Modular Bed Frames

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/137,629, filed on Apr. 21, 2023, entitled MODULAR FURNITURE SUPPORT SYSTEMS, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/788,026, filed on Feb. 11, 2020, entitled MODULAR FURNITURE SUPPORT SYSTEMS, which: [A] is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/707,568, filed on Dec. 9, 2019, entitled MOLDED MANUFACTURING FOR MODULAR FURNITURE, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/806,516, filed on Feb. 15, 2019, entitled INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING FOR MODULAR FURNITURE, each of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference;

Each of the foregoing patent applications is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

The present disclosure relates to furniture and furniture systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to furniture spring systems and modular furniture support systems.

Spring systems that provide cushioning to furniture items such as beds, couches, and chairs are generally manufactured to be permanently fixed within a furniture item. For example, a box spring for a mattress includes internal springs that are not removable by a user. Also, S-springs or other springs are often integrated into base members of couches and chairs to provide added cushioning beneath cushions placed thereon.

Spring systems currently utilized in furniture are limited in a number of ways. For example, as noted above, spring systems are not removable or replaceable by a user without significant deconstruction of the furniture item and costly reconstruction. Typically, when a spring in a box spring breaks, it is more economical for the user to throw out the box spring and buy a new one rather than fix the single broken spring. Also, springs built into couches and chairs are integrated into the furniture in such a way that replacement of the spring system is difficult or impossible without damaging the furniture. Thus, as spring systems age and become less firm over time, it is not viable to simply replace the spring system.

Furthermore, the cushioning provided by current spring systems are set such that the user cannot change the degree of flexion, or “firmness,” of the spring system to alter the provided cushioning effect. Rather, the spring system built into a given furniture item, and thus the degree of cushioning provided, is predetermined by the manufacturer and cannot be changed by the user.

However, over time, or as the use of a furniture item changes from one user to another, it may be desirable to change the amount of cushioning provided by a spring system within a furniture item. For example, users often have varying opinions on how firm they like their bed, including a firmness of their box spring. Additionally, a user's preference may change over time. Unfortunately, users need to buy entirely different box springs to alter the firmness of their beds. The same applies to the firmness of spring systems built into couches, chairs, and other furniture items.

Furniture items, such as beds, couches, and chairs, can also include built-in storage spaces. For example, a bed may include space within or underneath the bed frame to store items. Also, couches may include storage spaces within base components or otherwise underneath cushions or within ottomans. However, such furniture storage spaces, which are advantageous to save space and provide extra storage areas within a room, are constructed in a way that while protecting items within the storage spaces from damage limit cushioning or firmness variations. For example, for a storage space disposed underneath a bed or couch, rigid barriers to the storage space, such as lids or drawers, are used to protect items placed inside the storage space. These rigid components are placed underneath furniture cushions or mattresses to support users who sit or lie thereon and can negatively affect the comfort of the furniture item.

Accordingly, there are a number of problems in the prior art that need to be addressed in the field of furniture and furniture spring systems.

The present disclosure relates to furniture and furniture systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to furniture spring systems. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, for example, a furniture spring system, includes a lid configured to provide a seating surface. The lid includes a frame comprising two opposing frame members and a retention member disposed on a top surface of at least one of the two opposing frame members. The spring system also includes an elongate slat extending between the two opposing frame members. In such an embodiment, the slat has an elongate body with an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a flexible middle portion extending between the first end and the second end. The slat also includes a catch disposed at the first or second end. The catch engages the retention member to retain the slat to the frame and is configured to slide back-and-forth relative to the retention member as the middle portion elastically flexes downward and upward in response to forces intermittently pushing downward on the slat during use.

