WO2010005277A1

WO2010005277A1 - Convertible capsule-like furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2010005277A1
Application number: PCT/MY2008/000063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keng Sen Wong
Original assignee: Keng Sen Wong
Priority date: 2008-07-07
Filing date: 2008-07-07
Publication date: 2010-01-14

Abstract

A capsule-like furniture article convertible to chair configuration, napping chair configuration and chair and desk configuration. Comprises of two semi-capsule portions, namely alpha and beta, which are attached together in different positions to form different configuration by an interlocking mechanism between a slidable and declinable tongue plate and its corresponding locking buckle. Each semi-capsule portion is individually further consists of two sections which pivotally joined together by a hinge and is foldable to form different function during different configuration. Alpha semi-capsule portion consists of an encased arm rest which can be unfolded to provide as an arm rest. Beta semi-capsule portion consists of a pair of caster mounted underneath for portability, a recessed handle as well as a recessed head cover which can be unfolded to provide as a fabric visor for user during napping. Both alpha and beta semi-capsule portions also consists of removable cushions which is recessed within both semi-capsule portions.

Description

CONVERTIBLE CAPSULE-LIKE FURNITURE

Field of the invention

The present invention pertains to the field of furniture. More precise, relates to a capsule-like furniture article convertible into a plurality of furniture configuration. The invention can be converted from a capsule-like configuration to chair, napping chair or a combination of chair and desk configuration by performing a few simple attach and detach steps. Other features of the present invention, while the invention is not exclusively limited thereto, are encased arm rest, recessed handle and inclinable head cover which particularly adopted to provide flexible and compact functionality.

Background of the invention

Generally, the present invention encompasses a capsule-like furniture article that is convertible into chair configuration, napping chair configuration and chair and desk configuration. The present invention offers great convenience and flexibility for office workers who wish to take a nap during works or after lunch to recharge, rejuvenate and rest. There are companies which offer employees siesta or resting facilities such as napping room or napping chair. A napping room will take up significant space in the office which in turn cost more. Whereas a typical napping lounge chair is often bulky, immobile and costly. Another disadvantage is the sharing of the facilities which leads to privacy and personal hygiene issues. Furthermore, employees need to wait for their turn to use such facility.

The present invention solves all the hurdles. It allows more personal and hygienic approach in the office as every worker can individually own one. They can choose when to nap or work on the present invention just by performing a few easy steps to change the configuration. The size of the present invention is approximately of a typical high-back director chair, thus space is no longer an issue. The present invention is portable, with rear casters attached underneath, it can be carted away to anywhere similar to a trolley luggage bag. The present invention, when converted into a desk and chair configuration, provides user a table top to hold a laptop or to write or serve as a mobile office.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of the capsule according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the capsule of figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded view of the handle and its member components;

Figure 4 is a side view of the capsule of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side view of tongue plate and buckle interlocking mechanism corresponding to figure 4;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side view of the interlocking mechanism of tongue plate and buckle;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic side view of the releasing mechanism in continuation of figure 6; Figure 8 is a side view of alpha semi-capsule portion;

Figure 9 is a side view of beta semi-capsule portion;

Figure 10 is a front view of alpha semi-capsule portion of figure 8;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of alpha semi-capsule portion body frame of figure 8; Figure 12 is a front view of beta semi-capsule portion of figure 9;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of beta semi-capsule portion body frame of figure 9;

Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of cushion corresponding to figure 13;

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic side view of the tongue plate and track; Figure 16 is a diagrammatic side view of the tongue plate in declined position; Figure 17 is a diagrammatic view of the construction of tongue plate and its track;

Figure 18 is a side view of the convertible capsule in figure 4, part-way through its conversion to office chair configuration;

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic side view of the locking mechanism between rivet head and rivet receiving panel;

Figure 20 is a diagrammatic side view of the releasing mechanism corresponding to figure 19; Figure 21 is a diagrammatic view of the construction of arm rest panel and its encased track;

