RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.: 62/979,879, filed February 21, 2020, entitled "Modular Sit and Sleep System and Method", the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to furniture and more particularly to a modular furniture system and method of using the same.

BACKGROUND

Typically, an article of furniture performs one function in the space in which it is provided. For example, a chair is provided in a space for sitting or a bed is provided in a space for sleeping. Accordingly, the function of the space may be dictated by the type of furniture that is present in that space. For example, the space that includes the chair is a space that is dedicated for sitting and the space that includes the bed is a space that is dedicated for sleeping. However, it may be beneficial to find ways of providing more flexibility with respect to furniture and the functionality of a space.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a modular furniture system is provided. The modular furniture system may include a first chair portion, the first chair portion may include a first base portion and a first upper portion positioned atop the first base portion; a second chair portion, the second chair portion may include a second base portion and a second upper portion positioned atop the second base portion; and wherein the first chair portion and the second chair portion may be configurable together to form a single piece of furniture, the formed single piece of furniture may have a continuous vertical wall about a periphery thereof. The single piece of furniture may include a bassinet. The first upper portion and the second upper portion may each include a seat section, a back section, and two side sections, the back and two side sections forming substantially U shaped structures. When configured as the single piece of furniture, a front facing edge of the seat section of the first upper portion may be configured to align with a front facing edge of the seat section of the second upper portion, and a front facing edge of the two side sections of the first upper portion may be configured to mate with a front facing edge of the two side sections of the second upper portion. In the single piece of furniture configuration the seat sections of the first upper portion and the second upper portion may form a substantially flat ovular shaped structure, and wherein the substantially U shape structures may form a wall structure about a periphery of the substantially flat ovular shaped structure. The first base portion and the second base portion may each include one or more support members configured to at least partially support the first upper portion and the second upper portion respectively thereon. The first upper portion and the second upper portion may be secured to the first base portion and the second base portion respectively via one or more fasteners. The first base portion and the second base portion may be securable to one another via one or more fasteners. The system may further include a first cushion and a second cushion, wherein the first cushion and second cushion may be configured to sit atop the seat section of the first upper portion and the second upper portion respectively. The system may further include a mattress pad, wherein the mattress pad may be sized and shaped to sit within the substantially flat ovular shaped structure formed by the seat sections of the first upper portion and the second upper portion.

In another embodiment, a method of using a modular furniture system is provided. The method may include providing a modular furniture system, including a first chair portion, the first chair portion may include a first base portion and a first upper portion positioned atop the first base portion; a second chair portion, the second chair portion may include a second base portion and a second upper portion positioned atop the second base portion; and wherein the first chair portion and the second chair portion may be configurable together to form a single piece of furniture, the formed single piece of furniture may include a vertical wall about a periphery thereof. The method may further include aligning a front facing edge of the first chair portion with a front facing edge of the second chair portion; and securing the first chair portion and the second chair portion together. The method may further include securing the first upper portion to the first base portion and securing the second upper portion to the second base portion. The first upper portion and the second upper portion of the aligned first chair portion and second chair portion may form an ovular shaped pod structure. The method may further include installing a mattress pad within the ovular shaped pod structure. Securing the first chair portion and the second chair portion together may include fastening the first base portion and the second base portion together. The single piece of furniture may include a bassinet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the subject matter of the present invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a modular furniture system in a chairs configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an example of a process of reconfiguring the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 1 from the chairs configuration to a bassinet configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of an example of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 1 in the bassinet configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded view of one chair of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates perspective views of a pair of chair bases and an example of a process of reconfiguring the chair bases from the chairs configuration to the bassinet configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 1 in the bassinet configuration and an example of a bassinet mattress for use therewith in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 through FIG. 13 illustrate various views of an example of one chair of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of another example of the modular furniture system in the chairs configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an example of a process of reconfiguring the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 from the chairs configuration to a bassinet configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an example of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 in the bassinet configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 illustrates a top view and a front view, respectively, of an example of a chair base of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a front view and a top view of an example of a chair upper portion of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 20 illustrates plan views of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 and an example of a process of reconfiguring from the chairs configuration to the bassinet configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 in the bassinet configuration and an example of a bassinet mattress for use therewith in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 through FIG. 27 illustrate various views of an example of one chair of the modular furniture system shown in FIG. 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 28 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method of using the modular furniture system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the present invention are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the present invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter of the present invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated Drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

In some embodiments, the subject matter of the present invention may provide a modular furniture system and method. In one example, the modular furniture system of the present invention may be provided in a chairs configuration. In another example, the modular furniture system of the present invention may be provided in a bassinet configuration. Further, a method of using a modular furniture system is provided. For example, a method of converting a modular furniture system from the chairs configuration to the bassinet configuration and vice versa is provided. In some embodiments, the modular furniture system and method of the present invention may provide two chairs that can be used separately and independently and wherein modular furniture system is in a chairs configuration.

