GB2474349A

GB2474349A - Furniture assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2474349A
Application number: GB1016767A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Greg Landen
Original assignee: COODAROODA Ltd
Current assignee: COODAROODA LTD
Priority date: 2009-10-08
Filing date: 2010-10-06
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Also published as: WO2011042734A2; GB201016767D0; WO2011042734A3

Abstract

A furniture assembly comprising a base 12 which has locators 13 which can interact with locators on one or more seats (30, fig. 1), so that a seat 30 can be positioned on the base 12 in a predetermined position, providing the assembly with a defined seating arrangement. A flooring surface 10 is fitted over the base 12 to provide a covering for the base layer. A support 60, which may have leveling means, can be positioned on the ground under the base 12. The assembled base 12 has connecting means 12a, 12b, to maintain the components parts in position. The furniture assembly may have a centrally positioned aperture 14 in which could be sited a fire pit, or a water feature, or a support for a parasol. The seats 30 may include a refrigerated compartment, or a radio or a TV monitor.

Description

Furniture Assembly The present invention relates to a furniture assembly and in particular but not exclusively to a furniture assembly for use as outdoor seating.

Furniture assemblies that are formed of seating modules are known in the art, for exampLe, multiple seating is known from stadiums, theatres and concert halls. Such assemblies which include seating arrangements typically are provided in the form of tiered seating.

If the arrangement is used on a temporary basis the seating is set up and supported in place by scaffolding and the erecting of scaffolding often requires qualified contractors to build the structure in order to comply with Health and Safety legislation, which adds to costs.

Wa 2008068517 discloses a reusable tiered podium for temporary spectator use which can be assembled and disassembled. The podium is built from modules that provide fixed seating, the podium comprises a rigid support framework with monocoque decking modules being disposed over the rigid framework. Such an arrangement is cornp]icated to erect as it needs a framework to be built to support the modules.

US 2009222982 discusses a seating arrangement formed of a modular bench unit for use in a swimming pool. The unit is formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall. This arrangement allows for a fixed seating arrangement but once in place this it is not possible to easily demount the structure as it defines the perimeter to the pool.

None of the known prior art devices allow for the formation of a furniture assembly in a variety of arrangements and which allows for seats to be positioned relative to one another both easily and accurately whilst also allowing for the arrangement to be disassembled easily if needs be.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly that can seat a number of people with the structure being easy to assemble in a desired formation.

Furthermore the seating arrangement is adaptable for different requirements by having modules that are interchangeable.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a furniture assembly comprising a base that in use is positioned on a surface, the base having locators thereon which can interact with locators on one or more seats so that a seat can be positioned on the base in a positioned that is predetermined by a locator on the base.

Preferably the furniture assembly includes a flooring layer positionable over at ILeast a portion of the base to form a protective surface for the furniture assembly. It is desirable that the flooring layer completely covers the base.

It is envisaged that there are locators on the base are provided in the form a detent over which a seat can be positioned so said seat is held in position on the base by said locator.

It is preferred that the locators are provided in the form of a recess in the base into which a detent on the seat can be positioned.

It is desired that the base if formed of a plurality of sections.

The sections can be positioned adjacent one another to build up an area that forms the base.

Preferably each of the sections has at least one interlocking member that can engage with an interlocking member on a section positioned adjacent said base piece to assemb]e the base.

It is envisaged that the flooring is formed of one or more surfaces having interlocking portions that can engage with interlocking portions on a surface positioned adjacent another surface to assemble the flooring.

It is preferred that the base and the flooring have connectors to releasably connect the base and floor to one another.

Preferably base is recessed so that a levelling agent can be introduced between the base and the flooring to level the flooring.

In effect the base forms a tray into which a levelling agent can be introduced.

In a preferred arrangement the flooring and the base each has an aperture towards a central region to receive an accessory for the furniture assembly.

It is envisaged that there are connectors located around the periphery of the aperture to which a collar can be secured so said collar that extends around the periphery of the aperture.

Preferably the collar has locators for supporting or securing an accessory in the aperture Preferab]y the accessory is a fire pit a]though other accessories may be inserted in the aperture such as water feature.

It is preferred that the fire pit is formed of a main body which can be inserted in the aperture in the flooring and a brazier that is held in position in the main body.

