Abstract:
A furniture system has a frame portion that may be set in one configuration to operate as a chair and can be readily reconfigured into a table. A frame portion provides support for an operating surface. In the table configuration, the frame is positioned in a first orientation with a working surface supported by the top of the frame. To change the configuration, the working surface is temporarily removed and the frame turned on its side (i.e., rotated 90°) such that a portion of the frame that was previously a leg now becomes part of the frame on the floor while a portion of the frame that was previously on the floor now becomes legs for a chair configuration. Following rotation of the frame, the working surface is reinstalled in a new orientation to complete the change and configuration.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention is directed generally to and, more particularly, to reconfigurable furniture that serves multiple functions.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     The utilitarian function of furniture is unquestioned. Furniture is typically constructed in different physical arrangements to serve different utilitarian functions. In addition, furniture may have certain aesthetic aspects that work cooperatively with utilitarian functions. Other aesthetic aspects may serve no utilitarian function.  
         [0005]     In certain situations, such as where space is limited, it may be desirable to have a piece of furniture function in multiple configurations to perform multiple tasks. One known device operates as a one-person seat or as a one-person work table. The seat back and seat bottom are formed of a unitary piece of material or formed as separate components that are bolted together. When used as a single-person chair configuration, the seat back/bottom attaches to a two-piece frame at pre-determined points. For operation as a one-person work table, the seat back/bottom is reversed and attached to the two-piece frame to function as a table.  
         [0006]     Unfortunately, the drawback of this device is the lack of strengthening and rigidity in the frame, which limits the width of the chair and its ability to support the weight of one or more individuals.  
         [0007]     Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is a need for a device that allows reconfiguration of furniture to operate in multiple functional modes. The present invention provides this, and other advantages as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     A reconfigurable furniture system comprises first and second opposing side-frame portions with each of the side frame portions having first and second sets of side frame members. The first set of side frame members provides vertical support when the furniture system is placed in a first configuration and the second set of frame members provides vertical support when the furniture system is placed in a second configuration.  
         [0009]     The furniture system further comprises first and second support members coupled to the first and second side frame portions with the first and second support members defining a plane that is vertically oriented when the furniture system is placed in the first configuration and horizontally oriented when the furniture system is placed in the second configuration. First and second cross members are also coupled to the first and second side frame portions at a location spaced apart from the first and second support members. The furniture system further comprises an operating surface member resting on and supported by the first and second cross members when the furniture system is placed in the first configuration. The operating surface member rests on and is supported by the first and second support members when the furniture system is placed in the second configuration.  
         [0010]     In an exemplary embodiment, the first configuration is a seat configuration in which the operating surface member is resting on and supported by the first and second cross members to function as a seat bottom. The system may further comprise an additional operating surface member being positions proximate to and supported by the first operating surface member and the first support member to function as a seat back when the furniture system is in the first configuration.  
         [0011]     The system may further comprise a retaining member on the first operating surface member to receive and releasibly retain the second operating surface member. In one embodiment, the retaining member may comprise a channel having sufficient width and depth to receive and releasibly retain the second operating surface member.  
         [0012]     In the second configuration, the system is in a table configuration and the operating surface member is resting on and supported by the first and second support members to function as a table top when the furniture system is placed in the second configuration.  
         [0013]     In one embodiment, the frame portions may be made from metal and may be coupled together by welding. In an alternative embodiment, the frame portion components may be removably coupled together. In one embodiment, the components of the frame portion may be coupled together by bolts. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the inventive device in a chair configuration.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 1  in a table configuration.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the frame of the device of  FIG. 2  with the working surface removed.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a fragmentary view of bracket construction.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a left-side elevation view of the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view illustrating construction techniques for the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view illustrating construction techniques for the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an alternative construction technique for the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an alternative construction technique for the frame of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the furniture system in a table configuration with the working surface removed.  
         [0027]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 13  in a chair configuration.  
         [0028]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the furniture system in a table configuration.  
         [0029]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of  FIG. 15  in a chair configuration.  
