U.S. patent application number 14/158892 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for furniture with accessory features.
This patent application is currently assigned to LaJobi, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is LaJobi, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph Fiore, JR., Ann Jasperson, Danielle Kavanagh, Shannon Rooney.
Application Number | 20140201907 14/158892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51206534 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140201907 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fiore, JR.; Joseph ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
FURNITURE WITH ACCESSORY FEATURES
Abstract
Systems and methods allow furniture, such as cribs, to be easily
customized to suit the consumer's specific style, personality, and
needs. For example, systems and methods employ techniques for
easily attaching any combination of selected accessories to
customize the furniture. Such accessories may fulfill decorative,
functional, educational, and/or entertainment functions.
Inventors: |
Fiore, JR.; Joseph;
(Lebanon, PA) ; Rooney; Shannon; (Cranbury,
NJ) ; Jasperson; Ann; (Cranbury, NJ) ;
Kavanagh; Danielle; (Cranbury, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LaJobi, Inc. |
Cranbury |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LaJobi, Inc.
Cranbury
NJ
|
Family ID: |
51206534 |
Appl. No.: |
14/158892 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61754860 |
Jan 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/93.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47D 7/00 20130101; A47D
15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/93.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 31/00 20060101
A47C031/00; A47D 7/00 20060101 A47D007/00 |
Claims
1. An furniture system, comprising: a piece of furniture; an
accessory; and an attachment system coupling the accessory to the
piece of furniture, wherein the attachment mechanism positions the
accessory to be visible at a side of the piece of furniture.
2. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the piece of furniture
is a crib, and the attachment mechanism positions the accessory to
be visible from inside or outside the crib.
3. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the attachment
mechanism includes a compartment for receiving the accessory.
4. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the attachment
mechanism includes at least one opening through which the accessory
is visible at the side of the piece of furniture.
5. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the attachment
mechanism includes an opening that receives the accessory.
6. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the compartment is
slot-shaped.
7. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the accessory is a toy,
a photo, a fabric panel, a baby monitor, a mirror, a light, an
audio output device, a computer device, or electronic device.
8. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the accessory is a
decorative accessory with an image, and the attachment mechanism
positions the accessory so that the image is visually accessible
the side of the piece of furniture.
9. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein the decorative
accessory is substantially planar.
10. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein the attachment system
include a slot-shaped compartment that receives the substantially
planar decorative accessory.
11. The furniture system of claim 8, wherein the decorative
accessory is visible through a panel of the piece of furniture.
12. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein the attachment
mechanism includes at least one locking tab, hook and loop
fasteners, reappliable adhesive, at least one snap fastener, at
least one clip, at least one tack, at least one screw, and/or at
least one bolt.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/754,860, filed Jan. 21, 2013, the contents of
which are incorporated entirely herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to furniture, and
more particularly, to furniture, such as cribs, that are
customizable to include any combination of a variety of
accessories.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Different types of mass produced furniture have a particular
design, style and function. The nature of mass production does not
allow the consumer to easily customize their cribs and furniture to
suit their particular needs or tastes. There are many infant toys,
decorations and monitoring devices on market but they cannot be
easily and safely attached to their cribs and furniture.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to aspects of the present invention, systems and
methods allow furniture, such as cribs, to be easily customized to
suit the consumer's specific style, personality, and needs. For
example, systems and methods employ techniques for easily attaching
any combination of selected accessories to customize the furniture.
Such accessories may fulfill decorative, functional, educational,
and/or entertainment functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a crib including example accessory
attachment systems, according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 2A illustrates an example accessory attachment system,
according to aspects of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2B illustrates the example accessory attachment system
of FIG. 2A receiving an example decorative accessory, according to
aspects of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2C illustrates the example accessory attachment system
of FIG. 2A receiving an example computer accessory, according to
aspects of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2D illustrates the example accessory attachment system
of FIG. 2A receiving the example computer accessory of FIG. 2C,
according to aspects of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2E illustrates another example accessory attachment
system receiving another example decorative accessory, according to
aspects of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2F illustrates an exploded view of aspects of an
example accessory attachment system, according to aspects of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates another example accessory attachment
system, according to aspects of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates the example accessory attachment system
of FIG. 3A receiving an example toy accessory, according to aspects
of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates the example accessory attachment system
of FIG. 3A receiving the example toy accessory of FIG. 3B,
according to aspects of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates an example accessory attachment system
receiving a series of accessories, according to aspects of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates another example accessory attachment
system receiving a series of accessories, according to aspects of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates an example accessory attachment system
attaching accessories to a panel, according to aspects of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a crib with a combination of accessory
attachment systems, according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a crib with another combination of
accessory attachment systems, according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a crib with yet another combination of
accessory attachment systems, according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a crib with a further combination of
accessory attachment systems, according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a crib with yet a further combination of
accessory attachment systems, according to aspects of the present
invention.
