US20080012416A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080012416A1
Application number: US11/485,865
Authority: US
Inventors: Gary L. Richey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-07-13
Filing date: 2006-07-13
Publication date: 2008-01-17

Abstract

A reversible couch is disclosed. The couch includes a base having first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface. A removable backing is provided, configured to rest on or over a portion of the top surface. The couch also has connectors for releasably connecting the removable backing to the base. The couch also includes a cushion. The cushion includes a cut-out section configured to accommodate the backing at different positions on the base. A method is also provided for configuring the couch. The method includes the steps of removing the removable backing from a first section of the base, changing the position of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section of the base, and installing the removable backing along the second section of the base. Preferably, the couch is a chaise couch.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The disclosed invention relates to the field of furniture. More specifically, the invention relates to a couch such as a chaise having a reversible backing.

2. Description of the Related Art

The general concept of convertible and reversible furniture is known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,817,573 describes a convertible living room furniture set that consists of eight modular pieces that may serve as either a chair or console table. U.S. Pat. No. 3,910,630 describes a convertible seat and couch structure. Dual-faced cushion sections rest on support structures that allow the cushion sections to pivot or break apart to form a chair, recliner, couch, or bed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,000,512 describes an upholstered seating unit. A plurality of support members attach to an internal frame structure and are movable. In this way, cushions may be easily removed for cleaning or replacement as individual units. Other patents disclosing convertible, removable or reversible features include U.S. Pat. No. 3,864,764, U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,565, U.S. Pat. No. 4,395,071, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,317.

There remains a need for a reversible couch. Further, there exists a need for a method of arranging an item of furniture by moving the furniture and by also moving the position of a backing on the furniture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A reversible couch is first provided. In one embodiment, the couch includes a base having first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends and a top surface. The couch further includes a removable backing configured to rest on or over a portion of the top surface, and a cushion dimensioned to substantially cover the top surface of the base. The cushion has first and second opposite surfaces. In one embodiment, the cushion contains a cut-out section configured to accommodate the backing at different positions on the base.

A means for releasably connecting the backing to the base is provided. In one aspect, the reversible couch may have at least one bracket post connected to and extending below the removable backing. The bracket posts mate with corresponding bracket connectors disposed within the base at a plurality of positions. The bracket connectors permit the removable backing to be placed at different positions on the base.

In another aspect, the reversible couch may have at least one bracket connector positioned along the first side of the base proximate the first end, and at least one bracket connector positioned along the first side of the base proximate the second end. In yet another aspect, at least one bracket connector is positioned along the first side of the base proximate the first end, and at least one bracket connector positioned along the second side of the base proximate the first end.

In yet another embodiment, at least one bracket connector is positioned along the first end of the base, and at least one bracket connector is positioned along the second end of the base. The base may be a polygon having four sides, with at least one bracket connector positioned along the base in each of four quadrants of the base. The removable backing may have two posts, and the bracket connectors may define pairs of female connectors disposed within the base at a plurality of positions for receiving the two posts, respectively. In one aspect, the cut-out section of the cushion exists within a quadrant of the cushion.

Unique to this design is the reversible cushion and the removable backing. In One embodiment, the reversible couch converts from a couch with a left-sided reversible couch to a right-sided reversible couch. As such, the function of the furniture piece is not altered. This feature further allows users flexibility in arranging the couch in smaller spaces such as apartments or town homes.

A method of arranging an item of furniture is also provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of providing an item of furniture comprising a base, a removable backing configured to rest on or over a portion of the base, and a cushion having a cut-out section configured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections on the base. The method also includes the steps of removing the removable backing from a first section of the base, changing the position of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section of the base, and installing the removable backing along the second section of the base. In one aspect, the step of changing the position of the cushion may require flipping the cushion from having its first surface resting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.

In another aspect, the method of arranging furniture may include the step of moving the base from a first position where its first end is adjacent to an object, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to the object. This object may be a wall or another article of furniture such as a couch, e.g., a chaise couch.

A method of arranging a chaise couch is also provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of providing a chaise couch comprising a base. The base has first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface. Also provided is a removable backing configured to rest on or over a portion of the base, a connector assembly releasably connecting the removable backing from the base, and a cushion having first and second opposite surfaces. The cushion may have a cut-out section configured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections on the base.

