U.S. patent application number 12/425268 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for universal furniture system (ufs).
Invention is credited to Lakshman Rajeswaran.
Application Number | 20100264791 12/425268 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980480 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100264791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rajeswaran; Lakshman |
October 21, 2010 |
Universal Furniture System (UFS)
Abstract
A universal furniture system may include a front side of the
back side opposed to the front side, the front side may include a
convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed, a first set of
drawers at a first end of the front side, a second set of doors at
a second end of the front side, and the back side may include a
closet for clothes, a first set of drawers at a first end of the
back side, and a second set of drawers at a second end of the back
side. A first side section may include the first set of drawers at
the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the
second end of the front side and a second side section may include
the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and
the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.
Inventors: |
Rajeswaran; Lakshman;
(Wallingford, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILSON DANIEL SWAYZE, JR.
3804 CLEARWATER CT.
PLANO
TX
75025
US
|
Family ID: |
42980480 |
Appl. No.: |
12/425268 |
Filed: |
April 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/237 ;
312/326; 312/330.1; 5/12.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 83/00 20130101;
A47C 17/37 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/237 ; 5/12.1;
312/330.1; 312/326 |
International
Class: |
A47B 83/00 20060101
A47B083/00; A47C 17/37 20060101 A47C017/37; A47B 88/00 20060101
A47B088/00; A47B 96/00 20060101 A47B096/00 |
Claims
1. A universal furniture system, comprising: a front side of the
back side opposed to the front side; the front side including: a
convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed; a first set of
drawers at a first end of the front side; a second set of doors at
a second end of the front side; the back side including: a closet
for clothes; a first set of drawers at a first end of the back
side; a second set of drawers at a second end of the back side.
2. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the
universal furniture system includes a first side section including
the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the
first set of drawers at the second end of the front side.
3. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the
universal furniture system includes a second side section including
the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and
the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.
4. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the
universal furniture system includes a front section including the
convertible sofa bed.
5. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the
universal furniture system includes a back section including the
closet.
6. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the
universal furniture system includes a first side section including
the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the
first set of drawers at the second end of the front side and a
second side section including the second set of drawers at the
first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the
second end of the back side; wherein the front section includes the
convertible sofa bed; and wherein the back section includes the
closet.
7. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the first
section is detachably connected from the second section.
8. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the second
section is detachably connected to the third section.
9. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the third
section is detachably connected to the fourth section.
10. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the fourth
section is detachably connected to the fifth section.
11. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the fifth
section is detachably connected to the sixth section.
12. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein at least
one of the first section, second section, third section, fourth
section, fifth section or the sixth section is mounted on
wheels.
13. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the first
section is detachably connected from the second section; wherein
the second section is detachably connected to the third section;
wherein the third section is detachably connected to the fourth
section; wherein the fourth section is detachably connected to the
fifth section; and wherein the fifth section is detachably
connected to the sixth section and wherein the detachable
connections are made by a male and female member.
14. A universal furniture system as in claim 13, wherein the
detachable connections are spring loaded.
15. A universal furniture system as in claim 13, wherein the
detachable connections include a L-shaped member.
16. A universal furniture system as in claim 15, wherein the
detachable connections include an aperture for the L-shaped member.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to furniture and more
particularly to modular furniture which may be detachably
connected.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Modular furniture is desirable in that it can be "knocked
down" into components prior to shipment of the components. Because
the components can be shipped more compactly than fully assembled
furniture. Thus, shipping costs associated with modular furniture
is typically less expensive than shipping costs associated with
fully assembled furniture.
[0003] Although modular furniture has been provided in the past,
assembly of such modular furniture is often difficult.
[0004] The present invention provides a modular furniture system
which overcomes the problems presented in the prior art and which
provides additional advantages over the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0005] A universal furniture system may include a front side of the
back side opposed to the front side, the front side may include a
convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed, a first set of
drawers at a first end of the front side, a second set of doors at
a second end of the front side, and the back side may include a
closet for clothes, a first set of drawers at a first end of the
back side, and a second set of drawers at a second end of the back
side.
[0006] A first side section may include the first set of drawers at
the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the
second end of the front side and a second side section may include
the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and
the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.
[0007] The front section may include includes the convertible sofa
bed, and the back section may include the closet.
[0008] The first side section may include the first set of drawers
at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at
the second end of the front side; the second side section may
include the second set of drawers at the first end of the front
side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back
side; the front section may include the convertible sofa bed; and
wherein a back section includes the closet.
[0009] The first section may be detachably connected from the
second section, and the second section may be detachably connected
to the third section.
[0010] The third section may be detachably connected to the fourth
section, and the fourth section may be detachably connected to the
fifth section.
