Multifunctional furniture system

A furniture system can include a base and a top. The base has a first surface defining a first slot and a second surface defining a second slot. The top has an end that is sized and configured to be inserted in the first slot and in the second slot. The furniture system forms a chair of a first configuration with the top forming a chair back and the first surface forming a first chair seat when the end of the top is inserted in the first slot. The furniture system forms a chair of a second configuration with the top forming the chair back and the second surface forming a second chair seat when the end of the top is inserted in the second slot. The furniture system can also be configured as various types of tables.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/235,670, entitled “Multifunctional Furniture,” filed on Oct. 1, 2015, are herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to furniture, and more particularly to furniture that can perform multiple functions.

BACKGROUND

Furniture is commonly used by people to make a room or living space fit for one or more particular uses. Furniture includes items such as tables and chairs. Chairs are commonly used for supporting people sitting on the chairs. Tables are commonly used to support objects placed on the tables, such as food, drink, and other objects.

Some rooms or other living spaces can have a limited amount of space. Bulky and awkward furniture items can provide challenges in such living space, which can reduce the comfort and function of the living space. This can be especially true when the living space is filled with numerous furniture items.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of a furniture system can include one or more of the features and functions disclosed herein. Some embodiments can include two pieces capable of being combined in different ways to form one or more configurations of chairs and tables. Some embodiments can include a chair back that can be inserted into two differently-angled slots in a base to allow the chair back to have different angles of recline. Some embodiments can be modular and combined in different ways to perform different functions. In some of such embodiments, the furniture system can be a relatively simple and convenient system that is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble. Some embodiments can be relatively small in occupied spaces and suitable for use in smaller homes.

In one aspect, a furniture system can include a base and a top. The base has a first surface defining a first slot and a second surface defining a second slot. The top has an end sized and configured to be inserted in the first slot and in the second slot. The furniture system forms a chair of a first configuration with the top forming a chair back and the first surface forming a first chair seat when the end of the top is inserted in the first slot. The furniture system forms a chair of a second configuration with the top forming the chair back and the second surface forming a second chair seat when the end of the top is inserted in the second slot.

Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The first slot has a first angle and the second slot has a second angle different than the first angle such that the chair back is reclined at a greater angle in the second configuration than in the first configuration. The first surface is substantially parallel to the second surface. A third surface extends from the first surface to the second surface and is angled with respect to the first surface at an obtuse angle and with respect to the second surface at an acute angle, a fourth surface extends from the first surface to the second surface and is angled with respect to the first surface at an acute angle and with respect to the second surface at an obtuse angle, and the third surface is substantially parallel to the fourth surface. The first slot is positioned nearer the third surface than the fourth surface, the first slot is angled with respect to both the first and third surfaces at acute angles, the second slot is positioned nearer the fourth surface than the third surface, and the second slot is angled with respect to both the second and fourth surfaces at acute angles. The base has a substantially parallelepiped outer shape and is substantially tubular so as to define a passage through the base. The passage is defined between the first surface, the second surface, a third surface, and a fourth surface. The base defines a first indentation positioned along a first corner of the base and a second indentation positioned along a second corner of the base opposite the first corner. The top includes an extension sized to fit in and substantially fill each of the first and second indentations. The end is a first end, the top includes a second end, and the extension extends from the second end with a substantially trapezoidal cross section. The furniture system forms a table of a third configuration with the top forming a table top when the top is positioned on the base with the extension positioned in one of the first and second indentations. The second indentation is sized and positioned to receive at least part of a user's heel when the furniture system forms the chair of the first configuration, and the first indentation is sized and positioned to receive at least part of the user's heel when the furniture system forms the chair of the second configuration. The first indentation is positioned proximate the first slot and the second indentation is positioned proximate the second slot. The furniture system forms a table of a third configuration with the top forming a first table top when the top is positioned on the base with the end not inserted in either of the first and second slots. The furniture system forms a table of a fourth configuration when the base is rotated such that the first and second surfaces are side surfaces and the top is removed from the base. The base defines second and third table tops when forming the table of the fourth configuration, a first indentation is positioned along a first corner of the base and a second indentation positioned along a second corner of the base opposite the first corner, and the third table top is positioned along a surface of the first indentation. An elongated table includes a plurality of the furniture systems positioned adjacent to one another, with each of the furniture systems in the third configuration. A bench includes a plurality of the furniture systems set adjacent to one another with one or more of the furniture systems oriented as the chair of the first configuration and one or more of the furniture systems oriented as the chair of the second configuration. A shelving system includes a plurality of the furniture systems stacked so as to allow access to passageways defined by inner surfaces of the bases of the furniture systems.

