Frameless furniture with enhanced user experience assembly
Frameless furniture systems with removable components and insert elements address adaptability and comfort issues by enabling users to modify properties like adaptability, flexibility, and resilience, enhancing user experience and durability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE LOVESAC CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-01
AI Technical Summary
Existing frameless furniture lacks adaptability, comfort, and durability, often requiring frequent replacement and failing to meet diverse user needs, such as comfort, ease of assembly, and multiple functionalities.
Frameless furniture systems with removable components and insert elements that allow users to modify properties like adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, and resilience, incorporating features like heating, cooling, massage, and olfactory stimuli through interchangeable covers and modules.
Enhances user experience by providing customizable comfort levels, durability, and versatility, allowing users to adapt furniture to their needs and preferences, extending its lifespan and usability.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 494,645, filed on April 6, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for adjusting the characteristics of frameless furniture to improve the user experience in frameless furniture.
Background Art
[0003] Over the years, various types of furniture have been developed to provide comfort and decoration. Consumers highly value furniture that does not need to be replaced soon and can withstand a high level of wear and tear. When purchasing, consumers expect the furniture to be easily assembled. Once assembled, consumers evaluate furniture that can be easily cleaned. Most decorated furniture has decorative materials nailed or stapled to the furniture, and when the furniture gets dirty or stained, new decorative materials are needed. Further, some consumers do not have the luxury to buy a lot of furniture. However, some furniture that serves multiple functions, such as futon beds, is bulky and costly. Additionally, futon mattresses are often thin and uncomfortable, whether used as a couch or a bed. Also, consumers expect furniture that is comfortable and adaptable for many different users.
Summary of the Invention
Means for Solving the Problems
[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure address the foregoing with regard to apparatus, systems, and methods for tuning the properties of frameless furniture in order to improve the user experience relating to frameless furniture. Properties of frameless furniture, such as adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience, can be modified, for example, by the use of removable components related to the frameless furniture and / or insert elements of the frameless furniture. In addition, the properties of frameless furniture may also include other experiences that a user may have with frameless furniture, such as auditory, vibratory, or other tactile sensations that a user may have while seated in the frameless furniture.
[0005] Some embodiments relate to frameless furniture in which the adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience of the frameless furniture can be improved or modified to provide different user experiences, such as by changing the degree to which the frameless furniture adapts to a user seated in it. In one configuration, this can be achieved by changing at least one of the adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience of the frameless furniture across all or select parts of the frameless furniture.
[0006] Some embodiments relate to frameless furniture that can be modified by a user to change the softness or hardness of the frameless furniture. The “softness or hardness sensation” can be modified by providing all or part of the frameless furniture with a comfort control assembly that has one or more of the following properties (such as, but not limited to, adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience) that are different from the cover of the frameless furniture.
[0007] Some embodiments relate to frameless furniture that allows a user to alter their user experience, which can affect one or more of the user's senses by providing, for example, but not limited to, heating, cooling, massage, sound, other tactile changes, smell, or other olfactory stimuli, such as aromatherapy, atomization, combinations thereof, or modifications thereof.
[0008] Some embodiments relate to frameless furniture that includes optionally interchangeable covers to alter specific comfort levels of at least a portion of the frameless furniture. Covers, and / or insert elements of the frameless furniture, can selectively accept comfort control assemblies to adjust the softness or hardness of at least a portion of the frameless furniture, such as the seating area of the frameless furniture. Covers may include additional accessories and features to enhance the user experience with the frameless furniture. Removable covers allow for easy cleaning of the cover.
[0009] Some embodiments relate to frameless furniture including removable and replaceable insert elements, allowing a user to change a particular level of comfort in at least a portion of the frameless furniture. The removable and replaceable insert elements also allow a user to provide one or more electronic settings to the frameless furniture. For example, embodiments of the removable and replaceable insert elements may include a battery or other power source and an electrical module. The electrical module can provide heating, cooling, massage, and / or a combination thereof to the seating area of the frameless furniture.
[0010] Some embodiments relate to frameless furniture housing multiple layers and / or modules. The core may include a power supply configured to power one or more layers. In some configurations, the frameless furniture includes a self-orienting module located in one of the layers. The self-orienting module is configured to maintain a desired shape and / or orientation of the frameless furniture. In yet other configurations, the size / shape of the core is selectively modifiable, for example, when the core is expandable or modified using a different fluid or other mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, or other structure or device.
[0011] Some embodiments relate to a frameless furniture assembly comprising an insert element, a cover configured to receive the insert element, and a comfort control assembly configured to be positioned below the outer surface of the cover, wherein the comfort control assembly is attached to or otherwise coupled to at least one of the insert element and the cover.
[0012] Some embodiments relate to a frameless furniture assembly comprising a breathable insert element filled with a filling material, a cover configured to receive the insert element, and a comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, wherein at least one anchor position is located on at least one of the insert element and the cover, and the at least one anchor position selectively cooperates with at least one complementary anchor position of the comfort control assembly.
[0013] Some embodiments relate to a method for improving the user experience with frameless furniture by modifying one or more characteristics of the frameless furniture, the method comprising: providing an insert element comprising a body and a filling material; providing a cover configured to receive the insert element, the cover comprising an inner surface and an outer surface; and arranging a comfort control assembly between the insert element and the cover, the comfort control assembly having at least one characteristic different from at least one of the insert element and the cover.
[0014] Some embodiments relate to a furniture assembly comprising: an inner member having an inner member cover and a filling material disposed within the inner member cover; an outer cover member surrounding the inner member; and a durometer adjustment assembly operably cooperating with the inner member and the outer cover member, for selectively changing the overall durometer of the furniture assembly.
[0015] Some embodiments relate to a frameless furniture assembly comprising: an insert element having a seating area; a cover configured to receive the insert element; a comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, the comfort control assembly being attached to or otherwise coupled to at least one of the insert element and the cover; and a thermoelectric module operably coupled to the frameless furniture assembly, the thermoelectric module configured to provide one or more of massage, heating, and / or cooling to the seating area.
[0016] Some embodiments relate to a frameless furniture assembly comprising: a core having a seating area; an insert element configured to be received by the seating area; a cover configured to receive the core and the insert element; a comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, which is attached to or otherwise coupled to at least one of the insert element and the cover; and a thermoelectric module operably coupled to the frameless furniture assembly, which is configured to provide one or more of massage, heating, and / or cooling to the seating area.
[0017] Some embodiments relate to a method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly, the method comprising the step of providing a frameless furniture system, the frameless furniture system having a core having a seating area, at least one insert element configured to be received by the seating area, a cover configured to receive the core and the insert element, and an experience enhancement assembly operably coupled to at least one of the insert element and the cover, the experience enhancement assembly adjusting at least one of the hardness, softness and electronic settings of at least one of the experience enhancement assemblies.
[0018] Some embodiments relate to a method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly, the method comprising the steps of providing a frameless furniture assembly as described herein, and adjusting at least one of the hardness, softness, and electronic settings of the frameless furniture assembly, the adjusting step of being performed using a comfort control assembly, at least one electrical module, or both, and the electronic settings include at least an "on" setting, an "off" setting, a thermal setting, and a massage setting.
[0019] Some embodiments relate to a frameless furniture assembly comprising an insert element having a seating area, a cover configured to receive the insert element, and a technology assembly at least partially disposed under the cover and configured to improve a user experience by a frameless furniture.
[0020] Some embodiments relate to a frameless furniture assembly comprising an insert element, a cover configured to receive the insert element, and an experience improvement assembly operably cooperating with at least one of the insert element and the cover, the experience improvement assembly being configured to adjust at least one operating characteristic of the frameless furniture assembly so as to change a user experience by the frameless furniture assembly.
[0021] Other embodiments are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description which illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure. As will be understood, the technology of the present disclosure is capable of modification in various aspects without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary furniture assembly on which a user is sitting comfortably. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary furniture assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an insert element disposed within an outer cover. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a ventilation member of the insert element. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows an exemplary product of the ventilation member. [Figures 5B-5D] FIGS. 5B-5D show exemplary ventilation members. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the breathable member of the insert element in which the filter material is arranged. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an exemplary product of the outer cover. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an exemplary comfort control assembly related to the insert element and the outer cover. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a furniture assembly having a comfort control assembly. [Figure 10A-10D] Figures 10A - 10D show an exemplary configuration of the comfort control assembly. [Figure 11A-11D] Figures 11A - 11D illustrate the coupling of the comfort control assembly with one or more of the insert element and the outer cover. [Figures 12A-12B] Figures 12A - 12B are partial cross-sectional views of a portion of a furniture assembly having an exemplary comfort control assembly. [Figure 13A-13C] Figures 13A - 13C show the installation of the comfort control assembly. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a front view of the comfort control assembly. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a side view of an alternative implementation of the comfort control assembly of Figure 14A. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a perspective view of the protective cover of the comfort control assembly. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a perspective view of an exemplary comfort control element. [Figure 15C] Figure 15C is a perspective view of an exemplary comfort control element. [Figures 16A-16B] Figures 16A - 16B are cross-sectional views of an exemplary comfort control element. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example of a furniture assembly. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 17A. [Figure 17C] Figure 17C is a partial cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly illustrated in Figure 17A. [Figure 17D]Figure 17D is a partial cross-sectional view of the furniture assembly shown in Figure 17A. [Figure 17E] Figure 17E is a perspective view of the furniture assembly shown in Figure 17A. [Figures 18A-18B] Figures 18A-18B are virtual perspective views of an exemplary furniture assembly. [Figure 18C] Figure 18C is a perspective view of the furniture assembly shown in Figures 18A-18B. [Figures 19A-19B] Figures 19A-19B are perspective views of an exemplary furniture assembly that includes an inflatable element. [Figures 20A-20C] Figures 20A-20C show exemplary covers for use with furniture. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0023] One or more specific embodiments of this disclosure are described below. To provide a concise description of these embodiments, some features of the actual embodiments may be described herein. Please understand that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous individual implementation decisions are made to achieve the specific goals of the developer, which may differ from implementation to implementation, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Please further understand that such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but nevertheless, to a person skilled in the art who is interested in this disclosure, they are routine design, fabrication, and manufacturing endeavors.
[0024] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may generally be devices, systems, and methods for adjusting the properties of frameless furniture (such as, but not limited to, the adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience of frameless furniture) in order to improve the user experience relating to frameless furniture. By adjusting the properties of one or more parts of frameless furniture, such as insert elements and / or outer covers, the user experience may be modified and improved according to the user's desired choices. For example, if a user currently owns frameless furniture and desires to have a more resilient and less adaptable feel or configuration, the user may add a durometer adjustment assembly to enhance or reduce the flexibility of the frameless furniture. Similarly, if a user chooses to change or modify the molding or forming ability of insert elements and / or outer covers, the user may add a durometer adjustment assembly to change the molding or forming properties. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various other features of frameless furniture may be modified or improved and recognized / encompassed by this disclosure.
[0025] This disclosure describes specific embodiments of apparatus, systems, and methods for adjusting the characteristics of frameless furniture to improve the user's system of frameless furniture, but it should be understood that the apparatus, systems, and methods described herein may be applicable to other uses. Furthermore, elements described in relation to any example illustrated and / or described herein may be combined with elements described in relation to any other example illustrated and / or described herein.
[0026] Generally, referring to the drawings in detail, similar reference numerals are used to designate similar elements, illustrating one or more embodiments of the present disclosure that provide devices, systems, and methods for adjusting the user characteristics of frameless furniture to improve the user experience with frameless furniture. The devices, systems, and methods allow users of frameless furniture to improve or modify the degree to which the frameless furniture conforms to or shapes for a user seated within the frameless furniture. In one configuration, a user can adjust one or more of the adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience of the frameless furniture, thereby changing the "softness or hardness" of the frameless furniture, which can be achieved by inserting or removing a durometer adjustment assembly.
[0027] The "softness or hardness" can be improved or altered by providing all or part of the frameless furniture with a durometer adjustment assembly having different properties from one or both of the cover and / or insert elements of the frameless furniture. For example, a user can change the molding or shaping characteristics of previously purchased frameless furniture by inserting or joining a durometer adjustment assembly having a different feel, thickness, density, and / or other properties than that of the initially purchased frameless furniture. This allows the user to use the frameless furniture for a longer period and to continue using it even if the user's physical conditions change.
[0028] Figures 1 and 2 show furniture assemblies 10. Figure 1 shows a large furniture assembly 10 in which a user is comfortably seated in the main seating area 12. Furniture assemblies 10 can range in size from large enough for two adult-sized people to rest comfortably to small enough for a small child to rest on. It will be understood that furniture assemblies 10 can adapt to the shape of the user resting on them in order to form a chair-like structure. Further details relating to furniture assembly 10 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,952,906, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0029] Figure 1 shows a furniture assembly 10 used in a chair-like function, but the furniture assembly 10 can have a variety of uses. The furniture assembly 10 may be flattened to provide a bed-like surface on which to lie. Smaller furniture assemblies 10 can function as ottomans. Alternatively, the furniture assembly 10 may function as a toy for children to jump and land on during play. Furthermore, the furniture assembly 10 may be formed in a slightly elongated shape so that household pets or even small infants can comfortably sleep on it. Thus, it will be seen that the furniture assembly 10 is very comfortable and versatile for a variety of uses.
[0030] The furniture assembly 10 can be configured in various shapes. As shown in Figure 2, the furniture assembly 10 is generally spherical. However, it will be understood that the furniture assembly may be substantially cubic or cylindrical, or various other shapes. Furthermore, the furniture assembly 10 is constructed with an efficient design that is durable and reduces manufacturing and packaging costs, the details of which will be described in more detail herein.
[0031] Referring to Figure 3, in one configuration, the furniture assembly 10 includes an insert element or chair 14 having a removable cover 16. The size of the insert element 14 can be, for example, in the range of 60.96 cm to 210.36 cm in diameter. As best shown in Figures 4-6, the insert element 14 includes a breathable member 18 that houses a filling material 24 placed therein. While it is preferable to use a protective cover 16 over the breathable member 18, another embodiment of the “furniture assembly” described herein includes a breathable member 18 having a filling material 24 inside. An example of the breathable member 18 is shown in detail in Figure 2-6.
[0032] Figures 4 and 5A show one embodiment of the manufacture of the breathable member 18. The breathable member 18 includes, for example, a central portion 20 formed of a fibrous material and two side portions 22A and 22B. The side portions 22A and 22B are joined to the central portion 20 so that the edges of the side portions 22A and 22B can be sewn to the edges of the central portion 20 or otherwise attached, thereby the insert element 14 forms a substantially spherical structure, as shown in Figure 4. However, it will be understood that various shapes may be useful. As shown in Figure 4, each side portion 22A and 22B is formed from multiple parts that are joined to each other, such as by being sewn together or otherwise joined to each other. However, it will be understood that each side portion may be formed from a single part or component.
[0033] The central section 20 has an opening 26 that extends transversely across the intermediate region 28 of the central section 20. The opening 26 may be formed before the side sections 22A and 22B are sewn together or attached to the central section 20. The opening 26 can be selectively opened and closed and therefore may include, but not limited to, zippers, lacing, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, buttons, snaps, other mechanical fasteners, other fastening structures, and combinations or modifications thereof, structures that facilitate such opening and closing. Furthermore, a flap 30 may be placed over the opening 26 to cover the structures that facilitate opening and closing. The flap 30 can be attached to the central section 20, side sections 22A and 22B, or any combination of the central section 20, side sections 22A and 22B.
[0034] Figures 5B-5D show another embodiment of the insert element, in which multiple segments are used to form insert elements 14a, 14b, and 14c, respectively. One or more of the segments AD, or wedge-shaped portions, may be arranged adjacent to each other to form an insert element. As shown in Figures 5B-5D, the segmented insert elements 14a, 14b, and 14c may include a number of identical orange-shaped segments (Figure 5B), a number of different orange-shaped segments (Figure 5C), or a number of segments (AD) that can form inner and outer portions that collectively form the insert element 14 (Figure 5D). The segments may be formed from different materials, such as the materials described herein. Alternatively, the segments may be formed from the same material, such as the materials described herein. Adjacent segments may be combined or joined together via various fastening mechanisms, including but not limited to zippers, lacing, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, buttons, snaps, other mechanical fasteners, other binding structures, and combinations or modifications thereof.
[0035] The segments may be combined and configured to adjust the seating area of the insert element 14 (for example, seating area 12 in Figures 1 and 2). For example, some segments may provide reinforced support toward the rear of the insert element 14, while segments forming the seating area may have an alternative "softness" provided by changing the durometer or density of the filler material forming all or part of the seating area segments. In addition and / or alternatively, one or more segments may house and / or provide power for various built-in mechanical systems, electromechanical systems, and electrical systems (more fully described below), schematically shown in Figures 5B-5D. For example, one or more segments may provide or facilitate access to a power source for systems such as speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, and inflatable / deflatable bladders, among other systems and electrical components described herein.
[0036] In one configuration, the breathable member 18 is made of a relaxed breathable material such as a nonwoven fabric or mesh material. For example, the breathable member 18 may include fibrous materials such as cotton, polyester, woven or sewn materials, or various other fibrous materials. In one embodiment, the breathable member 18 is made of soft fibers such as linen, cotton, gauze, mesh, and / or a combination thereof, and optionally has an untreated finish. The breathable member 18 may also include, for example, another relaxed breathable material.
[0037] As will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, the breathable member 18 may be constructed in a variety of different ways and may comprise a variety of different breathable soft materials that allow for the acceptance of a filling material therein and comfortable conformity to the shape of the user's body.
[0038] As shown in Figure 6, after filling the breathable member 18 with the filler material 24, the opening 26 is closed. The filler material 24 may be a compressible material that is elastic to selectively expand and contract. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, when the insert element 14 is filled, the filler material 24 may be deformable to conform to the contour of the body resting on the furniture assembly 10. The filler material 24 may be cut into pieces of material approximately 2.54 cm before being placed in the breathable member 18. While a specific size of the filler material pieces is mentioned, it will be understood that the pieces of material forming the filler material 24 may, at their longest dimension, be within the range defined by approximately 2.54–15.24 cm, approximately 5.08–12.7 cm, or any two of the aforementioned values, or other dimensions. The filler material 24 may include, for example, foam, polystyrene foam, urethane, latex, polyethylene, EVA, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the filling material 24 may be a shape-memory foam material such as a viscoelastic material, which allows the insert element 14 to conform to the user's body during use, but also allows the foam to be refilled with air and the insert element 14 to inflate again when the user leaves the furniture assembly 10. For example, in one embodiment, the filling material may be approximately 24.03, 28.83, 32.04, and 40.05 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 16.02-48.06 kg / m³ 3 The polyurethane foam has a density within the range defined by the density in the incompressed state or any two of the aforementioned values. In addition and / or alternatively, the filling material may have an internal load deflection (ILD) of about 4.5–27.2 kgf, such as 9.1, 13.6, 18.1, 20.4, 22.6, or an ILD within the range defined by any two of the aforementioned values.
[0039] Returning to Figure 3, the insert element 14 is inserted into the cover 16. The cover 16 is easily removable from the insert element 14. One reason for this is that the cover 16 can be made from various colors, patterns, and / or fibers so that the buyer can choose from a variety of outer covers for the chair (i.e., the furniture assembly 10). For example, the cover 16 may be quilted or otherwise processed to provide the user of the frameless furniture assembly with enhanced comfort and / or decoration. For example, the cover 16 may be made of brocade or ornamental fibers. In addition, the insert element 14 can be packaged and / or sold separately from the cover 16. This prevents the cover 16 from becoming wrinkled during packaging and transport. Furthermore, the insert element 14 can be packaged in such a way that its volume and weight are reduced. Advantageously, reducing the volume of the insert element 14 also reduces the weight of the furniture assembly 10, and therefore reduces packaging and transport costs. Furthermore, as the size of the insert element 14 decreases, the insert element 14 can facilitate the transport and stacking of multiple insert elements, chairs, and / or furniture assemblies.
[0040] The manufacture of the cover 16 can be similar to, for example, the manufacture of the breathable member 18 described above. As shown in Figure 7, the cover 16 has a central portion 40 and two substantially circular side portions 42A and 42B. The two side portions 42A and 42B are positioned relative to the central portion 40, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 3 for the breathable member 18. The edges of the central portion 40 and the two side portions 42A and 42B are sewn together or otherwise attached, and as a result, when filled, the cover 16 forms a substantially spherical structure. However, it will be understood that other shapes, such as generally cubic, generally cylindrical, and other geometric shapes, are contemplated within the technical scope of this disclosure. The cover 16 is configured to substantially match the shape of the insert element 14 or to accommodate it.
[0041] The breathable member 18 includes an opening 26 in the central portion 20, while the cover 16 includes an opening 46 extending longitudinally across the central portion 40 and at least a portion of each of the two side portions 42A, 42B. In one embodiment, the opening 46 is formed following the stitching of the two side portions 42A, 42B to the central portion 40. The opening 46 can be selectively opened and closed, and therefore the cover 16 includes a structure to facilitate such opening and closing, including but not limited to zippers, lacing, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, buttons, snaps, other mechanical fasteners, other connecting structures, and combinations or modifications thereof. Furthermore, a flap 50 can be positioned over the opening 46 in the intermediate region 48 to cover the structure that facilitates opening and closing. The flap 50 can be a single flap extending across the central portion 40 and at least a portion of the two side portions 42A, 42B. In addition, and / or alternatively, the flap 50 can be segmented so that multiple flaps can be used to cover the opening 46. The cover 16 may also contain a breathable material. For example, the cover 16 may contain fibers, for example, another soft material.
[0042] In one embodiment, the cover 16 is made of cotton, twill, linen, nylon, velvet, leather, saline vargazine material, stretch material, polyester, PVC, synthetic material, natural material, recycled material, and / or combinations thereof. Advantageously, the cover 16 can be made in different patterns and colors, or incorporate features such as logos or pockets. Generally, the cover 16 may be formed from a material that allows air to pass through the cover 16 and fill the insert element 14, thereby allowing the filling material 24 within the insert element 14 to be filled with air when the user gets off the furniture assembly 10.
[0043] As shown in Figure 3, after inserting the insert element 14 into the opening 46 of the cover 16, the opening 46 is closed, and the user can position the furniture assembly 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the desired configuration. It will be understood that even after implementing the insert element 14, the furniture assembly 10 retains at least substantially all of its original compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience. Thus, the user is provided with comfortable and durable furniture that can be applied to a variety of uses.
[0044] In addition to inserting the insert element 14 into the cover 16, the user can improve or modify the properties of the furniture assembly 10 to provide the user with an enhanced experience. In embodiments in which the insert element 14 consists of multiple segments (see Figures 5B-5D), the user can improve or modify the properties of the furniture assembly by various combinations of segments and materials. In addition, and / or alternatively, improving or modifying the properties of frameless furniture (e.g., adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and / or resilience) can be achieved by providing a durometer adjustment assembly, such as the comfort control assembly 60 shown in Figure 8, beneath the outer surface of the cover 16.
[0045] The comfort control assembly 60 has different properties or features from the insert element 14 or the cover 16. For example, the feel, thickness, density, or one or more of the other properties of the comfort control assembly 60 differ from the cover 16 and / or insert element 14 of the frameless furniture 10. Figure 8 shows the comfort control assembly 60 positioned between the insert element 14 and the outer cover 16, but it is understood that the comfort control assembly 60 may be positioned on top of the cover 16, inside the insert element 14, or below the outer surface of the cover 16. Furthermore, the comfort control assembly 60 may be molded integrally with the cover 16 so that, for example, the user can adjust or change the properties of the furniture assembly by switching a removable cover without a comfort control assembly to one with a comfort control assembly. In addition, in an alternative configuration, the comfort control assembly may be molded integrally with the insert element 14, so that the user can adjust or change the properties of the furniture assembly by replacing the insert element 14 without a comfort control assembly with one that has a comfort control assembly. In yet another configuration, the comfort control assembly may be positioned outside the cover 16 to change the properties of the furniture assembly. In yet another configuration, a pocket 52 may be provided in the insert element 14 and / or a pocket 54 in the cover 16 to accommodate the comfort control assembly 60. The pocket 54 may extend over at least a portion of the central portion 40 and the two side portions 42A, 42B of the cover 16, while the pocket 52 may extend over at least a portion of the central portion 20 and the two side portions 22A, 22B of the insert element 14. It will be understood that combinations and / or modifications of the aforementioned regions are also possible.
[0046] By using the comfort control assemblies of this disclosure, users can select the desired comfort control assembly to achieve the desired "softness or hardness" of the frameless furniture. The "softness or hardness" can be improved or modified by providing all or part of the frameless furniture with a comfort control assembly having one or more of the following characteristics: adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and resilience, which differ from those of the cover and / or insert elements of the frameless furniture.
[0047] Referring to Figure 8, a furniture assembly 10 is shown having a comfort control assembly 60 positioned between an insert element 14 and a cover 16. Applying a unique comfort control assembly 60 to the main seating area 12 saves costs and eliminates unnecessary weight. In addition, the materials associated with the comfort control assembly 60, and more generally the materials associated with the other parts of the furniture assembly 10, can have unique advantages other than comfort. Furthermore, by using recycled materials, there may be ecological, sustainable, or environmental benefits. In addition, shape and aesthetic structural advantages are provided or achieved.
[0048] The comfort control assembly 60 is positioned to extend over the main seating area 12, which is formed from at least a portion of the central part 20 and two side parts 22A and 22B. The comfort control assembly 60 can change the user experience with the furniture assembly 10 by changing its compressibility, flexibility, and resilience. The comfort control assembly 60 can be added to a furniture assembly 10 that does not yet include the comfort control assembly 60. This allows the user to customize their experience by including the comfort control assembly 60.
[0049] As shown in Figure 9, the comfort control assembly 60 includes a body 62 having a first outer member 64 and a second outer member 66 having a filling material 68 between the first outer member 64 and the second outer member 66. The body 62 completely encloses the insert element 14, thereby providing the entire furniture assembly 10 with alternative compressibility, flexibility, and resilience. The first outer member 64 and the second outer member 66 may have a fabric-like form.
[0050] Multiple chambers 70 are formed within the comfort control assembly 60, and the perimeter of each chamber 70 is defined by multiple connecting or joining parts 72, so that adjacent chambers 70 are bounded by multiple connecting or joining parts 72. As a result, in the illustrated configuration, the comfort control assembly 60 has a quilted shape, and the main body 62 forms an outer shell in which the filling material 68 is placed. The connecting or joining parts 72 are located where the sides of the main body 62 are joined or connected, such as by sewing the main body 62 together, with the filling material 68 positioned between the sides of the main body 62, thereby holding the filling material 68 in between and forming the chambers 70. In other words, the first outer member 64 and the second outer member 66 of the main body 62, together with the filling material 68 sandwiched between the first outer member 64 and the second outer member 66, are joined at the connecting or joining parts 72.
[0051] In other configurations, it would be understood that the body 62 and the filling material 68 are the same, rather than specific separate first outer member 64 and second outer member 66. This can occur when the filling material 68 is not a separate, optionally loose filling material placed within the chamber 70, but rather a foam, memory material and / or foam, gel-containing material and / or foam, open-cell material and / or foam, viscoelastic material and / or foam, latex grid, gel grid, or other elastic material. When the body 62 and the filling material 68 are the same, the joint or connection 72 is located where both sides of the body 62 meet, and no separate filling material is placed between the two sides. This imparts quilting to the body 62.
[0052] Returning to Figure 9, we refer to the use of sutures or tacking to hold the filling material 68 within the body 62 (i.e., the first outer member 64 and the second outer member 66), but the body 62 and the filling material 68 may be joined together by adhesives, thermal or chemical bonding, clips, snap fasteners, studs, clamps, sutures, tacking, mechanical fasteners (optionally involving sutures (single, double, etc.) or tacking), and combinations and modifications thereof to form a chamber 70.
[0053] The filler material 68 may be a synthetic material, a natural material, a recycled material, a memory material or foam, a gel-containing material or foam, an open-cell material or foam, a viscoelastic material or foam, down, a fiber filler having various physical properties, latex, a gel grid, a woven material, a nonwoven material, or a combination or mixture thereof.
[0054] In one configuration, the filling material 68 is approximately 16.02-128.15 kg / m³. 3 , about 24.03-about 120.14kg / m 3 , about 32.07-about 96,11kg / m 3 , or approximately 48.06-88.1 kg / m 3 Approximately 56.06 kg / m 3 Less than approximately 96.11 kg / m³ 3 It may have a greater or a combination of greater and greater incompressible densities. However, it would be understood that the density of the filler material may be modified depending on the specific material used.
[0055] In one configuration, the filler material 68 can have an incompressed thickness of approximately 2.54–17.78 cm, 3.81–15.24 cm, 5.08–12.7 cm, or 7.62–10.16 cm, or a thickness defined by any two of the aforementioned values. However, it will be understood that the thickness of the filler material may be varied depending on the specific material used.
[0056] As shown in Figures 9-10D, the comfort control assembly 60 completely encloses the insert element 14 by chambers 70 organized in various patterns. For example, the chambers 70 can form tubular structures 74 that extend circumferentially, horizontally (Figure 10A), or vertically (Figure 10B) around the insert element 14, together with adjacent tubular structures 74 separated by connecting or joining parts 72. The tubular structures 74 can consist of a single chamber 70, or several separate or segmented tubular structures shown by a phantom collectively forming the tubular structures 74. In yet another configuration, the chambers 70 are formed from a pattern of regularly (Figure 10C) or randomly (Figure 10D) distributed chambers, with adjacent chambers 70 separated by connecting or joining parts 72. The formed chambers can be polygonal, elliptical, circular, and combinations and / or variations thereof. It will be understood that different areas of the comfort control assembly may have different patterns so that the comfort control assembly can combine one or more of the chambers described herein.
[0057] To maintain the comfort control assembly 60 in position around the insert element 14, the comfort control assembly 60 includes one or more control anchor positions or fixing parts 80 corresponding to one or more complementary anchor positions or fixing parts 82 of the insert element 14 and / or cover 16, as shown in Figure 9. In the illustrated configuration of Figure 9, the control anchor positions 80 may correspond to connecting or joining parts 72. Thereafter, such correspondence maintains their ability to provide an improved user experience by maintaining the integrity of the chamber 70 and the compressibility, flexibility, and resilience affected by including the anchor positions or fixing parts 80 through the chamber 70. However, it will be understood that the position and arrangement of the control anchor positions 80 are not so limited, and the control anchor positions 80 may be in a variety of other positions.
[0058] The control anchor position 80 and the complementary anchor position 82 allow for the removable attachment of the comfort control assembly 60 to either or both of the insert element 14 and the cover 16. For example, as shown in Figure 11A, the anchor position 80A is shown as a buttonhole 86, which cooperates with a button 88 and associated threads, strings, etc., at the complementary anchor position 82A on the insert element 14 and / or the cover 16 (it is understood that the complementary anchor position 82A may include a buttonhole 86, and the comfort control assembly 60 may include a button 88, etc.). In Figure 11B, the control anchor position 80B is shown as a hook 90A of the hook-and-loop fastener 90, while the complementary anchor member 82B is shown as a loop 90B of the hook-and-loop fastener 90 (it is understood that the positions of the hook 90A and the loop 90B may be reversed). In Figure 11C, the control anchor position 80C is shown as one or more holes 94 for accommodating a strap or tie 96 that extends from the complementary anchor member 82C and forms part of it. The strap or tie 96 can be connected by a knot 98 or other mechanical fastener to secure the comfort control assembly 60 to the insert element 14 and / or cover 16 (it should be noted that the positions of the hole 94 and the strap or tie 96 can be reversed).
[0059] In Figure 11D, the control anchor position 90D is shown as a magnet 100A cooperating with magnet 102 in a complementary anchor member 82D. Various other methods are conceivable for attaching the comfort control assembly 60 to one or both of the insert element 14 and the cover 16, but are not limited to these, and are understood to include tongues and grooves, modular lightweight load carrying (MOLLE) systems and straps, zippers, buckles, clips, lacing, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, other mechanical fasteners, other bonding structures, and combinations or modifications thereof, or several other structures and related methods. In addition, while specific relationships between anchor positions and anchor members are described, it will be understood that specific orders are not so limited, and that either or both of the insert element 14 and the cover 16 may contain any number and combinations of anchor positions and anchor members.
[0060] Figure 9 shows a comfort control assembly 60 surrounding or enclosing the insert element 14, while Figures 12A-12B show another configuration of a comfort control assembly 160 that partially covers the insert element 14. Disclosures and descriptions relating to other furniture assemblies described herein are also applicable to the frameless furniture assembly 110, and similar structures are therefore given the same reference numerals. The comfort control assembly 160 is another example of a durometer adjustment assembly.
[0061] As shown in Figures 12A-13C, the comfort control assembly 160 has a similar configuration to the comfort control assembly 60 in Figure 9. However, the comfort control assembly 160 extends partially around the insert element 14, for example, in both or either the horizontal and / or vertical directions. The comfort control assembly 160 includes a body 162 having a plurality of chambers 170, a plurality of connecting or joining parts 172 that form adjacent chambers 170, and a filling material 168 disposed within the chambers 170. In the illustrated configuration, the comfort control assembly 160 has a quilted shape similar to the comfort control assembly 60.
[0062] In contrast to the comfort control assembly 60, the shape of the body 162 of the comfort control assembly 160 approximates the shape of the main seating area 112 of the frameless furniture assembly 110. For example, the body 162 as shown in Figure 13A has a base 190 with four chambers 170, and sides 192A and 192B extending from the base 190, respectively (each side 192A and 192B has two chambers 170). The base 190 and sides 192A and 192B are surrounded by a circumferential support 194 having a single chamber 170, while the front 196 extends from the base 190 (the front having four chambers 170). The circumferential support 194 is shown separated from the front 196, but it will be understood that in other configurations the circumferential support 194 can be connected to the front 196. These sections 190, 192A, 192B, 194, and 196 may be formed in any number of chambers 170, despite the specific configurations shown and described. These sections, when positioned between the insert element 114 and the cover 116, allow for variations in the user's seated experience. For example, the side sections 192A, 192B and the circumferential support section 194 can provide the user with additional lateral support, the base section 192 can provide additional cushioning, and the front section 196 can provide improved support to the user's legs and thighs. The specific filling materials used within the chamber 170 for each of the base section 190, side sections 192A, 192B, circumferential support section 194, and front section 196 may be the same or different, thereby allowing for further customization to and by the user. In addition, even if the filling material 168 is the same for the base portion 190, the side portions 192A and 192B, the circumferential support portion 194, and the front portion 196, variations in the filling density or thickness of the filling material 168 can adjust or change the support or cushioning.
[0063] To hold the comfort control assembly 160 in the desired primary seating area 112, the insert element 114 and / or cover 116 may include anchor positions 182 to which anchors 186 are connected or joined. The anchors 186 extend from the control anchor positions 180 of the main body 162, such as the circumferential support portion 194, but the anchors 186 (or additional anchors 186) may extend from other parts 190, 194, and 196 of the main body 162. In the illustrated configuration of Figures 12-13B, the anchors 186 are straps, ties, etc., extending from the main body 162 (however, it will be understood that the anchors 186 may extend from both ends, sides and ends, or other combinations of sides and ends of the comfort control assembly 160). The anchor 186 is optional and can have sufficient elasticity to apply tension to the comfort control assembly 160 and maintain the comfort control assembly 160 relative to the outer surface 132 of the insert element 114, for example, when the anchor 186 extends from both ends of the comfort control assembly 160 to complementary anchor positions 182.
[0064] As shown in detail in Figure 12B, the anchor 186 includes a strap or tie 200 having part of a snap fastener 202, the other part of which is attached to one of an insert element 114 (as shown) or a cover 116. The snap fastener 202 includes a first member 204 having a receiving hole 206 that receives a stud 210 of a second member 208 at a complementary anchor position 182. The engagement of the stud 210 with the first member 204 attaches the comfort control assembly 160 to the insert element 114. While the positioning of the first member 204 and the second member 206 is shown in Figure 12B, it should be understood that the first member 204 can be positioned at the complementary anchor position 182 and the second member 208 can be positioned at the anchor position 180. When the comfort control assembly 160 is positioned on the insert element 114, the cover 116 may be positioned on both the insert element 114 and the comfort control assembly 160, as shown in Figure 13C. It will be understood that various other forms or components can be used to connect the comfort control assembly 160 to the insert element 14 and / or the cover 16. These include, but are not limited to, the methods or components described in Figures 11A–11D.
[0065] Figure 13D shows various heat maps of the heating and cooling capabilities of the frameless furniture assembly 110. The light gray heat map corresponds to the cooling capability substantially aligned with the main seating area 112, while the dark gray heat map corresponds to the heating capability substantially aligned with the main seating area 112. As will be further outlined with respect to Figures 17A-17E, the frameless furniture assembly 110 may include one or more experience-enhancing assemblies or devices that can alter the characteristics of the furniture assembly, but are not limited to adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, elasticity, cooling properties, heating properties, massage properties, etc. The experience enhancement assembly 1776 may include, but is not limited to, various modules and components such as electrical components / modules, thermoelectric components / modules, electromechanical components / modules, mechanical components / modules, hydraulic components / modules, pneumatic components / modules, speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, inflatable / deflatable bladders, chargers (such as induction chargers or other chargers), electrical and non-electrical components, combinations thereof, and improvements. These experience enhancement assemblies 176 (including the associated modules, components, etc.) are schematically shown in Figures 13A–13C. Experience enhancement assemblies or devices, and associated modules, components, etc., may be used interchangeably with respect to reference numeral 176 or similar reference numerals.
[0066] For example, one or more electrical modules, thermoelectric modules, electromechanical modules, or hydraulic / pneumatic modules 176 may be located in the seating area 112 or operably coupled in other ways to the seating area 112 or another part of the frameless furniture assembly. One or more modules 176 can provide heating and / or cooling to the seating area 112. For example, the seating area 112 may have a “seat warmer” that provides heating to the seating area 112. Alternatively, the seating area 112 may have a “seat cooler” that provides cooling to the seating area 112. The seating area 112 may further have a “massage” and massage elements located within the seating area 112 provide a massage function to the seating area 112.
[0067] One or more modules 176 can be positioned in one of the multiple chambers 170 shown in Figure 13A. Such an arrangement of one or more modules 176 can be substantially aligned with the seating area 112. Alternatively, one or more modules 176 can include an external portion of the multiple chambers 170, while the desired heating, cooling, and / or massage capabilities can be achieved in the seating area 112 or elsewhere in the frameless furniture assembly. For example, if air is used as the medium to achieve heating, cooling, and / or massage capabilities, the hydraulic / pneumatic module 176 can use external pumps, motors, conduits, pipes, etc. to deliver heated, cooled, or pressurized air to the chambers 170 to achieve heating, cooling, and / or massage capabilities. Thus, components of module 176 such as pumps, motors, conduits, and piping can be located outside the frameless furniture assembly but work in cooperation with the multiple chambers 170 to achieve the desired heating, cooling, and / or massage.
[0068] Referring to Figures 14A and 14B, another configuration of the comfort control assembly 260 that partially covers the insert elements, such as the insert elements described herein. Disclosures and descriptions relating to other furniture assemblies described herein are also applicable to the comfort control assembly 260, and similar structures are therefore given the same reference numerals. The comfort control assembly 260 is another example of a durometer adjustment assembly.
[0069] The comfort control assembly 260 includes a body 262 having a plurality of chambers 270 and a filling material 268 disposed within the chambers 270. The comfort control assembly 260 can be attached to one or both of the insert element 14 (Figure 1) and the cover 16 (Figure 1) via anchors 286 extending from a control anchor position 280 of the comfort control assembly 260 to complementary anchor positions 282 of the insert element 14 (Figure 1) and the cover 16 (Figure 1). The anchors 286 may include straps, strings, ties, or other structures extending from holes, grommets, etc., of the comfort control assembly 260 to complementary anchor positions 282, such as complementary holes, grommets, pins, stubs, buttons, straps, etc., of the insert element 14 (Figure 1) and the cover 16 (Figure 1).
[0070] As described herein, to assist a comfort control assembly 260 that fits into the main seating area 212 of a furniture assembly, the chambers 270 have a generally tubular shape similar to those described in relation to Figures 10A and 10B. A first group 234A comprises a plurality of chambers 270, each having a corresponding length (e.g., a first length 236A). A second group 234B comprises a plurality of chambers 270, each having a corresponding length (e.g., a second length 236B). A third group 234C comprises a plurality of chambers 270, each having a corresponding length (e.g., a third length 236C). The first group 234A can provide back support, the second group 234B can provide lateral support, and the third group 234C can provide thigh or leg support. In the illustrated configuration, the first length 236A and the third length 236C may be the same, and both may be shorter than the second length 236B. In other configurations, the first length 236A and the third length 236B may be different. In yet another configuration, lengths 236A, 236B, and 236C may all be the same or different. In some configurations, the combination or set of lengths of the individual chambers 270 gives the group (e.g., a first group, a second group, and / or a third group) an overall length.
[0071] The filler material 268 placed within the chamber 270 may be a solid mass of material or a bulk mass / small mass of material. The filler material may be foam, memory material or foam, gel-containing material or foam, open-cell material or foam, viscoelastic material or foam, latex, gel grid, etc. In some embodiments, the filler material is formed by molding various foams together by inflating a molded air chamber, by inflating a more rigid or semi-rigid molded or assembled structure. In addition and / or alternatively, the filler material can be formed by inflating a more rigid frame that supports a fiber sling. The sling may consist of one or more woven or webbing. The sling may have adjustable dimensions to change the shape and tension of the filler material. For example, the filler material 268 may be a cylindrical mass of filler material that slides or is placed inside each of the chambers 270. Once filled, the chambers 270 may be sealed to hold the filler material 268 inside the individual chambers 270. The body 262 can be sealed by adhesive, heat or chemical bonding, clips, snap fasteners, studs, staples, stitching, tacking, mechanical fasteners (optionally accompanied by stitching (single, double, etc.) or tacking), zippers, lacing, hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, other mechanical fasteners, other bonding structures, and combinations and improvements thereof.
[0072] Referring to Figures 15A-15C, another configuration of the comfort control assembly 360 is shown, including the insert elements described herein, which partially cover the insert elements. Disclosures and descriptions relating to other furniture assemblies described herein are also applicable to the comfort control assembly 360, and similar structures are therefore given the same reference numerals. The comfort control assembly 360 is another example of a durometer adjustment assembly.
[0073] The comfort control assembly 360 includes a protective cover 384, which can accommodate different filling material bodies 362, such as bodies 362A and 362B, allowing the user to modify the different characteristics of the furniture assembly to which the comfort control assembly 360 is attached. The body 362 is placed within a cavity 390 of the protective cover 384 and can be held therein by closing a top surface 392 which is releasably attached to a wall 394 extending from a bottom 396 by zippers, lacing, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, buttons, snaps, other mechanical fasteners, other binding structures, and combinations or modifications thereof, or other releasable attachment mechanisms 398. The top surface 392, bottom 396, and wall 394 form a cavity 390 for receiving the body 362 and thus can have various configurations for accommodating the body 362.
[0074] The protective cover 384 has a mounting end 400 with a control anchor position 380 from which an anchor 386 extends, enabling the attachment of the comfort control assembly 360 to complementary anchor positions on one or both of the insert element 14 (Figure 1) and / or cover 16 (Figure 1). For example, the anchor 386 may include a strap, string, tie, or other structure extending from a hole, grommet, etc. in the comfort control assembly 360 to a complementary hole, grommet, pin, stub, button, strap, etc. in the insert element 14 (Figure 1) and cover 16 (Figure 1).
[0075] The main body 362A (Figure 15A) has a lattice-like configuration having multiple chambers 370 separated by multiple walls 372, the walls 372 extending from a base 374. The walls 372 are elastic so that after compression by the user's weight, the walls 372 spring back to their original orientation. The main body 362A can be formed from one or more layers of polymer material. The main body 362B (Figure 15C) has a viscoelastic material configuration having the formation of blocks or lumps. Each of the main body 362A and 362B can be placed within the cavity 390 of the protective cover 384.
[0076] By providing the comfort control assembly of this disclosure, users can adjust the feel of a frameless furniture assembly, thereby enhancing their experience with the furniture. The comfort control assembly of this disclosure allows users to adjust or change the original compressibility, flexibility, and resilience of the frameless furniture to desired compressibility, flexibility, and resilience. In addition, the form of the comfort control assembly allows for the reshaping and aesthetic structural changes of the frameless furniture, improving the user's use and enjoyment of the frameless furniture.
[0077] Figures 16A-16B illustrate alternative embodiments of the durometer adjustment assembly or comfort control assembly. Disclosures and descriptions relating to other furniture assemblies, durometer adjustment assemblies, and comfort control assemblies described herein are also applicable to the comfort control assembly in Figures 16A-16B, and similar structures are therefore given the same reference numerals. The comfort control assembly 1660 is embedded within an insert element 1614 which can be housed within a cover of the furniture assembly (not shown in Figures 16A-16B). The comfort control assembly 1660 includes a strap 1662 and a motor 1665, the strap 1662 having a first end 1664 and a second end 1666. The first end 1664 can be attached to the inner surface of the insert element 1614 to form a fixed end for the strap 1662. The second end 1666 cooperates with the motor 1665 and, for example, wraps around a rotating shaft 1667 driven by the motor 1665, so that the rotation of the shaft 1667 reduces the length of the strap 1662 presented to the seating area 1612 of the furniture assembly 1660. The motor 1665 is electrically connected to a power supply or battery 1669, which can be electrically connected to an external power supply via a power cable 1671 or a wireless charger receiver 1673. The operation of the rotating shaft 1667 may be under the control of a control device 1675 such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, etc., which can be controlled by a user interface 1677 accessible to a user resting on the furniture assembly via wireless or wired communication / connection to the control device 1675 and / or user interface 1677, or by remote control or smart device 1679. Wireless communication / connection may be any communication technology using any medium for communicating and / or receiving data or commands between the remote control or smart device 1679 and the control unit 1675 and / or user interface 1677, including but not limited to radio frequencies, Bluetooth®, microwave, infrared, or combinations or modifications thereof.The remote control or smart device 1679 may be any device that can be used to deliver and / or receive data or commands using wireless / connectivity technology, such as a mobile computer, cell phone, handheld computer, wearable computer, smart card, or a combination or improvement thereof. More generally, the user can control the experience of frameless furniture by coordinating the operation of one or more experience-enhancing assemblies, such as the comfort control assembly 1660, via a wireless control device, voice control device, wired control device, or physical control device.
[0078] Although one strap 1662 and one motor 1665 are shown, the frameless furniture assembly 1610 may include two or more straps 1662, such as two, three, four, or five straps 1662. In addition, the frameless furniture assembly 1610 may include two or more motors 1665, such as two motors with one motor at each end of a strap 1662, and thus one or both of the first end 1664 and the second end 1666 can be moved. The number of motors 1665 may correspond to the number of straps 1662 included in the frameless furniture assembly 1610.
[0079] The strap 1662 is configured to adjust the durometer of the seating area 1612 to be stiffer or softer as needed by adjusting the length of the strap 1662 presented toward the seating area 1612 of the frameless furniture assembly 1610. In some embodiments, a motor 1665 controlling the length or extension direction of the strap 1662 may be rotated to wind up or shorten the presented length of the strap 1662. When the strap 1662 is substantially fully stretched with little or no tension within the strap 1662, the seating area 1612 may provide a softer seating experience. When the strap 1662 is not fully stretched along its extension range, the strap 1662 is subjected to more tension than when substantially fully stretched, so the seating area 1612 may provide a firmer or stiffer seating experience. When two or more straps 1662 are included in a frameless furniture assembly 1610, it may be advantageous to apply different surface tension to the inner straps than the outer straps in order to create a three-dimensional (3D) contour surface for seating comfort.
[0080] Figures 17A–17E show another embodiment of a frameless furniture assembly 1710 having multiple layers, which may include one or more modules of an experience-enhancing assembly 1776, similar to the modules of the experience-enhancing assembly 176 described herein. Disclosures and discussions relating to other furniture assemblies described herein, including the description of the modules of the experience-enhancing assembly 176, are also applicable to the frameless furniture assembly 1710, and similar structures are therefore given the same reference numerals.
[0081] Figure 17A shows a large frameless furniture assembly 1710 having a main seating area 1712. Similar to the furniture assemblies 10 in Figures 1 and 2, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 can range in size from large enough to comfortably accommodate two adult-sized people to small enough for a small child to rest on. It will be understood that the frameless furniture assembly 1710 can adapt to the shape of the user sitting on it in order to form a chair-like structure. Further details relating to the frameless furniture assembly 1710 can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,952,906, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0082] Figure 17A shows a frameless furniture assembly 1710 used in a chair-like function, but the frameless furniture assembly 1710 can have a variety of uses. The frameless furniture assembly 1710 may be flattened to provide a bed-like surface on which to lie. Smaller frameless furniture assemblies 1710 can function as ottomans. Alternatively, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 may function as a toy for children to jump and land on during play. Furthermore, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 may be formed in a slightly elongated shape so that household pets or even small infants can comfortably sleep on it. Thus, it will be seen that the frameless furniture assembly 1710 is very comfortable and versatile for a variety of uses.
[0083] The frameless furniture assembly 1710 can be configured in various shapes. As shown in Figures 17A-17E, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 is generally spherical. However, it will be understood that the furniture assembly may be roughly cubic or cylindrical, or various other shapes. Furthermore, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 is durable and consists of an efficient design that reduces manufacturing and packaging costs. The frameless furniture assembly 1710 may be in a size range, for example, from 60.96 cm to 213.36 cm in diameter.
[0084] As shown in Figures 17A-17E, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 includes multiple layers 1700 that enable the user to change the user experience with the frameless furniture assembly 1710 and provide access to technologies that improve or enhance the user enjoyment of the frameless furniture assembly 1710. For example, like other furniture assemblies, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 may include one or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776 that enable the user to adjust the features, characteristics, and functions of the frameless furniture assembly. One or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776 may be any of a variety of modules and components, including but not limited to, a durometer adjustment assembly, a comfort control assembly, or electrical components, thermoelectric components, electromechanical components, mechanical components, hydraulic components, pneumatic components, speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, inflatable / deflatable bladders, chargers (such as induction chargers or other chargers), fragrance or aromatherapy machines, atomizers, fragrance diffusers, electrical and non-electrical components for providing odor or other olfactory stimuli.
[0085] As shown in Figures 17A-17D, the multiple layers include at least a core 1705, an insert element 1714, a technical layer 1758, a membrane 1720, a comfort layer 1760, and a cover 1716. In some embodiments, the core 1705 is embedded in and surrounded by an insert element 1714 that protects the core 1705. The insert element 1714 can be constructed or manufactured using the same general process for manufacturing the insert element 14 described with respect to Figures 4-5D. Furthermore, the insert element 1714 can be configured to have enough resilience to substantially maintain the shape of the frameless furniture assembly 1710. For example, the insert element 1714 can be constructed from durable foam, gel foam, shredded memory foam, or a combination thereof. In addition, and / or alternatively, the insert element 1714 and / or the core 1705 may include an air or fillable fluid bladder to impart resilience to the insert element 1714. In other words, the size / shape of the insert element 1714 and / or core 1705 can be selectively changed when the insert element 1714 and / or core 1705 are inflatable or modified using another fluid or other mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other structure or device, i.e., the experience enhancement assembly 1776. Adjusting the size / shape of the insert element 1714 can also change the overall durometer of the frameless furniture assembly 1710, and thus the bladder is another example of a durometer adjustment assembly.
[0086] The technology layer 1758 may be considered as a technology assembly or as part of a technology assembly and may include or house an experience enhancement device 1776 that enhances the user experience in the frameless furniture assembly 1710. The experience enhancement assembly 1776 may be controlled by a user interface 1777 on at least one of the insert elements 1714 or cover 1716 and / or remote control or smart device 1779 in wireless or wired communication / connection to the control unit 1775. Wireless communication / connection may be any communication technology using any medium for communicating and / or receiving data or commands between the remote control or smart device 1779 and the control unit 1775 and / or user interface 1777, including but not limited to radio frequencies, Bluetooth®, microwave, infrared, or combinations or modifications thereof. The remote control or smart device 1779 may be any device that can be used to deliver and / or receive data or commands using wireless communication / connection technology, such as a mobile computer, cell phone, handheld computer, wearable computer, smart card, or combinations or modifications thereof. More generally, users can control the experience with frameless furniture by coordinating the operation of one or more experience-enhancing assemblies via wireless, voice, wired, or physical control devices.
[0087] The technology layer 1758, whether alone or in combination with the core 1705, can house, but is not limited to, electrical components, thermoelectric components, electromechanical components, mechanical components, hydraulic components, pneumatic components, speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, inflatable / deflatable bladders, chargers (such as inductive chargers or other chargers), other systems, and electrical and non-electrical components that can be powered by the core 1705, or otherwise accommodate the experience enhancement assembly 1776. In some embodiments, the core 1705 includes a wired or corded power supply configured to plug into an external power supply via a power connector 1725 (Figure 17B) and facilitate the transfer of power to one or more layers. Alternatively, the core 1705 may include a wireless receiver to power the core's battery or other components, or to receive power wirelessly. Alternatively, the technology layer 1758 may include a battery or other wired or wireless power supply.
[0088] Further examples of the experience enhancement assembly 1776, which may be contained in or otherwise contained in the technical layer 1758, the core 1705, or other layers (together with any external portion 1770 of the experience enhancement assembly 1776, which is outside the technical layer 1758, the core 1705, or other layers but is operably or functionally coupled, or connected to one or more of the technical layer 1758, the core 1705, and / or other layers as needed, in order to achieve a desired function, characteristic, and / or function), are outlined in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 349,363, filed June 26, 2021, entitled "Furniture Console and Method of Use Thereof." Further examples are outlined in U.S. Patent No. 10,236,643, filed September 20, 2016, entitled "Electrical Hub for Furniture Assembly," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Further examples are outlined in U.S. Patent Application No. 10,212,519, filed November 10, 2016, entitled "Electronically-designated furniture system with integrated internal speakers"; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,178,486, filed November 26, 2019, entitled "Modular furniture speaker assembly with reconfigurable transverse members"; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,178,487, filed January 9, 2020, entitled "Electronically-designated furniture system with integrated inductive charger"; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,172,301, filed February 12, 2019, entitled "Electronically-designated furniture system with integrated internal speakers"; and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 178,319, filed March 3, 2023, entitled "System and method for correcting sound loss through partially acoustically permeable materials." The entirety of the aforementioned patent documents is incorporated herein by reference.
[0089] To maintain the comfort and user experience of the frameless furniture assembly 1710, the position of the experience enhancement assembly 1776 within the technical layer 1758, and any elements within the core 1705, are arranged so as to be positioned away from the seating area or area 1712. This maintains a sufficient amount of filling material, such as the insert element 1714, between the experience enhancement assembly 1776, which provides an enhanced experience to the user, and the user who may become uncomfortable. The technical layer 1759, and optionally other layers and the core 1705, can be “clocked” or circumferentially aligned with respect to each other to position the experience enhancement assembly 1776 so as not to shock a user resting in the seating area 1712. This alignment or “clocking” of the technical layer 1758 with respect to the core 1705, insert element 1714, or other layers can be achieved by complementary mechanical fasteners on the technical layer 1758, core 1705, insert element 1714, or other layers. Mechanical fasteners may include zippers, magnets, hook and loop connectors, tongues and grooves, combinations thereof or modifications thereof. The experience enhancement device 1776 can be positioned at approximately 180 degrees from the seating area or area 1712. In other configurations, the experience enhancement device 1776 can be positioned at approximately 30-330 degrees, 30-300 degrees, 30-270 degrees, 30-240 degrees, 30-210 degrees, 30-180 degrees, 30-150 degrees, 30-120 degrees, 30-90 degrees, or any other position relative to the seating area or area 1712. The arrangement or "clocking" can be performed using the core 1705 as a base or structure, around which other layers, including the technical layer 1758, are arranged or adjusted circumferentially, such adjustments being vertical, horizontal, any angular direction between vertical and horizontal, and combinations or modifications thereof.
[0090] In some embodiments, the technical layer 1758 surrounds and / or encloses the insert element 1714, and the membrane 1720 surrounds and / or encloses the technical layer 1758. The cover 1716 surrounds and / or encloses the comfort layer 1760, and the cover 1716 is the outermost layer of the frameless furniture assembly 1710. In some embodiments, the technical layer 1758 is sewn to the insert element 1714 or otherwise mechanically attached. In some embodiments, the membrane 1720 is sewn to the technical layer 1758 or otherwise mechanically attached. In some embodiments, the comfort layer 1760 is sewn to the membrane 1720 or otherwise mechanically attached. In some embodiments, the cover 1716 is sewn to the comfort layer 1760 or otherwise mechanically attached.
[0091] In some embodiments, a technical layer 1758, such as a technical assembly, is embedded in an insert element 1714 and spaced a certain distance from the core 1705. For example, the technical layer 1758 may be spaced about 15.24–45.72 cm from the core 1705, for example, 20.32 cm, 25.4 cm, 30.48 cm, 35.56 cm, or 40.64 cm from the core, and may be a distance defined by any two of the aforementioned values, or a distance between any two of the aforementioned values. Once the technical layer 1758 is embedded in the insert element 1714, a portion of the insert element 1714 surrounds and encloses the technical layer 1758. The membrane 1720 then surrounds and / or encloses the portion of the insert element 1714 that surrounds or encloses the technical layer 1758. The comfort layer 1760 then surrounds and / or encloses the portion of the membrane 1720 that surrounds and / or encloses the technical layer 1758. The cover 1716 surrounds and / or encloses the comfort layer 1760, and the cover 1716 is the outermost layer of the frameless furniture assembly 1710.
[0092] As described above, in some embodiments, the technical layer 1758 forms part of the core 1705, and thus the core 1705 is an example of a technical assembly that powers and supports one or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776 and other parts of the frameless furniture assembly 1710. One or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776 are, but are not limited to, electrical components, electromechanical components, mechanical components, hydraulic components, pneumatic components, speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, inflatable / deflatable bladders, chargers (such as inductive chargers or other chargers), fragrance or aromatherapy machines for producing scents or other olfactory stimuli, atomizers, fragrance diffusers, or combinations or improvements thereof that enable a user to change the user experience using the frameless furniture assembly 1710. When the technical layer 1758 is included in or incorporated into the core 1705, a portion of the insert element 1714 surrounds and encloses the core 1705. Next, the membrane 1720 surrounds and / or encloses a portion of the insert element 1714, which surrounds or encloses the core 1705. Then, the comfort layer 1760 surrounds and / or encloses the portion of the membrane 1720 that surrounds and / or encloses the core 1705, which includes or incorporates the technology layer 1758. The cover 1716 surrounds and / or encloses the comfort layer 1760, and the cover 1716 is the outermost layer of the frameless furniture assembly 1710.
[0093] In some embodiments, the membrane 1720 is configured to protect the technical layer 1758, the insert element 1714, and / or the core 1705. For example, in some embodiments, the membrane 1720 is composed of a liquid-proof partition. For example, the membrane 1720 may be composed of polyurethane laminate fabric, thermoplastic polyurethane, extra-long staple (ELS) cotton, polyester, nylon, oilcloth, microfiber, wool, vinyl, other waterproof laminates such as Gore-Tex®, PVC rubber, PTFE, or other hydrophobic coated materials, or a combination thereof. In addition and / or alternatively, the membrane 1720 may be composed of woven fabric or other fibers coated with waterproof materials such as latex, polyurethane laminate, durable water repellent (DWR), and / or wax. In addition and / or alternatively, the membrane 1720 may be composed of woven fabric or other fibers treated with a silicone resin cleaning solution to impart waterproof or liquid-proof properties. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the membrane 1720 may be configured to be antimicrobial and odor-resistant (i.e., anti-odor). For example, the membrane 1720 may be made of wool or a wool blend. Beneficially, the membrane 1720 helps maintain the cleanliness of the frameless furniture assembly 1710 and extends the useful life of the frameless furniture assembly 1710.
[0094] As shown in the figure, the technology layer 1758 can be configured to telecommunicate and / or connect with the core 1705. For example, the core 1705 may be configured to power one or more layers of a plurality of layers 1700 and to power one or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776. In some embodiments, the core 1705 includes a battery or other wireless power source. In some embodiments, the core 1705 includes a wired or corded power source configured to plug into an external power source via a power connector 1725 (Figure 17B) and facilitate the transmission of power to one or more layers. For example, as shown, the core 1705 is electrically connected to the technology layer 1758 via a power connector 1715. In some embodiments, the power connector 1715 may be “daisy-chained” across individual layers and between individual layers to route power to individual layers of a plurality of layers 1700. For example, in some embodiments, the core 1705 is configured to power the technology layer 1758. In some embodiments, the technology layer 1758 is configured to facilitate the transfer of power to one or more layers (for example, through an additional power connector 1715). In yet another configuration, the power connector 1715 is a wireless receiver that electrically communicates with a wireless transmitter to power the core 1705 and any components or structures powered by the core 1705. In yet another configuration, the power connector 1715 is a wireless device that (i) electrically communicates with a wireless transmitter to power the core 1705 and any components or structures powered sequentially by the core 1705, and (ii) functions to allow the user to charge the device via inductive charging or other technology.
[0095] As shown in Figure 17E, in some embodiments, the cover 1716 may include an electrical assembly 1735 for supplying power to the core 1705 (Figure 17B) from an external power source, which may be a wall outlet or an external battery. The electrical assembly 1735 may include a power connector 1740 that may extend from the panel 1745 to the external power source. Alternatively, instead of the power connector 1740, the panel 1745 may be a radio receiver that electrically communicates with a radio transmitter to supply power to the core 1705 and any components or structures powered by the core 1705. Yet another configuration may include a charger 1717, such as an inductive charger, to allow the user to charge or power the device (the charger 1717 may be similar to the charger referenced in relation to technical layer 1758). In yet another configuration, the electrical assembly 1735 may incorporate a charger 1717, and as a result, the electrical assembly 1735 may function as or include a wireless transmitter and wireless receiver for supplying power to the device, such as a remote control or smart device 1679 (Figures 16A-16B) or a remote control or smart device 1779 (Figure 17B).
[0096] The electrical assembly 1735 and / or core 1705, including the power supply, allows the frameless furniture assembly 1710 to support and power several electronic components of one or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776. For example, the frameless furniture assembly 1710 can house, or otherwise house, electrical components that can be powered by the electrical assembly 1735 and / or core 1705, including the power supply, such as speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, and inflatable / deflatable bladders. For example, as shown in Figures 17A and 17E, the insert element 1714 may include a speaker 1781 such as a subwoofer or other type of speaker, and additional speakers 1783 such as channel speakers may be provided on the technical layer 1758 or any other layer of the frameless furniture assembly 1710 so that they are positioned around the seating area 1712. Speakers 1781 and 1783 are located outside the frameless furniture assembly 1710 or, in combination with an amplifier 1785 incorporated into the core 1705 or technical layer 1758, provide the user with a surround sound system such as 3.1, 4.1, etc., 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, or other surround systems using speakers, amplifiers, etc., to provide the user with a surround sound experience. The operation of amplifier 1785, more generally, the operation of one or more experience-enhancing devices associated with the furniture assembly described herein, may be performed remotely or by smart device 1779 via wireless or wired communication / connection with control device 1775. It should be understood that speakers 1783 and 1781 may form part of a surround sound system using other speakers, amplifiers, and components in the room or other environment where the frameless furniture assembly 1710 is placed.
[0097] Examples of one or more experience-enhancing assemblies 1776, such as electrical components, which may be included in a frameless furniture assembly 1710 or used to enhance the functionality of one or more experience-enhancing devices (for example, enabling the tuning of speakers 1781, 1783 based on the material forming the cover of the furniture assembly), are outlined in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 349,363, filed June 26, 2021, entitled "Furniture Console and Method of Use Thereof," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Further examples are outlined in U.S. Patent No. 10,236,643, filed September 20, 2016, entitled "Electrical Hub for Furniture Assembly," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Further examples are outlined in U.S. Patent Application No. 10,212,519, filed November 10, 2016, entitled "Electronic Furniture System with Integrated Internal Speakers"; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,178,486, filed November 26, 2019, entitled "Modular Furniture Speaker Assembly with Reconfigurable Transverse Members"; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,178,487, filed January 9, 2020, entitled "Electronic Furniture System with Integrated Induction Charger"; U.S. Patent Application No. 11,172,301, filed February 12, 2019, entitled "Electronic Furniture System with Integrated Internal Speakers"; and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 178,319, filed March 3, 2023, entitled "System and Method for Correcting Acoustic Loss Through Partially Acoustically Transparent Materials". The entire contents of each of the aforementioned patent documents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0098] In some embodiments, the core 1705 also includes, among other things, a motor, a pump, an air bladder, and / or a hydraulic lift element as part of one or more experience-enhancing assemblies 1776. For example, the core 1705 may include a pump for filling an air bladder that can change or improve various properties of the seating area 1712 (e.g., adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, resilience, etc.). In some embodiments, an air bladder may be included at the bottom of the frameless furniture assembly 1710 (e.g., where the frameless furniture assembly 1710 rests on a floor or surface) to assist in the orientation of the frameless furniture assembly 1710. While it has been mentioned that the core 1705 includes a motor, a pump, an air bladder, and / or a hydraulic lift element, and, among other things, speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, inflatable / deflatable bladders, but not limited to other systems and electrical components, any layer of the frameless furniture assembly 1710 may include one or more of the above. In yet another embodiment, as contained within the core 1705, components of a motor, pump, air bladder, and / or hydraulic lift element, in particular of one or more parts of an experience enhancement assembly 1776, are located together in one of a plurality of layers 1700 and / or outside the furniture assembly, while being operably connected or coupled to other components of the motor, pump, air bladder, and / or hydraulic lift element, in particular of one or more parts of an experience enhancement device 1776, which are located inside the furniture assembly. For example, as shown in Figure 17B, a portion 1770 of an electrical module or thermoelectric module described herein may be connected to one or more of a plurality of layers 1770 via an operable connecting medium 1772, which is not limited to pipes, conduits, conductive cables, fiber optic cables, optical fibers, etc., extending from one or more of the motor, pump, air bladder, and / or hydraulic lift element, in particular of one or more parts of an experience enhancement device, which are located outside the furniture assembly, to components or spaces inside the furniture assembly.In one example, pipes, conduits, conductive cables, fiber optic cables, optical fibers, etc., extend from an external motor or pump of the frameless furniture assembly 1710 to a bladder inside the frameless furniture assembly 1710, providing air or fluid flow to the bladder to change the size / shape of any part of the frameless furniture assembly 1710.
[0099] In some embodiments, one or more of the multiple layers 1700 form or contribute to the main seating area 1712, which is most clearly shown in Figure 17E. In some embodiments, all of the layers of the multiple layers 1700 form or contribute to the main seating area 1712. In some embodiments, a comfort layer 1760 forms the main seating area 1712. In some embodiments, the comfort layer 1760 may be one of the aforementioned comfort control assemblies (e.g., any one of the comfort control assemblies shown in Figure 8-15C). In some embodiments, the comfort layer 1760 may be included in, or in place of, a comfort control assembly (e.g., any one of the comfort control assemblies shown in Figure 8-15C) in the frameless furniture assembly 1710.
[0100] In some embodiments, the comfort layer 1760 may surround the insert element 1714 and be positioned between the insert element 1714 and the cover 1716. Similar to the comfort control assemblies described herein, the comfort layer 1760 may be positioned to extend over the main seating area 1712. The comfort layer 1760 may, in place of or in addition to the technical layer 1758, allow the user to modify the experience in the frameless furniture assembly 1710, such as by providing heating, cooling, massage, and other modifications to the functions and operation of the frameless furniture assembly 1710. For example, the comfort layer 1760 may be configured to electrically communicate with the power supplies in the core 1705 and / or the technical layer 1758.
[0101] In some embodiments, the comfort layer 1760 (and / or technology layer 1758) includes one or more modules or components referenced with respect to the core 1705 or technology layer 1758, which form part of one or more experience enhancement assemblies 1776. One or more modules or components 1776 include a variety of modules and components as referred herein, such as, but not limited to, electrical components, thermoelectric components, electromechanical components, mechanical components, hydraulic components, pneumatic components, speakers, amplifiers, massagers, heaters, coolers, ramblers, haptic feedback devices, inflatable / deflatable bladders, chargers (such as induction chargers or other chargers), fragrance or aromatherapy machines for providing odors or other olfactory stimuli, sprayers, fragrance diffusers, electrical and non-electric components, combinations thereof, and improvements. One or more modules of the comfort layer 1760 can enable a variety of modes or characteristics of the seating area 1712. In some embodiments, one or more modules or components of the experience enhancement assembly 1776 may be embedded in or included within one of the layers of a plurality of layers 1700. In some embodiments, one or more modules or components of the experience enhancement assembly 1776 may be embedded in or included in the comfort layer 1760 and configured to receive power from the core 1705 (for example, via the technology layer 1758 and membrane 1720).
[0102] For example, one or more thermoelectric modules in the experience enhancement assembly 1776 are configured to provide heating and / or cooling capabilities to the seating area 1712. In some embodiments, an electrical module or component of the comfort layer 1760 is connected to a membrane 1720 from which it receives power. In some embodiments, an electrical module or component of the comfort layer 1760 is directly connected to a core 1705 from which it receives power. In some embodiments, the seating area 1712 is inflatable and is configured to be inflated using one or more pumps that can be housed within the core 1705.
[0103] In other configurations, one or more thermoelectric modules of the experience enhancement assembly 1776 may include external portions of multiple layers 1700, while desired heating, cooling, and / or massage capabilities (and optionally, providing a fragrant or aromatherapy experience that brings olfactory or other olfactory stimulation to the user) may be achieved in the seating area 1712 or elsewhere in the frameless furniture assembly. For example, when air is used as a medium to achieve heating, cooling, and / or massage capabilities (and optionally, to provide the user with a fragrance or aromatherapy experience (or olfactory or other olfactory stimulation)), external pumps, motors, conduits, pipes, etc., can deliver heated, cooled, or pressurized air (and optionally, fragrance or aromatherapy (or olfactory or other olfactory stimulation)) to one or more of the layers 1700, insert elements 1714, or core 1705 to achieve heating, cooling, and / or massage capabilities (and optionally, to provide the user with a fragrance or aromatherapy experience (or olfactory or other olfactory stimulation)). Therefore, the components of the thermoelectric module of the experience-enhancing assembly 1776, such as pumps, motors, conduits, and piping, are located outside the frameless furniture assembly but work in cooperation with multiple layers 1700 and / or insert elements 1714 to achieve desired heating, cooling, and / or massage (and optionally, provide the user with a fragrant or aromatherapy experience (or olfactory or other olfactory stimulation)).
[0104] One or more electrical modules or components of the experience enhancement assembly 1776 can be embedded in pockets or chambers of the comfort layer 1760, the technology layer 1758, or any other layer or part of the frameless furniture assembly. For example, in some embodiments, the comfort layer 1760 is configured similarly to that of the comfort control assembly 60 shown in Figures 9-12A. Furthermore, the comfort layer 1760 may be attached to one or both of the cover 1716 and the insert element 1714 in a similar manner to that of the comfort control assembly 60 shown in Figures 11A-15C. Thus, the comfort layer 1760 may have a body (e.g., body 62) having a first outer member (e.g., outer member 64) and a second outer member (e.g., outer member 66) with filling material between them. Multiple chambers (e.g., chamber 70) can be formed in the comfort layer 1760, resulting in a quilted comfort control assembly 60. The filling material placed within the chamber and / or comfort layer 1760 may be synthetic material, natural material, recycled material, memory material or foam, gel-containing material or foam, open-cell material or foam, viscoelastic material or foam, down, fiber filling material, polyester or other polyblend filling material, latex, gel grid, woven material, nonwoven material, and combinations or mixtures thereof.
[0105] Some of the multiple chambers may be configured to communicate electrically with the core 1705 (for example, via the technical layer 1758 and membrane 1720). At least one of one or more electrical modules or components may be placed in one of the multiple chambers (for example, selected from the electrically connected parts of the chambers). In this way, the comfort layer 1760 allows the user to modify the experience in the frameless furniture assembly 1710, such as by providing heating, cooling, massage, and other modifications to the function and operation of the frameless furniture assembly 1710.
[0106] As briefly mentioned above, some embodiments of the disclosed furniture assemblies include inflatable elements and other elements, which are examples of durometer adjustment assemblies or experience enhancement devices or assemblies. The disclosures and descriptions relating to other furniture assemblies described herein are also applicable to frameless furniture assembly 1810, and similar structures are therefore given the same reference numerals. Figures 18A–18D illustrate some examples of inflatable elements and other elements in an example of a durometer adjustment assembly that may be included in or incorporated into the disclosed frameless furniture and furniture assemblies.
[0107] Figure 18A transparently shows a deflated or partially deflated furniture assembly, and Figure 18B transparently shows an inflated or substantially inflated furniture assembly. Figures 18A-18B show a frameless furniture assembly 1810 having a cover 1816, a seating area 1812, and an inflatable core 1805, which is another example of an experience-enhancing assembly. The inflatable core 1805 can be similar to the core 1705 of the frameless furniture assembly 1710 and includes a pump 1800 and an electrical assembly 1835 that facilitates the transmission of power to the pump 1800 from an external or other power source. The pump 1800 and the electrical assembly 1835 are electrically connected by an elongated member 1850, such as an electrical cable or other cable, which can provide power and / or signals between the pump 1800 and the electrical assembly 1835. The electrical assembly 1835 may include a power connector 1840 that can extend from a panel 1845 to an external power source. Alternatively, instead of the power connector 1840, panel 1845 may be a radio receiver or power connector 1815 that electrically communicates with a radio transmitter to power the core 1805 and any components or structures powered by the core 1805. The pump 1800 may be embedded within the inflatable core 1805 or received by a pocket within the inflatable core 1805. As shown in Figure 18A, the inflatable core 1805 is positioned / provided towards the bottom of the frameless furniture assembly 1810 inside the frameless furniture assembly 1810. In some embodiments, the inflatable core 1805 is positioned on the outside of the frameless furniture assembly 1810 towards the bottom of the frameless furniture assembly 1810.
[0108] The core 1805 may be embedded in an insert element (e.g., insert elements 14, 114, 1614 in Figures 1 and 2 or other insert elements described herein) and may be operably coupled to the insert element such that the expansion of the core 1805 imparts a change to the insert element (e.g., a change in adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, elasticity, etc.). The expandable core 1805 may be suspended from an inner member and positioned (ii) in a fixed position between the inner member and the outer cover 1816, (iii) in a loose position between the inner member and the outer cover 1816, or (iv) at the bottom of a frameless furniture assembly 1810.
[0109] In some embodiments, the inflatable core 1805 is configured to self-orient the frameless furniture assembly 1810. The inflatable core 1805 can orient the frameless furniture assembly 1810 to a predetermined orientation with respect to the surface on which the frameless furniture assembly 1810 rests. The inflatable core 1805 may have a fixed shape and size. Alternatively, the inflatable core 1805 may have a variable size and shape, depending on how the inflatable core 1805 has expanded at any given point in time.
[0110] As shown in Figure 18B, when the inflatable core 1805 is inflated, it substantially fills the body of the frameless furniture assembly 1810. When the inflatable core 1805 is inflated, the elongated member 1850 that connects the pump 1800 to the electrical assembly 1835 can retract. The elongated member 1850 may retract into the portion of the electrical assembly 1835, or it may be received by the portion of the insert element (for example, insert element 14 in Figures 1 and 2). Alternatively, the elongated member 1850 that connects the pump 1800 to the electrical assembly 1835 may move freely between the inflatable core 1805 and the rest of the frameless furniture assembly 1810 without retracting.
[0111] In some embodiments, the inflatable core 1805 is provided in the frameless furniture assembly 1810 in a substantially flat or non-inflatable configuration (see Figure 18A). Upon delivery to the user's home, the inflatable core 1805 can be inflated to a desired level of inflation to impart a desired durometer (i.e., “hardness” or “softness”) to the seating area 1812 of the frameless furniture assembly 1810. Depending on the desired durometer, the inflatable core 1805 may be fully inflated or partially inflated. In some embodiments, the frameless furniture assembly 1810 may include a control device on the cover 1816 (Figure 18C), a remote control device, or other user input device (such as a remote device or smart device 1679 or 1779) to control the inflation rate of the inflatable core 1805. In this regard, the inflatable core 41805 provides the frameless furniture assembly 1810 with similar functionality to that of a comfort control assembly described elsewhere, such as the comfort control assembly 60. The inflation, deflation, or other operation of one or more experience enhancement assemblies 1805 may be controlled wirelessly, by voice, by wire, or by physical control.
[0112] Figure 18C shows a frameless furniture assembly 1810 having a fully inflatable core 1805. An electrical assembly 1385 extends from a panel 1845 within a cover 1816 to an external power source, which may be a wall outlet or an external battery. An electrical assembly 1835 may further include a power connector 1840 that can extend from the panel 1845 to the external power source.
[0113] Figures 19A–19B illustrate various other inflatable elements that may be included in a frameless furniture assembly or system of the present disclosure, the inflatable elements being examples of durometer adjustment assemblies and / or experience enhancement devices or assemblies. Figure 19A shows a frameless furniture assembly 1910 having a seating area 1912, a cover 1916, and an experience enhancement device 1976 in the form of an inflatable element 1980a. The illustrated inflatable element 1980a is an ottoman or footrest positioned outside the body of the frameless furniture assembly 1910. In some embodiments, the inflatable element 1980a extends detachably from the lower part 1920 of the frameless furniture assembly 1910. For example, a conduit 1982 may extend from an opening 1922 in the lower part 1920. The conduit 1982 provides fluid communication with the expandable core 1905, which is similar to the expandable core 1805 and, when inflated by the pump 1900a, also inflates the expandable element 1980a, i.e., filling the body 1984 of the expandable element 1980. The expandable element 1980a may be received in a cavity 1924 formed by the opening 1922 when deflated, and then be removed for expansion, or can exit the opening 1922 under pressure during expansion. In some embodiments, the expandable element 1980a is in fluid communication with the pump 1900b within the expandable element 1980 and is inflated using the pump 1900b rather than the pump 1900a. Thus, the pump 1900b is configured to inflate the expandable element 1980a to a desired level of filling, regardless of whether the frameless furniture assembly 1910 includes the pump 1900a for the expandable core 1805.
[0114] Figure 19B shows another embodiment of a frameless furniture assembly 1910 having a seating area 1912, a cover 1916, and a plurality of inflatable elements 1980b of an experience enhancement device 1976. Specifically, as shown, the plurality of inflatable elements 1980b include a pillow, a footrest, and a comfort bulge. In some embodiments, the plurality of inflatable elements 1980b are configured to inflate together as a group using one or more of the pumps 1900a, 1900b. In some embodiments, the plurality of inflatable elements 1980b are configured to be individually inflatable as desired by the user. In yet another configuration, one or more of the inflatable elements 1980b are manually filled. For example, as shown in Figure 19B, the pillow includes a sealable port 1986 through which the user can inflate one or more of the pillow and / or comfort bulges and blow air into the pillow and / or comfort bulges to close the port 1986 with a cap 1988. In some embodiments, the footrest may have its own port 1986. In some embodiments, the footrest is in fluid communication with an inflatable core (such as an inflatable core 1805) and when the inflatable core expands, the inflatable element 1980a also expands.
[0115] Figures 20A–20C illustrate accessories and covers that may be used with any of the frameless furniture assemblies described herein. Figure 20A shows a frameless furniture assembly 2010 having a cover 2016 including a pocket 2000a. The pocket is located on one side of the seating area 2012 and is incorporated into the cover 2016. The pocket 2000a is configured to hold items such as remote controls, smart devices, telephones, mobile devices, headphones, and video game controllers. In some embodiments, the pocket 2000a is sized, molded, and configured to hold cups or other containers. In some configurations, a portion of the pocket 2000a includes a charger 2717, such as a charger 1717 or other chargers described herein in relation to the technical assembly or technical layer 1758. The charger 2717 may be positioned facing outwards from the pocket 2000a or closer to the interior of the frameless furniture assembly 2010. This allows the user to charge items inserted into the pocket 2000a, as referred to herein. In yet another configuration, the charger 2717 is located inside the frameless furniture assembly 2010, but is aligned with the pocket 2000a, so that the user can charge items inserted into the pocket 2000a.
[0116] Figures 20B-20C show another embodiment of the cover 2016 having one or more integrated pockets or pouches 2000b, 2000c (a pocket or pouch 2000b facing the bottom of the seating area 2012, and a pocket or pouch 2000c facing the side of the seating area 2012). Each pocket or pouch 2000b, 2000c includes a zipper assembly 2015. The zipper assembly 2015 provides access to the pockets or pouches 2000b, 2000c while allowing them to be closed. The pockets 2000b, 2000c may be sewn into the interior of the cover 2016. The pockets 2000b, 2000c may be positioned around the seating area 2012, or, if necessary, around other areas of the frameless furniture assembly 2010. Since pockets 2000b and 2000c can be closed and secured via the zipper assembly 2015, pockets 2000b and 2000c can store items that are not regularly accessed during use of the furniture assembly. In some embodiments, pockets 2000b and 2000c are configured to store a user display that can be used to change the durometer or electronic settings (e.g., heating, cooling, massage, on setting, off setting, etc.) of the seating area 2012. Pockets 2000b and 2000c may store a battery or other power source to provide power to one or more layers or components of the furniture, such as the core 1705, membrane 1720, and / or technical layer 1758 shown in Figures 17B–17D. In some configurations, the pockets 2000b and 2000c include a charger 2717 (Figure 20A) that is inserted into the pockets 2000b and 2000c, allowing the user to charge the device described with respect to the pocket 2000a (disclosures related to the pocket 2000a are also applicable to the pockets 2000b and 2000c).
[0117] In this disclosure, the disclosed method may be implemented as a readable instruction or software setting by an apparatus. Furthermore, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method is an example of an exemplary technique. It should be understood that, based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in this method may be reconfigured while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. The appended method claims present various step elements in an exemplary order and are not necessarily limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
[0118] The disclosures described may be provided as computer program products or software, which may include non-temporary machine-readable media storing instructions, which may be used to program a computer system (or other electronic device) to perform the processing described herein. Machine-readable media include any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer) (e.g., software, processing applications). Machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, magneto-optical storage media, read-only storage devices (ROM), random-access storage devices (RAM), erasable programmable storage devices (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM), flash storage devices, or other types of media suitable for storing electronic instructions.
[0119] While this disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Many modifications, improvements, additions, and enhancements are possible. More generally, the embodiments provided in this disclosure have been described in the context of a particular embodiment. Functionality may be separated or combined differently within blocks, or described in different terms, in the various embodiments of this disclosure. These and other modifications, improvements, additions, and enhancements may fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A frameless furniture assembly, Insert elements and, A cover configured to receive the insert element, A comfort control assembly configured to be positioned below the outer surface of the cover, the comfort control assembly being attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover, Frameless furniture assembly featuring a frameless design.
2. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, wherein the comfort control assembly is removably attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover.
3. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, wherein the comfort control assembly is sewn to at least one of the insert element and the cover.
4. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, wherein the comfort control assembly is selected from synthetic materials, natural materials, recycled materials, memory materials or foams, gel-containing materials or foams, open-cell materials or foams, viscoelastic materials or foams, down, fiber fillers, polyester or polyblend fillers, latex, gel grids, woven materials, nonwoven materials, and combinations or mixtures thereof.
5. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, wherein the insert element comprises a central portion and two side portions, and the comfort control assembly overlaps with at least a portion of the central portion and the two side portions, respectively.
6. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, wherein the insert element comprises a central portion and two side portions, and the comfort control assembly overlaps with the central portion.
7. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a main seating area formed by a central portion and at least a portion of two side portions, wherein the comfort control assembly overlaps with at least a portion of the main seating area.
8. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pocket located inside the cover, the pocket being configured to receive the comfort control assembly.
9. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 8, wherein the pocket extends over at least a portion of the central part and two sides of the cover.
10. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 8, wherein the pocket extends over at least a portion of the central and two side portions of the insert element.
11. A frameless furniture assembly, A breathable insert element filled with filler material, A cover configured to receive the breathable insert element, The system comprises a comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the breathable insert element and the cover, A frameless furniture assembly in which at least one anchor position is located on at least one of the breathable insert element and the cover, and the at least one anchor position selectively cooperates with at least one complementary anchor position of the comfort control assembly.
12. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 11, wherein the comfort control assembly encloses the entire breathable insert element.
13. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 11, wherein the comfort control assembly surrounds a portion of the breathable insert element.
14. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 11, wherein the at least one anchor position and the at least one complementary anchor position are structures selected from buttonholes, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, straps, magnets, tongues and grooves, modular lightweight load carrying equipment (MOLLE) systems and straps, zippers, buckles, clips, combinations thereof or modifications thereof.
15. A method for modifying one or more characteristics of frameless furniture in order to improve the user experience of frameless furniture, The steps include providing an insert element including a main body and a filling material, A step of providing a cover configured to receive the insert element, wherein the cover has an inner surface and an outer surface, A step of positioning a comfort control assembly between the insert element and the outer surface of the cover, wherein the comfort control assembly has at least one characteristic different from at least one of the insert element and the cover, A method for providing this.
16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of selectively attaching the comfort control assembly to the insert element.
17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of selectively attaching the comfort control assembly to the cover.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the comfort control assembly is attached to the cover before it is positioned between the insert element and the outer surface of the cover.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the comfort control assembly and the cover are formed together as a single cover / comfort control assembly.
20. The method according to claim 15, wherein the at least one of the properties is selected from adaptability, compressibility, flexibility, rigidity, and elasticity.
21. A furniture assembly, An inner member comprising an inner member cover and a filling material disposed within the inner member cover, The outer cover member surrounds the inner member, A durometer adjustment assembly that operably cooperates with at least one of the inner member and the outer cover member, the durometer adjustment assembly for selectively changing the overall durometer of the furniture assembly, A furniture assembly equipped with [the necessary components].
22. The furniture assembly according to claim 21, further comprising a pump mechanism that is in fluid communication with the durometer adjustment assembly.
23. The furniture assembly according to claim 22, wherein the pump mechanism is located outside the outer cover.
24. The furniture assembly according to claim 22, wherein the pump mechanism is operably connected to a control device.
25. The furniture assembly according to claim 24, wherein the control device is a software application included in a smart device.
26. The furniture assembly according to claim 24, wherein the control device is included in a remote control device.
27. The durometer adjustment assembly includes a molded bladder, The furniture assembly according to claim 21, wherein the molded bladder is positioned in a location selected from at least one of the following: (i) supported by the inner member, (ii) positioned in a fixed position between the inner member and the outer cover, (iii) positioned in a free position between the inner member and the outer cover, or (iv) positioned at the bottom of the furniture assembly.
28. The furniture assembly according to claim 21, wherein the durometer adjustment assembly comprises at least one of (i) a headrest, (ii) a footrest, and (iii) a backrest.
29. The furniture assembly according to claim 28, wherein a gap is formed between the footrest and the outer cover, while the footrest is in fluid communication with the inside of the outer cover.
30. The furniture assembly according to claim 21, wherein the durometer adjustment assembly comprises a valve formed in part of the outer cover member.
31. The furniture assembly according to claim 21, further comprising an onboard control device configured to selectively control the expansion and contraction of the durometer adjustment assembly, for assisting the user of the furniture assembly to move from a seated position to a standing position.
32. The furniture assembly according to claim 31, wherein the onboard control device is operable via at least one of (i) a wireless control device, (ii) an audio control device, and (iii) a physical control device.
33. The furniture assembly according to claim 21, wherein the durometer adjustment assembly comprises a strap disposed within the inner member, the strap having a fixed end and a movable end.
34. The furniture assembly according to claim 33, wherein the movable end is attached to a rotating member, and the rotation of the rotating member pulls the strap.
35. A frameless furniture assembly, An insert element including a seating area, A cover configured to receive the insert element, A comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, the comfort control assembly being attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover, A thermoelectric module operably coupled to the frameless furniture assembly and configured to provide one or more of massage, heating, and / or cooling to the seating area, Frameless furniture assembly for added convenience.
36. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 35, wherein the thermoelectric module is positioned in the seating area of the cover.
37. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 35, wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed between the cover and the insert element.
38. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 35, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises at least one component located outside the frameless furniture assembly.
39. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 35, wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed within the insert element.
40. A frameless furniture assembly according to claim 35, further comprising at least one of the following: an electrical module, an electromechanical module, a mechanical module, a hydraulic module, a pneumatic module, a speaker, an amplifier, a rambler, a haptic feedback device, an inflatable / deflatable bladder, a wireless charger, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a fragrance or aromatherapy machine, a sprayer, a fragrance diffuser, or a combination and modification thereof.
41. A frameless furniture assembly, The core, including the seating area, An insert element configured to be received in the aforementioned seating area, A cover configured to receive the core and the insert element, A comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, the comfort control assembly being attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover, A thermoelectric module operably coupled to the frameless furniture assembly and configured to provide one or more of massage, heating, and / or cooling to the seating area, Frameless furniture assembly featuring a frameless design.
42. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 41, wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed within the seating area of the cover.
43. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 41, wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed between the cover and the insert element.
44. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 41, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises at least one component located outside the frameless furniture assembly.
45. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 41, wherein the thermoelectric module is arranged in the insert element.
46. A frameless furniture assembly according to claim 41, further comprising at least one of the following: an electrical module, an electromechanical module, a mechanical module, a hydraulic module, a pneumatic module, a speaker, an amplifier, a rambler, a haptic feedback device, an inflatable / deflatable bladder, a wireless charger, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a fragrance or aromatherapy machine, a sprayer, a fragrance diffuser, or a combination and modification thereof.
47. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 46, wherein the speaker forms part of a surround sound system.
48. A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly, A step of providing a frameless furniture system, wherein the frameless furniture system is The core, including the seating area, At least one insert element configured to be received by the seating area, A cover configured to receive the core and the insert element, A step including an experience enhancement assembly operably coupled to at least one of the insert element and the cover, The steps include adjusting at least one of the hardness, softness, and electronic settings of the aforementioned experience enhancement assembly, A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly, comprising:
49. A method for modifying one or more characteristics of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 48, wherein the experience enhancement assembly comprises a comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, and the comfort control assembly is attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover.
50. A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 49, wherein the adjustment step is carried out using the comfort control assembly.
51. A method for modifying one or more characteristics of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 48, wherein the experience-enhancing assembly comprises a thermoelectric module located in the seating area or the cover.
52. A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 51, wherein the adjustment step is carried out using the thermoelectric module.
53. The aforementioned experience enhancement assembly is A comfort control assembly configured to be positioned between the insert element and the cover, the comfort control assembly being attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover, A thermoelectric module disposed in the seating area or the cover, A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 48, comprising:
54. A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 53, wherein the adjustment step is carried out using the comfort control assembly, the thermoelectric module, or both.
55. A method for changing one or more characteristics of a frameless furniture assembly according to claim 48, wherein the electronic settings include an "on" setting, an "off" setting, a heating setting, a cooling setting, and a massage setting.
56. A method for modifying one or more properties of a frameless furniture assembly, The steps for providing the frameless furniture assembly described in this book, A step of adjusting at least one of the hardness, softness, and electronic settings of the frameless furniture assembly, which is carried out using a comfort control assembly, at least one electrical module, or both, wherein the electronic settings include at least an "on" setting, an "off" setting, a thermal setting, and a massage setting. A method for providing this.
57. The thermal setting includes a heating setting and a cooling setting, as described in the method of implementation 56.
58. A frameless furniture assembly, An insert element including a seating area, A cover configured to receive the insert element, A technical assembly, at least partially positioned beneath the cover and configured to improve the user experience of the frameless furniture, Frameless furniture assembly featuring a frameless design.
59. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 58, wherein the technical assembly is configured to provide one or more stimuli, one of massage, heating, sound, and / or cooling, to a user seated in the seating area.
60. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 59, wherein the technical assembly is incorporated into at least one of the technical layer and the insert element.
61. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 59, wherein the technical assembly is incorporated into a core positioned within the insert element.
62. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 58, comprising one or more electrical or electromechanical components, the technical assembly comprising at least one of the following: a speaker, an amplifier, a massager, a heater, a cooler, a rambler, a haptic feedback device, an inflatable / deflatable bladder, a charger, a fragrance or aromatherapy machine, a sprayer, a fragrance diffuser, and a combination or modification thereof.
63. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 62, wherein the electrical component or the electromechanical component is powered by a core disposed in the insert element.
64. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 63, wherein the core is powered by a battery.
65. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 64, wherein the core is powered by an external power source.
66. A frameless furniture assembly, Insert elements and, A cover configured to receive the insert element, An experience enhancement assembly that operably cooperates with at least one of the insert element and the cover, wherein the experience enhancement assembly is configured to adjust at least one operating characteristic of the frameless furniture assembly to change the user experience provided by the frameless furniture assembly. Frameless furniture assembly featuring a frameless design.
67. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 66, wherein the user-enhancing assembly is removably attached to at least one of the insert element and the cover.
68. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 66, wherein the experience enhancement assembly comprises a technical layer configured to provide one or more stimuli, among massage, heating, sound, and / or cooling, to a user seated in the seating area.
69. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 68, wherein the technical layer cooperates with a core positioned in the insert element.
70. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 66, wherein the technical layer further comprises at least one of the following: an electrical module, an electromechanical module, a mechanical module, a hydraulic module, a pneumatic module, a speaker, an amplifier, a rambler, a haptic feedback device, an inflatable / deflatable bladder, a wireless charger, a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, a fragrance or aromatherapy machine, a sprayer, a fragrance diffuser, or a combination and modification thereof.
71. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 70, wherein the technical layer is powered by a core positioned in the insert element.
72. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 71, wherein the core is powered by a battery.
73. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 71, wherein the core is powered by an external power source.
74. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 66, wherein the experience-enhancing assembly is sewn to at least one of the insert element and the cover.
75. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 66, wherein the experience-enhancing assembly is selected from synthetic materials, natural materials, recycled materials, memory materials or foams, gel-containing materials or foams, open-cell materials or foams, viscoelastic materials or foams, down, fiber fillers, polyester or polyblend fillers, latex, gel grids, woven materials, nonwoven materials, and combinations or mixtures thereof.
76. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 66, wherein the cover includes a pocket.
77. The frameless furniture assembly according to claim 76, wherein the pocket cooperates with a wireless charger.