COUPLING A FURNITURE ACCESSORY TO A FURNITURE APPARATUS

This disclosure relates generally to coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus. One embodiment provides a method of electrically coupling at least one electrical contact on a furniture accessory to at least one electrical contact on a furniture apparatus. The method may comprise positioning a portion of an elongate body, coupled to the furniture apparatus, in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space. Positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space may comprise electrically coupling at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus.

RELATED ART

Known methods of coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus may have some disadvantages.

SUMMARY

According to at least one embodiment, a method of coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus comprises positioning a portion of an elongate body, coupled to the furniture accessory, in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space.

In some embodiments, positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises rotating the elongate body and the furniture accessory towards the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, rotating the elongate body and the furniture accessory towards the furniture apparatus comprises rotating the elongate body and the furniture accessory around a portion of a second elongate body in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a second retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises electrically coupling at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.

According to at least one embodiment, a method of electrically coupling at least one electrical contact on a furniture accessory to at least one electrical contact on a furniture apparatus, the method comprising positioning a portion of an elongate body, coupled to the furniture apparatus, in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space. Positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises electrically coupling at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is on the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is flush with the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one protrusion from the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is electrically coupled with at least one elongate-body electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one elongate-body electrical conductor is enclosed in the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is electrically coupled with at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer faces into the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is between the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one protrusion into the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind a surface defining at least a portion of the space.

In some embodiments, electrically coupling the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises electrically coupling at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus with at least one electrical load on the furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is on the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is coupled to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical control signals of the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical power of the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, electrically coupling the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises electrically coupling at least one source of electrical power of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical load on the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electrical power of the furniture accessory comprises an electric battery.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electrical power is configured to, at least: detect electrical coupling of the at least one source of electrical power to at least one authorized electrical load; and provide electrical power to the at least one authorized electrical load in response to detecting the at least one authorized electrical load.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical load comprises an electric motor.

In some embodiments, the electric motor is operable to move at least a portion of the furniture accessory relative to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical load comprises an electric light source.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electric light source is enclosed in the elongate body and operable to transmit light through the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical load comprises an electric battery charger.

In some embodiments, the electric battery charger is configured to charge a mobile device.

In some embodiments, the electric battery charger is configured to charge a device wirelessly.

In some embodiments: the elongate body is at least a portion of a rod; and the exterior surface of the elongate body is generally cylindrical.

In some embodiments, positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises: causing at least one of the at least two retaining bodies to move resiliently to increase a separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies to allow the space to receive the portion of the elongate body; and after the space receives the portion of the elongate body, causing the at least one of the at least two retaining bodies to move resiliently to decrease the separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies to retain the portion of the elongate body in the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on a first one of the at least two retaining bodies, and at least one electrical contact on a second one of the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one electrical contact on the first one of the at least two retaining bodies and the at least one electrical contact on the second one of the at least two retaining bodies comprises an electrically conductive strip.

In some embodiments, the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is at an offset angle to the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the elongate body comprises a first face and a second face, the first face at the offset angle to the second face.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second faces of the elongate body comprises an electrically conductive strip.

In some embodiments, positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space between the at least two retaining bodies of the retainer comprises causing the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the first face of the elongate body, and causing the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the second face of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, causing the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the first face of the elongate body electrically couples the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to the first face of the elongate body, and causing the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the second face of the elongate body electrically couples the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to the second face of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is shorter than the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a French cleat.

In some embodiments, the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus comprises an upholstered bed.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus comprises a seating apparatus.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting essentially of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.

In some embodiments, the seating apparatus is a chair.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a second chair.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a headrest.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a table.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a tray.

In some embodiments, positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises mounting the furniture accessory on the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises coupling the furniture accessory directly to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus is independent of any vehicle.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: a furniture accessory; an elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory; a furniture apparatus; and a retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies; wherein a portion of the elongate body is positionable in the space such that, when the portion of the elongate body is positioned in the space, the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises: a second elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory; and a second retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus, the second retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies of the second retainer; wherein when a portion of the second elongate body is in the space between the at least two retaining bodies of the second retainer, the elongate body and the furniture accessory are rotatable, around the portion of the second elongate body, such that the portion of the elongate body is positionable in the space of the retainer in response to rotation of the elongate body and the furniture accessory towards the furniture apparatus and around the portion of the second elongate body.

In some embodiments: the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact; the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact; and the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory and the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus are positioned such that the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is electrically couplable with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus in response to positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: a furniture accessory; a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies; a furniture apparatus; and an elongate body coupled to the furniture apparatus. A portion of the elongate body is positionable in the space such that, when the portion of the elongate body is positioned in the space, the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space. The furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact. The furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory and the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus are positioned such that the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is electrically couplable with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus in response to positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is on the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is electrically coupled with at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer faces into the space.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: a furniture accessory; and an elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is on an exterior surface of the elongate body.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: a furniture apparatus; and an elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus is on an exterior surface of the elongate body.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: a furniture accessory; and a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is on the retainer and faces into the space.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: a furniture apparatus; and a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus is on the retainer and faces into the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is flush with the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one protrusion from the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is electrically coupled with at least one elongate-body electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one elongate-body electrical conductor is enclosed in the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is between the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one protrusion into the space.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind a surface defining at least a portion of the space.

In some embodiments: the furniture apparatus comprises at least one source of electric current; and the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is electrically coupled with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is on the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is coupled to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical control signals of the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical power of the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments: the furniture accessory comprises at least one source of electric power; and the at least one source of electric power of the furniture accessory is electrically coupled with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electrical power of the furniture accessory comprises an electric battery.

In some embodiments, the at least one source of electrical power is configured to, at least: detect electrical coupling of the at least one source of electrical power to at least one authorized electrical load; and provide electrical power to the at least one authorized electrical load in response to detecting the at least one authorized electrical load.

In some embodiments, at least one electrical load is on the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least one electrical load is on the furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical load comprises an electric motor.

In some embodiments, the electric motor is operable to move at least a portion of the furniture accessory relative to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical load comprises an electric light source.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electric light source is enclosed in the elongate body and operable to transmit light through the exterior surface of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical load comprises an electric battery charger.

In some embodiments, the electric battery charger is configured to charge a mobile device.

In some embodiments, the electric battery charger is configured to charge a device wirelessly.

In some embodiments: the elongate body is at least a portion of a rod; and the exterior surface of the elongate body is generally cylindrical.

In some embodiments, at least one of the at least two retaining bodies is resiliently movable to increase a separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the at least two retaining bodies are positioned such that: the at least one of the at least two retaining bodies moves resiliently to increase the separation to allow the space to receive the portion of the elongate body; and after the space receives the portion of the elongate body, the at least one of the at least two retaining bodies moves resiliently to decrease the separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies to retain the portion of the elongate body in the space.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus comprises an upholstered bed.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus comprises a seating apparatus.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting essentially of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a second chair.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a headrest.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a table.

In some embodiments, the furniture accessory is a tray.

In some embodiments, the furniture apparatus is independent of any vehicle.

In some embodiments, the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on a first one of the at least two retaining bodies, and at least one electrical contact on a second one of the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, each of the at least one electrical contact on the first one of the at least two retaining bodies and the at least one electrical contact on the second one of the at least two retaining bodies comprises an electrically conductive strip.

In some embodiments, the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is at an offset angle to the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the exterior surface of the elongate body comprises a first face and a second face, the first face at the offset angle to the second face.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second faces of the elongate body comprises an electrically conductive strip.

In some embodiments, the first one of the at least two retaining bodies contacts the first face of the elongate body, and the second one of the at least two retaining bodies contacts the second face of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the first one of the at least two retaining bodies contacting the first face of the elongate body electrically couples the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to the first face of the elongate body, and the second one of the at least two retaining bodies contacting the second face of the elongate body electrically couples the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to the second face of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is shorter than the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.

In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a French cleat.

In some embodiments, the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.

