Abstract:
Transformable furniture is provided, which is a unitary structure which itself transforms between seating and a play space. More specifically, the furniture has first and second frame members which move towards each other to form a couch and away from each other to form a play space, such as a playhouse.

Description:
CONTINUITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/329,559 filed on Apr. 29, 2010 and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/384,759 filed on Sep. 21, 2010, both on behalf of William Dixon, and both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosed Embodiments 
         [0003]    The disclosed embodiments related to toys for children and more specifically to furniture which converts to a play space. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Disclosed Embodiments 
         [0005]    A child&#39;s play area is often equipped with a playhouse type structure which mimics the appearance of a real house, such as a gable style house. A static (non-foldable) playhouse for a child takes up significant space, while a foldable playhouse is often cumbersome and provided in an unattractive construction of wire and plastic. In addition, the folded playhouse requires storage space for the compacted structure, such as under a bed or in a closet, which displaces other items intended for temporary or permanent storage. 
         [0006]    In addition, children often enjoy relaxing on a couch while reading or watching cartoons. In small locations, such as in smaller homes and in city apartments, it is difficult to have both a couch and a playhouse share a play space. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0007]    A transformable couch is disclosed which is a children&#39;s couch that can be transformed into a playhouse. In an alternative embodiment, the playhouse can be further transformed into a castle. For children, it is a creative play space they can manipulate. For the parent with a small child&#39;s play area, the transformation of the house into a usable couch relieves the burden of having to displace items otherwise in storage around the living space. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0008]    Various embodiments disclosed herein are illustrated in the accompanying figures, which are not to be considered limiting and in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1A  is a view of the convertible furniture as a couch; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 1B-1C  are views of the convertible furniture being transformed into a house; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 A and  3 B illustrate the back and bottom frame members for the couch; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates couch cushions; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates couch cushions connected to the frame members; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6A-6C  and  7 A- 7 C illustrate couch cushions being transformed into a gable roof; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A-8F  illustrate the couch being transformed into a castle; 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates a frame member used for the castle; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10A-10C  continues to illustrate the couch being transformed into a castle; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrates cushions utilized for transforming the couch into a castle; and 
           [0019]      FIGS. 12A-12B ,  13 A- 13 B,  14 A- 14 C,  15 A- 15 C,  16 A- 16 D and  17  illustrate an armrest structure utilized for transforming the couch into a castle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0020]    The transformable couch  10  is formed from foam and sewn fabric or any such material suitable for child safety. As illustrated, starting with  FIG. 1 , the basic construction utilizes first and second nestable and substantially similar squared-off U-shaped members  12 ,  14 , one of which forms the back frame for the couch  10  and the other of which forms a base frame for the couch  10 . A foldable cushion  16  is provided which has a first lengthwise end  18  connected to the back frame  12  and a second lengthwise end  20  connected to the couch base frame  14 . As will be explained below, positioning the back frame  12  and base frame  14  against each other forms a couch  10 , while separating the back frame and base frame from each other forms a play space  22 , shaped as a gable roof house. 
         [0021]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the back frame  12  includes a substantially rectangular body panel  24 , where the greater dimension extends in the widthwise direction for the couch  10 . In addition, extending substantially perpendicular to the back body panel  24  is a first distal (e.g., left in the couch widthwise direction) armrest structure  26  and a first proximate (e.g., right in the couch widthwise direction) armrest structure  28 . Similarly, the base frame  14  includes a substantially rectangular body panel  34 , which is substantially the same shape as the back body panel  24  and where the greater dimension extends in the widthwise direction for the couch  10 . Extending substantially perpendicular to the base body panel  34  is a second distal armrest structure  34  and a second proximate armrest structure  36 . The distal and proximate armrest structures are substantially square and when the couch is assembled, form distal and proximate armrests  30 ,  32 . 
