GB2463041A

GB2463041A - Modular furniture with interchangeable cushions

Info

Publication number: GB2463041A
Application number: GB0815699A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Harcourt Little
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-29
Filing date: 2008-08-29
Publication date: 2010-03-03
Also published as: GB0815699D0

Abstract

Modular furniture comprises a frame (18, Fig 3) and at least two cushions 16 with securement means that are releasably secured to the frame (18, Fig 3) in at least two interchangeable positions. The furniture may be arranged to support a person, and the support area preferably includes a seating area 12 and a backrest area 14. The backrest area 14 may comprise at least two interchangeable cushions 16, and the seating area may comprise at least two interchangeable cushions 16. The backrest cushions 16 may be interchangeable with the seating cushions 16, and this may be done to change the appearance of the furniture. The cushions may be of a first or second shape, each of which may be interchangeable in a plurality of locations, and may be elongate or hemi-cylindrical. The securement means may comprise a retaining element (24, Fig 4) on the cushion and an aperture (26, Fig 4) on the frame 18, through which the retaining element (24, Fig 4) passes and is retained. The furniture may comprise arm rest end caps 46 and support leg caps 47 which are interchangeable with each other. The furniture may include legs (61, Fig 2) that support the furniture at an adjustable height. A method is also disclosed.

Description

Modular Furniture

BACKGROUND

a. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an item of modular furniture and a method of reconfiguring of an item of modular furniture.

b. Background to the Invention

Furniture frequently becomes unsuitable or otherwise undesirable due to changes in interiors and for cosmetic reasons. For example, items of furniture may no longer include current colour trends or patterns and such items of furniture may stand out and appear out of place within a room. Alternatively, the owner may simply avoid changing and updating the interior decoration of a room in order to accommodate the item(s) of furniture already in the room.

Items of furniture are constructed to last for several years and over such a period of time the current trends and fashions inevitably change. The owner must, therefore, either dispose or try to sell such items of furniture or maintain the interior decoration or only adapt the interior decoration to match the item of furniture.

In addition, items of furniture cannot be easily reconfigured to give a different appearance or effect. However, for either a short term effect a "throw" or similar covering is used. Such coverings may limit the styles achievable by the item of furniture and such coverings may appear untidy since they are simply loose coverings of material.

Furthermore, if an item of furniture is damaged or otherwise blemished, then it is generally time consuming and expensive to try and remove the problem area. For example, items of furniture are used very frequently and are very likely to be damaged by such frequent use and stains (drink spills etc.) or marks (children's pens/crayons etc.) are commonplace. Previously, special solutions are used to try and remove the offending area and, if unsuccessful, then the item of furniture will need replacing or a cover would need to be used.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an item of modular furniture, the item of modular furniture comprising a frame and a plurality of interchangeable cushion members including securement means to releasably secure at least a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to the frame, wherein the first interchangeable cushion member is interchangeable with the second interchangeable cushion member in order for the first and second interchangeable cushion members to be securable to the frame in at least two interchangeable positions.

The item of furniture may be arranged to support a person thereon.

Preferably the support area comprises a seating area and a backrest area.

Preferably the frame comprises securement means to releasably secure at least a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to the frame in order to provide a seating area. Accordingly, the appearance of the seating area may be changed using the existing interchangeable cushion members forming the seating area.

Preferably the frame comprises securement means to releasably secure at least a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to the frame in order to provide a backrest area. Accordingly, the appearance of the back rest area may be changed using the existing interchangeable cushion members forming the backrest area.

Preferably an interchangeable cushion member from the backrest area is interchangeable with an interchangeable cushion member of the seating area.

Preferably an interchangeable cushion member from the seating area is interchangeable with an interchangeable cushion member of the backrest area.

Preferably the item of modular furniture comprises a plurality of interchangeable cushion members of a first shape wherein each interchangeable cushion member of the first shape is securable to the frame in a plurality of locations.

