WO2008144657A1

WO2008144657A1 - Furniture structure

Info

Publication number: WO2008144657A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/064135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph Munson
Original assignee: Joseph Munson
Priority date: 2007-05-18
Filing date: 2008-05-19
Publication date: 2008-11-27

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a furniture structure and more particularly to the connections between the furniture components that add strength and stability, the minimal amount of fasteners, and the interchangeable nature of the components to create the support system for the furniture, that creates a piece or line of furniture.

Description

FURNITURE STRUCTURE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

10001 j This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. όϋ'938,951 filed on May 18, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD QF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to furniture and more particularly to [he connections between the furniture components that add strength and stability, the minima! amount of fasteners, and the interchangeable nature of the components to create the support system for the furniture, whereby creating a piece or line of furniture.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] Furniture is an item that has various features, which are important to the design, manufacture, and ultimate use by a consumer. One such characteristic is the overall aesthetics. The overall aesthetics arc seen by consumers as even more important when modern, high-end furniture is sought. Typically, consumers of modern furniture arc looking for a piece or pieces of furniture that provide distinct and simplistic geometry with evolved visually light forms. The emphasis is on function and accessibility. As such, it is important that modem furniture demonstrate visually clean lines with minimal interruptions. Typical modem furniture fo some extent demonstrates these visually clean lines, but still lacks complete modem aesthetics because of typical fasteners and connectors that are required to create the article of furniture. One reason why these unsightly fasteners and connectors are required is to ensure stability and stϊcngth of the furniture and because of typical performance and manufacture restraints.

(0004) Various characteristics of the design and manufacture of furniture is important, including aesthetics, performance, comfort, cost, and convenience. Often it is difficult to balance these factors in order to produce a piece of furniture that will meet the demanding requirements oi^" a consumer. Often it is the case that in order to produce a sturdy piece of furniture that can be used in either a personal or commercial setting that the visual aesthetics arc lost because the rigidity or sturdiness becomes the most important feature. To ensure the performance of the article of furniture is not compromised the furniture may become bulky and resemble cold lifeless industrial products. Further, because the cost of producing furniture can become expensive il is important and a desired characteristic to produce furniture with components that are easily interchangeable between similar furniture pieces within a collection. This allows, furniture pieces to be created that are similar in visual context and provide economical maπulacturing.

{0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved design for an article of furniture with improved overall visual aesthetics that has minimal fasteners or connectors, is durable for use in a commercial setting, and does not include welded parts or lines. Further, it is desired to have an improved design that provides a removeablc cushion that is securely attached to the furniture and will provide the feel and hold of an integrally attached cushions, while remaining rernoveably attached and maintaining the aesthetics of the furniture. It is also desired that the design will provide an overall construction that is sturdy and can withstand the rigors of personal and commercial use. Further, it is also desired that numerous individual components from the article of furniture can be incorporated into numerous other articles of furniture within a line or series of furniture, to create furniture, such as chairs, tables, beds, solas, love seats, etc.. with interchangeable parts and with uniform visual characteristics.

SUMMARY QF THE INVENTION

10006} The present invention relates to a piece or line of furniture. The furniture provides an aesthetically pleasing design of a modem piece of furniture with a visually light design but is a strong sturdy piece of furniture that can be used in a residential or commercial selling. The furniture include specific components that are designed for increase performance, The furniture is designed with components that provide connections that require a minimal amount of fasteners but still create a stable, sturdy connection joint. The minimal amount of fasteners ensures a modem sleek design that is not interrupted, but creates clean lines with an aesthetically pleasing flow. The furniture is also configured to use individual interchangeable components, designed for incorporation into a line of furniture. By using these interchangeable components to create different pieces of furniture a collection can be created that is cost effective to manufacture as well as creating a line of furniture that accessorize and provides uniformity w ith other furniture pieces in the line. Further, it is envisioned that other aspects of the furniture such as the design of the cushion placement and the connection mechanisms between the furniture components, as well as the overall design that creates a piece of furniture that can withstand the day to day use in a commercial setting, but still ts aesthetically pleasing to a consumer who desires a sleek modem piece of furniture, are distinguishing characteristics of the current furniture piece or collection.

