Adaptable furniture system

Abstract

An adaptable furniture system including a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls; and a support coupled to the plurality of support legs, wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration.

Description

[0001] ADAPTABLE FURNITURE SYSTEM

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

[0004] The present invention relates to an adaptable furniture system. More specifically, it relates to a convertible furniture system that can transition between at least three modes. The modes can include a bench mode, a table mode, and a bed mode.

[0005] DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0006] In space limited environments, such as in recreation vehicles (RVs), apartments, trailer homes, and boat houses, there exists a need to minimize the effective space occupied by furniture to provide a comfortable living quarter. It is therefore desirable to provide furniture that can be rearranged into several modes to minimize the total amount of space that furniture occupies while still providing all necessary functions.

[0007] There thus remains a continued need for an efficient and economic system for convertible furniture systems. The presently disclosed subject matter satisfies these and other needs.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

[0009] The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in and are apparent from the description that follows, as well as will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the devices particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

[0010] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes an adaptable furniture system including a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls, a support coupled to the plurality of support legs, wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration.

[0011] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the first configuration of the adaptable furniture system includes a bench configuration and the support is configured as the back rest. The back rest is angled to a top of the bench seat in the first configuration.

[0012] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the support has a first surface and second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface is at least one of the back rest or headboard and the second surface is the table surface.

[0013] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, in the second configuration, the support is displaced from and parallel to the bench seat and supported by the plurality of support legs.

[0014] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, each of the plurality of legs comprises a first portion coupled to a second portion, and wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a joint configured to adjust a height of the plurality of legs. A relative height of the back surface is configured to be adjusted by the joint.

[0015] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the sitting surface comprises a first plurality of connected slats and the extension surface comprises a second plurality of connected slats, and wherein the first plurality of slats and the second plurality of slats are interleaved. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the adaptable furniture system further comprises an extension board, wherein the extension surface comprises a groove system configured to couple with the extension board to increase the surface area of the sleeping surface.

[0016] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the bench further comprises a storage area disposed beneath the bench seat defined by the bench seat and the plurality of side walls, wherein the bench further includes at least one door rotatably coupled to one of the side walls.

[0017] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the extension surface comprises a first portion and second portion adjacent the first portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably coupled together and are independently movable between a storage position and a use position.

[0018] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, when the first portion is in the use position and the second portion is in the storage position, the first portion comprises a chaise in the use position.

[0019] In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, the furniture system is configured to be secured to a floor of a recreational vehicle.

[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the disclosed subject matter includes an adaptable furniture system comprising a first bench, the first bench including: a first bench seat having a first sitting surface, a first extension surface, and a first plurality of side walls, wherein the first extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the first sitting surface to form a first sleeping surface, a first plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the first plurality of side walls, a first support coupled to the first plurality of support legs, wherein the first support and first support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the first bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the first support comprises a table in the second configuration; and a second bench adjacent to the first bench, the second bench including: a second bench seat having a second sitting surface, a second extension surface, and a second plurality of side walls, wherein the second extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the second sitting surface to form a second sleeping surface, a second plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the second plurality of side walls, a second support coupled to the second plurality of support legs, wherein the second support and second support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the second bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the second support comprises a table in the second configuration, wherein in the second configuration, edges of the first support and second support are configured to align to form an expanded table surface.

[0021] In accordance with the other aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the adaptable furniture system further comprises an extension board configured to connect the first extension surface to the second extension surface to form an extended sleeping surface, wherein the extension board includes a plurality of mating portions configured to be press fit into openings in the first extension surface and the second extension surface.

[0022] In accordance with the other aspect of the disclosed subject matter, the first extension surface and the second extension surface each comprise a first portion and second portion adjacent the first portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably coupled together and are independently movable between the first configuration and the second configuration position, wherein at least one of the first portion or the second portion can be translated with respect to the sitting surface to form an L-shaped sectional, wherein the first bench and the second bench are configured to form a U-booth by translating a matching pair of either the first portion or the second portion of each of the first bench and the second bench.

[0023] In accordance with the other aspect of the disclosed subject matter, an adaptable furniture system comprises a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls, a support coupled to the plurality of support legs, wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration, wherein the bench seat includes an attachment mechanism configured to couple the bench to a portion of a recreation vehicle (RV).

[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description and drawings are examples and are provided for purpose of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner.

