WO2023141742A1

WO2023141742A1 - Headrest for furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2023141742A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/073631
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zelong ZHAO
Original assignee: Cushy Holdings, Inc
Priority date: 2022-01-25
Filing date: 2022-01-25
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

A headrest comprises a waist cushion holding component (82), a head support holding component (84), and an elongate member (86). The elongate member (86) extends between and connects the waist cushion holding component (82) to the head support holding component (84), for example, to an edge of a bottom surface of the head support holding component (84) or to a central portion of the bottom surface of the head support holding component (84). A first cushion is disposed in an interior of the waist cushion holding component (82), which may be accessed via a removable securing mechanism (88). A second cushion is disposed in an interior of the head support holding component (84), which may be accessed via a removable securing mechanism (88). At least one side of the head support holding component (84) or at least one side of the waist cushion holding component (82) may be circular-shaped, trapezoidal-shaped, rectangular-shaped, or triangular-shaped.

Description

无标题

PCT PATENT APPLICATION FOR:

HEADREST FOR FURNITURE

INVENTOR:

Zelong Zhao

ATTORNEY DOCKET NUMBER: 2020-1015

HEADREST FOR FURNITURE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a headrest for an item of furniture and apparatuses and methods for securing a headrest to an item of furniture.

BACKGROUND

There are a considerable number of conventional items of furniture that include support for a user’s head. In conventional items of furniture that provide such support, a headrest is secured to the back member of the item of furniture and a user cannot change or substitute the headrest or cannot change or substitute the headrest easily. Typically, the mounting of the headrest involves metal connectors and drilled holes on the item of furniture which makes the furniture item less aesthetically appealing and requires complicated machining and assembly efforts for connecting the headrest on the furniture item.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a headrest comprises a waist cushion holding component, a head support holding component, and an elongate member, wherein the elongate member extends between and connects the waist cushion holding component to the head support holding component.

In one embodiment, a first cushion is disposed in an interior of the waist cushion holding component.

In one embodiment, the first cushion comprises a piece of foam.

In one embodiment, a second cushion is disposed in an interior of the head support holding component.

In one embodiment, the second cushion comprises a piece of foam.

In one embodiment, the waist cushion holding component comprises a removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to an interior of the waist cushion holding component.

In one embodiment, the head support holding component comprises a removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to an interior of the head support holding component.

In one embodiment, the waist cushion holding component and the head support holding component comprise a respective removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to an interior of the waist cushion holding component and an interior of the head support holding component.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the head support holding component is circular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the head support holding component is trapezoidal-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the head support holding component is rectangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the head support holding component is triangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is circular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is trapezoidal-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is rectangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is triangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, the elongate member connects the waist cushion holding component to bottom surface of the head support holding component.

In one embodiment, the elongate member connects the waist cushion holding component to an edge of a bottom surface of the head support holding component or to a central portion of the bottom surface of the head support holding component.

In one embodiment, a furniture assembly comprises a base and a transverse member that are configured to be interconnected, and a headrest comprising a waist cushion, a head support, and an elongate member that connects the waist cushion to the head support.

In one embodiment, the waist cushion comprises a first foam cushion and a waist cushion holder having an interior into which the first foam cushion is disposed.

In one embodiment, the waist cushion holder comprises a removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to the interior of the waist cushion holder.

In one embodiment, the head support comprises a second foam cushion and a head support holder having an interior into which the second foam cushion is disposed.

In one embodiment, the head support holder comprises a removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to the interior of the head support holder.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the head support is circular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the head support is trapezoidal-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the head support is rectangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the head support is triangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the waist cushion is circular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the waist cushion is trapezoidal-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one cross-section of the waist cushion is rectangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, at least one side of the waist cushion is triangular-shaped.

In one embodiment, the elongate member comprises a piece of fabric that extends between the waist cushion and a bottom surface of the head support holder.

In one embodiment, the base member further comprises a cushion and a plurality of feet.

In one embodiment, a method for forming a furniture assembly comprises providing a base, providing a transverse member having a top surface and a front surface, and providing a headrest comprising a waist cushion, a head support, and an elongate member. The elongate member extends between and interconnects the waist cushion and the head support. The method also comprises connecting the base and the traverse member, and positioning the head support of the headrest on the top surface of the transverse member and the waist support of the headrest against the front surface of the transverse member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teaching of the present disclosure can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a furniture assembly having a base coupled to a transverse member to form a chair;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a manner in which a modular furniture assembly may be assembled;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view illustrating a mounting plate and a foot mounted on adjacent portions of a base and a transverse member in order to form a chair;

FIG. 3B is perspective view illustrating a plurality of mounting plates and feet for mounting on adjacent portions of a base and transverse member/sin order to form a chair;

FIG. 4A illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of an arm chair;

FIG. 4B illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a chaise;

FIG. 5A illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a love seat;

FIG. 5B illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a deep sofa;

FIG. 6 illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a sectional;

FIG. 7A illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a twister;

FIG. 7B illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a playpen;

FIG. 8 illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a bed;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow for an item of furniture;

