Patent ID: 12251023

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to furniture. More particularly, some embodiments of the described invention relate to systems and methods for providing a convertible bench that is configured to move between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop. While the described bench can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from the first position that presents the backrest to a second position that presents the tabletop. In some cases, an armrest of the backrest/table portion defines an arched recess that provides strength to the armrest while reducing an amount of material needed to produce the armrest.

The described convertible bench can comprise any suitable component that allows a backrest/table portion of the bench to pivot from a first position that presents a backrest (e.g., as shown inFIG.1) to a second position that presents a tabletop (e.g.,FIG.2). By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2show a representative embodiment in which the described convertible bench10comprises a base portion15having a backrest/table portion20that is pivotally coupled to the bench's base such that the backrest/table portion can pivot from the first position to the second position (and vice versa).

With respect to the bench's base portion15(or simply the base), the base can comprise any suitable component that allows it to provide a sitting surface and to have the backrest/table portion20be pivotally coupled thereto. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2show that in some embodiments, the base15comprises one or more end pieces (e.g., a first end piece25and a second end piece30), sitting surfaces35, cross members40, and/or struts45.

With reference to the end pieces25and30, the end pieces can comprise any suitable feature that allows them to support and couple to the sitting surface35and that otherwise allows the bench10to function as described herein. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2show that, in some embodiments, the end pieces25comprise one or more legs50, leg supports55, and/or sitting surface supports60.

In this regard, each end piece (25and30) can comprise any suitable number of legs50(or contact surfaces that are configured to support the bench10on the ground, a floor, and/or any other suitable support surface; each of which may be referred to herein as a floor surface). Indeed, while some embodiments of the end pieces each have only a single leg, other embodiments, have 2, 3, 4, or more. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2show some embodiments in which each end piece25and30comprises a set of legs50(e.g., two).

Although the legs50can be coupled together at any suitable location (e.g., at their lowermost end, their uppermost end, anywhere in between, and/or at any other suitable portion of the legs' corresponding end piece25or30), in some cases, the legs couple together at the sitting surface support60and/or at the leg support55(e.g., as shown inFIGS.1-2). In this regard, the leg support can be any suitable shape and have any suitable feature that allows it to hold the legs together and to otherwise support the bench10. For instance, some embodiments of the leg support comprise one or more arches, trusses, scaffolds, beams, planks, boards, tethers, and/or other suitable support structures. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2(andFIGS.6,10, and12) show some embodiments in which the legs50of the end pieces25and/or30are coupled together by (and/or otherwise comprise) an arch65or an arched leg support.

Where the end pieces25and30each comprise a pair of legs50that are coupled together by, that are formed with, and/or that otherwise comprise one or more arched leg supports65(or arches), the arches can each comprise any suitable type of arch, including, without limitation, a rounded arch, a one-centered arch, a semicircular arch, a two-centered arch, a pointed segmental arch, a drop arch, an equilateral arch, a lancet arch, a gothic arch, an equilateral gothic arch, a lancet gothic arch, a drop gothic arch, a three-centered arch, a basket-handle arch, a four-centered arch, a circular-based arch, a Tudor arch, a segmental arch, a pseudo three-centered arch, a pseudo four-centered arch, a horseshoe arch, an onion arch, a relieving arch, a cinquefoil arch, a shouldered arch, an inflexed arch, a rampart arch, a parabolic arch, a draped arch, a trefoil arch, an ogee arch, a multi-foil arch, a multi-centered arch, a nested arch, a venetian arch, a bell arch, a vaulted arch, an elliptical arch, a reverse ogee arch, a pointed arch, a semi-elliptical arch, a stilted arch, a Florentine arch, a camber arch, a curved top arch, a pointed top arch, a cathedral top arch, a true arch, an anse de panier arch, a stilted, a pipe arch, a low profile arch, a high profile arch, a trapezoidal arch, and/or any other suitable type of arch. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2and5-6show some embodiments in which the leg support55comprises a rounded (or one-centered) arched leg support65. Similarly,FIG.10shows an embodiment in which the leg support55comprises a semicircular arched leg support65.

