JP7263342B2 - Multi-purpose furniture assembly with safety features - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to furniture. More particularly, the present invention relates to knock-down flat lay furniture kits that can serve different purposes with additional panels of different shapes.

Furniture may be defined as movable objects intended to support various human activities such as sitting, eating and sleeping. Furniture is also used to hold objects at a convenient height for work or to store things. In this day and age, most people live in small spaces, so every piece of furniture needs to be made to do double duty. To live in a small space, the idea of "multi-purpose" goes a long way. People may need fewer possessions when the possession performs more than one function. Multi-purpose furniture saves space in modern homes, allowing people to choose smaller, more efficient dwellings. Multi-purpose furniture, also known as unit furniture, can be expanded or contracted as needed, can take on two roles at once, or transition smoothly from one function to another.

In one example shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,586, specifically children's furniture, the positioning of selectable items can be functionally used as upright chairs, rocking chairs, desks, and tables. discloses a multi-functional article of furniture formed as a one-piece hollow wall molded from hard plastic material. However, the disclosed furniture has limitations such that it cannot be folded into a compact size for storage purposes.

In a second example, shown in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0276839, a convertible furniture item is disclosed. The disclosed furniture item is reusable between a coffee table with chairs and a dining table by simply rotating the furniture from a horizontal position to an upright position. However, this furniture has difficult connections and cannot be easily disassembled into smaller pieces for transportation and storage purposes.

On the one hand, Belgian Patent No. 1008843 discloses a folding piece of furniture that can change its function between a chair, a stool, a table or a shelf. The furniture consists of hinges and it is possible to fold the furniture to some extent. However, the rigidity of the furniture is not guaranteed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,556,586 U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0276839 Belgian patent invention No. 1008843

It is necessary to provide a multi-functional furniture invention that can be folded and detached into small parts with simple connections in tight spaces. Accordingly, the present invention provides such furniture.

The main object of the present invention is to provide a knockdown flat lay furniture kit with the following basic units: The basic unit comprises a generally rectangular backboard and a ladder-like frame hinged to the vertical edge of the backboard, lying flat on the backboard and extending perpendicular to the backboard. a pair of generally rectangular metallic side members that can be moved between positions.

Preferably, the kit includes panels attached to the frame by clip members. These clip members fit closely over the side pieces of the crosspieces and side members.

Preferably, the kit further includes back panels and has interlocking means for connecting the back panels.

Preferably, the side members comprise ladder-like members having both horizontal and angled rungs.

Preferably, the backboard comprises a pair of hinged panels that can be folded symmetrically along the vertical axis.

Preferably, additional panels may include, but are not limited to, drawers, shelves, cabinets, foldable tables, and chairs.

Alternatively, the clip member comprises a U-shaped hook with a flange extending therefrom.

Alternatively, the side panels may include restraints next to the hinges to limit the side panels from spreading and allow the kit to stand upright before the additional panels are attached.

Alternatively, the kit further includes anti-seismic measures applied to the clip members and additional panels.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a knockdown flat lay furniture kit comprising the following basic units: The basic unit comprises a generally rectangular backboard and a ladder-like frame hinged to the vertical edge of the backboard to lie flat on and extend perpendicular to the backboard. a pair of generally rectangular metal side members that can be moved between different positions; and a stabilizing means for restraining the panel from dislodging.

Preferably, the stabilizing means are shaped with a gap between the side members and the backboard. At least one projection, in engageable contact with the side member, is positioned at a point between the gap and extends from one edge of the additional panel to act as a first stop to laterally extend the additional panel. Prevent directional movement.

Preferably, the stabilizing means are shaped with holes at each edge of the additional panel for receiving pins. These holes are positioned in close proximity to the bottom of the horizontal rungs to which the additional panels are mounted so that each pin is able to engageably contact the underside of the respective horizontal rung longitudinally of the additional panels. prevent the movement of

Preferably, the stabilizing means is in the form of a stop attached to at least one side member or backboard and is positioned above and adjacent the additional panel when a load is applied to the outer edge of the additional panel. In addition, it prevents the additional panel from tipping over.

Preferably, the stop is an elongated U-shaped clip attachable to the side member or backboard.

Preferably, the stabilizing means is shaped with at least one protrusion projecting from the underside of the additional panel and in engaging contact with the clip member to prevent the additional panel from slipping.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as the attributes thereof. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the invention, preferred embodiments from inspection are illustrated in the accompanying figures. The invention, its structure and operation, and its many advantages, will be readily understood and interpreted when this review is considered in conjunction with the following description.

