Abstract
A multipurpose furniture apparatus is configurable by a user between at least a first and second orientation to provide different functions. The multipurpose furniture apparatus includes first and second ground-engaging support members, an adjoining structure, and a seat structure. The adjoining structure and the seat structure extend between and laterally separate both the first and second ground-engaging support members. In the first orientation, the furniture apparatus is configurable as a chair. The first and second ground-engaging support members are configurable as arms of the chair and supporting the adjoining structure, which is configured as a back support. In the first orientation, the seat and the adjoining structure are configured to support a user in a seated position. In the second orientation, the adjoining structure is configured as a table top, and the first and second ground-engaging support members are configured to support the table top.
Claims
1. A multipurpose furniture apparatus configurable between at least two orientations to provide different functions, comprising: first and second ground-engaging support members; and an adjoining structure and a seat structure extending between and laterally separating both the first and second ground-engaging support members, wherein, in a first orientation, the furniture apparatus is configurable as a chair, the first and second ground-engaging support members are configured as arms of the chair, the adjoining structure is configured as a back support, and the seat and adjoining structure are configured to support a user in a seated position, and wherein, in a second orientation, the adjoining structure is configured as a table top, and the first and second ground-engaging support members are configured to support the table top.
2. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the multipurpose furniture apparatus is configured to pivot about a pivot axis to enable configuration between the at least first and second orientation.
3. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ground-engaging support members comprise a padded section.
4. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ground-engaging support members each comprise or define a handle.
5. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjoining structure comprises a padded section.
6. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the padded section of the adjoining structure comprises a contour.
7. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first and second ground-engaging support members comprise a padded section that is integrally formed with the padded section of the adjoining structure.
8. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ground-engaging support members and the adjoining structure together form a horseshoe shaped structure.
9. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the seat structure is configured to be located in the center of the horseshoe shaped structure.
10. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seat structure is detachably coupled to the first and second ground-engaging support members and has a detached and a coupled configuration.
11. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 10, wherein in the detached configuration, the seat structure is useable to support the weight of a user independently of the multipurpose furniture apparatus.
12. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seat structure has an inclined surface.
13. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seat structure has a generally cubic or cuboid form.
14. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the seat structure has the form of a truncated wedge.
15. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of seat structures.
16. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 1, configurable into a third orientation to provide a user interactive surface.
17. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the adjoining structure comprises a compartment, and the user interactive surface is able to be stored within the compartment of the adjoining structure.
18. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the user interactive surface is able to be slidably stored and withdrawn from the compartment of the adjoining structure.
19. The multipurpose furniture apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the user interactive surface is a display board such as a blackboard or a whiteboard.
20. A method for using a multipurpose furniture apparatus, comprising: providing a multipurpose furniture apparatus configurable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation by a user, the multipurpose furniture apparatus comprising: first and second ground-engaging support members, and an adjoining structure and a seat structure extending between and laterally separating both the first and second ground-engaging support members; configuring the multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation for use as a chair, the first and second ground-engaging support members being configured as arms of the chair, the adjoining structure being configured as a back support, and the seat and adjoining structure being configure to support a user in a seated position; and configuring the multipurpose furniture apparatus in a second orientation, the adjoining structure being configured as a table top, and the first and second ground-engaging support members being configured to support the table top.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0096] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation.
[0097] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation, with an exemplary seat structure detached.
[0098] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a second orientation, with an exemplary seat structure detached.
[0099] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a third orientation.
[0100] FIGS. 5 and 6 show an example of use of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation.
[0101] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an example of use of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a second orientation.
[0102] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an example of use of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a third orientation.
[0103] FIG. 11 illustrates a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation, with an exemplary seat structure detached, showing an internal compartment in the seat structure.
[0104] FIGS. 12 to 14 are various views of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation, showing further detail of an exemplary seat structure.
[0105] FIGS. 15 to 19 are various views of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation.
[0106] FIGS. 20 to 23 are various views of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a second orientation, showing an exemplary seat structure detached.
[0107] FIGS. 24 to 26 are various views of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a third orientation.
[0108] FIG. 27 further illustrates use of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a third orientation.
[0109] FIGS. 28 and 29 show a second example of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation.
[0110] FIG. 30 show a third example of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a second orientation.
[0111] FIGS. 31a and 31b illustrate a further example of a multipurpose furniture apparatus in a first orientation.
