Description

The present invention relates to an item of furniture. The present invention also relates to a furniture system and a method of making an item of furniture.

Conventional items of furniture are well known and include a number of different articles including dinner tables, chairs, shelving units, coffee tables and desks. To aid storage and transportation, such items of furniture are commonly supplied as a 'flat pack' assembly, in which the item of furniture is provided as a number of discrete components that a consumer then assembles following a set of instructions provided with the kit of components. However, conventional items of 'flat pack' furniture have a number of problems associated with them.

Conventional items of 'flat pack' furniture generally involve a large number of different components which makes them complicated and confusing to assemble. Therefore, it is known that consumers may not be able to fully assembly the furniture as originally intended, such that the item of furniture doesn't have its full structural integrity.

An additional problem with each item of furniture requiring a large number of different discrete components is that it is necessary to manufacture each component separately leading to large manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it is possible that one or more components will be missing from the supplied kit of components, or will be misplaced during assembly, which means that assembly of the furniture cannot be completed.

A further issue is that it is generally difficult to disassemble a item of furniture once it has been assembled, and so it is not possible to easily relocate such an item of furniture. In recent years, there has also been a move towards a minimalistic look in homes and shops. However, it is difficult to provide a simple, cost-effective, and/or environmentally friendly item of furniture that portrays this simple, minimalistic look.

The present invention seeks to provide an item of furniture and/or a furniture system that overcomes or siibstantially alleviates the problems with conventional items of furniture and/ or furniture systems referred to above.

According to the present invention, there is provided an item of furniture, comprising an inner frame and an outer shell, the outer shell comprising first and second panel elements which are configured to be positioned against and connected to the inner frame, wherein the second panel element depends from an edge of the first panel element such that, when the outer shell is mounted to the inner frame, the second panel element extends at an angle to the first panel element and the inner frame and outer shell together form a self-supporting structure.

The item of furniture may further comprise at least two inner frames, wherein the first and second panel elements are configured to be positioned against and connected to each of the inner frames. Preferably, the inner frames are configured to be spaced from each other and held in position with respect to each other by the outer shell when the outer shell is connected to the inner frames.

The first panel element and the second panel element may be foldable relative to each other about said edge of the first panel element.

Preferably, the item of furniture further comprises a third panel element depending from an edge of the second panel element, spaced from the first panel element, wherein the third panel element is configured to be positioned against and connected to the or each inner frame, and is foldable relative to the second panel element about said edge of the second panel element such that the third panel element is foldable to extend parallel to the first panel element. The third panel element may be configured to be positioned against and connected to the or each inner frame so that the third panel element extends in the same plane as the second element, and is foldable relative to the second panel element when the outer shell is detached from the inner support panel.

The second panel element may be configured to extend parallel to the third panel element when the outer shell is connected to the or each inner frame.

The item of furniture may further comprise a fourth panel element depending from an edge of the third panel element, spaced from the second panel element, wherein the fourth panel element is configured to be positioned against and connected to the or each inner frame, and is foldable relative to the third panel element about said edge of the third panel element. Conveniently, another second panel element depends from another edge of the first panel element, such that the first panel element is disposed between the second panel elements, wherein the another second panel element is configured to be positioned against and connected to the or each inner frame, and is foldable relative to the first panel element about said another edge of the first panel element.

In one embodiment, the another second panel element is configured to extend in an opposing direction to the second panel element when the outer shell is positioned against and connected to the or each inner frame. Advantageously, a plurality of further panel elements depend from the another second panel element in a series arrangement, each further panel element being foldable relative to an adjacent panel element along edges which extend parallel to each other. Each of the plurality of further panel elements is preferably configured to be positioned against and connected to a corresponding face of the or each inner frame. The or each inner frame may comprise a main member and a leg member extending from an edge of the main member.

In a preferred embodiment, the first panel element is configured to be positioned against and connected to a surface of the main member, wherein the second panel element depends from an edge of the first element to be positioned against and connected to the leg member.

An aperture may be formed in one of the panel elements to receive the or one of the leg members therethrough, said leg member being configured to extend through the aperture in said panel element when said panel element is positioned against and connected to the respective inner frame.

Advantageously, a protrusion extends from a distal end of the or each leg member and a corresponding protrusion aperture is formed through one of the panel elements such that, when said panel element is positioned against and connected to the respective inner frame, the protrusion protrudes through the protrusion aperture. In one embodiment, the or each inner frame comprises two leg members, each leg member extending from opposing ends of the main member.

Each second panel element may be configured to be positioned against and connected to each leg member.

Advantageously, each panel element is a sheet of material.

Conveniently, the outer shell is formed from an integral sheet of material. The item of furniture may further comprise fixing means for connecting the outer shell to the or each inner frame. Advantageously, the fixing means comprise fixing recesses formed in the surface of the or each inner frames, corresponding fixing holes formed through the outer shell, and attachment pegs extendable through said fixing holes which engage in said corresponding fixing recesses.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for an outer shell of an item of furniture.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an inner frame of an item of furniture.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a furniture system comprising a blank for an outer shell, at least one inner frame and fixing means for connecting the outer shell to the at least one inner frame.

In one embodiment, the item of furniture is a chair.

