Abstract:
A furniture assembly supportable on a floor surface comprising first, second, and third structures. In a first configuration, the first, second, and third structures are detached from each other. In a second configuration, the first structure is detachably attached to the second structure and the first structure is detachably attached to the tertiary structure such that the at least three primary support portions, the at least one first secondary support portion, and the at least one first tertiary support portion engage the floor surface to support the primary base portion, the secondary base portion, and the tertiary base portion in a substantially planar arrangement to define a reclining surface. In a third configuration, the first structure is detachably attached to the second structure and the third structure is detachably attached to the second structure.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application (Attorney&#39;s Ref. No. P217157) is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/256,193 filed Oct. 22, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to furniture that can be converted from a first to a second position. More particularly, the present invention relates to furniture that is a chair when in the first position and a bed when in the second position. Additionally, the present invention relates to furniture that is a sofa when in the first position and a bed when in the second position. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98. 
         [0005]    Furniture is common in both residential and commercial buildings. Common pieces of furniture include chairs, sofas and beds. Furniture is selected according to the function of the room and according to the style of the room. For example, if the room is to be used for discussions and gatherings, then chairs and sofas may be selected as the furniture items for the room. If the room is to be used for sleeping, then beds are usually selected as the furniture items in the room. Sometimes rooms can be used for both socializing and sleeping. Thus, there is a need to have both a chair and a bed, or a sofa and a bed, in the same room. 
         [0006]    One problem associated with furniture items in rooms is that rooms arc not large enough to accommodate both a chair and a bed or both a sofa and a bed. Thus, there is a need for a single piece of furniture that functions as both a chair and a bed or both a sofa and a bed. 
         [0007]    Various patents have issued relating to convertible furniture. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,632, issued on Jul. 15, 1997 to Fireman, discloses a convertible chair that has a base platform, a ground support coupled to the platform, and a seat assembly pivotally connected to the base platform. The base platform has an upper surface, a first edge portion, and a spaced pair of edge portions intersecting the first edge portion. The seat assembly has a seat member and a seat back member coupled to the seat member. The seat member has respective upper and lower surfaces. The seat assembly moves between a chair-forming first position in which the lower surface of the seat member overlies and is juxtaposed to the upper surface of the base platform, and a second position in which the lower surface of the seat member and the upper surface of the base platform are generally coplanar so as to form a bench surface. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,817,708, issued on Aug. 4, 1931 to Pintow, discloses a chair that has a main seat frame, supporting legs, a cushion carried by the frame, a second seat frame hingedly associated with an end of the main frame, and aback seat frame hingedly mounted to the opposite end of the main frame. The complemental frame has arms adapted for supporting the complemental frame when the frame is disposed in a horizontal position. The complemental frame has a cushion that is adapted to operate with the cushion of the main seat frame to provide a flat-supporting surface when the complemental seat frame is disposed in a horizontal position. A cushion member is carried by the back frame. A hinged fabric connection extends between the cushion of the back frame and the cushion of the main seat frame. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 2,337,955, issued on Dec. 28, 1943 to Wright, discloses a folding article of furniture that has at least four rectangular frame sections that are pivotally connected together, a pair of legs pivotally connected to the free end of one of the sections, and a second pair of legs pivotally connected to another of the sections to support the other end of the frame. The four rectangular frame sections are arranged to be folded together and to be extended in an unfolded position, with the sections all lying substantially in a common plane. One of the sections is independently adjustable to form the back of the chair. Another section is adjacent to the arm section so as to form the seat for the chair. The remainder of the sections are foldable with respect to the section so that the first pair of legs extend downwardly from a front of the seat section and serve as the front legs of the chair. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,926,915, issued on Sep. 12, 1933 to Ramirez, discloses a chair frame having front legs and back legs. The back legs extend upwardly and support the head piece. A seat portion is hinged to the frame and has arms attached thereto. A footpiece is pivoted to the seat portion and has a footboard pivoted thereto. Supporting legs hingedly connect to the footpiece and adapt to support the foot portion when in an extended position. Beveled shoulders are formed on the back legs. The arms lie upon the frame and abut the shoulders when in the folded position. The pivoted edge of the footpiece rests upon the shoulders. The foot board rests upon the upper edge of the head piece. The supporting legs and foot board lie flush against opposite sides of the footpiece. 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,197,359, issued on Sep. 5, 1916 to Evans, discloses a chair and couch that has a stationary section having a fixed elevation, an intermediate section, and an end section. The intermediate section has supporting legs. The end section has foldable supporting legs. The stationary section has links connected thereto. The links are also connected to the intermediate section. Other links connect the intermediate section to the end section. The links support the intermediate section by a distance equal to their length in spaced relation above the stationary section and the end section. The links are foldable between the intermediate section and the stationary section. A mattress supporting spring is conjointly carried by the several sections and their connecting links. The mattress is foldable therewith. 
