BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. The Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure relates to casegood furniture assemblies and related methods of assembly and use alone or with modular furniture assemblies.
2. The Relevant Technology
A variety of shapes and sizes of furniture have been developed over the years to provide comfort and decoration. Consumers appreciate furniture that can serve multiple purposes and withstand the wear of everyday use without requiring much attention. For instance, consumers appreciate furniture that can provide storage in addition to providing a sitting or resting area for the consumer during any desired activity. Thus, what is desirable is furniture that is versatile, durable and relatively maintenance free, and that can provide storage for the consumer. Additionally, adjusting the shape and size of the furniture, including storage, to accommodate changes in consumer's lives can enhance a consumer's experience with the furniture.
Accordingly, what is needed in the art is modular storage that can be used with modular furniture assemblies to overcome all or at least some of the above shortcomings and/or other shortcomings known in the art.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Principles of the present invention can be applied to a variety of casegood furniture assemblies, making the systems more efficient and useful, enabling the use of various parts in various modular furniture assemblies.
In an embodiment, a furniture assembly system includes a first furniture assembly comprising a first base, a first upright member, and a coupler; a casegood furniture assembly, the casegood furniture assembly comprising a reversable upper member; and a coupler having a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture is configured to receive a first foot of the first furniture assembly and the second aperture is configured to receive a second foot of the casegood furniture assembly. The casegood furniture assembly can include one or more of a table, a coffee table, a side table, an end table, a cabinet, a game table, a dresser, a chest, a credenza, combinations or modifications thereof. In an embodiment, the furniture assembly system includes multiple casegood furniture assemblies that can be selectively secured to one another, either in a lateral side-by-side configuration, or stacked one atop another. In an embodiment, the height, width, and length of the casegood furniture assembly can be disposed in-line with other furniture assemblies to function as tables, storage area, etc.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly system includes a body member comprising a lateral opening and a top opening, the lateral opening being disposed between a first side panel, a second side panel, and a back panel extending upwardly from a bottom panel; a reversable upper member removably coupled to the body member, wherein when the upper member is coupled to the body member the reversable upper member closes the top opening; and a front panel coupled to the body member, wherein the front panel is configured to selectively close the lateral opening.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly system includes a body member comprising a top opening, the top opening being disposed between a front and back and at least one of a first side and a second side, the front, the back, the first side, and the second side extending upwardly from a bottom; and an upper member slidably movably coupled to the body member, wherein when the upper member is in a first position the top opening is closed and when the upper member is slid to a second position the top opening is open.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly system includes a body member comprising a compartment; a storage assembly selectively disposed within interior cavity of the body member, the storage assembly comprising a top storage member and a floor storage member; an upper member removably coupled to the top storage member; and a movement assembly configured to move the top storage member from a first position within the interior cavity to a second position vertically above the body member, the floor storage member being movable with movement of the top storage member.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly system includes a first furniture assembly comprising a first base, a first upright member, and a coupler; a casegood furniture assembly, the casegood furniture assembly comprising an upper member; and a coupler having a first aperture and a second aperture, wherein the first aperture is configured to receive a first foot of the first furniture assembly and the second aperture is configured to receive a second foot of the casegood furniture assembly.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise a casegood furniture assembly that includes one of a table, a coffee table, a side table, an end table, a cabinet, a game table, a dresser, a chest, a credenza, in-line table, corner table, combinations or modifications thereof.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can include a plurality of first furniture assemblies and a plurality of second furniture assemblies.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise furniture assemblies where the first base and the first upright member have a defined spatial relationship, wherein a length (x) of the first base is substantially equal to the sum of a width (y) of the first base and a width (z) of the first upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise a second base having a spatial relationship, wherein a length (L) of the second base is substantially equal to the sum of a width (y) of the first base and a width (z) of the first upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise a second base having a spatial relationship, wherein a length (L) of the second base is substantially equal to a width (W) of the second base, where (L+2 W)/2 is equal to a sum of a width (y) of the first base and a width (z) of the first upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise two second bases have a collective spatial relationship, wherein a length (L) of the two second bases is substantially equal to two times a width (W) of the two second bases, and where two times the width (W) is equal to a sum of a width (y) of the first base and a width (z) of the first upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise two second bases have a collective spatial relationship, wherein a length (L) of the two second bases is substantially equal to two times a width (W) of the two second bases, and where two times the width (W) is equal to the length (x) of the first furniture assembly.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise a second base having a spatial relationship, wherein a width (W) of the second base is substantially equal to a sum of a width (y) of the first base and the width (z) of the first upright member dividing by two, such as W=(y+z)/2.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise a second base having a spatial relationship, wherein a length (L) of the second base is substantially equal to a sum of a length (x) of the first base and the width (z) of the first upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, where the casegood furniture assembly can comprise a second base having a spatial relationship, wherein a width (W) of the second base is substantially equal to a sum of a width (y) of the first base and the width (z) of the first upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, where the coupler of the furniture assembly system can comprise a first side and a second side, the first aperture being disposed towards a corner where the first side and the second side meet, a distance a center of the first aperture to one of the first side or the second side being defined by the equation o=z/2 where z is a width of the upright member.
In any of the described embodiments, a body member of the furniture assembly system can comprise a top opening disposed between a first side, a second side, a back, and a front.
In any of the described embodiments, a distance between a center of one of the first foot or the second foot and one of the first side, the second side, the back, or the front is an offset distance.
In any of the described embodiments, a distance (A) between a center of the first aperture and a center of the second aperture can be substantially equal to twice an offset distance (o).
In any of the described embodiments, the coupler can comprise a third aperture and a fourth aperture, a center of the third aperture and a center of the fourth aperture being separated by the distance (A).
In any of the described embodiments, the center of the second aperture and the center of the third aperture can be separated by the distance (A).
In any of the described embodiments, the center of the first aperture and the center of the fourth aperture can be separated by the distance (A).
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversible or non-reversible.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can hingedly attached to a base or a body member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise two casegood furniture assemblies, the two casegood assemblies can be selectively secured to one another, either in a lateral side-by-side configuration, or stacked one atop another.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise two or more casegood furniture assemblies, the two or more casegood furniture assemblies being joined together by couplers.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the casegood furniture assembly is mounted to the body member or base of the casegood furniture assembly with a gap therebetween, the gap being sized and configured to receive portions of one or more coupler to join casegood furniture assemblies together.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly can include a body member comprising a lateral opening and a top opening, the lateral opening being disposed between a first side panel, a second side panel, and a back panel extending upwardly from a bottom panel; an upper member removably coupled to the body member, wherein when the upper member is coupled to the body member the upper member closes the top opening; a reversable floor member selectively disposed within the body member, wherein a height of the reversable floor member is configured to be adjusted to form a space within the body member; and a front panel coupled to the body member, wherein the front panel is configured to selectively close the lateral opening.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise a divider and a shelf, the shelf extending between divider and one of the first side and the second side.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise a drawer disposed between one of the first side panel or the second side panel and the divider.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise an engagement assembly configured to cooperate with the upper member so the upper member closes the top opening when the upper member is coupled to the body member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise an engagement assembly that is configured to limit movement of the upper member in a direction from the first side panel to the second side panel.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise an engagement assembly that is configured to limit movement of the upper member in a first direction from the first side panel to the second side panel and in a second direction transverse to the first direction.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise an engagement assembly that at least partially extends from the body member and a complementary engagement structure provided in the upper member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise an engagement assembly that is one or more sub-engagement structures and the complementary engagement structure comprises a groove formed in the reversable upper member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise an engagement assembly that comprises a notch to accommodate a divider.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can include a bottom panel with a mounting slot extending from the back panel toward the front panel, the mounting slot being configured to receive a divider.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the furniture assembly can comprise a first surface, a second surface, and an upper member engagement structure complementary to an engagement structure of the body member, coupling of the upper member engagement structure complementary to the engagement structure limits movement of the upper member in at least one of a first direction from the first side to the second side and a second direction transverse to the first direction.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the furniture assembly can comprise a first surface that can comprise a recessed portion configured to receive an accessory.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can accommodate an accessory, the accessory can be an organization tray or an induction charger.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can comprise one or more of a cushioning area, a digital game table top, or an induction charger; the digital game table top and induction charger being powered by at least one of a battery or mains power.
In any of the described embodiments, the front portion of the furniture assembly can be a door configured to open and close the lateral opening. The door portion can be hingedly coupled to one of the bottom, the first side, or the second side.
In any of the described embodiments, the first side, the second side, the back, the bottom, and the front portion can be removably mounted to a base frame.
In any of the described embodiments, a plurality of the first side, the second side, the back, the bottom, and the front portion can be covered by a fabric.
In any of the described embodiments, a plurality of the first side, the second side, the back, the bottom, and the front portion can be interchangeable with, respectively, another first side, another second side, another back, another bottom, or another front portion.
In any of the described embodiments, the body member can accommodate an electronic component assembly. The electronic component assembly can be received within the space and comprise one or more of a speaker, a subwoofer, an amplifier, a controller, combination or modifications.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversable and can comprise a handle or recesses for selective gripping by a user to reverse the upper member.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can comprise an upper member door.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise one of a casegood, a table, a coffee table, a side table, an end table, a cabinet, a game table, a dresser, a chest, a credenza, in-line table, corner table, combinations or modifications thereof.
In any of the described embodiments, wherein the upper member can be a reversable upper member and can be configured to couple over and closing an open top of the body member positioned below such reversable upper member, wherein an underside of the reversable upper member can be mate with an engagement assembly in a top surface of the body member positioned below such reversable upper member.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversible or non-reversible.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be hingedly attached to the body member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise two or more casegood furniture assemblies, the two or more casegood furniture assemblies being joined together by couplers.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the casegood furniture assembly is mounted to the body member or base of the casegood furniture assembly with a gap therebetween, the gap being sized and configured to receive portions of one or more coupler to join casegood furniture assemblies together.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly can include a body member comprising a top opening, the top opening being disposed between a front and back and at least one of a first side and a second side, the front, the back, the first side, and the second side extending upwardly from a bottom; and an upper member slidably movably coupled to the body member, wherein when the upper member is in a first position the top opening is closed and when the upper member is slid to a second position the top opening is open.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can slide in a first direction from the first side to the second side.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can slide in a direction transverse to the first direction.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can further comprise a divider, the divider in combination with one of the first side and the second side forming a compartment configured for storage.
In any of the described embodiments, a first surface of the upper member can comprise a recessed portion configured to receive an accessory.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can accommodate an accessory, the accessory can be an organization tray or an induction charger; the induction charger can be wirelessly or wired for charging.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can comprise one or more of a cushioning area, a digital game table top, or an induction charger; the digital game table top and induction charger being powered by at least one of a battery or mains power.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise one of a casegood, a table, a coffee table, a side table, an end table, a cabinet, a game table, a dresser, a chest, a credenza, in-line table, corner table, combinations or modifications thereof.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversible or non-reversible.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise two or more casegood furniture assemblies, the two or more casegood furniture assemblies being joined together by couplers.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the casegood furniture assembly is mounted to the body member or base of the casegood furniture assembly with a gap therebetween, the gap being sized and configured to receive portions of one or more coupler to join casegood furniture assemblies together.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly can include a body member comprising a compartment; a storage assembly selectively disposed within interior cavity of the body member, the storage assembly comprising a top storage member and a floor storage member; an upper member removably coupled to the top storage member; and a movement assembly configured to move the top storage member from a first position within the interior cavity to a second position vertically above the body member, the floor storage member being movable with movement of the top storage member.
In any of the described embodiments, the movement assembly can comprise a first actuator extending from a bottom of the body member to one of the top storage member and the floor storage member.
In any of the described embodiments, the movement assembly can comprise a track guide to control and support movement of the storage assembly into and out of the interior cavity.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the furniture assembly can comprise a first surface that can comprise a recessed portion configured to receive an accessory.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can accommodate an accessory, the accessory can be an organization tray or an induction charger.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can comprise one or more of a cushioning area, a digital game table top, or an induction charger; the digital game table top and induction charger being powered by at least one of a battery or mains power.
In any of the described embodiments, the body member can accommodate an electronic component assembly. The electronic component assembly can be received within the space and comprise one or more of a speaker, a subwoofer, an amplifier, a controller, combination or modifications.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversable and can comprise a handle or recesses for selective gripping by a user to reverse the upper member.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can comprise an upper member door.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise one of a casegood, a table, a coffee table, a side table, an end table, a cabinet, a game table, a dresser, a chest, a credenza, in-line table, corner table, combinations or modifications thereof.
In any of the described embodiments, wherein the upper member can be a reversable upper member and can be configured to couple over and closing an open top of the body member positioned below such reversable upper member, wherein an underside of the reversable upper member can be mate with an engagement assembly in a top surface of the body member positioned below such reversable upper member.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversible or non-reversible.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be hingedly attached to the body member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly system can comprise two or more casegood furniture assemblies, the two or more casegood furniture assemblies being joined together by couplers.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the casegood furniture assembly is mounted to the body member or base of the casegood furniture assembly with a gap therebetween, the gap being sized and configured to receive portions of one or more coupler to join casegood furniture assemblies together.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly system can include a first furniture assembly comprising a first body member with first feet extending from the first body member, a first top opening of the first body member being open to a compartment; and a second furniture assembly comprising a second body member with second feet extending from the second body member, a second top opening of second first body member being open to a second compartment, and an upper member removably coupled to the second body member, wherein when the upper member is coupled to the second body member the upper member closes the second top opening, wherein, the second furniture assembly is configured to stack upon the first furniture assembly and receive the second feet within the second compartment through the second top opening.
In any of the described embodiments, the second feet can be configured to support the second furniture assembly and limit movement of the second furniture assembly in relation to the first furniture assembly with the second furniture assembly stacked upon the first furniture assembly.
In any of the described embodiments, each of the first furniture assembly and the second furniture assembly can comprise an electrically conducting engagement structure, wherein mating of the first furniture assembly and the second furniture assembly electrically connect the first furniture assembly and the second furniture assembly.
In any of the described embodiments, the electrically conducting engagement structure is spring-biased.
In any of the described embodiments, the electrically conducting engagement structure comprises a connector and a receiving bore.
In any of the described embodiments, furniture assembly system can comprise an electrical port in electrical communication with a conductive cable, the electrical port providing power to one or more electronic component assemblies within at least one of the first furniture assembly and the second furniture assembly.
In any of the described embodiments, furniture assembly system can comprise an anchor configured to attach the first furniture assembly to the second furniture assembly.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can be reversible or non-reversible.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member can hingedly attached to the second body member.
In any of the described embodiments, the furniture assembly can comprise a coupler, the securing cap being configured to be disposed between the upper member and the body member.
In any of the described embodiments, the upper member of the casegood furniture assembly is mounted to the body member of the casegood furniture assembly with a gap therebetween, the gap being sized and configured to receive a portion of a coupler to join casegood furniture assemblies together.
These and other objects and features of the present will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. As used herein, use of the term “perspective view” can be considered to be interchangeable with “isometric view”.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly with an open door according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a casegood furniture assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between a reversable upper member of a casegood furniture assembly and a body member of the casegood furniture assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between a divider and the body member of the casegood furniture assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a drawer and the body member of the casegood furniture assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly with an open door and without a drawer according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly with an open door and without a drawer and an upright member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly with an open door and with a drawer and an upright member according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the reversible upper member in a first orientation according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the reversible upper member in a second orientation according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 8A-8D are perspective views illustrating a method of reversing the reversible upper member of FIGS. 7A and 7B to switch the reversible upper member from the first orientation to the second orientation according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the reversible upper member in a first orientation according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the reversible upper member in a second orientation according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 10A-10D are perspective views illustrating a method of reversing the reversible upper member of FIGS. 9A and 9B to switch the reversible upper member from the first orientation to the second orientation according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly with an upper member removed according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a connection between doors with a body member of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an engagement assembly of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a sub-engagement structure of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 15B and 15C are perspective views of other sub-engagement structures of a casegood furniture assembly according to other embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a partially exploded perspective view of a divider and shelf rail of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an engagement of a shelf and shelf rail of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate a method of forming a casegood furniture assembly using dividers, shelf, floor members, and an upper member according to the another embodiment of FIGS. 11A-17 of the present invention.
FIG. 19 illustrates an electronic component assembly usable with a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of an electronic component assembly usable with a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an electronic component assembly usable with a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a bottom view of an electronic component assembly within a body member of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23A is a perspective view of another electronic component assembly usable with a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23B is a schematic representation of another electronic component assembly usable with a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 illustrates another electronic component assembly within a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 25A-25B illustrate another electronic component assembly within a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 26A-26C are perspective views illustrating a method of reversing a reversible upper member to switch the reversible upper member from a first orientation to a second orientation according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27A is an exploded view of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the casegood furniture assembly of FIG. 27A according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27C is a perspective view of the casegood furniture assembly of FIGS. 27A-27B with a side panel removed to view an interior compartment according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 28A and 28B are perspective view of the casegood furniture assembly of FIGS. 27A-27B with alternate coverings according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28C is a plan view of an elongate member associated with the alternate covering of FIGS. 28A and 28B according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29A-29B illustrated a casegood furniture assembly with a upper member having a digital display according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29C is a schematic representation of the casegood furniture assembly of FIGS. 32A-32B according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 30A-30F illustrate a casegood furniture assembly with a sliding upper member according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 31A-31D illustrate a casegood furniture assembly with an upper member that can be elevated above a body member of the casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31E is a schematic representation of the casegood furniture assembly of FIGS. 31A-31E according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a reversible upper member of the casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 33A-33C illustrate a reversible upper member of the casegood furniture assembly that includes an inductive charger according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 34A-34E illustrate various accessories that cooperate with the reversible upper member of the casegood furniture assembly according to the present invention.
FIGS. 35A-35B illustrate casegood furniture assemblies being stacked together according to the present invention.
FIGS. 36A-36B illustrate casegood furniture assemblies being stacked together using an intermediate assembly according to the present invention.
FIGS. 37A-37B illustrate casegood furniture assemblies being stacked together using another intermediate assembly according to the present invention.
FIG. 38A illustrates a perspective view of the modular furniture assembly in the form of a chair having a base and upright members according to the present invention.
FIG. 38B illustrates a modular furniture assembly of FIG. 37A with cushions exploded therefrom and a cutaway of the base shown according to the present invention.
FIGS. 39A and 39B illustrate a modular furniture assembly that can cooperate with a casegood furniture assembly according to the present invention.
FIGS. 40A-40B illustrates a base according to the present invention.
FIG. 41A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the base cooperating with foot couplers according to the present invention.
FIG. 41B illustrates an exploded and partial cross-sectional view of the base cooperating with the foot couplers according to the present invention.
FIGS. 42 and 43A-43B illustrate perspective views of foot couplers according to the present invention.
FIG. 44 is a schematic top view illustrating the position of the feet with respect to the base and the upright member according to the present invention.
FIGS. 45A-45C are top views of foot couplers according to the present invention.
FIG. 46 is a schematic top view of a modular furniture assembly illustrating the use of foot couplers in relation to the base and the upright members according to the present invention.
FIGS. 47A-47O is a schematic top view of the use of the foot couplers with modular furniture assemblies and casegood furniture assemblies according to the present invention.
FIGS. 48A-48B is a more detailed schematic top view of the relationship of the foot couplers with casegood furniture assemblies in line with a modular furniture assembly and according to the present invention.
FIGS. 49A-49B is a more detailed schematic top view of the relationship of the foot couplers with casegood furniture assemblies in line with a modular furniture assembly and according to the present invention.
FIG. 50A is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 50B is a perspective view of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 51A-H are various views of a casegood furniture assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 52A-53D illustrate how the present casegood furniture assemblies and systems can be integrated with one or more cubby elements, according to an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Before describing the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particularly exemplified apparatus, systems, assemblies, methods, or process parameters that may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is only for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner.
All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein, whether supra or infra, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The term “comprising” which is synonymous with “including,” “containing,” or “characterized by,” is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
It will be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.
Where possible, like numbering of elements have been used in various figures. Furthermore, multiple instances of an element and or sub-elements of a parent element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. For example, two instances of a particular element “10” may be labeled as “10A” and “10B”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “10”) to generally refer to all instances of the element or any one of the elements. Element labels including an appended letter (e.g., “10A”) can be used to refer to a specific instance of the element or to distinguish or draw attention to multiple uses of the element. Furthermore, an element label with an appended letter can be used to designate an alternative design, structure, function, implementation, and/or embodiment of an element. For example, two alternative exemplary embodiments of a particular element may be labeled as “10A” and “10B”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “10”) to generally refer to all instances of the alternative embodiments or any one of the alternative embodiments.
Various aspects of the present devices, assemblies, and systems may be illustrated by describing components that are coupled, attached, and/or joined together. As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “attached”, and/or “joined” are used to indicate either a direct connection between two components or, where appropriate, an indirect connection to one another through intervening or intermediate components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being “directly coupled”, “directly attached”, and/or “directly joined” to another component, there are no intervening elements present. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “connection,” “connected,” and the like do not necessarily imply direct contact between the two or more elements.
Various aspects of the present devices, assemblies, and methods may be illustrated with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the terms “embodiment,” “alternative embodiment” and “exemplary embodiment” mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as required or as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments disclosed herein.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although a number of methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.
One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, some features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. It should further be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may generally relate to a casegood furniture assembly that can be used alone or in combination with other casegood furniture assemblies and optionally with a modular furniture assembly to augment or improve a user's experience with the casegood furniture assembly and/or the modular furniture assembly. The casegood furniture assembly can provide an interior space for storage and can optionally provide or function as an ottoman or furniture that can function as a seat or footstool. The casegood furniture assembly can also function as a table, a coffee table, a side table, an end table, a cabinet, a game table, a dresser, a chest, a credenza, in-line table, corner table, etc. and can provide an interior space for storage. The storage space provide by the casegood furniture assembly can optionally accommodate electronic components, such as but not limited to speakers, subwoofers, projectors, televisions, displays, humidifiers, air purifiers, wireless or induction chargers, battery banks, amplifiers, audio-visual receivers, controllers, digital games, electronic gaming devices, network devices, such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, modems, repeaters, access points, and combinations or modifications of any of the preceding. In this way the casegood furniture assembly can form part of a smart home system having home automation in which one or more of entertainment systems, appliances, lighting, climate, security, alarms, etc. are monitored and controlled.
Two or more casegood furniture assemblies can be combined to form a larger functional ottoman, table, etc. or similar furniture. Two or more casegood furniture assemblies can be stacked vertically to provide additional storage within a footprint of one casegood furniture assembly. Additionally, one or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within a modular furniture assembly which is formed or includes one or more bases and one more upright members that can be combined to form chairs, couches, or a sitting area of various shapes. The casegood furniture assembly has a particular shape or spatial relationship that is complementary with a shape or spatial relationship of the base and/or upright member so that the casegood furniture assembly can be integrated into the modular furniture assembly. For instance, a casegood furniture assembly of the present disclosure can be positioned adjacent to one or two bases and/or upright members of the modular furniture assembly using foot couplers that are used to position adjacent bases and/or upright members of the modular furniture assembly without inclusion of the casegood furniture assembly. This increases the number of alternate shapes and layouts for the modular furniture assembly, providing the user with enhanced flexibility to add the casegood furniture assembly in various positions within an overall shape or form of the modular furniture assembly.
While the present disclosure will describe a particular implementation(s) of the casegood furniture assembly, it should be understood that the assemblies, devices, systems, and methods described herein may be applicable to other uses. Additionally, elements described in relation to any embodiment depicted and/or described herein may be combinable with elements described in relation to any other embodiment depicted and/or described herein.