In another aspect, a method of assembling the furniture system includes positioning the base on a floor with the second surface adjacent the floor and inserting the end of the top into the first slot to form the chair of the first configuration. The method further includes removing the end of the top from the first slot, rotating the base 180 degrees and positioning the base on the floor with the first surface adjacent the floor, inserting the end of the top into the second slot to form the chair of the second configuration, and removing the end of the top from the second slot.

Implementations can include any, all, or none of the following features. The method can further include positioning the top on the base with the end of the top not inserted in either of the first and second slots to form a table in a third configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a furniture system10forming a chair in a first configuration.FIG. 1Bis a perspective view of the furniture system10forming a chair in a second configuration.FIG. 2Ais an exploded side view of the furniture system10forming the chair in the first configuration.FIG. 2Bis an exploded side view of the furniture system10forming the chair in the second configuration. The furniture system10includes a base12and a top14which can be combined in different configurations to form a chair (such as shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B) or a table. The base12, the top14, and some of the various configurations of chairs and tables that can be formed from the base12and the top14are described herein.

The base12includes surfaces16,18,20, and22. The surface16is positioned opposite of the surface18and the surface20is positioned opposite of the surface22. The surfaces16,18,20, and22can be outer surfaces forming a perimeter of the base12. In some embodiments, the base12can have a substantially parallelepiped shape, with the surface16being parallel to the surface18and the surface20being parallel to the surface22. The surface20extends from the surface16to the surface18and is angled with respect to the surface16at an obtuse angle and with respect to the surface18at an acute angle. The surface22extends from the surface16to the surface18and is angled with respect to the surface16at an acute angle and with respect to the surface18at an obtuse angle.

The base12can have one or more slots24and26(also referred to as slits) shaped and sized for receiving and supporting the top12. The slot24can be defined by and extend into the surface16. The slot24can extend into the surface16at a position nearer the surface20than the surface22such that there is a greater amount of space between the slot24and the surface22than between the slot24and the surface20. This configuration allows for the surface16to form a chair seat between the slot24and the surface22when the top14is inserted in the slot24, such as shown inFIGS. 1A and 2A. The slot24can be angled with respect to one or both of the surfaces16and20at acute angles.

The slot26can be defined by and extend into the surface18. The slot26can extend into the surface18at a position nearer the surface22than the surface20such that there is a greater amount of space between the slot26and the surface20than between the slot26and the surface22. This configuration allows for the surface18to form a chair seat between the slot26and the surface20when the top14is inserted in the slot26, such as shown inFIGS. 1B and 2B. The slot26can be angled with respect to one or both of the surfaces18and22at acute angles.

In some embodiments, the slot24can have an angle that is different from that of slot26. This can allow the top14to function as a chair back and be reclined at a greater angle when inserted in the slot26(as shown inFIGS. 1B and 2B) than when inserted in the slot24(as shown inFIGS. 1A and 2A). For example, in some embodiments the slot24can be angled with respect to the surface16at an angle of about 85 degrees, allowing for the top14to be reclined at an angle of about 95 degrees when inserted in the slot26. In some embodiments, the slot26can be angled with respect to the surface18at an angle of about 70 degrees, allowing for the top14to be reclined at an angle of about 110 degrees when inserted in the slot26.

In other embodiments the slot24can be angled with respect to the surface16at another angle between 80 and 90 degrees, allowing for the top14to be reclined at an angle between 100 and 90 degrees when inserted in the slot26. The slot26can be angled with respect to the surface18at an angle between 50 and 80 degrees, allowing for the top14to be reclined at an angle between 130 and 100 degrees when inserted in the slot26. In still other embodiments, the slots24and26can have other angles suitable for the application.

