BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many types of furniture articles exist that for use as a lounge chair that allow a person to lay upright or lay flat. Further, many types of furniture articles exist for use as a sofa that allow a person to sit upright or lay down in a flat position for use as a bed. Such conventional articles of furniture do not provide a person with flexibility for all types of use without having to purchase two (2) or more products.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a furniture article capable of many uses by a person or multiple persons. In one embodiment, the furniture article comprises a base unit and first, second, third, and fourth cushions resting upon the base unit. The base unit generally comprises a first frame section for supporting the third cushion, a second frame section for supporting the fourth cushion, a third frame section for supporting the second cushion; a fixed frame section for supporting the first cushion. The first frame section is movable to a position where the first cushion and the second cushion are flat and the third cushion and the fourth cushion are inclined to allow the furniture article to be used as a sofa. Alternatively, the second frame section and the third frame section are movable to a position where the first cushion and the third cushion are flat and the second cushion and fourth cushion are inclined to allow the furniture article to be as a two person lounge chair.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description of the invention will be more fully understood with reference to the accompanying drawings filed herewith in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a furniture article according to the present invention shown in a flat position.
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the furniture article shown in a sofa position.
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the furniture article shown in a first lounge chair position.
FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the furniture article shown in a second lounge chair position.
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the furniture article shown in a third lounge chair position.
FIG. 6 is a right side perspective view of the base unit in a sofa position.
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the base unit in a sofa position.
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of Section 8 of FIG. 6 showing one (1) of three (3) hinges for rotatably connecting the first frame section of the base unit with the central support bar of the base frame support.
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the base unit in a sofa position with the first frame section partially inclined.
FIG. 10 is a close-up view of Section 10 of FIG. 9 showing a bolt type hinge for rotatably connecting the retention bar of the first frame section retention unit with the first frame section of the base unit.
FIG. 11 is a close-up view of Section 11 of FIG. 9 showing a bolt type hinge for rotatably connecting the retention bar of the first frame section retention unit with the first frame section of the base unit.
FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the base unit in a first lounge chair position with the second and third frame sections partially inclined.
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the base unit in a second lounge chair position with the third frame section partially inclined and the second frame section flat.
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the base unit in a third lounge chair position with the third frame section flat and the second frame section partially inclined.
FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the base unit in a lounge chair position with the second and third frame sections partially inclined.
FIG. 16 is a close-up view of Section 16 of FIG. 15 showing two (2) bolt type hinges for rotatably connecting the support arm of the second frame section retention unit with the second frame section and for rotatably connecting the support arm of the third frame section retention unit with the third frame section. Only one (1) of two (2) bolt type hinges are shown for the second frame section and only one (1) of two (2) bolt type hinges are shown for the third frame section with the bolt type hinges being the same.
FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the third frame section fully inclined.
FIG. 18 is a close-up view of Section 18 of FIG. 17 showing a bolt type hinge for rotatably connecting the third frame section with the base frame support.
FIG. 19 is a close-up view of Section 19 of FIG. 17 showing a bolt type hinge for rotatably connecting the third frame section with the base frame support.
FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the second frame section fully inclined.
FIG. 21 is a close-up view of Section 21 of FIG. 20 showing a bolt type hinge for rotatably connecting the second frame section with the first frame section.