Depicted in FIG. 1A-8D is one embodiment of a casegood furniture assembly 10a. Any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
In the depicted embodiment, casegood furniture assembly 10a generally comprises a body member 12a and an upper member 14a, with upper member 12a forming a top surface or face 21a of casegood furniture assembly 10a and body member 12a forming an opposing bottom surface or face. Downwardly extending from body member 12a are a plurality of feet 20a. In the illustrated configuration, upper member 14a can be reversed to present another surface as the top surface or face 21a of casegood furniture assembly 10a. Two alternate top surfaces or faces 21a are illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Alternatively, upper member 14a can include only one top surface or face and remain in a single orientation, i.e., is not reversible. In still another configuration, upper member 14a can include two top surface or faces that are the same.
Body member 12a, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration with a front face 22a and an opposing back face 24a that both vertically extend upwardly from a bottom face 26a toward an alignment mechanism or engagement assembly 16a that cooperates with upper member 14a. Front face 22a and back face 24a both laterally extend between a first side face 28a and an opposing second side face 30a. Front face 22a is provided by a front panel 40a, back surface 24a is provided by back panel 42a, bottom face 26a is provided by a bottom panel 44a, first side face 28a is provided by a first side panel 46a, and second side face 30a is provided by a second side panel 48a.
Extending from bottom panel 44a at first end 50a is first side panel 46a while extending from bottom panel 44a at second end 52a is second side panel 48a. First side panel 46a and second side panel 48a are also spaced apart and can extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to bottom panel 44a. Back panel 42a extends vertically from bottom panel 44a and extends laterally between first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a. Panels 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a can be planar, such as in the configuration of a board or panel, and can have a rectangular configuration. Panels 40a, 42a, 44a, 46a, 48a can be formed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, polymer, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
In the illustrated configuration, front panel 40a is rotatable in relation to bottom panel 44a to allow front panel 40a to open and close access to an interior surface 54a that bounds an interior space or compartment 60a, as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The compartment 60a can be a single compartment or divided into a number of compartments or sub-compartments or spaces as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 6A-6C. When front panel 40a is in a closed state or position, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, front panel 40a overlaps with the ends of first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a so that ends 62a of front panel 40a are flush or align with first side face 28a and second side face 30a. The front panel 40a is also disposed below upper member 14a with upper member 14a overlapping a top end 64a of front panel 40a so that the front face 22a is flush or aligns with an upper member face 66a. This provides an aesthetically desirable form. In other configurations, front panel 40a can be recessed in relation to first side face 28a and second side face 30a and proud from upper member face 66a. In still another configuration, front panel 40a can overlap the ends of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and upper member face 66a. As can be appreciated, other overlapping and recessed relationships are also possible. Additionally, in some configurations, body member 12a can omit front panel 40a so that compartment 60a is accessible and not closed. In still another configuration, front panel 40a is formed of multiple sub-panels that can be moved between a closed state and an open state, such movement including one or more of rotatable movement, sliding movement, telescopic movement, multiple axis of rotation movement, a combination of sliding and pivoting, combination or modifications thereof. For instance, the multiple sub-panels can take the form of sliding doors that are flush with or recessed in relation to the first side face 28a and second side face 30a.
As mentioned above, front panel 40a is rotatably coupled to bottom panel 44a, such as through hinges 70a, that allow hinged or pivotal movement of the front panel 40a in relation to bottom panel 44a. The rotatably coupling allows front panel 40a to move so as to open or close the compartment 60a. It will be understood that first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and/or back panel 42a can also rotate in relation to or be rotatably coupled to bottom panel 44a in a similar manner to that of front panel 40a. It is also understood that moving the front panel 40a, or any of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and back panel 42a, can include one or more of rotatable movement, sliding movement, telescopic movement, multiple axis of rotation movement, a combination of sliding and pivoting, combination or modifications thereof. The hinge 70a is an example of a movement mechanism that allows or aids with movement of one structure to another, such as a panel in relation to other panels of body member or movement of upper member in relation to body member.
When front panel 40a is in an open state or position, such as illustrated in FIG. 1B, an internal front face 56a encircles an opening 58a to compartment 60a, the opening 58a being a lateral opening. The internal front face 56a can be formed by one or more of end surface 32a of first side panel 46a, end surface 34a of second side panel 48a, a front surface 36a of engagement assembly 16a that aids with positioning of upper member 14a to body member 12a, and a front surface 38a of bottom panel 44a. Opening 58a can have a rectangular configuration while compartment 60a and/or body member 12a can have rectangular transverse cross sections. Compartment 60a and/or body member 12a can also having the configuration of a rectangular cuboid or a right square prism.
Body member 12a has a width extending between first side face 28a and second side face 30a that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12a has a depth extending between front face 22a and the back panel 42a that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12a has a height extending between bottom panel 44a and a top of an engagement structure 72a of engagement assembly 16a that ranges from about 6 inches to about 32 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Body member 12a can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, engagement assembly 16a includes an engagement structure 72a and a complementary upper member engagement structure 74a that is operatively coupled or mounted to back panel 42a, first side panel 46a, and second side panel 48a. Engagement structure 72a cooperates with a complementary upper member engagement structure 74a in upper member 14a to align upper member 14a and body member 12a and releasably, frictionally couple, engage, or mount upper member 14a to body member 12a, and more particularly to engagement structure 72a. The coupling of upper member 14a to engagement structure 72a results in upper member 14a being limited to move in a lateral direction between first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a, in a direction transverse to the lateral direction between front panel 40a and back panel 42a, and in both the lateral direction and the transverse direction. Stated another way, upper member 14a is configured to couple over and close a top opening 76a of body member 12a positioned below such upper member 14a, wherein an underside of upper member 14a mates with a portion of engagement assembly 16a in a top surface of body member 12a positioned below such upper member 14a. While engagement structure 72a is illustrated as a single structure circumscribing a top opening 76a into the compartment 60a, engagement structure 72a can be formed of multiple sub-structures, i.e., multiple spaced apart sub-engagements structures that collectively substantially approximate engagement structure 72a. These sub-engagement structures or engagement structure 72a can be formed on three or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, back panel 42a, and a structure forming internal front face 56a. Having three sub-engagements structures limits movement of upper member 14a in two degrees of motion, i.e., side to side and front to back.
In this particular configuration, engagement structure 72a includes an engagement frame 80a having an engagement front member 82a (which also forms internal front face 56a), an engagement first side member 82a, an engagement second side member 84a, and an engagement back member 88a that form a ring-like shape with an engagement hole 90a that provides access to compartment 60a. The ring-like shape can be round, oval, rectangular, polygonal, combinations or modifications thereof so long as there is engagement hole 90a or opening providing access to compartment 60a.
The engagement frame 80a can be received within complementary notch or recess 94a of first side panel 46a, notch or recess 96a of second side panel 48a, and notch or recess 98a of back panel 42a (a close up view of notch or recess 96a of second side panel 48a being illustrated in FIG. 3, with the notches or recesses 94a, 98a having a similar relationship or configuration to notch or recess 96a). With engagement frame 80a resting in the notches or recesses 94a, 96a, 98a an engagement frame portion 100a of engagement frame 80a extends from an upper surface of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and back panel 42a to releasably couple, engage, or mount to upper member 14a. This portion 100a can have various lengths can optionally include surface features, such as detents, keys/keyways, surface treatments, combinations or modifications thereof, to aid with the connection or attachment of engagement structure 72a with upper member 14a.
While engagement structure 72a has been described as being received within notches or recesses 94a, 96a, 98a, it will be understood that engagement structure 72a can be mounted, attached, or coupled to interior surface 54a provided by one or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and back panel 42a without notches or recesses. In still another configuration, engagement structure 72a can extend from top surface 104a of first side panel 46a, top surface 106a of second side panel 48a, and/or top surface 108a of back panel 42a. In still another configuration, top surfaces 104a, 106a, 108a, can be formed with engagement structure 72a or stated another way top surfaces 104a, 106a, 108a, can be formed with portion 100a that extends upwardly to releasably couple, engage, or mount to upper member 14a. As such, engagement structure 72a can be monolithically formed with one or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and/or back panel 42a or be a separate structure that is attached, mounted, or otherwise coupled to one or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and/or back panel 42a. More generally, engagement structure 72a and one or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and/or back panel 42a can have various forms while providing a portion/structure that provides releasable coupling, engagement, or mounting of upper member 14a to body member 12a.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 2 and 4, body member 12a can receive a divider 120a and shelves 122a within compartment 60a to provide modularity to casegood furniture assembly 10a. The combination of divider 120a and shelves 122a aids with separating compartment 60a into one or more sub-compartments or spaces. Divider 120a and shelves 122a can be planar, such as in the configuration of a board or panel, and can have a rectangular or polygonal configuration. Optionally, divider 120a and shelves 122a can include recesses, depressions, grooves, indentations, hollows, or other areas to hold objects disposed within body member 12a (see FIGS. 8A-8B). While one divider 120a and two shelves 122a are illustrated it is understood that many dividers and many shelves can be used within the body member 12a. As such, casegood furniture assembly 10a can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more dividers and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more shelves; it being understood that the dividers included in casegood furniture assembly 10a can have different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. and the shelves included in casegood furniture assembly 10a can have different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. For instance, if casegood furniture assembly 10a includes a plurality of dividers they each can have the same or different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. Similarly, if casegood furniture assembly 10a includes a plurality of shelves they each can have the same or different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. Divider 120a and shelves 122a can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Divider 120a and shelves 122a can cooperate with structures or features of one or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel, back panel 42a, and front panel 40a (or engagement assembly 16a) to position divider 120a and shelves 122a within compartment 60a. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 1B, 2, and 4, a first mounting slot 124a and a second mounting slot 126a are disposed within compartment 60a and between engagement structure 72a and bottom face 26a. First mounting slot 124a extends along bottom panel 44a toward back panel 42a and second mounting slot 126a extends along engagement frame 80a toward back panel 42a. For instance, a portion of second mounting slot 126a is formed in engagement front member 82a and a portion of second mounting slot 126a is formed in engagement back member 88a. First mounting slot 124a and second mounting slot 126a are vertically aligned so that when divider 120a is slidably inserted into first mounting slot 124a and second mounting slot 126a, divider 120a is orientated generally vertically. It will be noted, however, that first mounting slot 124a and second mounting slot 126a can be positioned in an offset relationship so divider 120a, for instance, can be angularly orientated in relation to bottom panel 44a and engagement structure 72a. Additionally, while one first mounting slot 124a and one second mounting slot 126a are described as being formed or provided to receive the divider 120a, any number of first and second mounting slots 124a, 126a can be included in body member 12a, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more. With an increased number of first and second mounting slots 124a, 126a the number, size, and configuration of sub-compartments or spaces can be varied to enhance a user's experience with the casegood furniture assembly 10a so that casegood furniture assembly 10a includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sub-compartments or spaces within compartment 60a. Additionally, while reference is made to first mounting slot 124a and second mounting slot 126a receiving divider 120a (with first mounting slot 124a and second mounting slot 126a commonly having a square or rectangular configuration or other shapes complementary to ends of the divider 120a), it will be understood that back panel 42a can also include a mounting slot and/or front panel 40a can also include a mounting slot to receive ends of divider 120a.
Disposed through at least a portion of divider 120a (and portions of first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a) are holes 130a to receive complementary pegs 132a or other fasteners through which shelves 122a are supported within body member 12a. Holes 130a can be spaced part over divider 120a in rows or arrays to provide flexibility to positioning of shelves 122a (and portions of first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a). For instance, two rows 134a are illustrated in divider 120a with vertically adjacent holes being spaced apart about 0.25 inches to about 4 inches or in a range between any two of the forgoing. The two rows 134a, are horizontally separated so that horizontally adjacent holes are spaced apart about 5 inches to about 16 inches or in a range between any two of the forgoing. It will be understood that rows 134a can also be included in one or more of first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, back panel 42a, front panel 40a.
As mentioned above, holes 130a to receive complementary pegs 132a or other fasteners. For instance, with pegs 132a extending from divider 120a, one of shelves 122a can rest upon peg 132a. Holes 130a can extend completely or partially through a thickness of divider 120a so that pegs 132a extend in a cantilever fashion from a surface of divider 120a. Similar holes 130a are included in first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a (and optionally front panel 40a and back panel 42a) so that shelves 122a are supported by pegs 132a. One shelf 122a extends between divider 120a and first side panel 46a and is supported by pegs 132a, while another shelf 122a extends between divider 120a and second side panel 48a and is supported by pegs 132a. Therefore, a combination of divider 120a, first side panel 46a, second side panel 48a, and the pegs 132a can be used to support shelves 122a.
Pegs 132a and holes 130a have complementary form. For instance, a cross-section of pegs 132a can be circular, oval, polygonal, square, rectangular, or combinations or modifications thereof, with holes 130a having a complementary interior shape or form. Pegs 132a and holes 130a are sufficiently complementary to form a releasable frictional coupling, engagement, or mounting of pegs 132a within holes 130a. Alternatively, or in addition, structures can be provided to increase a retention of pegs 132a within holes 130a. For instance, pegs 132a can include keys while holes 130a can include a complementary keyway, or vice versa. In another configuration, complementary detents can be provided on pegs 132a and holes 130a. Combinations and modifications of the preceding structures to increase a retention of pegs 132a within holes 130a are possible.
In addition to receiving divider 120a and shelves 122a, the body member 12a can accommodate or receive a drawer 140a (while it is understood that 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more drawers can be received within or form part of the casegood furniture assembly). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 5, drawer 140a has a drawer body 142a and drawer rail members 144a that cooperate with rails 146a that are supported by pegs 132a. Drawer body 142a includes a drawer front 150a, a drawer first side 152a, a drawer second side 154a, a drawer back 156a, and a drawer base 158a. A handle 160a can be mounted or formed in drawer front 150a to aid a user to slide drawer 140a into and out of body member 12. Handle 160a can be any of a variety of drawer pulls or other structures that allow a user of casegood furniture assembly 10a to slide drawer 140a into and out from the casegood furniture assembly 10a, such into and out of compartment 60a.
The drawer 140a slides along rails 146a as drawer rail members 144a slide along rails 146a. Rails 146a and drawer rail members 144a have complementary sliding surfaces that allow sliding engagement and aid with maintaining an operative connection or coupling of the drawer 140a to rails 146a. For instance, a rail body 162a of each rail 146a has an inclined surface 164a that is complementary to a drawer rail inclined surface 148a of drawer rail member 144a so that a weight or mass of drawer 140a aids in maintaining contact between inclined surface 164a and drawer rail inclined surface 148a. While reference is made to rails 146a and drawer rail member 144a having complementary inclined surfaces, in other configurations the contacting surfaces of rails 146a and drawer rail member 144a can be parallel.
Rails 146a each include rail body 162a having rail holes 166a. Rail holes 166a are similar to holes 130a so that the same pegs 132a used to support shelves 122a can be used to connect rail body 162a to divider 120a, first side panel 46a, or second side panel 48a when no shelf is supported. Additionally, pegs 132a can be used to mount complementary drawer rail members 144a to drawer body 142a of drawer 140a. While reference is made to the same pegs being user in multiple different locations within casegood furniture assembly 10, it will be understood that other pegs can be used to, for example, mount complementary drawer rail members 144a to drawer body 142a of drawer 140a or mount drawer rail members 144a to divider 120a, first side panel 46a, or second side panel 48a.
Drawer 140a, rails 146a, drawer rail members 144a, and pegs 132a can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
As mentioned previously, compartment 60a can be a single compartment or divided into a number of compartments or sub-compartments or spaces as illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 6A-6C. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, casegood furniture assembly 10a includes a single divider 120a and has no shelves or drawers, while rails 146a are illustrated mounted to divider 120a, first side panel 46a, and second side panel 48a. Casegood furniture assembly 10a has compartment 60a divided into two sub-compartments. FIG. 6B illustrates casegood furniture assembly 10a without divider 120a and shelves 122a but with rails 146a illustrates mounted to first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a. Casegood furniture assembly 10a of FIG. 6B has compartment 60a. FIG. 6C illustrates casegood furniture assembly 10a with one divider 120a, shelf 122a, and one drawer 140a; compartment 60a being divided into three sub-compartments.
Returning to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 7A-7B, upper member 14a is configured to be reversibly coupled or mounted to body member 12a. This allows a user to vary usage of upper member 14a and so casegood furniture assembly 10a. For instance, and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 7A, upper member 14a is in a first position where an upper member planar surface 170a of upper member 14a is exposed or outwardly faces to be top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10a. This upper member planar surface 170a can have a form similar to front face 22a, back face 24a, first side face 28a, and second side face 30a to enhance the aesthetics of the casegood furniture assembly 10a. In FIGS. 1B and 7B, upper member 14a is in a second position where upper member 14a is rotated about a longitudinal axis or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis so that an upper member multiuse surface 172a is exposed, presented or outwardly faces as top surface or face 16. Upper member multiuse surface 172a provides different or alternate function to a user than upper member planar surface 170a. For instance, and not by way of limitation upper member multiuse surface 172a can provide one or more of the following functions or uses: cushioning for a user at least partially resting on casegood furniture assembly, storage, game play, charging, lighting, communication, audio, coaster, work surface, soft surface, etc., combinations or modifications or thereof.
As illustrated, upper member 14a includes an upper member body 176a with an upper member front face 178a and an opposing upper member back face 180a that both vertically extend between upper member planar surface 170a and upper member multiuse surface 172a. Upper member front face 178a and upper member back face 180a both laterally extend between an upper member first side face 182a and an upper member second side face 184a. Formed in each of upper member planar surface 170a and upper member multiuse surface 172a is complementary upper member engagement structure 74a that cooperates with engagement structure 72a of body member 12a to limit movement of upper member 14a in the lateral direction between first side panel 46a and second side panel 48a, in the direction transverse to the lateral direction between front panel 40a and back panel 42a, and in both the lateral direction and the transverse direction. The upper member engagement structure 74a can be a groove, recess, etc. extending about or near a perimeter of upper member 14a and positioned from upper member front face 178a, upper member back face 180a, upper member first side face 182a, and upper member second side face 184a a distance so that when upper member engagement structure 72a cooperates with engagement structure 72a upper member front face 178a, upper member back face 180a, upper member first side face 182a, and upper member second side face 184a are flush or align with front face 22a, back face 24a, first side face 28a, and second side face 30a of body member 12a. This provides an aesthetic look to casegood furniture assembly 10a. It will be understood, however, that the location of upper member engagement structure 74a and/or engagement structure 72a can be selected so that one or more of upper member front face 178a, upper member back face 180a, upper member first side face 182a, and upper member second side face 184a are not flush or align with front face 22a, back face 24a, first side face 28a, and second side face 30a of body member 12a. Stated another way, the location of upper member engagement structure 74a and/or engagement structure 72a can be selected so that upper member front face 178a, upper member back face 180a, upper member first side face 182a, and upper member second side face 184a can be parallel to or non-parallel to, respectively, front face 22a, back face 24a, first side face 28a, and second side face 30a of body member 12a whether or not upper member front face 178a, upper member back face 180a, upper member first side face 182a, and upper member second side face 184a are positioned to be within respective planes containing front face 22a, back face 24a, first side face 28a, and second side face 30a of body member 12a. For instance, and with reference to upper member front face 178a and front face 22a as an example with a similar discussion being applicable to the relationship between upper member back face 180a, upper member first side face 182a, upper member second side face 84a, back face 24a, first side face 28a, and second side face 30a, the location of upper member engagement structure 74a and/or engagement structure 72a can be selected so that upper member front face 178a is or is not contained within a plane that contains front face 22a of body member 12a and can be parallel to or non-parallel to front face 22a.
In the illustrated configuration of FIGS. 1B and 7B, multiuse surface 172a includes storage area 190a and a cushioning area 192a. Storage area 190a includes a storage wall 194a surround a storage bottom 196a to form a recess, depression, groove, indentation, hollow, or other area to hold objects disposed on multiuse surface 172a. While one storage area 190a is illustrated having storage bottom 196a extending across a whole or substantially a whole of storage area 190a, storage area 190a can be sub-divided into smaller sub-storage areas and so storage bottom 196a can be sub-divided into smaller storage areas. For instance, storage area 190a can include ribs, protrusions, or raised portions 198a to form sub-storage areas 200a as illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 1B and 7B.
Cushioning area 192a includes a cushion assembly 204a mounted to upper member body 176a so that cushion assembly 204a is permanently or releasable mounted or coupled to upper member body 176a. Cushioning assembly 204a includes an internal cushion member 206a and an outer liner or cover 208a surrounding cushion member 206a. Cushion member 206a can include a rectangular piece of foam or other material to provide cushioning to a consumer or user of casegood furniture. A variety of types of foam or other materials can be used to accommodate the desired resilience and padding cushioning area 192a; such cushioning members 206a can comprise a single piece of foam, a combination of foam layers, such as a layer of memory foam positioned over a layer of polyurethane foam, or a layer of foam or multiple layers of foam wrapped in polyester fibers, and combinations and modifications thereof.
Outer cover 208a is configured to cover and provide protection for cushioning member 206a and can comprise a fabric material that is either water permeable or impermeable. An advantage of a water impermeable liner is that the cover will help protect cushioning member 206a in the event a liquid, such as a soda, is spilled on upper member 14a. Outer cover 208a is either permanently attached or detachably coupled to upper member 14a at the cushioning area 192a. For instance, for removable attachment a securing mechanism 210a (illustrated in phantom in FIG. 7B), such as a hook and loop mechanism, e.g. VELCRO, is used to allow cushion assembly 204a to be detached, and subsequently reattached, to upper member 14a. In this manner, outer cover 208a can be selectively removed and laundered in the event that outer cover 208a becomes soiled and/or stained. The securing mechanism 210a also facilitates a consumer to easily, quickly and efficiently reattach outer cover 208a to upper member body 176a. In addition, the selective removability of outer cover 208a also facilitates a consumer being able to mix and match various styles, design and configurations of outer liners of modular furniture assembly 10 to create a customized and unique modular furniture assembly according to their desires and taste. For instance, outer cover 208a can be formed of cotton, leather, micro-fiber, suede, synthetic materials, such as polyester or nylon, blends of various fibers, such as blends of natural fibers, blends of synthetic fibers, or blends of natural and synthetic fibers, or any other type of material that a consumer may wish to utilize. For a more permanent attachment, fasteners, adhesives, etc. can be used to attach or couple cushioning assembly 204a to upper member body 176a.
Upper member 14a that has a width and depth that are complementary to the width and depth of body member 12a. Upper member 14a has a height that ranges from about 0.125 inches to about 12 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Upper member 14a can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Turning to FIGS. 8A-8D illustrates is a process or method by which upper member 14a is reversed so change a configuration of the top face or surface presented or exposed to a consumer or user of casegood furniture assembly 10a. Additionally, FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a shelf 122a including a shelf storage area 123a, such as a recess, depression, groove, indentation, hollow, or other areas to hold objects disposed within body member 12a and resting upon shelf 122a. Front panel 40a is also removed for simplicity of explanation.
To reverse the orientation of upper member 14a from that illustrated in FIG. 8A to that illustrated in FIG. 8D, a consumer can move upper member 14a generally vertically from body member 12a to disengage or separate upper member engagement structure 74a from engaging structure 72a of body member 12a, which is illustrated in FIG. 8B. Once in this position, the consumer can rotate upper member 14a about a longitudinal axis or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis so that upper member multiuse surface 172a is exposed, presented or outwardly faces as top surface or face 16 of upper member 14a, such as illustrated in FIG. 8C. With upper member 14a in this orientation, the consumer can engage upper member engagement structure 74a formed on upper member planar surface 170a with engaging structure 72a of body member 12a, as illustrated in FIG. 8D. To switch from multiuse surface 172a being exposed, presented or outwardly facing the consumer or user can perform the process in reverse order.