In some embodiments, the base12can have one or more indentations28and30. The indentations28and30can be sized and positioned to provide space for heels of a user when the furniture system10is used as a chair. For example, the indentation30can be positioned at an intersection of the surfaces18and22such that the indentation is at the bottom-front of the base12when the furniture system10is being used as a chair in the first configuration with the top14inserted in the slot24. Similarly, the indentation28can be positioned at an intersection of the surfaces16and20such that the indentation is at the bottom-front of the base12when the furniture system10is being used as a chair in the second configuration with the top14inserted in the slot26. Accordingly, the indentations28and30can be positioned at opposite corners of the base12. In embodiments where the surfaces20and22are angled, the indentations28and30can be positioned at those corners having obtuse angles (such as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B), which can provide for a relatively ergonomic and comfortable seat for a user. In some embodiments, the indentation28can be positioned proximate the slot24and the indentation30can be positioned proximate the slot26.

In some embodiments, the base12can be substantially tubular, with an inner surface32defining a passageway through the base12. This can allow the base12to have a substantially continuous cross-section across a width of the base12. This can be illustrated, for example, inFIGS. 2A and 2Bwhere the base12appears substantially as a ring having the shape of a parallelogram. One or both of the slots24and26can extend substantially the entire width of the base12from one side to the other side. One or both of the indentations28and30can extend substantially the entire width of the base12from one side to the other side. In other embodiments, one or more of the slots24and26and the indentations28and30can extend across only a portion of the width of the base12.

The top14can have a first end34, a second end36, and a platform38extending between the first end34and the second end36. An extension40can extend from the top14at the second end36. The extension40can have a substantially trapezoidal cross-sectional shape, with one side extending substantially perpendicular with respect to the platform38and another side extending at an angle with respect to the platform38. The first end34can be relatively narrow as compared to the second end36. For example, the platform38portion of the top14can be relatively thin and flat, with the same or similar thickness as that of the first end34. The first end34can be sized to be inserted in the slots24and26such that the top14forms a back rest when the furniture system10is in a chair configuration. The platform38can extend upward from the first end34when the first end34is positioned in one of the slots24and26, and second end36can form a top edge of the top14with the extension40extending backwards from the second end36. In some embodiments the platform38of the top14can be substantially planar. In other embodiments, the platform38can have one or more curved surfaces.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the furniture system10forming a table in a third configuration in which the top14is not inserted in either of the slots24or26, but rather, has been laid down on the base12. As shown inFIG. 3, to platform38of the top14is positioned on the surface16of the base12, with both the platform38and the surface16extending substantially horizontally. The platform38of the top14can form a substantially flat table-top when in the third configuration, suitable for supporting objects placed thereon.

The extension40of the top14is positioned to extend downward into the indentation28. The extension40can be sized and shaped to substantially fill the indentation28. Accordingly, the extension40is effectively keyed to fit in the indentation28and align the platform38in a suitable position on the base12.

In some embodiments, the base12can be flipped with the surface16positioned on the floor and the top14positioned on the surface18of the base12. In that configuration, the extension40of the top14can be positioned to extend downward into the indentation30. The indentations28and30can have substantially the same shape such that the extension40is sized and shaped to substantially fill both indentations28and30, depending on which side of the base12is facing upwards. Accordingly, the extension40is effectively keyed to fit in the indentation30and align the platform38in a suitable position on the base12when the surface18is facing upwards. This configuration allows the furniture system10to be converted between a chair and a table without having to flip the base12regardless of which chair configuration (e.g. the first chair configuration shown inFIGS. 1A and 2Aand the second chair configuration shown inFIGS. 1B and 2B) is being used.

FIG. 4Ais a side view of the furniture system10forming the table in the third configuration.FIG. 4Bis an exploded side view of the furniture system10forming the table in the third configuration (i.e., with the top14lifted off the base12).FIG. 4Aillustrates the furniture system10with the top14placed on the base12, and the extension40positioned in the indentation28. The extension40can have an outer surface42that is angled so as to be substantially flush with the surface20when the extension40is positioned in the indentation28. The outer surface42of the extension40can also be substantially flush with the surface22when the extension40is positioned in the indentation30.FIG. 4Billustrates the furniture system10prior to placing the top14on the base12to show the base12and the top14separated.

