GB2472853A

GB2472853A - Modular furniture kit and flexible wall arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2472853A
Application number: GB0914636A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christian Ritson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-21
Filing date: 2009-08-21
Publication date: 2011-02-23
Also published as: GB0914636D0

Abstract

A first embodiment relates to a kit of parts for making a piece of furniture. The kit comprises a plurality of interchangeable or rearrangeable sections or modules 6, 4 one of said sections being adapted to be a load bearing surface of said furniture. The sections may be reconfigured to form a plurality of furniture configurations such as a toddler bed and table, a settee and table, a bed or a cot (208, figure 19a). One of said sections may comprise a slatted assembly 97 which may be interlocked with a second slatted assembly 92. A second embodiment relates to a piece of furniture having a flexible wall (26, figure 1) adapted to be located in a channel (36, figure 3) and movable in said channel. A cot comprising a plurality of interchangeable sections is also disclosed.

Description

Furniture The invention relates to a piece of furniture. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a cot or bed. The invention further relates to a kit of parts suitable for converting into different pieces of furniture.

Cots generally comprise a base having four slatted rigid sides. Often, one of the sides can be moved from a raised position to a lowered position to allow improved access into and out of the cot. In the lowered position, the parent can more easily reach into the cot. However, such traditional cots have the disadvantage that in the lowered position, the side is approximately one third of the height of the fully raised position, and so the parent must still reach across and lift the infant over the side.

On occasion, a parent moves a cot alongside their own bed to have better access to the infant. A known cot having a moveable side, provides a barrier between the infant and the parent, in the lowered position, which is undesirable. Alternative known cots comprise a side which can be removed from a raised position and stored underneath the base when the cot is pushed alongside a parent bed. However, such cots have the disadvantage of not being readily and easily adjustable back to a standard four sided cot configuration.

Infants quickly outgrow a cot and so an alternative bed must be purchased within the first couple of years of the infant's life. The alternative bed is often known as a toddler bed, which is larger than a cot but smaller than a standard single bed. Thus, purchasing suitable furniture for an infant can be very costly.

It is an object of the invention to provide a piece of furniture, preferably a cot, which allows a carer easier access into the cot. It is a further object of the invention to provide a piece of furniture which can be adapted to meet the changing requirements of an infant and which can also be used by an older child or adult therefore being economically advantageous.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a piece of furniture comprising a body having at least one wall, and at least one channel, wherein the wall comprises a flexible member, the flexible member being adapted to be located in the at least one channel and operable to move in said channel.

Advantageously, the arrangement provides a piece of furniture with a readily movable flexible wall. Provision of the flexible member which can be moved in a channel allows a user to easily adjust a wall of the furniture, preferably upwardly or downwardly, in the channel as desired. Due to a part of the flexible member being located in the channel in use, it is unlikely that said member will deform whilst being moved in the channel. Advantageously, the flexible member cannot readily buckle in the assembly.

Preferably, the flexible member is operable to move in the channel, to follow the trajectory of the channel.

Preferably, the at least one channel is located on a periphery of the body. Preferably, said channel extends along a length of the body. Preferably, the body comprises a longitudinal axis, preferably said channel extends substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the at least one wall comprises a side of the furniture. Preferably, an upwardly extending side wall of the body.

Preferably, said furniture comprises a base. Preferably, the base is a operable to be a supporting shelf for supporting a weight or force acting thereon.

Preferably, the flexible member comprises at least one locating member. Preferably, the at least one locating member is adapted to be received in the channel. Preferably, said locating member comprises at least one nodule, preferably a plurality of nodules.

The said locating member may comprise a resiliently deformable portion. Preferably, said portion extends substantially the length of the flexible member, preferably the longitudinal length thereof.

The locating member is preferably adapted to be received in the channel. Said locating member may comprise a series of nodules. The locating member may comprise a elastically deformable portion which extends the length of the flexible member and which is received in the channel.

The locating member may be fixedly attached to the flexible member. Alternatively, the locating member may comprise a separate component part being adapted to be connectable to the flexible member.

Preferably, the locating member comprises a plurality of plug portions and/or a plurality of elongate portions. Preferably, the elongate portions are substantially rigid.

Preferably, said plug and elongate portions are adapted to form a chain arrangement.

Advantageously, the plug portions enable the flexible member to move in a controlled chain arrangement in the channel. In this manner, the flexible member is prevented from folding, buckling or creasing as it moves through the channel.

