Abstract:
A furniture glide is provided for mounting to a leg of a piece of furniture. The furniture glide having an inner surface for engaging a bottom of the leg of the piece of furniture and an outer surface for engaging a supporting surface. A first and second sidewalls project from opposite sides of the base and have inner surfaces for engaging opposites sides of the leg of the piece of furniture. Each sidewall is pivotable between a first storage position wherein the sidewall is spaced from a corresponding side of the leg and a second operating position wherein the sidewall is in engagement with the corresponding side of the leg.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/536,079, filed Jan. 13, 2004. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates generally to furniture glides, and in particular, to a furniture glide that wraps around a base portion of a tubular chair frame or a foot mounted to the terminal end of a leg of a piece of furniture. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Coasters are often used under the legs of a piece of furniture to act as a buffer between the legs and the floor on which the piece of furniture rests. Typically, coasters take the form of glass or rubber discs having flat bottoms that rest on the floor. By positioning the coasters between the furniture legs and the floor, the weight of the furniture leg is dispersed over a larger area such that the furniture leg does not scratch or mar the floor when the piece of furniture is moved or leave a depression in the floor when the piece of furniture remains in one place for an extended period of time. 
   In addition, furniture glides or sliders have been developed that are also positioned between the legs of a piece of furniture and the carpeting on which the piece of furniture rests. By way of example, Bushey, U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,705 discloses a furniture glide that facilitates the movement of a piece of furniture on carpeted and bare floors. The furniture glide includes a convo-convex disc having an arcuate convex lower surface, a concave upper surface defining a central cavity, and resilient pad fixed to the disc upper surface within the central cavity below the edge thereof. Adhesive is provided for securing the resilient pad to the bottom of the piece of furniture or to the leg of the piece of furniture. 
   While functional for their intended purpose, prior art furniture glides have certain limitations. More specifically, these furniture glides are designed for mounting onto the bottoms of pieces of furniture or on the legs thereof. As a result, the furniture glides do not fit properly on pieces of furniture that are fabricated using tubular frames, such as office chairs and the like. Further, repeated movement of a piece of furniture along a floor may cause the furniture glide to become detached from the bottom of the piece of furniture. As a result, the furniture glide may become separated from the piece of furniture such that the bottom of piece of furniture may engage and damage the flooring. Therefore, it is highly desirable to provide a furniture glide and/or coaster that may be simply secured to various types of furniture in order to prevent damage to the flooring on which the piece of furniture rests. 
   Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a furniture glide that may be securely retained on a tubular frame of a piece of furniture. 
   It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a furniture glide that is inexpensive to manufacture and simple to utilize. 
   It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a furniture glide that is more securely retained on the leg of a piece of furniture than prior furniture glides. 
   In accordance with the present invention, a furniture glide is provided for mounting to a leg of a piece of furniture. The furniture glide includes a base having an inner surface for engaging a bottom of the leg of the piece of furniture and an outer surface for engaging the supporting surface. A first sidewall projects from a first side of the base and has an inner surface for engaging a first side of the leg of the piece of furniture and an outer surface. 
   The base is generally flat and it is contemplated for the first sidewall to be pivotable between a first storage position wherein the first sidewall is spaced from the side of the leg and a second operating positioning wherein the first sidewall is in engagement with the leg. A second sidewall projects from a second side of the base and has an inner surface for engaging a second side of the leg of the piece of furniture. The second sidewall is pivotable between a first storage position wherein the second sidewall is spaced from the second side of the leg and a second operating position wherein the second sidewall is in engagement with the second side of the leg. 
   The base extends along the longitudinal axis and the outer surface of the first sidewall includes a first slit. The first slit is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. It is contemplated to provide additional slits in the first sidewall and/or to provide additional slits in the outer surface of the second sidewall. 
   The base, the first sidewall and the second sidewall have predetermined thicknesses. The predetermined thickness of the base is greater than the predetermined thicknesses of the first and second sidewalls. In an alternate embodiment, it is contemplated for the outer surface of the first sidewall to have a generally sinusoidal cross-section. In a still further embodiment, it is contemplated for the inner surface of the base and the inner surface of the sidewall to define a generally concave cavity for receiving a portion of the leg of the piece of furniture therein. 
   In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a furniture glide is provided for mounting to a leg of a piece of furniture. The furniture glide includes a base extending along a longitudinal axis and having a first face, a second face and an outer periphery. The base includes a central portion having first and second sides and a predetermined thickness. First and second side portions extend laterally from corresponding sides of the central portion. Each side portion has a predetermined thickness. An adhesive is provided on the first face of the base for affixing the base to the leg of the piece of furniture. 
   The base includes a first slit in a first side portion along the second face. The first slit is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The base may also include a second slit in the second side portion along the second face, the second slit is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The base may also include a second slit in the first side portion of the second face. 
   It is contemplated for the predetermined thickness of the central portion of the base to be greater than the predetermined thickness of the side portions of the base. In an alternate embodiment, the second face of the base along the first side portion has a generally sinusoidal cross-section. It is contemplated for the base to have an oval configuration. 
