Multipurpose furniture and cover

Abstract

The present invention provides an article of furniture capable of use for a variety of purposes. The present invention may function as, for example, a footrest, a seat, a table and/or as a stepstool. The present invention requires little space and is capable of placement in small areas. Larger embodiments may function as sofas and/or coffee tables. The present invention may also be customized in a number of ways to suit individual preferences. The present invention is light, compact and easily transported. In addition, the present invention maintains its shape without using a frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of furniture and, in particular, to multipurpose furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In general, most furniture is designed for a specific purpose. A chair is intended for single occupancy seating, a couch or sofa for multiple occupancy seating or individual reclining. Tables are not intended for use as seats, nor are chairs intended for use as tables. Because of this, multiple articles of furniture are required to perform multiple functions. Additionally, most articles of furniture are cumbersome, difficult to store and move.

[0003] Although the use of multiple articles of furniture is not usually a problem, whenever space constraints become an issue, such as in an efficiency apartment or a dorm room, choices must be made concerning the relative importance of one type of furniture over another. For example, in an efficiency apartment, often a person's bed will be the only seating available in the general living area. Having guests is problematic. There may not be enough space for another seat.

[0004] Dorm rooms have a similar problem. In addition, college students can change rooms from year to year, sometimes from semester to semester. Bulky furniture not only rarely fits into a dorm room but also can be a nightmare to move. Stairs increase the moving problems; large, heavy furniture is extremely difficult to transport up and down stairs. Although some lightweight furniture exists, it is usually limited in its functionality, still requiring multiple pieces to perform multiple functions. Additionally, most furniture requires a support frame, thereby adding to its weight.

[0005] Finally, people prefer furniture that expresses their individual tastes. Most furniture may fulfill this requirement when it is purchased, but sometimes tastes, circumstances and surroundings change. It is usually quite difficult and costly to modify furniture. The least expensive method would be to purchase a slipcover for a couch or a seat or a tablecloth for a table. This also limits the choices to materials available for purchase.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for furniture that can perform a variety of functions. There is a need for furniture that requires little space and is capable of easy placement in small areas. Additionally, there is a need for furniture that is light, compact and easily transported. Finally, there is a need for furniture that can be customized to suit individual preferences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention provides an article of furniture capable of use for a variety of purposes. The present invention may function as, for example, a footrest, a seat, a table and/or as a stepstool. The present invention requires little space and is capable of placement in small areas. Larger embodiments may function as sofas and/or coffee tables. The present invention may also be customized in a number of ways to suit individual preferences. The present invention is light, compact and easily transported. In addition, the present invention maintains its shape without using a frame.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention provides an article of furniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangular base, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametric triangular sides. The second triangular component is attached to the first triangular component along the intersection of the base and face of the first triangular component and the back and face of the second triangular component.

[0009] The present invention also provides an article of furniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangular base, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametric triangular sides. The second triangular component is attached by a cover to the first triangular component along the intersection of the base and face of the first triangular component and the back and face of the second triangular component. The cover may be removable.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention provides an article of furniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangular base, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametric triangular sides. The second triangular component is attached to the first triangular component along the intersection of the base and face of the first triangular component and the back and face of the second triangular component. One or both of the two main triangular components may also have a rigid insert.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides an article of furniture made of two triangular components, each with a rectangular base, a rectangular back, a rectangular face, and two diametric triangular sides. The second triangular component is attached to the first triangular component along the intersection of the base and face of the first triangular component and the back and face of the second triangular component. One or both of the two main triangular components may also have an action activated recording.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The above and further advantages of the present invention may be understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to the corresponding parts in which:

[0013] FIGS. 1A and 1B depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration (seat) and a semi-closed configuration (table);

[0014] FIG. 2 depicts an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0016] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration (sofa) and a semi-closed configuration (coffee table).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed herein in terms of an article of furniture, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and are not meant to limit its scope in any way.

[0018] The present invention provides an article of furniture capable of use for a variety of purposes. The present invention may function as, for example, a footrest, a seat, a table and/or as a stepstool. The present invention requires little space and is capable of placement in small areas. Larger embodiments may function as sofas and/or coffee tables. The present invention may also be customized in a number of ways to suit individual preferences. The present invention is light, compact and easily transported. In addition, the present invention maintains its shape without using a frame.