Preferably, a lining is provided in the channel. Provision of the lining ensures that the locating member moves without obstruction in the channel and limits wear on the inside faces of the channel.

Preferably, the flexible member is operable to move from a first position to at least one alternative position. Preferably, in the first position, said member is substantially coplanar with at least one wall, preferably side wall of said furniture.

Preferably, the flexible member is operable to move from the first position to a second position in which the flexible member is adjacent the base, preferably the base being substantially perpendicular to said wall or flexible member.

Preferably, locking means are provided on the furniture. Preferably, the locking means is provided on at least one wall. Most preferably, the locking means is provided on flexible member. Preferably, the locking means is located centrally on the flexible member. Preferably, a gripping portion is provided on the flexible member.

Preferably, the gripping portion is substantially rigid.

Preferably, the locking means comprise a locking portion and an opening portion.

Preferably, the locking portion comprises bolting means. Preferably, the bolting means extend through the gripping portion of the flexible member and beyond an edge of the flexible member. Preferably, holes are provided on the furniture, preferably in a side wall, the holes being adapted for receiving the bolting means in a locked configuration. In the locked configuration, the flexible member is prevented from being moved out of the desired position. Preferably, the opening portion comprises a latch system. Preferably, the latch system comprises a spring arrangement being operable to move the bolting means from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration wherein the bolting means are remote from the holes.

Advantageously, the locking means provides a simple way for a user to lock or unlock the flexible member. A number of alternatively positioned holes may be provided to allow the user to fix the flexible member in the desired position.

Preferably, fixing means are provided on the flexible member. Preferably, the fixing means are adapted to fix the flexible member to the piece of furniture. Preferably, the fixing means are located at an end of the flexible member adjacent the base.

Provision of fixing means ensures the flexible member is fixed to the furniture and cannot move out of the channel.

Preferably, the flexible member is dimensioned to extend across substantially the width of the furniture and upwardly to a point coplanar with the alternative side walls of the furniture. Preferably, the furniture is a cot. In this arrangement, the flexible member is sufficient in length to pass under the base of the cot and extend upwardly to form a side wall which is of equal height to the remaining side walls. The flexible member may comprise opposite side walls of a cot.

Preferably, the flexible member is manufactured from natural and/or manmade fibres.

Preferably, the flexible member is textured or patterned. Preferably the flexible member comprises a plurality of holes adapted to allow air to pass through said member.

Preferably, at least two side walls are provided, preferably at least three side walls are provided, most preferably, four side walls are provided on the furniture. Preferably, at least one side wall is substantially rigid. Preferably, at least three said side walls are substantially rigid. Preferably, said rigid side walls comprise a plurality of rigid slats.

Preferably, the base comprises a plurality of slats.

Preferably, the piece of furniture is a cot.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for making a piece of furniture, the kits comprising a plurality of interchangeable sections, one of said sections being adapted to be a load bearing surface of said furniture.

The load bearing surface may be adapted to bear substantially the full weight of a person. The load bearing surface may be adapted to be a surface for writing or playing thereupon.

Preferably, the kit of parts is interchangeable to form a plurality of different configurations of furniture.

Preferably, the kit of parts is adapted to configure to a toddler bed and table.

Preferably, the furniture is adapted to configure to a settee and table. Preferably, the furniture is adaptable to configure to two toddler beds. Preferably, the furniture is adapted to configure to a standard double size bed.

Preferably, said kit may be configured to form a cot. Preferably, said cot comprises a plurality of the interchangeable sections, said sections being adapted to reconfigure from the cot to a bed configuration, preferably a double bed configuration. Preferably, one of said sections is adapted to form a wall of the furniture, preferably, a side wall of a cot. Preferably, said side wall is adapted to form at least a part of the load bearing surface of the furniture, preferably in the bed configuration.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts for making a piece of furniture, the kit comprising a plurality of interchangeable sections, wherein said sections are adapted be configured from a cot to a bed.

Preferably, the interchangeable sections comprise a first and a second module.

Preferably, the first module comprises a supporting portion of the piece of furniture.

Preferably, the second module comprises an enclosure portion of said furniture.