Turning to FIGS. 9A-10D, illustrated is another configuration of casegood furniture assembly 10b according to the present invention. The disclosure provided for casegood furniture assembly 10a is also applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10b and like reference numeral will be used for like structure, etc. Casegood furniture assembly 10b is illustrated without a front panel that selectively closes opening 58b, which can be lateral opening, but it will be understood that casegood furniture assembly 10b can include a front panel. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein. For simplicity, casegood furniture assembly 10b is illustrated without a front panel, however it is understood that casegood furniture assembly 10b can include a front panel.
In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 9A-10D, casegood furniture assembly 10b generally comprises a body member 12b and an upper member 14b, with upper member 12b forming a top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10b and body member 12b forming an opposing bottom surface or face. Downwardly extending from body member 12b are a plurality of feet 20b. In the illustrated configuration, upper member 14b can be reversed to present another surface as the top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10b. Two alternate top surfaces or faces are illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Alternatively, upper member 14b can include only one top surface or face and remain in a single orientation, i.e., is not reversible. In still another configuration, upper member 14b can include two top surface or faces that are the same.
As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, upper member 14b is configured to be reversibly coupled or mounted to a body member 12b (FIG. 10A). This allows a user to vary usage of upper member 14b and so casegood furniture assembly 10b. For instance, and as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 10A, upper member 14b is in a first position when an upper member planar surface 170b of upper member 14b is exposed or outwardly faces to be top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10b. This upper member planar surface 170b can have a form similar to front face, back face 24b, first side face 28b, and second side face 30b of body member 12b to enhance the aesthetics of the casegood furniture assembly 10b. In FIGS. 9B and 10D, upper member 14b is in a second position where upper member 14b is rotated about a longitudinal axis or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis so that an upper member multiuse surface 172b is exposed, presented or outwardly faces as top surface or face. Upper member multiuse surface 172b provides different or alternate function to a user than upper member planar surface 170b. For instance, and not by way of limitation upper member multiuse surface 172b can provide one or more of the following functions or uses: cushioning for a user at least partially resting on casegood furniture assembly, storage, game play, charging, lighting, communication, audio, coaster, work surface, soft surface, etc., modifications or combinations thereof. Upper member 14b can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
As illustrated in FIG. 9A, upper member 14b includes an upper member body 176b with an upper member front face 178b and an opposing upper member back face 180b that both vertically extend between upper member planar surface 170b and upper member multiuse surface 172b. Upper member front face 178b and upper member back face 180b both laterally extend between an upper member first side face 182b and an upper member second side face 184b. In contrast to upper member 14a, upper member 14b includes an upper member complementary engagement structure 74b of an engagement assembly 16b that wraps around upper member front face 178b, upper member back face 180b, upper member planar surface 170b and upper member multiuse surface 172b. For instance, one upper member complementary engagement structure 74b is positioned towards an upper member first side face 182b and another upper member complementary engagement structure 74b is positioned towards an upper member second side face 184b. Upper member engagement structure 74b can be band-like or belt like members, whether elastic or inelastic, and whether fixable or removably attached or coupled to upper member 14b. Upper member engagement structure 74b extends proud from upper member planar surface 170b and upper member multiuse surface 172b so they might engage or be received by engagement structures 72b of body member 12b, such as illustrated in FIG. 10B. Stated another way, upper member 14b is configured to couple over and close a top opening of body member 12b positioned below such upper member 14b, wherein an underside of upper member 14b mates with a portion of engagement assembly 16b in a top surface of body member 12b positioned below such upper member 14b.
As illustrated in FIG. 10B, body member 12b of casegood furniture assembly 10b, which is also a base, is similar to body member 12a of casegood furniture assembly 10a except for a configuration of engagement assembly 16b and forms of a back panel 42b, first side panel 46b, and second side panel 48b. The engagement assembly 16b includes engagement structure 72b and upper member complementary engagement structure 74b. The discussion related to body member 12a of casegood furniture assembly 10a is applicable to body member 12b of casegood furniture assembly 10b.
Engagement structure 72b of engagement assembly 16b includes an engagement frame 80b having an engagement front member 82b and an engagement back member 88b. Each of engagement front member 82b and engagement back member 88b extends laterally between first side panel 46b and second side panel 48b. First notches or recesses 94b are formed in engagement front member 82b and are positioned towards, respectively, each of the first side panel 46b and second side panel 48b. Second notches or recesses 96b are formed in engagement back member 88b and are positioned towards, respectively, each of the first side panel 46b and second side panel 46b. Third notches or recesses 98b are formed in back panel 42a and are position towards, respectively, each of the first side panel 46b and second side panel 48b. First notches or recesses 94b, second notches or recesses 96b and third notches or recesses 98b are aligned in a direction from engagement front member 82b to back panel 42a to receive upper member engagement structure 74b.
In the illustrated configuration of FIGS. 9B and 10B, multiuse surface 172b includes storage area 190b and a cushioning area 192b. One upper member engagement structure 74b is positioned between first side face 182b and storage area 190b, while another upper member engagement structure 74b is positioned between second side face 184b and cushioning area 192b.
Body member 12b has a width extending between first side face 28b and second side face 30b that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12b has a depth extending between front face 22b and the back face 24b that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12b has a height extending between bottom panel 44b and a top of one or more of first side panel 46b or second side panel 48b that ranges from about 6 inches to about 32 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Body member 12b can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Upper member 14b that has a width and depth that are complementary to the width and depth of body member 12b. Upper member 14b has a height that ranges from about 0.125 inches to about 12 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Upper member 14b can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Turning to FIGS. 10A-10D illustrates a process or method by which upper member 14b is reversed so change a configuration of the top face or surface presented or exposed to a consumer or user of casegood furniture assembly 10b. Additionally, FIGS. 10A-10D illustrates a through-hole 212b in bottom panel 44b that can accommodate electrical cables or other structures that are to pass through bottom panel 44b to connect electronic components within compartment 60b. For instance, electronic components can include one or more of speakers, subwoofers, routers, projectors, televisions, displays, humidifiers, air purifiers, wireless or induction chargers, battery banks, amplifiers, audio-visual receivers, controllers, digital games, electronic gaming devices, network devices, such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, modems, repeaters, access points, and combinations or modifications of any of the preceding. In this way the casegood furniture assembly can form part of a smart home system having home automation in which one or more of entertainment systems, appliances, lighting, climate, security, alarms, etc. are monitored and controlled. such as a speaker, a subwoofer, an amplifier, a controller, combinations or modifications, electro-mechanical components, or other devices with a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc.
To reverse the orientation of upper member 14b from that illustrated in FIG. 10A to that illustrated in FIG. 10D, a consumer can move upper member 14b generally vertically from body member 12b to disengage or separate upper member engagement structure 74b from first notches or recesses 94b, second notches or recesses 96b and third notches or recesses 98b of engaging structure 72b of body member 12b, which is illustrated in FIG. 10B. Once in this position, the consumer can rotate upper member 14b about a longitudinal axis or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis so that upper member multiuse surface 172b is exposed, presented or outwardly faces as top surface or face of upper member 14b, such as illustrated in FIG. 10C. With upper member 14b in this orientation, the consumer can engage upper member engagement structure 74b with first notches or recesses 94b, second notches or recesses 96b and third notches or recesses 98b of engaging structure 72b of body member 12b, as illustrated in FIG. 10D. To switch from multiuse surface 172b being exposed, presented or outwardly facing the consumer or user can perform the process in reverse order.
Turning to FIGS. 11A-11B, illustrated is another configuration of casegood furniture assembly 10c according to the present invention. The disclosures provided for other casegood furniture assemblies 10a and 10b, and other casegood furniture assemblies, described herein are also applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10c and like reference numeral will be used for like structure, etc. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
Depicted in FIGS. 11A-11B one embodiment of casegood furniture assembly 10c incorporating features of the present disclosure. In the depicted embodiment, casegood furniture assembly 10c generally comprises a body member 12c and an upper member 14c, with upper member 14c forming a top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10c and body member 12c forming an opposing bottom surface or face, from which extends a plurality of feet 20c. In the illustrated configuration, upper member 14c can be reversed to present another surface as the top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10c. Two alternate top surfaces or faces are illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Alternatively, upper member 14c can include only one top surface or face, optionally without any recess or other structures to cooperate with engagement or sub-engagement structures, and remain in a single orientation, i.e., is not reversible. For instance, the top surface of upper member 14 can be a planar surface extending to a periphery of the upper member 14c. In still another configuration, upper member 14c can include two top surface or faces that are the same.
Body member 12c, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration with a back face 24c that vertically extends upwardly from a bottom face 26c. Back face 24c laterally extends between a first side face 28c and an opposing second side face 28c. Back face 24c is provided by a back panel 42c, bottom face 26c is provided by a bottom panel 44c, first side face 28c is provided by a first side panel 46c, and second side face 30c is provided by a second side panel 48c. An upper rail 110c and a lower rail 112c extend between first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c and accommodate doors 114c that can be slid to open or close a compartment 60c. A surface 116c of upper rail 110c, surface 118c of lower rail 112c, end surface 32c of first side panel 48c and, end surface 34c of second side panel 48c form a front surface of body member 12c.
Compartment 60c is formed by back panel 42c, bottom panel 44c, first side panel 46c, second side panel 48c, upper rail 110c, and lower rail 112c. Compartment 60c can be accessed via a plurality of different openings based upon the particular configuration of body member 12c. For instance, compartment 60c can be accessed (i) from below via a through-hole 212c (FIG. 12) in bottom panel 44c, (ii) from the front by an opening 58c formed by upper rail 110c, lower rail 112c, first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c (opening 58c being a lateral opening), and/or (iii) from above via top opening 76c that is selectively closed by upper member 14c. Although not illustrated, it will be understood that body member 12c can have openings in any of first side panel 46c, second side panel 48c, and back panel 42c in addition to those openings described herein.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, extending from bottom panel 44c at first end 50c is first side panel 46c while extending from bottom panel 44c at second end 52c is second side panel 48c. First side panel 46c and second side panel 48c are also spaced apart and can extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to bottom panel 44c. Back panel 42c extends vertically from bottom panel 44c and extends laterally between first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c. Upper rail 110c and lower rail 112c extend between first side panel 46c and opposing second side panel 48c. Lower rail 112c cooperates with bottom panel 42c, while the upper rail 110c includes an engagement structure 72c that cooperates with upper member 14c; engagement structure 72c forming part of an engagement assembly 16c. Panels 42c, 44c, 46c, 48c, upper rail 110c and lower rail 112c can be formed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, polymer, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, upper rail 110c includes first grooves 220c and lower rail 112c includes second groove 220c. First grooves 220c face second grooves 222c to receive doors 114c in a staggered relationship so doors 114c overlap. The doors 114c are staggered in relation to compartment 60a, i.e., in the front to back direction, so that they overlap while sliding in relation to each other within first grooves 220c and second grooves 222c. To position doors 114c, one door 114c is positioned in either of first groove 220c or second groove 222c further from front face 22c of body member 12c and then rotated to and received in the other of first groove 220c or second groove 222c. The other of the doors 114c can be positioned in a similar manner.
Body member 12c has a width extending between first side face 28c and second side face 30c that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12c has a depth extending between front face 22c and the back face 24c that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12c has a height extending between bottom face 26c and a top of the engagement structure 72c that ranges from about 6 inches to about 32 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Body member 12c can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14, engagement assembly 16c includes an engagement structure 72c of body member 12c and a complementary upper member engagement structure 74c of upper member 14c. Engagement structure 72c is operatively coupled or mounted to upper rail 110c and one or more of first side panel 46c, second side panel 48c, and back panel 42c. Engagement structure 72c cooperates with complementary upper member engagement structure 74c in upper member 14c to releasably, frictionally couple, engage, or mount upper member 14c to body member 12c, and more particularly to engagement structure 72c. The coupling of upper member 14c to engagement structure 72c results in upper member 14c being limited to move in a lateral direction between first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c, in a direction transverse to the lateral direction, and in both the lateral direction and the transverse direction. Stated another way, upper member 14c is configured to couple over and close a top opening of body member 12c positioned below such upper member 14c, wherein an underside of upper member 14c mates with a portion of engagement assembly 16c in a top surface of body member 12c positioned below such upper member 14c.
Engagement structure 74c includes a first sub-engagement structure 226c associated with upper rail 110c and two second sub-engagement structures 228c with one at a corner 230c between first side panel 46c and back panel 48c within compartment 60c, and another at a corner 230c between second side panel 46c and back panel 48c. Including first sub-engagement structure 226c and second sub-engagement structures 228c provide three engagement points or locations that limit movement of upper member 14c in two degrees of motion, i.e., side to side and front to back.
First sub-engagement structure 226c includes a first sub-engagement body 234c that is mounted to upper rail 110c so as to extend upwardly from upper rail 110c. As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14, first sub-engagement body 234c is disposed within a notch 236c so first sub-engagement body 234c protrudes above surface 238c. However, in other configurations, first sub-engagement body 234c mounts or is coupled to surface 238c so that first sub-engagement body 234c extends upwardly from upper rail 110c. The mounting or coupling, whether in notch 236c or from any surface of upper rail 110c can include mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, clips, thumb screws, quarter turn fasteners, quick release fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, chemical or bonding attachment, such as using epoxy, glues, etc., combinations or modifications thereof.
Second sub-engagement structures 228c are disposed in corners 230c and 232c so that a portion 240c of each extends above a top surface 108c of back panel 42c and one of first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c, such as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15A (FIG. 15A illustrating corner 232c). The portion 240c can be received within complementary upper member engagement structure 74c in upper member 14c to releasably, frictionally couple, engage, or mount upper member 14c to body member 12c. Optionally the portion 240c can be tapered to aid with engagement or contact with upper member 14c. Second sub-engagement structure 228c includes a second sub-engagement body 242c with a first leg 244c and a second leg 246c generally perpendicular to first leg 244c to approximate an angle of a corner into which second sub-engagement structure 228c is positioned, such as corner 230c, 232c. While first leg 244c and second leg 246c are generally perpendicular, it will be understood that other angular orientations are possible based upon, at least in part, the angular orientation of back panel 42c with each of first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c. As such, an interior angle between first leg 244c and second leg 246c can range from about 88 degrees to about 90 degrees, or any other angle based upon the angle formed between the back panel 42c and one of the first side panel 46c and the second side panel 48 and/or between the front panel and one of the first side panel 46c and the second side panel 48.
Notwithstanding the illustrated positions of first sub-engagement structure 226c and second sub-engagement structure 228c, any number and/or position of first sub-engagement structure 226c and second sub-engagement structure 228c can be employed. For instance, first sub-engagement structure 226c can be provided/formed on any or all of upper rail 110c, first side panel 46c, second side panel 48c, and back panel 42c. In another configuration second sub-engagement structure 228c can be positioned between upper rail 110c and first side panel 46c and/or between upper rail 110c and second side panel 48c, with or without first sub-engagement structure 226c. Additionally, the mounting or coupling of second sub-engagement structure 228c to body member 12c can include mechanical fasteners, such as nails, screws, clips, thumb screws, quarter turn fasteners, quick release fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, chemical or bonding attachment, such as using epoxy, glues, etc., combinations or modifications thereof.
As illustrated in FIG. 15B, another second sub-engagement structure 228c1 is illustrated that can not only be received within complementary upper member engagement structure 74c in upper member 14c to releasably, frictionally couple, engage, or mount upper member 14c to body member 12c, but can also provide power to upper member 14c and any electronic components associated with upper member 14c, such as such as but not limited to speakers, subwoofers, projectors, televisions, displays, humidifiers, air purifiers, wireless or induction chargers, battery banks, amplifiers, audio-visual receivers, controllers, digital games, electronic gaming devices, network devices, such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, modems, repeaters, access points, and combinations or modifications of any of the preceding, as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.
As illustrated, second sub-engagement structure 228c1 includes a second sub-engagement body 242c 1 with a first leg 244c1 and a second leg 246c 1 forming a cavity 248c 1 that receives a connector 252c1 that is electrically connected to a wire or other conductor 254c1 extending to a power cord, battery or other source of power. The connector 252c1, such as a barrel connector, plug, contact, switch, etc. is received within complementary engagement structures 74c of upper member 14c that can be an opening, bore, etc. containing or supporting contacts 256c1 and receives conductor 254c1. The contacts 256c1 are electrically connected, such as through wires, etc. to electronic components or electronic components assemblies associated with upper member 14c. The connector 252c1 and/or complementary engagement structures 74c can have a fixed position or can be biased or moveable. For instance, connector 252c1 can be spring-biased so that the biasing force maintains electrical connection between connector 252c1 and the complementary engagement structures 74c when upper member 14c couples over and closes an open top of body member 12c positioned below such upper member 14c. As upper member 14c is coupled to body member 12c, and connector 252c1 being received within cavity 248c1, the downward force of upper member 14c towards body member 12c depresses connector 252c1 within cavity 248c1 to operate as a switch to electrically connect connector 252c1 and contacts 256c1. Similarly, releasing the force allows the biasing force to move the connector 256c1 upwardly in cavity 248c1, turning connector 252c1 off or to an off state. It will understood that complementary engagement structures 74c can biased instead of connector 252c1 or both can be biased.
When upper member 14c couples over and closes an open top of body member 12c positioned below such upper member 14c, connector 252c1 is received within and mates with complementary engagement structure 74c to not only align and limit movement of upper member 14c in relation to body member 12c, but also provide an electrical connection between upper member 14c, and associated electronic components, and a power source, such as mains power, batteries, etc.
Returning to FIG. 12, body member 12c can receive a divider 120c, false floor or floor member 128c, and shelf 122c within compartment 60c to provide modularity to casegood furniture assembly 10c. The combination of divider 120c, floor member 128c, and shelf 122c aids with separating compartment 60a into one or more sub-compartments or spaces. Divider 120c, floor member 128c, and shelf 122c can be planar, such as in the configuration of a board or panel, and can have a rectangular or polygonal configuration. Optionally, divider 120c, floor member 128c, and shelf 122c can include recesses, depressions, grooves, indentations, hollows, or other areas to hold objects disposed within body member 12c or to aid with mounting within compartment 60a. While one divider 120c, one floor member 128c, and one shelf 122c are illustrated it is understood that many dividers, floor members, and shelves can be used within the body member 12c. As such, casegood furniture assembly 10c can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more dividers, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more floor members, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more shelves; it being understood that the dividers, floor members, and shelves included in casegood furniture assembly 10c can have different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. For instance, if casegood furniture assembly 10c includes a plurality of dividers they each can have the same or different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. Similarly, if casegood furniture assembly 10c includes a plurality of floor members they each can have the same or different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. Similarly, if casegood furniture assembly 10c includes a plurality of shelves they each can have the same or different configurations, shapes, dimensions, etc. Divider 120c, floor members 128c, and shelf 122c can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
As illustrated, floor member 128c can be positioned on bottom panel 44c to close through-hole 212c. Floor member 128c includes a first side 129c and a second side 131c, with first side 129c including a mounting slot 133c to accommodate divider 120c. As with upper member 14c, floor member 128c can be reversed based upon the particular need of the consumer or user of the casegood furniture assembly. For instance, when no divider 120c is used, first side 129c with mounting slot 133c is placed against bottom panel 44c so second side 131c is exposed in compartment 60c. This provides a generally uniform surface profile to accommodate items to be stored within casegood furniture assembly 10c. Alternatively, when divider 120c is used, second side 131c is placed against bottom panel 44c so first side 129c and mounting slot 133c are exposed in compartment 60c to cooperate with divider 120c. While only one mounting slot 133c is illustrated, it is understood that floor member 128c can include an number of mounting slots or grooves, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more mounting slots or grooves. Additionally, while reference is made to floor member 128c being supported by the bottom panel 44c, in other configurations floor member 128c can rest upon rails, pegs, or other structures mounted to divider 120c, first side panel 46c, second side panel 48c, and back panel 42c, or other panels or structures of body member 12c. This would elevate floor member 128c and create a space between floor member 128c and bottom panel 44c to receive different electronic components as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The space between floor member 128c and bottom panel 44c can receive the electronic components by way of through-hole 212c or openings closed by doors 114c.
Divider 120c and shelf 122c can cooperate with structures or features of one or more of first side panel 46c, second side panel, back panel 42c, upper rail 110c, lower rail 112c, and floor member 128c to position divider 120c and shelf 122c within compartment 60c. For instance, as illustrated in FIGS. 12, a back panel mounting slot 43c is provide in back panel 42c, while an upper rail mounting slot 111c is provided in upper rail 110c. Back panel mounting slot 43c extends along interior surface of back panel 42c towards bottom panel 44c. Upper rail mounting slot 111c extends along interior surface of upper rail 110c. Back panel mounting slot 43c and upper rail mounting slot 111c are aligned so that when divider 120c is slidably inserted into back panel mounting slot 43c and upper rail mounting slot 111c, divider 120c is orientated generally vertically to be received within mounting slot 133c of floor member 128c, as illustrated in FIG. 18B. It will be noted, however, that back panel mounting slot 43c and upper rail mounting slot 111c can be positioned in an offset relationship so divider 120c, for instance, can be angularly orientated in relation to floor member 128c, bottom panel 44c. Additionally, while one back panel mounting slot 43c and one upper rail mounting slot 111c are described as being formed or provided to receive the divider 120c, any number of back panel and upper rail mounting slots 43c, 111c can be included in body member 12c, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, or more. With an increased number of back panel and upper rail mounting slots 43c, 111c the number, size, and configuration of sub-compartments or spaces can be varied to enhance a user's experience with the casegood furniture assembly 10c so that casegood furniture assembly 10c includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sub-compartments or spaces within compartment 60c. Additionally, while reference is made to back panel slot 43c and upper rail mounting slot 111c receiving divider 120c (with back panel mounting slot 43c and upper rail mounting slot 111c commonly having a square or rectangular configuration or other shapes complementary to the ends of the divider 120c), with divider 120c being disposed in mounting slot 133c of floor member 128c, it will be understood that divider 120c can rest on second side 131c of floor member 128c and is not received in mounting slot 133c of floor member 128c.
As with divider of other configurations, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 and later shown FIGS. 16-17, at least a portion of divider 120c (and portions of first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c) are holes 130c (FIG. 16) to receive complementary pegs 132c (FIG. 16) or other fasteners through which shelf 122c is supported within body member 12c. Holes 130c can be spaced part over divider 120c in rows or arrays to provide flexibility to positioning of shelf 122c (and portions of first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c). For instance, two rows 134c are illustrated in divider 120c with vertically adjacent holes being spaced apart about 0.25 inches to about 4 inches or in a range between any two of the forgoing. The two rows 134c, are horizontally separated so that horizontally adjacent holes are spaced apart about 5 inches to about 16 inches or in a range between any two of the forgoing. It will be understood that rows 134c can also be included in one or more of first side panel 46c, second side panel 48c and back panel 42c or in any other portion/panel of casegood furniture assembly 10c.
As mentioned above, holes 130c to receive complementary pegs 132c or other fasteners. For instance, with pegs 132c extending from divider 120c, shelf 122c can rest upon peg 132c. Holes 130c can extend completely or partially through a thickness of divider 120c so that pegs 132c extend in a cantilever fashion from a surface of divider 120c. Similar holes 130c are included in first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c (and optionally back panel 42c) so that shelf 122c is supported by pegs 132c. Pegs 132c and holes 130c have complementary form. For instance, a cross-section of pegs 132c can be circular, oval, polygonal, square, rectangular, or combinations or modifications thereof, with holes 130c having a complementary interior shape or form. Pegs 132c and holes 130c are sufficiently complementary to form a releasable frictional coupling, engagement, or mounting of pegs 132c within holes 130c. Alternatively, or in addition, structures can be provided to increase a retention of pegs 132c within holes 130c. For instance, pegs 132c can include keys while holes 130c can include a complementary keyway, or vice versa. In another configuration, complementary detents can be provided on pegs 132c and holes 130c. Combinations and modifications of the preceding structures to increase a retention of pegs 132c within holes 130c are possible.
