Abstract:
Among other things, a piece of furniture is formed from three separate precut pieces of flat cardboard. A first one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on a floor with the first piece rising vertically from the bottom edge and has at least one slot at an upper edge of the first piece. A second one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on the floor with the second piece rising from the bottom edge and having at least one slot at an upper edge of the second piece. A third one of the pieces has a crease across the piece and at least two slots along at least one edge that is parallel to the fold. The piece of furniture is formed by mating the one slot in the first piece with one of the slots of the third piece, folding the third piece of cardboard at the crease, and mating the one slot in the second piece with another one of the slots of the third piece, with the third piece folded along the crease.

Description:
[0001]    This application is a continuation of and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/530,349, filed Jun. 22, 2012 which is entitled to the priority of the date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. 61/500,369, filed Jun. 23, 2011, both of which are incorporated here in their entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This description relates to corrugated fiberboard constructions. 
         [0003]    Known furniture systems typically include complex assembly procedures, consist of multiple parts, and require tools and fasteners for assembly. Known furniture systems often utilize materials that are difficult, if not impossible to recycle, are not produced from sustainable materials and processes, and are expensive. 
         [0004]    Corrugated fiberboard (which we sometimes refer to simply as cardboard) has long been used for shipping and transit. The material is recyclable, sustainable, and lightweight, and provides an inexpensive means to package items. Designers have used corrugated fiberboard for furniture and toys for both children and adults. This furniture is easy to move, can be flat-packed when not assembled, and is readily customizable with pens or paints. 
         [0005]    Cardboard furniture is typically made from single wall or double wall corrugated fiberboard. Single wall has a fluted layer sandwiched between two kraft liners, and double wall has two fluted layers sandwiched between three kraft layers. Double wall and single wall corrugated fiberboard furniture may not support heavy loads and may not be resilient under fatigue loading. Because of this deficit in strength, some corrugated furniture designs include complicated and intricate features to support heavy loads. 
         [0006]    A stronger and more resilient more durable corrugated fiberboard, called triple wall, has three fluted layers sandwiched between four kraft liners. This board affords simpler furniture designs, fewer parts, and longer lasting pieces. Triple wall, however, may be difficult to cut by usual die-cutting methods. Die-cutting can crush the edges of the triple wall board leaving slots that are weak and yield inaccurate dimensions. Furniture made from triple wall may be prone to side load fatigue failure. Short, slotted triple wall joints may only restrict movement in one plane and may result in shortened life of the furniture. The use of resilient joints that may extend the life of the furniture tend to be more complicated to assemble and to manufacture. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In general, in an aspect, an apparatus includes three separate pieces of cut flat cardboard. A first one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on a floor with the first piece rising vertically from the bottom edge and has at least one slot at an upper edge of the first piece. A second one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on the floor with the second piece rising from the bottom edge and has at least one slot at an upper edge of the second piece. A third one of the pieces has a crease across the piece and at least two slots along at least one edge that is parallel to the fold. The one slot in the first piece is configured to mate with one of the slots of the third piece. The one slot in the second piece is configured to mate with another one of the slots of the third piece, with the third piece folded along the crease. A piece of furniture is formed in which the first and second pieces serve as legs and the third piece as a surface supported by the legs. 
