Modular Furniture Frame Unit

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a modular furniture frame unit having a bed support and a storage assembly housing at least one pull-out wardrobe. The modular frame unit can also include a desk element. The present invention also relates generally to a furniture assembly having one or more modular furniture frame units as described herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modular furniture systems are becoming more and more common place in university student housing. Each room is fitted with similar furniture systems that builders or even students can arrange in a number of configurations. The versatility permits a student to adapt his or her quarters to the student's own style. Most dormitory modular furniture systems are constructed with a combination of solid wood and wood paneling to provide durability and strength, particularly in situations where beds are lofted to provide workspace for student desks below. The present day modular furniture systems attempt to easily adapt to students' special needs, such as providing sleeping quarters and a desktop, but often leave out other needs such as adding a second bed in the same room without installing bunk beds and providing a convenient place for storing clothes and other items without taking up unnecessary space.

Many modular furniture systems are described in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,328 to Mason discloses a modular furniture system consisting of functional modules that can be oriented, stacked and interlocked to create different furniture assemblies. The furniture assembly described in Mason additionally includes a retractable writing surface located in a cabinet provided both underneath and to the side of a loft-bed. However, the modules in Mason are arranged perpendicular to one another such that the upper bunk bed is longitudinally disposed along a wall of a room while the lower bunk bed is positioned partially within the enclosure formed by the upper bed and its two end supports, with the other portion of the lower bunk bed jutting out into the room and taking up valuable space. In addition, while Mason teaches multiple storage compartments positioned at least partially under the upper bunk bed, the compartments are limited in size to drawers and the like.

In another example, US 2003/0070224 to Walsh discloses a more space-conscious design for a modular loft-bed assembly. The assembly described in Walsh utilizes a plurality of steps to gain access to the loft-bed. The assembly also allows for a workstation with a desk top surface immediately below the bed. The steps allow for storage compartments, such as drawers, cabinets or even a closet to be included within the assembly. The closet, however, is limited in size by the quantity and dimensions of the multiple storage compartments underneath the steps.

There therefore still exists a need for a modular furniture frame unit that utilizes space along the length of a wall by including a desk element, a bed support and a storage assembly housing at least one pull-out wardrobe. The modular frame unit of the present invention eliminates the need for bunk beds and pre-built, recessed closets. The modular frame unit can be joined with or otherwise include a second or more frame units to afford a furniture assembly. The furniture assembly as described herein is a modular device used for dividing a single bedroom into two or more separate sleeping quarters, affording occupants of each a sub-divided room with a comfortable and private space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a modular furniture frame unit comprising a bed support and a storage section that houses at least one pull-out wardrobe. The modular furniture frame unit can also include a portion utilized as a desktop for a workplace. The bed support of the modular furniture frame unit is configured to receive a bed mattress thereon, while the storage section is positioned underneath or adjacent to the bed support. The desktop is housed within, or positioned on, a desk element, wherein the desk element is positioned either underneath or on a side of the bed support. Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every aspect of this invention. As such, the following objects can be viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this invention.

Accordingly, it can also be an object of the present invention to provide a furniture assembly having two or more modular furniture frame units. The one or more frame units of the furniture assembly each comprise a bed support and a storage section that houses at least one pull-out wardrobe. Each modular furniture frame unit can also include a portion utilized as a desktop. The bed support of each modular furniture frame unit is configured to receive a bed mattress theron, while the storage section is positioned underneath or adjacent to the bed support. The desktop is positioned either underneath or on a side of the bed support. The two or more modular frame units of the furniture assembly can be divided by either a partition wall or two adjacent sections of the two or more modular frame units of the furniture assembly.

