Abstract:
A convertible article of furniture that is converted between a first position, in which the article preferably provides a relatively low, flexible, flat surface, where the article can act as a bed, and a second position, in which the article acts preferably provides a relatively high, rigid, flat surface is provided, where the article can act as a table. The transition between bed and table, and back again, is provided by changing the position of engagement of the support of the surface structure as provided by a base member with respect to the surface member. In the first position, the base member provides support distant from a central longitudinal axis of the surface, substantially about the sides of the surface, thereby allowing the surface member to be flexible along and about its central longitudinal axis and the surface is supported in a lower position. In the second position, the base member provides support to the surface member proximal to the central longitudinal axis and the surface is supported in a higher position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/502,918 filed on Feb. 9, 2000 now abandoned. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to articles of furniture that occupy relatively small amounts of space with respect to their functionality. More specifically, this invention relates to furniture that may be converted from one use to another. 
     In certain communities where personal living space is limited, furniture must be designed to occupy a minimum of space, yet retain a high level of functionality. For example, in urban communities, living space is limited, and the furniture must be designed accordingly. Large and unwieldy pieces of furniture are not optimal in such communities. Convertible pieces of furniture, e.g., sofabeds, provide increased functionality while occupying relatively little space and are, therefore, optimal for communities where living space is limited. 
     In other communities, e.g., mobile military communities, relatively small, light, multi-functional furniture is highly desirable. Such furniture can substantially help increase the mobility of the community. 
     For these and other reasons, it would be desirable to provide a piece of furniture that consumes a minimum of space. 
     It would also be desirable to provide a piece of furniture that can easily be converted from serving one function to serving another. 
     It would also be desirable to provide a piece of furniture that is convertible from one use to another and is relatively mobile. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a piece of furniture that consumes a minimum of space. 
     It is a further object of this invention to provide a piece of furniture that can easily be converted from serving one function to serving another. 
     It is a still further object of this invention to provide a piece of furniture that is convertible from one use to another and is relatively mobile. 
     A convertible piece of furniture is provided. The furniture preferably includes first and second elongated members at a first distance from one another, a surface member connected between the elongated members that provides a flexible surface therebetween, first and second locking members, each locking member having ends and a midpoint, wherein each locking member is connected to the first elongated member proximal to one end and connected to the second elongated member proximal to the other end, a base member having a first end portion, a second end portion and a center portion, the base member being connected to the locking members, the base member being movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first end portion is connected proximal to the ends of the first locking member and the second end portion is connected proximal to the ends of the second locking member, distant from the axis, such that surface, proximal to the axis, is unsupported by the center portion of the base member. In the second position, the first end portion is connected proximal to the midpoint of the first locking member and the second end portion is connected proximal to the midpoint of the second locking member such that the surface is supported proximal to the axis by the center portion. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a bottom elevational view of a convertible piece of furniture according to the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of a convertible piece of furniture disposed in a first position according to the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is top elevational view of a convertible piece of furniture disposed in a second position according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4A is a front view of a locking member according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4B is a front view of a locking member and locking slat in a first position according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4C is a front view of a locking member and locking slat in a second position according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4D is a front view of a locking member and locking slat in a third position according to the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a base member according to the invention. 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a convertible piece of furniture having a single surface member according to the invention. 
     FIG. 6A is an elevational view of another convertible piece of furniture having a single surface member with perforations according to the invention. 
     FIG. 7A is a front view of another embodiment of a convertible piece of furniture according to the invention in a first position. 
     FIG. 7B is a front view of the convertible piece of furniture shown in FIG. 7A in a second position. 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of another embodiment of a convertible piece of furniture according to the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A piece of furniture convertible between a first position, in which the furniture preferably provides a low, flexible surface that may be used as a bed, and a position in which the furniture preferably provides a high, rigid, surface that may be used as a table, is provided. 
     The furniture preferably includes a flexible surface member which provides a surface for a user. The surface member may be formed from a single flexible piece of material—e.g., thin wood, plastic or suitable cloth—as is known in the art. 
     The surface member provides a flat surface and is disposed between, and connected to, two elongated members—e.g., poles. In a preferred embodiment, the surface member is formed from flexible slats which are arranged adjacent and parallel to one another and perpendicular to the poles. Each pole is preferably connected all the slats proximal to the ends of the slats; the first pole is connected proximal to one end of each slat and the second pole is connected proximal to the other end of each slat. The connection between pole and slat can be fixed or moveable. As with the single surface member, a flat surface is formed by the plurality of slats preferably on the portion of the slats which is located between the poles. 