Fig. 2 shows a knockdown flat lay furniture kit; FIG. 3 shows a basic unit and an extension unit of the furniture kit; Fig. 2 shows a shelf of a furniture kit; Fig. 2 shows a loading corner of the furniture kit; Fig. 3 shows a drawer assembly of the furniture kit; Fig. 3 shows a folding table assembly of the furniture kit; Fig. 3 shows a removable storage box of the furniture kit; Fig. 3 shows an extension of the wireframe of the furniture kit; FIG. 11 shows a hook for holding a wireframe; Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a clip member; Fig. 10 shows a second embodiment of a clip member; Figure 10 shows the attachment of an additional panel to the second embodiment of the clip member; FIG. 11 shows rollers of the drawer assembly; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the rollers of the drawer assembly; FIG. 11 shows the base of the leg of the side member; Figure 4 shows a safety means in the form of a stopper; It is a figure which shows attachment to the furniture kit of a stopper. Fig. 3 shows a safety means in the form of a protrusion; Fig. 10 shows the application of the projections to the furniture kit; Fig. 3 shows a safety means in the form of a safety pin;

The invention will now be explained in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the figures.

Figures 1 and 2 show views of a knockdown flat lay furniture kit with accessories. A furniture kit has a basic unit. This basic unit is formed by a generally rectangular backboard 100 and a ladder-like frame hinged to the vertical edges of the backboard 100, and is formed by a pair of generally rectangular metal plates that move between two positions. A manufacturing side member 200 is provided. In one of these two positions, the side members 200 rest flat on the backboard 100 , and in the other, the side members 200 extend perpendicular to the backboard 100 . The side members 200, 210 further include restraints to limit the spread of the side panels, allowing the kit to stand upright before additional panels are attached. Preferably, these limiting means are, but are not limited to, additional bars added to the ladder-like frames of the side members 200, 210, or stops or ridges added to the ends of the backboards 100, 110. be able to. Backboard 100 consists of a pair of hinged panels that are foldable along a vertical axis in a corrugated manner. The kit is also horizontally expandable by attaching another backboard having a single side member 210 to the main backboard 100 by interlocking means. In addition, the backboard 100 also includes hooks 222 for attaching the wireframe 220 so that the wireframe 220 can extend vertically from the backboard 100 as shown in FIGS. . The wireframe 220 also has additional hooks 221 that are attached to the backboard 100 for reinforcement.

The kit includes additional panels that are attached to side member 200 by clip members 400 . The clip member 400 fits tightly over the crosspiece and the side parts of the side member 200 . Side member 200 thus includes a ladder-like member with both horizontal and slanted rungs. Additional panels in the kit may be of different shapes and include, but are not limited to, drawers 320, shelves, cabinets 370, foldable tables 330, and chairs. In a first example as shown in FIG. 5, the additional panel is in the form of a drawer 320 . The drawer 320 has two pairs of clips 400 of different orientations attached to the inside so that the drawer 320 can slide along the rung within maximum tolerance. Reorienting the clip not only attaches the drawer 320 to the crosspiece, but also acts as a gripping channel to allow the sliding function of the drawer 320 .

In a second example shown in FIG. 6 the additional panel is in the form of a foldable table 330 . The foldable table 330 includes a split foldable table top with a clip on one side 332 of the table top and folding legs 331 on the other side of the table top. Table 330 has an upright configuration and a compact configuration. In the upright configuration, the table top rests flat in a generally horizontal position and the legs are turned out to a generally vertical position to support the table top. In the compact configuration, the first section of the table top is rotated down to a perpendicular position relative to the second section 332 of the table top and the legs are turned inward parallel to the first section. be The height of the table corresponds to the extension of the folding legs 331 and different heights can serve different purposes. For example, a taller table can serve as a bar table, while a shorter foldable table 330 can serve as a work desk.

In a third example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the additional panel is in the form of a shelf, which can be attached to the side member 200 via clips 400 at any height. Shelves can be in the form of flat panels (350, 360) or L-panels (310, 340) and serve different purposes. For example, the flat panels (350, 360) can be laid horizontally to form a display shelf; the L-shaped panel (310, 340) can be attached to the side member 200 at an oblique angle, converting one end of the panel to be raised to turn the object into an oblique angle panel; can hold.

In a fourth example, shown in FIG. 9, the additional panel is in the form of cabinet 370 . Cabinet 370 has a bottom panel with two pairs of clips on the sides, two side panels 373 with hinged doors 371, and a top cover panel 372 connected via dowel connections.

A first embodiment of clip member 400, shown in FIG. a flange 404 extending from any of the . The flange has a hole 403 at its centroid to accept any tightening medium such as bolts, locking nuts and screws.

A second embodiment of a clip member 400, shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, comprises a beam structure 405, each free end having a "U" shaped hook 402 for attachment to the crosspiece of the frame of the side members. The beam structure also has a pair of protrusions 406 that mate with recesses in the additional panel 350 .

A third embodiment of the clip members shown in FIG. 12 is each in the form of a grooved wheel 321 in which the crosspieces rest within the grooved section of the wheel. This embodiment can be applied with an additional panel in the shape of the drawer 320, where the friction is reduced and the drawer slides better.

