Modular outdoor furniture with integrated audio system

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices include a modular furniture system including multiple components which are combinable into many different coupling configurations. The modular furniture system includes one or more seat bases, back portions, side portions, and / or ottoman table hybrid devices, which are easily coupled together and decoupled using a unique, tool-less coupler. The coupler includes a clamp with two insertion tongues and a handle. Components of an integrated audio system are also included in an interior cavity space of the different components of the modular furniture system. Furthermore, the modular furniture system has chamfered corners and / or can be formed of weather protective material for improved use outdoors.

Description

MODULAR OUTDOOR FURNITURE WITH INTEGRATED AUDIO SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 557,048 filed on February 23, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to modular furniture and more particularly to modular outdoor furniture with integrated systems, such as an audio system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Furniture is used in different settings for various purposes. Typical furniture is constructed into a preset shape and configuration, such that it is unable to accommodate particular spaces of individual users. Moreover, a particular outdoor setting may have varying conditions throughout time, such as different lighting and weather conditions, and users may have changing needs, including entertainment, power, shading, food and beverage storage, comfort, and / or the like. However, many conventional furniture systems are static, such that they are inadaptable to varying conditions and cannot accommodate user needs. For example, a user may host an event during which audio is played. The attendees of the event may be positioned at various locations in a space throughout the event, such that the audio experience by the attendees may be impacted by the positioning of the furniture relative to the audio system, as well as the position of the attendees at any given moment.

[0004] It is with these observations in mind, among others, that the presently disclosed technology was conceived.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein address the aforementioned problems. For instance, a modular furniture system can include a seat base including a top edge surface with a plurality of first mating openings; a back portion including one or more second mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings; and / or a coupler configuredfor insertion into the plurality of first mating openings and the one or more second mating openings. The coupler can include a clamp formed by a first insertion tongue and a second insertion tongue; and / or a handle extending from a middle section of the clamp in a direction away from the first insertion tongue and the second insertion tongue.

[0006] In some examples, the seat base has length dimension and a width dimension defining a square profile. The top edge surface can run along four sides of the square profile; and / or the plurality of first mating openings can include a uniform distribution at the four sides of the square profile providing a modular coupling arrangement. The modular furniture system can further include a first side portion having one or more third mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings; and / or a second side portion having one or more fourth mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the back portion having same length and width dimensions to form a modular coupling arrangement with the back portion. The one or more second mating openings can include a cut out space for the handle of the coupler. Also, the seat base can have chamfered corners with a chamfer dimension based on a length dimension of the back portion. Furthermore, the back portion can have a first length dimension; and / or the seat base can have a second length dimension equal to the first length dimension plus a first chamfer length and a second chamfer length.

[0007] In some instances, a modular furniture system includes a seat base including a top edge surface with a first mating opening and a second mating opening; a back portion including a third mating opening for aligning the first mating opening such that a first coupler with a clamp configuration is insertable into the first mating opening and the third mating opening; and / or a side portion including a fourth mating opening for aligning with the second mating opening such that a second coupler with the clamp configuration is insertable into the second mating opening and the fourth mating opening.

[0008] In some scenarios, the back portion and the side portion have a same internal storage configuration, the internal storage configuration includes: a movable outer panel to expose an internal storage cavity; and / or a shelf disposed in the internal storage cavity. Furthermore, the modular furniture system can include an integrated audio system including a speaker disposed onthe shelf. The integrated audio system can further include a charging dock integral with the shelf for receiving the speaker such that the speaker is movable between an integrated usage mode and a stand-alone usage mode. The speaker can be movable between an outward-facing configuration and an inward-facing configuration. The integrated audio system can further include a subwoofer disposed on a second shelf of the internal storage configuration.

[0009] In some examples, the modular furniture system includes an integrated audio system having: a portable speaker housed in at least one of the seat base, the side portion, or a corner tower disposed between the back portion and the side portion; a subwoofer housed in at least one of the seat base, the side portion, or the corner tower; and / or a center channel speaker housed in at least one of the seat base, the side portion, or the corner tower. The side portion can include a movable top lid for accessing an interior cavity of the side portion, the interior cavity including one or more of: a shade structure connector; a lighting connector; or a cooler liner. Moreover, the back portion or the side portion can include a plurality of interchangeable side panels, the plurality of interchangeable side panels including a wood panel and a wire mesh panel with a fabric overlay. Additionally, the side portion can include a molded core with metal cladding.

[0010] In some instances, a method of manufacturing a modular furniture system includes forming a seat base having a square profde with a top edge surface, a first mating opening being disposed on the top edge surface at a first side of the square profile, and a second mating opening being disposed on the top edge surface at a second side of the square profile; forming a back portion including a third mating opening for aligning with the first mating opening; and / or forming a side portion including a fourth mating opening for aligning with the second mating opening, the side portion having a first length dimension being: a same value as a second length dimension of the back portion; and / or a lesser value than a third length dimension of the seat base.