     Also connected between the poles are two locking members. These locking members also are preferably disposed between and perpendicular to the poles. Unlike the slats in the preferred embodiment, the locking members are attached to the elongated members at some pre-determined distance from one another, thereby leaving a portion of the surface member unsupported proximal to a central longitudinal axis of the surface member. 
     Each of the two locking members may be formed from two discrete pieces. Each of the pieces preferably has sockets or some other suitable means of fixedly connecting to the base member. Each socket on one locking member preferably corresponds to each socket on the other locking member to form a socket pair. The socket pairs or other suitable apparatus for connecting to the base should preferably allow the base to be attached to the locking members in at least two different positions. The function of each piece of the locking member will be explained in greater detail below. 
     At least one piece of the locking member preferably has sockets that are for use when the base member is in either a storage position or a bed position. The first piece also provides slots in which to move the base member from position to position without detaching the base member from the surface. 
     The second piece of the locking member may also preferably have sockets. These sockets are for connecting to the base member when the base member is in a table position. The second piece of the locking member is preferably formed from one of the slats, and can either be flexible or rigid, depending on the position of the furniture. 
     In a first position, the base is preferably attached to the locking members such that a portion of the base provides support to the surface member proximal to its central longitudinal axis and the base raises the surface member off the ground to some pre-determined height. In this position, the surface member is supported on two sides by the elongated members and proximal to its central longitudinal axis by the base member. This causes the surface member to form a substantially rigid surface which can be used for a table or other similar use where a rigid raised surface is required. 
     In a second position, the base is preferably attached to the locking members such that the surface member is unsupported proximal to its central longitudinal axis and preferably supports the surface in a position that is relatively lower than the first position. In this position, the surface member provides a flexible surface about its central longitudinal axis because it is supported on its ends, but not along its central longitudinal axis. Such a surface is suitable for use as a bed or other furniture which requires a flexible surface. 
     FIG. 1 shows the underside of a preferable embodiment of a piece of furniture  100  according to the principles of the invention. In this embodiment, slats  110 , which provide the surface of use, are connected substantially between to poles  120  by connectors  130  proximal to the endpoints of slats  110 . Slats  110  can preferably be connected by any suitable means to poles  120 . Slats  110  also have a central longitudinal axis  125 . 
     Locking members  140  are also preferably connected between poles  120 . Each of locking members  140  preferably has sockets  151 ,  152  or some other suitable means for engaging base member  160 . Each of the sockets on one locking member preferably correspond to a socket on the other locking member to form a socket pair. For example, socket  151  and socket  152  join to form a socket pair. 
     Base member  160 , preferably a scissor-type support structure, is configured to fit into the sockets of locking members  140 . In FIG. 1, two positions are possible for base member  160 . Base member  160  can be inserted in either the outside socket pairs or the inside socket pairs or in a storage position, as will be explained with reference to FIG.  4 B. 
     When base member  160  is inserted in the outer socket pairs, distant from central longitudinal axis  125 , surface  170  of slats  110  is unsupported between poles  120  (with the exception of the portion of the slats  110  which is substantially supported by locking members). Therefore, in this position, slats  110  will be flexible between the two poles. In addition, the distance of surface  170  from the ground will be reduced. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 1, slats  110  provide a relatively low, flexible surface  170 . Such a surface is well-suited for use as a bed. 
     FIG. 2 shows another view of furniture  100  having base member  160  in a “bed” position—i.e., inserted into the outer socket pairs. It can be seen from FIG. 2 that the bottom bars  205 , which add stability to the invention but are not required, of base member  160  are spread relatively wide, to distance  210 , and surface  170  is only raised a relatively small distance  220  away from the ground. 
     FIG. 3 shows another view of furniture  100  having base member  160  in a “table” position—i.e., inserted into the inner socket pairs. When base member  160  is inserted in the inner socket pairs — e.g., sockets  151  and  152  (shown in FIG.  1 )—surface  170  of slats  110  is supported proximal to central longitudinal axis  125  by base member  160 . Therefore, in this position, slats  110  are substantially rigid between the two poles. In addition, surface  170 &#39;s height is increased. Therefore, in this position, slats  110  provide a relatively high, rigid surface  170 . Such a surface is well-suited for use as a table. 
     It can be seen from FIG. 3 that the bottom portion of base member  160  is spread relatively narrowly, to distance  310 , and surface  170  is a relatively large distance  320  away from the ground. 
     FIGS. 4A-D show front views of locking member  140 . In these FIGURES, the locking member is shown as divided into two discrete pieces, a base mounting member  410  and a locking slat  420 . 
