Reversible Surface Furniture Assembly

Abstract

A furniture assembly is disclosed. A surface is reversibly attached to a support via a removable connector. The connector attaches through the surface into the support structure and preferably lays flush with the surface. The connector may even blend aesthetically with the surface. The surface may be flipped to the opposite side by removing the connector and turning the surface over. A recess on the opposing side also allows the connector to pass there-through and connect to the support structure. In alternate embodiments, the two opposing surfaces may be identical or they may be different to reflect two distinct styles, colors, patterns, textures or the like. The flipping of the surface may be done to extend the life of the surface, change the aesthetic of the surface or both.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the filing priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 510,164 filed on Jul. 21, 2011 and titled “Reversible Surface Assembly.”TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present device relates to assembled furniture. Particularly, the present system relates to furniture having a replaceable surface, such as a table, bench, desk, shelves or the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]It is inevitable that furniture, like all things, will eventually wear-out, whether in quality or style, and will need to be repaired or replaced in some manner. Household furniture can usually be replaced fairly easily, if not inexpensively, as all pieces do not typically require replacement at the same time. However, office and restaurant furniture, for example, may not be as simple, or inexpensive to replace. As the number of tables, desks, benches and the like which need to be replaced rises, the cost to a business to replace such furniture can...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes an improved furniture assembly that solves problems of previous designs. It has two surfaces that can be different to reflect different styles or colors. The top surface can be flipped to change its appearance or texture. The system can also be retrofitted to existing supports, making it stronger and longer-lasting. Overall, this furniture assembly is better designed and more durable.

Problems solved by technology

It is inevitable that furniture, like all things, will eventually wear-out, whether in quality or style, and will need to be repaired or replaced in some manner.

However, office and restaurant furniture, for example, may not be as simple, or inexpensive to replace.

As the number of tables, desks, benches and the like which need to be replaced rises, the cost to a business to replace such furniture can be expensive in both time and money.

When either of these features is diminished or lost by a furniture piece, for example as a result of daily wear or other abrupt damage, it may be time for replacement.

Over time, the top surface of the seat and / or the table become marred, worn, or otherwise unusable.

A new table surface and / or seat may be needed, but it may take time before a suitable replacement can be obtained.

In some cases, the need to replace furniture may be temporary and unrelated to the functionality of the piece.

In such instances, the switch from one motif to the other may require frequent and long-term storage of alternate furniture.

In a volume install—e.g., assembly of all table tops in a restaurant—there can be a considerable labor cost on both the initial install and subsequent replacement of the surfaces.

Until the invention of the present application, these and other problems in the prior art went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled in furniture design.

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