[0025] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications
and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way
of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein.
It should be understood, however, that the invention is not
intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather,
the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention
as described below.
DESCRIPTION
[0026] According to aspects of the present invention, systems and
methods allow furniture, such as cribs, to be easily customized to
suit the consumer's specific style, personality, and needs. For
example, systems and methods employ techniques for easily attaching
any combination of selected accessories to customize the furniture.
Such accessories may fulfill decorative, functional, educational,
and/or entertainment functions.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an example crib 100 that is customizable
according to aspects of the present invention. As described herein,
the structures of the crib 100 may be formed from any combination
of suitable materials, including, but not limited to, wood,
plastic, metal, and the like. In addition, the structures may be
assembled according to any combination of fastening techniques,
including, but not limited to, the use of screws, nails, pegs,
rods, rivets, bolts, supporting brackets and plates, interlocking
elements, press-fit connections, adhesives, and the like.
[0028] The crib 100 includes a first vertical side structure 110, a
second vertical side structure 120, a third vertical side structure
130, and a fourth vertical side structure 140, which combine to
define an enclosure 102 within which a child may be situated.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, the crib 100 accommodates a
horizontal supporting surface, such as a mattress, that provides
support for a child situated within the enclosure 102. The side
structures 110, 120, 130, and 140 are dimensioned to prevent the
child from getting out of the crib 100 on his/her own.
[0029] The first side structure 110 is generally defined by a
series of spaced vertical bars 112, and similarly, the second side
structure 120 is generally defined by a series of spaced vertical
bars 122. The spaced vertical bars 112 and 122 allow a person to
see through the first side structure 110 and the second side
structure 120, respectively, in order to monitor the child in the
crib 100. Meanwhile, the third side structure 130 is generally
defined by a vertical panel 132, and the fourth side structure 140
is generally defined by a vertical panel 142.
[0030] According to aspects of the present invention, the third
side structure 130 includes an accessory attachment system 200, and
the fourth side structure 140 includes another accessory attachment
system 300. The accessory attachment systems 200 and 300 allow
accessories to be attached to the crib 100 in order to customize
the crib 100. The accessory attachment system 200 is described in
more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A-E, while the accessory
attachment system 300 is described in more detail with reference to
FIGS. 3A-C.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 2A, the accessory attachment system 200
includes a vertical slot-shaped compartment 210 that extends
downwardly into the third side structure 130. A narrow access 220
running along a top structure 134 of the third side structure 130
provides access to the compartment 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2B,
for example, a substantially planar decorative accessory 10 can be
inserted through the access 220 and received into the compartment
210. Depressions 222 are disposed on both sides of the access 220
to facilitate insertion/removal of the decorative accessory 10
into/from the compartment 210. The accessory attachment system 200
also includes an opening 230 in the panel 132 of the third side
structure 130. The opening 230 makes the decorative accessory 10
disposed in the compartment 210 visible through the panel 132. As
such, the accessory attachment system 200 creates a frame for the
decorative accessory 10. The opening 230 is generally smaller in
area than the compartment 210 and the decorative accessory 10 to
prevent the decorative accessory 10 from slipping out of the
compartment 210 through the opening 230. In addition, the opening
230 is safely dimensioned to ensure that a child cannot insert
his/her head or other body part through the opening 230 and become
accidentally trapped.
[0032] As FIG. 2B shows, the decorative accessory 10 includes an
image (e.g., a cartoon bumblebee) that can be used to enhance the
aesthetic appeal of the crib 100 and/or to provide visual
entertainment for a child in the crib 100. Other similar
accessories providing other images or decorations can be selected
to customize the crib 100 as desired. The decorative accessory 10
may be formed from any combination of suitable materials that
provide sufficient stiffness to help maintain the decorative
accessory 10 stably in the compartment 210 and that allow an image
to be applied to the decorative accessory 10. For example, the
decorative accessory 10 may include a piece of cloth with a
stitched or printed image that is wrapped around board. In some
embodiments, the decorative accessory 10 may include any
combination of images to be interchangeably and selectively
attached to a panel that is then inserted into the compartment 210.
