Loveseats at the patent office

Anthony Vitale, of San Rafael, California, US, has recently been granted a US patent for his ‘Contoured Loveseat’.

There have been a number of loveseat-like patents over the years, (see list below) but this new one has – according to the inventor – some considerable advantages over previous designs (in patent lingo termed ‘the prior art’).

“…there is a deficiency in the prior technology in that none of the prior art shows a contoured loveseat that includes a the convenient storage of a plurality of support cushions within its frame. Additionally, none of the prior art shows a rectilinear design where one side of the loveseat is designed for a male body form and the opposite side of the loveseat is designed for a female body form. Furthermore, none of the prior art shows a contoured loveseat where the width of the seat is designed to allow an individual’s legs to straddle the seat while in a prone position. Finally, none of the prior art shows a design that is aesthetically pleasing and looks at home at the foot of a bed in a standard bedroom.”

Here’s a partial list of some prior art in the loveseat arena. Of varying degrees of technical complexity, and with accompanying illustrations.

5385154

5443532

5453080

6745774

6698431

BONUS:

Sir Elton John and Graham Norton explore Rocketman’s harness – encountering some practical aspects.