Abstract:
An assembly of furniture comprising an upstanding base including at least one and preferably a plurality of stanchions to which at least one or a plurality of support platforms are pivotally attached wherein the support platforms are structured to have fixedly secured thereto horizontally oriented panel members themselves structured to be supporting surfaces for serving, eating, display, etc. The support platforms and panel members mounted thereon are selectively movable about the longitudinal axis of the respective stanchion to which they are attached. The support platforms, panel members thereon, and stanchions are cooperatively positioned such that support surfaces are provided at various levels and adjustably positioned at such levels to vary the geometric configuration of the furniture assembly which would result in varying the quantity of floor space (or other horizontal surface) required for its usage.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a furniture structure or assembly capable of a wide variety of uses and being of a contemporary structural configuration allowing for numerous horizontal surfaces in the form of supporting panel members to be selectively disposed into numerous positions so as to vary the function and appearance of the subject furniture assembly which will result in varying the functional purpose of the space it serves. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The use of furniture by modern day man of course has existed for many years. The design, shape, aesthetic appearance, configuration and dimensional characteristics of furniture vary almost as much as the personalities of the users of such furniture. While existing furniture may be broadly classified into numerous categories such as chairs, tables, shelving, etc., the design and structural features of individual items in each of these categories also may vary greatly while at the same time having common structural components. 
     Furniture structures or assemblies generally relating to shelving or tables or more broadly, the presentation of horizontal support surfaces have enjoyed wide popularity for generations. Such structures are somewhat similar in that they present multiple horizontally oriented surfaces dimensioned and disposed to perform numerous functions. Such functions include display surfaces, functional support surfaces, eating and/or serving surfaces. One common problem or feature inherent in most prior art devices is a lack of flexibility or the inability of such common, prior art furniture structures to function as a multipurpose unit or allow the space which they serve to use for a variety of multipurpose functions. 
     Certain attempts have been made in the prior art to alter or vary the purpose for which a particular furniture structure is designed in order to add more versatility and functionality to the furniture piece. Such prior art attempts include but are not limited to the structures disclosed in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,468,428 to Reibold; 3,543,699 to Leikarts; 3,897,063 to Lehwalder and 3,538,862 to Patriarca. While the structures disclosed in the aforementioned patents are considered to be operational for their intended purpose, such structures may still be considered somewhat limiting in their versatility and aesthetic appearance. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the furniture industry for a contemporary assembly capable of performing a multipurpose function having the overall versatility of adding to the appearance of a room or area in which it is positioned while at the same time allow the space in which it is positioned to serve many functional purposes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a multipurpose furniture construction capable of presenting for a variety of uses, a plurality of horizontal surfaces which may be used for serving, display, eating, etc., and further wherein the plurality of surfaces in the form of supporting panel members are arranged at a variety of heights along an upstanding base means of the subject furniture assembly. 
     More specifically, the base means of the present invention is designed to have one end positioned for mounting on a supporting surface, such as flooring or the like. The base means further includes at least one, or in one embodiment a plurality of upstanding stanchions disposed in spaced relation to one another wherein each of the stanchions utilized includes in an elongated configuration. Each of the stanchions include at least one, but in some embodiments a plurality of support platforms pivotaly secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom. Hinge and/or mounting structures associated with each of the platforms allow the selective movement or positioning of the platforms in a pivotal or rotational manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the particular stanchion to which they are attached. In embodiments where a plurality of such platforms are utilized or secured to the same stanchion, such platforms are of course pivotaly secured at different heights along the length of the stanchion this enables each of the support platforms to be movable relative to one another about a common axis of rotation (the longitudinal axis of the respective stanchion to which they are attached). A given support platform is also movable relative to any one of the plurality of support platforms secured to the same or other adjacently positioned stanchions. 
     Each of the support platforms includes at least one support arm formed thereon and extending outwardly from the particular stanchion to which the respective support platform is attached. One such embodiment of the present invention incldues a support platform with a plurality of support arms. These support arms are each structured for the support and fixed attachment to a horizontally oriented panel member. Each of the panel members may define a horizontal support surface which may be used for a number of purposes. Further, since each of the panel members are fixedly secured to the respective arms and, since each of the arms are fixedly secured to the respective support platforms, the panel members on different support platforms may be selectively moveable relative to one another. In one embodiment of the present invention, to be described in greater detail hereinafter, platforms on adjacently positioned stanchions are cooperatively configured and disposed such that respective panel members supported thereon may be selectively positionable into and out of aligned, coplanar engagement with one another so as to form an enlarged panel assembly. Such panel assembly may again be usable for a variety of purposes as desired. 
