SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODULAR FURNITURE EXTENSIONS

Abstract

A personal comfort system that is highly transformable, portable, and adaptable to a wide range of potential applications where an individual seeks to temporarily improve or otherwise enhance the functionality of existing furniture.

Claims

1. A modular furniture extension system, comprising: a transformable cushion; and one or more edge fasteners on at least a first end of the transformable cushion and a second end of the transformable cushion, the second end being opposite to the first end for providing a connection to additional transformable cushions.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shell for housing the transformable cushion.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said shell for housing the transformable cushion cooperates with the one or more edge fasteners through corresponding openings.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second transformable cushion being operatively coupled to the transformable cushion via the one or more edge fasteners.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising a third transformable cushion being operatively coupled to the transformable cushion on the end opposite of the second transformable cushion via the one or more edge fasteners.

6. The system of claim 4, wherein the second transformable cushion is flat on a first surface and provides a parallel surface relative to the first surface on a second surface opposite to the first.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the transformable cushion is flat on a first surface and provides a sloped surface relative to the first surface on a second surface opposite to the first.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the transformable cushion is defined by a thickness between 1.5 and 3.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fabric strip coupled to the transformable cushion for securing the transformable cushion to existing furniture.

10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a non-slip strip coupled to the transformable cushion for providing friction between the transformable cushion and existing furniture.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more edge fasteners comprise at least one of a metal button snap, a plastic button snap, and a hook and loop fastener.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the transformable cushion is defined by one or more sub-components, each separated from another by a channel defined therein.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein each channel defined between the one or more sub-components is variable.

14. A modular furniture extension system, comprising: a transformable cushion; a shell for housing the transformable cushion; and one or more edge fasteners on at least a first end of the transformable cushion and a second end of the transformable cushion, the second end being opposite to the first end for providing a connection to additional transformable cushions, each of the one or more edge fasteners being exposed through the shell.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising a second transformable cushion being operatively coupled to the transformable cushion via the one or more edge fasteners.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the transformable cushion is flat on a first surface and provides a sloped surface relative to the first surface on a second surface opposite to the first.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the transformable cushion is defined by a thickness between 1.5 and 3.

18. The system of claim 14, further comprising a non-slip strip coupled to the transformable cushion for providing friction between the transformable cushion and existing furniture.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the one or more edge fasteners comprise at least one of a metal button snap, a plastic button snap, and a hook and loop fastener.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the transformable cushion is defined by one or more sub-components, each separated from another by a channel defined therein.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of a perspective view of a modular furniture extension system.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating another embodiment of the perspective view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of the underside view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating another embodiment of the underside view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 3.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of a side view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of an exploded view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 7 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of a perspective view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1 in a collapsed state.

[0015] FIG. 8 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of a perspective view of a selected component of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating another embodiment of a perspective view of the selected component of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0017] FIG. 10 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating another embodiment of a perspective view of the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1 in a partially collapsed state.

[0018] FIG. 11 is an exemplary top-level diagram illustrating one embodiment of a perspective view of an internal deformable resilient material that can be used with the modular furniture extension system of FIG. 1.

[0019] It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structures or functions are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. It also should be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate every aspect of the described embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Because currently available hospital furniture systems cannot provide the comfort and adjustability of a conventional mattress or couch, a modular furniture extension system comprising multiple segments and formed of a deformable resilient material enclosed within a removeable shell, with integral attachment components, is provided for the purpose of temporarily customizing or otherwise enhancing the comfort, support, style, and hygiene of existing furniture. Such result can be achieved, for example, using a modular furniture extension system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-11.

[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, the disclosed modular furniture extension system 100 comprises one or more modular furniture segments 101. Each segment 101 can be used on its own or in combination with other segments 101. Each segment 101 is made of a deformable internal resilient material 108 (such as shown in FIG. 11), which material is housed by a shell 102. As also shown, each segment 101 can comprise various dimensions, for example, if to be used for a head portion (segment 101a), a central/body portion (segment 101b), or a foot portion (segment 101c). Advantageously, the various dimensions/slopes of the segments can accommodate any slope of any existing furniture to provide a fully flat resting surface for the patient/user.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the deformable resilient material 108 housed by the shell 102 comprises a medium high-density foam. This material is generally of some measurable thickness and, if used for a sloped central/body portion 101b, features one flat surface opposite a sloped surface, both of which may be textured to provide pressure relief and encourage air circulation. In a preferred embodiment, the measurable thickness of the material housed by the shell 102 is between 1.5 and 3 or greater. A primary advantage of the foam material is its shape which is specifically designed to correspond with the intended application of the transformable cushion based upon its purpose. For example, in the case of a transformable cushion intended for use by a spouse or partner who is accompanying the birthing person in a hospital setting where the spouse or partner is provided a stand-alone reclining chair in which to sit or sleep, the shape of the transformable cushion is designed to correspond with the dimensions and profile of the existing reclining chair such that the spouse or partner may temporarily apply the transformable cushion to enhance the comfort, support, and hygiene of the existing reclining chair. By way of example, the modular furniture extension system 100 can accommodate chairs in a healthcare setting with a width of 36-38.5, a depth of 35-40, and a height of 42-50. In a preferred embodiment, the modular furniture extension system 100 fits chairs with a width of 38.5, depth of 38, height of 47, which provides a seat width of 29, a seat depth of 21, a seat height of 21.5, a back height of 26, and arm heights of 28. FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary sizes for accommodating a typical hospital couch bed.