For example, selected images can be attached to the panel according
to any suitable technique, e.g., hook and loop fasteners,
reappliable adhesive surfaces, snap fasteners, clips, tacks,
screws/bolts, etc.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2A, the opening 230 passes completely
through the third side structure 130. In this case, when the
decorative accessory 10 is received into the compartment 210, the
decorative accessory 10 can be seen through the panel 132 from
either side of the third side structure 130. A first side of the
decorative accessory 10 faces inwardly toward the enclosure 102 of
the crib 100, while a second side of the decorative accessory 10
faces outwardly away from the crib 100. The first side and the
second side of the decorative accessory 10 may have the same or
different images. Indeed, the decorative accessory 10 may include a
first image on the first side and a different second image on the
second side, so that the accessory 10 can be selectively inserted
to make the first image face inwardly toward the enclosure 102 of
the crib 100 and to make the second image face outwardly away from
the crib 100, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the decorative
accessory 10 can also be rotated to a particular orientation before
it is inserted into the compartment 210. Any one of the sides of
the decorative accessory 10 can be correspondingly aligned along
the top, bottom, left, or right sides of the compartment 210. For
example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the decorative accessory 10 can be
inserted to make the cartoon bumblebee image "right side up,"
"upside down," etc.
[0034] FIGS. 2C and 2D show that the accessory attachment system
200 can accommodate other types of accessories. In particular, a
planar computer accessory 20 is inserted into the compartment 210
via the access 220. The computer accessory 20, for example, may be
a tablet computer with a touch screen. As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D,
the computer accessory 20 is inserted so that the screen faces
inwardly into the enclosure 102. Alternatively, the computer
accessory 20 may be inserted so that the screen is visible on the
other side of the third side structure 130. The computer accessory
20 may present any audio and/or video content, e.g., to entertain a
child within the crib 100. For example, the computer accessory 20
may play stored audiovisual content (e.g., movies, television
shows), stream content from an Internet connection, play music,
show images, play interactive content (e.g., video games that
receive input through the touch screen), etc. Although not shown,
the accessory attachment system 200 in some embodiments may include
a docking station that can provide power to the computer accessory
20, connect the computer accessory 20 to peripheral speakers,
connect the computer accessory 20 to a network, etc.
[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D, the opening 230 passes
completely through the third side structure 130 to make an
accessory visible from both sides of the third side structure 130.
FIG. 2E, however, shows that the opening 230 in alternative
embodiments only passes partially through the third side structure
130 so that only one side of the decorative accessory 30 can be
seen on one side of the third side structure 130. For example, only
the side of the decorative accessory 30 facing inwardly toward the
enclosure 102 is visible. In such cases, the embodiment of FIG. 2E
provides a one-sided frame for the decorative accessory 30.
[0036] FIG. 2F illustrates an exploded view of the accessory
attachment system 200. As shown in FIG. 2E, the panel 132 includes
a first sub-panel 132A, a second sub-panel 132B, and a third
sub-panel 132C. The first sub-panel 132A faces inwardly toward the
enclosure 102, and second sub-panel 132B faces outwardly from the
other side of the third side structure 130. Meanwhile, the third
sub-panel 132C is disposed between the first and second sub-panels
132A and 132B. The first sub-panel 132A forms the opening 230 for
the accessory attachment system 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 2F,
the opening 230 only passes partially through the third side
structure 130, and as such, the second sub-panel 132B is completely
closed and the accessory is visible only through the first
sub-panel 132A. It is understood, however, that in other
embodiments the second sub-panel 132B may also form the opening
230, so that the opening 230 passes completely through the panel
132. The third sub-panel 132C forms the slot for the compartment
210 between the first and second sub-panels 132B and 132C. The top
structure 134 and a reveal 136 underlying the top structure 134
form the access 220 of the accessory attachment system 200.
[0037] Although the example embodiments in FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate
the insertion of accessories downwardly through an access disposed
along a top of a side structure of a crib, other embodiments may
employ other approaches for the insertion of accessories into a
compartment in the crib. For example, in some embodiments,
accessories can be inserted sideways in a compartment through an
access that is disposed along a side surface of the crib. In
addition, although the example embodiments described herein may
show accessory attachment systems employed in particular structures
of a crib, e.g., one or two side structures of a crib, it is
understood that the accessory attachment systems in other
embodiments may be employed on any part or combination of parts of
a crib. Moreover, it is further understood that aspects of the
present invention are not limited to use in structures of a crib.