[0112] FIG. 32 is a schematic illustration of a multipurpose furniture apparatus having a plurality of seat structures in a first orientation.
[0113] FIGS. 33 and 34 are various views of a multipurpose furniture apparatus with a plurality of seat structures in a first orientation.
[0114] FIGS. 35 to 37 are various view of a multipurpose furniture apparatus with a plurality of seat structures in a second orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0115] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a multipurpose furniture apparatus 10 in the first orientation in which it functions as a chair. The multipurpose furniture apparatus 10 comprises a seat structure 12, a first ground-engaging support member 14, a second ground-engaging support member 16, and an adjoining structure 18. The first ground-engaging support member 14 is located opposite the second ground-engaging support member 16. Extending at a right angle between the first ground-engaging support member 14 and the second ground-engaging support member 16 is adjoining structure 18. The adjoining structure 18 may be, for example, a single flat component or panel. Alternatively, the adjoining structure 18 may comprise multiple flat components, arranged in a parallel configuration. Where the adjoining structure 18 comprises multiple flat components, a recess may be defined therebetween, which may be used as a storage space, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the furniture apparatus 10 comprises a retaining member 48. The retaining member 48 is located perpendicular to the adjoining structure 18 and, in this example, forms a boundary of a recess provided between the multiple components (not shown) comprising the adjoining structure 18. The retaining member 48 may assist to secure the back padded section 24 in place relative to the adjoining structure 18.
[0116] Together, the first ground-engaging support member 14, the second ground-engaging support member 16 and the adjoining structure 18 form a U-shaped, or horseshoe shaped, structure, in the center of which is defined an opening where a user may sit and where is located the seat structure 12.
[0117] The first ground-engaging support member 14 is generally a mirror image of the second ground-engaging support member 16. The first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 are flat panel members comprising a main body section 14a, 16a and an extension section 14b, 16b. In this orientation, the extension sections 14b, 16b protrude upwardly from the top of each support member 14, 16, from a corner thereof, and in-plane with the ground-engaging support members 14, 16.
[0118] Although not shown, the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 may each comprise an external coupling mechanism on an outward facing surface thereof. The external coupling mechanism may be configurable to engage with an external coupling mechanism of a second furniture apparatus, and may assist to align a first furniture apparatus with a second furniture apparatus. The external coupling mechanism may be a mechanical latch mechanism, a magnetic coupling mechanism, or the like.
[0119] In the example shown, each of the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 comprises a respective first and second padded side section 20, 22 affixed thereto, which in this example define the arms of the chair. The skilled reader will appreciate that the first and second padded side sections 20, 22 may be attached to the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 by any appropriate means, for example by glue, mechanical fasteners, ties, Velcro, or the like. The first and second padded side sections 20, 22 comprise an upper surface 20a, 22a, an outward-facing surface 20b, 22b, and an inward-facing surface 20c, 22c. The inward facing surface 20c, 22c of each of the first and second padded side sections 20, 22 extends at an incline to the vertical in the orientation of the furniture apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1. In this way, a user is provided with additional room, and improved comfort than if the inward-facing surfaces 20c, 22c were to extend vertically. Further, the inward-facing surfaces 20c, 22c, outward facing surfaces, 20b, 22b, and upper surfaces 20a, 22a are connected by curved edges to provide further increased comfort, and an aesthetic appeal to the first and second padded side sections 20, 22.
[0120] Although not shown in this example, the arms of the chair (defined by ground-engaging support member 14, 16 and padded side sections 20, 22, affixed thereto) may comprise an integrated cup holder.
[0121] In this example, each of the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 additionally comprise a respective secondary support structure 44, 46. In the orientation of FIG. 1, the secondary support structures 44, 46 are shown located below the respective padded side sections 20, 22, and may assist to support the weight of the padded side sections 20, 22. An outward facing surface 44b, 46b of each of the secondary support structures 44, 46 is shown, and is in the form of a panel. As will be described with reference to the further Figures, the secondary support structures 44, 46 may comprise further supports (e.g., further panels).
[0122] As with the first and second ground-engaging support members, 14, 16, the adjoining structure 18 also comprises, or is affixed to, a back padded section 24. In this example, the back padded section 24 is integrally formed with padded side sections 20, 22, although the person skilled in the art will appreciate that it would also be possible to have each separately formed. The padded back section 24 comprises a contour 26, which is generally shaped to conform to the body of a user in the seated position.