The item of furniture may comprise a plurality of interchangeable cushion members of a second shape wherein each interchangeable cushion member of the second shape is securable to the frame in a plurality of locations.

The interchangeable cushion members may be elongate cushion members.

The shape of an interchangeable cushion member may be hemi-cylindrical.

The or each interchangeable cushion member may comprise a first face and a second face.

The first face may be a front face for providing a seating/backrest surface and the second face may be a rear face providing securement means to secure the cushion member to the frame.

Preferably the securement means enables the or each interchangeable cushion member to be quickly and easily secured and retained to the frame in a plurality of -.4-.

locations (or positions).

The securement means may comprise a retaining element located on the interchangeable cushion member which is arranged pass through a retaining aperture provided on the frame and a retaining member engages with the retaining element to prevent the retaining element from moving back through the respective retaining aperture.

The securement means may comprise flexible straps which are tied or otherwise secured in order to secure the interchangeable cushion member to the frame.

The securement means may comprise interference fit securement members.

The securement means may comprise push fit securement means.

The securement means may comprise removable snap fit securement means.

The securement means may comprise screw fit securement means.

The item of furniture may comprise a seating article. The item or furniture may comprise a chair or a settee or a hammock or a stool or a lounger. The item of furniture may comprise a dining chair or an easy chair. The item of furniture may comprise a two seater settee or a three seater settee. The item of furniture may comprise a frame for a mirror or a picture frame.

The item of furniture may comprise more than 4 interchangeable cushion members and preferably comprises more than 8 interchangeable cushion members and more preferably comprises substantially 12 interchangeable cushion members.

The item of furniture may comprise 6 interchangeable cushions of a first shape and 6 interchangeable cushions of a second shape. -.5-

The item of furniture may comprise interchangeable arm rest end caps.

The item of furniture may comprise interchangeable support leg end caps.

The item of furniture may comprise interchangeable arm rest end caps and interchangeable support leg end caps in which the interchangeable arm rest end caps are interchangeable with the interchangeable support leg end caps.

The item of furniture may include support legs which are arrangeable to support a seating area of the item of furniture at an adjustable height.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for assembly into an item or furniture, the kit comprising a plurality of interchangeable cushion members and a frame, the interchangeable cushion members including securement means to secure the interchangeable cushion members to the frame in order to provide a support area and wherein the first interchangeable cushion member is interchangeable with at least the second interchangeable cushion member.

The kit for assembly into an item of furniture may comprise a flat pack kit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of reconfiguring an item of furniture comprising securing a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to a frame of an item of furniture and interchanging the first interchangeable cushion member with the second interchangeable cushion member.

Preferably the method comprises changing the appearance of the item of furniture.

Preferably the method comprises changing the pattern of the item of furniture.

Preferably the method comprises interchanging a plurality of interchangeable cushion members. The method may comprise interchanging interchangeable cushion members between a first item of furniture and a second item of furniture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an item of modular furniture.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an item of modular furniture.

Figure 3 is a perspective rear view of a first embodiment of an item of modular furniture.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of a first embodiment of an item of modular furniture.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of an item of modular furniture.

Figure 6A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a cushion member.

Figure 6B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cushion member.

Figure 6C is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a cushion member.

Figure 6D is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a cushion member.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an item of modular furniture.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an item of modular furniture in a first configuration.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an item of modular furniture in a second configuration.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an item of modular furniture in a third configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of an item of modular furniture comprises a chair 10 which has the general appearance of conventional chair.

However, the appearance of the chair 10 can be changed in order for the chair 10 to have at least a first appearance and a second appearance. As with conventional chairs, the chair 10 has a seating area 12 and a backrest area 14.

