SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODULAR FURNITURE
Modular furniture systems and methods. The modular furniture systems generally comprise a plurality of support surfaces and/or a plurality of support structures. Each support structure is configured to support the support surface above the ground or floor. In the depicted embodiments, the support surfaces are configured to hold and support a child or infant. In other embodiments, other support surfaces can be used such as tabletops. Generally, the support structures are releasably coupled to the support surface such that they can be assembled and disassembled by the user. The modular furniture system is configured such that each support surface is compatible with a variety of support structures. Similarly, each support structure can be compatible with a variety of support surfaces.
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This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/865,000 filed Jun. 21, 2019. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/865,000 filed Jun. 21, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/718,667 filed Aug. 14, 2018 are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe present disclosure relates generally to the field of furniture and more particularly to modular furniture for children.
BACKGROUNDPeople's needs change over time. Perhaps they move to a new apartment that requires a different size dining table, or they want to convert a coffee table to a desk, or they have a baby that outgrows a high-chair and want to turn it into a standard table-height chair. Traditional furniture often requires replacement to meet these needs.
Conventional children's support devices typically include a child seat or support surface that can be elevated above a floor by a frame. In known children's support devices, the child seat or support surface can be detachable from the support frame for use independent of the support frame. But a child support seat is usually only compatible with a single support frame. Similarly, the child support frame is generally only compatible with a single support seat.
Needs exist for improvement in the art of children's support furniture. It is to the provision of a system, method, and apparatus for modular furniture meeting these and other needs that the present disclosure is primarily directed.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates to modular furniture systems and methods. In example embodiments, a modular furniture system according to the present disclosure allows for interchangeability of component parts and allows a caregiver to customize support surfaces and support structures interchangeably within a modular system to suit the needs of the child and caregiver and provide improved flexibility and longer-term affordability.
Modular furniture systems according to example embodiments of the present disclosure generally comprise a plurality of support surfaces and/or a plurality of support structures. Each support structure is configured to support the support surface above the ground or floor. In the depicted embodiments, the support surfaces are configured to hold and support a child or infant. In other embodiments, the support surfaces can be used for other purposes such as tabletops or other general purpose furniture. Generally, the support structures are releasably coupled to the support surface such that they can be assembled and disassembled by the user. The modular furniture system is configured such that each support surface is compatible with a variety of support structures. Additionally or alternatively, each support structure can be compatible with a variety of support surfaces.
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular furniture system including a support surface and a first support structure and a second support structure, wherein the support surface is releasably coupled to the first support structure in a first configuration and wherein the support surface is coupled to the second support structure in a second configuration.
In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a modular furniture system including a support structure and a first support surface and a second support surface, wherein the support structure is releasably coupled to the first support surface in a first configuration and wherein the support structure is coupled to the second support surface in a second configuration.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the disclosure provided herewith will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments, and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
In example embodiments, the seating surface and support structures are coupled together using a universal attachment method and universal attachment coupling formats. In other words, all seating surfaces and support structures in the modular furniture system can attach to one another using the same attachment mechanism. In example embodiments, the universal attachment method can comprise one or more releasable attachment mechanisms or couplings including snaps, hooks, magnets, or gravity fed attachment mechanisms. In other embodiments, the universal attachment method can comprise a semi-permanent or releasable attachment mechanism needing tools to fasten and unfasten, such as screws or nails, or allowing fastening and unfastening without by hand operation without tools. The seating surfaces are configured to comprise the universal attachment method while preserving the correct center of gravity.
In an example method or mode of use, a single support surface is releasably coupled to a support frame in a first configuration. The support surface is decoupled from all or a portion of the support structure and coupled to a different support structure or support structure element, in a second configuration. In example embodiments, three or more support structure configurations are compatible with a single support surface. In another method of use, a single support structure is releasably coupled to a support surface in a first configuration. The support structure is decoupled from all or a portion of the support surface and coupled to a different support surface or support surface element, in a second configuration. In example embodiments, three or more support surfaces are compatible with a single support structure.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims. For example, while the modular furniture system concepts are depicted as related to gear for infants and children, the concept can be applied to any furniture collection. Generally, any of the support surfaces and support structures depicted above can be used interchangeably.
Claims
1. A modular furniture system comprising;
- a support surface; and
- a first support structure and a second support structure;
- wherein the support surface is releasably coupled to the first support structure in a first configuration and wherein the support surface is coupled to the second support structure in a second configuration.
2. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the support surface comprises one of a stool top, a chair, an inclined seat, a bassinet, an entertainer, play yard, sleeper, swing, walker, or a tabletop.
3. The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the support surface is configured for use independent of a support structure in a third configuration.
4. A modular furniture system comprising;
- a support structure; and
- a first support surface and a second support surface;
- wherein the support structure is releasably coupled to the first support surface in a first configuration and wherein the support structure is coupled to the second support surface in a second configuration.
5. The modular furniture system of claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises one or more legs.
6. The modular furniture system of claim 4, wherein the support structure is coupled to a rocker base in a third configuration.
7. A modular furniture system, apparatus, kit, and/or method substantially as disclosed herein.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 19, 2020
Publication Date: Dec 24, 2020
Applicant: KIDS2, INC. (Atlanta, GA)
Inventors: Franco LODATO (Sandy Springs, GA), Frank M. TYNESKI (Roswell, GA), Hannah PALASINSKI (Atlanta, GA), Trevor MAST (Atlanta, GA), John A. McMILLAN (Lilburn, GA)
Application Number: 16/906,316