FIG. 22 is a close-up view of Section 22 of FIG. 20 showing a bolt type hinge for rotatably connecting the second frame section with the first frame section.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the present invention is a furniture article 10 capable of being used by a person in many functional ways such as a sofa, a one or two person lounge chair or as a flat bed. Furniture article 10 generally comprises a base unit 12 that can be engaged with a floor or other substantially flat surface. Furniture article 10 further comprises a first cushion 250 engaged with base unit 12 and a second cushion 260 engaged with base unit 12 and positioned adjacent to first cushion 250. Furniture article 10 further comprises a third cushion 270 engaged with base unit 12 and positioned adjacent to first cushion 250 and a fourth cushion 280 engaged with base unit 12 and positioned adjacent to second cushion 260 and third cushion 270. As shown in FIG. 1, base unit 12 is movable to a first position where first cushion 250 and second cushion 260 are flat and third cushion 270 and fourth cushion 280 are flat to allow furniture article 10 to be used as a bed. As shown in FIG. 2, base unit 12 is movable to a second position where first cushion 250 and second cushion 260 are flat and third cushion 270 and fourth cushion 280 are upright to allow furniture article 10 to be used as a sofa. As shown in FIG. 3, base unit 12 is movable to a second position where first cushion 250 and third cushion 270 are flat and second cushion 260 and fourth cushion 280 are inclined to allow furniture article 10 to be as a two (2) person lounge chair. As shown in FIG. 4, base unit 12 is movable to a fourth position where first cushion 250 and third cushion 270 are flat and fourth cushion 280 is flat, and second cushion 260 is inclined to allow furniture article 10 to be used by a single person as an upright lounge chair and/or a second person to lay flat. As shown in FIG. 5, base unit 12 is movable to a fifth position where first cushion 250 and third cushion 270 are flat and second cushion 260 is flat, and fourth cushion 280 is inclined to allow furniture article 10 to be used by a single person as an upright lounge chair and/or a second person to lay flat. As described above, furniture article 10 provides many benefits, including use as a sofa or a lounge chair or as a flat bed. In the embodiment shown, cushions 250, 260, 270 and 280 are conventional cushions made from foam and enclosed by a water-proof fabric.
Referring to FIGS. 6-7 and 12-14, base unit 12 generally comprises a base frame support 14, a first frame section 32, a second frame section 60, a third frame section 78, and a fixed frame section 96. In the embodiment shown, base frame support 14 generally comprises a rear support bar 16, a front support bar 18, a central support bar 20, a lower left support bar 22, an upper left support bar 23, and a right support bar 24. Lower left support bar 22 is attached to rear support bar 16 and front support bar 18 by conventional means such as welds. Upper left support bar is attached to front support bar 18 by conventional means such as welds. Right support bar 24 is attached to rear support bar 16 and front support bar 18 by conventional means such as welds. Central support bar 20 is attached to upper left support bar 23 and right support bar 24 by conventional means such as welds. Base frame support 14 further comprises a cross support bar 26 attached to central support bar 20 and front support bar 18 by conventional means such as welds. Base frame support 14 further comprises a left leg 28 that is attached to rear support bar 16 and front support bar 18 by conventional means such as welds. Base frame support 14 further comprises a right leg 30 that is attached to rear support bar 16 and front support bar 18 by conventional welds such as welds. Left leg 28 and right leg 30 each comprises a base bar, a left support bar, and a right support bar that are joined together by conventional means such as welds. In the embodiment shown, the various parts of base frame support 14 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means. The various parts of base frame support 14 may be made from a variety of materials, such as wood, and fabricated by conventional means.
With reference to FIGS. 6-11, first frame section 32 is rotatably engaged with central support bar 20 by a plurality of hinges 52, 54, and 56 to provide furniture article 10 with one or more inclined sofa positions. In the embodiment shown, first frame section 32 generally comprises an upper support bar 34 and a lower support bar 36 rotatably engaged with central support bar 20 by hinges 52, 54, and 56. A bottom view of hinges 52, 54, and 56 is shown in FIG. 8. In the embodiment show, hinges 52, 54, and 56 are flat or door type hinges having a first portion that mounts to central support bar 20 by conventional means such as screws and a second portion that mounts to lower support bar 36 by conventional means such as screws. A bolt passes thru openings of the first and second portions to allow rotation. First frame section 32 further comprises a left side support bar 38 attached to upper support bar 34 and lower support bar 36 by conventional means such as welds. First frame section 32 further comprises a right side support bar 40 attached to upper support bar 34 and lower support bar 36 by conventional means such as welds. First frame section 32 further comprises a cross support bar 44 attached to upper support bar 34 and lower support bar 36 by conventional means such as welds. First frame section 32 further comprises a central support bar 42 attached to left side support bar 38 and cross support bar 44 by conventional means such as welds. First frame section 32 further comprises a plurality of slats or internal support bars 46 attached to upper support bar 34, lower support bar 36, and internal support bars 46 by conventional means such as welds. As best shown by FIG. 9, first frame section 32 further comprises a corner support bar 48 and a corner support bar 50 adapted to support a second frame section 60 (to be described) of base unit 12 in a flat position. Corner support bar 48 is attached to upper support bar 34 and right side support bar 40 by conventional means such as welds. Corner support bar 50 is attached to lower support bar 36 and right side support bar 40 by conventional means such as welds. In the embodiment shown, except for internal support bars 46, the various parts of first frame section 32 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means. Internal support bars 46 are made from solid aluminum. The various parts of first frame section 32 may be made from a variety of materials and fabricated by conventional means.