[0019] FIG. 1A depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration (seat). Article of furniture 100 comprises first triangular component 102 with first rectangular base 105, first rectangular back 110, first rectangular face 115, first triangular side 120 and a second triangular side (not shown). First rectangular face 115 is contiguous with both first rectangular base 105 and first rectangular back 110. The second triangular side (not shown) is diametric to first triangular side 120. Second triangular component 132 has second rectangular back 135, second rectangular base 140, second rectangular face 145, third triangular side 150 and a fourth triangular side (not shown). Second rectangular face 145 is contiguous with both second rectangular back 135 and second rectangular base 140. The fourth triangular side (not shown) is diametric to first triangular side 150. First triangular component 102 is hingedly attached to second triangular component 132 at intersection 190 of first rectangular base 105, first rectangular face 115, second rectangular base 140 and second rectangular face 145.

[0020] The hinge at intersection 190 can be an integrated hinge. In other words, it can be of the same material as first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132 and part of the structure of first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132. An integrated hinge would form first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132 into a single unit. The hinge prevents the separation of first triangular component 102 from second triangular component 132. For example, when used as a seating apparatus, the hinge can be beneath the seat occupant. This prevents the components 102 and 132 from separating and allowing the seat occupant to slip between the components 102 and 132 and sit on the floor. Alternatively and/or additionally, a cover can form the hinge at intersection 190. The cover can be one continuous piece of material that completely encases both first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1A, the present invention can be used as a seating apparatus. The seat-bottom is second triangular component 132, while the seatback is first triangular component 102. First rectangular base 105 and second rectangular base 140 are placed in contact with a surface, such as a floor. The seat occupant would rest upon second rectangular face 145 and against first rectangular face 115. The seating apparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed against another object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an upright position.

[0022] First triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132 may be made of a variety of materials, such as foam rubber and molded plastic. The material should be formed into each component 102 and 132 and should hold the component shape independently. The material used should provide enough strength to prevent significant deformation. In other words, article of furniture 100 should not conspicuously change shape when in use. Further, the material used should not inhibit transportability. Additionally, a cover may be used. This cover, when used, can provide the hinge at intersection 190, attaching first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132. The cover may be of any material and in any pattern. The cover may also be non-flammable.

[0023] FIG. 1B depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in a semi-closed configuration (table). Article of furniture 100 is shown in its closed, or storage position. In this position, article of furniture 100 can also function as a footrest, a stool, a table or a stepstool. When first triangular component 102 and second triangular component 132 are folded at intersection 190, such that second rectangular face 145 of second triangular component 132 meets the rectangular face (not shown) of first triangular component 102, the table configuration of the article of furniture 100 is formed. Use as a table or stepstool can be enhanced by the addition of a rigid insert into one or more of the external areas, such as 105, 110 and/or 140. It may also be possible to reinforce external areas such as 120 and 150 by the addition of a rigid insert. The material of the rigid inserts can be, for example, cardboard, particleboard and plexiglass. The rigid insert may be placed beneath a cover or simply affixed to the surface of article of furniture 100.

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts an illustration of another of the present invention. The seat-bottom is second triangular component 232, while the seatback is first triangular component 202. First rectangular base 205 and second rectangular base 240 are placed in contact with a surface, such as a floor. The seat occupant would rest upon second rectangular face 245 and against first rectangular face 215. The seating apparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed against another object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an upright position.

[0025] First triangular component 202 and second triangular component 232 may be made of a variety of materials, such as foam rubber and molded plastic. The material should be formed into each component 202 and 232 and should hold the component shape independently. The material used should provide enough strength to prevent significant deformation. In other words, article of furniture 200 should not conspicuously change shape when in use. Further, the material used should not inhibit transportability. Additionally, a cover may be used. This cover, when used, can provide the hinge at intersection 290, attaching first triangular component 202 and second triangular component 232. The cover may be of any material and in any pattern. The cover may also be non-flammable.