Preferably, when the furniture is configured as a cot, the first module comprises the supporting portion of the cot and the second portion comprises the enclosure portion of the cot. Preferably, when the furniture is configured as a bed, a part of the enclosure portion is adapted to become at least a part of the load bearing surface of the bed. Preferably, each said module is adaptable to be joined to said alternative other module, to form one unit, or to be detachable from each other so as to stand freely.

Preferably, the interchangeable sections comprise at least one wall, at least one channel, wherein the wall is adapted to locate in the at least one channel and operable to move in said channel.

Preferably, the cot is adapted to convert to a toddler bed.

Preferably, any one of the aforementioned kit of parts comprises a wall having a flexible member as hereinbefore described. Preferably, the flexible member is adapted to locate in the at least one channel and operable to move in said channel.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a part of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 6a and 6b show a schematic perspective view and a schematic front view respectively of a portion of the piece of furniture shown in Figure 5; Figures 7a and 7b show a schematic front view and a schematic perspective view respectively of a portion of the piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 8a to 8e show schematic end views of alternative embodiments of a portion of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 9a to 9f show schematic end views of alternative configurations of a part of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 1 Oa and 1 Od show schematic side views of alternative configurations of a part of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 11 shows a schematic end view of a part of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 12a to 12i show schematic sectional top views of alternative arrangements of a part of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 13a to 13e show schematic perspective views of alternative arrangements of part of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 14 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 15 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 16 shows a schematic perspective view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 17a to 17d show schematic perspective views of further arrangements of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 18a to 18c show schematic perspective views of further arrangements of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figures 19a to 19d show schematic perspective views of further arrangements of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 20 shows a schematic side view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 21 shows a schematic side view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 22 shows a schematic side view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; Figure 23 shows a schematic side view of a piece of furniture according to the invention; and Figures 24a and 24b show schematic perspective views of a piece of furniture in a first and second configu ration respectively.

Figures 1 and 2 show a piece of furniture according to the invention. The piece of furniture shown is a cot 2. The cot 2 comprises two parts, an enclosure 4 and a supporting section 6. The enclosure 4 comprises a base 8 for supporting a mattress 10. A first side wall 12, a second side wall 14, a third side waIl 16 and a fourth side wall 18 lay adjacent the base 8 to provide a safety barrier around the mattress 10.

The supporting section 6 comprises a top section 20 which is connected to legs 22 and 23, to provide a stand for the cot 2. A bracing member 27 ties the two legs 22 and 23 together to provide structural rigidity. This is more clearly shown in Figure 7a.

Each of the said side walls 14,16,18 and legs 22 and 23 comprise a frame 24 in which is mounted a panel 25. In alternative configurations of this invention any of the panels could be substituted for a screen of fabric or mesh, or a screen 26 as described below. In a further embodiment any of the components 14, 16, 18, 22 or 23 could be made up of slats or bars as per conventional cots.

The first side wall 12 comprises a screen 26. The screen 26 comprises a flexible body 28 having a gripping portion 30 located towards an upper end thereof. The gripping portion 30 is preferably rigid. A locking member 32 is provided on the gripping portion 30. The screen 26 is moveable from a fully raised position as shown in Figure 1 to a lowered position as shown in Figure 2. In the lowered position, the gripping portion 30 is adjacent mattress 10 and thus allows immediate access into the cot 2 without obstruction.

Figure 3 shows the screen 26 from a rear perspective view with some components, including the enclosure base 8, removed for clarity. A guiding member 34 is provided along an edge opposite to the gripping portion 30. The guiding member 34 aides in locating the screen 26 in a channel 36. The channel 36 comprise grooves channelled into the frame 24 of the enclosure 4 to form tracks. The channel 36 is dimensioned to receive locating members as will be described in detail below. In particular, the channel or tracks 36 are provided into the frame 24 of the second and fourth side walls 14, 18. The channel 36 extends down from an upper most part of said side walls 14,18 downwardly and transverse along the longitudinal axis of the frame 24 of the said side walls 14, 18. This is shown most clearly in Figure 4. It will be understood by the reader, that the channel 36 may be provided in any alternative suitable configuration in any one of the frames of said side walls or legs 22 and 23.

Figure 4 shows the gripping member 30 inserted into the channel 36. The configuration of the screen 26 will now be described in relation to Figures 5 to 13.

