Moveable Support for Frameless Furniture with a Cover

A frameless furniture movement assembly for moving a frameless furniture assembly, the frameless furniture moving assembly including a receiving body that accommodates the frameless furniture and prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the frameless furniture receiver in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly, mounted to the frameless furniture support, for movement of the frameless furniture support in the first direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for moving frameless furniture to enhance a user's experience with the frameless furniture.

2. The Relevant Technology

A variety of types of furniture have been developed over the years to provide comfort and decoration. Consumers appreciate furniture which can withstand a high level of use without having to be quickly replaced. Thus, it is desirable to make furniture that is durable and high quality.

Once purchased, consumers expect furniture to be easily assembled. Once assembled, consumers appreciate furniture which can be readily cleaned. Most upholstered furniture has the upholstery nailed or stapled to the furniture, requiring new upholstery if the furniture should become soiled or stained. It would thus be an advantage to have furniture which is easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning purposes.

For those consumers who cannot afford many pieces of furniture, it is also desirable to have furniture which can provide multiple functions. For example, a futon bed serves the function of both a bed and a couch. However, futon beds are bulky, and thus subject to the cost factors. In addition, futon mattresses are often thin and uncomfortable both as a couch and as a bed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Implementation of the present invention solves one or more problems in the art with apparatus, systems, and methods for adjusting characteristics of frameless furniture to enhance a user's experience with the frameless furniture. Frameless furniture characteristics, such as conformability, compressibility, pliability, rigidity, and resiliency, can be changed through use of, for example, a removable member associated with the frameless furniture and/or an insert of the frameless furniture.

In particular, one configuration of the present invention relates to moving frameless furniture, the frameless furniture movement assembly including a receiving body that accommodates the frameless furniture assembly and limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly operatively coupled to the receiving body to move the receiving body in the first direction.

In another configuration, the present invention relates to a frameless furniture moving system including a frameless furniture assembly comprising a cover and an insert disposed within the cover, and a frameless furniture moving assembly comprising a receiving body that accommodates the frameless furniture assembly and limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly, mounted to the receiving body, for movement of the frameless furniture moving assembly in the first direction.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly includes at least two rails mounted to the receiving body.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly includes at least one rotating assembly to which the receiving body slidably moves. The least one rotating assembly can be, in one configuration, a wheel or roller and the movement assembly can include at least one stop to limit or control movement of the rotating assembly.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly the receiving body includes at least one engagement channel configured to receive a portion of the movement assembly, the at least one engagement channel being configured to guide movement of the receiving body over the movement assembly.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly includes a frame assembly pivotally connected to a receiving body support.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, further including a linkage disposed between the frame assembly and the receiving body support.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, movement of the receiving body moves in at least one of a linear motion and a non-linear motion.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the receiving body is detachable from the movement assembly.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the receiving body includes a first side portion, a second side portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first side portion and the second side portion. When the first side portion is in contact with the rotating assembly at a first junction, the intermediate portion can be further from the frameless furniture assembly than the first side portion at the first junction.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the receiving body includes an engagement channel configured to receive a portion of the movement assembly, the engagement channel configured to guide movement of the receiving body over the movement assembly.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly comprises a resiliently deformable member mounted to a base, the resiliently deformable member configured to cradle an outer surface of the receiving body.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly comprises at least one bearing surface forming a surface of a member configured to support the receiving body.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly comprises a frame assembly supporting a receiving body support operatively coupled to the receiving body, the receiving body support being pivotally coupled to the frame assembly.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, linkages operatively connect the frame assembly to the receiving body support.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, a lock mechanism limits movement of the receiving body support in relation to the frame assembly.

In another configuration, a frameless furniture movement assembly for moving a frameless furniture assembly includes a frameless furniture support that accommodates the frameless furniture assembly and limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly configured to move the frameless furniture support in the first direction.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly includes a portion of the frameless furniture support.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the movement assembly includes a frame supporting the frameless furniture support.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the frameless furniture support comprises at least one curved slat member.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, further includes a spring assembly extending between an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly of the movement assembly.

In another configuration of the frameless furniture movement system or assembly, the spring assembly is selectively replaceable to varying a degree of flexing and movement of the upper frame assembly in relation to the lower frame assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, some features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. It should further be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may generally relate to apparatus, systems, and methods for moving frameless furniture to enhance a user's experience with the frameless furniture. By moving the frameless furniture, such as by rotating, rocking, sliding, etc. a user's experience can be changed and enhanced per the user's desired choices.

While the present disclosure will describe particular implementations of apparatus, systems, and methods for enhancing a user's experience with the frameless furniture, it should be understood that the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein may be applicable to other uses. Additionally, elements described in relation to any embodiments depicted and/or described herein may be combinable with elements described in relation to any other embodiment depicted and/or described herein.

Generally, now referring to the drawings in detail wherein like reference numerals are used to designate like elements, structures, or components, there is shown one or more embodiments of the present disclosure that provides apparatus, systems, and methods for moving frameless furniture to enhance a user's experience with the frameless furniture. The apparatus, systems, and methods permit a user of the frameless furniture to rock, slide, glide, or otherwise move the frameless furniture upon which a user is resting. This can be achieved, in one configuration, by a frameless furniture movement assembly having a receiving body configured to receive frameless furniture and a movement assembly configured to move the receiving body. The receiving body can be formed with or selectively detachable from the movement assembly to allow modification or changes to the user experience and provide flexibility to the user.

FIGS.1and2show a furniture assembly10according to the present invention.FIG.1depicts a large furniture assembly10with a user resting comfortably thereon in a main sitting area12. The furniture assembly10may range in size from large on which two adult sized people may comfortably rest, to small on which a small child may rest. It will be appreciated that furniture assembly10can conform to the shape of the user resting thereon to form a chair-like structure. Additional details regarding the furniture assembly10can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,952,906, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

WhileFIG.1shows the furniture assembly10being used in a chair-like function; however, the furniture assembly10may have a variety of uses. The furniture assembly10may be flattened to provide a bed-like surface upon which to lie. A smaller furniture assembly10may function as an ottoman. Alternatively, the furniture assembly10may function as a toy for children to jump or land upon during play. Further, the furniture assembly10may be formed slightly elongated in shape so that a household pet, or even a small infant, may sleep comfortably thereon. Thus, it will be appreciated that the furniture assembly10is extremely comfortable and versatile for a variety of uses.

The furniture assembly10may be constructed in a variety of shapes. As shown inFIG.2, furniture assembly10is generally spherical in shape. However, it will be appreciated that the furniture assembly may have a generally cubical or cylindrical shape, or a variety of other shapes. For instance, as illustrated inFIG.27the furniture assembly can have a generally flattened form. Furthermore, the furniture assembly10is durable and is constructed from an efficient design which reduces the costs of manufacturing and packaging, the details of which will be described herein in further detail.

Referring for a moment toFIG.3, in one configuration the furniture assembly10includes an insert or chair14having a removable cover16. The insert14can range in size from 2 feet to 7 feet in diameter, for example. As shown best inFIGS.4-5, the insert14includes an air permeable member18which houses a filler material24disposed therein. While it is preferred to employ a protective cover16over member18, another embodiment of a “furniture assembly” as discussed herein includes a member18having a filler material24therein. An example of air permeable member18is shown in more detail inFIGS.2-5.

