Systems and Methods for Providing a Convertible Bench

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/393,063 (Attorney Docket No. 11856.41), filed on Dec. 21, 2023 (which is scheduled to issue on Mar. 18, 2025), and entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CONVERTIBLE BENCH, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/943,054 (Attorney Docket No. 11856.39), filed on Sep. 12, 2022 (which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,849,850), and entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CONVERTIBLE BENCH; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/752,430 (Attorney Docket No. 11856.32), filed on Jan. 24, 2020 (which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,439,243), and entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CONVERTIBLE BENCH, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/796,540, filed Jan. 24, 2019, and entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A CONVERTIBLE BENCH (Attorney Docket No. 11856.31); the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to furniture. More particularly, some implementations of the described invention relate to systems and methods for providing a convertible bench that is configured to move between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop. While the described bench can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from the first position that presents the backrest to a second position that presents the tabletop. In some cases, an armrest of the backrest/table portion defines an arched recess that provides strength to the armrest while reducing an amount of material needed to produce the armrest.

Often times, people desire to sit down to relax, to talk with others, to wait or pass time, to enjoy their surroundings, and to otherwise rest from standing, while still being in an upright position. In many cases, having a seat with a backrest can further allow a person to use the backrest for support, such that the person can sit comfortably for a relatively long period of time.

In some cases, in addition to (or in place of) having a seat with a backrest, it is also nice to have a table where a person can: place one or more objects (e.g., plates, cups, utensils, food, drinks, laptops, decorations, and/or any other suitable objects), rest one's arms, work, and otherwise use a flat surface. Accordingly, in some cases, it is desirable to have both a bench with a backrest and a table.

In this regard, a wide variety of chairs with backrests and wide variety of tables exist. By way of example, there many different benches with backrests (e.g., park benches) and many different tables (e.g., picnic tables) that are commercially available. In some cases, however, it can be costly to purchase both a bench and a table. Additionally, in some cases, it can take up a relatively large amount of space to have both a table and bench with a backrest. As a result, in some cases, it can be difficult to have both a table and a separate bench having a backrest.

Thus, while systems and methods currently exist that are used to provide tables and benches with backrests, some challenges still exist, including those listed above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.

The present invention relates to furniture. More particularly, some implementations of the described invention relate to systems and methods for providing a convertible bench that is configured to move between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop. While the described bench can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from the first position that presents the backrest to a second position that presents the tabletop. In some cases, an armrest of the backrest/table portion defines an arched recess that provides strength to the armrest while reducing an amount of material needed to produce the armrest.

In some cases, each of the end pieces defines one or more openings between a highest part of the arched leg support that extends between the set of legs and a highest part of the end piece. While such openings can have any suitable shape, in some cases, an upper portion of such openings optionally comprises an arch shape that provides additional strength the corresponding end piece. Although such openings can be completely open and/or unobstructed, in some cases, one or more supports are disposed in the openings to provide additional strength to the end pieces. Thus, by having one or more of the openings be at least partially defined by and/or by having supports disposed in one or more of the openings, some implementations of the end pieces are configured to use a relatively small amount of material (e.g., PVC and/or any other suitable material) to construct the end pieces, while such end pieces are still provided with additional strength.

In some implementations, the described bench further comprises one or more cross members that extend between the two end pieces and that provide support to a sitting surface that is coupled to the end pieces. While such a cross member can be disposed in any suitable location, in some cases, it is coupled to both the first arched leg support and the second arched leg support. Indeed, in some cases, the cross member is disposed between an uppermost portion and a lowermost portion of an apex (or key) of the first and second arches (or arched leg supports). In some other cases, the cross member is disposed at (and coupled to) the end pieces above the apex of the first and second arches (or arched leg supports). In some such cases, the arches in the end pieces and the placement of the cross member with respect to the arches provide the bench with additional strength than may otherwise be possible without the arches and cross member placement, while still reducing the amount of material needed to form the bench.