         [0012]    U.S. Pat. No. 398,693, issued on Feb. 26, 1889 to Bittle, discloses a folding chair having a pivoted back and a frame. Arms are pivoted at the rear ends to the back and at their front ends are slidingly engaged to the frame of the chair. A brace is pivoted at its lower end to a leg. The brace is pivotally connected between its ends to the arms and engages the back so as to support the arms. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 918,706, issued on Apr. 20,1909 to Sanders, discloses a folding chair that has a base with legs attached thereto, a seat pivotally connected at a front edge to a front edge of the base, a backrest adapted to act as support to the seat when the seat is extended in the same plane as the base, a yoke piece hinged to the rear edge of the base and adapted to engage a projection on the seat, and an extension bar on underside of the base that is connected and actuated by the yoke piece. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 312,020, issued on Feb. 10, 1855 to Sawyer, discloses a convertible chair that has a section, and a back hinged to the section. The seat section is recessed. The back has a latch, a recess, and a lever. The latch is pivoted relative to the seat section. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 203,605, issued on May 14, 1878 to Eastman, discloses an improved cot, lounge, and chair that has a first section pivotally connected to a second section and a third section pivotally connected to the second section. The sections pivot relative to one another so as to form a chair or a bed. Legs extend from a bottom surface of the first section. Legs extend from a bottom surface of the second section. A first pair of legs extend downwardly from a bottom section of the third section adjacent the end of the third section. A second pair of legs extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the third section adjacent an opposite end of the third section. A brace is connected to the first pair of legs of the third section. Another brace is connected to the second pair of leg of the third section. A brace is connected to the legs of the second section. A brace is connected to the legs of the first section. A brace connects the legs of the second section with the first section. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,504,940, issued on Apr. 7, 1970 to Friese, discloses a convertible seat made of three frame sections and a cushion that are pivotally secured to each other. The services that are used from the seat are different from those surface used as a bed, and thereby avoid double duty on a single surface. One surface can be upholstered to resemble a seat and other surface can be upholstered to resemble a bed. A bolster is shaped to serve as a back rest for the seat when used in the seating position. The bolster doubles as a comfortable head rest when used in the bed position. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,658, issued on Sep. 23, 1977 to Liles, discloses a convertible table and support characterized by a support which is pivotally mounted on a support frame and reversibly pivoted from an upright sitting position resting on the support frame to an inverted position adjacent to the support frame so as to define a bench and table combination. The support is characterized by a seat which rests on the support frame when the support is in the upright sitting position. A backrest extends upwardly from the rear edge of the seat. A pivoting arm extends from each side of the seat adjacent to the front edge thereof and is pivotally mounted between respective support frame arms that extend upwardly from the support frame. When the support is in the inverted or table position, the horizontally-oriented seat is supported by the support frame and the backrest. The horizontally-oriented seat functions as a table lop. The support frame defines a bench. 
         [0018]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that changes from a chair to a bed. 
         [0019]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that changes from a sofa to a bed. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that can disassemble into sub assemblies that arc easily handled. 
         [0021]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that requires no tools to rearrange the assembly into different positions. 
         [0022]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that easily-assembled into sub assemblies. 
         [0023]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that is sturdy and secure in any position. 
         [0024]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that can be compactly shipped in a small box. 