FIGS.4and5depicts one embodiment of the manufacture of air permeable member18. Air permeable member18includes a central portion20and two side portions22A,22B formed of a fabric material, for example. However, it will be appreciated that a variety of shapes may be profitably employed. The side portions22A,22B are joined to the central portion20so that the edges of the side portions22A,22B and the edges of the central portion20can be sewn together or otherwise attached so that, as shown inFIG.4, the insert14forms a generally spherical structure. As illustrated inFIG.4, each side portion22A,22B is formed of multiple pieces joined together, such as being sewn together or otherwise joined together. It is understood, however, that each side portion can be formed of a single portion or member.

Disposed in the central portion20is an opening26that can be selectively opened and closed and thus includes a structure which facilitates such opening and closing such as, but not limited to, a zipper, lacing, hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO), or other connecting structure. Additionally, a flap30can be disposed over the opening26to cover the structures that facilitate opening and closing. The flap30can be attached to the central portion20, the side portion22A, the side portion22B, or any combination of the central portion20, the side portion22A, and the side portion22B.

In one configuration, the air permeable member18is comprised of a flaccid, air-permeable material, such as a fabric or mesh material. For example, the air permeable member18may include a fabric material, such as cotton, polyester, woven or stitched materials, or various other fabric materials, optionally with an untreated finish. The air permeable member18may also include another flaccid, air permeable material, for example.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, member18may be constructed employing a variety of different methods and may comprise a variety of different air permeable, flaccid materials that allow it to receive a filler therein and comfortably conform to the shape of a user's body.

As depicted inFIG.5, the air permeable member18is filled with the filler material24and then the opening26is closed. The filler material24can be a compressible material which is resilient so that it selectively expands and contracts. Furthermore, the filler material24can be deformable, such that when the insert14is filled, the filler material24conforms to the contours of a body resting on the furniture assembly10as illustrated inFIG.1. The filler material24may be cut into small pieces of material, such as about 1 inch pieces, before being placed in the air permeable member18. While references is made to a particular size of the pieces of the filler material, it will be understood that the pieces of material forming the filler material24can range, in a longest dimension, from about ¼ inch to about 6 inches, from about ½ inch to about 6 inches, from about ¾ inches to about 6 inches, or other dimensions. The filler material24may comprise foam, Styrofoam, polyform, polyethylene foam, silicone, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam, memory foam lux foam, closed cell foam, and the like, for example. Alternatively, the filler material24may be a memory foam material, such as a viscoelastic material, which may be employed such that the insert14conforms to a user's body when in use, but the foam refills with air when a user gets off the furniture assembly10, enabling the insert14to puff back up. For example, in one embodiment, the filler material is a polyurethane foam having a density in an uncompressed state of approximately 1.5 to approximately 1.8 lb/ft3.

Returning toFIG.3, the insert14is inserted into the cover16. The cover16is easily removable from the insert14. One reason for this is that the cover16may be made from a variety of colors, patterns, and/or fabrics so that the purchaser may select from various outer covers for the chair. In addition, the insert14can be packaged and/or sold separately from cover16. This prevents the cover16from becoming wrinkled during packing and shipping. Further, the insert14can be packaged such that the volume and weight of the insert14is decreased. Advantageously, when the volume of the insert14is diminished, the weight of the furniture assembly10also decreases, thus, reducing packaging and shipping costs of the chair. Furthermore, as the size of the insert14decreases, the insert14can increase in firmness which facilitates carrying and stacking of chairs.

The manufacture of the cover16may be similar to that for air permeable member18discussed above, for example. As shown inFIG.3, the cover16includes a central portion40and two side portions42A,42B each having generally circular form. The two side portions42A,42B are placed against the central portion40similar to that shown inFIG.4for air permeable member18. The edges of the central portion40and the two side portions42A,42B are sewn together or otherwise attached so that, when filled, the cover16forms a generally spherical structure. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the present invention such as generally cubical, generally cylindrical, and other geometrical shapes.

While the air permeable member18includes the opening portion26in the central portion20, the cover16includes an opening46extending lengthwise across the central portion40and at least portions of the two side portions42A,42B. In one embodiment, the opening46is formed following sewing together of the two side portions42A,42B and the central portion40. The opening46can be selectively opened and closed and thus cover16includes a structure which facilitates such opening and closing such as, but not limited to a zipper, lacing, hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO), or other connecting structure. Additionally, a flap50can be disposed over the opening46in an intermediate region48to cover the structures that facilitate opening and closing. The flap50can be a single flap extending across the central portion40and at least portions of the two side portions42A,42B and or alternatively, the flap50can be segmented, and so multiple flaps can be used to cover the opening46. The cover16may also comprise an air-permeable material. For example, the cover16may comprise a fabric material, for example, or another flaccid material.

In one embodiment, the cover16is constructed from cotton, twill, linen, nylon, velvet, leather, suraline gabardine material, stretchable material, polyester, combinations and modifications thereof. Advantageously, the cover16can be made of different patterns and colors or may incorporate features such as logos or pockets. Generally, the cover16can be formed of a material that allows air to fill the insert14through the cover16to thereby cause the filler material24within the insert14to fill with air when a user gets off the furniture assembly10.

As shown inFIG.3, following inserting the insert14into the opening46of the cover16, the opening46is closed and the user can then arrange the furniture assembly10, shown inFIGS.1and2into the configuration desired. It will be appreciated that even after packaging the insert14, the chair retains at least substantially all of its original compressibility, pliability, rigidity, and resiliency that it originally had. As such, the user is provided a comfortable, durable piece of furniture which may be applied in a variety of uses.

The frameless furniture assembly10can be moved to provide the user with an enhanced experience. For instance, the frameless furniture assembly10can move rocked, slide, glided, or otherwise moved while the user rests in the sitting area12(FIG.1) of the frameless furniture assembly10.

Turning toFIG.6, illustrated is the frameless furniture assembly10supported by a frameless furniture movement assembly100. The frameless furniture movement assembly100allows movement of the frameless furniture assembly10so that a center of the frameless furniture assembly10, as illustrated inFIG.7, is moved in relation to a location of the center60of the frameless furniture assembly10when positioned upon a surface70, such as a floor or other surface. The movement of the frameless furniture assembly10can include movement in a direction parallel, orthogonal, and/or angularly to the surface70, with such movement being along one or more straight paths, curved paths, combinations thereof and/or modifications to those paths. Those paths can be in a single or multiple planes. For instance, those paths can extend in one or more of a direction of the X-axis, (i.e., the X-direction), a direction of the Y-axis (i.e., the Y-direction), and/or a direction of the Z-axis (i.e., the Z-direction).