[0007] The piece of furniture is constructed with panel members that are about 1 / 16 of an in. to about 1/8 of an in. in thickness. The thickness of the material typically would lead to a piece of furniture that would be unsturdy or could not support the weight of a user especially when used on a sofa or love scat that has an extended length. The current furniture including the panel members are constructed in such a way that creates a strong engagement between each component because of the specific h-lip as well as the stiffcner pull and chassis clamps to create a piece of furniture that has increase lateral stability and has visually clean lines that appear slim and sleek but can support a great deal of weight and will with stand the riggers of commercial use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Referring to the drawings, many aspects of (he furniture configuration and design can be better understood. It should be noted, that the components in the drawings are not necessarily Io scale and arc instead used for illustrative purposes to provide basis for the principles and components of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like references to numerals designate corresponding components throughout.

[0009] Fig 1 is a perspective view of the piece of seating furniture.

[0010] Fig 2 is an exploded view of a front perspective of a piece of furniture and m particular a chair,

[001 1 ] Fig 3 is a perspective view, side view, top view, and front view of a piece of furniture and in particular a chair.

[0012] Fig 4 is an exploded view of a front perspective of a piece of furniture and in particular an exemplary coffee table.

[0013] Fig 5 is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, m particular the chassis.

[0014] Fig 5a is a side view of a component for the furniture, in particular the chassis.

[0015] Fig 6 is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the seating panel. [0016] Fig 6a is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the pen meter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular a second embodiment of the seating panel

10017] Fig 7 is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the rear back panel.

|0018] Fig 7a is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular a second embodiment of rear back panel.

|0019] Fig 8 is perspective views, side view, cross-section, and lop view of a component for the furniture, in particular the stiffcncr pull.

[0020] Fig 8a is a side view of an embodiment of the stiffcncr pull and support bean shown engaged in use.

[0021 ] Fig 9 is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for (he furniture, in particular the base panel.

[0022] Fig 9a is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular a second embodiment of the base panel.

[0023] Fig 10 is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the foot member.

[0024] Fig 1 0a is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, magnified view of the perimeter edge, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular a second embodiment of a foot member.

[0025] Fig 1 1 is perspective views, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the support beam clamp.

[0026] Fig 12 is perspective views, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the support beam.

[0027] Fig 13 is perspective views, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the chassis clamp.

[0028] Fig 13a is perspective views, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular a second embodiment of the chassis clamp. 10029 j Fig 14 is a perspective view, side view and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the base middle panel.

(0030) Fig 15 is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the base panel.

[0031] Fig 15a is a perspective view, side view, cross-section, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular a second embodiment of the base panel.

[0032] Fig 16 is a perspective view, side view and top view of a component for the furniture¹, in particular a second embodiment of the base middle panel.

[0033J fig 17 is a perspective view, side view, and top view of a component for the furniture, in particular the seating panel, in particular for a side table.

[0034] Fig 18 is a perspective view, side view, top view, and front view of a piece of furniture and in particular a chair.

[0035) Fig 19 is a perspective view, side view, top view, and front view of a piece of furniture and in particular a lovcseat.

[0036] Fig 20 is a perspective view, side view, top view, and front view of a piece of furniture and in particular a sofa.

[0037] Fig 21 , 22, and 23, are perspective views, side views, top views, and front views of a piece of furniture and in particular a table, side table, or coffee table.

[0038] Fig 24 is a perspective view, side view, top view, and front view of a cushion for use on the furniture.

D--TAlLl- D DESCRIPTION QF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0039] The present invention relates to a piece or line of furniture. Λ "line" of furniture is a group of furniture such as a chair, sofa, love seat, etc. that arc configured with similar aesthetics or includes other pieces of furniture, such as tables, benches, shelves, ottomans, dressers, etc, that are complimentary to each other and include a similar design. The configuration is such that the furniture can be used for both personal and commercial settings. The configuration provides an improved overall aesthetic look that consumers desire for modern furniture and in particular high-end modem furniture. The configuration of the furniture provides visually clean and sleek lines that appear to be minimal or light in construction but provides significant strength and sturdiness to the furniture. The furniture uses a minimal amount of fasteners and even fewer visible fasteners to connect the pieces together and create the finished piece of furniture. By minimizing the amount of fasteners and visible fasteners, the overall design of the furniture creates a sleek modem creation. The furniture is also configured to use individual interchangeable components, designed for incorporation into a line of furniture. using these interchangeable components to create different pieces of furniture a collection can be created that is cost effective to manufacture as well as creating a line of turn i lure that accessorizes and provides uniformity with other furniture pieces in the line. Further, it is env isioned that other aspects of the furniture will be made apparent upon a review of the details that follow.