In another configuration, and as previously mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, instead of using pegs 132c to support shelf 122c, a shelf rail 135c is mounted into two or more holes 130c in divider 120c and first side panel 46c or second side panel 48c. Shelf rail 135c includes a rail body 136c with attachment protrusions or structures 137c to be received in holes 130c. Shelf rail 135c has a length shorter than a depth of divider 120c when divider 120c is disposed within body member 12c. Stated another way, shelf rail 135c has a length shorter than a distance D between back panel 42c and upper rail 110c to form a first gap G1 between back panel 42c and a first end 138c of shelf rail 135c and a second gap G2 between a second end 139c of shelf rail 135c and a virtual line VL extending vertically from an inside surface 113c of upper rail 110c. The first gap G1 and second gap G2 receive, respectively, a first portion 125c and a second portion 127c of shelf 122c, first portion 125c and second portion 127c extending downwardly from a shelf body to form a recess 141c to receive shelf rail 135c. First portion 125c within first gap G1 locks or retains shelf 122c to shelf rail 135c. With first portion 125c in first gap G1, shelf 122c is prevented from being moved horizontally out from engagement with shelf rail 135c. To disconnect shelf 122c and shelf rail 135c, shelf 122c is moved upwardly before being removed from within body member 12c.
While not illustrated in FIGS. 11A-18D, body member 12c can accommodate or receive a drawer 140 (while it is understood that 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more drawers can be received within or form part of the casegood furniture assembly), such as described in casegood furniture assemblies 10.
As mentioned previously, compartment 60c can be a single compartment or divided into a number of compartments or sub-compartments or spaces. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, casegood furniture assembly 10c includes a single divider 120c and one shelf 122c. It is understood, as with casegood furniture assembly 10c, that casegood furniture assembly 10c can include any number of compartments or sub-compartments or spaces.
As illustrated FIG. 11B, upper member 14c includes an upper member body 176c with an upper member front face 178c and an opposing upper member back face 178c that both vertically extend between upper member planar surface 170c and upper member surface 172c (which can optionally be a multiuse surface as described herein). Upper member front face 178c and upper member back face 180c both laterally extend between an upper member first side face 182c and an upper member second side face 184c. Formed in each of upper member planar surface 170c and upper member surface 172c is complementary upper member engagement structure 74c that cooperates with engagement structure 72c of body member 12c to limit movement of upper member 14c in the lateral direction between first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c, in the direction transverse to the lateral direction, and in both the lateral direction and the transverse direction. The upper member engagement structure 74c can be a groove, recess, etc. extending about or near a perimeter of upper member 14c and positioned from upper member front face 178c, upper member back face 180c, upper member first side face 182c, and upper member second side face 184c a distance so that when upper member engagement structure 74c cooperates with engagement structure 72c upper member front face 178c, upper member back face 180c, upper member first side face 182c, and upper member second side face 184c are flush or align with front face 22c, back face 24c, first side face 26c, and second side face 28c of body member 12c. This provides an aesthetic look to casegood furniture assembly 10c. It will be understood, however, that the location of upper member engagement structure 74c and/or engagement structure 72c can be selected so that one or more of upper member front face 178c, upper member back face 180c, upper member first side face 182c, and upper member second side face 184c are not flush or align with front face 22c, back face 24c, first side face 26c, and second side face 28c of body member 12c. Stated another way, the location of upper member engagement structure 74c and/or engagement structure 72c can be selected so that upper member front face 178c, upper member back face 180c, upper member first side face 182c, and upper member second side face 184c can be parallel to or non-parallel to, respectively, front face 22c, back face 24c, first side face 26c, and second side face 28c of body member 12c whether or not upper member front face 178c, upper member back face 180c, upper member first side face 182c, and upper member second side face 184c are positioned to be within respective planes containing front face 22c, back face 24c, first side face 26c, and second side face 28c of body member 12c. For instance, and with reference to upper member front face 178c and front face 22c as an example with a similar discussion being applicable to the relationship between upper member back face 180c, upper member first side face 182c, upper member second side face 184c, back face 24c, first side face 26c, and second side face 28c, the location of upper member engagement structure 74c and/or engagement structure 72c can be selected so that upper member front face 178c is or is not contained within a plane that contains front face 22c of body member 12c and can be parallel to or non-parallel to front face 22c.
Returning to FIGS. 11A, 11B, and 18A-18G, the modular functionality of casegood furniture assembly 10c is illustrated. FIG. 18A depicts casegood furniture assembly 10c with floor member 128c disposed within compartment 60c with mounting slot 133c in view. The divider 120c can be placed within compartment 60c, and more particularly in mounting slot 133c, mounting slot 43c, and mounting slot 111c as illustrated in FIG. 18B. Divider 120c includes two rail shelf rails 135c and first side panel 46c includes shelf rail 135c. The shelf 122c is advanced over shelf rails 135c extending from divider 120c and first side panel 46 until first portion 125c (FIG. 17) is received with first gap G1 (FIG. 17) and shelf rails 135c are received within recess 141c (FIG. 17). Shelf rails 135c support shelf 122c, as illustrated in FIG. 18C. With shelf 122c in place, one or two doors 114c can be received in first groove 220c and second groove 222c (FIG. 13). To position doors 114c, one door 114c is positioned in either of first groove 220c or second groove 222c further from front face 22c of body member 12c and then rotated to and received in the other of first groove 220c or second groove 222c. The other of the doors 114c can be positioned in a similar manner, as illustrated in FIG. 18D. Upper member 14c can then be mounted to body member 12c through engagement of engagement structure 72c and upper engagement structure 74, which is illustrated in FIG. 18E.
As mentioned before, and with reference to FIGS. 18F and 18G, instead of resting on bottom panel 44c, floor member 128c can mount to or rest upon rails 135c to form a space or gap between the floor member 128c and bottom panel 44c. For instance, a plurality of rails 135c can be mounted to first side panel 46c and second side panel 48c so that floor member 128c can be positioned at different heights to accommodate different items, such as electronic component assembly 260c (see FIGS. 19-25B), within a sub-compartment or sub-space 60c1 of compartment 60c.
As mentioned before, upper member 14c is configured to be reversibly coupled or mounted to body member 12c. This allows a user to vary usage of upper member 14c and so casegood furniture assembly 10c. While the reversible coupling of other casegood furniture assemblies 10 are described and illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D and 10A-10D, for brevity the process of reversing upper member 14c will be described in relation to FIG. 12. With upper member 14c in a first position where an upper member planar surface 170c of upper member 14c is exposed or outwardly faces to be top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10c. This upper member planar surface 170c can have a form similar to front face 22c, back surface 24c, first side face 26c, and second side face 28c to enhance the aesthetics of the casegood furniture assembly 10c. Upper member 14c can be moved to a second position where upper member 14c by rotating upper member 14c about a longitudinal axis or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis so that upper member surface 172c (optionally with a multiuse surface) can be exposed, presented or outwardly faces as top surface or face. Upper member surface 172c provides different or alternate function to a user than upper member planar surface 170c. For instance, and not by way of limitation upper member surface 172c can provide one or more of the following functions or uses: cushioning for a user at least partially resting on casegood furniture assembly, storage, game play, charging, lighting, communication, audio, coaster, work surface, soft surface, etc., modifications or combinations thereof.
Upper member 14c has a width extending between first side face 26c and second side face 28c that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Upper member 14c has a depth extending between front face 22c and the back face 24c that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Upper member 14c has a height that ranges from about 0.125 inches to about 12 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Upper member 14c can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Casegood furniture assemblies can also accommodate electronic components that might use by a consumer. To aid with accommodating such electronic components, floor member 128c in casegood furniture assembly 10c can be placed upon an electronic component assembly that is disposed within compartment 60c. The electronic component assembly can extend within compartment 60c from first side panel 46c to second side panel 48c, such as illustrated in FIG. 19, or extend part way from first side panel 46c toward second side panel 48c, or vice versa, such as illustrated in FIG. 23. Each electronic component assembly can include one or more of speakers, subwoofers, routers, projectors, televisions, displays, humidifiers, air purifiers, wireless or induction chargers, battery banks, amplifiers, audio-visual receivers, controllers, digital games, electronic gaming devices, network devices, such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, modems, repeaters, access points, and combinations or modifications of any of the preceding. In this way the casegood furniture assembly can form part of a smart home system having home automation in which one or more of entertainment systems, appliances, lighting, climate, security, alarms, etc. are monitored and controlled. While reference will be made to use of an electronic component assembly with casegood furniture assembly 10c, it will be understood that the electronic component assemblies of the present disclosure can be used with any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein or otherwise contemplated by the present disclosure.
Turning to FIGS. 19-22, electronic component assembly 260a includes a housing 262a having a box shaped configuration with a housing front face 264a and a housing back face 266a that both vertically extend upwardly from a housing bottom face 268a toward a housing top face 270a. Front face 264a and back face 266a both laterally extend between a housing first side face 272a and an opposing housing second side face 274a. Housing front face 264a is provided by a housing front panel 280a, back face 266a is provided by housing back panel 282a, bottom face 268a is provided by a housing bottom panel 284a, top face 270a is provided by a housing top panel 286a, first side face 272a is provided by a housing first side panel 288a, and second side face 274a is provided by a second housing side panel 290a. Therefore, extending from housing bottom panel 284a is housing first side panel 288a and housing second side panel 290a. Housing first side panel 288a and housing second side panel 290a are also spaced apart and can extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to bottom panel 284a. Housing back panel 282a extends vertically from housing bottom panel 284a and extends laterally between housing first side panel 288a and housing second side panel 290a. Housing panels 280a, 282a, 284a, 286a, 288a, 290a can be formed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, polymer, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials.
In the illustrated configuration, and schematically illustrated in FIG. 20, housing 262a supports a first speaker 292a, a second speaker 294a, a subwoofer 296a, and an amplifier/controller 298a that controls signals sent to first speaker 292a, second speaker 294a, and subwoofer 296a. The housing 262a can accommodate electrical cables or other structures to power first speaker 292a, second speaker 294a, subwoofer 296a and amplifier/controller 298a, such as an electrical cable or other structure extending through one or more of any of panels 280a, 282a, 284a, 286a, 288a, 290a.The electric cable 300a or other structure electrically communicates or couples with a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc. as it extends through-hole 212c. Optionally, batteries can be contained within housing 262a to power first speaker 292a, second speaker 294a, subwoofer 296a and amplifier/controller 298a.
In the illustrated configuration, first speaker 292a, second speaker 294a, and subwoofer 296a are mounted to housing bottom panel 284a, while amplifier/controller 298a extends or is mounted to housing back panel 282a. By orientating first speaker 292a, second speaker 294a, and subwoofer 296a downwardly within bottom panel 282c, first speaker 292a, second speaker 294a, and subwoofer 296a are directed toward through-hole 212c to aid with delivery of sound from body member 12c or casegood furniture assembly 10c. Through-hole 212c also accommodates cables 300a, such as electrical or other audio/video cables that are mounted or coupled to corresponding ports or connections of amplifier/controller 298a to provide signals, power, etc. to amplifier/controller 298a. For instance, an XLR cable can extend to XLR connections/ports of the amplifier/controller 298a to provide audio signals to electronic component assembly 260c. Other cables can include L-shaped power connector, barrel connectors, plugs, contacts, etc., combinations or modifications therefore.
Generally, the speakers, subwoofers, and amplifier/controller including software and hardware processor that is operable to carry out executable instructions for performing a method or process, such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. It is contemplated that implementations in hardware or a combination of software and hardware are possible. For instance, the controllers, modules, systems, etc. described herein may include the use of computer hardware or software modules. Such hardware and software modules or structures may include a processor and computer storage media carrying instructions that, when executed by the processor and/or caused to be executed by the processor, perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, or any part(s) of any method disclosed. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer storage media may comprise hardware storage such as solid state disk/device (SSD), RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices which may be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which may be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality of the invention. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer storage media. Such media are also examples of non-transitory storage media, and non-transitory storage media also embraces cloud-based storage systems and structures, although the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples of non-transitory storage media.
The functionality and operation of the speaker, subwoofer, and controller/amplifier, and other electronical or electromechanical structures and components described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components/processors that can be used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGA”), Program-Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (“ASIC”), Program-Specific Standard Products (“ASSP”), System-On-A-Chip Systems (“SOC”), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (“CPLD”), Central Processing Units (“CPU”), Graphical Processing Units (“GPU”), or any other type of programmable hardware.
As mentioned above, electronic component assembly 260a is illustrated as extending from first side panel 46c to second side panel 48c within compartment 60c of casegood furniture assembly 10c, other electronic component assemblies can extend a distance part way between first side panel 46c to second side panel 48c. This is illustrated in FIGS. 23-24.
As illustrated in FIGS. 23-24, an electronic component assembly 260b fills a portion of compartment 60c with speakers orientated differently from electronic component assembly 260a. The discussion of electronic component assembly 260a is also applicable to the discussion of electronic component assembly 260b, with like structures referred to by like reference numerals. In this configuration, since electronic component assembly 260b fills a portion of compartment 60c and rests upon bottom panel 44c, a shortened floor member 128c is included to overlap the portion of bottom panel 44c that is not covered by the electronic component assembly 260b.
As illustrated in FIGS. 23-24, electronic component assembly 260b includes a housing 262b having a box shaped configuration with a housing front face 264b and a housing back face 266b that both vertically extend upwardly from a housing bottom face 268b toward a housing top face 270b. Housing back front face 264b and housing back face 266b both laterally extend between a housing first side face 272b and an opposing housing second side face 274b. Housing front face 264b is provided by a housing front panel 280b, housing back face 266b is provided by housing back panel 282b, housing bottom face 268b is provided by a housing bottom panel 284b, top face 270b is provided by a housing top panel 286b, housing first side face 272b is provided by a housing first side panel 288b, and housing second side face 274b is provided by a second housing side panel 290b. Therefore, extending from housing bottom panel 284b is housing first side panel 288b and housing second side panel 290b. Housing first side panel 288b and housing second side panel 290b are also spaced apart and can extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to bottom panel 284b. Housing back panel 282b extends vertically from housing bottom panel 284b and extends laterally between housing first side panel 288b and housing second side panel 290b. Housing panels 280b, 282b, 284b, 286b, 288b, 290b can be formed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, polymer, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials.
In the illustrated configuration, and schematically illustrated in FIGS. 23-24, housing 262b supports a first speaker 292b, a second speaker 294b, a subwoofer 296a, and an amplifier/controller 298b that controls signals sent to first speaker 292b, second speaker 294b, and subwoofer 296a. Unlike housing 262a, first speaker 292b and second speaker 294b are mounted to housing top panel 286b, while subwoofer 296a is mounted to housing bottom panel 284b. Amplifier/controller 298b extends or is mounted to housing back panel 282b. By orientating first speaker 292b and second speaker 294b upwardly, sound can propagate within compartment 60c and through upper member 14c when it include a sound transmissive portion. With subwoofer 296b pointing downwardly within housing bottom panel 284b sound is directed toward through-hole 212c to aid with delivery of sound from body member 12c or casegood furniture assembly 10c. Through-hole 212c also accommodates electrical cable 300c, such as power cables, and other audio/video cables that are mounted or coupled to corresponding ports or connections of amplifier/controller 298b to provide signals, power, etc. to amplifier/controller 298b. For instance, an XLR cable can extend to XLR connections/ports of the amplifier/controller 298b to provide audio signals to electronic component assembly 260c. Other cables 300c can include L-shaped power connector, barrel connectors, plugs, contacts, etc., combinations or modifications therefore.
Generally, the speakers, subwoofers, and amplifier/controller including software and hardware processor that is operable to carry out executable instructions for performing a method or process, such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. It is contemplated that implementations in hardware or a combination of software and hardware are possible. For instance, the controllers, modules, systems, etc. described herein may include the use of computer hardware or software modules. Such hardware and software modules or structures may include a processor and computer storage media carrying instructions that, when executed by the processor and/or caused to be executed by the processor, perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, or any part(s) of any method disclosed. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer storage media may comprise hardware storage such as solid state disk/device (SSD), RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices which may be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which may be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality of the invention. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer storage media. Such media are also examples of non-transitory storage media, and non-transitory storage media also embraces cloud-based storage systems and structures, although the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples of non-transitory storage media.
The functionality and operation of the speaker, subwoofer, and controller/amplifier, and other electronical or electromechanical structures and components described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components/processors that can be used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGA”), Program-Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (“ASIC”), Program-Specific Standard Products (“ASSP”), System-On-A-Chip Systems (“SOC”), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (“CPLD”), Central Processing Units (“CPU”), Graphical Processing Units (“GPU”), or any other type of programmable hardware.
As referred to previously, upper member 14c can include a sound transmissive portion so that sound generated by the electronic component assembly can pass through upper member 14c. It will be understood that any panel of body member 12c can also be sound transmissive to allow sound generated by the electronic component assembly to pass through the panel. More generally, any of the upper members, body members, and casegood furniture assemblies can include structure to allow sound transmission from an electronic component assembly.
To aid with this, and as illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 7A, 9A, and 11B, upper member 14 can include perforated portions 214 (214a, 214b, 214c) that enable sound to be emitted through upper member 14 (or body member 12 when any of the panels include perforated portions). The perforated portions 214 include perforations 216 (216a, 216b, 216c) that can be oriented vertically, substantially vertically, horizontally, substantially horizontally, combinations or modifications thereof. Additionally details related to the perforated portions, perforations, and providing structures and functions to aid with sound transmission through upper member and/or body member can be found in patent application Ser. No. 18/178,319, filed Mar. 3, 2023 and entitled “Systems and Methods for Tuning Based on Furniture Configurations”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
Turning to FIGS. 25A-25B, illustrated is another configuration of an electronic component assembly 260c that can be mounted to a casegood furniture assembly, such as to a body member 12 of casegood furniture assembly 10c. Instead of mounting the electronic component assembly into compartment 60c through the top or side, electronic component assembly 260c is mounted through a through-hole 212c. Additionally details regarding the electronic component assembly 260c, and related structures and functions, can be found in patent application Ser. No. 17/491,858, filed Oct. 1, 2021 and entitled “Systems and Methods for Tuning Based on Furniture Configurations”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
As illustrated in FIG. 25A, a housing 262c of electronic component assembly 260c can house subwoofer 296c (an optionally other speakers, amplifiers, controllers, etc.). Electronic component assembly 260c further includes elongate attachment arms 302c1 and 302c2 mounted on opposing sides of housing 262c. Arms 302c1 and 302c2 are attached to the housing 262c and couple housing 262c to body member 12c, such as to bottom panel 42.
In the illustrated embodiment, arms 302c1 and 302c2 each include an angled terminal extension 304c at each end thereof and a mounting hole 306c associated therewith. The positioning and orientation of holes 306c are configured to allow housing 262c to be received within through-hole 212c of body member 12c into compartment 60c in a manner that holes 306c align with the holes for mounting feet 20c of body member 12c.
Each of the arms 302c1 and 302c2 are comprised of an L-shaped shaft body having a perpendicular wall, each shaft body having terminating extensions 304c extending from the shaft body. The terminating extensions 304c are angled to extend laterally outward from the shaft body. The terminating extensions 304c extend in the same plane as one of the legs of the L-shaped shaft body. Using the arms 302c1 and 302c2, the associated electronic component assembly 260c can be quickly and efficiently coupled to the body member and can be readily removed therefrom in order to selectively replace the electronic component assembly.
Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component assembly comprises one or more arms configured to couple a housing containing one or more of speakers, subwoofers, routers, projectors, televisions, displays, humidifiers, air purifiers, wireless or induction chargers, battery banks, amplifiers, audio-visual receivers, controllers, digital games, electronic gaming devices, network devices, such as hubs, switches, routers, bridges, gateways, modems, repeaters, access points, and combinations or modifications of any of the preceding. In this way the casegood furniture assembly can form part of a smart home system having home automation in which one or more of entertainment systems, appliances, lighting, climate, security, alarms, etc. are monitored and controlled, the one or more arms comprised of an L-shaped shaft body having an angled L-shaped cross section, the shaft body having terminating extensions extending from the shaft body, the terminating extensions being are angled to extend laterally outward from the shaft body, the terminating extensions extending in the same plane as one of the legs of the L-shaped shaft body.
As shown in FIGS. 18G and 25B, feet 20c of body member 12c are shown as being configured to be mounted to the respective four corners of bottom panel 42c with arms 302c1 and 203c1 being sandwiched between the respective feet 20c and a hole in bottom panel 42c into which feet 20c are threadedly received, for example. FIG. 25B illustrates the positioning of upper and lower internally threaded hubs 308c that sandwich corner portions of bottom panel 42c. Feet 20c can be selectively threaded into hubs 308c within the corner portions of bottom panel 42c. The feet 20c can be received in foot couplers 524, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, in such a way that the diameter of each of the holes of foot couplers 524 are larger than the outer diameter of the feet 20c, such that the rim and body portions of the foot couplers 524 contact the extensions 304c of the arms 302c1, 302c2, such that weight of the body member 12c, and any items within compartment 60c, and an individual sitting on casegood furniture assembly 10c are received by the foot couplers 524 and not by the feet 20c.
Turning to FIGS. 26A-26C, illustrated is another configuration of casegood furniture assembly 10d according to the present invention. The disclosure provided for casegood furniture assemblies 10a-10c are also applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10d and like reference numeral will be used for like structure, etc. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 26A-26C, casegood furniture assembly 10d generally comprises a body member 12d and an upper member 14d, with upper member 14d forming a top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10d and body member 12d forming an opposing bottom surface or face. Downwardly extending from body member 12d are a plurality of feet 20d. In the illustrated configuration, upper member 14d can be reversed to present another surface as the top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10d. Two alternate top surfaces or faces are illustrated in FIGS. 26A-26C. For instance, upper member 14d includes upper member planar surface 170d and upper member cushioning surface 172d having a cushioning assembly 204d such as described herein. Reference is made to upper member cushioning surface because only cushioning assembly 204d is included, but it will be understood that upper member 14d can alternatively include an upper member multiuse surface as described herein. Alternatively, upper member 14d can include only one top surface or face and remain in a single orientation, i.e., is not reversible. In still another configuration, upper member 14d can include two top surface or faces that are the same.
Body member 12d, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration with a front face 22d and an opposing back face 24d that both vertically extend upwardly from a bottom face 26d. Front face 22d and back surface 24d both laterally extend between a first side face 28d and an opposing second side face 30d. Front face 22d is provided by a front panel 40d, back face 24d is provided by back panel 42d, bottom face 26d is provided by a bottom panel 44d, first side face 28d is provided by a first side panel 46d, and second side face 30d is provided by a second side panel 48d. First side panel 46d extends upwardly from bottom panel 44d and second side panel 48d extends upwardly from bottom panel 44d. First side panel 46d and second side panel 48d are also spaced apart and can extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to bottom panel 44d. A back panel 42d extends vertically from bottom panel 44d and extends laterally between first side panel 46d and second side panel 48d. Each of panels 40d, 42d, 44d, 46d, 48d can be planar, such as in the configuration of a board or panel, and can have a rectangular configuration.
Formed at a top 49d of body member 12d is an engagement structure 72d that is complementary to an upper member engagement structure 74d of upper member 14d. In this particular configuration, engagement structure 72d and upper member engagement structure 74d are complementary tapered, mitered or inclined surfaces that cooperate so that upper member 14d is limited to move in a lateral direction between first side panel 46d and second side panel 48d, in a direction transverse to the lateral direction between front panel 40d and back panel 42d, and in both the lateral direction and the transverse direction. Engagement structure 72d, therefore, includes tapered, mitered or inclined surfaces 61d formed at one or more of ends of front panel 40d, back panel 42d, first side panel 46d, second side panel 48d, and upper member 14d includes complementary inclined surfaces 63d formed on upper member planar surface 170d and on an upper member cushioning surface 172d. The body member inclined surface 61d extend inwardly and downwardly into and towards compartment 60d, while upper member surfaces 63d extend outwardly toward a perimeter 65d of upper member 14d, i.e., inclined surfaces 63d on upper member planar surface 170d and upper member cushioning surface 172d meet at perimeter 65d.
