Convertible furniture construction

Abstract

The present invention provides a furniture construction, and an associated method of manufacture, that can be converted from a bed to a table and vice versa. According to one embodiment, the furniture construction includes a support structure, a bed frame movably connected to the support structure so that the bed frame can be rotated between an inoperative first position and an operative second position, and a table movably connected to the support structure so that the table can be adjusted between an operative first position and an inoperative second position. The bed frame and the table are structured such that when the bed frame is in the operative second position the table is in the inoperative second position, and when the table is in the operative first position the bed frame is in the inoperative second position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 634,759, filed Dec. 9, 2004, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 202,413, filed Aug. 11, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 600,896, filed Aug. 12, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 608,780, filed Sep. 10, 2004; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 617,393, filed Oct. 8, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 617,391, filed Oct. 8, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to convertible furniture construction and, more particularly, to furniture construction that can be converted from a table or desk to a bed and vice versa. [0004] 2. Description of Related Art [0005] Tables and beds have become necessities. However, conventional tables and beds can occupy significant space, which can be limited. For example, in...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention provides a furniture construction, and an associated method of manufacture, that can be converted from a bed to a table or desk and vice versa. As used herein, the terms “table” and “desk” are used interchangeably to refer to a relatively planar support surface. According to one embodiment, the furniture construction includes a support structure having a pair of end members. The furniture construction also includes a bed frame movably connected to the end members of the support structure so that the bed frame can be moved between an inoperative first position and an operative second position. In one embodiment, the inoperative first position of said bed frame is substantially vertical and the operative second position of said bed frame is substantially horizontal. The furniture construction includes a table movably connected to the end members of the support structure so that the table can be adjusted between an operative first position and an inoperative second position. The bed frame and the table are structured such that when the bed frame is in the operative second position the table is in the inoperative second position, and when the table is in the operative first position the bed frame is in the inoperative second position. Advantageously, the bed frame and the table are decoupled from one another to provide for flexibility as to how the two components are positioned, as well as to decrease the amount of force necessary to move each component from its operative position to its inoperative position, and vice versa, thereby providing greater ease of use and safety to the user. In one embodiment, the furniture construction includes at least one biasing mechanism structured to bias the table from the inoperative second position toward the operative first position. For example, the biasing mechanism can include a piston and cylinder assembly. In another embodiment, the furniture construction includes a locking mechanism to maintain the bed frame in second operative second position. In still another embodiment, the bed frame is frictionally received between the table and the support structure.

[0007] According to another embodiment, the furniture construction includes a support structure having a pair of end members. The furniture construction also includes a bed frame comprising a pair of end members and a planar member extending therebetween, each of the end members of the bed frame being rotatably connected to one of the end members of the support structure so that the bed frame can be rotated between an inoperative first position and an operative second position. The furniture construction includes a table comprising a planar member, the planar member of the table being adjustably connected to each of the end members of the support structure so that the table can be adjusted between an operative first position and an inoperative second position. The bed frame and the table are structured such that when the bed frame is in the operative second position the table is in the inoperative second position, and when the table is in the operative first position the bed frame is in the inoperative second position.

[0009] The present invention also provides a method of constructing a furniture construction. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a support structure having a pair of end members. A bed frame is movably connected to the end members of the support structure so that the bed frame can be rotated between an inoperative first position and an operative second position. In one embodiment, the inoperative first position of the bed frame is substantially vertical and the operative second position of the bed frame is substantially horizontal. A table is movably connected to the end members of the support structure so that the table can be adjusted between an operative first position and an inoperative second position. The bed frame and the table are structured such that when the bed frame is in the operative second position the table is in the inoperative second position, and when the table is in the operative first position the bed frame is in the inoperative second position.

[0011] Thus, the present invention provides a furniture construction that can function as both a desk or table and a bed and that is structured to provide flexibility, ease of use and safety for the user.

Problems solved by technology

However, conventional tables and beds can occupy significant space, which can be limited.

For example, in many apartments, offices, school dormitories, etc., there may not be enough room for both a bed and a table.

In addition, even when sufficient room exists, tables (or, alternatively, desks) and beds can be costly, which can limit the ability of some purchasers to purchase these items.

In other settings, such as an office, it may not be appropriate to have a bed openly displayed during the day, even though the occupant may be required to work late or sleep at the office on occasion.

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