10040] Referring to the drawings. Fig. 2 provides an exploded view of a piece of furniture and will be described in more detail below. Further, embodiments of additional pieces of furniture in a line of furniture will also be discussed below, see Figs 4, and 19-23. The furniture 1 0 as shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3 comprises a plurality of components that are configured to fit together creating a load bearing configuration that is sturdy and designed to allow a person to easily rest on the furniture 10. The components that will be discussed in more detail are configured to work together to create a piece of furniture 10 that has increased performance characteristics. The furniture 10 includes a chassis 20 and 20a (Fig. 2) that works in conjunction with the panel members to create the furniture structure. In one embodiment, each component, which is discussed in detail below, is created out of a single piece of material. In another embodiment, each component is created out of more than one piece of the same material or through a combination of different materials. Examples of materials that can be used to create the components include, but are not limited to metal, plastic, wood, rubber, combinations therefore, and any other material currently used in the furniture industry. In one embodiment, the chassis is configured out of a single piece of material. The chassis 20 and 20a is configured for a piece or pieces of furniture that will include a back support, examples include but are not limited to chairs, loveseats, couches, and beds with headboards. In a further embodiment, the chassis 220 (Fig 4) is configured for a piece or pieces of furniture that do not include a back support, examples include but arc not limited to tables, side tables, coffee tables, sofa tables, night stands, shelving units, etc.

[004 J ] The chassis 20 and 20a is further detailed in Fig 5. The chassis 20 and 20a is configured with two support legs 21 and 22 that extend from a flat section 23 that is designed to be oriented parallel with the floor, further, it includes a backrest section 27 thai extends away from the Ωat section 23 in an orientation opposite and away from the support legs. In an additional embodiment, the chassis may include more than two legs, dependent on the desired design and the seating area desired. The chassis further includes a groove 24 that runs continuously along the perimeter of the chassis. The receiving groove 24 is configured to accept the panels creating the surface of the furniture. The receiving groove 24 is a perimeter channel that is configured to engage the chassis 20 and 20a and chassis clamps to increase stability and minimize lateral movement of the panel members. The panels are further configured with a h-hp perimeter edge that is designed to be accepted by the receiving groove 24. The design of the groove 24 is such that when the groove accepts the h-lip edge (routcred edge), a sturdy connection is formed between the chassis and the furniture panels ensuring a strong and stable joint. This connection design creates a sturdy connection, and minimizes the fasteners that would typically be required. By minimizing fasteners a sleek visual look is achieved which is desired by consumers of modern furniture. The interlocking points, such as the receiving groove 24 engages the panel creating a strong connection and in turn a sturdy piece of furniture. The chassis 20 and 20a further include a locking mechanism 25 configured to receive and form a connection with the stiffcner pull 80 and 80a. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 25 is configured as a tension lock that asserts pressure on the stiffener pull 80 or 80a so thai when a connection is formed the joint between the stiffener pull 80 and chassis resembles an integrally connected joint. In an additional embodiment, the connection between the stiffener pull 80 and the chassis will be a rcmoveabiy connected joint, but will still provide a strong connection and create a sturdy piece of furniture. In a further embodiment, any locking mechanism known in the industry, such as a screw, can be used to connect the stiffener pull 80 and 80a to the chassis.