With reference to FIGS. 12 and 20-22, second frame section 60 can be inclined to one of several inclined lounge chair positions or lie flat. In the embodiment shown, second frame section 60 generally comprises an upper support bar 62 and a lower support bar 64 rotatably engaged with lower support bar 36 of first frame section 32 by a hinge 74 and rotatably engaged with upper support bar 34 of first frame section 32 by a hinge 76. Second frame section 60 further comprises a central support bar 66 attached to lower support bar 64 and upper support bar 62 by conventional means such as welds. Second frame section 60 further comprises a left side support bar 68 attached to lower support bar 64 and upper support bar 62 by conventional means such as welds. Second frame section 60 further comprises right side support bar 70 attached to lower support bar 64 and upper support bar 62 by conventional means such as welds. FIG. 21 shows a close up view of hinge 74. Hinge 74 rotatably connects left support bar 68 of second frame section 60 with lower support bar 36 of first frame section 32. Hinge 74 generally comprises a bolt going thru the end of left support bar 68 and connected to lower support bar 36 by conventional means such as threads on the bolt. Hinge 74 further comprises a washer disposed between left support bar 68 and lower support bar 36 to provide for smooth rotation. FIG. 22 shows a close up view of hinge 76. Hinge 76 rotatably connects right support bar 70 of second frame section 60 with upper support bar 34 of first frame section 32. Hinge 76 generally comprises a bolt going thru the end of right support bar 70 and connected to upper support bar 34 by conventional means such as threads on the bolt. Hinge 76 further comprises a washer disposed between right support bar 70 and upper support bar 34 to provide for smooth rotation. Second frame section 60 further comprises slats or internal support bars 72 attached to left side support bar 68 and right side support bar 70 by conventional means such as welds. In the embodiment shown, except for internal support bars 72, the various parts of second frame section 60 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means. Internal support bars 72 are made from solid aluminum. The various parts of second frame section 60 may be made from a variety of materials and fabricated by conventional means.
With reference to FIGS. 13 and 17-19, third frame section 78 can be inclined to one of several positions or lie flat. In the embodiment shown, third frame section 78 generally comprises an upper support bar 80, a lower support bar 82, a left side support bar 86 rotatably engaged with front support bar 18 of base frame support 14 by a hinge 92 and a right side support bar 88 rotatably engaged with central support bar 20 of base frame support 14 by a hinge 94. Third frame section 78 further comprises a central support bar 84 attached to lower support bar 82 and upper support bar 80 by conventional means such as welds. Third frame section 78 further comprises a left side support bar 86 attached to lower support bar 82 and upper support bar 80 by conventional means such as welds. Third frame section 78 further comprises a right side support bar 88 attached to lower support bar 82 and upper support bar 80 by conventional means such as welds. FIG. 18 shows a close up view of hinge 94. Hinge 94 rotatably connects right support bar 88 of third frame section 78 with central support bar 20 of base frame support 14. Hinge 94 generally comprises a bolt going thru the end of right support bar 86 and connected to central support bar 20 by conventional means such as threads on the bolt. Hinge 94 further comprises a washer disposed between right support bar 86 and central support bar 20 to provide for smooth rotation. FIG. 19 shows a close up view of hinge 92. Hinge 92 rotatably connects left support bar 86 of third frame section 78 with front support bar 18 of base frame support 14. Hinge 92 generally comprises a bolt going thru the end of left support bar 88 and connected to front support bar 18 of base frame unit 14 by conventional means such as threads on the bolt. Hinge 92 further comprises a washer disposed between left support bar 88 and front support bar 18 to provide for smooth rotation. Third frame section 78 further comprises a plurality of slats or internal support bars 90 attached to left side support bar 86 and right side support bar 88 by conventional welds. In the embodiment shown, except for internal support bars 90, the various parts of third frame section 78 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means. Internal support bars 90 are made from solid aluminum. The various parts of third frame section 78 may be made from a variety of materials and fabricated by conventional means.