[0011] In some scenarios, the method further includes forming a coupler including: a clamp defined by a first insertion tongue and a second insertion tongue; a buffer material disposed between the first insertion tongue and the second insertion tongue; and / or a handle extending from a middle section of the clamp in a direction opposite the first insertion tongue and the second insertion tongue. The method can further include forming an integrated audio system including:one or more removable side panels of the side portion for accessing an interior space of the side portion; and / or a speaker receiving area formed into the interior space.

[0012] Other implementations are also described and recited herein. Further, while multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the presently disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the presently disclosed technology. As will be realized, the presently disclosed technology is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figures 1 A and IB illustrate an example modular furniture system including a seat base, a back portion, and side portions.

[0014] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate an example modular furniture system including a coupler.

[0015] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an example modular furniture system including a seat cushion and a rear cushion.

[0016] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an example modular furniture system including a seat base with a removable lid.

[0017] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate an example coupler assembly including a coupler and a coupler plate.

[0018] Figures 6A-6C illustrate example base coupler slots.

[0019] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a first base coupler slot and a second base coupler slot with a coupler assembly installed.

[0020] Figures 8A-8C illustrate an example modular furniture system including a side arm portion with accessible features.

[0021] Figure 9 illustrates an example modular furniture system including a side arm portion with additional features.

[0022] Figure 10 illustrates an example modular furniture system including a shade structure.

[0023] Figures 11A and 11B illustrate an example modular furniture system including an integrated audio system.

[0024] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate an example modular furniture system including an integrated audio system.

[0025] Figures 13 A and 13B illustrate an example modular furniture system including a multifunctional ottoman table hybrid device.

[0026] Figures 14A-14F illustrate an example modular furniture system including chamfered comers.

[0027] Figure 15 illustrates an example modular furniture system including a corner tower.

[0028] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate an example modular furniture system including a component with a molded core and exterior cladding.

[0029] Figures 17A and 17B illustrate an example modular furniture system including a modular furniture arrangement with multiple different coupling configurations.

[0030] Figure 18 illustrates an example method of manufacturing a modular furniture system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the implementations described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.

[0032] Aspects of the presently disclosed technology generally relate to a modular furniture system including multiple components which can be combined into many different coupling configurations. The modular furniture system can include one or more seat bases, back portions, side portions, and / or ottoman table hybrid devices, which can easily be coupled together and decoupled using a unique, tool-less coupler. An integrated audio system can also be included in an interior cavity space of these different components. Furthermore, the modular furniture system can have chamfered corners and / or can be formed of weather protective material for improved use outdoors. For instance, the components can be formed of metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.) and / or can be powder coated with a protective coating for improved durability.

[0033] Additional advantages and benefits of the technology will become apparent from the detailed description below.

[0034] To begin a detailed description of an example modular furniture system 100, reference is made to Figures 1A and IB. In one implementation, the example modular furniture system 100 includes a modular furniture 102 such as a modular chair 104, sofa, sectional, and so forth. The modular furniture 102 formed by a seat base 106 connected to a back portion 108 and one or more side portions 110 (e.g., a first side portion 112 and a second side portion 114). The seat base 106 can have a body 116 with a square profile 118 and / or a rectangular profile, and a plurality of first mating openings 120 formed into a top edge surface 122 of the body 116. The top edge surface 122 can be a top planar surface of the sidewalls 126 which form the seat base 106. In scenarios including the seat base 106 with the square profile 118, the sidewalls 126 can be equidistance straight and / or flat sidewalls adjoined at four comers. The sidewalls 126 can define a length dimension (LJ) and / or a width dimension (Wi) of the seat base 106.

[0035] In some examples, the plurality of first mating openings 120 can have a uniform distribution 128 on the top edge surface 122 to provide a modular coupling arrangement. In other words, a certain number (e.g., one, two, three, etc.) of mating openings 120 can be distributed at a same or similar location on all or most of the sidewalls 126. In this way, the back portion 108 can be selectively attached to any of a plurality of attachment positions, such as a rear attachment position, a front attachment position, a first side attachment position, or a second side attachment position. The back portion 108 can have one or more second mating openings 130 configured toalign with the first mating opening(s) 120 on the seat base 106. In some instances, the back portion 108 can have a set of two mating openings 132 configured to align with any of the four sets of mating openings 134 evenly distributed around the top edge surface 122 to attach the back portion 108 to the seat base 106. Accordingly, the configuration of mating openings 130 on the back portion 108 and the seat base 106 can provide a modular coupling arrangement 131 by providing multiple attachment position options for the back portion 108 on the seat base 106.