[0123] The seat structure 12 is located in an opening formed by the first and second ground-engaging support members and the adjoining structure 14, 16, 18 and is fitted to be in abutment with each of the first and second ground-engaging support member and the adjoining structure 14, 16, 18. The seat structure comprises a base support 28 (of which only a front panel is shown in FIG. 1) and a seat surface 30. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the base support 28 may comprise further components (e.g., further panels), which will be described in further detail in relation to other Figures. The seat surface 30 comprises a padded section 32. In this example, the padded section 32 comprises a contour 34 shaped to conform to the body of a user in the seated position. The seat surface 30 is inclined at an angle to the horizontal and inclines upwardly in the direction away from the abutment between the seat structure 12 and the adjoining structure 18. The base support 28 of the seat structure 12 comprises a handle 36 and a recess 38. In this example, the handle 36 permits the user to move the seat structure 12, for example, to remove the seat structure 12 from the furniture apparatus 10. The recess 38 may function as an additional handle to assist the user in moving the seat structure 12. In this example, the recess 38 also permits detachment of the seat surface 30 from the front panel 28, as well as any further supports, described in more detail in the following Figures.
[0124] The padded side and back sections, 20, 22, 24 may be made out of any suitable padded material, for example, foam.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 each comprise protrusions 40a-c, 42b-c, extending in-plane with the ground-engaging support members 14, 16. In this example, there are three protrusions, although in other examples there may be more or fewer protrusions. Protrusions 40a, 40b, 42b are in contact with the ground surface in this orientation, although in other orientations, other protrusions may be in contact with the ground surface, as will be described. In this example, protrusions 40a, 40b extend along two sides of first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16, and as such are in contact with a ground surface in a first orientation and a second orientation, as is described below. The protrusions 40a-c, 42b-c form ground contact portions of the furniture apparatus 10. Having ground contact portions may protect the remaining structure of the ground-engaging support members 14, 16 from scratches, scuffs etc. as a result of being in contact with the ground surface, while also or alternatively providing stability where, for example, the furniture apparatus 10 is located on an uneven surface by assisting to prevent the furniture apparatus 10 from rocking on undulations on an uneven surface. Further, the protrusions 40a-c, 42b-c may provide a clearance gap between parts of the furniture apparatus 10 and a ground surface to prevent scratching, wearing, soiling or the like as a result of contact therewith. Sections of the furniture apparatus 10 identified as ground contact portions may, for example, comprise a treatment or a cover member (not shown) in order to improve their function in this regard. For example, a ground contact portion may comprise a resin, varnish or rubber coating to improve material properties such as durability, toughness, scratch resistance or the like.
[0126] The protrusions 40a-c, 42b-c may also assist in configuring the furniture apparatus 10 between orientations. Corresponding protrusions on the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 provide pivot points about which the furniture apparatus 10 may be rotated to be configured between orientations. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the corner of protrusions 40b, 42b provide an axis about which the furniture apparatus 10 may be pivoted, and so reconfigured between orientations, as will become clear with regards the description of further Figures.
[0127] In the example shown, the ground-engaging support members 14, 16 are affixed to the secondary support structures 44, 46 by means of nails or screws 50, as is the retaining member 48 attached to the adjoining structure 18. However, the skilled reader will understand that any appropriate affixing means may be used, for example by chemical bonding.
[0128] FIG. 2 illustrates the furniture apparatus 10 of FIG. 1, with the seat structure 12 shown separate from the furniture apparatus 10, such that the construction of the seat structure 12 can be shown more clearly. In this example, the seat structure 12 is releasably couplable to the furniture apparatus 10, and has been decoupled therefrom. Although not shown, the seat structure 12 may couple to the furniture apparatus 10 by means of a latch mechanism, a magnetic coupling mechanism, a fabric tie, or the like.
[0129] FIG. 2 shows that the base support 28 is a generally cuboid shaped structure, having side panels extending perpendicular to the front panel. The panels of the base support 28 and the seat surface 30 together define a hollow space inside the seat structure 12. Having a hollow space may assist to reduce the weight of the seat structure 12, while also providing a storage space.