     Other structural features of the present invention include the possibility of forming a plurality of support arms on each or preferred ones of the support platforms thereby increasing the versatility of not only individual support platforms, but of the entire furniture. Each of the platforms are moveable relative to adjacent platforms on the same stanchion as well as spaced apart platforms on adjacently positioned stanchions. Also, the specific configuration of the support platform defining the structure and disposition of one or more support arms on each such support platform may vary greatly thereby enabling versatility in the aesthetic appearance of the overall structure while rendering such structure capable for use for a variety of functions. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, a combination of elements and arrangement of parts which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention wil be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a full understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the furniture assembly of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of the selective displacement of the furniture assembly when positioned in a corner. 
     FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of the furniture assembly of the present invention being capable of selective rotation through 180 degrees, for example, when it is located against a flat wall. 
     FIG. 1C is a schematic representation of the furniture assembly of the present invention capable of being rotated through 270 degrees, for example, when it is positioned on the exterior of a corner. 
     FIG. 1D is a schematic representation of the furniture assembly of the present invention being selectively positionable through 360 degrees of rotation as when the furniture assembly is located in an open space unobstructed by any wall surface. 
     FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a plurality of support platforms and there relation to one another. 
     FIG. 3 is a side plan view in detail of one support structure. 
     FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a plurality of support platforms and support panels mounted on adjacent stanchions of the base structure of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view along line 5--5 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view along line 6--6 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view along line 7--7 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged detailed view similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2. 
     FIG. 9 is a front elevation along line 9--9 of FIG. 8. 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view along line 10--10 of FIG. 9. 
     FIG. 11 is a top plan view along line 11--11 of FIG. 9. 
     FIG. 12 is a top plan view along line 12--12 of FIG. 9. 
     FIG. 13 is a side view in partial cutaway of two support platforms mounted on a common stanchion. 
     FIG. 14 is a front view along line 14--14 of FIG. 13 with the supporting stanchion represented in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 15 is a detailed view in partial cutaway in section along line 15--15 of FIG. 13. 
     FIG. 16 is a top plan view along line 16--16 of FIG. 14. 
     FIG. 17 is a top plan view along line 17--17 of FIG. 14. 
     FIG. 18 is a sectional view along line 18--18 of FIG. 15. 
     FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line 19--19 of FIG. 13. 
     FIG. 20 is a front elevation in partial cutaway of the base structure of the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a top plan view along line 21--21 of FIG. 20. 
     FIG. 22 is a sectional view in partial cutaway along line 22--22 of FIG. 21. 
     FIG. 23 is a detailed sectional view in partial cutaway along line 23--23 of FIG. 25. 
     FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view in partial cutaway along line 24--24 of FIG. 25. 
     FIG. 25 is a sectional view in partial cutaway along line 25--25 of FIG. 23. 
     FIG. 26 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of a panel member mounted on an arm of a support platform in one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 27 is a sectional view in partial cutaway along line 27--27 of FIG. 26. 
     FIG. 28 is a perspective view in partial cutaway of another embodiment of a panel member mounted on a support arm of a support arm of the present invention. 
     FIG. 29 is a sectional view in partial cutaway along line 29--29 of FIG. 28. 
     Like references are used to refer to like parts throughout the use of the drawings. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention relates to a furniture assembly generally indicated as 10 and including a base means generally indicated as 12 having an anchoring portion 14 designed and dimensioned to rest on a supporting surface such as a flooring or the like. The base means 12 further includes a plurality of upstanding stanchions 16 each having an elongated configuration and then being disposed in spaced apart, preferably parallel relation to one another. The stanchions 16 are secured to the anchor portion 14 (see FIG. 22) wherein a substantially heavy and/or high strength material forms the major portion of the anchor 14. An outwardly extending skirt 15 may be secured to the lower end of the anchor 14. The plurality of stanchions 16 pass through preformed or structured apertures dimensioned to receive the stanchion 16 so as to be anchored by means of sockets 17 to the interior of the anchor 14. It should be emphasized that the anchoring portion 14 and 15 may be separate from or in fact a part of the supporting surface such as the flooring within the room of a building structure. Accordingly, it is contemplated within the present invention that one or a plurality of the stanchions may in fact be secured directly to the flooring or other supporting surface rather than interconnected to a separate and independent anchoring portion 14 as being part of the base 12. 