As illustrated inFIG.6, the frameless furniture movement assembly100includes a receiving body110and a movement assembly120that allows for movement of the receiving body110to reposition or move the center60of the frameless furniture assembly10. The receiving body110supports or cradles the frameless furniture assembly10and limits unwanted movement of the frameless furniture assembly10as the receiving body110is moved by the movement assembly120. Cradling of the frameless furniture assembly10by the receiving body limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly10in one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of possible movement allowed by the movement assembly120, such as movement induced by a user of the frameless furniture movement assembly100and the frameless furniture assembly10. The limited movement of the frameless furniture assembly10can include limiting sliding, rotational, lateral, and upward movement across a portion of the receiving body110, and combinations of such movements.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the receiving body110includes a first end130spaced from a second end132with an inner surface134and an outer surface136extending between the first end130and the second end132to form a receiving cavity138to receive, hold, or cradle at least a portion of the frameless furniture assembly10and limit or prevent decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly10from the receiving cavity138of the receiving body110. In the illustrated configuration, the second end132is vertically elevated in relation to the first end130but in other configurations the first end130and the second end132can be positioned at the same, or substantially the same, height above the surface70upon which the frameless furniture movement assembly100rests or is placed, or the first end130can be elevated above the second end132.

A junction of the inner surface134and the outer surface136, and/or a wall140between the inner surface134and the outer surface136, form a perimeter142of the receiving cavity138, which has in the illustrated configuration a generally curved profile. This curved profile, as viewed in the Y-direction can be circular, elliptical, oval, conic curve, combinations and/or modifications thereof. The perimeter142can be parallel or inclined in relation to the surface70upon which the frameless furniture movement assembly100rests or is placed. Additionally, the perimeter142can curve from the first end130to the second end132, or vice versa, as viewed in the Z-direction, as illustrated inFIG.8.

The inner surface134that forms the receiving cavity138extends from the perimeter142to a base144that is angularly oriented to the inner surface134. While a discrete transition146is illustrated between the inner surface134and the base144, it will be understood that the inner surface134can extend to and from the base144without the discrete transition146, i.e., the inner surface134incorporates the base144so that the base144has a curved rather than a generally planar orientation as illustrated inFIG.6. Stated another way, the inner surface134and the base144can be integral or separate discrete portions forming the receiving cavity138.

The receiving body110is illustrated the inner surface134and the outer surface136that are each generally continuous to support the frameless furniture assembly10. However, it will be understood that the receiving body110can be noncontinuous or include a number of discrete or separate receiving body elements150supported by a frame152approximating the perimeter142that can be combined to support the frameless furniture assembly10, whether or not portions of the frameless furniture assembly10protrude through the spaces formed by the separate or discrete receiving body elements150. For instances, the receiving body110can include one more spindles, slats, cross rails, stiles, splats, etc., such as schematically illustratedFIG.9. When the portions of the frameless furniture assembly10extend between the receiving body element150, this engagement can also aid with limiting or preventing decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly10from the receiving body110.

With continued reference toFIG.6, supporting the receiving body110is the movement assembly120. As illustrated, the movement assembly120includes rails or runners170, such as a first rail or runner170aand a second rail or runner170bmounted to the receiving body110at mounting locations172. The first runner170aand the second runner170bare mounted to the outer surface136of the receiving body110at the mounting locations172such as through adhesives, fasteners, interference fit, snap fit, and combinations therefore, optionally with an intermediate mounting structure such as a brace, bracket, rail, stile, slat, etc. In still other configurations, one or more components or elements of the frameless furniture movement assembly100can be molded as a single body. For instance, the receiving body110and the rails or runners170can be molded as single member, such as a single, monolithic or unitary structure.

Reference will be made to the details of the first runner170a,however a similar discussion may also be made for the second runner170b.The first runner170aincludes a first runner end174and a second runner end176curving upwardly from an intermediate runner portion178disposed between the first runner end174and the second runner end176. A lower runner surface180upon which the movement assembly120moves has a generally curved profile from the first runner end174to the second runner end176so that the first runner170acan provide a rocking motion to a user of the frameless furniture movement assembly100who is resting on the frameless furniture assembly10. To achieve different rocking or movement motions, a curvature of the lower runner surface180can be varied, changed, or selected to enhance the user's experience with the frameless furniture assembly10. An upper runner surface182is also curved from the first runner end174to the second runner end176, but it need not be the case and the upper runner surface182can be shaped to accommodate the outer surface136of the receiving body110to simplify mounting of the receiving body110to the first runner170aof the movement assembly120at the mounting locations172. In addition to curving between the first runner end174and the second runner end176, the lower runner surface can have a planar form in the Z-direction, as illustrated inFIG.10Aas lower runner surface180aor optionally curve in a direction orthogonal to the direction of curvature between the first runner end174and the second runner end176, such as in the Z-direction as illustrated inFIG.10Bas lower runner surface180b.

Generally, the movement assembly120, or frameless furniture movement assembly, can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metal, wood, grasses, composite, polymer, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, combinations thereof. Additionally one or more of the surfaces of the movement assembly120can include surface finishes to increases frictional contact between the movement assembly120and the frameless furniture assembly10and/or the surface70upon which the movement assembly120rests. For instance, the inner surface134of the receiving cavity138can include friction increasing structure190such as a surface treatment, coating, film, taper, layer, or combinations thereof over all or portions of the inner surface134to increase friction between the inner surface134and the frameless furniture assembly10, such as the cover16(FIG.1) of the frameless furniture assembly10. The lower runner surface180can also include a friction increasing structure190such as a surface treatment, coating, film, tape, layer, or combinations thereof over all or portions of the lower runner surface180to increase friction between lower runner surface180and the surface70.

It is noted that for the frameless furniture movement assembly100described above, the receiving body110and the movement assembly120move together as a user resting in/on the frameless furniture assembly10moves the frameless furniture assembly10. It will be understood, however, that the frameless furniture movement assembly can alternatively allow movement of the frameless furniture assembly without all of the frameless furniture movement assembly moving, i.e., moving a receiving body while at least a portion of a frameless furniture movement assembly remains stationary with respect to the surface upon which a frameless furniture movement assembly rests or sits. Such is the case with the frameless furniture movement assembly200as illustrated inFIG.11. The disclosure related to the movement assembly120is applicable to the movement assembly220and like reference numerals will be used for like elements, structures, or components.

As illustrated inFIG.11, the frameless furniture movement assembly200includes a receiving body210and a movement assembly220, or frameless furniture movement assembly, about which the receiving body210moves to reposition or move the center60of the frameless furniture assembly10. As discussed above, the receiving body210supports or cradles the frameless furniture assembly10and limits unwanted movement of the frameless furniture assembly10as the movement assembly220moves the frameless furniture assembly10supported or cradled by the receiving body210. For instance, and not by way of limitation, the receiving body210can limit movement in one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of possible movement allowed by the movement assembly220, such as movement induced by a user of the frameless furniture movement assembly100and the frameless furniture assembly10. Stated another way, the receiving body210can limit or prevent decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body210of the movement assembly220.