         [0008]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The surface supported by the legs includes a seating surface. The surface supported by the legs includes a work surface. The cardboard for each of at least one of the pieces include triple wall fiberboard. The third piece of cardboard has two or more parallel creases, has at least one slot along an edge of the third piece that is parallel to the slots, and has at least another slot along another edge of the cardboard that is also parallel to the crease. The one slot and the other slot mate with corresponding slots in one or the other or both of the first and second pieces of cardboard. The first and second pieces of cardboard rise vertically from the floor. The surface of the third piece lies horizontally. Two or more slots of the third piece mate together with a single slot of the first piece or the second piece. The fourth piece of cardboard has a crease and at least one slot along one edge of the fourth piece that is parallel to the crease and is configured to mate with a slot of the first piece or the second piece. The fourth piece provides a back-supporting surface. The apparatus is self-supporting without any separate fasteners when the three pieces of cardboard are assembled at the slots. 
         [0009]    In general, in an aspect, an apparatus includes a range of tables or seats of similar configuration. Each of the tables or seats in the range is assembled of at least three separate pieces of folded cardboard, two of the pieces forming legs of the table or seat, and the third piece forming a supporting surface. The pieces are assembled by folding at least one of the pieces and by the mating of slots that have been cut in edges of the pieces. The tables or seats of the range differing in scale, or length, or height, or two or more of those. 
         [0010]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. At least some pieces of the range that are larger along a direction of the supporting surface have additional pieces forming additional legs. At least some pieces of the range that are taller have additional pieces that brace the legs. At least some pieces of the range include supplemental cardboard features. The supplemental cardboard features include shelves or arms. 
         [0011]    In general, in an aspect, a piece of furniture is formed from three separate precut pieces of flat cardboard. A first one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on a floor with the first piece rising vertically from the bottom edge and has at least one slot at an upper edge of the first piece. A second one of the pieces has a bottom edge to rest on the floor with the second piece rising from the bottom edge and having at least one slot at an upper edge of the second piece. A third one of the pieces has a crease across the piece and at least two slots along at least one edge that is parallel to the fold. The piece of furniture is formed by mating the one slot in the first piece with one of the slots of the third piece, folding the third piece of cardboard at the crease, and mating the one slot in the second piece with another one of the slots of the third piece, with the third piece folded along the crease. 
         [0012]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The first and second pieces serve as legs and the third piece as a surface supported by the legs. The third piece has additional creases and forming the piece of furniture includes folding the third piece at the other creases. A slot of a fourth piece of cardboard is mated with a slot of the first piece of cardboard and another slot of the fourth piece of cardboard is mated with a slot of the second piece of cardboard. The fourth piece of cardboard forms a back support. 
         [0013]    In general, in an aspect, an online user is enabled to identify a standard item or class of furniture that can be assembled from at least three standard pieces of flat precut cardboard at least one of the pieces having a crease along which the piece is to be folded. The user is enabled to specify alterations of at least one of the shape, aspect ratio, scale, size, coating, graphic, text, or decoration of the item or class of furniture. Automatically by computer data is generated for production of custom versions of one or more of the pieces of flat precut cardboard in accordance with the specified alterations. 
         [0014]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The user is enabled to buy pieces of cardboard that comply with the generated data. 
         [0015]    In general, in an aspect, a cutting table is used to cut out from one or more sheets of triple wall fiberboard at least three pieces of flat cardboard. The cut pieces include assembly slots. The cut pieces conform to piece patterns that permit the pieces to be assembled into a pre-designed three-dimensional item of furniture without requiring any additional fasteners. At least one of the three pieces is creased along one or more pre-specified creases along which the piece is to be folded during assembly of the item of furniture. 
         [0016]    Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The decorative content is applied to at least one of the pieces. The pieces are flat packed for shipment to a location where the item of furniture is to be assembled. 