Figure 22 is a diagrammatic front view of the sliding mechanism of arm rest panel;

Figure 23 is a diagrammatic front view where arm rest is attached to the holding stud;

Figure 24 is a diagrammatic side view of the capsule having completed its conversion to an office chair configuration;

Figure 25 is a perspective view of the completed office chair configuration of figure 24; Figure26 is a perspective view of the chair and desk configuration;

Figure 27 is a diagrammatic side view of the napping chair configuration; Figure 28 is a perspective view of the napping chair configuration; Figure 29 is a diagrammatic view of the construction of the head cover; Figure 30 is a perspective view of the napping chair configuration of figure 28 with head cover fully unfolded;

Detailed description of the drawings

This description contains specific details describing preferred embodiments of the invention. The present invention may be more readily and easily understood with reference to figure 1 through 30

The present invention, when in its original capsule configuration, is formed by attaching two semi-capsule portions, namely alpha semi-capsule portion (1000) and beta semi-capsule portion (2000) apposition facing each others . Alpha semi- capsule portion (1000) consists of section (100) and section (200), while beta semi-capsule portion (2000) consists of section (300) and section (400).

Figure 1 shows the front perspective view of the present invention which is in its original capsule-like configuration. Alpha semi-capsule portion (1000) and beta semi-capsule portion (2000) adopt an upright orientation and are attached rigidly together. Arm rest panel (3) is encased inside section (200) which can be pulled out and attached to rectangular knob (204). The pair of convex studs (1) located above hinge (2) are designed to connect to their mating concave surface (Ia) located slightly below hinge (2) at section (200) to inter-engage the locking mechanism when section (100) is flipped 180 degree backward to attach back- to-back with section (200). Both alpha and beta semi-capsule portions have a curvy side body and a flat surface at the bottom (1001) and (2002) (not shown) respectively.

Handle (10) is pivotally connected to edge (410) and recessed inside N-shape ditch (407) of section (400). Finger gap (11) is a space for finger to slip inside in order to reach for the handle (10). Head cover panel (90) is partially enclosed to the side of section (400) body and is pivotally joined by main bolt (9Od). The pair of rigid casters (4) is mounted at the bottom end of (400) which is slightly recessed inward as illustrated in figure 2. For mobility, handle (10) is declined outward and the capsule is slanted in such a way that the pair of caster (4) has direct physical contact to the ground so that it can be pulled or pushed around similar to a trolley luggage bag. Handle bar (1 Oe) has a rotary connector (1 Of) joined to handle shaft (1 Ob) through cylindrical dimple (10a) as shown in figure 3. In non-operative situation, handle (10) is recessed inside the N-shape ditch (407) of beta semi-capsule portion (2000) or to be precise, section (400) as shown in figure 2. Handle (10) maintains it's upright orientation by the pulling force of spring coil (10c) hold in place by spring holder (1Od) which is attached to the edge (410).

Caster (4) is mounted slightly above ground level near the bottom end of section (400) so that the capsule can stand still by the support of flat base (202) and (402) as shown in figure 4. Desk release button (5), upper buckle release button (7), middle buckle release button (8) and lower buckle release button (9) are adjacently located along the side of section (400) whereas chair leg release button (6) is located at the side of section (200). Each button corresponds to different release mechanism which will be discussed later.

When in capsule configuration, tongue plate (20) is rigidly attached to its corresponding buckle — middle buckle (23), clamping both alpha and beta semi- capsule portions rigidly together as depicted in figure 5. Each buckle has an interior compartment (23d) fit for the entry of tongue plate (20). Upper buckle release button (7) triggers the release mechanism for upper buckle (22), middle buckle release button (8) triggers the release mechanism of middle buckle (23) and lower buckle release button (9) triggers the release mechanism of lower buckle (24).