[0036] Additionally, the modular chair 104 can have one or more side portions 110, such as two side arms extending from a left side and a right side of the seat base 106. Like the back portion 108, the side portion(s) 110 can have one or more third mating openings 136 arranged along a side surface 138 of the side portion 110. The third mating opening(s) 136 can be positioned on the side portion 110 to align with any one of the plurality of first mating openings 120 on the seat base 106 when the side portion 110 is attached to the seat base 106. The side portion 110 can also be selectively attached to any of the four attachment positions on the seat base 106, such that the side portion 110 has the modular coupling arrangement 131. In some examples, the side portion 110 has a length dimension (£2) and / or width dimension (JF2) which can be a same dimension as the length dimension and / or width dimension of the back portion 108. In other words, the side portion(s) 110 and / or the back portion 108 can have same dimensions and / or can be interchangeable with each other, in their arrangement on the seat base 106, and as described throughout this disclosure.

[0037] Turning to Figures 2A and 2B, the modular furniture system 100 can include one or more couplers 202 to selectively and removably couple the back portion 108, the side portion 110, the seat base 106 and other components together as part of the modular coupling arrangement. The coupler 202 can include a clamp portion 204 formed of a first insertion tongue 206 and a second insertion tongue 208, which can both extend from a middle section 210. The first insertion tongue 206 and / or the second insertion tongue 208 can have a curve 212 that flares out from the coupler 202 at the terminating, downward facing ends. Moreover, a handle 214 can extend from the middle section 210. In some scenarios, the coupler 202 includes a buffer material 216 disposed between the first insertion tongue 206 and extending down from an underside of the middle section 210. The handle can couple to a top edge of the buffer material 216, extending through the middle section 210, to secure the components of the coupler 202 together. The clamp portion 204 can beformed of a bent or molded piece of plastic, metal, or other rigid or semi rigid material such that the insertion tongues 206 and / or 208 can flex and / or slightly bend during the insertion / removal procedure. The insertion tongues 206 and / or 208 can be substantially rectangular in shape with curved corners, and the middle section 210 can include a rectangular planar surface. Also, the buffer material 216 can have a square or rectangular prism shape and can be formed of a softer material than the clamp portion 204 (e.g., a rubber or spongey material). The clamp portion 204 can be a single or dual living hinge formed of a rigid material with some flexibility (e.g., plastic, metal, wood, etc.). Furthermore, the handle 214 can be formed of a rigid or flexible material (e.g., rubber, metal, wood, rope, wire, etc.) with two ends coupled to the buffer material 216 or the clamp portion 204 to form a loop.

[0038] In some scenarios, a plurality of couplers 202 can be configured to be received in the mating openings disposed on the seat base 106, the back portion 108, and / or the side portions 110 to selectively and removably couple these components together. The mating opening(s) 120, 130, and / or 136 can have dimensions corresponding to dimensions of the first insertion tongue 206, the second insertion tongue 208, and / or the buffer material 216, such as corresponding length dimensions, width dimensions, and / or depth dimensions. Moreover, the mating openings disposed on the inner sidewalls of the back portion 108 and / or the side portion(s) 110 can include cutouts configured to receive and leave room for the handle 214, making the handle 214 easily accessible during installation and reconfiguration procedures. Tension provided by living hinge(s) 218 formed by the first insertion tongue 206 and / or the second insertion tongue 208 can squeeze wall sections of the seat base 106 and the back portion 108 and / or side portion 110 together. The buffer material 216 can prevent the wall sections of the coupled components from rubbing against each other or scratching each other.

[0039] Referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, the example modular furniture system 100 can include one or more cushions 302 attachable to a modular furniture frame 304. The modular furniture frame 304 can be formed of the seat base 106 and the back portion 108 with or without attached side portions 110. The cushions 302 can include a seat cushion 306 which rests on a top surface 308 of the seat base 106 and a back cushion 310 which rests up against the back portion 108. The cushions 302 can be easily removable and replaceable and can be held in place with various attachment mechanisms (e.g., hook-and-loop, snap on buttons, friction, gravity, etc.) The seatcushion 306 and the back cushion 310 can have width and length dimensions corresponding to the seat base 106 and the back portion 108, respectively. In some scenarios, the length dimension of the seat cushion 306 can be greater than the length dimensions of the back portion 108, as discussed in greater detail below regarding Figure 14E.

