Universal Furniture System (UFS)

Abstract

A universal furniture system may include a front side of the back side opposed to the front side, the front side may include a convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed, a first set of drawers at a first end of the front side, a second set of doors at a second end of the front side, and the back side may include a closet for clothes, a first set of drawers at a first end of the back side, and a second set of drawers at a second end of the back side. A first side section may include the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side and a second side section may include the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]The present invention relates to furniture and more particularly to modular furniture which may be detachably connected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002]Modular furniture is desirable in that it can be "knocked down" into components prior to shipment of the components. Because the components can be shipped more compactly than fully assembled furniture. Thus, shipping costs associated with modular furniture is typically less expensive than shipping costs associated with fully assembled furniture.

[0003]Although modular furniture has been provided in the past, assembly of such modular furniture is often difficult.

[0004]The present invention provides a modular furniture system which overcomes the problems presented in the prior art and which provides additional advantages over the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0005]A universal furniture system may include a front side of the back side opposed to the front side, the front side may include a convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed, a first set of drawers at a first end of the front side, a second set of doors at a second end of the front side, and the back side may include a closet for clothes, a first set of drawers at a first end of the back side, and a second set of drawers at a second end of the back side.

[0006]A first side section may include the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side and a second side section may include the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.

[0007]The front section may include includes the convertible sofa bed, and the back section may include the closet.

[0008]The first side section may include the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side; the second side section may include the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side; the front section may include the convertible sofa bed; and wherein a back section includes the closet.

[0009]The first section may be detachably connected from the second section, and the second section may be detachably connected to the third section.

[0010]The third section may be detachably connected to the fourth section, and the fourth section may be detachably connected to the fifth section.

[0011]The fifth section may be detachably connected to the sixth section and at least one of the first section, second section, third section, fourth section, fifth section or the sixth section may be mounted on wheels.

[0012]The detachable connections may be spring loaded, a sliding dovetail connection, and the detachable connections may include a L-shaped member which may be connected to an aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

[0014]FIG. 1 illustrates the UFS system connected together with all drawers and doors closed.

[0015]FIG. 2 illustrates the UFS with a bed pulled out from the sofa.

[0016]FIG. 3 illustrates the UFS of FIG. 2 showing all of the drawers and doors open.

[0017]FIG. 4 illustrates a side view showing how the table is stored.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing the side table having an access door open.

[0019]FIGS. 6-8 illustrate the back side of the UFS.

[0020]FIG. 9 illustrates how the different sections may attach to each other.

[0021]FIGS. 10a-f illustrate the different male and female connectors for each section.

[0022]FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the UFS.

[0023]FIG. 12 illustrates a wheel for the UFS.

[0024]FIGS. 13-15 illustrate a holder for the monitor.

[0025]FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a first side bottom section and a first side top section.

[0026]FIG. 17 illustrates the first side bottom section and the first side top section

[0027]FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of sections from the front.

[0028]FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K, N from the front and illustrates that each of the sections may include shelves.

[0029]FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of the sections.

[0030]FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of the sections.

[0031]FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the sections.

[0032]FIG. 23 illustrates a back view of the sections.

[0033]FIG. 24 illustrates a back view of the sections.

[0034]FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the seat support member.

[0035]FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of the seat support member.

[0036]FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a cushion member.

[0037]FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the cushion member.

[0038]FIGS. 29-32 illustrates the first side bottom section and the first side top section;

[0039]FIG. 33 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040]FIG. 34 illustrates the sofa being opened as a bed;

[0041]FIGS. 35-41 illustrates the sections of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042]FIG. 1 is the unit 100 comprised of:

A--a pullout sofa with a light 103 positioned above the sofa;B--a side table positioned on one end of the pullout sofa and adapted to hold a computer and a monitor (not shown);C--a second side table being positioned on an opposed end of the sofa and having pull out drawers and shelving;D--a back section adapted to store clothing which may be adapted to face opposite to the direction of the sofa;E--a first additional shelf unit on one end of the sofa: andF--a second additional shelf unit on any opposing end of the sofa. B and F may be similar in design.

[0043]FIG. 1 illustrates the entire UFS connected together with all drawers and doors closed. The UFS may have been detachable units or may have fewer or more detachable units.

[0044]FIG. 2 illustrates the UFS with a bed G pulled out from the sofa A.

[0045]FIG. 3 depicts the UFS of FIG. 2 showing all of the drawers and doors open. As shown, the table H is out of side table B, the bed G has been pulled out, the drawers are open from side table C.

