WO2008100152A1

WO2008100152A1 - Convertible furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2008100152A1
Application number: PCT/NO2008/000054
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mona Thorkildsen Johansen
Original assignee: Mona Thorkildsen Johansen
Priority date: 2007-02-13
Filing date: 2008-02-12
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Also published as: NO325705B1; NO20070824A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a convertible piece of furniture (1), for instance a cupboard, comprising lateral- (4), rear- (5) and front sides (3) together with bottom- (7) and top side (6), where the piece of furniture (1) is provided from two parallel modules (2, 3), where a hinge on the rear (5) of the furniture (1) and closing means on front side (3) allows the piece of furniture (1) to be brought from a closed to an utilized position, where the piece of furniture in its utilized position forms an additional room in a room the furniture (1) is placed in, as the piece of furniture (1) is provided to accommodate all items a room can comprise.

Description

Convertible furniture

The present invention relates to a convertible piece of furniture, which can be converted from being a closed piece of furniture to form a desired room, where the furniture is designed to accommodate necessary and/or desirable objects, for instance a bedroom, a playroom for children, a PC room, a recreation room etc. The piece of furniture is further movably or fixed arranged, and it can be a wardrobe.

Background of the invention

With today's prices within residential- and rental market, many people will have limited possibilities to obtain large houses. Especially young people who are studying or who are trying to become established, will very often rent or buy small one- room or two-room flats. This will result for instance in that a room must serve both as living room and bedroom, where the room in larger or smaller extent once or several times within a day and a night must be converted.

This have lead to that is has been developed a number of furniture in order to solve the problems that arise with limited living space. A number of examples of suchlike are given in the following.

It is known a combination furniture with bed and sofa function, where these are based on the requirement for a functional utilization of small rooms, which at night will function as a bedroom and in the daytime will be used as a living room. Furniture like this is however so full of compromises that one neither sits nor lies particularly well. Moreover, this furniture is so complicated that it is time-consuming to change from daytime to nighttime use and vice versa. Bedding must in addition often be packed away in separate drawers and cupboards.

In CA 884054 it is described a combined cupboard and bed, where the bed is collapsible and can be folded to a free-standing cupboard on edge, where the cupboard can be opened and closed. The bed is folded out when the cupboard is opened and is folded together for storing in the cupboard when this is closed.

From WO9826690 is known a piece of furniture which can be converted in different ways and for multiple purposes as the furniture can be transformed to a table, a TV- cabinet, a bed, a desk etc. The furniture is comprised of a main body and in which one or more extractable sections are arranged, where these form the desired object.

However, none of the known solutions show a piece of furniture which can contain and furthermore store necessary objects and supplementary equipment for a wanted room. The solutions are neither showing that it through the conversion of the furniture is formed a room of approximately same size as the room the furniture is placed in. The solutions are cumbersome and time-consuming to use and furthermore in some cases tools will be required to convert the piece of furniture, in order to screw on the different parts to each other and/or adjust heights, widths etc.

The purpose of the invention

One purpose of the present invention will therefore be to provide a piece of furniture which can accommodate a whole room and for this room all necessary equipment, where the piece of furniture can easily and quickly be converted to the desired room and in a corresponding way be stowed together when not in use.

An additional purpose is to provide a piece of furniture that is space-saving and besides that is easy and little time-consuming to convert.

One other important aspect of the present invention is its flexibility, since it through simplified means can be rebuilt to accommodate another kind of room.

With the piece of furniture according to the invention one furthermore seek to avoid or at least diminish disadvantages of already existing solutions.

It shall be observed that the furniture besides to fulfill the foregoing purposes also is decorative and has a design which can be adapted to the room in which the furniture is placed in.

Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a piece of furniture which from its closed position can be converted to form a room in the room the furniture is placed in. The piece of furniture is provided of side-, back- and front surfaces together with top- and bottom surfaces and can for instance be a bedroom, a playroom for children, working room, recreation room etc. Two modules, which are hinged on the back of the furniture and have closing means on its front side result in that the piece of furniture can be brought from a closed position to a utilized position. When the piece of furniture is not in use actively, that is, when it only is to accommodate a desired room's articles, the furniture is compact and occupies little of the rooms total floor space, simultaneously as storage is obtained in an esthetic pleasant way. Provided that the room in which the piece of furniture is placed in, is to be converted for, instance from a living room to a bed room, only the larger articles in the living room are put away. Thereafter the furniture is opened to its utilized position, where a bed can be folded out, one or more folding screens from each of the modules can be folded out, in such a way that a bedroom is formed in the original living room. The convertible piece of furniture can be opened and closed in order to form a room in the room, which piece of furniture comprises two complementary shaped modules formed as a rectangle or square with one open side, which modules each comprise a rear side surface, a side wall and a front wall, together with that at least one of the modules comprises a floor and preferably a roof.

The complementary modules may have various widths (various internal volume), as this will be appropriate for instance for a bedroom, where the module with the least width is used in order to store a bed in a vertical position; the module with the largest width might be shaped in order to store a bedside table, books in a shelf system, a floor lamp etc. This results in that the modules' internal volume can be utilized as much as possible.

The furniture is further distinguished in that it in closed position is formed by that the two modules are put together with the open side against each other and are connected with at least one hinged connection on opposite ends of their respectively backside walls and that the side walls of the modules mainly have same extent, in such a way that front side edge and backside edge are laying against each other when the modules are positioned against each other when the convertible furniture is closed, and that each module is provided with one or more friction reducing elements on the underside of the furniture's floor.

The friction reducing elements will first of all prevent the bedding (parquet flooring, tiles, floor covering etc) being destroyed during conversion of the furniture and also that they in a converted position will prevent the furniture's modules being moved accidentally since they can be provided with locking means. The frictional reducing elements are chosen from a group consisting of wheels, castors, balls, textile cushions such as felt cushions etc.

The furniture can be provided with one or more screening walls, where each screening wall is connected with a hinged connection to a module by the front wall of the module. The screening wall(s) have a length which is shorter that the side wall of the module, in such a way that they can be stored inside the module.

The screening wall(s) can be connected with one or more additional screening walls, where this is achieved by way of a hinged connection at the free end opposite to the hinged connection with the module. In order to ease the handling of the screening walls, one or more of these can be provided with a handle. Moreover, the screening walls can be provided with one or more glass panes etc.

On the piece of furniture a closing- and/or locking mechanism is arranged on the front side of at least one module, in order to make it possible to close together and/or lock together the two modules at their respective front sides in the furniture's closed position. The furniture can in addition be provided with electrical sockets etc., for connection of electrical equipment.

The furniture may be stationary, or it can be provided with wheels in order to be able to be relocated to a desired place. Each of the modules will then, for example, be able to be provided with four wheels, where one wheel is placed in each corner of the module. To prevent the furniture moving after it has been placed in its correct position, the wheels can be provided with locking means, in such a way that they can be locked in the desired position.

Alternatively other separate locking means can be provided on the piece of furniture, where these also can be used to lock up possible screening walls which are arranged in the furniture.

The above defined screening walls can be used to limit a room further, for instance in a playing room module for children, as the children often will like to have their own little shed. One screening wall is designed such that it easily can be removed or connected to a module or an another wall.

The two modules that form the piece of furniture have preferably different internal volume. This will be an advantage for instance for the sleeping module, as one or more screening walls can be arranged in the module with the smallest volume, while the bed and other necessary and/or desired items can be placed in the other module.

Means to hold, fasten or hang up different items can be provided inside the modules. Shelves, holders, drawers etc. can also be arranged in the modules. In order that the furniture shall be flexible, i.e. that it can be "rebuilt" to one another module, the modules are to a high degree standardized as they are provided with holes, rails etc. for adjustably to form fixings for the above mentioned means. The piece of furniture can in addition be provided with lighting fixture, wall outlets. However, this is not common standard equipment for the modules.

The surfaces of the piece of furniture can be papered, painted etc. and furthermore be provided with cornices, in such a way that it is in style with the rest of the interior of the room.

Other advantages and distinctive features of the present claimed invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, the attached figures and following claims.

Brief description of the attached figures

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of the cupboard, where the parts are shown as separate parts in order to illustrate the invention; Figure 2 shows a partly open PC-cupboard;

Figure 3 shows a playing room for children, with accompanying screening walls; and

Figure 4 shows a fully displayed bedroom, where two screening walls are provided on each side of the halves of the cupboard.