Furniture spring systems described herein solve a number of problems. For example, furniture spring systems of the present disclosure provide support to users sitting or lying thereon while protecting items that may be placed or stored below. In some configurations, spring systems described herein are modular. In some configurations, the spring systems described herein are easily replaceable without requiring deconstruction of other furniture components. In some configurations, spring systems described herein are adjustable so that users can customize the firmness or size of the spring system to suit their preferences or spacing needs. In some embodiments, the slats of the spring system can be extendable or contractable in order to make a furniture system a different size. In some configurations, the spring systems described herein can be at least one of moveable, replaceable, and adjustable. Embodiments of the invention, such as the examples disclosed herein, may be beneficial in a variety of respects.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a furniture spring system includes a lid configured to provide a seating surface and an elongate slat. The lid includes a frame having two opposing frame members, each frame member having a chamfered top inner edge, and a retention member disposed on at least one of the two opposing frame members. The elongate slat extends between the two opposing frame members and includes an elongate body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a flexible middle portion extending between the first end and the second end. The elongate slat also includes a catch disposed at the first or second end, the catch engaging the retention member to retain the slat to the frame. The chamfered top inner edge of each frame member is configured to allow the slat to flex downward in response to a load applied thereon without the frame members impeding a downward displacement of the lower surface of the slat during use.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a furniture assembly includes a transverse member and a base member. The base member includes a base frame member having a bottom panel, side panels, and upper edges on the side panels. The base member also includes a lid configured to be mounted on the base frame member. The lid is mounted such that the lid covers a storage cavity formed within the base frame member. In such an embodiment, the lid includes slats, each slat having an elongate member and one or more catches that engage retention members of the base frame member.

In one embodiment, a furniture spring system of the present invention comprises (i) a lid configured to provide a seating surface, the lid comprising a frame comprising two opposing frame members and a retention member associated with at least one of the two opposing frame members; and (ii) a slat extending between the two opposing frame members, the slat comprising an elongate body having a first end and a second end and a catch disposed at the first end or second end, wherein the catch engages the retention member to retain the slat to the frame and the catch is configured to slide back-and-forth relative to the retention member as a portion of the elongate body between the first end and the second end elastically flexes downward and upward in response to forces intermittently pushing downward on the slat during use.

Another embodiment of a furniture spring system comprises a frame comprising two opposing frame members, and a retention member disposed on at last one of the two opposing frame members, and an elongate slat extending between the two opposing frame members, the slat comprising an elongate body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a flexible middle portion extending between the first end and the second end, and a catch disposed at the first end or the second end, the catch engaging the retention member to retain the slat to the lid frame.

A furniture assembly of the present invention may comprise (i) a transverse member and (ii) a base member, the base member comprising a storage base and a lid configured to be mounted on a top of the storage base, such that the lid covers a storage cavity formed within the storage base, the lid comprising a frame with opposing frame members having one or more retention members, and one or more slats, each slat having an elongate member and one or more catches that engage the one or more retention members of the frame.

In another embodiment, a furniture spring system comprises, (i) a lid configured to be mounted onto (ii) a base frame of a furniture base, the lid configured to provide a seating surface, the lid comprising, a frame comprising two opposing frame members, and a plurality of retention members associated with each of the two opposing frame members, a plurality of slats extending between the two opposing frame members, each of the slats comprising an elongate body having a first end and a second end and first and second catches disposed at the first end and second end, respectively, of the elongate body, wherein each catch engages a retention member to retain the corresponding slat to the frame, and wherein each catch of a slat is configured to slide back-and-forth relative to the corresponding retention member as a portion of the elongate body between the first end and the second end elastically flexes downward and upward in response to forces intermittently pushing downward on the slat during use.

Principles of the present invention can also be applied to mattresses and sleeping systems, making the systems more efficient, useful, and enabling the use of various parts in various different sizes of mattresses and bedding systems.

In one embodiment, a modular mattress system of the present invention comprises a plurality of mattress modules configured to form a first modular mattress of a first selected geometry and being reconfigurable to form a second modular mattress of a second selected geometry, each of the mattress modules having a width (x) and a length (y), wherein the length (y) is substantially equal to two times the width (x); a bed casing (e.g., a rigid bed casing) configured to secure the plurality of mattress modules to form a completed mattress; and a mattress topper sized and shaped to substantially cover the completed mattress and provide additional cushioning to a user.

Further embodiments of the present invention employ slats of the present invention in various different types of modular bed frames. Bed frame systems of the present invention may include such modular bed frames, as well as modular headboard/footboard systems that are coupled to the modular bed frames.