As illustrated, the movement assembly220includes a frame assembly260mounted to a base262that rests upon the surface70. Rotating assemblies264are supported by the frame assembly260and selectively cooperates with the receiving body210. The frame assembly260includes a plurality of rails270elevated above the surface70by the base262, but in other configurations the plurality of rails270rest upon the surface70without the base262. The rails270include an upper surface282and a lower surface280mounted to the base262. The upper surface282is curved to limit the possibility of the receiving body210contacting the rails270as the receiving body210moves along the rotating assemblies264. It will be understood that the upper surface282can be planar, combinations of curved and planar, or have other shapes as desired.

In the illustrated configuration, the rotating assemblies264are disposed between two rails270and provide a surface upon which the receiving body210can move. For instance, as illustrated inFIGS.11and12, the rotating assemblies264can include wheels284with bearings286that receive an axle288disposed in receiving holes272of the rails270. Each wheel284can freely rotate about the respective axle288to which it is mounted so that the receiving body210can move along the wheels284. It will be understood that the receiving holes272can optionally include bearings (not shown) so that the wheels284can be fixedly attached to the axle288and the axle288can rotate using the bearings within the receiving holes272to allow receiving body210to move in relation to the base262rather than within bearings of the wheels284.

With respect toFIGS.11and13, in the illustrated configuration the wheels284of the rotating assemblies264can run along the outer surface136of the receiving body210. The movement of the receiving body210can be limited by stops292a,292bdisposed on the outer surface136and extending across a portion or all of the outer surface in a direction transverse or orthogonal to a direction of movement of the receiving body210along the wheels284. It will be understood that the stops292a,292bcan extend at some angular origination in relation to the movement of the receiving body210and can be formed of one or more individual stop components. For instance, each of the lower stop292aand the upper stop292bcan be formed of one or more stop components, with the number of stop components being the same or different for each of the lower stop292aand the upper stop292b.

To aid with positioning of the receiving body210in relation to the movement assembly220, the receiving body210can be formed to self-center between the rotating assemblies264and/or aid with limiting or preventing unwanted movement that decouples the receiving body210from the movement assembly220. In the illustrated configurations ofFIGS.14A-C, a curvature of the outer surface of the receiving body210positions the receiving body210between the rotating assemblies264. For instance, the receiving body210has a first side portion250aseparated from a second side portion250cby an intermediate portion250b.As illustrated inFIGS.14A, the intermediate portion250bprotrudes downwardly away from the first side portion250aand the second side portion250cso that the receiving body210self-centers the receiving body210between the rotating assemblies264. That is, the engagement of the lower surface70with the rotating assemblies264centers the intermediate portion250bbetween the rotating assemblies264and so disposes the intermediate portion250bfurther from the frameless furniture assembly10supported by the receiving body210than the junctions252between the rotating assemblies264and the first side portion250aand the second side portion250c.This can be achieved through engagement or contact of the rotating assemblies264with the first side portion250aand the second side portion250c,at a junction of the first side portion250aand the second side portion250cas illustrated schematically inFIG.14B, and/or on a portion of the intermediate portion250bas illustrated schematically inFIG.14C. While the inner surface of the receiving body210mirrors the curvature of the outer surface contacted by the rotating assemblies264, it will be understood that the inner surface can have a variety of different orientations and shapes that mirror or do not mirror the curvature of the outer surface, such as but not limited to, convex, concave, planar, combinations and/or modifications thereof.

WhileFIGS.14A-14Cillustrate one manner to aid with positioning the receiving body210in relation to the movement assembly220and the associated rotating assemblies264,FIG.15illustrates another manner. The disclosure related to the frameless furniture movement assembly200is applicable to the configuration inFIG.15with like reference numerals being used for like elements, structures, or components.

As illustrated inFIG.15, an outer surface336of a receiving body310optionally includes engagement channels, such as a first groove or channel348aand a second groove or channel348bdisposed in at least a portion of the outer surface336. The first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348bare formed to receive a portion of the rotating assemblies264of the movement assembly220and can function as mounting locations where the receiving body210mounts or couples to the movement assembly220. The receiving body310slides along the rotating assemblies264as the user rests on the frameless furniture assembly10.

As illustrated inFIG.15, at least one of the first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348bincludes one or more stops392to limit movement of the receiving body310within the first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348b.The one or more stops392can either be fixed at specific locations along a length of the first groove or channel348aand/or the second groove or channel348bor removably positioned along the length of first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348b.For instance, as illustrated inFIG.15, the stop392include at least one projection or pin394or other protruding member extending from a stop body396. The pin394can be received within complementary holes350formed in one or more of the first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348b.FIG.15illustrates two different stops392; a first stop392ahaving a single pin394and a second stop392bhaving two pins394. A user can adjust the location of the stop(s)392a,392bby moving the stop(s)392a,392bbetween holes350. When moving the second stop392b,the stop body396bextends to the first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348bso that pin394is in one complementary hole350in the first groove or channel348aand pin394in another hole350in the second groove or channel348b.Moving and positioning the stops limits the overall motion of the receiving body310in a backward and forward direction along the base262. By allowing for variability to the travel distance of the receiving body310to the movement assembly220, a user's experience with the frameless furniture assembly10can be enhanced.

While reference is made to the receiving body310including the first groove or channel348aand the second groove or channel348bthat are complementary to individual wheels284, it will be understood that the wheels284can be replaced, as illustrated in a frameless furniture movement assembly400ofFIG.16, by rotating assemblies464that cooperate with a receiving body410. The rotating assemblies464can include rollers484that extend between the rails470and a single groove or channel448can accommodate the rollers484. The single groove or channel448can optionally include the complementary holes450and the stops described herein. The rails470include an upper surface482and a lower surface480mounted to the base462. The upper surface482is curved to limit the possibility of the receiving body410contacting the rails470as the receiving body410moves along the rotating assemblies464. It will be understood that the upper surface482can be planar, combinations of curved and planar, or have other shapes as desired. Additionally, only one of the rails470in each rail pair can be included when the rollers484are used (it being understood that in alternate configurations of using the wheels484one of the rails470in each rail pair can be used to support each pair of wheels).

Generally, the movement assembly220-420, or frameless furniture movement assembly, including the receiving body210-410can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metal, wood, grasses, composites, polymers, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, combinations or modifications thereof. Additionally one or more of the surfaces of the movement assembly220-420can include surface finishes and/or friction increasing structures as described in relation to the receiving body110.

As mentioned in relation to the frameless furniture movement assembly200-400described above, the frameless furniture movement assemblies can allow movement of the frameless furniture assembly without all of the frameless furniture movement assembly moving, i.e., moving the receiving body while at least a portion of a frameless furniture movement assembly remains stationary with respect to the surface upon which a frameless furniture movement assembly rests or sits. Such is the case with the frameless furniture movement assembly500as illustrated inFIGS.17-20. The disclosure related to the other frameless furniture movement assemblies is applicable to the frameless furniture movement assembly500and like reference numerals will be used for like elements, structures, or components.

As illustrated inFIG.17, the frameless furniture movement assembly500includes a receiving body510and a movement assembly520about which the receiving body510moves to reposition or move the center of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). As discussed above, the receiving body510supports or cradles the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) and limits unwanted movement of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) as the movement assembly520moves the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) supported or cradled by the receiving body510. For instance, and not by way of limitation, the receiving body510can limit movement in one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of possible movement allowed by the movement assembly520, such as movement induced by a user of the frameless furniture movement assembly500and the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). Stated another way, the receiving body510can limit or prevent decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body510of the frameless furniture movement assembly500.