Detailed description of the invention

In figure 1 a piece of furniture 1 according to the present invention is shown, where the piece of furniture 1 is formed by two modules 2, 3. The modules 2, 3 are shown as separate parts in order to illustrate the configuration of the furniture 1. The two modules 2, 3 are beyond that hinged to a backside wall 2a, 3b which form the back wall of the furniture 1 and are further provided with closing means (not shown) in a front side wall 2c, 3c. When the furniture 1 is in its closed position, the two modules 2, 3 will together form a closed furniture 1, comprised of front side wall 2c, 3c, side wall 2b, 3b, back wall 2a, 3a and floor- and ceiling sheet 4, 5, 6.

In order to move the furniture 1 more easily, frictional elements 9 can be arranged in every corner of the floor panel 4, 5 for each of the two modules 2, 3. The frictional elements 9 can in a known way be arranged to be locked in a fixed position, in such a way that the modules 2, 3 will stand in a desired position when the furniture 1 is in its utilized position, where the elements 9 are chosen from a group consisting of wheels, pulleys, balls, textile cushions etc.

Possible screening walls 8 (see figures 3 and 4) could also be equipped with means (not shown) in order to be fixedly locked, where this will be particularly suitable in the modules 2, 3 which form a playing room for children.

The shown modules 2, 3 have the same height and depth, but their width will preferably be different. The width is here defined to be the length the furniture's 1 front wall 2c, 3c/backside wall 2a, 3a form, while the furniture's depth will be the length of the side wall 2b, 3b. The modules 2, 3 of the furniture 1 being of different width, can for instance one or more screening walls 8 be arranged in the module 3 with the smallest width (smallest interior volume) while a bed and/or other "thin" items can be arranged in the other and larger module 2, see also figure 4.

The piece of furniture 1 according to the present invention will therefore on one hand stow away and accommodate a desired room, where this will result in a minimum of space being occupied, while it on the other hand shall, in its utilized position, bring about a room in the room the furniture 1 is placed in. Figures 2-4 show different room modules 2, 3 of the furniture 1. This can for instance be a PC- or reading room as shown on figure 2. Here the furniture 1 is partly open, where the broadest module 2 is seen to accommodate an extendable and retractable table 11 and an accompanying chair 12. At the top of the module 2 a shelf 13 is arranged, where adjustment holes in the modules' 2 lateral surfaces allow it to be fastened in a desired height, alternatively be removed. In the other module 3 a shelf system 14 can be seen, where books etc. can be placed.

Wheels 9 are arranged on the furniture's 1 floor panel 4, 5.

The furniture's 1 two modules 2, 3 are, as shown in the figure, hinged at top and bottom of the modules' 2,3 rear wall 2a, 3a, where this hinging allows the modules 2, 3 to be rotated in such a way that their rear wall 2a, 3a will be laying towards each other.

The furniture's 1 outer surfaces 2a-c, 3a-c on figure 2 are papered and painted and pictures are hung upon the furniture's 1 front side wall 2c, 3c. In order to adapt the furniture 1 further with the interior of the room cornices are attached around the upper and lower border and all corner borders.

Figure 3 shows an another piece of furniture 1, forming a playing room for children. The modules 2, 3 in this case comprise four screening walls 8, of which two screening walls 8 are arranged hinged to each module 2. The screening walls 8 that are arranged on the module 3 on the far right of the figure are respectively arranged with a window and curtains and a tabletop. The table top forms a kitchen table and is by suitable means locked firm and vertically to the screening wall 8, thus occupying as little as possible of the space when the furniture 1 is not in use. Two chairs, which are part of the kitchen, are stowed in the furniture 1 when it is not in use.

The module 3 with the smallest width (in this case the module to the right) is provided in order to form a kitchen, where this for instance can include a kitchen stove, suspended cups and pans, shelves for plates and cups etc. The module 3 further includes a kitchen light and wall outlets.

In the other module 2 (on the left of the figure) a "smoothing corner" is formed. The floor 4 is in this case removed, as a child is not to strain it by sitting on it. The module 2 further comprises a lamp/light and shelves 14 where different items can be stowed.

