AU2004200296A1 - An adjustable piece of furniture - Google Patents

Description

01

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Tasman Munro ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street,Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: An adjustable piece of furniture The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102

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p:\WpDOCS\LWork\Patmnts\Damining\Tmm Mwro\A adjustable chair Complcte.doc-28/01 04 -1- AN ADJUSTABLE PIECE OF FURNITURE Technical Field The present invention relates to an adjustable piece of furniture.

Background of the Invention In a household dwelling, different pieces of furniture are typically required in order to service the various needs of an occupant. For instance, the occupant may require, amongst other things, a lounge, a coffee table and a bed. However, the cost of purchasing numerous pieces of furniture becomes increasingly expensive as more furniture is acquired.

Another problem which arises is that, where a dwelling is relatively small, it may be impractical to accommodate numerous pieces of furniture whilst maintaining an uncluttered living space. Moreover, the occupant may only require the benefits of a particular piece of furniture at certain times, and the occupant is thereafter faced with the inconvenience of storing the piece of furniture when not in use. For instance, a clothes rack for hanging laundry may be used once a week, and at other times, may present itself as an obstacle.

Summary of the Invention The present invention seeks to provide an adjustable piece of furniture which overcomes at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

In a first broad form, the present invention provides an adjustable piece of furniture including: a base including a top platform; and a frame movably coupled to the base to form a variable support surface for supporting a load, wherein by selectively moving the frame relative to the base into a first position, the support surface is able to be varied into a relatively compacted

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P:\WPDOCS\LM~amL\PatmtsDralflafting\Tl Mu Mo\n adjustble chair Compfletdoc-2S9/O/4 -2configuration, and by selectively moving the frame relative to the base into a second position, the support surface is able to be varied into a relatively extended configuration.

Preferably, the frame includes a first portion movably coupled to the base, and, a second portion rotatably coipled to the first portion. More preferably, the first portion is rotatably coupled to the base. Also preferably, the first and second portions include panels.

Preferably the second portion and the base are coupled to opposing ends of the first portion. Preferably, the frame includes a third portion wherein said third portion is rotatably coupled to the second portion.

Preferably the first portion includes spaced ribs and the top platform of the base includes spaced ribs whereby the spaced ribs of the first portion are adapted for interleaving engagement with the spaced ribs of the base. Also preferably, the second portion includes spaced ribs which have a collectively contoured-shape to complement a collectively contoured shape of the ribs disposed on the first portion. Advantageously, the inclusion of ribs on the present invention provides a means of ventilating the present invention. For instance if a cushion is placed on a surface of the present invention, the ribs provide channels through which air may more freely circulate underneath the cushion and thus allows the cushion to be aired out. Also, the interleaving relationship between the ribs may allow the frame and the base to be folded into a relatively compacted arrangement.

Preferably, when the frame is arranged in the first position, the support surface includes a first surface area adapted to support a load applied in substantially a first direction. More preferably, when the frame is arranged in the first position, the frame is folded in a concertina manner against the top platform of the base. Advantageously, by folding the frame on to the base, the present invention may be adjusted in to a relatively compact size suitable for a small living space if so desired.

Preferably, when the frame is arranged in the second position, the support surface includes a second surface area adapted to support an applied load in substantially the first direction, wherein the second surface area is greater than the first surface area. Advantageously in

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P:\WPDOCS\L~wmk\atms\Drafting\TT~mMuuo\Mn adjustable chair Complc.doc28/01/04 -3this way, the adjustable piece of furniture may be adjusted to provide a wider area for a user to sit or lie upon as a bed if so required. Alternatively, it may provide a load supporting surface suitable as a coffee table or the like.

More preferably, the second surface area is provided by rotating the first portion into substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of base. Preferably, the present invention includes a means for holding the first portion in substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base. More preferably, the means for holding first portion in substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base includes the second portion wherein the second portion is releasably engaged to the base. More preferably, the second portion is releasably engaged to a lip disposed on the base.

Also preferably, the means for holding the first portion in substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base includes the third portion. Typically, the third portion includes a rigid loop of wire. Advantageously the loop of wire may not only act as a support means, but is also useful as a handle when a user selectively arranges the adjustable piece of furniture between different configurations.

Alternatively, when the frame is arranged in the second position, the support surface includes a third surface area adapted to support a load applied in substantially a second direction, wherein said second direction includes a direction substantially transverse to the first direction.

Preferably, the third surface area is provided by rotating the second portion relative to the first portion such that the second portion is positioned substantially transverse to the top platform of the base. Also preferably, the present invention includes a means of releasably holding the second portion substantially transverse to the top platform of the base. More preferably, the means of releasably holding the second portion substantially transverse to the top platform of the base includes a latch. Advantageously, in this arrangement, the adjustable piece of furniture may be adapted such that the top platform of the base provides a seat for a person, and the transversely arranged first surface may provide a back-rest.