In one aspect, the method also includes the steps of removing the removable backing from a first section of the base, changing the position of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section of the base, and installing the removable backing along the second section of the base. In one aspect, the step of changing the position of the cushion comprises the step of flipping the cushion from having its first surface resting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.

In another aspect, the method of arranging a couch may include the step of moving the base from a first position where its first end is adjacent to a first end of a separate couch, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to a second end of the separate couch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be better understood, certain drawings or flow charts are appended hereto. It is to be noted, however, that the appended illustrations depict only selected embodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equally effective embodiments and applications.

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of the reversible couch, in one embodiment. A removable backing is seen exploded above a base of the couch.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reversible couch ofFIG. 1, with the cushion exploded from the base. The backing is not shown.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a bracket assembly system as may be used with the couch ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 presents a perspective view of the reversible couch, in one embodiment, with the base, cushion, and backing cut away to expose the base frame structure.

FIG. 5 presents a flow chart demonstrating illustrative steps performed to arrange an item of furniture, in one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONDefinitions

As used herein, the term “couch” means any article of furniture on which one may sit, and which has a major axis.

The term “chaise couch” means a couch which does not have dual arm rests.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of areversible chaise couch100, in one embodiment. Fundamentally, thecouch100 includes abase110, acushion120, and aremovable backing130. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, thebacking130 is shown exploded away from thebase110.

Theillustrative base110 is rectangular in shape. However, thebase110 may be in the shape of any polygon that is capable of supporting thebacking130. The base110 preferably rests on a set of fourlegs116, with eachleg116 being secured at a lower corner quadrant of thebase110. Thelegs116 allow for easier movement of the base110 on surfaces such as hardwood floors, and allow for easier cleaning of the floor surface beneath thebase110. In another aspect, thebase110 may include an additional pair of legs (not shown) located intermediate of thecorner legs116. An intermediate pair of legs may be especially suitable for acouch100 of extraordinary length. Thelegs116 may be fabricated from any rigid material capable of supporting the weight of thecouch100 and a human body. Suitable materials include a hard wood or durable resin.

Thebase110 is fabricated from a frame.FIG. 4 presents a cutaway perspective view of thebase110 ofFIG. 1, exposing aframework168. In the illustrated embodiment, theframework168 is substantially rectangular in shape. Theframework168 is preferably comprised of solid wood members. In an alternative embodiment, theframework168 is comprised of a rigid component such as plastic, treated wood, wood laminates or particle board.

Theframework168 is formed by a pair of end frame supports150, amiddle frame support152, and a pair of side frame supports154. The end frame supports150 and side frame supports154 may be cut to various lengths to form various sized couches. Themiddle frame support152 is cut at a length approximately equal to the width of thecouch100. The end frame supports150 and side frame supports154 are secured to each other at right angles. This may be accomplished by insertion of a plurality offasteners169 such as screws or nails. Themiddle support152 may be secured in a similar manner at a central location between the end frame supports150.

The base110 length and width are preferably dimensioned so as to accommodate a person in a reclined position. The base110 height is preferably that of an average complimentary couch or chair. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase110 is approximately 24 inches high, 60 inches long and 30 inches wide. However, it is understood that the present inventions are not limited to any specific dimensions for the base110 A durable material such as leather, woven cloth or any other cover material known in the art covers theframework168 and gives thebase110 the aesthetic appearance of a single, movable unit.

As noted, thecouch100 also includes a cushion. The cushion is shown at120 inFIG. 1, resting atop thebase110. Preferably, thecushion120 is dimensioned so as to substantially rest on or cover a portion of a top surface113 (seeFIG. 2) of thebase110. Thecushion120 contains afirst end121 that aligns with afirst end112 of thebase110. Thecushion120 also includes asecond end122 that aligns with asecond end111 of thebase110. Thecushion120 may be two separate pieces that together substantially cover thebase110.

Thecushion120 is filled with upholstery filler such as foam, down feathers, layered batting or other filler known in the art. The filler is encased in an upholstery covering or shell such as leather or woven cloth that aesthetically matches the covering of thebase110. The thickness or height of thecushion120 is consistent and is dimensioned so as to provide comfortable support to a user. The length and width is preferably also complimentary to that of thetop surface113 of thebase110. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion is approximately 4 to 8 inches thick, 20 to 60 inches long and 15 to 30 inches wide. However, it is understood that the present inventions are not limited to any specific dimensions for thecushion120.