[0130] Although the seat structure 12 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as having a generally cuboid shape, the skilled reader will appreciate that other shapes of seat structure 12 may be possible. For example, the sides of the seat structure 12 may taper from the front to the back of the seat structure 12 so as to have the shape of a truncated wedge, such that when viewed from above (as shown in FIG. 2) the seat structure 12 has a generally trapezoidal shape. In this configuration, the seat structure 12 may be designed so that coupling with the furniture apparatus 10 is only possible in one orientation of the seat structure 12.
[0131] Secondary support structures 44, 46 are shown in further detail in FIG. 2. The secondary support structures 44, 46 extend around the periphery below the padded side sections 20, 22 and may provide support thereto. Similar to the secondary support structures 44, 46, the furniture apparatus 10 comprises a rear support structure 54 which is located below the padded back section 24, and may provide support thereto. The rear support structure 54 may be held in place by being affixed to the adjoining structure 18, the secondary support structures 44, 46, or both. The secondary support structures 44, 46 and the rear support structure 54 define an inner surface of the opening provided in the furniture apparatus 10 provided by the first and second ground-engaging support members 14, 16 and the adjoining structure 18.
[0132] FIG. 3 illustrates the furniture apparatus 10 in a second orientation. Structurally, the furniture apparatus 10 is the same as that show in FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore the same reference numerals have been used. In the second orientation, the furniture apparatus 10 has been repositioned for use as a desk or table. The repositioning may require the simple rotation, pivoting or lifting and turning of the furniture apparatus 10 relative to a ground surface (not shown). In the example illustrated, the seat structure 12 has been decoupled from the furniture apparatus 10, and in this example the seat structure 12 may be used as a stool.
[0133] In the second orientation, the ground-engaging support members 14, 16, support the adjoining structure 18, which is located above the ground-engaging support members 14, 16. The adjoining structure 18 comprises an outwardly-facing flat surface 60, which in the second orientation is upwardly-facing and useable as a table top or a desk, although it will be appreciated that in other orientations, the flat surface 60 may be facing in other directions (for example, in the first orientation, the flat surface is rearwardly facing).
[0134] In the second orientation, the opening formed by the ground-engaging support members 14, 16 and the adjoining structure 18 forms a space to receive the legs of a user when using the furniture apparatus, for example as a desk or a table. The padded side sections 20, 22 are located to the side of the opening, and in this configuration the incline of the inward-facing surface may function to provide the user with additional leg room and also to provide easier access for the legs of a user when moving into and out of the opening. In the example shown, the inclined inward facing surface 20c, 22c, of the side padded sections 20, 22 provides a shape appropriate for receiving the legs of a user, and provides more space for the legs of a user than if the inward facing surfaces 20c, 22c had an orientation parallel to the ground engaging support members 14, 16. Further, the orientation of the incline of the inwards facing surfaces 20c, 22c additionally provides more entry space for the legs of a user by providing a wedge-shaped recess into which the user may position their legs. The padded back section 24 is located above the opening, and the contour 26 therein, which in the first orientation is configured to receive the body of a user, may now provide additional space to allow the legs of a user to be situated under furniture apparatus 10 when in the seated position, for example when sitting on a chair or stool adjacent the furniture apparatus 10. The contour 26 therefore has a dual purpose of receiving the body of a user when the furniture apparatus 10 is in the first orientation and providing a space for receiving the legs of a user when the furniture apparatus 10 is in the second orientation.
[0135] In this example, the extension sections 14b, 16b of the ground-engaging support members 14, 16 allow for a larger adjoining surface 18 to extend therebetween, and thus allow for a larger table top or desk area. Further, the extension sections 14b, 16b provide an overhang section of the furniture apparatus 10, which may provide the user with easier use of the furniture apparatus 10 in the second orientation.
[0136] In the second orientation, protrusions 40b, 42b and 40c, 42c are in contact with the ground surface, while projection 40a (and the equivalent projection on the second ground-engaging support member 16, not shown) has been lifted from the ground surface as a result of the reconfiguration or reorientation of the furniture apparatus 10.
[0137] FIG. 4 illustrates a third orientation of the furniture apparatus 10. In this orientation, a user interactive surface of the furniture apparatus 10 may be visible/useable, which may be a presentation board such as a blackboard and/or magnetic board, a touch-screen display, a flat-screen television or the like. To configure the furniture apparatus 10 to the third configuration, the furniture apparatus 10 has been pivoted about projections 40c, 42c from the second orientation. In the third orientation, the extension sections 14b, 16b are in contact with the ground surface. As such, at least a part of the extension sections 14b, 16b may be, or be treated as, a ground contact portion. As a result of the extension sections 14b, 16b being in contact with the ground surface, the furniture apparatus 10 has been pivoted by an angle less than 90 degrees between the second orientation and the third orientation. As such, the adjoining structure 18 lies at an oblique angle relative to the ground surface, which may assist the user in using the user interactive surface of the furniture apparatus 10, as will be described below.
