GB2434977A

GB2434977A - Reversible furniture base

Info

Publication number: GB2434977A
Application number: GB0702497A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Osborne
Original assignee: INTO SOFA Ltd
Current assignee: INTO SOFA Ltd
Priority date: 2006-02-09
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2007-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2027-02-09
Also published as: GB0702497D0; GB2434977B

Abstract

An item of furniture with a backrest 4, at least one arm 12 14 and a base 8, the base provided with two sets of springs, a first set of springs 32 adjacent the first side 38 and a second set of springs 36 adjacent the second side 34. In use the base is reversible allowing the user to select whether to sit on a side of the base with either the first or second springs providing support. Preferably at least one characteristic of the springs in each of the sets differ, thereby allowing the person to position the base so as to provide a base with particular seating characteristic, for example, one side may provide a firmer seat than the other. There may be a plurality of arms 12 14 attached to the base or backrest, each of the arms being moveable from a first orientation to a second orientation. The item of furniture is preferably a sofa or chair.

Description

Adaptable Item of Furniture The invention to which this application

relates is to an item of furniture, and in particular, to an item in the form of a chair, sofa or sofa bed. Yet further the invention is directed towards a chair, sofa or sofa bed which is upholstered and/or includes a base which is sprung so as to provide a comfortable sitting position for a person using the item.

The provision of chairs, sofas and sofa beds is well known and conventionally, the same are formed into an integral unit under factory conditions and then provided to the customer in a fully formed condition for use. An alternative arrangement which is more recently known is to supply a plurality of parts to the point of use and allow the user at the point of use, to assemble the parts into the chair for use. The aim of this arrangement is to allow the furniture to be taken into locations inaccessible to conventional furniture, and to permit delivery by overnight carriers.

A problem with chairs which are supplied in either integral or modular forms, is that once the same are assembled, they are susceptible to wear during use of the same. The wear which . : occurs can be visible on the external fabric or leather used as the outer surface of the chair such that the appearance of the chair deteriorates over time. In addition, or alternatively, the wear which occurs can be invisible but adversely affects the comfort of the chair. For example, the base of the chair which is sprung and onto which the user sits via cushions, can become worn such that dips or hollows are created which cause the chair to be uncomfortable when sat on.

Conventionally, when the wear which occurs on the chair reaches a certain level, the user will wish to discard the chair and go to the expense of purchasing a new one, even though other parts of the chair may be relatively unworn. This causes additional expense to the user and also gives the user the problem of being able to safely discard the worn chair.

A further problem is that when attempts are made to sell items such as chairs remotely from the purchaser, there is a general reluctance to do so as the purchaser cannot touch, see or test the comfort of the chair prior to purchase. This therefore can be a significant disadvantage with respect to, for example, chairs sold in shops where the purchaser can see, feel and test the chairs in the shop.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a chair, sofa or sofa bed (hereinafter referred to by the common term chair in a non-limiting manner) in a form which allows the utility and/or options of use of the chair to be extended beyond that which can conventionally be obtained and also to allow the appearance of the chair to be maintained for a longer time than that which is normally achievable. A further aim is to provide the chair in :. a form which allows the user to adjust a particular characteristic * of the chair to suit their specific requirements. * S

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an item of furniture having at least a base, a backrest, and at least one arm, said base having a first side and an opposing second side, one of said sides in use of the item of furniture, forming an upper side on which a person sits directly or via cushions and wherein said base has a first set of springs located adjacent said first side and a second set of springs located adjacent said second side and, the user can select which of the said set of springs is to be positioned to support said person when sitting, by moving the base.

In one embodiment, the springs used for the first and second sets of springs, .are identical. In an alternative embodiment, the springs used for the first set of springs have at least a first characteristic with a particular value and the springs used for the second set of springs have a value for said characteristic which differs from that of the first set of springs.

In one embodiment, the characteristics of the springs for one of the first or second sets, are such as to provide a relatively firm seat and the springs used for the other of the first or second set of springs have characteristics so as to provide a comparatively softer seat, and/or to replace a first set of springs which have become worn after use over a period of time.

in one embodiment, the user can selectively move the base so as to choose which of the first or second sides of the base is to be located facing towards the cushions and the sets of springs adjacent the selected side therefore provides their particular preference of a firm or soft seat.

In addition, or alternatively, the first or second side can be positioned to face towards the cushions for a period of time and, once wear occurs with regards to the springs of that side, the base can be detached and turned such that the set of springs on the other of the first or second side face the cushions, to maintain a satisfactory sprung seating effect for longer than :::; would be the case if only one set of springs were provided.