The seating area 12 and the backrest area 14 both provide cushioned areas as with standard conventional chairs. However, the cushioned areas are provided by a number of interchangeable cushion members 16 which are releasably secured and fixed to a frame 18 of the chair 10, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5. In particular, the seating area 12 is constructed from four elongate interchangeable cushion members 16 (see Figure 6A). Each interchangeable cushion member 16 is substantially identical in construction but may be of different appearance. For example, the seating area 12 may comprise two interchangeable cushion members 16 of a first colour and two interchangeable cushion members 16 of a second colour. Each interchangeable cushion member 16 includes releasable securement means in order for each interchangeable cushion member 16 to be independently secured to the frame 18 of the chair 10.

In the preferred embodiment, the interchangeable cushion member 16 includes a pair of retaining means 20 located on a rear surface 22, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the retaining means 20 comprises a retaining element or more specifically a retaining sleeve 24 which is arranged to locate through a respective retaining aperture 26 provided in the frame 18. Once the retaining sleeve 24 has been inserted through a respective retaining aperture 26, a retaining member 28 ensures that the retaining sleeve 24 cannot be withdrawn back through the respective retaining aperture 26. Accordingly, the interchangeable cushion member 16 locates adjacent to a first side of the frame 18 whilst the retaining sleeve 24 (and retaining member 28) are retained adjacent to a second side of the frame 18. The interchangeable cushion member 16 is thereby engaged and retained tightly to the frame 18 of the chair 10.

The retaining member 28 comprises an elongate section 30 which corresponds with and engages in the retaining sleeve 24. The retaining 28 member includes a first end member 32 which is fixed to a first end of the retaining member 28. The retaining member 28 also comprises a second end member 34 which is arranged to be removably secured to the second end of the retaining member 28. The profile and/or size of each end member 32, 34 is arranged such that each end member 32, 34 cannot locate within the retaining sleeve 24. Accordingly, the elongate section 30 of the retaining member 28 is passed through the retaining sleeve 24 and the first and second end members 32, 34 abut and locate adjacent to a first end and second end of the retaining sleeve 24. Accordingly, the elongate section 30 of the retaining member 28 is secured and retained within the retaining sleeve 24.

The second end member 34 is secured to the elongate section 30 by any suitable releasable fixing means and, in particular, the fixing means may comprise a screw which engages in a threaded bore provided in the elongate section 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the removable interchangeable cushion membersl6 each comprise a generally hemi-cylindrical cushion member (see Figure 6A). The preferred embodiment of the chair 10 comprises four interchangeable cushion members 16 which provide the seating area 12 and two interchangeable cushion members 16 which provide the backrest area 14. A shown in Figure 1, the chair may also comprise auxiliary cushion members 40 (see Figure 6C) which may be of a different shape to the main interchangeable cushion members 16. These auxiliary cushion members 40 may comprise annular sectors which are arranged radically around a semicircular auxiliary cushion member 42 (see Figure 6B). The chair 10 also includes arm rest members 44 (see Figure 6D and Figure 5) and arm rest end stops 46 (see Figure 5). In one embodiment, the auxiliary cushion members 40 (and/or 42) may also be secured to the frame 18 in a releasable manner such that these cushion members 40 (and/or 42) are interchangeable cushion members and can be relocated to further alter the appearance of the chair 10. In an alternative embodiment, these auxiliary cushion members 40 (and/or 42) may be designed to be permanently secured to the frame 18 rather than being easily interchangeable as with the main interchangeable cushion members 16.

Each of the hemi-cylindrical interchangeable cushion members 16 can be secured and engaged in both the seating area 12 and the backrest area 14. For example, the hemi-cylindrical interchangeable cushion members 16 may each be of either a first colour or a second colour. The interchangeable cushion members 16 can then be configured to provide alternate coloured cushion members or to provide a continuous area of colour (i.e. as provided by adjacent cushion members of the same colour). This enables the owner to quickly and easily reconfigure the arrangement of the interchangeable cushion members 16 on the frame 18 which can significantly affect the appearance of the chair 10.