     While the embodiment of the furniture assembly 10 in FIG. 1 is represented as having a plurality of spaced apart stanchions 16, it should be emphasized that the furniture assembly as schematically represented in FIGS. 1A through 1D shows but a single stanchion 16 having at least one support platform 19 with a panel member 23 defining a horizontal surface thereon. Accordingly, the present invention is meant to contemplate the furniture assembly 10&#39; having at least 1 stanchion 16 with at least one platform 19 pivotaly mounted so as to be selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the stanchion 16 and further wherein the panel member 23 is selectively positionable by pivotal rotation about the longitudinal axis of the one stanchion 16 into a variety of positions restricted only possibly by the existence of wall surfaces or other interruptive objects. A further review of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D indicates the versatility not only of the furniture assembly 10&#39;, but more specifically of the ability to utilize the space in which the furniture assembly 10 or 10&#39; is positioned in a more versatile manner. 
     With regard to FIG. 1A, the furniture assembly 10&#39; is indicated as being selectively positionable between oppositely positioned wall surfaces 25 and 27 joined together to form a right angled corner. Accordingly, the furniture assembly 10&#39; is positionable in a rotatable manner generally through an arc of substantially 90 degrees. 
     Similarly, when the stanchion 16 supporting platform 19 and panel member 23 is positioned in the manner shown in FIG. 1B, it is selectively positionable through a rotatable arc of substantially 180 degrees until it abutts against different portions of the same planar wall surface 29. 
     Similarly, FIG. 1C allows the rotation of the furniture assembly 10&#39; through an arc of substantially 270 degrees as it may abutt against wall surfaces 33 and 35 defining a right angled corner wherein the stanchion 16 is located exteriorly of the corner. 
     Another embodiment as represented in FIG. 1D shows the furniture assembly 10&#39; located out of abutting relation with any wall surface or other interruptive object such that the furniture assembly can rotate through an arc of a full 360 degrees. It should be readily apparent therefore that the space in which the furniture assembly 10 or 10&#39; is located has greater versatility for use and function since the positioning and orientation of various portions of the furniture assembly 10 and 10&#39; are selectable and versatile. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, while one of the stanchions 16 may be free-standing, at least one other or preferably a majority of the remaining stanchions 16 each serve as vertical oriented, elongated supports for at least one and preferably a plurality of support platforms generally indicated as 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 34 and 36. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter each of the support platforms may have varying configurations, but a common structural similarity in that each of the support platforms have at least one outwardly extending support arm on which a panel member may be fixedly secured. Further, each of the support platforms are pivotaly secured so as to rotate or pivot about the longitudinal axis of the stanchion to which it is connected. It should be relatively apparent that a majority of the stanchions 16 of the base means 12 have a plurality of support platforms mounted thereon at different heights along the length of the respective stanchions. Each of such majority of stanchions 16 includes at least one of such platforms. Accordingly, due to the aforementioned pivotal connection which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, the support platform and the support arm or arms secured thereto is moveable relative to the longitudinal axis of the stanchion and to the various support platforms either secured to the same stanchion or to different spaced apart stanchions. 
     As shown in the various figures of the subject application, the various support platforms each include at least one support arm secured thereto. More specifically, support platform 20, 22 and 24 are each pivotaly secured, as are the remaining support platforms, to a respective stanchion 16 by a hinge structure 40 comprising an annular ring rotatably secured to and surrounding a core 16&#39; of the respective stanchion 16 to which it is attached. A fixed bracket 42 is fixedly secured to a portion of the respective support platforms as shown and preferably is in flush engagement relative to the outer surface of a brace means comprising at least one brace portion 44 to which the bracket 42 is secured. Such fixed securement is accomplished by a plurality of conventional connectors such as screws, bolts, etc., 25 as best shown in FIGS. 15, 18 and 23. A ridged fixedly secured finger 47 serves to interconnect the fixed bracket 42 to the annular hinge member 40. Accordingly, the brace portions 44 of each of the support brackets are secured so as to extend laterally outward from the respective stanchions 16 to which they are attached and move in a pivotal or rotational fashion about the longitudinal axis of the respective stanchion. In some instances and depended upon the specific structural configuration and design of the respective support platform, the brace portion 44 may be secured in a somewhat coplanar relation to the stanchion 16 as is readily apparent from the various views of the drawings. 
     Also, dependent upon the specific structural configuration and dimension of the respective support platforms, the brace portion 44 may include a plurality of similarly structured and generally spaced apart auxiliary brace portions as at 44&#39; further defining the aforementioned brace means and being integrally formed on and thereby at least partially defining a remainder of the respective support platforms. 
     Again, dependent on the various configurations and structual features of the respective support platforms, at least one and in certain embodiments a plurality of support arms are affixed to the respective support platforms. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 through 12, a support platform 20 includes a first support arm 50 and a second support arm 52 integrally secured to the platform 20 by a plurality of brace portions 44 and 44&#39;. The support arms 50 and 52 are disposed at spaced apart levels as shown in FIG. 1 and each of the support arms 50 and 52 are disposed and dimensioned to have secured thereto a support panel member 53 and 54 respectively. 