[0011] The fifth section may be detachably connected to the sixth
section and at least one of the first section, second section,
third section, fourth section, fifth section or the sixth section
may be mounted on wheels.
[0012] The detachable connections may be spring loaded, a sliding
dovetail connection, and the detachable connections may include a
L-shaped member which may be connected to an aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The invention may be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements,
and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates the UFS system connected together with
all drawers and doors closed.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates the UFS with a bed pulled out from the
sofa.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates the UFS of FIG. 2 showing all of the
drawers and doors open.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view showing how the table is
stored.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing the side table
having an access door open.
[0019] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the back side of the UFS.
[0020] FIG. 9 illustrates how the different sections may attach to
each other.
[0021] FIGS. 10a-f illustrate the different male and female
connectors for each section.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the UFS.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a wheel for the UFS.
[0024] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a holder for the monitor.
[0025] FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a first side bottom
section and a first side top section.
[0026] FIG. 17 illustrates the first side bottom section and the
first side top section
[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of sections from the
front.
[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K,
N from the front and illustrates that each of the sections may
include shelves.
[0029] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the sections.
[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the sections.
[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the sections.
[0032] FIG. 23 illustrates a back view of the sections.
[0033] FIG. 24 illustrates a back view of the sections.
[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the seat support
member.
[0035] FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of the seat support
member.
[0036] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a cushion
member.
[0037] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the cushion member.
[0038] FIGS. 29-32 illustrates the first side bottom section and
the first side top section;
[0039] FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment
of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 34 illustrates the sofa being opened as a bed;
[0041] FIGS. 35-41 illustrates the sections of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] FIG. 1 is the unit 100 comprised of:
A--a pullout sofa with a light 103 positioned above the sofa; B--a
side table positioned on one end of the pullout sofa and adapted to
hold a computer and a monitor (not shown); C--a second side table
being positioned on an opposed end of the sofa and having pull out
drawers and shelving; D--a back section adapted to store clothing
which may be adapted to face opposite to the direction of the sofa;
E--a first additional shelf unit on one end of the sofa: and F--a
second additional shelf unit on any opposing end of the sofa. B and
F may be similar in design.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates the entire UFS connected together with
all drawers and doors closed. The UFS may have been detachable
units or may have fewer or more detachable units.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates the UFS with a bed G pulled out from the
sofa A.
[0045] FIG. 3 depicts the UFS of FIG. 2 showing all of the drawers
and doors open. As shown, the table H is out of side table B, the
bed G has been pulled out, the drawers are open from side table
C.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a side view showing how the table H is stored by
rotating the table surface under the exterior surface of the side
table B.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing the side table C
having an access door open.
[0048] FIG. 6-8 illustrate the back side of the UFS. As shown, the
back side includes a closet for storing clothes 601, additional
drawers 603, and a hamper 605 for dirty clothes. The hamper 605
includes a bottom hatch for easy accessibility to dirty clothes at
the bottom of the hamper. The UFS 100 may be on wheels, so if the
back side is not accessible, a consumer may move the UFS 100 to
gain access to the back side and thus access to their clothes. When
the consumer has the personal items which are needed, the consumer
can easily move the UFS 100 back in position against the wall.
Sections A, B, C, and D are on wheels, so the consumer may separate
the sections from each other and place them in different parts of a
room.
[0049] FIG. 9 illustrates how the different sections may be
detachably connected to each other. In this embodiment, section A
is the female section and sections B, C, D, F, and F are the male
sections and detachably connect to section A. It should be
understood that section A may include the male connectors and
sections B, C, D, E, and F may include the female connectors or any
combination. The connectors may be spring loaded. So when the male
connector is inserted into the female connector, two holders in the
female connector spring back, and when the male connector is fully
inserted, the two holders of the female connector spring back
thereby holding the male connector in place.
[0050] FIGS. 10a-f illustrate the different male and female
connectors for each section and illustrate the wheel positions for
the different sections.
[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the UFS. As shown, each
of sections A, B, C, and D may have wheels 1102.
[0052] FIG. 12 depicts a wheel 1102 for the UFS. As shown the
wheels 1102 may be capable of rolling in all directions.
[0053] FIGS. 13-15 depict a holder I for the monitor (not shown).
As shown the table H may be located on the inside of section B. The
table H may extend outwards and sideways to provide access from the
sofa A. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the monitor holder I may
separate into two parts and reconnect when a base of the monitor is
in position. When the holder is reconnected, the monitor may be
securely held in place.
Some of the features of the Universal Furniture System (UFS) are
mobility, detachability, attachability, space saver design and the
"all-in-one" concept that will be discussed in further detail.