[0046]FIG. 4 is a side view showing how the table H is stored by rotating the table surface under the exterior surface of the side table B.

[0047]FIG. 5 is a perspective side view showing the side table C having an access door open.

[0048]FIG. 6-8 illustrate the back side of the UFS. As shown, the back side includes a closet for storing clothes 601, additional drawers 603, and a hamper 605 for dirty clothes. The hamper 605 includes a bottom hatch for easy accessibility to dirty clothes at the bottom of the hamper. The UFS 100 may be on wheels, so if the back side is not accessible, a consumer may move the UFS 100 to gain access to the back side and thus access to their clothes. When the consumer has the personal items which are needed, the consumer can easily move the UFS 100 back in position against the wall. Sections A, B, C, and D are on wheels, so the consumer may separate the sections from each other and place them in different parts of a room.

[0049]FIG. 9 illustrates how the different sections may be detachably connected to each other. In this embodiment, section A is the female section and sections B, C, D, F, and F are the male sections and detachably connect to section A. It should be understood that section A may include the male connectors and sections B, C, D, E, and F may include the female connectors or any combination. The connectors may be spring loaded. So when the male connector is inserted into the female connector, two holders in the female connector spring back, and when the male connector is fully inserted, the two holders of the female connector spring back thereby holding the male connector in place.

[0050]FIGS. 10a-f illustrate the different male and female connectors for each section and illustrate the wheel positions for the different sections.

[0051]FIG. 11 illustrates a bottom view of the UFS. As shown, each of sections A, B, C, and D may have wheels 1102.

[0052]FIG. 12 depicts a wheel 1102 for the UFS. As shown the wheels 1102 may be capable of rolling in all directions.

[0053]FIGS. 13-15 depict a holder I for the monitor (not shown). As shown the table H may be located on the inside of section B. The table H may extend outwards and sideways to provide access from the sofa A. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the monitor holder I may separate into two parts and reconnect when a base of the monitor is in position. When the holder is reconnected, the monitor may be securely held in place.

Some of the features of the Universal Furniture System (UFS) are mobility, detachability, attachability, space saver design and the "all-in-one" concept that will be discussed in further detail.

[0054]The UFS may be supported by a total of 24 wheels 1102, 6 of which are placed under section D, 4 under section A, B, and C, respectively as illustrated in FIG. 11. The number of wheels can be varied in order to meet the needs of the UFS. These wheels allow the whole system to be easily maneuvered and placed in any area desired by the owner. The wheel is encompassed in a cup which holds the wheel in place, the wheel has 360 degrees of rotation so can easily move to the desired area of which the owner would want to move it to.

[0055]The UFS is a modular furniture system, which is comprised of six detachable sections. These sections will be referred to as, A, B, C, D, E, and F. We will also refer these in our appendixes where exhibits of the sections are scheduled. All of the sections can easily be detached and attached by the ball locking system. This allows the user for example, to have the back of section A against a wall, section D which may include three subsections, the clothing section easily detaches and can be easily maneuvered around with the help of the wheels to be moved to another desired area. Another advantage of the system's detachability is that if the user decides to move places or move to another area that is a good distance away form the original designated area for the sofa, the user can easily detach all components of the system and can bring each individual section to the area without the risk of injuring the user. Additionally, by detaching the sofa, the user can lift this sofa system through tight doors when detached, and the user can easily assemble it once inside the tight door area.

[0056]A feature of the UFS is our "all-in-one" element. The design has Section A is the sofa it self, Section B includes the computer placement section, Section C includes pull out drawers and shelves, Section D includes a closet for hanging of clothing, a laundry hamper and more clothing drawers. Section E and F includes more shelving space where virtually anything can be placed. Next, additional details will be provided for each section of the product.

[0057]Section A may be a three-seater sofa with a pull out bed that has similar dimensions to a queen size bed. The remaining five sections have the ability to connect to the section A. To be more specific. section A is the female section of the system while the other five sections are the male counterparts. On top of section A there is also a bright light fixture in the center to enhance viewing for our reading or working customer while on the UFS. Refer to FIG. 1 for a visual representation this section.