Figure 6 illustrates the enlarged construction view of the interlocking and releasing mechanism between tongue plate (20) and its corresponding buckle. Upper teeth (23a) and lower teeth (23b) permit the entry of tongue plate (20) and locked on to upper head tongue plate (20a) and lower head tongue plate (20b) by the force of spring panel (23c) which pushes both teeth outward. When middle buckle release button (8) is pressed, it triggers the release mechanism of middle buckle (23) where both upper teeth (23a) and lower teeth (23b) are being pulled inwards defying the spring panel (23c) force, as shown in figure 7 thus clearing the way for tongue plate (20) to exit. Both teeth (23a) and (23b) are automatically pushed outward back to its original position by the spring panel (23c).

When both semi-capsule portions (1000) and (2000) are detached from each others, tongue plate (20) is visible standing in perpendicular position to alpha semi-capsule portion (1000) as shown in figure 8. Section (100) at one end, is pivotally joined to section (200) by hinge (2) at the edge of (101) and ( 201) and at the other end is joined by the interlocking mechanism between rivet head (50) and rivet receiving panel (60) (not shown). Chair leg release button (6) triggers the release mechanism of rivet head (50) of section (100) from rivet receiving panel (60) of section (200)(the mechanism will be discussed later). At the bottom tip of section (200) is flat base (202) which is to partly support the capsule when in standing position.

Similarly, section (300) is pivotally joined by hinge (2a) near edge (301) and (401) to section (400) as illustrated in figure 9. Flat base (402) provides standing support for beta semi-capsule portion (2000). Desk release button (5) triggers the release of rivet head (50a) from rivet receiving panel (60a) thus setting section (300) freed while pivotally joined to section (400) by binge (2a) at edge (401) and (301).

Figure 10 and 11 illustrate the body frame of alpha semi-capsule (1000), the cushion arrangement and other member components. Leg support cushion (17) is mounted and recessed inside the body frame of section (100). Leg Support cushion (17) has a purposely concave surface (17f) to provide accommodating space for the convex surface head rest (12) or beta semi-capsule portion when both semi-capsule portions are attached together during capsule configuration.

Tongue plate (20) and track (21) is embedded inside the body frame of section (200) and sandwiched between side sitting cushion (18) and centre sitting cushion (19). Void (240) and track casing (31) are visible when arm rest panel (3) is pulled out of section (200). Each cushion configuration is firmly fitted in its respective position to the fitting hole (230) accordingly.

Figure 12 and 13 show the body frame of beta semi-capsule portion (2000), the cushion arrangement and other member components. Head cover (90), during non- operative mode, is partially enclosed laterally to the side of the body frame (2000) or to be precise section (400), pivotally joined at pivot hole (406) and interposed amongst side back support cushion (14), sub-side back support cushion (14a), centre back support cushion (15) and sub-centre back support cushion (14b). All cushions are mounted inside the body frame of section (400) in their corresponding position as shown in figure 12. Whereas convex surface head cushion (12) is mounted inside section (300). Head cushion (12) provides a head rest to user when the present invention is in napping chair configuration and acts as a back support during chair configuration. Opening (405) is to accommodate head cover (90) which is joined to the semi-capsule body at the pivot hole (406) . Both semi-capsule portions are preferably made of plastic or other suitable materials to withstand maximum human weight.

Upper buckle (22), middle buckle (23) and lower buckle (24) are preferably made of PVC or other high strength material and are permanently embedded inside the body frame of section (400) and become part of the body frame. Opening (415), (417), (418) and (419) at the side of the body frame are the holes to house desk release button (5), upper buckle release button (J), middle buckle release button (8) and lower buckle release button (9) respectively as shown in figure 13. Hole (230) is the opening to lock each cushion firmly in its respective position.

Each cushion has a base panel and dimples as shown in figure 14, taking cushion (15) as an explanatory example. At the bottom side of cushion (15), the base panel ( 15d), preferably made of solid plastic or PVC material, is to provide a base support for the cushion where it has dimples (15c) to lock in to hole (230) holding the cushion firmly in position.