In some implementations, the backrest/table portion comprises a first and second armrest component that each pivotally attach the backrest/table portion to the bench's base (e.g., via the first and second end pieces, respectively). In some cases, each armrest component includes an armrest base and/or an armrest cap (with such components being integrally formed together or being formed separately and then being joined together in any suitable manner). In some cases, the armrest base comprises a first pivot joint (or hinge) that pivotally couples the armrest base to a corresponding end piece. In some cases, each armrest base further comprises a first contact surface or stop that is configured to contact a first portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g., a top, back surface of the end piece) when the backrest/table portion is in the first position, and a second contact surface that is configured to contact a second portion (e.g., a top, front portion) of the corresponding end piece when the backrest/table is in the second position. In some such cases, each armrest base defines an arch-shaped recess that is disposed between the first pivot joint and the first contact surface. In some cases, such an arch-shaped recess provides increased strength to the armrest component, while significantly reducing the amount of material needed to produce (and/or a weight of) the armrest component.

In some cases, in order to ensure that movement of the backrest/table portion of the bench is properly limited, the second contact of the surface of each of the armrest bases comprises a first substantially flat surface that runs at a first angle with respect to an uppermost surface of the corresponding end piece when the bench is in the first position. Additionally, in some cases, each end of the backrest/table portion comprise an end support that couples one or more support elements (e.g., planks, beams, sheets of material, and/or any other suitable structures that serve as the bench's backrest and tabletop) to the corresponding armrest components. In some such cases, the end supports each run at a second angle with respect to the uppermost surface of the corresponding end piece when the bench is in the first position. In this regard, in some embodiments, the first angle of the second contact surface and the second angle of the end supports is the same angle (or parallel) when the bench is the first position. In some other embodiments, the first angle of the second contact surface and the second angle of the end supports comprise divergent angles when the bench is the first position. Indeed, in some embodiments, the backrest/table portion comprises one or more adjustment mechanisms that allow the angles of the end supports (and/or any other suitable portion of the bench) to be varied to selectively adjust the slope of the bench's backrest when the bench is in the first position.

Although in some implementations, the armrest cap of each of the armrest components comprises a substantially flat uppermost surface, in some other implementations, each armrest cap comprises an arch-shaped upper surface. In some such cases, such an arch-shaped surface provides additional strength to the corresponding armrest component—thus allowing the corresponding armrest component to be relatively strong, while requiring a relatively small amount of material to construct the armrest component.

While the methods and processes of the present invention may be particularly useful for providing outdoor furniture (e.g., picnic tables that convert into benches with a backrest, and vice versa), those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described systems and methods can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture. For instance, the described systems and methods can be used not only with outdoor furniture, but some implementations of the described systems and methods are configured to be used in any other suitable location and/or application. Indeed, in some implementations, the described systems and methods are used for (and/or modified to be) other forms of furniture, including, without limitation, convertible dining room tables (e.g., dining room tables (and/or any other suitable type of tables) that convert from a sitting surface with a table into a sitting surface with a backrest, and vice versa); convertible personal desks (e.g., desks that convert from a seat with a personal desk to a seat with a backrest, and vice versa); convertible couches, love seats, and other padded chairs (e.g., couches, love seats, and other padded chairs having a backrest and that are configured to convert into tables having a padded chair surface, and vice versa); furniture that comprises a container (e.g., a toy bin, a chest, a drawer, and/or any other suitable container) and seat and that is configured to convert between a being seat with a backrest to a seat with a tabletop and vice versa; and for any other suitable type of furniture.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter.

The present invention relates to furniture. More particularly, some embodiments of the described invention relate to systems and methods for providing a convertible bench that is configured to move between a first position, which presents a backrest, and a second position, which presents a tabletop. While the described bench can include any suitable component, in some cases, it includes a base having a first end piece that has a first set of legs with a first arched leg support that extends between the first set of legs and a second end piece having a second set of legs with a second arched leg support that extends between the second set of legs. The bench further includes a backrest/table portion that is hingedly coupled to the base so as to be pivotable from the first position that presents the backrest to a second position that presents the tabletop. In some cases, an armrest of the backrest/table portion defines an arched recess that provides strength to the armrest while reducing an amount of material needed to produce the armrest.

The described convertible bench can comprise any suitable component that allows a backrest/table portion of the bench to pivot from a first position that presents a backrest (e.g., as shown in) to a second position that presents a tabletop (e.g.,). By way of non-limiting illustration,show a representative embodiment in which the described convertible benchcomprises a base portionhaving a backrest/table portionthat is pivotally coupled to the bench's base such that the backrest/table portion can pivot from the first position to the second position (and vice versa).

With respect to the bench's base portion(or simply the base), the base can comprise any suitable component that allows it to provide a sitting surface and to have the backrest/table portionbe pivotally coupled thereto. By way of non-limiting illustration,show that in some embodiments, the basecomprises one or more end pieces (e.g., a first end pieceand a second end piece), sitting surfaces, cross members, and/or struts.