[0023] Each segment 101 features several components to establish a stable, yet temporary, connection to the existing furniture and to reduce the potential for slippage before, during, or after use. These components are one or more fabric strips 105, one or more non-slip strips 107, and one or more edge fasteners 103. Turning to FIGS. 3-4, a contact surface 310 of the shell 102 is designed for secure placement against existing furniture and can be fitted with the one or more non-slip strips 107 that each include a rubberized material, or rubberized anti-slip coating, to increase friction between the shell 102 and the contact surface 310 upon which the shell 102 rests. The non-slip strips 107 are affixed to the bottom of a cushion segment in a linear, parallel orientation to one another and to the ends of the cushion segment and feature a piece of fabric with a non-marking rubberized material to create friction between the segmented cushion and the surface of the existing furniture.

[0024] Each shell 102 can also include one or more fabric strips 105 for securely holding the furniture extension system 100 to existing furniture. The fabric strips 105 serve as the primary attachment component to the furniture and can include adjustable straps and clips which can be loosened or tightened to secure a selected segment 101 against an existing surface. These same straps and clips of the fabric strips 105 can also function as a mechanism by which to carry the cushion when transformed into its transport state (as shown in FIGS. 7-10) where it is either folded or disassembled when not in use.

[0025] These fabric strips 105 are optional and, because each segment 101 functions as a modular extension, placement is determined by the needs of the composition of segments 101 in assembling the modular furniture extension system 100. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the segment 101a to be used for a head portion segment 101a and the segment 101c to be used for a foot portion each include the fabric strip 105 to secure the end portions of the combined furniture extension system 100 to the system. In this example, the segment 101b to be used for the central/body portion does not include the fabric strips 105. However, those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the placement of the fabric strips 105 can be modified to accommodate the particular furniture that the furniture extension system 100 will be used with as desired.

[0026] In some embodiments, the shell 102 is made of sateen cotton fabric or other durable, washable material with one or more edge fasteners 104 at its edges to enclose and protect the internal resilient material, allowing a person to remove the shell so that it can be cleaned and maintained regularly or as needed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 6, and 8, the edge fasteners 104 can comprise metal or plastic, can be washable, and include one or more hooks, button snaps, hook and loop (e.g., Velcro), or any other known fasteners. When removing the shell 102 from the cushion, the individual opens each of the edge fasteners 104 and separates the shell 102 from the deformable resilient material within through a seam 106 such that the shell 102 (and the internal deformable resilient material) can be cleaned, replaced, stored, or otherwise maintained as necessary.

[0027] The segmented nature of the transformable cushion allows the user to customize its length or fit with the existing furniture. Using the above example, if the spouse or partner were to sit rather than lay down in a fully reclined position, then one segment 101 of the transformable cushion could be detached from the other segments for use of a single segment while the individual is in a sitting position. When reclining the chair to a fully reclined position, the individual may elect to re-attach the other segments to create an elongated cushion which supports a portion or all of the body.

[0028] To assist with customizing the modular segments, one or more segment connectors 103 can be used to couple one or more segments 101. As shown, for example in FIGS. 6 and 8-9, the segment connectors 103 can include closed-end zippers with one half of each zipper track attached to an opposite end of the cushion segment. At one end of the cushion segment there is an additional piece of fabric (the zipper flap) which can fold back onto the cushion segment in order to reveal the zipper but otherwise covers the zipper when two adjacent segments are fully joined. This zipper flap protects the user from contacting the zipper when the transformable cushion is in use.