10042] In a further embodiment, the chassis 220 is configured with similar components, such as the support legs, groove 24, and locking mechanism 25 (Fig 4). The chassis 220 resembles the chassis 20, but does not include the back support section that extends away from the seating section or flat section of the chassis. The chassis 22(3 is configured for use with furniture pieces that do not include a back support as detailed above. The remaining features of the chassis 220 such as the receiving groove 23, the locking mechanism 25, and the support legs will be configured similar to those described above. |0043] In an additional embodiment the chassis can be configure such that the support legs arc reimn eably attachable to the remainder of the chassis. The seating portion or tahietop portion of the furniture will be configured to be removcably attached from the support legs. Λ removcably attached connection between the seating or top portion and the legs allows easy of mobility of the furniture, but still retains the overall strength and aesthetics.

[0044] The furniture 10 further includes a chassis clamp 30 Figs 2. 4, and 13. The chassis clamp 30 is also shown as chassis clamp 30a. 30b. and 30c. In one embodiment, the number of chassis clamps are equal to the number of support legs designed for the furniture. The chassis clamp similar to the chassis is configured with a receiving groove 3 1 that runs the perimeter edge of the chassis clamp. The groove 31 is designed similar to groove 24 and increase the stability of the overall piece of furniture. The groove 31 is configured to accept the panels of the furniture, similar to the chassis discussed above. As detailed above, the groove 31 is such that when the panels h-lip edge arc received by the groove, a connection that is study, strong, and stable is created. The chassis clamp further includes a mechanism lor fastening the chassis clamp to the chassis. Any fastener in the industry can be used, in one embodiment the fastener 32 envisioned is a screw designed to thread through the chassis clamp 30 and into the chassis, hi another embodiment, the screw or connecting fastener is designed to thread either through the bottom of the support legs or through the seating panel, whereby hiding the fastener from the sit of the consumer. By minimizing or eliminating visual fasteners the visually clean lines associated with modem furniture is achieved. The use of the fastener ensures the chassis u ill not pull away from the chassis clamp and the panel that is positioned intermediate between the chassis and chassis clamp is held in continuous contact to form the surface of the furniture. The fastener in conjunction with the groove and h-lip perimeter edge forms a sturdy connection joint. The chassis clamp 30 further includes a fastener mechanism 33 that is designed to receive a screw that is thread through the seating panel 50. The receipt of a screw through the scaling panel 50 and into the chassis clamp ensures the seating and/or back portion of the furniture 10 is held together with the base and in particular the chassis and chassis clamp of the furniture.

[0045] The chassis clamp 30 is configured such that is can be used for and interchanged with any piece of furniture in the furniture line. Further, the chassis clamp 30 can be used on either the front or rear portion of the furniture. The interchangeable nature of the chassis clamp decreases production costs, increase productivity, and increase uniformity between the varying pieces of furniture with or among a furniture line.

(0046] The chassis 30 and 30a are configured to connect with the seating panel 50 and rear upper back panel 40 (Fig 2, 4. 6, 6a, 7. and 7a). In one embodiment, the seating panel 50 is configured with the seating portion 51 and a back portion 52 (Fig 2). In another embodiment, the seating panel 50 is configured with only a seating portion 51 (Fig 4). The ■_^eating panel 50 and upper back pane] 40 arc configured out of a single piece of material. The material as discussed above, can be any material used in the furniture industry, this includes, but is not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, wood, and combinations thereof, In one embodiment, the seating panel 50 and back panel 40 are created out of a single piece of metal that is stamped and pressed into the desired configuration. In an additional embodiment the sealing panel 50 and back panel 40 can be created out of more than one piece. In one embodiment, if a back portion 52 is desired, it can be created with any angle thai is desired in relation to the seating portion 51 . in one embodiment, the back portion may further include addition bends to change the angle in : elation to the seating portion. In a further embodiment, any angle or number of angles can be incorporated into the back portion 52. dependent on the desired piece of furniture.