In another embodiment, the item of furniture is a table. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming an item of furniture comprising an inner frame and an outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises a first panel element and a second panel element depending from an edge of the first panel element, the method comprising the steps of positioning the first and second panel elements against the inner frame and connecting them to the inner frame such that the second panel element extends at an angle to the first panel element and the inner frame and outer shell together form a self-supporting structure.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a table including inner frames and an outer shell according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is another perspective view of the table shown in Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one of the inner frames for the table shown in

Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a blank of the outer shell for the table shown in Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 5 is an exploded view of the table illustrated in Figure 1 , showing the inner frames, outer shell and attachment pegs;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the table shown in Figure 1 in a disassembled state, with the outer shell extending around the inner frames;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of the table shown in Figure 1 in a disassembled state, with the outer shell partially unfolded;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a table including inner frames and an outer shell according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded view of the table shown in Figure 8;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a chair including inner frames and an outer shell according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 1 1 is another perspective view of the chair shown in Figure 10;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of one of the inner frames for the chair shown in Figure 10;

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a blank of the outer shell for the chair shown in Figure 10;

FIGURE 14 is an exploded view of the chair illustrated in Figure 10, showing the inner frames, outer shell and attachment pegs;

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the chair illustrated in Figure 10 showing a cushion attached;

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of the chair illustrated in Figure 10 showing another cushion attached; and

FIGURE 17 is a partial view of a panel element of an outer shell of an item of furniture according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a table 1 according to one embodiment of the invention. Although a table is described in the following exemplar)' embodiment, it will be appreciated that the described arrangement is not limited to use as a table and is suitable for a broad spectrum of items of furniture and applications, and it is envisaged that the following arrangement and method of forming a table is applicable to a number of items of furniture. The table 1 comprises three inner frames 2 and an outer shell 3. The inner frames 2 form an inner mount around which the outer shell 3 is foldable and extends partially around when the table is assembled. The inner frames 2 and outer shell 3 together form a self-supporting structure when assembled, and the table 1 is able to support items placed thereon as a load bearing support.

Fixing elements in the form of attachment pegs 4 extend through the outer shell 3 at predetermined points to fixedly mount the outer shell 3 to each of the inner frames 2. The combination of the inner frames 2 and the outer shell 3 extending at least partially around the inner frames 2 and being fixedly mounted thereto gives the table its structural integrity.

Although in the present arrangement the outer shell 3 extends only partially around the inner frames 2, it will be appreciated that the outer shell 3 may extend fully around the inner frames 2.

Referring now to Figure 3, one of the inner frames 2 is shown. The inner frames 2 are each formed from medium density fibreboard (MDF) covered with a protective coating, such as paint, although they may each be formed from a number of other materials such as plywood, aluminium, or a moulded or routed plastic such as polypropylene.

Each inner frame 2 has a main member 5 with a leg member 6 extending

perpendicularly from each end of the main member 5 to form a generally TJ' shape. Although in this embodiment the leg members 6 are shorter than the main member 5, in an alternative arrangement the leg members 6 may be longer or equal in length to the length of the main member 5. The main member 5 and leg members 6 each have a rectangular cross-section with opposing side faces 7. The main member 5 has an upper face 9 and a lower face 10. Similarly, each leg member 6 has an outer face 12 and an inner face 13. Each leg member inner face 13 extends from the main member lower face 10, and each leg member outer face 12 extends from the main member upper face 9.

A protrusion 14 extends from an end of each leg member 6 distal to the main member 5. Each protrusion 14 forms a foot on which the table 1 rests, as will be explained hereinafter, and is inset from the outer and inner faces 12,13 of the respective leg member 5.

Fixing recesses 15 are formed in the upper face 9 of the main member 5 and the outer and inner faces 12,13 of each leg member 6 at predetermined points therealong. Each fixing recess 15 extends into the inner frame 2 to a predetermined depth and is arranged to receive a corresponding fixing element 4. Each recess 15 corresponds to a fixing hole 16 (refer to Figure 4) formed through the outer shell 3, as will become apparent hereinafter.

Although in the above embodiment each of the main member 5 and leg members 6 is formed with a rectangular cross section, it will be appreciated that the main member and leg members of each inner frame may be formed with a different shaped cross-section, such as cylindrical or hexagonal, or may be formed from tubular members. Referring now to Figure 4, a blank of the outer shell 3 according to the present invention is shown. The outer shell 3 is formed from a sheet of routed

polypropylene, although it is envisaged that alternative materials may be used, for example an injected moulded plastic or cardboard. The outer shell 3 has an outer surface 18 and an inner surface 19.

The outer shell 3 comprises a plurality of panel elements, including a main panel element 20, a pair of fold panel elements 21 , a pair of end panel elements 22, a pair of base panel elements 23 and a pair of return panel elements 24. The outer shell 3 is formed from an integral sheet of material. The blank of the outer shell 3 is formed in a rectangular shape, although it will be apparent that the blank may be formed in a number of different shapes to form alternative items, types and arrangements of furniture.

Fold lines divide the blank into the main panel element 20, fold panel elements 21 , end panel elements 22, base panel elements 23 and return panel elements 24. Each fold line extends parallel to the other fold lines along the outer shell 3.

