GB2377169A

GB2377169A - Furniture item with mutually exclusive seat and table orientations, convertable by reorientation of the item through a right angle relative to the floor

Info

Publication number: GB2377169A
Application number: GB0116216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lawrence Michael Elidor Horne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-07-03
Filing date: 2001-07-03
Publication date: 2003-01-08
Also published as: GB0116216D0

Abstract

A furniture item has mutually exclusive seat and table orientations, and is convertible (see transition between figs. 1 and 2) between the two by reorientation of the item through 90{ relative to the floor / a supporting surface. The item comprises first and second table / base panels 10, 20, in a mutually parallel relationship, and a planar support 30, and at least one planar seat 40 mounted between, and in a perpendicular relationship to the two panels 10, 20. In a second embodiment, the planar seat (340, 350, fig.5) may be offset from the centre of the planar support (330, fig.5). Balls 61-67, possibly lockably rotatable or non-rotatable may be mounted on corners of the panels 10, 20. The furniture item may usable by children or adults. A third embodiment is shown in figs. 6 and 7 in which the seat section may be wide enough to accommodate two children or one adult.

Description

Article of Furniture Technical Field The present invention relates to an article of furniture for use as either a child's seat or table or an item of furniture.

Background to the Invention Attractiveness, compactness and versatility are important factors in selecting furniture in the modern home. This is particularly true for functional items such as tables and chairs, both for adult and child use. In the case of children's furniture and play things, safety is also a key factor as sharp edges can accidentally injure a child.

Delivery of newly purchased furniture from the show room to the home can present problems in terms of transport of bulky items in cars or vans without damage to the goods. Another frequently encountered problem with both adult and child furniture is that of storage. Thus, for example, considerable space may be required to store table and chairs depending upon their design and size. Compactness of furniture is therefore highly desirable. This can be a particular problem with children's furniture, especially where space in the home is at a premium.

A particular problem with children's seating is that of seat height. Thus, for example, a small child will need a higher seat height to reach a table top of fixed height than would a taller child. Furthermore, as children grow taller a seat which was previously of correct height to use a table top of fixed height will no longer be so. There is therefore a need to provide seating of different or variable heights to enable children to use a table of fixed height, especially to cater for the needs of growing children or of two or more children of different heights.

The present invention addresses the above mentioned problems by providing an article of furniture, available in'flat-pack kit form'which, once assembled, may be rotated from a table orientation to a chair orientation. The invention may take the form of a table or chair for a child or an item of adult furniture, such as an ornamental table and chair for use in the home or office.

The invention is designed to be particularly attractive to children, being composed of bright and durable materials which can be easily cleaned. The seating is arranged in such a manner that a variety of seating heights are provided to cater for children of different heights. The article also incorporates a number of safety features, such as rounded edges and padding, which are designed to minimise any accidental injury to children using the article. Other features, such as the inclusion of spherical balls at corners, also serve to protect children from any corners whilst adding to the play value of the article.

The ornamental table and chair is designed for adult appeal and may be composed of a variety of attractive woods and laminates. The table may serve as an

ornamental table, for example to support ornaments or vases of flowers, a coffee table or a writing table.

Combined table and chair assemblies are known in the art. Thus, for example, US Patent Number 5,685, 600 describes a unit which includes a base, a table and two chairs. Users may sit on the chairs and use the table top simultaneously.

Similarly, WO 99/34706 discloses a combined table and adjustable chair, particularly suitable for use as a school desk.

US Patent Number 4,645, 261 describes a child's convertible seat and desk top which is formed by means of interlocking dowel pins and notches.

Summary of Invention According to the present invention there is provided an article of furniture capable of use in either a table orientation or a chair orientation comprising a first panel ; a second panel in parallel relationship to the first panel ; a planar support joining the first panel to the second panel and in perpendicular relationship thereto; and at least one planar seat in perpendicular relationship to both the first and second panels, wherein the table orientation and the chair orientation are mutually exclusive and movement from one to the other is achievable by movement through a 900 rotation in the plane defined by the planar support.

