Patent Publication Number: US-2021177170-A1

Title: Assemblage of decorative furnishings

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to home furnishings, and more specifically, to a system of home furnishings that are typically displayed as a form of décor. 
     Pillows and other furnishings are often arranged for decorative purposes, such as on top of a bed for example. When used to decorate a fully made up bed, the decorative pillows are typically not used for sleeping. As a result, at bedtime, the pillows are removed from the bed. Setting up and removing the decorative pillows from a bed or another piece of furniture can be not only tedious, but also time consuming. For example, it can take several minutes each time a group of pillows needs to be carefully positioned on a bed for display and also several minute to remove the group of pillows. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to an embodiment, an array of furnishings positionable as decor includes a plurality of furnishings and a plurality of fasteners mounted to the plurality of furnishings. The plurality of furnishings are connectable to one another via the plurality of fasteners. When the plurality of furnishings are connected, the plurality of furnishings are movable as a single body. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the array includes furnishings extending in two directions. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings includes at least two rows of furnishings. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings within adjacent rows are connected to one another. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the plurality of furnishings within a row of the at least two rows is directly connected to another of the plurality of furnishings within the row. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments each of the plurality of furnishings is a same type of furnishing. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings includes at least two different types of furnishings. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of fasteners is mechanical fasteners. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of fasteners permanently connect the plurality of furnishings within the array. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings includes a pillow. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings includes a stuffed animal or doll. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings are positionable at a seating area. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings is movable as a single body from a first position where the plurality of furnishings is on display as decor to a second storage position, located remotely from the first position. 
     According to another embodiment, a method of removing décor includes providing a plurality of furnishings. The plurality of furnishings is arranged in an array and each of the plurality of furnishings within the array is connected to another of the plurality of furnishings within the array. The method additionally includes moving the plurality of furnishings from a first location to a second location. The plurality of furnishings are moved simultaneously as a single unitary body. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the array includes furnishings extending in two directions. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings includes at least two rows of furnishings. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments moving the plurality of furnishings includes applying a force to only a portion of the plurality of furnishings within the array. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments at least one of the first location and the second location of the plurality of furnishings is on top of a bed. 
     According to another embodiment, a method of forming an array of furnishings includes providing a plurality of furnishings, arranging the plurality of furnishings within an array, and connecting the plurality of furnishings within the array together such that the plurality of furnishings is movable as a single body between a first location and a second location. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings are removably connected. 
     In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, in further embodiments the plurality of furnishings are permanently connected. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an array of furnishings displayed on a bed according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the furnishings of the array of  FIG. 1  when separated from one another according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of adjacent furnishings within an array according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of adjacent furnishings within an array according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the array of furnishings when assembled according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 6  is another front view of an array of furnishings when assembled according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1 , an array  20  or assembly of furnishings  22 , such as typically displayed within an area of a home for example, is shown. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the array  20  of furnishings  22  is a plurality of pillows arranged in rows and positioned upon a made-up bed. However, it should be understood that an array  20  of furnishings  22  positionable at any suitable location, such as on a couch, chair, window seat, or bookshelf for example, is contemplated herein. Further, the term “furnishing” as used herein is intended to describe any type of decorative accessory, including but not limited to pillows, throws or blankets, stuffed animals, banners or flags, dolls, books, faux flowers or fruit, or any other suitable type of décor that is commonly displayed in multiples. 
     In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the FIGS., the array  20  of furnishings  22  includes three distinct rows  24  of furnishings  22 , such as pillows for example. More specifically, the array  20  includes a back row of at least one pillow  22 , a front row of at least one pillow  22 , and an intermediate row of at least one pillow  22 . Although the array  20  is shown having three rows  24 , it should be understood that embodiments including only two rows, or more than four rows of furnishings are also contemplated herein. In addition, embodiments where the array  20  includes a plurality of furnishings  22  arranged in a different configuration, including a non-linear configuration are within the scope of the disclosure. Further the number of furnishings  22  within each row  24  may be the same or may vary between adjacent rows  24  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The furnishings  22  within each row and the furnishings  22  within adjacent rows  24  may be generally identical, or alternatively, may vary in one or more of size, shape and appearance (color, pattern, etc.). Although the furnishings  22  are illustrated and described herein as being the same type within each of the rows  24  of the array  20 , embodiments where different types of furnishings  22  are combined within an array  20  or even within a single row  24  of an array  20  are also contemplated herein. 