[0138] In the example shown, the furniture apparatus 10 comprises a display board 70, which is slidably engaged in a recess 72 which is located within the adjoining structure 18. The display board 70 may be a blackboard or a whiteboard, and may be magnetic. The display board 70 may alternatively or also comprise a flat-screen television, a touch-screen display, or the like. As previously described, in this example, the adjoining structure 18 is comprised of multiple flat components (not shown) laterally spaced apart to define a recess 72 therebetween. The retaining member 48 is located perpendicular to the flat components of the adjoining structure 18 and defines a boundary of the recess 72. The display board 70 comprises a handle 74 to enable the user to withdraw the display board 70 from the recess 72. In the example shown, the handle 74 is in the form of a through hole in the display board, although the skilled reader will appreciate that other types of handle may be incorporated into the design.
[0139] Although a separate display board 70 is illustrated in the example of FIG. 4, it may also be the case that the flat surface 60 of the adjoining structure 18 itself functions as a display board in addition or alternative to the display board 70.
[0140] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the furniture apparatus 10 in use in a first orientation as an armchair. In FIG. 5, a smaller user 80 is shown, while in FIG. 6, a larger user 90 is shown. The smaller user 80 may be a small child (e.g., a child of 2 to 3 years), while the larger user 90 may be a larger child (for example, a child of 6 to 7 years). The skilled person will appreciate that this illustration is intended to show the size of the furniture apparatus 10 relative to a smaller user 80 and a larger user 90 and is not intended to imply any limits to the possible size of a user or of the furniture apparatus (e.g., the larger user 90 may also be an adult). As such, the overall dimensions of the furniture apparatus 10 may be altered to suit the needs of a smaller user 80 or larger user 90 (e.g., the furniture apparatus 10 may comprise smaller dimensions when intended for use by a smaller user 80, and larger dimensions when intended for use by a larger user 90).
[0141] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the furniture apparatus 10 in use in a second orientation as a desk or table. FIG. 7 illustrates use of the furniture apparatus 10 by a smaller user 80, while FIG. 8 illustrates use of the furniture apparatus 10 by a larger user 90. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the seat structure 12 has been detached from the furniture apparatus 10 so that the user may configure the seat structure 12 as a stool, so as to be able to sit at the desk. As can be seen clearly in FIGS. 7 and 8, extension sections 14b, 16b provide an overhang section, which facilitates use of the furniture apparatus as a table or desk when the user is in a seated position
[0142] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the furniture apparatus 10 in use in a third orientation showing the user interactive surface, in this case shown as a display board. Similar to previous Figures, FIG. 9 illustrates the furniture apparatus being used by a smaller user 80, while FIG. 10 illustrates the furniture apparatus being used by a larger user 90.
[0143] FIG. 11 is a further illustration of the furniture apparatus 10 in the first orientation, showing the seat structure 12 separated from the furniture apparatus 10. FIG. 11 shows further detail of the base support 28 of the seat structure 12. The base support 28 comprises four side members and a base member arranged to form a hollow cuboid shape. The seat surface 30 forms a lid of the base support 28 which, in this example, is connected to the side members by a hinge connection (not shown) and is shown in an open position. As such, the seat surface 30 may be lifted to allow access to the center of the hollow base support 28. As previously described, recess 38 facilitates access to the center of the hollow base support 28 by permitting the user to easily pivot the seat surface 30 relative to the base support 28. Handle 36 allows the user to easily grip and move the seat structure 12, for example, to separate the seat structure 12 from the furniture apparatus 10.
[0144] FIG. 12 illustrates the furniture apparatus 10 in the first orientation, with the seat structure 12 coupled thereto. Similar to FIG. 11, the seat surface 30 of the seat structure 12 is connected to the base support 28 via a hinge joint (not shown).