Also formed in upper member 14d is a recess 67d that functions as a handle or other portion for a consumer to grasp to remove upper member 14d from body member 12d and also aid with rotation of upper member 14d from first position (FIG. 11A) where upper member planar surface 170d of upper member 14d is exposed or outwardly faces to be top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10d to a second position (FIG. 26C) where upper member cushioning surface 172d of upper member 14d is exposed or outwardly faces to be top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10d.
Body member 12d has a width extending between first side face 28d and second side face 30d that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12d has a depth extending between front face 22d and the back panel 42d that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12d has a height extending between bottom panel 44d and top 49d of body member 12d that ranges from about 6 inches to about 32 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Body member 12d can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Upper member 14d has a width extending between first side face 26d and second side face 28d that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Upper member 14d has a depth extending between front face 22d and the back face 24d that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Upper member 14d has a height that ranges from about 0.125 inches to about 12 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Upper member 14d can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
FIGS. 26A-26C also illustrate is a process or method by which upper member 14d is reversed so change a configuration of the top face or surface presented or exposed to a consumer or user of casegood furniture assembly 10d. To reverse the orientation of upper member 14d from that illustrated in FIG. 26A to that illustrated in FIG. 26C, a consumer can move upper member 14d generally vertically from body member 12d to disengage or inclined surfaces 61d from inclined surfaces 63d. Once in this position, the consumer can rotate upper member 14d about a longitudinal axis or an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis so that upper member cushioning surface 172d is exposed, presented or outwardly faces as top surface or face of upper member 14d, such as illustrated in FIG. 26B. With upper member 14d in this orientation, the consumer can engage inclined surfaces 61d from inclined surfaces 63d, as illustrated in FIG. 26C. To switch from cushioning surface 172d being exposed, presented or outwardly facing the consumer or user can perform the process in reverse order.
Turning to FIGS. 27A-28, illustrated is another configuration of casegood furniture assembly 10e according to the present invention. The disclosure provided for casegood furniture assemblies 10a-10d is also applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10e and like reference numeral will be used for like structure, etc. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 27A-27C, casegood furniture assembly 10e generally comprises a body member 12e and an upper member 14e, with body member 12e forming a bottom surface or face 26e and upper member 14e forming a top surface or face 21e of casegood furniture assembly 10e and. Downwardly extending from bottom surface 26e are a plurality of feet 20e. In the illustrated configuration, upper member 14e can be reversed to present another surface as the top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10e. Alternatively, upper member 14e can include only one top surface or face and remain in a single orientation, i.e., is not reversible. In still another configuration, upper member 14e can include two top surface or faces that are the same.
Body member 12e, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration with a front face 22e and an opposing back face 24e that laterally extend between a first side face 28e and an opposing second side face 30e. An internal frame 310e, as illustrated in FIGS. 27A-27C, provides support for a front panel 40e that forms front face 22e, a back panel 42e that forms back face 24e, a first side panel 46e that forms first side face 28e, and a second side panel 48e that forms second side face 30e (although body member 12e is illustrated without a bottom panel, in other configurations a bottom panel can be included as illustrated). Each of panels 40e, 42e, 46e, 48e can be planar, such as in the configuration of a board or panel and can have a rectangular configuration, and mount or couple to internal frame 310e by way of fasteners 314e, such as hook and loop fastener, bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, studs, releasable fasteners, removable fasteners, permanent fasteners, or combinations and modifications thereof.
Internal frame 310e, having a skeletal three-dimensional shape formed of tubing, rails, non-tubular members, etc., supports front panel 40e, back panel 42e, first side panel 46e, and second side panel 48e (and elongate member 312e). Internal frame 310e includes vertical frame members 320e and horizontal frame members 322e that form a number of openings. To support feet 20e and provide additional support to horizontal frame members 322e, for instance, webs or brackets 324e are disposed toward junctions of adjacent horizontal frame members 322e, and optionally a vertical frame member 320e. Feet 20e mount to respective corners of internal frame 310e through threaded mounting to holes formed in webs or brackets.
One or more of front panel 40e, back panel 42e, first side panel 44e, and second side panel 46e can be removed temporarily or permanently to provide access to a compartment 60e, such as illustrated FIG. 27C. Compartment 60e is illustrated containing an electronic component assembly 260c mounted to or more of vertical frame members 320e and horizontal frame member 322e (or a shelf within compartment 60e).
In another configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 28A-C, front face 22e, back face 24e, first side face 28e, and second side face 30e are formed by an elongate member 312e extending around internal frame 310e and is attached or mounted using fasteners 314e to itself or to a portion of internal frame 310e, such as vertical frame members 320e and horizontal frame members 322e; fasteners 314e including hook and loop fastener, bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, studs, releasable fasteners, removable fasteners, permanent fasteners, or combinations and modifications thereof. Elongate member 312e includes fasteners 314e disposed about a perimeter 330e of elongate body 332e of elongate member 312e, although fasteners 314e can be positioned at any location of elongate member 312e. The material forming the elongate member 312e can range from cotton, leather, micro-fiber, suede, silk, natural material, synthetic material, combinations or modifications thereof.
Body member 12e has a width extending between first side face 28e and second side face 30e that ranges from about 29 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12e has a depth extending between front face 22e and the back panel 42e that ranges from about 10 inches to about 41 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Body member 12e has a height extending between bottom panel 44e and a top of internal frame 310e that ranges from about 6 inches to about 12 or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Body member 12e can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Upper member 14e that has a width and depth that are complementary to the width and depth of body member 12e. Upper member 14e has a height that ranges from about 0.125 inches to about 12 inches or is in a range between any two of the foregoing. Other dimensions can also be used. Upper member 14e can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, polymer, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board, or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Turning to FIGS. 29A-29C, illustrated are other examples of a casegood furniture assembly 10f. The disclosures related to other casegood furniture assemblies is also applicable to casegood furniture assemblies 10a-10e and like reference numeral will be used for like structure, etc. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
In the depicted embodiment, casegood furniture assembly 10f generally comprises a body member 12f and an upper member 14f, with upper member 12f forming a top surface or face of casegood furniture assembly 10f and body member 14f forming an opposing bottom surface or face. Feet 20f extending downwardly from body member 14f. Body member 14f, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration similar to other body members described herein. The upper member 14f includes a first upper member part 340f and a second upper member part 342f. The first upper member part 340f has the form of an electronic or digital game top that can optionally be reversible in a similar manner to that described herein for other upper members 14. Alternatively, first upper member part 340f can be fixed to body member 12f and be non-reversible. The first upper member part 340f forms a part of an upper surface 170a, with second upper member part 342f forming a remainder of upper surface 170a, and optionally functional as a door to access a compartment 60f of body member 14f.
As schematically illustrated in FIG. 29C, disposed within compartment 60f are a power supply 344f and controller 346f to control operation of first upper member part 340f. The power supply 344f and controller 346f are electrically coupled together by wires and to a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc. through a power cord 348f. Optionally, other electronic component assemblies can be contained within compartment 60f.
Generally, the power supply and controller includes software and hardware processor(s) that is operable to carry out executable instructions for performing a method or process, such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. It is contemplated that implementations in hardware or a combination of software and hardware are possible. For instance, the controllers, modules, systems, etc. described herein may include the use of computer hardware or software modules. Such hardware and software modules or structures may include a processor and computer storage media carrying instructions that, when executed by the processor and/or caused to be executed by the processor, perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, or any part(s) of any method disclosed. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer storage media may comprise hardware storage such as solid state disk/device (SSD), RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices which may be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which may be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality of the invention. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer storage media. Such media are also examples of non-transitory storage media, and non-transitory storage media also embraces cloud-based storage systems and structures, although the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples of non-transitory storage media.
The functionality and operation of the power supply and controller, and other electronical or electromechanical structures and components described herein, can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components/processors that can be used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGA”), Program Generally, the power supply and controller includes software and hardware processor(s) that is operable to carry out executable instructions for performing a method or process, such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. It is contemplated that implementations in hardware or a combination of software and hardware are possible. For instance, the controllers, modules, systems, etc. described herein may include the use of computer hardware or software modules. Such hardware and software modules or structures may include a processor and computer storage media carrying instructions that, when executed by the processor and/or caused to be executed by the processor, perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, or any part(s) of any method disclosed. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer storage media may comprise hardware storage such as solid state disk/device (SSD), RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices which may be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which may be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality of the invention. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer storage media. Such media are also examples of non-transitory storage media, and non-transitory storage media also embraces cloud-based storage systems and structures, although the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples of non-transitory storage media.
The functionality and operation of the power supply and controller, and other electronical or electromechanical structures and components described herein, can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components/processors that can be used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGA”), Program-Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (“ASIC”), Program-Specific Standard Products (“ASSP”), System-On-A-Chip Systems (“SOC”), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (“CPLD”), Central Processing Units (“CPU”), Graphical Processing Units (“GPU”), or any other type of programmable hardware.
Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (“ASIC”), Program-Specific Standard Products (“ASSP”), System-On-A-Chip Systems (“SOC”), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (“CPLD”), Central Processing Units (“CPU”), Graphical Processing Units (“GPU”), or any other type of programmable hardware.
As shown, second upper member part 342f is pivotally or hingedly attached to body member 12f at first side panel 46f, although second upper member part 342f can be pivotally or hingedly attached to one or more of front panel 40f, back panel 42f, bottom panel 44f, first side panel 46f, and second side panel 48f. Movement of second upper member part 342f provides access to a compartment 60f for storage. In the illustrated configuration, compartment 60f includes a first storage area 350f having one or more sub-storage areas 352f formed by ribs, protrusions, or raised portions 354f, a base 356f, and a wall 358f to form sub-storage areas 352f. Sub-storage areas 352f can have various sizes. While wall 358f forms sub-storage areas 352f, it will be understood that internal or interior surfaces of one or more of front panel 40f, back panel 42f, bottom panel 44f, first side panel 46f, and second side panel 48f can form part of sub-storage areas 352f. It will be understood that the number, size, and shape of sub-storage areas 352f can be varied and changed as desired. Additionally, one or more of the sub-storage areas 352f can be devoid of a base so that a user can access portions of compartment 60f beneath the remaining sub-storage areas and/or first upper member part 340f.
Turning to FIGS. 30A-30F, illustrated is another example of a casegood furniture assembly 10g. The disclosures related to other casegood furniture assemblies are also applicable to casegood furniture assemblies 10a-10f and like reference numeral will be used for like structure, etc. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
In the depicted embodiment, casegood furniture assembly 10g generally comprises a body member 12g and an upper member 14g, with upper member 14g forming a top surface or face 21g of casegood furniture assembly 10g and body member 12g forming an opposing bottom surface or face 26g. Downwardly extending from bottom surface 26g are a plurality of feet 20g. Upper member 14g slidably cooperates with body member 12g by way of a sliding assembly 370g, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.
Body member 12g, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration similar to other body members described herein. Body member 12g has, therefore, a front face 22g provided by a front panel 40g, a back face 24g is provided by back panel 42g, a bottom face 26g is provided by a bottom panel 44g, a first side face 28g is provided by a first side panel 46g, and second side face 30g is provided by a second side panel 48g. The panels 40g, 42g, 44g, 46g, 48g, form a compartment 60g for storage. As illustrated in FIG. 30D, a divider 120g extends between front panel 40g and back panel 42g, while a floor member 128g extends from first side panel 46g towards second side panel 48g and divider 120g. Divider 120g and floor member 128g, in conjunction with one or more of front panel 40g, back panel 42g, first side panel 46g, and second panel 48g form a storage area 372g. An internal support assembly 374g supports front panel 40g, back panel 42g, first side panel 46g, and second panel 48g and provides locations for mounting of front panel 40g, back panel 42g, first side panel 46g, and second panel 48g to form body member 12g. Internal support assembly 374g includes supports 376g to which two or more of front panel 40g, back panel 42g, first side panel 46g, and second panel 48g connect or mount. Supports 376g extend vertically or more generally extend upwardly from bottom panel 44g.
Each of upper member 14g, front panel 40g, back panel 42g, first side panel 46g, and second panel 48g, 120g, and floor member 128g can be planar, such as in the configuration of a board or panel, and can have a rectangular configuration. They can be formed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, wood, metal, polymer, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Upper member 14g includes an upper member body 176g with upper member planar surface 170g and upper member lower surface 172g. Upper member 14g slidably cooperates with body member 12g to open and close compartment 60a and storage area 372g of body member 12g. Although upper member 14g is illustrated as having upper member planar surface 170g that is generally planar, it will be understood that any of the other structures or forms of upper member described herein, or otherwise contemplated by the disclosure contained herein, can be included in upper member 14g. For instance, and not by way of limitation, upper member 14g can include cushioning for a user at least partially resting on casegood furniture assembly, storage, game play, charging, lighting, communication, audio, coaster, work surface, soft surface, etc., modifications or combinations thereof.
A sliding assembly 370g aids with movement of upper member 14g in relation to body member 12g. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 30D-30F, for instance, sliding assembly 370g allows upper member 14g to slide along a long dimension of body member 12g between first side panel 46g and second side panel 48g, or vice versa. In other configurations, sliding assembly 370g allows upper member 14g to slide along a short dimension of body member 12g, such as between front panel 40g and back panel 42g, or vice versa. While the discussion will be provided for sliding assembly 370g, it will also be understood that sliding assembly 370g is an example of a moving mechanism that allows or aids with movement of one structure to another, such as a panel in relation to other panels of body member or movement of upper member in relation to body member. This movement need not only including sliding but can include rotatable movement, sliding movement, rotating and sliding movement, pivoting movement, tilting movement, combination or modifications thereof.
Sliding assembly 370g includes a first slide rail 380g and a second slide rail 382g on upper member lower surface 172g. First slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g are spaced apart by a gap 384g so that both first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g are within compartment 60g and gap 384g taper. First slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g cooperate with a complementary compartment slide rail 386g mounted to a support 388g that is in turn mounted to support 376g and/or on of the panels, as illustrated in FIGS. 30D and 30F. A length of first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g and complementary compartment side rail 386g is such that the sliding engagement between first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g and complementary compartment side rail 386g controls a distance of travel of upper member 14g in relation to body member 12g as complementary compartment slide rail 386g is received within the gap 384g. For instance, a length of first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g, and the associated tapering of gap 384g, can be chosen so that upper member 14g moves and opens storage 372g until a tightness of the fit between the complementary compartment slide rail 386g and first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g prevents additional movement. The travel of complementary compartment slide rail 386g with first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g approximates a travel distance of upper member 14g when moving from a closed position (FIG. 30A) to an open position (FIGS. 30B and 30C) substantially matches a dimension DS of storage 372g. Optionally, first slide rail 380g, second slide rail 382g, and complementary compartment slide rail 386g include complementary tapered sides (see FIG. 30F) so that the sliding engagement between first slide rail 380g, second slide rail 382g, and complementary compartment slide rail 386g not only moves upper member 14g but locks complementary compartment slide rail 386g to first slide rail 380g and second slide rail 382g to prevent lifting of upper member 14g from body member 12g.
Body member 12g and upper member have width, depth, and heights similar to those of other body members 12 and upper members 14. Body member 12g and upper member 14g can be comprised of wood, metal, plastic, composite, plywood, multi-density fiberboard (MDF), chip board or other materials commonly used in the formation of shelving, cabinets, or dressers.
Turning to FIGS. 31A-31E, illustrated is another example of a casegood furniture assembly 10h. The disclosures related to other casegood furniture assemblies 10a-10g are also applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10h. In the depicted embodiment, casegood furniture assembly 10h generally comprises a body member 12h and an upper member 14h, with upper member 14h forming a top surface or face 21h of casegood furniture assembly 10h and body member 12h forming an opposing bottom surface or face 26h Downwardly extending from bottom surface 26h are a plurality of feet 20h. Upper member 14h cooperates with body member 12h by way of an elevating assembly 400h so that upper member 14h is elevated above body member 12h, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. While the discussion will be provided for elevating assembly 400h, it will also be understood that elevating assembly 400h is an example of a moving mechanism that allows or aids with movement of one structure to another, such as a panel in relation to other panels of body member or movement of upper member in relation to body member. This movement need not only including sliding or elevating but can include rotatable movement, sliding movement, rotating and sliding movement, pivoting movement, tilting movement, combination or modifications thereof.
Body member 12h, which is also a base, has a box shaped configuration similar to other body members described herein. Body member 12h has, therefore, a front face 22h provided by a front panel 40h, a back face 24h is provided by a back panel 42h, a bottom face 26h is provided by a bottom panel 44h, a first side face 28h is provided by a first side panel 46h, and a second side face 30h is provided by a second side panel 48h. The panels 40h, 42h, 44h, 46h, 48h, form a compartment 60h for storage. Compartment 60h can include a single storage area or various number of sub-storage area. For instance, the number, size, and configuration of sub-compartments or spaces can be varied to enhance a user's experience with the casegood furniture assembly 10h so that casegood furniture assembly 10h includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more sub-compartments or spaces within compartment 60h.
To aid with forming compartment 60h, and any sub-compartments, a shelf 122h is disposed within compartment 60h. Shelf 122h can be position at any location within compartment 60h and between upper member 14h and bottom panel 44. Shelf 122h can form a base or bottom any sub-storage areas disposed within compartment 60h. Shelf 122h can optionally function as a floor member, such as floor member 128c, to be disposed over electronic component assemblies and/or parts of elevating assembly 400h.
Upper member 14h includes an upper member body 176h having a top surface 21h that is substantially flush with top surfaces of front panel 40h, back panel 42h, first side panel 46h, and second side panel 48h. Although upper member 14h is illustrated as having a top surface 21h that is generally planar, it will be understood that any of the other structures or forms of upper member described herein, or otherwise contemplated by the disclosure contained herein, can be included in upper member 14h. For instance, and not by way of limitation, upper member 14h can include cushioning for a user at least partially resting on casegood furniture assembly, storage, game play, charging, lighting, communication, audio, coaster, work surface, soft surface, etc., modifications or combinations thereof.
Upper member 14h can be elevated above top surfaces of front panel 40h, back panel 42h, first side panel 46h, and second side panel 48h so a consumer or user can gain access to compartment 60h and associated storage. Elevating assembly 400h includes a drive mechanism or actuator 402h to move upper member 14g vertically upwardly from within compartment 60h. The drive mechanism 402h is controlled by a controller 404h and powered by a power supply 406h. The power supply 406h, controller 404h, and drive mechanism 402h are electrically coupled together by wires and to a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc. through a power cord 300h.
Generally, the power supply, controller, and drive mechanism includes software and hardware processor(s) that are operable to carry out executable instructions for performing a method or process, such as the methods and processes disclosed herein. It is contemplated that implementations in hardware or a combination of software and hardware are possible. For instance, the controllers, modules, systems, etc. described herein may include the use of computer hardware or software modules. Such hardware and software modules or structures may include a processor and computer storage media carrying instructions that, when executed by the processor and/or caused to be executed by the processor, perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, or any part(s) of any method disclosed. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer storage media may comprise hardware storage such as solid state disk/device (SSD), RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, flash memory, phase-change memory (“PCM”), or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage devices which may be used to store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which may be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality of the invention. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer storage media. Such media are also examples of non-transitory storage media, and non-transitory storage media also embraces cloud-based storage systems and structures, although the scope of the invention is not limited to these examples of non-transitory storage media.
The functionality and operation of the power supply, controller, drive mechanism, and other electronical or electromechanical structures and components described herein, can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components/processors that can be used include Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (“FPGA”), Program-Specific or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (“ASIC”), Program-Specific Standard Products (“ASSP”), System-On-A-Chip Systems (“SOC”), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (“CPLD”), Central Processing Units (“CPU”), Graphical Processing Units (“GPU”), or any other type of programmable hardware.
As illustrated, elevating assembly 400h also includes slides or guides 410h disposed towards corners or junctions of front panel 40h and back panel 42h with first side panel 46h and second side panel 48h. Slides or guides 410h (such as, ball bearing slides or guides, roller slides or guides, or other sliding mechanisms), are mounted on internal supports 412h (with a complementary portion of slides or guides mounted to first side panel 46h or second side panel 48h) that extend from upper member 14h towards shelf 122h or bottom panel 44h (or a floor member). Internal supports 412h provide support for upper member 14g in a closed state (see FIG. 30A) as ends of internal supports 412h rest upon shelf 122h or bottom panel 44h (or a floor member), while also supporting slides or guides 410h as drive mechanism 402h elevates or moves upper member 14h. While reference is made to complementary portion of slides or guides being mounted to first side panel 46h or second side panel 48h, it will be understood that complementary portion of slides or guides can be mounted to any of front panel 40h, back panel 42h, first side panel 46h or second side panel 48h.
As illustrated, elevating assembly 400h is mounted to shelf 122h, however, in other configurations portions of elevating assembly 400h are disposed below shelf 12h, with portions of drive mechanism 402h or elevating assembly 400h extending through holes or openings in shelf 122h.
One drive mechanism 402h includes an electromechanical linear actuator in which rotational movement of a motor 414h is changed to linear movement of a shaft 416h mounted on a lead screw 418h through motor 414h rotating lead screw 418h. While this is one configuration of drive mechanism 402h, it will be understood that other electrical, electromechanical, hydraulic, and/or pneumatic actuators or drive mechanisms can be used. For instance, and not by way of limitation, drive mechanism 402h can include waling beam, slider-cranks, gear rack and pinion, chains, belts, cables, tapes, sliding-action leadscrew with nut, ball-bearing leadscrew, planetary roller screw, recirculating roller screw, cams and cam followers, jack screw, solenoids, rotary motors, ball screw jack, roller-screw jack, ball screws, slides and races, combination and modifications thereof.
Turning to FIGS. 32-34E, illustrated are other examples of an upper member that can be used with a variety of casegood furniture assemblies. As such, the disclosure related to other upper members and body members, and more generally casegood furniture assemblies, described herein, are also applicable to the upper members of FIGS. 32-34E. Additionally, any structures or functional components of any casegood furniture assembly described herein can be used or substituted for any structures or functional components of any other casegood furniture assembly described herein.
As illustrated in FIG. 32, upper member 14i is configured to be reversibly coupled or mounted to a body member, such as any of the body members described herein or otherwise contemplated by the present disclosure. Upper member 14i includes an upper member planar surface 170i of upper member 14i that is exposed or outwardly faces to be top surface or face of a casegood furniture assembly. Upper member 14i also includes an upper member multiuse surface 172i that can exposed, presented or outwardly faces as a top surface or face of a casegood furniture assembly. Upper member multiuse surface 172i provides different or alternate functions to a user than planar surface 170i. For instance, and not by way of limitation upper member multiuse surface 172i can provide one or more of the following functions or uses: cushioning for a user at least partially resting on casegood furniture assembly, storage, game play, charging, lighting, communication, audio, coaster. Work surface, soft surface, etc., modifications or combinations thereof. In FIG. 31, upper member 14i includes a storage area 190i and a cushioning area 204i, similar to other upper members, such as upper member 14a of FIGS. 1A-2. Storage area 190i includes a storage wall 194i surround a storage bottom 196i to form a recess, depression, groove, indentation, hollow, or other area to hold objects disposed on multiuse surface 172i.