For efficiency of manufacture and assembly, modular bed frames of the present invention can be comprised of a plurality of (i) equally or similarly sized elongate support modules; and (ii) equal or similarly-sized corner modules that are interchangeable between at least two corners of the bed frame e.g., kitty corner (i.e., diagonal across from each other), and may be interchangeable between all four corners of the bed.

For example, in one embodiment, in order to provide for efficiency and standardization in manufacturing and assembly, each of the corner modules of the modular bed frame have substantially the same footprint dimensions and each of the uniform-length support modules of the modular bed frame have substantially the same footprint dimensions, specifically the same length. In one embodiment, for efficiency in manufacture and assembly, each of the corner modules are telescoping modules and have the same footprint dimensions and each of the support modules comprise elongate blocks that are of equal length.

These uniformities in geometries and size of the modules of the present invention enable the manufacturer to manufacture certain standardized pieces and enable the user assembling the pieces to work with certain standardized pieces, making the manufacturing and assembling process more simple, reliable, and efficient. To the extent that customization is required when moving from one selected size of bed frame to another selected size, the gaps may be filled in using telescoping members, filler modules, and/or elongate end modules that span the entire length between the corner modules, for example. Thus, the modular, adjustable bed frame systems of the present invention artfully allow for both standardization of certain components (e.g., uniform-length support modules and corner modules) as well as customization when customization is desired (e.g., filler modules, telescoping members, and/or elongate end modules).

For example, one embodiment of the modular bed frame comprises: a plurality of bed frame modules configured to form a first modular bed frame of a first selected geometry and being reconfigurable to form a second modular bed frame of a second selected geometry, the bed frame modules comprising, a plurality of uniform-length support modules, and a plurality of corner modules, wherein at least one of the uniform-length support modules or corner modules is reconfigurable such that the second selected geometry of the second modular bed frame is selectively formed.

In another embodiment of a modular bed frame, the bed frame comprises: a plurality of bed frame modules configured to form a first modular bed frame of a first selected geometry and being reconfigurable to form a second modular bed frame of a second selected geometry, the bed frame modules comprising, a plurality of uniform-length support modules (e.g., keystone blocks), and a plurality of corner modules, wherein at least one of the uniform-length support modules or corner modules is reconfigurable such that the second selected geometry of the second modular bed frame is selectively formed, wherein at least one of the bed frame modules is a telescoping module that is reconfigurable such that the second geometry of the second modular bed frame is selectively formed, wherein the telescoping module is a corner module. In one embodiment, the telescoping corner module telescopes from one or both of plurality of ends of the corner module. One or more additional modules are selectively added to the plurality of uniform-length support modules and the plurality of corner modules, the one or more additional modules being selected from the group consisting of: (1) filler modules (e.g., filler blocks) that each have a different configuration from the plurality of uniform-length support modules and the plurality of corner modules; (2) additional uniform-length support modules having the same length as the plurality of uniform-length support modules; and (3) elongate end modules (e.g., elongate end blocks) that each have a different configuration from the plurality of uniform-length support modules and the plurality of corner modules and that span the entire length between corner modules without any gaps.

The one or more gaps are selectively filled by telescoping members, filler blocks, or elongate end blocks, wherein a gap distance of the one or more gaps is calculated according to the following formula:

In one embodiment, each of the support modules of the plurality of uniform-length support modules comprise elongate blocks that are of equal size and configuration.

In yet another embodiment, a modular bed frame comprises a plurality of bed frame modules configured to form a first modular bed frame of a first selected geometry and being reconfigurable to form a second modular bed frame of a second selected geometry, the bed frame modules comprising, one or more rails, and a plurality of corner modules, wherein each of the corner modules are configured to be selectively repositionable, from a long configuration to a short configuration, wherein in the long configuration the length of the corner module is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the rail, and wherein in the short configuration the length of the corner module is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

Another embodiment of the bed frame system employs a modular end board, e.g., a module headboard or footboard, that selectively adjusts to correspond to the adjustable dimensions, e.g., the width, of a modular bed frame. In such an embodiment, a modular end board is configured to be selectively coupled to a modular bed frame to form an adjustable bed frame system comprising an adjustable frame and an adjustable headboard and/or footboard. This is system is very useful because it allows the headboard, footboard and bed frame to be adjusted as desired for use by a user.