In one aspect, the planar seat joins to the first and second panels. Preferably, the planar seat joins to the planar support. More preferably, the planar seat joins to both the first and second panels and to the planar support.

In another aspect, the first panel acts as a base and the second panel acts as a table top when in the table orientation.

In a further aspect, the first and the second panel each act as a side of the chair when in the chair orientation.

Preferably, the shape of the first and/or the second panel is selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, circle and oval. More preferably, the first and second panel, support and seat are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, metal, metal alloy and any mixtures thereof. Suitable plastic materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC and UPVC), polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephtalate ; these plastic materials may, for example, be brightly coloured for child appeal.

In one aspect, one or both panels additionally comprise padding. Preferably, one or both panels are covered with an external covering comprising a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, fabric or leather. Suitable plastic materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC and UPVC), polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephtalate ; these plastic materials may, for example, be brightly coloured for child appeal.

In another aspect, both panels comprise an interior and exterior surface and the exterior surface of one or both panels additionally comprise an inlay. Preferably the inlay comprises a different material to that of the interior or exterior surface of one or both panels ; thus, for example, it may comprise a wood or plastic material. More preferably the inlay comprises an ornamental design. More preferably, the inlay may comprise a games board, such as a chess board or'snakes and ladders'for child play.

In a further aspect, the support acts as a back rest when in the chair orientation.

Preferably, the support is padded. More preferably, the support is webbed or sprung.

Optionally, the support is centrally positioned between the panels. Preferably, the support extends beyond the edges of the first and second panel. More preferably, the edges of the support are co-extensive with the edge of the first and second panel.

In one aspect, each seat is wide enough for two children or one adult to sit upon.

Preferably, the article comprises two seats and each seat joins to opposing exterior surfaces of the support. More preferably, each seat joins to the support at different positions along each opposing exterior surface. More preferably, each seat is padded. Optionally, each seat is webbed or sprung.

In another aspect, the article additionally comprises a ball attached to each corner of each panel. Preferably, each ball comprises a material selected from the group consisting of wood, rubber, leather, metal, metal alloy, glass, crystal, plastic and any mixtures thereof.

In one aspect, the ball cannot rotate. Preferably, the ball is free to rotate. More preferably, the ball can be reversibly locked into a non-rotatable position.

In another aspect, when in either the chair or table orientations the balls raise the article above floor surface.

In a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an article as hereinbefore described for use as children's furniture or adult furniture.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising a first and second panel, a planar support joinable to the panels, and at least one seat joinable to the support and/or to the panels to provide the article of furniture as hereinbefore described. The kit of parts may, for example, be provided in a prepacked'flat-pack'for ease of transportation and construction.

Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a side perspective of an article according to the invention in the chair orientation.

Figure 2 is a side perspective of an article according to the invention in the table orientation.

Figure 3 is a plan view of an article according to the invention in a table orientation.

Figure 4 is a cut-away side perspective of an article according to the invention in the chair orientation.

Figure 5 is a perspective of Figure 4 following rotation through 1800.

Figure 6 is a side perspective of a second embodiment of the invention in a table orientation.

Figure 7 is a side perspective of the embodiment of Figure 6 in the chair orientation.

Figure 8 is a cut-away side view of the embodiment of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a cut-away side view of the embodiment of Figure 7 following rotation through 1800.