With reference to the end piecesand, the end pieces can comprise any suitable feature that allows them to support and couple to the sitting surfaceand that otherwise allows the benchto function as described herein. By way of non-limiting illustration,show that, in some embodiments, the end piecescomprise one or more legs, leg supports, and/or sitting surface supports.

In this regard, each end piece (and) can comprise any suitable number of legs(or contact surfaces that are configured to support the benchon the ground, a floor, and/or any other suitable support surface; each of which may be referred to herein as a floor surface). Indeed, while some embodiments of the end pieces each have only a single leg, other embodiments, have 2, 3, 4, or more. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which each end pieceandcomprises a set of legs(e.g., two).

Although the legscan be coupled together at any suitable location (e.g., at their lowermost end, their uppermost end, anywhere in between, and/or at any other suitable portion of the legs' corresponding end pieceor), in some cases, the legs couple together at the sitting surface supportand/or at the leg support(e.g., as shown in). In this regard, the leg support can be any suitable shape and have any suitable feature that allows it to hold the legs together and to otherwise support the bench. For instance, some embodiments of the leg support comprise one or more arches, trusses, scaffolds, beams, planks, boards, tethers, and/or other suitable support structures. By way of non-limiting illustration,(and) show some embodiments in which the legsof the end piecesand/orare coupled together by (and/or otherwise comprise) an archor an arched leg support.

Where the end piecesandeach comprise a pair of legsthat are coupled together by, that are formed with, and/or that otherwise comprise one or more arched leg supports(or arches), the arches can each comprise any suitable type of arch, including, without limitation, a rounded arch, a one-centered arch, a semicircular arch, a two-centered arch, a pointed segmental arch, a drop arch, an equilateral arch, a lancet arch, a gothic arch, an equilateral gothic arch, a lancet gothic arch, a drop gothic arch, a three-centered arch, a basket-handle arch, a four-centered arch, a circular-based arch, a Tudor arch, a segmental arch, a pseudo three-centered arch, a pseudo four-centered arch, a horseshoe arch, an onion arch, a relieving arch, a cinquefoil arch, a shouldered arch, an inflexed arch, a rampart arch, a parabolic arch, a draped arch, a trefoil arch, an ogee arch, a multi-foil arch, a multi-centered arch, a nested arch, a venetian arch, a bell arch, a vaulted arch, an elliptical arch, a reverse ogee arch, a pointed arch, a semi-elliptical arch, a stilted arch, a Florentine arch, a camber arch, a curved top arch, a pointed top arch, a cathedral top arch, a true arch, an anse de panier arch, a stilted, a pipe arch, a low profile arch, a high profile arch, a trapezoidal arch, and/or any other suitable type of arch. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the leg supportcomprises a rounded (or one-centered) arched leg support. Similarly,shows an embodiment in which the leg supportcomprises a semicircular arched leg support.

Where the leg supportcomprises an arched leg support, the arched leg support can serve any suitable function. Indeed, in some embodiments, the arched leg support holds two or more legstogether and otherwise supports and reinforces the bench. Additionally, in some embodiments, the arched leg support provides more strength to the bench, while requiring less building material for the bench's construction. As a result, use of the arched leg support makes some embodiments of the benchstronger than other embodiments that lack the arched leg support. Moreover, as use of the arched leg support does, in some embodiments, provide the bench with additional strength while reducing the amount of material needed to construct the bench, in some such embodiments, use of the arched leg support reduces the overall weight of the bench and while saving money by reducing the amount of building materials required to build the bench.

Although some embodiments of the end piecesandare solid (e.g., do not comprise an opening) between the leg support(e.g., the arched leg support) and an upper end of the sitting surface support, in some other embodiments, one or more of the end pieces defines one or more recess and/or openings between the leg support and the sitting surface support. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the end pieces (e.g.,and) define one or more openingsthat extend though the end pieces.