[0029] Turning to FIG. 6, these edge fasteners 103 may be used to attach additional segments 101 at a particular side of the cushion, whether to shorten or lengthen the cushion, increase functionality by way of an integrated support for the head, neck, or legs, or to provide a storage opportunity for personal belongings in a detachable personal caddy pouch.

[0030] Those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the location of the segment connectors 103 and seam 106 may vary as desired. For example, the location of the segment connectors 103 may be placed toward the bottom of the gap between segments along the seam 106 to further reduce the amount of labor required to produce a single segment 101 and save manufacturing costs.

[0031] In its transport form (as shown in FIG. 7), two of the fabric strips 105 are used to bind the cushion segments 101 together and one fabric strip 105 is used as a strap for the purpose of carrying the transformable cushion. However, if an individual only wishes to transport or otherwise use a single cushion segment, then it is not necessary to use the primary attachment components to bind other cushion segments for the purpose of transporting the invention although one of the primary attachment components is still able to serve as a strap for carrying purposes.

[0032] Turning to FIG. 11, an exemplary embodiment of the deformable resilient material 108 of the modular furniture extension system 100 is shown. As before, each segment 101 can be used on its own or in combination with other segments 101. As also shown, each segment 101 of the deformable resilient material 108 can comprise various dimensions, for example, if to be used for a head portion (segment 101a), a central/body portion (segment 101b), or a foot portion (segment 101c). Advantageously, the various dimensions/slopes of the segments can accommodate any slope of any existing furniture to provide a fully flat resting surface for the patient/user.

[0033] Although the deformable resilient material 108 was previously described as being housed by the shell 102, the deformable resilient material 108 can be used independently from the shell 102, for example, serving as the finished surface which may or may not be covered by a separate linen or sheet. In this embodiment, each of the components of the housing 102 can be provided directly on the deformable resilient material 108. For example, although not shown, any of the fabric strips 105 and/or the non-slip strips 107 can be directly affixed to the deformable resilient material 108. In some embodiments, the deformable resilient material 108 comprises a medium high-density foam. This material is generally of some measurable thickness and, if used for a sloped central/body portion 101b, features one flat surface opposite a sloped surface, both of which may be textured to provide pressure relief and encourage air circulation. A primary advantage of the foam material is its shape which is specifically designed to correspond with the intended application of the transformable cushion based upon its purpose. As shown, the material is defined by variable spaced apart, parallel rows of foam material to provide for maximum flexibility. The variable spacing advantageously supports the deformability and flexibility of the internal material to best contour to existing furniture. Stated in another way, the variable spacing can optimize the relationship between the height of each row of foam material and the gaps therebetween to support the deformability of the transformable cushion and adjust to different furniture shapes while providing user comfort. As an additional advantage, the variable spacing can both lay flat and optimize rolling up the transformable cushion (in addition to folding flat as discussed above). However, in some embodiments, the parallel rows of foam material can be evenly spaced apart as desired. In other words, each segment 101 may comprise one or more sub-segments 201 of the deformable resilient material 108, each sub-segment 201 being separated by a channel 202 of the deformable resilient material 108. These sub-segments 201 are generally formed by the channels 202 of the deformable resilient material 108 and is typically a single component.

[0034] In the case of a transformable cushion intended for use by a spouse or partner who is accompanying the birthing person in a hospital setting where the spouse or partner is provided a stand-alone reclining chair in which to sit or sleep, the shape of the transformable cushion is designed to correspond with the dimensions and profile of the existing reclining chair such that the spouse or partner may temporarily apply the transformable cushion to enhance the comfort, support, and hygiene of the existing reclining chair.

[0035] In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls.

[0036] In this document, the terms a or an are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of at least one or one or more. In this document, the term or is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that A or B includes A but not B, B but not A, and A and B, unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms including and in which are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms comprising and wherein. Also, in the following claims, the terms including and comprising are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms first, second, and third, etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0037] Geometric terms, such as parallel, perpendicular, round, or square, are not intended to require absolute mathematical precision, unless the context indicates otherwise. Instead, such geometric terms allow for variations due to manufacturing or equivalent functions. For example, if an element is described as round or generally round, a component that is not precisely circular (e.g., one that is slightly oblong or is a many-sided polygon) is still encompassed by this description.

[0038] Method examples described herein can be machine or computer-implemented at least in part. Some examples can include a computer-readable medium or machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform methods as described in the above examples. An implementation of such methods can include code, such as microcode, assembly language code, a higher-level language code, or the like. Such code can include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. The code may form portions of computer program products. Further, in an example, the code can be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of these tangible computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (e.g., compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic cassettes, memory cards or sticks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), and the like.

[0039] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72 (b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.