         [0017]    These and other aspects, features, and implementations can be expressed as methods, apparatus, methods of doing business, systems, components, program products, means or steps for performing functions and in other ways. 
         [0018]    Other aspects, features, implementations, and advantages will become apparent from the following description, and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an assembled chair. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a disassembled and unfolded view of parts of the chair. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is cross-sectional view of various chair aspect ratios. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of an extruded variation of a chair. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of a desk chair variation on a chair. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an arm chair variation of a chair. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a disassembled and unfolded view of parts of the arm chair. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is isometric view of a table. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a disassembled and unfolded view of parts of the table. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of a drafting table variation of a table. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a standing desk variation of a table. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a disassembled and unfolded view of parts of the standing desk. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of various table aspect ratios. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b    are block and textual flow charts representing a customization and manufacturing process for a corrugated furniture piece. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a screen shot of a user interface of cardboard furniture customization software depicting standard design choices. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a screen shot of a user interface of cardboard furniture customization software depicting design file uploads. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  is a screen shot of a user interface of cardboard furniture customization software depicting furniture color and pattern choices. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    Here, among other things, we describe individual pieces of and sets of furniture and furnishings made of, for example, triple wall corrugated fiberboard (cardboard) and ways to design and make them. These furniture and furnishings designs support a low cost and mobile lifestyle because they are lightweight, recyclable, can be flat packed when not assembled, and are intuitive and quick to assemble. Because the primary material of designs described here is triple wall corrugated fiberboard, the furniture and furnishings can be assembled (and disassembled) easily and quickly without the use of special tools, fasteners, or adhesives. The nature of at least some of the designs for seating and tables can be easily altered in terms of, for example, their aspect ratio to yield designs that have various purposes such as lounge seating and coffee tables, office chairs and desks, and standing work stations. The basic designs are easily altered to provide flexible seating and tables tailored to various postures, body types, and interior environments. 
         [0037]    The designs take advantage of the fact that triple wall fiberboard, though stiff, can be bent and folded. By combining folding and slot-in-slot construction techniques, the designs increase lateral support by securing intersecting pieces in several movement planes at once and embody different versions of a unique, overarching design principle for seating and table units. Similar designs and design and manufacturing techniques can also be applied to accessories, furnishings, and non-furniture products. 
         [0038]    In some examples, the designs can be fabricated from pieces of triple wall corrugated fiberboard that need not be die cut. Instead, line-following cutting tables with oscillating blades and folding wheels can be used to cut and form the pieces that are then assembled to make the furniture and furnishings. Though usually reserved for rapid corrugated prototyping and not for mass produced high volume manufacturing runs, such cutting tables can be used to cut and fold pieces to produce cardboard furniture that is tailored to each customer&#39;s needs, furniture that is more ergonomic and more suited for its intended use. 
         [0039]    The Internet has enabled mass customization by consumers through user-friendly software interfaces, allowing people to personalize products (such as shoes) to fit their sense of style and body type. Items of triple wall corrugated furniture and furnishings that are individually produced using cutting tables take well to screen-printed designs and lettering. These techniques offer the opportunity for a new furniture sector that is at once customizable, lightweight, affordable, and recyclable. The combination of a flexible set of furniture designs and an easily customizable furniture manufacturing method can bring mass customization to the furniture and furnishings industry. 