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P:\WPDOCS LW'nWork\Ptms\Dmfting\Tm M adroWAjustable chair Cmpletc.doc-28/O1/04 -4- Preferably, the base includes a recess for storing objects. Advantageously the recess may be used to store cushions, bedding or other suitable materials which may be arranged on the adjustable piece of furniture to improve the comfort of the adjustable piece of furniture if so required. Typically, a door will be disposed on the opening of the recess.

Preferably, the first portion and second portion include substantially the same shape as the top platform of the base.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of the present invention wherein a support surface is relatively compacted and the frame is folded in a concertina manner on to the top platform of the base to form a first surface area for supporting a load applied in a substantially vertical direction.

Figure 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the support surface is relatively extended and the frame is arranged relative to the top platform of the base to provide a second surface area for supporting a load applied in a substantially vertical direction.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the support surface is relatively extended and the frame is arranged relative to the top platform of the base to provide a third surface area for supporting a load applied in a substantially horizontal direction.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention including ribbing disposed on the first portion, the second portion and the top platform.

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P:\WPDOCSLW'War\Ptmts\Drfting\TutSo Muo\Ao djutble chir CowrplWdae-2I01/04 Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a bank of adjustable pieces of furniture in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the chairs are arranged in the third configuration to form a sofa.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a bank of chairs in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention wherein the adjustable pieces of furniture are arranged in the second configuration to form a bed.

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of an adjustable piece of furniture in accordance with the present invention including a base having a top platform a frame movably coupled to the base wherein the frame includes a first panel a second panel and a wire loop As shown in the perspective view of Fig. 4, the base includes a box of substantially rectangular cross-section and also includes a recess (12) with a door (14) for storing objects. The top platform of the base includes raised ribs (15) which are adapted for interleaving engagement with complementary ribs disposed on the first panel The base further includes a lip (16) disposed on a first and lower end of the base The shapes of the first panel and the second panel are rectangular and include substantially the same dimensions as the top platform of the base The second panel also includes a series of ribs (13) which have a collective contour shape which complements a collective contour shape of the first panel ribs As shown in Figures 1 to 3 in side view, the first panel is rotatably coupled to the top platform of base using a first hinge whereby the first panel is able to be rotated relative to the base In the present embodiment, the first panel is able to rotate around an angle of at least 180 degrees relative to the base although it would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments, the angle of rotation in this regard may be greater. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first

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P:\WpDOCS\LVMWnok\Patts\DThfting\Tsat Munro\An adjustable chair Compltc.doc-2801/04 -6panel is slidably coupled to the base The second panel is similarly coupled to the first panel using a second hinge (17) whereby the second panel is able to be rotated relative to the first panel In the first embodiment, the second hinge (17) is such that it restricts the rotation of the second panel relative to the first panel to an angle of substantially 90 degrees although it would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that in alternative embodiments, the maximum angle of rotation in this regard may be greater than 90 degrees.

The adjustable piece of furniture is adjustable into a plurality of possible configurations by rotating the first panel and second panel relative to the base In a first configuration, the adjustable piece of furniture is able to be arranged whereby it is in a relatively compact configuration and is adapted to provide a first support surface area (11) for supporting a load. The first configuration is achieved by rotating the first panel into substantially abutting contact with the top platform of the base wherein the raised ribs (15) of the top platform are interleavingly engaged with the complementary slots disposed on the first panel The second panel is similarly rotated into abutting contact with the first panel as shown in Fig. 1. The ribs (13) disposed on the second panel include a collectively contoured shape which complements a collectively contoured shape of the first panel ribs In this manner, the first panel and the second panel are compactly folded on to the top platform of the base in a concertina fashion. In the first configuration of the adjustable piece of furniture the first support surface area (11) is provided by the second panel and is adapted to support a load applied in a substantially vertical direction eg. this may include the downward weight of a person sitting on the adjustable piece of furniture Figure 2 depicts a second configuration of the adjustable piece of furniture of the first embodiment whereby the adjustable piece of furniture provides a second support surface area which is relatively broader than the first support surface area In the second configuration of the adjustable piece of furniture the second support surface (11) is provided by the second panel and the first panel which are both adapted to