FIG. 10 is a back elevation view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow;

FIG. 11 is a left side elevation view of tan embodiment of a headrest pillow;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow deployed on a furniture assembly;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a headrest for an item of furniture;

FIG. 14 is a back elevation view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow deployed on a furniture assembly.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate elements that are common to the figures. It is noted that the figures depict only example embodiments of the disclosed headrest and therefore are not to be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure broadly discloses a headrest for an item of furniture and also discloses apparatuses and methods for securing a headrest to an item of furniture. As discussed above, there are a considerable number of conventional items of furniture that include support for a user’s head. In such conventional items of furniture, a headrest is secured to the back member of the item of furniture and a user cannot change or substitute the headrest or cannot change or substitute the headrest easily. Typically, the mounting of the headrest involves metal connectors and drilled holes on the item of furniture. Accordingly, complicated machining and assembly efforts are required in order to connect the headrest on the furniture item. In addition, the metal connectors and drilled holes make the furniture item less aesthetically appealing and more costly to ship to a customer. For example, when the headrest is connected on the furniture item, the furniture item may become more bulky.

In one example embodiment, a headrest comprises a waist cushion holding component, a head support holding component, and an elongate member, wherein the elongate member extends between and connects the waist cushion holding component to the head support holding component. In one embodiment, the waist cushion holding component includes a first cushion that is disposed in an interior of the waist cushion holding component and the head support holding component includes a second cushion that is disposed in an interior of the head support holding component. In addition, either or both the first cushion and second cushion may be removable from the waist cushion holding component and a head support holding component via a respective removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to the respective interior of the waist cushion holding component and the head support holding component. This allows a consumer to easily launder the headrest. Further, removal of the first and second cushion from the headrest allows a consumer to interchange headrests of different shades and styles to create a unique and customized furniture assembly. Furthermore, the headrest can be rolled-up by wrapping one of the waist cushion holding component or the head support holding component around the other in order to ease storage and shipping.

In one embodiment, the item of furniture (also referred to as a “furniture assembly” and “furniture item” herein) comprises a base and at least one transverse member. The base and the at least one transverse member are joined together so as to form the furniture assembly. The base serves as a support surface on which a user can sit, and the transverse member acts as a resting surface for a user's back or arm. The base may be configured such that the transverse member can be positioned adjacent or on the base in a variety of positions and joined thereto to form different types of furniture assemblies. For example, a base and a transverse member can be joined together to form a chair having a backrest. For example, base/s (of one or more sizes) and one or more transverse members (of one or more sizes) can be joined together to form a single-arm chair, a chaise lounge, a double-armed chair, a love seat, a sofa, a couch, a sectional, etc. For example, transverse member/scan be positioned adjacent or on the base/sin a variety of positions and joined together thereto to form furniture assemblies, such as a twister, a playpen or a bed. Alternatively, one or more bases may be joined together and one or more transverse members may be joined to the one or more bases so as to form the items of furniture noted above and additional alternative furniture items.

The bases and transverse members may be proportionately sized by the manufacturer in order that furniture assemblies may be formed for different sized individuals. In other words, the base/sand transverse member/scan be utilized to form a variety of sizes of furniture. For example, the bases and transverse members can be proportionately sized to form furniture assemblies for children. Likewise, the bases and transverse members can be proportionately sized to form furniture assemblies for adults, or even big and tall sized adults.

In addition, one or more bases having a substantially similar configuration can be employed with one or more transverse members having a substantially similar configuration. The standardized configuration of bases and transverse members enables a user to form a variety of different types and configurations of furniture assemblies. Additionally, this also makes manufacturing convenient because a manufacturer can produce and offer a series of furniture items and/or a series of bases that have a substantially similar configuration and a series of transverse members that have a substantially similar configuration. The manufacturer may join (or allow the end user to purchase, arrange, and join) bases and transverse members into a variety of configurations to form different types of furniture. In another alternative embodiment, a plurality of shapes of transverse members and bases may be employed in order to achieve unique and useful furniture configurations.

As noted above, a base/sis joined to a traverse member/sand/or other base member/s. In one embodiment, a base is joined to a traverse member during factory manufacturing and assembly of the furniture item. The joining of the constituent parts of the furniture item may include the use of one or more of glue, nails, screws, connection plates having nails, mounting plates having apertures, etc., as known in the art. In another embodiment, the furniture item is a modular furniture item and includes one or more of a coupler, a foot coupler, and a mounting plate or some combination thereof that are configured to allow a consumer to quickly couple or decouple transverse member/sand base/swith minimal effort to assemble a furniture item after purchase of the furniture item.

The configuration of the base and transverse member provides many benefits to both the consumer and retailer. For example, a consumer may receive a modular furniture item in a remote location where previously other furniture items could not be moved due to their bulkiness and/or size. The modular furniture item disclosed herein is easily disassembled, thus enabling a consumer to locate the base/sand/or transverse member/sin an otherwise inaccessible location and then assemble them to form a furniture assembly. Further, the manufacturer and/or retailer may stock a limited number of configurations of the base and the transverse member, for example one base and one transverse member, which is advantageous for shipping and storing the furniture item. For instance, the manufacturer and/or retailer is only required to store two primary pieces, which allows bases or transverse members having the same respective configuration to be conveniently packaged and stacked for storage and freight transport and also simplifies customer ordering of furniture items. In addition, the transverse member and the base may include removable outer liners to permit the consumer to easily launder the furniture assembly. Further, a removable outer liner allows a consumer to interchange liners of different shades and styles to create a unique and customized furniture assembly.