The interchangeable cushion members 16 may also include a pattern and, in particular, may include a repeat pattern. In one embodiment, a first array of interchangeable cushion members 16 includes a first repeat pattern whilst a second array of interchangeable cushion members 16 includes a second repeat pattern which may be an inverse of the first repeat pattern. This again enables a variety of contrasting pattern appearances to be selected for the chair 10.

Furthermore, the interchangeable cushion members 16 may be interchanged between different items of furniture within the range. For example, a first chair may be provided in which each interchangeable cushion member 16 is of an identical first colour and a second chair may be provided in which each interchangeable cushion member 16 is of a second identical colour. Accordingly, the owner would then be able to select various configurations for the appearance of these chairs. For example, the owner could provide each chair with interchangeable cushion members 16 of alternating colour or could select a first chair having a seating area 12 in the first colour and a backrest area 14 in the second colour whereas the second chair would have the seating area 12 in a second colour and a backrest area 14 in the first colour.

It should be appreciated that if the interchangeable cushion members 16 were each patterned, and especially if this included a repeating or regular pattern, then various other configurations for the item of furniture could be provided. In addition, the interchangeable cushion members 16 could be interchanged between different types of items of furniture, for example between a chair and a settee etc. The item of furniture includes arm rest end caps 46 which are interchangeable.

The arm rest end caps 46 are removably securable to an arm rest frame member of the frame 18 using any suitable means. This enables the item of furniture to be further reconfigured. Further more, the item of furniture includes support leg end caps 47 which are interchangeable. The support leg end caps 47 are removably securable to a support leg member of the frame 18 using any suitable means. In one embodiment, the arm rest end caps 46 are interchangeable with the support leg end caps 47. The end caps 46, 47 may be provided am a variety of colours and may also be provided from a variety of materials and finishes (for example, a metallic finish).

The securing means could comprise ties which could be secured to the frame at a suitable anchor point in order to securely retain the interchangeable cushion members 16 to the frame 18. In some embodiments the securing means comprises more than one type of securement means. -Il-

In one embodiment, the interchangeable cushion members 16 for the backrest area 14 are arranged to be secured to the frame 18 by ties which may include a decorative bow. The decorative bows will then be prominently displayed on the rear of the chair 10. However, the use of ties may not be desired for the seating area 12 since the ties may tend to hang downwardly from the frame 18 and may look untidy. Accordingly, the interchangeable cushion members 16 are secured to the frame using an alternative securement means, for example the previously described sleeve 24 arrangement such that there are no unsightly parts visibly hanging downwardly from the base of the chair 10.

As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 7 to Figure 10, an alternative embodiment of an item of furniture comprises a sofa or settee 50. The settee 50 includes eight interchangeable cushion members 52 to form the seating area (four for each intended seating space) and four interchangeable cushion members 54 to form the lower part of the backrest area (two for each intended seating space). The settee also includes twelve annular sector shaped interchangeable cushion members 56 (six for each intended seating space). The settee 50 includes leg support members 61 which are arrangeable to enable the user to define the height of the item of furniture and, in particular, to preset the height of the seating area 12 of the item of furniture. Finally, the settee 50 includes two semi-circular cushion members 58 which may or may not be interchangeable and removable, two arm rest cushion members 60 which may or may not be removable and two arm rest end stops 62 which may or may not be removable. Furthermore, the settee 50 includes support leg end caps 63 which may or may not be removable. In one embodiment the arm rest end stops 62 are interchangeable with the support leg end caps 63.

The arrangement thereby enables a variety of configurations to be achieved. In addition, in the example shown, the hemi-cylindrical interchangeable cushion members 52, 54 include a repeat pattern of alternate blocks of colour such that six blocks of colour are provided along the longitudinal length of each interchangeable -12 -cushion member 52, 54. This enables stripy patterns and/or chequered patterns to be produced.

The item of furniture may be provided as a flat pack self assembly item of furniture and additional and replacement parts may be easily supplied to the owner(s).