According to at least one embodiment, a furniture system comprises: an elongate body coupled to a surface, the elongate body and the surface defining a space; and a retainer. The retainer may be at least partially positionable within the space to couple the retainer to the elongate body such that when the retainer is at least partially positioned within the space the retainer has a first contact region contactingly engageable with the elongate body within the space and a second contact region engageable to at least partially prevent rotation of the retainer about the elongate body induced by a force in a direction that urges the retainer into the space. In some embodiments, the elongate body is coupled to a furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the retainer is coupled to a furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, the elongate body is coupled to a furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, the retainer is coupled to a furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the elongate body comprises at least one electrical contact and the retainer comprises at least one electrical contact. When the retainer is at least partially positioned in the space the at least one electrical contact of the retainer may be electrically coupled to the at least one electrical contact of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the retainer has a length that is shorter than a length of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a French cleat.

In some embodiments, the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.

In some embodiments, the elongate body and the surface are removably coupled together.

In some embodiments, the elongate body and the surface are integrally coupled together.

According to at least one embodiment, a method of coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus comprises positioning at least partially a retainer within a space between an elongate body and a surface to which the elongate body is coupled. At least partially positioning the retainer within the space may contactingly engage a first contact region of the retainer with the elongate body within the space and may engage a second contact region of the retainer to at least partially prevent rotation of the retainer about the elongate body induced by a force in a direction that urges the retainer into the space.

In some embodiments, the elongate body is coupled to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, the retainer is coupled to the furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, the elongate body is coupled to the furniture accessory.

In some embodiments, the retainer is coupled to the furniture apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least partially positioning the retainer in the space causes the the retainer to be electrically coupled to the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the retainer has a length that is shorter than a length of the elongate body.

In some embodiments, the retainer comprises a French cleat.

In some embodiments, the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.

In some embodiments, the elongate body and the surface are removably coupled together.

In some embodiments, the elongate body and the surface are integrally coupled together.

Other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS.1to3, a furniture system according to one embodiment is shown generally at100. The furniture system100includes a chair-frame portion (or back frame)101. Cushions or padding, and upholstery102, may be attached to the chair-frame portion101to complete a backrest body103(shown inFIGS.2and3) of a chair. In general, “chair” herein may refer to a loveseat, a couch, a sofa, a seat, or another chair or seating apparatus.

The chair-frame portion101, the backrest body103, and a chair including the backrest body103are examples of furniture apparatuses. However, furniture apparatuses according to alternative embodiments may differ. In some embodiments, a furniture apparatus may include or be some or all of a chair or more generally may include or be some or all of a seating apparatus. In some embodiments, a furniture apparatus may be a seating apparatus that consists of (or consists essentially of) one or more bodies that are configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus. In some embodiments, a furniture apparatus may be within a vehicle such as an automobile or other vehicle, attached to a vehicle such as an automobile or other vehicle, or both. In some alternative embodiments, a furniture apparatus may be independent of any vehicle, for example by not being within or attached to any vehicle. In some embodiments, a furniture apparatus may include an upholstered bed or one or more other furniture apparatuses.

Retainers104,105,106, and107are coupled to the backrest body103(and therefore to a chair including the backrest body103). Retainers as described herein may also be referred to as clips, and may be or include injection-molded plastic bodies for example.

Referring toFIGS.4to6, the retainer104defines through-openings shown generally at108and109and sized to receive respective fasteners (such as machine screws or other fasteners110and111as shown inFIG.6) to couple the retainer104to the backrest body103. The retainer104also includes retaining bodies112and113. An interior surface114of the retainer104defines at least part of a space115between the retaining bodies112and113. The surface114is on the retaining bodies112and113, so the retaining bodies112and113also at least partially define the space115. The retaining body112, the retaining body113, or both the retaining bodies112and113are resiliently movable to increase resiliently and decrease resiliently a separation distance116between the retaining bodies112and113.

The retainer104also includes electrical contacts117and118between the retaining bodies112and113and facing into the space115. The electrical contacts117and118are therefore electrical contacts on the retainer104. The electrical contacts117and118are therefore also electrical contacts of the backrest body103or more generally of a furniture apparatus.

The electrical contacts117and118are electrically coupled with respective electrical conductors119and120respectively as shown inFIG.6. In general, two electrical contacts or conductors herein that are “electrically coupled” may be coupled directly or indirectly to each other, with or without one or more intermediate electrical conductors or other components, such that electric voltage and electric current may pass directly or indirectly from one to the other. The electrical conductors119and120are therefore examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors, and some or all of one or both of the electrical conductors119and120may be enclosed in the backrest body103or more generally in a furniture apparatus.

Other retainers described herein, such as the retainers105,106, and107for example, may be similar to the retainer104, although some retainers described herein may omit electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118.

A chair including the backrest body103may also include one or more sources of electrical power, and the one or more sources of electrical power may be electrically coupled to the electrical conductors119and120and therefore operable to create or convey an electric potential between the electrical conductors119and120to provide electric voltage and electric current between the electrical conductors119and120and between the electrical contacts117and118. Such a source of electrical power may include an alternating-current (AC) power source, a direct-current (DC) power source, an AC-to-DC adapter, one or more electrical conductors, one or more other sources of electrical power, or a combination of two or more thereof. Some or all of such a source of electrical power may be enclosed in the backrest body103, in a chair including the backrest body103, or more generally in a furniture apparatus.

For example, in some embodiments, an AC-to-DC adapter may be enclosed in a chair including the backrest body103, the AC-to-DC adapter may receive AC power from an AC power cable that may be plugged into a wall receptacle, and the electrical conductors119and120may provide electric voltage and electric current from the AC-to-DC adapter to the electrical contacts117and118. In such embodiments, the AC-to-DC adapter is an example of a source of electrical power of, on, or coupled to a furniture apparatus, and the electrical conductors119and120are also examples of sources of electrical power of, on, or coupled to a furniture apparatus.

As another example, the electrical conductors119and120may receive electric voltage and electric current from some source of electrical power outside of a chair including the backrest body103, or more generally outside of a furniture apparatus. In such embodiments, the electrical conductors119and120are also examples of sources of electrical power of, on, or coupled to a furniture apparatus.

Additionally or alternatively, a chair including the backrest body103may include one or more sources of electrical control signals. For example, such electrical control signals may control one or more electrical loads such as the electrical loads described herein, for example. In some embodiments, for example, such control signals may control movement direction, movement speed, or movement generally of an electric motor or other actuator such as the electric headrest actuator129described below or one or more other electric motors or other actuators. In other embodiments, for example, such control signals may control intensity, color, one or more other properties, or two or more thereof of one or more electric light sources such as the electric light sources described below for example. Such control signals may be generated in response to one or more user inputs, for example from one or more switches, one or more mobile devices (for example, using an app on a mobile device), one or more other user-input devices, or any combination of any two or more thereof. In general, sources of electrical power as described herein may additionally or alternatively be sources of electrical control signals or other sources of electric current.

Referring back toFIGS.1to3, a headrest assembly (or wire headrest) is shown generally at121and includes a headrest-support body122and a headrest123. The headrest123is an example of a furniture accessory, although furniture accessories of alternative embodiments may differ.

The headrest-support body122includes an elongate hollow tube including lateral portions124and125and a transverse portion126between the lateral portions124and125. The headrest-support body122is an example of an elongate body. However, “body” herein does not necessarily require a distinct body, so the portions124,125, and126and other portions of the headrest-support body122are also examples of elongate bodies.

The headrest-support body122has a generally cylindrical exterior surface127and is sized such that a portion of the headrest-support body122can be received between the retaining bodies112and113as shown inFIG.2. However, alternative embodiments may differ. For example, alternative embodiments may have non-cylindrical exterior surfaces.

The retaining bodies112and113are shaped and positioned such that, as a portion of the lateral portion124of headrest-support body122is positioned in the space115, the retaining body113moves resiliently to increase the separation distance116, and after the space115receives the portion of the lateral portion124of headrest-support body122, the retaining body113moves resiliently to decrease the separation distance116such that one or both of the retaining bodies112and113contact the portion of the lateral portion124and retain (releasably or non-releasably) the portion of the lateral portion124(or, more generally, an elongate body) in the space115. In other words, the portion of the lateral portion124of headrest-support body122may snap into the space115to be retained (releasably or non-releasably) in the space115.

The headrest123includes a headrest core128pivotably coupled to the headrest-support body122at ends of the lateral portions124and125for rotation relative to the headrest-support body122. The headrest123also includes an electric headrest actuator129including one or more electric motors and operable to rotate the headrest core128relative to the headrest-support body122. The electric headrest actuator129is an example of an electrical load on the headrest123or more generally on a furniture accessory, although electric loads according to alternative embodiments may differ.