As noted above, a base of the furniture item serves as a support surface on which a user can sit, and a transverse member of the furniture item acts as a resting surface for a user's back or arm. In one embodiment, a headrest comprises a waist cushion, a head support, and an elongate member that extends between and interconnects the waist cushion and the head support. In use, the head support of the headrest is positioned on a top surface of a transverse member and the waist cushion of the headrest is positioned against a front surface of the transverse member (i.e., the resting surface for the user’s back) with the elongate member extending therebetween. The terms “top surface” and “front surface” of the transverse member refer to the positions of the front surface and top surface when the furniture assembly is in an upright configuration contacting a surface, e.g., the floor, such that the user may appropriately sit on the furniture item.

The headrest is secured in position on the furniture by the sitting position of the user. When the user sits on the base of the furniture item and leans back against the transverse member, the ergonomic headrest is secured in place on the furniture item due to the force exerted by the user’s body on the headrest. In particular, the weight of the user impressed upon the headrest secures the headrest to the furniture item. The headrest described herein also reduces the difficulty in manufacture, shipping, and assembly of furniture items including headrests and improves the aesthetics of furniture items via the elimination of holes for connection of the headrest. In particular, a standardized furniture item without holes for the connection of a headrest, for example, in the traverse member of the furniture item, may be manufactured. Should a consumer desire a furniture item with a headrest, the consumer merely needs to purchase the standardized furniture item and the headrest described herein and position the headrest on the furniture item as described above. The described headrest also makes it easier to vary the position of the headrest to a desired position on the furniture item and enhances user comfort while sitting on the furniture item. In particular, the waist cushion addresses the problem of support for the waist and lower back of the user and the head support provides support for the user’s head when the user is seated in a normal sitting posture.

Furthermore, the connection of the waist cushion to the head support via the elongate member also improves user experience because a user does not need to rely solely on the user’s spine to maintain balance of the user’s head. In this way, the user’s overall sense of sitting is additionally coordinated by the cooperation of the waist cushion and the head support via the elongate member. Thus, the furniture assembly and headrest described herein provide versatility, modularity, interchangeability, cost efficiency and convenience.

To aid in understanding the present disclosure, reference is first made to Fig. 1 and Fig 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example furniture assembly 10 having a base coupled to a transverse member to form a chair. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a manner in which the modular furniture assembly may be assembled. With reference to FIGS. 1-2, furniture assembly 10 comprises a base 12 and a transverse member 14 detachably coupled to base 12 by a coupler 15 (see FIG. 2: coupler 15 comprising 15a, 15b, and 15c) . Base 12 and transverse member 14 are configured to be detachably coupled to each other in a variety of ways and configurations so as to form a variety of unique and custom furniture assemblies. Further, base and transverse member are sized and configured to enable the convenient formation of a variety of different types of furniture assemblies, the convenient formation of a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies, and the convenient formation of proportionately sized furniture assemblies for different sized individuals, such as children or adults.

Base 12 is configured to provide the consumer with a comfortable sitting surface. In one embodiment, base 12 comprises a frame assembly 16, a support member 58, a cushion 18 and a plurality of feet 20a-d mounted on frame assembly 16. Frame assembly 16 is configured to support the weight of a consumer while the consumer is sitting on base 12. Cushion 18 is configured to be positioned on the frame assembly 16 so as to provide a useful and comfortable sitting area for the consumer. Cushion 18 can be easily mounted on or removed from frame assembly 16. In one embodiment, the cushion may be considered to be a constituent part of the base.

Feet 20a-d are coupled to the underside of frame assembly 16 of the base. Feet 20a-d can be coupled to frame assembly 16 in a variety of ways. For example, feet 20a-d may be coupled by screws. In this embodiment, feet 20a-d can be easily coupled to and/or removed from frame assembly 16 so as to facilitate ease in packaging, shipping, storing, moving and/or replacing feet 20a-d. However, in another embodiment, feet 20a-d are coupled to frame assembly 16 in a more permanent fashion, such as a nail, an epoxy or glue, or any combination thereof. Feet 20a-d facilitate the coupling of transverse member 14 to base 12 when used in connection with a foot coupler 34. Feet 20a-d are further configured to support the weight of a consumer and to elevate base 12 above the floor. When feet 20a-d are coupled to frame assembly 16 by screws, the removability of feet 20a-d in conjunction with the removability of cushion 18 enables base 12 to be easily disassembled for rearranging, moving, storing and/or shipping.

Base 12 includes a plurality of abutting surfaces 26a-d that are configured to be positionable adjacent to and abut with an abutting surface 28 of transverse member 14. Base 12 is configured such that transverse member 14 can be positioned adjacent any abutting surface 26a-d to form a variety of different furniture assemblies.