         [0025]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that is easily assembled. 
         [0026]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly where the chair in the first position is the same width as the bed in the second position. 
         [0027]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly where the sofa in the first position is the same width as the bed in the second position. 
         [0028]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that can be made of any material. 
         [0029]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that has an adjustable width through telescoping components. 
         [0030]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0031]    The present invention may be embodied as a furniture assembly supportable on a floor surface in at least one of a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, comprising a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure. The first structure comprises a primary base portion, at least one first primary connection structure, at least one second primary connection structure, and at least three primary support portions that extend from the primary base portion. The second structure comprises a secondary base portion, at least one first secondary connection structure, at least one second secondary connection structure, at least one third secondary connection structure, and at least one first secondary support portion that extend from the secondary base portion. The third structure comprises a tertiary base portion, at least one first tertiary connection structure, at least one second tertiary connection structure, and at least one first tertiary support portion that extend from the tertiary base portion. In the first configuration, the first, second, and third structures are detached from each other. In the second configuration, the first primary connection structure engages the first secondary connection structure to detachably attach the first structure to the second structure and the second primary connection structure engages the first tertiary connection structure to detachably attach the first structure to the tertiary structure such that the at least three primary support portions, the at least one first secondary support portion, and the at least one first tertiary support portion engage the floor surface to support the primary base portion, the secondary base portion, and the tertiary base portion in a substantially planar arrangement to define a reclining surface. In the third configuration, the second secondary connection structure engages the first primary connection structure to detachably attach the first structure to the second structure and the third secondary connection structure engages the second tertiary connection structure to detachably attach the third structure to the second structure such that the at least three primary support portions support the first, second, and third structures, the primary base portion forms a seat surface, the secondary base portion forms a back surface, and the first secondary support portion and the first tertiary support portion are arranged under the primary base portion. 
         [0032]    The present invention may also be embodied as a method of defining a reclining surface or a seating surface and a back surface comprising the following steps. First, second, and third structures are provided. The first structure comprises a primary base portion, at least one first primary connection structure, at least one second primary connection structure, and at least three primary support portions that extend from the primary base portion. The second structure comprises a secondary base portion, at least one first secondary connection structure, at least one second secondary connection structure, at least one third secondary connection structure, and at least one first secondary support portion that extend from the secondary base portion. The third structure comprises a tertiary base portion, at least one first tertiary connection structure, at least one second tertiary connection structure, and at least one first tertiary support portion that extend from the tertiary base portion. The first, second, and third structures are detached from each other in a first configuration. A second configuration is formed by engaging the first primary connection structure with the first secondary connection structure to detachably attach the first structure to the second structure, engaging the second primary connection structure with the first tertiary connection structure to detachably attach the first structure to the tertiary structure in a second configuration, and engaging that the at least three primary support portions, the at least one first secondary support portion, and the at least one first tertiary support portion with the floor surface to support the primary base portion, the secondary base portion, and the tertiary base portion in a substantially planar arrangement to define a reclining surface. A third configuration is formed by engaging the second secondary connection structure with the first primary connection structure to detachably attach the first structure to the second structure and engaging the third secondary connection structure with the second tertiary connection structure to detachably attach the third structure to the second structure. The first, second, and third structures are supported with the at least three primary support portions such that the primary base portion forms a seat surface, the secondary base portion forms a back surface, and the first secondary support portion and the first tertiary support portion are arranged under the primary base portion. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly of the present invention in the first position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  shows another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly of the present invention in the first position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  shows a close-up perspective view of circled portion A shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 4  shows a close-up perspective view of the circled portion B in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 5  shows a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly of the present invention in the second position. 
           [0038]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the furniture assembly of the present invention in the second position. 