Where the end piecesand/ordefine one or more openingsthat extend through the end pieces, such openings can be any suitable shape, including, without limitation, being: arch-shaped (or having a rounded arch-shaped portion), circular, elliptical, triangular, rounded triangular, square, rounded square, trapezoidal, rounded trapezoidal, diamond, polygonal, rounded polygonal, crescent-shaped, arch-shaped, regular, irregular, symmetrical, asymmetrical, rounded (e.g., to avoid stress risers and/or to distribute weight), and/or any other suitable shape that allows the benchto function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments an upper portion of the opening defines or comprises an arch shape (e.g., to provide additional strength to the end pieces). By way of non-limiting illustration,shows an embodiment in which a portion of the openinghas a rounded trapezoidal arch shape (or an upper portionhaving a rounded trapezoidal arch shape). Moreover,shows an embodiment in which the openinghas a rounded triangular shape, comprising an upper portionhaving an arch shape. In this regard, an arch shape at the upper portion of the opening gives some embodiments of the bench unexpected and surprising strength, while reducing the bench's weight and materials costs.

Although some embodiments of the openingare left completely open (e.g., as shown in), in some other embodiments, the opening comprises one or more scaffolds, decorative supports that strengthen an end pieceand/or, columns, frameworks, braces, skeletons, ribs, and/or other support members. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the openingcomprises, is divided by, defined by, and/or otherwise includes one or more vertical supportsthat extend between the arched leg supportand the sitting surface supportportion of the bench. In this regard, while such vertical supports can perform any suitable function, in some embodiments, they strengthen the end pieces (e.g., giving strength from the leg support(or the arched leg support) to the sitting surface support). Accordingly, in some embodiments, such supports strengthen the benchwhile reducing the weight of and/or amount of materials need to construct some embodiments of the bench.

With reference now to the sitting surface, the benchcan comprise any suitable sitting surface that is capable of supporting one or more users. Some non-limiting examples of suitable sitting surfaces include one or more planks, boards, beams, laths, supports, frameworks, weaves, sheets, and/or any other suitable pieces or types of material, including, but not limited to, one or more types of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plastics, polymers, wood, stone, ceramics, composites, metals, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, wicker, and/or any other suitable material. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the sitting surfacecomprises one or more planks(e.g., PVC planks). In this regard, such planks can be any suitable size, including, without limitation, being about 1.5 inches (+1 inch) in height, by about 3.5 inches (+3 inches) in width, and by any suitable length (e.g., between about 1 foot and about 50 feet, or in any subrange thereof, such as between about 5 feet and about 10 feet; see e.g.,). Indeed, in some embodiments, the sitting portion and the backrest portion (as described below) are between about 1.5 feet and about 12 feet (e.g., between about 2 feet and about 8 feet).

The sitting surfacecan be supported by the end piecesandin any suitable manner that allows the benchto function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, the sitting surface (e.g., one or more planks) is coupled to the end pieces by resting on top of, hanging below, being inserted into, being fastened to, and/or by otherwise being coupled to the end pieces (e.g., the sitting surface support). By way of non-limiting illustration,(orin particular) show some embodiments in which the sitting surfaceis (or planksare) inserted into (and/or otherwise coupled to) the end piecesand.

With reference now to the struts, some embodiments of the benchoptionally include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more struts that are coupled to the cross memberand the sitting surface(e.g., one, multiple, and/or all of the planks). While such struts can perform any suitable function, in some embodiments, they help support the sitting surface (e.g., by bracing the sitting surface against the cross member) and prevent the sitting surface from bowing and/or sagging.

Where the benchcomprises one or more struts, the struts can couple to the cross memberand/or the sitting surfacein any suitable manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, one or more of the struts couple to the cross member (e.g., via one or more tongue and groove connections, fasteners, adhesives, welds, clamps, catches, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, and/or other suitable coupling mechanisms) and fan out (or broaden) to contact, couple to, and/or support the sitting surfaceor (as shown in) to support each of the planks.

Referring now to the cross member, the benchcan comprise any suitable support component or components that are configured to span between (and couple to) the end piecesandand to support the bench (e.g., to support the sitting surfacevia the strutor struts). In this regard, some non-limiting examples of suitable cross members include one or more planks, boards, beams, laths, supports, frameworks, weaves, tethers, sheets, and/or any other suitable materials (e.g., one or more types of polyvinyl chloride, plastics, polymers, wood, stone, ceramics, composites, metals, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, wicker, and/or any other suitable material). By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the cross membercomprises a substantially straight beam that is coupled to and extends between the end piecesand.