The headrest123also includes padding and upholstery130attached to the headrest core128to complete the headrest123, and the padding and upholstery130are rotatable relative to the headrest-support body122with the headrest core128in response to actuation by the electric headrest actuator129. The electric headrest actuator129can therefore adjust a position of the headrest123relative to the headrest-support body122(and relative to a chair including the backrest body103, or more generally relative to a furniture apparatus, when the headrest-support body122is coupled to such a chair) by rotating the headrest core128relative to the headrest-support body122. The headrest123is therefore coupled to the headrest-support body122or more generally to an elongate body.

Referring toFIGS.1,6, and7, the headrest123also includes electrical conductors131and132electrically coupled to the one or more electric motors of the electric headrest actuator129. The electrical conductors131and132extend from the electric headrest actuator129, through the headrest123, and into the lateral portion124of the headrest-support body122. The electrical conductors131and132are therefore examples of elongate-body electrical conductors, and some or all of one or both of the electrical conductors131and132may be enclosed in the lateral portion124or more generally in an elongate body.

Referring toFIGS.5and6, the electrical conductors131and132are electrically coupled with respective electrical contacts133and134on a contact body135of the headrest-support body122. The electrical contacts133and134are therefore electrical contacts of the headrest123or more generally of a furniture accessory. The electrical contacts133and134are also electrical contacts on the lateral portion124or on an elongate body, and are on the exterior surface127of the headrest-support body122. The electrical contacts133and134and an exterior surface of the contact body135are flush with the exterior surface127of the headrest-support body122.

Referring toFIGS.2and4to6, the retainers106and107are positioned to receive respective portions of the transverse portion126, positions of the retainers106and107relative to the retainer104define a portion of the lateral portion124that may be received by the retainer104when the retainers106and107receive the respective portions of the transverse portion126, and positions of the retainers106and107relative to the retainer105define a portion of the lateral portion125that may be received by the retainer105when the retainers106and107receive the respective portions of the transverse portion126. Therefore, for example, the headrest assembly121may be installed on or coupled to a chair including the backrest body103from behind such a chair (namely, on a side of the chair opposite the retainers104,105,106, and107) by first positioning the respective portions of the transverse portion126in the retainers106and107and then rotating the headrest assembly121around the transverse portion126and toward the backrest body103to position a portion of the lateral portion124in the retainer104and to position a portion of the lateral portion125in the retainer105.

When the retainers106and107receive the respective portions of the transverse portion126(or more generally respective portions of an elongate body coupled to the headrest123or to a furniture accessory), when the retainer104receives the portion (defined by the positions of the retainers106and107relative to the retainer104) of the lateral portion124(or more generally a portion of an elongate body coupled to the headrest123or to a furniture accessory), and when the retainer105receives the portion (defined by the positions of the retainers106and107relative to the retainer105) of the lateral portion125(or more generally a portion of an elongate body coupled to the headrest123or to a furniture accessory), the headrest-support body122(and therefore the headrest123, or more generally a furniture accessory) may be coupled to the backrest body103, to a chair including the backrest body103, or more generally to a furniture apparatus.

In general, a furniture accessory may be coupled to a furniture apparatus directly or indirectly, and coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus may involve mounting the furniture accessory to the furniture apparatus.

The electrical contacts117,118,133, and134are positioned such that, when the retainers106and107receive the respective portions of the transverse portion126, and when the retainer104receives the portion (defined by the positions of the retainers106and107relative to the retainer104) of the lateral portion124, the electrical contacts117and133contact each other and become electrically coupled such that the electrical conductors119and131become electrically coupled, and the electrical contacts118and134contact each other and become electrically coupled such that the electrical conductors120and132become electrically coupled.

Therefore, positioning the portion of the lateral portion124in the space115may cause the electrical contacts117and133to become electrically coupled and may cause the electrical contacts118and134to become electrically coupled, which may allow the electric headrest actuator129(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of a chair including the backrest body103(or more generally of a furniture apparatus).

Alternative embodiments may differ. For example, in some alternative embodiments, an elongate body such as the lateral portion124may be coupled to a furniture apparatus instead of to a furniture accessory. In such embodiments, one or more retainers such as the retainers104,105,106, and107may be coupled to a furniture accessory instead of to a furniture apparatus.

For example, referring toFIGS.8to10, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at136and includes a chair137. The chair137is another example of a seating apparatus or furniture apparatus, and the chair137consists of (or consists essentially of) one or more bodies (such as a base body138, a cushion139on the base body138, an armrest body140coupled to the base body138, and a backrest body141coupled to the base body138) that are configured to facilitate seating on the chair137. The backrest body141may be similar to the backrest body103.

The armrest body140(and therefore the chair137) includes accessory-support bodies142and143. Like the headrest-support body122, the accessory-support body142includes an elongate hollow tube having a generally cylindrical exterior surface, and the accessory-support body143includes an elongate hollow tube having a generally cylindrical exterior surface. The accessory-support body142, and portions of the accessory-support body142, are examples of elongate bodies coupled to the chair137or more generally to a furniture apparatus. The accessory-support body143, and portions of the accessory-support body143, are also examples of elongate bodies coupled to the chair137or more generally to a furniture apparatus.

The accessory-support body142may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the accessory-support body143may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above, for example. One or more electrical contacts on the accessory-support body142, on the accessory-support body143, or on both are examples of electrical contacts of the chair137or more generally of a furniture apparatus.

Such electrical contacts on the accessory-support body142, on the accessory-support body143, or on both may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors. Some or all of one or more of such electrical conductors may be enclosed in the armrest body140or more generally in the chair137or in a furniture apparatus, and one or more of such electrical conductors may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above, for example. Also, some or all of one or more of such electrical conductors may be enclosed in an elongate body (such as some of all of the accessory-support body142, some of all of the accessory-support body143, or some of all of both), and one or more of such electrical conductors may be examples of elongate-body electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors131and132as described above, for example.

One or more sources of electrical power may be of, on, or coupled to the chair137(or more generally to a furniture apparatus) as described herein for example, and the one or more sources of electrical power may create or convey an electric potential between furniture-apparatus electrical conductors of the chair137and between electrical contacts of the accessory-support body142, of the accessory-support body143, or of both to provide electric voltage and electric current between such electrical contacts.

In general, such electrical contacts may be on the same accessory-support body or on different accessory-support bodies. For example, in some embodiments, one or more sources of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair137may create or convey an electric potential to provide electric voltage and electric current between one electrical contact of the accessory-support body142and one electrical contact of the accessory-support body143. As another example, in some embodiments, one or more sources of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair137may create or convey an electric potential to provide electric voltage and electric current between two electrical contacts of the accessory-support body142or between two electrical contacts of the accessory-support body143.

The furniture system136also includes a table or tray144, which is an example of a furniture accessory. Retainers145and146are coupled to the table or tray144on a bottom side shown generally147of the table or tray144. One or both of the retainers145and146may be similar to the retainer104as described above and may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118as described above, for example. One or more electrical contacts on the retainer145, on the retainer146, or on both are examples of electrical contacts of the table or tray144or more generally of a furniture accessory. The table or tray144may include an electrical load. For example, as shown inFIG.10, the table or tray144in the embodiment shown includes an electric battery charger, which may be configured to charge a device (a mobile device148in the embodiment shown), and which may be configured to charge such a device wirelessly. An electrical load on the table or tray144may be electrically coupled to the one or more electrical contacts on the retainer145, on the retainer146, or on both allow the electrical load to receive electric voltage and electric current from such one or more electrical contacts.

The accessory-support bodies142and143and the retainers145and146may be positioned such that, when a portion of the accessory-support body142is received in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer145, a portion of the accessory-support body143may be received in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer146to couple the table or tray144to the chair137.

Further, one or more electrical contacts of the chair137and one or more electrical contacts of the table or tray144may be positioned such that positioning a portion of the accessory-support body142in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer145, positioning a portion of the accessory-support body143in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer146, or both causes the one or more electrical contacts of the chair137to become electrically coupled with respective one or more electrical contacts of the table or tray144, which may allow the electric battery charger of the table or tray144(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of the chair137(or more generally of a furniture apparatus).

Referring toFIGS.11and12, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at149and includes a chair150and a table or tray151.