           [0039]      FIG. 7  shows an isolated perspective view of the mushroom of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 8  shows an isolated perspective view of the keyhole of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the mushroom placed within the keyhole as used in the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 10  shows an isolated perspective view of the notched part as used in the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the furniture assembly in the present invention in first position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly  10  of the present invention in the first position. The furniture assembly  10  is movable from a first position to a second position. The furniture assembly  10  has a first seat portion  12  that has a channel  14  in an end  16  thereof. A second seat portion  26  is positioned below the first seat portion  12 . The second seat portion  26  has a first plurality of legs  28  extending from a bottom surface  44  thereof adjacent a side  34  thereof. The second seat portion  26  also has a second plurality of legs  36  extending from the bottom surface  44  thereof adjacent an opposite side  42  thereof. A first back portion  56  is positioned adjacent the end  16  of the first seat portion  12 . The first back portion  56  is received in the channel  14  of the first seat portion  12  when in the first position. A second back portion  92  has a front surface  94  that is positioned a back surface  62  of the first back portion  56  when in the first position. The first back portion  56  has a plurality of keyholes formed in the back surface  62  thereof. The second back portion  92  has a plurality of mushrooms extending from the front surface  94  thereof. The plurality of mushrooms are removably replaced in the plurality of keyholes when the first and second back portions  56  and  92  are in the first position. The mushrooms and keyholes are described in detail in  FIGS. 5-9 . 
         [0045]    The second seat portion has a first pair of projections  46  adjacent an end  48  of the seat portion  26 . The second seat portion  26  has a second pair of projections  50  adjacent an opposite end  52  of the second seat portion  26 . The first back portion  56  has a pair of holes  64  formed in a top  66  thereof. The pair of holes  64  of the first back portion  56  receive the first pair of projections  46  when in the second position. The second back portion  92  has a pair of holes  106  formed in the top  108  thereof. The pair of holes  106  of the second back portion  92  receives the second pair of projections  50  when in the second position. 
         [0046]    The first back portion  56  has a first stopper  72  extending from a side  88  thereof. A second stopper extends from an opposite side of the first back portion  56 . The first stopper  72  and the second stopper are positioned adjacent a top surface  54  of the second seat portion  26 . 
         [0047]    The first seat portion  12  has a first indentation  18  formed in a bottom surface  22  thereof adjacent an end  16  thereof. The first seat portion  12  has a second indentation  20  formed in the bottom surface  22  adjacent an opposite end  24  thereof. The first back portion  56  has an indentation  68  formed in the back surface  62  thereof adjacent a top  66  thereof. The second back portion  92  has an indentation  93  formed in a back surface  95  thereof adjacent a top  108  thereof. The first indentation  18  of the first seat portion  12  is adjacent the indentation  68  of the first back portion  56  when in the second position. The second indentation  20  of the first seat portion  12  is adjacent the indentation  93  of the second back portion  92  when in the second position. 
         [0048]    The first plurality of legs  28  have a leg  30  that is adjacent the end  48  of the second seat portion  26 . The leg  30  of the first plurality of legs  28  has stopper on a side thereof. The second plurality of legs  36  has a leg adjacent the end  48  of the second seat portion  26 . The leg of the second plurality of legs  36  has a stopper on the side thereof. The stoppers of the legs are described in more detail in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
         [0049]    A pair of arms  100  extend outwardly from the front surface  58  of the first back portion  56 . A leg  112  extends outwardly from the front surface  58  of the first back portion  56  adjacent a bottom  86  thereof. Another leg  114  extends outwardly from the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92  adjacent the bottom  76  thereof. The leg  112  of the first back portion  56  is above the other leg  114  of the second back portion  92  when in the first position. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is shown another perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly  10  of the present invention in the first position. Stopper  40  can be seen as attached to leg  38  of the second plurality of legs  36 . The second plurality of legs  36  is attached to the opposite side  42  of the second seat portion  26 . The stopper of the first plurality of legs and the stopper  40  of the second plurality of legs  36  are adjacent an overhang  70  of the first back portion  56  when in the first position. The stopper  40  resists a forward force of the overhang  70  so that the first back portion  56  does not rotate from its substantially vertical orientation in the first position. The stopper  72  of the first back portion  56  rests on the top surface  54  of the second seat portion  26 . The stopper  72  holds the first back portion  56  in place so that the first back portion  56  docs not move up and down while in the first position. Thus, the stoppers of the second seat portion  26  and the stoppers of the first back portion  56  hold the first back portion  56  relative to the second seat portion  26  so as to maintain furniture assembly  10  in the first position. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a close-up perspective view of the circled portion A shown in  FIG. 1 . The relationship between the first stopper  72  on the side  88  of the first back portion  56  and the projection  46  on the top surface  54  of the second seat portion  26  can be seen. When in the first position, both the stopper  72  and the projection  46  reside within the indentation  18  that is formed in the bottom surface  22  of the first seat portion  12 . The stopper  72  is cylindrical in shape. The projection  46  is also cylindrical in shape. The longitudinal axis of the stopper  72  is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the projection  46 . The first back portion  56  has a concave portion  87  that tapers inwardly of the side  88  of the first back portion  56 . The concave portion  87  allows the end  16  of the first seat portion  12  to extend past the first back portion  56  and reside in the divot  109  that is formed in the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92 . The unique carving of the concave portion  87  and the divot  109  allow the first and second back portions  56  and  92  to be received by the channel  14  of the first seat portion  12 . The stopper  72  is between the top surface  54  of the second seat portion  26  in the first indentation  18  of the first seal portion  12 . The indentation  18  and the top surface  54  arc adjacent to the stopper  72  so as to prevent the stopper from moving upward or downward. The projection  46  is adjacent the stopper  72  so as to prevent the stopper  72  from sliding out of the indentation  18  when the furniture assembly  10  is in the first position. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a close-up perspective view of the circled portion B in  FIG. 2 . The relationship of the stopper  40  of leg  38  of the second plurality of legs  36  with the overhang  70  of the first back portion  56  can be seen. The overhang  70  extends past the leg  112  of the first back portion  56 . The stopper  40  is cylindrical in shape. The stopper  40  extends inwardly from the side of the leg  38 . A notched part  116  is attached to the overhang  70 . The notched part  116  receives the stopper  40 . Particularly, the notched part  116  is formed so as to have an arcuate receiving area that suitably receives the cylindrically-shaped stopper  40 . The notched part  116  can be made of any material suitable for receiving the stopper, including aluminum. Once received in the notched part  116 , the stopper  40  prevents the overhang  70 , and thus the first back portion  56  from moving backwards and forwards when the furniture assembly  10  is in the first position. The leg  112  of the first back portion  56  can be seen as above the leg  114  of the second back portion  92  as located adjacent the bottom  76  of the second back portion  92 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a side elevational view of the furniture assembly  10  of the present invention in the second position. Leg  114  extends downwardly from the second back portion  92 . Leg  112  extends downwardly from the first back portion  56 . Arm  110  extends downwardly from the first back portion  56 . The first plurality of legs  28  extends downwardly from the second seat portion  26 . The mushrooms  96  of the second back portion  92  can be seen. As will be described in more detail in  FIGS. 7-9 , each mushroom  96  has a shaft  100  and a cylindrical member  104 . Each mushroom  96  extends outwardly from the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92 . The divot  109  of the second back portion  92  can be seen. When in the first position, the divot  109  receives the end  16  of the first seat portion  12 . In the second position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the divot  109  receives nothing. The divot  109  is adjacent one of the mushrooms  96 . The divot  109  is between two of the mushrooms  96 . The indentation  68  and the top  66  of the first back portion  56  is received by the indentation  18  of the first seat portion  12 . The hole  64  that if formed in the top  66  of the first back portion  56  receives the projection  46  of the second seat portion  26 . The end  16  of the first seat portion  12  exerts a downward force on the top  66  of the first back portion  56  so as to keep the projection  46  within the hole  64 . The indentation  93  in the top  108  of the second back portion  92  is received by the indentation  20  on the opposite end  24  of the first seat portion  12 . The hole  106  formed in the top  108  of the second back portion  92  receives the projection  50  that extends upwardly from the top surface  54  of the second seat portion  26  adjacent an opposite end  52  of the second seat portion  26 . The opposite end  24  of the first seat portion  12  exerts a downward force on the top  108  of the second back portion  92  so as to keep the projection  50  within the hole  106 . The leg  114  of the second back portion  92 , the leg  112  of the first back portion  56 , the arm  110  of the first back portion  56 , and the plurality of legs  28  of the second seat portion  26  extend downwardly so that the furniture assembly  10  is horizontally level when in the second position. The back surface  95  of the second back portion  92 , the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56  and the top surface  15  of the first seat portion  12  are planar with one another when in the second position. The notched part  116  can be seen adjacent leg  112  and the overhang  70 . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a perspective view of the furniture assembly  10  of the present invention in the second position. The keyhole  60  can be seen as placed on the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56 . As can be seen, there is a concave portion  87  on side  88  and on opposite side  90  of the first back portion  56 . The first stopper  72  can be seen as extending outwardly from the concave portion  87  on side  88 . The second stopper  74  of the first back portion  56  can be seen as extending outwardly from the concave portion  87  on opposite side  90 . 