[0040] Turning to Figures 4A and 4B, the example modular furniture system 100 can include the seat base 106 with the removable lid 402. The removable lid 402 can have a plurality of elongated openings 404, such as parallel rectangular openings 406, to give visual access to an internal cavity 408 of the seat base 106 while reducing the overall weight. The internal cavity 408 can include a storage space for storing personal belongings and / or components of the integrated audio system 802 discussed below regarding FIGS. 11A and 1 IB. The seat base 106 can include an inner lip 410 around the inner perimeter upon which the removable lid 402 rests. The seat base 106 can also include a plurality of 412 extending from a bottom surface 414 and inset from the sidewalls 126 of the seat base 106. Furthermore, the seat base 106 can have one or more chamfered comers 416, such as four chamfered corners 416, as discussed in greater below regarding Figures 14A-14F.

[0041] Figures 5A and 5B depict a coupler assembly 450 including a coupler 452 and a plate 454. The coupler assembly 450 may also be configured to be used with couplers 202, as described above. In some instances, coupler assembly 450 can be used in place of couplers 202. Similarly, as described above with respect to the couplers 202, the coupler assembly 450 allows components of the modular furniture system 100 to be selectively and removably coupled together in different configurations. The coupler 452 includes a handle 456 and a clamp portion 458. A first insertion tongue 460 and a second insertion tongue 462 extend from a middle section 464. The handle 456 also extends from the middle section 464. The plate 454 includes a first portion 466, a second portion 468 and a step 470 between the first portion 466 and the second portion 468. The first portion 466 is mounted or coupled to an underside of one of the components of the modular furniture system 100, as will be shown in greater detail in Figures 7A and 7B. The second portion 468 includes a slot 480. The dimensions of the first insertion tongue 460 and the second insertion tongue 462 of the coupler 452 are coordinated with the dimensions of the slot 480, such that the first insertion tongue 460 and the second insertion tongue 462 are able to be inserted through the slot 480.

[0042] One benefit of the configuration of the coupler assembly 450 is the resulting floating connection that is created between the components of the modular furniture system 100. In other words, the insertion of the first insertion tongue 460 into the slot 480 provides an adjustable, moveable, slidable, and / or floating connection of the coupler 452 and the plate 454, and by extension, this results in a floating connection between the components of the modular furniture system 100 which are connected by the coupler assembly 450. The floating connection allows for the components to be placed on a ground area which may include one or more surfaces. The surfaces may be coplanar and / or the different surfaces may be located on different planes. The different surfaces of the ground area may not be perfectly level or may include abnormalities or imperfections, particularly in outdoor applications. For example, the modular furniture system 100 may be placed on decking or concrete which is not perfectly smooth or that contains minor imperfections, bumps, warping, etc. In other examples, the modular furniture system 100 may be placed in a ground area with different surface types and different surface levels with respect to each other. The modular furniture system 100 may span a ground area which includes grass, turf, concrete, decking, tile, or any other type of flooring, as well as objects. In addition, the ground area may include rugs which cover a portion of the ground area. In other words, the modular furniture system 100 may be placed on one or more surfaces having different heights, angles, contours, textures, and so forth. The floating connection, as described above accommodates a variety of ground surfaces, including variances within the ground surface to provide a flexibility among components and customization to any target outdoor space.

[0043] In some instances, the floating connection eliminates the feet 412, as described in Figures 4A and 4B. In some instances, the feet 412, can be utilized to correct leveling issues created by uneven flooring, as described above. The floating connection of the coupler assembly 450 eliminates the need for the feet 412 to correct for uneven surfaces of the ground surface upon which the modular furniture system 100 is located. Therefore, in some instances, the feet 412 may be removed from the modular furniture system 100.

[0044] Figures 6A-6C depict an example modular furniture system 100 which can be used with the coupler assembly 450. The coupler assembly 450 is omitted from Figures 6A-6C to show a first mating opening 472 and a second mating opening 474. Figure 6A depicts a perspective view, Figure 6B depicts a top view, and Figure 6C depicts a bottom view. As described above, the seatbase 106 and the back portion 108 can be used with or without attached side portions 110, and the coupler assembly 450 may be used to connect the seat base 106 and the back portion 108. In some instances, the coupler assembly 450 may also be utilized for connections between adjacent seat bases 106. As shown in Figures 6A and 7A, the removeable lid (not shown) is removed to provide access to the internal cavity 408 of the seat base 106 for installation of couplers 452.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6A-6C (shown without the coupling assembly 450) and Figures 7A and 7B (shown with the coupling assembly 450), the seat base 106 includes the first mating opening 472 and the second mating opening 474 through which the first insertion tongue 460 and the second insertion tongue 462 are inserted into, respectively. The first mating opening 472 of the base 106 aligns with the slot 480 of the plate 454. The first insertion tongue 460 and the second insertion tongue 462 each include an extended end 476. The extended end 476 of the first insertion tongue 460 extends a length beyond the second portion 468 of the plate 454 when the coupler 452 is fully inserted. This allows for full engagement of the coupler assembly 450 without a user needing to access the coupling assembly 450 from the bottom of the modular furniture system 100. The extended end 476 of the first insertion tongue 460 and the second insertion tongue 462 provides margin and / or adjustability for the modular furniture system 100 being located on uneven surfaces, as described above. In some instances, the extended end 476 is about 0.25 inches. The extra length provided by the extended ends 476 of the coupler 452 allows the seat base 106 allow for additional adjustability for the floating connection as described above and allows the seat base 106 to float with relation to the back portion 108. The seat base 106 may include mating openings at locations about the seat base 106 to facilitate different configurations of the modular furniture system 100 with the components arranged in an orientation agnostic manner. In this manner, the modular furniture system 100 permits a user to customize the modular furniture system to a target outdoor area, as well as preferences of the user using orientation independent configurations and floating connections of components.