In some embodiments, the modular furniture system and method of the present invention may provide two chairs whose facing fronts may be secured mechanically together to form a bassinet and wherein modular furniture system is in a bassinet configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular furniture system 100 in a two chair configuration, which is one non-limiting example of the modular furniture system of the present invention. Modular furniture system 100 may include at least two chairs 105, such as a chair 105A and a chair 105B, which may be substantially identical. Each chair 105 (105A,

105B) may include a chair upper portion 110 and a chair base 130 (130A, 130B). Chair upper portion 110 is the portion of chair 105 for sitting while chair base 130 is the portion of chair 105 that holds and supports chair upper portion 110. In one example, chair upper portion 110 may be a padded upholstered armchair and chair base 130 may be a metal, wood, or other suitable material frame base.

Referring now to FIG. 2 is a side view of an example of a process of reconfiguring the modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG. 1 from the chairs configuration to a bassinet configuration. For example, chair 105 A and chair 105B may be turned to face one another.

Then, chair 105 A and chair 105B may be brought together and fastened to form a bassinet 170, as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, FIG. 3 illustrates a side view and a perspective view, respectively, of an example of the modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the bassinet configuration.

Referring still to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, chair 105 has an overall width w, an overall depth d, and an overall height h. In one non-limiting example, chair 105 may have a width w of 70 cm to 80 cm (e.g. about 76 cm), a depth d of 55 cm to 60 cm (e.g. about 56 cm), and a height h of 75 cm to 85 cm (e.g. about 76 cm). However, other dimensions are contemplated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 4 is an exploded view of one chair 105 of the modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG. 1. In one example, chair upper portion 110 may be bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to chair base 130 via, for example, one or more bolts, or other suitable means.

Referring now to FIG. 5 is a perspective views of a pair of chair bases 130 (e.g., chair bases 130A, 130B) and an example of a process of reconfiguring the chair bases 130A, 130B from the chairs configuration to the bassinet configuration. For example, each of the 130A, 130B may have certain upper members 132, certain lower members 134, and certain facing members 136.

For example, chair base 130A and chair base 13 OB may be turned to face one another. Then, chair base 130A and chair base 13 OB may be brought together such that their respective facing members 136 may be fastened together to form a bassinet base 138 to accommodate a bassinet bed 160, thereby forming bassinet 170. In one example, chair base 130A and chair base 130B may be fastened together via one or more fasteners 140. Fasteners 140 may be any mechanism for holding together chair base 130A and chair base 130B in secure fashion. Fasteners 140 may be, for example, bolts, screws, brackets, clamping mechanisms, latches, clips, magnetics-based mechanisms, releasable, quick-release, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism. A benefit of the modular furniture system 100 is that no additional “conversion” component is needed to convert from the bassinet configuration to the chairs configuration. All that is required is to disengage fasteners 140.

Referring now to FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG. 1 in the bassinet configuration (e.g., bassinet 170) and an example of a bassinet mattress 175 for use therewith. Referring still to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, when chairs 105 are fitted together to form bassinet 170, bassinet 170 has an overall width wl, an overall length LI, and an overall height hi. In one non-limiting example, bassinet 170 may have a width wl of 70 cm to 80 cm (e.g. about 76 cm), a length Llof 110 cm to 120 cm (e.g. about 112 cm), and a height hi of 75 cm to 85 cm (e.g. about 76 cm). However, other dimensions are contemplated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 7 through FIG. 13 are various views of an example of one chair 105 of the modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an example modular furniture system 200 in the chairs configuration, which is another example of the modular furniture system of the present invention. Modular furniture system 200 may include at least two chairs 205, such as a chair 205A and a chair 205B, which may be substantially identical. Each chair 205 may include a chair upper portion 210 and a chair base 230, such as a chair base 230 A and a chair base 230B. Chair upper portion 210 may be the portion of chair 205 for sitting while chair base 230 may be the portion of chair 205 that holds and supports chair upper portion 210. In one example, chair upper portion 210 may be a wooden (or wood imitation) armchair structure and chair base 230 may be a wooden (or wood imitation) base. Further, chair upper portion 210 may include a support platform 212 and a padded cushion 214 atop support platform 212. Referring now to FIG. 15 is a side view of an example of a process of reconfiguring the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14 from the chairs configuration to a bassinet configuration. For example, chair 205 A and chair 205B may be turned to face one another.

Then, chair 205A and chair 205B may be brought together and fastened to form a bassinet 270, as shown in FIG. 19. Accordingly, FIG. 16 is a side view of an example of the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14 in the bassinet configuration to form bassinet 270.