Thus, one adjustable bed frame system of the present invention comprises: (1) a modular end board comprising: (A) a frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising: (i) first and second upright members; and (ii) a moveable connecting system for connecting the first and second upright members to each other such that the distance between the first and second upright members can be selectively adjusted; and (iii) one or more panels that are selectively mounted onto the frame assembly, wherein the end board is an adjustable headboard or an adjustable footboard; and (2) a modular bed frame selectively coupled to the modular end board, the modular bed frame configured such that the modular bed frame can be reconfigurable from a first geometry to form a second modular bed frame of a second selected geometry, the end board and the bed frame each being configured such that they can be adjusted to each have a corresponding dimension (e.g., width) in the first geometry and a corresponding dimension (e.g., width) in the second geometry.

Manufactured components of the present invention may include base members, and/or transverse members, e.g., for use in assembling a chair, couch, or the like, or other furniture components, methods, or technology, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,885 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The modular furniture components and methods disclosed in the present application may also be used in connection with numerous furniture assemblies, e.g., such as, but not limited to, any similar to those disclosed in (i) U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, entitled MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,778, entitled MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (iii) U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,612 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (iv) U.S. Pat. No. 7,547,073, entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (v) U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,885 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (vi) U.S. Publication No. 2017/0367486 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY CORNER SEATING SYSTEM, (vii) U.S. Pat. No. 10,212,519 entitled ELECTRONIC FURNITURE SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED INTERNAL SPEAKERS, (viii) U.S. Pat. No. 10,236,643 entitled ELECTRICAL HUB FOR FURNITURE ASSEMBLIES, (ix) U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,307 entitled FURNITURE SYSTEM WITH RECLINER ASSEMBLY, and (x) U.S. Pat. No. 10,123,621 entitled FURNITURE SYSTEM RECLINER ASSEMBLY WITH SLED RAILS, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

The present disclosure relates to furniture and furniture systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to furniture spring systems. For example, in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a furniture spring system includes a lid configured to provide a seating surface. The lid includes a frame having two opposing frame members and a retention member disposed on a top surface of at least one of the two opposing frame members. The spring system also includes an elongate slat extending between the two opposing frame members. The slat has an elongate body with an upper surface, a lower surface, a first end, a second end, and a flexible middle portion extending between the first end and the second end. The slat also includes a catch disposed at the first or second end. The catch engages the retention member to retain the slat to the frame and is configured to slide back-and-forth relative to the retention member as the middle portion elastically flexes downward and upward in response to forces intermittently pushing downward on the slat during use.

Furniture spring systems described herein solve a number of problems. For example, furniture spring systems of the present disclosure provide support to users sitting or lying thereon while protecting items that may be placed or stored below. In some configurations, spring systems described herein are modular. In some configurations, spring system described herein are easily replaceable without requiring deconstruction of other furniture components. In some configurations, spring systems described herein are adjustable so that users can customize the firmness of the spring system to suit their preferences. In some embodiments, the slats of the spring system can be extendable. In some configurations, the spring systems described herein can be at least one of moveable, replaceable, and adjustable.

Embodiments of the invention, such as the examples disclosed herein, may be beneficial in a variety of respects. For example, and as will be apparent from the present disclosure, one or more embodiments of the invention can provide one or more advantageous and unexpected effects, in any combination, some examples of which are set forth below. It should be noted that such effects are neither intended, nor should be construed, to limit the scope of the claimed invention in any way. It should further be noted that nothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should any such embodiments be construed to implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular technical effect(s) or solution(s). Finally, it is not required that any embodiment implement any of the advantageous and unexpected effects disclosed herein.