       Seating Parts: 
       [0040]    A simple basic implementation of a chair design is shown in  FIG. 1  (assembled and ready for use); its disassembled parts are shown in  FIG. 2 . The chair includes four pieces: two identical vertical supports  10 ,  11 , a seat span  12 , and a back span  13 . All corners are chamfered to reduce corner crush damage during the lifespan of the product. Each of the vertical supports has six sides  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26 ;  41 ,  42 ,  43 ,  44 ,  45 ,  46  and three slot joints each  31 ,  32 ,  33 ;  51 , 52 , 53 . 
         [0041]    The vertical supports represent a cross-section of the chair in elevation view. The two outer slot joints, one top slot joint  32 ,  52  and one bottom slot joint  31 ,  51  are single slots; each of these slots has width  1  that can only accommodate one corresponding triple wall fiberboard slot piece either from the seat span or the back span. The double slot joint  33 ,  53  that lies at the junction of the seat span and the back span must accommodate a pair of slots from the seat span and the back span and has a width of  2  to accommodate the pair of triple wall fiberboard slots of the seat and back spans. The vertical supports have inset channels  26   b ,  46   b  such that when assembled the seat span lies flush with the remainder of side  26   a ,  46   a . The chair has increased stability with these channels, such that the chair base is completely flush with the ground. 
         [0042]    The vertical supports take advantage of particular shipping dimensional constraints (the overall maximum sizes of a package of a given cost) and have a convenient nesting shape (the two vertical supports nest to some extent within a surface of a single piece of cardboard) which limits waste material during large scale production. The three slots  31 ,  32 ,  33 ,  51 , 52 , 53  are placed an adequate distance apart to provide efficient lateral support and are oriented in three different directions to provide support along three movement planes. 
         [0043]    The seat span  12  and the back span  13  are large rectangles that have four individual folds running perpendicular to the assembled chair&#39;s cross section. Four folds separate five panels in the seat span  61 ,  62 ,  63 ,  64 ,  65 . Each of the bookending seat span panels  61 ,  65  have two single slots  71 ,  72  and  73 ,  74  each of width  1  (which corresponds to the thickness of one triple wall fiberboard sheet). Four folds separate five panels in the back span  91 ,  92 ,  93 ,  94 ,  95 . Each of the bookending back span panels  91 ,  95  have two single slots  81 ,  82  and  83 ,  84  each of width 1 (which corresponds to the thickness of one triple wall fiberboard sheet). 
         [0044]    Slots  71 ,  72 ,  73 ,  74 ,  81 ,  82 ,  83 ,  84  on bookending panels are spaced a sufficient distance apart (the difference between panel width  4  and double the distance of slots to edge  5 ) to prevent torsional rocking of the chair, yet located an adequate distance  5  from the edge of the chair to provide necessary lateral support for the vertical supports. 
         [0045]    In one particular embodiment of chair design intended for lounge seating, the sides, slots, and angles of vertical supports have the following dimensions outlined in this table. 
         [0000]                                                                                    Side   Length (in.)                       21a   7           21b   17.75           22   7.5           23   15.5           24   15.5           25   14.5           26a   18.75           26b   3.75           41a   7           41b   17.75           42   7.5           43   15.5           44   15.5           45   14.5           46a   18.75           46b   3.75                            Slot   Width (in.)   Depth (in.)   Chamfer (in.)                       31    21/32   3   0.5           32    21/32   3   0.5           33    42/32   2   0.5           51    21/32   3   0.5           52    21/32   3   0.5           53    42/32   2   0.5                            Angle between               adjacent sides   Degrees                       21, 22   99           22, 23   94           23, 24   111           24, 25   81           25, 26   94           41 42   99           42, 43   94           43, 44   111           44, 45   81           45, 46   94                        
The seat span of this example has the following panel and slot dimensions:
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Panel 
                 Width (4) (in.) 
                 Length (in.) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 61 
                 18 
                 6 
               