FIG. 5Ais perspective view of the base12of the furniture system10forming a table in a fourth configuration.FIG. 5Bis a side view of the base12of the furniture system10forming the table in the fourth configuration. In the fourth configuration, the base12can be rotated (as compared to the third configuration) such that the surface22is on the bottom adjacent a floor and the surface20forms a table top. The base12can also be rotated such that the surface20is on the bottom adjacent the floor and the surface22forms the table top. In either orientation, the base12can be used as a table without using the top14(omitted fromFIGS. 5A and 5B).

When the base12is oriented as shown inFIG. 5B, the base12can present multiple surfaces for supporting objects. For example, the surface20can function as a main table top and a surface44of the indentation28can function as a ledge, both capable of supporting objects at or near a top of the base12. The surface20can be substantially horizontal and the surface44of the indentation28can be slightly angled with respect to horizontal. The size, shape, and orientation of the surfaces20and44can facilitate holding different objects. For example, the surface20can support larger objects (such as a lamp or larger electronic devices) and the surface44can support smaller objects (such as pens, pencils, and smaller electronic devices). Additionally, a surface for supporting objects is located near to the floor at the inner surface32of the base12.

In some embodiments, the base12can be at least partially elongated, with the surfaces16and18being longer than the surfaces20and22. This can allow the base12to be used as a table that has different heights depending on its orientation. For example, the furniture system10forming a table in the third configuration (seeFIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B) can be shorter than the furniture system10forming a table in the third configuration (seeFIGS. 5A and 5B). In some embodiments, the furniture system10can be used as a coffee table in the third configuration and as an end table in the fourth configuration. In other embodiments, the furniture system10can be used as a table for different applications.

FIG. 6Ais a perspective view of the top14of the furniture system10.FIG. 6Bis a side view of the top14of the furniture system10.FIGS. 6A and 6Bhelp show the shape and configuration of the top14in at least some embodiments. In other embodiments, the shape and features of the top14can be varied as suitable for the application.

FIG. 7Ais a perspective view of the base12of the furniture system10.FIG. 7Bis a side view of the base12of the furniture system10.FIGS. 7A and 7Bhelp show the shape and configuration of the base12in at least some embodiments. In other embodiments, the shape and features of the base12can be varied as suitable for the application.

FIG. 8Ais a side view of a user sitting on the furniture system10forming the chair in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the user can sit on the surface16of the base12, with the user's back resting against the platform38of the top14. The user's heels can be positioned near or in the indentation30when sitting substantially upright.

FIG. 8Bis a side view of a user sitting on the furniture system10forming the chair in the second configuration. In the second configuration, the user can sit on the surface18of the base12, with the user's back resting against the platform38of the top14. The top14and the platform38can be reclined at a greater angle than in the first configuration, allowing the user to also recline more when the user's back is against the platform38. The user's heels can be positioned near or in the indentation28, or can be extended outward as shown inFIG. 8B.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of multiple furniture systems10combined to form a bench46. The furniture systems10are set side-by-side, adjacent to one another. One or more of the furniture systems10can be oriented as a chair in the first configuration and one or more of the furniture systems10can be oriented as a chair in the second configuration. Accordingly, the furniture systems10can be oriented as chairs in different configurations and still combine to form a common bench46. Alternatively, the bench46can include furniture systems10all oriented in the same configuration.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of multiple furniture systems10combined to form an elongated table48. The furniture systems10are set side-by-side, adjacent to one another. The table48can include furniture systems10all oriented in the same configuration. Alternatively, the furniture systems10can be oriented in different configurations, such as one or more furniture systems10oriented as chairs and one or more furniture systems10oriented as tables.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of multiple furniture systems10combined to form an arrangement50with chairs and a table. The furniture systems10can be oriented as one chair in the first configuration, one chair in the second configuration, and one table in the third configuration between the furniture systems10oriented as chairs. Alternatively, the furniture systems10can be oriented in different configurations as suitable for the application.