[0054] The UFS may be supported by a total of 24 wheels 1102, 6 of
which are placed under section D, 4 under section A, B, and C,
respectively as illustrated in FIG. 11. The number of wheels can be
varied in order to meet the needs of the UFS. These wheels allow
the whole system to be easily maneuvered and placed in any area
desired by the owner. The wheel is encompassed in a cup which holds
the wheel in place, the wheel has 360 degrees of rotation so can
easily move to the desired area of which the owner would want to
move it to.
[0055] The UFS is a modular furniture system, which is comprised of
six detachable sections. These sections will be referred to as, A,
B, C, D, E, and F. We will also refer these in our appendixes where
exhibits of the sections are scheduled. All of the sections can
easily be detached and attached by the ball locking system. This
allows the user for example, to have the back of section A against
a wall, section D which may include three subsections, the clothing
section easily detaches and can be easily maneuvered around with
the help of the wheels to be moved to another desired area. Another
advantage of the system's detachability is that if the user decides
to move places or move to another area that is a good distance away
form the original designated area for the sofa, the user can easily
detach all components of the system and can bring each individual
section to the area without the risk of injuring the user.
Additionally, by detaching the sofa, the user can lift this sofa
system through tight doors when detached, and the user can easily
assemble it once inside the tight door area.
[0056] A feature of the UFS is our "all-in-one" element. The design
has Section A is the sofa it self, Section B includes the computer
placement section, Section C includes pull out drawers and shelves,
Section D includes a closet for hanging of clothing, a laundry
hamper and more clothing drawers. Section E and F includes more
shelving space where virtually anything can be placed. Next,
additional details will be provided for each section of the
product.
[0057] Section A may be a three-seater sofa with a pull out bed
that has similar dimensions to a queen size bed. The remaining five
sections have the ability to connect to the section A. To be more
specific. section A is the female section of the system while the
other five sections are the male counterparts. On top of section A
there is also a bright light fixture in the center to enhance
viewing for our reading or working customer while on the UFS. Refer
to FIG. 1 for a visual representation this section.
[0058] Section B is located to the right side of A. This part of
the UFS is the area in which we've designed for placement of the
user's computer, printer, and tower. Additionally, section B
includes a small shelf where one can store other various
accessories such as computer media, paper, etc. if needed.
Furthermore, section B not only stores the computer hardware, hut
also contains a sturdy pull out table H as shown in FIG. 13 which
comes out of section B and can be positioned to fit the user while
sitting down so that the user is comfortable using the table H
while on the UFS. The table H is supported by a beam, which is
installed in section B and allows the table to support weight. The
table H easily comes out of section B and once out of the table H
may be easily maneuvered to fit the needed legroom height of the
user. The table has two levels; one level may be used for the
keyboard and mouse of the computer. The other level can be used for
anything which the user may require our customer desires while
writing or reading. On top of section B there is a screen mounting
device to hold the flat screen monitor in place permanently so
while typing, the user will be able to see the screen with ease.
Please refer to FIG. 13 for a detailed image of Section B.
[0059] Section C can be used for storage area where the user can
store various materials. Section C is comprised of 2 large and 1
small pull out drawers. The small drawer may be located on top of
the 2 larger drawers. These sections are located on the front side
of section C. On the side of section C, there is more shelf space
hidden by a swing out door. The shelf space is comprised of three
sections for where one can put their hooks, papers and virtually
anything else the user desires. Please refer to FIG. 1 for details
of Section C.
[0060] Section D is the clothing section of the UFS. Section D may
be the detachable back section of the UFS and can be maneuvered to
be placed elsewhere if desired by the user. This section D is
comprised into three sections. On one side there is a hamper 605
where clothing waiting to be washed can be placed. The hamper 605
also has a smaller laundry shoot installed on the bottom half of
the hamper 605. This allows our customer to easily reach their
clothing that is at the bottom. The middle of section D may include
a closet 601 where the user can hang their clothes. A shoe rack is
positioned closer floor level of the closet 601 On the opposing
side of section D, there are two wide pull out clothing drawers.
Below these two wide drawers are 4 smaller drawers. Please refer to
FIG. 6 for illustration of these features.
[0061] Section E and F are two other sections of shelf space
located and connected to the upper corners of Section A. Each
section is identical in size and shape and they have two levels
where the user may store any items, Section E and F rest on
sections B and C respectively. Please refer to FIG. 1 to
illustrates a layout.
[0062] The original design is a three seat sofa. The invention
includes a one and two seat Universal Furniture System so it can
fit different room sizes and different consumer tastes. Other
embodiments may include add on features such as a laptop station as
opposed to strictly desktop. Other embodiments include a custom
making division where each individual consumer can design their own
UFS online from a website, to their specific liking and needs. The
sofa design does not have to have the same connection areas in all
designs, for example if people do not want a clothing section and
want more shelf space, section D can be turned into more cabinet
space. Or if people want more clothes space section C can be turned
also into more drawers.
