Adjustable furniture unit

A furniture unit includes a base, a horizontal panel having front and rear edges, and a vertical panel having upper and lower edges. A support is provided with a center pivot connected to the base, a front pivot connected to a front edge of the horizontal panel, and a rear pivot connected to a lower edge of the vertical panel. The support is movable to a first position where a front surface of the vertical panel is located generally rearwardly of and above the rear edge, and is movable to a second position where the vertical panel is located generally rearwardly of and below the rear edge. The support moves the vertical and horizontal panels with a counterbalanced motion. In one form, the arrangement forms an adjustable sit/stand chair. In another form, the arrangement forms a desk with a height-adjustable worksurface and adjustable-height backboard. Notably, the backboard can be a functional panel, and may include an erasable surface, a grooved surface for supporting accessories, or a tackable surface. In yet another form, a furniture unit is configured for adjustment between a chair configuration and a desk configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to adjustable furniture units, and in particular to furniture units that are adjustable to meet the different and changing needs of a user.

Recently, consumers and furniture manufacturers have recognized the value of having furniture optimized for ergonomics and efficiency, given particular tasks that must be done. Such furniture leads to healthier and happier employees, as well as safer and more efficient work areas. However, the problem is complicated when the user's needs change substantially, such as when a person needs to sit at a desk/worksurface for a time, and then later needs to stand in a semi-upright position such as for leading a meeting or for doing a different type of work. One way to do this is to make the furniture unit highly adjustable. However, it is often difficult to design one furniture unit optimized for each of several different tasks when the tasks are totally different. For example, it is not easy to provide adult furniture suitable and sturdy enough for office use that is functional for both sitting and standing. Further it is important not to make the furniture unit so complex that it becomes impractical or so expensive to build that it is unaffordable. Also, the mechanism permitting such reconfiguration or adjustment is often not intuitive to operate, such that users unnecessarily struggle to make a reconfiguration or adjustment.

Another issue concerns the different functions that an adjustable furniture unit is designed to satisfy. It is desirable to design a basic mechanism capable of satisfying different needs, including the need for seating units capable of adjusting between a sitting position and a standing stool position, and including the need for working furniture capable of adjusting between different seating and desking arrangements. Further, it is desirable that the basic mechanism be relatively easy to operate and potentially counterbalanced so that it will not drop with a substantial force during an adjustment if the person adjusting it inadvertently mishandles or lets go of the furniture unit.

Accordingly, a furniture unit is desired having the aforementioned advantages and solving the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit includes a base, a horizontal panel member having front and rear edges, and a vertical panel member having upper and lower edges. A support is provided with first, second, and third pivots spaced from each other, the first pivot being connected to the base, the second pivot being connected to the horizontal panel proximate the front edge, and the third pivot being connected to the vertical panel member proximate the lower edge. The support is movable to a first position where a front surface of the vertical panel member is located generally rearwardly of and above the rear edge, and is movable to a second position where the vertical panel member is located generally rearwardly of and below the rear edge.

In another aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit includes a base, a first panel member extending generally horizontally, and a second panel member extending generally vertically. An adjustment mechanism operably connects the first and second panel members to the base for movement between a first configuration where a substantial portion of said second panel member is above and generally behind the first panel member, and in a second configuration with a substantial portion of said second member being below and generally behind the first panel member. The first panel member is positioned in a higher vertical location when in the second configuration than in the first configuration.

In another aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit includes a base, and an adjustable subassembly including first, second, and third structural members operably interconnected to each other in a serial arrangement. The adjustable subassembly is operably supported on the base for movement between a first position forming one of a low chair and a low desk, and a second position forming one of a stool and a high desk.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit includes a base, first and second panels supported on the base, and an adjustable support pivoted to the base and operably connected to the first and second panels. The adjustable support, when in a first position, locates a front surface of the second panel above and generally perpendicular to the first panel so that the second panel is usable and accessible while a person is simultaneously also using a top surface of the first panel, and when in a second position, locates the front surface of the second panel below a rear edge of the first panel so that the second panel is stored and the front surface is substantially not accessible over the top surface of the first panel.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a furniture unit includes a base, an elongated support pivoted to the base, and a first panel member pivoted to the support and operably supported on the base. The first panel member is movable between a lowered position here the first panel member extends generally horizontally and is juxtaposed abuttiningly adjacent the support, and a raised position where the first panel member extends generally horizontally and is positioned at an angle to the support.