FIG. 12is a side view of multiple furniture systems10combined to form a shelving system52. The furniture systems10can be stacked so as to allow access to the passageway defined by the inner surface32of the base12. In some embodiments, the furniture systems10can be stacked in a common orientation. For example, the furniture systems10can be positioned in the third configuration as a table, and stacked to form the shelving system52. Alternatively, the furniture systems10can be positioned in the fourth configuration as a table, and stacked to form the shelving system52. Alternatively, the furniture systems10can be positioned in different orientations and stacked to form the shelving system52(such as shown inFIG. 12).

In various embodiments, the furniture system10can be manufactured from wood, polymer, or another material suitable for the application. In some embodiments, the furniture system10can be made from layers of laminated wooded rings. For example, a flat sheet of wooden material can first be machined via a router to form a shape that when viewed from the side is the same or similar to that of the base12when viewed from the side as inFIG. 7B. Material can be removed from the interior to form a ring and from the exterior perimeter to form a portion of each of the slots24and26and the indentations28and30. These steps can then be repeated on additional sheets of wooden material to form additional rings that are the same or similar to that of the base12when viewed from the side as inFIG. 7B.

The machined rings can then be laminated and adhered to each other in series. The number of rings can be selected to achieve a suitable width for the base12. Because each ring can be relatively thin (e.g. about one inch or less), several rings may be needed to achieve a suitable width. After the rings have been adhered to form the general shape of the base12, the material can then be finished, which can include sanding, polishing, sealing, and/or staining.

The top14can be formed from a similar procedure. For example, a flat sheet of wooden material can first be machined via a router to form a shape that when viewed from the side is the same or similar to that of the top14when viewed from the side as inFIG. 6B. Material can be removed from the perimeter to form a portion of each of the platform38and the extension40. These steps can then be repeated on additional sheets of wooden material to form additional pieces that are the same or similar to that of the top14when viewed from the side as inFIG. 6B. The machined pieces can then be laminated and adhered to each other in series. The number of pieces can be selected to achieve a suitable width for the top14. Because each piece can be relatively thin (e.g. about one inch or less), several pieces may be needed to achieve a suitable width. In some embodiments, the number of pieces to form the top14can be the same as the number of rings to form the base12. After the pieces have been adhered to form the general shape of the top14, the material can then be finished, which can include sanding, polishing, sealing, and/or staining.

In other embodiments, one or more additional and/or different procedures can be used to manufacture the base12and/or the top14. In some of such embodiments, the base12can be manufactured using a procedure different than the top14.

Therefore, the furniture system10can have multiple variations as chairs and tables. By using the top14as a seat back and slipping it into the appropriately angled slot (slot24or26), a user has the option to sit more upright (e.g. about 95 degrees) where a heel space formed by one of the indentations28and30is provided, or to sit more reclined and relaxed (e.g. about 110 degrees). To achieve the second angle, the user can turn the base12180 degrees from the position shown inFIG. 1Ato the position shown inFIG. 1B.

The furniture system10can also be used as a table that provides a tabletop (such as formed by the platform38as shown inFIG. 3) and storage area (such as defined by the inner surface32of the base12). Due to the indentations28and30being symmetrical on both sides of the base12, furniture system10can be used to form a table whether the slot24or the slot26is positioned on top, extending substantially upright. The furniture item10can also be used as a table with the top14removed and the base12rotated 90 degrees, with a larger and higher tabletop that can be used along with a smaller and lower angled tabletop. Various possibilities of combinations can be formed by using more than one furniture system10, such as a bench (such as the bench46), an elongated coffee table (e.g. the elongated table48), and/or a shelving unit (such as the shelving system52). The user can determine which configuration is most suitable at a given time based on needs of the user. Therefore, the furniture system10can in some embodiments include only two pieces (the base12and the top14) and yet form a variety of configurations with a variety of functions.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the base and top need not be shaped precisely as illustrated, but rather can have different curves, angles, and thicknesses. In addition, the furniture system can include additional (or fewer) features or components than those described herein. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.