The chair150may be similar to the chair137and may include an armrest body152, a base body153, and a cushion154. The chair150is an example of a furniture apparatus. The base body153may be similar to the base body138. The armrest body152may be similar to the armrest body140, but unlike the armrest body140, the armrest body152includes retainers155,156, and157coupled to the armrest body152and positioned to be concealed by the cushion154when the cushion154is on the base body153as shown inFIG.12.

In the embodiment shown, the retainer155may function similarly to the retainer104as described above, the retainer156may function similarly to the retainer105as described above, and the retainer157may function similarly to the retainers106and107as described above. As in other embodiments described herein, one, more than one, or all of the retainers155,156, and157may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118as described above, for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are examples of electrical contacts of the chair150or more generally of a furniture apparatus. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above for example, and which may receive an electric potential from one or more sources of electrical power of the chair150.

The table or tray151may be similar to the table or tray144and is another example of a furniture accessory. However, unlike the table or tray144, the table or tray151is coupled to a support body158that may be similar to the headrest-support body122. As in other embodiments described herein, the support body158may include or be an elongate body. Like the headrest assembly121as described above, the table or tray151may be installed on or coupled to the chair150by first positioning a portion of the support body158in the retainer157and then rotating the table or tray151and the support body158, around the portion of the support body158in the retainer157, to position another portion of the support body158in the retainer155and to position another portion of the support body158in the retainer156.

Further, as in other embodiments described herein, the support body158may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above, for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are electrical contacts of the table or tray151or more generally of a furniture accessory. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of elongate-body electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors131and132as described above, for example.

As in other embodiments described herein, positioning respective portions of the support body158in respective spaces (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainers155,156, and157may couple the table or tray151to the chair150and may cause the one or more electrical contacts of the chair150to become electrically coupled with respective one or more electrical contacts of the table or tray151, which may allow the electric battery charger of the table or tray151(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of the chair150(or more generally of a furniture apparatus).

Referring toFIGS.13and14, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at159and includes a chair160and a table or tray161.

The chair160may be similar to the chair150and may include a base body162and a cushion163. The chair160is an example of a furniture apparatus. The base body162may be similar to the base body138, but unlike the base body138, the base body162includes retainers164,165, and166that may be similar to the retainers155,156, and157respectively but coupled to the base body162and positioned to be concealed by the cushion163when the cushion163is on the base body162as shown inFIG.14. The table or tray161may be similar to the table or tray151and is another example of a furniture accessory, and the furniture system159may otherwise be similar to the furniture system149as described above.

Referring toFIGS.15and16, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at167and includes a chair168, which is an example of a furniture apparatus. The chair168may be similar to the chair150and may include a backrest body169that may be similar to the backrest body103or141. The backrest body169includes a retainer170that may be similar to the retainer104. For example, the retainer170may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118as described above, for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are examples of electrical contacts of the chair168or more generally of a furniture apparatus. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above for example, and which may receive an electric potential from one or more sources of electrical power of the chair168.

The system167also includes a lighting apparatus171including an electric light source172. The lighting apparatus171is an example of a furniture accessory. The electric light source172may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), one or more incandescent light bulbs, one or more halogen light bulbs, one or more other electric light sources, or a combination of two or more thereof, and the electric light source172is an example of an electrical load on the lighting apparatus171or more generally on a furniture accessory.

The lighting apparatus171also includes an elongate body173that may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are electrical contacts of the lighting apparatus171or more generally of a furniture accessory. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of elongate-body electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors131and132as described above, for example. Such one or more electrical conductors may electrically couple the electric light source172(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to the one or more electrical contacts on the lighting apparatus171.

As in other embodiments described herein, positioning a portion of the elongate body173in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer170may couple the lighting apparatus171to the chair168and may cause one or more electrical contacts of the chair168to become electrically coupled with respective one or more electrical contacts of the lighting apparatus171, which may allow the electric light source172of the lighting apparatus171(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of the chair168(or more generally of a furniture apparatus).

The system167also includes a table or tray174, which may be similar to the table or tray151or161, and which is another example of a furniture accessory. However, the table or tray174includes an electric light source175within the table or tray174. Like the electric light source172, the electric light source175may include one or more LEDs, one or more incandescent light bulbs, one or more halogen light bulbs, one or more other electric light sources, or a combination of two or more thereof, and the electric light source175is an example of an electrical load on the table or tray174or more generally on a furniture accessory. The electric light source175may, in operation, transmit light through an exterior surface of the table or tray174. The exterior surface of the table or tray174may be partly or entirely translucent or transparent.

In general, a table or tray as described herein may include an electric battery charger on the table or tray as described herein, an electric light source on the table or tray such as the electric light source175, one or more other electrical loads on the table or tray, or a combination of two or more thereof, and one or more such electrical loads on the table or tray may receive electric voltage and electric current from one or more sources of electrical power of a furniture apparatus such as the chair137,150,160, or168, for example.

Referring toFIGS.17and18, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at176and includes a chair177, which is an example of a furniture apparatus. The chair177may be similar to the chair150and may include a base body178. The base body178may be similar to the base body138, but retainers179and180are coupled to the base body178on a bottom side shown generally at181of the base body178. One or both of the retainers179and180may be similar to the retainer104as described above. Therefore, as in other embodiments described herein, one or both of the retainers179and180may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118as described above, for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are examples of electrical contacts of the chair177or more generally of a furniture apparatus. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above for example, and which may receive an electric potential from one or more sources of electrical power of the chair177.

The system176also includes a lighting apparatus182including an electric light source within the lighting apparatus182. The lighting apparatus182is or includes an elongate body having a generally cylindrical exterior surface183, and the lighting apparatus182is another example of a furniture accessory. The exterior surface of the lighting apparatus182may be partly or entirely translucent or transparent. The electric light source within the lighting apparatus182may include one or more LEDs, one or more incandescent light bulbs, one or more halogen light bulbs, one or more other electric light sources, or a combination of two or more thereof, and the electric light source within the lighting apparatus182is an example of an electrical load on the lighting apparatus182or more generally on a furniture accessory. The electric light source within the lighting apparatus182may, in operation, transmit light through some or all the generally cylindrical exterior surface183.

The lighting apparatus182may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are electrical contacts of the lighting apparatus182or more generally of a furniture accessory. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of elongate-body electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors131and132as described above, for example. Such one or more electrical conductors may electrically couple the electric light source within the lighting apparatus182(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to the one or more electrical contacts on the lighting apparatus182.

As in other embodiments described herein, positioning respective portions of the lighting apparatus182in respective spaces (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainers179and180may couple the lighting apparatus182to the chair177and may cause one or more electrical contacts of the chair177to become electrically coupled with respective one or more electrical contacts of the lighting apparatus182, which may allow the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182(or more generally an electrical load on a furniture accessory) to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of the chair177(or more generally of a furniture apparatus).

Referring toFIGS.19and20, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at184and includes an electric power source185, which is an example of a furniture accessory. The electric power source185includes an electric battery, which may include one or more electrochemical cells or other sources of electric power.

The electric power source185also includes a support body or coupling body186that may be similar to the accessory-support body142or the accessory-support body143and may include or be an elongate body. Therefore, the support body or coupling body186may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are electrical contacts of the electric power source185or more generally of a furniture accessory. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of elongate-body electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors131and132as described above, for example. Such one or more electrical conductors may electrically couple the electric battery of the electric power source185to the one or more electrical contacts on the electric power source185.

The system184also includes a chair187, which is an example of a furniture apparatus. The chair187may be similar to the chair150, and one or more furniture accessories (such as the headrest123, the table or tray144,151,161, or174, or the lighting apparatus182, for example) may include one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example) and may be coupled to the chair187as described above, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the chair187may include one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example).

The chair187may include a base body188. The base body188may be similar to the base body138, but a retainer189is coupled to the base body188and may be similar to the retainer104as described above. For example, the retainer189may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118as described above, for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are examples of electrical contacts of the chair187or more generally of a furniture apparatus. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above for example. Furniture-apparatus electrical conductors of the chair187may receive an electric potential from electrical contacts of the retainer189, which may receive an electric potential from electrical contacts of the support body or coupling body186, which may receive an electric potential from the electric battery of the electric power source185.

Therefore, as in other embodiments described herein, positioning a portion of the support body or coupling body186in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer189may couple the electric power source185to the chair187and may cause the one or more electrical contacts of the electric power source185to become electrically coupled with respective electrical contacts of the chair187.