On the screening wall 8 belonging to this module 2 a blackboard and storage means for chalk, sponge etc. have been surface mounted..

The modules 2, 3 and the screening walls 8 are in a correspondingly way as in the others embodiments provided with wheels 9, in such a way that the different ele- ments can be locked fixed in the desired positions, thus preventing the furniture 1 moving unintentionally when children are playing with it.

As an additional embodiment in figure 4 is shown a furniture 1 which is provided as a bedroom. The furniture 1 comprises a bed (single/double) 10, where the bed through suitable means is locked in a vertical position when the furniture 1 is not in use.

Two screening walls 8 are arranged to each of the modules 2, 3, where the screening walls 8 on the right module 3 are formed as a window and a "door", respectively.

The module 3 with the smallest width (in this case the module to the right) is on its inside equipped with a mirror, shelves 14, a lamp 15 and hooks and the like to hang up different items, such as dressing gown, towels etc.

The other module 2 is equipped with a bed 10, shelves 13 and a lamp 14. The screening walls 8, which are hinged to this module 2, are provided with wheels 9, to enable locking in a desired position.

The invention is now explained with some none limiting embodiments. A skilled person will understand that one could perform a number of variations and modifications of the furniture that is described, within the scope of the invention as it is defined in the attached claims.

Claims

1. A convertible piece of furniture (1) which can be opened and closed in order to form a room in a room, which furniture (1) comprises two complementary designed modules (2, 3) formed as a rectangular or quadratic cross-section and one open side, which modules (2, 3) each comprises a rear wall (2a, 3a), a side wall (2b, 3b) and front side wall (2c, 3c), and that at least one of the modules (2, 3) comprises a floor (4, 5) and preferably a roof (6), characterized by that the furniture (1) is formed by the modules (2, 3) being connected with at least one hinged connection (7) on opposite ends of theirs respectively rear walls (2a, 3a) and that the lateral edges (Ib, 2b) principally have same extension in such a way that the modules (2, 3) front side edge and rear side edge are laying against each other when the furniture 1 is closed, and that at least one of the modules (2, 3) is provided with one or more frictional reducing elements (9) on the underside of the floor (4, 5)

2. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by t h a t the frictional reducing elements (9) are chosen from a group consisting of wheels, pulleys, balls, textile cushions such as felt pillows.

3. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1-2, characterized by t h a t a screening wall (8) is connected with a hinged connection (7) with at least one module at the front side wall (2c, 3c).

4. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 3, characterized by t h a t the screening wall (8) has an extension which is shorter than the side wall (2b, 3b) of the module.

5. A convertible piece of furniture according to any of the claims 3-4, c h a r a cterized by that the screening wall (8) on its free end opposite of the hinged connection (7) with the module (2, 3) through a hinged connection (16) is connected with one or more further screening walls (8).

6. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 5, characterized by t h a t the further screenings walls (8) have an extension which are shorter than the side wall (2b, 3b) of the module.

7. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim ^characterized by t h a t it is arranged a closing and/or locking mechanism on the front side of at least one module (2) in order to make it possible to close together and/or lock together the two modules (2, 3) at their front sides (2c, 3c) respectively in the closed position of the furniture.

8. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by that wheels (9) are arranged on the underside of the floor panel (4, 5) of the furniture.

9. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by that one or more of the foldable screening walls (8) are arranged hinged to one or both of the modules (2, 3) of the furniture (1).

10. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 3, characterized by t h a t a handle is arranged on the screening wall (8).

11. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by t h a t the modules (2, 3) which form the furniture (1) have different widths.

12. A convertible piece of furniture according to the claim ^characterize d by that the furniture (1) internally is furnished with shelves (14), holders, drawers etc.

13. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by that means for locking are arranged on the furniture (1) and or the screening walls (8), for locking in one position when the furniture (1) is not in use.

14. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by that there are arranged fastening means for screening walls (8) on the inside of the modules (2, 3).

15. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 5, characterized by t h a t it in the furniture (1) adjustable shelf- (14), and cabinet means are arranged.

16. A convertible piece of furniture according to claim 1, characterized by that lightning fixture and wall outlets are arranged in one or both of the modules (2, 3).