         [0030]      FIG. 17  is a fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive device illustrating details of support components.  
         [0031]      FIG. 18  is a fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive device illustrating details of support components.  
         [0032]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15  in a table configuration with the working surface removed.  
         [0033]      FIG. 20  is a cross-section view of the frame of  FIG. 15 .  
         [0034]      FIG. 21  is a cross-section view of the frame of  FIG. 16 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 22  is a fragmentary view illustrating a hinge system for the inventive furniture system with the hinge in a closed position.  
         [0036]      FIG. 23  is a fragmentary view illustrating the hinge system of  FIG. 22  with the hinge in an open position.  
         [0037]      FIG. 24  is a fragmentary view illustrating an alternative hinge system for the inventive furniture system with the hinge in a closed position.  
         [0038]      FIG. 25  is a fragmentary view illustrating the alternative hinge system of  FIG. 24  with the hinge in a closed position. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0039]     As will be described in greater detail herein, the present invention is directed to reconfigurable furniture that may be readily inter-converted between a chair configuration and a table configuration. The various figures are directed to a furniture system  100  comprising a frame portion  102  and a working surface portion  104 . The furniture system  100  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  in a chair configuration. In  FIG. 1 , the frame portion  102  comprises left and right side portions  110  and  112 , respectively. The frame portion  102  also includes an inter-connecting frame portion  114  that couples the left and right-side portions  110  and  112  together. The frame portion  102  also includes cross members  116  and  118 , which may be seen in  FIG. 2 . As will be described in greater detail below, the cross members  116  and  118  provide strength and rigidity to the frame portion  102  and also serve as supports for the working surface portion  104  in the chair configuration of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0040]     The working surface portion  104  comprises a seat back  120  and seat bottom  122 . As will be described in greater detail, the seat bottom  122  is supported by the cross members  116  and  118  when the furniture system  100  is in the chair configuration. Also while in the chair configuration, the seat back  120  is supported by the seat bottom  122  and the interconnecting frame portion  114 .  
         [0041]     In the table configuration of the furniture system  100 , the seat back  120 , seat bottom  122 , or both, are placed within and supported by the left and right side portions  110  and  112  and the interconnecting frame portion  114 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 3  illustrates the furniture system  100  in the table configuration with the working surface portion  104  (see  FIGS. 1-2 ) removed to better illustrate the frame construction.  
         [0043]     In an exemplary embodiment, the frame portion  102  is manufactured with steel components to provide the desired strength and rigidity. In one embodiment, the frame portion  102  may be manufactured from steel angle brackets, as best seen in  FIGS. 8-12 . As those skilled in the art can appreciate, angled brackets provide greater rigidity than flat steel components.  
         [0044]     Alternatively, the frame portion  102  may be manufactured with hollow steel tubing to provide the necessary structural strength and rigidity, but in a more decorative form. The hollow steel tubing may be in the form of circular tubing, rectangular tubing, or the like. The selection of a specific shape for the tubing used to form the frame portion  102  is within the skill of a furniture designer. The present invention is not limited by the specific form of metal components used to manufacture the frame portion  102 . Other decorative elements, such as chrome finish, paint, or the like may be applied to the frame portion  102  to provide the desired aesthetic qualities.  
         [0045]     In yet another alternative embodiment, the frame portion  102  may be manufactured with other known construction materials, such as wood, plastic, composite materials, and the like. The present invention is not limited by the specific materials used to form the frame portion  102 .  
         [0046]     Similarly, the working surface portion  104  may be readily manufactured using wood. The seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  may be formed with solid wood, or veneer applied over a substrate material. The thickness of the wood is selected to provide the necessary strength and rigidity. This is particularly important in the chair configuration where the furniture system  100  must support the weight of one or more individuals. In contrast, the working surface portion  104  typically supports less weight in the table configuration.  
         [0047]     Alternatively, the working surface portion  104  may be manufactured using other known materials, such as metal, plastic, composites, stone, or the like. The present invention is not limited by the selection of materials used to form the working surface portion  104 .  