   In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a furniture glide is provided for mounting to a leg of a piece of furniture. The furniture glide includes a base extending along the longitudinal axis and having an inner surface for engaging a bottom of the leg of the piece of furniture and an outer surface for engaging a supporting surface. A first sidewall projects from the first side of the base and has an inner surface for engaging a first side of the leg of the piece of furniture. The outer surface of the first sidewall has a plurality of slits formed therein. A second sidewall projects from the second side of the base and has an inner surface for engaging a second side of the leg of the piece of furniture. The outer surface of the second sidewall has a plurality of slits formed therein. The first sidewall is pivotable between a storage position wherein the first sidewall is spaced from the first side of the leg and a second operating position wherein the first sidewall is in engagement with the first side of the leg. The second sidewall is pivotable between a first storage position wherein the second sidewall is spaced from the second side of the leg and a second operating position wherein the second sidewall is in engagement with the second side of the leg. 
   The plurality of slits in the first sidewall and the plurality of slits in the second sidewall are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first sidewall, the second sidewall and the base have predetermined thicknesses. It is contemplated for the predetermined thickness of the base to be greater then the predetermined thicknesses of the first and second sidewalls. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment. 
     In the drawings: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a chair incorporating a first embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention mounted thereto; 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of a third embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of the furniture glide of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view showing the furniture glide of  FIG. 4  mounted to a portion of a chair; 
       FIG. 7  is a end view, partially in section, showing the furniture glide of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of a fourth embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is an end view of the furniture glide of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevational view of the furniture glide of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention to be mounted on a leg of a piece of furniture; and 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing the furniture glide of  FIG. 11  mounted on a leg of a piece of furniture. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–2 , a wrap around furniture glide in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . It is intended that furniture glide  10  be receivable on base portion  2  of a conventional chair  1 . Chair  1  includes backing member  12  and seating member  14  interconnected by a tubular frame  16 . Tubular frame  16  includes two, generally parallel, horizontal base portions  2  which are intended to support chair  1  on a supporting surface such as a floor or the like. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 2 , furniture glide  10  is generally oblong in shape and includes first and second opposite ends  18  and  20 , respectively, and inner and outer surfaces  22  and  24 , respectively. It is noted that furniture glide  10  may be round or have other configurations without deviating from the scope of the present invention. It is intended that inner surface  22  include an adhesive thereon for affixing furniture glide  10  to base portion  2  of chair  1 . Furniture glide  10  further includes a generally rectangular floor engaging element  4  extending from outer surface  24  thereof and having first and second sides  26  and  28 , respectively, and first and second ends  30  and  32 , respectively, that partially define outer periphery  9  of floor guide  10 . Floor engaging element  4  terminates at a generally flat floor engaging surface  34 . 
   Furniture glide  10  further includes a plurality of generally parallel slits  6  extending between inner surface  22  and outer surface  24  thereof. A first set of slits  6  is provided in first portion  36  of furniture glide  10  and extends between side  26  of floor engaging element  4  and first end  18  of furniture glide  10 . A second set of slits  6  is provided in second portion  38  of furniture glide  10  between side  28  of floor engaging element  4  and second end  20  of furniture glide  10 . Slits  6  allow furniture glide  10  to be wrapped around base portion  2  of chair frame  16  as hereinafter described. It can be appreciated that slits  6  may extend partially into furniture glide  10  from inner surface  22  or may extend partially into furniture glide  10  from outer surface  24  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
   It is noted that floor engaging element  4  has a predetermined thickness that is greater than the thickness of first and second portions  36  and  38 , respectively, of furniture leg  10 . The predetermined thickness of floor engaging element  4  of furniture glide  10  adds durability to furniture glide  10  allowing chair  1  to be repeatedly slid over the supporting surface without damage to furniture glide  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  11 . Furniture glide  11  is identical in structure to furniture glide  10  except as hereinafter provided, and as such, common reference characters will be used. In furniture glide  11 , floor engaging surface  34  of floor engaging element  4  lies in a common plane with outer surface  24  thereof. As a result, outer periphery  9  of furniture glide  11  has a uniform width. It can be appreciated that furniture glide  11  may be mounted on base portion  2  of a chair frame  16  in the same manner as furniture glide  10  is mounted. 
   In operation, furniture glide  10  is positioned underneath base portion  2  of chair frame  16  such that floor engaging surface  34  of floor engaging element  4  is directed away from chair frame  16 . First and second portions  36  and  38 , respectively, of furniture glide  10  are wrapped around base portion  2  of chair frame  16  such that the entirety of inner surface  22  engages the corresponding outer surface of base portion  2  of chair frame  16 . The adhesive on inner surface  22  of furniture glide  10  retains furniture glide  10  on base portion  2  of chair frame  16 . It can be appreciated that the process may be repeated so as to mount additional furniture glides  10   a – 10   c  on base portions  2  of chair frame  16  of chair  1 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4–7 , an alternate embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  40 . Furniture glide  40  includes first and second ends  42  and  44 , respectively, and inner and outer surfaces  46  and  48 , respectively. Floor engaging element  49  projects from outer surface  48  of furniture glide  40  and is defined by first and second sides  50  and  52 , respectively, and first and second opposite ends  54  and  56 , respectively, which are coincident with outer periphery  59  of furniture glide  40 . Floor engaging element  49  terminates at a generally flat floor engaging surface  58 . 