To convert capsule into a chair configuration, firstly, both alpha and beta semi- capsule portions are detached apart by pressing middle buckle release button (8) which triggers the release mechanism of tongue plate (20) and its corresponding buckle - middle buckle (23) (refer to figure 5). Tongue plate (20) is slide from its original position, shown in figure 15, to the edge and declined 90 degree outward. The position of the declined tongue plate (20) is held by the inter- engaging hump (20c) and L- panel (21 a) as illustrated in figure 16.

Figure 17 shows the construction view of tongue plate (20) and track (21). Tongue plate (20) consists of upper head (20a), lower head (20b), hump (20c) and rotary wheel (2Od). It has a base (2Oe) which acts as a stabilizer during the sliding motion along track (21). Track (21) consists of two elongated C-track panels (21b) which has a track stopper (21c) at the outer end. Tongue plate (20) is sandwiched between the two C-track panel (21b) allowing the rotary wheel (2Od) to fit in firmly and slide along C-shape track (21b) at ease. Track stopper (21c) is to prevent tongue plate (20) from derailed from track panel (21) while permits tongue plate (20) to decline outward from vertical to horizontal orientation as illustrated in figure 16.

Secondly, section (100) is flipped, at the pivot point, backward 180 degree to rest back-to-back with section (200). Rivet head (50) of section (100) is freed from rivet receiving panel (60) of section (200) by pressing chair leg release button (6). Both section (100) and (200) are still pivotally attached to each other by hinge (2) at edge (101) and (201). Section (100) is pivotally flipped backward 180 degree as shown in figure 18 so that convex stud (1) is attached to its mating counterpart concave surface (Ia) of section (200). Rivet receiving panel (60) is recessed near the edge (205) of section (200). When rivet head (50) is inserted into rivet receiving panel (60), teeth (60a) position is protruded upward automatically by spring panel (60b) to lock rivet head (50) firmly in position as illustrated in figure 19. When chair leg release button (6) is pressed, it triggers teeth (60a) to contract downward through elevation track (60c), as shown in figure 20 and permits rivet head (50) to exit, thus allowing section (100) to flip over as discussed earlier. Such mechanism (rivet head and receiving panel) is very common and widely used, perhaps other suitable interlocking alternative can also be employed.

hi a completed chair configuration, alpha semi-capsule portion (1000) is folded into 2 sections in such a way that section (100) is flipped 180 degree backward and both section (100) and (200) are pivotally joined back to back by the inter- engaging convex stud (1) and concave surface (Ia). Section (200) provides as a seat while the flipped section (100) provides as a support base or chair leg support.

Both section (100) and (200) adopt a horizontal orientation and are attached, through the (tongue plate-buckle) interlocking point between section (200) and (400) to beta semi-capsule portion (2000) which adopts an upright orientation supported by its flat base (402) to provide a back support for the user to lean against. Tongue plate (20) is rigidly attached to its corresponding buckle — upper buckle (22) holding both semi-capsule portions rigidly intact during chair configuration as shown in figure 24. Head rest (12) is now acts as back support during chair configuration.

During non-operative mode, arm rest panel (3) is encased inside track casing (31). Fat pin (3m) inter-engage with the fitting cavity (3j) to hold the encased arm rest firmly attached inside track casing (31). Fat pin (3m) and track casing

(31) become apparent from side view when arm rest (3) is pulled out for deployment as shown in figure 18. Front arm support (3a) and rear arm support (3b) are pivotally attached to arm rest column (3f) at pivot point (3n) as illustrated in figure 21. Track casing (31) is permanently attached to the inner body frame of section (200).

Arm rest panel (3) is pulled out from the track casing (31) by inserting index finger into the index finger hole (3h) as shown in figure 22. Both left and right side of arm rest panels (3) are mounted to the left and right side of section (200) respectively by attaching rectangular pit (3k) of arm rest base (3g) to its cooperating holder stud (204) located at both upper right and left side of section (200) as illustrated in figure 23.