               
                 62 
                 18 
                 5 
               
               
                 63 
                 18 
                 15.25 
               
               
                 64 
                 18 
                 16.625 
               
               
                 65 
                 18 
                 4 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]                                                                Distance from           Slot   Width (in.)   Depth (in.)   Edge (5) (in.)                           71    9/16   3   2.5           72    9/16   3   2.5           73    9/16   2   2.5           74    9/16   2   2.5                        
The back span of this particular embodiment has the following panel and slot dimensions:
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Panel 
                 Width (4) (in.) 
                 Length (in.) 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 71 
                 18 
                 6 
               
               
                 72 
                 18 
                 8.25 
               
               
                 73 
                 18 
                 8.25 
               
               
                 74 
                 18 
                 16.5 
               
               
                 75 
                 18 
                 4 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Distance from 
               
               
                   
                 Slot 
                 Width (in.) 
                 Depth (in.) 
                 Edge (5) (in.) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 81 
                  9/16 
                 3 
                 2.5 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                  9/16 
                 3 
                 2.5 
               
               
                   
                 83 
                  9/16 
                 2 
                 2.5 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                  9/16 
                 2 
                 2.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Assembly: 
       [0046]    The chair is assembled as follows. The seat span slots  71 ,  72  are first fitted into the bottom slot joints  31 ,  51  of the vertical supports  10 ,  11 . The seat span is then wrapped around both vertical supports  10 ,  11  such that seat span panel  62  is flush with vertical support  10  sides  26   b  and vertical support  11  side  46   b , seat span  63  is flush with vertical support  10  side  25  and vertical support  11  side  45 , and seat span panel  64  is flush with vertical support  10  side  24  and vertical support  11  side  44 . Slots  73  and  74  in seat span panel  65  are then inserted into the double slots  33  and  53  of vertical supports  10 ,  11 . The back span slots  81 ,  82  are first fitted into the top slot joints  32 ,  52  of the vertical supports  10 ,  11 . The back span is then wrapped around both vertical supports  10 ,  11  such that back span panel  92  is flush with vertical support  10  sides  21   a  and vertical support  11  side  41   a , back span panel  93  is flush with vertical support  10  side  22  and vertical support  11  side  42 , and back span panel  94  is flush with vertical support  10  side  23  and vertical support  11  side  43 . Slots  83  and  84  in back span panel  95  are then inserted into the double slots  33  and  53  of vertical supports  10 ,  11 . 
       Variations: 
       [0047]    A wide variety of other dimensions, ratios, proportions, scales, and configurations would be possible in other examples, of course. 
         [0048]    For example, the aspect ratios or scales or both of the chair design may be modified to achieve various functional uses as shown in the three designs in  FIG. 3 ; the lounge chair A, the desk chair B, and the child&#39;s chair C. Any seat design may be extruded in length along on the cross section to achieve a wider seat to accommodate two or more people as show in the sofa  FIG. 4 . To accommodate wider seats, more vertical supports may (likely will) need to be added to achieve structural stability and seat and back spans must be elongated. For example, a sofa may contain three or four (or possibly more) vertical supports spaced out along the sofa&#39;s length. The sofa&#39;s seat span and back span would reflect this change by having corresponding increase in single slots in panels  61 ,  65 ,  91 ,  95 . A seat may also be reinforced by a small brace on the bottom back corner of the seat assembly as shown in the desk chair variation in  FIG. 5 . This back bracing may further prevent torsion strain and bending strain on the back of the seat&#39;s legs, lengthening the life of the desk chair. In the case of the desk chair, back bracing may reduce leg fatigue in high use work environments. 
         [0049]    A seat may also be equipped with arms to increase the comfort of the furniture piece as shown in the arm chair seat variation in  FIG. 6 . Arms can be achieved by adding two additional arm supports  15   a ,  15   b  that extend perpendicular to the original seat supports as shown in  FIG. 7 . To achieve the arms in full structure, arm spans  19   a  and  19   b  will wrap and slot into arm supports  15   a  and  15   b.    
