CONVERTIBLE FURNITURE ITEM

MEUBLE CONVERTIBLE

English Abstract

A convertible furniture item, the furniture item convertible between a coffee table and a dining table with chairs, which includes a planar rectangular table top having a first and a second side and ends and is supported at the ends by a plurality of planar legs. The legs are positioned and configured to double as the backs and legs of opposed chairs, support inwardly extending seats when the coffee table is turned on the first side a planar dining table surface is centrally positioned between the legs, outwardly extending from the second side in this dining table position.

French Abstract

Un élément de mobilier convertible, l'élément de mobilier convertible d'une table de salon en une table de salle à manger avec chaises, qui inclut un plateau de table rectangulaire planaire ayant un premier et un second côté et des extrémités, est soutenu aux extrémités par plusieurs pieds planaires. Les pieds sont placés et configurés pour servir de double de dos et de pieds des chaises opposées, soutenir les sièges étendus vers l'intérieur quand la table de salon est tournée sur le premier côté, une surface de table de salle à manger planaire est placée de manière centrale entre les pieds, s'étendant vers l'extérieur à partir du second côté dans cette position de table de salle à manger.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A unitary furniture item, the furniture item convertible between a coffee
table and a dining table with chairs, comprising:
a planar rectangular coffee table top having a first and a second side
and ends, the coffee table top supported by planar legs secured thereto at the
ends, the legs ending in a common plane and being positioned and configured
so that when the coffee table is turned on the first side, it converts into a
dining table with the legs acting as a pair of supports for a pair of opposed
chair seats extending inwardly therefrom, a planar dining table surface
centrally positioned between the legs, secured to and outwardly extending
from the second side of the planar table top and normal to said table top,
sides of the legs and the first side of the coffee table being configured to
support the furniture item in this position.
2. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the coffee table support legs
extend between the coffee table top sides, the legs forming backs and legs of
the dining table chairs when the coffee table is in dining table position.
3. The furniture item of claim 1, wherein the coffee table support legs are
rectangular panels.
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Description