Other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from this summary and the following descriptions of certain embodiments and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having knowledge of modular furniture. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above as taken into conjunction with the accompanying examples, figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom. The disclosures in this application of all articles and references, including patents, are incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a furniture assembly with two modular furniture frame units.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a modular furniture frame unit of the furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another furniture assembly with two modular furniture frame units.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the furniture assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a modular furniture frame unit of the furniture assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of a pull-out wardrobe housed in a furniture assembly as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

As it relates to certain non-limiting embodiments, the present invention is a modular furniture frame unit comprising a bed support and a storage section that houses at least one pull-out wardrobe. The modular furniture frame unit optionally includes a portion utilized as a desktop for a workplace, wherein the desktop is housed within, or positioned on, a desk element. The bed support of the modular furniture frame unit is configured to receive a bed mattress thereon, while the storage section is positioned underneath or adjacent to the bed support. The desktop is positioned either underneath or on a side of the bed support.

According to one feature of the illustrated embodiments, the modular furniture frame unit as described herein is made from a wide range of materials, preferably wood or metal. More preferably, the modular furniture frame unit is made from material including, but not limited to solid wood, laminated wood, plywood sheeting, particle board and other wood related products, aluminum and other metal alloys, and polymeric materials such as polyvinyl chloride and related products offering a rigid framework.

Accordingly, the following presents non-limiting examples of embodiments for a modular furniture frame unit. It is to be understood that while terms such as “left”, “right”, “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” “rear,” “down,” “up” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements of the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures or the orientation during typical use.

Reference is made in detail below to various embodiments. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation and does not constitute a definition of all possible embodiments. For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, examples are introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples are illustrative and not limiting and are provided purely for explanatory purposes.

Referring to a specific non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, a furniture assembly 1000 comprises two modular furniture frame units 1100, 1200, in this case mirror images of each other, wherein each frame unit 1100, 1200 has a loft-bed support 1110, 1210, respectively. As used herein, a “mirror image” is one modular frame unit identical in form and structure to another modular frame unit, but with the structure reversed, as in a mirror, i.e. non-superimposable. FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of furniture assembly 1000 with frame units 1100, 1200 each provided with a loft-bed support 1110, 1210. The modular furniture frame units 1100, 1200 also include a storage component or section 1120, 1220 housing at least one pull-out wardrobe 1130, 1230 and preferably a second pull-out wardrobe 1140, 1240 each positioned underneath the loft-bed support 1110, 1210, as seen in FIG. 2, which depicts a front view of the furniture assembly 1000 of FIG. 1. Additionally, the modular furniture frame units 1100, 1200 optionally include a desk element 1160, 1260 housing a desktop 1150, 1250.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the modular furniture frame unit 1100 of the furniture assembly 1000 shown in FIG. 1 and depicts the various panels that can be included in said modular furniture frame unit 1100 or similar modular frame unit. By “panel” is meant a flat or curved component, preferably rectangular in shape, that forms a part, and usually a side of, a modular frame unit or a section of a modular frame unit. Each panel can include one or more sub-panels to define the panel. As shown in FIG. 3, modular furniture frame unit 1100 includes a first loft-bed support side-panel 1111 positioned perpendicular to and extending upward from a first side edge 1110A of the loft-bed support 1110. Typically, the first side-panel 1111 extends vertically upward at or near a ceiling wall. First side-panel 1111 also includes a recess 1111A from a first loft-bed support side-panel top 1111B and extending downward towards a first loft-bed support side-panel bottom 1111C, the recess 1111A being able to receive a bed support ladder 1170, as shown in FIG. 1. As disclosed herein, the bed support ladder 1170 is made from a wide range of materials, preferably wood or metal. The recess 1111A preferably extends downward towards, but never reaches, the first side-panel bottom 1111C. First side-panel 1111 can consist of two or more, and preferably two to four sub-panels. In the particular example depicted in FIG. 3, the first loft-bed support side-panel 1111 is defined by a first bed support middle sub-panel 1111D secured between, and adjacent to, a first bed support left sub-panel 1111E and a first bed support right sub-panel 1111F, wherein the middle sub-panel 1111D defines the recess 1111A in the first side-panel 1111. As shown in FIG. 2, modular furniture frame units 1100, 1200 of furniture assembly 1000 can share one or more panels or sub-panels, such as for example, the first bed support right sub-panel 1111F.