Preferably the base is located in the seat such that the same can be removed, turned and replaced in the chair with no or a minimum of dismantling of the remainder of the chair being required. *1

In one embodiment, the springs used are what are known as serpentine springs. Each spring is an elongate member formed into a wave form which extends between opposing sides of a frame used to define the base. Typically the spring ends are located at opposing frame sides respectively.

In one embodiment the characteristic of the spring which can be controlled to define a hard or soft seat can be any, or any combination of, the gauge of the wire used to form the spring, the pitch of the waveform, the number of springs provided for the area of the base, the length of the spring with respect to the distance over which the spring is extended, and/or the tautness of the spring.

In one embodiment the base includes upholstery padding and/or a cover. In one embodiment the cover and upholstery padding are provided adjacent both sides of the base so as to overlie both sets of springs. In an alternative embodiment there is provided padding and a cover to be used to overlie the side which is positioned to face towards the cushions in use. In this :. case the cover and padding can be detached from the base and repositioned to overlie the opposing side should the user decide to move the base and have the opposing side facing towards the . : cushions. * .. S.

Typically the frame which is used for the base is thicker than a conventional base frame so as to provide the required support for two rather than one set of springs.

In one embodiment the item of furniture is a chair or sofa.

In one embodiment the chair has first and second arms, said arms spaced apart and connected to respective ends of the back rest and/or base so as to form the chair, and the arms have first and second selectable orientations and wherein each of said arms is selectively detachable from the remainder of the chair to allow the said arms to be moved from a first orientation and reconnected to the chair in a second orientation.

Typically, each of the arms is detachable from a first end of the chair in the first orientation and moved to the opposite end of the chair in the second orientation and reconnected to the chair.

By allowing the arms to be detachable and reconnectable in a different orientation at opposing ends of the chair, so the rear portions of the arms when in the first orientation can be used to form the front faces of the chair in the second orientation and hence allow the areas of the arms which frequently become most quickly worn, i.e the top faces towards the front and the front faces of the arms in use, to be moved to the rear of the chair and the least worn parts of the arm, i.e. the rear portions, to be used as the front faces of the arms of the chair in the second orientation. This therefore prolongs the life of the chair and ensures that the appearance of the chair is maintained.

In one embodiment, the chair may also include front and/or rear borders, and in one embodiment these are selectively movable . : between first and second orientations so as to allow the orientation to be altered during use of the chair to mask worn areas from view and present unworn portions for view in the second orientation. S. * * S. * *.

In one embodiment, the chair is formed as an integral unit under factory conditions with the base being located in a first orientation with a first side facing upwardly on the chair under factory conditions and the base can subsequently be detached and moved to the second orientation with the second side facing upwardly if required by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the components of the chair are provided as a series of modules for transportation and assembly at the point of use.

In one embodiment the chair has at least a base, a back portion and first and second arms and a border which is situated to the front of the chair and lies at and below the top surface of the base so as to mask the front edge of the base wherein said border has first and second selectable orientations and wherein said border is selectively detachable from the remainder of the chair to allow the same to be moved from a first orientation and reconnected to the chair in a second orientation.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a base for a chair, said base including first and second sets of springs, said first set of springs offset by a distance from the second set of springs such that in use in any given orientation of the base one set of the springs provides support for the person sitting on the chair.

Typically the first set of springs act independently from the second set of springs. S..

S..' Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-

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Figures Ia to c illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.

Figures 2a and b illustrate a further embodiment of the invention with the arms in first and second positions; and Figures 3a and b illustrate a second embodiment of the invention with the arms in first and second positions; Figures Ia and b illustrate a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure Ia illustrates a base 8 for a sofa 2, as shown in Figure lb which base has positioned adjacent a first side, 30, a first set of serpentine springs 32 and adjacent a second side, 34, a second set of serpentine springs 36. The springs used for the first and second set can, in one embodiment, be the same such that the use of the first and second set does not cause any alteration in the particular softness or hardness of the seat which is created.

However, in the embodiment which is shown in Figure Ia, the springs 32 of the first set have at lest one different characteristics from the springs 36 of the second set such that the set of springs 32 will provide a softer seat than the set of springs 36. The provision of first and second sets of springs on the base, has two advantages. The first is that if one of the particular sets of springs which is directed towards the cushions 6 on the sofa of Figure ib, and by which the person is supported when sitting, become worn over time, then the base 8 can be removed from the remainder of the chair and turned over, such that the alternative set of springs 36 of the opposing side34 of the base are then facing the cushions. As this alternative set of springs has not previously been used, then the adverse effects of the previous set of springs being worn, is removed and hence the life of the sofa can be prolonged. * S S

A further or alternative advantage is when the first and second set of springs 32, 36 have different characteristics. In one example the difference in characteristics is achieved by providing the serpentine springs of the set 32 of a first length and the serpentine springs of the set 36 of a second layer length.