   Furniture glide  40  further includes first portion  60  extending between first side  50  of floor engaging element  49  and first end  42  of furniture glide  40  and second portion  62  extending between second side  52  of floor engaging element  49  and second end  44  of furniture glide  40 . Generally parallel ribs  64  are spaced along outer surface  48  of furniture glide  10  between first end  42  and first side  50  of floor engaging element  49 , as well as, between second side  52  of floor engaging element  49  and second end  44  of furniture glide  40  such that outer surface  48  has correspondingly first and second generally sinusoidal cross sections. Ribs  64  facilitate the wrapping around of first and second portions  60  and  62 , respectively, of furniture glide  40  about outer surface  2   a  of base portion  2  of chair frame  16  of chair  1 . It can be appreciated that slits may be provided between adjacent ribs  64  in furniture glide  40  without deviating from the scope of the present invention. 
   In operation, furniture glide  40  is positioned adjacent base portion  2  of chair frame  16  of chair  1  at a user desired location such that inner surface  46  of furniture glide  40  is directed towards base portion  2  of chair frame  16  and such that floor engaging surface  58  of floor engaging element  49  of furniture guide  40  is directed away from chair frame  16 . As best seen in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , first and second portions  60  and  62  of furniture glide are wrapped around outer periphery  2   a  of base portion  2  of chair frame  16  such that the entirety of inner surface  46  of furniture glide  40  is in engagement with outer periphery  2   a  of base portion  2  of chair frame  16 . Adhesive on inner surface  46  maintains furniture glide  40  on base portion  2  of chair frame  16 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8–10 , a still further embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  70 . Furniture glide  70  is formed from a plastic or pliable material and includes first and second ends  72  and  74 , respectively, and inner and outer surfaces  76  and  78 , respectively. Floor engaging element  80  projects from outer surface  78  of furniture glide  70  and is defined by first and second sides  82  and  84 , respectively, and first and second ends  86  and  88 , respectively. Floor engaging element  80  terminates at a generally flat, floor engaging surface  87 . A first set of slits is provided in first portion  92  of furniture glide  70  between first end  72  of furniture glide  70  and first side  82  of floor engaging element  80 . A second set of slits  96  is provided in second portion  94  of furniture glide  70  between second side  84  of floor engaging element  80  and second end  74  of furniture glide  70 . Slits  96  may extend entirely through furniture glide  70  from outer surface  78  to inner surface  76  or partially therethrough. 
   In operation, furniture glide  70  is positioned adjacent base portion  2  of chair frame  16  such that inner surface  76  of furniture glide  70  is directed towards outer periphery  2   a  of a base portion  2  of chair frame  16  and such that the floor engaging surface  87  of floor engaging element of furniture glide  70  is directed away from chair frame  16 . First and second portions  92  and  94 , respectively, of furniture glide  70  are wrapped around outer periphery  2   a  of base portion  2  of chair frame  16  such that the entirety of inner surface  76  of furniture glide  70  engages outer periphery  2   a  of base portion  2  of chair frame  16 . Adhesive  89  may be provided along the inner surface furniture glide  70  in order to retain furniture glide  70  on base portion  2  of chair frame  16 . The process may be repeated multiple times in order to mount additional furniture glides  70  on the base portions  2  of chair frame  16 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 11–12 , an alternate embodiment of a furniture glide in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  100 . Furniture glide  100  includes a base portion  102  having inner surface  104  and generally flat outer surface  106 . Sidewall  108  projects generally vertically from base  102  and includes an inner surface  110 , which together with inner surface  104  of base  102 , define a generally concave cavity  112  within furniture glide  100 . Adhesive is provided along the entirety of inner surface  104  and inner surface  110 . 
   Sidewall  108  of furniture glide  100  terminates at an upper end  114 . Upper end  114  of sidewall  108  of furniture glide  100  includes an inner edge  116  that defines an opening that allows for terminal end  118  of a furniture leg  120  to be inserted into cavity  112  in furniture glide  100 . As best seen in  FIG. 11 , furniture leg  120  includes slider  122  having a generally convex outer surface  124  secured to terminal end  118  thereof. 
   In operation, furniture glide  100  is positioned over slider  122  such that outer surface  124  of slider  122  mounted on terminal end  118  of furniture leg  120  forms a mating relationship with inner surface  110  of sidewall  108  and with inner surface  104  of base  102  of furniture glide  100 . It is contemplated to fabricate furniture glide  100  from a pliable material such as felt in order that the inner surface  110  of sidewall  108  of furniture glide  100  and inner surface  104  of base  102  of furniture glide  100  deform to a shape corresponding to the shape of outer surface  124  of slider  122  mounted to terminal end  118  of furniture glide  120 . The adhesive provided on inner surfaces  104  and  110  retains furniture glide  100  on furniture leg  120 . 
   Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.