Referring still to FIG. 14 through FIG. 16, chair 205 has an overall width w, an overall depth d, and an overall height h. In one non-limiting example, chair 205 may have a width w of 55 cm to 60 cm (e.g. about 56 cm), a depth d of 50 cm to 55 cm (e.g. about 52 cm), and a height h of 70 cm to 8 0cm (e.g. about 75 cm). However, other dimensions are contemplated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 is a top view and a front view, respectively, of an example of chair base 230 of a chair 205 of the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14. In one example, chair upper portion 210 may sit atop and be fastened to multiple support members 232 of chair base 230. For example, support platform 212 of chair upper portion 210 may sit atop support members 232 of chair base 230, wherein fasteners 234 (e.g., bolts, screws, or other suitable mechanism) may be used to secure chair upper portion 210 to support members 232 of chair base 230.

Referring now to FIG. 19 is a front view and a top view (without padded cushion 214) of an example of chair upper portion 210 of a chair 205 of the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14, and showing support platform 212 and padded cushion 214.

Referring now to FIG. 20 is a plan view of the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14 and an example of a process of reconfiguring from the chairs configuration to the bassinet configuration. For example, certain fasteners 236 may be provided on the underside of the two support platforms 212 of the two chair upper portions 210. In one example, each certain fastener 236 may be a bar that is fastened in pivoting fashion to one support platform 212 such that it can be swung and hooked or engaged with a fixed member on the other support platform 212. This is exemplary only, other types of fasteners 236 are possible.

Referring now to FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example of the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14 in the bassinet configuration (e.g., bassinet 270) and an example of a bassinet mattress 275 for use therewith.

Referring still to FIG. 14 through FIG. 21, when chairs 205 are fitted together to form bassinet 270, bassinet 270 has an overall width wl, an overall length LI, and an overall height hi. In one non-limiting example, bassinet 270 may have a width wl of 55 cm to 60 cm (e.g. about 56 cm), a length Llof 100 cm to 110 cm (e.g. about 104 cm), and a height hi of 70 cm to 80 cm (e.g. about 75 cm). However, other dimensions are contemplated herein.

Referring now to FIG. 22 through FIG. 27 are various views of an example of one chair 205 of the modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 27 shows an example of accessorizing chair 205 with a pillow 280.

Referring now to FIG. 28 is a flow diagram of an example of a method 300 of using the modular furniture system of the present invention, such as modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG 1 through FIG. 13 and/or modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG 14 through FIG.

27. By way of example only, method 300 may start with modular furniture system 100, 200 in the chairs configuration and then converts modular furniture system 100, 200 to the bassinet configuration. Then, method 300 may be performed in reverse order to return modular furniture system 100, 200 to the chairs configuration. Method 300 may include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

At a step 310, the modular furniture system of the present invention may be provided. In one example, modular furniture system 100 shown in FIG 1 through FIG. 13 may be provided in the chairs configuration (e.g., two chairs 105 are provided). In another example, modular furniture system 200 shown in FIG 14 through FIG. 27 may be provided in the chairs configuration (e.g., two chairs 205 may be provided).

At a step 315, optionally, the two chairs may be turned upside down. In one example, chairs 105 A, 105B may be turned upside down. In another example, chairs 205 A, 205B may be turned upside down.

At a step 320, the two chairs may be turned to face one another and then brought together. In one example, chairs 105 A, 105B may be turned to face one another (see FIG. 2) and then brought together (see FIG. 3). In another example, chairs 205A, 205B may be turned to face one another (see FIG. 15) and then brought together (see FIG. 16).

At a step 325, the two chairs may be fastened together. In one example, chairs 105 A, 105B may be fastened together as shown and described in FIG. 5 to form bassinet 170. In another example, chairs 205 A, 205B may be fastened together as shown and described in FIG.

20 to form bassinet 270.

At a step 330, if upside down, turn bassinet to upright position. In one example, if upside down, turn bassinet 170 to upright position. In another example, if upside down, turn bassinet 270 to upright position. At a step 335, install bassinet mattress into bassinet. In one example, install bassinet mattress 175 into bassinet 170. In another example, install bassinet mattress 275 into bassinet 270. Modular furniture system 100, 200 is now in the bassinet configuration.

Now, to return modular furniture system 100, 200 to the chairs configuration, the steps of method 300 may be performed in reverse order.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.

Throughout this specification and the claims, the terms “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” are used in a non-exclusive sense, except where the context requires otherwise. Likewise, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter of the present invention. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments ± 100%, in some embodiments ± 50%, in some embodiments ± 20%, in some embodiments ± 10%, in some embodiments ± 5%, in some embodiments ± 1%, in some embodiments ± 0.5%, and in some embodiments ± 0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.

Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.

Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.