The two fold panel elements 21 depend from opposing edges of the main panel element 20 along corresponding first fold lines 26 and are foldable thereabout. Therefore, the main panel element 20 is disposed between the two fold panel elements 21 depending from opposing edges of the main panel element 20.

In the present embodiment, the main panel element 20 comprises nine fixing holes 16 formed therethrough between the outer surface 18 and inner surface 19 of the outer shell 3. Each fixing hole 16 is arranged to align with a corresponding fixing recess 15 formed in one of the inner frames 2 when the table is assembled.

Each end panel element 22 extends from one edge of a corresponding fold panel element 21 along a second fold line 27 spaced from the first fold line 26, such that each fold panel element 21 is disposed between the main panel element 20 and one of the end panel elements 22. Each end panel element 22 is foldable about its respective fold panel element 21 along the corresponding second fold line 27. Each end panel element 22 is longer than each fold panel element 21 in a transverse direction to the second fold lines 27, for reasons that will be explained hereinafter.

Adjacent end panel elements 22 and fold panel elements 21 are configured to extend on the same plane to form a side sheet when the table 1 is assembled, as will be explained hereinafter. In the present embodiment, each end panel element 22 comprises six fixing holes 16 formed therethrough between the outer surface 18 and inner surface 19 of the outer shell 3. Each fixing hole 16 formed in the end panel elements 22 is arranged to align with a fixing recess 15 formed in the outer face 12 of the leg members 6 of the inner frames 2 when the table is assembled.

The base panel elements 23 each extend from one edge of a corresponding end panel element 22 along a corresponding third fold line 28, spaced from the second fold line 27, which extends along a opposing edge of the end panel element 22 to the second fold line 27, such that each end panel element 22 is disposed between its respective fold panel element 21 and base panel element 23. Each base panel element 23 is foldable about its respective end panel element 22 along the corresponding third fold line 28.

Each base panel element 23 has three apertures 29 formed therethrough between the outer and inner surfaces 18,19 of the outer shell 3. Each aperture 29 is disposed to receive one of the protrusions 14 extending from the end of the leg members 6 of the inner frames 2 when the table 1 is assembled, such that the protrusions 14 protrude therethrough, as will become apparent hereinafter.

The return panel elements 24 each extend from one edge of a corresponding base panel element 23 along a corresponding fourth fold line 30, spaced from the third fold line 28, which extends along a opposing edge of the base panel element 23 to the third fold line 28, such that each base panel element 23 is disposed between its respective end panel element 22 and return panel element 24. Each return panel element 24 is foldable about its respective base panel element 23 along the corresponding fourth fold line 30.

In the present embodiment, each return panel element 24 comprises six fixing holes 16 formed therethrough between the outer surface 18 and inner surface 19 of the outer shell 3. Each fixing hole 16 formed in the return panel elements 24 is arranged to align with a fixing recess 15 formed in the inner face 13 of the leg members 6 of the inner frames 2 when the table is assembled.

In the present exemplary embodiment, each fold line 26,27,28,30 comprises an elongate fold recess formed in the inner surface 19 of the outer shell 3 by means of inclined slopes formed along the edge of adjacent panel elements. Each elongate fold recess reduces the thickness of the material along the length of the recess so that the outer shell 3 is foldable about itself along the fold lines 26,27,28,30 and defines panel elements 20,21 ,22,23,24.

Although one means of forming fold lines is described above to allow folding of adjacent panel elements with respect to each other, it will be appreciated that alternative arrangements to allow folding of adjacent panel elements are possible which enable adjacent panel elements to easily fold relative to each other without the integral sheet of material forming the outer shell 3 snapping or breaking.

However, it will also be appreciated that in another embodiment the outer shell may be formed from discrete panel elements which are hingedly connected by connecting means, for example tape extending between parallel edges of adjacent panel elements, to allow the discrete panel elements to fold relative to each other.

Although a specified number of fixing holes 16 are shown formed through panel elements of the outer shell 3, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of fixing holes 16 may be used to mount the outer shell 3 to the inner frames 2. For example, in one embodiment it is envisaged that the main panel element may not have any fixing holes 16 formed through it so that a smooth surface is obtained.

The width of the main panel element 20 between the two first fold lines 26 substantially corresponds to the width of the main member 5 of each inner frame 3. Similarly, the combined width of each fold panel element 21 and end panel element 22 between the first fold line 26 and the third fold line 28 substantially corresponds to the length of the outer face 12 of each inner frame leg member 6; the width of each base panel element 23 substantially corresponds to the width of the end of each inner frame leg member 6 between the outer and inner faces 12,13; and the width of each return panel element 23 substantially corresponds to the length of the inner face 1 of each inner frame leg member 6. Furthermore, the width of each fold panel element 21 is twice the depth of each inner frame leg member 6 between the side faces 7, for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter. It will be appreciated that the fold panel element 21 enables the main panel element 20 and the end panel elements 22 to be folded to extend parallel to each other, which in the above described embodiment would not be possible without an intermediate panel element due to the arrangement of the fold lines.