For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a first base 12 and a first transverse member 14 are utilized to form a chair. Second and third transverse members 14 having a substantially similar configuration as the first transverse member 14 can be added to form an arm chair having a first arm rest and a second arm rest, as illustrated in FIG. 4A. As used herein, the phrase substantially similar configuration can mean that the bases and/or transverse members are respectively sized and configured so as to be interchangeable. Optionally, a chaise lounge can be formed by adding a second transverse member 14 having a substantially similar configuration as the first transverse member 14 and a second base 12 having a substantially similar configuration as the base 14, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. Alternatively, a couch can be formed by adding: a second base 12 having a substantially similar configuration as the first base 12 and a second, third, and fourth transverse member 14 having a substantially similar configuration as the first transverse member 14, as illustrated in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. The couches formed utilizing two bases 12 and four transverse members 14 can be arranged so as to form a love seat, as illustrated by FIG. 5A, or a deep sofa, as illustrated by FIG. 5B. The love seat of FIG. 5A and the deep sofa of FIG. 5B employ the same bases 12 and the same transverse members 14, but are arranged differently. The ability to add base/sand/or transverse member/senables a user to conveniently form a variety of different types of furniture.

Further with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, transverse member 14 is configured to provide lateral support to a consumer when base 12 is coupled thereto. Transverse member 14 can be positioned adjacent any abutting surface 26a-d of base 12 to form a variety of furniture assemblies. Feet 30a-b are coupled to the underside of traverse member 14. Feet 30a-b are configured to facilitate the coupling of transverse member 14 to base 12. Feet 30a-b are further configured to support the weight of a consumer and to elevate transverse member 14 above a floor on which transverse member 14 is positioned. Feet 30a-b can be coupled to transverse member 14 in a similar fashion as feet 20a-d are coupled to base 12.

In one embodiment, feet 30a-b are each positioned such that each is offset from the front and back surfaces and respective adjacent side surfaces of transverse member 14 an equal distance, the "offset distance. " For example, if the width of transverse member 14 is ten inches, the offset distance is five inches. Thus, feet 30a-b are each positioned five inches from the front surface and five inches from the back surface of transverse member 14 (i.e., in the middle of the front and back surfaces) , and are each positioned five inches from respective adjacent side surfaces of transverse member 14. Similarly, feet 20a-d of base 12 are each positioned such that each are offset from respective adjacent abutting surfaces 26a-d by the offset distance.

In the illustrated embodiment, modular furniture assembly 10 further includes multiple foot couplers 34, which may be differ from each other as further described below. Foot couplers 34 are configured to facilitate the coupling of transverse member 14 to base 12. Foot couplers 34 are further configured to provide support to base 12 and transverse member 14 when coupled thereto. Foot coupler 34 utilizes foot 20d of base 12 and foot 30a of transverse member 14 which is adjacent to foot 20d of base 12 to facilitate coupling of transverse member 14 to base 12. Likewise, foot coupler 34 utilizes foot 20c of base 12 and adjacent foot 30b of transverse member 14 to facilitate coupling of transverse member 14 to base 12.

Traverse member 14, base 16 and cushion 18 may each include a selectively removable

outer liner

32, 22, 24 respectively in the illustrated embodiment. Removable

outer liners

32, 22, 24 are configured to be easily removed and reattached so as to provide easy laundering thereof. Removable

outer liners

32, 22, 24 can be detachably coupled through the use of a removable securing mechanism, such as a hook and pile mechanism, e.g. VELCRO, one or more zippers, male and female snap members, hook and latch type fasteners, or any other type of securing means that will facilitate the

outer liners

32, 22, 24 being selectively removable. In this manner, a consumer has the option to mix and match varying types, styles and configurations of removable

outer liners

32, 22, 24 so as to form a unique and customized furniture assembly according to their desire and tastes.

Cushion 18 is configured to be positioned and mounted on the base 12. Cushion 18 may comprise a first piece of foam (not shown) covered by an inner liner (not shown) , which is covered by outer liner 24. First foam piece may comprises a single piece of foam having a sufficient resilience and appropriate properties so as to provide a comfortable sitting surface when a user sits on furniture assembly 10. The first piece of foam may be covered by the inner liner, which may comprise a fabric material that is either water permeable or impermeable. Alternatively, the first foam piece can comprise multiple types and configurations of foam pieces, such as a layer of polyurethane foam and a layer of memory foam mounted on the polyurethane foam layer.

One or more of the outer surfaces of the frame assembly 16 and the support member 58 of base 12 and one or more outer surface of a frame assembly of the transverse member 14, such as abutting surfaces 26a-d and 28, may be covered by one or more second pieces of foam. Second foam pieces may comprise a single piece of foam having a sufficient resilience and appropriate properties so as to provide a comfortable surface for the user to touch or lean against. A second piece of foam may be covered by a second inner liner, which may comprise a fabric material that is either water permeable or impermeable. Alternatively, the second foam piece can comprise multiple types and configurations of foam pieces, such as a layer of polyurethane foam and a layer of memory foam mounted on the polyurethane foam layer. Accordingly, a base 12 or a transverse member 14 may comprise frame assembly (and for the base 12, optionally the support surface 58) covered by one or more second pieces of foam, an inner liner, and

outer liner

24 or 32. For example, in various embodiments, removable

outer liners

32, 22, 24 can be made out of materials such as cotton, leather, micro-fiber, suede, or any other type of material that a consumer may wish to utilize.