[0046] As shown in Figure 7A, the coupler assembly 450 may be used in conjunction with additional couplers 452 to provide a solid and stable connection between components of the modular furniture system 100. Figure 7A depicts two couplers 452 and the coupler assembly in a “V” formation. In other instances, other arrangements of couplers 452 and coupler assemblies 450 may be utilized to provide the desired stability of the connection between components. By placingcoupler assemblies 450 and couplers 452 at different locations, and at different heights around and along the modular furniture system 100, a more stable connection is achieved.

[0047] Figures 8A-8C illustrate the example modular furniture system 100 including the side portion 110. The side portion 110 can have a rectangular prism shaped body 502 formed of one or more side panels 504, end panels 506, and / or a top lid 508, such as a hinged or movable lid 510. The second mating opening(s) 130 can be formed into an inner sidewall surface 512 of the side portion 110 and can include any number of openings such as one, two, three, four, etc. In some instances, the side portion 110 can include two mating openings 514 with a central handle opening 516 between the two mating openings 514. The central handle opening 516 can be an opening formed into the side panel 504 to provide a gripping handle for lifting, holding, and / or moving the side portion 110. The central handle opening 516 can be square or rectangular (e.g., similar to the second mating openings 130), and can be on a different horizontal line than the two mating openings 514. The second mating opening(s) 130 can be square, rectangular, or another shape having a substantially flat bottom edge 518 configured to be gripped by the coupler 202. The second mating opening(s) 130 can be disposed at or near a middle elevation section of an inner sidewall surface 512 of the side portion 110, facing inward toward the seat base 106.

[0048] In some scenarios, the side portion 110 also includes a movable top lid 510, which can be hinged at one or both sides. For instance, the movable top lid 510 can be hinged at an outer side 520 such that the movable top lid 510 opens up facing the seat base 106, giving access to an upper inner cavity 522 of the side portion 110 to a person seated on the seat base 106. Moreover, the side portion 110 can include an insulation lining 524 in the internal cavity 522, which can be disposed in a top third or top half of the side portion 110, forming a cooler 526. The cooler 526 can be portable and / or removable for additional use outside the inner cavity 522. The side portion 110 can also have removable side panels 504 and / or components of an integrated audio system 802, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0049] Referring to Figure 9, the example modular furniture system 100 can include a side arm portion 602 with additional features. For instance, the side arm portion 602 (e.g., formed of a side portion 110) can include additional removable lids 604, such as hinged or sliding end lid covering a section (not shown) of the top plane 608. Furthermore, additional components for a shadestructure 610 can be housed under the lid 604 and made accessible upon opening the lid 604. These additional components can include a post connector for attaching to a bottom end of a shade post 612, the shade post 612 itself, a lighting fixture, and / or a shade structure sheet 614.

[0050] Turning to Figure 10, the example modular furniture system 100 can include the shade structure 610 discussed above. For example, the shade structure 610 can include a plurality of posts 612 extending up from the side portion(s) 110 and / or the back portions 108. The posts 612 can attach to the post connectors exposed by lifting the lids 604 on the side portions 110 and / or back portions 108. In some instances, the shade structure 610 includes two end posts 702 and a middle post 704 to form an L-shape, which can correspond to an arrangement of the side portions 110 and / or back portions 108 below the shade structure 610. One or more shade structure sheets 614 can connect to the posts 612 to form the shade structure 610 between the end posts 704. The shade structure sheets 614 can be formed of fabric, plastic, composites, or other flexible and / or weather resistant material.

