US20150289642A1

US20150289642A1 - Article of furniture with channel adapted to hold a device

Info

Publication number: US20150289642A1
Application number: US14/748,367
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel Joseph MIRTH; Sarah Elizabeth CARPENTER
Original assignee: ARTIFOX LLC
Current assignee: ARTIFOX LLC
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2015-06-24
Publication date: 2015-10-15
Also published as: US20150173505A1; US9095209B2

Abstract

An article of furniture, comprising a top panel having a bottom surface and a top surface, and at least one channel disposed in the top panel. The channel comprises top and bottom openings which are connected such that the channel forms a passageway from the top surface to the bottom surface of the top panel wherein the bottom opening is behind the top opening. Additionally, an article of furniture may comprise a first support member, a second support member, and one or more cross member assemblies. The one or more cross member assemblies comprise a shelf member, a first rail and a second rail, wherein the first rail and the second rail are rotatably connected to the shelf member such that the first and second rails are adapted to be in a first position for shipping and are adapted to be rotated to a second position for assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 14/134,920, filed on Dec. 19, 2013, entitled “Article of Furniture with Channel Adapted to Hold a Device and Interlocking Construction,” the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to articles of furniture and, more particularly, to an article of furniture that has a top panel with a channel for holding a device and an article of furniture that can be assembled without requiring additional tools or fasteners.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of many portable electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and mp3 players there has arisen a need to easily and conveniently mount, charge and/or display such portable electronic devices at a user's arm's reach and in view on an article of furniture such as a desk. Currently, docks and/or charging stations are required to be located on the article of furniture in order to mount, charge and/or display such portable electronic devices. However, such docks are typically proprietary to the brand and/or model of portable electronic device such that a user will require multiple docks if he or she wishes to have multiple portable electronic devices on his or her desk. These docks and associated wires can clutter the desk. Additionally, many current articles of furniture are bulky when shipped and purchased and may require additional tools and fasteners to assemble. Many types of “flat pack” or “ready to assemble” furniture have reduced bulk for shipping and can be assembled with few tools, however, such articles of furniture may is not easily disassembled and/or reassembled.
Accordingly, there is a constant need in the art to make an article of furniture having a channel into which many different types and sizes of portable electronic devices can be inserted so that the portable electronic devices can be easily and conveniently mounted, charged and/or displayed at a user's arm's reach and in view on an article of furniture.
Additionally, there is a need in the art for an article of furniture which can be flat packed and can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled without any tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, therefore, one embodiment of the invention is directed to an article of furniture, comprising a top panel having a bottom surface and a top surface, and at least one channel disposed in the top panel. The channel comprises a top opening and a bottom opening which are connected such that the channel forms a passageway from the top surface to the bottom surface of the top panel wherein the bottom opening is disposed behind top opening. The channel is adapted to receive a device in the top opening.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to an article of furniture comprising a first support member, a second support member, and one or more cross member assemblies. The one or more cross member assemblies comprise a shelf member, a first rail and a second rail, wherein the first rail and the second rail are rotatably connected to the shelf member such that the first and second rails are adapted to be in a first position and are adapted to be rotated to a second position. The first rail comprises a population of notches adapted to be interlocked with one or more of the first support member and the second support member when the first rail is in the second position and the second rail comprises a population of notches adapted to be interlocked with one or more of the first support member and the second support member when the second rail is in the second position.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is directed to an article of furniture comprising a top panel a left leg member, a right leg member, and a cross member assembly. The top panel comprises a left-hand portion, a right-hand portion, a bottom surface, a top surface, and a population of slots disposed on the bottom surface. The left leg member comprises a top portion, one or more legs extending a direction from the top portion, a population of tabs extending from the top portion opposite the direction of the one or more legs, and a population of notches disposed in the top portion. The population of tabs of the left leg member are adapted to be inserted into one or more of the population of slots of the top panel. The right leg member comprises a top portion, one or more legs extending a direction from the top portion, a population of tabs extending from the top portion opposite the direction of the one or more legs, and a population of notches disposed in the top portion. The population of tabs of the right leg member are adapted to be inserted into one or more of the population slots of the top panel. The cross member assembly has a first rail, a second rail, and a shelf member. The first rail has a population of tabs adapted to be inserted into one or more of the population of slots of the top panel and a population of notches adapted to interlock with one or more of the population of notches of one or more of the left leg member and the right leg member. The second rail has a population of tabs adapted to be inserted into one or more of the population of slots of the top panel and a population of notches adapted to interlock with one or more of the population of notches of one or more of the left leg member and the right leg member. The shelf member is rotatably affixed to the first rail and the second rail is rotatably affixed to the shelf member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein the drawings illustrate features in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a right front perspective view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1A is a front view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a partial front view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is a right cross section view of a channel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a right cross section view of a channel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2C is a right cross section view of a device inserted into a channel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2D is a top detail view of a channel, a recess and small and primary holes of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2E is a left section view of a recess and a primary hole of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2F is a left perspective exploded view of an eraser adapted to be inserted into a recess of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a top view of a removable panel to be inserted into a top panel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a top view of more than one removable panel to be inserted into a top panel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a top view of a circular removable panel to be inserted into a top panel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3D is a bottom view of a circular removable panel to be inserted into a top panel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of multiple panels forming a top panel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a right cross section view of multiple panels forming a top panel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a right section view of a channel of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a left perspective view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is an left perspective exploded view of a top panel, left leg member, right leg member and cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of a top panel, left leg member, right leg member and cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6C is a rear view of a cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6D is a right side view of a cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a left front perspective view of a portion of a left leg member and a second rail of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9A is a top view of a portion of a left leg member and a second rail of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a right cross section view of a portion of a left leg member and a second rail of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a top panel of an article of furniture having speakers according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is an left perspective exploded view of a left shelf support member, right shelf support member and shelf cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a left perspective view of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a top view of a cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11C is a left side view of a cross member assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method of assembly of an article of furniture according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should is not regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