As illustrated, the movement assembly520includes a base562that rests upon the surface70and one more resiliently deformable members564. The one or more members564resiliently deform as a user moves in the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1), while having sufficient resiliency to return to or rebound from a deformed state to return to the pre-deformed shape. This aids to move the receiving body510and provide movement as desired in by the user of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). Additionally, the resiliently deformable members564can be deformed in two or more of X-direction, Y-direction, and the Z-direction allow enhanced movement. This can be achieved, in one configuration, by forming the members564from a polymeric material, rubber, clastic material, combinations or modifications thereof.

As illustrated the members564include a base566that mounts to the base562and a supporting surface568that contacts the outer surface536of the receiving body510. The supporting surface568is inclined in relation to the base566to aid with cradling the outer surface536of the receiving body510but the supporting surface568can also be planar or, more generally, parallel to the base566. As illustrated, the supporting surface568of each of the members564incline generally towards a central axis of the base562or towards a central axis of the receiving body510when it rests upon the member564. However, the supporting surface568can be inclined towards a center of the receiving body510, whether or not that center is on the central axis, or toward some other point(s) of the base562or the receiving body510.

To aid with movement of the receiving body510, the members564can optionally include bearing surface570that extend from the supporting surface568. These bearing surfaces570can be formed from transfer bearings572in which the ball574extends from the supporting surface568, as illustrated inFIGS.19-20. The receiving body510can ride along the bearing surfaces570provided by the balls574. The use of the bearing surface570, such as the transfer bearings572, can be used in any of the frameless furniture movement assemblies described herein. It will be understood that the members564can be rigid or substantially rigid rather than “resiliently deformable.” In such a case, the bearing surface570can provide a surface upon which the receiving body510can move.

Turning toFIGS.21-23, illustrated is another frameless furniture movement assembly600. The frameless furniture movement assembly600allows movement of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) so that a center of the frameless furniture assembly10is moved in relation to a location of the center of the frameless furniture assembly10is positioned upon a stationary surface, such as a floor or other surface. The disclosure related to the other frameless furniture movement assemblies described herein are also applicable to the frameless furniture movement assembly600and like reference numerals will be used for like elements, structures, or components.

As illustrated inFIGS.21-23the frameless furniture movement assembly600includes a receiving body610and a movement assembly620that moves the frames furniture receiving body610to reposition or move the center60of the frameless furniture assembly10. The receiving body610supports or cradles the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) and limits unwanted movement of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) as the movement assembly620moves the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) supported or cradled by the receiving body610. For instance, and not by way of limitation, the receiving body610can limit movement in one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of possible movement allowed by the movement assembly620, such as movement induced by a user of the movement assembly620and the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). The limited movement of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) can include limiting sliding, rotational, and upward movement across a portion of the receiving body610, and combinations of such movements.

As illustrated inFIGS.21-22the receiving body610includes a first end630spaced from a second end632with an inner surface634and an outer surface636extending between the first end630and the second end632to form a receiving cavity638to receive, hold, or cradle at least a portion of the frameless furniture assembly10. In the illustrated configuration, the second end632is vertically elevated in relation to the first end630but in other configurations the first end630and the second end632can be positioned at the same, or substantially the same, height above the surface70upon which the frameless furniture movement assembly600rests or is placed, or the first end630can be elevated above the second end632.

A junction of the inner surface634and the outer surface636, and/or a wall640, form a perimeter642of the receiving cavity638, which has in the illustrated configuration a generally curved profile. This curved profile, as viewed in the Y-direction can be circular, elliptical, oval, conic curve, combinations and/or modifications thereof. The perimeter642can be parallel or inclined in relation to the surface70upon which the movement assembly600rests or is placed. Additionally, the perimeter642can curve from the first end630to the second end632, or vice versa, as viewed in the Z-direction.

The inner surface634that forms the receiving cavity638can extend from the perimeter642to a base644that is angularly orientated to the inner surface634. While a discrete transition might be formed between the inner surface634and the base644, it will be understood that the inner surface634can extend to and from the base644without a transition, i.e., the inner surface634incorporates the base644so that the base644has a curved rather than a generally planar orientation. Stated another way, the inner surface634and the base644can be integral or separate discrete portions forming the receiving cavity638.

The receiving body610is illustrated as having generally continuous inner surface634and outer surface636to support the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). However, it will be understood that the receiving body610can be noncontinuous or include a number of discrete or separate receiving body elements that can be combined to support the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) as described in relation to the receiving body110.

With continued reference toFIGS.21-23, supporting the receiving body610is the movement assembly620. The movement assembly620allows the receiving body610to move in a swaying motion as compared to a rocking motion associated with some of the other movement assemblies described herein where the receiving bodies tip forward and backward. As illustrated, the movement assembly620includes a frame assembly660supporting a receiving body support662. The receiving body support662is pivotally connected to the frame assembly660by linkages664a-664dto allow motion of the receiving body610.

The receiving body support662includes a first support extension666aand a second support extension666bmounted to the receiving body610at mounting locations672. The first support extension666aand the second support extension666bare mounted to the outer surface636of the receiving body610at the mounting locations672such as through adhesives, fasteners, interference fit, snap fit, and combinations therefore, optionally with an intermediate mounting structure such as a brace, bracket, etc. Additionally, the support extension(s) and the receiving body can be molded as single member, such as a single, monolithic or unitary structure. Each of the first support extension666aand the second support extension666bincludes a leg668a,668bextending to an arm674a,674balthough it will be understood that other configurations of the support extensions are possible in which a plurality of legs and/or a plurality of arms are provided.

Each of the first support extension666aand the second support extension666bare moveably connected to a frame assembly660by linkages664a-664d.The pivotal or rotating connections provided by the linkages664a-664dallow the receiving body610supported by the movement assembly620to move in a back and forth motion along a generally linear or curved track or path. For instance, linkages664a,664cconnect the first support extension666ato a first side frame member668aof the frame assembly660and the linkages664b,664dconnect the second support extension666bto a second side frame member668bof the frame assembly660. This allows the first support extension666aand the second support extension666bto move together in relation to the frame assembly660.

In the illustrated configuration, the linkages664a,664bare pivotally connected to upper supports682a,682bof the frame assembly660, while also being pivotally connected to the arms674a,674bof the first support extension666aand the second support extension666b.For instance, the first ends are pivotally pinned to the upper supports682a,682bthe second ends are pivotally pinned to the arms674a,674bthrough pinned, rotating connection, i.e., pins684extending between and disposed within holes686that optionally include bearings or other structures to aid with rotational or pivotal movement. The pinned connections allow the receiving body610to glide or slide in the direction of the arrows. This movement enhances a user's experience with the frameless furniture assembly10.