Modular frame unit 1100 optionally includes a second loft-bed support side-panel 1113 positioned perpendicular to and extending vertically upward from a second side edge 1110B of the loft-bed support 1110. The second side-panel 1113 is located parallel to the first side-panel 1111. Preferably, the second side-panel 1113 extends upward at a substantially similar distance as the first side-panel 1111 extends upward. The second loft-bed support side-panel 1113 optionally extends downward from the second side edge 1110B of the loft-bed support 1110. The second loft-bed support side-panel 1113 can also consist of two or more, and preferably two to four sub-panels. Referring again to the specific example depicted in FIG. 3, the second side-panel 1113 is defined by two second loft-bed support sub-panels, 1113A and 1113B, respectively, secured adjacent to each other.

The modular frame unit 1100 optionally includes a loft-bed support front panel 1117 and/or a loft-bed support back panel 1115. The front panel 1117 and the back panel 1115 are located opposite and parallel to each other and extend vertically upward from a third and fourth edge, 1110D and 1110C, respectively, of the loft-bed support 1110. Front and back panels 1117, 1115 can consist of two or more, and preferably two to four sub-panels. As shown in FIG. 3, front panel 1117 is defined by two front loft-bed support sub-panels 1117A, 1117B secured adjacent to each other, and back panel 1115 is defined by two back loft-bed support panels 1115A, 1115B secured adjacent to each other. Preferably, the front panel 1117 and the back panel 1115 extend upward at a substantially similar distance as the first and second side-panels 1111, 1113 extend upward. In addition, front panel 1117 and back panel 1115 optionally extend downward to or near the floor from the third and fourth side edges 1110D, 1110C, respectively, of the loft-bed support 1110. Collectively, loft-bed support, 1110, first and second side-panels, 1111, 1113 and front and back panels, 1117, 1115 define a loft-bed area 1101 that provides an occupant with privacy. The loft-bed area 1101 optionally has one or more shelves secured independently to any one or more of the first and second side-panels, 1111, 1113 and the front and back panels, 1117, 1115.

In an embodiment wherein the furniture assembly 1000 as depicted in FIG. 1 comprises two modular furniture frame units 1100, 1200 that are mirror images of each other, the back panel 1115 is shared by both units 1100, 1200. Alternatively, each modular furniture frame unit 1100, 1200 is provided with its own loft-bed support back panel 1115, wherein back panel 1115 of both frame units 1100, 1200 are adjacent to each other. In yet another embodiment, each modular furniture frame unit 1100, 1200 is provided with its own back panel 1115, wherein the back panel 1115 of both frame units 1100, 1200 are separated by a partition wall (not pictured). Loft-bed support 1110 is preferably secured to panels 1111, 1113, 1117 and 1115 for support, and any panel 1111, 1113, 1117 and 1115 is optionally secured to any wall that it abuts.

As mentioned above, the modular furniture frame unit 1100 optionally includes a flat desktop 1150 housed within a desk element 1160. As it pertains to the loft-bed embodiment, the desk element 1160, and thereby the desktop 1150, is positioned underneath the bed support 1100, as seen in FIG. 1. The desk element is therefore adjacent to the storage component 1120 of the modular furniture frame unit 1100. Desk element 1160 is defined by a top desk panel 1161, a first side desk panel 1163, a second side desk panel 1165 and a back desk panel 1167 (see FIG. 3). Desk panels, 1161, 1163, 1165 and 1167 can independently consist of two or more sub-panels to define said panel. The desk element 1160 optionally includes one or more drawers or shelves 1160A, or a combination of both, either above or below the desktop 1150, to afford additional storage space.