         [0022]    As illustrated, when a couch is formed by nesting the back and base frames, the distal and proximate armrest structures align so that the resulting upwardly and forward facing edges of the armrests  26 ,  28 , e.g., armrest surfaces  52 ,  54  form a flush surface. One way to accomplish this flush surface configuration is to prop the back frame  12  on distal and proximate ledges  48 ,  50  which extend from respective distal and proximate ends  44 ,  46  of the base body panel  34 . Each of the ledges  48 ,  50  has a thickness which is the same as the base body panel  34  and has a span in the widthwise direction for the couch  10  which is the same as the thickness of any of the armrest structures. The ledges  48 ,  50  are capable of being removed or pivoting away from the widthwise exterior of the couch  10  when forming a play space. 
         [0023]    The back frame and base frame are sized so that the armrest structures are widthwise separated by a same dimension. Accordingly, to enable nesting, a lengthwise extending split  120  is provided in the widthwise center of the back frame so as to define distal and proximate back frame structures  43 ,  45 . The back frame structures are connected with, for example, widthwise extending slots in the distal and proximate portions of the back body panel  24  and a common slider is widthwise connected therebetween. The type of slider would function similarly to slider  130 , discussed in greater detail below, and illustrated in, for example,  FIG. 9 , to enable spacing the distal and proximate back frame members so as to enable nesting with the base frame. 
         [0024]    When the back frame  12  and base frame  14  are nested to form the couch  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the base body panel  34  faces downwardly while the back body panel  24  faces rearwardly. In addition, when nested, with the distal armrests  26 ,  34  are positioned against each other and the proximate armrests  28 ,  36  are positioned against each other, and the back armrests  26 ,  28  rest on respective distal and proximate back frame ledges  48 ,  50 . 
         [0025]    As illustrated in FIGS.  2  and  3 A- 3 B, an internally facing back frame ledge  56  is provided, which extends between the armrests  26 ,  28 . Distal and proximate ends  58 ,  60  of the back frame ledge  56  are spaced from the respective back frame armrests  26 ,  28  by a distance which allows the base armrests  36 ,  38  to fit therebetween when the couch  10  when assembled. In addition, a bottom facing edge  62  of the back frame ledge  56  is spaced from a bottom facing edge  64  of the back frame  12  by a distance which allows the base body panel  34  to fit thereunder when the base frame  14  and back frame  12  are nested to form the couch  10 . 
         [0026]    The couch cushions  16 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1C , form the roof  66  of the playhouse  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the cushions  16  include first  68 , second  70  and third  72  cushions of equal size. In addition, fourth  74  and fifth cushions  76 , together, are substantially the same size as any of the first three. The five cushions are pivotally connected, end to end, lengthwise across the couch  10 , and each spans widthwise the full distance between the base armrests  34 ,  36 . A back frame end  78  of the assembled cushions  16 , is pivotally connected to an upwardly facing edge  80  of the back frame  12 . On the other hand, a base-frame end  82  of the assembled cushions  16 , is pivotally connected to a forwardly facing edge  84  of the base frame  14 . 
         [0027]    The connection at these lengthwise ends is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . For example, a band  86  atop the back frame  12  of the couch attaches to a loop  88  on the free edge  78  of the cushion  16 . The connection allows for widthwise spacing of the back frame  12  distal and proximate structures for nesting with the base frame. The same connection can be provided on the lengthwise opposing end of the cushion  16 , or the base frame connection can be via traditional stitching which enables relative pivoting. 
         [0028]    The length-wise span of the fourth cushion  74  is shorter than the fifth cushion  76 , which is connected to the back frame  12 . In the assembled couch, the fourth cushion spaces a bottom part  90  of the fifth cushion  76  away from the back panel  10  of the back frame  12 . This angles the fifth cushion  76  in a comfortable lumbar supporting configuration for a child sitting on the assembled couch  10 . This also enables the lengthwise end of the fifth cushion to sit flush with the top end of the back frame. However, if the cushions were made shorter, which would result in a roof having a smaller pitch, it is possible to provide a total of four cushions in the lengthwise direction in which the lengthwise end of the fourth cushion sits flush with the top end of the back frame. In such a configuration, however, the lumbar supporting angle would be omitted from the couch configuration. 