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TITLE OF THE INVENTION
CONVERTIBLE FURNITURE ITEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to convertible furniture, and more
particularly to a coffee table that converts to a dining table with integral
seats.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Convertible furniture items are well known in the art, as are combined
seat and tables in the form of diner style booths. However, many convertible
furniture items tend to be made for children in order to provide multiple uses
so that less space is needed in the child's room or home. For example, U.S.
Patent 5,690,379 of Cayssials issued November 25, 1997 discloses a
convertible furniture item, which may be used as a chair and step stool or as
a rocking chair. U.S. Patent 5,415,454 of Fu-Tsung issued May 16, 1995
discloses a piece of multi-purpose furniture which may be used as a cradle,
high chair, desk and rocker. U.S. Patent 6,857,696 of Usagani issued
February 22, 2005 discloses a furniture unit which can be used as a chair,
desk, sofa and rocking toy. One disadvantage of the above furniture items is
that they are dimensioned for children; adults would have difficulty making
use of the convertible furniture items shown above. In fact, if the above were
dimensioned for average sized adults, the furniture would likely be too heavy
to convert easily.
An example of a booth type dining set is provided in U.S. Patent No.
1,429,939 of Eichman issued September 26, 1922, disclosing a combined seat
and table, like many conventional seating booths seen in restaurants. It
discloses a knock-down seat and table structure having a back-frame and end
frames extending at right angles to the back-frame to form a booth or
compartment, the end frames serving to support, at least partially, seats
supported by a brace extending across the back-frame. A table member is
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disposed centrally above and between the seats and may be supported by the
brace extending across the back frame.
This combined seat and table provides a simple construction for seating
options, but does not provide or suggest a convertible option.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of this invention is to provide a piece of convertible furniture
of simple construction in order to save space.
In one embodiment of the present invention there is provided a unitary
furniture item convertible between a coffee table and a dining table with
chairs. The furniture item comprises a planar rectangular coffee table top
having a first and a second side and ends. The table top is supported by a
planar leg secured to the coffee table top at each end. The legs end in a
common plane and are positioned and configured so that when the coffee
table is turned on the first side, it converts into a dining table with the
legs
acting as supports for a pair of opposed chair seats extending inwardly
therefrom. A planar dining table surface is centrally positioned between the
legs, secured to and outwardly extending from the second side of the planar
table top and normal to said table top. Sides of the legs and the first side
of
the coffee table are configured to support the furniture in this dining table
position.
The coffee table support legs preferably extend between the coffee
table top sides, these legs forming backs and legs of the dining table chairs
when the coffee table is in dining table position.
The convertible furniture item according to the present invention has
the advantage of enabling a more efficient use of space in small areas. It is
of
simple construction and is a low-cost option when furnishing a small area, for
example at cottages, dorm rooms or studio apartments.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other advantages of the invention will become apparent
upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the
drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the furniture item according to an
embodiment of the present invention in the coffee table position; and
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the furniture item of Figure 1, resting
on a side, in dining table position.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with the illustrated
embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the
invention
to such embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been
given identical reference numerals where appropriate. All dimensions
described herein are intended solely to illustrate an embodiment. These
dimensions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention that may
depart from these dimensions.
Referring first to Figure 1, there is illustrated a unitary convertible
furniture item 10 shown in a coffee table configuration. The furniture item 10
comprises a rectangular planar coffee table top 12 and spaced planar legs 14
and 16 secured at opposed ends 18 and 20 respectively of table top 12. Legs
14 and 16 have ends 22 and 24 respectively that are in a common plane
parallel to that of the table top 12, so the coffee table will sit firmly on a
flat
surface.
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A panel 26 is secured centrally to table top 12 along a side 28 thereof.
It is spaced inwardly from legs 14 and 16 of table top 12. Panel 26 has an
end 30 which may or may not be in a common plane with ends 22 and 24 of
legs 14 and 16. (If it does lie in that common plane, then obviously it
provides additional support for coffee table top 12.)
Additional panels 32 and 34 are secured at central locations 40 and 42
on legs 14 and 16 respectively so as to extend inwardly therefrom at an angle
of about 900 thereto. Panels 32 and 34 have ends 36 and 38 respectively,
and which may or may not end in a common plane with ends 22 and 24.
Again, if they do end in this common plane, they will provide additional
support for coffee table top 12. However, it is preferred that ends 36 and 38
end in a plane closer to table top 12, parallel to that of table top 12.
Turning now to Figure 2, furniture item 10 is shown in its dining table
position. In this position, legs 14 and 16 become back supports 44 and 46
and legs 48 and 50 respectively and panels 32 and 34 become seats. Panel
26 becomes a table surface. In this position, furniture item 10 is supported
on sides 52 and 54 respectively of legs 14 and 16, and side 56 of coffee table
top 12. Sides 52, 54 and 56 lie in a common plane (parallel to that of table
panel 26) so that the furniture will sit firmly when on a flat horizontal
surface,
with the table panel 26 in horizontal position.
In order to have the furniture item 10 in a dining table and chair
configuration as shown in Figure 2, it is simply a matter of placing the
furniture item 10 of Figure 1 on its side 56.
When the furniture item 10 of Figure 2 is desired to be in the coffee
table orientation as shown in Figure 1, the furniture item 10 is turned onto
ends 22 and 24 of legs 14 and 16. Since ends 22 and 24 are in a common
plane, the structure will be stable. In this orientation seat sides 36 and 38
are also near to the floor, but they need not extend to the floor.
Examples of dimensions for the components of furniture item 10,
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providing the required functionality and stability are as follows:
table top 12: 42 inches long and 32 inches wide;
legs 14 and 16: 32 inches wide and 18 inches high;
panel 26: 16 inches long and 18 inches wide; and
seat panels 32 and 34: 12 inches long and 16 inches wide.
It is understood that these dimensions may be varied, to suit particular
requirements.
It is contemplated that the present invention will be made of rigid
material capable of supporting the weight of users when in the dining table
orientation. It would be apparent to the person skilled in the art that many
materials may be suitable for constructing the present invention. As well, it
is
contemplated that materials may be used in various combinations in order to
provide the present invention. In particular, it is contemplated that wood,
glass, plastic or metal may be used to construct the present invention
entirely, or in various combinations.
Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with
the invention a convertible furniture item that fully satisfy the objects,
aims
and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in
conjunction with illustrated embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled
in
the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to
embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the
spirit and broad scope of the invention.
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Representative Drawing