As illustrated in FIGS. 33A-33C, another configuration of upper member 14j is illustrated and includes an induction charger 420j in upper member body 176j at a storage area 190j. The induction charger 420j is used to charge an electronic device 422j, such as a phone, tablet, or any powered or battery-operated device, combinations or modifications, disposed within or near storage area 190j. The induction charger 420j can be embedded within the upper member body 176j or can be received within an induction charger chamber 424j, such as a recess, depression, groove, indentation, hollow, or other area to hold the induction charger 420j. Induction charger chamber 424j, can be closed or sealed with a cover 426j. Induction charger 420j can connect to a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc. through a power cord 300j or wirelessly. In another configuration, induction charger 420j is battery operated. Alternatively, upper member 14j can include conductive contacts 428j that electrically connect with complementary conductive contacts 430j formed on body member 12j to power inductive charger 420j. Complementary conductive contacts 430j are electrically connected via wires 432j to power cord 300j and so a power source to power inductive charger 420j.
While reference is made to include an induction charger 420j within the upper member 14j, induction charger chamber 424j can be sized and shaped to accommodate various other electronic, electromechanical, or other devices/apparatuses. For instance, and not by way of limitation, the upper member 14j, or other portions of the casegood furniture assembly can include any electronic component assembly or other a speaker, a subwoofer, an amplifier, a controller, a light source, such as light emitting diode, halogen, incandescent, fluorescent, high-intensity discharge, etc., combination or modifications, electro-mechanical components, or other devices with a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc.
As illustrated in FIGS. 34A-34E, accessories 430 can be received within storage area 190j. These accessories 430 can provide additional storage or added functionality to upper member 14j and more generally the casegood furniture assemblies of the present invention. For instance, FIG. 34A illustrates a first storage tray 430a having three sub-storage areas 432a formed by ribs, protrusions, or raised portions 434a and outer wall 436b. FIG. 34B illustrates a second storage tray 430b having two sub-storage areas 432b form by ribs, protrusions, or raised portions 434b and outer wall 436b, outer wall 436b being taller than outer wall 436a of first storage tray 430a. FIGS. 34B and 34D illustrates a third storage tray 430c having three sub-storage areas 432c form by ribs, protrusions, or raised portions 434c and outer wall 436c, outer wall 436c being taller than outer wall 436a of first storage tray 430a. A handle 440c extends across one or more of three sub-storage areas 432c from a first side wall 442c to a second side wall 444c. FIG. 34E illustrates a fourth storage tray 430d having three sub-storage areas 432d form by ribs, protrusions, or raised portions 434d and outer wall 436d. The fourth storage tray 430d is sized or configured to extend across less than all of storage area 190j of upper member 14j, with a remainder of storage area 190j accommodating an induction charger 446j disposed within the storage area 190j. Induction charger 446j, which can be similar to induction charger 420j, connects to a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc. through a power cord or is electrically connected to through conductive contacts 448j to conductive contacts 450j formed in upper member 14j, conductive contacts 450j are in turn electrically connected to conductive contacts 428j. Induction charger 446j can connect to a power supply, such as batteries, mains power, etc. through a power cord 300j or wirelessly. In another configuration, induction charger 420j is battery operated.
The casegood furniture assemblies described herein can provide storage and other functionality to a user in various environments, whether indoors or outdoors. Materials for the casegood furniture assemblies can be varied based upon the particular usage. For instance, waterproof or water-resistant materials, such as polymeric materials, alloys, metals, natural materials more resistant to weather elements, etc. may be used for outdoor situations. Additionally, functionality and structure of upper members and body members can be varied to accommodate outdoor applications. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, upper member 14a includes an alternate use assembly 217a that can include or provide access to coolers, fire tables, projectors, umbrellas, ranges, etc., with body member 12a, and compartment 60a (FIG. 1B) accommodating the associated components and structures, such as a cooler, propane tanks, electronic components or electronic component assemblies, umbrella stands, etc.
As mentioned above, the casegood furniture assemblies described herein can provide storage and other functionality to a user. The storage capabilities can be enhanced through stacking two or more casegood furniture assemblies together and so provide double, triple, etc. storage using a footprint of a single casegood furniture assembly. Using one or more of the feet, engagement structures, and/or other anchor assemblies, casegood furniture assemblies can be placed one on top of another, with the engagement structures cooperating to align and limit movement between the casegood furniture assemblies. For instance, feet of one casegood furniture assembly can be received within a compartment of another casegood furniture assembly so that collectively the feet, such as the illustrated four feet, limit movement between the casegood furniture assemblies. The feet, therefor, can have the dual purpose of supporting casegood furniture assemblies when resting upon a floor, etc. and also provide alignment and movement limit during stacking to two or more casegood furniture assemblies. Optionally, intermediate assemblies placed between casegood furniture assemblies to be stacked aid with stacking and provide additional storage for the user including additional electronic components or electronic component assemblies. Provide stacking capabilities enhances a user's experience and functionality of the casegood furniture assemblies.
As illustrated in FIGS. 35A-35B, two casegood furniture assemblies 10 can be stacked on each other. Reference will be made to placement of two casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2, but it will be understood that any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein can be stacked and the discussion related to stacking two casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2 is applicable to stacking any casegood furniture assemblies. For simplicity upper members are omitted from FIGS. 34A-34B, but it will be understood that any upper member can be mounted to either or both casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2 in either a stacked or unstacked configuration.
Casegood furniture assembly 10c2 is stacked on casegood furniture assembly 10c1 as feet 20c2 extending from body member 12c2 are received within compartment 60c1 of casegood furniture assembly 10c1, such as within body member 12c1. Placement of feet 20c2 on bottom panel 44c2 positions feet 20c2 in relation to front panel 40c1, back panel 42c1, first side panel 46c1, and second side panel 48c1 so that feet 20c2 limit movement front to back and side to side when stacked on top of casegood furniture assembly 10c1. The feet 20c2 are, therefore, engagement structures that cooperate with interior surface 54c1 that is a complementary engagement structure. With feet 20c2 positioned within compartment 60c1, bottom panel 44c2 rests upon top surface 104c1 of casegood furniture assembly 10c1. Other engagement structures, such as first sub-engagement structure 226c and second sub-engagement structure 228c (FIG. 12) can be removed in such a case.
Alternatively, or in combination with using feet 20c2, bottom panel 44c2 of casegood furniture assembly 10c2 (and also bottom panel 44c1 of casegood furniture assembly 10c1) can include complementary engagement structures 74c2, such as grooves, recess, holes, openings, combinations or modifications thereof to receive first sub-engagement structure 226c1 and second sub-engagement structure 228c1 in a similar manner to first sub-engagement structure 226c1 and second sub-engagement structure 228c1 (and more generally engagement structures 74) cooperate with an upper member 14. Additionally, complementary engagement structures 74c2 can include contacts 256c1 that are electrically connected to wires 254c1 and to power source 258c, such a mains power, battery, etc. When connector 252c1 is received within and mates with complementary engagement structure 74c, power can be supplied through casegood furniture assembly 10c1, to casegood furniture assembly 10c2, and to an upper member 14 supported by casegood furniture assembly 10c2. Optionally, each of casegood furniture assembly 10c1 and casegood furniture assembly 10c2 can also be powered so that electronic components within respective compartments can also be powered through electrical outlets or ports 259c powered by conductive cables or wires cables 254c1 in each of casegood furniture assembly 10c1 and casegood furniture assembly 10c1. For instance, outlet or ports 259c can include L-shaped power connector, barrel connectors, plugs, contacts, etc., combinations or modifications therefore.
While engagement between plurality of feet 20c2 and front panel 40c1, back panel 42c1, first side panel 46c1, and second side panel 48c1 or between first sub-engagement structure 226c1, second sub-engagement structure 226c2, complementary engagement structures 74c2 can retain casegood furniture assembly 10c2 and casegood furniture assembly 10c 1 together, an anchor assembly 450 can mount, connect, or couple casegood furniture assembly 10c2 and casegood furniture assembly 10c1. As illustrated in FIG. 35A, an anchor 452 of anchor assembly 450 extends through a first anchor hole 454 in bottom panel 44c2 and through a second anchor hole 456 in an anchor support 458 mounted to back panel 42c1. The anchor 452 can be a nut and bolt combination, a bolt, a threaded member, combinations or modifications thereof. Optionally one or both of first anchor hole 454 and second anchor hole 456 can be threaded, keyed, combinations or modifications thereof, to accommodate anchor 452. It will be understood that casegood furniture assembly 10c2 can also include an anchor support 458 and associated second anchor hole 456 and casegood furniture assembly 10c1 can also include first anchor hole 454 in bottom panel 44c1. While reference is made to one anchor assembly, it will be understood that various other mechanisms or manners can be used to secure casegood furniture assembly 10c2 and casegood furniture assembly 10c1 together.
Turning to FIGS. 36A-37B, illustrated is another structure and manner to stack casegood furniture assembly 10c1 and casegood furniture assembly 10c2. The discussions related to stacking and also any of the casegood furniture assemblies described here are also applicable to the discussion of the structure and manner to stack casegood furniture assembly 10c1 and casegood furniture assembly 10c2 as illustrated in FIGS. 36A-37B.
As illustrated, an intermediate assembly 460a aids with stacking of casegood furniture assembly 10c1, and associated body member 12c1, and casegood furniture assembly 10c2, and associated body member 12c2. Intermediate assembly 460a has an intermediate body 462a with apertures or holes 464a. A diameter of each of the holes 464a of intermediate body 462a is larger than an outer diameter of the feet 20c1 or 20c2, such that the rim and body portions of intermediate body 462a contact bottom panel 44c2 of casegood furniture assembly 10c2 such that a weight, mass, or load of casegood furniture assembly 10c2 is received by intermediate body 462a and not by individual feet 20c2. Intermediate body 462a also rests on top surface 104c1 of casegood furniture assembly 10c 1 (or two or more of front panel 40c1, back panel 42c1, first side panel 44c1 and second side panel 46c1) to distribute the weight, mass or load of casegood furniture assembly 10c2. A thickness of intermediate body 462a is also selected to feed 20c2 or 20c1 to not extend completely through holes 464a. Optionally, intermediate assembly 460a includes engagements structures 74, such as grooves, recess, holes, openings, combinations or modifications thereof to receive the first sub-engagement structure and second sub-engagement structure in a similar manner as described in relation to bottom panel 44c2 in FIGS. 35A-35B. Additionally, intermediate assembly 460a can optionally include a hole to accommodate anchor 452 (FIG. 35A) as it passes from casegood furniture assembly 10c2 to casegood furniture assembly 10cl.
Turning to FIGS. 37A-37B, another intermediate assembly 460b is illustrated. The discussion related to intermediate assembly 460a of FIGS. 36A-36B is also applicable to intermediate assembly 460b. In contrast to intermediate assembly 460a, intermediate assembly 460b has a form generally similar to casegood furniture assembly 10 of the present disclosure, but having a height less than a height of one or both of casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2. The intermediate assembly 460b can be considered as another “casegood furniture assembly” and so intermediate assembly 460b can have the same form, structure, etc. as other casegood furniture assemblies and the discussion related to other casegood furniture assemblies is applicable to intermediate assembly 460b. Additionally, the manner by which intermediate assembly 460b couples or mounts to casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2 (and associated body members 12c1, 12c2), can be the same or similar to the manner by which casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2 connect as described in relation to FIGS. 35A-35B. For instance, feet 20c2 of casegood furniture assembly 10c2 are received within a compartment 470b of intermediate assembly 460b, and feet 472b of intermediate assembly 460b are received within compartment 60c1 of casegood furniture assembly 10c1. Alternatively, engagement structures and complementary engagement structures can also, or additionally, be used to mount or stack casegood furniture assemblies 10c1, 10c2. Furthermore, anchor assemblies can also be used with intermediate assembly 460b that can include a hole to accommodate anchor 452 (FIG. 35A) as it passes from casegood furniture assembly 10c2 to casegood furniture assembly 10c1 through intermediate assembly 460b. By so doing, casegood furniture assemblies can be stacked together which enhances a user's experience and functionality of the casegood furniture assemblies.
The various casegood furniture assemblies described herein can be used as standalone furniture pieces or can be associated with or integrated within modular furniture assembly to enhance a user's experience with the casegood furniture assemblies. FIGS. 38A-49B provide details of modular furniture assemblies with which the casegood furniture assemblies of the present disclosure can seamlessly integrate to provide storage, comfort, and access to other functions associated with the casegood furniture assemblies. For instance, any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein can be integrated into the modular furniture assemblies.
FIG. 38A is a perspective view of a modular furniture assembly in the form of a chair of the present disclosure having a base and transverse members, while FIG. 38B is a perspective view of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 38A in the form of the chair, wherein cushions are exploded from the chair or modular furniture assembly. As will be discussed in additional detail, any of the casegood furniture assemblies can cooperate with or seamlessly integrate with the modular furniture assemblies described herein or otherwise contemplated by the present description.
As shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B, the present invention relates to modular furniture system 500 comprising a base 512 selectively coupled to upright or transverse members 514. The base 512 and upright members 514 are connected to each other as shown in FIGS. 38A and 38B. Cushions 516, 518 can be provided for modular furniture system 500. For instance, seat cushion 518 is disposed on base 512, and rear cushion 516 is disposed toward upright member 514. Foot couplers 534 are shown coupling the bottom portions of base 512 and upright members 514.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 39A-39B, base 512 and upright member 514 have a defined spatial relationship. The spatial relationship between base 512 and upright member 514 enable the formation of a variety of different types, sizes and configurations of furniture assemblies. In this embodiment, base has a length (x) and a width (y), wherein the length (x) of base 512 is greater than the width (y) of base 512, and upright member 514 has a length (x′) and a width (z), wherein the length (x′) of upright member 514 is greater than the width (z) of upright member 514. In this embodiment, base 512 and upright member 514 are configured such that the length (x) of base 512 is substantially equal to the length (x′) of upright member 514 and the length (x) of base 512 is substantially equal to the sum of the width (y) of base 512 and the width (z) of upright member 514. As such, (x) is substantially equal to (y)+(z). This relationship of the length (x) of base 512 being substantially equal to the sum of the width (y) of base 512 and width (z) of upright member 514 is the defined spatial relationship between base 512 and upright member 514. Furthermore, the height (h′) of upright member 514 is substantially greater than the height (h) of base 512, such that upright member 514 can be conveniently employed as a backrest or armrest while base 512 is employed as a seat.
This defined spatial relationship enables a user to conveniently form a variety of different types of furniture assemblies. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 39C-39D, a first base 512 and a first upright member 514 are utilized to form a chair. Second and third upright members 514 having a substantially similar configuration as the first upright member 514 can be added to form an arm chair having a first arm rest and a second arm rest, as illustrated in FIG. 38A. 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 couch can be formed by adding: (i) a second base 512 having a substantially similar configuration as the first base 512; and (ii) a second, third and fourth upright member 514 having a substantially similar configuration as the first upright member 514, as illustrated in FIG. 39C and FIG. 39D. This ability to add base(s) and/or upright member(s) to form different types of furniture is how the defined spatial relationship enables a user to conveniently form a variety of different types of furniture.
As further shown in FIGS. 39C-39D, the defined spatial relationship enables a user to conveniently form a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies. For example, the couches formed by utilizing two bases 512 and four upright members 514 can be arranged so as to form a love seat, as illustrated by FIG. 39C, or a deep sofa, as illustrated by FIG. 39D. The love seat of FIG. 39C and the deep sofa of FIG. 39D employ the same bases 512 and the same upright members 514, but are arranged differently. Thus, the defined spatial relationship of the present invention enables a user to conveniently form a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies.
The defined spatial relationship also enables a manufacturer to manufacture different sizes of bases and transverse members so as to accommodate different sizes of individuals. For example, a manufacturer can manufacture a base and a transverse member such that when the base and transverse member are detachably coupled together a furniture assembly is formed that is sized for a child, but may be too small for an adult to use comfortably. On the other hand, a manufacturer, utilizing the spatial relationship, can enlarge the size of the base(s) and transverse member(s) such that when the base(s) and transverse member(s) are coupled together a furniture assembly is formed that is sized to accommodate an adult comfortably. As such, the spatial relationship between base 512 and upright member 514 enables the formation of a variety of different sizes of furniture assemblies.
Further discussion and disclosure relating to the modular furniture assemblies 500 and their connection to each other and to the upright members 514 are shown and discussed in the following patents and patent applications, each of which are incorporated herein by reference: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/332,705, filed Jul. 16, 2014, entitled Mounting Platform For Modular Furniture Assembly, (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,778, entitled Mounting Platform For Modular Furniture Assembly, (iii) U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,612 entitled Modular Furniture Assembly, (iv) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/449,074, filed Jun. 8, 2006, entitled Modular Furniture Assembly, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,547,073, (v) U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,885 entitled Modular Furniture Assembly, (vi) U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/354,426 filed Jun. 24, 2016 entitled Modular Furniture Assembly Corner Seating System; (vii) U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/257,623, filed on Nov. 19, 2015, entitled Furniture With Electronic Assemblies; (viii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/270,339, filed on Sep. 20, 2016, entitled Electrical Hub For Furniture Assemblies; (ix) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/276,524, filed Sep. 26, 2016, entitled Modular Furniture Assembly Corner Seating System; and (x) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/342,800, filed Nov. 3, 2016, entitled Furniture System with Recliner Assembly, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The bases and transverse members of the present invention can include one or more covers (e.g., an inner cover and an outer cover). Such covers have various advantages, such as that the outer covers are conveniently removable so that the user can remove the covers, wash them, and swap them with other covers as desired. In one embodiment, the speakers used in the present invention are frequency tuned so that there is a high quality sound emitted through the inner and/or the outer removable covers.
Returning to FIGS. 38A-38B, the configuration of base 512 and upright member 514 and the coupling of base 512 and upright member 514 to each other. Once base 512 is placed adjacent upright member 514, coupler 523 selectively couples base 512 to upright member 514. A foot coupler 524 also selectively couple respective feet 520 of base 512 to respective feet 530 of upright member 514. For instance, foot couplers 524 have apertures or holes 526 therein that receive the feet 520, 530 of respective adjacent bases and transverse members, coupling them to each other. The foot coupler 524 can be placed under a foot of a base that is not adjacent a transverse member or other base, for aesthetic continuity and/or to provide a level surface of all four corners of the base. Additionally, the foot coupler 524 can be placed under a foot of the casegood furniture assembly 10 that is adjacent to an upright member 514 or base 512 to integrate the casegood furniture assembly 10 into or form part of modular furniture assembly 500.
Coupler 523 can be used to couple one or more upright members 514 to sides of base 512, and optionally couple adjacently positioned casegood furniture assemblies. The coupler 523, such as a U-shaped coupler, connects a portion of base 512 to a portion of an upright member 514 by placing one plate of the U-shaped coupler 523 within an aperture 532 in a frame of base 512 and another plate of the U-shaped coupler 523 within an aperture 532 in a frame of upright member 514 that is in a cavity 544 of upright member 514, thereby selectively coupling base 512 to upright member 514. The second upright member 514 and the third upright member 514 in FIG. 38A, and/or additional upright members 514, can be selectively coupled similarly or in exactly the same manner to base 512. Additionally, adjacent bases 512 can be coupled together as the U-shaped coupler 523 is received within aperture 532 in each of the adjacent bases 512. Similarly, adjacent casegood furniture assemblies can be coupled together as coupler 523 is received within recess 233c or other groove, channel, depression, indentation, hollow, etc.
Base 512 is used as a seat member and/or for receiving seat cushion 518 to be used as a seat member while upright member 514 can be used as a backrest and/or armrest, with optional rear cushion 516 (FIGS. 38A-38B). Various combinations of bases, upright members, U-shaped couplers and foot couplers can be used in varying numbers to create a variety of different modular furniture assemblies of the present invention, as discussed and illustrated in the patents and patent applications that are incorporated herein by reference or otherwise illustrated herein. Additionally, various combinations of bases, upright members, U-shaped couplers and foot couplers with casegood furniture assemblies in varying numbers to create a variety of different modular furniture assemblies of the present invention.
FIGS. 40A-41B demonstrate an example of the base 512 of the modular furniture assembly 500 in the form of the chair of FIGS. 38A-FIG. 39B of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 40A-41B, base member 512 includes a frame assembly 540 having a cavity 542 within frame assembly 540. A top side of the frame assembly 540 includes springs 544 extending transversely to webbing 546 that can support seat cushion 518 and so a user resting on the base 512. As shown in FIGS. 41A-41B, one or more internally threaded hubs 550 are coupled to each of the corners of a base frame 552 of frame assembly 540. In one embodiment, corresponding upper and lower hubs 550 are mounted within a corner such that each corner has an upper hub and a lower hub in an aperture thereof. Feet 520 are threadedly coupled to corresponding corners by being threaded within corresponding upper and/or lower hubs 550.
As illustrated in FIGS. 41A-41B, feet 520 cooperate or are received within foot couplers 524 to aid with placement of the base 512 of the modular furniture system 500 in relation to other components or elements of modular furniture assembly 500. The foot coupler 524 includes a foot coupler body 528 with apertures or holes 526. A diameter of each of the holes 526 of foot couplers 524 are larger than the outer diameter of the feet 520, such that the rim and body portions of the foot couplers 524 contact the frame assembly 540 of the base 512, such that weight of an individual sitting on the base 512a is received by the foot couplers 524 and not by the feet 520.
As illustrated in FIG. 41A, an inner and outer cover 527, 529 mounted on base frame 552 and having ends that extend slightly onto the underside of base frame 552, as shown in FIG. 41A. Covers 527, 529 may be comprised of a variety of different fabrics. Additional covers or shielding members can be used to protect base frame 552 on the bottom of frame assembly 540. A removable outer cover 529 is selectively, removably mounted on the undersurface of base frame 552 and/or on inner cover 527 in order to protect inner cover 527 and base frame 552 and in order to provide a selectively changeable aesthetic appearance. Covers 527, 529 may be secured over frame assembly 540 with attachment members, such as with one or more two-part attachment members, such as VELCRO, snaps, or with a variety of different attachment members. Staples or other attachment members may be used to connect inner cover 527 to base frame 552.
FIGS. 42-43B illustrate perspective views illustrating certain couplers, such as foot coupler 524 described in relation to FIGS. 38A-39B. Foot couplers 524a, 524b, 524c can be used to facilitate the detachable coupling of upright member 514 to base 512 and also allow casegood furniture assembly 10 described herein to detachable couple to upright member 514 and base 512. In the illustrated embodiment, a foot coupler 524a comprises a block having a plurality of apertures 526a, 526b formed there through. Apertures 526a, 526b are sized and configured to receive a foot of base 512, upright member 514, or casegood furniture assembly 10 described therein. Apertures 526a, 526b of foot coupler 524a are sufficiently spaced apart, such that when a foot 530 from upright member 514 is positioned in aperture 526a and a foot 520 from base 512 is positioned in aperture 526b, upright member 514 and base 512 are adjacent and in contact one with another. Similarly, apertures 526a, 526b of foot coupler 524a are sufficiently spaced apart, such that when a foot 520, 530 from one of base 512 or upright member 514 is positioned in aperture 526a and a foot 20 from casegood furniture assembly 10, for instance, is positioned in aperture 526b, upright member 514 or base 512 is adjacent and in contact one with casegood furniture assembly 10. In still another configuration, apertures 526a, 526b of foot coupler 524a are sufficiently spaced apart, such that when a foot 20 from one casegood furniture assembly 10 is positioned in aperture 526a and a foot 20 from another casegood furniture assembly 10 is positioned in aperture 526b, two casegood furniture assemblies 10 are adjacent and in contact one with another.
Foot couplers 524a, 524b, 524c are configured to substantially prevent movement of the bottom portion of upright member 514 in relation to base 512, the bottom portion of upright member 514 or base 512 in relation to casegood furniture assembly 10, and/or the bottom portion of one casegood furniture assembly 10 and an adjacent casegood furniture assembly 10. In this manner, foot couplers 524a, 524b, 524c substantially prevent movement between adjacently positioned transverse members, bases, and casegood furniture assemblies.