         [0029]    To turn the couch into a house  22 , the base frame  14  is pulled out and away from the back frame  12  and rotated so that its body member  34  is parallel with the back frame body member  24 . In this configuration, the back frame and base frame form U-shapes, wherein legs of the U, formed by respective armrests, extend toward each other. The cushion set  16  unfolds as illustrated in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0030]    The lengthwise center  92  of the cushions  16  forms the peak of the gable roof  66 . Accordingly, when the roof is formed, the only desirable bend in the roof is between the second and third  70 ,  72  cushion members. To provide rigidity between the remaining cushion structures on either side of the gable peak  92 , Velcro connectors, e.g., connector  94 , extend across the pivotal connections for the other cushions as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A-6C . It is to be appreciated that the laid-out configuration of the cushions in  FIG. 6A  is not reached when forming the house and when the gable end  114  (disclosed later) is fully connected. However providing a laid-out configuration is useful for understanding the operation of the Velcro connectors on either side of the roof peak  92 . 
         [0031]    Each Velcro connector, e.g., connector  94 , includes a strip  96 , one end  98  of which would be permanently adhered to one cushion, and another end  100  of which would removably connect to a receiving strip  102  on the adjacent cushion. When in a couch configuration, the connectors are not connected, as illustrated in  FIG. 6B . However, when the cushions  16  are spread out to form the roof illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the Velcro strips are connected as illustrated in  FIG. 6C , the cushions on either side of the roof peak  92  function as unitary members. In this configuration, the gable roof illustrated in  FIG. 1C  is formed by lifting the peak  92  of the cushions while sliding the back and base frames towards each other. 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7C  (with the Velcro straps omitted for clarity), to provide additional structural support for the gable roof, along either side of the roof peak  92 , the cushions  72 ,  74 , are provided with through holes for receiving tent pole structures  108 ,  110 , with elastic shock cords  112 ,  113  for connecting the cushions  72 ,  74 . The tent pole structures  108 ,  110  have a diameter of approximately half the thickness of the cushion material so that the structures can be snug-fit within cushions through holes without compromising the feel of the cushions. Depressions  115 ,  117  at cushion side ends of the through holes provide access points for knotting the ends of the shock cord so as to keep the cord within the tent pole structures. This connection is similar to many quick-folding and self-erecting tents obtainable from stores selling outdoor and camping goods. 
         [0033]    In addition, to help stabilize the structure, when in the couch configuration, couch stabilizing means can be provided. The couch stabilizing means includes, for example, distal and proximate rectangular members which extend through the windows openings in respective distal and proximate armrests when the back and base frames are nested, and the window openings themselves would be included as the vertical stabilizing means if not otherwise provided for. 
         [0034]    Additionally or alternatively to the structure in the above paragraph, a removable member can be placed in the center opening of the back frame created when the back frame is separated for nesting with the base frame. This removable member could be T-shaped, with the long T member extending upwardly and the side T members extending underneath the bottom edge of the back frame. Additionally or alternatively, a latch could be attached between the adjacent armrest members to prevent relative motion. The latch could be anywhere about the armrests which is not readily visible. For example, connecting adjacent edges between the pair of distal and pair of proximate armrest structures, there could be snaps, zippers or Velcro strips such as disclosed in  FIGS. 6A-6B  between lengthwise adjacent cushion members or  FIGS. 11A-11B  between distal and proximate cushion segments. Additionally or alternatively, a removable fitted cover can slipped over the couch and which could. Velcro, snap or zipper in place. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, illustrated starting in  FIG. 8A , the structure can be further transformed into a castle. As illustrated, the back frame, base frame and cushions have the same shape and connections as disclosed above, but all now include the widthwise central split  120 , running in the lengthwise direction of the extended cushions, end to end on the couch  10  structure. The split  120  divides the couch structure into distal and proximate couch structures  122 ,  124 . For various illustrations in this embodiment, the fourth and fifth cushion members are illustrated as a single member for brevity. In addition, as illustrated in  FIGS. 11A-11B , the cushions include Velcro, zippers or snaps, e.g., Velcro connectors  123  for connecting distal to proximate sides of the cushion segments. 