The attachment pegs 4 which form fixing elements for fixedly mounting the outer shell 3 to the inner frames 2 comprise a shaft portion 32 and a head portion 33 which is disposed at one end of the shaft portion 32. The shaft portion 32 has a chamfered end at a distal end to the head portion 33 to help align and locate the shaft portion 32 of each attachment peg 4 through respective fixing holes 16 and into fixing recesses 15. A plurality of resilient circumferential shoulders extend around the shaft portion 32 to engage in one of the fixing recesses 15 when the shaft portion 32 is inserted therein, to retain the attachment peg 4 in position. Assembly and use of the above exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7.

Prior to assembly, the item of furniture is stored in a 'flat pack' arrangement, that is the inner frames 2, outer shell 3 and attachment pegs 4 are disengaged from each other, and the components are stored in a compact arrangement as shown in Figure 6, in which the inner frames 2 are laid alongside each other and the outer shell 3 is folded around the inner frames 2. In the present arrangement as shown in Figure 6 and 7, the outer shell 3 is laid outer face 18 down on a surface (not shown). Two of the inner frames 2a, 2b are then laid on their side on the inner face 19 of the main panel element 20 of the outer shell 3 with the leg members 6 laid adjacent to the first fold lines 26, and the third inner frame 2c is laid on top of one of the other two inner frames 2a, with their side faces 7 abutting each other. The outer shell 3 is wrapped around the inner frames 2. The outer shell 3 is able to extend tightly around the inner frames 2, due to the main panel element 20 having a width between the two first fold lines 26 substantially corresponding to the width of the main member 5 of each inner frame 3 such that each fold panel element 21 can fold about the respective first fold line 26 and abut the outer faces 12 of the inner frame leg members 6. Each end panel element 22 can also fold about the respective second fold line 27 and abut the side face 7 of the upper inner frame leg members 6 because the width of each fold panel element 21 is twice the depth of each inner frame leg member 6 between the side faces 7. Therefore, the base panel elements 23 and return panel elements 24 can lie in the same plane as the end panel members 22 on top of the inner frames 3, as shown in Figure 6.

When the inner frames 2 and outer shell 3 of the table are in the above described arrangement, they can be held together by straps or disposed in a cardboard box (not shown) in a conventional manner, to retain the components with respect to each other in a compact arrangement. The attachment pegs 4 are placed in a bag and stored together with the inner frame 2 and outer shell 3, for example by placing them in a space 34 defined between the main and leg members 5,6 of the inner frames 2 (refer to Figure 7).

Although the inner frames 2 and outer shell 3 are shown in one specific

arrangement in Figures 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that other arrangements are possible dependent on the relative size of the components and relative dimensions of the assembled item of furniture. For example, a table with a small depth relative to its width, the three inner frames 2 may be laid side by side, with side faces 7 abutting each other, in which case the width of each fold panel element 21 corresponds to the thickness of the three inner fames laid side by side, so that the outer shell can easily extend around the inner frames 2 to minimise the size of the disassembled table.

To assemble the table 1, a user lies the main panel element 20 of the outer shell 3 on a surface (not shown) and unfolds the outer shell 3 as shown in Figure 7. The inner frames 2 can then be removed from the outer shell 3. To mount the panel elements of the outer shell 3 to the inner frames 3, the upper face 9 of one of the inner frame main members 5 is positioned against the inner surface 19 of the outer shell main panel element 20 and the fixing recesses 15 formed therein are aligned with corresponding fixing holes 16 formed through the main panel element 20, such that said inner frame 3 is positioned in the required location. The shaft portion 32 of one of the attachment pegs 4 is then inserted through each fixing hole 16 and urged into the corresponding fixing recesses 15 until the head portion 33 of each attachment peg 4 locates against the outer surface 18 of the main support element 20 and each attachment peg 4 is press fitted in the corresponding fixing recess 15. This action is repeated for the remaining two inner frames 3 and so the main panel element 20 of the outer shell 3 is securely mounted to the inner frames 3 by the attachment pegs 4. The fold panel elements 21 , together with their adjacent end panel elements 22 are then folded about the corresponding first fold line 26 to abut the corresponding outer face 12 of the inner frame leg members 6 with the adjacent fold panel elements 21 and end panel elements 22 lying in the same plane. The base panel elements 23 are then folded about their respective third fold lines 28 to abut against the end of the adjacent leg members 6. The protrusions 14 extending from the distal ends of the adjacent leg members 6 extend through the apertures 29 formed in the base panel elements 23 to extend from the outer shell 3. The return panel elements 24 are then folded relative to the base panel elements 23 about the fourth fold line 30 to abut the corresponding inner face 13 of the inner frames leg members 6.

The fixing holes 16 formed through the outer shell 3 align with the fixing recesses 15 formed in the inner frames 2, and the attachment pegs 4 are then inserted through each fixing hole 16 and urged into the corresponding fixing recesses 5 until the head portion 33 of each attachment peg 4 locates against the outer surface 8 of the outer shell 3, such that each attachment peg 4 is press fitted therein. Each panel element is therefore securely mounted to the inner frame 3 by the attachment pegs 4.