Where the leg support55comprises an arched leg support65, the arched leg support can serve any suitable function. Indeed, in some embodiments, the arched leg support holds two or more legs50together and otherwise supports and reinforces the bench10. Additionally, in some embodiments, the arched leg support provides more strength to the bench, while requiring less building material for the bench's construction. As a result, use of the arched leg support makes some embodiments of the bench10stronger than other embodiments that lack the arched leg support. Moreover, as use of the arched leg support does, in some embodiments, provide the bench with additional strength while reducing the amount of material needed to construct the bench, in some such embodiments, use of the arched leg support reduces the overall weight of the bench and while saving money by reducing the amount of building materials required to build the bench.

Although some embodiments of the end pieces25and30are solid (e.g., do not comprise an opening) between the leg support55(e.g., the arched leg support65) and an upper end of the sitting surface support60, in some other embodiments, one or more of the end pieces defines one or more recess and/or openings between the leg support and the sitting surface support. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-2,5-6, and10-12show some embodiments in which the end pieces (e.g.,25and30) define one or more openings70that extend though the end pieces.

Where the end pieces25and/or30define one or more openings70that extend through the end pieces, such openings can be any suitable shape, including, without limitation, being: arch-shaped (or having a rounded arch-shaped portion), circular, elliptical, triangular, rounded triangular, square, rounded square, trapezoidal, rounded trapezoidal, diamond, polygonal, rounded polygonal, crescent-shaped, arch-shaped, regular, irregular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, rounded (e.g., to avoid stress risers and/or to distribute weight), and/or any other suitable shape that allows the bench10to function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments an upper portion of the opening defines or comprises an arch shape (e.g., to provide additional strength to the end pieces). By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.1shows an embodiment in which a portion of the opening70has a rounded trapezoidal arch shape (or an upper portion75having a rounded trapezoidal arch shape). Moreover,FIG.10shows an embodiment in which the opening70has a rounded triangular shape, comprising an upper portion75having an arch shape. In this regard, an arch shape at the upper portion of the opening gives some embodiments of the bench unexpected and surprising strength, while reducing the bench's weight and materials costs.

Although some embodiments of the opening70are left completely open (e.g., as shown inFIG.10), in some other embodiments, the opening comprises one or more scaffolds, decorative supports that strengthen an end piece25and/or30, columns, frameworks, braces, skeletons, ribs, and/or other support members. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1and6show some embodiments in which the opening70comprises, is divided by, defined by, and/or otherwise includes one or more vertical supports80that extend between the arched leg support65and the sitting surface support60portion of the bench10. In this regard, while such vertical supports can perform any suitable function, in some embodiments, they strengthen the end pieces (e.g., giving strength from the leg support55(or the arched leg support65) to the sitting surface support60). Accordingly, in some embodiments, such supports strengthen the bench10while reducing the weight of and/or amount of materials need to construct some embodiments of the bench.

With reference now to the sitting surface35, the bench10can comprise any suitable sitting surface that is capable of supporting one or more users. Some non-limiting examples of suitable sitting surfaces include one or more planks, boards, beams, laths, supports, frameworks, weaves, sheets, and/or any other suitable pieces or types of material, including, but not limited to, one or more types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastics, polymers, wood, stone, ceramics, composites, metals, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, wicker, and/or any other suitable material. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1and10show some embodiments in which the sitting surface35comprises one or more planks85(e.g., PVC planks). In this regard, such planks can be any suitable size, including, without limitation, being about 1.5 inches (±1 inch) in height, by about 3.5 inches (±3 inches) in width, and by any suitable length (e.g., between about 1 foot and about 50 feet, or in any subrange thereof, such as between about 5 feet and about 10 feet; see e.g.,FIGS.13A-13G). Indeed, in some embodiments, the sitting portion and the backrest portion (as described below) are between about 1.5 feet and about 12 feet (e.g., between about 2 feet and about 8 feet).