         [0048]      FIG. 1  also illustrates a channel  124  having sufficient size and depth to receive and removably retain the seat back  120 . In the chair configuration, the seat back  120  fits into the channel  124 , but can be easily removed for conversion of the furniture system  100  to the table configuration. Alternative techniques for retaining the seat back  120  in the proper position are discussed below.  
         [0049]     Returning again to  FIG. 3 , the left-side portion  110  comprises first and second opposing pieces  130  and  132 . In the table configuration, the first and second pieces  130  and  132  form two legs of the furniture system  100 .  
         [0050]     A third piece  134  inter-connects the first and second pieces  130  and  132  at a first end thereof. A fourth piece  136  inter-connects the first and second pieces  130  and  132  at a second end thereof. Thus, the first through fourth pieces  130 - 136  form the left-side portion  110  in a roughly rectangular configuration.  
         [0051]     The right-side portion  112  is similarly formed with first, second, third and fourth pieces  140 - 146 , respectively. The first and second pieces  140  and  142  are arranged parallel to each other and form the right-side legs of the furniture system  100  when in the table configuration. The first and second pieces  140 - 142  are inter-connected at a first end by the third piece  144  and at a second end of the first and second pieces by the fourth piece  146 . Thus, the first through fourth pieces  140 - 146  form the right-side portion  112  in a substantially rectangular arrangement.  
         [0052]     The left-side portion  110  is coupled to the right-side portion  112  by the inter-connecting frame portion  114 . The inter-connecting frame portion  114  comprises a first support member  150  and a second support member  152 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first support member  150  is coupled to the first piece  130  of the left-side portion  110  and the first piece  140  of the right-side portion  112 . Similarly, the second support member  152  is coupled to the second piece  132  of the left side portion  110  and the second piece  142  of the right-side portion  112 .  
         [0053]     The cross member  116  also couples together the left-side portion  110  and right-side portion  112 . The cross member  116  is coupled to the third piece  134  at substantially its mid point. The cross member  116  is also coupled to the third piece  144  of the right-side portion  112  at substantially the mid point of the third piece.  
         [0054]     In an exemplary embodiment of the furniture system  100 , an additional structure is provided in the form of a support bracket  160 . The support bracket  160  comprises a first support bracket member  162  and a second support bracket member  164 . The first support bracket member  162  is substantially parallel to the first support member  150  and spaced apart a short distance therefrom. The first support bracket member  162  also couples together the first piece  130  of the left-side portion  110  and the first piece  140  of the right-side portion  112 .  
         [0055]     Similarly, the second support bracket member  164  is substantially parallel to the second support member  152  and spaced apart a short distance therefrom. The second support bracket member  164  also couples together the second piece  132  of the left-side portion  110  and the second piece  142  of the right-side portion  112 .  
         [0056]     A third support bracket member  166  is substantially parallel to the fourth piece  136  of the left-side portion  110  and is spaced apart a short distance therefrom. The third support bracket member  166  is coupled between the first and second pieces  130  and  132  of the left-side portion  110 .  
         [0057]     Similarly, a fourth support bracket member  168  is substantially parallel to the fourth piece  146  of the right-side portion  112  and spaced apart a short distance therefrom. The fourth support bracket member  168  is coupled between the first and second pieces  140 - 142  of the right-side portion  112 .  
         [0058]     The cross member  118  is coupled between the third support bracket member  166  and the fourth support bracket member  168 . Thus, the various components used to form the frame portion  102  provide strength and rigidity in both the chair configuration and the table configuration.  
         [0059]     The first through fourth support bracket members  162 - 168  provide additional structural strength and rigidity and further provide aesthetic appeal in the design of the furniture system  100 . In an alternative embodiment, an additional cross member (not shown) may be connected to the third and fourth support bracket members parallel to and spaced apart from the cross member  118 . In this embodiment, either the seat back  120  or the seat bottom  122  may be stored when the furniture system  100  is used in the table configuration. The seat bottom  122  (or seat back  120 ) is stored by placing the selected part of the working surface portion  104  on the cross members coupled to the support bracket members. The remaining part of the working surface portion  104  is placed on top of and is supported by the fourth piece  136  of the left-side portion  110 , the fourth piece  146  of the right-side portion  112  and the first and second support members  150 - 152 . The stored working surface portion  104  supported by the cross member  118  and the additional cross-member (not shown) may be conveniently used as a storage shelf while the furniture system  100  is used in the table configuration.  
