Multi-function room furnishing system having articulating separable components

An articulated furnishing system consisting of a reconfigurable mattress and a foundation composed of multiple separable components. The articulated furnishing system is adaptable between a bed configuration, a seating area configuration, and a work surface configuration through re-arrangement and re-orientation of the multiple separable components. A light box associated with the foundation is configured with one or more light sources to provide illumination, and to provide one or more surfaces adapted for article storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to multi-functional room furnishings, and in particular, to an articulated furnishing system suitable for use in a hotel room, which includes a multifunctional unit including separable components configurable for sleeping, working, and relaxing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, in a first embodiment of the present invention an articulated furnishing system includes a reconfigurable mattress and a foundation, which is composed of multiple separable components. The articulated furnishing system is adaptable between a bed configuration, a seating area configuration, and a work surface configuration through re-orientation and re-arrangement of the multiple separable components. A light box associated with the foundation is configured with one or more light sources to provide illumination, and provides surfaces adapted for storage.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the above-described furnishing system further comprises a retractable duvet cover. The duvet cover includes at least one channel, which runs from one end of the cover to the other end. The channel has a distal end and a proximal end. A string is attached to the distal end of the at least one channel, and lies within the channel. The string is of a length sufficient to extend beyond the proximal end of the channel to allow the user access thereto.

The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention as well as embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Turning toFIGS. 1–10, the articulated furnishing system of the present invention is shown generally as10and comprises a base unit2and a plurality of separable components4. The base unit2has a fixed configuration. The separable components4are each adapted for operative association with the foot of the base unit2in multiple configurations, including at least a first configuration (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a second configuration (FIG. 4).

Generally, the system10in a first configuration is a bed having a sleeping surface20(FIGS. 1 and 2). However, the system10is adapted to transform using a configurable mattress12and foundation14. The configurable mattress12and foundation14can separate out three separable components4, which preferably roll out from the base unit2to arrange in a second configuration (FIG. 4). In the depicted embodiment, the separable components4comprise casters8, which aid in moving components4about. In the second configuration, the base unit2can act like a chaise lounge and a sofa. In addition, the base unit2may include a duvet26that acts like a bolster or backrest, which is described in further detail below. The three smaller separable components4roll out on casters8in such a way that they may form a seating area18with seating surfaces19. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the seating area18can be configured in multiple arrangements to meet the user's needs and wants. For example, the separable components4can be flipped over or otherwise configured to reveal hard surfaces21that can be used as a work surface or a table surface. In addition, the separable components4can pivot using hinges22to a substantially vertical orientation to act as a backrest23. In addition, the base unit2can be removably connected to the separate components4by magnets16.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the separable components can be arranged to have any number of configurations. For example, in another embodiment all the separable components4can comprise seating surfaces19. In another embodiment, all the separable components4can comprise table surfaces21. In yet another embodiment, the separable components4are adapted to provide a plurality of sleeping surfaces. In yet another embodiment, the separable components4can pivot using hinges22to a substantially vertical orientation to reveal a storage unit.

The system10further includes at least one shelf surface24coupled to the foundation14, which is disposed in operative relation to the sleeping cushion12. The shelf surface24is adapted generally to hold accessories.

In a further embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 5–10), the system10includes a lightbox34having at least one illumination source6coupled to the foundation14, which is disposed in operative relation to the sleeping cushion12. The illumination source6will provide enough light so that no other lamps will be needed.

As mentioned above, the system10includes a duvet cover26, which can be retracted similarly to a roman blind or shade, as shown inFIGS. 4–5. The duvet cover26comprises at least one channel28therethrough, which runs from one end of the cover to the other end. In the depicted embodiment there are two channels, but there may be more. The channels28are adapted to allow a string30or similar device to lie therein. The channels28have a distal end, which is away from the user and a proximal end, which is closer to the user. The string30is generally longer than the channels28and should be connected to the distal end of the channel one end. The string30should extend out of the proximal end of the channel28to allow the user access thereto. When a user desires to retract the comforter, the strings30are pulled and the duvet cover26retracts toward the user who is pulling the strings30, thereby retracting the cover26. The retractable duvet cover26may be used with the system10of the invention, or without the system10.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the configuration and dimensions of the first embodiment shown in the various Figures. In alternate embodiments, components of the articulated furnishing system of the present invention may be adapted for arrangement in different configurations and corresponding dimensions. Similarly, the number of multiple separable components4may be varied from that shown in the various Figures as required to accommodate greater or lesser numbers of anticipated occupants.