US2634792A

US2634792A - Convertible article of furniture

Info

Publication number: US2634792A
Application number: US277473A
Authority: US
Inventors: Dolores A Lipka
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1952-03-19
Filing date: 1952-03-19
Publication date: 1953-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 1970-04-14

Description

A ril 14, 1953 D. A. LIPKA CONVERTIBLE ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Filed March 19, 1952 IN V EN TOR.

Dal. a/zzs A L 00/64 Patented Apr. 1 4, 195 3 UNITED STATES OFFICE 10 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to a convertible article of furniture, which is adapted for several modes of usage either as an indoor or an outdoor home accessory.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel article of furniture which may be used selectively as a chair, a table, or a cushion rack, without requiring mechanical alteration or rearrangement of its constituent parts.

Another object of the invention is to provide a convertible article of furniture which is simple and inexpensive, yet attractive and useful for the purpose above noted.

A further object is to provide a combination article of furniture which may be used effectively as a space saver in living quarters wherein added seating and table facilities may be required from time to time, although normally the conservation of space may be necessary or at least desirable in such living quarters.

The foregoing and other general objectives are attained by the means described herein and illustrated upon the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the convertible article of furniture embodying the present invention, showing use thereof as a chair or seat in compact form.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the article of Figure 1 shown inverted and used as a table.

Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a typical arrangement in which the cushions of the Figure 1 device may be included, the cushions being used as individual seats.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of one of the upright struts utilized in the construction of the article of furniture.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a modification of the article of furniture illustrated by Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 6 is a top plan view of a second modification.

Figure '7 is a top plan view of a third modification.

The device of the invention, being convertible as shown, for use as a chair, a table, or a cushion rack, must properly be considered a combination article possessing the attributes of compactness and versatility of use in the interest of conserving space. In general, living quarters are normally arranged to accommodate the members of a family, and possibly a limited number of guests. However, on occasion, the number of occupants may exceed the accommodations provided, thereby requiring temporary augmentation of the seating facilities or table space, or possibly both, and it is of course desirable in such a case to meet the unusual requirements with the least amount of effort, and without disarranging much of the furnishings of the living quarters. The article of furniture herein disclosed is adapted expecially for quickly meeting situations such as that mentioned above, in a manner which is pleasing, simple, and in good taste.

Figures 2 and 3 depict a typical arrangement of cushions and a small table I2 before a radio or television receiver l3, quickly and. easily consummated with the mere inverting of the article shown in Figure 1, the article providing an additional table (Figure 2), and a series of auxiliary seats in the form of cushions 0. While only two cushions are shown in use at the table [2, it should be understood that all of the cushions normally embodied in the converted chair of Figure 1, could be used; and moreover, the number of cushions or seat elements embodied in the chair is subjected to variation, depending upon the thickness of the cushions and the height to which they may be stacked within the framework of the article of furniture. The suitability of the Figure 2-3 arrangement for use by extra guests, and particularly children, should readily be appreciated. It may here be noted that the elements of Figure 3 may appear to be shown on a smaller scale than those of Figure 2, but actually the cushions C of Figure 3 will bear the relationship of size to the article frame illustrated upon Figure 1. That is, the size of the cushion approximates the size of the panel M, by preference, and will usually conform with the shape thereof.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the character is indicates a substantially fiat panel having an interior face I5 and an opposed exterior face it, the latter serving as a table top when the article of furniture is inverted to the Figure 2 position. The interior face l5 serves as a support for a stack of cushions C when the device is used as a chair or as a cushion rack. The panel Id may be in the form of a fiat board of wood or any equivalent table material having the necessary rigidity, or if preferred, the panel may be formed from metal sheet or the like. By preference, though not of necessity, the exterior face It of the panel may be coated, covered, or otherwise treated to furnish a satisfactory table top which is washable, and resistant to the destructive effects of food and beverage chemicals. The surface It may be suitably decorated, if desired.

Although as shown in the drawing the panel I4 is of substantially circular configuration, it will become apparent as the description proceeds, that such panel is subject to considerable variation of contour and size. One proposed variation is illustrated by Figure '7, wherein the panel is shown generally kidney-shaped. Square or rectangular panels, or panels of almost any appropriate geometric design might be incorporated in the article of furniture, within the spirit of the present invention.

The peripheral portion of the panel furnishes an anchorage for the upstanding framework which may be constituted of a main frame element ll which comprises a horizontal loop section !8, forward main uprights l9 and 20, and a series of upright struts or braces 2| which connect the loop section with the peripheral portion of the base panel. The loop section 18 forms the arm rests and the back when the device is used as a chair. The extent of the horizontal loop section it? exceeds half the perimeter of base panel I 4, so that when the device is used as a table as in Figure 2, the table is ensured against tipping.