FIG. 1 illustrates an article of furniture 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. Article of furniture 10 includes a top panel 12 having a back portion 14, a front portion 15, a left-hand portion 16, a right-hand portion 18, and a major axis 19. Article of furniture 10 may include, but is not limited to, a desk, table, nightstand, coffee table, bookshelf, conference table, side table, buffet table, media console, etc. Top panel 12 also has a top surface 20, a bottom surface 22 (see FIG. 2A) and a thickness between the top surface 20 and the bottom surface 22. In certain embodiments, top panel 12 may be rectangular; however, in other embodiments, top panel 12 may be any shape including, but not limited to, square, round, elliptical, ovular, hexagonal, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention.
Top panel 12 may be supported by one or more support members 24. In various embodiments, support members 24 may be one or more legs. However, it will be understood that in various embodiments, support members 24 may comprise any type of support structure known in the art for supporting a top panel 12 without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, in various embodiments, for example, top panel 12 may be affixed to a variety of items, including, but not limited to, a wall, a door, a window, another article of furniture, etc.
Top panel 12 further includes a channel 30 which is adapted to hold a device 50 and/or a wire or cord 52. Device 50 may include any type of device. For example, device 50 may include, but is not limited to, a telephone such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a portable music player (e.g., an mp3 player), a portable gaming device, a GPS device, a digital picture frame, an e-reader, and/or any type of portable electronic device. Device 50, may also include, but is not limited to, a chalkboard, a dry erase board, a notepad, and/or some other device adapted to be written on. Device 50, may further include, but is not limited to, a picture frame, a book, a magazine, a newspaper, a clipboard, a wire or cord 52, etc.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B, and 2C, an embodiment of channel 30 in top panel 12 is described in detail. Channel 30 may be disposed in top panel 12. Channel 30 may extend a length from left terminal end 35 to right terminal end 36. A portion or substantially all of channel 30 further may extend from top surface 20 to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12 and may have a top opening 38 and a bottom opening 39 which are connected such that channel 30 forms a passageway from top surface 20 to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12. As shown in detail in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, channel 30 has a cross-sectional shape similar to that of a horizontally disposed S. Accordingly, in certain embodiments of article of furniture 10, at least a portion of bottom opening 39 of channel 30 may be disposed behind top opening 38. In various embodiments, for example, all of bottom opening 39 may be disposed behind top opening 38. By having bottom opening 39 behind top opening 38, a device 50 the possibility that a device 50 could fall through channel 30 may be reduced or eliminated.
Accordingly, channel 30 may have an upper front wall 31 a, a lower front wall 31 b disposed a first horizontal distance X₁from upper front wall 31 a, and a lower ledge 32 b. Channel 30 may further have an upper rear wall 33 a, a lower rear wall 33 b, and an upper ledge 32 a. Upper rear wall 33 a may be disposed a second horizontal distance X₂from upper front wall 31 a thereby forming top opening 38 and at least a portion of lower rear wall 33 b may be disposed a third horizontal distance X₃from lower front wall 31 b thereby forming bottom opening 39. In various embodiments, for example, second horizontal distance X₂may be from about 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25 inches) to about 3.175 centimeters (about 1.25 inches). In certain embodiments, for example, second horizontal distance X₂may be about 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25 inches), about 0.953 centimeters (about 0.375 inches), about 1.27 centimeters (about 0.5 inches), about 1.588 centimeters (about 0.625 inches), about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches), about 2.54 centimeters (about 1 inch), or about 3.175 centimeters (about 1.25 inches). In certain embodiments, the second horizontal distance X₂from upper front wall 31 a to upper rear wall 33 a is less than or equal to the first horizontal distance X₁from upper front wall 31 a to lower front wall 31 b (i.e., X₂≦X₁). In various embodiments, for example, second horizontal distance X₂may be from about zero centimeters (about zero inches) to about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches) less than first horizontal distance X₁. In certain embodiments, for example, horizontal distance X₂may be about zero centimeters (about zero inches), 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25 inches), about 0.953 centimeters (about 0.375 inches), about 1.27 centimeters (about 0.5 inches), about 1.588 centimeters (about 0.625 inches), or about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches) less than first horizontal distance X₁. Additionally, upper ledge 32 a may be disposed a first vertical distance Y₁from lower ledge 32 b.
Additionally, in various other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, an upper portion of lower rear wall 33 b may extend a fourth horizontal distance X₄from a lower portion of lower rear wall 33 b. This additional distance may be due to various manufacturing techniques used to construct channel 30. Accordingly, upper front wall 31 a, lower front wall 31 b, lower ledge 32 b, upper rear wall 33 a, lower rear wall 33 b and upper ledge 32 a of channel 30 cooperate to form a passageway from top surface 20 and bottom surface 22 of top panel.
While in certain embodiments, the second horizontal distance X₂from upper front wall 31 a to upper rear wall 33 a may be fixed, in other embodiments, upper rear wall 33 a may be adjustable such that the second horizontal distance X₂can be movably decreased or increased. This may assist in permitting larger and/or thicker devices 50 to be inserted into channel 30 (e.g., devices 50 with protective cases). In various embodiments where upper rear wall 33 a may be adjustable, the first horizontal distance X₁from lower front wall 31 b to upper front wall 31 a may be greater than the range of adjustable second horizontal distances X_2minto X_2maxfrom upper front wall 31 a to upper rear wall 33 a. This may assist in preventing device 50 from falling through bottom opening 39 when upper rear wall 33 a is adjusted such that second horizontal distance is at its maximum position X_2max.
As shown in FIG. 2C, one or more wires or cables 52 may be extended through channel 30. The shape of channel 30 permits device 50 to be placed in channel 30 and one or more wires 52 to extend through channel 30 without device 50 falling through channel 30. Thus a side of device 50 may rest on bottom ledge 32 b of channel 30 and may contact upper front wall 31 a of channel 30, while a back or front side of device 50 may rest on upper back wall 33 a of channel 30. Accordingly, device 50 may be inserted into channel 30 through top opening 38 so that it can be oriented in an upright position. In various embodiments, device 50 can be inserted into channel 30 such that an angle β between the back or front side of device 50 and top surface 20 of top panel 12 is about 90° or less. In certain embodiments, for example, the angle β between the back or front side of device 50 and top surface 20 of top panel 12 may be about 90° or less, about 80° or less, about 70° or less, about 60° or less, about 50° or less, about 40° or less, about 30° or less, about 20° or less, or about 10° or less. In certain embodiments, a round or chamfer 34 may be disposed at the intersection of top surface 20 of top panel 12 and front wall 31 of channel 30. The round or chamfer 34 may assist in providing access to a portion of device 50 that is inserted into channel 30. This may assist in permitting a user to operate physical or electronic buttons or switches and/or interact with the screen of device 50.
By having channel 30 extend a length parallel to top surface 20 of top panel 12, a user can insert a device 50 into channel 30 and can additionally slide device 50 along channel 30 and place it in a different location along channel 30 without having to remove device 50 from channel 30. Additionally, if a wire 52 is plugged into device 50, device 50 can slide along channel 30 without having to disconnect device 50 from wire 52 or remove device 50 from channel 30 to place it in a different location along channel 30. Device 30 may therefore be easily moved along channel 30. Wire 52 may be any type of wire or cable known in the art, including but not limited to, a Universal Service Bus (USB) cable, an RCA cable, an optical cable, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable, a TS, TRS, or TRRS cable (e.g., a 3.5 mm audio jack), a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) cable, a serial cable, a Video Graphics Array (VGA) cable, or any signal communication cable now known or hereinafter developed. In other embodiments, for example, wire 52 may include, but is not limited to, a power cord, a charging cable, or any power transmission cable now known or hereinafter developed. In yet other embodiments, for example, wire 52 may include, but is not limited to, a security cable, a locking cable, etc. In various embodiments, channel 30 extends from top surface 20 to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12 and includes a top opening 38 and a bottom opening 39 such that channel 30 forms a passageway from top surface 20 to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12; however, in certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, channel 30 is blind such that channel 30 only has a top opening 38 in top surface 20 of top panel 12 (i.e., channel 30 does not extend all the way through to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12).