It is envisaged that the fire pit has a spark guard positionable over a mouth of the brazier. Further there is a cover that may be positioned over the fire pit and this is particularly useful as a safety feature to ensure that no individuals step into the fire and it can also act to dampen down a fire.

Preferably the main body of the fire pit has an aperture at its base which acts as a drain for any water collecting on the flooring of the furniture assembly.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a seat for use in a furniture assembly according to any preceding claim.

It is preferred that the seat includes a refrigerated compartment, and any electrics to power the refrigerated compartment can be run through the seat, so hiding any wiring which makes the structure particularly safe.

It is envisaged that the seat may include entertainment system, such as a media playing device.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows an assembled furniture assembly according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: shows a furniture assembly according to an embodiment of the invention inc]uding a fire pit towards the centre of the seating arrangement; Figure 3: shows a side shows an exploded view of the base and flooring of the arrangement shown in Figure 2; Figure 4: shows the base and seat locators; Figure 5: shows a fire pit according to an embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2; Figure 6: shows a sectional view o seats and a fire pit positioned over the flooring; Figure 7: shows adaptations of a seat; and Figure 8: shows various seating arrangements that can be used for the invention.

A first embodiment of the furniture assembly of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The furniture assembly is provided as a substantially circular structure which is generally shown as 1.

Although the assembly is shown as being circular, the invention is not limited to such as shape and other shape configurations may be devised as shown in Figure 8.

The assembly includes a number of seats 30 which form a circle towards the periphery of the assembly. The seats are positioned next to one another and form a contiguous seating arrangement around the perimeter of the furniture assembly. The seating provides and arrangement where individuals that are seated can look at one another and interact easily. The seats are formed of a seat pad 31 and a seat back 32. In some locations rather than having a seat with a back there are stools 34. There is flooring 10 forming a floor surface between the seats.

The flooring 10 is formed of segments that abut against one another and form a complete covering for the assembly. Preferably the flooring is made of a hard wearing surface such as Duraslab P which provides a waterproof surface. The surface may also have raised areas or dimples which forms a non-slip surface. The flooring preferably is slightly sloping towards the centre of the assembly where there is an aperture 40 through which water can drain, for example if it rains. Although the floor is shown as a series of segments it is envisaged that a single piece of floor could be positioned to extend over the area between the seats but having a segmented floor allows for ease of construction, for example if the furniture assembly is to be located in an area which is restricted on space. It is highly desirable that there is a drain hole shown as 40 in Figure 1 in a single part floor structure so the furniture assembly remains dry should it rain when the assembly is outside.

The seats 30 have openings 33 in the sides of the back of the seats into which a device such as a radio or a TV monitor can be located in order to provide an entertainment system as part of the furniture assembly.

Figure 2 shows an assembly similar to the arrangement of Figure 1 except that towards the centre of the assembly there is an accessory, which in this case is a fire pit. The accessory may be another type of accessory for example a water feature or a support for a parasol or even a Desmo leg for a table. The accessory preferably provides a focal point for people sitting on the seats.

The fire pit is positioned in an aperture in the flooring 10 and is generally shown as 50 in the Figure.

Figure 3 shows an expiLoded view of base of the furniture assembly 1. The base is provided in the form of a base layer generaiLly shown as 20 which is positioned on a surface such as the ground. The base layer is formed a series of segments 12 that are interlocked together by an interlocking arrangement. The interlocking arrangement can be simple push fit connectors formed of a detent on one segment that fits into a recess or aperture on another segment.

These detents and recesses may be on the sides of the segments that abut against one another so in effect forming a jig saw type connection. Alternatively the connectors are on the undersides and upper surfaces of the segments so that pressure on the upper surface of a segment can push the connectors on the underside of the segment into connectors on the upper face of another segment.

Having interlocking connections that interlock segments together has the advantage of providing a floor that is sealed from the ingress of water, which is particularly advantageous for a furniture assembly that is to be positioned outdoors, because a water tight flooring surface is formed.

Towards the outer edge of each segment 12 there is at least one raised portion 13 which in the figure are substantially square in shape. However the raised portions may be of other shapes. The raised portions are shaped so that they fit inside a correspondingly shaped recess on the underside of a furniture element such as a seat or stool. The push fit connection again allows for ease of construction of the furniture assembly. A flooring surface 10 is positioned over the base to provide a covering for the base layer also to minimise the risk of tripping as it forms a sealing surface between the seats and the accessory.