During deployment, both arm supports are unfolded upwards to adopt a horizontal position, theirφosition are held firmly by sliding cap(3i) from front arm support (3a) towards rear arm support (3b) through the groove line (3d) so that cap (3i) bridges the gap and hold front arm support (3a) and rear arm support (3b) in locked position as illustrated in figure 24. During chair configuration, the newly converted chair is supported by the flipped section (100) and flat base (402). Figure 25 shows the completed chair configuration, in front perspective view, hook shaft (16) is visible where it is hooked to the lower rod (16c). Hook shaft (16) is pivotally mounted to the interior of section (100) by bracket (16a). The function of hook shaft (16) will be discussed later. Both rivet head (50) and rivet receiving panel (60) become apparent during this configuration.

To convert chair configuration to chair and desk configuration, section (300) is pivotally flipped backward 180 degree so that section (300) and (400) are positioned back-to-back to each others at the upper edge of section (400) as illustrated in figure 26 (similar to the section 100 and 200 mechanism). Arm rest panel (3) is inserted and encased back inside section (200) to provide enough space for user to sit facing backward to utilize flat surface (320) and (420) as a table or work top.

For conversion from chair to napping chair configuration, upper buckle release button (7) is pressed to release tongue plate (20) from upper buckle (22) (refer to figure 24). Both semi-capsule portions are detached and adopt a slanted position 136 degree tilted from each others and their position is partly supported by resting on flat base (203) and (403). Tongue plate (20) is now attached to its corresponding buckle — lower buckle (24) thus holding both slanted semi capsule portions rigidly in position. Section (100) is again separated at one end from section (200) while pivotally joined by hinge (2) at the other end. Hook shaft (16) is now unhooked from lower rod (16c) and hooked to upper rod (16b) holding section (100) horizontally in position as illustrated in. figure 27. Section (100) provides a leg support for user and the whole napping chair configuration is resting horizontally on the ground supported by flat base (203) and (403). Figure 28 shows the completed conversion of napping chair configuration. Gap (9Og) between main panel (90a) and sub panel (90c) of head cover (90) provides storage space for black-out fabric (9Of). Figure 29 illustrates the construction view of head cover (90) which is consists of main panel (90a) and sub panel (90c) joined together by sub bolt (9Oe). The smaller and shorter sub panel (90c), as its name suggests, is surrounded by the bigger main panel (90a). During non-operative mode, both panels are folded together with gap (9Og) in between as shown in figure 28 to allow the storage of very thin black-out fabric (9Of). Main panel (90a) is pivotally mounted to the side of section (400) by main bolt (90d). Stopper (90b) is to ensure sub panel (90c) to decline in only one direction while providing a resting support when sub panel (90c) is folded back inside main panel (90a).

When head cover (90) is deployed, main panel (90a) is first inclined upwards and it's slanted position is self-support by resting at the snub point at edge (404) as shown in figure 30. Sub panel (90c) is then declined downwards to unfold black-out fabric (9Of).

Claims

1. A furniture article convertible to capsule configuration, chair configuration, napping chair configuration and chair and desk configuration, said furniture article comprising:

(a) a first half portion comprising means for causing said first half portion foldable to detach into two sections while attached together by a hinge to provide a support base and a seat for a user to sit upon

(b) a second half portion to provide a back rest support for user to lean against and foldable to provide as a table top

(c) means for interlocking said first half portion to said second half portion at predetermined locations to convert into plurality of said configurations.

2. The furniture article of claim 1, when in said capsule configuration, wherein said first half portion and said second half portion adopt an upright orientation and are attached apposition facing each other by a means for interlocking and merge as one complete portion.

3. The furniture article of claim 2, wherein said means for interlocking includes a male locking buckle mounted on said first half portion which is inserted in to a corresponding female receiving buckle embedded inside said second half portion to hold both said half portions intact together when in said capsule configuration.

4. The furniture article of claim 3, wherein said male locking buckle includes a slidable and declinable solid plate which is inserted into corresponding said female receiving buckle which holds said solid plate by a means for causing said solid plate to lock in rigidly inside said female receiving buckle.