[0058]Section B is located to the right side of A. This part of the UFS is the area in which we've designed for placement of the user's computer, printer, and tower. Additionally, section B includes a small shelf where one can store other various accessories such as computer media, paper, etc. if needed. Furthermore, section B not only stores the computer hardware, hut also contains a sturdy pull out table H as shown in FIG. 13 which comes out of section B and can be positioned to fit the user while sitting down so that the user is comfortable using the table H while on the UFS. The table H is supported by a beam, which is installed in section B and allows the table to support weight. The table H easily comes out of section B and once out of the table H may be easily maneuvered to fit the needed legroom height of the user. The table has two levels; one level may be used for the keyboard and mouse of the computer. The other level can be used for anything which the user may require our customer desires while writing or reading. On top of section B there is a screen mounting device to hold the flat screen monitor in place permanently so while typing, the user will be able to see the screen with ease. Please refer to FIG. 13 for a detailed image of Section B.

[0059]Section C can be used for storage area where the user can store various materials. Section C is comprised of 2 large and 1 small pull out drawers. The small drawer may be located on top of the 2 larger drawers. These sections are located on the front side of section C. On the side of section C, there is more shelf space hidden by a swing out door. The shelf space is comprised of three sections for where one can put their hooks, papers and virtually anything else the user desires. Please refer to FIG. 1 for details of Section C.

[0060]Section D is the clothing section of the UFS. Section D may be the detachable back section of the UFS and can be maneuvered to be placed elsewhere if desired by the user. This section D is comprised into three sections. On one side there is a hamper 605 where clothing waiting to be washed can be placed. The hamper 605 also has a smaller laundry shoot installed on the bottom half of the hamper 605. This allows our customer to easily reach their clothing that is at the bottom. The middle of section D may include a closet 601 where the user can hang their clothes. A shoe rack is positioned closer floor level of the closet 601 On the opposing side of section D, there are two wide pull out clothing drawers. Below these two wide drawers are 4 smaller drawers. Please refer to FIG. 6 for illustration of these features.

[0061]Section E and F are two other sections of shelf space located and connected to the upper corners of Section A. Each section is identical in size and shape and they have two levels where the user may store any items, Section E and F rest on sections B and C respectively. Please refer to FIG. 1 to illustrates a layout.

[0062]The original design is a three seat sofa. The invention includes a one and two seat Universal Furniture System so it can fit different room sizes and different consumer tastes. Other embodiments may include add on features such as a laptop station as opposed to strictly desktop. Other embodiments include a custom making division where each individual consumer can design their own UFS online from a website, to their specific liking and needs. The sofa design does not have to have the same connection areas in all designs, for example if people do not want a clothing section and want more shelf space, section D can be turned into more cabinet space. Or if people want more clothes space section C can be turned also into more drawers.

[0063]FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of a first side bottom section J and a first side top section M. FIG. 16 additionally illustrates a second side bottom section K and a second top section N. Each section J, M, K, N include a inverted L-shaped member 1601 for detachably connection to the back center section (P in FIG. 17).

[0064]FIG. 17 illustrates that the first side bottom section J may have a larger and smaller drawer and the first side top section M may have no shelves. The second side bottom section K may have a larger and smaller drawer and the second side top section N may have shelves. FIG. 17 additionally illustrates a back center section P.

[0065]FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K, N from the front and illustrates that the first side bottom section J and the second side bottom section K may extend forward with respect to the first side top section M. and the second side top section N and may include cabinet doors as opposed ends.

[0066]FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of sections J, M, K, N from the front and illustrates that each of the sections may include shelves.

[0067]FIG. 20 illustrates a front view of sections J, M, K, N from the front and illustrates that each of the sections may include shelves.

[0068]FIG. 21 illustrates a top view of sections J and M.

[0069]FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of sections K and N.

[0070]FIG. 23 illustrates a back view of sections J and M.

[0071]FIG. 24 illustrates a back view of sections K and M.

[0072]FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of the seat support member 503 which is substantially L-shaped and include apertures 501 to cooperate with the inverted L-shaped member 1601.

[0073]FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of the seat support member 503 which is substantially L-shaped and include apertures 501 to cooperate with the inverted L-shaped member 1601.

[0074]FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of a cushion member 2701 which cooperates with the seat support member 503 to provide a cushion for the user.

[0075]FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the cushion member 2701 which cooperates with the seat support member 503 to provide a cushion for the user.

[0076]FIGS. 29-32 illustrates that the first side bottom section J may have a larger and smaller drawer and the first side top section M may have no shelves. The second side bottom section K may have a larger and smaller drawer and the second side top section N may have shelves. FIGS. 30-31 additionally illustrates a back center section P. FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a curved top portion.