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the devices of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The subject matter of the application will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an adaptable furniture system in a bench configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. IB is a perspective view of the adaptable furniture system of FIG. 1 A in a sleeping configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support leg of the adaptable furniture of FIG. 1A.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adaptable furniture system of FIG. 1 in a table configuration.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adaptable furniture system having a plurality of doors, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a handle for the adaptable furniture system according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an adaptable furniture system having a first and second unit in a table configuration, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adaptable furniture system of FIG. 6 in a bed configuration.

[0035] FIG. 8A is an exploded, perspective view of an adaptable furniture system in a bed configuration having an extension board, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an adaptable furniture system in a bed configuration having an extension board, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an adaptable furniture system having a slatted bench seat, in according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIGS. 9B and 9C are an exploded, perspective views of the support legs of the adaptable furniture system of FIG. 9 A

[0038] FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of the bench of FIG. 9A.

[0039] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the adaptable furniture system of in a sleeping configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0040] FIGS. 12A-12C are perspective views of an adaptable furniture system in various configurations, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system. While the disclosed subject matter can be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated.

[0043] As disclosed herein, the devices presented herein can be used for living spaces such as RVs, apartments, boats, trailer homes, houses, and offices. In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, an adaptable furniture system including a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls, a support coupled to the plurality of support legs, wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration.

[0044] The parts of this disclosure can be discussed in singular or paired fashion, as one side of the adaptable furniture system would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to have symmetry between the parts on each side but can have singular or paired parts between pairs of other parts. For example, a person of skill in the art would understand that a bench can be designed to have a pair of cushions or a single long cushion.

[0045] Solely for purpose of illustration, an exemplary embodiment of an adaptable furniture system, is shown schematically in FIGS. 1A and IB. The examples herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter in any manner. Particularly, and as illustrated, an adaptable furniture system (100) is provided that can include a unit (101a) having a bench (105a) including a bench seat (110a) and a support (120a). The system can include a singular unit as shown in FIG. 1A, or can include a system with paired units that complement each other, as further discussed herein. As provided in FIGS. 1A and IB, the bench seat (110a) includes a sitting surface (1 I la), a movable extension surface (150a), and a plurality of bench legs or side walls (112a). The sitting surface (I l la) allow for a user to sit or rest on the bench seat (110a). The sitting surface (I l la) can also accommodate bench seat cushions or other accessories to make a more pleasant lounging experience.

[0046] In FIG. 1A, the extension surface (150a) is nested within the unit to allow for a pleasant seating experience in the bench configuration. The extension surface (150a) is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface (I l la) to form a sleeping surface (151a). As shown in FIG. IB, the extension surface (150a) is shown in an extended configuration. This extended configuration allows for a user to rest on the combined surface area (151a) of the bench seat (110a) and the extension surface (150a) for a pleasant sleeping experience. Similar to the bench configuration, accessories such as pillows, mattress, and cushions can couple with the combined surface.

[0047] The plurality of bench legs can support the bench seat (110a). In one embodiment, the system includes at least four bench legs at each corner of the bench seat (110a). The bench legs can further extend along the depth and width of the bench seat to form a plurality of side walls (112a), as depicted in FIG. 1A. The side walls can provide an aesthetic finish to the system and / or provide load bearing assistance. The plurality of side walls (112a) can be connected to each other and to the bench seat (110a) using many of the known methods in the art, such as bolting, welding, press-fitting, applying adhesive, etc. Optionally, the plurality of side walls (112a) can be made of a monolithic piece of material which is connected to the bench seat (110a) as described above.

[0048] The adaptable furniture system (100) is configured to support one or more users sitting or resting on the system. For example, in one embodiment, the system can support up to 1000 pounds. The dimensions of the bench (105a) can be any desired dimensions to accommodate a desired space, such as a length within the inclusive range of 30 inches to 112 inches, a height up to 60 inches, and the depth can be any desired width within the inclusive range of 10 inches to 48 inches. In some embodiments, the sleeping surface (151a) can at least be 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, which is the size of a conventional twin sized bed.

