many additions, deletions and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments discussed above while remaining within the scope of the present invention.