As noted above, FIG. 2 illustrates how one embodiment of the furniture assembly 10 is assembled. As illustrated, frame assembly 16 of base 12 is positioned against transverse member 14, such that an aperture 64 in the transverse member 14 is adjacent to and aligned with a slot 62 in support surface 58 of base 12. Once aligned, coupler 15 (comprising 15a-c) is positioned within aperture 64 of transverse member 14 and pushed downward (arrow) by the consumer so as to engage an inner surface of transverse member 14 and an inner surface of frame 16 of base 12. In this manner, coupler 15 is connected to base 12 and transverse member 14.

Coupler 15 is configured to detachably couple transverse member 14 to base 12. Coupler 15 comprises an elongate, U-shaped member configured to be positionable within aperture 64 of transverse member 14 and slot 62 of support member 58, or when two bases are to be coupled together, within one of the slots of a first base 12 and one of the slots 62 of a second base 12. Coupler 15 is further configured to engage the inner surfaces of base 12 and of transverse member 14, so as to sandwich a portion of transverse member 14 and a portion of base 12 together between portions of coupler 15. Coupler 15 is configured to prevent movement of the upper portion of transverse member 14 in relation to base 12. In this manner, coupler 15 substantially prevents movement of transverse member 14 in at least a first direction with respect to base 12.

Coupler 15 can be made from a metal material, or some other structural material and may include an aperture on the top surface of coupler 15 and/or a strap in order to facilitate the ease of insertion and removal of coupler 15. Coupler 15 comprises a first leg 15a coupled to a body portion 15b having a second leg 15c coupled thereto. In one embodiment, first leg 15a is longer than second leg 15c in order to facilitate convenient coupling of base 12 to transverse member 14 and to resist forces induced on coupler 15. In another embodiment, first leg 15a is substantially the same length as second leg 15c.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, foot coupler 34 comprises a block having a plurality of apertures 74a-b formed there through. Apertures 74a-b are sized and configured to receive a foot of base 12 or transverse member 14 therein. Apertures 74a-b of foot coupler 34 are sufficiently spaced apart, such that when a foot 30 from transverse member 14 is positioned in aperture 74a and a foot 20 from base 12 is positioned in aperture 74b, transverse member 14 and base 12 are adjacent and in contact one with another. Foot couplers 34 are configured to substantially prevent movement of the bottom portion of transverse member 14 in relation to base 12. In this manner, foot couplers 34 substantially prevent movement of transverse member 14 in at least a second direction with respect to base 12. For example, coupler 15 substantially prevents movement of the top portion of transverse member 14 in at least a first direction, i.e., away from base 12, while foot couplers 34 substantially prevent movement of the top portion of transverse member 14 in at least a second direction, i.e., towards base 12. Accordingly, foot coupler 34 is configured to substantially prevent movement of the bottom portion of transverse member 14 in relation to base 12. A first base and a second base may be similarly connected by a foot coupler.

Another embodiment of a foot coupler may include additional apertures for connecting additional feet. For example, a foot coupler may have four apertures, enabling the foot coupler to be utilized for coupling a base 12 to multiple transverse members 14 and/or bases 12 to form the furniture assemblies shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, one foot coupler may be employed to couple together one foot of base 12 to one foot of a first transverse member 14, which is positioned as a backrest, and one foot of a second transverse member 14, which is positioned as an armrest, while another foot coupler may be employed to couple together a second foot of base 12 to a second foot of the first transverse member 14 and a foot of a third transverse member 14, which is positioned as another armrest. In this example, one aperture of each foot coupler is not utilized, but the symmetrical configuration of foot coupler enables the consumer to employ such a foot coupler in a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies.

As one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foot coupler does not need to be limited as to the number of apertures formed therein. For example, a foot coupler can be sized and configured to include an appropriate number of apertures so as to couple the feet of two bases 12 and four transverse members 14 to facilitate the formation of a sofa. Alternatively, a foot coupler can have any number of apertures necessary to couple a foot of base 12 to a foot of transverse member 14 or foot of another base 12, and/or to couple a respective foot of multiple bases 12 to a respective foot of multiple transverse members 14, in any configuration. In one embodiment, apertures 74a-b can comprise a tapered opening so as to enable a consumer to more easily insert a foot therein.