In still another aspect, a furniture unit includes a desking unit having a worksurface with a rear edge, a support operably connected to the desking unit, and a rear vertical panel also supported by the support for counterbalanced movement between a raised position where at least an upper portion of the vertical panel extends above the rear edge to act as a visual separator, and a lower position where the vertical panel extends below the rear edge to form a modesty panel.

In yet another aspect, an arrangement comprises, in combination, an adjustable seating unit and an adjustable furniture unit. The seating unit is adjustable to a chair position for use as a chair, and adjustable to a stool position for use while substantially standing but while partially resting on the seating unit. The adjustable furniture unit includes a vertically adjustable worksurface adapted to support papers at a desk height for use while sitting, and at an elevated table height for use while standing or resting on a stool. The seating unit and the adjustable furniture unit, when in the chair position and at the desk height, are usable as an individual's office, and when in the stool position and at the elevated-table height, are usable for conferencing around a table with raised seating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A furniture unit 30 ( FIG. 1 ) schematically shows a basic adjustment mechanism comprising a base 31 , a horizontal panel member 32 , a vertical panel member 33 , and an adjustable support 34 for the panel members 32 and 33 . The support 34 is provided with a center pivot 35 connected to the base 31 , a front pivot 36 connected to a front edge of the horizontal panel member 32 , and a rear pivot 37 connected to a lower edge of the vertical panel member 33 . The horizontal panel member 32 , the support 34 and the vertical panel member 33 are structural and are interconnected in series to form an adjustable subassembly on the base 31 . Specifically, the support 34 is movable to a first position (see the solid lines) where the horizontal panel member 32 is lowered and a front surface of the vertical panel member 33 is located generally rearwardly of and above the rear edge of the horizontal panel member 32 . The support 34 is further movable to a second position (see the dashed lines) where the horizontal panel member 32 is raised up, and the vertical panel member 33 is located generally rearwardly of and below the rear edge of the horizontal panel member 32 . In one form, the arrangement forms an adjustable sit/stand chair (see FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , FIGS. 3-10 , FIGS. 11-12 , FIGS. 13-14 and FIGS. 15 - 16 ). In another form, a furniture unit is configured for adjustment between a chair-like first position and a desk-like second position (see FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and also note FIGS. 3 - 10 ). In yet another form, the arrangement forms a desk with a height-adjustable worksurface and a height-adjustable accessory-supporting back panel (see FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIGS. 15 - 16 ). Notably, the back panel can include a tackable surface, an erasable writing surface, or a grooved surface for supporting accessories, or it can simply be a height-adjustable workspace-defining screen that provides visual separation between office areas.