The sitting surface35can be supported by the end pieces25and30in any suitable manner that allows the bench10to function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, the sitting surface (e.g., one or more planks85) is coupled to the end pieces by resting on top of, hanging below, being inserted into, being fastened to, and/or by otherwise being coupled to the end pieces (e.g., the sitting surface support60). By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1-12(orFIG.3in particular) show some embodiments in which the sitting surface35is (or planks85are) inserted into (and/or otherwise coupled to) the end pieces25and30.

With reference now to the struts45, some embodiments of the bench10optionally include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more struts that are coupled to the cross member40and the sitting surface35(e.g., one, multiple, and/or all of the planks85). While such struts can perform any suitable function, in some embodiments, they help support the sitting surface (e.g., by bracing the sitting surface against the cross member) and prevent the sitting surface from bowing and/or sagging.

Where the bench10comprises one or more struts45, the struts can couple to the cross member40and/or the sitting surface35in any suitable manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, one or more of the struts couple to the cross member (e.g., via one or more tongue and groove connections, fasteners, adhesives, welds, clamps, catches, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, and/or other suitable coupling mechanisms) and fan out (or broaden) to contact, couple to, and/or support the sitting surface35or (as shown inFIGS.1,3,8, and10) to support each of the planks85.

Referring now to the cross member40, the bench10can comprise any suitable support component or components that are configured to span between (and couple to) the end pieces25and30and to support the bench (e.g., to support the sitting surface35via the strut45or struts). In this regard, some non-limiting examples of suitable cross members include one or more planks, boards, beams, laths, supports, frameworks, weaves, tethers, sheets, and/or any other suitable materials (e.g., one or more types of polyvinyl chloride, plastics, polymers, wood, stone, ceramics, composites, metals, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, wicker, and/or any other suitable material). By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.1,3,4,8, and10show some embodiments in which the cross member40comprises a substantially straight beam that is coupled to and extends between the end pieces25and30.

Where the base15comprises one or more cross members40, the cross members can couple to the end pieces25and30in any suitable location, including, without limitation, to an uppermost portion of the end pieces, to a lowermost portion of the end pieces, and/or anywhere there between. In some embodiments, however, each end of the cross member40couples (as shown inFIGS.10and14A) to a corresponding end piece (e.g.,30) such the end of the cross member40couples to the corresponding arch65at or between an uppermost portion90and a lowermost portion95of an apex (or key)100portion of the arch65. In some other embodiments, however, each end of the cross member spans (or extends on both sides) of an uppermost portion (or edge) of an apex of the arched leg support. In still other embodiments (as illustrated inFIGS.1and14B) each end of the cross member40couples to a corresponding end piece (25or30) at or above an uppermost lowermost 95 of the apex100of the arched leg support65.

The cross member40(or cross members) can be located any suitable vertical distance between a ground contact portion of the legs50and the sitting surface40of the bench10. In some embodiments, however, the vertical distance (as shown inFIG.3by D1) between a lower edge (as shown by LE inFIG.3) of the cross member40and the ground contact portion (as shown by GC inFIG.3) of the legs50is between about 35% and about 90% of the vertical distance (as shown by D2inFIG.3) (or any subrange thereof) between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the actual sitting surface (or the top surface) of the sitting surface35. Indeed, in some embodiments, the lower edge LE of the cross member is disposed at a distance D1that is between about 45% and about 80% (e.g., between about 48% and about 58%) of the vertical distance D2between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface35. In some cases, the lower edge LE of the cross member is between about 50% and about 56% of the vertical distance D2between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface35. For instance, in some embodiments in which D2is about 17 inches, D1is about 9 inches±1 inch.

Additionally, an upper edge (as shown by UE inFIG.3) of the cross member40(or cross members) can be disposed any suitable vertical distance between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface40of the bench10. In some non-limiting embodiments, the upper edge UE of the cross member40is disposed at a vertical distance (as shown by D3inFIG.3) of between about 55% and about 99% (or any subrange thereof) of the vertical distance D2between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface35. Indeed, in some embodiments, the upper edge UE of the cross member40is disposed at a vertical distance D3between about 70% and about 85% (e.g., between about 71% and about 80%) of the vertical distance D2between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface35. In some embodiments, the upper edge UE of the cross member40is disposed at a vertical distance D3between about 72% and about 76% of the vertical distance D2between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface35. For instance, in some embodiments in which D2is about 17 inches, D3is about 12.5 inches±1 inch.