     Similarly platform 22 has but a single support arm 56 extending outwardly, but in coplanar relation to the brace portion 44 and supported by a plurality of supplementary brace portions 44&#39; wherein the support arm 56 is in coplanar relation the stanchion 16 to which it is attached. A support panel 58 is affixed to the support arm 56 at one end thereof as shown so as to extend transversely to the plane of the support platform form 22. Similar relative dispositions and securements of the respective panels 53 and 54 to the respective arms 50 and 52 are provided. 
     Support platform 24 includes at least one support arm 60 extending outwardly from the primary brace portion 44 in general transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis of the stanchion 16 and at a level somewhat there above. A support panel member 62 is secured to the support arm 60 at one end and extends outwardly therefrom in transverse relation to what may be considered a general plane of the support platform 24. 
     With regard to FIGS. 1 and 13 through 19, the support platforms 26 and 28 are both pivotaly secured, set forth above, to a common stanchion 16. Accordingly, it should be readily apparent that the respective support platforms 26 and 28 may rotate about the longitudinal axis of the stanchion 16 relative to one another and to the remaining support platforms considered a part of the furniture assembly 10. With regard to the support platform 26, a plurality of support arms 66, 67 and 68 have respective varying lengths as shown and are disposed respectively at successively greater heights relative to the height or length of the stanchion 16. With regard to FIG. 14, a plurality of panels 69, 70 and 71 are secured to the respective support arms 66, 67 and 68 at a substantially midportion thereof, so as to extend transversely outward from opposite sides of the respective support arms as clearly pictured in FIGS. 13, 14 and 17. 
     Similarly, support platform 28 has what may be considered a plurality of support arms 72, 74 and 76 all arranged at a substantially horizontal orientation, but which are absent any supporting panel member. Therefore, the positioning and existence of the respective support arms 72, 74 and 76 may, in the embodiment of the support platform 28, may be absent any support members for purposes of aesthetics or other more practical features such as space limitations. 
     With regard to FIGS. 2 through 7 of the subject invention, another feature of the furniture assembly 10 includes adjacently positioned support platforms 30, 31 and 34, 36 being secured to separate, spaced apart but substantially adjacent stanchions 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 through 7, the support platforms 31 and 34 are disposed in adjacent relation to one another and each comprise a plurality of support arms 73, 75 and 76, 77 respectively. Further, support panel members 78 and 79 are fixedly secured to the arms 73 and 75 respectively, as are support panel members 80 and 81 fixedly secured to the support arms 76 and 77 respectively. The arms 73, 76 and 75, 77 are correspondingly configured and disposed such that the respective support panel members 78, 80 and 79, 81 are affectively positioned in coplanar relation to one another as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. When the platforms 30 and 31 are disposed in aligned cooperative relation to one another in the orientation shown in FIGS9. 4, 6 and 7, the respective panel members 78, 80 and 79, 81 are in abutting, alined engagement with one another at correspondingly positioned ends to form closed junction lines or seams 83 and 85. The respective abutting and aligned panel members 78, 80 and 79, 81 thereby define an extended or expanded panel assembly which can be used for a variety of purposes including display, support, eating, etc. The similar structure exists with regards to support platform 34 and 36 having individual arms 86 and 87 and supporting respectively panel members 88 and 89. Support platform 32 comprises a single support platform attached to only one of the stanchions 16 as at 16&#34;. Accordingly, in support platform 32 the arm 90 is dimensioned to overlap effectively both adjacent stanchions 16 and 16&#39; and also, support thereon a panel member 92 (see FIG. 5). 
     FIG. 23 shows another embodiment wherein the angular portion 40&#39; surrounds the entire respective stanchion 16 (see FIG. 25) and in essence becomes part of the gripping bracket as at 42&#39;. Similarly as shown in FIGS. 26 through 29 another embodiment of the present invention comprises bracket members 100 and 102 respectively structured and configured to affixedly inner connect and secure the respective panel members, as shown, to the respective support arms. As shown, both the bracket configurations 100 and 102 are cooperatively formed into the support arm and panel members so as to become flush with the services of both as shown. Accordingly, as shown with regard to the various panel members, such panel members may extend out laterally from only one side of the respective support arm and be attached to one end of the panel member or alternately extend out transversely from both sides of the respective support arm and be attached at a substantial mid portion thereof. 
     It should further be emphasized that while the various panel members of the subject furniture assembly 10 have been shown as being made of a transparent or translucent material, the materials from which each of the components of the subject furniture assembly 10 may vary greatly dependent upon the desire of aesthetic appearance.