Furniture unit 30 ( FIG. 1 ) is adjustable between its first position (see the solid lines) and the second position (see the dashed lines) by rotating the support 34 about center pivot 35 . It is contemplated that latches or locks (not specifically shown in FIG. 1 ) will be located at each pivot 35 - 37 for holding the members 32 - 34 in a selected adjusted position. Alternatively, locking arms (not shown in FIG. 1 , but known in the art) (see FIGS. 7 , 10 , and 11 ) can be extended between members 32 - 34 to form triangular structural arrangements that lockingly/releasably secure the members 32 - 34 at selected positions. For example, a releasable locking-type pneumatic cylinder, when used as a locking arm, can be released to allow adjustment and also can be locked to hold the members 32 - 34 in a selected position. Alternatively, the panel members 32 - 33 can be interconnected by a cable or other means for providing a coordinated synchronous motion as the support 34 is rotated between positions. Alternatively, the latches or locks can be independently and infinitely adjustable and lockable, such that the support 34 can be secured in any adjusted position between the two illustrated positions, thus allowing the panel members 32 and 33 to be secured in any angularly adjusted position. It is noted that the basic adjustment mechanism places the panel members 32 and 33 at positions on the support 34 so that the weight of panel members 32 and 33 counterbalances each other during adjustment. This counterbalancing makes it easier for a person to make the adjustment, and further reduces the need to use massive and heavy duty latches or locks to hold the panel members 32 and 33 in adjusted positions. Further, it is noted that when a person sits on the horizontal member 32 when the furniture unit 30 is in the first position (i.e. see the solid lines, where the horizontal panel member 32 is positioned at a lowest position), a weight of the seated person holds the panel members 32 (and also 33 ) in their first position. Similarly, when a person sits on the horizontal panel member 32 when it is in a raised position, the weight of a seated person presses a rear edge of the horizontal panel member 32 downwardly against a top edge of the vertical panel member 33 . The latch or lock at the connection can be made with a downwardly oriented structure so that this weight assists in holding the rear edge and top edge together.

Several additional embodiments are shown in the FIG. 2 , FIGS. 3-10 , FIGS. 11-12 , FIGS. 13-14 , and 15 - 16 . In these figures, the members 30 - 37 that are similar or identical are identified by the same identifier numbers, but with the addition of a letter A or B , etc. This is done to reduce redundant discussion, and to better teach the present invention, and not for any other purpose.

The furniture unit 30 A ( FIG. 2 ) includes a base 31 A, a horizontal panel member 32 A, a vertical panel member 33 A and an adjustable support 34 A. The support 34 A is pivoted at center pivot 35 A, and is pivoted at front pivot 36 A to the horizontal panel member 32 A at one end, and is pivoted at rear pivot 37 A to the vertical panel member 33 A at its other end. The support 34 A of furniture unit 30 A is longer than the support 34 on the furniture unit 30 , such that the front and rear pivots 36 A and 37 A are spaced farther from the center pivot 35 A. This results in the center pivot 35 A and the front pivot 36 A of the furniture unit 30 A being moved forward from the back panel member 33 A, relative to the positions of the center pivot 35 and the front pivot 36 of furniture unit 30 to its back panel member 33 . As can be seen by comparing FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the relative positions of the horizontal and vertical panel members 32 and 33 ( FIG. 1 ) and also of the horizontal and vertical panel members 32 A and 33 A ( FIG. 2 ) are identical when in the first adjusted position (see the solid lines in both FIGS. 1 - 2 ). However, when adjusted to the second position (see the dashed lines), the horizontal panel member 32 A ( FIG. 2 ) is much higher than the horizontal panel member 32 (FIG. 1 ). Also, when adjusted to the second position (see the dashed lines), the vertical panel member 33 A ( FIG. 2 ) is much lower than the vertical panel member 33 (FIG. 1 ). This illustrates the power of the present inventive construction. Specifically, it is contemplated that a wide range of possibilities are made possible by adjusting lengths and relative pivot points of this basic mechanism. It is contemplated that a person of ordinary skill in the art will begin to realize the usefulness and flexibility of the present arrangement by comparing FIGS. 1-2 .

Furniture unit 30 B ( FIG. 10 ) includes a base 31 B with side frame sections 40 B connected by at least one transverse member 41 B and the support 34 B. The side frame sections 40 B each have an inverted U shape, and include front and rear tubular legs 42 B and 43 B connected at their top ends by an armrest 44 B. The rear legs 43 B are connected by the transverse member 41 B. The front legs 42 B are connected by the support 34 B, which both rigidly interconnects the front legs 42 B and also pivotally supports the support 34 B at center pivot 35 B. The illustrated members 41 B- 44 B are tubular, although it is contemplated that other constructions can be substituted. Castors 45 B are attached to a bottom of each leg 42 B and 43 B. The transverse member 41 B is located at a height where it engages and supports the back-forming panel member 33 B when the back-forming panel member 33 B is in its upright raised position. The support 34 B includes tubular side members 47 B ( FIG. 6 ) and transverse braces 48 B that form a rigid ladder-like structure.