[0145] FIGS. 13 and 14 are similar to FIGS. 11 and 12, in that they illustrate the furniture apparatus 10 in a first orientation and the seat structure 12 in an open position. In the example of FIGS. 13 and 14, the seat surface 30 is able to be completely detached from the base support 28. In this example, when in a closed configuration, the seat surface 30 may simply rest on the base support under gravity. Alternatively, the seat surface 30 and the base support 28 may comprise a magnet coupling mechanism to assist in securing the seat surface 30 on the base support 28. The skilled reader will also appreciate that other coupling mechanisms may be equally employed, for example a mechanical latch coupling mechanism.
[0146] FIGS. 15 to 19 illustrate various views of the furniture apparatus 10 in the first orientation with the seat structure 12 coupled thereto.
[0147] FIGS. 20 to 23 illustrate various views of the furniture apparatus 10 in the second orientation with the seat structure 12 decoupled therefrom and useable as a stool to sit adjacent the furniture apparatus 10.
[0148] FIGS. 24 to 27 illustrate various views of the furniture apparatus 10 in the third orientation, with the seat structure (not shown) decoupled therefrom. In particular, FIG. 27 provides further illustration of the display board in use. The display board 70 is shown withdrawn from the recess in which it is positioned or stowed. The display board 70 is held in the withdrawn position by a retaining mechanism (not shown). The retaining mechanism may be, for example, a mechanical latch which is operable by hand. Shown in FIG. 25, the furniture apparatus 10 comprises a U-shaped base panel 76 which is located perpendicular relative to, and connects to, the ground-engaging support members 14, 16, the adjoining structure 18, secondary support structures 44, 46 and rear support structure 54. The base panel 76 provides an opening 78 to recess 72 to enable access to the display board 70. Further, to facilitate access to the display board 70, the base panel comprises an indent section 82 to provide the user easier access to the handle 74 when the display board 70 is in a stored configuration.
[0149] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate a further example of a furniture apparatus 110. In the example shown, the furniture apparatus 110 is substantially similar to that shown in previous figures, and as such the reference numerals are the same as those used previously, incrementally increased by 100. In this example, the furniture apparatus 110 is shown in a first orientation. The furniture apparatus 110 comprises a handle 190, defined as a through hole in ground-engaging support member 114. Although not shown, the furniture apparatus 110 may comprise a handle similarly defined by ground engaging support member 116. The skilled reader will understand that, although handle 190 is illustrated in FIG. 28 as a through hole, it may be in the form of a protruding handle, such as a knob, or a loop-style handle, and may be defined by the ground-engaging support member 114, 116 or it may be affixed to or located on the ground engaging support member 114, 116. Having a handle 190 defined by, or located on, the ground engaging support member 114, 116 may assist the user to configure the furniture apparatus 110 between configurations. For example, the handle 190 may assist the user to grip and pivot or lift the furniture apparatus 110 about an axis to configure the furniture apparatus 110 between orientations. The handle 190 is defined at a location towards a corner of the ground-engaging support member 114, 116, and as such may assist a user to rotate the furniture apparatus 110 naturally about its center of gravity. Although not shown, the furniture apparatus 110 may comprise a plurality of handles, e.g., two handles, having different locations on ground-engaging support member 114, 116 to facilitate configuration of the furniture apparatus 110 between orientations.
[0150] FIG. 30 is a further example of a furniture apparatus 210, illustrated in a second orientation. The furniture apparatus 210 is substantially similar to that shown in previous figures, and as such the reference numerals are the same as those used in FIGS. 1 to 27, incrementally increased by 200. In this example, the adjoining structure 218 comprises a flat surface 260 having a rib 292 extending around the periphery thereof. The flat surface 260 has a rectangular shape, and in this example the rib 262 fully extends around the periphery of three sides of the flat surface 260, providing one side of the flat surface 260 without any of the rib 292 extending therealong, which may allow a user easy access to the flat surface 260 when used as a desk, for example. The skilled person will, however, appreciate that it is possible to have the rib 292 extending along more or less of the periphery of the flat surface 260, e.g., along two sides of the rectangular flat surface 260, or partially along one, some or all sides of the flat surface 260. Further, in the example shown, the rib 292 extends as a continuous rib, however, in alternative examples, the rib 292 may be discontinuous.