With reference to FIG. 6, fixed frame section 96 is disposed adjacent to first frame section 32 and third frame section 78. In the embodiment shown, fixed frame section 96 comprises a central support bar 98 attached to upper left support bar 30 of base frame support 14 and cross bar 26 of base frame support 14 by conventional means such as welds. Fixed frame section 96 further comprises a plurality of slats or internal support bars 100 attached to central support bar 20, front support bar 18, and internal support bars 100 by conventional means such as welds. In the embodiment shown, except for internal support bars 100, the various parts of fixed frame section 96 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means. Internal support bars 100 are made from solid aluminum. The various parts of fixed frame section 96 may be made from a variety of materials and fabricated by conventional means.
With reference to FIGS. 7 and 9-11, base unit 12 further comprises a first frame section retention unit 102. The phrase “first frame section retention unit” means any mechanical part or parts, connected or not connected, that retains first frame section 32 between a flat position and one or more inclined positions lifted to and selected by a person. In the embodiment shown, first frame section retention unit 102 comprises a retention bar 104 and a support arm 110 rotatably engaged with first frame section 32 and removably engaged with retention bar 104 to securely position first frame section 32 in one or more inclined positions as selected by a person by lifting first frame section 32. Retention bar 104 comprises a left end 106 connected to right support bar 24 by conventional means such as welding, and a right end 108 connected to left support bar 22 by conventional means such welding. Support arm 110 comprises a base portion 112, a left portion 114 having a plurality of slots 116 formed by a plurality of teeth welded to left portion 114, and a right portion 118 having a plurality of slots 120 formed by teeth welded to right portion 118. Slots 116 and 120 are adapted to removably engage with retention bar 104 to secure first frame section 32 in one of several inclined positions as lifted and selected by a person. Support arm 110 further comprises an upper support bar 122 connected to left portion 114 and right portion 118 by conventional means such as welding. Support arm 110 further comprises an intermediate support bar 124 connected to base portion 112 and upper support bar 122 by conventional means such as welding. Left portion 114 is rotatably connected to a mounting support bar 130 by a hinge 132. Mounting support bar 130 is connected at one end to upper support bar 34 of first frame section 32 by conventional means such as welding and at the other end to lower support bar 36 of first frame section 32 by conventional means such as welding. FIG. 10 shows a close-up view of hinge 132. In the embodiment shown, hinge 132 is a bolt type hinge comprising a bolt that passes thru a flange welded to mounting support bar 130 and passing thru the end of left portion 114 of support arm 110, and secured thereto by a nut. Although not shown, a washer could be provided between the flange and the end of left portion 144 to facilitate easy rotation. Right portion 118 is rotatably connected with mounting bars 128 and 130 by a hinge 134. Mounting bars 128 and 130 are connected to internal support bar 46 of first frame section 32 by conventional means such as welding. FIG. 11 shows a close-up view of hinge 134. In the embodiment shown, hinge 134 is a bolt type hinge comprising a bolt that passes thru a flange welded to mounting support bar 128 and passing thru the end of right portion 118 of support arm 110, and secured thereto by a nut. Although not shown, a washer could be provided between the flange and the end of right portion 118 to facilitate easy rotation. In the embodiment shown, all of the parts of first frame section retention unit 102 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means.