Figure 5 shows the screen 26. The screen 26 is generally rectangular in plan view having the gripping portion 30, the locking member 32, the guiding member 34 and the flexible body 28. The flexible body 28 is manufactured from any suitable material, particularly a material which provides a degree of flexibility to the screen 26. Suitable materials may include natural or man made materials such as fabrics or woven mesh.

Figure 6 shows in greater detail a leading side edge of the screen 26. The edge 40 comprises a plurality of locating members 42, or shaped nodules 42. Said nodules 42 are dimensioned to be received in the channel 36.

On either end of the rigid gripping portion 30 are located two sets of roller bearings 31 spaced apart from one another. Said bearings 31 are orientated such that they will run on the innermost 35 and outermost 37 internal faces of the track 36. In so doing, they enable the rigid gripping portion 30 to run freely in the tracks without snagging or crabbing. The two sets of bearings 31 can be so spaced as to ensure that the corners 33 of the gripping portion 30 are always held clear of the sides 14 and 18. This is most clearly shown in Figure 6b. A similar arrangement can be used on the ends of the guiding member 34.

Figure 7a and 7b show the arrangement of the locking member 32 in the gripping portion 30. The locking member 32 comprises a pole 44 which extends longitudinally within the gripping portion 30. The pole 44 is connected to a release members 46a and 46b which are visible on the gripping portion 30. In a locked position, as shown in Figure 7a, the pole 44 extends through and is received by holes 48 in the side walls 14 and 18. In this position, the screen 26 is locked in the raised position. A spring action mechanism allows a user to depress release members 46a and 46b to cause the pole 44 to move inwardly out of the holes 48 to release the screen 26 from the raised position. Further alternative holes 50 are provided on the side walls 14 and 18 to allow a user to lower the screen 26 into an alternative position. It will be understood by the reader, that any number of suitable hole positions may be provided on any one of the side walls.

Figures 8a to 8e show end cross sectional views of alternative embodiments of the nodules 42 on a screen 26. In particular, Figure 8a shows a sectional view of the arrangement shown in Figure 6 wherein the nodules 42 comprise a series of nodules 42 of circular cross section. Figure 8b shows nodules 42 having an oval cross section, Figure 8c shows nodules having an octagonal cross section. Figure 8d shows an edging similar to a known tooth belt arrangement. Figure 8e shows the general principle on which the arrangement shown at Figures 8a to 8d operate, particularly comprising a rigid member 52 and areas of deformation 54.

Figures 9a to 9d show example alternative arrangements of the nodules 142 to those shown in Figures 8a to 8e. The nodules 142 comprise the key characteristics of being flexible so as to move from side to side, to follow the channel 136, to move and go around the bends in the channel 136, while being substantially resistant to compression or expansion along the length of the channel 136. The nodules 142 comprise members 55 and 56, which form a chained arrangement around pivot points 59. Figure 9e shows extruded parts 58 which are operable to interengage to allow the screen 26 to move through the channel 136 in a controlled manner. Figure 9f shows a schematic of the general principle on which the arrangements of Figures 9a to 9e operate comprising the rigid member 53 and a pivot point 57.

Figures lOa to lOc show further alternatives to those shown in Figures 8a to 8e.

Figure lOa shows a hollow cylindrical extrusion 51 of semi rigid material such as low density plastic or similar. Said extrusion 51 can flex side to side, enough to travel around the trajectory of the channel 36, but is not easily compressed or stretched along its length. Figure lOb shows an extrusion 51 with an alternative open cross section. Figure lOc shows a further extrusion 51 which is not hollow and which incorporates a flange for connecting with the flexible screen 28. It will be understood by the reader that the cross sectional shape of the extrusion 51 may be any such shape that is suitable to run in the channel 36. Figure 11 shows the principle by which Figures lOa to lOc operate i.e. being able to flex sideways while maintaining a near constant length.

Figure 12a shows a cross sectional view of the channel 36 of Figures 1 to 7.