[0049] As depicted in FIG. 1A, the support (120a) can be configured as a substantially flat surface that spans the length of the bench seat (110a). The support can be configured as a back rest, a table surface, and a headrest as further described herein. The support (120a) can be connected to a plurality of support legs (121a). The connection between the support (120a) and the support legs (121a) can be achieved using any of the known connect methods in the art, including by not limited to, bolts, screws, adhesives, press-fits. Each of the plurality of support legs (121a) can be mechanically coupled to the bench legs or the sides walls (112a), if provided. The connection of the support legs (121a) to the bench legs or side walls (112a) can be a rotatable coupling such that the support legs (121a) with the support (120a) are rotatable with respect to the bench seat (110a).

[0050] As depicted in FIG. 1A, the support (120a) and support legs (121a) are shown in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the support (120a) is angled with respect the bench seat (110a). As shown in FIG. 1A, the support (120a) is perpendicular to the bench seat (110a), but any suitable angle is contemplated herewith. Further, the support (120a) can include a hinged configuration to permit a user selected angle of the support (120a) with the bench seat (110a). A side surface of the support (120a) can rest upon and be supported by a top surface of the bench seat (110a) or a ledge of the bench seat (110a) such that the support (120a) is configured as a back rest or a headboard, as shown in FIGS. 1 A and IB.

[0051] As depicted is FIG. 3, the support (120a) and support legs (121a) are shown in a second configuration. In the second configuration, the first portion (123 a) of each of the support legs (121a) are disposed on a ground surface and can be substantially parallel to the bench seat (110a). The second portion (124a) of the support legs (121a) can extend upwards at an angle, such as perpendicular, from a portion of the first portion (123a) of the support legs (121a). The support (120a), connected to the second portion (124a) of the support legs (121a) is parallel to the bench seat (110a) in the second configuration and can be configured as a surface for table or a desk.

[0052] As depicted in FIG. 2, each support leg (121a) can include a first portion (123a) and a second portion (124a) which are coupled together. Each of the support legs (121a) can comprise a joint (126a) that connects the first portion (123a) and the second portion (124a) of the support legs (121a) together, as provided in FIGS. 2 and 3. The male component of the joint (126a) can be at least one of a peg, a cotter pin, a clip, a pushpin, or other equivalents as are known in the art and the female component of the joint can define a hole, recess, aperture or equivalent, based on the respective configuration of the male component. As depicted in the FIG. 2, both the first portion (123a) and the second portion (124a) define holes that are sized and configured to receive a complementary peg. The joint (126a) can be used to lock a position of the second portion (124a) relative to the first portion (123a) of the support legs (121a). In an unlocked configuration, a relative height “H” of the support (120a) can be adjusted. The relative height “H” can be locked by engaging the joint (126a) with the support legs (121a). In the second configuration, changing the relative height “H” of the support (120a) allows for the support (120a) configured as a table surface to be raised or lowered to a desired height. Once the user determines their own desired height, the user can engage the joint (126a) to the support legs (121a) to lock the height. Additionally, the first portion (123a) can comprise a depth adjusting slot (122a) that is configured to enable a relative distance “D” between the support (120a) in the table configuration and the bench (105a) to be adjusted. The depth adjusting slot (122a) can couple with a structure of the bench legs or the plurality of side walls (112a) that allow the distance “W” to be adjusted and locked. Now turning to FIG. 4, in some embodiments at least one of the plurality of side walls (112a) can include at least one door (116a) that is rotatably connected to a respective side wall (112a). The at least one door (116a) can be rotated between a closed position and an open position. Each door (116a) can include a handle (117a) to allow a user to open the door (116a) and access a storage area (118a). The storage area can be disposed beneath and is defined by the bench seat (110a) and the plurality of side walls (112a). The storage area (118a) can be used to store pieces of the adaptable storage furniture system (100) and additional items including but not limited to cushions, pillows, blankets, mattress, clothes, food items, etc. As noted above, the adaptable furniture system (100) can further include at least one cushion disposed at least on top of the sitting surface (I l la). Additional cushions can be provided along the support (120a) in the first configuration and be configured as a back rest. Additional cushions can be stored in the storage area (118a) when the adaptable furniture system (100) is configured as a bed. While FIG. 4 depicts three doors, it should be understood to one of ordinary skill in the art that more or less doors can be included, such as one, two, four, five, six, or seven doors that can occupy that total space up to the full area defined by the side wall that the doors are disposed on. While the doors are depicted in FIG. 4 are being disposed on a first side wall, it should be appreciated that the doors can be located on any of the sidewalls of the bench, including a hinged configuration along the top edge of the sitting surface.

[0053] In yet an alternative embodiment, the extension surface of the system can alternatively be hinged with the bench seat along a top edge thereof. In such configuration, the extension surface is not nested beneath the bench surface, but rather is hinged with the top edge to create a front side wall of the unit in a first position in addition to functioning as the extension surface in the second position. As such, the back of the extension surface can include hingeable legs that can move between a storage condition and an active condition. In the active condition, the legs can support the extension surface and be perpendicular thereto.

[0054] Solely for purpose of illustration, reference is now made to FIG. 1 A and IB, which shows an embodiment of the adaptable furniture system 100 in the first and second configurations, respectively. The bench (105a) includes the bench seat (110a) having a sitting surface (I l la) and an extension surface (150a). In the embodiment of FIG. IB, the extension surface is disposed parallel to the sitting surface (I l la) of the bench seat (110a). The extension surface (150a) includes a top surface that is configured to be displaced from beneath the sitting surface (I l la) to define a sleeping area. The extension surface can include a supporting surface (153a) that supports the extension surface (150a). The supporting surface (153a) can be a frame, as depicted in FIG. 1, or a plurality of individual legs coupled to the extension surface (150a). The extension surface (150a) can further include at least one of handle (154a) configured to aid a user in displacing the extension surface (150a) from the sitting surface (I l la) of the bench seat (110a). In some embodiments, the handles (154a) align with removed portions of the sitting surface (I l la), as seen in FIG. IB. In some embodiments, the handle can include a plastic piece that is coupled to the extension surface (150a). A suitable handle is illustrated in FIG. 5. Handle 154a can be press or snap fit into the extension surface (150a) at an aperture thereof or connected using adhesive or other known mechanisms in the art. The legs or sidewalls of the bench can further include wheels to facilitate moving the extension surface back and forth.

[0055] Referring back to FIG. IB, the extension surface (150a) is depicted displaced away from and laterally spaced with respect to the sitting surface (I l la). The displacement can be achieved by sliding the extension surface (150a) within a complementary track that is defined by the interior edges of the bench seat (110a) or the interior of the side walls (112a) to transition the adaptable furniture system (100) between the table configuration to the bed configuration. As shown in FIG. 8, the extension surface (150a) can further include a groove system (160a) formed along the outermost edge of the sitting surface (I l la). The groove system (160a) can be configured to couple with an extension board (161a), as depicted in FIGS 8A-8B, to form an extended sleeping surface (162). In some embodiments, the extended sleeping surface (162) can complement the dimensions of the unit, such as 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.

[0056] A method of using the adaptable furniture system (100) shown throughout the figures and is discussed herein solely for illustrative purposes. The adaptable furniture system (100) is shown in FIG. 3 in the table configuration with the support (120a) supported by the support legs (121a). In the table configuration of FIG. 3, a user can unlock the joints (126a) that connect the first (123a) and second (124a) portions of the support legs (121a) to raise or lower the support (120a) relative to a ground surface or the sitting surface (I l la). When the support (120a) in the table configuration is at a desired height, the user can engage the joint (126a) with the support legs (121a) to adjust the desired height. By rotating the support legs (121a) with respect to the bench seat (110a), a user can transition the adaptable furniture system 100 between the table, or second configuration, to the first configuration by rotating the support legs (121a) until the support (120a) is supported by the sitting surface (I l la) at an angle as seen in FIG. 1 A. In this configuration, the support (120a) is configured as a back rest and the support legs (121a) are adjacent to a transverse side of the bench seat. While the angle formed by the support (120a) and the sitting surface (I l la) in the first configuration can be 90 degrees, the angle formed can be any angle within the range 70 to 120. Furthermore, the support (120a) can be hingeable with respect to the portion (124a) by using conventional couplings, as desired. In this first configuration, a user can engage with the at least one handle (154a) of the extension surface (150a). As best seen in FIGS. 1A and 3, the extension surface is disposed beneath the sitting surface (I l la) to minimize the amount of space that the adaptable furniture system (100) occupies. The user can displace the extension surface (150a) by pulling the handles away from the sitting surface (I l la) to arrive at the sleeping surface depicted in FIG. IB.

[0057] The unit is configured to couple with a structure for securement thereto. For example, the bench legs or the plurality of side walls (112a) can further include an attachment mechanism (195a) configured to couple with a portion of a recreation vehicle (RV) as depicted in FIG. 8B. The bench can be directly coupled to the floor of an RV or can be coupled to a track that is connected to the floor of the RV as in known in the art. Suitable attachment mechanisms include anchors, brackets, plates, or comer connectors. Other suitable attachment mechanisms are contemplated in the art and can be used in conjunction with the described adaptable furniture system (100).

[0058] While reference has been made to an adaptable furniture system including one unit, the adaptable furniture system according to the disclosed subject matter can further include additional pieces to complement the unit. FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of the adaptable furniture system (1000) having a first unit with a first bench (105a) and a second unit with a second bench (105b) substantially similar to the first bench (105a) described above. The second bench (105b) can include all elements described above with respect to the first bench (105a) and be a mirror image of the bench (105a) when facing the first bench, as shown in FIG. 6. The second bench (105b) can include a second sitting surface (111b), a movable extension surface (150b) disposed beneath the second sitting surface, a plurality of bench legs and / or side walls (112b), a second support (120b), a plurality of second support legs (121b), which are all configured to perform the functions described above with respect to their counterparts. The second bench (105b) can be situated across the first bench (105a) as is known in the art for dinette systems.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a first bench (105a) and a second bench (105b) are shown in the second configuration, as a table or a desk. In the second configuration, the supports (120a, 120b) are configured to align to form an extended table. In such configuration, the extension surfaces (150a, 150b) are disposed recessed within the respective benches and stored beneath the respective sitting surfaces (11 la, 11 lb) of the first and second benches (105a, 105b). Both supports (120a, 120b) have been rotated with respect to their respective sitting surface (I l la, 111b). While FIG. 6 shows both supports in the second configuration, it should be appreciated that the supports (120a, 120b) are independently rotatable and that one support (120a or 120b) can be in the second configuration while the other support (120a or 120b) remains in the first configuration. The supports (120a, 120b) can be independently locked with respect to the bench. For example, each of the supports (120a, 120b) can include apertures on the support legs (121a, 121b) that are configured to mate with push buttons disposed on the bench. Other suitable locking mechanism are contemplated in the art and can be used with the adaptable furniture system to achieve the desired locking function.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, the first bench and the second bench (105a, 105b) are shown in the first configuration. In the first configuration, the supports (120a, 120b) are configured as a back or head rest. The extensions surfaces (150a, 150b) can both be displaced away from a respective sitting surface (11 la, 11 lb) using the handles (154a, 154b) to form the sleeping area.

[0061] FIG. 8 A depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter that additionally includes a leaf or an extension board to increase the length of the sleeping area. The extension board (161) can include at least one mating portion (167) configured to couple to the groove systems (160a, 160b) formed in the outermost edges of each of the extension surfaces (150a, 150b) to form an extended sleeping surface. Any suitable number of mating portions (167) can be included on the extension board. The extension board (161) can include at least one mating portion (167) configured to be releasably coupled to the groove systems (160a, 160b) using known mechanical methods in the art including but not limited to tongue and groove or press-fitting. As depicted in FIG. 8 A, the mating portions (167) are press-fit into openings defined on the groove systems (160a, 160b).

[0062] Turning now to FIG. 8B which shows the system coupled to a portion of a recreation vehicle, the mating portion (167) has been coupled to the groove system (160a, 160b) to form an extended sleeping surface. The extended sleeping surface can be defined by the sitting surfaces (11 la, 11 lb), the extension surfaces (150a, 150b), and the extension board (161). The bench can further include an attachment mechanism (195a). The attachment mechanism (195a) can be configured to couple the bench to a portion of a recreation vehicle (RV), such as a floor (196) thereof. Suitable attachment mechanisms include anchors, brackets, plates, or comer connectors. Other suitable attachment mechanisms are contemplated in the art and can be used in conjunction with the described adaptable furniture system (100).

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 9A, another embodiment of an adaptable furniture system is depicted. In this embodiment, the adaptable furniture system (200) can include a bench (201a) that includes a bench seat (202a) having a sitting surface including a plurality of slats (204a, 206a). The bench (202a) can be supported by a plurality of bench legs or side walls. The plurality of side walls (250a) can include a plurality of frame segments that can cooperate together to form a supporting frame (271a) that is configured to support the weight of a load imparted on the adaptable furniture system (200). The frame segments can be coupled together using any known method in the art, including but not limited to nails, hots, adhesives, screws, or mechanical fittings in the segments including pegs, or complementary press-fitting or other mating features.

[0064] Still referring to FIG. 9A, the adaptable furniture system (200) incudes a support (270b) as similarly described above with the other disclosed embodiments, that the support can span the length of the bench seat (202a) and can be connected to a plurality of support legs (271a). The connection between the support and (270a) and the support legs (271a) can be achieved using any of the known connect methods in the art, including by not limited to, bolts, screws, adhesives, press-fits. Each of the plurality of support legs (271a) can be mechanically coupled to one of the sides walls (250a). The connection of the support legs (271a) to the side walls (250a) can be a rotatable coupling such that the support legs (271a), and support (270a), can be rotated with respect to the bench seat (202a). Each support leg can include a first portion (273a) and a second portion (274a) which are coupled together.

[0065] As depicted in FIG. 9A, the support (270a) and support legs (271a) are shown in a first configuration. In the first configuration, the support (270a) is angled with respect the bench seat (202a). The support (270a) is supported by the bench seat (202a), such as by, a top surface (277a) thereof. As shown in FIG, 9, the support (270a) is configured as a back rest or a headboard.

[0066] As depicted is FIG. 9A, the support (270a) and support legs (271a) are shown in a first configuration. In a second configuration, the first portion (273a) of each of the support legs (271a) are disposed on a ground surface and can be substantially parallel to the bench seat (110a). The second portion (274a) of the support legs (271a) can extend upwards at an angle, such as perpendicular, from a portion of the first portion (273a) of the support legs (271a). The support (270a), connected to the second portion (274a) of the support legs (271a) is parallel to the bench seat (202a) in the second configuration and can be configured as a surface for a table or desk. Each of the support legs (271a) can comprise a joint that connects the first portion (273 a) and the second portion (274a) of the support legs (271a) together. The joint can be at least one of a peg, a cotter pin, a clip, a pushpin, or other equivalents as are known in the art.

[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first portion (273a) and second portion (274a) of the support legs (271a) can be configured as a dovetail slot, with either of the portions being the male or female portions. By configurating the support legs (271a) as a dovetail slow, a user can easily slide the portions relative to each other to reach a desired height. As depicted in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first portion (273a) of the support legs (271a) comprises a slot configured to slidably receive a portion of the second portion (274a). The joint can be used to lock a position of the second portion (274a) relative to the first portion (273a) of the support legs (271a) to prevent unintentional movement of the portions relative to each other during use. In an unlocked configuration, a relative height of the support (270a) can be adjusted. The relative height can be locked by engaging the joint with the support legs (271a). In the second configuration, changing the relative height of the support (270a) allows for the table to be raised or lowered to a desired height. Once the user determines their own desired height, the user can engage the joint to the support legs (271a) to lock the height.

[0068] As noted above, the bench seat includes a plurality of interleaved slats (204a, 204a), of which a portion (206a) are configured to function also as an extension surface. The extension surface (205a) can include includes the plurality of connected slats (206a). The plurality of first slats (204a) and the plurality of second slats (206a) define the sitting surface (203a) of the bench seat (202a). The plurality of connected first slats (204a) and the plurality of second slats (206a) can be interleaved to form the sitting surface. In this embodiment, the second plurality of connected slates (206a) are configured to be displaced laterally with respect to the first plurality of connected slats (204a) to form a sleeping surface. FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of the first slats and the second slats of the unit.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of first slats (204a) are separable from the second slats (206a) to transition the unit between a bench and a sleeping surface. Respective ends of the plurality of first slats (204a) can be connected to a top frame (211a) of the bench seat support (210a) using known methods in the art, including but limited to adhesives such as glue, wood glue, screws, nails, etc. The top frame (211a) can be connected to a base frame (212a) that can include a plurality of segments that are connected together to form the bench seat support (210a) using known methods in the art, including but limited to adhesives such as glue, wood glue, screws, nails, etc. The legs or sidewalls of the bench can further include wheels to facilitate moving the extension surface back and forth.

[0070] As depicted in FIG. 10, the plurality of second slats (206a) are connected to an extension support (220a) at respective ends of each of the second plurality of connected slats (206a). The extension support (220a) can include a back rail (221a) that is coupled with a back surface of slats (206a) to slide underneath the first slats (204a) which moving the extension away from the frame (21 la). When in a nested, interleaved condition, the back rail (221a) can abut a back wall of the plurality of side walls (250a) such that the outermost edges of the first slats (204a) and the second slats (206a) are aligned as seen in FIG. 9A. When transitioning between a nested and extended condition, the back rail (221a) moves laterally within the enclosed area defined by the base frame (212a) until the back rail (221a) abuts a front wall of the plurality of side walls (250a). The front wall of the plurality of side walls (250a) is configured to prevent further movement of the extension surface (205a) such that the bench seat (202a) and the extension surface (205a) remain connected during use. The bench seat support (210a) can further include an attachment mechanism (213a). The attachment mechanism (213a) can be configured to couple the bench to a portion of a recreation vehicle (RV), such as a floor (275) thereof. Suitable attachment mechanisms include anchors, brackets, plates, or comer connectors. Other suitable attachment mechanisms are contemplated in the art and can be used in conjunction with the described adaptable furniture system (200).

[0071] The embodiment of FIG. 9A can additionally include features and accessories as previously disclosed with the prior embodiments including having at least one door that is rotatably connected to a respective side walls (250a) to enhance storage space of the unit, having cushions and the like, and having a leaf extension board to extend the sleeping surface as previously disclosed herein.

[0072] The adaptable furniture system (200) described with reference to FIGS. 9-10 can be manipulated by a user in the same manner as described above with respect to adaptable furniture system (100).

[0073] While reference has been made to an adaptable furniture system (200) including one bench (201a). The adaptable furniture system (200) can include a second bench that is substantially similar to the bench (201b) and is disposed in a mirrored configuration as depicted in FIG. 11. The second bench (201b) can include a first plurality of connected slats (204b), a second plurality of support legs, a second support (270b), a second plurality of side walls (250b), and a second extension surface defined by a second plurality of connected slats (206b) that are configured to be displaced laterally with respect to the first plurality slats (204b) which are all configured to perform the functions described above with respect to their counterparts. The adaptable furniture system (200) can further include an extension board (291). The extension board (291) can be formed as a plurality of interconnect slates connected to a support. The support can be formed as a plurality of individual legs or as a frame. The extension board can be configured to mechanical mate with the slates of the extension surfaces (206a, 206b) to form an extended sleeping surface. The second bench can be situated opposite to the first bench (201a) as is known in the art for dinette systems as way described above with respect to adaptable furniture system (100).

[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an adaptable furniture system (300) is depicted, similar to the adaptable furniture system (100) described above.

[0075] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12A, the extension surfaces are defined by a plurality of individual segments (307a, 307b) that are each configured to be independently displaceable laterally relative to the bench seats (305a, 305b). Each segment (307a, 307b) can include a handle (308a, 308b) configured to aid a user in displacing a desired segment (307a, 307b). Further, at least one of the plurality of side walls (304a, 304b) can include a door (309b) and handle (310b) configured to transition between an open and closed configured to allow a user to access a storage area beneath the bench seat (305b). While three segments (307a, 307b) are depicted in FIG. 12, it should be apparent that any desired number of segments can be used to form the extension surfaces (306a, 306b). For example, adaptable furniture system (100) described above uses one integral segment. Adaptable furniture system (300) can include a plurality of segments disposed laterally to form the extension surface (306a, 306b).

[0076] Still referring to FIG. 12A, any combination of the segments (307a, 307b) can be displaced laterally from the bench seats (305a, 305b) as desired by a user. For example, as depicted in FIG. 12, a pair of end segments are shown displaced from the bench seats (306a, 306) to form a U-bench, while the other segments remain recessed within the bench seats (305a, 305b). From the U-booth configuration, the segments (307a, 307b) on the opposite end of the bench seats (305a, 305b) can be laterally displaced to form an O-booth as depicted in FIG. 12B. Additionally, all of the segments (307a, 307b) have been displaced laterally from the bench seats (305b, 305b) to form an extended sleeping surface as seen in FIG. 12C.

[0077] As recognized in the art, there exists a need for adaptable furniture systems within space limited areas that can provide a plurality of different uses while being space efficient and easy to use. The adaptable furniture systems disclosed herein satisfy this need.

[0078] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosed subject matter, an adaptable furniture system including a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls; and a support coupled to the plurality of support legs, wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration.