Where the basecomprises one or more cross members, the cross members can couple to the end piecesandin any suitable location, including, without limitation, to an uppermost portion of the end pieces, to a lowermost portion of the end pieces, and/or anywhere there between. In some embodiments, however, each end of the cross membercouples (as shown in) to a corresponding end piece (e.g.,) such the end of the cross membercouples to the corresponding archat or between an uppermost portionand a lowermost portionof an apex (or key)portion of the arch. In some other embodiments, however, each end of the cross member spans (or extends on both sides) of an uppermost portion (or edge) of an apex of the arched leg support. In still other embodiments (as illustrated in) each end of the cross membercouples to a corresponding end piece (or) at or above an uppermost lowermostof the apexof the arched leg support.

The cross member(or cross members) can be located any suitable vertical distance between a ground contact portion of the legsand the sitting surfaceof the bench. In some embodiments, however, the vertical distance (as shown inby D) between a lower edge (as shown by LE in) of the cross memberand the ground contact portion (as shown by GC in) of the legsis between about 35% and about 90% of the vertical distance (as shown by Din) (or any subrange thereof) between the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the actual sitting surface (or the top surface) of the sitting surface. Indeed, in some embodiments, the lower edge LE of the cross member is disposed at a distance Dthat is between about 45% and about 80% (e.g., between about 48% and about 58%) of the vertical distance Dbetween the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surface. In some cases, the lower edge LE of the cross member is between about 50% and about 56% of the vertical distance Dbetween the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surface. For instance, in some embodiments in which Dis about 17 inches, Dis about 9 inches ±1 inch.

Additionally, an upper edge (as shown by UE in) of the cross member(or cross members) can be disposed any suitable vertical distance between the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surfaceof the bench. In some non-limiting embodiments, the upper edge UE of the cross memberis disposed at a vertical distance (as shown by Din) of between about 55% and about 99% (or any subrange thereof) of the vertical distance Dbetween the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surface. Indeed, in some embodiments, the upper edge UE of the cross memberis disposed at a vertical distance Dbetween about 70% and about 85% (e.g., between about 71% and about 80%) of the vertical distance Dbetween the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surface. In some embodiments, the upper edge UE of the cross memberis disposed at a vertical distance Dbetween about 72% and about 76% of the vertical distance Dbetween the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surface. For instance, in some embodiments in which Dis about 17 inches, Dis about 12.5 inches ±1 inch.

In accordance with some embodiments, the coupling of the cross memberat and/or above an uppermost portionof the apexof the arched leg support, and/or so as to have its lower edge LE be raised above that of other competing devices (e.g., above about 45% of the vertical distance Dbetween the ground contact portion GC of the legsand the top surface of the sitting surface) provides the benchwith one or more features. Indeed, in some embodiments, by disposing the cross member on or above the arched leg supports (including, without limitation, at an apex of the arch), the arched leg supports are able to provide the bench with more strength, while requiring less material to construct the bench. Additionally, in some embodiments, by disposing the cross member at or above the arched leg supports, the space between the cross member and the sitting surfaceis reduced. As a result, in some such embodiments, the size of the struts is reduced such that the amount of material needed (and weight of) the benchis reduced. As an added benefit, in some such cases, the cross member and struts are raised up under the sitting surface, thus hiding such components of the bench. Indeed, by raising the cross member up to a higher height than may be found in some competing devices and/or by placing the support at the apex of the arch, some embodiments of the described bench are configured to support surprisingly greater sitting loads while using less material (e.g., resin). Accordingly, such a raised cross member can be highly desirable.

Turning now to the backrest/table portionof the convertible bench, the backrest/table portion can comprise any suitable component that allows the backrest/table portion to convert between a sitting surface with a backrest (e.g., as shown in) and a sitting surface with a table (e.g., as shown in). By way of non-limiting illustration,shows that, in some embodiments, the backrest/table portioncomprises one or more armrest bases, armrest caps, end supports, support elements, and/or hinges.

With respect to the armrest base, the armrest base can comprise any suitable feature that allows it to pivotally couple the support elementsand end supportsto the bench's base. Indeed, in some cases, the armrest base comprises a first pivot joint (e.g., one or more tongue and groove hinges, gate hinges, strap hinges, butt hinges, flush hinges, barrel hinges, spring hinges, pivot joints, ball and socket joints, and/or any other suitable pivoting mechanism) that pivotally couples the armrest base to a corresponding end pieceor. In some embodiments, however, the armrest baseis coupled to the basethrough the use of one or more tongue and groove hinges (e.g., as shown at hingein).

