GB2486633A

GB2486633A - Adjustable furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2486633A
Application number: GB1020799.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Linda T Gale; Roger Hick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-08
Filing date: 2010-12-08
Publication date: 2012-06-27
Also published as: GB201020799D0

Abstract

An item of furniture comprises two parts 4, 6; the first part 4 including a first support 10, and a slat 14 coupled to, and extending from, the first support 10; a second part 6 comprises a second support 20, and further slats 24 coupled to, and extending in the same direction from, the second support 20; the further slats 24 are laterally spaced such that there is a gap between them which receives the slat 14; one of the parts 4, 6 further comprises a third support 12, 22 which is spaced along a length of the slats from the other support of that part, and is coupled to the slats of that part; the slats of the part not comprising the third support 12, 22 are slidable over the third support 12, 22. The part not including the third support may include a fourth support; each part may include a plurality of slats 14, 24 and the slats 14, 24 may have uniform or non-uniform thickness and cross section such that they may have interlocking profiles.

Description

FURNITURE

FiELD OF THE INVENTiON

The present invention relates to furniture.

BACKGROUND

Furniture is used in domestic, working and public environments.

Extendable, or expandable, furniture, i.e. furniture the size of which can be increased or decreased so as to increase or reduce capacity, is known.

One example of an extendable piece of furniture is a pull-out table.

Typically, opposing parts of a top surface of the table are pulled apart and one or more extension pieces are inserted in the gap so as to increase the size of the useable surface. However, this type of piece of furniture is typically expensive to manufacture, and requires a number of separate extension pieces.

Moreover, a user tends to be limited to a choice of predefined, discrete table sizes.

A further example of an extendible piece of furniture is a fold out bed.

However, with many fold-out beds the level of a useable surface is not maintained throughout the entire range of extension. Also, with many fold-out beds, a user tends to be limited to a choice of predefined, discrete bed sizes. * * S * *

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an item of furniture comprising: a first part; and a second part; wherein the first part comprises a first support member and a first slat; the first slat is coupled to the first support member; the first slat extends from the first support member; the second part comprises a second support member, a second slat, and a third slat; the second slat and the third slat are each coupled to the second support member; the second slat and the third slat extend from the second support member in substantially the same direction as each other; the second slat and the third slat are laterally spaced on the second support member such that there is a gap between the second slat and the third slat; the first slat is positioned such that it is at least partially in the gap; the first part or the second part further comprises a third support member; the third support member is laterally spaced along a length of the slat or slats of the part that comprises the third support member from the other support member of that part; the third support member is coupled to the slat or slats of the part that comprises the third support member; and the slat or slats of the part not comprising the third support member are slidable over a surface of the third support member.

The first support member may be positioned at or proximate to one end of the first slat, the second support member may be positioned at or proximate to one end of the second slat and the third slat, the first part may comprise the third support member, and the third support member may be positioned at or proximate to an end of the first slat opposite the end of the first slat that the first support member is at or proximate to.

The first support member may be positioned at or proximate to one end of the first slat, the second support member may be positioned at or proximate to one end of the second slat and the third slat, the second part may comprise the third support member, and the third support member may be positioned at *5*� or proximate to an end of the second slat opposite the end of the second slat that the second support member is at or proximate to, and at or proximate to an end of the third slat opposite the end of the third slat that the second support member is at or proximate to.

* S S...

S S

The part not comprising the third support member may comprise a fourth ** * * a * support member; the fourth support member being laterally spaced along a length of the slat or slats of the part that comprises the fourth support member from the other support member of that part; and the slat or slats of the part not comprising the fourth support member being slidable over a surface of the fourth support member.

The first part may comprise the fourth support member; and the fourth support member may be positioned at or proximate to an end of the first slat opposite the end of the first slat that the first support member is at or proximate to.

The third support member may be positioned between the first support member and the fourth support member.

The second part may comprise the fourth support member; and the fourth support member may be positioned at or proximate to an end of the second slat opposite the end of the second slat that the second support member is at or proximate to, and at or proximate to an end of the third slat opposite the end of the third slat that the second support member is at or proximate to.

The third support member may be positioned between the second support member and the fourth support member.