To limit movement of the receiving body610by the movement assembly620, a locking mechanism690controls movement of the arm674a.The locking mechanism690extends from engagement with the arm674ato lower support688aof the frame assembly660. The locking mechanism690includes lock member692that rests upon a portion of the arm674athat can slide along the arm674aas it moves with movement of the receiving body610. A lock extension694extends from the lock member692to the lower support688aon one side of the lock member692so that the lock member692can pivot or rotate in relation to the lower support688a.A releasable lock anchor696extends from an attachment point698of the lock member692to a release mechanism or handle699on the opposite side of the lower support688a.The lock anchor696releasably connects to the attachment point698, such as hook, so that when the handle699is manipulated to move the locking mechanism690from a locked state to an unlocked state the lock anchor696can be released from engagement with the attachment point698. When the handle699maintains the lock anchor696in the locked state, tension is applied to the lock member692that in turn applies a force to the arm674athat limits movement of the arm674aand so movement of the receiving body610. Although one locking mechanism690is illustrated inFIGS.21-23various other locking mechanisms would be understood by one skilled in the art in view of the disclosure contained herein. For instance, a lock anchor696can take the form of a resilient, generally resilient, clastic, or combination or modification anchor that extends directly to the one of the arm674aand passes through a hole in the arm674a.Additionally, while the locking mechanism690is provided on the frameless furniture movement assembly600, it will be understood that locking mechanisms can be included in another of the frameless furniture movement assemblies described herein.

Generally, the frameless furniture movement assembly600can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metal, wood, grasses, composite, polymer, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, combinations thereof. Additionally one or more of the surfaces of the frameless furniture movement assembly600can include surface finishes or friction increasing structures, such as described herein.

As mentioned previously herein, the receiving body slides or moves in relation to the movement assembly. While rotating assemblies, etc. are described as being associated with the movement assembly, it will be understood that in other configurations, the rotating assemblies can be associated or mounted to the receiving body and cooperate with a movement assembly configured to accommodate those rotating assemblies. Stated another way, portions or components of the movement assemblies described herein can be formed, mounted, or coupled to the receiving body rather than in the described movement assemblies.

Turning toFIGS.24-26illustrated is another configuration of a frameless furniture movement assembly700in which one or more of portions or components of a movement assembly can be formed, mounted, or coupled to a receiving body rather than in the described movement assemblies. The disclosure related to the other frameless furniture movement assemblies described herein are also applicable to the frameless furniture movement assembly700and like reference numerals will be used for like elements, structures, or components.

As illustrated inFIGS.24-26, the frameless furniture movement assembly700includes a receiving body710and a movement assembly720about which the receiving body710moves to reposition or move the center60of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). As discussed above, the receiving body710supports or cradles the frameless furniture assembly10and limits unwanted movement of the frameless furniture assembly10as the movement assembly720moves the frameless furniture assembly10supported or cradled by the receiving body710. Cradling of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) by the receiving body limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) in one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of possible movement allowed by the movement assembly720, such as movement induced by a user of the frameless furniture movement assembly700and the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1). The limited movement of the frameless furniture assembly10(FIG.1) can include limiting sliding, rotational, and upward movement across a portion of the receiving body710, and combinations of such movements.

As illustrated, the movement assembly720is split between the receiving body710and the movement assembly720. For instance, rotating assemblies764a-764dare mounted or otherwise attached or coupled to the receiving body710and are received within channels or grooves748a,748bof the frame assembly760having rails770a,770bsupported the base762. The rotating assemblies764a-764dare received into the channels or grooves748a,748bgenerally in the Y-direction.

FIG.25illustrates a configuration of the rotating assembly764awithin the channel or groove748aof the rail770a.It will be understood that a similar discussion can be had with respect to the other channels, grooves, rails and rotating assemblies of the frameless furniture movement assembly700. A bracket774amounts a wheel784aof the rotating assembly764ato the receiving body710, the wheel784abeing slidably received within the channel or groove748aof the rail770a.The rail770acan be a U-shaped to provide the channel or groove748aor the channel or groove748acan be provided in another manner. While the rails770a,770bare illustrated as being generally elongate and generally straight, it will be understood that to provide a rocking motion, the rails770a,770band/or the channel or grooves748a,748bcan have a curved orientation in the X-direction so that when the wheels784run along a lower surface790a,790bof the channels or grooves748a,748bthe furniture receiving body710moves in a rocking motion.

In the illustrated inFIG.25, the wheel784ais disposed between two rail portions776a,776bto provide the channel or groove748a.The rotating assembly764acan include the wheel784awith bearings786athat receive an axle788adisposed in receiving holes772aof the bracket774a;the receiving holes772abeing formed in a first leg778aand a second leg778bextending from a bracket base780athat mounts or couples to the receiving body710. The wheel784acan freely rotate about the respective axle788ato which it is mounted so that the receiving body710can move along the channel or groove748a.It will be understood that the receiving holes772acan optionally include bearings (not shown) so that the wheels784acan be fixedly attach to the axle788aand the axle788acan rotate using the bearings within the receiving holes772ato allow receiving body710to move in relation to the base762rather than within bearings of the wheels784a.

As illustrated inFIG.24, at least one end of at least one of the grooves or channels748a,748bare closed to function as a stop792to limit movement of the receiving body710along the groove or channel748a,748b.Alternatively, or in addition to the illustrated stops792, the selectively removable stops described herein, such as inFIG.25, can be combined with or replace the stops792.

While reference is made to the wheels784being received within the channels or grooves748a,748b,such as in the Y-direction, with an opening782facing the Y-direction, it will be understood that the channel or groove can include an opening that opens in the X-direction or the Z-direction. For instance, and as illustrated inFIG.26, in another configuration, a channel or groove848includes an opening882that opens in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the opening882of the rail870opens. This can be achieved, in one configuration, where the rail870has a C-shape. In this configuration, the opening882of adjacent rails870can face towards each other, away from each other, or face in the same direction so that one opening882face towards one of the adjacent rails870and one opening faces away from the adjacent rail. With this configuration, instead of two legs878a,878bextending from the bracket base880, a single leg878extends from a bracket base880. With a spacer890mounted on the axle888, a gap G is formed between the single leg878and the wheel884; this gap G receives a first portion871aand a second portion871bof the rail870. The combination of the first portion871a, the second portion871b,a first member871cfrom which the first portion871aextends, a second member871dfrom which the second portion871bextends, and a joining member871econnecting the first member871cand the second member871dretains the wheel884within the channel or groove848. The rail870is mounted to the base862by one of the first member871cand the second member871dusing appropriate fasteners, adhesives, welding, bonding, combinations and/or modifications thereof.

Generally, the frameless furniture movement assembly800illustrated inFIGS.24-26, can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metal, wood, grasses, composite, polymer, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, combinations thereof. Additionally one or more of the surfaces of the frameless furniture movement assembly800can include surface finishes or friction increasing structures as described herein.

Turning toFIGS.27-33, illustrated is alternate configurations of furniture assemblies according to the present invention. The discussion related to the furniture assembly10also applies to the furniture assembly10b,with like numbers being are used for the configuration ofFIGS.27-33. While the furniture assembly10(FIG.1) has a generally spherical or ball-shape, the furniture assembly10bhas a generally rectangular, square, or polygonal shape as viewed from above. The furniture assembly10bmay range in size from large on which two adult sized people may comfortably rest, to small on which a small child may rest. It will be appreciated that furniture assembly10bcan conform to the shape of the user resting thereon to form a chair-like structure.