         [0036]    As the cushions extend to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the tent poles lock into place. If the gable end  114  was disconnected, then the cushions would become laid-out as illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8D , and the lengthwise center  92  of the cushions  16  would be lifted so that the back frame  12  and base frame  14  would then moved towards each other. Either way, a 12:12 pitched gable roof for the house, e.g., a downward V shape of a house roof, is formed. Accordingly, it can be appreciated that transforming the couch into a house requires similar effort to unpacking a self-erecting tent. 
         [0037]    A set of triangular gable end members, e.g., previously identified gable end member  114 , are provided, which are pieces of decorated fabric that form the gable ends of the house. The gable ends can have windows  116  as illustrated. As illustrated, the space under the gable ends and between the couch armrests forms the entrance for the house. In addition, each of the armrests may be provided with a centrally deposed square cutout, e.g., cutout  118 , serving as a window in the playhouse  22 . 
         [0038]    The gable ends  114  can attach via, e.g., zippers to the eves of the gable roof and can remain attached during transformation into a couch. This is because the gable ends consist of flexible fabric material and are not fortified with a cushion fill or other rigid material. 
         [0039]    The zipper or similar connection enables partial or complete removal of the gable end fabric from at least one of the eves so as to enable transforming the couch further into a castle, as will be disclosed below. If a partial removal is desired, the gable ends can roll up or become otherwise connected to and/or tucked away on the cushion structure to which it remains connected. 
         [0040]    It is to be appreciated that the gable end fabric  114 , when it remains fully connected during the couch to house transformation, prevents the cushions from becoming completely laid-out as illustrated in  FIG. 8D , which will be discussed later. 
         [0041]    As indicated, the distal and proximate structures  126 ,  128  of the back frame member  12  are held together by a back frame sliding member  130 . On the other hand, the distal and proximate structures  132 ,  134  of the base frame member  14  are held together by a base frame sliding member  136 . The sliding members  130 ,  136  allow the distal and proximate couch structures  122 ,  124  to slide together for forming a couch or gable roof house and slide away from each other for forming a castle. 
         [0042]    To provide the sliding function, the sliding members  130 ,  136  each include slots, e.g., slots  138 ,  140 , illustrated in  FIGS. 8D and 9 . The distal and proximate portions of the divided body panels, e.g., distal and proximate portions  142 ,  144  of the base panel  34  in the base frame  12 , include plastic bolts  146 ,  148  with receiving nuts or the like, which are child safe and which slidingly connect the distal and proximate couch structures  122 ,  124 . 
         [0043]    Turning the couch  10  into a castle, with the structure required therefore, will be further discussed with reference to the figures, starting with  FIG. 8D , which illustrates the frames in a spaced apart configuration and the cushions in a laid-out configuration. As indicated above, if the gable ends, such as gable end  114 , are fully connected, one must first form a house as with  FIGS. 1A-1C  and  FIGS. 8A-8C , and detach at least one side of each of the gable ends of the house before continuing onto  FIG. 8D . On the other hand, if at least one edge of each of the gable ends was previously disconnected then one could attempt to form a castle directly from the couch. The edges of the gable roof ends could have been previously disconnected if, for example, one previously transformed the castle directly to the couch. Under such circumstances, one could separate the frame members as illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  (for simplicity, drawn without slots  138 ,  140  and ramparts  160 , introduced below and illustrated in, for example,  FIGS. 10C and 11A ) and advance directly to the configuration in  FIG. 8D , without having to first form the house as illustrated in  FIG. 8C . 
         [0044]    Accordingly, turning now to  FIGS. 8D-8E  (where  8 E includes ramparts  160 ), with the cushions  16  in a flattened configuration, the back and the bottom frame members  10 ,  12  are pulled apart in the widthwise direction. This widthwise separation forms the distal and proximate couch structures  122 ,  124  connected by respective sliding members  130 ,  136 . 