Features of accessory attachment systems described herein can be
used in any part or combination of parts of other types of
furniture. For example, a table top can include a compartment into
which an accessory, e.g., decorative or computer accessory, is
inserted. Indeed, example accessory attachment systems are
described further below with reference to a dresser.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 3A, the accessory attachment system 300
includes an opening 330 that extends through the fourth side
structure 140. The opening 330 may be located anywhere along the
fourth side structure 140. The opening 330 is also safely
dimensioned to ensure that a child cannot insert his/her head or
other body part through the opening 330 and become trapped. As
shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, a toy accessory 40 is inserted into the
opening 330. In contrast to the accessory attachment system 200
described above, the accessory attachment system 300 does not
receive accessories through a narrow access into a slot-shaped
compartment. As such, the accessories received by the accessory
attachment system 300 are not limited to substantially planar
objects. Indeed, the toy accessory 40 may have a thickness that is
greater than the thickness of the fourth side structure 140. In
addition, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, aspects of the toy accessory
40 may extend a distance from the fourth side structure 140. In
some embodiments, the opening 330 can employ friction (similar to a
press fit) to maintain a stable hold on the toy accessory 40. In
other embodiments, a separate locking device, such as locking tabs,
clips, hook and loop fasteners, screws/bolts, etc., may be employed
to hold the toy accessory 40 in the opening 330. For example, such
a device may be employed to prevent a child in the crib 100 to push
the toy accessory out of the opening 330. Alternatively, the
opening 330 may be configured to pass only partially through the
fourth side structure 140 so that a closed sub-panel (similar to
sub-panel 132B above) prevents the toy accessory 40 from being
pushed out.
[0039] Although FIGS. 2B-D and 3B-C may illustrate the use of
decorative accessories, computer accessories, and toy accessories,
it is understood that aspects of the present invention may be
employed to accept any variety of accessories, including, but not
limited to toys, decorative pieces, photos, fabric panels, baby
monitors, mirrors, lights, audio output devices, computer devices,
and other electronic devices.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, a series of accessories 50A-E (e.g.,
accessories with decorative images) can be attached to a vertical
side structure 410 (headboard) using accessory attachment systems
420A-E, respectively, in a panel 412 of the side structure 410. The
accessory attachment systems 420A-E may be configured similar to
the accessory attachment 200 or the accessory attachment system 300
described above. In one example, the accessories 50A-E may be
inserted into respective slot-shaped compartments through narrow
accesses disposed along a top structure 414 of the side structure
410. In another example, the accessories 50A-E may be inserted
directly into respective openings in the panel 412. Locking
devices, such as locking tabs, hook and loop fasteners, screws,
etc., may be employed to hold the accessories 50A-E in place.
[0041] As FIG. 5 illustrates, a series of accessories 60A-E (e.g.,
decorative letters) can be attached to a vertical side structure
510 (headboard) using another accessory attachment system 520. The
accessory attachment system 520 includes a front panel 526 and a
back panel 528 that form a compartment 522. The compartment 522
extends horizontally between a left post 511 and a right post 512,
which support the side structure 510 on a floor surface. The
compartment also extends vertically between a top structure 514 and
a bottom structure 516 that extend between the left post 511 and
the right post 512. The top structure 514 can be removed to allow
the accessories 60A-E to be inserted into the compartment 522
according to a desired order and spacing. The top structure 514 can
be attached to the side structure 510 with at least one releasable
locking device 515. The locking device 515, for example, may
include a spring loaded bolt on the top structure 514 that extends
into an aperture in the post 511 or 512. A button is operated to
press the spring loaded bolt out of the aperture and release the
top structure 514 from the side structure 510. The front panel 526
is translucent so that the accessories 60A-E are visible after they
are inserted into the compartment 522. For example, the front panel
526 may be formed from a translucent acrylic or other plastic
material.
[0042] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, accessories may be attached to
various panels on furniture. FIG. 6A illustrates a side structure
610 with a panel 612 onto which an accessory 70 is directly
attached. FIG. 6B illustrates a dresser 630 with a panel 632 onto
which an accessory 80 is also directly attached. Different types of
accessories may be attached to the panels of accessories. For
example, as illustrated, the accessory 70 is a decorative fabric
panel, while the accessory 80 is a chalkboard panel onto which
other accessories (such as decorative letters or images) can be
magnetically attached. In addition, although several embodiments
described herein may include a crib, FIG. 6B demonstrates that
accessories can be attached to other types of furniture, such as a
dresser.