         [0060]     In an alternative embodiment, the combined thickness of the seat back  120  and the seat bottom  122  are approximately equal to the height of the angle brackets used to construct the fourth piece  136  of the left-side portion  110 , the fourth piece  146  of the right-side portion  112  and the first and second members  150 - 152 . This embodiment is illustrated in the fragmentary view of  FIG. 4  where a vertical dimension  170  of the fourth piece  146  of the right-side portion  112  and the second support member  152  is approximately equal to the combined thickness of the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122 . In an embodiment wherein either the seat back  120  or the seat bottom  122  is stored and supported by the cross member  118  and the additional cross member (not shown), the vertical dimension  170  may be altered to equal the thickness of the part of the working surface portion (i.e., either the seat back  120  or the seat bottom  122 ) used to form the working surface when the furniture system  100  is used in the table configuration.  
         [0061]     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the frame portion  102  may be varied to accommodate the specific needs of the user. However, it may be desirable to construct the frame portion  102  with dimensions that are suitable for their purpose. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, the first and second pieces  130  and  132  of the left-side portion  110  and the first and second pieces  140  and  142  of the right-side portion  112  are approximately 30 inches in length. When operating in the table configuration (see  FIG. 2 ) the working surface portion  104  is positioned at a conventional height for use as a table.  
         [0062]     Conversely, when the frame portion  102  is rotated into the chair configuration (see  FIG. 1 ), the third and fourth pieces  134  and  136  of the left-side portion  110  together with the third and fourth pieces  144 - 146  of the right-side portion  112  established the height of the furniture system in the chair configuration. In an exemplary embodiment, the length of the third and fourth pieces  134 - 136  of the left-side portion  110  and the third and fourth pieces  144 - 146  of the right-side portion  112  are set at approximately 28 inches. This length is selected to provide a desirable height for an armrest for operation in the chair configuration. The first and second support members  150  and  152  are selected to provide an overall length of 4′ for the furniture system  100 . Although specific dimensions have been provided herein for guidance, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions can be easily varied without adverse impact on the functionality of the furniture system  100 . Accordingly, the furniture system  100  is not limited by the specific dimensions described herein.  
         [0063]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is in the table configuration. The offset of the cross members  116  and  118  may be readily seen in  FIG. 5 . This offset is used to determine the angle at which the seat bottom  122  is positioned when the furniture system  100  is used in the chair configuration. The furniture system  100  is altered between the chair configuration (see  FIG. 1 ) and the table configuration (see  FIG. 2 ) by temporarily removing the working surface portion  114  and rotating the frame portion  102  to the desired configuration. If rotated to the table configuration, the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  may be positioned in the matter described above. When rotated to the chair configuration, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the seat bottom  122  is mounted on and supported by the cross members  116  and  118 . The offset in the cross members illustrated in  FIG. 5  sets the angle at which the seat bottom  122  will be positioned. Although the seat bottom may be positioned at any convenient angle, the offset in the cross members  116 - 118  is selected to provide an angle of approximately 13 degrees between the seat bottom  122  and the floor. The minimum usable angle is approximately 0° (i.e., the seat bottom  122  is substantially parallel to the floor). The maximum usable angle is approximately 20°. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that an appropriate comfort range may be readily selected for the seat bottom  122 .  
         [0064]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is in the table configuration. The frame portion  102  of the furniture system  100  is simply rotated 90° in order to change from the chair configuration (see  FIG. 1 ) to the table configuration (see  FIG. 2 ). For this reason, those skilled in the art will immediately recognize that  FIG. 5  is a top view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is placed in the table configuration. However,  FIG. 5  is also the back elevation view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is placed in the chair configuration. Similarly,  FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is placed in the table configuration. However,  FIG. 6  is also the top plan view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is in the chair configuration.  