[0026] Article of furniture 200 can be customized by changing the cover (not shown) or by, for example, the addition of one or more insert wrappers 275. The material of insert wrappers 275 should be see-through such that whatever is placed in them can be viewed. They can be made of such materials as clear vinyl and plastic. When used to line article of furniture 200 as shown in FIG. 2, the material used for insert wrappers 275 should not be rigid such that it degrades the comfort of the seat. Insert wrappers 275 may be affixed to article of furniture 200 in a variety of ways, such as snaps, zippers, thread, and VELCRO. Any edge of insert wrappers 275 may be detached from article of furniture 200 to allow insertion of consumer-selected decorative accents. Whichever edge of insert wrappers 275 is detached from article of furniture 200 may be left detached or re-affixed to seal in their contents. A consumer can place items such as different materials and pictures, in insert wrappers 275, thereby changing the appearance of article of furniture 200. Insert wrappers 275 are shown as being attached to first rectangular face 215 of first triangular component 202 and second rectangular face 245 of second triangular component 232. First triangular component 202 and second triangular component 232 are hinged at intersection 290. If article of furniture is closed, as in FIG. 1B, the individual customization will not be visible. Therefore, insert wrappers 275 may also be placed on any plane, such as 205, 210, 215, 220, 235, 240, 245 and 250 of article of furniture 200.

[0027] FIG. 3 depicts an illustration of another embodiment of the present invention. The seat-bottom is second triangular component 332, while the seatback is first triangular component 302. First rectangular base 305 and second rectangular base 340 are placed in contact with a surface, such as a floor. The seat occupant would rest upon second rectangular face 345 and against first rectangular face 315. The seating apparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed against another object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an upright position.

[0028] First triangular component 302 and second triangular component 332 may be made of a variety of materials, such as foam rubber and molded plastic. The material should be formed into each component 302 and 332 and should hold the component shape independently. The material used should provide enough strength to prevent significant deformation. In other words, article of furniture 300 should not conspicuously change shape when in use. Further, the material used should not inhibit transportability. Additionally, a cover may be used. This cover, when used, can provide the hinge at intersection 390, attaching first triangular component 302 and second triangular component 332. The cover may be of any material and in any pattern. The cover may also be non-flammable.

[0029] Action activated recordings 375 have been added to article of furniture 300. Action activated recordings 375 can be any form of recordable or re-recordable media that emits an audible message when activated. They can be any shape. Action activated recordings 375 may be pre-recorded or may enable the consumer to change the message. Action activated recordings 375 are shown as being attached to first rectangular face 315 of first triangular component 302 and second rectangular face 345 of second triangular component 332. Action activated recordings 375 may be affixed in a variety of ways, such as snapped on, sewn-on and attached with VELCRO. When placed on either first rectangular face 315 or second rectangular face 345, action activated recordings 375 may activate when article of furniture 300 is changed from the closed position of FIG. 1B to the open position of FIGS. 1A, 2, and 3. Action activated recordings 375 may also be placed on any plane, such as 305, 310, 315, 320, 335, 340, 345 and 350 of article of furniture 300. Action activated recordings 375 may be activated by either movement or voice.

[0030] FIG. 4A depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in an open configuration (sofa). Article of furniture 400 comprises first triangular component 402 with first rectangular base 405, first rectangular back 410, first rectangular face 415, first triangular side 420 and a second triangular side (not shown). First rectangular face 415 is contiguous with both first rectangular base 405 and first rectangular back 410. The second triangular side (not shown) is diametric to first triangular side 420. Second triangular component 432 has second rectangular back 435, second rectangular base 440, second rectangular face 445, third triangular side 450 and a fourth triangular side (not shown). Second rectangular face 445 is contiguous with both second rectangular base 435 and second rectangular base 440. The fourth triangular side (not shown) is diametric to first triangular side 450. First triangular component 402 is hingedly attached to second triangular component 432 at intersection 490 of first rectangular base 405, first rectangular face 415, second rectangular base 440 and second rectangular face 445.

[0031] The hinge at intersection 490 can be an integrated hinge. In other words, it can be of the same material as first triangular component 402 and second triangular component 432 and part of the structure of first triangular component 402 and second triangular component 432. An integrated hinge would form first triangular component 402 and second triangular component 432 into a single unit. The hinge prevents the separation of first triangular component 402 from second triangular component 432. For example, when used as a seating apparatus, the hinge can be beneath the seat occupant. This prevents the components 402 and 432 from separating and allowing the seat occupant to slip between the components 402 and 432 and sit on the floor. Alternatively and/or additionally, a cover can form the hinge at intersection 490. The cover can be one continuous piece of material that completely encases both first triangular component 402 and second triangular component 432.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4A, the present invention can be used as a seating apparatus. The sofa-bottom is second triangular component 432, while the sofa-back is first triangular component 402. First rectangular base 405 and second rectangular base 440 are placed in contact with a surface, such as a floor. The sofa occupants would rest upon second rectangular face 445 and against first rectangular face 415. The seating apparatus is free-standing; it does not need to be placed against another object, such as a wall, to maintain the seatback in an upright position.