WhileFIGS.28-33shows the furniture assembly10bbeing used in a chair-like function; however, the furniture assembly10bmay have a variety of uses. The furniture assembly10bmay be flattened to provide a bed-like surface upon which to lie. A smaller furniture assembly10bmay function as an ottoman. Alternatively, the furniture assembly10bmay function as a toy for children to jump or land upon during play. Further, the furniture assembly10bmay be formed slightly elongated in shape so that a household pet, or even a small infant, may sleep comfortably thereon. Thus, it will be appreciated that the furniture assembly10bis extremely comfortable and versatile for a variety of uses.

In one configuration, the furniture assembly10bincludes an insert or chair14bhaving a removable cover16b,in a similar manner to the furniture assembly10. The insert14bcan range in size from 2 feet to 12 feet in cross-section, for example.

As illustrated inFIG.27, the cover16bincludes an upper portion40band a lower portion42bthat are joined together, such as being sewn together or otherwise joined together, about a perimeter44b.The cover16bis constructed from an air-permeable material, cotton, twill, linen, nylon, velvet, leather, suraline gabardine material, stretchable material, combinations or modifications thereof.

Turning toFIGS.28-30, illustrated is the frameless furniture assembly10bsupported by a frameless furniture movement assembly900. The frameless furniture movement assembly900allows movement of the frameless furniture assembly10bso that a center of the frameless furniture assembly10bis moved in relation to a location of a center60bof the frameless furniture assembly10bwhen the frameless furniture movement assembly900is positioned upon a surface70, such as a floor or other surface. The movement of the frameless furniture assembly10bcan include movement in a direction parallel, orthogonal, and/or angularly to the surface70, with such movement being along one or more straight paths, curved paths, combinations thereof and/or modifications to those paths. Those paths can be in a single or multiple planes. For instance, those paths can extend in one or more of a direction of the X-direction), the Y-direction), and/or the Z-direction.

As illustrated inFIGS.28-30the frameless furniture movement assembly900includes a receiving cavity938provided by a frame952and a frameless furniture support954. The frame952and/or the frameless furniture support954, either individually or in combination provides for movement of the frameless furniture10bto reposition or move the center60of the frameless furniture assembly10b.Therefore, the frame952and/or the frameless furniture support954is a movement assembly. The frame952and the frameless furniture support954also supports or cradles the frameless furniture assembly10band limits unwanted movement of the frameless furniture assembly10bas the frame952and the frameless furniture support954move. For instance, and not by way of limitation, the frame952can limit movement in one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction of possible movement allowed by the frame952and the frameless furniture support954, such as movement induced by a user of the frameless furniture movement assembly10band the frameless furniture assembly10b.The limited movement of the frameless furniture assembly10bcan include limiting sliding, rotational, and upward movement across a portion of the frameless furniture support954, and combinations of such movements. Additionally, cradling of the frameless furniture assembly10bwithin the receiving cavity938limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly10bin one or more of the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction.

As illustrated inFIGS.28-33, the frame952includes a lower frame assembly962and an upper frame assembly964connected by an upright assembly966. The upper frame assembly964extends in a cantilever fashion from the upright assembly966, and the upright assembly966extends from the lower frame assembly962in a cantilever fashion. This relationship allows the upper frame assembly964to move in relation to the upright assembly966and the upright assembly966to move in relation to the lower frame assembly962to provide movement of the frameless furniture support954. For instance, the upper frame assembly964, the upright assembly966, and/or the lower frame assembly962can flex to aid with the movement. To aid with movement, the lower frame assembly962can have curved structures to aid with a rocking motion, as will be described hereinafter.

The frameless furniture support954extends from the upper frame assembly964towards the lower frame assembly962, or the upright assembly966extending from or being part of the lower frame assembly962. The lower frame assembly962includes first base members974a,974bconnected by a second base member976, with the upright assembly966extending from the first base members974a,974b.The second base member976can extend from ends978a,978bof the first base members974a,974bopposite to the ends980a,980bfrom which the upright assembly966extends or can extend between the first base members974a,974bat intermediate locations between the ends978a,978band ends980a,980b.

In the illustrated configuration, the lower frame assembly962the first base members974a,974band the second base member976are generally in the same plane thereby providing support to a remainder of the frameless furniture movement assembly900. However, as illustrated inFIGS.31-32, the first base members974a,974bcan be curved, similar to the runners described and illustrated inFIGS.6-9, to aid with a rocking motion, while the upper frame assembly964has a similar form to that of the configuration ofFIGS.28-30.

Returning toFIGS.28-30, the upright assembly966includes leg members982a,982bconnected to the first base members974a,974bwith a brace member984extending between the leg members982a,982b.The upper frame assembly964connects to and can extend from ends986a,986bof the leg members982a,982bopposite to the ends988a,988bfrom which the upright assembly966extends. The brace member984can extend between the leg members982a,982bat intermediate locations between the ends986a,986band988a,988b.

In the configuration ofFIGS.28-30, the upper frame assembly964has a similar configuration to the lower frame assembly962with upper frame members990a,990bhaving a length shorter than the first base members974a,974b,although the upper frame members990a,990bcan be longer or the same length as the first base members974a,974b.A second upper member992can extend between the upper frame members990a,990b.That said, in other configurations, such as illustrated inFIGS.31-32, the first base members974a,974bare curved to aid with a rocking motion, while the upper frame assembly964has a similar form to that of the configuration ofFIGS.28-30.

Extending between the second upper member992and the brace member984is the frameless furniture support954. As illustrated, the frameless furniture support954includes a plurality of curved slats1000that collectively form a surface to support a furniture assembly, such as those described herein or otherwise anticipated by the disclosure presented herein. While curved slats1000are illustrated, the frameless furniture support954can include one or more slats or support members, whether curved, straight, curved and straight, combinations and/or modification thereof.

Generally, the frameless furniture movement assembly900illustrated inFIGS.28-32, can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metal, wood, grasses, composite, polymer, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, combinations thereof. Additionally one or more of the surfaces of the frameless furniture movement assembly900can include surface finishes or friction increasing structures as described herein.

Turning toFIG.33, to aid with movement of the upper frame assembly964and the upright assembly966in relation to the surface70, and/or the lower frame assembly962, a spring assembly968extends between the upper frame assembly964and the lower frame assembly962. As mentioned herein, the upper frame assembly964extends in a cantilever fashion from the upright assembly966, and the upright assembly966extends from the lower frame assembly962in a cantilever fashion. The upper frame assembly964flexes or moves in relation to the upright assembly966and the upright assembly966flexes or moves in relation to the lower frame assembly962to provide movement of the frameless furniture support954. To vary or change the flexing or movement, a spring assembly or member968extends from the upper frame assembly964and the lower frame assembly962. For instance, the spring assembly968extends from the second base member976to the second upper member992and provide resiliency to the movement of the second upper member992. The spring assembly968can be formed of a flexible, elastic, resilient, or semi-resilient member that flexes or bends and has sufficient resiliency to move the upper frame assembly964away from the lower frame assembly962. The spring member968can be fixably attached to one or both of the lower frame assembly962and the upper frame assembly964, such as through welding, bonding, etc. or can be releasably attached to one or both of the lower frame assembly962and the upper frame assembly964using a releasing mechanism994, such as through hinge, releasable pin connection, or interaction of two member having interacting geometries that allow all or portions thereof so the two members can interface and allows adjustability of the overall length, combinations and/or modifications thereof. The later allows for replacement of the spring member968to change flexing characteristics of the spring member968and so the frameless furniture movement assembly900. Changing these flexing characteristics enhances the use of the frameless furniture movement assembly and so the frameless furniture by a user.

