Convertible furniture system comprised of modular convertible box frames and methods of forming various furniture configurations therefrom

• US 6,976,732 B2
• Filed: 05/03/2004
• Issued: 12/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/03/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David L. Thomas, Mark D. Thomas
• Original Assignee: David L. Thomas, Mark D. Thomas
• Inventors: Thomas, David L., Thomas, Mark D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Brown, Peter R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Burnham, Sarah C.
• Application Number:
  US10/836,630
• Publication Number:
  US 20050253424A1
• Time in Patent Office: 596 Days
• Field of Search: 297/3, 297/1, 297/124, 297/122, 297/174, 108/69, 108/83, 108/91, 108/6, 108/11, 108/14, 5/3, 5/5, 5/7, 5 3/71, 5 3/9, 248/558
• US Class Current: 297/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2220/07 Table-chair combinations transformable to benches or chairs with backs
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 85/04 Tables convertible into chairs
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 13/00 Convertible chairs, stools or benches step-stools requiring conversion between the step and seat functions A47C12/02
• CPC Class Codes: A47C 17/62 Table beds; Billiard table beds, or like beds convertible tables A47B85/06

Abstract

Modular convertible furniture systems include a pair of similar open-ended box frame assemblies which are nestable one within the other. A pair of slotted support rails are attached pivotally at respective opposing corners of one of the box frame assemblies so as to be movable between raised and lowered positions. When in a raised position, the rails provide a support for a solid board plank thereby becoming a seat back (e.g., for a chair, love seat, or sofa-type arrangement). When the rails are in a lowered position substantially parallel to the ground, the two box frame assemblies may be oriented back-to-back so as to provide a support for a mattress thereby converting the structure into a bed arrangement, for example. The box frame assemblies can be positioned on different sides and ends thereby allowing formation of tables and/or shelving as may be desired.

Claims

1. A convertible furniture system comprising:

a pair of box frame assemblies which are sized and configured so as to be nestable one within another; and

support rails attached to at least one of said box frame assemblies so as to be moveable between an upright position, wherein said support rails are capable of being fixed to said at least one box frame assembly so as to extend upwardly therefrom, and a lowered position wherein said support rails are capable of being fixed to another of said box frame assemblies so as to join said pair of box frames one to the other;

wherein

said one of said box frame assemblies includes at least one plank board removeably attached to and between said support rails; and

wherein

said support rails include lengthwise channels, and wherein said at least one plank board includes mounting brackets received slidably within said channels to allow said at least one plank board to be removeably attached to and between said support rails.

2. The convertible furniture system of claim 1, wherein each of said box frame assemblies is generally a U-shaped structure comprised of an opposed pair of lateral box frames, and a planking board spanning said opposed lateral box frames.

3. The convertible furniture system of claim 2, wherein said lateral box frames of at least the other box frame assembly comprise an opposed pair of lateral support boards and an opposed pair of cross-support boards.

4. The convertible furniture system of claim 3, further comprising shelving planks, and wherein said opposed pair of lateral support boards comprise a series of opposed notches for receiving therein a respective one of said shelving planks.

5. The convertible furniture system of claim 2, wherein said lateral box frames of each of said box frame assemblies comprise an opposed pair of lateral support boards and an opposed pair of cross-support boards.

6. The convertible furniture system of claim 5, further comprising shelving planks, and wherein said opposed pair of lateral support boards comprise a series of opposed notches for receiving therein a respective one of said shelving planks.

7. The convertible furniture system of claim 1, wherein said support rails comprise at least one hole which is capable of alignment with a corresponding hole formed in the other of said box frame assemblies when said support rails are in said lowered position thereof, and wherein said support rails are fixed to the other of said box frame assemblies by means of a bolt and nut assembly which is received within the aligned holes.

8. The convertible furniture system of claim 7, wherein said support rails comprise multiple holes to allow alignment of one said hole thereof with said hole formed in the other of said box frame assemblies to allow for length adjustment of said one and other of said box frame assemblies when joined to one another by means of said support rails.

9. The convertible furniture system of claim 1, wherein said mounting brackets are generally L-shaped.