[0063] FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a first side bottom
section J and a first side top section M. FIG. 16 additionally
illustrates a second side bottom section K and a second top section
N. Each section J, M, K, N include a inverted L-shaped member 1601
for detachably connection to the back center section (P in FIG.
17).
[0064] FIG. 17 illustrates that the first side bottom section J may
have a larger and smaller drawer and the first side top section M
may have no shelves. The second side bottom section K may have a
larger and smaller drawer and the second side top section N may
have shelves. FIG. 17 additionally illustrates a back center
section P.
[0065] FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K,
N from the front and illustrates that the first side bottom section
J and the second side bottom section K may extend forward with
respect to the first side top section M. and the second side top
section N and may include cabinet doors as opposed ends.
[0066] FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K,
N from the front and illustrates that each of the sections may
include shelves.
[0067] FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of sections J, M, K, N from
the front and illustrates that each of the sections may include
shelves.
[0068] FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of sections J and M.
[0069] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of sections K and N.
[0070] FIG. 23 illustrates a back view of sections J and M.
[0071] FIG. 24 illustrates a back view of sections K and M.
[0072] FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the seat support
member 503 which is substantially L-shaped and include apertures
501 to cooperate with the inverted L-shaped member 1601.
[0073] FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of the seat support member
503 which is substantially L-shaped and include apertures 501 to
cooperate with the inverted L-shaped member 1601.
[0074] FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a cushion member
2701 which cooperates with the seat support member 503 to provide a
cushion for the user.
[0075] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the cushion member 2701
which cooperates with the seat support member 503 to provide a
cushion for the user.
[0076] FIGS. 29-32 illustrates that the first side bottom section J
may have a larger and smaller drawer and the first side top section
M may have no shelves. The second side bottom section K may have a
larger and smaller drawer and the second side top section N may
have shelves. FIGS. 30-31 additionally illustrates a back center
section P. FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a curved top portion.
[0077] FIG. 33 is the unit 3300 comprised of:
A1--a pullout sofa; B1--a side table positioned on one end of the
pullout sofa and adapted to hold a computer and a monitor (not
shown); C1--a second side table being positioned on an opposed end
of the sofa and having pull out drawers and shelving; D1--a back
section adapted to store clothing which may be adapted to face
opposite to the direction of the sofa; E1--a first additional shelf
unit on one end of the sofa: and F1--a second additional shelf unit
on any opposing end of the sofa. B1 and F1 may be similar in
design. G1--a central bookcase unit over the sofa and the back
section; H1--a back first storage section; I1--a back
second-storage section; J1--a back third storage section; K1--a
back fourth storage section; L1--a closet storage section;
[0078] FIG. 33 illustrates the entire UFS connected together with
all drawers and doors closed.
[0079] FIG. 34 illustrates the UFS with a bed H1 pulled out from
the sofa A1.
[0080] FIG. 35 illustrates an exploded view of the UFS of FIGS. 33
and 34.
[0081] FIG. 36 is a top view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the pullout
sofa A1, the side table B1, the second side table C1, the first
additional shelf E1, the second additional shelf F1 and the central
bookcase G1.
[0082] FIG. 37 is a front view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the
pullout sofa A1, the side table B1, the second side table C1, the
first additional shelf E1, the second additional shelf F1 and the
central bookcase G1.
[0083] FIG. 38 is a side view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the second
side table C1, the second additional shelf F1, the back first
storage section H1, the back second storage section I1 and the
central bookcase G1.
[0084] FIG. 39 is a back view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the side
table B1, the additional shelf E1, the back first storage section
H1, the back second storage section I1, a back third storage
section J1, a back fourth storage section K1 and the central
bookcase G1.
[0085] FIG. 40 is a back view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the back
first storage section H1, the back second storage section I1, a
back third storage section J1, a back fourth storage section K1, a
closet storage section L1 and the central bookcase G1.
[0086] FIG. 41 is a side cross sectional view of FIG. 33 and
illustrates the pullout sofa A, a closet storage section L1 and the
central bookcase G1.
[0087] FIGS. 42-45 illustrates another apparatus for joining any
and all of the sections of the USF. More particularly FIG. 42
illustrates the closet storage section L1 separated by the
combination of the back first storage section H1 and the back third
storage section J1.
[0088] FIG. 43 illustrates the closet storage section L1 being
aligned with the back third storage section J1 so that they can be
joined on a fastening device 4301 such as a track or dovetail
connection.
[0089] FIG. 44 illustrates that the closet storage section L1 and
the back storage section J1 are joined and aligned. In FIG. 45, the
joined closet storage section L1 and the back storage section J1
are rotated in position together.
[0090] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown
by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in
detail. It should be understood, however, that the description
herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the
invention to the particular forms disclosed.
* * * * *