The segments 12 have a narrower section which when the arrangement is assembled is positioned towards the centre of the furniture assembly. In effect the segments 12 are "pie shaped". The narrower portion of each of the segments has a cut out which when the segments are assembled together form an aperture 14 in the centre of the furniture assembly. The aperture has a series of lugs 15 which protrude from the upper surface and these can interlock with a collar shown generally as 16. The collar is generally circular so it sits around the periphery of aperture 14 in the base 20. The collar has raised sections 17 and recessed sections 18 forming a crenellated structure. The raised sections 17 can receive lugs 15 on the base so that the collar is held in position on the base 20.

The collar 16 may be provided as a circular rubber seal or gasket and is used to seal the edge of the fire pit against the recess thus preventing water ingress when the furniture assembly is disposed outside.

Figure 4 shows an assembled base 12 (which is some situations may be provided as one piece rather than as separate segments) . Raised portions 13 are provided as locators for furniture modules such as seats and an aperture 14 is positioned towards the centre of the base. There is a support 60 which can be positioned under the base.

The support is positioned on the ground and can have levelling means to ensure that the base is positioned in a substantially horizontal position on the ground. The support 60 may be formed of a tray into which a substrate that can be levelled (such as sand) is introduced and the depth of the sand can be altered over various areas of the support to counter any unevenness of the base. This arrangement has particular advantages in that it allows for a structure that can be easily adapted to sit on a surface regardless of the evenness of the surface. Also using a tray and sand means that the structure can be removed easily if needs be because if a support such as a concrete slab is used, then this is costly and time consuming to install and remove if the base is to be disassembled and relocated.

The assembled base has projections 12a and also apertures IL2b which can receive correspondingly shaped structures on a flooring layer so the base 20 and flooring layer 10 can be releasably held together when the furniture assembly is assembled. To level the floor on the base it is possible to also use sand or any other loose material which is spread on the base and is used to level the floor relative to the base. This levelling may be used instead of having base 60, or if the floor needs to be further levelled once the initial levelling takes place using the support 60, then this arrangement allows for further precise levelling of the floor 10.

Figure 5 shows a fire pit used with a base according to the present invention. The fire pit is generally shown as 50 and the figure shows and exploded view of the fire pit. The fire pit is formed of a main body 51 that sits in the aperture 14 in the flooring 10 of the furniture assembly as shown in Figure 2. There is a cage 52 which sits around the main body and this provides a support for brazier 53, into which logs or coal is placed if a fire is to be lit. The brazier has a flange 57 with apertures 59. The flange is positioned so that the apertures 58 sit over the gap between the cage and the wall of the main body 51 and the apertures 58 allow air to be drawn through the brazier so the fire burns well. There is a spark screen 54 formed of a mesh, which can be positioned over the mouth of the brazier when the fire is in use and the spark screen can be moved by way of handle 55. The handles are ideally made of heat resistant materials so that there is minimal risk of a person burning themselves on the screen.

There is also a covering 56, which is placed over the whole arrangement when the fire is not in use and this forms a water tight seal over the brazier. Alternatively, there are gaps underneath the covering which allows water that has collected on the flooring 10 to run down the sides of the brazier 53 into the main body. The main body has one or more holes in its base so that any water collected can drain away from the furniture assembly so avoiding the risk of water pooling in the base of the assembly 1.

Although a separate cage 52 and brazier 53 is discussed, the cage may be an integral part of the brazier as shown in Figure 6.

Furthermore the firepit can be sold separately as an accessory for the seating arrangement or so that people can adapt a seating arrangement they already have.

Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention along the section A-A where seats and a fire pit are located on the furniture assembly. Seats 31 are positioned so that they sit on locators 13 positioned around the periphery of the furniture assembly that is generally shown as 1. Each of the seats has an aperture 35 on its base into which a locator can be positioned. It is possible to have an opposite arrangement where the seat has a protrusion and the flooring has a recess into which the protrusion can be located. What is important for ease of assembly is that there is an interaction between the seat and the locator so that the seat can be positioned in a pre-determined position on the flooring assembly thereby making the assembly easy to construct.

The flooring 10 extends from the base of chairs 31 and sits on base segments 12. The flooring extends as far as the collar 16 that surrounds the fire pit.