In accordance with some embodiments, the coupling of the cross member40at and/or above an uppermost portion90of the apex100of the arched leg support65, and/or so as to have its lower edge LE be raised above that of other competing devices (e.g., above about 45% of the vertical distance D2between the ground contact portion GC of the legs50and the top surface of the sitting surface35) provides the bench10with one or more features. Indeed, in some embodiments, by disposing the cross member on or above the arched leg supports (including, without limitation, at an apex of the arch), the arched leg supports are able to provide the bench with more strength, while requiring less material to construct the bench. Additionally, in some embodiments, by disposing the cross member at or above the arched leg supports, the space between the cross member and the sitting surface35is reduced. As a result, in some such embodiments, the size of the struts is reduced such that the amount of material needed (and weight of) the bench10is reduced. As an added benefit, in some such cases, the cross member and struts are raised up under the sitting surface, thus hiding such components of the bench. Indeed, by raising the cross member up to a higher height than may be found in some competing devices and/or by placing the support at the apex of the arch, some embodiments of the described bench are configured to support surprisingly greater sitting loads while using less material (e.g., resin). Accordingly, such a raised cross member can be highly desirable.

Turning now to the backrest/table portion20of the convertible bench10, the backrest/table portion can comprise any suitable component that allows the backrest/table portion to convert between a sitting surface with a backrest (e.g., as shown inFIG.1) and a sitting surface with a table (e.g., as shown inFIG.2). By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.15shows that, in some embodiments, the backrest/table portion20comprises one or more armrest bases105, armrest caps110, end supports115, support elements120, and/or hinges125.

With respect to the armrest base105, the armrest base can comprise any suitable feature that allows it to pivotally couple the support elements120and end supports115to the bench's base15. Indeed, in some cases, the armrest base comprises a first pivot joint (e.g., one or more tongue and groove hinges, gate hinges, strap hinges, butt hinges, flush hinges, barrel hinges, spring hinges, pivot joints, ball and socket joints, and/or any other suitable pivoting mechanism) that pivotally couples the armrest base to a corresponding end piece25or30. In some embodiments, however, the armrest base105is coupled to the base15through the use of one or more tongue and groove hinges (e.g., as shown at hinge125inFIGS.15and16).

Additionally, as illustrated inFIGS.15-16, in accordance with some embodiments, each armrest base105further comprises a first contact surface130that is configured to contact a first portion of the corresponding end piece25or30(e.g., an uppermost, back portion of the sitting surface support60) when the backrest/table portion20is in the first position (e.g., as shown inFIGS.15-16). Additionally, in some embodiments, each armrest base105further comprises a second contact surface135that is configured to contact a second portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g., an uppermost, front portion of the sitting surface support60) when the backrest/table is in the second position (e.g., as shown inFIG.17). In this regard, the term front portion of an end piece can refer to a portion of the end piece that comprises the pivot joint (e.g.,125).

Although each armrest base105can have any suitable shape, in some cases, each armrest base defines an arch-shaped recess that is disposed between the first pivot joint (e.g., hinge125) and the first contact surface130. In this regard, the arch-shaped recess can have any suitable arch shape, including, without limitation, any arch shape discussed herein. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.15shows an embodiment in which the arch-shaped recess140comprises a rounded (or one-centered) arch. Additionally,FIG.16shows that, in some embodiments, the arch-shaped recess140comprises a trapezoidal arch. In any case, some embodiments of the arch-shaped recess provides increased strength to the armrest base, while significantly reducing the amount of material needed to produce such embodiments the armrest component (e.g., the armrest base and the armrest cap110).

With respect to the armrest caps110, the caps can have any suitable characteristic that allows the bench10to function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, the armrest caps each comprise an uppermost surface that: is substantially flat, is rounded from side to side, defines a recess that is configured to cradle a length of a user's forearm, is arch-shaped, is bowed, and/or that has any other suitable characteristic that allows the bench to function as described. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.15-16show some embodiments in which the armrest cap110is arch-shaped. In some such embodiments, the arch shape of the armrest cap strengthens the armrest component (e.g., the armrest cap and the armrest base105) such that the armrest base can define a relatively large recess (e.g., recess140) while still properly supporting the backrest/table portion20when the bench is in the second position.