Returning again to FIG. 2, certain embodiments of top panel 12 may optionally include one or more secondary holes 40. In certain embodiments, one or more secondary holes 40 may be disposed in channel 30 at various locations along the length of channel 30 and may extend from bottom ledge 32 b of channel 30 to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12. Any number of secondary holes 40 may be disposed in channel 30 as desired without departing from the scope of the invention. In other embodiments as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, for example, one or more secondary holes 40 may extend from top surface 20 to bottom surface 22 of top panel through bottom ledge 32 b. In certain embodiments, the one or more secondary holes 40 may be substantially circular in shape, however, it will be understood that the one or more secondary holes 40 may be any shape without departing from the scope of the invention. In other embodiments, for example, secondary holes 40 may be substantially U-shaped. The one or more secondary holes 40 may be sized to permit a wire 52 to be threaded through secondary holes 40. By threading wire 52 through secondary holes 40, the ease with which wire 52 may be plugged into device 50 may be increased. Additionally as shown in FIG. 2C, secondary holes 40 may be sized so that device 50 may be inserted into channel 30 directly above secondary holes 40 without falling through secondary holes 40. In embodiments where one or more secondary holes 40 are substantially circular or substantially U-shaped, one or more secondary holes 40 may have a diameter DIA_hfrom about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches) to about 6.35 centimeters (about 2.5 inches). In certain embodiments, for example, secondary holes 40 have a diameter DIA_hof about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches), about 2.54 centimeters (about 1 inch), about 3.81 centimeters (about 1.5 inches), about 5.08 centimeters (about 2 inches), or about 6.35 centimeters (about 2.5 inches). Device 50 can be plugged into wire 52 and can still rest against bottom ledge 32 b of channel 30 with little or no interference by wire 52 (e.g., wire 52 is minimally contorted or bent such that device 50 fails to properly fit in channel 30). In certain embodiments, one or more secondary holes 40 may be connected to channel 30 such that after wire 52 is inserted into one or more secondary holes 40, wire can then slide along channel 30 to another location along channel 30 without requiring wire 52 to be removed.
In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 2C, top panel 12 may also optionally include one or more recesses 42. One or more recesses 42 may be disposed in channel 30 at various locations along the length of channel 30. Any number of recesses 42 may be disposed in channel 30 as desired without departing from the scope of the invention. Recesses 42 may extend a depth d_Rinto top panel 12 from top surface 20 of top panel 12. Accordingly, one or more recesses 42 may have a bottom wall 43 at depth d_Rfrom top surface 20 of top panel 12. In certain embodiments, for example, the depth d_Rof one or more recesses 42 may be about 5 percent to about 100 percent of the thickness T of top panel 12. In certain embodiments, for example, the depth d_Rof one or more recesses 42 may be about 5 percent, about 10 percent, about 15 percent, about 20 percent, about 25 percent, about 30 percent, about 35 percent, about 40 percent, about 45 percent about 50 percent, about 55 percent, about 60 percent, about 65 percent, about 70 percent, about 75 percent, about 80 percent, about 85 percent, about 90 percent, about 95 percent, or about 100 percent of the thickness T of top panel 12. In other embodiments, for example, the depth d_Rof one or more recesses 42 may be from about 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25 inches) to about 3.175 centimeters (about 1.25 inches). In certain embodiments, for example, the depth d_Rof one or more recesses 42 may be about 0.635 centimeters (about 0.25 inches), about 0.953 centimeters (about 0.375 inches), about 1.27 centimeters (about 0.5 inches), about 1.588 centimeters (about 0.625 inches), about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches), about 2.54 centimeters (about 1 inch), or about 3.175 centimeters (about 1.25 inches). One or more recesses 42 may assist in providing access to a portion of device 50 that is inserted into channel 30. This may assist in permitting a user to operate physical or electronic buttons or switches and/or interact with the screen of device 50.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 2D and 2E, in certain embodiments, one or more recesses 42 may be substantially circular in shape, however, it will be understood that one or more recesses 42 may be any shape without departing from the scope of the invention. In embodiments where one or more recesses 42 are substantially circular in shape, one or more recesses 42 may have a diameter DIA_Rfrom about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches) to about 20.32 centimeters (about 8 inches). In certain embodiments, for example, one or more recesses 42 may have a diameter DIA_Rof about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches), about 2.54 centimeters (about 1 inch), about 3.81 centimeters (about 1.5 inches), about 5.08 centimeters (about 2 inches), about 6.35 centimeters (about 2.5 inches), about 7.62 centimeters (about 3 inches), about 8.89 centimeters (about 3.5 inches), about 10.16 centimeters (about 4 inches), about 11.43 centimeters (about 4.5 inches), about 12.7 centimeters (about 5 inches), about 13.97 centimeters (about 5.5 inches), about 15.24 centimeters (about 6 inches), about 16.51 centimeters (about 6.5 inches), about 17.78 centimeters (about 7 inches), about 19.05 centimeters (about 7.5 inches), or about 20.32 centimeters (about 8 inches).
In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2D and 2E, top panel 12 may also optionally include one or more primary holes 44 extending from bottom 43 of one or more recesses 42 to bottom surface 22 of top panel 12. One or more primary holes 44 may be disposed in channel 30 at various locations along the length of channel 30. Any number of primary holes 44 may be disposed in channel 30 as desired without departing from the scope of the invention. The one or more primary holes 44 may be sized to permit a wire 52 to be threaded through primary holes 44. One or more primary holes 44 may have a larger open area than the one or more secondary holes 40 and thus may permit a larger wire 52 to be threaded through primary holes 44 than could be threaded through secondary holes 40. By threading wire 52 through primary holes 44, the ease with which wire 52 may be plugged into device 50 may be increased. Additionally, primary holes 44 may be sized so that device 50 may be inserted into channel 30 directly above primary holes 44 without falling through primary holes 44. Device 50 can be plugged into wire 52 and can still rest against bottom ledge 32 b of channel 30 with little to no interference by wire 52 (e.g., wire 52 is minimally contorted or bent such that device 50 fails to properly fit in channel 30). In certain embodiments, one or more primary holes 44 may be connected to channel 30 such that after wire 52 is inserted into one or more primary holes 44, wire can then slide along channel 30 to another location along channel 30 without requiring wire 52 to be removed.
Again referring to FIGS. 2, 2D and 2E, in various embodiments, one or more primary holes 44 may be substantially circular in shape, however, it will be understood that one or more primary holes 44 may be any shape without departing from the scope of the invention. In embodiments where one or more primary holes 44 are substantially circular in shape, one or more primary holes 44 may have a diameter DIA_Hfrom about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches) to about 20.32 centimeters (about 8 inches). In certain embodiments, for example, one or more primary holes 44 may have a diameter DIA_Hof about 1.905 centimeters (about 0.75 inches), about 2.54 centimeters (about 1 inch), about 3.81 centimeters (about 1.5 inches), about 5.08 centimeters (about 2 inches), about 6.35 centimeters (about 2.5 inches), about 7.62 centimeters (about 3 inches), about 8.89 centimeters (about 3.5 inches), about 10.16 centimeters (about 4 inches), about 11.43 centimeters (about 4.5 inches), about 12.7 centimeters (about 5 inches), about 13.97 centimeters (about 5.5 inches), about 15.24 centimeters (about 6 inches), about 16.51 centimeters (about 6.5 inches), about 17.78 centimeters (about 7 inches), about 19.05 centimeters (about 7.5 inches), or about 20.32 centimeters (about 8 inches). In certain embodiments wherein both one or more recesses 42 and one or more primary holes 44 are both substantially circular, the one or more recesses 42 and the one or more primary holes 44 may be substantially concentric.
Channel 30 may extend any length along top surface 20. In various embodiments, for example, channel 30 may extend any length from left terminal end 35 (see FIG. 2) to right terminal end 36 (see FIG. 2) about 5 percent to about 100 percent of the width of top panel 12 along major axis 19. In certain embodiments, channel 30 may extend from left terminal end 35 to right terminal end 36 about 5 percent, about 10 percent, about 20 percent, about 30 percent, about 40 percent, about 50 percent, about 60 percent, about 70 percent, about 80 percent, about 90 percent, or about 100 percent of the width of top panel 12 along major axis 19. In other embodiments, for example, channel 30 may extend any length from left terminal end 35 to right terminal end 36 from about 5.08 centimeters (about 2 inches) to about 254 centimeters (about 100 inches) or more. In certain embodiments, channel 30 may extend from left terminal end 35 to right terminal end 36 about 5.08 centimeters (about 2 inches) or more, about 15.24 centimeters (about 6 inches) or more, about 30.48 centimeters (about 12 inches) or more, about 60.96 centimeters (about 24 inches) or more, about 91.44 centimeters (about 36 inches) or more, about 121.92 centimeters (about 48 inches) or more, about 152.4 centimeters (about 60 inches) or more, about 182.88 centimeters (about 72 inches) or more, about 213.36 centimeters (about 84 inches) or more, or about 254 inches (about 100 inches) or more. In certain embodiments, for example, channel 30 may extend a length from left terminal end 35 to right terminal end 36 of about 27.94 centimeters (about 11 inches). In other embodiments, for example, channel 30 may extend a length from left terminal end 35 to right terminal end 36 of about 121.92 centimeters (about 48 inches). It will be understood that channel 30 may extend any length without departing from the scope of the invention. While channel 30 has been show as extending substantially linearly, it will be understood that in other embodiments of article of furniture 10, channel 30 may extend along a curve in top panel 12 without departing from the scope of the invention.