         [0055]    The first and second seat portions  12  and  26  and the first and second back portions  56  and  92  can be suitable for telescoping in the lateral direction. The lateral direction is indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 6 . Telescoping in a lateral direction allows the furniture assembly  10  to increase the width of the first and second seat portions  12  and  26  and the first and second back portions  56  and  92 . 
         [0056]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an isolated perspective view of one of the mushrooms  96  of the present invention. The mushrooms  96  are placed on the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92 . Each mushroom  96  has a base member  98  positioned adjacent the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92 . A shaft  100  extends outwardly from the base member  98 . A cylindrical member  104  is positioned adjacent an end  102  of the shaft  100  opposite the base member  98 . The cylindrical member  104  has a diameter greater that a diameter of the shaft  100 . The base member  98 , shaft  100 , and cylindrical member  104  can be integrally formed. A notch can be placed in the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92  so as to place the base member  98  in the front surface  94 . The base member  98  can be attached to the second back portion  92  by using screws inserted through screw holes  97  that are formed in the base member  98 . Alternatively, the base member  98  can be integrally formed with the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92 , and the shaft  102  and cylindrical member  104  can be attached to the base member  98  by a method known to someone of ordinary skill in the art, such as by gluing or screwing. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , there is shown an isolated perspective view of one of the keyholes  60  that is used on the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56 . Each of the keyholes  60  has a base structure  78  positioned adjacent the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56 . A hole  80  is formed in the base structure  78 . The hole  80  has a first portion  82  and a second portion  84 . The second portion  84  has a diameter substantially similar to a diameter of the shaft  100  of the mushrooms  96 . The first portion  82  has a diameter substantially similar to the diameter of the cylindrical member  104  of the mushroom  96 . As can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the first portion  82  is positioned above the second portion  84 . The base structure  78  and hole  80  can be formed of a continuous piece of material. Alternatively, the hole  80  and base structure  78  can be formed in the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56  by tool common in the art. The keyhole  60  can be independently of the first back portion  56  and can be attached to the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56  by screws that are inserted through the screw holes  83 . 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown an isolated perspective view of the mushroom  96  placed in the keyhole  60 . The length of the shaft  102  of the mushroom  96  is equal to a thickness of the base structure  78  of the keyhole  60  so that the cylindrical member  104  of the mushroom  96  can be inserted into the first portion  82  of the hole  80  and extend out of the base structure  78  so that the shaft  100  can then be moved into the second portion  84  of the hole  80 . Once the shaft  100  resides within the second portion  84  of the hole  80 , the base member  98  and cylindrical member  104  keep the shaft  100  from moving forwards and backwards while the mushroom  96  is engaged with the keyhole  60 . To remove the mushroom  96 , the mushroom  96  is raised upwardly relative to the keyhole  60  and the cylindrical member  104  is past through the first portion  82  of the hole  80  so as to remove the mushroom  96  from the keyhole  60 . 