Where an armrest base105comprises the first130and/or second135contact surfaces, the contact surfaces can comprise any suitable characteristic, including, without limitation, a substantially flat contact surface, a foot, a process, mating contact surface, and/or any other suitable contact surface or characteristic that allows the armrest base to function as described herein. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.15-16show some embodiments in which the first contact surface130comprises a foot that is configured to contact a back top portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g.,25) when the bench10is in the first position. Additionally,FIGS.15-16show some embodiments in which the second contact surface135comprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to contact a front top portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g.,25) when the bench10is in the second position (e.g., as shown inFIG.17). In this regard, when the bench is in the first position, the substantially flat surface of the second contact surface135can run at any suitable angle (see angle α inFIG.18A) with respect to an upper surface of a corresponding end piece (25or30), including, without limitation, between about 30 degrees and about 115 degrees (or in any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the substantially flat portion of the second contact surface runs at an angle between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, however, the substantially flat portion of the second contact surface runs at an angle (e.g., 75 degrees±5 degrees) that allows the support members120to provide a level tabletop when the bench is in the second position.

With reference now to the end supports115, the backrest/table portion20can comprise an any suitable component that is configured to couple to and support one or more support elements120so that such elements are configured to function as a backrest when the bench10is in the first position and as a tabletop when the bench is in the second position. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.15-17show some embodiments in which each end support115comprises an elongated object that extends from the armrest base member105and is coupled (e.g., that receives, is fastened to, is adhered to, is formed with, and/or is otherwise coupled) to one or more support elements120.

When the bench10is in the first position (e.g., as shown inFIG.18A), a longitudinal axis145of the end supports115can run at any suitable angle that allows the backrest/table portion20to function as a backrest. Indeed, in some embodiments, when the bench is in the first position, the longitudinal axis of the end supports115runs at an angle between about 30 degrees and about 115 degrees (or in any subrange thereof) with respect to an upper surface of the corresponding end piece25or30. Indeed, in some embodiments the longitudinal axis of the end supports runs at an angle (e.g., (3, as shown inFIG.18A) that is between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, however, the longitudinal axis runs at an angle (e.g., 70 degrees±10 degrees) that allows the support members to provide a backrest having a comfortable incline for a user.

In some cases, when the bench10is in the first position, the substantially flat surface of the second contact surface135of the armrest base105runs at an angle α that is substantially parallel to the angle β of the longitudinal axis145of the end supports115. In some other embodiments, however, the substantially flat surface of the second contact surface135of the armrest bases runs at an angle α that is not parallel (e.g., at a bisecting angle) to the angle β of the longitudinal axis of the end supports. Indeed, while in some embodiments the angle β of the longitudinal axis of the end supports is limited (or only is movable in one direction to a certain point) when the bench is in the first position, in some embodiments, the backrest/table portion comprises one or more adjustment mechanisms that are configured to selectively adjust the angle of the end supports (and/or to otherwise vary the slope of the bench's backrest) when the bench is in the first position. In this regard, the bench can comprise any suitable adjustment mechanism that is configured to perform such a function, including, without limitation, one or more mechanisms that are configured to change a length of the end supports, to raise and/or lower a portion of the first contact surface130, to raise and/or lower a portion of the end piece25or30that is configured to contact the first contact surface, and/or to otherwise adjust an angle of the backrest in any suitable manner when the bench is in the first position. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.19Ashows an embodiment in which the end support comprises a bar (not shown) that is configured to be moved into and out of the end support115and to be locked in place by placing a pawl (not shown) through a hole150in the end support and one of a plurality of holes defined along a length of the bar (or vice versa).