The first part may further comprise a first plurality of further slats; each of the first plurality of further slats are coupled to the first support member; each of the first plurality of further slats extend from the first support member in substantially the same direction as the first slat; the slats of the first plurality of further slats are laterally spaced on the first support member such that there is a gap between each pair of slats of the first part; and at least one of the slats of 0* ri the second part is positioned such that it is at least partially in the gap between a pair of slats of the first part.

The second part may further comprise a second plurality of further slats; * each of the second plurality of further slats are coupled to the second support member; each of the second plurality of further slats extend from the second *: support member in substantially the same direction as the second and third slats; the slats of the second plurality of further slats are laterally spaced on the second support member such that there is a gap between each pair of slats of the second part; and at least one of the slats of the first part is positioned such that it is at least partially in the gap between a pair of slats of the second part.

The sliding of a slat of one part may be permitted in a direction along the length of that slat, and may be opposed by a slat of the different/other part in a direction other than along the length of that slat.

The lateral space between the first slat and the second slat may be relatively small in comparison to widths of the first and second slats, such that a top surface of the first slat and a top surface of the second slat provide a substantially continuous surface.

There may be substantially no step between a top surface of the first slat and a top surface of the second slat.

There may be substantially no step between top surfaces of adjacent slats.

Widths of each of the slats may be substantially equal.

Thicknesses of each of the slats may be substantially equal.

Each of the slats may have substantially uniform thickness.

Each of the slats may have substantially non-uniform thickness.

The item of furniture may be one of a bench, a chair, a table, or an office screen. S...

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

* S. S** * 2o Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an embodiment of an extendible piece of furniture; * Figure 2A is a schematic iliustration (not to scale) of a top view of a bench in an unextended configuration; Figure 2B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front and side view of the bench in an unextended configuration; Figure 2C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the bench in an unextended configuration; Figure 3A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the bench in a partially extended configuration; Figure 3B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front and side view of the bench in a partially extended configuration; s Figure 3C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the bench in a partially extended configuration; Figure 4A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the bench in a fully extended configuration; Figure 4B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front and side view of the bench in a fully extended configuration; Figure 4C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the bench in a fully extended configuration; Figure 5A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of a chair; Figure 5B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front view of the chair; Figure 5C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the chair; Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section of a *0* slat;

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be....

* 20 Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of (not to scale) of a cross section of a plurality of alternating first slats and second slats; Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of (not to scale) of a cross section of a plurality of alternating first slats and second slats and a second inner frame; and Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of (not to scale) of a cross section of a plurality of alternating first slats and second slats.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION -6-.

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of an embodiment of an extendible piece of furniture. In this embodiment the piece of furniture is a bench and is indicated in the Figures by the reference numeral 2.

In this embodiment, the bench 2 comprises two components, hereinafter referred to as the "first component 4" and the "second component 6".

For the purposes of clarity and ease of understanding, in the Figures elements of the first component 4 are shaded, and elements of the second component 6 are unshaded.

In this embodiment, the bench 2 may be extended by moving the first component 4 and the second component 6 apart, as described in more below.

Figure 2A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the bench 2.

Figure 2B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front and side view of the bench 2.

Figure 2C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the bench 2.

* Figures 2A to 2C show the bench 2 in an unextended configuration.

Further possible configurations of the bench 2, namely a partially extended configuration and a fully extended configuration, will be described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 3A -3C, and Figures 4A -4C respectively.

*S* *. * *

*. : In this embodiment, the first component 4 and the second component 6 * ** of the bench 2 are moveable relative to one another as described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 3A -3C, and Figures 4A -4C.

In this embodiment, the first component 4 comprises an outer frame, hereinafter referred to as the "first outer frame 10", an inner frame, hereinafter referred to as the "first inner frame 12", and a plurality of slats, hereinafter referred as the "first slats", some of which are indicated in the Figures by the reference numeral 14.

In this embodiment, the widths of each of first slats 14 are substantially equal. Also, the thicknesses of each of first slats 14 are substantially equal. -7-.

Furthermore, in this embodiment each of the first slats 14 has a substantially uniform width and thickness.

In this embodiment, a first end of each of the plurality of the first slats 14 is coupled to the first outer frame 10. This coupling of the first end of each of the first slats 14 is provided by screws that join the first slats 14 to the first outer frame 10.