In one embodiment, thecushion120 contains a cut-outsection124 in one quadrant. The cut-outsection124 is dimensioned to engage theremovable backing130. In another aspect, thecushion120 may be dimensioned to accommodate a pair ofremovable backings130. For instance,backings130 may be placed in a side-by-side relationship, or in opposing orientations. In use, theremovable backing130 provides a resting place for a human arm or back depending on the orientation of the resting body.

Theremovable backing130 shown inFIG. 1 is substantially shaped as a rectangle. However, other shapes may be employed. The shape of theremovable backing130 is preferably formed by a durable plastic or wooden framework. The framework is encased in an upholstery covering such as leather or woven cloth that aesthetically matches the covering of thebase110 and thecushion120. The length of theremovable backing130 is approximately equal to half the length of thebase110. The width is approximately 4 to 8 inches. In an alternative embodiment, theremovable backing130 is substantially the same length as thebase110. In this aspect, oneremovable backing130 extends the entire length of thebase110. In yet another embodiment, tworemovable backing130 units may be placed in a side-by-side orientation so as to extend the entire length of thebase110.Removable backing130 units may also be placed on adjoining sides of the base to form a right angle. However, the present inventions are not limited by any specific dimensions or placements for thebacking130.

FIG. 2 presents another perspective view of thereversible couch100 ofFIG. 1. In this view, thecushion120 is exploded away from thebase110. The dimensions of theillustrative base110 are more clearly seen. Further, the dimensions of thecushion120, including the cut-outsection124, are more clearly seen. Once again, the cut-outsection124 is preferably disposed in one quadrant of thecushion120. Thecushion120 may optionally be adapted to have more than one cut-outsection124 to accommodate the use of multipleremovable backing sections130.

Thecushion120 has afirst surface123 and an opposing second surface (not seen). In the view ofFIG. 2, thecushion120 is lying on its second surface. Thecushion120 is positioned so that thefirst end121 is lined up with thesecond end112 of thebase110. In an alternative embodiment, thefirst end121 of thecushion120 may be lined up with thefirst end111 of thebase110. This is accomplished by either flipping the cushion over onto itsfirst surface123, or by rotating thecushion120. In either arrangement, an end of thecushion120 and an end of the base110 can abut another complimentary piece of furniture such as a chair or couch in a substantially perpendicular manner so as to form an extension of the complimentary furniture piece. This allows a portion of a user's body to extend out to rest on the top orfirst surface123 of thecushion120. In yet another embodiment, an end of thecushion120 and an end of the base110 can abut a wall. By placing thecouch100 in this orientation, the user may minimize the amount of space needed for thecouch100. The availability of this placement is especially suitable for smaller rooms.

The couch also includes a releasable connector. An illustrative connector is shown at140 inFIG. 3.FIG. 3 presents a front view of an illustrativebracket assembly system140. Thebracket assembly140 is comprised of abracket post142 and acorresponding bracket connector144. In the illustrated embodiment, both thebracket post142 and bracket connector are fabricated144 from a cast metal. In another aspect, thebracket post142 andbracket connector144 may be fabricated from any durable materials such as a plastic or metal alloy. Thebracket post142 has twoopenings147aon an upper portion. A fastener such as a screw or bolt engages each of theopenings147ain order to secure thebracket post142 to a framework portion of theremovable backing130. Thebracket post142 also includes anelongated member143 that extends below the upper portion of thebracket post142. Theelongated member143 has a centrally locatedsingle opening147b.

Thebracket connector144 includes anaperture145 that, in use, slideably engages anelongated member143 of thebracket post142. Theaperture145 is substantially oval in shape. Thebracket connector144 also includes twoopenings147con a single wall through an upper portion. A fastener such as a screw or bolt engages each of theopenings147cin order to secure thebracket connector144 to theframework168 of thebase110. Thebracket connector144 further includes asingle opening147dcentrally located on atapered end148 that aligns with theopening147bon thebracket post142 when the engaged. A fastener such as bolt or screw may be installed through the aligned

openings

147b,147d. In this way, thebracket post142 is secured within thebracket connector144.