         [0050]    The disassembled parts of the arm chair variation are shown in  FIG. 7  and include two arm supports  15   a ,  15   b , two chair supports  16   a ,  16   b , back brace  17 , back span  18 , arm spans  19   a ,  19   b , and seat span  20 . Arm supports represent a front elevation view of the vertical cross section of the arm chair. Arm supports are U-shaped with ten sides  140 ,  141 ,  142 ,  143 ,  144 ,  145 ,  146 ,  147 ,  148 ,  149 ,  160 ,  161 ,  162 ,  163 ,  164 ,  165 ,  166 ,  167 ,  168 ,  169  and six slots: 2 receiving slots for the chair supports  151 , 156 , 171 , 176  and 2 outer receiving slots for the arm spans  152 ,  155 ,  172 ,  175  and two inner receiving slots for the arm spans  153 ,  154 ,  173 ,  174 . All arm chair slots are wide enough to accept one corresponding slot piece from the chair support or arm spans. Chair supports  16   a ,  16   b  are side elevation cross-sectional view of the arm chair. Chair supports are L-shaped with six sides  101 ,  102 ,  103 ,  104 ,  105 ,  106 ,  121 ,  122 ,  123 ,  124 ,  125 ,  126  and each with seven slots: one outer receiving slot for the back span  112 ,  132  one outer receiving slot for the seat span  116 ,  136 , one double slot to receive both back and seat spans  113 ,  133 , two receiving slots for the arm supports  114 ,  115 ,  134 ,  135 , and two receiving slots for the back brace  11 ,  117 ,  131 ,  137 . 
         [0051]    Arm spans are rectangular, each containing five adjacent panels  221 ,  222 ,  223 ,  224 ,  225 ,  241 ,  242 ,  243 ,  244 ,  245  and four slots: two outer receiving slots  231 ,  232 ,  251 ,  252  and two inner receiving slots  233 ,  234 ,  253 ,  254 . Back brace  17  is rectangular and both vertical and horizontally symmetrical. Back brace  17  has and has four adjacent panels  181 ,  182 ,  183 ,  184  and four slots  191 ,  192 ,  193 ,  194 . Seat and back spans as described previously are rectangular and each contains five adjacent panels and four slots. 
         [0052]    The arm chair is assembled as follows: arm supports  15   a ,  15   b  are slotted into chair supports  16   a ,  16   b  forming a shape resembling the pound sign viewed from a top view. Arm supports slot  151 ,  156 ,  171 ,  176  are fit into chair supports slots  115 ,  135 ,  114 ,  134  respectively. These perpendicular support structures strengthen the arm chair seat. Arm spans  19   a ,  19   b  are fitted around arm spans by inserting outer arm span slots  231 ,  232 ,  251 ,  252  into outer arm support slots  152 ,  172 ,  155 ,  175  respectively. Arm spans are folded around arm supports such that panels  222 ,  242  lie flush with arm support sides  142 ,  162  and  148 ,  168  respectively, arm span panels  223 ,  243  lie flush with arm supports sides  143 ,  163  and  147 ,  167  respectively, arm span panels  224 ,  244  lie flush with arm supports sides  144 ,  164  and  146 ,  166  respectively. Inner arm span slots  233 ,  234 ,  253 ,  254  are then fitted into inner arm support slots  153 ,  173 ,  154 ,  174  respectively. Back brace slots  191 ,  192 , insert into top corner slots of chair supports  16   a ,  16   b :  111 ,  131  and folded around the chair supports such that back brace panel  182  is flush with chair support side  101 ,  121  and back brace panel  183  is flush with chair support side  106 ,  126 . Back brace slots  193 ,  194  are fitted into bottom corner slots of chair supports  117 ,  137 . Seat span and back span are assembled as described previously. 
       Tables 
     Table Parts: 
       [0053]    A simple implementation of a table design is shown in  FIG. 8 ; its disassembled parts are shown in  FIG. 9 . The table includes three pieces: two identical vertical supports  12 ,  13  and table top  11 . All corners are chamfered to reduce corner crush damage during the lifespan of the product. Each of the vertical supports has four sides and one double slot joint: vertical support  12  has sides  21 , 22 , 23 , 24  and double slots joint  31 , vertical support  13  has sides  41 , 42 , 43 , 44  and double slot joint  51 . 
         [0054]    The table top is a large rectangle that has four individual folds running perpendicular to the plane created by the assembled table&#39;s vertical supports. The interior folds, the folds between table top panels  62 ,  63  and  63 ,  64 , are upwards folds while the outer folds, the folds between table top panels  61 ,  62  and  64 ,  65 , are downwards folds. These opposite directional folds afford an I-beam like structure in the final table assembly, resembling an extruded triangular prism. The table top has eight slots, four exterior slot joints  71 ,  72 ,  73 ,  74  of width  1  located on bookending panels  61 ,  65  on the table top and four interior slot pathways  75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78  of width  3  located on interior panels  64 ,  62  on the table top. Exterior slot joints are locate a sufficient distance from the edge of the table  5  to provide adequate lateral support for the vertical supports of the assembled table. Interior slot pathways  75 ,  76 ,  77 ,  78  are truncated a sufficient distance  6  before reaching panel  63  as to prevent interruption and weakening of interior folds and exterior slot joints  71 ,  72 ,  73 ,  74  are located a sufficient distance apart (table top width  4  minus double the distance of the slots to the table top edge  5 ). 
         [0055]    In one particular embodiment of table design intended for desk use, the panels of the table top have the following dimensions: 
         [0000]                                    Panel   Width (4) (in)   Length (in)                   61   48   19       62   48   14       63   48   26       64   48   14       65   48   19                    
This table top intended for desk use has the following slot dimensions:
 
