Looking for breakthrough ideas for innovation challenges? Try Patsnap Eureka!

Convertible furniture

a technology for convertible chairs and furniture, applied in convertible chairs, convertible furniture, chairs, etc., can solve the problems of not being able to fold into a single bench, not being able to serve as a table with two benches, and not being able to include storage under the bench

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-11-08
SORKNESS BRET +2
View PDF43 Cites 6 Cited by
  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]To meet this varied need, the present invention is directed to a convertible furniture piece. In particular, the piece of the present invention converts from a bench seat (hereinafter, the “folded” state) with optional under-bench storage, to a table and two bench unit (hereinafter, the “expanded” state). See FIGS. 1-3. In the folded state, the present invention serves as a bench, nominally with 14″×61″ of seating, a back, and optional storage underneath. In the expanded state, the present invention is a full-size dining table with two benches of comparable size, each for seating one or more people and each nominally seating three. The operation for converting between the folded and expanded states is a simple, elegant, safe, and fluid operation, requiring a single person of ordinary strength to merely lift and pull with ease. Unlike a Murphy bed, the present invention does not fold away and instead is functional in two distinct states.
[0005]In addition, great consideration went into the development of operational safety—for the user, people in the vicinity, and for the floors and walls around the piece. During transitions or in any state, the piece of the present invention has been designed to maintain weight balance and does not require bolting or fastening to external structures to operate correctly. To function properly, the piece only needs to be placed on a relatively flat surface that adequately supports its weight. The design allows for operation on delicate hard wood floors, including but not limited to pine and bamboo, without damage. Additionally, it can function well on carpeted or other high-friction surfaces as well.
[0006]Further, the piece of the present invention has no exposed ends so as to reduce any possible injury from cuts or pinching.
[0008]In the preferred embodiment, the transition between the folded and expanded states is accomplished with limited human intervention, albeit by one of ordinary strength. To transition the piece from the folded to the expanded state, a person of ordinary strength grasps the end at or near its most distal point from the wall, lifts slightly, and pulls. The piece expands easily utilizing the built-in rollers and the hinging which maintains distribution of weight as the unit is expanded. To transition the piece back to the folded state, a person of ordinary strength grasps the distal end and pushes.
[0010]Another objective of the present invention is to provide a furniture piece which rapidly, safely, and simply converts between the various states.
[0012]Another objective of the present invention is to provide a furniture piece that is aesthetically pleasing.

Problems solved by technology

In the prior art, there .are examples of convertible tables, but no device which can serve as a table with two benches, be folded into a single bench, and also include under-bench storage.

Method used

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View more

Image

Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Viewing Examples
Smart Image
  • Convertible furniture
  • Convertible furniture
  • Convertible furniture

Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0028]Below is an overview of the design, by section. Unless otherwise indicated, all parts are connected using off-the-shelf screws, bolts, and other ordinary hardware of sufficient strength and length for the necessary purpose.

Overview by Section

Section A

[0029]Static Bench (highlighted in FIG. 4, see FIG. 8)

[0030]The majority of this section does not move, forming an anchor-like connection to the floor surface, and allowing for proper operation of all moving parts.

Section B

[0031]Table Legs (highlighted in FIG. 5, see FIG. 9)

[0032]Legs form a rigid linkage between the static bench, Table Top, and moving bench, allowing for stability of the table when open, fluid arching while closing, and stability when closed.

Section C

[0033]Table Top (highlighted in FIG. 6, see FIG. 10)

[0034]The Table Top discretely houses the motion control assembly, which allows for proper operation of the entire piece—from the flowing motion during operation to the static rigidity when open or closed.

Section D

[...

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

PUM

No PUM Login to View More

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a convertible furniture piece. In particular, the piece of the present invention converts from a bench seat with optional under-bench storage, to a table and two bench unit.

Description

[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 482,670, filed on May 5, 2011.BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION[0002]In many living or work environments, space may be at a premium. While it may be useful at times to have a dining or working table, at other times having open space in lieu of the table may be beneficial. In the prior art, there .are examples of convertible tables, but no device which can serve as a table with two benches, be folded into a single bench, and also include under-bench storage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION[0003]To meet this varied need, the present invention is directed to a convertible furniture piece. In particular, the piece of the present invention converts from a bench seat (hereinafter, the “folded” state) with optional under-bench storage, to a table and two bench unit (hereinafter, the “expanded” state). See FIGS. 1-3. In the folded state, the present invention serves as a bench, nominally with 14″×61″ of...

Claims

the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More

Application Information

Patent Timeline
no application Login to View More
IPC IPC(8): A47B85/04A47C7/00A47C13/00
CPCA47C11/00A47B85/04A47C13/00A47C7/70A47C7/626
Inventor SORKNESS, BRETLEE, MATTHEWCONNER, ASHLEE
Owner SORKNESS BRET
Who we serve
  • R&D Engineer
  • R&D Manager
  • IP Professional
Why Patsnap Eureka
  • Industry Leading Data Capabilities
  • Powerful AI technology
  • Patent DNA Extraction
Social media
Patsnap Eureka Blog
Learn More
PatSnap group products