A latch arm 50 B ( FIG. 10 ) includes a first end pivotally attached to a center of the horizontal panel member 32 B, and includes a second end attached to a transverse brace 48 B on the support 34 B at a location spaced from both pivots 36 B and 37 B. Also, the rear edge of the horizontal panel member 32 B engages a top edge of the vertical panel member 33 B for increased stability. As illustrated, the furniture unit 30 B is in a stool position. One of the ends 51 B and 52 B is releasable and when released, the support 34 B is pivoted, resulting in movement of the horizontal and vertical panel members 32 B and 33 B as illustrated. In the final adjusted chair-forming position shown in FIG. 7 , the latch arm 50 B engages a second transverse brace 48 B to hold the furniture unit 30 B in a stable position. A handle can be formed on one of the ends of latch arm 50 B to provide improved aesthetics and to provide improved intuitive use of the release mechanism. It is contemplated that the release mechanism for the latching arm will be operably connected to the handle.

In one contemplated alternative, the latch arm 50 B is replaced with a pneumatic cylinder having a release button. For example, where the pneumatic cylinder was compressed in the chair-forming position (see FIG. 7 ), it would assist in moving the panel members 32 B and 33 B from the chair position ( FIG. 7 ) to the stool-forming position ( FIG. 10 ) when its release button was depressed and its extendable rod extended.

It is noted that several suitable release mechanisms are known in the art, such that a detailed description is not believed to be necessary for an understanding by a person skilled in the art. Nonetheless, a scope of the present inventive concepts is believed to include such various release mechanisms.

Furniture unit 30 C ( FIGS. 11-12 ) includes a base 31 C having a castored, spider-legged bottom 55 C with a hub 56 C, and a telescopingly extendable post 57 C with pneumatic lift-assist cylinder extending upwardly from the hub 56 C within the post 57 C. An upper frame 58 C includes a U-shaped frame member with a horizontal center section and upturned end sections, and armrests 44 C are supported on the upturned end sections.. The support 34 C includes a pair of rods pivoted to the upper frame 58 C, each having opposing ends pivoted to the horizontal and vertical panel members 32 C and 33 C. The horizontal panel member 32 C is cushioned and forms a seat member, and the vertical panel member 33 C is made of a flexible resilient plastic panel useful for supporting a person's upper torso when the person is seated. The latching arm 50 C is pivotally connected to and extends from a top of the extendable post 57 C. The latching arm 50 C includes a rear end adapted to securely engage a rear edge of the seat member 32 C and to securely engage a top edge of the back member 33 C (see FIG. 11 ), when the furniture unit 30 C is min a seat-forming position. The rear end of the latching arm 50 C is further adapted to securely engage a rear edge of the seat member 32 C and to securely engage a bottom edge of the back member 33 C (see FIG. 12 ) when the furniture unit 30 C is in a stool-forming position.

Furniture unit 30 D ( FIGS. 13-14 ) is not unlike the furniture unit 30 B (FIGS. 7 - 10 ). However, in furniture unit 30 D (FIGS. 13 - 14 ), the vertical panel member 33 D incorporates triangularly-shaped armrests 44 D along its side edges. By this arrangement, the vertical panel member 33 D becomes concavely shaped (in top view) for receiving the seat member 32 D. In the stool-forming position, a top surface of the horizontal panel member 32 D is flush with the top edge of the panel member 33 D, thus forming an enlarged top surface. In the chair-forming position, the top surface of the horizontal panel member 32 D is enclosed on three sides by the vertical panel member 33 D, thus forming a comfortable enclosed seat construction.