If desired, the uprights l9 and 2c of the main frame element may be made integral with the horizontal loop section l8, particularly when the main frame element is formed from metal tubing, bendable wood strips, and the like. In other constructions, the forward main uprights may be separate parts secured at their upper ends to the horizontal arm rest and back section it. The struts or braces 2| may be formed in accordance with Figure 4, the upper and lower ends thereof being flattened and pierced as at 22 and 23, to receive screws, bolts or other fasteners 24 which secure the struts or braces to the members it and i8. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the article of furniture is constructed of metal tubing in the framework, which may be plated with a suitable finish such as chromium, cadmium or other wear-resistant metal. The elementsof the device may of course be finished or decorated in any other suitable manner to comply with the demands of purchasers. It will be understood also that the tubular elements may be of oval, square or other cross-sectional shape, if desired.

In the modification illustrated by Figure 5, the base panel 26 supports a framework constructed of bamboo, cane, or similar wood material bent and braced substantially in accordance with Figure 1. In the modified construction, the main frame element is designated 27, and the upright struts or braces bear the reference character 28. Here again, the loop section 28 is horizontal, and parallel to the base or panel 26, while the forward main uprights 30 are disposed substantially at right angles to the planes of the loop section and the base panel. Fasteners 31 of any suitable type may be employed for rigidly securing the elements of the article of furniture to one another and to the base panel 26. The required connections may be established in accordance with any good construction practice recognized in the art. The characters 32 indicate feet or sliders applied to the exterior face 33 of the base panel, for the purpose of elevating such face above floor level when the device is used as a chair. The feet or sliders serve also to facilitate movement of the article of furniture across a floor or carpet, and may therefore perform the same function as would be performed by rollers or swivel caster which may be considered the equivalent thereof.

Reverting to Figures ,1 and 2, there is shown as optional equipment for the article of furniture, a series of casters 34, preferably of the swivel type, which serve to facilitate movement of the device across the floor or other supporting surface. At least three or four casters should be furnished for the purpose stated, and these may be of conventional type comprising a vertical shaft or stem receptive in bores or sockets 35 provided marginally in the exterior face of panel Hi. In order that the article of furniture may be moved with equal facility when used as a table, similar bores or sockets 36 may be provided in the upper surface of the loop section I8 of the main frame element. Thus, the swivel casters may be interchangeably applied to the base panel or to the loop section of the main frame, as suggested by Figures 1 and 2. The bores or sockets 36 may be suitably plugged or covered when not in use, if desired. It should here be noted that the space between the forward main uprights l9 and 20 will be ample to permit use of the device as a chair when one or more cushions C are embraced within the framework of the device. This requirement is applicable to all forms of the device.

In the modification illustrated by Figure 6, the base panel 3'? is made circular or substantially so, and the horizontal loop section 38 of wood, metal or other suitable material, is shown rectangular in cross-sectional shape. A similar shape is imparted to the forward main uprights 3S3 and the upright struts or braces 40 which connect the loop section to the panel 31. The lower ends of the upright struts or braces 40 in this case may be supported upon and within the perimeter of the panel 31, and this may apply also to the lower ends of the forward main up..- rights 39. The number of struts or braces em.- ployed is optional with the designer of the article of furniture. Cushions such as C are to rest upon the panel 31 in the manner illustrated by Figure 1. It may here be noted that the forward main uprights of the frame serve as a bar to accidental displacement of cushions from the confines of the framework. In all forms of the device, as in Figure 1, the lower terminal ends ii of the forward main uprights are appropriately anchored to the base panel, as by means of fasteners 32.

In the Figure '7 modification, the base panel 43 is of a variant configuration, approximating a kidney shape by way of example. frame element id is correspondingly shaped, and comprises the loop section 45 parallel to the panel 43. The forward main uprights are illustrated at 46, and the series of upright struts or braces is represented at 41. Except for the difference in configuration, the device of Figure 7 may be constructed in substantially the manner set forth in the description of Figures 1, 2, 5 and .6. The cushion C in every case, preferably corresponds in shape with the shape of the base panel.