Causing the one or more electrical contacts of the electric power source185to become electrically coupled with respective electrical contacts of the chair187may allow one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example) on one or more furniture accessories (such as the headrest123, the table or tray144,151,161, or174, or the lighting apparatus182, for example) coupled to the chair187to receive electric voltage and electric current from the electric battery of the electric power source185. Additionally or alternatively, causing the one or more electrical contacts of the electric power source185to become electrically coupled with respective electrical contacts of the chair187may allow one or more electrical loads of the chair187to receive electric voltage and electric current from the electric battery of the electric power source185.

Therefore, the electric power source185is an example of a furniture accessory and is also an example of a source of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair187(or more generally a furniture apparatus), and the electric power source185may allow one or more electrical loads as described above to be battery-powered by the electric battery of the electric power source185.

Referring toFIGS.21and22, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at190and includes chairs191and192. The chair191may be similar to the chair150and may include a base body193. The base body193may be similar to the base body138, but retainers194and195are coupled to the base body193on a side of the base body193positioned to face the chair192. One or both of the retainers194and195may be similar to the retainer104as described above. Therefore, as in other embodiments described herein, one or both of the retainers194and195may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts117and118as described above, for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are examples of electrical contacts of the chair191. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above for example.

The chair192may be similar to the chair150but may omit an armrest body (such as the armrest body140) and may include a base body196. The base body196may be similar to the base body138, but coupling bodies197and198are coupled to the base body196on a side of the base body196positioned to face the chair191. One or both of the coupling bodies197and198may be similar to the accessory-support body142or the accessory-support body143and may include or be an elongate body. Therefore, one or both of the coupling bodies197and198may include one or more electrical contacts such as the electrical contacts133and134as described above for example, and such one or more electrical contacts are electrical contacts of the chair192. Further, as in other embodiments described herein, such one or more electrical contacts may be electrically coupled to one or more respective electrical conductors, which may be examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors similar to the electrical conductors119and120as described above for example.

The retainers194and195and the coupling bodies197and198may be positioned such that, when a portion of the coupling body197is received in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer194, a portion of the coupling body198may be received in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer195to couple the chairs191and192.

Further, one or more electrical contacts of the chair191and one or more electrical contacts of the chair192may be positioned such that positioning a portion of the coupling body197in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of the retainer194, positioning a portion of the coupling body198in a space (similar to the space115as described above, for example) of retainer195, or both causes the one or more electrical contacts of the chair191to become electrically coupled with respective one or more electrical contacts of the chair192.

Therefore, for example, one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example) on one or more furniture accessories (such as the headrest123, the table or tray144,151,161, or174, or the lighting apparatus182, for example) coupled to the chair191may receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair192. Additionally or alternatively, the chair191may include one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example), and such one or more electrical loads of the chair191(or more generally of a furniture apparatus) may receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair192. In such examples, the chair192may be an example of a furniture accessory.

Also, as another example, one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example) on one or more furniture accessories (such as the headrest123, the table or tray144,151,161, or174, or the lighting apparatus182, for example) coupled to the chair192to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair191(or more generally a furniture apparatus). Additionally, or alternatively, the chair192may include one or more electrical loads (such as the electric headrest actuator129, an electric battery charger of a table or tray, the electric light source172or175, or the electric light source of the lighting apparatus182, for example), and such one or more electrical loads of the chair192(or more generally of a furniture apparatus) may receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of, on, or coupled to the chair191. In such examples, the chair191may be an example of a furniture accessory.

Referring toFIGS.23and24, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at199and includes a furniture apparatus200. The furniture apparatus200may be a chair-frame portion such as the chair-frame portion101described above, or any other furniture apparatus. A retainer201is coupled to the furniture apparatus200. The retainer201may be similar to the retainer104as described above and includes an interior surface202that may be similar to the interior surface114. The retainer201also includes electrical contacts that may be similar to the electrical contacts117and118as described above, although the electrical contacts on the retainer201are recessed in respective recesses shown generally at203and204behind the surface202. Recessing the electrical contacts on the retainer201behind the surface202may prevent or avoid unintentional electrical connections with the electrical contacts on the retainer201.

In the embodiment shown, an elongate body205may be similar to elongate bodies as described herein, but electrical contacts206and207on the elongate body205may be protrusions from a generally cylindrical exterior surface208(that may be similar to the exterior surface127as described above) of the elongate body205. The electrical contacts206and207may be sized and positioned to contact respective electrical contacts on the retainer201when a space defined by the surface202receives a portion of the elongate body205as described herein regarding other embodiments. The retainer201and the elongate body205may otherwise function as described herein regarding other embodiments.

Alternative embodiments may differ. For example, in some embodiments, one or more electrical contacts on a retainer as described herein may be protrusions into a space defined by the retainer, and one or more electrical contacts on an elongate body as described herein may be recessed behind an exterior surface of the elongate body. Other embodiments such as those described herein may include a retainer similar to the retainer201, a retainer on which one or more electrical contacts are protrusions into a space defined by the retainer, or another retainer. Also, other embodiments such as those described herein may include an elongate body similar to the elongate body205, an elongate body on which one or more electrical contacts are recessed behind an exterior surface of the elongate body, or another elongate body.

Referring toFIG.25, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at209and includes a furniture apparatus210. The furniture apparatus210may be a chair-frame portion such as the chair-frame portion101described above, or any other furniture apparatus. A retainer211is coupled to the furniture apparatus210and may be similar to the retainer104. An elongate body212may be similar to elongate bodies as described herein regarding other embodiments. The retainer211and the elongate body212may otherwise function as described herein regarding other embodiments.

The system209also includes a controller device213. The controller device213may include one or more electrical circuits or processors (such as one or more central processing unit (CPUs) or microprocessors, one or more machine learning chips, one or more discrete logic circuits, or one or more application-specific integrated circuit (ASICs), or combinations of two or more thereof). Such one or more processors may also include one or more of the same or different computer-readable storage media, which in various embodiments may include one or more read-only memory (ROM), one or more random access memory (RAM), one or more hard disc drive (HDD), one or more solid-state drive (SSD), or one or more other computer-readable and/or computer-writable storage media, or combinations of two or more thereof. Such one or more such computer-readable storage media may store program codes that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to, at least, implement functions including but not limited to functions as described herein. The controller device213may be programmed, configured, or operable to implement at least such functions in other ways.

The controller device213may be part of a source of electrical power. For example, the controller device213may receive electrical power from an AC power source, a DC power source, an AC-to-DC adapter, one or more electrical conductors, one or more other sources of electrical power, or a combination of two or more thereof. Further, the controller device213may be electrically coupled to electrical conductors214and215, which may be similar to the electrical conductors119and120are therefore other examples of furniture-apparatus electrical conductors. The electrical conductors214and215are electrically coupled with respective electrical contacts on the retainer211. Therefore, the controller device213may control electrical power available to electrical contacts on the retainer211, which may convey electrical power, from or controlled by the controller device213, to electrical contacts on the elongate body212and to one or more electrical loads as described herein regarding other embodiments, for example. Therefore, a source of electrical power including the controller device213may be electrically coupled to an electrical load by positioning a portion of the elongate body212in a space defined by the retainer211or more generally by positioning a portion of an elongate body in a space defined by a retainer as described herein regarding other embodiments.

The controller device213may be operable, programed, or configured to detect whether an authorized electrical load is electrically coupled to a source of electrical power including the controller device213, for example by positioning a portion of an elongate body in a space defined by a retainer as described herein regarding other embodiments. In some embodiments, an authorized electrical load may have a known or knowable electrical constant or variable resistance or impedance, may produce one or more known or knowable electrical signals, or both, or the controller device213may otherwise detect electrical connection with the authorized electrical load. The controller device213may detect such known or knowable electrical resistance, impedance, or signals, for example, and direct electrical power to the electrical contacts on the retainer211in response to detecting the at least one authorized electrical load, or only when electrical coupling to such an authorized electrical load is detected. The controller device213may therefore prevent or avoid unintentional electrical connections with the electrical contacts on the retainer211.

Referring toFIGS.26to30, a furniture system according to another embodiment is shown generally at230and includes a furniture apparatus231and a furniture accessory232. The furniture apparatus231may include a chair such as chair191described above, or any other furniture apparatus. The furniture accessory232may include a table or tray such as table or tray174described above, or any other furniture accessory.