In this embodiment, a second end of each of the plurality of the first slats 14 is coupled to the first inner frame 12. The second end of a slat is an opposite end to the first end of that slat. This coupling of the second end of each of the first slats 14 is provided by screws that join the first slats 14 to the first inner frame 12. In this embodiment, the second end of each of the first slats 14 is coupled the first inner frame 12 such that each of the first slats 14 is positioned against an outer surface of the first inner frame 12.

In this embodiment, the first slats 14 are coupled to the first outer frame 10 and first inner frame 12 such that the first slats 14 are substantially equally spaced along each of the frames 10, 12, i.e. such that the distances (along the frames 10, 12) between one of the first slats 14 and another of the first slats 14 (closest to the first mentioned slat), are substantially equal.

In this embodiment, when the bench 2 is viewed from above (e.g. as in c Figure IA) the first slats 14 on the top of the bench 2 are shaped such that they form concentric arcs.

* ***** * S In this embodiment, the second component 6 comprises an outer frame, hereinafter referred to as the "second outer frame 20", an inner frame, hereinafter referred to as the "second inner frame 22", and a plurality of slats, hereinafter referred as the "second slats" some of which are indicated in the ** S * * Figures by the reference numeral 24.

551 IsI * S In this embodiment, the widths of each of second slats 24 are substantially equal. Also, the thicknesses of each of second slats 24 are substantially equal. Furthermore, in this embodiment each of the second slats 24 has a substantially uniform width and thickness.

In this embodiment, a first end of each of the plurality of the second slats 24 is coupled to the second outer frame 20. This coupling of the first end of each of the second slats 24 is provided by screws that join the second slats 24 to the second outer frame 20.

In this embodiment, a second end of each of the plurality of the second slats 24 is coupled to the second inner frame 22. The second end of a slat is an opposite end to the first end of that slat. This coupling of the second end of each of the second slats 24 is provided by screws that join the second slats 24 to the second inner frame 22. In this embodiment, the second end of each of the second slats 24 is coupled the second inner frame 22 such that each of the second slats 24 is positioned against an outer surface of the second inner frame 22.

In this embodiment, the second slats 24 are coupled to the second outer frame 20 and second inner frame 22 such that the second slats 24 are substantially equally spaced along each of the frames 20, 22, i.e. such that the distances (along the frames 20, 22) between one of the second slats 24 and a another of the second slats 24 (closest to the first mentioned slat), are substantially equal.

In this embodiment, the frames 10, 12, 20, 22 are each substantially "n-shaped". The slats 14, 24 are positioned along the tops of the frames and 0** partially down the legs of the frames 10, 12, 20, 22. The slats 14, 24 are * positioned along the outer surfaces of the frames 10, 12, 20, 22.

In this embodiment, when the bench 2 is viewed from above (e.g. as in Figure IA) the second slats 24 on the top of the bench 2 are shaped such that they form concentric arcs. * *

S

In this embodiment, the first component 4 and the second component 6 are coupled together such that the components 4, 6 are moveable relative to one another.

In this embodiment, the first and second components 4, 6 are coupled together such that the second inner frame 22 is positioned between the first outer frame 10 and the first inner frame 12. Also, the first and second 4, 6 components are coupled together such that the first inner frame 12 is positioned between the second outer frame 20 and the second inner frame 22.

In this embodiment the first slats 14 are coupled to the first outer and inner frames 10, 12 such that the first slats 14 are relatively fixed with respect to those frames 10, 12. The first slats 14 are positioned on an outer surface of the first inner frame 12.

Furthermore, the first slats 14 abut, i.e. are in contact with, the second inner frame 22 (because the second inner frame 22 separates the first outer frame 10 and the first inner frame 12). The first slats 14 are positioned on an outer surface of the second inner frame 22.

In this embodiment, the first slats 14 are moveable relative to the second inner frame 22. In particular, the first slats 14 are slideable (i.e. are moveable in a direction along the length of the first slats 14) over the outer surface of the second inner frame 22.

Similarly, in this embodiment the second slats 24 are coupled to the second outer and inner frames 20, 22 such that the second slats 24 are relatively fixed with respect to those frames 20, 22. The second slats 24 are positioned on an outer surface of the second inner frame 22.

Also, the second slats 24 abut, i.e. are in contact with, the first inner frame 12 (because the first inner frame 12 separates the second outer frame 20 and the second inner frame 22). The second slats 24 are positioned on an outer surface of the first inner frame 12. * S * S.