[0051] Referring to Figures 11 A, 11B, 12A and 12B, the example modular furniture system 100 can include an integrated audio system 802 using an internal storage configuration 804 of the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108. For instance, the integrated audio system 802 can include one or more speakers 806 positioned on a shelf 808 in the internal space 810 of the side portion 1 10 and / or back portion 108. The shelf 808 can be disposed above the second mating openings 130 and / or a middle panel 812 and can be accessed by moving or removing a side panel 504, such as an upper side panel (not shown). One or multiple speakers 806 can rest on this interior shelf 808 directed towards the outer sidewall (e.g., away from the seat base 106). Moreover, the speaker(s) 806 can be selectively movable or adjustable to face in other directions, such as towards the inner sidewall (e.g., towards the seat base 106), thus optimizing the sound directionality of the integrated audio system 802. The integrated audio system 802 can also include one or more docking stations 816 on the shelf 808, or integrally formed into the shelf 808. In some scenarios, the docking station 816 can be multi-directional, such that the speaker 806 can be placed on the docking station 816 in multiple positions. One position can be facing away from the modular furniture system 100 towards the outside environment, and / or another position can be towards the modular furniture system 100 (e g., forming a “sound bubble” around the modular furniture 102). One or more batteries and / or power systems can also be positioned inside the side portion 110and / or bottom portion 818, for instance, on a lower shelf accessible by removing a lower side panel 820. The batteries can be configured for harsh outdoor environments (e.g., extreme heat, extreme cold, extreme temperature changes, and / or high moisture).

[0052] Other components of the integrated audio system 802 housed within the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108 can include a subwoofer 822 (e.g., on the lower shelf), a center channel, a control system, wireless transmission system, wiring, and / or a cell phone charger 902. The cell phone charger 902, in some scenarios, can be integrated into a portable speaker 806, which can be removed from the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108 for use outside the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108, or as a standalone speaker 806. Additionally or alternatively, the cell phone charger 902 can be integrated into an external surface of the side portion 110 and / or can be covered with a fabric such that the charger is hidden.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12B, the integrated audio system 802 can include a sound-transmitting side panel 903, such as a wire mesh 904 overlayed with a fabric material 906, to allow sound to pass through the side panel. The side panel 504 can be interchangeable with other side panels 504, such as a metal or wood panel, to provide additional interchangeable configurations of the modular furniture system 100. The exterior materials of the components housing the speakers 806 can allow transmission of the sound without affecting the sound quality (e.g., with at least 50% air pass through). The various side panels 504 can be interchangeable to tune the sound characteristics of the system 100, for instance, using metal or wire mesh 904, perforated metal, and / or speaker fabric 908. The integrated audio system 802 can be tuned to match a particular outdoor environment (e.g., a wood deck, concrete, brick, grass, etc.) by having adjustable directions for the speakers 806 with the interchangeable exterior side panels 504.

[0054] In some examples, the components of the integrated audio system 802 can communicate wirelessly, using Bluetooth and / or Wireless Speaker and Audio (WiSA) protocols. The speakers 806 can be waterproof and / or weatherproof and can be configurable to project sound into a large outdoor space. Additionally, the internal storage space of the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108 can be manufactured as a molded core 1302 with metal cladding 1304 forming the exterior panels, as discussed below regarding Figure 16A.

[0055] Figures 13 A and 13B illustrate an example modular furniture system 100 including a multi-functional ottoman table hybrid device 1002. The multi-functional ottoman table hybrid device 1002 can be formed by planar sidewalls 1004 arranged into a rectangular profile 1006 or square profile with a removable top lid 1008 for accessing an interior space 1010. The interior space 1010 can include a cooler liner 1012 forming a cooler section 1014 of the interior space 1010. The cooler liner 1012 can include a lower portion with a lid and can be portable and / or removable for use outside the ottoman table hybrid device 1002. Additionally or alternatively, the interior space 1010 can include a fire retardant liner forming a fireplace. The multi-functional ottoman table hybrid device 1002 can also include chamfered comers 416, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0056] Turning to Figures 14A-14F, an example modular furniture system 100 can include many of the disclosed components with chamfered comers 416. The chamfered corners 416 can provide additional functionality to the modular coupling arrangement by forming a gap 1102 between back portions 108, the gap 1102 being defined by how the length dimensions of the components correspond to the chamfer dimensions. The gap 1102 can be a protective gap which prevents the back portions 108 from touching, rubbing, or scratching each other, for instance, during setup and / or take down of a modular coupling arrangement. Furthermore, the gap 1102 can be an access gap for improve cleaning of the system by providing room for clearing out debris which occurs during outdoor use. Simultaneously with forming the protective gap and / or the cleaning gap, the chamfered comers 416 can also improve safety by reducing exposed 90° sharp comers around the seat base 106 and around other components of the modular furniture system 100.

[0057] For example, as depicted in Figure 14E, the seat base 106 can have a length dimension LI, which can be defined as two chamfer side lengths C plus the length dimension of the back portion 108 and / or side portion L2. The chamfered comer 416 can have a chamfer angle of 45°. As such, when two seat bases 106 are adjacently coupled, with a first back portion 108 attached to the first seat base 106 and a second back portion 108 attached to the second seat base 106, a gap 1102 with dimensions G = 2C can be formed between the two back portions 108. In this way, the length dimensions L2 of the back portion 108 and / or side portions 110 can be less than the length dimension LI of the seat base 106, by a difference corresponding to twice the chamfer length C.In some scenarios, the gap dimension G can be between one inch and four inches (e.g., one inch, two inches, three inches, four inches). The gap 1102 can be configured, in some examples, to receive other components of the modular furniture system 100, such as a shade support post 612, an umbrella, lighting (e.g., an outdoor lamp), fly traps, hanging plants, and so forth.