From the preceding explanation, the possibilities of imparting square, rectangular, or other geometric configurations to the article construction, should readily be evident. The cushions may be constructed of foam rubber, cotton batting, straw, or any other material commonly used for the purpose. The cushions may include springs, if desired. To obtain the desired decorative and wearing qualities, the covers for the cushions may be fabricated from suitable na-.- terials such as Leatherette, plastics, rayon, or various textiles treated if desired, to withstand The main the deteriorating effects of weather or hard usage. It may be noted that the device of the invention is suitable for outdoor use as well as indoor use, and may conveniently be carried on camping trips or tours or to places of amusement, when desired. The device may be made in various sizes and styles for use by juveniles and adults, and the decorative possibilities as to color, finish, or quality of materials employed are practically unlimited. The number of cushions to be accommodated by the device will depend on the thickness of the cushions and the dimensions of the framework. The height to which cushions may be stacked within the framework and upon the base panel, is discretionary with the purchaser, and extra cushions may be supplied when required. The use of swivel casters 3 or sliders 32 upon the device is optional.

It is to be understood that various modifications and changes in structural details of the device may be resorted to, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim is:

l. A combination chair, table, and. cushion rack, comprising in combination, a substantially flat base panel having an exterior table face, and an opposed interior face supporting a stack of individually removable seat cushions, said faces being bounded by a peripheral marginal portion of the panel, a main frame element including a loop section and a pair of spaced forward main uprights each having a terminal end, means securing said terminal ends to the marginal portion of the base panel at points spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the limbs of a person in sitting position upon the cushions aforesaid, and brace means connecting the loop section of the main frame element to the peripheral marginal portion of the base panel, with the loop section in spaced substantial parallelism with the exterior table face of the panel, so that upon inverting the assembly said exterior face'will be level and elevated for use as a table.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which both the loop section and the base panel include socket means for interchangeably supporting a set of anti-friction elements facilitating movement of the assembly along a supporting surface.

3. A device in accordance with claim 1, in which the forward main uprights are disposed in approximate right-angular relationship to the loop section, and the loop section is of greater extent than half the perimeter of the base panel.

4. A combination chair, table, and cushion rack, comprising in combination, a substantially flat base panel having an exterior table face, and an opposed interior face supporting a stack of individually removable seat cushions, said faces being bounded by a peripheral marginal portion of the panel, a framework to confine the stack of cushions, said framework comprising a main frame element including a pair of forward main uprights each having a terminal end, and a horizontal loop section which is continuous from one main upright to the other, to provide back and arm rests when the assembly is used as a chair, and means supporting the loop section in spaced substantial parallelism with the exterior face of the base panel, so that upon inverting the assembly said exterior face will be level and elevated for use as a table.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4, in which both the loop section and the base panel include means for interchangeably supporting a set of anti-friction elements facilitating movement of the assembly along a supporting surface.

6. A combination chair, table, and cushion rack, comprising in combination, a substantially flat base panel having an exterior table face, and an opposed interior face supportin a stack of individually removable seat cushions when the assembly is standing with its exterior table face adjacent to a supporting surface, said faces being bounded by a peripheral marginal portion of the panel, a framework to confine the stack of cushions, said framework comprising a loop section providing back and arm rests, and a pair of spaced forward main uprights each having a terminal end, means securing said terminal ends to the marginal portion of the base panel at points spaced apart sufficiently to accommodate the limbs of a person in sitting position upon the stack of cushions disposed within the confines of th framework, and brace means connecting the loop section of the main frame element to the peripheral marginal portion of the base panel, with the loop section in spaced substantial parallelism with the exterior table face of the panel, so that upon inverting the assembly said exterior face will be level and elevated for use as a table.

'7. A device in accordance with claim 6, in which both he loop section and the base panel include means for interchangeably supporting a set of anti-friction elements facilitating movement of the assembly along a supporting surface.

8. An article of furniture comprising in combination, a substantially fiat base panel having a peripheral marginal portion, an exterior face, and an interior face, the latter face supporting a stack of individually displaceable seat cushions, a framework secured to the panel and extending therefrom in one direction away from the interior face of the panel, so that the exterior face thereof may be disposed substantially at floor level while the framework is upstanding relative to a supporting floor, said framework being open at a side thereof to accommodate the limbs of a person in sitting position upon the cushions stacked upon the interior face of the panel.

9. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 8, wherein the framework includes arm rests and a back rest all disposed in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the panel.

10. An article of manufacture in accordance with claim 8, wherein the framework includes arm rests, a back rest, and upright means between the panel and said rests, serving to confine the stack of cushions and preclude accidental displacement thereof laterally from the panel interior face.

DOLORES A. LIPKA.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,049,539 Greenwood Aug. 4, 1936 2,499,773 Owens Mar. '7, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 354,336 Germany June '7, 1922