Additionally, as illustrated in, in accordance with some embodiments, each armrest basefurther comprises a first contact surfacethat is configured to contact a first portion of the corresponding end pieceor(e.g., an uppermost, back portion of the sitting surface support) when the backrest/table portionis in the first position (e.g., as shown in). Additionally, in some embodiments, each armrest basefurther comprises a second contact surfacethat is configured to contact a second portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g., an uppermost, front portion of the sitting surface support) when the backrest/table is in the second position (e.g., as shown in). In this regard, the term front portion of an end piece can refer to a portion of the end piece that comprises the pivot joint (e.g.,).

Although each armrest basecan have any suitable shape, in some cases, each armrest base defines an arch-shaped recess that is disposed between the first pivot joint (e.g., hinge) and the first contact surface. In this regard, the arch-shaped recess can have any suitable arch shape, including, without limitation, any arch shape discussed herein. By way of non-limiting illustration,shows an embodiment in which the arch-shaped recesscomprises a rounded (or one-centered) arch. Additionally,shows that, in some embodiments, the arch-shaped recesscomprises a trapezoidal arch. In any case, some embodiments of the arch-shaped recess provides increased strength to the armrest base, while significantly reducing the amount of material needed to produce such embodiments the armrest component (e.g., the armrest base and the armrest cap).

With respect to the armrest caps, the caps can have any suitable characteristic that allows the benchto function as described herein. Indeed, in some embodiments, the armrest caps each comprise an uppermost surface that: is substantially flat, is rounded from side to side, defines a recess that is configured to cradle a length of a user's forearm, is arch-shaped, is bowed, and/or that has any other suitable characteristic that allows the bench to function as described. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the armrest capis arch-shaped. In some such embodiments, the arch shape of the armrest cap strengthens the armrest component (e.g., the armrest cap and the armrest base) such that the armrest base can define a relatively large recess (e.g., recess) while still properly supporting the backrest/table portionwhen the bench is in the second position.

Where an armrest basecomprises the firstand/or secondcontact surfaces, the contact surfaces can comprise any suitable characteristic, including, without limitation, a substantially flat contact surface, a foot, a process, mating contact surface, and/or any other suitable contact surface or characteristic that allows the armrest base to function as described herein. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the first contact surfacecomprises a foot that is configured to contact a back top portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g.,) when the benchis in the first position. Additionally,show some embodiments in which the second contact surfacecomprises a substantially flat surface that is configured to contact a front top portion of the corresponding end piece (e.g.,) when the benchis in the second position (e.g., as shown in). In this regard, when the bench is in the first position, the substantially flat surface of the second contact surfacecan run at any suitable angle (see angle a in) with respect to an upper surface of a corresponding end piece (or), including, without limitation, between about 30 degrees and about 115 degrees (or in any subrange thereof). Indeed, in some embodiments, the substantially flat portion of the second contact surface runs at an angle between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, however, the substantially flat portion of the second contact surface runs at an angle (e.g., 75 degrees ±5 degrees) that allows the support membersto provide a level tabletop when the bench is in the second position.

With reference now to the end supports, the backrest/table portioncan comprise an any suitable component that is configured to couple to and support one or more support elementsso that such elements are configured to function as a backrest when the benchis in the first position and as a tabletop when the bench is in the second position. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which each end supportcomprises an elongated object that extends from the armrest base memberand is coupled (e.g., that receives, is fastened to, is adhered to, is formed with, and/or is otherwise coupled) to one or more support elements.

When the benchis in the first position (e.g., as shown in), a longitudinal axisof the end supportscan run at any suitable angle that allows the backrest/table portionto function as a backrest. Indeed, in some embodiments, when the bench is in the first position, the longitudinal axis of the end supportsruns at an angle between about 30 degrees and about 115 degrees (or in any subrange thereof) with respect to an upper surface of the corresponding end pieceor. Indeed, in some embodiments the longitudinal axis of the end supports runs at an angle (e.g., B, as shown in) that is between about 60 degrees and about 80 degrees. In some embodiments, however, the longitudinal axis runs at an angle (e.g., 70 degrees ±10 degrees) that allows the support members to provide a backrest having a comfortable incline for a user.