Channel 30, in various embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, may be disposed substantially parallel with major axis 19 of top panel 12. However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, channel 30 may be disposed at any angle θ with respect to major axis 19 of top panel 12. Accordingly, in various embodiments, for example, angle θ may be any angle from about 0° to about 90°. In certain embodiments, for example, angle θ may be about 0°, about 10°, about 20°, about 30°, about 40°, about 50°, about 60°, about 70°, about 80°, or about 90°. In one embodiment, angle θ may be about 15°. By angling channel 30 with respect to major axis 19 of top panel 12, a device 50 inserted into channel 30 may be disposed at an angle which assists in viewing device 50 by a user of the article of furniture 10. This may be particularly beneficial if a user is using a laptop or desktop computer which is on top panel 12 wherein the monitor of the laptop or desktop computer is disposed substantially parallel to major axis 19 of top panel 12. If a channel 30 is disposed to a left or right side of where the laptop or desktop computer is disposed and channel 30 is also disposed at an angle θ with respect to major axis 19 of top panel 12, a user can insert a device 50 into channel 30. If a user wishes to divert their attention from the laptop or desktop computer to device 50, the user can easily turn their head slightly to view device 50.
While embodiments of channel 30 have been described where channel 30 is formed in top panel 12, in other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, channel 30 may be disposed in a panel 100 which may be removably inserted into top panel 12. Top panel 12 may include one or more panel receiving areas 104 into which one or more removable panels 100 which may be inserted to form channel 30. When removable panel 100 is inserted into panel receiving area 104, the top surface of removable panel 100 may be substantially co-planar or flush with top surface 20 of top panel 12. In certain embodiments, for example, one removable panel 100 comprising the entirety of channel 30 may be inserted into one or more panel receiving areas 104. In other embodiments as illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example, two or more removable panels 100 may be inserted into one or more panel receiving areas 104 wherein each removable panel 100 includes a portion of channel 30 and the two or more removable panels 100 cooperate to form the entire length of channel 30. Removable panels 100 and panel receiving areas 104 may be any shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, hexagonal, octagonal, etc. In certain embodiments, for example, removable panel 100 and panel receiving area 104 may each be circular and removable panel 100 may be inserted into panel receiving area 104 such that channel 30 may be disposed at an angle θ with respect to major axis 19 of top panel 12, as described more fully elsewhere herein.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, certain embodiments of the bottom surface 103 of removable top panel 100 may optionally include a population radially spaced lugs 105 which may be adapted to cooperate with a population of radially spaced indentations 106 in panel receiving area 104 in order to prevent removable panel 102 from spinning in panel receiving area 104. Lugs 105 and indentations 106 may thus aid in maintaining the angle θ of channel 30 with respect to major axis 19 of top panel 12. In other embodiments, the lugs 105 and indentations 106 may be switched such that bottom surface 103 of removable top panel 100 may include a population radially spaced indentations 106 which may be adapted to cooperate with a population of radially spaced lugs 105 in panel receiving area 104.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E, in certain embodiments of the invention, top panel 12 may be a single piece; however in other embodiments of the invention, top panel 12 may comprise multiple panels which may be secured to one another in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, screws, nails, staples, adhesives, etc. FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate one embodiment of top panel 12 which may be formed of a first panel 60, a second panel 61 and a third panel 62. First panel 60 may include first channel portion 63, second panel 61 may include second channel portion 64, and third panel 62 may include third channel portion 65. Thus, in certain embodiments, first panel 60, second panel 61 and third panel 62 may be secured to one another in order to form top panel 12 having channel 30. Accordingly, first channel portion 63, second channel portion 64 and third channel portion 65 may cooperate to form channel 30 which may include all of the features of channel 30 as described more fully elsewhere herein.
Specifically, certain embodiments of first channel portion 63 may include a slot 66 and one or more holes 67. Slot 66 may extend a length to form at least a portion of left terminal end 35 and right terminal end 36 of channel 30. A front wall 66 a of slot 66 may form at least a portion of upper front wall 31 a of channel 30 (see FIG. 2A) and a rear wall 66 b of slot 66 may form at least a portion of upper rear wall 33 a of channel 30 (see FIG. 2A). A bottom surface (not shown) of first panel 60 may also form at least a portion of upper ledge 32 a of channel 30. One or more holes 67 a may form at least a portion of one or more recesses 42 and/or at least a portion of one or more primary holes 44 and one or more holes 67 b may form at least a portion of one or more secondary holes 40. Additionally, certain embodiments of second channel portion 64 may include a slot 68 and one or more holes 69 a, 69 b. Slot 68, including slot portions 68 c and 68 d may extend a length to form at least a portion of left terminal end 35 and right terminal end 36 of channel 30. A front wall 68 a of slot 68 may form at least a portion of upper front wall 31 a of channel 30 (see FIG. 2A) and a rear wall 68 b of slot 68 may form at least a portion of lower rear wall 33 b of channel 30 (see FIG. 2A). One or more holes 69 a may form at least a portion of one or more recesses 42 and/or at least a portion of one or more primary holes 44 and one or more holes 69 b may form at least a portion of one or more secondary holes 40. Additionally, certain embodiments of third channel portion 65 may include a slot 70, one or more holes 71 a, 71 b. A front wall 70 a of slot 70 may form at least a portion of lower front wall 31 b of channel 30 (see FIG. 2A) and a rear wall 70 b of slot 70 may form at least a portion of lower rear wall 33 b of channel 30 (see FIG. 2A). One or more holes 71 a may form at least a portion of one or more recesses 42 and/or at least a portion of one or more primary holes 44 and one or more holes 71 b may form at least a portion of one or more secondary holes 40. While FIG. 4 illustrates three panels, top panel 12 and channel 30 may be formed by any number of panels. In addition, while only two of each of holes 67, 69 and 71 are illustrated, in other embodiments, the one or more panels may each include fewer than two holes or more than two holes. Accordingly, any number of holes may be disposed in any number of panels as desired without departing from the scope of the invention.
Article of furniture 10, including top panel 12, may be made of a variety of materials including but not limited to, pine, maple, oak, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), or other natural or engineered woods, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, or other metals or metal alloys, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, or other plastics or polymers, carbon fiber, fiberglass, wood-plastic composites, or other composites, glass, and/or any combinations thereof. Additionally, in certain embodiments, top panel 12 may be erasably written on. In certain embodiments, for example, a portion or all of top surface 20 of top panel 12 may be erasably written on with one or more of a dry erase maker, chalk, and other writing implements. Accordingly, a portion or all of top surface 20 of top panel 12 may be, including, but not limited to, a dry erase board, painted with dry erase paint, covered with a dry erase material, a chalk board, painted with chalkboard paint, covered with a chalkboard material, and/or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 2F, certain embodiments of article of furniture 10 may include an eraser 54 which may be sized to fit into one or more recesses 42 for storage. Eraser 54 may include an eraser body 56 and an eraser material 58 affixed to eraser body 56 which can be adapted to erase, for example, chalk and/or dry erase marker. Additionally, in certain embodiments, a coaster, cup holder, cup, potted plant, etc. may be sized to fit into one or more recesses 42.
Referring again to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2C, certain embodiments of article of furniture 10 may optionally include a shelf or gutter 166 disposed below bottom surface 22 of top panel 12. Shelf or gutter 166 may be disposed below bottom surface 22 of top panel 12 proximate channel 30 so that portions or all of wires 52 may be stored in shelf or gutter 166. Additionally, shelf or gutter 166 may house a variety of objects including, but not limited to, wires 52, hard drives, surge protectors, etc. Shelf or gutter 166 may comprise a horizontal shelf 80. Shelf or gutter 166 may optionally include a front shelf wall 82 and/or a rear shelf wall 84. In certain embodiments, a portion or all of front shelf wall 82 may be rotatably connected to bottom surface 22 or horizontal shelf 80 to permit access to horizontal shelf 80. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments, a portion or all of rear shelf wall 84 may be rotatably connected to bottom surface 22 or horizontal shelf 80 to permit access to horizontal shelf 80. As shown in FIG. 1B, front shell wall 82 may rotatably connected to horizontal shelf 80 via hinges 86 and/or may be kept closed via magnet assemblies 88.