[0151] FIG. 30 illustrates a rib 292 constructed from three components 292a-c, affixed to the flat surface 260. The components 292a-c may be affixed to the flat surface 260 by any appropriate means, for example by screwing, gluing or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the rib 292 may be formed of a single component affixed to the flat surface 260, or may be integrally formed with the flat surface 262. Further alternatively or additionally, the rib 292, or a part of the rib 292, may be formed by a part of ground-engaging support member 214, 216, extending relative to the flat surface 260, for example extending at right angles to the flat surface 260.
[0152] The rib 292 may prevent items from rolling, or being inadvertently knocked from the flat surface 60.
[0153] FIGS. 31a and 31b show an additional example of a furniture apparatus 310, illustrated in a first orientation, with a seat structure 312 shown rotated to permit further detail of the seat structure 312 to be seen. The furniture apparatus 310 is substantially similar to that shown in previous figures, and as such the reference numerals are the same as those used in FIGS. 1 to 27, increased by 300.
[0154] In this example, first ground engaging support member 314, second ground engaging support member 316 and adjoining structure 318 are formed together in a horseshoe shape, as in previous examples. Similarly, first and second ground engaging support members 314, 316 comprise secondary support structures 344, 346 respectively, while adjoining structure 318 comprises rear support structure 354. Compared to the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 27, the form of this example is slightly different. In particular, the padded back section 324a, 324b is formed as two parts, which may assist in the ease of manufacture of the padded back section 324a, 324b.
[0155] In this example, both of the secondary support structures 344, 346 comprise part of a linkage 355a-b between the seat structure 312 and support structures 344, 346. The linkage 355a-b comprises a protrusion 355a in the form of a rib, which extends laterally in a front-to-back direction along an interior surface of the horseshoe shape formed by the adjoining structure 318 and support members 314, 316. The protrusion 355a matches with a slot 355b which is located on a side surface of the seat structure 312 towards the base. In this example, the seat structure 312 is able to couple together with secondary and rear support structures 344, 346, 354. The linkage 355a-b then permits the furniture apparatus 310 to be lifted and moved without the seat structure 312 decoupling from the furniture apparatus 310. Further, the linkage prevents rotation of the first and second ground engaging support members 314, 316 and adjoining structure relative to the seat structure 312 if, for example, a user were to apply a force to the adjoining structure 318 as a result of sitting in the furniture apparatus 310.
[0156] FIG. 31b shows the furniture apparatus 310 of FIG. 31a, but with a cutaway portion. As such, the engagement of the linkage 355a-b is able to be seen in more detail
[0157] FIG. 32 illustrates an example of the furniture apparatus in the first orientation. In this example, the furniture apparatus 310 comprises two seat structures 412a, 412b, and may be used by two persons. Many of the features of the example of FIG. 32 are in common with those in FIG. 1. As such, the reference numerals are the same, but incremented by 400. As with the previous example, the furniture apparatus 410 of FIG. 32 comprises a first and a second ground-engaging support member 414, 416, and an adjoining structure 418. The dimensions of the first and second ground-engaging support members 414, 416 may be substantially similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 1. However, in this example the adjoining structure 418 may have a greater length to accommodate an additional seat structure 412a, 412b, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0158] In the example shown, the two seat structures 412a, 412b are substantially identical and comprise base supports 428a, 428b and seat surfaces 430a, 430b as with the example of FIG. 1. The ground-engaging support members 414, 416 and the adjoining structure 418 form a horseshoe shaped structure defining an opening to receive a user in a seated position. In this example, the opening is sufficiently dimensioned so as to receive both of the identical seat structures 412a, 412b. The padded back section comprises two contours 426a, 426b, each corresponding to a seat structure 412a, 412b, when coupled to the furniture apparatus 410.
[0159] FIGS. 33 and 34 illustrate an elevation and plan view of the furniture apparatus 410 with both seat structures 412a, 412b coupled thereto.
[0160] FIG. 35 illustrates the furniture apparatus 410, previously shown in FIGS. 32 to 34, in the second orientation, useable as a desk or table top. In the example of FIG. 35, the seat structures 412a, 412b are detached from the furniture apparatus 410 and are useable as stools.
[0161] FIGS. 36 and 37 provide views of the furniture apparatus with an alternative positioning of seat structures 412a, 412.
[0162] Although not illustrated, the examples shown in FIGS. 32 to 37 may also have a third orientation in which the furniture apparatus 410 may comprise a user interactive surface for use as described in the previous figures, as is possible with the furniture apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 to 27.
[0163] The foregoing description is only exemplary of the principles of the invention. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, so that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