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P:kWPDOCS\LV, n~a\PatmtSDraftingl Mumo\An ujstable chair CompIIe.do-2f01/04 -7support a load applied in a substantially vertical direction eg. this may include the downward weight of a person sitting on the chair The second configuration is achieved by rotating the first panel relative to the base until it is substantially in coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base as shown in Fig. 2. The second panel is thereafter rotated into position relative to the first panel whereby the second panel is abutted against the lip (16) of the base In this way, the second panel serves as a support strut for supporting the first panel in coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base Additionally, the wire loop is rotated outwardly of the second panel whereby it is able to act as a further support strut for the first panel as shown in Fig. 2. The wire loop is able to be releasably locked into a range of positions relative to the second panel (3) whereby it will provide suitable support for the first panel Figure 3 shows a third possible configuration of the adjustable piece of furniture which provides a third support surface area (10) that is adapted to support a load applied in both a substantially vertical direction and a substantially horizontal direction. The third configuration may for instance, be suitable for use as a chair with a back-rest. The third configuration is provided by rotating the first panel into abutting contact with the top platform of the base wherein the raised ribs (15) of the top platform are interleavingly engaged with the complementary first panel ribs The second panel is thereafter rotated substantially 90 degrees relative to the first panel and is releasably held in this position by the second hinge In alternative embodiments of the present invention, a latch may be used to releasably lock the second panel into position.

The recess (12) of the base is suitable for storing a range of objects including amongst other things, cushions and/or sheets for covering the chair The first embodiment of the adjustable piece of furniture is able to be used in modular fashion whereby a plurality of similar adjustable pieces of furniture may be positioned together to form more advanced structures. For instance Figure 5 shows a perspective view

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P:\WPDOCSLW~nW mk\Patts\Drafing\T uu Mu o\An djustble chair Coraple.doc-28/OI/O4 -8of three substantially identical chairs in accordance with the first embodiment wherein each adjustable piece of furniture is arranged in the third configuration and are arranged in adjoining fashion to form a sofa.

In contrast, Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of three substantially identical adjustable pieces of furniture each arranged in the second configuration in adjoining fashion to form a bed.

It would be apparent to a person skilled in the art that there are other configurations which may be achieved by the adjustable piece of furniture which have not been described in the specification, and the aforementioned configurations are by way of example only.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described without departing from the scope of the invention. All such variations and modification which become apparent to persons skilled in the art, should be considered to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described. It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps and features, referred or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims (23)

1. An adjustable piece of furniture including: a base including a top platform; and a frame movably coupled to the base to form a variable support surface for supporting a load, wherein by selectively moving the frame relative to the base into a first position, the support surface is able to be varied into a relatively compacted configuration, and by selectively moving the frame relative to the base into a second position, the support surface is able to be varied into a relatively extended configuration.

2. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame includes: a first portion movably coupled to the base; and a second portion rotatably coupled to the first portion.

3. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first portion is rotatably coupled to the base.

4. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claims 2 or 3 wherein the first and second portions include panels.

An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the second portion and the base are coupled to opposing ends of the first portion.

6. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 including a third portion wherein said third portion is rotatably coupled to the second portion.

7. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 1 wherein, when the frame is arranged in the first position, the support surface includes a first surface area adapted to support a load applied in substantially a first direction.

8. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein I P:\WPDOCS\LW'hWok\Patls\Dmrftig\Tua m Muro\An adjustable chair Compleacm-28/01/04 when the frame is arranged in the first position, the frame is folded in a concertina manner against the top platform of the base.

9. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein, when the frame is arranged in the second position, the support surface includes a second surface area adapted to support a load applied in substantially the first direction, wherein the second surface area is greater than the first surface area.

An adjustable piece of furnitureas claimed in claim 9 wherein the second surface area is provided by rotating the first portion into substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of base.

11. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 10 including a means for holding the first portion in substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base.

12. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 11 wherein the means for holding first portion in substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base includes the second portion wherein the second portion is releasably engaged to the base.

13. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 12 wherein the means for holding the first portion in substantially coplanar alignment with the top platform of the base includes the third portion.

14. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein, when the frame is arranged in the second position, the support surface includes a third surface area adapted to support a load applied in substantially a second direction, wherein said second direction includes a direction substantially transverse to the first direction.

15. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 14 wherein the third surface area is provided by rotating the second portion relative to the first portion wherein the second portion is positioned substantially transverse to the top platform of the base. P:\WPDOCS\LWhn W OkPa=U\aftng\Th Mwmo\An adjusble chair Complet.doc-2/01/04 -11

16. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15 including a means of releasably holding the second portion substantially transverse to the top platform of the base.

17. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 16 wherein the means of releasably holding the second portion substantially transverse to the top platform of the base includes a latch.

18. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in claim 12 wherein the third portion includes a rigid loop of wire.

19. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 18 wherein the first portion is adapted for interleaving engagement with the second portion.

20. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 19 wherein the first portion is adapted for interleaving engagement with the base.

21. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the base includes a recess for storing objects.

22. An adjustable piece of furniture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first portion and second portion include substantially the same shape as the top platform of the base.

23. An adjustable piece of furniture as substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 2 8 th day of January 2004 TASMAN MUNRO By his patent attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE