Furniture

Abstract

The furniture includes a seat assembly including a rectangular seat support frame and a rest mount disposed on each of at least two adjacent sides of the seat support frame. The rest assembly includes a rectangular rest support frame and a seat mount disposed on at least one side of the rest support frame. The furniture includes at least one elongated connector having a first portion releasably engageable with one of the rest mounts and a second portion releasably engageable with the seat mount, the elongated connector, the rest mount, and the seat mount are configured such that the elongated connector is reversible to provide at least two different configurations of the seat frame assembly relative to the rest frame assembly, thereby allowing the rest assembly to function as either a backrest or an armrest for the furniture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article of furniture.

Background Art

[0002] The residential rental market is known to be growing significantly. Generally, currently available furniture such as sofas, lounge suites, beds, etc. does not meet the needs of renters. For example, when a renter moves, it can be difficult to reconfigure or reform such furniture to fit into a different living area. Such furniture is difficult to move, often requires a carrier, and is difficult to fit into elevators and corridors. Retail overheads, inefficient distribution, manufacturing and storage can put upward pressure on the cost of such furniture. Also, it can be difficult to store a wide range of products in a warehouse in an economical way. As a result, lead times are lengthened and such furniture may not be available when the renter needs it.

[0003] Especially near the city center, residential space is becoming increasingly small. The mobility of young professionals in urban areas is high, and they use rental housing spaces close to the city center and move between them more frequently than the previous generation. These housing spaces are often in high-rise buildings, and it can be difficult to move furniture. Furthermore, it is often necessary to exchange or discard small or large furniture, resulting in an increase in the furniture purchased when moving. As a result, relatively inexpensive and low-quality furniture tends to be selected, meeting current needs but not future needs. These furniture are often simply discarded, which is not environmentally friendly.

[0004] Furthermore, in small residential spaces, it can be difficult to place furniture that cannot be customized to fit a specific space. For example, furniture that fits one living room may not fit the living room at the new location.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a piece of furniture, which comprises a seat assembly comprising a rectangular seat support frame and rest mounts disposed on respective ones of at least two adjacent sides of the seat support frame, a rest assembly comprising a rectangular rest support frame and a seat mount disposed on at least one side of the rest support frame, one or more elongate connectors, the elongate connectors having a first portion that can engage removably with any of the rest mounts and a second portion that can engage removably with the seat mount, the elongate connectors, the rest mounts, and the seat mounts being configured such that the elongate connectors are reversible to provide at least two different arrangements of the seat frame assembly relative to the rest frame assembly, whereby the rest assembly can function as a backrest or armrest of the furniture.

[0006] This furniture can include any number of seat frame assemblies and rest frame assemblies, along with an appropriate number of elongated connectors. Thus, the furniture can take various forms depending on the choice of the orientation of the seat and rest frame assemblies relative to each other. For example, a two-seater sofa can include two seat frame assemblies and four rest frame assemblies. A consumer can easily upgrade it to a three-seater sofa by simply purchasing another seat frame assembly and rest frame assembly. A consumer can also choose to convert the furniture into a bench by the appropriate orientation and connection of the seat frame assembly and the rest frame assembly. Further, by providing an appropriate number of seat assemblies and rest assemblies, the sofa can be extended to include a chaise on either side of the sofa. Thus, a consumer does not need to purchase an entirely new piece of furniture and does not need to find a way to dispose of old furniture that is not of the desired configuration or size when the consumer moves house or wants to move the furniture from one room to another.

[0007] Each portion of the elongated connector is oriented at an angle to each other to define the placement of the rest support frame relative to the seat support frame. The included angle defined by these portions can be 90° or less.

[0008] The seat support frame comprises four seat frame members that are connected at their ends to define each side of the seat support frame. The frame members can be configured such that the seat support frame is square. Alternatively, two opposing frame members can be longer than the remaining frame members, and thus the seat support frame can be elongated.

[0009] Each rest mount may include at least two spaced-apart sleeve assemblies attached to the lower frame member of the rest support frame. In other embodiments, one or two of the frame members may not have sleeve assemblies. Each sleeve assembly can be configured to receive any portion of the elongated connector. At least one portion of each elongated connector may be releasably engagable with the sleeve assembly.

[0010] The sleeve assembly may include a sleeve and a releasable lock assembly for locking at least one portion of the elongated connector within the sleeve. At least one portion of the elongated connector defines one or more depressions or grooves, and may include a catch mechanism configured such that the releasable lock assembly engages the depression or groove or any of them. The catch mechanism may include a spring-biased catch member that can bias the catch member into the depression or one of them when the portion is received within the sleeve assembly. The depression is configured such that the catch member can be removed from the associated depression by operating the elongated connector. Alternatively or additionally, the catch mechanism can be manually operated to move the catch member out of the depression against the spring bias.

[0011] The rest support frame may include four rest frame members in the form of two opposing side frame members, a lower frame member interconnecting the lower ends of the side frame members, and an intermediate member interconnecting the side frame members. The rest frame members can be configured such that the rest support frame is square or elongated.

[0012] The seat mount may include at least two spaced-apart receiver assemblies attached to the lower frame member. Each receiver assembly may include a sleeve assembly. Any portion of the elongated connector can be received by the sleeve assembly of the seat mount. Thus, when each portion of the elongated connector is received by the respective sleeve assemblies of the rest mount and the seat mount, the rest support frame can be connected to the seat support frame.

[0013] Each receiver assembly may include a socket assembly. The socket assembly operatively opens downward and can be arranged to be substantially aligned front-to-back with the sleeve assembly of the receiver assembly. Thus, any portion of the elongated connector can be inserted into the socket assembly of the seat mount. The socket assembly and the sleeve assembly of each receiver assembly operatively diverge downward with the sleeve assembly positioned in front of the socket assembly.

[0014] The furniture can include at least two legs, each leg having an elongated body defining at least one substantially flat surface, whereby the two legs can be arranged with their surfaces aligned and facing each other. When two seat support frames are adjacent to each other to form a two-seat structure, connectors can be arranged at the operative upper ends of each leg such that the flat surfaces of the corresponding legs of each support frame are aligned and face each other.

[0015] The furniture may include a table assembly including a tabletop. A support member can engage the tabletop to support the tabletop at an appropriate height and has an operatively substantially vertical support column and a leg portion extending from the support column, the leg portion being detachably engagable with the rest mount with the support column extending operatively upward from the leg portion. An elongated brace member extends from the support member and is also detachably engaged with the rest mount to reinforce the table assembly against rotational movement.

[0016] The furniture may include two corner members disposed on each side of the rest support frame. Each corner member has a corner defining structure, and the corner defining structure is configured to support the inner surface of the lower edge of the cover of the cushion assembly disposed on the rest support frame and to shape the lower part of the front end and the cover of the outer corner of the furniture.

[0017] Each corner member may take the form of a swing bracket pivotally attached to both ends of the lower frame member of the rest support frame. The swing bracket is rotatable between a non-operating position in which the swing bracket is operably housed under the rest support frame and an operating position in which the swing bracket rotates outwardly away from the rest support frame to support the inner surface of the cover of the cushion assembly.

[0018] The furniture includes a connection system for connecting the seat assemblies together, and the connection system at least one sleeve assembly provided on the seat support frame, the sleeve assembly including a sleeve defining a passage, and the sleeve assembly is disposed on the seat support frame such that two seat assemblies can be adjacently arranged with the passages of the respective sleeve assemblies aligned, the sleeve assembly; at least one elongated connector including a locking portion received through each pair of the aligned passages; a locking device provided on the sleeve assembly, the locking device and the connector being configured such that the locking portion is releasably locked within the passage, and the adjacent seat support frames of the seat assemblies can be locked to each other by the locking portion being received through the aligned passages in a releasable manner.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a kit for furniture is provided, and the kit A seat assembly, a rectangular seat support frame, and a seat assembly having a rest mount disposed on each of at least two adjacent sides of the seat support frame, a rest assembly, a rectangular rest support frame, and a rest assembly having a seat mount disposed on at least one side of the rest support frame, one or more elongated connectors, the elongated connectors having a first portion detachably engagable with any of the rest mounts and a second portion detachably engagable with the seat mount, the elongated connectors, the rest mounts, and the seat mounts being configured such that the elongated connectors are reversible to provide at least two arrangements of the seat frame assembly relative to the rest frame assembly, whereby the rest assembly can function as a backrest or armrest of the furniture.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a table assembly for furniture is provided, the furniture comprising a seat assembly having a seat support frame with rest mounts disposed on each of at least two adjacent sides of a rectangular seat support frame, a rest assembly having a rest support frame with a seat mount disposed on at least one side of the rectangular rest support frame, and one or more elongated connectors, the elongated connectors having a first portion detachably engagable with any of the rest mounts and a second portion detachably engagable with the seat mount, the elongated connectors, the rest mounts, and the seat mounts being configured such that the elongated connectors are reversible to provide at least two arrangements of the seat frame assembly relative to the rest frame assembly, whereby the rest assembly can function as a backrest or armrest of the furniture, the table assembly comprising a tabletop, A support member that engages with the tabletop, having a column that supports the tabletop at an appropriate height and is operatively substantially vertical, and legs extending from the column, wherein the legs are detachably engageable with the rest mount in a state where the column extends operatively upward from the legs, the support member; An elongated brace member that extends from the support member and is detachably engaged with the rest mount to reinforce the table assembly against rotational movement.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a leg support system suitable for furniture is provided, the leg support system comprising: At least two legs, each leg having an elongated body defining at least one substantially flat surface, whereby the two legs can be arranged such that their surfaces are aligned and face each other, the legs; Connectors disposed at the operative upper ends of each leg, whereby the legs can be connected to the seat support frame, and when two seat support frames are adjacent to each other to form a two-seat structure, the flat surfaces of the corresponding legs of each support frame are aligned and face each other.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a table assembly for use with the furniture according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided, the table assembly comprising: A support structure configured to engage with at least one of a rest mount and a seat mount; A support arm assembly disposed on the support structure, wherein the support structure is configured to prevent pivotal movement of the support arm assembly by engagement with at least one of a rest mount and a seat mount, the support arm assembly; A tabletop disposed on the support arm assembly, wherein the support arm assembly is configured to support the tabletop adjacent to or on the rest assembly during use.

[0023] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cushion assembly for a seat of furniture, the cushion assembly comprising: a seat insert comprising: a seat filler body defining an operatively downwardly open cavity; and a spring assembly removably disposed within the cavity; and a cover assembly configured to enclose the seat insert and fixable to a seat support structure of the furniture.

[0024] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system for connecting furniture seat assemblies together, the seat assembly including a seat support frame for supporting a cushion assembly, the connection system comprising: at least one sleeve assembly disposed on the seat support frame, the sleeve assembly including a sleeve defining a passageway, the sleeve assembly being disposed on the seat support frame such that the passageways of the respective sleeve assemblies are aligned so that two seat assemblies are disposed adjacent to each other; at least one elongate connector including a locking portion receivable through respective pairs of aligned passageways; and a locking device disposed in the sleeve assembly, the locking device and the connector being configured such that the locking portion is releasably locked within the passageway and the seat support frames of adjacent seat assemblies can be locked to each other by releasably inserting the locking portion through the aligned passageways.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 indicates an embodiment of furniture according to the present invention as a whole.

[0027] In Figure 1a, reference numeral 10.1 indicates one configuration of furniture that forms a three-seater sofa. Figures 1b through 1f show five stages, 10.2 through 10.6, of changing the position of the rest assembly 14. Figures 1g through 1i each show three different configurations 10.6 through 10.9 of the furniture achieved by position adjustment through addition or removal of the seat assembly 12 and the rest assembly 14. It will be understood that the furniture can take other configurations such as a two-seater sofa, a four-seater sofa, etc. The furniture can be made in various other configurations not limited to those described herein. As is apparent from Figures 1a - 1i, each configuration includes substantially the same backrest and armrests. This enables the use of the seat assembly 12 and the rest assembly 14 to realize the various configurations shown, as well as still other configurations. Thus, the consumer can easily expand or contract the size of the furniture 10, for example, by further purchasing the seat or rest assemblies 12, 10, without having to purchase components adapted for a specific purpose. When moving the furniture 10, the consumer can easily adjust the configuration of the furniture 10 to fit the new location for the furniture 10. Further, when moving the furniture 10, the rest assembly 14 and the seat assembly 12 can be easily packed, for example, in a configuration where they are stacked on top of each other, to facilitate the move. This is particularly useful for container transportation, and the regularity of the furniture helps save space. Regardless of the size and number of the furniture 10, the storage area is mainly occupied by the stack of two components, namely the seat assembly 12 and the rest assembly 14. This advantage also applies to warehouse storage. The commonality of the seat assembly 12 and the rest assembly 14 reduces the types of items that need to be stored in the warehouse while enabling the sale of a wide variety of settings or configurations. Thus, the furniture 10 can help improve or address at least some of the problems raised in the background section with respect to other forms of furniture.

[0028] Figure 2a shows furniture 10.1, and Figure 2b shows furniture 10.6. As can be seen, these pieces of furniture differ only in the position of one of the rest assemblies 14 that functions as an armrest. Furniture 10.1 is a conventional three-seater sofa, and furniture 10.6 is a three-seater sofa in which one of the rest assemblies 14 functions as an armrest and the rest assembly on the opposite side is oriented as a back support. This is achieved by repositioning or inverting the elongated connector as described below. Therefore, the furniture 10 is configured such that the function of the rest assembly 14 is determined by the position of the rest assembly 14 relative to the seat assembly 12.

[0029] The furniture 10 is assembled from a kit or set of parts that includes one or more seat assemblies 12, one or more rest assemblies 14, and a number of elongated connectors 16 used to connect any number of seat assemblies 12 and rest assemblies 14 together to form any one of furniture 10.1 - 10.9 or any other arbitrary variation or configuration.

[0030] The seat assembly 12 comprises a substantially square or rectangular seat support frame 18 having four frame members 20 that define the sides of the seat support frame. The frame members 20 can be manufactured from tubular steel or aluminum, or any other material having suitable strength characteristics for furniture. The frame members 20 can have a square or circular tubular cross-section. In one embodiment, the frame members 20 are square tubular steel with a cross-section of 40 mm × 40 mm.

[0031] The restore assembly 14 includes a rest support frame 26 having four frame members in the form of a lower frame member 28, an upper or intermediate frame member 30, and two opposing side frame members 32. The lower frame member 28 interconnects the lower ends of the side frame members 32, and the intermediate frame member 30 also interconnects the side frame members 32. The rest support frame 26 is generally square or rectangular. The frame members 28, 30, 32 can be made of tubular steel or aluminum, or any other suitable material having strength characteristics for furniture. The frame members 28, 30, 32 have a square or circular tubular cross-section. In one embodiment, the frame members 28, 30, 32 are 20 mm × 20 mm square tubular steel.

[0032] Generally, the elongated connector 16 has a first portion 34 and a second portion 36. The elongated connector 16 is in the form of a bent steel bar, preferably a stainless steel bar. The bar is cylindrical, but may have other cross-sectional shapes. As will be apparent from the following description, the connector 16 may appear in various configurations, particularly when the restore assembly 14 is functioning as a backrest. Thus, the elongated connector 16 can be configured to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0033] The rest mount is in the form of a set of two sleeve assemblies 38, each disposed on at least two adjacent sides of the seat support frame 18, in this example on each of the frame members 20. The rest mount can optionally include a set of one or more than two sleeve assemblies 38 disposed on one or each of the frame members 20.

[0034] Details of the sleeve assembly 38 can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 16 - 21. It should be noted that in FIGS. 18 - 21, the sleeve assembly 38 is shown separated from the frame member 20 for clarity and ease of explanation. The gusset 50 is fixed to the frame member 20 and extends inwardly with respect to the frame member 20. The gusset 50 is fixed to the side facing the inside of the frame member 20. The gusset 50 can be welded to the frame member 20. The sleeve holder 52 is fixed to the gusset 50 and is subordinate to the gusset 50. This sleeve holder 52 is tubular. For example, the sleeve holder 52 has a square tubular cross - section. In one embodiment, the sleeve holder 52 is a 20 mm × 20 mm tubular steel and is welded to the gusset 50.

[0035] The sleeve assembly 38 includes a sleeve insert 54 (FIGS. 17 - 21). The sleeve insert 54 is received in the sleeve holder 52 such that the sleeve insert 54 is held in a predetermined position with respect to the frame member 20. A protective sleeve 86 is attached to the proximal end of the sleeve holder 52 so as to cover the end of the sleeve holder 52. Thus, the sleeve 86 serves to give the sleeve assembly 38 a suitable appearance by covering the unsightly edges of the holder 52. Since those edges may be sharp, the user is prevented from being cut or injured by the sleeve 86. The sleeve 86 is made of a plastic material with an appropriate finish. The sleeve 86 may have a chamfered opening 87. This opening may be flat with a small lead - in to facilitate the guiding of the slender connector.

[0036] The sleeve insert 54 has a tubular square cross-section. The sleeve insert 54 may also have a round cross-section. The proximal end portion of the sleeve insert 54 is configured to engage with the sleeve holder 52 so as to prevent the sleeve insert 54 from being pulled out of the sleeve holder 52. Specifically, the proximal end portion of the sleeve insert 54 has opposing catches 56 which are configured to displace towards each other when the proximal end portion of the sleeve insert 54 is within the sleeve holder 52 and to displace away from each other when the proximal end portion extends beyond the proximal end of the sleeve holder 52. To that end, the proximal end portion of the sleeve insert 54 can be branched. Each catch 56 extends from the end of a respective branch portion 57 and is shaped to facilitate insertion of the insert 54 into the holder 52 when the branch portions are pushed towards each other.

[0037] Since the sleeve member 54 is an elastic and flexible material such as a plastic material, when the catches 56 exit the proximal end of the sleeve 86, as a result of the release of the tension, the catches 56 disengage from each other and engage with the sleeve 86, and the sleeve 86 is held in a predetermined position of the holder 52.

[0038] A releasable lock assembly 58 is disposed at the distal end of the sleeve insert 54. This lock assembly 58 includes a housing 60. The housing 60 defines a passage 62 that extends through the housing 60 and is aligned with a passage 64 (FIG. 16) defined by the sleeve insert 54.

[0039] A catch mechanism in the form of a catch assembly 66 is disposed within the housing 60. The catch assembly 66 includes a catch insert 68 that is received within the housing 60. To that end, the housing 60 has an open functional lower end into which the catch insert 68 can be inserted. The catch insert 68 includes a push member 74 that extends from the housing 60 when the insert 68 is disposed within the housing 60. The catch insert 68 has a retaining shape 70 that engages a complementary shape within the housing 60 to hold the insert 68 in a predetermined position within the housing 60. The insert 68 is dimensioned to be slidable within the housing 60. The insert 68 defines an opening 72 that aligns with the passages 62, 64 when the insert 68 is disposed in the predetermined position. The insert 68 includes a catch member 76 (FIG. 19). The opening 72 is disposed between the catch member 76 and the push member 74. A spring 78 is disposed between the catch member 76 and the housing 60, and this spring 78 biases the catch insert 68 into contact with a complementary shape within the housing. The catch member 76 comprises a pin 77 or other suitable formation or structure that partially closes off the passage 62 and defines an operatively upper side of the opening 72. When the push member 74 is actuated, it operatively pushes the insert 68 and thus the pin 77 upwardly against the spring 78, whereby the pin 77 moves upwardly and clears the passage 62. The pin 77 can be of a material such as steel having suitable structural integrity.

[0040] The first portion 34 of the elongated connector 16 has three depressions 80. Each depression 80 is configured such that under the action of the spring 78, the pin 77 of the insert 68 is received in one of the depressions 80. The free end of the first portion 34 is rounded or chamfered, and when the first portion 34 is pushed into the passage 64 and then into 62, the insert 68 and thus the pin 77 are biased upward against the spring 78, whereby the first portion 34 is formed to extend through the opening 72. When one of the depressions 80 is aligned with the pin 77, the insert 68 is biased downward under the action of the spring 78, the pin 77 enters the depression 80, and the elongated connector 16 is held in place so as not to exit from the passage 62 and thus 64. Each depression 80 has vertical side walls 82, which are spaced from the inclined side walls 84 of the depression 80 and are disposed distally with respect to the side walls 84. Thereby, the first portion 34 can be inserted through the opening 72 until the pin 77 is driven into the selected depression 80 so that the elongated connector 16 has three distinct positions. To release the first portion 34, when the push member 74 is pushed towards the housing 60, the insert 68 is driven upward against the spring 78, the pin 77 exits the depression 80, the passage 62 becomes empty, and the removal of the portion 34 becomes possible. It will be appreciated that the portion 34 may have any number of depressions to further adjustably position the elongated connector 16 with respect to the frame member 20.

[0041] The depressions 80 are aligned with each other along the first portion 34. Also, since the depressions 80 are each defined in a part of the circumference of the first portion 34 without extending circumferentially, when the elongated connector 16 is rotated, the pin 77 exits the depression 80, and thus the catch member 76 disengages from the first portion 34, enabling the first portion 34 to be pulled out from the lock assembly 58. Thus, the elongated connector 16 can be removed without operating the push member 74. This can be convenient as the user does not need to reach under the seat assembly 12 to operate the push member 74. As will be understood hereinafter, when the second portion 36 engages with the rest support frame 26, the operation of the push member 74 will be required.

[0042] The details of the elongated connector 16 are shown in FIG. 9. The second portion 36 of the elongated connector 16 has a single recess 81. The recess 81 is identical to the recess 80. The free end of the second portion 36 is also rounded or chamfered so that when the insert 68 is driven upward, the pin 77 clears the passage 62 and the second portion 36 can be pushed through the opening 72. Thus, the recess 81 can receive the pin 77 in the above-described manner when the pin 77 is aligned with the recess 81. Thus, the engagement or release of the second portion 36 and the lock assembly 58 is performed as described above with reference to the first portion 34. Similar to the portion 34, the portion 36 can have any number of recesses for further adjusting the elongated connector 16 relative to the frame member 20.

[0043] With two sleeve assemblies 38 attached to each of the frame members 20 of the seat support frame 18, two of the elongated connectors 16 are attached to one or more frame members 20, and depending on which portions 34, 36 are received by the sleeve assemblies 38, the pair of elongated connectors 16 or each pair of first or second portions 34, 36 can extend from the frame member 20. This makes it possible to achieve various configurations of one or more rest assemblies 14 relative to the seat assembly 12.

[0044] As described, the lock assembly 58 is disposed inwardly or distally relative to the frame member 20, not outwardly or proximally. Conversely, with the lock assembly 58 disposed on the outside, the force applied to the elongated member 16 as a result of the rest assembly 14 leaning thereon can damage the lock assembly 58. Further, as shown, this position of the lock assembly 58 makes the lock assembly less visible and may detract from the appearance of the furniture 10.

[0045] The seat mount is disposed on the lower frame member 28 of the rest support frame 26 (e.g., FIGS. 3-6). The seat mount includes two receiver assemblies 96 that are spaced apart and fixed to the lower member 28.

[0046] As shown, for example, in FIGS. 5 and 6, each receiver assembly 96 includes a socket assembly 98 fixed to the lower member 28. The socket assembly 98 includes an elongated holder 100 that receives a socket insert 102. The holder 100 can have a square or circular tubular cross-section. In one embodiment, the holder 100 is 20 mm × 20 mm tubular steel.

[0047] The socket insert 102 has a head 104 that covers the opening of the holder 100 and defines a chamfered, rounded, or radiused inlet to facilitate the placement of either the first or second portion 34, 36 within the socket defined by the socket assembly 98.

[0048] Since the cover material is suitable for reducing the visibility of the holes for aesthetic purposes, it is not necessary for the head 104 to cover the opening of the holder 100.

[0049] The head 104 can also serve a protective role by preventing damage to the holder 100 by either of the portions 34, 36. The head 104 also covers the sharp edges of the holder 100 and helps prevent the user from cutting themselves. The socket insert 102 can be a plastic material.

[0050] Each receiver assembly 96 includes a sleeve assembly 106. The sleeve assembly 106 includes an elongated holder 108 that receives a sleeve insert 110. The holder 108 can have a square or circular tubular cross-section. In one embodiment, the holder 108 is 20 mm × 20 mm tubular steel.

[0051] The sleeve insert 110 covers the lower opening of the holder 108 and includes a head 112 that is chamfered, rounded, or has a radius, thereby facilitating the insertion of either the first or second portion 34, 36 through the passage defined by the receiver assembly 96. The head 112 can also serve a protective role by suppressing damage to the holder 108 by either of the portions 34, 36. The head 112 also helps to cover the sharp edges of the holder 108 so that the user does not cut themselves. The sleeve insert 110 can be a plastic material. Since the cover material is suitable for reducing the visibility of the holes for aesthetic purposes, it is not necessary for the head 112 to cover the opening of the holder 108.

[0052] The socket assembly 98 and the sleeve assembly 106 are aligned front to back, spaced apart from each other downwardly, and the socket assembly 98 is disposed outside the sleeve assembly 106 during use. During use, the socket assembly 98 opens downwardly.

[0053] During use, the corresponding first portion 34 or second portion 36 of the two elongated connectors 16 is inserted into the two respective socket assemblies 98 or sleeve assemblies 106. The rest assembly is operated such that the corresponding first or second portions 34, 36 extend therefrom and are received in the respective sleeve assemblies 38 on the appropriate frame member 20 as described above. For example, FIGS. 3 and 5 show the portion 34 extending through the sleeve assembly 106. In that position, the sleeve assembly 106 is supported at the junction of the portions 34, 36. This configuration can be used when the rest assembly 14 functions as an armrest, and the longer portion 36 allows the rest assembly 14 to be disposed at the side of the associated seat assembly 12. Further, in this configuration, the rest assembly 14 is more upright than when the portion 36 is received in the socket assembly 98 and is suitable for functioning as an armrest.

[0054] In FIGS. 4 and 6, portion 34 is received in sleeve assembly 38, and portion 36 is received in socket assembly 98. In that position, socket assembly 98 is supported at the upper end of portion 36. When portions 34 of the two elongated connectors 16 are received through their respective sleeve assemblies 106, the rest support frame 26 is lower than when portion 36 is received in its respective socket assembly 98. Further, the included angle between the rest support frame 26 and the seat support frame 18 is reduced by selecting the sleeve assembly 106 as opposed to the socket assembly 98. Thus, when portion 36 is received in socket assembly 98, the rest assembly 14 functions as a backrest. In other embodiments, it will be understood that portion 34 may be received in socket assembly 98 with appropriate modifications to the elongated connector 16 as necessary.

[0055] As described above, portion 34 can be disposed within respective sleeve assemblies 38 on the appropriate sides of the seat frame members 20. Next, portion 36 can be received in either socket assembly 98 or sleeve assembly 106 in the manner described above with reference to portion 34. As shown in FIG. 9, portion 34 is shorter than portion 36. Thus, the height of the rest support frame 26 relative to the seat support frame 18 can be adjusted by inverting or reorienting the elongated connector 16. By providing three depressions in portion 34, the rest assembly as a backrest can be adjusted to three different positions on the seat assembly 12 to suit the user (two of which are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12). It will be understood that more or fewer adjustment positions can be achieved by providing more or fewer depressions in either or both of portions 34 and 36. This depth adjustment helps to avoid an unsightly crushing of the cushion when forming the corners.

[0056] The elongated connector 16 is a 12 mm stainless steel rod. The first and second portions are angled relative to each other such that an appropriate appearance is achieved when the restore assembly 14 is operatively positioned relative to the seat assembly. For example, this angle can be between 84 degrees and 90 degrees, more specifically about 86 degrees. The angle is selected such that the elongated connector 16 does not jam in the associated components and a tolerable appearance is substantially achieved. For example, it is desirable for the furniture armrests to appear less reclined. A curved joint 37 interconnects the first and second portions 34, 36. Thus, when either the first or second portion 34, 36 is received through the sleeve assembly 106, the head 112 abuts against the joint 37 to support the weight of the rest support frame 26.

[0057] Accordingly, the elongated connector 16 and the receiver assembly 96 enable positioning of the seat support frame 18 relative to the rest support frame 26 in both height and angle. It will be readily understood that the elongated connector 16 can take various configurations depending on the level of adjustment required. For example, in FIG. 10, reference numeral 114 generally shows an example of an elongated connector having one recess 118 at or near the end of the first portion 116 and another recess 120 towards the end of the second portion 122. Similar to the elongated connector 16, the elongated connector 114 includes a curved joint 124 interconnecting the portions 116, 122.

[0058] In this way, various configurations of the furniture shown in FIG. 1 can be achieved during use, for example with the seat support frame and the rest support frames 18, 26 appropriately cushioned as described later. Further, various other configurations of furniture can be realized, including sofas of various sizes, regardless of the presence or absence of chaise lounge returns.

[0059] For example, furniture 10.1 has two rest assemblies 14 that function as armrests, and its portion 36 is received in the sleeve assembly 38 of the side member 20 of the respective frame 18 of the outermost seat assembly 12. Portion 34 is received in sleeve assembly 106. FIG. 3 shows one of the outermost seat support frame 18 and rest support frame 26 of furniture 10.1 in an armrest configuration. In this configuration, the rest assembly 14 is in the lowest orientation relative to the seat assembly 12. Further, the rest assembly 14 is more upright than the rest assembly 14 when functioning as a backrest.

[0060] In the backrest configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the rest support frame 26 is attached to the seat support frame 18. In that configuration, portion 34 is received in the respective sleeve assembly 38 with the pin 77 positioned in the proximal recess 80 as described above. Portion 36 is within the respective socket assembly 98. In that configuration, the rest assembly 14 is less upright than the rest assembly 14 that functions as an armrest and is thus more suitable as a backrest. It will be understood that it may not always be preferred to refer to the rest assembly 14 as an armrest configuration and a backrest configuration. Further, the rest assembly 14 in the backrest configuration is higher than the rest assembly 14 in the armrest configuration.

[0061] One adjustment of the rest assembly 14 from the armrest configuration to the backrest or chaise configuration is shown in FIGS. 1b - 1f. In the backrest configuration, portion 34 is received in the respective sleeve assembly 38 such that the bottom of the rest assembly 14 is positioned on the associated seat assembly 12 and is inclined in the same manner as configured as a backrest to perform a back support function. Thus, it will be understood that this furniture can take the form of a chaise lounge or may include a chaise return.

[0062] In use, the rest support frame 26 and associated receiver assembly 96 are embedded in a suitable cushion assembly. The cover of the cushion assembly incorporates suitable openings to facilitate access to the receiver assembly 96 by the elongate connector portions 34, 36. In certain configurations, it is desirable for the lower end of the rest assembly 14 to define a distinct corner edge when exposed, as opposed to the lower edge of the adjacent rest assembly 14 serving as an adjacent backrest.

[0063] To that end, the opposing outer ends of the lower member 28 of the rest support frame 26 define an opening 126 that provides access to a passage defined by the lower member 28. For example, as described above, the lower member 28 has a square tubular cross-section. The furniture 10 can include a number of corner members 128 (Figs. 22, 24, 25). The corner members 128 can be elongate cylindrical bars or tubes. Each corner member 128 has a corner defining structure in the form of an attachment portion 130 and a tension portion 132 extending from the attachment portion 130. The corner member 128 is configured such that in use, the tension portion 132 extends substantially parallel to opposing frame members 20 that extend away from the rest support frame 26. The attachment portion 130 can be received within the passage through the opening 126 and disposed within the passage. A locking portion 134 is interposed between the attachment portion 130 and the tension portion 132, and this locking portion 134 is formed to inhibit rotation of the corner member 128 relative to the frame member 28 when the attachment portion 130 is within the passage. Thus, when the cover of the rest assembly is removed and the corner member 128 is attached to the lower member 28, the tension portion 132 is disposed so as to extend away from the lower member 28 and can form a tension frame member for the cover. It will be appreciated that this can provide a neat appearance to the lower edge of the rest assembly 14, particularly when the rest assembly 14 functions as an armrest and its lower edge is visible. It will also be appreciated that the corner member 128 can be used even when the rest assembly 14 functions as a backrest.

[0064] When in use, when the restore assembly 14 is disposed adjacent to a further restore assembly 14, the cover can be at least partially removed and the corner member 128 removed to provide the configuration shown in FIG. 23 so that adjacent members 128 do not collide.

[0065] In the foregoing description, the elongate connecting members 16, 114 have been described as having a first portion that is shorter than the second portion. However, it will be readily appreciated that the first and second portions may be of the same length. For example, FIG. 28 shows an elongate connecting member 136 in which the first and second portions 138, 140 are of substantially the same length. Further, the first portion 138 has four depressions 142 that are substantially identical to the depression 80. The second portion 140 has four depressions 144 that are substantially identical to the depression 81. Further, each set of depressions 142, 144 includes distal depressions 142.1, 144.1 and three equally spaced depressions 142.2, 144.2 that are grouped together with respect to these distal depressions 142.1, 144.1. The sets of depressions 142, 144 are arranged in the same manner in the portions 138, 140. The need to invert or reorient the connecting member 136 can be avoided. Further, the connecting member 136 is invertible in the sense that inverting the connecting member 136 can result in no consequences. Thus, it does not matter which portion is inserted into the associated sleeve or socket, and assembly mistakes are avoided. When there is an elongate connector that exceeds a certain length, there is a risk that they will interfere with each other when adjusting adjacent restore assemblies 14 on the same sheet. Thus, as shown in FIG. 26, the sleeve assemblies 38 can be arranged close to each other on each frame member 20 to avoid such interference. Similarly, the receiver assemblies 96 can also be arranged close to each other corresponding to the sleeve assemblies 38.

[0066] The seat assembly 12 comprises a leg support system having four legs 146 (e.g., FIG. 29). Details of the legs can be seen in FIGS. 32 and 33. Each leg 146 includes an elongated body 148. The body 148 has a flat side 150 and an opposite curved side 152. The body 148 also tapers inwardly from top to bottom. Two of the legs 146 can be arranged adjacent to each other such that their flat sides 150 abut or have a gap to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. A temporary fixing structure, such as a patch 154 of a surface fastener known as Velcro (trademark) for example, is disposed on the flat side 150 so as to be able to fix the cover of the seat assembly in place as will be described later.

[0067] In FIG. 34, reference numeral 156 indicates an example of a suitable end cap that can engage both ends of the legs 146 when arranged adjacent to each other as described above. In this embodiment, the end cap 156 has two protrusions 158 that are received at the lower end of each leg 146 to provide a suitable finish for the combined leg assembly and assist in holding the legs 146 together. In FIG. 35, reference numeral 160 indicates another example of a suitable end cap that defines a receiving portion 162 that receives both lower ends to provide a suitable finish and assist in holding the legs 146 together.

[0068] Each leg 146 has a connector in the form of a peg 165 such that the leg 146 can be connected or attached to the seat frame member 20. To that end, the seat frame member 20 has a number of sleeves 164 for receiving the respective pegs 165. Details of one of the sleeves 164 can be seen in FIG. 30. As shown in FIG. 30, the sleeve 164 is disposed in each corner bracket 166. Each sleeve 164 includes a sleeve body 167 that extends downwardly from the bracket 166. The corner brackets 166 interconnect adjacent frame members 20. Thus, the legs 146 can be attached slightly inside each corner of the frame 18 to secure the cushion assembly to the frame member 20.

[0069] Each peg 165 is within a square recess 169. Each sleeve body 167 has a square profile, and the recess 169 and the sleeve body 167 are dimensioned such that the sleeve body 167 fits into the recess 169 to prevent subsequent rotation of the leg 146 relative to the frame 18. The recess 169 is oriented such that the curved side surface 152 of the leg 146 faces obliquely outward.

[0070] When arranged side by side to provide a sofa, bench, etc., it will be understood that it is aesthetically undesirable for each of the frame members 20 to have a leg 146 at each corner. This is because too many legs 146 would be visible and it would look like a simple row of single seats placed side by side. Accordingly, each of the members 20 has two sockets 171 arranged inwardly from the respective ends of the members 20 for receiving the pegs 165. Thus, when two or more members 20 are arranged side by side, the legs 146 can be attached to adjacent members 20 using the sockets 171. Those legs 146 can be oriented such that the flat side surfaces 150 of the corresponding legs 146 of adjacent members 20 are aligned to provide the appearance of a single leg with the curved side surface 152. The sockets 171 are arranged such that the flat side surfaces 150 of the corresponding legs 146 face each other for placement purposes and the legs 146 are also spaced inwardly so as to be less visible. As a result, the furniture has the appearance of a composite or one-piece rather than simply a row of furniture placed side by side. Further, there will be legs 146 at the corners of the frame 18 and the legs 146 are aesthetically acceptable.

[0071] Currently, other adaptable sofas use a single leg arranged between adjacent seat support structures. This can provide a similar appearance to the above. However, using a single leg limits the adaptability of the sofa. For example, when converting the sofa into two single-seaters, a single leg is not useful. To make such a conversion, the user needs to purchase additional legs.

[0072] The connection method of adjacent seat assemblies is shown in FIGS. 36 to 40.

[0073] When adjacent seat assemblies 12 are joined together, the sets of two sleeve assemblies 38 on each frame member 20 are aligned with each other. The furniture includes several elongated seat connectors 168, one of which is shown in FIG. 38. The seat connector 168 has a main lock portion 170 and a secondary handle portion 172 that is angled with respect to the lock portion 170 to facilitate the operation of the connector 168. The seat connector 168 has a cross-sectional dimension similar to those of the elongated connectors 16, 114, 136.

[0074] The free end of the lock portion 170 is rounded or chamfered so that the lock portion 170 can act on the catch assembly 66 of the corresponding sleeve assembly 38 in the manner described above with respect to the lock assembly 58. The lock portion 170 has a distal recess 174 and a proximal recess 176. These recesses 174, 176 are arranged such that when the frame members 20 are abutted side by side to form the furniture, the lock portion 170 can pass through the opening 72 and the passage 64 of one sleeve assembly 38 and enter the passage 64 of the aligned sleeve assembly 38 and pass through the opening 72 for insertion. The recesses 174, 176 are arranged to receive the pins 77 of the associated lock assembly 58 in the recesses 174, 176, hold the lock portion 170 against subsequent withdrawal, and thus releasably fix the adjacent seat frame members 20 together. Removal of the lock portion 170 can be achieved by operating the handle portion 172 to partially rotate the lock portion 170, causing the recesses 174, 176 to rotate out of engagement with the pins 77. The handle portion 172 is arranged at a position offset by approximately 90° from the recesses 174, 176. Thus, when the seat connector 168 is in an operable locked state, the handle portion 172 is angled upward and thus does not interfere with the area or volume below the frame member 20 and is less visible.

[0075] The fact that the support frames 18 are locked together in the above manner also prevents the furniture 10 from floating. If the support frames 18 are not locked to each other and the legs 146 are spaced inwardly to obtain an aesthetically satisfactory result as described above, the seat and associated rest assemblies 12, 14 will tend to float during use because they are not supported at all four corners.

[0076] Caps 156, 160 may be useful for arranging to connect the seat assemblies 12 together in the above manner. In use, the legs 146 of one seat assembly 12 that rely on the sockets 171 can be placed within the caps 156, 160. Subsequently, the corresponding legs 146 from the connected seat assemblies 12 are also placed within the caps 156, 160. If the position of the legs 146 relative to the sleeve assembly 38 is fixed, it helps to accurately position the sleeve assemblies 38 relative to each other to insert the elongate connector 170. It should be noted that the caps 156, 160 can be omitted if the seat assemblies 12 slide towards each other.

[0077] Figures 41 to 44 show examples of furniture in the form of a single or double bed that can be realized with the above-described components, using an elongated connector 178 in which the angle between a first portion 180 and a second portion 182 is selected so that the rest assembly 14 can be arranged substantially horizontally as seen in Figures 41 and 44. Thus, the angle between the first portion and the second portions 180, 182 is greater than the angle between the first portion and the second portion of the elongated connectors 16, 114, 136. In this example, the single bed shown in Figure 41 can be realized by connecting two seat assemblies 12 to each other in the above-described manner. A rest assembly 14 with an armrest function is connected to one of the seat assemblies 12, and one rest assembly 14 is connected to the other seat assembly 12 substantially horizontally using the elongated connector 178 in the manner described above with respect to the elongated connector 16. The rest assembly 14 and the seat assembly 12 are connected along a line so as to define a single bed. In Figure 42, a seat assembly 12 of one single bed is connected to a seat assembly 12 of another single bed in the above-described manner using an elongated seat connector 168 to provide a double bed. It will be understood that the width of the bed can be further increased depending on the number of rest assemblies 14 and seat assemblies 12 used.

[0078] As seen in Figures 43 and 44, the first portion 180 of the elongated connector 178 is received in the sleeve assembly 38 in the manner described above with respect to the first portion 34 of the elongated connector 16. The second portion 182 of the elongated connector 178 can be received in either the socket assembly 98 or the sleeve assembly 106 in the manner described above with respect to the second portion 36 of the elongated connector 16. In Figure 43, the second portion 182 is received in the socket assembly 98.

[0079] Both portions 180, 182 of the elongated connector 178 define a recess 183 such that portions 180, 182 are identical. The recess 183 is identical to the recess described above. Thus, the user cannot incorrectly insert this portion into the sleeve assembly 38. It will be readily appreciated that portions 180, 182 may have different lengths, if desired.

[0080] In FIGS. 45 - 48, reference numeral 184 indicates a table assembly for use in the furniture 10 as a whole.

[0081] The table assembly 184 comprises an elongated support arm assembly 186. The support arm assembly 186 includes an attachment assembly 190 for facilitating attachment of the table top 188 to the support arm assembly 186. The attachment assembly 190 includes a connector 191 that is fixed to the underside of the table top 188. The connector 191 can be made of steel. An insert 193 interconnects the functional vertical portion 187 of the support arm assembly 186 and the connector 191 to secure the table top 188 to the support arm assembly 186. A support structure 192 extends from the functional lower end of the vertical portion 187 and is configured to engage at least one of the socket assembly 38 and the sleeve assembly 106 to secure the support arm assembly 186 to the furniture.

[0082] More specifically, the support structure 192 includes a substantially horizontal portion 194 that can be received in one of the sleeve assemblies 38, and a functionally upwardly extending portion 196 that can be received in a corresponding sleeve assembly 106 of the rest assembly 14. The vertical portion 187 extends upwardly along the outside of the rest assembly 14 and is adapted to support the tabletop 188 on the rest assembly 14. Thus, the support structure 192 can function as one of the elongated connectors 16 as described above. To that end, the horizontal portion 194 defines a recess 198 that is substantially identical to either of the recesses 80, 81 found on the elongated connector 16. Thereby, the horizontal portion 194 can be releasably locked to the seat frame member 20 in the manner described above with respect to the elongated connector 16. Further, the substantially vertical portion 196 is received through the sleeve assembly 106 as described above with reference to the elongated connector 16. In this configuration, rotation of the support arm assembly 186 is inhibited.

[0083] Depending on the positions of the sleeve 38 and the corresponding receiver assembly 96, it is possible to position the table assembly 184 either at the front or the rear of the rest assembly 14.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the table assembly 184 is integrated with existing components of the furniture 10. Thus, no additional manufacturing costs are added to the seat assembly 12 and the rest assembly 14 for the table assembly 184.

[0085] In FIGS. 49, 51, and 52, reference numeral 200 generally indicates a cushion assembly for use with furniture. The cushion assembly 200 forms part of the seat assembly 12.

[0086] The cushion assembly 200 includes a seat insert 202 having a body 203 that is a conventional seat filler. The body 203 has a generally flat bottom 204, sides 206, and an upper portion 211 having an upwardly curved profile.

[0087] The body 203 defines an internal cavity 212. This cavity 212 is open at the bottom 204.

[0088] A self - contained spring assembly 214 is received within the cavity 212 and is configured to be removable and replaceable. The seat insert 202 does not have pocket springs adhered to a filler material as is common in conventional cushion assemblies. Thus, the spring assembly 214 can be removed for replacement or recycling as a separate component from the body 203.

[0089] The seat insert 202 is configured to be positioned on the seat support frame 18. For this purpose, the foam core 202 is dimensioned such that the side surfaces 206 are positioned generally aligned with the outer edges of the side frame members 20. A spring bolster 216 is optionally inserted between the spring assembly 214 and the seat support frame 18.

[0090] The seat insert 202 is received within an insert cover 220 and is secured within the insert cover 220, for example, by a zipper.

[0091] The insert cover 220 incorporates, for example, a quilting or lining of polyester fill such as Dacron (trademark), and for this reason, the insert cover 220 can be repeatedly removed and reinstalled or replaced without damaging the quilting or lining. Thus, as will be described later, the cushion cover can be repeatedly removed and replaced, for example, for washing, with little damage to the lining and fill that is normally placed on the insert. Conventionally, such linings and fills could be damaged as a result of removing and reinstalling the cushion cover.

[0092] The lining cover 220 has a skirt 219 that depends from the cover portion 221. A fastening material, known, for example, as a tricot fabric, is attached to the lower side of the frame 18. The skirt 219 includes a complementary fastening material, such as the hook material of a hook-and-loop (trademark) fastener, and can be fixed to the tricot fabric on the lower side of the frame, whereby the lining cover 220 including the insert 202 is fixed to the frame 18.

[0093] The cushion cover 222 is configured to fit over the liner 220 and the seat insert 202. Similar to the liner 220, the cover 222 is configured to be removably attached and detached repeatedly. The cover 222 can be made of any suitable material, such as a high-quality material or a material suitable for repeated washing and replacement.

[0094] The cushion cover 222 includes a hem 224 that extends from the lower end of the body 226 of the cover 222. The hem 224 incorporates a fastening material that is complementary to the fastening material of the skirt 219. Thus, the hem 224 can be releasably fixed to the side frame member 20 by being releasably fixed to the fastening material of the skirt 219. The hem 224 includes a separate flap 225 that can be further fixed to the patch 154 on the leg 146 to fix the cover 222 in place.

[0095] The cushion assembly 200 is suitable for recycling. For example, the spring assembly 214 can be removed without destroying the foam core 202, and the spring assembly 212 can be recycled as a metal article. In a conventional cushion assembly, it is usually necessary to discard the foam with the metal spring assembly embedded in the foam, so recycling of the spring assembly is not possible.

[0096] Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly of the entire cushion assembly 200 are relatively simple, and the user can easily wash or replace the individual components of the cushion assembly 200.

[0097] In FIG. 50, reference numeral 201 generally indicates a cushion assembly for use with two connected seat support frames 18. The cushion assembly 201 provides a component of a single piece having a length twice that of the cushion assembly 200.

[0098] The cushion assembly 201 includes a seat insert 205 similar to the seat insert 202 except for being long. The seat insert 205 is similar to the spring assembly 214 and may include one or two self - contained spring assemblies disposed in one cavity or two separate cavities respectively.

[0099] The seat insert 205 can be placed in a stuffing / liner cover 207 similar to the cover 220. Similarly, the stuffing / liner cover 207 containing the seat insert 205 can be placed in a cushion cover in the same way as the seat insert 202 and the cover 220 are placed in the cover 222.

[0100] The cushion assembly 201 provides the user with the option of purchasing a single rectangular cushion that can be shipped and transported in a package the same size as the cushion assembly 200. As a result, by supplying the cushion assembly 201, the inventory list can be prevented from increasing excessively. The cushion assembly 201 also provides the user with the additional option of converting two single seats on a sofa into one double seat.

[0101] It will be appreciated that the cushion assemblies 200, 201 are specifically configured for disassembly and reassembly by the consumer. Thereby, the consumer can replace the individual components of the cushion assemblies 200, 201. For example, when the cover wears out, when the user wants to upgrade the furniture, or when the furniture is to be used in a high-wear environment such as a playroom. Further, this replacement can be useful when the user wants to change the color scheme of a particular room, or when the furniture is moved to a room where the color scheme of the furniture does not match the color scheme of the room. This adaptability is particularly convenient for users who frequently move, which has become common with rising real estate prices and longer rental periods for residents.

[0102] The ability to selectively replace components of the cushion assemblies 200, 201 also results in convenient and cost-effective storage and transportation methods. For example, with the spring assembly 214 removed, the covers 209, 222, the covers 207, 220, and the seat filler can be placed in a vacuum bag, saving space and thus providing efficient transportation.

[0103] FIG. 54 shows a storage system for the furniture 10, generally designated by the reference numeral 228.

[0104] This storage system 228 utilizes a runner formation 230 disposed on each sleeve assembly 38, as clearly seen in FIGS. 16 - 21. The runner formation 230 is configured to engage an upper lip 232 of a storage tray 234 that is received under the seat support frame 18 and between the legs 146. It will be appreciated that each frame member 20 includes two aligned runner formations 230. Thus, the runner formations 230 on both sides can engage the lips 232 on both sides of the storage tray 234.

[0105] Each runner formation 230 is in the form of a channel 236 defined by a housing 60 of the lock assembly 58 and a wall 237 that extends functionally downward and is spaced outwardly from the housing 60 (also shown explicitly in FIGS. 16 - 21). The channel 236 opens downward to receive the lip 232, such that as a result, the insertion and removal of the storage tray 234 from beneath the seat support frame 18 is guided by the channel 236. The storage tray 234 may be wheeled to facilitate forward and backward movement relative to the seat support frame 18.

[0106] The wall 237 also protects the lock assembly 58 in the event that the seat support frame 18 drops without legs, or when the lock assembly 58 could be damaged without protection. The wall 237 is disposed beneath the steel holder 52. Thus, the wall 237 can transmit an impact to the holder 52 that is capable of absorbing the impact. To that end, the wall 237 extends downward at least to the same extent as the housing 60. FIGS. 57 - 60 show alternative seat support frames 238 and rest support frames 240 that can be connected in various ways to achieve different configurations of the furniture.

[0107] In FIG. 61, reference numeral 248 generally indicates an elongated connector having a first portion 250 and a second portion 252 that are angled with respect to each other, similar to the portions 34, 36. However, the angle between the first and second portions 250, 252 may vary depending on the required application. In FIG. 62, reference numeral 254 generally indicates a further elongated connector having a first portion 256 and a second portion 258 that are generally orthogonal to each other. Again, the angle between the first and second portions 256, 258 can vary depending on the required application. The elongated connectors 248, 254 have the same cross - section. However, the first portion 250 of the elongated connector 248 is longer with respect to the second portion 252 than the first portion 256 with respect to the second portion 258 of the elongated connector 254.

[0108] The sheet support frame 238 includes two sleeve assemblies 242 attached to each frame member 20. Each set of the two sleeve assemblies 242 is attached such that they converge in the distal direction. Each sleeve assembly 242 is attached to its associated frame member 20 by a gusset 244. Each sleeve assembly 242 includes an elongate sleeve holder 246 having a square or circular tubular cross-section and a sleeve insert disposed within the sleeve holder 246. The sleeve insert can be of plastic material. The holder 246 may define a chamfered, radiused, or rounded opening to receive either the first portion or the second portion of any of the elongate connectors 248, 254.

[0109] Each holder 246 is welded to the associated gusset 244, and this gusset 244 can be welded to the associated frame member 20.

[0110] The rest support frame 240 has two sleeve assemblies 260, and each sleeve assembly 260 is disposed at or near the end of the lower member 28. Each sleeve assembly 260 includes an elongated sleeve holder 262 fixed to the lower member 28. A sleeve insert 264 is disposed within the sleeve holder 262 and has a head 266 that covers the lower end of the sleeve holder 262. The head 266 defines a chamfered, radiused, or rounded opening for one of the first and second portions of either the elongated connectors 248, 254. Since the cover material may also be suitable for making the holes less visible for aesthetic purposes, the head 266 need not cover the lower end of the sleeve holder. The head 266 serves to cover sharp edges and prevent the user from being cut or snagged. The rest support frame 240 also has two sets of inner and outer socket assemblies 268, 270. Each set is disposed inside the sleeve assembly 260 near each respective end of the lower member 28. The socket assemblies 268, 270 of each set are generally parallel to each other but are angled with respect to the sleeve assembly 260. In operation, the angle defined between the socket assemblies 268, 270 and the seat support frame 238 is smaller than the angle defined between the sleeve assembly 260 and the seat support frame 238. Thus, assuming a common elongated connector, when the elongated connector engages the sleeve assembly 260, a more upright position of the rest assembly 14 relative to the seat assembly 12 is provided as contrasted with the state where the elongated connector engages either of the socket assemblies 268, 270. That more upright position is suitable for the elbow rest function of the associated rest assembly 14.

[0111] Each socket assembly 268, 270 includes an elongated holder 272, 274 fixed to the lower member 28. Socket inserts 276, 278 are received in each holder 272, 274. Each socket insert 276, 278 has a head 280, 282 that defines a chamfered, radiused, or rounded opening for providing a guide to either the first and second ends of any of the elongated connectors 248, 254.

[0112] As seen in FIG. 58, the second portion 252 of the elongated connector 248 can be received in respective sleeve assemblies 242. More specifically, the end of the second portion 252 is disposed within the sleeve assembly 242. This utilizes the maximum length of the second portion 252, which is longer than the first portion 250. The first portion 250 is received through respective sleeve inserts 264 of the sleeve assembly 260. When both first portions 250 are received through their respective sleeve inserts 264, it will be appreciated that the fact that the second portions 252 diverge from each other as a result of the orientation of the sleeve assemblies 242 inhibits the second portions 252 from being withdrawn together from the seat support frame 18. This serves to fix the restore assembly 14 to the seat assembly 12. To withdraw the second portion 252, it is necessary to first lift the restore assembly 14 so that the sleeve assembly 260 is not caught on the first portion 250. In that position, the restore assembly 14 is disposed at the maximum distance from the seat assembly 12 and is in the lowest position relative to the seat assembly 12. This is suitable for the above-described elbow rest function.

[0113] It will be appreciated that the relative positions of the seat assembly 12 and the rest assembly 14 are fixed. This is because if they deviate from these positions, the first portion 250 will not be able to be received through the sleeve assembly 260. As can be seen in FIG. 59, the first portion 250 of the elongate connector 248 is received through respective sleeve assemblies 242. The associated second portion 252 is received in respective socket inserts 276 of the inner socket assembly 268, thereby supporting the rest support frame 240 at a predetermined height above the seat support frame 238. When the portion 256 is inserted into the sleeve assembly 242 to the maximum extent, the inner socket assembly 268 needs to be used. This provides a predetermined position of the rest assembly 14 relative to the seat assembly 12 for the same reason that the position of the rest assembly 14 relative to the seat assembly 12 is determined as described above. In this example, the rest assembly can function as a backrest having a standard depth for a seat or a sofa.

[0114] In FIG. 60, the first portion 250 of the connector 248 is received in the sleeve assembly 242, while the associated second portion 252 is received in the outer socket assembly 270. The use of the outer socket assembly 270 is mandated by the fact that the first portion 252 is somewhat retracted from the associated sleeve assembly 242 when compared to the state shown in FIG. 59. In this configuration, the rest assembly 14 can function as a backrest with an extended depth.

[0115] The elongated connector 254 can be used with the second portions 258 received in their respective inner socket assemblies 268. As described above, the first portion 256 of the elongated connector 254 is relatively shorter than the first portion 250 of the elongated connector 248 as compared to their respective second portions 258, 252. Thus, it is not possible to pull back the first portion 256 to position the second portion 258 in the outer socket assembly 270. Thus, the elongated connector 254 is used for a configuration in which the depth of the backrest assembly 14 cannot be adjusted.

[0116] Figures 63 - 71 show alternative ways of releasably securing the seat support frame 18 together.

[0117] The furniture 10 can include at least one clamping mechanism operable to clamp adjacent frame members 20 together when forming furniture such as a sofa or bench with the seat assemblies together.

[0118] The clamping mechanism includes two over - center clamping devices 284 configured to engage adjacent frame members 20 and operable to clamp the adjacent frame members 20 together. Each clamping device 284 includes two clamping members 286 displaceable relative to each other between a clamping position as shown, for example, in FIGS. 66 and 67, and a non - clamping position as shown, for example, in FIGS. 68 and 70.

[0119] Each clamping member 286 includes a side wall 288 and a floor portion 290 extending orthogonally from the side wall 288. The side wall 288 and the floor portion 290 are configured such that when adjacent to each other they can together define a channel 292 having a cross - sectional profile corresponding to the two frame members 20.

[0120] Each bed portion 290 defines a shoulder 289 that transitions to a stepped portion 291 that steps downward away from the respective side wall 288. Thus, when the bed portions 290 come together, the bed portions 290 together define a recess 293. The adjacent frame members 20 can be disposed on the shoulders 289 when the clamp members 286 are clamped together. Thus, a cavity 295 (see FIG. 69) is defined under the frame member 20. The cavity 295 can accommodate a sheet covering material, such as leather, fixed to the frame member 20.

[0121] Each side wall 286 defines an upper lip 299 that projects inwardly. The upper lip 299 and the shoulder 289 of each wall 286 provide the wall 286 with a recess 301 that opens inwardly for receiving the side surface of the frame member 20. Thus, the recess 301 serves to properly position the clamping device 284 with respect to the frame member 20 that is clamped together.

[0122] Each bed portion 290 has a bore 296 that extends therethrough and is substantially orthogonal to the side wall 288. The shaft 298 of the overcenter mechanism 300 is passed through and received in the bores 296 of the aligned bed portions 290. The shaft 298 has a threaded end 302 that can be threaded into a nut 304 to secure the overcenter mechanism 300 to the clamp member 286.

[0123] The cam member 306 is connected to the opposite end of the shaft 298 using a suitable pivot pin 308. The pivot pin 308 is offset with respect to the center of the cam mechanism 306. When the cam member 306 is fixed to the clamp member 286, the cam surface 310 of the cam member abuts against one of the clamp members 286. When the handle 312 extends from the cam member 306 and rotates the cam member 306 in one direction, the cam member 306 acts on the pivot pin 308 to pull the shaft 298 away from one of the clamp members 286, and the clamp members 286 are pushed towards each other, clamping the frame member 20 between the side walls 288. When rotated in the opposite direction, the clamp members 286 are released from each other, removing the clamping device 284 from the frame member 20 and enabling the seat frames and thus the seat assembly 12 to be manipulated relative to each other. It will be appreciated that the tension level applied by the mechanism 300 can be adjusted by appropriately rotating the shaft 298 relative to the nut 304 which is locked to the associated clamp member 286 so as not to rotate.

[0124] The handle 312 is configured to be disposed along the associated side wall such that when the cam member 306 rotates to apply a clamping effect, the handle 312 does not interfere with an object below the seat support frame 18. The handle 312 is dimensioned so as not to extend beyond the upper end of the clamp member 286. It will be appreciated that the handle 312 and the associated cam member 306 can be arranged such that the handle operates horizontally.

[0125] A socket 294 that is substantially orthogonal to the side wall 288 is defined on one side of the bore 296 by each floor portion 290. The sockets 294 of each floor portion 290 are rotationally symmetric with respect to each other by 180 degrees. Tie rods 297 extend from each floor portion 290 to both sides of the bore 296 so as to be substantially orthogonal to the side wall 288. Therefore, the tie rods 297 are also rotationally symmetric with respect to each other by 180 degrees. The tie rods 297 are slidably received within each socket 294 that will be aligned later, and as a result, when the over-center mechanism 300 is operated, it serves to guide the clamp members 286 to move closer to or away from each other.

[0126] Figures 72 to 76 show a corner member 314 which is an alternative example of the corner member 128 described above with reference to Figures 22, 23, and 25.

[0127] This corner member 314 has a corner defining configuration in the form of a corner piece 316 having a cross-sectional profile shaped to fit a cushion assembly attached to the rest support frame 26. The corner piece 316 includes a plate 318 projecting in the distal direction having an outwardly formed surface 320 that can be disposed against the inner surface of the side panel of the cover of the cushion assembly at or near the lower end of the cushion assembly. The corner piece 316 also includes an inwardly projecting frame mount 322 extending from the plate 318. The frame mount 322 has a rearward facing formed surface 324 that can be disposed against the inner surface of the rear panel of the cover of the cushion assembly at or near the lower end of the cushion assembly. The formed surfaces 320, 324 are configured to provide an aesthetically acceptable appearance at the lower corner of the cushion assembly when the lower corner is visible, particularly in a specific configuration of the furniture 10 when the rest assembly serves an elbow rest function.

[0128] Similar to the corner member 128, the corner member 314 is removable to avoid collision with adjacent corner members 314 in a specific configuration. Socket inserts 315 of plastic material are attached to each end of the member 28, defining sockets 317.

[0129] The free end of the frame mount 322 defines a socket 326. The socket 326 is shaped and dimensioned such that the associated end of the lower frame member 28 fits into the socket 326 so that the corner member 314 does not rotate relative to the frame 26. A positioning pin or peg 328 extends from the center of the socket 326 and is received in the socket 317 to facilitate positioning of the corner member 314.

[0130] As seen in the drawing, the plate 318 is symmetric about the center line 319. This allows the corner member 314 to be used on either side of the member 28, eliminating the need for two different components.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the member 28 projects beyond the side member 32. This may not be the case in some embodiments. To accommodate this, the frame mount 322 may define opposing slots for receiving the side member 32, regardless of which side the corner member 314 is attached to.

[0132] In FIGS. 77 and 79, reference numeral 400 indicates the entire seat support frame of an embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the present invention. Also in FIGS. 77 and 79, reference numeral 402 indicates the entire rest support frame of the furniture.

[0133] The seat support frame 400 comprises four brace members 404. The brace members 404 extend between adjacent frame members 20 at each corner of the support frame 400 and are fixed to the adjacent frame members 20. Each brace member 404 has opposite end portions 403 that extend inwardly and substantially orthogonally to the associated frame member 20. An intermediate portion 405 interconnects the end portions 403. Each sleeve assembly 38 is welded to one of the respective end portions 403. Thus, in this embodiment, the end portions 403 replace the gussets 50. This serves to prevent the sleeve assemblies 38 from bending when the user leans on the rest assembly 14. Corner members having a corner defining structure in the form of swing brackets 406 are pivotally attached to each side of the rest support frame 402. More specifically, the swing brackets 406 are pivotally attached to respective ends of the lower frame member 28 and are pivotable between a non-operating position (FIG. 81) where the swing brackets 406 are operably housed under the rest support frame 402 and an operating position (FIG. 83) where the swing brackets are pivoted outwardly away from the rest support frame 402 to support the inner surface of the cover of the cushion assembly. Each swing bracket 406 includes a swing arm 408. The swing arm 408 has an inner portion 410 and an outer portion 412 extending from the inner portion 410. The portions 408, 410 are oriented at an angle greater than 90° with respect to each other.

[0134] The swing arm 408 is generally planar. For example, the swing arm 408 is made of a metal plate. The thickness of the metal plate is about 4 mm, but can be made thinner or thicker as required.

[0135] The inner portion 410 is pivotally attached to the bottom frame member 28 via a suitable connector that interconnects the middle end of the inner portion 410 to the lower frame member 28. As noted above, the lower frame member 28 has a square tubular cross-section. Thus, the connector can be a pivot member 414 that extends through an opening 416 in the bottom wall of the frame member 28 and is fixed to the frame member 28. The pivot member 414 extends through the inner portion 410 such that the swing bracket 406 can pivot about the pivot member 414. The pivot member 414 can be the shank of a bolt or rivet that connects the inner portion 410 to the frame member 28. As seen in FIG. 84, the inner portion 410 can be inserted between, for example, nylon washers 416. In this case, the head 418 of the bolt or rivet is applied to the lower washer 416 and the other washer 416 is inserted between the frame member 28 and the inner portion 410. In the case of a bolt, the shank can be engaged with a threaded insert in the lower wall of the frame member 28. The shank can be cut to a length such that it bottoms against the upper wall on the opposite side of the frame member 28 so that the bolt is not tightened too much and the swiveling motion of the swing arm 408 is not impeded. A suitable adhesive such as Loctite (trademark) can be used to prevent the bolt from loosening over time.

[0136] The free end of the inner portion 410 terminates in a narrowed lug 420. A stopper 422 extends from the bottom wall of the frame member 28 and inside each pivot member 414. The stopper 422 is arranged such that when the swing arm 408 is in the operative position, the lug 420 contacts the stopper 422 to prevent further outward pivoting of the swing arm 408. The stopper 422 can be the end of a rivet or rod welded to the frame member 28. The inner portion 410 also has a shoulder 411 (FIG. 81) arranged to abut the stopper 422 to prevent further inward pivoting of the swing arm 408.

[0137] As can be seen in FIGS. 80 and 83, when the swing arm 408 is in the operative position, the edge 413 of the outer portion 412 is generally aligned with the side surface of the seat support frame 400. Thus, when the rest support frame 402 is disposed within the rest cushion assembly, the edge 413 supports the inner surface of the cover and provides a neat edge to the exposed lower front edge and corners of the rest cushion assembly, which will align with the front end of the seat assembly 12. Thus, when the swing arm 408 of the rest assembly is in the operative position, the associated rest assembly can function as an armrest of the furniture 10, with the front and rear sides exposed and the lower front edges and corners on those sides having an aesthetically acceptable appearance as a result of the position of the swing arm 408. The stopper 422 is arranged so that the swing arm 408 does not extend excessively and cause a step that would damage the appearance of the cushion assembly.