         [0059]    The mushroom  96  and keyhole  60  relationship allows the front surface  94  of the second back portion  92  to positioned adjacent the back surface  62  of the first back portion  56  while the furniture assembly  10  is in the first position. The mushrooms  96  and keyholes  60  are not utilized while the furniture assembly  10  is in the second position. 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , there is shown an isolated perspective view of the notched part  116  of the present invention. As described above in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the notched part  116  has a receiving area  118  that receives the stoppers  32  and  40  of the second seat portion  26 . Referring back to  FIG. 10 , the notched part  116  has a top wall  124  and a back wall  122 . The notched part  122  is mounted to the furniture assembly of the present invention so that the lop wall  124  is adjacent the leg  112  of the first back portion  56 . The back wall  124  is adjacent the overhang  70  of the first back portion  56 . Holes  120  are formed in the receiving area  118  of the notched part  116  so as to mount the notched part  116  to the leg  112  and overhang  70  with screws or any other appropriate means. The receiving area  118  is arcuate in shape so as to receive cylindrically-shaped stoppers  32  and  40 . One notched part  116  is mounted on each side of the first back portion  56  so that a notched part  116  will receive each of the stoppers  32  and  40  of the second seat portion  26 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , there is shown a perspective view of another embodiment of the furniture assembly  210  in the present invention. The first seat portion  212 , the second seat portion  226 , first back portion  256 , and the second back portion  292  have a width that is greater of similar portions in the preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly  10 . The furniture assembly  210  functions as a sofa in the first position and a bed in the second position rather than a chair in the first position and a bed in the second position. The width of the first seat portion  212  and the second seat portion  226  and the first back portion  256  and the second back portion  292  can be made wider in the furniture assembly  210  by making solid pieces of the portions  212 , 226 , 256  and  292  wider than the corresponding portions  12 ,  26 ,  56  and  92  of the preferred embodiment  10 . The portions  212 ,  226 , 256 , and  292  can also be made wider by telescoping the portions  12 ,  26 ,  56 , and  92  of the preferred embodiment  10  laterally outwardly. 
         [0062]    The structural members of the alternative embodiment of the furniture assembly  210  have similar relations to the structural members of the preferred embodiment of the furniture assembly  10 . For example, the front surface  294  of the second back portion  292  is adjacent the back surface  252  of the first back portion  256 . The leg  312  of the first back portion  256  is positioned above the leg  314  of the second back portion  292  when in the first position. The first back portion  256  has a first stopper  252  that is adjacent a projection  246  on the top surface  254  of the second seat portion  226 . 
         [0063]    The first seat portion  212  has a channel  214  formed in an end  216  thereof. A second seat portion  226  is positioned below the first seat portion  212 . The first plurality of legs  228  extends from a bottom surface  244  of the second seat portion  226  adjacent the side  234  thereof. A second plurality of legs  336  extends from the bottom surface  244  of the second seat portion  226  adjacent an opposite side  242  thereof. The first back portion  256  is positioned adjacent the end  216  of the first seat portion  212 . The first back portion  256  is received in the channel  214  of the first seat portion  212  when in the first position. A first pair of projections  246  extend upwardly from a top surface  254  of the second seat portion  226 . The first pair of projections  246  are adjacent end  248 . A second pair of projections  250  extend upwardly from the top surface  254 . The second pair of projections  250  are adjacent the opposite end  252  of the second seat portion  226 . A first stopper  272  is affixed to a side  288  of the first back portion  256 . The stopper  272  is positioned between the first seat portion  212  and the second seat portion  226  so as to prevent an upward and downward movement of the first back portion  256 . A pair of holes are formed in the front surface  258  of the first back portion  256  adjacent a top  266  thereof. A pair of arms  310  extend outwardly from the front surface  258  of the first back portion  256 . Leg  312  extends outwardly from the first back portion  256 . Leg  314  extends outwardly from the bottom of the second back portion  292 . Leg  312  is positioned above the leg  314  when in the first position. The first plurality of legs  228  of the second seat portion  226  extend downwardly from a bottom surface  244  of the second seat portion  226  adjacent a side  234  thereof. A second plurality of legs  236  extend downwardly from the bottom surface  244  of the second seat portion  226  adjacent an opposite side  242  thereof. 
         [0064]    The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the present claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.