While any type of construction of article of furniture 10 known in the art may be used, in certain embodiments article of furniture 10 may be shipped and/or sold substantially flat and may be ready to assemble (RTA). One embodiment of the article of furniture 10 described herein is illustrated in FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D. In various embodiments, article of furniture 10 may be a table or desk. Article of furniture 10 includes a top panel 12, a left leg member 126 a, a right leg member 126 b, and a cross member assembly 150. Many prior art ready to assembly or flat pack article of furniture require an end user, such as a customer or purchaser of the article of furniture, to use additional tools or fasteners for final assembly of the furniture. However, the components of embodiments of article of furniture 10, may be adapted to be assembled into an article of furniture without the use of additional tools or traditional fasteners such as nails, screws, cam locks, etc. for final assembly. Accordingly, each of these components may be inserted into or interlocked with the other components to assemble article of furniture 10. Additionally, article of furniture 10 can be disassembled and reassembled without any additional tools or fasteners. As described above, top panel 12 may have a back portion 14, a front portion 15, a left-hand portion 16, a right-hand portion 18, and a major axis 19 (see FIGS. 1, 5). Top panel 12 also has a top surface 20 (see FIGS. 1, 2), a bottom surface 22 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C) and a thickness between top surface 20 and bottom surface 22.
As shown in detail in FIG. 6B, top panel 12 may also include a population of slots. In one embodiment, for example, top panel 12 may include a first left-hand slot 180 a and a second left-hand slot 182 a disposed on bottom surface 22 proximate left-hand portion 15 of top panel 12. A third left-hand slot 184 a and a fourth left-hand slot 186 a may disposed substantially perpendicular to first and second left- hand slots 180 a, 182 a on bottom surface 22. In other embodiments, for example, third left-hand slot 184 a and fourth left-hand slot 186 a may disposed at any angle less than or greater than 90° with respect to first and second left- hand slots 180 a, 182 a. Additionally, disposed on bottom surface 22 of top panel 12, proximate right-hand portion 18 may be a first right-hand slot 180 b and a second right-hand slot 182 b. A third right-hand slot 184 b and a fourth right-hand slot 186 b may disposed substantially perpendicular to first and second right-hand slots 180 b, 182 b on bottom surface 22. In other embodiments, for example, third right-hand slot 184 b and fourth right-hand slot 186 b may disposed at any angle less than or greater than 90° with respect to first and second right-hand slots 180 b, 182 b. Thus in certain embodiments, first and second left- hand slots 180 a, 182 a may be substantially parallel to first and second right-hand slots 180 b, 182 b. In other embodiments, for example, first and second left- hand slots 180 a, 182 a and first and second right-hand slots 180 b, 182 b may be disposed any angle greater than zero with respect to each other.
In various embodiments, first, second, third and fourth left- hand slots 180 a, 182 a, 184 a, 186 a and first, second, third and fourth right- hand slots 180 b, 182 b, 184 b, 186 b are blind, such that the slots do not extend all the way through to top surface 20 of top panel 12. In certain embodiments, however, first, second, third and fourth left- hand slots 180 a, 182 a, 184 a, 186 a and first, second, third and fourth right- hand slots 180 b, 182 b, 184 b, 186 b may be through slots. While only four left-hand slots and four right-hand slots are illustrated, it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of slots may be included in top panel 12 without departing from the scope of the invention.
Article of furniture 10 further includes a left leg member 126 a which may include a top portion 132 a and a front left-hand leg 128 a and a rear left-hand leg 130 a extending from the top portion 132 a. A population of tabs may extend from top portion 132 a of left leg member 126 a opposite the direction of front and rear left- hand legs 128 a, 130 a. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of tabs may include first left-hand tab 134 a and second left-hand tab 136 a. First left-hand tab 134 a and second left-hand tab 136 a are adapted to be inserted into first left-hand slot 180 a and second left-hand slot 182 a, respectively, of top panel 12. While embodiments of left leg member 126 a include two tabs extending from top portion 132 a, it will be understood that one tab may extend from top portion 132 a or more than two tabs may extend from top portion 132 a without departing from the scope of the invention.
Top portion 132 a of left leg member 126 a may further include a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of notches may include a first left-hand notch 138 a and a second left-hand notch 140 a. While embodiments of left leg member 126 a include two notches in top portion 132 a, it will be understood that one notch may be in top portion 132 a or more than two notches may be in top portion 132 a without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, in certain embodiments, for example, rear left-hand leg 130 a may optionally include a slot 142 a. In certain embodiments, rear left-hand leg 130 a may include more than one slot 142 a. In other embodiments, front left-hand leg 128 a may also include a hook member 144 a which may be adapted to hold a variety of items, including but not limited to, headphones, purses, bags, etc.
Article of furniture 10 further includes a right leg member 126 b. In particular embodiments as shown in FIG. 6B, right leg member 126 b may be configured as a mirror of left leg member 126 a. Accordingly, right leg member 126 b may include a top portion 132 b and a front right-hand leg 128 b and a rear right-hand leg 130 b extending from the top portion 132 b. A population of tabs may extend from top portion 132 b of right leg member 126 b opposite the direction of front and rear right- hand legs 128 b, 130 b. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of tabs may include first right-hand tab 134 b and second right-hand tab 136 b. First right-hand tab 134 b and second right-hand tab 136 b are adapted to be inserted into first right-hand slot 180 b and second right-hand slot 182 b, respectively, of top panel 12. While embodiments of right leg member 126 b include two tabs extending from top portion 132 b, it will be understood that one tab may extend from top portion 132 b or more than two tabs may extend from top portion 132 b without departing from the scope of the invention.
Top portion 132 b of right leg member 126 b may further include a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of notches may include a first right-hand notch 138 b and a second right-hand notch 140 b. While embodiments of right leg member 126 b include two notches in top portion 132 b, it will be understood that one notch may be in top portion 132 b or more than two notches may be in top portion 132 b without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, in certain embodiments, for example, rear right-hand leg 130 b may optionally include a slot 142 b. In certain embodiments, rear left-hand leg 130 b may include more than one slot 142 b. In other embodiments, front right-hand leg 128 b may also include a hook member 144 b which may be adapted to hold a variety of items, including but not limited to, headphones, purses, bags, etc.
While left-hand leg member 126 a and right-hand leg member 126 b are illustrated with two legs, it will be understood that left-hand leg member 126 a and right-hand leg member 126 b may each have fewer or greater number of legs without departing from the scope of the preset invention. Additionally, it will be understood that other types of leg constructions may be used, including, but not limited to, T-legs without departing from the scope of the invention.
In continued reference to FIG. 6B, a cross member assembly 150 may also be included with article of furniture 10. Cross member assembly 150 may include a first rail 152 a, a second rail 152 b, and a shelf member 162. First rail 152 a and second rail 152 b may be rotatably affixed to shelf member 162 in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, hinges, fabric, plastic, rubber, etc. In other embodiments as shown in FIG. 6C, for example, cross member assembly 150 may optionally include a third rail 174 connected to first rail 152 a by one or more braces 171. In certain embodiments, for example, cross member assembly 150 may include a left brace 171 a and a right brace 171 b. Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, left brace 171 a may have a proximal end portion 172 a and a distal end portion 173 a wherein proximal end portion 172 a is affixed to first rail 152 a, and right brace 171 b may have a proximal end portion 172 b and a distal end portion 173 b wherein proximal end portion 172 b may be affixed to first rail 152 a. Third rail 174 may be affixed to distal end portions 173 a, 173 b of left and right braces 171 a, 171 b, respectively.
Referring again to FIG. 6B, in various embodiments, first rail 152 a may have a population of tabs and a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of tabs may include a first left-hand tab 154 a and a second right-hand tab 156 a, and the population of notches may include a first left-hand notch 158 a and a second right-hand notch 160 a. Additionally, in various embodiments, second rail 152 b may have a population of tabs and a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of tabs may include a first left-hand tab 154 b and a second right-hand tab 156 b, and the population of notches may include a first left-hand notch 158 b and a second right-hand notch 160 b. Additionally, in various embodiments that include third rail 174, as shown in FIG. 6C, third rail 174 may include a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of notches may include a left-hand notch 176 and a right-hand notch 178. While first and second rails 152 a, 152 b are illustrated with only two tabs and two notches and third rail 174 is illustrated with only two notches, it will be understood that a greater or lesser number of tabs and/or notches may be included in first and second rails 152 a, 152 b and/or third rail 174 without departing from the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, first left-hand tab 154 a of first rail 152 a may be adapted to be inserted into fourth left-hand slot 186 a of top panel 12 and second right-hand tab 156 a of first rail 152 a may be adapted to be inserted into fourth right-hand slot 186 b of top panel 12. First left-hand notch 158 a of first rail 152 a may be adapted to interlock with second left-hand notch 140 a of left leg member 126 a and second right-hand notch 160 a of first rail 152 a may be adapted to interlock with second right-hand notch 140 b of right leg member 126 b. Additionally, first left-hand tab 154 b of second rail 152 b may be adapted to be inserted into third left-hand slot 184 a of top panel 12 and second right-hand tab 156 b of second rail 152 b may be adapted to be inserted into third right-hand slot 184 b of top panel 12. First left-hand notch 158 b of second rail 152 b may be adapted to interlock with first left-hand notch 138 a of left leg member 126 a and second right-hand notch 160 b of second rail 152 b may be adapted to interlock with first right-hand notch 138 b of right leg member 126 b. In various embodiments, for example, where cross member assembly 150 includes third rail 174, left-hand notch 176 of third rail 174 may be adapted to interlock with slot 142 a of rear left-hand leg 130 a and a right-hand notch 178 of third rail 174 may be adapted to interlock with slot 142 b of rear right-hand leg 130 b.