In use, one ormore bracket posts142 is secured to theremovable backing130. In one aspect, a pair ofbracket posts142 extends from abottom surface135 of theremovable backing130. The bracket posts142 are dimensioned to slideably engage correspondingbracket connectors144 disposed in thebase110. It is understood that the locations of the bracket posts142 andbracket connectors144 forming theconnector assembly140 may be reversed. In this aspect, the bracket posts142 may be secured to theframework168 of thebase110, and thebracket connectors144 may be secured to thebacking130 in order to slideably receive thecorresponding bracket post142.

In an alternative embodiment, the releasable connector defines a quick connect system (not shown). The quick connect system may employ pairs of brackets, as withassembly140 ofFIG. 3. In this aspect, a spring loaded button is centrally located along theelongated member143. In use, a user pushes the button and slides theelongated member143 into theaperture145 and secures theelongated member143 within thetapered end148 of thebracket connector144. Once theelongated member143 is sufficiently secured within thetapered end148, the spring loaded button aligns with theopening147con thebracket connector144. Once aligned, the spring pushes the button outward into theopening147cthus locking thebracket post142 within thebracket connector144. In another embodiment, the quick connect system employs snaps or latches. In another embodiment, a releasable connector is provided which represents tenons extending from theremovable backing130, and into holes along theframework168 of thebase110.

It is preferred that the releasable connector, such asbracket assembly140, be disposed at multiple positions around thebase110. In the exploded view ofFIG. 2,multiple bracket connectors144 are positioned at varying locations around the perimeter of thebase110. In this way, theremovable backing130 may be inserted or removed and relocated to various locations along thebase110.

Referring now toFIG. 4,FIG. 4 presents a cutaway view of the base110 to show theframework168. In the illustrated embodiment, theframework168 is substantially rectangular in shape.FIG. 4 also shows areversible backing130 exploded above theframework168. Most importantly,FIG. 4 shows one optional positioning ofbracket connectors144 along theframework168.

Thebracket connectors144 are secured to the end frame supports150 andmiddle frame support152 at various locations For proper alignment of theremovable backing130, thecorresponding bracket posts142 are secured to an opposinginterior face160 at eachend161 of theremovable backing130. In an alternative embodiment, thebracket connectors144 are secured to an interior surface170 of the side frame supports154. Thecorresponding bracket posts142 are secured to theinterior face171 of theremovable backing130.

A method for arranging furniture is also disclosed herein.FIG. 5 presents aflow chart200 demonstrating illustrative steps performed to arrange an item of furniture, in one embodiment. It is understood that the order of some of the steps fromFIG. 5 may be changed, and that the sequence of steps is merely for illustration. It is also understood that some steps may be optional.

Atstep210, a user is provided an item of furniture having a base, a removable backing and a cushion. The item of furniture is preferably acouch100 fromFIGS. 1 and 2. Atstep220, the user removes the removable backing from a first section of the base. Atstep230, the user changes the position of the cushion to accommodate the position of the removable backing along a second section of the base. In one embodiment, this requires the user to flip the cushion from having its first surface resting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base. In another embodiment, the user rotates the cushion to place a cutaway section at a different position relative to the base.

Atstep240, the user installs the removable backing along the second section of the base. In one aspect, installation is done at a position along the base where the cutaway section of the cushion is placed. Optionally, atstep250, the user moves the base from a first position where its first end is adjacent to an object such as another article of furniture or a wall, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to the object.

A method of arranging a chaise couch is also provided. In one embodiment the method includes the step of providing a chaise couch having a base with first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface. Also provided is a removable backing configured to rest on a portion of the base, a releasable connector releasably connecting the removable backing from the base, and a cushion having first and second opposite surfaces as well as a cut-out section configured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections on the base. In addition, the method also includes the steps of removing the removable backing from a first section of the base, changing the position of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section of the base and installing the removable backing along the second section of the base. In one aspect, the step of changing the position of the cushion comprises the step of flipping the cushion from having its first surface resting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.

In another aspect, the method of arranging a chaise couch may include the step of moving the base from a first position where its first end is adjacent to a first end of a couch, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to a second end of the couch.

Thus, an improved couch has been provided in various arrangements. Further, methods for arranging furniture such as a couch have been disclosed. It is understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the inventions, which may be embodied in various forms. It is intended that alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims.