As such, coupler 15 and foot couplers 34 enable a consumer to detachably couple transverse member 14 to base 12 to form a furniture assembly 10. Accordingly, the consumer can easily and quickly use coupler 15 and foot couplers 34 to manually, detachably couple base 12 to transverse member 14 and/or another base 12 to form a variety of furniture items. For instance, the consumer does not require tools to connect or disconnect coupler 15 or foot coupler 34 to base 12 and transverse member 14. Since no tools are required, the consumer can manually connect or disconnect coupler 15 and foot couplers 34 as the case may be, to/from base 12 and transverse member 14 and/or another base 12. Accordingly, as used herein, the phrase "manually, detachably couple" can mean that coupler and foot couplers conveniently couple and decouple base 12 and transverse member 14 and/or another base 12 without using a tool, such as a hammer or screwdriver, or some other mechanized machine.

Once coupler 15 is connected to base 12 and transverse member 14, cushion 18 can be placed on frame assembly 16 so as to form furniture assembly 10.

The furniture assembly 10 can be assembled and disassembled in a quick and efficient manner utilizing base 12, transverse member 14, coupler 15 and foot coupler/s34. For example, in the event that the consumer needs to move the chair, the chair is easily disassembled by removing the coupler and the foot coupler/s, and thereby creating two separate pieces and connecting components that can be easily moved, shipped, and reassembled to form the furniture item. For instance, the manufacturer of the furniture assembly can package the transverse member separate and apart from the base. The uniform shape of the transverse member and the base allow easy packaging and shipping of the transverse member and the base. In addition, the manufacturer and/or retailer can make, store and ship a vast number of two types of furniture pieces, namely the base and the transverse member, thereby enabling highly efficient manufacturing, shipping and storing processes.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate transverse members and an adjacent base coupled together via mounting plates 400. FIG. 3A illustrates a mounting plate and a foot mounted on adjacent portions of a base and a transverse member in order to form a chair. FIG. 3B illustrates a plurality of mounting plates and feet for mounting on adjacent portions of a base and transverse member/sin order to form a chair.

In FIG. 3A, a mounting plate 400 is mounted on a base 402 and a transverse member 408 and a foot 430 in the form of a peg is mounted on a corner edge of the mounting plate 400. Further, the peg 430 is mounted through the mounting plate 400 to transverse member 408, thereby connecting a portion of the mounting plate 400 to the transverse member 408. A threaded portion of peg 430 is mounted through a coupling hole 416 of mounting plate 400 to transverse member 408, such that peg 430 is positioned adjacent an edge of the transverse member 408 and couples mounting plate 400 to transverse member 408. Thus, the threaded portion of peg 430 is an integral fastener portion of the peg 430 that fastens mounting plate 400 to transverse member 408. In addition, a foot can be mounted on another edge of the mounting plate 400 and serve to connect the mounting plate 400 to the base 402. Alternatively, a fastener 420, e.g., a bolt or screw, can replace a peg 430 from its position in a coupling hole 416. To further vary function and appearance, a fastener 420, e.g., a screw, can replace a peg 430 from its position in the coupling hole 416 and the peg 430 can be mounted in a mounting aperture 418 of mounting plate 400, e.g. a mounting aperture centrally located in the mounting plate.

In another embodiment, a mounting plate is configured to be mounted on both the base member and the transverse member to thereby couple the base member to the transverse member. The base member and the transverse member each have an aperture therein for receiving a fastener. A first fastener extends through an aperture of the mounting plate and into the aperture of the transverse member frame assembly and a second fastener extends through an aperture of the mounting platform and into the aperture of the base member frame assembly. The fastener may be a screw. The furniture assembly may also include a foot configured to contact a surface, e.g., the floor. When the foot is mounted on the mounting plate, the foot is configured to contact the surface when the modular furniture assembly is in an upright configuration. In one embodiment, the foot may function as the fastener. A variety of items of furniture may be formed by interconnecting base/sand transverse member/susing a mounting plate and feet or screws and feet or using coupler/sand foot coupler/sas described above.

FIG. 4A illustrates an embodiment of a furniture assembly in the form of a two-armed chair. As shown, a first base 12 and a first, second and third transverse member 14 are utilized to form the arm chair having a first arm rest and a second arm rest. The arm chair is formed by coupling or interconnecting the first base, the first transverse member, the second transverse member, and the third transverse member in the manner described with respect FIG. 2 or FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a furniture assembly in the form of a chaise lounge. As shown, a first base 12, a second base 12, a first transverse member 14, and second transverse member 14 are coupled to form the chaise lounge having an arm rest.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a furniture assembly in the form of a love seat. As shown, two bases 12 and four transverse members 14 are utilized to form a love seat.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of a furniture assembly in the form of a deep sofa. As shown, two bases 12 and four transverse members 14 are utilized to form the deep sofa. The love seat of FIG. 5A and the deep sofa of FIG. 5B may employ the same bases 12 and the same transverse members 14, but arranged differently. The ability to combine base/sand/or transverse member/senables a user to conveniently form a variety of different types of furniture items.