Yet other embodiments of a foot coupler are shown in FIGS. 43A-43B. Foot couplers 524b, 524c can function similarly to foot coupler 524a. Foot coupler 524b can replace foot coupler 524a, and has additional apertures for connecting additional feet. Thus, foot coupler 524b is configured to substantially prevent movement of between any two of upright member 514, base 512, and casegood furniture assembly 10. Foot coupler 524c can replace foot coupler 524a or foot coupler 524b, and has additional apertures for connecting additional feet. Thus, foot coupler 524c is configured to substantially prevent movement of between any two of upright member 514, base 512, and casegood furniture assembly 10.
Foot coupler 524b has four apertures 526a-d, enabling foot coupler 524a to be utilized in connection with coupling base 512 to multiple upright members 514 and/or bases 512 to form a furniture assembly as shown herein, including in FIGS. 47A-47O. Foot coupler 524c has three apertures 526a-c, enabling foot coupler 524c to be utilized in connection with coupling base 512 to multiple upright members 514 and/or bases 512 to form a furniture assembly as shown herein, including in FIGS. 47A-47O. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 37A, one foot coupler 524b may be employed to couple together one foot 520 of base 512 to one foot 530 of upright member 514, which is positioned as a backrest, and one foot 520 of upright member 514, which is positioned as an armrest, while another foot coupler 524b may be employed to couple together one foot 520 of base 512 to one foot of upright member 514 and one foot 530 of another upright member 514, which is positioned as another armrest. In this example, one aperture of each foot coupler 524b is not utilized, but the symmetrical configuration of foot coupler 524b enables the consumer to employ foot coupler 524b in a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 47N and 47O, foot coupler 524c are employed to couple together (i) one foot 520 of base 512 to one foot 530 of casegood furniture assembly 10, (ii) one foot 520 of each of two bases 512 and one foot 530 of a casegood furniture assembly 10, and (iii) one foot 520 of base 512, one foot 530 of casegood furniture assembly 10, and one foot 520 of upright member 514. It will be understood that any of the foot couplers 524a, 524b, 524c can be used with any combination of the bases, upright members, and casegood furniture assemblies.
As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the foot coupler of the present invention does not need to be restricted as to the number of apertures 526 formed therein. For example, a foot coupler of the present invention can be sized and configured to include an appropriate number of apertures so as to couple the feet of two bases 512 and four upright members 514 to facilitate the formation of a sofa, couple two bases 512 and four upright members 514 with casegood furniture assembly 10, and various other combinations of bases, transverse members, and casegood furniture assemblies. Optionally, a foot coupler can have any number of apertures necessary to couple a foot 520 of base 512 to a foot 530 of upright member 514, a foot 520 of another base 512, a foot of a casegood furniture assembly 10 and/or to couple a respective foot 520 of multiple bases 512 to a respective foot 530 of multiple upright members 514 and/or a respective foot 20 of multiple casegood furniture assemblies 10, in any configuration. In one embodiment, apertures or holes 526a can comprise a tapered opening so as to enable a consumer to more easily insert a foot therein. In yet another embodiment, foot coupler comprises 5 apertures. In yet another embodiment, foot coupler comprises 6 apertures. More generally, foot coupler can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more apertures.
FIG. 44 illustrates a schematic representation of a portion of modular furniture assembly 500 in FIGS. 37A-38B and illustrates a positional relationship of feet 530 of upright member 514 and feet 520 of base 512. While discussion is made to the positional relationship of feet 530 of upright member 514 and feet 520 of base 512, it will be understood that a similar positional relationship is provided between feet 530 of upright member 514, feet 520 of base 512, and feet 20 of casegood furniture assembly 10. Therefore, the discussion related to the positional relationship of feet 530 of upright member 514 and feet 520 of base 512 also applies to the positional relationship between feet 530 of upright member 514, feet 520 of base 512, and feet 20 of casegood furniture assembly 10.
As discussed herein, modular furniture assembly 500 comprises base 512 and a upright member 514 detachably coupled to base 512 by a coupler 523 (FIG. 37A). Base 512 and upright member 514 adapted 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 512 and upright member 514 are sized and configured according to a defined spatial relationship. The defined spatial relationship, as described more fully hereinafter, between base 512 and upright member 514 enables: (i) the convenient formation of a variety of different types of furniture assemblies; (ii) the convenient formation of a variety of different configurations of furniture assemblies; and (iii) a manufacturer to proportionately size the bases and transverse members for different sizes of individuals, such as for children or for adults.
Base 512 is configured to provide a comfortable sitting surface for a consumer. Base 512 is also configured to be easily disassembled for rearranging, moving, storing and/or shipping. In this embodiment, base 512 comprises a frame assembly 540, a seat cushion 518 and a plurality of feet 520a-d mounted on frame assembly 540. Frame assembly 540 is configured to support the weight of a consumer while the consumer is sitting on base 512. Seat cushion 518 is configured to be mounted on frame assembly 540 so as to provide a useful and comfortable sitting area for a consumer. Seat cushion 518 can be easily mounted on or removed from frame assembly 540.
Feet 520a-d are coupled to the underside of frame assembly 540. Feet 520a-d can be coupled to frame assembly 540 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, feet 520a-d are coupled by threaded members or screws. In this embodiment, feet 520a-d can be easily coupled to and/or removed from frame assembly 540 so as to facilitate ease in packaging, shipping, storing, moving and/or replacing feet 520a-d. However, feet 520a-d can be coupled to frame assembly 540 in a more permanent fashion, such as with a nail, an epoxy or glue, or any combination thereof. Feet 520a-d facilitate the coupling of upright member 514 to base 512 when used in connection with a foot coupler, such as foot coupler 524a, 524b, and/or 524c. 520a-d are further configured to support the weight of a consumer and to elevate base 512 above the floor. When feet 520a-d are coupled to frame assembly 540 by threaded members or screws, the removability of feet 520a-d in conjunction with the removability of seat cushion 518 enables base 512 to be easily disassembled for rearranging, moving, storing and/or shipping.
Base 512 includes a plurality of abutting surfaces 560a-d that are configured to be positionable adjacent to and abut with an abutting surface 526 of upright member 514. As will be discussed more fully herein, base 512 is configured such that upright member 514 can be positioned adjacent any abutting surface 560a-d to form a variety of different furniture assemblies. Similarly, casegood furniture assembly 10 includes abutting surfaces 564a-d provided by front panel 40, back panel 42, first side panel 46, and second side panel 48 that can abut surfaces of base 512 and upright member 514. Therefore, the discussion related to positional relationship associated with abutting base 512 to upright member 514 is also applicable to the positional relationship between any combination of base 512, upright 514, and casegood furniture assembly 10.
A special relationship exists between the positioning of feet 520a-d of base 512, with respect to the side or abutting surfaces 526a-d of base 512, and with respect to feet 530a-b of upright member 514 and feet 20 of casegood furniture assembly 10. This special relationship facilitates the ability to form a variety of different types and configurations of furniture assemblies in a quick, easy and cost effective manner. For example, the positioning of feet 520a-d with respect to base, feet 530a-b with respect to upright member 514, and feet 20a-d with respect to casegood furniture assembly 10 enables the ability to utilize a standardized foot coupler to form a variety of different types and configurations of furniture assemblies.
In the illustrated embodiment, feet 520a-d of base 512 are offset from respective adjacent sides of base 512 an offset distance (o). For example, foot 520b of base 512 is offset from abutting surface 560b and abutting surface 560c the offset distance (o), such that the distance from abutting surface 560b to the center of foot 520b is the offset distance (o), and the distance from abutting surface 560c to the center of foot 520b is the offset distance (o). Similar to foot 520b, foot 520a of base 512 is offset from abutting surface 560b the offset distance (o), and offset from abutting surface 560a the offset distance (o). In this same manner, foot 520c of base 512 is offset from abutting surfaces 560c and 560d the offset distance (o), and foot 520d of base 512 is offset from abutting surfaces 560a and 560d the offset distance (o). Similar to feet 520a-d of base 512, feet 522a-b of upright member, and feet 20a-d are offset from adjacent respective sides or abutting surfaces the offset distance (o), such that feet 522a-b are positioned substantially in the middle of the front and back surfaces of upright member 514.
Similarly, feet 20a-d of casegood furniture assembly 10 are offset from respective adjacent sides of casegood furniture assembly 10 an offset distance (o). For example, foot 20b of casegood furniture assembly 10 is offset from abutting surface 564b and abutting surface 564c the offset distance (o), such that the distance from abutting surface 564b to the center of foot 20b is the offset distance (o), and the distance from abutting surface 564c to the center of foot 20b is the offset distance (o). Similar to foot 20b, foot 20a of casegood furniture assembly 10 is offset from abutting surface 564b the offset distance (o), and offset from abutting surface 564a the offset distance (o). In this same manner, foot 20c of casegood furniture assembly 10 is offset from abutting surfaces 564c and 564d the offset distance (o), and foot 20d of casegood furniture assembly 10 is offset from abutting surfaces 564a and 564d the offset distance (o).
In the illustrated embodiment, a special relationship exists between the offset distance (o) and the distance between, for example, foot 520c of base 512 and foot 530b of upright member 514 when base 512 is positioned against upright member 514 as illustrated in FIGS. 37A-44. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between foot 520c of base 512 and foot 530b of upright member 514 is represented by A. In this manner, the distance between the center of foot 520c of base 512 and the center of foot 530b of upright member 514 is equal to the distance A, which is substantially equal to twice the offset distance (o). Additionally, the distance between foot 20d and foot 530b of upright member 514 and a distance between foot 20a and foot 520b of base 512 are each represented by A.
The relationship between the offset distance (o) and the distance between the feet 530 of upright member 514, feet 520 of base 512, and feet 20 of casegood furniture assembly 10 facilitates the detachable coupling of base 512 to upright member 514, base 512 to casegood furniture assembly 10, and casegood furniture assembly 10 and upright member 514, as well as enables a user to employ multiple bases and multiple transverse members to form varying types and configurations of furniture assemblies. The relationship between the positioning of feet on the base, upright members, and casegood furniture assemblies further enables the utilization of a standardized foot coupler (i.e. foot couplers 524a, 524b, 524c) in connection with multiple bases, multiple upright members, and multiple casegood furniture assemblies to form a variety of different types and configurations of furniture assemblies. Further illustrated is that width (z) of upright member 514 is substantially equal to twice the offset distance (o) and substantially equal to the distance A. As will be appreciated, the foam or padding applied to the frame of the base, for example, may vary to a small degree in thickness.
FIGS. 45A-45C illustrates foot couplers 524a, 524b, 524c. In the illustrated embodiment the distance between the center of aperture 526a of foot coupler 524a and the center of aperture 526b of foot coupler 524a is indicated by A. As described previously, A is substantially equal to twice the offset distance (o). Similarly, the distance between the center of aperture 526a of foot coupler 524b and the center of aperture 526b of foot coupler 524b is the distance A. Likewise, the distance between the centers of apertures of 526b and 526c of foot coupler 524b is distance A, the distance between the centers of apertures of 526c and 526d of foot coupler 524b is distance A, and the distance between the centers of apertures of 526d and 526a is distance A. Likewise, the distance between the centers of apertures of 526a and 526b of foot coupler 524c is distance A, the distance between the centers of apertures of 526b and 526c of foot coupler 524b is distance A, and the distance between the centers of apertures of 526c and 526a is distance A. In this manner, the standardized spacing of apertures enables the ability to use a standardized coupler to form a variety of types and configurations of furniture assemblies in accordance with the present invention.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a variety of sizes and configurations of foot couplers may be utilized as a standardized foot coupler. For example, in one embodiment, a foot coupler comprises three apertures, such that the foot coupler would be sufficient to couple a foot of a base to a foot of an upright member or a foot of a casegood furniture assembly. The foot coupler could also be employed to couple: (i) a foot of a first upright member to a foot of a base, (ii) a foot of a second upright member to the foot of the base, and (iii) the foot of the first transverse member to the foot of the second upright member. The foot coupler could also be employed to couple a base, upright member, and casegood furniture assembly together.
FIG. 46 is a schematic top view of the modular furniture assembly having a single base 512, two upright members 514a-b, and a casegood furniture assembly 10 (which can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies disclosed herein) coupled to base 512. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the relationship between the position of feet with respect to respective sides of base, upright member, and casegood furniture assembly, allows for standardized feet couplers 524a, 524b, 524c to be utilized to form various types of furniture assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, two foot couplers having four apertures are utilized and one foot coupler having two apertures are utilized. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, foot couplers 524a may be replaced with foot couplers 524b having four apertures and any of foot couplers 524a and 524b may be replaced with foot couplers 524c having three apertures without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
In the illustrated embodiment, when upright member is positioned against base, foot couplers may be utilized to facilitate the detachable coupling of transverse member to base. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, foot 520a of base 512 is received in aperture 526b of foot coupler 524a and foot 530a of upright member 514b is received in aperture 526a of foot coupler 524a. Similarly, foot 520d of base 512 is received in aperture 526c of foot coupler 524b, foot 530a of upright member 514a is received in aperture 526d of foot coupler 524a, and foot 530b of upright member 514c is received in aperture 526a of foot coupler 524b. With respect to casegood furniture assembly 10, it is positioned against base 512 and upright member 514. Foot 20a of casegood furniture assembly 10 is received in aperture 526d of foot coupler 524b and foot 530b of upright 514 is received in aperture 526a of foot coupler 524b. Additionally, foot 20b of casegood furniture assembly 10 is received in aperture 526b of foot coupler 524a and foot 520b of base 512 is received in aperture 526a of foot coupler 524a.
Turning to FIGS. 47A-47O, illustrated are various different furniture shapes and orientations, with different combinations of modular furniture assemblies and casegood furniture assemblies as described herein. The different combinations of modular furniture assemblies and casegood furniture assembles provides different furniture environments for a user. As illustrated in FIGS. 47A-47O, different orientations or configurations, with associated configuration footprint shapes, sizes of shapes, or orientations of the modular furniture assemblies and casegood furniture assemblies can created.
FIGS. 47A-47O illustrate the cooperation of different modular furniture assemblies and one or more casegood furniture assemblies to form different living environments. The cooperation can be facilitated through the foot couplers, as described herein. For simplicity in explanation, only those foot couplers that might be used to connect or couple casegood furniture assemblies or casegood furniture assemblies and bases and upright members of modular furniture assemblies will be described, but one skilled in the art would understand that the modular furniture assemblies and the casegood furniture assemblies can also include foot couplers at other positions, such as the corners of the modular furniture assemblies and the casegood furniture assemblies. It will also be understood that any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein can be used with any of the modular furniture assemblies described herein. Therefore, the disclosures related to each and all of the casegood furniture assemblies or any component or sub-component thereof is applicable to the modular furniture assemblies described herein. Furthermore, while foot coupler 524b (FIG. 46) is illustrated in FIGS. 47A-47O to connect or position casegood furniture assemblies together or with adjacent bases and upright members, it is understood that foot coupler 524a (FIG. 45) or a combination of foot coupler 524a and foot coupler 524b can also be used to connect or position casegood furniture assemblies together or with adjacent bases and upright members.
As illustrated in FIG. 47A an L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500a is used in combination with a single casegood furniture assembly 10i positioned separately from the L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500a. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, include the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10i
As illustrated in FIG. 47B two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j positioned separately from the L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500b. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, include the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j. Casegood furniture assembly 10i can be same or different to casegood furniture assembly 10j. While two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are illustrated, it will be understood that 2, 3, or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within or form part of the inline modular furniture assembly 500b.
In FIG. 47C a single casegood furniture assembly 10i is positioned inline, within or forms part of the L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500c. Casegood furniture assembly 10i is disposed between two bases 512a, 512b and two upright members 514a, 514b, i.e., inline with bases 512a, 512b and upright members 514a, 514b.
In FIG. 47D, two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are positioned inline, within or form part of the L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500c i.e., inline with bases 512a, 512b and upright members 514a, 514b. Casegood furniture assembly 10i is disposed adjacent to base 512a and upright member 514a and casegood furniture assembly 10j is adjacent casegood furniture assembly 10i and base 512b and upright member 514b. While two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are illustrated, it will be understood that 2, 3, or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within or form part of the inline modular furniture assembly 500d.
Turning to FIG. 47E, a modular furniture assembly 500d is illustrated with a single casegood furniture assembly 10i positioned inline, within or forming part of modular furniture assembly 500d, i.e., casegood furniture assembly 10i is inline with the bases 512a, 512b and upright members 514a, 514b. While a single casegood furniture assembly 10i is illustrated, it will be understood that 1, 2, or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within or form part of the inline modular furniture assembly 500e.
As illustrated in FIGS. 47F, an L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500f cooperates with two casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j positioned outside of upright members 514a, 514b. These two casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j can function as side tables for the living environment associated with the modular furniture assembly 500f. The upright members 514a, 514b function as arms for the modular furniture assembly 500f. While two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are illustrated, it will be understood that 1, 2, 3 or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within or form part of the inline modular furniture assembly 500f.
As illustrated in FIG. 47G, a modular furniture assembly 500g cooperates with two casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j positioned outside of the bases 512a, 514 and upright members 514a, 514b, 514c function as backs to modular furniture assembly 500g. In contrast to the L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500f where the two casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j are positioned outside of the upright members 514a, 514b functioning as arms, casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are positioned inline and directly to the outside of bases 512a, 512b of the modular furniture assembly 500g. As with other casegood furniture assemblies, casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j can function as tables, arms rests, etc. While two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are illustrated, it will be understood that 1, 2, 3 or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within or form part of the inline modular furniture assembly 500g.
Turning to FIGS. 47H and 47I, L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500h and 500i are is illustrated in two different modes of operation. As described above, the modular furniture assemblies can be orientated in a standard depth or deep depth based upon the desire of the user. The casegood furniture assemblies of the present invention can accommodate for change in orientation of the bases, etc. of the modular furniture assemblies.
As illustrated in FIGS. 47H and 47I, two casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j are substituted for a “corner” of the modular furniture assembly 500h and 500i and function as a table or corner table. Stated another way, instead of utilizing a base and two upright members for a corner of the modular furniture assembly 500h or modular furniture assembly 500i, casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are employed. In FIG. 47H, casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j are positioned in a standard depth orientation, in which an x-dimension of base 512a is parallel to a long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j extending along abutting surface 564i of casegood furniture assembly 10i and abutting surface 564j of casegood furniture assembly 10j, i.e., the surfaces abutting when casegood furniture assembly 10i is placed against casegood furniture assembly 10i. In contrast, in FIG. 47I, casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j are positioned in a deep depth orientation, in which an x-dimension of base 512a is transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j extending along abutting surface 564i of casegood furniture assembly 10i and abutting surface 564j of casegood furniture assembly 10j, i.e., the surfaces abutting when casegood furniture assembly 10i is placed against casegood furniture assembly 10i. While a single casegood furniture assembly 10i is illustrated, it will be understood that 1, 2, 3 or more casegood furniture assemblies can be included within or form part of the inline modular furniture assemblies 500h and 500i.
As illustrated in FIG. 47J an L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500j, which is larger or includes an addition seating positions as compared to L-shaped modular furniture assemblies 500a and 500b in FIGS. 47A and 47B is used in combination with casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j. Casegood furniture assembly 10i is orientated transversely to casegood furniture assembly 10j so that a long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i is transverse to a long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j. Abutting surfaces 564i and 564j, therefore, are dissimilar in that abutting surface 564i is parallel to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i, while abutting surface 564j is transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j. Stated another way, casegood furniture assembly 10i is rotated 90 degrees in relation to casegood furniture assembly 10j. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are illustrated being positioned without the use of floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b, however, floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b can be used to aid with positioned casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, including for feet of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j that are not toward the abutting surfaces 564i and 564j of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j.
In FIG. 47K, three casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k are positioned separately from the L-shaped modular furniture assembly 500k. Casegood furniture assembly 10k can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, include the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10k. Casegood furniture assembly 10i is orientated transversely to casegood furniture assembly 10j and casegood furniture assembly 10k so that a long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i is transverse to a long dimension LD of each of casegood furniture assembly 10j and 10k. Abutting surfaces 564i, 564j, and 564k, therefore, are dissimilar in that abutting surface 564i that abuts casegood furniture assembly 10i is parallel to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i, while abutting surface 564j that abuts against casegood furniture assembly 10i is transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j and abutting surface 564k that abuts against casegood furniture assembly 10i is transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j. Stated another way, casegood furniture assembly 10i is rotated 90 degrees in relation to casegood furniture assembly 10j and casegood furniture assembly 10k. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k are illustrated being positioned without the use of floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b, however, floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b can be used to aid with positioned casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k including for feet of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k that are not toward the abutting surfaces 564i, 564j, 546k of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k.
As illustrated in FIG. 47L, a U-shaped modular furniture assembly 500L is used in combination with a four casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l are positioned separately from U-shaped modular furniture assembly 500L. Casegood furniture assembly 10l can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, include the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10l. Casegood furniture assembly 10i and casegood furniture assembly 10l are orientated transversely to casegood furniture assembly 10j and casegood furniture assembly 10k so that a long dimension LD of each of casegood furniture assembly 10i and casegood furniture assembly 10l is transverse to a long dimension LD of each of casegood furniture assembly 10j and 10k. Abutting surfaces 564i, 564j, 546k, and 564l, therefore, are dissimilar. Abutting surface 564i is parallel to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i, abutting surface 564l is parallel to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10k, abutting surfaces 564j(1) and 564j(2) are transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j, and abutting surfaces 564k(1) and 564k(2) are transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j. Stated another way, casegood furniture assembly 10i and casegood furniture assembly 10l are each rotated 90 degrees in relation to casegood furniture assembly 10j and casegood furniture assembly 10k. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l are illustrated being positioned without the use of floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b, however, floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b can be used to aid with positioned casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l including for feet of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l that are not toward the abutting surfaces 564i, 564j, 546k, 10l of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l.
As illustrated in FIG. 47M, a U-shaped modular furniture assembly 500M is used in combination with a four casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k are positioned separately from U-shaped modular furniture assembly 500M. Casegood furniture assembly 10i and casegood furniture assembly 10k are orientated transversely to casegood furniture assembly 10j so that a long dimension LD of each of casegood furniture assembly 10i and casegood furniture assembly 10k is transverse to a long dimension LD of each of casegood furniture assembly 10j. Abutting surfaces 564i, 564j, 546k, therefore, are dissimilar. Abutting surface 564i is parallel to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10i, abutting surface 546k is parallel to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10k, and abutting surface 564j1 and 564j2 are transverse to long dimension LD of casegood furniture assembly 10j. Stated another way, casegood furniture assembly 10i and casegood furniture assembly 10l are each rotated 90 degrees in relation to casegood furniture assembly 10j and casegood furniture assembly 10k. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k are illustrated being positioned without the use of floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b, however, floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b can be used to aid with positioned casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k including for feet of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, that are not toward the abutting surfaces 564i, 564j, 546k of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k.
As illustrated in FIG. 47N, modular furniture assembly 500N includes casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j separate from U-shaped modular furniture assembly 500N similar to that illustrated in FIG. 47B. Additionally, modular furniture assembly 500N includes casegood furniture assemblies 10k, 10l, 10m, and 10n as a “corner” of modular furniture assembly 500N, in a similar manner to that illustrated in FIGS. 47H and 47I. Casegood furniture assemblies 10m, 10n can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, include the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assemblies 10m, 10n. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are illustrated being positioned without the use of floor coupler 524a or floor coupler 524b, while casegood furniture assemblies 10k, 10l, are illustrated coupled together through floor coupler 524b and to adjacent bases 512a, 512b and upright members 514a, 514b through floor coupler 524b and a floor coupler 524c having an L-shaped configuration, and casegood furniture assemblies 10m, 10n are illustrated coupled together through floor coupler 524b and to adjacent bases 512c, 512d and upright members 514c, 514d through floor coupler 524b and a floor coupler 524c having an L-shaped configuration. Floor coupler 524a, 524b, and 524c can be used to aid with positioned casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, 10m, 10n including for feet of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, 10m, 10n that are not toward abutting surfaces of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, 10m, 10n.