The springs of both sets are extended over the same distance X and their ends attached and held at the frame sides 38, 40 respectively. However as the springs are of different lengths in each set, those which are shorter in set 32 are therefore more taut than those of set 36 and hence provide a firmer seat when that set 32 is used to support the cushions 6.

It should also be appreciated that the sets of springs act independently and at any given time only one of the sets of springs is used to support the cushions and typically the gap Y is such that even when the cushions and hence one set of springs are being sat on, the springs will not bend down and contact the other set of springs.

When one set of springs is firmer than the other set of springs, then the particular set of springs which is used to face towards the cushions 6 can be selected to allow the user to select their particular firmness of seating preferences. For example, in Figure Ib, the set of springs 32 is shown with side 30 facing towards and supporting the cushions 6 which means that the user has a preference for a hard seat rather than the softer seat which would be achieved if the set of springs 34 and springs 36 were positioned towards the cushions 6.

Referring now to Figure ic there is shown the base with the side which is the side onto which the cushions 6 are to be placed, with a fabric cover and an underlying upholstery padding 42 such as foam in position. In this embodiment the same are held in position by hook and loop fastenings 44 along the edges.

When the side 34 is selected to support the cushions 6, the cover and padding 42 are removed from the hook and loop fastening, the base is turned round as indicated by arrow 46 about axis Z and the cover and padding attached to overlie the same by using the hook and loop fastenings 48 positioned adjacent the edge 34.

Referring now to Figures 2a and b, there is illustrated a sofa 2 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention and

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which includes the embodiment of Figures Ia and b. Figure 2a illustrates the sofa at the time of first use, and the sofa incorporates the conventional components of back cushions resting on a backrest 4, seat cushions 6, base 8 which may be visible but not in this case, as a front border 10 is provided with front face 15 and an opposing rear face, (not shown), and arms 12 and 14. Each of the arms has a front portion 16 and a rear portion 18. At the time of first use, and with the arms in a first orientation, the front portion 16 forms the front face 20 of each arm of the chair in use. Typically, when a person is sitting in the chair their arms and hand will be rested on the arms along the top portion 22 and perhaps with the hands moving down onto the front face 20. In addition, items such as cups 24, plates or the like may also be balanced at the front portion of the arm and all of these things, over time, cause wear of the front portions of the arms to occur. This wear is indicated by the lines 26 on the arms 12 and 14. Conventionally, once this wear achieves a certain condition, the visual appearance of the sofa is adversely affected and can lead to the same being discarded even though other components of the sofa may be perfectly functional. *

In accordance with the invention the life of the sofa can be extended by changing the base and/or as the arms 12, 14 can be each removed from the remainder of the chair as indicated by arrows 28 and then moved to a second orientation. In this embodiment this involves moving each of the arms to the respective opposing end of the sofa from the previous location as illustrated in Figure 2b such that the arm 14 is now on the left hand side of the sofa as the person faces it and the arm 12 is on the right hand side of the sofa as the person faces it. The arms can then be reattached using conventional attachment means typically the same as those used to attach the arms in the first orientation, which typically are holes with threaded inserts.

The detachment and repositioning of the arms in the second configuration therefore mean that the worn areas 26 on the respective arms which were previously towards the front of the same, are now at the rear of the sofa such that the front portions 16 of each of the arms 12, 14 are now positioned at the rear of the sofa and the previous rear portions 18 now form the front faces of the sofa as shown in Figure 2b. Furthermore, as the rear portions are relatively unworn, so the unworn material is presented at the front and therefore re-establishes the pleasant visual appearance of the chairs and hence can be used to prolong the life of the same.

In Figures 2a and b the arms are of a shape such that the front and tear portions are identical and therefore the overall appearance of the chair is not affected in terms of shape by the positioning of the arms in the first or second orientation.

Figures 3a and b, illustrate a further embodiment of essentially the same features of Figures 2a and b and therefore the same :. reference numerals are used where appropriate. However, in this case, the shape of the arms are such that the front portions 16 of the arms are of a different shape to the rear portions 18.