With respect now to the support elements120, the backrest/table portion20of the bench10can comprise any suitable support elements that are configured to function as a backrest when the bench is in the first position and as a tabletop when the bench is in the second position. Some non-limiting examples of suitable support elements include one or more planks, boards, beams, laths, supports, frameworks, weaves, sheets, and/or any other suitable pieces or types of material, including, but not limited to, one or more types of polyvinyl chloride, plastics, polymers, wood, stone, ceramics, composites, metals, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, wicker, and/or any other suitable material. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIGS.20A-20Dshow some embodiments in which the support elements120comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more slats155. In this regard, such slats can be any suitable size, including, without limitation, being about 1.5 inches (±1 inch) in height, by about 3.5 inches (±3 inches) in width, and by any suitable length (e.g., between about 1 foot and about 50 feet, or in any subrange thereof, such as between about 2 feet and about 10 feet; see e.g.,FIGS.13A-13G). Additionally, while the planks85and the slats are the same size in some embodiments, in some other embodiments, at least some of the planks85and the slats155are different sizes (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS.13A-13GandFIG.1).

In addition to the aforementioned components, the described bench10can comprise any other suitable component that allows it to function as intended. In one example, some embodiments of the bench optionally comprise one or more buttresses and/or other supports that extend from the armrest base105(e.g., above the substantially flat surface of the second contact surface135) and that provide additional support to the armrest cap110. While such a buttress can have any suitable shape,FIGS.19A-20Ashow some embodiments in which the buttress160comprises a convex and/or arched surface. Again, while such a buttress can perform any suitable function, in some embodiments, it allows the armrest base105to define a relatively large arched recess140, while still providing the armrest base to function as intended.

As another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, the bench10comprises one or more lights, speakers (e.g., Bluetooth speakers, a radio with one or more speakers, an MP3 and/or any other suitable audio player with one or more speakers, and/or any other suitable speaker system), video displays, cameras, light sensors, thermometers, sensors, pressure sensors, pinch sensors (e.g., to ensure that movement of the backrest/table portion20between the first and second positions (and vice versa) does not pinch and harm anyone), and/or any other suitable component. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.21Ashows that in some embodiments, the bench10comprise one or more motors220, geared motors, servos, actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, linear actuators, geared actuators, geared mechanisms, worm drive mechanisms, and/or other mechanisms that are configured to selectively move the backrest/table portion20(e.g., between the first and second positions).

Where the bench10comprises one or more motors220, lights, speakers, displays, sensors, audio players, and/or any other suitable electronic components, such components can be powered in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, be being plugged into the mains, by being battery powered, by being solar powered, and/or in any other suitable manner. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.21Ashows an embodiment in which the motor220is electrically coupled to one or more solar cells215that are disposed on the bench10or that are otherwise in electric communication with the motor (and/or other electrical component).

In still another example of a suitable modification, one or more edges of the bench10and its various components are squared, rounded, chamfered, curved, and/or otherwise have any other suitable shape. By way of non-limiting example,FIGS.21A-21Bshow that in some embodiments, edges of the bench10are chamfered200and rounded205.

In still another example, in some embodiments two convertible benches10are disposed in proximity to each other (e.g., to form a table, as shown inFIGS.22and23). In some embodiments, when the convertible benches are in the second position and are placed in proximity to each other, the two benches are not physically coupled to each other (e.g., remain separate from each other, even if they touch each other). In some other embodiments, however, the two benches are configured to couple with each other when they are in the second position. In this regard, the two benches can couple with each other in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, through the use of one or more catches, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, straps, clamps, braces, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, and/or any other suitable coupling mechanisms. By way of non-limiting illustration,FIG.22shows an embodiment in which two convertible benches10are coupled with a strap mechanism210.

As still another example of a suitable modification, the bench10can comprise any suitable number and type of supports or ribs. By way of non-limiting example,FIGS.24A-24Bshow some embodiments in which the one or more edges and/or internal components of the bench10comprise a ribbed surface225to strengthen the bench. In this regard, because of the arched leg support65, the arched armrest cap110, the arched opening70, the arched recess140, and/or the other characteristics set forth herein, some embodiments of the bench are relatively strong while comprising fewer ribs than would otherwise be necessary.