     The furnishings  22  within the array  20  may be permanently or removably coupled to one another. In an embodiment, the furnishings  22  within the array  20  are coupled to another at one or more connections  30  via one or more suitable connectors or mechanical fasteners  32 . Example of suitable mechanical fasteners  32  include, but are not limited to, snap closures, hook and loop closures, Velcro™, hook and eye closures, zippers, magnets, or any other fastener suitable for use with a fabric material. In such embodiments, the mechanical fasteners  32  may be attached to the furnishings  22  via any suitable means. For example, the mechanical fasteners  32  may be sewn onto the furnishings  22 , or alternatively, may be affixed thereto, such as via a glue or other adhesive. In embodiments where the furnishings  22  are permanently connected to one another to form the array  20 , the furnishings  22  may be connected via a chemical compound, such as adhesive, or may be sewn together. In embodiments where multiple connections are formed between the plurality of furnishings  22  within an array  20 , the plurality of connections  30  may be substantially identical, or may vary, for example based upon the location of the connection  30  relative to one of the furnishings  22 . Further, the fasteners  32  may be positioned relative to the furnishings  22  such that the fasteners  32  are generally hidden from view. For example, the fasteners  32  may be hidden from view such that when the array  20  of furnishings  22  is on display, the fasteners  32  cannot be detected. 
     As best shown in  FIG. 2 , the furnishings  22  within adjacent rows  24  are configured to directly connect to one another. In embodiments where the furnishings  22  are stacked in overlapping rows  24  (as shown), connections  30  are formed at the surfaces of the furnishings  22  that are arranged directly adjacent and/or in contact with one another. For example, a first portion  32   a  of a fastener  32  is formed at a first surface  40 , such as a back surface of a first furnishing  22   a , and a second portion  32   b  of the fastener  32  is formed at a first surface  42 , such as a front surface for example, of a furnishing  22  within an adjacent row. Based on the overall size of each furnishing  22  and the number of furnishings  22  in adjacent rows, a furnishing  22  may be configured to couple to a single furnishing  22  in an adjacent row, or alternatively, may be configured to couple to multiple furnishings  22  in adjacent row. In an embodiment, a furnishing  22  is configured to couple to each of the furnishings  22  in an adjacent row that the furnishing  22  overlaps within the array  20 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in embodiments where the array  20  has multiple rows, or another non-linear configuration, the furnishings  22  within the same row  24  of the array  20  need not be directly connected to one another. For example, if the array  20  includes a first row  24  having a single pillow  22  and a second row  24  having two pillows  22 , the first pillow of the second row may be connected to the second pillow of the second row via the connection to the pillow of the first row. 
     However, embodiments where furnishings  22  within the same row  24  are directly connected to one another are also contemplated herein. As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in an embodiment, adjacent furnishings  22  within a single row  24  of the array  20  are connectable to one another at at least one location. In the illustrated, non-limiting embodiment, the sides of two adjacent pillows are configured to contact one another at multiple, distinct locations, such as at a first end  50 , a second end  52 , and a central area  54  located between the first end  50  and the second end  52 . Although three points of connection are shown, it should be understood that the total number of connections  30  between adjacent furnishings  22  within a row  24  and the position of those connections  30  will vary based on the size and shape of the furnishings  22 . 
     With respect to adjacent furnishings  22  within a row  24 , the corresponding portions of each fastener may be arranged such that the first end  50  and the second end  52  of a first surface  56  of a first furnishing  22  are connected to the first end  50  and the second end  52  of a second, opposite surface  58  of the second, adjacent furnishing  22 . For example, a first portion  32   a  of a first and second connector  32  are mounted to the first surface  56  of the first pillow  22  adjacent a first edge  60  thereof. Similarly, the second portion  32   b  of the first and second connector  32  are mounted to the second, opposite surface  58  of the second pillow  22  adjacent a first edge  62  thereof. Accordingly, when the first and second portion  32   a ,  32   b  of the connectors  32  are joined, the ends  50 ,  52  of the second pillow  22  are arranged in front of the ends  50 ,  52  of the first pillow  22 . The centrally located connection  30  may be formed at the respective edges  60 ,  62  of the furnishings  22  regardless of which furnishing is arranged generally forward of the adjacent furnishing. However, it should be understood that any configuration of a connection between furnishings within the array is within the scope of the disclosure. 
     When the furnishings  22  within the array  20  are connected to one another, the array  20  is movable as a single unitary body in response to application of a force. With reference now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , as shown, the furnishings  22  within the array  20  remain connected to one another when a force is applied to a single location of the array  20  or to only a portion of the furnishings  22  within the array  20  directly. As a result, the array  20  of furnishings  28  may be more efficiently moved between locations, rather than moving each furnishing of the array individually. Similarly, the furnishings  22  within the array  20  remain connected to one another as a single entity when held by an operator at a location and the furnishings  22  of the array  20  are otherwise unsupported with respect to a gravitational force acting thereon. The connection between the furnishings  22  within the array  20  is sufficient to maintain the plurality of furnishings  22  in the general configuration of the array  20  until a user intentionally separates the furnishings. 
     An array  20  of furnishings  22  as described herein is easily moved between a first display location and a second storage location when connected as a single body. For example, in embodiments where the array  20  of furnishings  22  is a variety of throw pillows arranged on top of a bed as a means of decoration, the group  20  of pillows may be moved as a whole from the top of the bed at night to use the bed, and may be returned to the top of the bed in the morning once the bed is remade. 
     While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.