The inner frames 2 and outer shell 3 are then securely mounted to each other and so form an integral self-supporting structure, which has rigidity due to the combined strength of the outer shell 3 and inner frames 2. Therefore, the assembled table 3 can be rotated so that it rests on the protrusions 14 extending through the base panel elements 23 to act as feet. Objects can then be placed on the main panel element 20 and are supported by the table.

If a user desires to disassemble the table 1, the user removes the attachment pegs 4 and the inner frames 2 and outer shell 3 are then separable from each other.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a table 50 according to another embodiment of the invention. Although a table is described in the following exemplary embodiment, it will be appreciated that the described arrangement is not limited to use as a table and is suitable for a broad spectrum of items of furniture and applications, and it is envisaged that the following arrangement and method of forming a table is applicable to a number of apparatus suitable for use as furniture.

The table 50 according to this embodiment of the invention is generally the same as the table 1 described above, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Components and features corresponding to components and feature of the preceding embodiment will retain the same reference numerals.

Referring to Figure 8 and 9, the table 50 is shown comprising three inner frames 52 and an outer shell 53. The inner frames 52a,52b form an inner mount around which the outer shell 53 is foldable and extends partially around when the table is assembled. The inner frames 52a, 52b and outer shell 53 together form a rigid structure which is able to support items placed thereon and are mounted together by fixing elements, such as attachment pegs 4.

In the present embodiment, two of the inner frames 52a have a main member 55 with a leg member 56 extending perpendicularly from each end of the main member 55, but inset from each end of the main member 55 to form an elbow 54 at each end. The third inner frame 52b, which is disposed between the other two inner frames 52a when the table 50 is assembled, comprises a main member 55, but does not have leg members extending therefrom. The main member 55 of each inner frame 53 has an upper face 59, a lower face 60, and an end face 62. A distal end 54 of each leg member 6 forms a foot on which the table 1 rests, as will be explained hereinafter. Fixing recesses 65 are formed in the upper and lower faces 59,60 of the main member 55. The fixing recesses 65 are formed in the lower face 60 of each main member 55 proximate the ends thereof only. Each recess 65 corresponds to a fixing hole 66 formed through the outer shell 53. The outer shell 53 is formed from an integral sheet of material and has an outer surface 68 and an inner surface 69. The outer shell 53 comprises a plurality of panel elements, including a main panel element 70, a pair of end panel elements 72 and a pair of base panel elements 73. Fold lines divide the blank into the main panel element 70, end panel elements 72, and base panel elements 73. Each fold line extends parallel to the other fold lines along the outer shell 53. In this embodiment, the outer shell 3 does not have fold panel elements because the end panel elements 72 are relatively short in width and so enable the main panel element 70 and base panel elements 73 to be folded to extend parallel to each other without a large gap between each other and so the table can be stored in a disassembled arrangement in a compact manner, as will become apparent hereinafter.

The two end panel elements 72 depend from opposing edges of the main panel element 70 along corresponding first fold lines 76 and are foldable thereabout. Therefore, the main panel element 70 is disposed between the two end panel elements 72 depending from opposing edges of the main panel element 70. Nine fixing holes 16 are formed through the main panel element 20. Each fixing hole 66 is arranged to align with a corresponding fixing recess 65 formed in one of the inner frames 52a, 52b when the table is assembled.

Each base panel element 73 extends from one edge of a corresponding end panel element 72 along a second fold line 77 spaced from the first fold line 76, such that each end panel element 72 is disposed between the main panel element 70 and one of the base panel elements 73. Each base panel element 73 is foldable about its respective end panel element 72 along the corresponding second fold line 77. Each base panel element 73 comprises six fixing holes 66 formed therethrough. Each fixing hole 66 formed in the base panel elements 73 is arranged to align with a fixing recess 65 formed in the lower face 60 of each main member 55 when the table is assembled.

Although a specified number of fixing holes 56 are shown formed through panel elements of the outer shell 53, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of fixing holes 56 may be used to mount the outer shell 53 to the inner frames 52a, 52b.

The width of the main panel element 70 between the two first fold lines 76 substantially corresponds to the width of the main member 55 of each inner frame 52a,52b. Similarly, the width of each end panel element 72 between the first fold line 76 and the second fold line 77 substantially corresponds to the length of each end face 62 and the width of each base panel element 73 substantially corresponds to the width of each elbow 54. Assembly and use of the above exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

Prior to assembly, the item of furniture is stored in a 'flat pack' arrangement, that is the inner frames 52a, 52b, outer shell 53 and attachment pegs 4 are disengaged from each other, and the components are stored in a compact arrangement in which the inner frames 52a, 52b are laid on top of each other and the outer shell 53 is folded around the inner frames 52a, 52b to partially extend therearound.