Specifically, the screen 26 is held in the channel 36 at the edge 40. The channel 36 is generally T-shaped in cross section in the embodiment shown in Figure 12a. The channel 36 is so shaped as to receive the locating members or nodules 42 and to allow them to be moved along its length whilst the overhang 41 prevents it from coming out of the track altogether when tension is applied to the screen. Figure 12b, shows an alternative arrangement wherein the channel 36 comprises a generally circular cross section for receiving nodules 42 that are circular in cross section. Said channel 36 comprises a narrowed opening and an overhang 41 to prevent the nodules 42 from being pulled out of the channel 36 in the direction perpendicular thereto. Figure 12c shows a further alternative embodiment of the channel 36. In this embodiment, an insert 62 is provided in the channel 36. The insert 62 can be made of any hard wearing or low friction material which will allow the nodules 42 to run more freely. Figure 12d shows an embodiment wherein the insert 62 includes a flange. Figure 1 2e shows a sectional view of the configuration of the general principle as shown in Figures 12a to 12d whereby the interaction of the overhang 41 on the channel 36 and the nodules 42 enable the screen 26 to be moved along the length of the channel 36 whilst being kept taught by retention at either end. Figure 12f shows an alternative arrangement wherein a ridge 64 is provided on the side walls 14,18 in place of the channel 36. The ridge 64 comprises an extending member 66 having one or more overhangs 68 which are adapted to retain a runner 67. Figure 12g shows an alternative arrangement of the ridge embodiment wherein the ridge is a separate component from the side walls 14,18. Figure 12h shows a further alternative arrangement whereby a ridge member is circular in cross section in order to take a runner of a circular shape. Figure 12i shows a general cross sectional view of the principle of the embodiment of Figures 12f to 12h.

Figures 13a to 13e show alternative arrangement of preventing means 74 which are operable to prevent the screen 26 from concertinaing when moved to the lowered position. In all embodiments, a constant force is applied to the lower end of the screen, toward the guiding member 34, to keep the screen 26 taught at all times.

Figure 13a shows the screen 26, having a gas spring 76 attached to the area of the screen 26 adjacent the guiding member 34. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13b, compression springs 78 are provided on the screen 26 adjacent the guiding member 34. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13c extension springs 80 are provided on the guiding member 34. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13d a resiliently deformable member 82 is connected to the guiding member 34. In the embodiment shown in Figure 13e an alternative arrangement to a spring loaded screen 26 is shown in which the screen is provided on a spring loaded roller member 84.

Figure 13a shows a further embodiment of the invention comprising an assisted lift function to the screen. A second or alternate gas spring 77 is positioned adjacent to the gripping member to provide an upward force. The same assisted lift could be achieved by repositioning any of the force applying members in Figures 13a to 13e.

To operate the screen 26, to move from a raised position to a lowered position, a user presses the release member 46 to cause the pole 44 to move inwardly and out of the holes 48. The screen 26 moves down the channel 36 by the action of the nodules 42 interengaging with the channel 36. Provision of the chained arrangement of said parts, ensures that the screen 26 does not buckle as it moves in the channel 36. The user is able to move the screen 26 to the desired position.

The screen 26 has the advantage of being flexible and readily moveable without buckling, unlike known traditional cot side walls.

The furniture hereinbefore described in relation to Figures 1 to 13 advantageously may comprise a number of parts which can be interchangeable to allow a user to reconfigure the furniture into an alternative form, for example, to the cot to a toddler bed. Figures 14 to 24 show examples of alternative arrangements of the interchangeable or modular furniture.

The furniture shown in the Figures 14 to 24 comprises a number of modules. The term "modules" will be understood to mean self supporting units, preferably free standing units.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, the furniture is made up of two modules however it should be understood by the reader that alternative embodiments of the design could have a different number of modules. The two modules shown in Figure 14 comprise the enclosure 4 and the supporting section 6 as previously described.

Figure 14 shows the two modules 4,6 separated prior to forming alternative pieces of furniture.

Figure 15 shows the construction of the top section 20 of the supporting section 6.

Said section 20 comprises a slatted assembly 90 which is fixed to the legs 22 and 23.

A second slatted assembly 92 interlocks with slatted assembly 90 and is slideable as shown in Figure 15. It is preferable that the cross sections of the slats are shaped in such a way that they support one another. One way of achieving this is to give each slat a trapezium shaped cross section, the slats on slatted assembly 90 being inverted to those on slatted assembly 92. An alternative way of achieving the same effect is to create ledges or steps on the mating faces of the slats. The reader will understand that the cross sectional shapes of the slats can be any such shape that will allow them to be supported in use.

Figure 16 shows the underside of the top section 20 and illustrates one way in which the two slatted assemblies 90 and 92 could be interlocked. Slatted assembly 92 being connected by a cross member at one end only is slid into slatted assembly 90.