A retainer233may be coupled to the furniture accessory232. As shown inFIG.28, retainer233includes retaining bodies234and235. An interior surface236of the retainer233defines at least part of a space237between the retaining bodies234and235. The surface236is on the retaining bodies234and235, so the retaining bodies234and235also at least partially define the space237. In some embodiments, retainer233is coupled to a bottom surface of the furniture accessory232.

The retaining body234may be at an offset angle A1from the retaining body235. As such, the portion of the surface236defined by the retaining body234may be at the offset angle A1from the portion of the surface236defined by the retaining body235. In some embodiments, the retaining bodies234and235are different from one another. In some embodiments, the retaining body234has a length238that is shorter than a length239of the retaining body235.

In some embodiments, the retainer233includes or is a French cleat.

As shown inFIG.27, a mating member240may be coupled to the furniture apparatus231, for example, to an armrest body241of the furniture apparatus231. In some embodiments, the mating member240includes or is a mating cleat. The mating member240may extend laterally across the armrest body241. The mating member240may include or be an elongate body.

The mating member240may comprise faces242and243. Face242may be at an angle from face243. Face242may be angularly offset from face243at the same offset angle A1at which the retaining body234is offset from the retaining body235. Face243may be parallel to an outward face244of the armrest body241. An exterior surface of mating member240may include faces242and243.

Referring toFIG.29, positioning the retaining bodies234and235over the mating member240such that the retaining bodies234and235contact at least partially the faces242and243of the mating member240respectively, and such that the mating member240is at least partially positioned within the space237of the retainer233, couples the retainer233to the mating member240, and therefore also couples the furniture accessory232to the furniture apparatus231. In some embodiments, the mating member240has a length245that is longer than a length246of the retainer233. By virtue of the mating member240being longer than the retainer233, the retainer233(and therefore the furniture accessory232) may be coupled to the mating member240along any portion of the mating member240, which may in some embodiments facilitate placement of the furniture accessory232relative to the furniture apparatus231at a desired location along the mating member240.

The retaining bodies234and235may include electrical contacts251and252respectively. The electrical contacts251and252may, for example, extend laterally across the retaining bodies234and235. The mating member240may include electrical contacts253and254as shown inFIG.27. Electrical contacts253and254may, for example, extend laterally across faces242and243respectively. The electrical contacts251and252may be electrical contacts of the furniture accessory232. The electrical contacts253and254may be electrical contacts of the furniture apparatus231. In some embodiments, any one, more than one, or all of electrical contacts251,252,253, and254is or includes a continuous strip of electrically conductive material.

The electrical contacts251,252,253, and254may be positioned such that, when retainer233is positioned over and receives the respective portion of the mating member240(and the retaining body234contacts face242, and the retaining body235contacts face243), the electrical contacts251and253contact each other and become electrically coupled, and the electrical contacts252and254contact each other and become electrically coupled thereby electrically coupling the furniture accessory232with the furniture apparatus231. Electrically coupling the furniture accessory232with the furniture apparatus231may allow an electrical load on the furniture accessory232to receive electric voltage and electric current from a source of electrical power of the furniture apparatus231or vice versa.

The furniture accessory232may include an electrical load. An electrical load on the furniture accessory232may be electrically coupled to the electrical contacts on the retainer233, to allow the electrical load to receive electric voltage and electric current from such one or more electrical contacts.

For example, as shown inFIG.29, the furniture accessory232includes an electric light source260. Like the electric light source175described above, the electric light source260may include one or more LEDs, one or more incandescent light bulbs, one or more halogen light bulbs, one or more other electric light sources, or a combination of two or more thereof, and the electric light source260is an example of an electrical load on the furniture accessory232. The electric light source260may, in operation, transmit light through an exterior surface of the furniture accessory232. The exterior surface of the furniture accessory232may be partly or entirely translucent or transparent.

Additionally, or alternatively, the furniture accessory232, as shown inFIG.30, may include an electric battery charger, which may be configured to charge a device (the mobile device148in the embodiment shown), and which may be configured to charge such a device wirelessly.

In this embodiment, an elongate body described herein, such as the mating member240for example, may be coupled to a surface. The elongate body and the surface may define a space. At least a portion of a retainer, such as the retainer233for example, may be positioned within the space. When the retainer is at least partially positioned within the space, the retainer may have a first contact region (or contact point) on, for example, the retaining body234contactingly engageable with the elongate body within the space and a second contact region (or point) on, for example, the retaining body235engageable to at least partially prevent rotation of the retainer about the elongate body induced by a force in a direction that urges the retainer into the space. The force may, for example, include gravitational force exerted on furniture accessory232, downward forces on furniture accessory232exerted by a user, etc.

The first and second contact regions may be on different portions of the retainer such as on the retaining bodies234and235as described above or on the same portion of the retainer such as, for example, on a single retaining body.

In some embodiments, the elongate body is removably coupled to the surface. The surface may, for example, be a surface of a furniture apparatus such as the outward face244of the armrest body241. In some embodiments, the surface is integrally coupled to the elongate body. In some such embodiments, the surface and the elongate body may be coupled to a furniture apparatus. In some embodiments, the elongate body is coupled to a furniture accessory and the retainer is coupled to a furniture apparatus.

A retainer described herein may be an element that is separate from and couplable to a furniture apparatus or furniture accessory. However, in some embodiments, a retainer described herein is an element that is integrally formed or integrally coupled to a furniture apparatus or furniture accessory. A retainer described herein may include a one-piece element or an element comprising a plurality of pieces.

The embodiments as described herein are examples only, and alternative embodiments may differ. In general, elements of embodiments as described herein may be interchangeably used in other embodiments described herein. For example, in embodiments as described herein, retainers may replace elongate bodies and elongate bodies may replace retainers. Also, an electrical load of one embodiment may replace an electrical load of another embodiment. In general, elements of the embodiments as described herein may be varied, repositioned, reoriented, substituted, exchanged, combined, separated, omitted, or two or more thereof. Also, alternative embodiments may include more, fewer, or different elements that may be in different positions, in different orientations, or both, and alternative embodiments may include different shapes.

Further in some embodiments, support bodies, elongate bodies, retainers, or any two or more thereof, as described herein, may be concealed within or behind upholstery.

In general, embodiments such as those described herein may facilitate electrical coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus, for example by electrically coupling one or more electrical loads to one or more sources of electrical power conveniently (for example, without tools and without additional steps) and with fewer exposed or visible electrical wires when compared to other methods.

Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative only and not as limiting the invention.