[0033] FIG. 4B depicts an illustration of an embodiment of the present invention in a semi-closed configuration (coffee table). Article of furniture 400 is shown in its closed, or storage position. In this position, article of furniture 400 can also function as a bench, a footrest, a stool, a table or a stepstool. When first triangular component 402 and second triangular component 432 are folded at intersection 490, such that second rectangular face 445 of second triangular component 432 meets the rectangular face (not shown) of first triangular component 402, the coffee table configuration of the article of furniture 400 is formed. Use as a table or stepstool can be enhanced by the addition of a rigid insert into one or more of the external areas, such as 405, 410 and/or 440. It may also be possible to reinforce external areas such as 420 and 450 by the addition of a rigid insert. The material of the rigid inserts can be, for example, cardboard, particleboard and plexiglass. The rigid insert may be placed beneath a cover or simply affixed to the surface of article of furniture 400.

[0034] While specific alternatives to steps of the present invention have been described herein, additional alternatives not specifically disclosed but known in the art are intended to fall within the scope of this invention. Thus, it is understood that other applications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon the reading of the described embodiments and a consideration of the appended claims and drawings.

Claims

1. An article of furniture comprising:

a first triangular component comprising a first rectangular base, a first rectangular back, a first rectangular face, a first triangular side and a second triangular side, the second triangular side diametric to the first triangular side;

a second triangular component comprising a second rectangular base, a second rectangular back, a second rectangular face, a third triangular side and a fourth triangular side, the fourth triangular side diametric to the third triangular side; and

a hinge attached to the first triangular component along the intersection of the first rectangular base and the first rectangular face, the hinge further attached to the second triangular component along the intersection of the second rectangular back and the second rectangular face.

2. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 wherein the hinge is structurally integrated into the first triangular component along the intersection of the first rectangular base and the first rectangular face, the hinge further structurally integrated into the second triangular component along the intersection of the second rectangular back and the second rectangular face.

3. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 wherein the first triangular component and the second triangular component comprise foam rubber.

4. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 wherein the first triangular component and the second triangular component comprise molded plastic.

5. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising a cover.

6. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 wherein the hinge is a cover enclosing the first triangular component and the second triangular component.

7. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5 wherein the cover is removable.

8. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5 wherein the cover comprises a zipped envelope.

9. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5 wherein the cover comprises a fiber attached envelope.

10. The article of furniture as recited in claim 5 wherein the cover further comprises one or more insertion wrappers.

11. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more rigid inserts in the first triangular component.

12. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more rigid inserts in the second triangular component.

13. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more insertion wrappers attached to the first triangular component.

14. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more insertion wrappers attached to the second triangular component.

15. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more action activated recordings in the first triangular component.

16. The article of furniture as recited in claim 1 further comprising one or more action activated recordings in the second triangular component.

17. An article of furniture comprising:

a first triangular component comprising a first rectangular base, a first rectangular back, a first rectangular face, a first triangular side and a second triangular side, the second triangular side diametric to the first triangular side;

a second triangular component comprising a second rectangular base, a second rectangular back, a second rectangular face, a third triangular side and a fourth triangular side, the fourth triangular side diametric to the third triangular side; and

a cover enclosing the first triangular component and the second triangular component, the cover hingedly attaching the second triangular component to the first triangular component along the intersection of the first rectangular base, the first rectangular face, the second rectangular back and the second rectangular face.

18. The article of furniture as recited in claim 17 further comprising one or more insertion wrappers in the cover.

19. The article of furniture as recited in claim 17 further comprising one or more action activated recordings in the cover.

20. An article of furniture comprising:

a first triangular foam rubber component comprising a first rectangular base, a first rectangular back, a first rectangular face, a first triangular side and a second triangular side, the second triangular side diametric to the first triangular side;

a second triangular foam rubber component comprising a second rectangular base, a second rectangular back, a second rectangular face, a third triangular side and a fourth triangular side, the fourth triangular side diametric to the third triangular side; and

a cover enclosing the first triangular foam rubber component and the second foam rubber triangular component, the cover hingedly attaching the second triangular foam rubber component to the first triangular foam rubber component along the intersection of the first rectangular base, the first rectangular face, the second rectangular back and the second rectangular face.