*:*. Thus, in Figure 3a, with the arms in a first orientation, where the front portions 16 form the front face of the arms 12, 14, the sofa 2 will have a first visual appearance from the front as shown. In Figure 3b, the arms have been moved to a second orientation in a similar manner as described with regard to Figures 2a and b, to allow the worn areas to be moved to the rear of the chair and so the tear portions 18 of the respective arms 12, 14, form the front faces ofthe sofa 2 and so the visual appearance of the sofa will also be altered in terms of shape in this particular embodiment, to that shown in Figure 3b. a

In this embodiment the arms can be moved in the described manner to effect a change in appearance irrespective of whether the arms are worn or not.

In one embodiment the border unit 10 may also be selectively changed between a first orientation in which the first elongate face 15 is presented externally of the sofa and a second orientation in which the opposing face is presented as the external face.

It should also be appreciated that the chair may be provided with one or both of the arms or borders interchangeable as described between the two orientations.

The present invention therefore provides means to allow both the life of a chair to be prolonged and/or particular preferences for the chair comfort to be selected by the user. It also allows a person to purchase the chair with greater confidence even if they are at a remote location as they know that when they receive the chair they can adjust the firmness of the seat to suit their requirements by selecting the relative position of the base. a.

I * .1 * *. a S..

*. ...: * . S. * * S. S. *1

Claims

Claims 1. An item of furniture having at least a base, a backrest and

at least one arm, said base having a first side and an opposing second side, one of said sides, in use of the item of furniture, forming an upper side on which a person sits directly or via cushions and wherein said base has a first set of springs located adjacent said first side and a second set of springs located adjacent said second side and, the user can select which of the said set of springs is to be positioned to support said person when sitting, by moving the base.

2. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the springs used for the first and second set of springs are identical.

3. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the springs used for the first set of springs have a first characteristic and the springs used for the second set of springs have a characteristic value which differs from the value of the characteristic of the first set of springs.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the characteristic of the springs for one of the first or second sets, is such as to provide a relatively firm seat and the characteristic of the springs used for the other of the first or second set of springs is such so as to provide a comparatively softer seat.

5. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the person can selectively choose which of the sides and hence sets of springs of the base is located to support the person when sitting on the item of furniture. 4 *1

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the user can selectively position the first or second sides so as to provide the particular preference between a firm or soft seat.

7. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the first or second side can be positioned to face towards the person for a period of time and, once wear occurs with regard to the springs of that side, the base can be turned such that the other set of springs on the other of the first or second sides are used to support the person.

8. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the person sits on the base typically via one or more cushions which are placed onto the side of the base which faces upwardly when in position on the item of furniture.

9. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the base is located in the item of furniture such that the same can be removed and turned without the need to dismantle the remainder of the item :. 10. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the springs used are serpentine springs.

II. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein different characteristic values between the springs of the first and second sets is achieved by varying any or any combination of, the tautness of the springs, the extension of the springs, the lengths of the springs, the gauge of the springs and/or the pitch of the wave of the springs.

12. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the first and second sets of springs are spaced apart by a depth of the base such that when one of the sets of springs is being used to support a person, they do not contact the other set of springs. a.

13. Apparatus according to claim I wherein only the springs of one of the sets is used to support the person at any given time of use.

14. Apparatus according to claim I wherein at least the side of the base selected to support the person is covered by fabric and/or padding.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the fabric and/or padding can be detached from the base to be selectively positioned over the first or second side.

16. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the apparatus includes first and second arms, spaced apart and connected to respective ends of the backrest and/or base, and said arms have first and second selectable orientations and each of said arms is selectively detachable from the remainder of the item of furniture to allow the same to be moved from a first orientation and reconnected to the chair in a second orientation. S.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein each of the arms *0s * . is detachable from an end of the chair in a first orientation and moved to the opposite end of the chair in the second orientation and reconnected.

18. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein attachment * *,; means are located on the arms to engage with attachment means on the end of the base and/or backrest portions irrespective of the first or second orientation of the arm with respect to the chair.

19. Apparatus according to claim I wherein the chair includes front and/or rear borders, said borders selectively movable between first and second orientations.

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the item of furniture is formed as an integral unit under factory conditions with the base located in a first orientation.

21. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 20 wherein the components of the chair are provided as a series of modules for transportation and assembly at the point of use.

22. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the item of furniture is a chair or sofa.

23. A base for a chair, said base including first and second sets of springs, said first set of springs offset by a distance from the second set of springs such that in use in any orientation of the base one set of the springs provides support for a person sitting on the chair.

24. A base according to claim I wherein the first set of springs acts independently of the second set of springs. S.. p..

25. Apparatus as heretofore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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