[0058] Furthermore, the back cushion 310 can also have a first cushion length dimension which corresponds to the length dimension L2 of the back portion 108 against which the back cushion 310 rests, and the seat cushion 306 can have a second cushion length dimension corresponding to the length dimension LI of the seat base 106. As such, the second cushion length dimension of the seat cushion 306 can also be greater than the first seat cushion length dimension of the back cushion 310 by two chamfer lengths (20.

[0059] Figure 14F depicts a modular coupling arrangement 1104 with a particular coupling configuration 1106 in which the components include the chamfered comers 416. As shown in Figure 14F, a plurality of seat bases 106 can be coupled together and can extend slightly beyond termination ends 1108 of the side portions 110 due to the additional length C of the chamfered comer 416. The chamfered comers 416 can form multiple insets and gaps throughout the coupling configurations disclosed herein wherever any of the chamfered components are adjoined.

[0060] Figure 15 illustrates an example modular furniture system 100 with a modular coupling arrangement 1202 which includes a comer tower 1204. For instance, the comer tower 1204 can be attached to the back portion 108 and the side portion 110 to fill a corner gap 1206 formed by the ends of the back portion 108 and side portion 110. The comer tower 1204 can have a rounded or curved corner side 1208. In other examples, the comer tower 1204 can be squared, chamfered, or another shape. The corner tower 1204 can have removable, curved side panels 1210 to expose an internal cavity space. As such, the corner tower 1204 can house one or more speakers 806, subwoofers 822, center channels, batter banks, chargers, control systems, shade attachment mechanisms, and so forth. Additionally, the corner tower 1204 can have one or more coupling fins or extenders which mate with a corner mating opening disposed on the end surfaces of the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108.

[0061] Figures 16A and 16B illustrate an example modular furniture system 100 with a side portion 110 and / or back portion 108 formed of a molded interior core 1302 with exterior cladding1304. For instance, the interior structure 1306 of the side portion 110 and / or back portion 108 can be manufactured by molding a variety of different horizontal and / or vertical dividers 1308 in a particular configuration 1310 for containing the different internal components disclosed herein, such as the components of the integrated audio system 802. The molded core 1302 can be enclosed with a plurality of panels or slats 1312 to form the exterior cladding. Some of the panels or slats 1312 can be removably coupled to the molded core, such as by hinges or snap on friction fittings, whereas other panels can be securely fixed using screws, rivets, friction fittings, etc.

[0062] Figures 17A and 17B, depict the modular furniture system 100 having a plurality of different coupling configurations. For instance, the modular coupling arrangement 1104 can include a first coupling configuration 1404 with a first seat base 106 coupled to a first side of an ottoman table hybrid device 1002 and a second seat base 106 coupled to a second side of the ottoman hybrid device 1002. A second coupling configuration 1406 can include two seat bases 106 coupled together with a first ottoman table hybrid device 1408 coupled to one side of one seat base 106, and a side portion 110 coupled to an opposite side of the other seat base 106. Additionally, a second ottoman hybrid device 1410 can be coupled to the other side of the side portion 110, opposite the second seat base 106. Figures 17A and 17B depict various additional coupling configurations 1412. It is to be understood that the same components can be easily rearranged from one coupling configuration to another coupling configuration using the technology and techniques disclosed herein.

[0063] Referring to Figure 18, example operations of a method 1500 of manufacturing a modular furniture system are depicted. The method 1500 can be used to manufacture any of the components or component features discussed herein regarding Figures 1-17.

[0064] In some examples, at operation 1502, the method 1500 can form a seat base having a square profile with a top edge surface, a first mating opening being disposed on the top edge surface at a first side of the square profile, and a second mating opening being disposed on the top edge surface at a second side of the square profile. At operation 1504, the method 1500 can form a back portion 108 including a third mating opening for aligning with the first mating opening. At operation 1506, the method 1500 can form a side portion including a fourth mating opening for aligning with the second mating opening, the side portion having a first length dimension being: asame value as a second length dimension of the back portion; and a lesser value than a third length dimension of the seat base.

[0065] It is to be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method(s) depicted throughout this disclosure are instances of example approaches and can be rearranged while remaining within the disclosed subject matter. For instance, any of the operations depicted throughout this disclosure may be omitted, repeated, performed in parallel, performed in a different order, and / or combined with any other of the operations depicted throughout this disclosure.