The storage component 1120 of the modular furniture frame unit 1100 houses at least one pull-out wardrobe 1130. A “storage component” is defined by at least two sides, either panels or walls or a combination of both. By “pull-out wardrobe” as used herein is meant a large, tall cabinet, with or without a door, used for storage, such as for example storing clothes, shoes and the like, that is pulled out or slid out from the storage component of the modular frame unit as described herein. The pull-out wardrobe is pulled to and from the storage component using a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to one or more of casters (or any other set of small wheels), guide rails and ball-bearing slides. FIG. 7 depicts a pull-out wardrobe without modular furniture frame unit 1100. The pull-out wardrobe 1130 is defined by a front storage component panel 1131, a back storage component panel 1132, a top storage component panel 1133, a bottom storage component panel 1134, and a side storage component panel 1135. The front storage component panel 1131 is optionally provided with a knob or handle 1131A to enable an occupant to push and pull the pull-out wardrobe to and from the storage component 1120 of the modular furniture frame unit 1100. The bottom storage component panel 1134 can also be used as a shelf to place items. The at least one pull-out wardrobe 1130 also comprises an access side 1136 parallel to, and on the opposite side of, the side storage component panel 1135. The access side 1136 provides an occupant with access to the items inside the pull-out wardrobe 1130 when said pull-out wardrobe is pulled from the storage component 1120. The access side 1136 of the at least one pull-out wardrobe 1140 of the frame unit 1100 can be adjacent to desk element 1160, and preferably the second side desk panel 1165 of desk element 1160, when the at least one pull-out wardrobe 1140 is retracted inside the storage component 1120. Referring again to FIG. 7, the pull-out wardrobe 1130 is also configured with a height such that the top storage component panel 1133 is positioned near a bottom surface (not pictured) of the bed support 1100 when the pull-out wardrobe 1130 is retracted inside the storage component 1120. Pull-out wardrobe 1130 is optionally provided with at least one valet rod 1130A and one or more drawers and/or shelves 1130B either above or below the at least one valet rod 1130A, or both.

In the particular non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, storage components 1120, 1220 each house two adjacent pull-out wardrobes, 1130, 1140; 1230, 1240. A first pull-out wardrobe 1130, 1230 and a second pull-out wardrobe 1140, 1240, respectively, are side-by-side from each other, and the access side 1136 of the first pull-out wardrobe 1130, 1230 is adjacent to side panel 1165 of the desk element 1160 when the first pull-out wardrobe is retracted into the storage component 1120. The access side 1136 of the second pull-out wardrobe 1140 is therefore adjacent to the back storage component panel 1132 when both the first pull-out wardrobe and the second pull-out wardrobe are retracted into the storage component 1120.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 1, bed support ladder 1170 is secured to one of pull-out wardrobes 1130, 1140; 1230, 1240, and preferably to the front panel 1131 of one of the wardrobes 1130, 1140; 1230, 1240, by any number of means, including but not limited to, screws, nails, brackets, and combinations thereof. The ladder 1170 is configured such that the recess 1111A of the first side-panel 1111 is able to receive the ladder 1170, or in other words, the top of the side rails of the ladder 1170 are near or at the top of the recess 1111A. The ladder 1170 therefore preferably extends upward essentially the entire length of the front storage component panel 1131 to essentially near or at the top of the recess 1111A. By securing or mounting the ladder to the wardrobe, the ladder does not need to be stored and can be used to pull and push the wardrobe out of and into the storage component of the frame unit.

Referring now to another specific non-limiting embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 4-6, a furniture assembly 4000 comprises two modular furniture frame units 4100, 4200 that are mirror images of each other. FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of furniture assembly 4000 with frame units 4100, 4200. The modular furniture frame units 4100, 4200 also include a storage component 4120, 4220 housing at least one pull-out wardrobe 4130, 4230, and preferably housing only one pull-out wardrobe 4130, 4230. The storage components 4120, 4220 are positioned adjacent to a bed support 4110, 4210, as seen in FIG. 5, which is a front view of the furniture assembly 4000 of FIG. 4. The modular furniture frame units 4100, 4200 optionally include a desk element 4160, 4260 including a desktop 4150, 4250. Furniture assembly 4000 is optionally installed under a dropped ceiling 400 and between two walls 410′, 410″. A privacy curtain 4103 optionally extends downward from the dropped ceiling and in front of the bed support to afford privacy to an occupant. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the modular furniture frame unit 4100 optionally includes at least one step 4102 leading to the bed support 4110, 4210 and adjacent to the desk element 4160, 4260.