As illustrated in FIG. 47O, modular furniture assembly 500O includes a number of casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, and 10m, 10n, Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, and 10m, 10n can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, include the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, 10k, 10l, and 10m, 10n. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are separate from modular furniture assembly 500O. Casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are joined through foot couplers 524c. Modular furniture assembly 500O includes casegood furniture assemblies 10k as an “end” of modular furniture assembly 500O against upright member 514a. Casegood furniture assembly 10l is disposed “in-line” similar to modular furniture assembly 500c of FIG. 47C, however foot couplers 524c are used to connect upright member 514b to base 512a and casegood furniture assembly 10l, and upright member 514c to base 512b and casegood furniture assembly 10l. Upright member 514c is orientated in a “deep” depth orientation. Casegood furniture assemblies 10m, 10n are positioned as a “corner” of modular furniture assembly 500O, in a similar manner to that illustrated in FIGS. 47H and 47I. As illustrated, casegood furniture assemblies 10m, 10n are joined together by way of foot coupler 524b and foot coupler 524c, while also being mounted or coupled to base 512b, base 512c, upright member 514c, and upright member 514d (which is orientated in a “deep” configuration, while upright member 514c is in a “standard” configuration). Base 512c is coupled to base 512d and upright member 514e through foot couplers 524b. Based 512d is coupled to base 512c, upright member 514e, and upright member 514f through foot couplers 524b. It is understood that any of the foot couplers described herein can be used interchangeably with any other foot coupler.
Turning to FIGS. 48A-49B, a discussion of the spatial relationship of the modular furniture assemblies in relation to the foot couplers of the present invention is provided. As mentioned before, the casegood furniture assemblies of the present disclosure can be incorporated into the modular furniture assembly as storage, tables, etc. The incorporation can include being placed (i) “inline”, such as in a sitting area with bases and upright members being adjacent to one or more casegood furniture assemblies and function as a table or other storage, (ii) to form a corner of the modular furniture assembly and function as a table or other storage, (iii) to extend out from the modular furniture assembly and function as an end or side table or provide storage, and (iv) combinations or modifications thereof. To achieve this integration or association with the modular furniture assemblies, a spatial relationship exists between bases, upright members, and the casegood furniture assemblies. Additionally, the foot couplers that position bases, upright members, and the casegood furniture assemblies assist in maintaining relative positions of the bases, upright members, and the casegood furniture assemblies and accommodate the spatial relationship.
As illustrated in FIG. 48A, in casegood furniture assembly 500p, foot coupler 524 is used to position casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j in between two bases 512a, 512b and two upright 514a, 514b to form a double inline table. In the configuration of FIG. 47A, two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j approximate a single base 512 and an upright member 514 that is illustrated in phantom. The following discussion will be provide in relation to base 512 and upright member 514, however, the discussion is also applicable to bases 512a, 512b and upright member 514a, 514b. As mentioned before, the combination of base 512 and upright member 514 defines a spatial relationship where a length (x) of the base 512 is substantially equal to the sum of a width (y) of the base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514. With this spatial relationship, a distance (o) for the foot coupler 524, as discussed in relation to FIG. 44, is defined by the equation o=z/2, where z is a width of upright member 514. The distance (o) is an offset distance.
With the indicated spatial relationship of base 512 and upright member 514 and the position of aperture 526a of foot coupler 524, casegood furniture assembly 10i, and more generally the body member and the upper member of the casegood furniture assembly 10i, has a spatial relationship to aid with integration into a modular furniture assembly 500p, as portion of which is illustrated in FIG. 48A. The casegood furniture assembly 10i, which can be considered as a “base”, has a length (L) substantially equal to the sum of a width (y) of base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514. Therefore, the length (L) of casegood furniture assembly 10i is defined by the equation L=y+z, where width (y) of base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514. As such, a length (L) of casegood furniture assembly 10i is equal to a length (x) of base 512, i.e., L=x.
As illustrated in FIG. 48A, two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are combined to form the inline table and so the width (W) of one casegood furniture assembly 10i, for instance, is substantially equal half the sum of a width (y) of base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514, i.e., W=(y+z)/2. This also results in a sum of widths (W) of the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, i.e., 2 W, being substantially equal to length (x) of base 512, which is also equal to the length (L) of each casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j. Therefore, the spatial relationship of base 512, upright member 514, and one or more casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j (or their individual body member or bases) can be defined as x=L=2 W=(y+z) for forming an inline table or storage using two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j. Stated another way, length (L) of each casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j is substantially equal to two times a width (W) of one of the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j (or the combined width from the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j), and where two times the width (W) is equal to a sum of a width (y) of base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514. Additionally, the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j have a collective spatial relationship, wherein a length (L) of each of the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j in the inline configuration is substantially equal to two times a width (W) of the two furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, and where two times the width (W) is equal to the length (x) of base 512.
Each casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can have a length (L) of about 35 inches and a width (W) of about 17.5 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can have a length (L) ranging from about 29 inches to about 41 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can have a width (W) ranging from about 10 inches to about 41 inches.
In another configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 48B, a single casegood furniture assembly 10q can be used in an inline configuration instead of the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j illustrated in FIG. 38A. Casegood furniture assembly 10q can be any of the casegood furniture assemblies described herein and so the disclosures related to casegood furniture assemblies, including the upper members and body members, are applicable to casegood furniture assembly 10q. In such a configuration, a width (W) of casegood furniture assembly 10q is equal to a length (W) of casegood furniture assembly 10q, i.e., W=L. As such, casegood furniture assembly 10q, such as an associated body member (which can be considered as a “base”) and/or upper member, has a spatial relationship with base 512 and upright member 514, where (L+2 W)/2 is equal to a sum of a width (y) of base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514.
Casegood furniture assembly 10q can have a length (L) of about 35 inches and a width (W) of about 35 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assemblies 10q can have a length (L) ranging from about 29 inches to about 41 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assemblies 10p can have a width (W) ranging from about 10 inches to about 41 inches.
Turning to FIGS. 49A and 49B, the casegood furniture assemblies can also be used to form a corner of a modular furniture assembly. It will be understood that the disclosures related to the casegood furniture assemblies and the modular furniture assemblies described herein are also applicable to the casegood furniture assemblies and modular furniture assemblies of FIGS. 49A and 49B.
As illustrated in FIG. 49A, two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j are substituted for a corner portion of modular furniture assembly 500r, the corner portion being a combination of base 512a (phantom) and two upright members 514a, 514b (phantom) with base 512a being rotated 90 degrees in relation to a position of base 512 in FIG. 48A. The combination of base 512a, upright member 514a, and upright 514b defines a spatial relationship where a length (x) of the base 512 is substantially equal to the sum of a width (y) of the base 512a and a width (z) of the upright member 514a. In the corner configuration, the length (L) of each casegood furniture assembly 10i, 10j substantially equals the sum of a width (y) of the base 512a and a width (z) of the upright member 514a, for example, and the width (W) is substantially equal to the sum of length (x) and width (z) divided by two, i.e., W=(x+z)/2. Additionally, a combined width (W) of the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j, i.e., 2 W, is equal to a sum of length (x) and width (z), i.e., W+W=x+z.
Each casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can have a length (L) of about 35 inches and a width (W) of about 20.5 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can have a length (L) ranging from about 29 inches to about 41 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j can have a width (W) ranging from about 10 inches to about 41 inches.
Turning to FIG. 49B, a single casegood furniture assembly 10s can be used as a corner portion configuration instead of the two casegood furniture assemblies 10i, 10j illustrated in FIG. 49A. In such a configuration, a width (W) of casegood furniture assembly 10s is equal to a sum of length (x) of base 512a (phantom) and width (z) of upright member 514a (phantom), i.e., W=x+z, and a length (W) of casegood furniture assembly 10s is equal to a sum of a width (y) of base 512 and a width (z) of the upright member 514.
Casegood furniture assembly 10s can have a length (L) of about 35 inches and a width (W) of about 41 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assembly 10s can have a length (L) ranging from about 29 inches to about 41 inches. In other configurations, casegood furniture assembly 10q can have a width (W) ranging from about 10 inches to about 41 inches.
Turning now to FIGS. 50A-B, a casegood furniture assembly 600 is similar to casegood furniture assembly 10c in FIGS. 11A-18E. As such, the disclosure related to casegood furniture assembly 10c (and another other casegood furniture and/or components or structures described here) is also applicable. Like reference numerals related to like structures. Similar to casegood furniture assembly 10c, casegood furniture assembly 600 can have an upper member 610 that cooperates with a body member 612. For instance, upper member 610 can include a planer top surface that extends to a periphery of the upper ember 610 so that adjacently or closely disposed casegood furniture assemblies provide a generally uniform planar surface for use by a user without having recesses or structures to cooperate with engagement or sub-engagement structures. Feet 620 extend from the body member 612. The body member 612, and so casegood furniture assembly 600, can further have a bottom recess 630 and a hole 640 that can accommodate cables, wiring, etc. used for electronic components or electronic component assemblies, such as in one example electronic component assembly 260a or electronic component assembly 260b.
FIGS. 51A-H illustrate casegood furniture assembly 600 with a portion of the upper member 610 removed to view an interior of the body member 612 and the upper member 610. The body member 612 includes holes 676 to receive feet. As illustrated, upper member 612 includes blocks 650 near each corner of upper member 612, to aid with positioning upper member 612 on the body member 612. For instance, in other configurations engagement structures and upper engagement structures cooperate so retain the upper member in relation to the body member so that lateral or side-to-side movement is restrained to prevent the upper member sliding from the body member. The blocks 650 can function as an “upper engagement structure” and can be received within an interior of body member 612 so that a portion of the block 650 overlaps with one or more of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648, upper rail 710, or other portion of body member 612. This overlap limits lateral or side-to-side movement of upper member 612 in relation to the body member 612. While blocks 650 are illustrated as triangular polyhedrons, it can be understood that blocks 650 can have various other configurations, such as but not limited to, other polyhedrons or non-polyhedrons.
With continued reference to FIGS. 51A-51H, casegood furniture assembly 600 can further have mounting holes disposed or otherwise formed in one or more of upper member and body member. The mounting holes 660a of upper member 610 can be made of two sets of mounting holes (661a, 662a), where the diameter of first mounting holes 661a is larger than the diameter of second mounting holes 662a. Mounting holes 660b of body member 612 can be made of two sets of mounting holes (661b, 662b), where the diameter of first mounting holes 661b is larger than the diameter of second mounting holes 662b. The mounting holes 660a, b can receive fasteners 688, such as bolts, screws, pegs, pins, etc. to secure a mounting base or bracket 682 of a hinge 680 connecting the upper member 610 to the body member 612. The mounting holes 660a, b can optionally be threaded to receive fasteners 688 such as bolts, screws, etc. to secure the hinge 680. Alternatively, the mounting holes 660a, b can include a smooth interior bore so that fasteners 688 such as pins, pegs, etc. can frictionally or interference fit with the interior bore to secure the hinge 680. In still another configuration, the mounting holes 660 can include a mix of both threaded and unthreaded holes, i.e., holes having threaded or unthreaded bores.
In addition to receiving fasteners 688 to secure the hinge 680, holes 660 can also accommodate a locking member to retain upper member 610 to body member 612 in a more permanent relationship. The mounting holes 660a, b can directly receive a locking member 690a, such as a generally U-shaped member that can be disposed in holes 660a, 660b of both upper member 612 and body member 612, or can receive fasteners 688 that hold a plate-like locking member 690b that extends between upper member 610 and body member 612. It will be understood that various other locking members or structures to connect upper member 610 and body member 612 are possible.
As illustrated in FIG. 51F-51H, each hinge assembly or hinge 680 can mount to body member 612, such as to back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648, upper rail 710. Placement of each hinge 680, and pairs of hinges, on body member 612 allow upper member 610 to be moved in a forward direction, backward direction, lateral direction, upward direction, downward direction, rotationally, pivotally, or a combination or modification. These movements increase the versatility of casegood furniture assembly 600 and usefulness of upper member 610. For instance, moving the upper member 610 in an upward direction and either a forward direction or a backward direction, with an optional rotational or pivotal movement, so that upper member 610 extends beyond a perimeter of body member 612 allows casegood furniture assembly 600 to function as an office desk, table or other work space. Such functionality can also be provided when the upper member 610 is moved in an upward direction and lateral direction, with an optional rotational or pivotal movement. In another configuration, moving upper member 610 in an upward direction and pivoting or rotating upper member 610 improves access to an interior of body member 612. The hinge 680 can be configured to provide the desired movement in the forward direction, backward direction, lateral direction, upward direction, downward direction, rotationally, pivotally, or a combination or modification and easily moved to change such movements based upon placement of the casegood furniture assembly 600 within the modular furniture assemblies, such as modular furniture assemblies 500, 500a-s and other furniture assembly described herein.
With reference to FIGS. 51F-51H, includes a base or bracket 682 with a linkage 684 that connects base 682 to a mount 686 attached or coupled to upper member 610. The base 682 is attached to body member 612, while mount 686 is attached to upper member 610. The linkage 684 allows movement of the mount 686 in relation to base 682 to move upper member 610 in relation to body member in a forward direction, backward direction, lateral direction, upward direction, downward direction, rotationally, pivotally, or a combination or modification of such movements. For instance, linkage 684 can allow upper member 610 to move in an upward direction while pivoting about base 682 such as illustrated in FIG. 51F. In another configuration, linkage 684 can allow upper member 610 to move in an upward direction and either a forward direction or a backward direction so that upper member 610 extends beyond a perimeter of body member 612 to function as an office desk, table or other workspace, such as illustrate schematically in FIG. 51G. In another configuration, linkage 684 can allow upper member 610 to move in an upward direction and laterally so that upper member 610 extends beyond a perimeter of body member 612 to function as an office desk, table or other workspace, such as illustrate schematically in FIG. 51H. While reference is made to upper member 610 being moved to “extend beyond a perimeter of body member” it will be understood that an entirety of upper member or a portion of upper member 610 can “extend beyond a perimeter of body member.”
With continued reference to FIGS. 51A-51H, upper member 610 includes spacers 611 on the bottom of upper member 610. The spacers 611 can create a gap 613 between upper member 610 and body member 612 so that a coupler 623 can fit between the two. The coupler 623 can also be received within a hole 712 in the upper rail 710, or some other part of body member 612, such as any of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648, or other part of body member 612. The coupler 623 can be similar to coupler 523 (FIG. 38A) while having smaller dimensions than coupler 523 to accommodate coupling of two of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648, and upper rail 710 of two or more casegood furniture assemblies to position two or more casegood furniture assemblies together, such as illustrated in FIGS. 47A-49B. The coupler 623 can be a U-shaped coupler in which one plate of the U-shaped coupler 623 is disposed within hole 712 of a first casegood furniture assembly or on a side of one of back panel 642, first side panel 646, or second side panel 648, within an interior of a first casegood furniture assembly, and another plate of the U-shaped coupler 623 is disposed within hole 712 of a second casegood furniture assembly or on a side of another one of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648 within an interior of the second casegood furniture assembly so that one of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648 or upper rail 710 of the first casegood furniture assembly and one of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648 or upper rail 710 of the second casegood furniture assembly are disposed between the two plates. (see FIGS. 47D, 47H, 47J, and 47K). In this way, casegood furniture assemblies are joined or coupled together. For instance, coupler 623 can overlap first side panel 646 of a first casegood furniture assembly 600 and second side panel 648 of second casegood furniture assembly 600 positioned beside the first casegood furniture 600 (see FIGS. 47D, 47H, 47J, and 47K). In another configuration, coupler 623 can overlap first side panel 646 of a first casegood furniture assembly 600 and back panel 642 of second casegood furniture assembly 600 positioned beside the first casegood furniture 600 (see FIGS. 47J and 47K). In another configuration, coupler 623 can overlap first side panel 646 of a first casegood furniture assembly 600 and back panel 642 of second casegood furniture assembly 600 positioned beside the first casegood furniture 600 (see FIGS. 47J and 47K). In still another configuration, coupler 623 can overlap a portion of upper rail 710 as coupler 623 is received within hole 712 of upper rail 710 of a first casegood furniture assembly 600 and can overlap one of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648 or upper rail 710. In still another configuration, coupler 623 can be disposed within hole 712 of a first case casegood furniture assembly 600 and hole 712 of a second casegood furniture assembly 600 so that upper rails 710, and so the front panels or “fronts” of the first and second casegood furniture assemblies 600 face each other. This creates a uniform façade to the combination of first and second casegood furniture assemblies 600 with first side panels 646, second side panels 648, and back panels 642 facing outwardly and the font panels and/or doors of the first and second casegood furniture assemblies 600 facing each other. It will be understood that coupler 623 can overlap other combinations of back panel 642, first side panel 646, second side panel 648, and upper rail 710.
Turning to FIGS. 52A-53C, one or more casegood furniture assemblies described herein may be replaceable or interchangeable with the cubby element described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/579,453, filed Aug. 29, 2024, and entitled “MODULAR CABINET ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS”, and Applicant's co-pending application having Application Docket No. 15605.611.1, entitled “MODULAR CABINET ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED METHODS, which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. For example, in an embodiment any of the cubby elements shown in these applications could mount to any casegood furniture assembly described herein and cooperate with any upper member, e.g., where such cubby element is configured to include the same footprint dimensions or dimensional relationships as described. In addition, the presently described casegood furniture assembly and the cubby element described in the incorporated applications can share the same starting footprint of for example 35 inches×17.5 inches (e.g., for the cubby element and the casegood furniture assembly), as well as possibly sharing the same foot placement, the same lid attachment methods, and the same stacking mechanisms.
By way of example and not limitation to the replaceable or interchangeable with the cubby elements, FIG. 52A shows an example 700 including a casegood furniture assembly 702 along a bottom row of the stack that makes up the overall furniture assembly 700, with a cubby element 720b having a length value of 3× (e.g., 35 inches in length), stacked on top of the casegood furniture assembly 702. Coupling of the bottom of the cubby element 720b to the top of the casegood furniture assembly 702 may use any coupling mechanism as described herein, within Applicant's other applications incorporated by reference, or otherwise. Stacked on top of cubby element 720b is illustrated two cubby elements 720a each having a length of 1.5× (each 17.5 inches in length), or another cubby element 720b. A top panel 710 is shown over the top row of cubby elements 720a (or 720b). In an embodiment, the top panel 710 (and the overall footprint dimensions) may be 17.5 by 35 inches. The cubby height associated with cubby elements 720b and/or 720a may be 6 to 8 inches (e.g., 7 inches), 8 to 10 inches (e.g., 9 inches), other values as noted herein, or otherwise.
It will be apparent that a wide variety of furniture assemblies may be formed from a combination of casegood furniture assemblies and cubby elements. FIG. 52B illustrates another example of such a furniture assembly 700a, including the casegood furniture assembly 702 at a bottom row (with illustrated coupled feet 22), with a cubby element 720b stacked on top of the casegood furniture assembly 302, and with 3 cubby elements 720c (or another cubby element 720b with 2 dividers) stacked on the top row). A top panel 710 is shown positioned over the top row of cubby element(s).
FIG. 52C illustrates another example of such a furniture assembly 700b, including the casegood furniture assembly 702 at a bottom row (with illustrated coupled feet 740), with a cubby element 720b stacked on top of the casegood furniture assembly 702, and with 3 cubby elements 720c (or another cubby element 720b with 2 dividers) stacked on over the cubby element 720b. A top row is stacked over cubby elements 720c, that includes two cubby elements 720a (or another cubby element 720b with 2 drawers). The dimensional relationships are such that cubby elements 720c have a length of x, cubby elements 720b have a length of 3×, and cubby elements 720a have a length of 1.5×. Casegood furniture assembly 302 includes a length of 3×, like cubby element 720b. As with the other illustrated configurations, a top panel 710 is shown positioned over the top row of cubby elements.
FIG. 52D illustrates another example of such a furniture assembly 700c, where instead of vertical stacking, the casegood furniture assembly and cubby elements are positioned side-by-side. The casegood furniture assembly 702 is shown at one side, with a particularly configured casegood top panel 710a coupled over the top of the casegood furniture assembly 702. Top panel 710a can be configured as described in more detail in Applicant's applications already incorporated by reference. Two cubby elements 720a each having a length of 1.5×, or a longer cubby element 720b (having a length of 3×), with a vertical divider and/or drawers, is positioned side-by-side, next to casegood furniture assembly 302, with a top panel 710 coupled or positioned over the top of cubby elements 720a or 720b. A plurality of feet 740 are shown coupled into a bottom panel of both casegood furniture assembly 702, and cubby elements 720a (or cubby element 720b). While drawers are shown within some cubby elements, such drawers may be present, or not.
FIG. 52E illustrates another example of a furniture assembly 700d, that is similar to that shown in FIG. 52D, but in which additional cubby elements have been stacked on top of the cubby elements 720a or 720b forming the bottom row of cubby elements, side-by-side relative to the casegood furniture assembly 302. In particular, three cubby elements 720c each having a width x have been stacked on top of the two bottom row cubby elements 720a. Alternatively, this row could be formed from a single cubby element 720b having a width of 3×, with two vertical dividers provided, as shown. A top panel 710 is shown coupled over cubby elements 720c.
FIG. 52F showing furniture assembly 700e is similar to the configuration seen in FIG. 32E, but where an additional cubby element 720b has been added between cubby elements 720c and the top panel 710. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of furniture assemblies can be modularly assembled from a collection of such casegood furniture assemblies and various cubby elements. For example, using the 9 components seen in FIG. 52F (casegood furniture assembly 702, 2 cubby elements 720a each having a length of 1.5×, 3 cubby elements 720c each having a length of x, 1 cubby element 720b having a length of 3×, and the top panels 710 and 710a) any of the furniture assemblies shown in FIGS. 52A-32F can be formed. It will also be apparent that a wide variety of other furniture configurations, not shown, can also be formed.
FIG. 53A shows a simple stack of 3 identical or substantially identical cubby elements 720a, each with a length of 1.5×, with a top panel 710b positioned thereover. FIG. 53B shows a side-by-side configuration for a furniture assembly, with a casegood furniture assembly 702 at one side, next to a cubby element 720a. Top panels 710a and 710b are provided, over each side stack of the furniture assembly. FIG. 53C illustrates a configuration similar to that of FIG. 53B, but in which an additional cubby element 720a has been added to the stack shown at left. As shown, because of the complementary geometry and sizing of the cubby elements and the casegood furniture assembly, a flush top surface is provided in such a configuration, across top panels 710a and 710b. In other words, in an embodiment, the height of two cubby elements (e.g., 720a) may be equal or substantially equal to the height of the casegood furniture assembly (e.g., 730). As shown in FIG. 53D, the two separate top panels 710a and 710b could be replaced with a single, integral top panel 710c as shown, that spans the top of both portions of the side-by-side stack of modular components.
Because the dimensions of the cubby element 720a may provide a square footprint (e.g., 17.5 by 17.5 inches), such a cubby element may be rotated to any desired direction (with the drawer or open front towards the front, left, back, or right) relative to any other cubby element or the top panel. This can allow one to provide openings or drawers of any given cubby element within any of the 4 lateral sides of the modular furniture assembly, independent of the selected orientation of any other cubby element.
Various alterations and/or modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims, and are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure. Thus, while various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. While a number of methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only certain components and methods are described herein.
It will also be appreciated that systems, processes, and/or products according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments disclosed and/or described herein. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative assemblies, processes, products, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. While certain embodiments and details have been included herein and in the attached disclosure for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the methods, products, devices, and apparatus disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure or of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Patent Application
20250089888