         [0045]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8F , each of the couch structures  122 ,  124  is pivoted about respective sliding member connection points, e.g., points  146 ,  148 , so that the square face of each of the armrests  26 ,  28 ,  36 ,  38  faces upwardly. In this configuration, the cushion panels  16 , having been separated into distal and proximate segments  150 ,  152 , are adjacent to each other, in the widthwise center of the structure, so that the top surfaces of the cushions face each other. 
         [0046]    Once separated, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , one of the distal and proximate couch structures  122 ,  124  (either one) is pivoted about the connection point  146 ,  148  of the other of the couch structures  122 ,  124 , about the respective sliding members  130 ,  136 . As a result, the top surface of the cushions face away from and are spaced from each other. In this configuration, the distal and proximate cushion panels  150 ,  152  are on the widthwise exterior of the structure, i.e., on the outside of the castle structure. The exterior castle walls are formed by, e.g., the cushion panels  150 ,  152 ; the sliding members  130 ,  136 ; and the exposed portions of the distal and proximate structures of the back frame and base frame, i.e., panel parts  142 ,  144 , extending from behind the respective sliding members  130 ,  136 . 
         [0047]    Forming entryways to the castle  154  are arched entrances, e.g., arched entrance  156  provided in the widthwise center of the respective sliding members  130 ,  136 . The entrances, e.g., entrance  156 , face downwardly at this point in the transformation process. However, the entrances face upwardly when provided in couch or house configuration. This is because flipping the distal and proximate couch structures  122 ,  124  about each other renders inverted the sliding members  130 ,  136 . 
         [0048]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  10 B and  11 , the widthwise exterior edges, e.g., edge  156 , of the second and third cushions  70 ,  72  and the edges of the sliding members  130 ,  136  which face upwardly at this point in the transformation process, e.g., edge  158 , are formed with crenellated ramparts. The crenellations are not utilized before this point and are ornamental in that they are only required for the ramparts. 
         [0049]    The ramparts in the cushions  16  are formed by providing stepwise cuts in the cushion edges, e.g., edge  156 . As seen when the castle is formed in  FIG. 10C , the segment of the cushions which becomes extraneous when exposing the ramparts, e.g., segment  160 , pivots away from the rest of the cushion structure  16 . This can be accomplished via, for example, Velcro or other suitable sewn connection. 
         [0050]    Further attention will now be provided to the armrests, where the discussion for armrest  26  applies equally to each armrest. The armrest  26  now face upwardly is transformed into a crenellated castle turret  161 . As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the square cutout  118  in the middle of the armrest  26 , which formed a window in the house, is now provided with cut lines, e.g., cut lines  162 ,  164 , which extend from each edge to an adjacent outside edge in the square armrest  26 . The resulting structure for the armrest  26  comprises four trapezoidal turret panels, e.g., trapezoidal panel  166 . While there are four trapezoidal panels in the turret  161 , and sixteen for the castle, the discussion of trapezoidal panel  166  applies equally to each trapezoidal panel. 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 10C and 13 , the trapezoidal turret panel  166  hinges outwardly and reveals a second layer of folded foam crenellated panels, e.g., panels  168 ,  170 , for the trapezoidal panel  166 . While there are four pair of crenellated panels for the turret  161 , and sixteen for the castle, the discussion for the pair of crenellated panels  168 ,  170  applies to each pair. In addition, while there are eight crenellated panels per turret, and thirty two per castle, in each pair, the panels  168 ,  170  are essentially mirror images of each other. Accordingly, the individual discussion of crenellated panel  168  applies to all crenellated panels. 
         [0052]    Turning back to the figures, as indicated, the pair of crenellated panels  168 ,  170  hinges upwardly, off the upwardly exposed and angled edges  172 ,  174  of the trapezoidal panel  166 , to complete the crenellated parapet, e.g., enclosed balcony design, for the turret. Moreover, the shape of the crenellated panel  168  is essentially a right angle triangle which, when upwardly pivoted, terminates at an edge  176 . Edge  176  is substantially level with the upwardly facing edge  178  the trapezoidal panel  166 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 9 ,  13 A and  13 B, two essentially square members  180 ,  182  extend upwardly from the edge  176  of the crenellated panel  168  to define the turret crenellations. 