A separate cross member 94 is then fixed to the underside of each slat on slatted assembly 92 to connect the slats at that end. As well as providing structural integrity to slatted member 92, cross member 94 also acts as a stop to limit the extension of the two slatted assemblies 90 and 92.

The different configurations of furniture that can be provided by the invention will now be described.

In the arrangement shown previously in Figure 1, the modules 4,6 are stacked one on top of the other and connected via conventional fixing brackets or plates to form a cot 2.

In the arrangement previously shown in Figure 2, the modules 4,6 are connected to form a cot 2 with one side lowered for improved access. Note the mattress is omitted from Figure 2 for clarity. This arrangement can also be seen as frame for a bedside cot. This arrangement can also be seen as a frame for a settee.

Figure 1 7a shows an embodiment 200 of the modular furniture reconfigured to form a toddler bed 100 and a low table 102. In this embodiment the base of the enclosure 8 has been raised and secured at a height equal to that of the top section of the low table 20. For this purpose additional fixing holes can be provided on ends 14 and 18 or on any other suitable member of the enclosure. The enclosure is sized to accept a standard cot bed mattress 8 which is shown in Figure 17b.

Figure 17c shows a further embodiment 202 of the modular furniture reconfigured to form a settee 104 and a low table 102. This alternate piece of furniture has been achieved by simply adding a cushion 9. Advantageously the settee is proportioned to be particularly suitable of an infant or child.

Figure 1 7d shows a further embodiment 204 of the modular furniture reconfigured to form two toddler beds 100 and 106. The second toddler bed has been achieved by simply placing a second mattress 8 on top of the supporting stand 6.

Figure 18a shows a further embodiment 206 of the modular furniture reconfigured to form an adult bed 108 which is suitable for a standard double sized mattress. To achieve this configuration the slatted assembly 92 is extended from the supporting stand module 6 in the way previously described and shown in figure 16, to effectively increase the size of the supporting surface 97. The extreme end 95 of slatted assembly 92 is connected to the enclosure module 4. This end 95 can be supported directly by the rigid gripping portion 30 of the flexible screen 26. Alternatively this end can be fixed to a point on the sides 14 and 18 or on any other suitable point of enclosure module 4.

Figure 1 8b shows the embodiment 206 with a custom made mattress 99 placed upon the supporting surface 97. The custom made mattress 99 is made up from an arrangement of mattresses and cushions that have been used to make up previous embodiments of the furniture namely mattresses 8 and cushion 9.

Figure 18c shows the embodiment 206 with a standard sized double mattress 98 placed upon supporting surface 97. Advantageously the enclosure module 4 and the supporting module 6 are sized to accept both a standard cot bed mattress 8 in cot and bed configurations and a standard double mattress 98 in the double bed configuration.

The screen 26 can be incorporated into any one of the embodiments showing the modular furniture.

Figures 19a to 19d show an alternative embodiment to using a screen 26 as a means of allowing easier access to the cot 2. In particular, Figure 19a shows a further embodiment of the invention 208 with the flexible screen 26 removed. Fixed in its place is the slatted assembly 92 displaced from the supporting stand module 6. In this embodiment the slatted assembly 92 makes up the first wall 12 of the enclosure module 4 to make a cot 110.

Figure 19b shows a further embodiment of the invention 210 in which the modules 4 and 6 are detached from one another and are standing side by side. Enclosure module 4 is shown with its base 8 in the raised position and can still function as a crib 112 typically for a baby under 6 months old. Supporting stand module 6 now has an open slatted top section 20 formed mainly by slatted assembly 90. With the addition of a mattress 8 this module can still be used as a toddler bed 114.

Figure 19c shows a further embodiment of the invention 212 in which the slatted assembly 92 has been replaced back onto the supporting base module 6. This now forms a low table 102 as previously described. The remaining parts of the enclosure module 6 form a toddler bed 116. By adding a cushion 9 this module can be converted into a settee suitable for an infant or child as previously described.

Figure 19d shows a further embodiment of the invention 214 which is an adult bed 118 capable of taking a custom made mattress 99 or a standard double bed mattress 98. This bed is formed in a similar way to that previously described and shown in figure 18a. As there is no screen 26 in this configuration the end 95 of slatted assembly 92 can be fixed to a point on the sides 14 and 18 or on any other suitable point of enclosure module 4.