This disclosure also further includes, but is not limited to, the following examples, each of which may be an example of one or more embodiments described or illustrated herein, and each of which may be combined with one or more other examples, embodiments, or any other subject matter described or illustrated herein.1. A method of coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus, the method comprising:positioning a portion of an elongate body, coupled to the furniture accessory, in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space.2. The method of example 1, wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises rotating the elongate body and the furniture accessory towards the furniture apparatus.3. The method of example 2, wherein rotating the elongate body and the furniture accessory towards the furniture apparatus comprises rotating the elongate body and the furniture accessory around a portion of a second elongate body in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a second retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus.4. The method of example 1, 2, or 3, wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises electrically coupling at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.5. A method of electrically coupling at least one electrical contact on a furniture accessory to at least one electrical contact on a furniture apparatus, the method comprising:positioning a portion of an elongate body, coupled to the furniture apparatus, in a space between at least two retaining bodies of a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory such that the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space;wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises electrically coupling at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.6. The method of example 4, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.7. The method of example 5, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.8. The method of example 6 or 7, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is on the exterior surface of the elongate body.9. The method of example 8, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is flush with the exterior surface of the elongate body.10. The method of example 8, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one protrusion from the exterior surface of the elongate body.11. The method of example 8 or 10, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind the exterior surface of the elongate body.12. The method of any one of examples 6 to 11, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is electrically coupled with at least one elongate-body electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one elongate-body electrical conductor is enclosed in the elongate body.13. The method of example 4 or 6, or of any one of examples 8 to 12 when dependent from example 4, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.14. The method of example 13, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is electrically coupled with at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.15. The method of example 5 or 7, or of any one of examples 8 to 12 when dependent from example 5, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.16. The method of example 13, 14, or 15, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer faces into the space.17. The method of example 13, 14, 15, or 16, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is between the at least two retaining bodies.18. The method of any one of examples 13 to 17, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one protrusion into the space.19. The method of any one of examples 13 to 18, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind a surface defining at least a portion of the space.20. The method of any one of examples 4 to 19, wherein electrically coupling the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises electrically coupling at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus with at least one electrical load on the furniture accessory.21. The method of example 20, wherein at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.22. The method of example 20 or 21, wherein at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is on the furniture apparatus.23. The method of example 20, 21, or 22, wherein at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is coupled to the furniture apparatus.24. The method of example 20, 21, 22, or 23, wherein the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical control signals of the furniture apparatus.25. The method of any one of examples 20 to 24, wherein the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical power of the furniture apparatus.26. The method of any one of examples 4 to 19, wherein electrically coupling the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises electrically coupling at least one source of electrical power of the furniture accessory with at least one electrical load on the furniture apparatus.27. The method of example 26, wherein the at least one source of electrical power of the furniture accessory comprises an electric battery.28. The method of example 25, 26, or 27, wherein the at least one source of electrical power is configured to, at least:detect electrical coupling of the at least one source of electrical power to at least one authorized electrical load; andprovide electrical power to the at least one authorized electrical load in response to detecting the at least one authorized electrical load.29. The method of any one of examples 20 to 28, wherein the at least one electrical load comprises an electric motor.30. The method of example 29, wherein the electric motor is operable to move at least a portion of the furniture accessory relative to the furniture apparatus.31. The method of any one of examples 20 to 30, wherein the at least one electrical load comprises an electric light source.32. The method of example 31, wherein at least a portion of the electric light source is enclosed in the elongate body and operable to transmit light through the exterior surface of the elongate body.33. The method of any one of examples 20 to 32, wherein the at least one electrical load comprises an electric battery charger.34. The method of example 33, wherein the electric battery charger is configured to charge a mobile device.35. The method of example 33, wherein the electric battery charger is configured to charge a device wirelessly.36. The method of any one of examples 1 to 35, wherein:the elongate body is at least a portion of a rod; andthe exterior surface of the elongate body is generally cylindrical.37. The method of any one of examples 1 to 36, wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises:causing at least one of the at least two retaining bodies to move resiliently to increase a separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies to allow the space to receive the portion of the elongate body; andafter the space receives the portion of the elongate body, causing the at least one of the at least two retaining bodies to move resiliently to decrease the separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies to retain the portion of the elongate body in the space.38. The method of example 5, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on a first one of the at least two retaining bodies, and at least one electrical contact on a second one of the at least two retaining bodies.39. The method of example 38, wherein each of the at least one electrical contact on the first one of the at least two retaining bodies and the at least one electrical contact on the second one of the at least two retaining bodies comprises an electrically conductive strip.40. The method of example 38 or 39, wherein the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is at an offset angle to the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.41. The method of example 40, wherein the exterior surface of the elongate body comprises a first face and a second face, the first face at the offset angle to the second face.42. The method of example 41, wherein each of the first and second faces of the elongate body comprises an electrically conductive strip.43. The method of example 41 or 42, wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space between the at least two retaining bodies of the retainer comprises causing the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the first face of the elongate body, and causing the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the second face of the elongate body.44. The method of example 43, wherein causing the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the first face of the elongate body electrically couples the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to the first face of the elongate body, and causing the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to contact the second face of the elongate body electrically couples the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to the second face of the elongate body.45. The method of any one of examples 38 to 44, wherein the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is shorter than the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.46. The method of any one of examples 5 or 38 to 45, wherein the retainer comprises a French cleat.47. The method of any one of examples 5 or 38 to 46, wherein the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.48. The method of any one of examples 1 to 47, wherein the furniture apparatus comprises an upholstered bed.49. The method of any one of examples 1 to 47, wherein the furniture apparatus comprises a seating apparatus.50. The method of any one of examples 1 to 47, wherein the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.51. The method of any one of examples 1 to 47, wherein the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting essentially of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.52. The method of example 49, 50, or 51, wherein the seating apparatus is a chair.53. The method of example 49, 50, 51, or 52, wherein the furniture accessory is a second chair.54. The method of any one of examples 1 to 52, wherein the furniture accessory is a headrest.55. The method of any one of examples 1 to 52, wherein the furniture accessory is a table.56. The method of any one of examples 1 to 52, wherein the furniture accessory is a tray.57. The method of any one of examples 1 to 56, wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises mounting the furniture accessory on the furniture apparatus.58. The method of any one of examples 1 to 56, wherein positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space comprises coupling the furniture accessory directly to the furniture apparatus.59. The method of any one of examples 1 to 58, wherein the furniture apparatus is independent of any vehicle.60. A furniture system comprising:a furniture accessory;an elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory;a furniture apparatus; anda retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies;wherein a portion of the elongate body is positionable in the space such that, when the portion of the elongate body is positioned in the space, the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space.61. The system of example 60, further comprising:a second elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory; anda second retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus, the second retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies of the second retainer;wherein when a portion of the second elongate body is in the space between the at least two retaining bodies of the second retainer, the elongate body and the furniture accessory are rotatable, around the portion of the second elongate body, such that the portion of the elongate body is positionable in the space of the retainer in response to rotation of the elongate body and the furniture accessory towards the furniture apparatus and around the portion of the second elongate body.62. The system of example 60 or 61, wherein:the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact;the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact; andthe at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory and the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus are positioned such that the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is electrically couplable with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus in response to positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space.63. A furniture system comprising:a furniture accessory;a retainer coupled to the furniture accessory, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies;a furniture apparatus; andan elongate body coupled to the furniture apparatus;wherein:a portion of the elongate body is positionable in the space such that, when the portion of the elongate body is positioned in the space, the at least two retaining bodies contact an exterior surface of the elongate body on at least the portion of the elongate body and retain at least the portion of the elongate body in the space;the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact;the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact; andthe at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory and the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus are positioned such that the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is electrically couplable with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus in response to positioning the portion of the elongate body in the space.64. The system of example 62, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.65. The system of example 63, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the elongate body.66. The system of example 64 or 65, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is on the exterior surface of the elongate body.67. The system of example 62 or 64, or of example 66 when dependent from example 54, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.68. The system of example 67, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is electrically coupled with at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one furniture-apparatus electrical conductor is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.69. The system of example 63 or 65, or of example 66 when dependent from example 65, wherein the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on the retainer.70. The system of example 67, 68, or 69, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer faces into the space.71. A furniture system comprising:a furniture accessory; andan elongate body coupled to the furniture accessory, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is on an exterior surface of the elongate body.72. A furniture system comprising:a furniture apparatus; andan elongate body coupled to the furniture apparatus, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus is on an exterior surface of the elongate body.73. A furniture system comprising:a furniture accessory; anda retainer coupled to the furniture