As stated above, shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b may be rotatably affixed to first rail 152 a in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, hinges 164. Accordingly, cross member assembly 150 may be adapted to be in two positions, a first position A (see FIG. 6D) and a second position B (see FIG. 6D). If article of furniture 10 is shipped and/or sold flat (i.e., “flat packed”), shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b can both be in the first position A. When shelf member 162 is in the first position A, shelf member 162 is substantially co-planar with and parallel to first rail 152 a and when second rail 152 b is in the first position A, second rail 152 b is substantially co-planar with and parallel to first rail 152 a. Shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b can then be rotated to the second position B for assembly of article of furniture 10. When shelf member 162 is in the second position B, shelf member 162 is substantially perpendicular to first rail 152 a and when second rail 152 b and shelf member 162 are in the second position B, second rail 152 b is substantially perpendicular to shelf member 162 and substantially parallel to first rail 152 a. Additionally, when shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b are in the second position B, cross member assembly 150 may be substantially U-shaped. Because shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b are rotatably affixed to first rail 152 a, cross member assembly 150 can be easily moved from the flat packed first position A to the U-shaped second position B. This can be accomplished by one person without the need for additional tools or fasteners. The U-shape of the shelf cross member assembly may assist in providing structural support for the article of furniture 10. Furthermore, a shelf or gutter 166 can be formed when shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b are in the second position B. As described above, shelf or gutter 166 may house a variety of objects including, but not limited to, wires 52, hard drives, surge protectors, etc.
The first and second positions A, B of cross member assembly 150 could alternatively be described as the first and second rails 152 a, 152 b moving relative to the shelf member 162. Accordingly first rail 152 a and second rail 152 b can both be in the first position A. When first rail 152 a and second rail 152 b are in the first position A, first rail 152 a and second rail 152 b are substantially co-planar with and parallel to shelf member 162. First rail 125 a and second rail 152 b can then be rotated to the second position B for assembly of article of furniture 10. When first rail 152 a and second rail 152 b are in the second position B, first rail 152 a is substantially perpendicular to shelf member 362 and second rail 352 b is substantially perpendicular to shelf member 362 and substantially parallel to first rail 352 a.
Thus while cross member assembly 150 is described herein in relation to an article of furniture 10 which can be used as a desk or table, cross member assembly 150 can be used in any embodiment of an article of furniture 10. Accordingly, it will be understood that any article of furniture described herein can include a first support member, a second support member, and one or more cross member assemblies. One or more cross member assemblies 150 may include a shelf member 162, a first rail 152 a and a second rail 152 b. First and second rails 152 a, 152 b may be rotatably connected to shelf member 162 such that first and second rails 152 a, 152 b may be adapted to be in a first position and may be adapted to be rotated to a second position. Furthermore, first rail 152 a may include a population of notches adapted to be interlocked with one or more of the first support member and the second support member when first rail 152 a is in the second position and second rail 152 b may include a population of notches adapted to be interlocked with one or more of the first support member and the second support member when second rail 152 b is in the second position.
Referring again to FIG. 6B, in certain embodiments of article of furniture 10, first rail 152 a may include a front passageway 168 and/or second rail 152 b may include a rear passageway 170 which may permit access to shelf or gutter 166. Various embodiments of front and/or rear passageways 168, 170 may be partially closed by cord, wire, netting 194 or the like which may assist in holding a variety of objects including, but not limited to, wires 52, hard drives, surge protectors, etc. within shelf or gutter 166.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, one method of assembling certain embodiments of article of furniture 10 is shown. Shelf member 162 and second rail 152 b of cross member assembly 150 are first rotated from the first position A to the second position B at step 200 such that the cross member assembly 150 is in the second position B. Then at step 202, cross member assembly 150 is inserted into top panel 12. Accordingly, first left-hand tab 154 a and second right-hand tab 156 a of first rail 152 a are inserted into fourth left-hand slot 186 a and fourth right-hand slot 186 b, respectively, of top panel 12. At the same time, first left-hand tab 154 b and second right-hand tab 156 b of second rail 152 b are inserted into third left-hand slot 184 a and third right-hand slot 184 b, respectively, of top panel 12. Then at steps 204 and 206, left and right leg members 126 a, 126 b are attached to top panel 12 and cross member assembly 150.
At step 204, first left-hand tab 134 a and second left-hand tab 136 a of left leg member 126 a are aligned with and inserted into first left-hand slot 180 a and second left-hand slot 182 a, respectively, of top panel 12. First left-hand notch 138 a and second left-hand notch 140 a of left leg member 126 a are aligned and interlocked with first left-hand notch 158 b of second rail 152 b and first left-hand notch 158 a of first rail 152 a, respectively. Additionally, in certain embodiments wherein cross member assembly 150 includes a third rail 174, left-hand notch 176 of third rail 174 is aligned and interlocked with slot 142 a of left leg member 126 a.
Then at step 206, first right-hand tab 134 b and second right-hand tab 136 b of right leg member 126 b are aligned with and inserted into first right-hand slot 180 b and second right-hand slot 182 b, respectively, of top panel 12. First right-hand notch 138 b and second right-hand notch 140 b of right leg member 126 b are aligned and interlocked with first right-hand notch 160 b of second rail 152 b and first right-hand notch 160 a of first rail 152 a, respectively. Additionally, in certain embodiments wherein cross member assembly 150 includes a third rail 174, right-hand notch 178 of third rail 174 is aligned and interlocked with slot 142 b of right leg member 126 b. While steps are described herein in one order, it will be understood that other embodiments of the method can be carried out in any order without departing from the scope of the invention.
In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 8, bottom surface 22 of top panel 12 may include a left-hand recess 188 a and a right-hand recess 188 b wherein left- and right- hand recesses 188 a, 188 b may be blind, such that left- and right- hand recesses 188 a, 188 b do not extend all the way through to top surface 20 of top panel 12. Disposed within each of left- and right- hand recesses 188 a, 188 b may be a hook portion of a latch assembly 190. The remaining portion of each latch assembly 190 may be disposed on left leg member and right leg members 126 a, 126 b. After article of furniture 10 has been assembled each latch assembly 190 of left leg member and right leg members 126 a, 126 b may be latched to lock top panel 12, left leg assembly 126 a, right leg assembly 126 b and cross member assembly 150 together. Latch assembly 190 may be similar to a trunk latch; however it will be understood that any type and/or construction of latch assembly or other assembly for releasably affixing parts known in the art may be used to lock top panel 12, left leg assembly 126 a, right leg assembly 126 b and cross member assembly 150 together without departing from the scope of the invention. Additionally, in other embodiments, top panel 12 may not include recesses 188 a, 188 b and latch assembly 190 may be disposed on bottom surface 22 of top panel 12. Accordingly, various embodiments of article of furniture 10 described herein may be flat packed and may be easily assembled, disassembled and reassembled without any tools. In other embodiments, cross member assembly 150 may additionally or alternatively be latched to left leg member 126 a and/or right leg member 126 b via a latch assembly.
Referring now to FIGS. 11, 11A, 11B and 11C, another embodiment of article of furniture 310 is illustrated. In various embodiments, article of furniture 310 may be a shelf (e.g., a book shelf). Article of furniture 310 may include two or more shelf support members 326 a, 326 b and one or more shelf cross member assemblies 350. In certain embodiments, for example, article of furniture 310 may include a left shelf support member 326 a, a right shelf support member 326 b, and one or more shelf cross member assemblies 350 disposed between the left shelf support member 326 a and the right shelf support member 326 b. Left shelf support member 326 a may include a population of slots 342 a disposed at various vertical locations along left shelf support member 326 a. Right shelf support member 326 b may include a population of slots 342 b disposed at various vertical locations along right shelf support member 326 b.