Advantageously, the cot shown in Figure 19a can be readily split into two modules 4, 6. The supporting base module 6 is reconfigured to become part of the supporting shelf of a double bed as shown in Figure 19d. The slatted assembly 92 is readily detached from the enclosure module 4 by a user sliding the assembly out of position.

Said assembly 92 is reconfigured to become a part of the load bearing surface of the double bed. The assembly 92 can be readily attached to the supporting base module 6 and the enclosure module 4 by suitable fixing means. The cot/bed as shown in Figures 19a-19d are preferably supplied as a kit of parts. In so doing, the user has the advantage of choice of how he wants to configure his furniture. For example, a user may wish to build the kit as a cot for a baby and then reconfigure the cot to a bed when the child has outgrown the cot.

Figures 20 to 23 further alternative embodiments to using a screen 26 as a means of allowing easier access to the cot 2. Figure 20 shows a conventional drop-side panel 120. Figure 21 shows a side that pivots down to approximately 90 degrees or further 122. In this arrangement a hinge 124 may be provided to allow the panel to fold back on itself as shown in Figure 21. Figure 22 shows an alternative embodiment of a conventional drop down side panel 126 whereby two panels are used and one or more of them can be lowered by sliding in a track 128. Figure 23 shows a further alternative embodiment of this arrangement whereby a lower part of a hinged panel 130 is pivotably fixed and the side opposite thereto is slidably mounted in a vertical track 132 as shown in the figure.

Figure 24a and 24b show an alternative arrangement wherein parts of the furniture are interchangeable and can reconfigured to become alternative surfaces of the furniture. In the embodiment shown, side walls 414,418 are removed from an upright position shown in Figure 24a, to a become a supporting shelf for a base to a bed in Figure 24b. The rear leg 424 in Figure 24a is reconfigured to also become a support surface for the bed in Figure 24b.

Advantageously, the modular system enables the user to readily switch from a traditional cot configuration to a toddler bed. Furthermore, the system also provides alternative and additional modular furniture, for example, the furniture can be changed to a bedside cot, a settee, a bed and table; a bed and a settee; two toddler beds; or a double bed.

The arrangement provides an economical and versatile means of providing interchangeable furniture, particularly for a child's room.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSI A kit of parts for making a piece of furniture, the kit comprising a plurahty of kiterchangeable sections, one of said sections being adapted to be a load bearing surface of said furniture.
2. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 1 being interchangeable to form a plurality of different config u rations of furniture.
3. A kit of pads as claimed in claims I or 2, being adapted to configure to a toddlerbed and table.
4. A kit of pads as claimed in claims I or 2, being adapted to configure to a setteeand table.
5. A kit of pads as claimed in claims I or 2, being adapted to configure to form e O cot. r

CD
6. A kits of pad as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 0 20 interchangeable sections comprise a first and a second module.
7. A kit of pads as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first module comprises a supporting portion of the piece of furniture.
8. A kit of pads as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein one of said interchangeable sections comprises at least one slatted assembly.
9. A kit of pads as claimed in claim 8, wherein a first slatted assembly is operable to interlock with a second slatted assembly.
10. A kit of pads as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of said interchangeable sections is adapted to reconfigure from a table to a bed configuration.
11. A piece of furniture comprising a body having at least one wall, and at least one channel, wherein the wall comprises a flexible member, the flexible member being adapted to be located in the at least one chann& and operable to move in said channel.
12. A piece of furniture as claimed in claim 11, wherein the flexible member is operable to move in the channel, to foflow the trajectory of the channel.
13. A piece of furniture as claimed in claims 11 or 12, wherein the flexible member comprises at least one locating member, the at least one locating member being adapted to be received in the channel, said locating member comprising at least one nodule.
14. A piece of furniture as claimed in claims 11 to 13, wherein the flexible member is operable to move from a first position to at least one alternative po&tion, in the first position, said member is substantially coplanar with at least one wall of said furniture.
15. A piece of furniture as claimed in claims 11 to 14, wherein the flexible member is 0 dimensioned to extend across substantially the width of the furniture and upwardly to a point coplanar with alternative side walls of the furniture. Co

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16. A kit of parts for making a piece of furniture, the kit comprising a pkirality of 0 interchangeable sections, wherein said sections are adapted be configured from a cot to a bed.

17, A cot comprising a plurality of interchangeable sections, wherein said sections are adaptab'e to reconfigure the cot into an alternative piece of furniture.