         [0000]                                                                                  Distance before                       reaching table                   Distance from   top middle       Slot   Width (in)   Depth (in)   Edge (5) (in)   panel 63 (in)                                71    9/16   9.5   10   NA       72    9/16   9.5   10   NA       73    9/16   9.5   10   NA       74    9/16   9.5   10   NA       75    11/16   12.5   10   1.5       76    11/16   12.5   10   1.5       77    11/16   12.5   10   1.5       78    11/16   12.5   10   1.5                    
The desk has the following leg side dimensions and leg slot dimensions:
 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Side 
                 Length (in) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 21 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 29 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Distance 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 from 
               
               
                   
                 Slot 
                 Width (in) 
                 Depth (in) 
                 Edge (in) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 31 
                 29 
                 10.5 
                 11.5 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 23 
                 10.5 
                 11.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       Table Assembly: 
       [0056]    The table is assembled as follows. The table top,  11 , interior folds are folded upwards and the exterior folds are folded downwards. Table top panels  61 , 65  are then brought together such that they are flush and that single slots  71 , 72  align with single slots  73 , 74 . Table top panels  62 , 63 , 64  form a triangular prism that affords the table resistant to bending forces. Table top panels  61 , 65  provide an extension of this triangular prism beam to interlock with vertical supports. Double slot  31  in vertical support  12  is then inserted to paired single slots  71 , 73 . Vertical support  12  is pushed through such that vertical support side  24  passes through paired slot pathways  76 , 77  until it lies flush with table top panel  63 . Likewise, double slot  51  in vertical support  13  is then inserted to paired single slots  72 , 74 . Vertical support  13  is pushed through such that vertical support side  44  passes through paired slot pathways  75 , 78  until it lies flush with table top panel  63 . The slot pathways allow vertical supports to directly support table top panel  63 , the consumer&#39;s work surface. Interior folds resist upward bending creating separation forces between paired single slot joints  71 , 73  and slot joints  72 , 74 . These separation forces increase friction in double slots  31 , 51  of vertical supports and afford resistance to wobbling and greater structural strength. Table top slot joints  71 , 72 , 73 , 74  are of adequate length to provide necessary lateral support for the table in the direction parallel to the table top folds. Opposite folding directions of interior and exterior folds allow for efficient and compact flat packing of the table design for both storage and shipping. 
       Table Variations: 
       [0057]    A wide variety of other dimensions, ratios, proportions, scales and configurations would be possible in other examples, of course. 
         [0058]    The aspect ratio or scale of the disclosed table design may be varied for a variety of other uses.  FIG. 10  shows three different table designs, a coffee table A, desk B, and standing desk C achieved by variation of the same basic table design template. The coffee table A has shorter legs and a wider table top panel  63 . To accommodate this, coffee table legs are proportionally wider; the outer table top panels  61 ,  65  are shorter with corresponding shorter single slot joints  71 ,  72  and  73 ,  74 . The standing desk as shown disassembled in  FIG. 13  has longer legs with two additional panels  122 ,  124  on each table leg separated by vertical folds to form outwardly facing c-shape leg structures as shown assembled in  FIG. 12 . To accommodate these c-shape leg supports  17  in  FIG. 13 , single slot pathways are converted into L-shaped pathways  95 ,  96 ,  97 ,  98  in the standing desk table top  14 . L-shaped pathways are formed by carving slot pathways perpendicular to and on outside of pre-existing slot pathways. 
         [0059]    A longer table may be achieved by increasing the length of the table top triangular prism. A longer table may require more structural support and therefore may necessitate additional vertical leg supports spaced at intervals underneath the structure. To accommodate additional leg supports, the table top will need corresponding single slot joints and single slot pathways at the locations of the additional vertical leg supports. Additional variations on table design may be achieved by adding various shelving configurations to the existing table design. Horizontal slots may be cut into table legs in order to accept rectangular shelves with corresponding slots. Shelving may also be achieved for the standing desk by cutting horizontal slots that pass through table top panels  61 , 65  as well as through the c-shaped outwardly facing leg structure. 
         [0060]    Additionally, table legs sides  24  and  44  may be cut at an acute angle with respect to table sides  22 ,  42  in  FIG. 9  to achieve a drafting table configuration as shown in  FIG. 11  with resulting table leg  16  side  11  shown in  FIG. 13 . To accommodate angled legs, the table top panel  63  would rest parallel to inclined table sides  111  and provide an angled surface for the table user. 
       Manufacturing: 