Claims

1. A reversible couch, comprising:

a base having first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface;

a removable backing configured to rest over a portion of the top surface; and

a cushion dimensioned to substantially cover the top surface of the base, the cushion having first and second opposite surfaces, and having a cut-out section configured to accommodate the backing at different positions on the base.

2. The reversible couch ofclaim 1, further comprising:

a releasable connector for releasably connecting the removable backing from the base.

3. The reversible couch ofclaim 2, wherein the releasable connector is a bracket assembly.

4. The reversible couch ofclaim 1, further comprising:

at least one bracket post connected to and extending below the removable backing; and

bracket connectors for receiving a respective one of the at least one bracket post, the bracket connectors being disposed within the base at a plurality of positions to permit the removable backing to be placed at different positions on the base.

5. The reversible couch ofclaim 4, wherein:

at least one bracket connector is positioned along the first side of the base proximate the first end, and

at least one bracket connector is positioned along the first side of the base proximate the second end.

6. The reversible couch ofclaim 4, wherein:

at least one bracket connector is positioned along the second side of the base proximate the first end.

7. The reversible couch ofclaim 4, wherein:

at least one bracket connector is positioned along the first end of the base, and

at least one bracket connector is positioned along the second end of the base.

8. The reversible couch ofclaim 4, wherein:

the base defines a polygon having four sides, and

at least one bracket connector is positioned along the base in each of four quadrants of the base.

9. The reversible couch ofclaim 4, wherein:

the removable backing receives two posts, and

the bracket connectors define pairs of female connectors disposed within the base at a plurality of positions for receiving the two posts, respectively.

10. The reversible couch ofclaim 1, wherein the cut-out section is placed within a quadrant of the cushion.

11. The reversible couch ofclaim 1, wherein the cushion defines two cushions which together substantially cover the top surface of the base, excepting the cut-out section.

12. A method of arranging an item of furniture, comprising the steps of:

providing an item of furniture comprising:

a base,

a removable backing configured to rest on or over a portion of the base, and

a cushion having a cut-out section configured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections on the base;

removing the removable backing from a first section of the base;

changing the position of the cushion to accommodate the removable backing along a second section of the base; and

installing the removable backing along the second section of the base.

13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein:

the base has first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface, and

the removable backing is configured to rest on a portion of the top surface.

14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the item of furniture further comprises:

a releasable connector releasably connecting the removable backing from the base.

15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the releasable connector comprises:

bracket posts connected to and extending below the removable backing, and

bracket connectors for receiving the bracket posts, the bracket connectors being disposed in the base at a plurality of positions to permit the removable backing to be placed at different sections on the base.

16. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the cushion:

has first and second opposite surfaces;

is dimensioned to substantially cover the top surface of the base, but excepting the cut-out section; and

the step of changing the position of the cushion comprises flipping the cushion from having its first surface resting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.

17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the item of furniture is a couch.

18. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the cushion defines two cushions which together substantially cover the top surface of the base, excepting the cut-out section.

19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein:

the base has a first end and a second end; and

the method further comprises the step of moving the base from a first position where its first end is adjacent to an object, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to the object.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the object is a wall.

21. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the object is a couch.

22. A method of arranging a chaise couch, comprising the steps of:

providing a chaise couch, comprising:

a base having first and second opposite sides, first and second opposite ends, and a top surface,

a removable backing configured to rest on a portion of the base,

a releasable connector releasably connecting the removable backing from the base, and

a cushion having a cut-out section configured to accommodate the removable backing at different sections on the base, and the cushion having first and second opposite surfaces;

removing the removable backing from a first section of the base;

installing the removable backing along the second section of the base.

23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein the manually releasable connector comprises:

bracket posts connected to and extending below the removable backing, and

bracket connectors for receiving the bracket posts, the bracket connectors being disposed within the base at a plurality of positions to permit the removable backing to be placed at different sections on the base.

24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the step of changing the position of the cushion comprises flipping the cushion from having its first surface resting on the base, to having its second surface resting on the base.

25. The method ofclaim 24, further comprising the step of moving the base from a first position where its first end is adjacent to a first end of a couch, to a second position where its second end is adjacent to a second end of the couch.