In this embodiment, the second slats 24 are moveable relative to the first * S. inner frame 12. In particular, the second slats 24 are slideable (i.e. are S ** moveable in a direction along the length of the second slats 24) over the outer surface of thefirst innerframe 12.

In this embodiment, the first slats 14 and the second slats 24 are positioned in such a way that, the first slats 14 are in an alternating arrangement with the second slats 24, i.e. that between each pair of first slats 14 there is a second slat 24 and vice versa. -lo-

in this embodiment the widths and thicknesses of the first and second slats 14, 24 are substantially equal. Moreover, a space between two adjacent first slats 14 is such that a single second slat 24 fits in that space, and such that a relatively small gap exists between a first slat 14 and an adjacent second slat 24. Similarly1 a space between two adjacent second slats 24 is such that a single first slat 14 fits in that space, and such that a relatively small gap exists between a first slat 14 and an adjacent second slat 24. These relatively small gaps advantageously tend to allow for an amount of expansion of the slats 14, 16 (e.g. due to environmental conditions) whilst still allowing for the relative movement of the first slats 14 and the second slats 24, e.g. that occurs during extension of the bench 2, as described in more detail later below with reference to Figures 3A -3C and 4A -4C. In other words, relatively small gap between two neighbouring slats alleviates or reduces the risk of the components 4, 6 of the bench 2 seizing together, e.g. due to expansion of the slats due to environmental conditions.

An operation of extending the bench 2 (i.e. an operation by which the length of the bench 2 is increased) will now be described.

Figure 3A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the bench 2 in a partially extended configuration.

Figure 3B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front and side view of the bench 2 in a partially extended configuration.

0***s.

* Figure 3C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view C'S of the bench 2 in a partially extended configuration.

* * Figure 4A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the bench 2 in a fully extended configuration.

Figure 4B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front and side view of the bench 2 in a fully extended configuration.

Figure 4C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the bench 2 in a fully extended configuration.

In this embodiment, the bench is extended from an unextended state (Figures 2A -2C) to a fully extended state (Figures 4A -4C) via the partially extended state (Figures 3A -3C) under the action of a user (not shown in the Figures).

In this embodiment, the user moves the first component 4 relative to the second component 6. The first component 4 is slid along the ground away from the second component 6 (the second component 6 remains substantially stationary relative to the ground). In other words, the first outer frame 10 is slid away from the second inner frame 22. This operation slides the first slats 14 (which are substantially fixed relative to the first outer frame 10) over the outer surface of the second inner frame 22, Furthermore, this operation slides the first inner 12 frame (which is fixed relative to the first slats 14) away from the second outer frame 20 and towards the second inner frame 22. This operation also causes the second slats 24 to slide over the outer surface of the first inner frame 12.

In the fully extended configuration (Figures 4A -4C), the first and second inner frames 12, 22 abut, i.e. are touching.

Similarly, the bench 2 may be extended by the user by moving the second component 6 relative to the first component 4 (with the first component 4 remaining substantially stationary relative to the ground) An operation of retracting the bench 2 (i.e. an operation by which the S....

* 5 length of the bench 2 is decreased) comprises reversing the above described J method of extending the bench 2. In other words, the bench can be shortened by pushing the components 4, 6 of the bench 2 together.

Thus, an extendible bench 2 and an operation by which the bench 2 can * be extended are provided.

An advantage of the above described bench is that the length of the bench can be increased or decreased depending on a requirement of a user. In other words, the useful surface of the bench can be increased or decreased depending on a requirement, e.g. depending on a number of the people wanting -12 -to be seated on the bench, or depending on spatial constraints that may arise from a requirement that the bench fits into a particular area.

A further advantage is that the range over which the bench can be extended is a continuous range. Moreover, the surface provided by the slats of the above described bench tends to be useable by a user over the whole range of extension. This tends to be in contrast to conventional extendible furniture which typically can only be extended to a number of different discrete sizes (e.g. extendible tables which are extended by pulling apart two parts of a top surface of table, and inserting a fixed size intermediate table portion). This tends to provide that a user is able to change the length of the bench to be any desired length between the length of the unextended bench and the length of the fully extended bench. This tends to provide that a user has a greater choice for the length of the bench than is the case with conventional extendible furniture.