[0047] The seating panel 50 is configured with an inset 53 that is designed Io receive a cushion member 59. The inset 53 configuration provides a rim that defines a depression that allow., a cushion member, such as a seat cushion and a back cushion to be securely attached to the furniture and in particular the seating panel 50. The inset is configured to increase the liability and structure performance creating minimal space between the inside surfaces of the panels or any of the components. Minimizing the space between components within the furniture increase stability and minimizes the typical hollow sound generated by metal pieces of furniture. Typically, the space between the panel members or the panel members and components are less that ³Zi of an in. In another embodiment the space between the panel members or the panel members and components are less that % of an in. In another embodiment, ihe space between the panel members or the panel members and components arc less thai 1 '8 of tin in. In another embodiment, the space between the panel members or the panel members and components are less that ] '\ 6 of an in. In another embodiment the space between the panel members or the panel member and components can be filled with any material used in the industry, such as wood, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof. [0048) in another embodiment the scaling panel does not include an inset and is designed as a Hat panel. The seating panel 50 and further the inset 53 is configured with an additional seating panel groove 54. The seating panel groove 54 is configured to further include fastener mechanisms such as screw holes that are designed for threading screws through the sealing panel 50. through the support beam 100 and into the chassis clamp 30. The seating panel groove 54 is configured to ensure the seating panel 50 forms a tight connection with the support beam and (he chassis clamp. Because the angle of the legs are such that they are not perpendicular with the ground, the seating panel groove 54 is configured with a corresponding angle that ensures the seating panel groove 54 rests flat with the support beam. The sealing panel groove 54 further is configured to include screw holes or other fasteners systems known in the industry.

[0049] The seating panel 50 and inset 53 can also be configured to include magnets positioned along the sloped surface of the inset 53. such that the magnets are attached i cirun eably or integrally within the panel members for use with the potential cushion members that will be explained in detail later in the specification. jϋ⁽⁾50| The seating panel 50 is designed with a routercd perimeter to create a h-lip 55. The h-lip 55 runs the perimeter of the seating panel 50 and is designed for connection with the chassis 20 and 20a in the receiving groove 24. The h-lip 55 configuration is designed for receipt by the receiving groove 24 and provides a connection that produces increased strength and stability for the furniture. The seating panel 50 further includes a hook 56 that is configured on either end of the seating panel in order to contact and form a joint with the back panel 40 and/or the base panel 70. Since the hook 56 includes the h-lip 55 that runs the perimeter of the furniture it is configured to form a connection with the back panel 40 and base panel 70 that also include a h-hp that forms each of these components perimeters. The connection of the h-lip surfaces ensures the components form a solid joint.

[0051 ] In a further embodiment, the seating panel is configured without the hook 56. In this embodiment. Fig 6a the seating panel is configured to form a joint with the back panel and base panel similarly to that discussed above, but instead a hook will be included on the back panel and or base panel to engage the seating panel with the back panel and base panel. This embodiment includes the h-lip surface that runs the perimeter of the furniture to ensure a strong engagement. [0052] Tlic back panel 40 is designed to match the seating panel back portion 52 (Fig 7). Since the back panel 40 is designed to fit with the seating panel back portion, the angles that are desired for the seating panel back portion will also be desired for the back panel 40. i herefore, as described above any angle or multiple angles can be used, dependent on the desired finished furniture piece. Further, the back panel 40 is configured with the h-lip 41 that runs the perimeter edge of the back panel 40. The h-lip 41, as previously described above for similar h- hps, creates a connection with the h-lip 55 of the seating panel 50 as well as is received by the groove in the chassis to create a strong sturdy connection joint.

[0053] In an additional embodiment, the back panel can be configured to include a hook or lip, similar to that of the hook 56, such that it will engage the seating panel forming a connection.

[0054] In an additional embodiment, the seating panel 50 does not include a back portion (Fig 4). The seating panel 50 is configured with a fiat portion as well as the additional designs discussed above, such as the inset, the seating groove, the hook, and the fastener mechanisms. Similar to the seating panel 50 discussed above, the seating panel for a backless piece of furniture provides the same support and structural elements.