The furniture unit 30 D also includes a modified base 31 D. The base 31 D includes an inverted U-shaped rear frame member 57 D forming two rear legs, and an inverted U-shaped front frame member 58 D forming two front legs. The front and rear frame members 57 D and 58 D are welded together, with the rear frame member 57 D being relatively more horizontal and the front frame member 58 D being relatively more vertical. This results in a base 31 D that has an open pocket in a rearward direction, creating a cantilevered effect. Also, the cross piece 57 D of the rear frame member 57 D extends at a convenient height for a foot rest, such as for receiving a person's feet while sitting on the furniture unit 30 D. The center pivot 35 D is formed at a center and top of the front frame member 58 D. The illustrated support 34 D is H-shaped, although it is contemplated that differently shaped supports could also be used.

The FIGS. 15-16 show a chair-type furniture unit 30 E as well as a desk-type furniture unit 30 G that can be used together to provide an office area for an individual seated user, or that can be adjusted together to provide a conferencing area with a raised table for a multi-person conference and with a stool for the conference leader.

The chair-type furniture unit 30 E ( FIGS. 15-16 ) (also referred to herein as an adjustable seating unit) is most similar to the furniture unit 30 B (FIGS. 3 - 10 ). The seating unit 30 E ( FIGS. 15-16 ) includes a base 31 E with side frame sections 40 E connected by at least one transverse member and the support 34 E. The side frame sections 40 E each have an inverted U-shape, and include front and rear legs 42 E and 43 E connected at their top ends by a rectangular armrest 44 E. Castors 45 E are attached to a bottom of each leg 42 E and 43 E. A latch arm (similar to the latch arm 50 B, FIG. 10 ) is provided that is actuable from a front and center of the chair under the seat member 32 E.

The furniture unit 30 G ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ) (also referred to herein as an adjustable desking unit) is most similar to the furniture unit 30 A (FIG. 2 ). The base 31 G includes inverted U-shaped side leg members 60 G interconnected by one or more transverse frame members 61 G. The supports 34 G are pivoted to the transverse frame member 61 G. The horizontal panel member 32 G provides a flat worksurface in both of its adjusted positions. (See FIGS. 15-16 .) The vertical panel member 33 G is functional, and is movable between a raised access-permitting position ( FIG. 15 ) and a lowered storage position (FIG. 16 ). For example, the vertical panel member 33 G is useful as a visual screen to provide privacy to the worker when seated. The illustrated vertical panel member 33 G also includes a functional front surface. For example, it is contemplated that the front surface can be adapted to provide support for accessories, such as by including grooves 63 G (sometimes called slat wall ) designed to receive mating hooks and hanging fingers on accessories. One such accessory is illustrated, that being a paper holding pocket 64 G. Such accessories are well known in the art, and a long list of the same is not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. The front surface may also include a tack board region 65 G or an erasable/writable surface 66 G for note-taking. When the vertical panel member 33 G is moved to its lowered/storage position (FIG. 16 ), the working functional front surface is located below the horizontal panel member 32 G and slightly inboard of the rear edge of the horizontal panel member 32 G. This provides some level of security for materials on the working front surface of vertical panel member 33 G, including at least some degree of visual privacy and also physical privacy. Also, by placing the vertical panel member 33 G under and away from the rear edge of the horizontal panel member 32 G, all four sides of the horizontal panel member 32 G become available for use. Thus, as shown in FIG. 16 , the workplace is transformed into a conferencing area, including a raised conference table that is available for use on all sides. When the seating unit 30 E is adjusted to a stool position, the seating unit 30 E can be conveniently used in a semi-standing rest position (see FIG. 16 ), or it can be slid totally under the horizontal panel member 32 G (not specifically shown). When under the horizontal panel member 32 G, the seating unit 30 E provides a visual shield that obstructs viewing the front surface of the vertical panel member 33 G, thus providing additional privacy. It is contemplated that the seating unit 30 E or the desking unit 30 G could include a lock for securing the seating unit 30 E under the desking unit 30 G, thus providing even more security for the functional panel 33 G.