A further advantage provided by the above described bench is that the construction of such a bench tends to be advantageously simple. The individual parts that make up the bench (i.e. the frames and the slats) tends to be relatively simple to manufacture and, from these individual parts, the bench tends to be relatively simple to construct. This tends to allow for relatively cheap and efficient production of the parts for the bench, and also allows for the bench to be provided to a user in flat-pack', or kit form, i.e. for construction by the user. This advantageously tends to reduce manufacture and storage costs.

A further advantage provided by the above described bench is that the process by which the length of the bench is extended or shortened tends to be *01 advantageously simple. In particular, no additional tools or parts are required to change the length of the useable surface of the bench. * 6*

: A further advantage provided by the above described bench is that 04* * * relative movement of the first and second components in directions other than those that allows for extension or retraction of the bench tends to be restricted.

This tends to be provided by the feature that the slats are positioned along the tops and sides (or legs) of the frames. In other words, the bench tends to be relatively stable as a result of having slats laying in more than one plane. This opposition to unwanted relative movement of the first and second components also tends to be provided by the slats being arranged in an alternating pattern (i.e. a first slat -a second slats -a first slat -a second slat, and so on) with the gaps between adjacent slats being only relatively small. The relatively small gaps between adjacent slats tend to allow for an amount of expansion of the slats (e.g. due to environmental conditions).

A further advantage is that throughout the entire range of extension (i.e. from the unextended state to the fully extended state) the useable surface of the bench remains at substantially the same level (i.e. height above the ground).

This tends to provide that the usable surface of the bench is equally useable throughout the entire range of extension.

In the above embodiments, the extendible piece of furniture is a curved bench. However, in other embodiments the extendible piece of furniture is a different piece of furniture, having a different appropriate shape. For example, in other embodiments the piece of furniture is a chair, a table, an office screen, or a work bench. Furthermore, the furniture may be for either internal or external use. Also, the components of the piece furniture (i.e. the frames or the slats) may be made from any appropriate material or materials, e.g. metal, wood, or plastic. For example, in other embodiments, a top surface of one or more of the slats may be cushioned, or upholstered, e.g. to provide a more comfortable/aesthetically pleasing item of furniture.

In the above embodiments, the extendible piece of furniture extends along a curve (i.e. the direction along which the bench extends is curved). Also, the slats of the bench have curved shapes (i.e. are arcs). However, in other embodiments the direction along which the bench extends and/or retracts is a different shape, e.g. a straight line. In such embodiments, the slats may be of any different appropriate shape so as to provide the above described functionality.

In the above the frames of the bench have an "n-shape". However, in other embodiments, one or more of the frames of the piece of furniture has a different shape.

-14 -An embodiment in which the furniture is a different type of piece of furniture, the fames have a different shape, and the direction of extension/retraction has a different shape, will now be described.

Figures 5A -5C are schematic illustrations (not to scale) of a further embodiment of an extendible piece of furniture. In this embodiment, the piece of furniture is a chair 30.

Figure 5A is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a top view of the chair 30.

Figure 5B is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a front view of the chair 30.

Figure 5C is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a perspective view of the chair 30.

Figures 5A -5C show the chair 30 in a partially extended configuration.

The chair comprises two components (shaded and unshaded in Figures 5A - 5C) that are moveable relative to each other. The seat of the chair 30 is made up of slats belonging to the two components of the chair 30. Thus, in an analogous way to that described above for the bench, the useable length of the seat of the chair can be altered by moving the components of the chairs relative to one another.

In the above embodiments, the slats and frames of a component of the bench are separate parts. In particular, the slats of one component are fixedly 2 * attached to the frames of that component via screws. However, in other * S. 555 * embodiments, one or more of the slats of a component may be integral with (i.e. formed from the same piece of material) as one or more of the frames of that component. Also, in other embodiments one or more of the slats of one component may be attached to one or more of the frames of that component via * 5. a different appropriate means e.g. by welding1 gluing, or nails a slat to a frame.

S.....

* In the above embodiments, the first and second components may be relatively freely moved in a direction along the length of a slat. However, in other embodiments, the piece of furniture comprises one or more locking mechanisms by which the relative positions of the components may be fixed (or locked). This advantageously tends to allow a user to lock the length of the piece of furniture as desired. This locking mechanism may be released by a user, thereby allowing for extension/retraction of the piece of furniture.