accessory, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory is on the retainer and faces into the space.74. A furniture system comprising:a furniture apparatus; anda retainer coupled to the furniture apparatus, the retainer comprising two retaining bodies and defining a space between at least the two retaining bodies, wherein at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus is on the retainer and faces into the space.75. The system of example 64, 65, or 66, or of any one of examples 67 to 70 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 64 or 65, or of example 71 or 72, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is flush with the exterior surface of the elongate body.76. The system of example 64, 65, or 66, or of any one of examples 67 to 70 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 64 or 65, or of example 71 or 72, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one protrusion from the exterior surface of the elongate body.77. The system of example 64, 65, or 66, or of any one of examples 67 to 70 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 64 or 65, or of example 71 or 72, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind the exterior surface of the elongate body.78. The system of example 64, 65, or 66, or of any one of examples 67 to 70 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 64 or 65, or of any one of examples 71 to 77, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the elongate body is electrically coupled with at least one elongate-body electrical conductor, and at least a portion of the at least one elongate-body electrical conductor is enclosed in the elongate body.79. The system of example 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 78 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 67, 69, 73, or 74, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer is between the at least two retaining bodies.80. The system of example 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, or 79, or of any one of examples 75 to 78 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 67, 69, 73, or 74, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one protrusion into the space.81. The system of example 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 74, 79, or 80, or of any one of examples 75 to 78 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 67, 69, 73, or 74, wherein the at least one electrical contact on the retainer comprises at least one electrical contact recessed behind a surface defining at least a portion of the space.82. The system of any one of examples 62 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 80 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 62, 63, 72, or 74, wherein:the furniture apparatus comprises at least one source of electric current; andthe at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is electrically coupled with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture apparatus.83. The system of example 82, wherein at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is enclosed in the furniture apparatus.84. The system of example 82 or 83, wherein at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is on the furniture apparatus.85. The system of example 82, 83, or 84, wherein at least a portion of the at least one source of electric current of the furniture apparatus is coupled to the furniture apparatus.86. The system of example 82, 83, 84, or 85, wherein the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical control signals of the furniture apparatus.87. The system of any one of examples 82 to 86, wherein the at least one source of electric current comprises at least one source of electrical power of the furniture apparatus.88. The system of any one of examples 62 to 70, or of example 71 or 73, or of any one of examples 75 to 80 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 62, 63, 71, or 73, wherein:the furniture accessory comprises at least one source of electric power; andthe at least one source of electric power of the furniture accessory is electrically coupled with the at least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory.89. The system of example 88, wherein the at least one source of electrical power of the furniture accessory comprises an electric battery.90. The system of example 87, 88, or 89, wherein the at least one source of electrical power is configured to, at least:detect electrical coupling of the at least one source of electrical power to at least one authorized electrical load; andprovide electrical power to the at least one authorized electrical load in response to detecting the at least one authorized electrical load.91. The system of any one of examples 62 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, of any one of examples 75 to 81 or 88 to 90 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 62, 63, 72, or 74, wherein at least one electrical load is on the furniture apparatus.92. The system of any one of examples 62 to 70, or of example 71 or 73, of any one of examples 75 to 87 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 62, 63, 71, or 73, wherein at least one electrical load is on the furniture accessory.93. The system of example 91 or 92, wherein the at least one electrical load comprises an electric motor.94. The system of example 93, wherein the electric motor is operable to move at least a portion of the furniture accessory relative to the furniture apparatus.95. The system of example 91, 92, 93, or 94, wherein the at least one electrical load comprises an electric light source.96. The system of example 95, wherein at least a portion of the electric light source is enclosed in the elongate body and operable to transmit light through the exterior surface of the elongate body.97. The system of any one of examples 91 to 96, wherein the at least one electrical load comprises an electric battery charger.98. The system of example 97, wherein the electric battery charger is configured to charge a mobile device.99. The system of example 97, wherein the electric battery charger is configured to charge a device wirelessly.100. The system of any one of examples 60 to 72, or of any one of examples 75 to 99 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 71, or 72, wherein:the elongate body is at least a portion of a rod; andthe exterior surface of the elongate body is generally cylindrical.101. The system of any one of examples 60 to 70, of example 73 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 100 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 73, or 74, wherein at least one of the at least two retaining bodies is resiliently movable to increase a separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies.102. The system of example 101 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 71, or 72, wherein the at least two retaining bodies are positioned such that:the at least one of the at least two retaining bodies moves resiliently to increase the separation to allow the space to receive the portion of the elongate body; andafter the space receives the portion of the elongate body, the at least one of the at least two retaining bodies moves resiliently to decrease the separation distance between the at least two retaining bodies to retain the portion of the elongate body in the space.103. The system of any one of examples 60 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 102 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 72, or 74, wherein the furniture apparatus comprises an upholstered bed.104. The system of any one of examples 60 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 102 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 72, or 74, wherein the furniture apparatus comprises a seating apparatus.105. The system of any one of examples 60 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 102 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 72, or 74, wherein the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.106. The system of any one of examples 60 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 102 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 72, or 74, wherein the furniture apparatus is a seating apparatus consisting essentially of at least one body configured to facilitate seating on the seating apparatus.107. The system of example 104, 105, or 106, wherein the furniture accessory is a second chair.108. The system of any one of examples 60 to 71, or of example 73, or of any one of examples 75 to 106 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 71, or 73, wherein the furniture accessory is a headrest.109. The system of any one of examples 60 to 71, or of example 73, or of any one of examples 75 to 106 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 71, or 73, wherein the furniture accessory is a table.110. The system of any one of examples 60 to 71, or of example 73, or of any one of examples 75 to 106 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 71, or 73, wherein the furniture accessory is a tray.111. The system of any one of examples 60 to 70, or of example 72 or 74, or of any one of examples 75 to 110 when directly or indirectly dependent from example 60, 63, 72, or 74, wherein the furniture apparatus is independent of any vehicle.112. The system of example 62 when dependent from example 60, or example 63 or 73, wherein the least one electrical contact of the furniture accessory comprises at least one electrical contact on a first one of the at least two retaining bodies, and at least one electrical contact on a second one of the at least two retaining bodies.113. The system of example 112, wherein each of the at least one electrical contact on the first one of the at least two retaining bodies and the at least one electrical contact on the second one of the at least two retaining bodies comprises an electrically conductive strip.114. The system of example 112 or 113, wherein the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is at an offset angle to the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.115. The system of example 114, wherein the exterior surface of the elongate body comprises a first face and a second face, the first face at the offset angle to the second face.116. The system of example 115, wherein each of the first and second faces of the elongate body comprises an electrically conductive strip.117. The system of example 115 or 116, wherein the first one of the at least two retaining bodies contacts the first face of the elongate body, and the second one of the at least two retaining bodies contacts the second face of the elongate body.118. The system of example 117, wherein the first one of the at least two retaining bodies contacting the first face of the elongate body electrically couples the first one of the at least two retaining bodies to the first face of the elongate body, and the second one of the at least two retaining bodies contacting the second face of the elongate body electrically couples the second one of the at least two retaining bodies to the second face of the elongate body.119. The system of any one of examples 63 or 112 to 118, wherein the first one of the at least two retaining bodies is shorter than the second one of the at least two retaining bodies.120. The system of any one of examples 63 or 112 to 119, wherein the retainer comprises a French cleat.121. The system of any one of examples 63 or 112 to 120, wherein the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.122. A furniture system comprising:an elongate body coupled to a surface, the elongate body and the surface defining a space; anda retainer, the retainer at least partially positionable within the space to couple the retainer to the elongate body, such that when the retainer is at least partially positioned within the space the retainer has a first contact region contactingly engageable with the elongate body within the space and a second contact region engageable to at least partially prevent rotation of the retainer about the elongate body induced by a force in a direction that urges the retainer into the space.123. The system of example 122, wherein the elongate body is coupled to a furniture apparatus.124. The system of example 122 or 123, wherein the retainer is coupled to a furniture accessory.125. The system of example 122, wherein the elongate body is coupled to a furniture accessory.126. The system of example 122 or 125, wherein the retainer is coupled to a furniture apparatus.127. The system of any one of examples 122 to 126, wherein the elongate body comprises at least one electrical contact and the retainer comprises at least one electrical contact, and wherein when the retainer is at least partially positioned in the space the at least one electrical contact of the retainer is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical contact of the elongate body.128. The system of any one of examples 122 to 127, wherein the retainer has a length that is shorter than a length of the elongate body.129. The system of any one of examples 122 to 128, wherein the retainer comprises a French cleat.130. The system of any one of examples 122 to 129, wherein the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.131. The system of any one of examples 122 to 130, wherein the elongate body and the surface are removably coupled together.132. The system of any one of examples 122 to 131, wherein the elongate body and the surface are integrally coupled together.133. A method of coupling a furniture accessory to a furniture apparatus, the method comprising:positioning at least partially a retainer within a space between an elongate body and a surface to which the elongate body is coupled, wherein at least partially positioning the retainer within the space contactingly engages a first contact region of the retainer with the elongate body within the space and engages a second contact region of the retainer to at least partially prevent rotation of the retainer about the elongate body induced by a force in a direction that urges the retainer into the space.134. The method of example 133, wherein the elongate body is coupled to the furniture apparatus.135. The method of example 133 or 134, wherein the retainer is coupled to the furniture accessory.136. The method of example 133, wherein the elongate body is coupled to the furniture accessory.137. The method of example 133 or 136, wherein the retainer is coupled to the furniture apparatus.138. The method of any one of examples 133 to 137, wherein at least partially positioning the retainer in the space causes the retainer to be electrically coupled to the elongate body.139. The method of any one of examples 133 to 138, wherein the retainer has a length that is shorter than a length of the elongate body.140. The method of any one of examples 133 to 139, wherein the retainer comprises a French cleat.141. The method of any one of examples 133 to 140, wherein the elongate body comprises a mating cleat.142. The method of any one of examples 133 to 141, wherein the elongate body and the surface are removably coupled together.143. The method of any one of examples 133 to 141, wherein the elongate body and the surface are integrally coupled together.