Turning now to the Figures,illustrates an embodiment of a modular furniture systemin the form of a couch, including two bases, a number of transverse members, and number of cushionson bases. The two basesand the transverse membersare secured together via the couplers, which are generally hidden from view as depicted in, but shown in the exploded view of the furniture systemin. The furniture systemis modular in that the bases, the transverse members, and the cushionscan be added, subtracted, and repositioned relative to one another to form any number of furniture configurations. For instance, whileillustrates the furniture systemarranged to form a two-seated couch, the size and configuration of the furniture system can be varied based upon the particular needs of a user. For instance, in another configuration, the furniture systemcan include additional basesand transverse membersto form a larger couch, an L-shaped sectional, or the like. In still another configuration, such as illustrated in, a single baseis combined with the transverse membersand at least one cushionto form a chair, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. In still other configurations, one or more basesmay be configured without any transverse membersto form ottomans, other seats, and other types of furniture systems. For example, one or more basesand cushionscan be configured together to form a bed, including a box spring comprised of the basesand/or the cushionsserving as a mattress or other padding.

One or more of the basesof the furniture systemcan include a storage cavity or space to store items, such as blankets, books, electronics, or other items within the base. As such, in the description, base and storage base can be used interchangeably to refer to the bases of the various furniture systems. In at least one embodiment, the storage bases can be visually indistinguishable from non-storage bases and often improve the aesthetic appearance of the furniture systems over the non-storage bases. Because the basescan be rearranged and reconfigured within the furniture system, the storage spaces provided by such basescan be repositioned within a footprint of the furniture systemwithout changing, repositioning, or otherwise reconfiguring the overall footprint of the furniture system. Stated another way, the location of particular storage spaces within a furniture systemcan be changed while maintaining a particular footprint or combination modules forming the furniture system.

Turning now to, illustrated is another embodiment of a modular furniture systemin the form of an armchair. The description of the furniture systemis also applicable to the furniture system, and vice versa.

The furniture systemincludes a storage basehaving a lidwith a spring system, and a cushion. A plurality of couplershold the various transverse membersto the storage baseas they are disposed within complementary slotsformed in the storage baseand the transverse members. For instance, the transverse membersand the storage baseinclude the slotsinto which opposing arms of the couplersare inserted to secure the storage baseto the various transverse members. The couplersare removable such that the storage baseand the transverse memberscan be separated, rearranged, and re-secured together. Alternatively, the baseand the traverse membersmay be coupled via magnets embedded in one or both of baseand/or traverse members, optional with complementary iron-based coupling plates or connectors. The magnetic coupling assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,813 is incorporated herein by reference. In other configurations, other structures can be used to connect the storage bases, such as hook and loop fasteners, spring clamps, belts, or other mechanical fasteners or couplers. Additional details for a base or storage base useable with the spring systemcan be found in U.S. patent application entitled “Furniture Storage Base” bearing Attorney Docket No. 15605.245.2, filed the same day as the present application, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference.

In at least one embodiment, the lidis configured to be removable from the storage baseindependently of the transverse members, as illustrated in. For example, once the furniture systemis assembled so that the transverse membersare secured to the storage basevia the couplers, the lidcan be selectively removed from the storage baseto provide access to a storage cavitydefined by an interior space of the storage base. This can be done without removing any of the transverse membersfrom the storage base. Likewise, the lidcan be placed on top of the storage basewithout altering any other connections of the various furniture system components. In some embodiments, “on top of a storage base” can include positioning the lidon an uppermost edge or surface of one or more walls of the storage base. In other embodiments, “on top of a storage base” can include configurations where the lidis disposed on at least a portion of the one or more walls. In other embodiments, “on top of a storage base” can include configurations where the lidselective contacts at least a portion of the one or more walls, such as when the lidis at least partially disposed within a recess of the storage base, as will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

To allow the lidto be easily removed from the storage base, the lidmay not be secured in any way to the storage base. Rather, the lidcan rest on top of the storage baseand can easily be lifted off. However, in at least one embodiment, the lidcan be partially or removably secured to the storage base. For example, in at least one embodiment, the lidcan be removably secured to the storage basevia one or more clips, clamps, or other securement means along one or multiple edges of lid. In such an embodiment, the lidcan be removably secured to storage baseto prevent the lidfrom inadvertently lifting, sliding off, or otherwise disengaging from storage base.