The outer shell 53 is able to extend tightly around the inner frames 52, due to the main panel element 70 having a width between the two first fold lines 76

substantially corresponding to the width of the main member 55 of each inner frame 53 such that each end panel element 72 can fold about the respective first fold line 76 and abut the end faces 72 thereof. Each base panel element 73 can also fold about the respective second fold line 77 and abut the upper inner frame 52, because the width of each end panel element 72 corresponds to the depth of the stacked inner frames 53. When the inner frames 52a, 52b and outer shell 53 of the table 50 are in the above described arrangement, they can be held together by straps or disposed in a cardboard box (not shown) in a conventional manner, to retain the components with respect to each other in a compact arrangement. To assemble the table 50, a user unfolds the outer shell 53 from around the inner frames 52a, 52b. To mount the outer shell 53 to the inner frames 52a,52b, the upper- face 59 of each of the inner frame main members 55 is positioned against the inner surface 69 of the outer shell main panel element 70, with the inner frame 52b without leg members 56 disposed between other two inner frames 52a. The fixing recesses 65 formed therein are aligned with corresponding fixing holes 66 formed through the main panel element 70, and attachment pegs 4 are inserted through each fixing hole 66 and urged into the corresponding fixing recesses 65 until each attachment peg 4 is press fitted in the corresponding fixing recess 65. The end panel elements 72 are then folded about the corresponding first fold line 76 to abut the end face 62 of the inner frame leg members 56. The base panel elements 73 are then folded about their respective second fold lines 77 to abut against the lower face 60 of each inner frame 52a, 52b. The fixing holes 66 align with the fixing recesses 65, and the attachment pegs 4 are then push fitted through each fixing hole 66 into the corresponding fixing recesses 65. Each panel element is therefore securely mounted to the inner frame 53 by the attachment pegs 4. The inner frames 52 and outer shell 53 are then securely mounted to each other and so form an integral self-supporting structure, which has rigidity due to the combined strength of the outer shell 53 and inner frames 52. Therefore, the assembled table 53 can be rotated so that it rests on the distal end 54 of each leg member 56 which act as feet. Objects can then be placed on the main panel element 70 and are supported by the table 50. It will be appreciated that the inner frame 52b without leg members provides additional support for the main panel element 70 without the need for additional leg members. It is envisaged that the table 50 may be formed with additional inner frames 52b.

If a user desires to disassemble the table 50, the user removes the attachment pegs 4 and the inner frames 52a,52b and outer shell 53 are then separable from each other. Referring now to Figures 10 to 14, there is shown in Figures 10 and 11 a chair 80 according to another embodiment of the invention. Although a chair is described in the following exemplary embodiment, it will be appreciated that the described arrangement is not limited to use as a chair and is suitable for a broad spectrum of items of furniture and applications, and it is envisaged that the following

arrangement and method of forming a chair is applicable to a number of apparatus suitable for use as furniture.

The table 80 according to this embodiment of the invention is generally the same as the table 1 described above, and so a detailed description will be omitted herein. Components and features corresponding to components and feature of the preceding embodiment will retain the same reference numerals.

The chair 80 comprises two inner frames 82 and an outer shell 83. The inner frames 82 form an inner mount around which the outer shell 83 is foldable and extends partially around when the table is assembled. The inner frames 82 and outer shell 83 together form a rigid structure which is able to support items placed thereon, and are mounted together by fixing elements in the form of attachment pegs 4 which extend through the outer shell 83 at predetermined points to fixedly mount the outer shell 83 to the inner frames 82. The combination of the inner frames 82 and the outer shell 83 extending at least partially around the inner frames 82 and being fixedly mounted thereto gives the table its structural integrity. Refemng now to Figure 12, one of the inner frames 82 is shown. Each inner frame 82 has a main member 85 with a leg member 86 extending perpendicularly from a lower face 90 of the main member 85 at front and rear ends 92,93 of the main member 85. An upstanding member 84 extends from an upper face 89 of the main member 85 at the rear end 93 thereof. The upstanding member 84 has three sections 84a, 84b, 84c which extend from each other at an angle. A distal end 86a of each leg member 86 forms a foot on which the chair rests, as will be explained hereinafter. Fixing recesses 95 are formed in the upper and lower faces 89,90 of the main member 85, the front and rear ends 92 of the main member 85 and in front and rear faces 97,98 of the upstanding member 84 at predetermined points therealong. Each recess 95 corresponds to a fixing hole 96 (refer to Figure 14) formed through the outer shell 83, as will become apparent hereinafter.

It will be appreciated that the main member and leg members of each inner frame may be formed from members with different cross-sectional shapes, such as cylindrical or hexagonal, or may be formed from tubular members. Referring now to Figure 13, a blank of the outer shell 83 is shown. The outer shell 3 has an outer surface 99 and an inner surface 100.

The outer shell 83 comprises a plurality of panel elements, including a main panel element 101, an end panel element 102, a base panel element 103, three front panel elements 104a,l 04b, 104c, a top panel element 105 and four rear panel elements

106a,106b,106c,106d. Each of the panel elements comprises fixing holes 96 formed therethrough between the outer surface 99 and inner surface 100 of the outer shell 83. Each fixing hole 96 is arranged to align with a corresponding fixing recess 95 formed in one of the inner frames 82 when the chair is assembled.

The outer shell 83 is formed from an integral sheet of material. The blank of the outer shell 83 is formed in a rectangular shape, although it will be apparent that the blank may be formed in a number of different shapes to form alternative items, types and arrangements of furniture.

Fold lines divide the blank into the main panel element 101 , end panel element 102, base panel element 103, three front panel elements 104a, 104b, 104c, top panel element 105 and four rear panel elements 106a, 106b, 106c,106d. Each fold line extends parallel to the other fold lines along the outer shell 83.