In the above embodiments, the bench is piece of furniture is extended/retracted by sliding one or both of components along the ground.

However, in other embodiments, the piece of furniture is extended and/or retracted by a different operation. For example, in other embodiments, the frames of one or both components comprise wheels (e.g. lockable wheels) at the ends of the legs of the frame (i.e. such that the frame is in contact with the ground via the wheel). Thus, the piece of furniture may be extended/retracted by rolling one frame relative to the other.

In the above embodiments, the widths and thickness of each of the slats are substantially equal. However, in other embodiments one or more slats may have a different thickness and/or width compared to the slats.

In the above embodiments, each of the slats of the bench has a substantially uniform thickness. In particular, in the above embodiments the cross section of a slat is substantially rectangular. However, in other embodiments a cross section of one or more of the slats may be a different shape. Some example slat cross sections will now be described. In other embodiments, one or more slats may have one or more of the slat features described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. *0*

:°. Figure 6 is a schematic illustration (not to scale) of a cross section of a :*. slat 14, 24 in a second further embodiment. In this embodiment, the thickness of the slat 14, 24 is non-uniform and advantageously tends to oppose bending

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of the slat 14, 24 (e.g. under the action of a load).

* :5 Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of (not to scale) of a cross section of a plurality of alternating first slats 14 and second slats 24 in a third further embodiment. In this embodiment, each slat comprises a protuberance 32 along the length of one side of the slat 14, 24, and a groove 34 along the length of an opposite side of the slat 14, 24. A protuberance 32 of a first slat 14 is slid along a groove 32 of an adjacent second slat 24 (and vice versa) such that the slats are in effect fixed together. In this way, adjacent (i.e. interlocked) slats 14, 24 may move relative to one another in a direction along the length of a slat.

However, movement of a slat relative to an adjacent slat in a direction other than a direction along the length of a slat tends to be advantageously opposed.

This tends to increase the stability of the piece of furniture.

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of (not to scale) of a cross section of a plurality of alternating first slats 14 and second slats 24, and the second inner frame 22 in a fourth further embodiment. In this embodiment, each of the first slats 14 comprises a protuberance, hereinafter referred to as a "further protuberance 36" along the length of the bottom surface of that first slat 14.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second inner frame comprises a series of grooves, hereinafter referred to as the "further grooves 38", along which the further protuberances 36 of the first stats 14 slide. In this embodiment, the second slats 24 are substantially fixed relative to the second inner frame 22. A protuberance 32 of a first slat 14 is slid along a groove 32 of an adjacent second slat 24 (and vice versa) such that the slats are in effect fixed together. In this way, the first slats 14, 24 may move relative to the second inner frame 22 (and therefore also the second slats 24) in a direction along the length of a slat.

However, movement of a first slat 14 relative to the second inner frame 22 (and therefore also the second slats 24) in a direction other than a direction along the length of a first slat 14 tends to be advantageously opposed. This tends to increase the stability of the piece of furniture.

I.....

* Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of (not to scale) of a cross section of a plurality of alternating first slats 14 and second slats 24 in a fifth further embodiment. In this embodiment, each the slats 14, 24 has a substantially S-shaped cross section. Thus, the slats tend to overlap to some extent. This * advantageously tends to oppose bending of the slat 14, 24 (e.g. under the action of a load). Furthermore, movement of a stat in a direction other than a direction along the length of that slat tends to be advantageously opposed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An item of furniture comprising: a first part (4); and a second part (6); wherein the first part comprises a first support member (10) and a first slat (14); the first slat (14) is coupled to the first support member (10); the first slat (14) extends from the first support member (10); the second part (6) comprises a second support member (20), a second slat (24), and a third slat (24); the second slat (24) and the third slat (24) are each coupled to the second support member (20); the second slat (24) and the third slat (24) extend from the second support member (20) in substantially the same direction as each other; the second slat (24) and the third slat (24) are laterally spaced on the second support member (20) such that there is a gap between the second slat (24) and the third slat (24); the first slat (14) is positioned such that it is at least partially in the gap; the first part (4) or the second part (6) further comprises a third support S...member(12,22); , : the third support member (12, 22) is laterally spaced along a length of * the slat or slats of the part that comprises the third support member (12, 22) *, S...* from the other support member of that part; the third support member (12, 22) is coupled to the slat or slats of the part that comprises the third support member (12, 22); and the slat or slats of the part not comprising the third support member (12, 22) are slidable over a surface of the third support member (12, 22).