[0077]FIG. 33 is the unit 3300 comprised of:

A1--a pullout sofa;B1--a side table positioned on one end of the pullout sofa and adapted to hold a computer and a monitor (not shown);C1--a second side table being positioned on an opposed end of the sofa and having pull out drawers and shelving;D1--a back section adapted to store clothing which may be adapted to face opposite to the direction of the sofa;E1--a first additional shelf unit on one end of the sofa: andF1--a second additional shelf unit on any opposing end of the sofa. B1 and F1 may be similar in design.G1--a central bookcase unit over the sofa and the back section;H1--a back first storage section;I1--a back second-storage section;J1--a back third storage section;K1--a back fourth storage section;L1--a closet storage section;

[0078]FIG. 33 illustrates the entire UFS connected together with all drawers and doors closed.

[0079]FIG. 34 illustrates the UFS with a bed H1 pulled out from the sofa A1.

[0080]FIG. 35 illustrates an exploded view of the UFS of FIGS. 33 and 34.

[0081]FIG. 36 is a top view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the pullout sofa A1, the side table B1, the second side table C1, the first additional shelf E1, the second additional shelf F1 and the central bookcase G1.

[0082]FIG. 37 is a front view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the pullout sofa A1, the side table B1, the second side table C1, the first additional shelf E1, the second additional shelf F1 and the central bookcase G1.

[0083]FIG. 38 is a side view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the second side table C1, the second additional shelf F1, the back first storage section H1, the back second storage section I1 and the central bookcase G1.

[0084]FIG. 39 is a back view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the side table B1, the additional shelf E1, the back first storage section H1, the back second storage section I1, a back third storage section J1, a back fourth storage section K1 and the central bookcase G1.

[0085]FIG. 40 is a back view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the back first storage section H1, the back second storage section I1, a back third storage section J1, a back fourth storage section K1, a closet storage section L1 and the central bookcase G1.

[0086]FIG. 41 is a side cross sectional view of FIG. 33 and illustrates the pullout sofa A, a closet storage section L1 and the central bookcase G1.

[0087]FIGS. 42-45 illustrates another apparatus for joining any and all of the sections of the USF. More particularly FIG. 42 illustrates the closet storage section L1 separated by the combination of the back first storage section H1 and the back third storage section J1.

[0088]FIG. 43 illustrates the closet storage section L1 being aligned with the back third storage section J1 so that they can be joined on a fastening device 4301 such as a track or dovetail connection.

[0089]FIG. 44 illustrates that the closet storage section L1 and the back storage section J1 are joined and aligned. In FIG. 45, the joined closet storage section L1 and the back storage section J1 are rotated in position together.

[0090]While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed.

Claims

1. A universal furniture system, comprising:a front side of the back side opposed to the front side;the front side including:a convertible sofa bed to convert to a sofa or bed;a first set of drawers at a first end of the front side;a second set of doors at a second end of the front side;the back side including:a closet for clothes;a first set of drawers at a first end of the back side;a second set of drawers at a second end of the back side.

2. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes a first side section including the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side.

3. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes a second side section including the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side.

4. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes a front section including the convertible sofa bed.

5. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes a back section including the closet.

6. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the universal furniture system includes a first side section including the first set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the first set of drawers at the second end of the front side and a second side section including the second set of drawers at the first end of the front side and the second set of drawers at the second end of the back side; wherein the front section includes the convertible sofa bed; and wherein the back section includes the closet.

7. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the first section is detachably connected from the second section.

8. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the second section is detachably connected to the third section.

9. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the third section is detachably connected to the fourth section.

10. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the fourth section is detachably connected to the fifth section.

11. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein the fifth section is detachably connected to the sixth section.

12. A universal furniture system as in claim 6, wherein at least one of the first section, second section, third section, fourth section, fifth section or the sixth section is mounted on wheels.

13. A universal furniture system as in claim 1, wherein the first section is detachably connected from the second section; wherein the second section is detachably connected to the third section; wherein the third section is detachably connected to the fourth section; wherein the fourth section is detachably connected to the fifth section; and wherein the fifth section is detachably connected to the sixth section and wherein the detachable connections are made by a male and female member.

14. A universal furniture system as in claim 13, wherein the detachable connections are spring loaded.

15. A universal furniture system as in claim 13, wherein the detachable connections include a L-shaped member.

16. A universal furniture system as in claim 15, wherein the detachable connections include an aperture for the L-shaped member.

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