The end panel element 102 and first front panel element 104a depends from opposing edges of the main panel element 101 along corresponding first fold lines 110 and are foldable thereabout. Therefore, the main panel element 20 is disposed between the end panel element 102 and first front panel element 104a depending from opposing edges of the main panel element 101. The base panel element 103 extends from one edge the end panel element 102 along a second fold line 111 spaced from the corresponding first fold line 110, such that the end panel element 102 is disposed between the main panel element 101 and the base panel element 103. The base panel element 103 is foldable about the end panel element 102 along the corresponding second fold line 111. The width of the base panel element 103 corresponds to the width of the main panel element 101 between the first fold lines 1 10.

The base panel element 103 has two apertures 109 formed therethrough proximate the second fold line 111. Each aperture 109 is disposed to receive one of the leg members 86 therethrough when the table 1 is assembled, as will become apparent hereinafter.

The second front panel element 104b extends from one edge of the first front panel element 104a along a corresponding third fold line 112, spaced from the

corresponding first fold line 1 10, which extends along a opposing edge of the first front panel element 104a to the second fold line 111 , such that the first front panel element 104a is disposed between the main panel element 101 and the second front panel element 104b. Similarly, the third front panel element 104c extends from one edge of the second front panel element 104b along a corresponding fourth fold line 113, spaced from the third fold line 112. The first, second and third front panel elements 104a,104b,104c form a front panel 104. The top panel element 105 extends from one edge of the third front panel element 104c along a corresponding fifth fold line 114, spaced from the fourth fold line 113, which extends along a opposing edge of the third front panel element 104c.

The first, second, third and fourth rear panel elements 106a,106b,106c,106d form a rear panel 106. The first rear panel element 106a extends from one edge of the top panel element 105 along a corresponding sixth fold line 115, spaced from the fifth fold line 114, which extends along a opposing edge of the top panel element 105 such that the top panel element 105 is disposed between the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106.

The second rear panel element 106b extends from the first rear panel element 106a along a corresponding seventh fold line 116, spaced from the sixth fold line 115, the third rear panel element 106c extends from the second rear panel element 106b along a corresponding eighth fold line 117, spaced from the seventh fold line 115 and the fourth rear panel element 106d extends from the third rear panel element 106c along a corresponding ninth fold line 118, spaced from the eighth fold line 117.

Each of the three front panel elements 104a, 104b, 104c, top panel element 105 and four rear panel elements 106a,106b,106c,106d form a plurality of further panel elements depending from the first panel element. Each of these further panel elements are arranged in series, and each of these further panel element is foldable relative to an adjacent panel element along an edge which extend parallel to each other edge.

In the present exemplary embodiment, each fold line comprises an elongate fold recess formed in the inner surface 100 of the outer shell 83 by means of inclined slopes formed along the edge of adjacent panel elements. Each elongate fold recess reduces the thickness of the material along the length of the recess so that the outer shell 83 is foldable about itself along the fold lines and defines panel elements. Although one means of forming fold lines is described above to allow folding of adjacent panel elements with respect to each other, it will be appreciated that alternative arrangements to allow folding of adjacent panel elements are envisaged.

Although a specified number of fixing holes 96 are shown formed through panel elements of the outer shell 83, it will be appreciated that any suitable number of fixing holes 96 may be used to mount the outer shell 83 to the inner frames 82.

The width of the main and base panel elements 101,103 substantially corresponds to the width of the main member 85 between the front end 92 and the upstanding member 84. Similarly, the width of the end and top panel elements substantially correspond to the width of the front end 92 of the main member 85 and a top end 120 of the upstanding member 84 respectively, and the width of the front panel elements and rear panel elements substantially correspond to respective front and rear faces 97,98 of respective upstanding member sections 84a, 84b, 84c.

Furthermore, the width of the end and top panel elements 102,105 is twice the depth of each inner frame 82, for reasons that will become apparent hereinafter.

Assembly and use of the above exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

Prior to assembly, the item of furniture is stored in a 'flat pack' arrangement, that is the inner frames 82, outer shell 83 and attachment pegs 4 are disengaged from each other, and the components are stored in a compact arrangement in which the inner- frames 82 are laid on top of each other and the outer shell 83 is folded around the inner frames 82. The outer shell 83 is able to extend tightly around the inner frames 82, due to the end and top panel elements 102,105 having a width substantially corresponding to the depth of the depth of the stacked inner frames 82, with the main and base panel elements 101,103 lying parallel to each other and the front and rear panels 104,106 lying parallel to each other.

To assemble the chair 80, a user unfolds the outer shell 83 from around the inner frames 82. To mount the outer shell 83 to the inner frames 82, a leg member 86 of each inner frame 82 is inserted through a corresponding aperture 109 formed through the base panel element 103 such that the base panel element 103 is positioned against the lower face 90 of each of the inner frame main members 85 and the leg members 86 extend therethrough. The fixing recesses 65 formed therein are aligned with corresponding fixing holes 66 formed through the base panel element 103, and attachment pegs 4 are inserted through each fixing hole 96 and urged into the corresponding fixing recesses formed in the main member 85 until each attachment peg 4 is press fitted in the corresponding fixing recess 95. The end and main panel elements 102,101 are then folded around the inner frame main members 85 about the second and first fold lines 76 to abut the front end 92 and upper face 89 of the main members 85 respectively.