Returning toFIGS.8-24, the frameless furniture movement assemblies can include various electrical assemblies199,299,499,599,699,799illustrated schematically in phantom lines, that contain or connect to a power source to support and power a plethora of electronic components. For example, the frameless furniture movement assemblies can house or otherwise contain speakers, chargers, ports, etc. that can be powered by the various electrical assemblies and/or power sources.

Examples of electrical components that can be contained or otherwise included with the frames furniture movement assemblies are outlined in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/349,363, filed Jun. 26, 2021, entitled “Furniture Console and Methods of Using the Same,” the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Additional examples are outlined in U.S. Pat. No. 10,236,643, filed Sep. 20, 2016, entitled “Electrical Hub for Furniture assemblies,” the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Further examples are outlined U.S. Patent Nos.: 10,212,519, filed Nov. 10, 2016, entitled “Electronic Furniture Systems with Integrated Internal Speakers;” 11,178,486, filed Nov. 26, 2019, entitled “Modular Furniture Speaker Assembly with Reconfigurable Transverse Members;” 11,178,487, filed Jan. 9, 2020, entitled “Electronic Furniture Systems with Integrated Induction Charger;” and 11,172,301, filed Feb. 12, 2019, entitled “Electronic Furniture Systems with Integrated Internal Speakers.” The entire contents of each of the foregoing patents are herein incorporated by reference.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant work of drywall repair.

Following are some further example embodiments of the invention. These are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Further, any example embodiment can be combined with one or more of the example embodiments.Embodiment 1. A frameless furniture movement assembly for moving a frameless furniture assembly, the frameless furniture movement assembly comprising a receiving body that accommodates the frameless furniture assembly and limits or prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly operatively coupled to the receiving body to move the receiving body in the first direction.Embodiment 2. The frameless furniture movement assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the movement assembly comprises at least two rails mounted to the receiving body.Embodiment 3. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 1-2, wherein the movement assembly comprises at least one rotating assembly to which the receiving body slidably moves.Embodiment 4. The frameless furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-3, wherein the at least one rotating assembly comprises one of a wheel or roller.Embodiment 5. The frameless furniture assembly of any the embodiments 1-4, further comprising at least one stop.Embodiment 6. The frameless furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-5, wherein the receiving body comprises at least one engagement channel configured to receive a portion of the movement assembly, the at least one engagement channel being configured to guide movement of the receiving body over the movement assembly.Embodiment 7. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 1-6, wherein the movement assembly comprises a frame assembly pivotally connected to a receiving body support.Embodiment 8. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 1-7, further comprising a linkage disposed between the frame assembly and the receiving body support.Embodiment 9. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 1-8, wherein movement of the receiving body moves in at least one of a linear motion and a non-linear motion.Embodiment 10. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 1-9, wherein the movement assembly comprises a resiliently deformable member mounted to a base, the resiliently deformable member configured to cradle an outer surface of the receiving body.Embodiment 11. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 1-10, wherein the movement assembly comprises at least one bearing surface forming a surface of a member configured to support the receiving body.Embodiment 12. A frameless furniture moving system comprising a frameless furniture assembly comprising a cover and an insert disposed within the cover, and a frameless furniture moving assembly comprising a receiving body that accommodates the frameless furniture assembly and prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly, mounted to the receiving body, for movement of the frameless furniture moving assembly in the first direction.Embodiment 13. The frameless furniture moving system of embodiment 12, wherein the movement assembly comprises at least two rails mounted to the receiving body.Embodiment 14. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-13, wherein the receiving body is detachable from the movement assembly.Embodiment 15. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-14, wherein the movement assembly comprises a rotating assembly.Embodiment 16. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-15, wherein the receiving body comprises a first side portion, a second side portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first side portion and the second side portion.Embodiment 17. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-16, wherein when the first side portion is in contact with the rotating assembly at a first junction, the intermediate portion is further from the frameless furniture assembly than the first side portion at the first junction.Embodiment 18. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-17, wherein the rotating assembly comprises one of a wheel or roller.Embodiment 19. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-18, further comprising at least one stop.Embodiment 20. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-19, wherein the receiving body comprises an engagement channel configured to receive a portion of the movement assembly, the engagement channel configured to guide movement of the receiving body over the movement assembly.Embodiment 21. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-20, wherein the movement assembly comprises a frame assembly pivotally connected to a receiving body support.Embodiment 22. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-21, further comprising a linkage disposed between the frame assembly and the receiving body support.Embodiment 23. The frameless furniture moving system of any the embodiments 12-22, wherein movement of the receiving body moves in at least one of a linear motion and a non-linear motion.Embodiment 24. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 12-23, wherein the movement assembly comprises a resiliently deformable member mounted to a base, the resiliently deformable member configured to cradle an outer surface of the receiving body.Embodiment 25. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 12-24, wherein the movement assembly comprises at least one bearing surface forming a surface of a member configured to support the receiving body.Embodiment 26. The frameless furniture movement system of any of the embodiments 12-25, wherein the movement assembly comprises a frame assembly supporting a receiving body support operatively coupled to the receiving body, the receiving body support being pivotally coupled to the frame assembly.Embodiment 27. The frameless furniture movement system of any of the embodiments 12-26, further comprising linkages operatively connecting the frame assembly to the receiving body support.Embodiment 28. The frameless furniture movement system of any of the embodiments 12-27, further comprising a lock mechanism limiting movement of the receiving body support in relation to the frame assembly.Embodiment 29. A frameless furniture movement assembly for moving a frameless furniture assembly, the frameless furniture movement assembly including a frameless furniture support that accommodates the frameless furniture assembly and prevents decoupling of the frameless furniture assembly from the receiving body in at least one of a first direction and a second direction transverse to the first direction, and a movement assembly configured to move the frameless furniture support in the first direction.Embodiment 30. The frameless furniture movement assembly of embodiment 29, wherein the movement assembly includes a portion of the frameless furniture support.Embodiment 31. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 29-30, wherein the movement assembly includes a frame supporting the frameless furniture support.Embodiment 32. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 29-31, wherein the frameless furniture support includes at least one curved slat member.Embodiment 33. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiments 29-32, further including a spring assembly extending between an upper frame assembly and a lower frame assembly of the movement assembly.Embodiment 34. The frameless furniture movement assembly of any of the embodiment 29-33, wherein the spring assembly is selectively replaceable to varying a degree of flexing and movement of the upper frame assembly in relation to the lower frame assembly.