     FIG. 4A shows a side view of base mounting member  410  and surface  170 . Base mounting member  410  provides sockets for base member  160  when base member is either in a storage position, as shown in FIG.  4 B and as will be explained later, or in a bed position, as shown in FIG.  4 C. 
     FIGS. 4B-D also show a side view of locking slat  420 . Locking slat  420  preferably includes a number of blocks  430  attached to its bottom surface. When furniture  100  is in a bed position, as shown in FIG. 4C, blocks  430  allow locking slat  420  to be flexible. Thus, a substantial portion of surface  170  of furniture  100  is flexible when in a bed position. 
     When base member  160  is in a table position, as shown in FIG. 4D, blocks  430 , as opposed to base mounting member  410 , provide sockets for base member  160 . Thus, in one position locking slat  420  is flexible and allows surface  170  to be flexible, and in another position it is rigid and promotes the rigidity of surface  170 . 
     When base member  160  is moved between one socket pair and another, the upper portions of the base member preferably are maneuvered to pass through slot  440 . Slot  440  also allows base member  160  to be removed completely from locking member  140  by pulling the portion of base member  160  that engages the slots into slot  440  and pivoting base member  160  with respect to locking member  140 . 
     In FIG. 4B, additional socket pairs in base mounting member  410  are utilized to provide a position for the base member whereby the base member can be laid substantially flat against the underside of surface  170 . This position allows easy storage because the effective height  450  of furniture  100  is reduced to a minimum. 
     FIG. 5 shows an elevational view of one preferable embodiment of base member  160 . In this embodiment, base member  160  is a scissor-type support which can fit into socket pairs in locking members  140 . This embodiment also includes an optional centerbar  510  and optional bottom bars  520  for connecting the feet of base member  160 . Each of the optional bars helps increase stability of base member  160 . 
     FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of a surface member  610 . In this embodiment, surface member  610  includes a single piece of material. This material can be wood, plastic, cloth or other suitable flexible material. FIG. 6A shows another embodiment of surface member  610 . In this embodiment, surface member  610  includes a single piece of material with perforations  620 . Perforations  620  can be perpendicular to longitudinal axis  625  to provide surface member  610  with additional flexibility. 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B show yet another alternative embodiment of the invention. In the article of furniture  700  shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, channels  710 , that preferably are attached to the underside of surface member  720 , are used to engage base member  730 . Channels  710  preferably run along a substantial portion of surface member  720 . 
     FIGS. 7A and 7B show that channels  710  operate similarly to the locking slat  420  and blocks  430  shown in FIGS. 4A-D. In the position shown in FIG. 7A, when surface member  720  is supported proximal to its central longitudinal axis, channels  710  promote the rigidity of surface member  710  about the edges of surface member  720  because the walls of channels  710  tend to converge on one another and restrict flexibility of the surface when force is applied distant from the central longitudinal axis of surface member  720 . 
     In the position shown in FIG. 7B, channels  710  allow surface member  720  to be flexible proximal to its central longitudinal axis because they do not converge on one another, but, rather, they tend to diverge as more force is applied proximal to the central longitudinal axis. 
     One advantage of the embodiment utilizing channels is that the elongated members are no longer required because the base member  730  is sufficient to support surface member  720  in both the first and second positions described above. 
     Channels  710  may be formed from aluminum or other suitable material. They may be bolted to surface member  720 , glued on to surface member  720 , or attached thereto in some other suitable manner. In one particular embodiment of the invention, a certain number of channels  710  may not be adapted for engaging base member  730  in order to limit the number of possible positions in which base member  730  engages channels  710 . 
     Surface member  720  may be formed from slats, similar to the surface shown in FIGS. 1-5, or with a single piece of material, similar to the surface shown in FIG.  6 . 
     If necessary, surface member  720  may be weighted at positions distal from its central longitudinal axis in order to promote rigidity of surface member  720  when article  700  is in a table position by forcing the channel walls together. For example, weights  722  and  724  may be coupled to or integrated with surface member  720  to promote rigidity when article  700  is in the table position. Integrated weighting may be accomplished by, for example, constructing outer portions (with respect to the central longitudinal axis) of surface member  720  with a heavier material than inner portions to promote table rigidity. 
     FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment wherein channels  810  are molded into the underside of surface member  820  such that surface member  820  and channels  810  are formed from a single piece of material. This embodiment requires some hinged or otherwise flexible attachment between the portion of surface member  820  attached to one channel and the portion of surface member  820  attached to an adjacent channel. 
     Thus, a convertible piece of furniture which preferably provides a flat, flexible, relatively low surface in one position, and a flat, rigid, relatively high surface in a second position is provided. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.