Figure 7 is a schematic drawing of a chair 31, which also includes a fridge/freezer compartment. The chair has a cooled compartment 38 into which beverages can be placed. The chair has side arms 37 with apertures 45 for receiving a glass or tin containing a beverage so liquid in the glass or tin cannot be spilled. The chair has a back 32 which can receive a headrest 36 having protrusion that can fit in recess 36a in the upper surface of the chair back. In addition the seat back can have speakers 39, through which music can be played.

Finally although the previous figures show a furniture assembly in a circular arrangement, other arrangements can be used as shown in Figure 8. These range from a semicircular arrangement through to a square or other shape such as oval, square rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, octagonal or other rectilinear shape. The seats 30 can be positioned at any]ocation around the fire pit 50 (or other focal features) depending on the amount of space and/or the use required for the furniture assembly.

The furniture assembly is preferably formed from a UV resistant polyethylene using moulding. However other types of plastic or other suitable materials may be used. It is envisaged that materials such as stone, glass or corunium ® may be used as these can be moulder or cut into a desired shape and they are suitable in particular for outside use.

The furniture assembly may be sold as an entire unit, with the seats, fire pit etc aLl sold together or the unit may be sold as individual components giving individuals the opportunity to buy and build up the furniture assembly as and when required.

Although the furniture assembly is arranged so that it can be positioned at any location, it may also be fitted in hollows in the ground. The invention allows for occupants to sit so they are facing each other, creating an area suitable for recreational sitting.

In alternative embodiments, there may be more tiered seats 30 provided in the form of a number of steps leading down to floor 10.

An advantage of this is that more people can be seated and because the invention allows for the production of a moulded product this makes the furniture assembly easier to construct.

The furniture assembly optionally can have a covering (not shown) that is positioned over the backs of the chairs 30 to protect the assembly from rain if it is outside. The covering means is preferably a tarpaulin having substantially the same shape as the top of the hollow having elastic around its edge to secure the covering in position.

Although alternative embodiments may have been discussed it is to be understood that combinations of those alternatives are covered by the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A furniture assembly comprising a base that in use is positioned on a surface, the base having locators thereon which can interact with locators on one or more seats so that a seat can be positioned on the base in a positioned that is predetermined by a locator on the base.
2. A furniture assembly according to claim 1, further including a flooring layer positionable over at least a portion of the base to form a protective surface or the furniture assembly.
3. A furniture assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locators on the base are provided in the form a detent over which a seat can be positioned so said seat is held in position on the base by said locator.
4. A furniture assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the locators are provided in the form of a recess in the base into which a detent on the seat can be positioned.
5. A furniture assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the base if formed of a plurality of sections.
6. A furniture assemb]y according to c]aim 5, wherein each of the sections has at least one interlocking member that can engage with an interlocking member on a section positioned adjacent said base piece to assemble the base.
7. A furniture assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the flooring is formed of one or more surfaces having interlocking portions that can engage with interlocking portions on a surface positioned adjacent another surface to assemble the flooring.
8. A furniture assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the base and the flooring have connectors to releasably connect the base and floor to one another.
9. A furniture assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the base is recessed so that a levelling agent can be introduced between the base and the flooring to level the flooring.
10. A furniture assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the flooring and the base each has an aperture towards a central region to receive an accessory for the furniture assembly.
11. A furniture assembly according to claim 10, having connectors located around the periphery of the aperture to which a collar can be secured so said collar that extends around the periphery of the aperture.
12. A furniture assembly according to claim 11, wherein the collar has locators for supporting or securing an accessory in the aperture
13. A furniture assembly according any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the accessory is a fire pit.
14. A furniture assembly according to any of claims 10 to 12 wherein the accessory is a water feature.
15. A fire pit for use with a furniture assembly according to claim 13 wherein the fire pit is formed of a main body which can be inserted in the aperture in the flooring and a brazier that is held in position in the main body.
16. A fire pit according to claim 15, having a spark guard positionable over a mouth of the brazier.
17. A fire pit according to claims 15 and 16 further having a cover.
18. A fire pit according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein the main body has an aperture at its base which acts as a drain for any water collecting on the flooring of the furniture assembly.
19. A seat for use in a furniture assembly according to any preceding claim.
20. A seat according to c]aim L9, inc]uding a refrigerated compartment.
21. A seat according to claims 19 to 20 including an entertainment system.
22. A seat according to claim 21 wherein the entertainment system includes a media playing device.
23. A furniture assembly as substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures
24. A fire pit as substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.