         [0065]      FIG. 7  is a left-side elevation view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is in the table configuration. Rotating the image of  FIG. 7  counterclockwise by 90° provides a left-side elevation view of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is used in the chair configuration.  
         [0066]      FIG. 8  is a cross-section view of the frame portion  102  when viewed from the right side. The image in  FIG. 8  may be rotated clockwise by 90° to illustrate the positioning of the frame portion  102  when the furniture system  100  is used in the chair configuration. In this configuration, it may be readily seen that the cross-members  116  and  118  are mounted at angles to accommodate the angle of the seat bottom  122  (see  FIG. 1 ) when the furniture system  100  is used in the chair configuration. When in the chair configuration, one edge of the seat bottom  122  rests along its entire length within the bracket of the cross-member  118  and is fully supported along one edge by the cross-member. The opposite edge of the seat bottom  122  rests along a top edge of the cross-member  116  and is fully supported along its length by the cross-member  116 . Thus, the seat bottom  122  is fully supported along its length by the cross-members  116  and  118  when the furniture system  100  is in the chair configuration.  
         [0067]      FIGS. 9-12  illustrate different forms of connection between the various components of the frame portion  102 . In one embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the various components of the frame portion  102  are welded together. In  FIG. 9 , a weld  180  is used to interconnect the first support bracket member  162  to the first piece  140  of the right-side portion  112 . Similarly, the first support member  150  is coupled to the first piece  140  of the right-side portion  112  by the weld  180 . In the illustration of  FIG. 9 , the welds  180  are made on the outside of the frame portion  102 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that welds may be made on the inside of the frame portion  102  in addition to the welds on the outside or in place of the welds on the outside.  
         [0068]     Similarly,  FIG. 10  illustrates the connection of the cross-member  116  to the third piece  144  of the right-side portion  112  using welds  180 . The advantage of welding is low cost, ease of construction, and strength and rigidity of the frame portion  102 . However, assembly of the frame portion  102  using welds  180  makes the furniture system  100  more difficult to ship. Accordingly, other commercial embodiments may use different connection techniques for joining together the components of the frame portion  102 .  
         [0069]     One such alternative embodiment is illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 . In  FIG. 11 , a bolt plate  184  is welded to the first support bracket member  162  and the first support member  150 . Bolts  186  pass through holes (not shown) in the bolt plate  184  and in the first piece  140  of the right-side portion  112  to screw into nuts (not shown) in a conventional fashion. The nuts may be welded to the first piece  140  of the right-side portion  112  or may be unattached.  
         [0070]     Similarly, a bolt plate  184  is welded to the cross-member  116 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Bolts  186  pass through holes (not shown) in the bolt plate  184  and the fourth piece  144  of the right-side portion  112  for connection with nuts. In this manner, the components of the frame portion  102  may be shipped in a disassembled form and assembled on location. This alternative embodiment also provides greater flexibility in dismantling the frame portion for subsequent shipping to a new location. Other alternative connectors, known in the art, may also be used to connect the components of the frame portion  102 . The present invention is intended to embody all such connector types.  
         [0071]     Thus, the furniture system  100  allows great flexibility in interconverting between a chair configuration and a table configuration simply by temporarily removing the working surface portion  104  and rotating the frame portion  102  90°. After rotation of the frame portion  102 , the working surface portions are reinstalled at new locations to alter the configuration of the furniture system  100  and to thereby serve a new function in a new configuration.  