[0043] FIGS. 7-10 show that different attachment systems can be
combined to customize furniture. FIG. 7 illustrates a crib 700,
which includes vertical side structures 730 and 740. Attachment
systems 750A and 750B attach toy accessories 90A and 90B to the
side structures 730 and 740, respectively. The attachment systems
750A and 750B may be similar to the attachment system 200 or 300
described above. The crib 700, however, also employs additional
attachment systems 760A-D that allow accessories 15A-D to be
attached to legs 731, 732, 741, and 742, respectively. As shown,
the accessories 15A-D may be covers made of soft fabric (among
other materials) to decorate the legs 731, 732, 741, and 742,
respectively. The accessories 15A-D may employ different decorative
designs.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates a crib 800, which includes legs 831, 832,
841, and 842. Attachment systems 860A-D allow accessories 25A-D to
be attached to legs 831, 832, 841, and 842, respectively. As shown,
the accessories 25A-D may be covers made of soft fabric (among
other materials) to decorate the legs the legs 831, 832, 841, and
842, respectively. The crib also includes a side structure 830 with
a panel 833. An attachment system 850 allows accessories 35 to be
attached to the panel 833. As shown, any combination of decorative
accessories 35 may be attached to the panel 833 according to any
suitable technique, e.g., hook and loop fasteners, reappliable
adhesive surfaces, snap fasteners, clips, tacks, screws/bolts,
etc.
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a crib 900, which includes side
structures 910 and 920 with spaced vertical bars 912 and 922,
respectively. The vertical bars 912 extend between a top structure
914 and a bottom structure 916, which in turn extend between legs
932 and 941 of the crib 900. Similarly, the vertical bars 922
extend between a top structure 924 and a bottom structure 926,
which extend between legs 931 and 942. Attachment systems 960A and
960B allow accessories 45A and 45B to be attached to the top
structures 914 and 924, respectively. The accessories 45A and 45B
may be covers made of soft fabric (among other materials) to
decorate the top structures 914 and 924, respectively. As shown,
the crib 900 also includes attachment systems 960A-C that allow
accessories 55A-C to be attached to the bottom (feet) of the legs
931, 932, and 941, respectively. The accessories 55A-C may be
formed from fabric, plastic, rubber, etc., and are designed to
decorate the legs 931, 932, 941, respectively. Furthermore, the 900
includes an attachment system 970 that allows accessories 65 to be
attached to a transparent panel 933 on a side structure 930. As
shown, any combination of decorative accessories 65 may be attached
to the panel 933, e.g., reappliable adhesive surfaces, etc.
[0046] FIG. 10 illustrates a crib 1000, which includes a side
structure 1010 with spaced vertical bars 1012. Attachment system
1050 allows any number of accessories 75 to be attached to the
spaced vertical bars 1012. The accessories 75, for example, may be
toys or decorations. The crib 900 also includes a lighted canopy
1020 with an attachment system 1060 that allow hanging accessories
85 (e.g., toys) to be attached to the canopy 1020.
[0047] FIG. 11 illustrates a crib 1100, which includes a side
structure 1110 with spaced vertical bars 1112. Attachment system
1150 allows any number of decorative accessories 95 to be attached
to the spaced vertical bars 1112. The crib 1100 also includes an
attachment system 1160 that allows a decorative accessory 17 to be
attached to a panel 1133 on a side structure 1130. As shown, the
decorative accessory 17 may be attached to the panel 1133 according
to any suitable technique, e.g., hook and loop fasteners,
reappliable adhesive surfaces, snap fasteners, clips, tacks,
screws/bolts, etc.
[0048] In view of the foregoing, aspects of the present invention
provide accessory attachment systems that allow furniture, such as
cribs, to be easily customized to suit the consumer's specific
style, personality, and needs. Such accessories may fulfill
decorative, functional, educational, and/or entertainment
functions.
[0049] While the present invention has been described in connection
with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the
present inventions are not so limited, but rather cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements. For example, although
some aspects of the present invention may be described with
reference to separate elements, it is understood that some elements
may be combined to provide an integrated structure while satisfying
the functions of the elements. Furthermore, it is also understood
that aspects of the present invention are not limited to the
particular shapes and dimensions described or illustrated in this
present application. Moreover, it is understood that any
combination of any number of features described with reference to
any number of the embodiments may be employed according to
principles of the present invention.
* * * * *