Alternatively, in at least one embodiment, the lidis fixed on top of the storage baseto allow the lidto be pivoted or tilted from the storage baselike a door. For instance, as illustrated in, the lidis fixed to the storage basevia one or more hinges. Other securement means, including removable securement means that secure the lidto the storage baseare also contemplated which at least partially secure the lidto the storage basewhile still allowing selective access to the storage cavity.

In still other embodiments, the storage basecan be a base member that does not provide storage space. Rather, the storage basecan be configured as a typical furniture base member having springs, such as the spring system. Whether the lidis removable or permanently fixed to the storage base, the lidcan still be utilized and function as described herein.

In the illustrated embodiments of, the lidand the cushionare separate and distinct from one another. The cushionsits on top of the lid, and/or a portion of the storage base, during use and can be freely separated from the lidto provide access to the storage cavity. In at least one other embodiment, the lidand the cushioncan be removably secured together or integrally formed with one another such that lifting the cushionalso lifts the lidfrom the storage base, such as illustrated in.

Turning to, the storage baseincludes a base framewith a recessed memberdisposed within an interior spaceof the base frameand below a top surfaceof the base frame; the interior spaceforming a part of the storage cavity(). The base frameincludes the wallsand a basethat bound storage cavity. The lidis configured to selectively rest upon the recessed memberwithout impinging on the storage cavity. The basemay optionally be covered or lined with fabric(), and optionally removable from a remainder of base frame. The fabriccan be separately removed from baseso it might be cleaned.

The recessed memberincludes an internal chamfered edgethat extends at least partially around a perimeter of the base frameand from a surface. The internal chamfered edgeand the surfaceaccommodate the lid. The surface, and optionally a portion of the internal chamfered edge, includes the slotsthat receive the couplers(). Forming the slotsin the surfacerather than only in the internal chamfered edgeseparates the couplers() from a location where the lidrests in the storage base. This creates a continuous surface free of obstructions on which the lidmay be placed, allowing at least a portion of the lidto sit substantially flush with the top surfaceof the base frameto receive the cushion. Slotsare at least partially set back from the internal chamfered edgeto limit interference between the coupler() and the lidand the coupler() and the cushion. A majority of a depth of the slotsare, therefore, positioned between the base frameand the internal chamfered edge. In alternate configurations, the slotsare formed only in the surface, without a portion of the slotformed in the internal chamfered edgeand/or the wallof the base frame.

As mentioned previously, the storage cavityor the interior spacecan be defined by the walls, the base, and the lid. The basecan have an interior-facing surfaceconfigured to come into contact with items stored within the storage basewhen no fabricis provided and an exterior-facing surfacewhich can come into contact with the floor or other surface where the storage baseis located. For instance, the baseincludes feetformed with the base. Websextend between the interior-facing surfaceand the exterior-facing surfaceand form venting holesto provide airflow and decrease the weight of the base. As illustrated, the websform concentric rings and straight members emanating from a common central point, thereby including the venting holesof different sizes. While this is one illustrative pattern of the webs, the basecan have different patterns of webs where the spacing between adjacent webs can be uniform or non-uniform, with sizes optionally being dependent on the size of the items to be stored within the storage base, and the desired weight or material usage to form the base. For example, toddler toys may include large blocks which can be stored in a storage base have a base with a large grid pattern or larger spacing between adjacent webs, while older children might have small toys requiring the base to having a smaller or finer-sized grid pattern.

The basecan be formed as monolithic structure with the feetand the websformed as one-piece structure. Alternatively, the feetcan be separate structures from a remainder of base, the feetbeing permanently or removably attached to a reminder of the base. In other configurations, less than all of the spaces between adjacent the websinclude the venting holes. In still other configurations, the basemay be solid, without the venting holes, so as to create a sealed compartment without any apertures. In still other configurations, the basecan include cross-hatching, patterning, groove formation, or other patterns, with or without venting holes, apertures, etc. In still other configurations, the

Generally, the parts of storage basecan be formed as a single monolithic structure, i.e., as a one-piece structure, or alternatively, the parts of storage basemay separate pieces and assembled together to form storage baseas illustrated and described herein. Storage basecan be fabricated from a polymer, wood, metal, alloys, composites, combinations thereof, or the like.