The first, second and third front panel elements 104a,104b,104c are then folded about their respective fold lines to abut against the front face 97 of the

corresponding upstanding member sections 84a, 84b, 84c. The first front panel element 104a is folded about its first fold line 110 in an opposing direction to the end panel element 102 such that the first front panel element 104a upstands therefrom.

The top panel element 105 is folded about the fifth fold line 114 to abut the top end 120 of the upstanding member 84, and the first, second, third and fourth front panel elements 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d are then folded about their respective fold lines to abut against the rear face 97 of the corresponding upstanding member sections 84a, 84b, 84c and rear end 93 of the main member 85 respectively.

The fixing holes 96 align with the fixing recesses 95, and the attachment pegs 4 are then push fitted through each fixing hole 96 into the corresponding fixing recesses 95. Each panel element is therefore securely mounted to the inner frames 83 by the attachment pegs 4.

The inner frames 82 and outer shell 83 are then securely mounted to each other and so form an integral self-supporting structure, which has rigidity due to the combined strength of the outer shell 83 and inner frames 82. The outer shell 83 forms a base and a backrest on which a user can sit and recline, and the outer shell 83 and inner frames 82 together support the user sat thereon. The leg members 86 extend from the outer shell 83 so that objects and/or a users legs can extend therebetween.

If a user desires to disassemble the chair 80, the user removes the attachment pegs 4 and the inner frames 82 and outer shell 83 are then separable from each other. A cushion 121 is shown in Figure 15 attached to the chair 80. The cushion is formed from paint-covered foam material, although other materials are envisaged. The cushion 121 has attachment pegs (not shown) extending from a base which are disposable through fixing holes 96 in the outer shell 83 into fixing recesses 95 in the inner frames 82 to engage therein such that the cushion is fixedly mounted to the chair and the outer shell 103 is fixedly mounted to the inner frames 102.

Similarly, in Figure 16 another cushion 122 is shown. However, this cushion is foldable to be fixedly engaged to the main members 85 and the upright members 84 of each inner frame 82.

Referring to Figure 17, a partial view of a panel element 123 is shown. The panel element comprises two plate portions 124, two fold portions 125 and an end fold portion 126. The two fold portions 125 are folded back upon each other about the end fold portion 126 and depend from edges of the two plate portions 124. The edges of the two plate portions 124 abut each other to form an upper surface and the fold portions 125 extend therefrom parallel to each other to form a corrugation in the panel element 123. The corrugation formed in the panel element 123 provides a strengthened ridge extending therealong which resists bending of the panel element 123 in a direction transverse to the corrugation.

The corrugation is used with any of the panel elements described in the foregoing embodiments and extends transverse to the inner frames. Where the corrugation meets an inner frame, the corrugation is either removed in its vicinity or a notch is formed in the inner frame in which the corrugation sits.

Although in the above exemplary embodiments, one means of mounting the outer shell 3 to the inner frame, or frames 2 is described, it will be appreciated that alternative means of mounting the outer shell 3 to the inner frames 2 is possible. In one embodiment, it is envisaged that mounting rods are integrally formed with the outer shell 3 and extend from its inner surface. In such an embodiment, the mounting rods extend from the inner surface of the outer shell and engage in the fixing recesses formed in the inner frame 2. Alternatively, other fixing means such as bolt which threadingly engages in the inner frame, a nut and bolt arrangement wherein the bolt extends through the outer shell and the fixing recess in the inner frame is a bore through which the bolt extends to be fastened by a nut on an opposing side, or a twist and lock arrangement.

An advantage of the envisaged embodiments of items of furniture is the minimal number of different components required to form the items of furniture, together with the absence of an adhesive or the like to fixedly mount the components together. This increases the speed of manufacture of each component and assembly of each item of furniture and improves the environmental aspect of the furniture.

Although in the above described embodiments each panel element is formed to have the same thickness, it will be appreciated that alternative arrangement are envisaged in which panel elements have different thicknesses, for example the panel element forming the table top of a table may have a greater depth/ thickness to provide a greater rigidity to the table so that the upper surface of the table on which items may be placed may hold heavier loads. It is also envisaged that other arrangements may be formed, for example an upstanding section may be formed extending along a central axis of a table to form a 'net' so that the table is usable as a table tennis table. The outer shell is then easily removable to replace with an alternative panel to return the table to its normal function as a table.

Although in the above described embodiments the blanks for the outer shell are rectangular, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto and that in an alternative embodiment the blank may be formed in an alternative shape. For example, it is envisaged that a table may have a hexagonal or substantially circular table-top surface, in which case the main panel member is formed to have a hexagonal or substantially circular shape. Similarly, the back rest of the chair may have diverging edges extending upwardly from the base, in which case the panel elements forming the backrest are formed to have an isosceles trapezium.

Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are many modifications and variations of the invention that fall within the terms of the following claims, and that the foregoing description should be regarded as a description of the preferred embodiments only and that changes may be made to these embodiments within scope of the invention which is defined in the claims hereafter.