FIG. 6, which is an exploded view of the modular furniture frame unit 4100 shown in FIG. 4 with dropped ceiling 400 and walls 410′, 410″ omitted, depicts a bed support 4110 positioned on top of, and preferably secured to, a bed support base 4101. The bed support base 4101 is configured to provide support to the bed support 4110. Specifically, and referring to the specific example shown in FIG. 6, bed support base 4101 comprises two identical or substantially identical bed base side-panels 4101A (only one depicted) parallel to each other and positioned perpendicular to and extending downward from the bed support 4110 at each bed support side 4110A (only one depicted). The bed support base also includes two identical or substantially identical bed base end-panels 4101B (only one depicted) parallel to each other and positioned perpendicular to and extending downward from the bed support 4110 at each bed support end 4110B. In a particular non-limiting example, therefore, the bed support base 4110 is shaped in the form of a square or rectangle.

As mentioned above, the modular furniture frame unit 4100 optionally includes a desk element 4160 having a flat desktop 4150 positioned thereon. As it pertains to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the desk element 4160 is therefore defined by desktop 4150, a first side desk panel 4163, a second side desk panel 4165 and a back desk panel 4167. The desktop 4110 is positioned on of top of the first side desk panel 4163, the second side desk panel 4165 and the back desk panel 4167. Desk panels 4163, 4165 and 4167 can independently consist of two or more sub-panels to define said panel. The desk element 4160 is positioned such that bed support 4110 and one of the bed base side-panels 4101A of the bed support base 4101 are adjacent to the back desk panel 4167. The desk element 4160 optionally includes one or more drawers and/or shelves 4160A below the desktop to afford additional storage space. When the drawers/shelves 4160A are specifically located on back desk panel 4167, the drawers/shelves 4160A can extend into one or more recesses in bed base side-panels 4101A to create more storage space.

The storage component 4120 of the modular furniture frame unit 4100 can be a storage cabinet 4220, as shown in FIG. 6, and houses at least one pull-out wardrobe 4130. Storage cabinet 4120 is at least defined by two storage cabinet side-panels 4120A identical or substantially identical and parallel to each other. The storage cabinet side-panels 4120A are wide enough apart to house the pull-out wardrobe 4130. The cabinet 4120 can further be defined by a top, bottom and back side, each side independently selected from the group consisting of a wall (ceiling or side) or a panel. Side-panels 4120A can also be tall enough to provide additional storage space in addition to housing the pull-out wardrobe 4130.

Finally, it is to be understood that the depiction of the pull-out wardrobe in FIG. 7 is similar for storage components 4120, 4220 of the modular furniture frame unit 4100. The reference numbers for the elements presented in FIG. 7 are therefore used to describe the pull-out wardrobe 4130 shown in FIG. 6. Referring then to FIG. 7, pull-out wardrobe 4130 is defined by a front storage component panel 1131, a back storage component panel 1132, a top storage component panel 1133, a bottom storage component panel 1134, and a side storage component panel 1135. The front storage component panel 1131 is optionally provided with a knob or handle 1131A to enable an occupant to push and pull the pull-out wardrobe to and from the storage component 4120 of the modular furniture frame unit 4100. The bottom storage component panel 1134 can also be used as a shelf to place items. The pull-out wardrobe 4130 also comprises an access side 1136 parallel to, and on the opposite side of, the side storage component panel 1135. The access side 1136 provides an occupant with access to the items inside the pull-out wardrobe 1130 when said pull-out wardrobe is pulled from the storage component 4120. The access side 1136 of the at least one pull-out wardrobe 4130 of the frame unit 1100 is adjacent to one of the storage cabinet side-panels 4120A when the pull-out wardrobe 4130 is retracted. Preferably, the storage component 4120 is adjacent to the bed support 4110 and the bed support base 4101. Pull-out wardrobe 4130 is optionally provided with at least one valet rod 1130A and one or more drawers and/or shelves 1130B either above or below the at least one valet rod 1130A, or both.

Although various embodiments of the modular furniture frame unit and furniture assembly are illustrated and described herein, it is appreciated that other embodiments are contemplated as being within the scope of the present disclosure and that various substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the same.