In certain countries where earthquakes are frequent, furniture may incorporate features with earthquake resistance, such as shown in Figures 11-13. As one example, the clip member 400 may further comprise a support beam structure 405 connecting opposite sides of the clip member with securing means to prevent the clip 400 from disengaging from the crosspiece due to external forces. The beam also includes a pair of retaining means 406 such as roller catches for retaining additional panels 350 . In another example, safety means may be applied to grooved wheels 321 of drawer 320 . A reinforcement panel 322 is thereby added next to the grooved wheels 321 to provide additional support for the drawer 320 . In addition, the legs of the side members 200 have feet 201 which can be enlarged in size to promote stability of the furniture.

Figures 14-16 show knock-down lay-flat furniture with basic units. The basic unit comprises a generally rectangular backboard 100 and a ladder-like frame hinged to the vertical edges of the backboard 100 to lie flat on the backboard 100 and to the backboard. and a pair of generally rectangular metallic side members 200 that can be moved between orthogonally spread positions. A plurality of additional panels may be attached to the frame by clip members when the kit is unfolded in an upright position. The clip member fits closely over the side pieces of the crosspiece and side member. The kit further comprises means for securing the mounting fixture to the additional panel to the basic unit. In examples where the additional panels are folding tables and/or cabinet shelves, the fixing means are shaped with a gap between the side members 200 and the backboard 100, as shown in Figures 14 and 14A. A generally elongated U-shaped stop 500 is then clipped to the side member 200 to limit tipping of the folding table 330 when a load is applied to the outer edge of the folding table 330 . Preferably, the stopper is made of rubber, elastomer, ethylene polypropylene diene (EPDM), or any other material that is resilient and has frictional properties so that the stopper can snap and hold in place on side member 200 .

In a second embodiment of the stabilizing means shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A, the stabilizing means is shaped with an air gap between the side members 200 and the backboard 100 . At least one projection in engageable contact with side member 200 is located at a point between this gap and extends from one edge of the additional panel to prevent lateral movement of the additional panel. In one example, the L-shaped panel 310 has protrusions 501, 502 extending from the side edges. The protrusions 501, 502 fit into the gaps between the side members 200 and the backboard 100, thereby restricting lateral movement so that the L-shaped panel 310 is installed in an oblique position. The L-shaped panel 310 does not slide out of the kit when folded. Preferably, the protrusions 501, 502 are in the form of pins made of metal, plastic, wood, or any other material that has strength to prevent the additional panels from sliding out of the kit.

A third embodiment of the safety means illustrated in FIG. 16 is a pin 503 that fits into a hole in each edge of the additional panel to reinforce the attachment of the additional panel to the side member 200. FIG. Holes 504 are located near and below the horizontal crossbar to which the additional panels are mounted. In one example of mounting folding table 330 to side member 200, pins 503 are attached to the side edges of folding table 330 so that longitudinal movement of folding table 330 is restricted and prevents folding table 330 from being removed from the kit. It fits into a hole in the part. Preferably, pin 503 is a generally cylindrical pin made of metal, plastic, wood, or any other material that has the strength to hold additional panels in place.

The present disclosure includes the subject matter of the appended claims as well as the foregoing description. Although the invention has been described in preferred form with a certain degree of originality, this disclosure in the preferred form is made by way of example only and many changes in the details of construction and combinations and arrangements of parts may be made to the present invention. It should be understood that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (5)

A knockdown flat lay furniture kit comprising:
a generally rectangular backboard (100);
a ladder-like frame hingedly connected to a vertical edge of said backboard (100), whereby said ladder-like frame is positioned flat on said backboard (100) and said backboard (100); 100), a pair of generally rectangular metallic side members (200) that can be moved between positions that extend at right angles to each other;
at least one additional panel attached to said ladder-like frame by means of clip members that closely fit into the horizontal crosspieces of said metal side members (200);
a prefabricated flat furniture kit comprising stabilizing means for restraining the additional panel from coming off,
Said stabilizing means is shaped with a gap between said metallic side member (200) and said backboard (100) and is in engagable contact with said metallic side member (200). A projection (501) is characterized in that it is positioned between said gaps and extends from the edge of said additional panel and acts as a first stop to prevent lateral movement of said additional panel. , the assembly type flat furniture kit. Said stabilizing means are shaped with holes (504) at each edge of said additional panel for receiving pins (503), said holes (504) below said horizontal crossbar to which said additional panel is mounted. so that each pin (503) is capable of engagingly contacting the underside of a respective horizontal crosspiece to prevent longitudinal movement of said additional panel. Kit as described. said stabilizing means is shaped with a stopper (500) attached to at least one of said metal side members (200) or said backboard (100) and is positioned above and adjacent to said additional panel; 3. A kit according to any one of claims 1 or 2 , wherein the additional panel is prevented from overturning when a load is applied to the outer edge of the additional panel. 4. The kit of claim 3 , wherein the stopper (500) is an elongated U-shaped clip (500) attachable to the metal side member (200) or the backboard (100). The stabilizing means is shaped with at least one protrusion (502) projecting from the underside of the additional panel and is in engageable contact with the clip member (400) to prevent the additional panel from sliding. Kit according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , which prevents.

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