       [0061]    In some examples, the pieces that are assembled to make the furniture and furnishings can be fabricated from 9/16 inch thick triple wall corrugated (for example, the 99 ECT AAC fluted 4 ft by 8 ft triple wall sheets available from Norampac in Schenectady, N.Y.). 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 14 a  and 14 b   , in some cases, prior to cutting the pieces for a piece of furniture, the customer begins by choosing from a set of standard seating and table designs  301 . These standard seating and table designs are represented by basic standard templates for the pieces that will be cut and later assembled. The customer then can choose to decorate standard or customized furniture designs through an online interface, for example, presented in a web browser, by uploading graphics, choosing from pattern and color libraries, or entering text, or any combination of those  304 . In some cases customers can choose from pre-existing available designs. In some cases, customers can also modify standard designs, tailoring the product to a specific need  302 ,  303 . Customers may also choose to have the furniture coated with water or fire resistant coatings. Designs that are to be realized in 3D are decomposed by a computer into 2D elements such that all graphics and colors are then printed on a single side of a 4×8 sheet of cardboard  305 . Corrugated fiberboard sheets are then inserted into a screen printer and all graphics and then all coatings are applied to the C-flute side of the material in exact trace locations of parts  306 . Printed sheets are inserted into a Gerber 2300 series cutting table where they are cut and scored according to CAD template specifications chosen by the customer  307 . Furniture elements are then removed from excess materials (which are recycled for example) and folded 180 degrees along score lines, later to be flat packed in boxes with assembly instructions from CAD designs  308 , 309 . Finally packaged furniture is shipped to the customer for full assembly  310 . 
         [0063]    Both the cutting and scoring of a piece of triple wall can be done using a cutting table equipped with an oscillating blade and scoring wheel. (For example, Model series 2300 Gerber cutting table available from Gerber Technology in Toland Conn.) The Gerber cutting table accepts vector files generated from CAD software and translates these files into tool pathways. Servos attached to a table bed and a gliding arm along with a feedback vision system guide the x and y position of a cutting blade and a creasing wheel to both cut and score material on the table&#39;s cutting bed according to prescribed distances indicated in vector files. Vector files also indicate when tooling operations must change from cutting to scoring functions. The use of such a cutting machine provides the opportunity to continually and efficiently produce the pieces needed for each seating and table furniture designs. By changing aspect ratios and scales of these designs, various furniture functions can be achieved and tailored to a customer&#39;s needs. The cutting machine permits lot-of-one manufacturing of one design immediately followed by another design, or multiple item runs of a single design. 
         [0064]    For each piece, a standard triple wall sheet is placed on the cutting table. This sheet may be used untreated from the corrugated plant, pre-sprayed with water proof or fire proof coatings, or pre-silkscreened with graphics or logos, or any combination of them. The triple wall sheet is placed on the cutting in an orientation such that all folds to be made are parallel to the lengths of the corrugations and so that all verticals support structures, whether seating or tables also have the corrugations running along the vertical lengths of the pieces. An oscillating blade is used rather than a carbide knife in order to achieve clean curves and softer edges that do not produce paper cuts. 
       Customization 
       [0065]    As an example of possible user interfaces,  FIGS. 15-17  show screen shots of an online web-browser interface which allows customers to personalize and customize standard furniture template designs. The software leads the customer through a tree of design decisions. As shown in  FIG. 15  the customer begins by choosing from a set of standard seating or table designs under the choose item tab. In this figure, the customer has selected the seating tables and has chosen to personalize a love seat.  FIG. 16  shows that a customer who has opened the add art tab has chosen to upload a custom graphic into the software and place it on the back of the love seat. At any point the customer can save a design, obtain a price quote on the furniture piece, purchase the piece, or elect to view other popular design ideas from other customers.  FIG. 17  shows a customer exploring the color and pattern tab and electing to change the seat color. The interface also allows the customer to rotate the personalized piece, zoom in and out, and select the exact furniture facing unto which the graphic, color, pattern, or text will be applied. The customer may choose a water or fire resistant coating to add to the furniture after completing the design. The result is a furniture product that is customized and yet safe, durable, and balanced, and will cater to a customer&#39;s body type, life style or design sensibility. 
         [0066]    Thus, through the interface, a customer can select a category of furniture, then select a basic design with the category, then choose modifications to the basic design, including changes to aspect ratios, scales, and additional features such as arms for chairs and tables with additional shelving options of seating and table designs, and then select custom graphics or text or finishes that can be applied to the furniture. This online interface interprets the customer design decisions and reformats the basic furniture CAD design to fit the customer&#39;s needs, while maintaining restrictions to achieve acceptable levels of safety strength and balance. Once the design has been completed logos and texts are first printed using standard screen-printing techniques on large sheets of triple wall. These sheets are the inserted into cutting tables and then cut and scored based upon the customized CAD drawings. The result is a furniture product that is customized and yet safe, durable, and balanced, and will cater to a customer&#39;s body type, life style or design sensibility. 
         [0067]    Other implementations are also within the scope of the following claims. 
         [0068]    For example, similar principles can be used for the design and manufacture of objects other than furniture, including accessories, furnishings, novelties, promotional items, retail displays, and others.