[0079] In accordance with the embodiments of the subject matter previously described, the components of the adaptable furniture systems (100,200,300) can be made out of a plurality of suitable materials. For instance, components of the adaptable furniture systems (100,200) can be made of steel, alumni, metal alloys, composites, wood, composites or recycled materials. The adaptable furniture system can be made using any suitable manufacturing method including but not limited to rotational molding (roto-molding), injection molding, or other known methods in the art.

[0080] While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements can be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter can be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

[0081] In addition to the various embodiments depicted and claimed, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features disclosed and claimed herein. As such, the particular features presented herein can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

[0082] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An adaptable furniture system comprising: a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls; and a support coupled to the plurality of support legs, wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration.

2. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein the first configuration includes a bench configuration and the support is configured as the back rest.

3. The adaptable furniture system of claim 2, wherein the back rest is angled to a top of the bench seat in the first configuration.

4. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein the support has a first surface and second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface is at least one of the back rest or headboard and the second surface is the table surface.

5. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein in the second configuration, the support is displaced from and parallel to the bench seat and supported by the plurality of support legs.

6. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a first portion coupled to a second portion, and wherein each of the plurality of legs comprises a joint configured to adjust a height of the plurality of legs.

7. The adaptable furniture system of claim 6, wherein a relative height of the back surface is configured to be adjusted by the joint.

8. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein the sitting surface comprises a first plurality of connected slats and the extension surface comprises a second plurality of connected slats, and wherein the first plurality of slats and the second plurality of slats are interleaved.

9. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, further comprising an extension board, wherein the extension surface comprises a groove system configured to couple with the extension board to increase the surface area of the sleeping surface.

10. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein the bench further comprises a storage area disposed beneath the bench seat defined by the bench seat and the plurality of side walls, wherein the bench further includes at least one door rotatably coupled to one of the side walls.

11. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein the extension surface comprises a first portion and second portion adjacent the first portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably coupled together and are independently movable between a storage position and a use position.

12. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein when the first portion is in the use position and the second portion is in the storage position, the first portion comprises a chaise in the use position.

13. The adaptable furniture system of claim 1, wherein the furniture system is configured to be secured to a floor of a recreational vehicle.

14. An adaptable furniture system comprising: a first bench, the first bench including: a first bench seat having a first sitting surface, a first extension surface, and a first plurality of side walls, wherein the first extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the first sitting surface to form a first sleeping surface, a first plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the first plurality of side walls, a first support coupled to the first plurality of support legs, wherein the first support and first support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the first bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the first support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the first support comprises a table in the second configuration; and a second bench adjacent to the first bench, the second bench including: a second bench seat having a second sitting surface, a second extension surface, and a second plurality of side walls, wherein the second extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the second sitting surface to form a second sleeping surface,a second plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the second plurality of side walls, a second support coupled to the second plurality of support legs, wherein the second support and second support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the second bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the second support comprises a table in the second configuration, wherein in the second configuration, edges of the first support and second support are configured to align to form an expanded table surface.

15. The adaptable furniture system of claim 14, further comprising an extension board configured to connect the first extension surface to the second extension surface to form an extended sleeping surface.

16. The adaptable furniture system of claim 15, wherein the extension board includes a plurality of mating portions configured to be press fit into openings in the first extension surface and the second extension surface.

17. The adaptable furniture system of claim 14, wherein the first extension surface and the second extension surface each comprise a first portion and second portion adjacent the first portion, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are releasably coupled together and are independently movable between the first configuration and the second configuration position.

18. The adaptable furniture system of claim 17, wherein at least one of the first portion or the second portion can be translated with respect to the sitting surface to form an L-shaped sectional.

19. The adaptable furniture system of claim 18, wherein the first bench and the second bench are configured to form a U-booth by translating a matching pair of either the first portion or the second portion of each of the first bench and the second bench.

20. An adaptable furniture system comprising: a bench, the bench including a bench seat having a sitting surface, an extension surface, and a plurality of side walls, wherein the extension surface is configured to be displaced away from the sitting surface to form a sleeping surface, a plurality of support legs rotatably coupled to the side walls, a support coupled to the plurality of support legs,wherein the support and support legs are configured to rotate with respect to the bench seat between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the support comprises at least one of a back rest or headboard in the first configuration and the support comprises a table in the second configuration, wherein the bench seat includes an attachment mechanism configured to couple the bench to a portion of a recreation vehicle (RV).

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