[0138] In FIGS. 77 and 78, the adjacent swing arms 408 at the corner of the furniture 10 defined by two rest assemblies 14 that both function as backrests are in their inoperative positions. In these positions, the outer portion 412 is mainly disposed under the frame member 28. This is necessary to avoid collision of the swing arm 408. However, when the adjacent rest support frames 402 are functioning as backrests, leaving the adjacent swing arms 408 of the rest support frames 402 in their operative positions can provide a neater appearance than when the swing arms 408 are retracted in their inoperative positions. This neater appearance is achieved by minimizing the holes that can occur in the furniture between the backrests when the swing arms 408 are in the inoperative position. Thus, the user can have the option of maintaining the adjacent swing arms 408 in their operative positions. In a further possible embodiment, the swing bracket 406 can be configured to be able to move the swing arms 408 towards their inoperative positions by pressure when the rest assemblies 14 are arranged adjacent to each other to define a corner.

[0139] The pivotal connection between the swing arm 408 and the frame member 28 is made sufficiently resistant to movement so that the corners of the cushion assembly are formed. In one embodiment, the level of resistance to movement is sufficiently low that when the adjacent swing arms 408 of the two cushion assemblies are in the operative position and the cushion assemblies are arranged side by side, the arm 408 can swing inwardly towards the inoperative position. Thus, if the user forgets to move the swing arm 408 to the inoperative position, the pressure between the cushion assemblies can cause the swing arm 408 to move towards the inoperative position to reliably avoid interference.

[0140] In FIG. 77, the regions marked J show two adjacent swing arms 408 in their inoperative or storage positions so that interference between them is avoided.

[0141] In FIG. 79, one swing arm 408 of the rest support frame 402.1 that functions as an armrest is in the operative position. On the other hand, the swing arm 408 of the adjacent rest support frame 402.2 that functions as a backrest is in the operative position. Thus, the corners of the armrest cushion assembly are appropriately shaped for aesthetic purposes.

[0142] For the sake of explanation, FIGS. 81, 82, 83 show the stages of movement of the swing arm 408 from the inoperative position (FIG. 81) to the operative position (FIG. 83). FIG. 82 shows an intermediate position, which is not necessarily fixed and is a stage of movement between the inoperative and operative positions.

[0143] Figure 85 shows a schematic view from below of the swing brackets 406 in their non-operating positions relative to the wall of the cushion assembly. The wall is indicated by curve 424. As shown, the lugs 420 cannot be identified when in their non-operating positions because they do not impact the inside of the wall 424 when in their stowed positions. This is achieved by the provision of the above-described shoulders 411 that prevent excessive inward rotation of the swing arm 408 such that the swing arm 408 impacts the inside of the wall 424.

[0144] In Figure 86, reference numeral 450 indicates the entire seat support frame of an embodiment of furniture according to the present invention. Also in Figure 86, reference numeral 452 indicates the entire rest support frame of the furniture. Two sleeve assemblies 454 are spaced apart and attached to the lower frame member 28. The sleeve assemblies 454 are similar to the above-described sleeve assemblies 106.

[0145] In this embodiment, the function of the rest support frame 452 is defined by the usage of the elongated connector 114. For example, one rest support frame 452.1 functions as an armrest support frame. In that configuration, the associated elongated connector 114 is arranged such that portion 122 is connected to the sleeve assembly 38 and portion 116 is received through the respective sleeve assemblies 454 such that the sleeve assemblies 454 simply slide down together with the rest support frame 452 and are supported at the curved junction 124 between portions 116 and 122 (Figures 87, 88). In contrast, the other support frame 452.2 functions as a backrest support frame. In that configuration, the associated elongated connector 114 is arranged such that portion 116 is connected to the sleeve assembly 38 and portion 122 is received through the respective sleeve assemblies 454 such that the sleeve assemblies 454 slide down and the associated cushion assembly of the rest support frame 452.2 is supported by the cushion assembly of the seat support frame 450 (Figures 86, 87).

[0146] It should be understood that the sleeve assembly 454 can be capped, for example, when a fixed height is required on the rest support frame 452.

[0147] FIG. 89 shows a system for connecting two seat support frames 400 together to form a two-seat furniture. It will be understood that depending on the number of seats required, the system can be used to connect any number of seat support frames 400 together.

[0148] This system comprises several seat connectors 500. Each seat connector 500 is elongated, with an intermediate portion 502 inserted between end portions 504. The end portions 504 are generally aligned with each other. The intermediate portion 502 is offset with respect to the end portions 504. Thus, in the overall shape, the seat connector 500 is similar to a crank. In use, when the end portions 504 are linearly constrained but free to rotate, the intermediate portion 502 can be operated to rotate the seat connector 500.

[0149] Each end portion 504 includes a groove or recess 506 provided at or near the free end 508 of the end portion 504. The recess 506 is similar to the recesses 174, 176 of the seat connector 168. The seat connector 500 is dimensioned such that each end portion 504 can be inserted into each opening 72 of the aligned passages 64 of the respective sleeve assembly 38. The lengths of the intermediate portion 502 and the end portions 504, together with the position of the recess 506, are such that when the seat support frames 400 are butted together, the pins 77 of the associated lock assembly 58 enter the recesses 506 of the seat connector 500.

[0150] The free end 508 is tapered, chamfered, or rounded. This facilitates the insertion of the end 504 and suppresses damage to the sleeve assembly 38. Further, since the joint portion cannot be inserted any further until it hits the relevant sleeve assembly 38, the dimension of the intermediate portion 502 is such that the degree of insertion of the end 504 is restricted by the position of the joint portion between the end 504 and the intermediate portion 502. Without the intermediate portion 502, if the sheet connector 500 is continuously pushed, the pin 77 will come out of the recess 506. Therefore, the intermediate portion 502 serves to facilitate the proper placement of the sheet connector 500.

[0151] In use, two of the sheet connectors 500 are used to connect two of the sheet support frames 400 together. One of the ends 504 of each connector 500 is clipped into each of the openings 72 of the sleeve assemblies 38 of one sheet support frame 400 such that the end 504 engages with the relevant sleeve assembly 38 and is inserted until the intermediate portion 502 can no longer move inwards. Subsequently, another sheet support frame 400 is manipulated such that the other end 504 is passed through each of the openings 72 of the sleeve assemblies 38, clipped such that the connector 500 engages with the relevant sleeve assembly 38, and inserted until the intermediate portion 502 can no longer move inwards. It will be appreciated that while another sheet support frame 400 is being manipulated as described above, the connector 500 is inhibited from moving inwards.

[0152] Each of the depressions 506 is oriented at approximately 180° with respect to the offset of the middle portion 502. Thus, when the seat support frame 400 is connected together as described above, the middle portion 502 projects partially downward with respect to the adjacent frame member 20. This facilitates user access to the middle portion 502, allowing the user to grasp the middle portion 502 and rotate (crunk) the seat connector 500 to remove the depression 506 from the pin 77 and separate the seat support frame 400 in the manner described above with respect to FIGS. 16-21. The offset middle portion 502 allows the consumer to easily access the seat connector 500 without having to look under the seat support frame 400. The middle portion 502 is easy to grip, and due to its offset orientation, the seat connector 500 can be easily rotated to remove it from the seat support frame 400.

[0153] Furthermore, the connection of the seat support frame 400 can be performed without the consumer having to bend their knees or sit down. The two seat connectors 500 can be inserted into their respective sleeve assemblies 38 as described above. Next, while remaining standing, the consumer (possibly with the help of another person) presses the seat support frames 400 together such that the connectors 500 engage their respective sleeve assemblies 38 as described above. During this operation, the portion 502 prevents the connector 500 from moving excessively inward with respect to one of the seat support frames 400. Otherwise, the portion 504 would not be able to engage the sleeve assembly 38 of the other seat support frame 400.

[0154] In FIGS. 94-97, reference numeral 600 indicates the entire table assembly for use with the furniture 10.

[0155] The table assembly 600 includes a tabletop 602. The tabletop 602 can be of any of a variety of shapes. In this example, the tabletop 602 is circular.

[0156] The receiver 604 extends from the bottom surface of the tabletop 602. The table assembly 600 includes a support member 606 that engages the tabletop 602 to support the tabletop 602 at an appropriate height. The support member 606 includes a column 608 that is operatively substantially vertical and a leg 610 that extends generally at a right angle to the column 608. The leg 610 is detachably engagable with the rest mount with the column 608 extending operatively upwardly from the leg 610. An elongate brace member 616 extends from the support member 606 and is removably engagable with the rest mount to reinforce the table assembly 600 against rotation.

[0157] The leg 610 has a groove or recess 612 at or near the free end of the leg 610. The recess 612 is similar to the recesses described above. Further, due to the dimensions of the leg 610 and the position of the recess 612, the leg 610 can be inserted from passage 64 to 62 of the front opening sleeve assembly 38 such that the leg 610 engages the sleeve assembly 38, similar to the connector 16. Accordingly, the tabletop 602 can be positioned in front of the associated seat support frame 400, i.e., in front of the seat assembly including the support frame 400. When the tabletop 602 is circular, the receiver is offset from the center of the tabletop 602 so that the tabletop 602 can be rotated to an appropriate position.

[0158] The receiver 614 is fixed to the leg 610 and extends generally at a right angle to the leg 610. The brace member 616 is elongate and has cross-sectional dimensions similar to the support member 606. The brace member 616 includes a main portion 618. The free end of the main portion 618 is receivable within the receiver 614 and the receiver 614 is configured to hold the brace member 616 within the receiver 614. The brace member 616 also includes a non-main portion 620 that extends generally orthogonally to the main portion 618 such that the brace member 616 is generally L-shaped.

[0159] The receiver 614 is in the form of a tube welded to the leg 610. The receiver 614 has one part 614.1 on one side of the leg 610 and another part 614.2 on the opposite side of the leg 610. The parts 614.1 and 614.2 are angled with respect to each other such that each part 614.1 is angled upwardly with respect to the leg 610. This creates sufficient space for a cloth or leather seat cover between the seat frame 400 and the receiver 614. As will be described later, since the upward angles of each part 614 are the same, the brace member 616 can be used on either side of the receiver 614.

[0160] The main portion 618 has a length such that when the leg 610 engages one of the sleeve assemblies 38 on the front frame member 20 of the seat support frame 400, the non-main portion 620 can be inserted into the other 38 sleeve assemblies of the front frame member 20 of the seat support frame 400. Thus, the table assembly 600 can be removably fixed to the seat support frame 400.

[0161] Removal of the table assembly 600 from the seat support frame 400 can be effected by operating the push member 74 in the manner described above with respect to the removal of the elongated connector 16 from the associated sleeve assembly 38.