         [0072]     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of alternative implementations may be used to implement the furniture system  100 . As previously discussed, the frame portion  102  may be implemented using a variety of materials and a variety of different techniques to interconnect the frame portion components. For example, connection of the frame member components can be varied. The connection of angle brackets used to manufacture the components of the frame portion  102  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-10  is one example implementation that may be easily varied. The pieces may be mitered or sizes changed but maintaining the general overall dimensions of the frame portion  102 . The side frame portions  110  and  112  may also be manufactured in alternative shapes, as illustrated in  FIGS. 13-14 . In those figures, the left-side portion  110  is chamfered or rounded to form the first and second opposing pieces  130  and  132  and the third interconnecting piece  134 . Similar techniques may be used to manufacture the right-side portion  112  of the frame portion  102 . In this embodiment, the left-side portion  110  and right-side portion  112  may be manufactured from rolled steel, composite materials, wood, or the like. With these alternative embodiments, the general overall dimensions of the frame portion  102  are still maintained so as to position the working surface portion  104  at the proper height in the table configuration and to permit the seat bottom  122  to be placed at a convenient height for sitting when the furniture system  100  is placed in the chair configuration.  
         [0073]     Other variations in the furniture system  100  allow alternative implementations.  FIGS. 15-16  illustrate another alternative embodiment of the furniture system  100 . In  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the third support bracket member  166  of the left-side portion  110  is repositioned to a location near the midpoint of the first and second opposing members  130  and  132 . Similarly, the third support bracket member  168  of the right-side portion  112  is repositioned to a location near the midpoint of the first and second opposing members  140  and  142 . The cross-member  118  is still coupled between the third support bracket  166  of the left-side portion  110  and the third support bracket  168  of the right-side portion  112 . However, the cross-member  118  is also repositioned by virtue of the new locations for those support bracket members.  
         [0074]      FIG. 17  illustrates an alternative method to receive and removably retain the seat bottom  122 . In this implementation, the seat bottom  122  includes a channel  190  sized to receive a portion of the cross-member  116 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The channel  190  may be placed in the seat bottom using a router, milling machine or other conventional tool. The channel  190  may be used with any of the embodiments of the furniture system  100  as an alternative technique for support in the seat bottom  122 .  
         [0075]      FIG. 18  illustrates an alternative shape for the channel  124  to receive and removably retain the seat back  120 . In this embodiment, the channel  124  may be shaped to correspond with the angle at which the seat back  120  abuts the seat bottom  122 .  
         [0076]      FIGS. 19-21  are additional views of the alternative embodiment of  FIGS. 15-16 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 19 , an additional cross-brace  174  may be added to couple the fourth piece  136  of the left-side portion  110  to the fourth piece  146  of the right-side portion  112 . The additional cross-brace  174  provides additional support for the working surface portion  104  when the furniture system  100  is used in the table configuration.  
         [0077]     In certain embodiments, the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  are implemented as separate pieces. However, the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  may be coupled together.  FIGS. 22-25  illustrate two alternative embodiments for implementing the working surface portion  104 . In  FIGS. 22 and 23 , the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  are coupled together using a Soss hinge  188 . In  FIG. 22 , the Soss hinge  188  is illustrated in a closed position to permit the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  to be used in the chair configuration.  
         [0078]      FIG. 23  illustrates the Soss hinge  188  in an open position, as would be used when the furniture system  100  is placed in the table configuration. Although the Soss hinge  188  is only illustrated diagrammatically, the hinge permits the seat back  120  and the seat bottom  122  to lie flat against each other for use as a table surface when the furniture system  100  is used in the table configuration.  
         [0079]     In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIGS. 24-25 , the seat back  120  and the seat bottom  122  are coupled together by a piano hinge  192 .  FIG. 24  illustrates the piano hinge  192  in a closed position to permit the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  to be used in a chair configuration.  
         [0080]      FIG. 25  illustrates the piano hinge  192  in an open position to permit the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  to be used in the table configuration. The piano hinge  192  allows the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122  to lie flat against each other for use as the working surface portion  104  when the furniture system  100  is used in the table configuration.  
         [0081]     Those skilled in the art will recognize that other various connection mechanisms may be used to interconnect the seat back  120  and seat bottom  122 . In addition, other configurations of the frame portion  102  may be readily implemented to permit the furniture system  100  to interconvert between a table configuration and a chair configuration.  
         [0082]     The foregoing described embodiments depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected”, or “operably coupled”, to each other to achieve the desired functionality.  
         [0083]     While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).