In certain embodiments of article of furniture 310 as shown in FIGS. 11, 11B and 11C, each of the one or more shelf cross member assemblies 350 may include a first rail 352 a, a second rail 352 b, and a shelf member 362. First rail 352 a and second rail 352 b may be rotatably affixed to shelf member 362 in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, hinges 364, fabric, plastic, rubber, etc. In various embodiments, first rail 352 a may have a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of notches may include a first left-hand notch 358 a and a second right-hand notch 360 a. Additionally, in various embodiments, second rail 352 b may have a population of notches. In certain embodiments, for example, the population of notches may include a first left-hand notch 358 b and a second right-hand notch 360 b. First left-hand notch 358 a of first rail 352 a may be adapted to interlock with one or more of slots 342 a of left shelf support member 326 a and second right-hand notch 360 a of first rail 352 a may be adapted to interlock with one or more slots 342 b of right shelf support member 326 b. Additionally, first left-hand notch 358 b of second rail 352 b may be adapted to interlock with one or more slots 342 a of left shelf support member 326 a and second right-hand notch 360 b of second rail 352 b may be adapted to interlock with one or more slots 342 b of right shelf support member 326 b.
Article of furniture 310 may include any number of shelf cross members 350 interlocked with left and right shelf support members 326 a, 326 b without departing from the scope of the invention. While only one left shelf support member 326 a and one right shelf support member 326 b are illustrated, article of furniture 310 may include more than one of each of left and right shelf support members 326 a, 326 b. Additionally, in certain embodiments, for example, article of furniture 10 may include one or more shelf support members disposed between left and right shelf support members 326 a, 326 b. In yet other embodiments of article of furniture 310 as shown in FIG. 11A, one or more braces 371 may connect one or more of shelf support members 350. These additional shelf support members and/or braces may assist in providing additional structural support for article of furniture, when, for example, article of furniture is very wide or if a large amount of objects are to be placed on shelf cross member assemblies 350 of article of furniture.
As stated above, first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b may be rotatably affixed to shelf member 362 in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, hinges 364. Accordingly, shelf cross member assembly 350 may be adapted to be in two positions, a first position A (see FIG. 11C) and a second position B (see FIG. 11C). If article of furniture 310 is shipped and/or sold flat (i.e., “flat packed”), first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b can both be in the first position A. When first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b are in the first position A, first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b are substantially co-planar with and parallel to shelf member 362. First rail 325 a and second rail 352 b can then be rotated to the second position B for assembly of article of furniture 310. When first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b are in the second position B, first rail 352 a is substantially perpendicular to shelf member 362 and second rail 352 b is substantially perpendicular to shelf member 362 and substantially parallel to first rail 352 a. Additionally, when first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b are in the second position B, shelf cross member assembly 350 may be a substantially inverted U-shape. Because first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b are rotatably affixed to shelf member 362, shelf cross member assembly 350 can be easily moved from the flat packed first position A to the U-shaped second position B. This can be accomplished by one person without the need for additional tools or fasteners. The U-shape of the shelf cross member assembly may assist in providing structural support for the article of furniture 310. In various embodiments, shelf cross member assemblies 350 may further include a channel 30 as described more fully elsewhere herein.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, one method of assembling certain embodiments of article of furniture 310 is shown. For a total number of shelf cross member assemblies 350, each first rail 352 a and second rail 352 b are first rotated from the first position A to the second position B at step 400 such that each of the total number of shelf cross member assemblies 350 are in the second position B. Then at step 402, each of the total number of shelf cross member assemblies 350 are interlocked with left shelf support member 326 a. Accordingly, the first left-hand notch 358 a of first rail 352 a and first left-hand notch 358 b of second rail 352 b of each of the total number of shelf cross member assemblies 350 are aligned and interlocked with one or more of the population of slots 342 a of left shelf support member 326 a. Then at step 404, each of the total number of shelf cross member assemblies 350 are interlocked with right shelf support member 326 b. Accordingly, the first right-hand notch 360 a of first rail 352 a and first right-hand notch 360 b of second rail 352 b of each of the total number of shelf cross member assemblies 350 are aligned and interlocked with one or more of the population of slots 342 b of right shelf support member 326 a. While steps are described herein in one order, it will be understood that other embodiments of the method can be carried out in any order without departing from the scope of the invention.
Turning now to FIGS. 9, 9A and 9B, other embodiments of notches 138 a, 138 b, 140 a, 140 b and slots 142 a, 142 b, 342 a, 342 b are described in detail. In certain embodiments, notches 138 a, 138 b, 140 a, 140 b and slots 142 a, 142 b, 342 a, 342 b of left and right leg members 126 a, 126 b and/or left and right shelf support members 326 a, 326 b may have internal step 192. The internal step 192 may assist in increasing the structural strength of article of furniture 10. While only first left-hand notch 138 a of left leg assembly 126 a is illustrated in FIGS. 9, 9A and 9B, it will be understood that internal step 192 may be in any of notches 138 a, 138 b, 140 a, 140 b and slots 142 a, 142 b, 342 a, 342 b. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, first left-hand notch 138 a of left leg assembly 126 a may be inserted into first left-hand notch 158 b of second rail 152 b, wherein first left-hand notch 158 b is sized to accept internal step 192. A portion of second rail 152 b proximate first left-hand notch 158 b may thus reside in first left-hand notch 138 a of left leg assembly 126 a such that external surfaces of second rail 152 b can contact the internal surfaces of first left-hand slot which, in combination with internal step 192, may assist in increasing the structural strength of article of furniture 10.
Any embodiment of article of furniture 10 as described herein may also include a variety of optional features. In certain embodiments, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, top panel 12 may include speakers 90 disposed in top panel. Speakers 90 may be connected to a variety of devices 50 including, but not limited to, an amplifier, a computer, an mp3 player, a telephone, a tablet, etc. In other embodiments, for example, article of furniture 10 may also include a subwoofer (not shown). The subwoofer may be affixed to top panel 12, shelf or gutter 166, supporting members 24, left leg member 126 a, and/or right leg member 126 b. In other embodiments, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, top panel 12 may include one or more magnetic members 92 disposed along front portion 15 of top panel 12, wherein the one or more magnetic members 92 may be attracted via a magnetic force. In certain embodiments, for example, magnetic members 92 may be formed of, but are not limited to, magnets or metallic materials. Magnetic members 92 may be used to temporarily retain earbuds, keys, and/or any metallic and/or magnetic object. In other embodiments, a headphone jack 96 may be disposed along front portion 12 of top panel 12. Accordingly, a wire (not shown) may run from headphone jack 96 through top panel 12 of article of furniture 10 to back portion 14 of top panel 12 where the user can connect to the wire a variety of devices 50. By including a headphone jack 96 along front portion 15 of top panel 12, a user can use headphones or earbuds without requiring the headphone or earbud wire to extend across top surface 20 of top panel 12, potentially interfering with the use of top panel 12. In yet other embodiments, for example, top panel 12 may include an inductive charging system (not shown) for wirelessly charging one or more devices 50 disposed in or on top panel 12 and/or inserted into channel 30. Any type of inductive charging system known in the art and/or hereinafter developed can be adapted to be used with the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. In yet other embodiments, for example, one or more radio frequency identification (RFID), near field communication (NFC), and/or Bluetooth® (as defined in IEEE Standard 801.15 and developed by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group) transmitters, receivers, transceivers, and/or tags (not shown) may be disposed in or on top panel 12 and may be used for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, transmitting and/or receiving data from a device 50, controlling a device 50 (e.g., unlocking device 50, locking device 50, installing and/or running an application and/or routine on device 50), conducting a monetary transaction, etc.
Thus, there has been shown and described a novel article of furniture, which overcome many of the problems of the prior art set forth above. It will be apparent, however, to those familiar in the art, that many changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications for the subject devices and methods are possible. All such changes, variations, modifications, and other uses and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. An article of furniture, comprising:

a top panel having a bottom surface and a top surface;

a channel in the top panel, the channel extending a depth from a first top opening at the top surface of the top panel to a first closed bottom end proximate the bottom surface of the top panel, wherein the channel is adapted to receive a device; and

a recess in communication with the channel, the recess extending a depth from a second top opening at the top surface to a second closed bottom end proximate the bottom surface of the top panel, wherein the recess assists in providing access to a portion of the device inserted into the channel.

2. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein the device is adapted to rest on one or more of the first closed bottom end and the second closed bottom end.

3. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein an object is adapted to be received in the recess and wherein the object is adapted to rest on the second closed bottom end.

4. The article of furniture of claim 3, wherein the object comprises one or more of an eraser, a coaster, a cup holder, a cup, and a potted plant.

5. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising one or more holes extending through the channel to the bottom surface of the top panel.

6. The article of furniture of claim 5, wherein the one or more holes are adapted to receive one or more cables there through.

7. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising a primary hole extending from the second closed bottom end of the recess to the bottom surface of the top panel.

8. The article of furniture of claim 7, wherein the primary hole is substantially circular.

9. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising a secondary hole extending through the channel from the top surface of the top panel to the bottom surface of the top panel.

10. The article of furniture of claim 9, wherein the secondary hole is substantially circular.

11. The article of furniture of claim 9, wherein the secondary hole is substantially u-shaped.

12. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein the recess is substantially circular and is substantially bisected by the channel.

13. The article of furniture of claim 12, further comprising a primary hole extending from the second closed bottom end of the recess to the bottom surface of the top panel.

14. The article of furniture of claim 13, wherein the primary hole is substantially circular and is substantially concentric with the recess.

15. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein the top panel further comprises a major axis and wherein the channel extends a length parallel to the top surface of the top panel and wherein the length of the channel is at an angle θ with respect to the major axis of the top panel, wherein the angle θ is from about 0° and about 90°.

16. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the top panel includes a dry erase surface and/or a chalkboard surface.

17. The article of furniture of claim 1, wherein the top panel further comprises a front portion and one or more magnetic members are disposed in the front portion of top panel.

18. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising a shelf below the top panel.

19. The article of furniture of claim 18, further comprising a front shelf wall hingedly connected to the shelf.

20. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising a support member attached to the top panel.

21. The article of furniture of claim 20, further comprising a hook attached to the support member.

22. The article of furniture of claim 1, further comprising an inductive charging system in the top panel.

23. The article of furniture of claim 1 wherein the article of furniture is at least one of a desk, a table, a media console, a coffee table, a shelf, and a night stand.

24. An article of furniture, comprising:

a top panel having a bottom surface and a top surface; and

a channel in the top panel; and

a recess connected with the channel;

wherein the channel and the recess extend a depth from the top surface of the top panel to a bottom end proximate the bottom surface of the top panel, wherein the channel is adapted to receive a device and wherein the recess assists in providing access to a portion of the device inserted into the channel.

25. An article of furniture, comprising:

a top panel having a bottom surface, a top surface, and a panel receiving area;

a removable panel adapted to be inserted into the panel receiving area, the removable panel comprising:

a bottom surface;

a top surface;

a channel extending a depth from a first top opening at the top surface of the removable panel to a first closed bottom end proximate the bottom surface of the removable panel, wherein the channel is adapted to receive a device; and

a recess in communication with the channel, the recess extending a depth from a second top opening at the top surface of the removable panel to a second closed bottom end proximate the bottom surface of the removable panel, wherein the recess assists in providing access to a portion of the device inserted into the channel.

26. The article of furniture of claim 25, wherein the panel receiving area is substantially circular, the removable panel is substantially circular, and the top panel comprises a major axis; and

wherein the removable panel is adapted to be inserted into the panel receiving area such that the channel is disposed at an angle θ with respect to the major axis of the top panel.

27. The article of furniture of claim 26, wherein the panel receiving area further comprises a population of radially spaced indentations and wherein the removable panel further comprises a population of radially spaced lugs which are adapted to cooperate with the population of radially spaced indentations to prevent the removable panel from spinning in the panel receiving area.