         [0053]    Turning to  FIG. 14A , a foam horizontal (first) turret supporting panel, e.g., panel  184  is provided for the turret  161 . There are four horizontal support panels in the castle, and the discussion for the supporting panel  184  applies equally to each. The horizontal support panel  161  is the same size as the turret opening when viewed from above. The horizontal turret support panel  184 , when positioned at the top of the turret  161 , at or below the upwardly facing edge  178  of the trapezoidal panel  166  enables the trapezoidal panel  166  and crenellated panels  168 ,  170  to maintain their upright positions when the castle  154  is formed. Removing the horizontal support panel  184  enables quick folding of the crenellated panels  168 ,  170  and turret  161 , to the armrest  26  configuration for transforming the castle  154  back into a couch  10  or house  22 . The horizontal support panel  184  can be kept in place using Velcro or snaps or other means which will be disclosed below. 
         [0054]    Turning to  FIGS. 15A-15C , additional detail is provided regarding the construction of the armrests, as illustrated by armrest structure  26 . The armrest  26  has four structural layers, which include respective boarder members. For example, the first layer includes the trapezoidal panels and a first boarder member  186 ; a second layer contains the eight crenellated panels and a second boarder member  188 ; a third layer contains the horizontal turret support panel and a third boarder member  190 ; and a fourth layer contains a vertical turret support panel  192 , facing the widthwise internal side of the couch, and a boarder  194  for the vertical turret support panel. 
         [0055]    As illustrated in FIGS.  10 B and  15 B- 15 C, the vertical support panel  192  is pivotally connected to its boarder  194 . The vertical support panel  192  pivots downwardly so that it becomes parallel to but spaced from the cushion, but has an edge which is adjacent to, so as to brush against, the adjacently located frame member, to provide a third vertical support for its turret  161 . Contact between the edge of the vertical support panel  192  and the frame member creates friction which provides stability to the vertical support panel when disposed in the vertical. The other two vertical supports include the back or base frame (depending on the turret) and the first or last (e.g., fifth) cushion panel segment (also depending on the turret). 
         [0056]    The vertical support panel, to maintain its vertical orientation, includes vertical stabilizing means. The vertical stabilizing means can include a boss/dowel pin in the vertical support member which feeds into a curved groove/slot in the adjacent frame member. Or, for example, a flap could be provided in the frame member which pivots to an opened position when the vertical support member is vertically oriented. Another example would be snaps, zippers or Velcro at the vertical bottom of the frame member, at the location where the vertical support member is positioned at its maximum downward pivot location. 
         [0057]    The trapezoidal panel  166  is pivotally connected to the edge of the second boarder  188  as illustrated in  FIGS. 12B and 12C , so as to pivot upwardly from that boarder. The first boarder  184  has an internal perimeter which is sized to enable the trapezoidal panel  166  to sit on the edge of the second boarder  184  when vertically oriented. Accordingly, the primary purpose of the first boarder  186  is for squaring the widthwise outer structure of the armrest  26 . The crenellated panels  168 ,  170  are connected to the trapezoidal panel  166  and not the second boarder  188 . In addition, the horizontal supporting panel  184  is not connected to the third boarder  190 . Both boarders  188 ,  190  serve the function of structurally squaring and supporting to the armrests  26 . 
         [0058]    The four boarders in the armrest  26  are interconnected via, e.g., glue or otherwise, to provide additional stability to the armrests. This is pertinent as opposing sides of the fourth boarder  194 , flanking the vertical support panel  192 , are not interconnected. That is, the vertical support panel  192  extends along the full span of the fourth boarder  194  so as to have enough length to level the turret  161 . 