[0066] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various implementations, it will be understood that these implementations are illustrative and that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combined in blocks differently in various implementations of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A modular furniture system comprising: a seat base including a top edge surface with a plurality of first mating openings; a back portion including one or more second mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings; and a coupler configured for insertion into the plurality of first mating openings and the one or more second mating openings, the coupler including: a clamp formed by a first insertion tongue and a second insertion tongue; and a handle extending from a middle section of the clamp in a direction away from the first insertion tongue and the second insertion tongue.

2. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the seat base has length dimension and a width dimension defining a square profile.

3. The modular furniture system of claim 2, wherein: the top edge surface runs along four sides of the square profile; and the plurality of first mating openings include a uniform distribution at the four sides of the square profile providing a modular coupling arrangement.

4. The modular furniture system of claim 2, further comprising: a first side portion having one or more third mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings; and a second side portion having one or more fourth mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings, the first side portion, the second side portion, and the back portion having same length and width dimensions to form a modular coupling arrangement with the back portion.

5. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the one or more second mating openings includes a cut out space for the handle of the coupler.

6. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the seat base has chamfered corners with a chamfer dimension based on a length dimension of the back portion.

7. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein: the back portion has a first length dimension; and the seat base has a second length dimension equal to the first length dimension plus a first chamfer length and a second chamfer length.

8. A modular furniture system comprising: a seat base including a top edge surface with a first mating opening and a second mating opening; a back portion including a third mating opening for aligning the first mating opening such that a first coupler with a clamp configuration is insertable into the first mating opening and the third mating opening; and a side portion including a fourth mating opening for aligning with the second mating opening such that a second coupler with the clamp configuration is insertable into the second mating opening and the fourth mating opening.

9. The modular furniture system of claim 8, wherein the back portion and the side portion have a same internal storage configuration, the internal storage configuration includes: a movable outer panel to expose an internal storage cavity; and a shelf disposed in the internal storage cavity.

10. The modular furniture system of claim 9, further comprising an integrated audio system including a speaker disposed on the shelf.

11. The modular furniture system of claim 10, wherein the integrated audio system further includes a charging dock integral with the shelf for receiving the speaker such that the speaker is movable between an integrated usage mode and a stand-alone usage mode.

12. The modular furniture system of claim 10, wherein the speaker is movable between an outward-facing configuration and an inward-facing configuration.

13. The modular furniture system of claim 10, wherein the integrated audio system further includes a subwoofer disposed on a second shelf of the internal storage configuration.

14. The modular furniture system of claim 8, further comprising an integrated audio system including: a portable speaker housed in at least one of the seat base, the side portion, or a corner tower disposed between the back portion and the side portion; a subwoofer housed in at least one of the seat base, the side portion, or the corner tower; and a center channel speaker housed in at least one of the seat base, the side portion, or the comer tower.

15. The modular furniture system of claim 8, wherein the side portion includes a movable top lid for accessing an interior cavity of the side portion, the interior cavity including one or more of: a shade structure connector; a lighting connector; or a cooler liner.

16. The modular furniture system of claim 8, wherein the back portion or the side portion includes a plurality of interchangeable side panels, the plurality of interchangeable side panels includes a wood panel and a wire mesh panel with a fabric overlay.

17. The modular furniture system of claim 8, wherein the side portion includes a molded core with metal cladding.

18. A method of manufacturing a modular furniture system, the method comprising:forming a seat base having a square profile with a top edge surface, a first mating opening being disposed on the top edge surface at a first side of the square profile, and a second mating opening being disposed on the top edge surface at a second side of the square profile; forming a back portion including a third mating opening for aligning with the first mating opening; and forming a side portion including a fourth mating opening for aligning with the second mating opening, the side portion having a first length dimension being: a same value as a second length dimension of the back portion; and a lesser value than a third length dimension of the seat base.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming a coupler including: a clamp defined by a first insertion tongue and a second insertion tongue; a buffer material disposed between the first insertion tongue and the second insertion tongue; and a handle extending from a middle section of the clamp in a direction opposite the first insertion tongue and the second insertion tongue.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising forming an integrated audio system including: one or more removable side panels of the side portion for accessing an interior space of the side portion; and a speaker receiving area formed into the interior space.

21. A modular furniture system comprising: one or more seat bases, each of the one or more seat bases including a top edge surface with a plurality of first mating openings; one or more back portions, each of the one or more back portions including one or more second mating openings for aligning with at least one of the plurality of first mating openings; and one or more coupling assemblies configured for coupling of the first mating openings and the second mating openings, wherein each coupling assembly forms a floating connection, wherein the one or more seat bases and the one or more back portions are arranged in an orientation agnostic manner customized to a target outdoor area.

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