Any suitable item of furniture may include interchangeable cushion members in order for a room to have a theme. In particular, the item of furniture may comprise a chair or a settee or a hammock or a stool or a lounger, a dining chair or an easy chair, a two seater settee or a three seater settee, a frame for a mirror or a picture frame. In the frame embodiments, the interchangeable cushion members may only provide a low cushioning effect which may be thin but enables the frames to be decorated in a theme matching that of the seating articles and other items of furniture.

The item of furniture, and in particular the embodiments of the chairs and the settees and the like, may be provided with leg members which are adjustable such that a user can select the height of the seating area 12.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An item of modular furniture, the item of modular furniture comprising a frame and a plurality of interchangeable cushion members including securement means to releasably secure at least a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to the frame, wherein the first interchangeable cushion member is interchangeable with the second interchangeable cushion member in order for the first and second interchangeable cushion members to be securable to the frame in at least two interchangeable positions.
2. An item of modular furniture according to claim 1 in which the item of modular furniture is arranged to support a person thereon.
3. An item of furniture according to Claim I or Claim 2 in which the support area comprises a seating area and a backrest area.
4. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the frame comprises securement means to releasably secure at least a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to the frame in order to provide a seating area.
5. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the frame comprises securement means to releasably secure at least a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to the frame in order to provide a backrest area.
6. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which an interchangeable cushion member from the backrest area is interchangeable with an interchangeable cushion member of the seating area. -14-
7. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the item of modular furniture comprises a plurality of interchangeable cushion members of a first shape wherein each interchangeable cushion member of the first shape is securable to the frame in a plurality of locations.
8. An item of furniture according to Claim 6 in which the item of furniture comprises a plurality of interchangeable cushion members of a second shape wherein each interchangeable cushion member of the second shape is securable to the frame in a plurality of locations.
9. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the interchangeable cushion members are elongate cushion members.
10. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the shape of an interchangeable cushion member is hemi-cylindrical.
11. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the securement means enables the or each interchangeable cushion member to be quickly and easily secured and retained to the frame in a plurality of locations.
12. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the securement means comprises a retaining element located on the interchangeable cushion member which is arranged pass through a retaining aperture provided on the frame and a retaining member engages with the retaining element to prevent the retaining element from moving back through the respective retaining aperture.
13 An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the item of furniture comprises interchangeable arm rest end caps.
14. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the item of furniture comprises interchangeable support leg end caps. -15-
15. An item of furniture according to Claim 13 and Claim 14 in which the interchangeable arm rest end caps are interchangeable with the interchangeable support leg end caps.
16. An item of furniture according to any preceding claim in which the item of furniture includes support legs which are arrangeable to support a seating area of the item of furniture at an adjustable height.
17. A kit for assembly into an item or furniture, the kit comprising a plurality of interchangeable cushion members and a frame, the interchangeable cushion members including securement means to secure the interchangeable cushion members to the frame in order to provide a support area and wherein the first interchangeable cushion member is interchangeable with at least the second interchangeable cushion member.
18. A kit for assembly into an item of furniture in accordance with Claim 17 in which the kit comprises a flat pack kit.
19. A method of reconfiguring an item of furniture comprising securing a first interchangeable cushion member and a second interchangeable cushion member to a frame of an item of furniture and interchanging the first interchangeable cushion member with the second interchangeable cushion member.
20. A method of reconfiguring an item of furniture according to Claim 19 wherein the method comprises changing the appearance of the item of furniture.
21. A method of reconfiguring an item of furniture according to Claim 19 or Claim 20 wherein the method comprises changing the pattern of the item of furniture.
22. A method of reconfiguring an item of furniture according to any one of Claim 19 to Claim 21 wherein the method comprises interchanging interchangeable -16 -cushion members between a first item of furniture and a second item of furniture.
23. An item of modular furniture to support a person thereon substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
24. A kit for assembly into an item or furniture substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.
25. A method of reconfiguring an item of furniture thereon substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying drawings.