[0055] The furniture 10 fusilier includes a stiffener puli 80 that is configured for receipt by the hook 56 of the seating panel 50 and the locking mechanisms 25 on the chassis 20 ( Fig H and 8a). In an additional embodiment, the sti ffener pull can be configured to fit within the hook of (he back panel. The stiffener pull 80 can be configured in any shape as long as if fits within and is designed for receipt by the hook 56 of the seating panel 50. The ends 81 of the stiffener pull 80 are designed for engagment by the locking mechanism 25 configured on the chassis 20 and 20a. Λs detailed above, the locking mechanism 25 can be configured in any means known in the industry for use in the connection of distinct components. In an additional embodiment, the stiffener pull 80 is further configured to be received by the lower end of the ^eatmg panel 50, to provide a means of connecting the seating panel 50 with the base member pane! 70. specifically, the front base member 70. As discussed above, the stiffener puli 80 is configured to be received by the chassis 20 and 20a forming a connection that further provides a joining connection forming the front base of the furniture. In one embodiment, magnets will be included intermediate between the stiffener pull 80 and the seating panel 50. The magnets arc designed to provide a fastening mechanism with the cushions that are used with the furniture. In

I i one embodiment, the placement of the magnets arc such that they are aligned on the slop or the Lice of the inset 53. This further will correspond with the placement of the magnets within the cushions desired for use with the furniture. In an additional embodiment, the magnets can be placed anywhere within the furniture so long as the desired result of holding the cushion in place is accomplished.

[0056] In another embodiment the stiffen er pull is configured to apply tension between opposing chassis components. The stiff ener pull, pulls together the opposing chassis components creating increase lateral stability which further engages the seating panel, back panel, and base panel creating a pieces of furniture with increase stability. Because the panel members, such as the seating panel, back panel, and base panel, are configured out a metal. In one embodiment the width of the aluminum is from about 1 /16in. to about l/4in. in thickness, that use of a stificπer pull that engages that chassis and further engages the seating panel, back panel and base panel create a piece of furniture that is sturdy and laterally stable and can be configured as a sofa with a length of about 90 in. to more than 150 in. In a further embodiment the width of the aluminum is from about 1/16in. to about l/8in in thickness. The components of the furniture including She softener pull, the chassis clamp, the support beam and support beam damp, and panel members with the h-lip work in concert to engage each other forming a single furniture structure that is sturdy and can support the weight of use by consumers.

[0057] The furniture further includes base panels that create the lower surface of the furniture (Fig 9, 9a, 14, 1 5, 15a, and 16). The base panels include the lower front base panel 70. the lower rear base panel 70a, and the lower middle base panel 60. Each of the base panels are configured similar to the seating panel 50 and back panel 40 above. Specifically, the base panels each are configured with a h-lip 71 that runs the perimeter edge of each of the base members. The h-lip is configured for the same purpose as described above. The base panels are designed io create the surface of the furniture, in addition to add strength and stability to the furniture.

[0058] In an additional embodiment, the base panel will include a hook 72 that is designed similar to hook 56 that is used to engage the seating panel 50 with the base panel. The configuration is such that a strong connection is made between the seating panel and the base panel forming a stable piece of furniture.

[0059) The furniture further includes a support beam 100 and a support beam clamp 9 ( Fsg 12) Both the support beam and support beam clamp are configured to add stability and strength Io the furniture. The support beam is a strengthening member that is configured with screw holes designed to engage screws that are thread through the sealing panel 50 and further through the support beam. In a further embodiment, additional fasteners can be used that provide a means for connecting the seating member 50 with the support beam and further connecting to the base members.

[0060] The furniture further includes a support beam clamp 90 (Fig 1 1). The support beam clamp is configured with a groove 91 designed to receive the lower front base panel 70, the Ou er rear base panel 70a, or the lower middle base pane! 60. The lower base panels, as previously described arc configured with a h-lip that is designed to be received by the groove 91 on the support beam clamp. Λs previously described the groove and h-lip arc configured to provide strength and stability to the furniture.

[0061 ] The furniture also includes a foot member 92 (Fig 10 and 10a). The foot member 92 is configured for placement intermediate between the lower middle base panel 60 and either the lower rear base panel 70 or 70a. In one embodiment, the foot member is configured in a shape that includes grooves on either side in order to be held in place between the low er panels. In an additional embodiment, the foot member 92 is configured in an H or I shape. The foot member 92 is created out of any material used in the industry including, but not limited to metal, plastic, rubber, wood, or combinations thereof. The foot member 92 is designed to provide a harrier between the furniture and the surface upon which the furniture will rest. Therefore, any material or component that accomplishes this action can be used.