In still another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, a length and/or a height of the bench10is configured to be adjusted. In this regard, the length and/or height of the bench can be adjusted in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the cross member40, planks85, slats155, and/or any other suitable components of the bench are configured to be interchanged with cross members, planks, slats, and/or other components of a different length. Additionally, in some embodiments, the cross members, planks, and/or slats are configured to selectively telescope to increase and/or decrease in size. In still other embodiments, a length of the bench is configured to be increased and/or decreased by the addition or removal of one or more “leaves” or other inserts that are configured to be selectively added to and/or removed from the bench.

In some embodiments, the legs50and/or any other portions of the bench10are configured to be selectively extended and/or shortened to raise and/or lower the sitting surface35of the bench. In this regard, the sitting surface of the bench can be raised and/or lowered in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, by having the sitting surface be configured to selectively couple to the end pieces25and30at a plurality of different heights, by having the legs telescope, by having one or more inserts be configured to be selectively added to and/or removed from the legs and/or any other suitable portion of the bench, and/or in any other suitable manner.

The various components of the described bench10can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, one or more types of: polyvinyl chloride, plastic (e.g., polyethylene, high density polyethylene plastic, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC sheet board, and/or any other suitable plastics), polymer, resin, metal (e.g., one more types of steel, aluminum, and/or any other suitable metal), metal alloys, ceramics, fiberglass, rubbers, polymers, pre-preg. aramid fibers, woods, carbon fibers, natural materials, synthetic materials, ultra-high-molecular weight (UHMW) materials (e.g., ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene and/or other UHMW materials), and/or any other suitable materials. Indeed, in some embodiments, the bench comprises one or more types of polyvinyl chloride.

The described system10can also be made in any suitable manner. In this regard, some non-limiting examples of methods for making the described bench include, injection molding, extruding, cutting, folding, bending, shaping, drilling, using a computer numerical control device, connecting various pieces with one or more adhesives, mechanical fasteners (e.g., clamps, rivets, crimps, pins, brads, nails, staples, pegs, clips, screws, bolts, threaded attachments, couplers, etc.), 3D printing, additive manufacturing, welding pieces together, connecting pieces together, and/or any other suitable method that allows the described system to perform its intended functions. Indeed, in accordance with some embodiments, each end piece25and30comprises an integrally formed monolithic element.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the described convertible bench10can have any other suitable feature. Indeed, in some embodiments, by comprising the various arched portions (e.g.,65,110,140, etc.) and/or arch shaped openings70, the convertible bench can be stronger and hold more weight than may some conventional benches. Additionally, as a result of the arched portions and openings70, some embodiments of the bench require less material (e.g., PVC and/or any other material) to construct the bench. As a result, some embodiments of the bench are lighter and less expensive to produce than are some competing pieces of furniture. Moreover, as a result of the structural features discussed herein, some embodiments of the bench (as mentioned) require fewer internal supports (e.g., fins225, as shown inFIGS.14A-14B)—again allowing the bench to be lighter, stronger, and/or less expensive to build than some competing pieces of furniture. In some cases, by having the bench be lighter, it can be easier to ship, easier to move, and/or otherwise provide the bench with one or more other desirable characteristics.

Thus, some embodiments of the current invention relate to furniture. More particularly, some embodiments of the described invention relate to systems and methods for providing a convertible bench that is configured to move between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop. While the described bench can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from the first position that presents the backrest to a second position that presents the tabletop. In some cases, an armrest of the backrest/table portion defines an arched recess that provides strength to the armrest while reducing an amount of material needed to produce the armrest.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments, examples, and illustrations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Each of the various elements of the described embodiments, implementations, figures, and examples can be mixed and matched with each other in any suitable manner. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. In addition, as the terms on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, etc. are used herein, one object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, disposed on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object—regardless of whether the one object is directly on, attached, connected, or coupled to the other object, or whether there are one or more intervening objects between the one object and the other object. Also, directions (e.g., front back, on top of, below, above, top, bottom, side, up, down, under, over, upper, lower, lateral, etc.), if provided, are relative and provided solely by way of example and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where reference is made to a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c), such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements by itself, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or a combination of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms a, an, and one may each be interchangeable with the terms at least one and one or more.