Detailed Description of Drawings Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective of the article in the chair orientation, in the form of a child seat. In this orientation, the first 10 and second 20 panel function as sides to the seat. An inset 12 is illustrated in panel 10 and may, for example, comprise a different material or coloration to increase child appeal. The panels 10 20 may be padded as a safety feature and/or for aesthetic purposes. The support 30, which in the diagram is longer than either panel 10 20, joins the two panels 10 20 together and acts as a backrest for the child. The support 30 may be padded and/or webbed to improve sitting comfort. Seats 40 50 are affixed at different heights above the lower edges 13 23 of panels 10 20 and are positioned at right angles to the plane of the backrest 30. Two different seating positions are thus provided for children, each of which can sit two children simultaneously. The seats 40 50 may, for example, be padded, webbed and/or sprung for comfort. The seats 40 50 of the chair are reversible in nature, in that both sides of either seat 40 50 may be used for sitting, the seats 40 & 50 being reversibly padded and sprung. It will be understood that the support 30 may also be used as a seat.

Spherical balls 61-68 (65 not shown) are attached to each corner of the panels 10 20 to ease rotation of the article from one orientation to another by pivoting thereon.

Thus, for example, rotation of the article by 900 through a horizontal axis running through the centre of support 30 (i. e. along line A-A'in Figure 1) will change the article from the chair orientation to the table orientation (e. g. Figure 2). In the diagram, the balls 61 62 and 65 66 (65 not shown) support the article above floor level. The balls 61-68 also act as a safety feature to protect the child from sharp corners should the child accidentally fall against a corner. The balls may be composed of, or covered with, a tactile material such as plastic or leather to encourage play therewith by the children. Similarly, the balls may be free to rotate and spin, again for play purposes and to aid movement/rotation of the article. It will

be understood that the entire article may be padded as an additional safety feature for the child.

Figure 2 shows the article in the table orientation, having been rotated through 90 around both a vertical and horizontal axis from the orientation in Figure 1. Panel 120, with inlay 122, functions as a table top while panel 110 acts as a base for the table. In the position shown, support 130 and seats 140 150 function as legs for the table top 120, joining both panels 110 120 together and strengthening the article.

Although the seats 140 150 are joined to the support 130 in Figure 2, it will be understood that they could be attached directly to the panels 110 120. The balls 161- 164 (162 not shown) raise the article above floor level.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the article of Figure 2. In the orientation shown, panel 220 with inlay 222, function as a table top. The arrangement of the support 230 and seats 240 250 can be clearly seen, as can each of the spherical balls 265-268. In Figure 3 both the support 230 and seats 240 250 extend beyond the outer edges 223-226 of the panel 220; variants, where the outer edges of the support 230 and seats 240 250 are coextensive with outer edges 223-226 are possible, as are variants where the seats 240 250 and support 230 do not extend as far as the edges 223-226.

Figure 4 shows the article of Figure 1 with panel 10 removed. The arrangement of the seats 340 350, positioned at different heights above the outer panel edge 323, offer different seating positions for children. Spherical balls 365 366 support and raise the article from floor level.

As can be seen from Figure 5, in which the article of Figure 4 has been rotated through 1800 through axis B-B' (Figure 4), rotation of the article results in different seating heights above the lower panel edge 425. Thus the seating heights of the article may be altered by rotation of the article.

Figure 6 shows a perspective side view of a second embodiment of the present invention, in the form of an item of furniture. The article shown, which may typically be composed of wood, is in a table orientation. Panel 510 forms a table top and has inlay 512, consisting of a different wood, set within it for aesthetic purposes. Panel 520 with inlay 522 (comprising the same or a different wood as inlay 512) acts as a base to support the article. The two panels 510 520 are connected by seat 540 (and 550-not shown) and support 530. The article may be used as an ornamental table, coffee table or writing table when in the table orientation. It will be understood that by simple rotation through 180 , panel 520 may act as a table top and panel 510 as the base.

Rotation of the table of Figure 6 moves the article into the chair orientation shown in Figure 7. In this position, the panels 610 620 act as legs to support the chair. The inlays 612 622 again serve an aesthetic function. Support 630 forms a backrest when a user sits on seat 650 (not shown); alternatively, a user may sit on seat 640 without the support of a backrest. It will be understood that a number of seating arrangements are possible by rotation of the article through a vertical and/or horizontal axis.

A cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 7 is shown in Figure 8. The arrangement of the seats 740 750 against panel 710 and the position of support 730 is clearly seen. Thus a user can elect to sit on seat 750 with the support of backrest 730 or on seat 740. It will be understood that rotation of the article in the chair orientation will yield a number of different sitting positions.

Thus, for example, Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the article of Figure 8 following rotation through 1800 on a horizontal axis running through the centre of panel 710. As can be seen, different seating positions are now possible on seats 840 and 850.

It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and the invention extends to modifications, variations and improvements thereto.

The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims :

Claims

Claims 1. Article of furniture capable of use in either a table orientation or a chair orientation comprising a first panel; a second panel in parallel relationship to said first panel ; a planar support joining the first panel to the second panel and in perpendicular relationship thereto; and at least one planar seat in perpendicular relationship to both the first and second panels, wherein said table orientation and said chair orientation are mutually exclusive and movement from one to the other is achievable by movement through a 900 rotation in the plane defined by the planar support.
2. Article according to claim 1, wherein said planar seat joins to the first and second panels.
3. Article according to claim 1, wherein the planar seat joins to the planar support.
4. Article according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the planar seat joins to both the first and second panels and to the planar support.
5. Article according to either of claims 1 or 4, wherein the first panel acts as a base and the second panel acts as a table top when in the table orientation.
6. Article according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and the second panel each act as a side of the chair when in the chair orientation.
7. Article according to any of claims 1 or 6, wherein the shape of the first and/or the second panel are selected from the group consisting of square, rectangular, circle and oval.
8. Article according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second panel, support and seat are comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of wood, plastic, metal, metal alloy and any mixtures thereof.
9. Article according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein one or both panels additionally comprise padding.
10. Article according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein one or both panels are covered with an external covering comprising a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, fabric or leather.
11. Article according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein both panels comprise an interior and exterior surface and said exterior surface of one or both panels additionally comprise an inlay.

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12. Article according to claim 11, wherein said inlay comprises a different material to that of the interior or exterior surface of one or both panels.
13. Article according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the inlay comprises an ornamental design.
14. Article according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the inlay comprises a games board.
15. Article according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the support acts as a back rest when in the chair orientation.
16. Article according to claim 15, wherein the support is padded.
17. Article according to either of claims 15 or 16, wherein the support is webbed or sprung.
18. Article according to any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the support is centrally positioned between the panels.
19. Article according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the support extends beyond the edges of the first and second panel.
20. Article according to any of claims 1 to 18, wherein the edges of the support are co-extensive with the edge of the first and second panel.
21. Article according to any of claims 1 to 20, wherein the seat is wide enough for two children or one adult to sit upon.
22. Article according to any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the article comprises two seats and each seat joins to opposing exterior surfaces of the support.
23. Article according to claim 22, wherein each said seat joins to the support at different positions along each said opposing exterior surface.
24. Article according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the seat is padded.
25. Article according to any of claims 1 to 24, wherein the seat is webbed or sprung.
26. Article according to any of claims 1 to 25, additionally comprising a ball attached to each corner of each panel.
27. Article according to claim 26, wherein said ball comprises a material selected from the group consisting of wood, rubber, leather, metal, metal alloy, glass, crystal, plastic and any mixtures thereof.
28. Article according to either of claims 26 or 27, wherein the ball cannot rotate.

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29. Article according to either of claims 26 or 27, wherein the ball is free to rotate.
30. Article according to claim 29, wherein the ball can be reversibly locked into a non-rotatable position.
31. Article according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein in either the chair or table orientations the balls raise the article above floor surface.
32. Article according to any of claims 1 to 31, for use as children's furniture or adult furniture.
33. Kit of parts comprising a first and second panel, a planar support joinable to said panels, and at least one seat joinable to said support and/or to the panels to provide the article of furniture of any of claims 1 to 31.