5. The furniture article of claim 1, when in said chair configuration, wherein said first half portion is folded backward at a pivot joint into two sections leaning on each other back while still attached together by a hinge and adopts a horizontal orientation to provide as a base and a seat for user to sit upon is attached to said second half portion by a means for interlocking where said second half portion adopts a generally upright orientation to provide a back rest for said seated user to lean against.

6. The furniture article of claim 5, wherein said means for interlocking includes a male locking buckle mounted on said first half portion which is inserted in to a corresponding female receiving buckle embedded inside said second half portion to hold both said half portions intact together when in said chair configuration.

7. The furniture article of claim 6, wherein said male locking buckle includes a slidable and declinable solid plate which is inserted into corresponding said female receiving buckle which holds said solid plate by a means for causing said solid plate to lock in rigidly inside said female receiving buckle.

8. The furniture article of claim 1, when in napping chair configuration, wherein both said half portions adopt a slanted horizontal orientation in such a way that at one end is rested on the ground and at the other end is raised above the ground level and said first half portion is attached to said second half portion by a means for interlocking to hold both said half portions intact in a V-shape formation when in said napping chair configuration.

9. The furniture article of claim 8, wherein said slanted first half portion is folded into two sections while still attached together by a hinge at one end causing the smaller section to adopt a horizontal orientation supported by a means for hooking to provide leg support and the larger section remains in said slanted horizontal orientation to provide a back rest to user.

10. The mrniture article of claim 8, wherein said means for interlocking includes a male locking buckle mounted on said first half portion which is inserted in to a corresponding female receiving buckle embedded inside said second half portion to hold both said half portions intact together when in said napping chair configuration.

11. The furniture article of claim 10, wherein said male locking buckle includes a slidable and declinable solid plate which is inserted into corresponding said female receiving buckle which holds said solid plate by a means for causing said solid plate lock in rigidly inside said female receiving buckle.

12. The furniture article of claim 1, when in chair and desk configuration, wherein said first half portion is folded backward at a pivot joint into two sections leaning on each other back while still attached together by a hinge and adopts a horizontal orientation to provide as a base and a seat for user to sit upon is attached to said second half portion by a means for interlocking where said second half portion adopts a generally upright orientation where the upper section of said second half portion is pivotally flipped backward to form a flat ■> surface to provide as a table top.

13. The furniture article of claim 12, wherein said means for interlocking includes a male locking buckle mounted on said first half portion which is inserted in to a female receiving buckle embedded inside said second half portion to hold both said half portions intact when in said chair and U

desk configuration.

14. The furniture article of claim 13, wherein said male locking buckle includes a slidable and declinable solid plate which is inserted into corresponding said female receiving buckle which holds said solid plate by a means for causing said solid plate to lock in rigidly inside said female receiving buckle.

15. The furniture article of claim 1, wherein said first half portion further including:

- a flat bottom base to permit said first half portion to stand when said half portions adopt an upright orientation.

- a removable leg rest cushion and seat cushion. - said cushions contain means for causing it to attach to the hole inside said first half portion.

- an arm rest panel contains means for causing said arm rest panel to encase inside said first half portion.

- said arm rest panel further contains means for unfolding front arm support and rear arm support to provide support for user's arms.

- a support stud to hold said arm rest panel during deployment.

16. The furniture article of claim 1, wherein said second half portion further including: - a foldable head cover panel pivotally mounted and partially enclosed to the side of said second half portion body frame while the other part of said head cover is nestled amongst the cushions.

- said head cover consists of two declinable panels which is pivotally joined and said declinable panels are upholstered by a thin fabric to provide as a head cover when unfolded. - a recessed handle mounted inside the back of said second half portion and said recessed handle is declinable to provide hand grip to user to cart said half portions around like a trolley luggage bag. - at least one caster mounted on lower edge of said second half portion.

- removable back rest cushion and head rest cushion.

- said cushions contain means for causing it to attach to the hole inside said second half portion.