As further shown in FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B and 8, a user may conveniently form a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies. FIG. 6 illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a sectional. FIG. 7A illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a twister. FIG. 7B illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a playpen. FIG. 8 illustrates a modular furniture assembly in the configuration of a bed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow 80 for an item of furniture. In the example embodiment of FIG. 9, headrest 80 comprises a waist cushion holding component 82, a head support holding component 84, and an elongate member 86. The elongate member 86 extends between and connects the waist cushion holding component 82 to the head support holding component 84. The waist cushion holding component 82 includes a first cushion that is disposed in an interior of the waist cushion holding component and the head support holding component 84 includes a second cushion that is disposed in an interior of the head support holding component. The first cushion and the second cushion may each comprise a single piece of foam or sponge having a sufficient resilience and appropriate properties so as to provide a comfortable surface for the user to touch or lean against. Each piece of foam may be covered by a respective inner liner, which may comprise a fabric material that is either water permeable or impermeable. Alternatively, a piece of foam for the first cushion and the second cushion can comprise multiple types and configurations of foam pieces, such as a layer of polyurethane foam and a layer of memory foam mounted on the polyurethane foam layer. The first cushion and the second cushion may have the same resilience and properties or may have resilience and properties that differ.

In one embodiment, either or both of the first cushion and second cushion may be selectively removable from waist cushion holding component 82 and/or head support holding component 84 via a respective removable securing mechanism 88 configured to permit access to the respective interior of the waist cushion holding component or the head support holding component. FIG. 10 illustrates a back elevation view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow 80 and shows the head support holding component 84 including a removable securing mechanism 88. The removable securing mechanism 88 may comprise a hook and pile mechanism, e.g. VELCRO, one or more zippers, male and female snap members, hook and latch type fasteners, or any other type of securing means that will facilitate selective access to the respective interior of the waist cushion holding component 82 and head support holding component 84.

The removable securing mechanism 88 allows a consumer to selectively remove the respective first or second cushion from the corresponding interior of the waist cushion holding component 82 or head support holding component 84 so as to permit easy laundering of the headrest pillow. Further, removal of the first and second cushion from the headrest allows a consumer to interchange headrests of different shades and styles to create a unique and customized furniture assembly. Furthermore, the headrest can be rolled-up by wrapping one of the waist cushion holding component or the head support holding component around the other in order to ease of storage and shipping.

FIG. 11 illustrates a left side elevation view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow 80 which shows that a side 87 of the head support holding component 84 is trapezoidal-shaped. In other embodiments, side 87 may be rectangular-shaped, triangular-shaped, or circular-shaped. FIG. 11 also shows that a side 89 of the waist cushion holding component 82 is triangular-shaped. In other embodiments, side 89 may be rectangular-shaped, trapezoidal-shaped, or circular-shaped. As one skilled in the art would appreciate, the pieces of foam positioned in the interior of waist cushion holding component 82 and the head support holding component 84 would be correspondingly-shaped to the shape of the

corresponding side

87 or 89.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow 80 deployed on a furniture assembly 10. The base 12 of furniture item 10 serves as a support surface on which a user can sit, and a transverse member 14 of furniture item 10 acts as a resting surface for a user's back or arm. In the illustrated embodiment, headrest 80 comprises a waist cushion 81, a head support 83, and an elongate member 86 that extends between and interconnects the waist cushion and the head support. The head support 83 of headrest 80 is positioned on a top surface 17 of a transverse member 14 and waist cushion 81 of headrest is positioned against a front surface 19 of the transverse member 14 (i.e., the resting surface for the user’s back) with the elongate member 86 extending therebetween. The terms “top surface” and “front surface” of the transverse member refer to the positions of the front surface and top surface when the furniture assembly is in an upright configuration contacting a surface, e.g., the floor, such that the user may appropriately sit on the furniture item.

The headrest 80 is secured in position on the furniture by the sitting position of the user. When the user sits on base 12 of furniture item 10 and leans back against the transverse member 14, the ergonomic headrest 80 is secured in place on the furniture item due to the force exerted by the user’s body on the headrest pillow. In particular, the weight of the user against the headrest secures the headrest to the furniture item. The disclosed headrest 80 also reduces difficulty in the manufacture, shipping, and assembly of furniture items including headrests and improves the aesthetics of furniture items via the elimination of holes typically required for connection of a headrest to transverse member. In particular, a standardized furniture item without holes for the connection of a headrest, for example, in the traverse member of the furniture item, may be manufactured. Should a consumer desire a furniture item with a headrest, the consumer merely needs to purchase the standardized furniture item 10 and headrest 80 and position the headrest on the furniture item as described above. In addition, the furniture item that is manufactured as described above is necessarily less bulky and more easily shipped than a conventional furniture item which includes an integral headrest assembled prior to shipping.

The described headrest pillow 80 also makes it easier to vary the position of the headrest to a desired position on the furniture item 10 and enhances user comfort while sitting on the furniture item. In particular, the waist cushion 81 addresses the problem of support for the waist and lower back of the user and the head support 83 provides support for the user’s head when the user is seated in a normal sitting posture.