|0062] Cushion member 59 is configured for use with the furniture 10 (Fig 2 and 24). The cushion members 59 are configured with a bottom portion 150 that is designed to set within ihe inset 53 of the seating panel 50, and with an additional portion 151 that is designed to rest on the ran of the seating panel 50. In one embodiment, the cushion member 59 can be a single cushion configured to (ill the seating portion and the backrest portion of the furniture. In another embodiment, the cushion member 59 can be configured with more than one cushion member to create the desired cushion configuration for use with the furniture. In one embodiment, the cushion member 59 will include magnets 152 that are designed for alignment with magnets included in the frame of the furniture to provide a fastening mechanism for the cushion member 59 to the furniture. The magnets are designed for attachment to the inside of the cushion member in a placement that corresponds to the slope or face of the inset 53. The placement of the magnets provides stable placement of the cushion that creates the feel of a cushion that is integrally attached, but the convenience of a removeable attached cushion. In an additional embodiment, the magnets can be located within the cushion wherever desired as Song a connection is formed between the cushion and the furniiure creating an attached cushion that will no i move. The magnets can be included in a strip of material that is designed to be The cushion member can be composed of any material known in the industry, including, but not limited to synthetic or natural libers, leather, rubber, vinyl, plastic, cloth, and combinations thereof, l-urther, the cushion members can be filled with any material known in the industry for use in constructing a cushion, including, but not limited to foam, poly fill, cotton, wool, rubber, any various synthetic or natural libers, and combinations thereof.

[0063] Thus, there has been shown and described a furniture structure that fulfills all objects and advantages sought therefore. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any clement that is not specifically disclosed herein. It is apparent to those skilled in the art. however, that many changes, variations, modification, other uses, and applications to the furniture structure are possible, and also such changes, variations, modifications, other uses, and application which do not depart from the sprit and scope of the im entjon arc deemed to be

by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Ϊ 4

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 Λ furniture structure comprising: a. a chassis; b. a sliiϊcncr pull; c. a chassis clamp; d. a support beam clamp; and e. panel members.

2, The furniture structure of claim 1 , wherein the panel members include a seating panel, a back panel, a lower front panel, a lower middle panel, or a lower back panel. 3 The furniture structure of claim i , wherein the panel members perimeter edge is a h-lip edge.

4. The furniture structure of claim 1 , wherein the chassis, the chassis clamp, and the support beam clamp are configured with a groove.

5. The furniture structure of claim 1 , wherein the panel members h-hp edge is received by the groove, Io create a receiving joint that is a form flush tit.

6. fhe furniture structure of claim 1 , further including a support beam.

7. ^'fhe furniture structure of claim 1 , further including a cushion.

8 The furniture structure of claim 2, wherein the seating panel further includes an inset section for receipt of the cushion. l⁾. The furniture structure of claim 2. wherein the inset section of the seating panel further includes at least on connection groove and a fastener hole or mechanism.

10. The furniture structure of claim 1 , wherein the chassis includes a locking mechanism for attachment to the sliffener pull.

1 1 . The furniture structure of claim 10. wherein the chassis includes a tension locking mechanism for attachment to the sliffener pull.

12. ^'fhe furniture structure of claim 2, wherein the panel members are each composed of a single piece of cut and stamped metal.

13 The furniture structure of claim 8, wherein the inside slope or internal face of the inset section further includes magnets.

1 4. 1 Sic furniture structure of claim 13. wherein the cushion includes magnets designed to form a connection with the magnets attached to the inset section.

1 5. The furniture structure of claim 1 , further including fastening mechanisms to fasten sections υr components including, but not limited to screws.

16. The furniture structure of claim 1 , further including a foot member.

17. The furniture structure comprising: a. a chassis configured with a groove to receive and engage at least one edge of a panel member, wherein the panel member is a seating panel, a back panel, or a base panel; b. wherein the panel member is configured with at least one routered edge to create an h-lip edge for receiving the groove of the chassis; and c. at least one chassis clamp configured with the groove to also receive lit least one edge of the panel member.

18. The furniture structure of claim 1 7, wherein the space created between the seating panel, the back panel, and the base panel are less than 1/8 of an in.

1 9. Λ method of assembling a furniture structure comprising connecting the components in claim 1 together to form the furniture structure.