         [0059]    In addition, each of the boarders can be dovetailed into respective distal and proximate ends of the body panels of the base and back frame members.  FIG. 15A  illustrates dovetail crenellations, e.g., crenellations  196 ,  198  in the boarder and crenellations in the panel  24 , which are not to be confused with upwardly exposed castle crenellations. For example the dovetail crenellations  196 ,  198  serve a structural purpose while the exposed castle crenellations are ornamental. As an option, the boarder structures can be molded as a unitary member rather than as four separate layers and can also be molded as a unitary member with the widthwise ends of the respective frame members, depending on manufacturing requirements. 
         [0060]    It is to be appreciated that if the house were to utilize a window opening provided in the couch arms, then the opening would have to be provided in each layer of the couch arm, including the horizontal turret support panel  184  and the vertical turret support panel  192 . 
         [0061]    The additional means will be disclosed for securing each horizontal support panel to each trapezoidal panel in each respective turret around the castle, as illustrated in  FIG. 14A . As before, the discussion of the trapezoidal panel  166  and horizontal support panel  184  within the turret  161  is considered typical. 
         [0062]    The underside of the horizontal support panel  184 , the side facing the cushion  16 , has four edges, e.g., edge  206 . Typical with each edge, edge  206  has an impression, or blind hole  204 , adjacent to it for receiving a knotted end  208  of a respective length of shock cord  210 . The shock cord  210  is fed through a bore hole  212  leading out of the side edge  206  of the horizontal support panel  184 . The shock cord  210  is then fed to the trapezoidal panel  166 , which has a slot  214  extending in the vertical direction when the trapezoidal panel  166  is so oriented. The slot  214  terminates at a lower vertical end  216  with a first depression, and at a higher vertical end  218  with a second depression, each accommodating a button  220  tied to the shock cord  210 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 14C  illustrates that when the horizontal support panel  184  is raised to its topmost position, which raises and supports the turret  161 , the button  220  is raised to the top depression. On the other hand, when the horizontal support panel  184  is lowered for collapsing the turret  161 , the button  220  is lowered to the bottom depression. 
         [0064]    Enough slack is provided in the shock cord  210  so that when the horizontal turret supporting panel is lifted, while the trapezoidal panel  166  is raised, the button  220  in the trapezoidal panel  166  can be lifted to the topmost button depression  218 . On the other hand, when the trapezoidal panel  166  is lowered, the button  220  in the trapezoidal panel  166  can be lowered to the bottommost button depression  216 . 
         [0065]      FIGS. 16A-16D  further illustrate the appearance of the shock cord through the trapezoidal panel  166  before and after the folding of the crenellated panels  168 ,  170 . The shock cord  210  is visible in the outside edge of the horizontal support panel  184  but then snakes between internally facing edges  226 ,  228  for the crenellated panels  168 ,  170  and into the slot  214  in the trapezoidal panel  166 .  FIGS. 16D and 17  provide a close-up of the armrest  26  with this structural configuration applied on each side of the support panel  184 , and through each trapezoidal panel in the turret  161 . The boarder structures are omitted from  FIG. 16D  and included in  FIG. 17 . 
         [0066]    In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal support panel  184  is not connected by a shock cord but is removable from the castle turret. Each trapezoidal panel could include a cube-like ledge, e.g., ledge  222  on trapezoidal panel  166  in  FIGS. 13A and 13B . The ledge  222  provides a downward translating barrier for the floating horizontal support panel  184 . The ledge  222  is designed to fit within an opening, e.g., opening  224  defined by the crenellated panels  168 ,  170  folded against the trapezoidal panel  166 . In this location, the existence of the ledge  222  does not prevent the crenellated panels  168 ,  170  from folding flatly away. 
         [0067]    It is to be appreciated that the structure in the above disclosure may need to be slightly modified depending on manufacturing and structural constraints. Such modifications may not be fully fleshed out in the figures but are within the level of the ordinary skill upon reading this disclosure. For example, the fourth layer of material in each armrest may need notching to extend so as to not hit the back frame ledge when extended. In addition, the size of some or all of the cushions, in the lengthwise direction for the extended cushion set, may need some adjusting to account for proper folding in view of the same ledge in the back frame. 
         [0068]    The invention is not limited by the above disclosure, or the appended claims, which are merely directed to illustrated examples.