[0162] It will be appreciated that the table assembly 600 can engage any side of the seat support frame 400 to which the rest support frame 402 is not attached. Thus, the table assembly 600 can be placed in any number of positions depending on how the consumer configures the furniture 10. The sleeve 614 is open at both ends. Thus, the main portion 618 can be placed on either side of the support member 606, allowing flexibility according to the configuration of the furniture 10.

[0163] As described above with respect to various elongate connectors, it will be appreciated that any number of accessories can be configured to engage either a rest mount or a seat mount of a piece of furniture by using a suitable connection configuration that can cooperate with the rest mount or the seat mount.

[0164] It should be understood that the various embodiments of the furniture 10 described above are provided in kit form, and thus the description of the various embodiments of the furniture 10 should also be regarded as a description of a kit of the furniture 10.

[0165] As is apparent from the foregoing description, the furniture 10 can take a number of different forms using a plurality of seat assemblies and rest assemblies that can function as a backrest or an armrest depending on the shape or orientation of the elongate connector used to attach the seat assembly and the rest assembly to each other. In this way, the furniture 10 is modular and expandable to fit a wide range of living environments. Accordingly, the furniture 10 is suitable for improving or addressing the problems raised in the background of this specification in relation to other forms of furniture.

[0166] Since the seat assembly and the rest assembly can be provided as separate components, the user can expand the seating arrangement as needed. For example, when moving from a small residence to a large residence, it is possible to purchase additional components to expand the seating arrangement. This eliminates the need to purchase all new furniture and discard the old furniture. Alternatively, when downsizing, it is simply a matter of removing the various components and changing the configuration of the furniture to suit the downsized environment.

[0167] As described above, the cushion assembly can be disassembled into its respective components for recycling or replacement, if possible. This operation can form part of a size-up or size-down change. Due to the fact that the cushion assembly allows for such disassembly and replacement of components, the user can refurbish the existing components by purchasing and expanding additional components. For example, the cushion cover can be replaced to match the new components. Alternatively, the cushion cover can also be replaced to suit the change in living environment, such as when a couple has a child.

[0168] Since the seat assembly and the rest assembly can both be made in single-seat sizes, it becomes easier to transport each component. Furthermore, due to the two functions of the rest assembly, the number of items to be stored in the warehouse can be reduced. As a result, the delivery time is very fast and next-day delivery is also possible. In conventional furniture, since there are many items that need to be pre-manufactured and stored, next-day delivery is very difficult and expensive. If one attempts to achieve next-day delivery with conventional furniture, it may result in excessive inventory in the warehouse. These problems do not occur in Furniture 10 because it uses only two main components to achieve its modularity and a wide variety of different configurations.

[0169] The configuration of the elongated connector is such that when assembled, it can be adjusted to suit different users' characteristics of Furniture 10. For example, the position of the backrest of the seat assembly can be adjusted to adjust the depth of the seat. Some users prefer a deeper backrest seat for a more relaxed seating arrangement, especially when the user's legs come on top of the seat assembly. Other users prefer a shallow backrest for a more upright seating position. This adjustment function is particularly useful for online purchases where the purchaser does not have the opportunity to test the furniture.

[0170] The appended claims should be regarded as incorporated in the above description.

[0171] Throughout this specification, the term "proximal" is intended to mean the orientation closest to the user in the operative position. For example, if an elongate connector has a "proximal" end, that end is the end closest to the user who operates the elongate connector. The term "distal" has the opposite meaning and is the end or direction furthest from the user.

[0172] If any number or range is recited in this specification, unless otherwise specified, that number or range is approximate. The recitation of a range of values in this specification is intended as a simplified way of referring individually to each separate value within the range, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such a separate value is incorporated as if individually recited herein. Words indicating directions or orientations, such as "front", "rear", "behind", etc., are used for convenience. The inventors contemplate that various embodiments may be used in an inoperative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Accordingly, such words should be regarded as being essentially exemplary and not limiting.

[0173] The term "and / or", e.g., "A and / or B", is understood to mean either "A and B" or "A or B", and is to be interpreted as explicitly supporting both meanings or either meaning.

[0174] Throughout this specification, the use of common reference numerals to label similar components in different embodiments is for convenience only and should not be considered limiting or indicative that each component is identical.

[0175] Throughout this specification, any reference to advantages, promises, objectives, etc. should not be regarded as cumulative, compound, and / or collective, nor stated as a guarantee, but rather as being preferred or desirable.

[0176] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, relational terms such as "comprise", "include", and "have" (and their variants), or "be provided with" (and its variants) are used inclusively and not exclusively, and the recited integer or group of integers may include one or more other unrecited integers or groups of integers.

[0177] It should be understood that the terms used above are for illustrative purposes and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention without limiting its scope. The invention can be implemented with various modifications and additions, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. In a piece of furniture, a seat assembly comprising a rectangular seat support frame, and rest mounts disposed respectively on at least two adjacent sides of the rectangular seat support frame; a rest assembly comprising a rectangular rest support frame, and a seat mount disposed on at least one side of the rectangular rest support frame; one or more elongate connectors, each having a first portion removably engagable with any of the rest mounts and a second portion removably engagable with the seat mount, the elongate connector, the rest mount, and the seat mount being configured such that the elongate connector is reversible to provide at least two arrangements of the seat assembly relative to the rest assembly, whereby the rest assembly can function as a backrest or an armrest of the furniture, in a first arrangement of the elongate connector, the rest assembly functions as a backrest by being supported by the elongate connector so as to rise relative to the seat assembly, and in a second arrangement of the elongate connector, the rest assembly functions as an armrest by being supported by the elongate connector so as to descend relative to the seat assembly.

2. The furniture according to claim 1, wherein the portions of the elongate connector are oriented at an angle to each other to define the arrangement of the rectangular rest support frame relative to the rectangular seat support frame.

3. The furniture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rectangular seat support frame comprises four seat frame members connected at their ends to define each side of the rectangular seat support frame.

4. The furniture according to claim 3, wherein the seat frame members are configured such that the rectangular seat support frame is square.

5. The furniture according to claim 3, wherein two opposing seat frame members are longer than the remaining seat frame members, such that the rectangular seat support frame is elongate.

6. The furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each rest mount includes at least two spaced-apart sleeve assemblies attached to seat frame members of the seat support frame.

7. The furniture according to claim 6, wherein each sleeve assembly is configured to receive a portion of the elongated connector in a state where at least one portion of the elongated connector can be releasably engaged with the sleeve assembly.

8. The furniture according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the sleeve assembly has a sleeve and a releasable locking assembly for locking at least one portion of the elongated connector within the sleeve.

9. The furniture according to claim 8, wherein at least one portion of the elongated connector defines one or more depressions or grooves, and the releasable locking assembly has a catch mechanism configured to engage with the depression or groove or any of them.

10. The furniture according to claim 9, wherein the catch mechanism includes a spring-loaded catch member that can bias the spring-loaded catch member into the depression or groove or one of them when the portion is received in the sleeve assembly.

11. The furniture according to claim 10, wherein each of the depressions or grooves or both are configured such that when the elongated connector is operated, the spring-loaded catch member can be removed from the associated depression.

12. The furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rectangular rest support frame comprises four rest frame members in the form of two opposing side frame members, a lower frame member interconnecting the lower ends of the side frame members, and an intermediate frame member interconnecting the side frame members.

13. The furniture according to claim 12, wherein the seat mount includes at least two spaced-apart receiver assemblies attached to the lower frame member, each receiver assembly including a sleeve assembly, and the sleeve assembly of the seat mount can receive any portion of the elongated connector.

14. The furniture according to claim 13, wherein each receiver assembly includes a socket assembly that opens operatively downward and is arranged to be substantially aligned front-to-back with the sleeve assembly of the receiver assembly, and in use, the socket assembly and the sleeve assembly of each receiver assembly operatively deflect downward with the sleeve assembly positioned in front of the socket assembly.

15. At least two legs, each leg having an elongated body defining at least one substantially flat surface, whereby the two legs can be arranged such that their surfaces are aligned and face each other, legs, and Connectors disposed at the operative upper ends of each leg, whereby the legs can be connected to the rectangular seat support frame, and when two rectangular seat support frames are adjacent to each other to form a two-seat structure, the flat surfaces of the corresponding legs of each rectangular support frame are aligned and face each other, the furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A table assembly, comprising A tabletop, and A support member engaging the tabletop, the support member having a strut that supports the tabletop at an appropriate height and is operatively substantially vertical, and legs extending from the strut, the legs being detachably engageable with the rest mount in a state where the strut extends operatively upward from the legs, a support member, and An elongated brace member extending from the support member and detachably engaging the rest mount to reinforce the table assembly against rotational movement, the furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. Two corner members disposed on each side of the rectangular rest support frame, each corner member having a corner defining structure, the corner defining structure being configured to support the inner surface of the lower edge of the cushion assembly disposed on the rectangular rest support frame and to shape the lower front part and the outer corner cover of the furniture, the furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. Each corner member is in the form of a swing bracket and is rotatably attached to both sides of the rectangular rest support frame, the swing bracket being operatively stowed under the rectangular rest support frame in an inoperative position and rotatable outwardly away from the rectangular rest support frame to an operative position where it supports the inner surface of the cover of the cushion assembly, the furniture according to claim 17.

19. Including a connection system for connecting the seat assemblies together, the connection system At least one sleeve assembly provided on the rectangular sheet support frame, including a sleeve that defines a passage, wherein the sleeve assembly is arranged on the rectangular sheet support frame such that two sheet assemblies can be arranged adjacent to each other with the passages of the respective sleeve assemblies aligned, the sleeve assembly; At least one sheet connector including a locking portion received through each pair of the aligned passages; A locking device provided on the sleeve assembly, wherein the locking device and the sheet connector are configured such that the locking portion is releasably locked within the passage, and by receiving the locking portion through the aligned passages so as to be releasable, the rectangular sheet support frames of the adjacent sheet assemblies can be locked to each other, the locking device; The furniture according to any one of claims 6 to 18 having the above.

20. In a kit for furniture, A sheet assembly, A rectangular sheet support frame, A sheet assembly having a rest mount arranged on each of at least two adjacent sides of the rectangular sheet support frame; A rest assembly, A rectangular rest support frame, A rest assembly having a sheet mount arranged on at least one side of the rectangular rest support frame; One or more elongate connectors, the elongate connector having a first portion that can be detachably engaged with any of the rest mounts and a second portion that can be detachably engaged with the sheet mount, wherein the elongate connector, the rest mount, and the sheet mount are configured such that the elongate connector is reversible to provide at least two arrangements of the sheet assembly relative to the rest assembly, whereby the rest assembly can function as a backrest or armrest of the furniture, In a first arrangement of the elongate connector, the rest assembly functions as a backrest by being supported by the elongate connector so as to rise relative to the sheet assembly, In a second arrangement of the elongate connector, the rest assembly functions as an armrest by being supported by the elongate connector so as to descend relative to the sheet assembly, the kit being characterized in that.

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