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2. An item of furniture according to claim 1, wherein: the first support member (10) is positioned at or proximate to one end of the first slat (14); the second support member (20) is positioned at or proximate to one end of the second slat (24) and the third slat (24); the first part (4) comprises the third support member (12); and the third support member (12) is positioned at or proximate to an end of the first slat (14) opposite the end of the first slat (14) that the first support member (10) is at or proximate to.
3. An item of furniture according to claim 1, wherein: the first support member (10) is positioned at or proximate to one end of the first slat (14); the second support member (20) is positioned at or proximate to one end of the second slat (24) and the third slat (24); the second part (6) comprises the third support member (22); and the third support member (22) is positioned at or proximate to an end of the second slat (24) opposite the end of the second slat (24) that the second support member (20) is at or proximate to, and at or proximate to an end of the n.e third slat (24) opposite the end of the third slat (24) that the second support member (20)is ator proximate to. S* S S S* S Sc
4. An item of furniture according to any of claims ito 3, wherein: the part not comprising the third support (12, 22) member comprises a fourth support member (12, 22); the fourth support member (12, 22) is laterally spaced along a length of the slat or slats of the part that comprises the fourth support member (12, 22) from the other support member of that part; and -19-the slat or slats of the part not comprising the fourth support member (12, 22) are slidable over a surface of the fourth support member (12, 22).
5. An item of furniture according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 3, wherein: the first part (4) comprises the fourth support member (12); and the fourth support member (12) is positioned at or proximate to an end of the first slat (14) opposite the end of the first slat (14) that the first support member (10) is at or proximate to.
6. An item of furniture according to claim 5, wherein the third support member (22) is positioned between the first support (10) member and the fourth support member (12).
7. An item of furniture according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein: the second part (6) comprises the fourth support member (22); and the fourth support member (22) is positioned at or proximate to an end of the second slat (24) opposite the end of the second slat (24) that the second support member (20) is at or proximate to, and at or proximate to an end of the third slat (24) opposite the end of the third slat (24) that the second support member (20) is at or proximate to. s..
8. An item of furniture according to claim 7, wherein the third support member (12) is positioned between the second support (20) member and the * S..fourth support member (22).
9. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 8, wherein: -20 -the first part (4) further comprises a first plurality of further slats (14); each of the first plurality of further slats are coupled to the first support member (10); each of the first plurality of further slats (14) extend from the first support member (10) in substantially the same direction as the first slat (14); the slats of the first plurality of further slats (14) are laterally spaced on the first support member (10) such that there is a gap between each pair of slats of the first part; and at least one of the slats of the second part is positioned such that it is at least partially in the gap between a pair of slats of the first part.
10. An item of furniture according to any of claims Ito 9, wherein: the second part (6) further comprises a second plurality of further slats (24); each of the second plurality of further slats are coupled to the second support member (20); each of the second plurality of further slats (24) extend from the second support member (20) in substantially the same direction as the second and third slats (24); the slats of the second plurality of further slats (24) are laterally spaced on the second support member (20) such that there is a gap between each pair of slats of the second part; and at least one of the slats of the first part is positioned such that it is at least 0t**t* * partially in the gap between a pair of slats of the second part. St St S. S * 25S

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II. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 10, wherein the sliding of a slat of one part is permitted in a direction along the length of that slat, and is opposed by a slat of the different part in a direction other than along the length of that slat.
12. An item of furniture according to any of claims Ito II, wherein the lateral space between the first slat (14) and the second slat (24) is relatively small in comparison to widths of the first and second slats, such that a top surface of the first slat and a top surface of the second slat provide a substantially continuous surface.
13. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 12, wherein there is substantially no step between a top surface of the first slat and a top surface of the second slat.
14. An item of furniture according to any of claims Ito 13, wherein widths of each of the slats are substantially equal.
15. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 14, wherein thicknesses of each of the slats are substantially equal.
16. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 15, wherein each of the slats has substantially uniform thickness. * 20 S...

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17. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 15, wherein each of the slats has substantially non-uniform thickness.

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18. An item of furniture according to any of claims I to 17, wherein the item * 25 of furniture is one of a bench, a chair, a table, or an office screen. **S** * *
19. An item of furniture as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.