With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, base unit 12 further comprises a second frame section retention unit 136. The phrase “second frame section retention unit” means any mechanical part or parts, connected or not connected, that retains second frame section 60 between a flat position and one or more inclined positions lifted and selected by a person. In the embodiment shown, second frame section retention unit 136 comprises left and right retention bars 150 and 154 and a support arm 138 rotatably engaged with second frame section 60 and removably engaged with left and right retention bars 150 and 154 to position second frame section 60 in one or more inclined positions as lifted and selected by a person. Support arm 138 comprises a base portion 140, a left portion 142, and a right portion 144. Left portion 142 is rotatably engaged with left side support bar 68 of second frame section 60 by a hinge 146. FIG. 16 shows a close-up view of hinge 146. In the embodiment shown, hinge 146 is a bolt type hinge comprising a bolt that passes thru a flange welded to left side support bar 68 and passing thru the end of left portion 142 of support arm 138, and secured thereto by a nut. Although not shown, a washer could be provided between the flange and the end of left portion 142 to facilitate easy rotation. Right portion 144 is rotatably engaged with right side support bar 70 of second frame section 60 by a hinge 148. In the embodiment shown, hinge 148 is the same as hinge 146 shown in FIG. 16. Left retention bar 150 comprises a plurality of slots 152 formed by a plurality of teeth welded to left retention bar 150. Right retention bar 154 comprises a plurality of slots 156 formed by teeth welded to right retention bar 154. Slots 152 and 156 are adapted to removably engage with base portion 140 of support arm 138 to secure first frame section 32 in one of several inclined positions lifted and selected by a person. Second frame section retention unit 130 further comprises a mounting support bar 158 that along with mounting support bar 130 are connected to left and right retention bars 150 and 154, respectively, by conventional means such as welds. Mounting support bar 158 is welded to lower support bar 36 and upper support bar 34 of first frame section 32 by conventional means such as welds. In the embodiment shown, all of the parts of second frame section retention unit 130 are made from solid aluminum and fabricated by conventional means. Support arm 138 is made of a hollow tube aluminum by conventional means.
With continued reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, base unit 12 further comprises a third frame section retention unit 160. The phrase “third frame section retention unit” means any mechanical part or parts, connected or not connected, that retains third frame section 78 between a flat position and one or more inclined positions lifted and selected by a person. In the embodiment shown, third frame section retention unit 160 comprises a retention bar 178 and a support arm 162 rotatably engaged with base frame support 14 and removably engaged with retention bar 178 to position third frame section 78 in one or more inclined positions lifted and selected by a person. Retention bar 178 comprises a left end 180 connected to front support bar 18 by conventional means such as welding and a right end 190 connected to central support bar 20 by conventional means such welding. Support arm 162 comprises a base portion 164, a left portion 166 having a plurality of slots 168 formed by a plurality of teeth welded to left portion 166, and a right portion 170 having a plurality of slots 172 formed by a plurality of teeth welded to right portion 170. Slots 168 and 172 are adapted to removably engage with base portion 164 of retention bar 178 to secure third frame section 78 in one of several inclined positions lifted and selected by a person. Left portion 166 of support arm 162 is rotatably connected with left side support bar 86 of third frame section 78 by a hinge 174 or other conventional means. Right portion 170 is rotatably connected with right side support bar 88 of third frame section 78 by a hinge 176 or other conventional means. FIG. 16 shows a close up view of hinge 176. In the embodiment shown, hinge 176 is a bolt type hinge comprising a bolt that passes thru a flange welded to right side support bar 88 and passing thru the end of right portion 170 of support arm 162, and secured thereto by a nut. Although not shown, a washer could be provided between the flange and the end of right portion 170 of support arm 162 to facilitate easy rotation. Right portion 166 of support arm 162 is rotatably engaged with left side support bar 86 of second frame section 60 by hinge 174. Hinge 174 is the same as hinge 176. In the embodiment shown, all of the parts of third frame section retention unit 160 are made from hollow aluminum and fabricated by conventional means.
In operation, starting with furniture article 10 in the flat position for use as a bed wherein first frame section 32, second frame section 60 and third frame section lie in the flat position along with first cushion 250 resting upon fixed frame section 96, second cushion 260 resting upon third frame section 78, third cushion 270 resting upon first frame section 32 and fourth cushion 280 resting substantially upon second frame section 60. To arrange furniture article 10 to the sofa position, a person may lift first frame section 32 and secure support arm 110 on retention bar 104 at the desired inclination position. To arrange furniture article 10 to the two person lounge chair position, a person may lift second frame section 60 and secure support arm 138 on left and right retention bars 150 and 154 at the desired inclination position. Then, a person may lift third frame section 78 and secure support arm 162 on retention bar 178 at the desired inclination position. Second frame 60 or third frame section 78 may also be left flat. As described above, furniture article 10 provides advantages over conventional furniture articles in that it can be used by a person in multiple positions. Further, furniture article 10 is simple to make and fabricate.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.
Patent Application
20230106161