Furthermore, the connection of the waist cushion 81 to the head support 83 via the elongate member 86 improves user experience because a user need not rely solely on the user’s spine to maintain balance of the user’s head. In particular, the user’s overall sense of sitting is additionally coordinated by the cooperation of the waist cushion and the head support via the elongate member. For example, when the user leans against the headrest pillow, the user’s head is supported by the head support, the lower portion of the user’s back is supported by the waist cushion, and the upper portion of the user’s back is cradled by the elongate member.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a headrest pillow 90 for a furniture item wherein a side 97 of a head support holding component 94 of the headrest 90 is circular-shaped. In the example embodiment of FIG. 13, headrest 90 comprises a waist cushion holding component 92, a head support holding component 94, and an elongate member 96 that extends between and connects the waist cushion holding component 92 to the head support holding component 94. The waist cushion holding component 92 includes a first cushion that is disposed in an interior of the waist cushion holding component and the head support holding component 94 includes a second cushion that is disposed in an interior of the head support holding component. The first and second cushions may each be formed in manners similar to those discussed above with respect FIGS. 9-12. As shown in FIG. 13, side 97 of the head support holding component 94 is circular-shaped. In other embodiments, side 97 may be rectangular-shaped, trapezoidal-shaped, or triangular-shaped. FIG. 13 also shows that a side 99 of the waist cushion holding component 92 is triangular-shaped. In other embodiments, side 99 may be rectangular-shaped, trapezoidal-shaped, or circular-shaped. Further, headrest 90 can be rolled-up for storage and shipping in manners similar to those discussed above with respect FIGS. 9-12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a back elevation view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow 90 and shows that neither waist cushion holding component 92 or head support holding component 94 includes a removable securing mechanism similar to that described above (FIG. 10: removable securing mechanism 88) . However, other embodiments of the headrest pillow may include one or more removable securing mechanisms. Further, as one skilled in the art would appreciate, the piece of foam positioned in the interior of waist cushion holding component 92 and the head support holding component 94 would be shaped to correspond to the shape of the

corresponding side

99 or 97 of the respective holding component.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a headrest pillow 90 deployed on a furniture assembly 10. Base 12 of furniture item 10 serves as a support surface on which a user can sit, and a transverse member 14 of furniture item 10 acts as a resting surface for a user's back or arm. In the illustrated embodiment, headrest 90 comprises a waist cushion 91, a head support 93, and an elongate member 96 that extends between and interconnects the waist cushion and the head support. Head support 93 of headrest 90 is positioned on a top surface 17 of a transverse member 14 and waist cushion 91 of headrest is positioned against a front surface 19 of the transverse member 14 (i.e., the resting surface for the user’s back) with the elongate member 96 extending therebetween. The headrest 90 is secured in position on the furniture by the sitting position of the user. When the user sits on base 12 of furniture item 10 and leans back against the transverse member 14, the ergonomic headrest 90 is secured in place on the furniture item. In particular, the weight of the user and ressultant forces exerted against the headrest pillow secures the headrest to the furniture item. As apparent to one skilled in the art, headrest 90 has similar benefits as to those discussed with respect to FIGS. 9-12.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

A headrest comprising:

a waist cushion holding component;

a head support holding component; and

an elongate member, wherein the elongate member extends between and connects the waist cushion holding component to the head support holding component.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein a first cushion is disposed in an interior of the waist cushion holding component.
The headrest of claim 2, wherein the first cushion comprises a piece of foam.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein a second cushion is disposed in an interior of the head support holding component.
The headrest of claim 4, wherein the second cushion comprises a piece of foam.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein the waist cushion holding component, the head support holding component, or the waist cushion holding component and the head support holding component comprise a respective removable securing mechanism configured to permit access to an interior of the waist cushion holding component, an interior of the head support holding component, or the interior of the waist cushion holding component and the interior of the head support holding component.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the head support holding component is circular-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the head support holding component is trapezoidal-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the head support holding component is rectangular-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the head support holding component is triangular-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is circular-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is trapezoidal-shaped or rectangular-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein at least one side of the waist cushion holding component is triangular-shaped.
The headrest of claim 1, wherein the elongate member connects the waist cushion holding component to a bottom surface of the head support holding component.
The headrest of claim 14, wherein the elongate member connects the waist cushion holding component to an edge of a bottom surface of the head support holding component or to a central portion of the bottom surface of the head support holding component.
A furniture assembly comprising:

a base;

a transverse member, wherein the base and the traverse member are configured to be interconnected; and

a headrest comprising:

a waist cushion;

a head support; and

an elongate member, wherein the elongate member interconnects the waist cushion to the head support.
The furniture assembly of claim 16, wherein the waist cushion comprises a first foam cushion and a waist cushion holder having an interior into which the first foam cushion is disposed, and wherein the head support comprises a second foam cushion and a head support holder having an interior into which the second foam cushion is disposed.
The furniture assembly of claim 16, wherein the elongate member comprises a piece of fabric that extends between the waist cushion and a lower surface of the head support.
The furniture assembly of claim 16, wherein the base further comprises a cushion and a plurality of feet.
A method for forming a furniture assembly, the method comprising:

providing a base;

providing a transverse member having a top surface and a front surface;

providing a headrest comprising:

a waist cushion;

a head support; and

an elongate member, wherein the elongate member extends between and interconnects the waist cushion and the head support;

connecting the base member and the traverse member; and

positioning the head support of the headrest on the top surface of the transverse member and the waist support of the headrest against the front surface of the transverse member.