In some cases, when the benchis in the first position, the substantially flat surface of the second contact surfaceof the armrest baseruns at an angle a that is substantially parallel to the angle β of the longitudinal axisof the end supports. In some other embodiments, however, the substantially flat surface of the second contact surfaceof the armrest bases runs at an angle a that is not parallel (e.g., at a bisecting angle) to the angle β of the longitudinal axis of the end supports. Indeed, while in some embodiments the angle β of the longitudinal axis of the end supports is limited (or only is movable in one direction to a certain point) when the bench is in the first position, in some embodiments, the backrest/table portion comprises one or more adjustment mechanisms that are configured to selectively adjust the angle of the end supports (and/or to otherwise vary the slope of the bench's backrest) when the bench is in the first position. In this regard, the bench can comprise any suitable adjustment mechanism that is configured to perform such a function, including, without limitation, one or more mechanisms that are configured to change a length of the end supports, to raise and/or lower a portion of the first contact surface, to raise and/or lower a portion of the end pieceorthat is configured to contact the first contact surface, and/or to otherwise adjust an angle of the backrest in any suitable manner when the bench is in the first position. By way of non-limiting illustration,shows an embodiment in which the end support comprises a bar (not shown) that is configured to be moved into and out of the end supportand to be locked in place by placing a pawl (not shown) through a holein the end support and one of a plurality of holes defined along a length of the bar (or vice versa).

With respect now to the support elements, the backrest/table portionof the benchcan comprise any suitable support elements that are configured to function as a backrest when the bench is in the first position and as a tabletop when the bench is in the second position. Some non-limiting examples of suitable support elements include one or more planks, boards, beams, laths, supports, frameworks, weaves, sheets, and/or any other suitable pieces or types of material, including, but not limited to, one or more types of polyvinyl chloride, plastics, polymers, wood, stone, ceramics, composites, metals, alloys, natural materials, synthetic materials, wicker, and/or any other suitable material. By way of non-limiting illustration,show some embodiments in which the support elementscomprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more slats. In this regard, such slats can be any suitable size, including, without limitation, being about 1.5 inches (±1 inch) in height, by about 3.5 inches (±3 inches) in width, and by any suitable length (e.g., between about 1 foot and about 50 feet, or in any subrange thereof, such as between about 2 feet and about 10 feet; see e.g.,). Additionally, while the planksand the slats are the same size in some embodiments, in some other embodiments, at least some of the planksand the slatsare different sizes (e.g., as illustrated inand).

In addition to the aforementioned components, the described benchcan comprise any other suitable component that allows it to function as intended. In one example, some embodiments of the bench optionally comprise one or more buttresses and/or other supports that extend from the armrest base(e.g., above the substantially flat surface of the second contact surface) and that provide additional support to the armrest cap. While such a buttress can have any suitable shape,show some embodiments in which the buttresscomprises a convex and/or arched surface. Again, while such a buttress can perform any suitable function, in some embodiments, it allows the armrest baseto define a relatively large arched recess, while still providing the armrest base to function as intended.

As another example of a suitable modification, in some embodiments, the benchcomprises one or more lights, speakers (e.g., Bluetooth speakers, a radio with one or more speakers, an MP3 and/or any other suitable audio player with one or more speakers, and/or any other suitable speaker system), video displays, cameras, light sensors, thermometers, sensors, pressure sensors, pinch sensors (e.g., to ensure that movement of the backrest/table portionbetween the first and second positions (and vice versa) does not pinch and harm anyone), and/or any other suitable component. By way of non-limiting illustration,shows that in some embodiments, the benchcomprise one or more motors, geared motors, servos, actuators, hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, linear actuators, geared actuators, geared mechanisms, worm drive mechanisms, and/or other mechanisms that are configured to selectively move the backrest/table portion(e.g., between the first and second positions).

Where the benchcomprises one or more motors, lights, speakers, displays, sensors, audio players, and/or any other suitable electronic components, such components can be powered in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, be being plugged into the mains, by being battery powered, by being solar powered, and/or in any other suitable manner. By way of non-limiting illustration,shows an embodiment in which the motoris electrically coupled to one or more solar cellsthat are disposed on the benchor that are otherwise in electric communication with the motor (and/or other electrical component).

In still another example of a suitable modification, one or more edges of the benchand its various components are squared, rounded, chamfered, curved, and/or otherwise have any other suitable shape. By way of non-limiting example,show that in some embodiments, edges of the benchare chamferedand rounded.

In still another example, in some embodiments two convertible benchesare disposed in proximity to each other (e.g., to form a table, as shown in). In some embodiments, when the convertible benches are in the second position and are placed in proximity to each other, the two benches are not physically coupled to each other (e.g., remain separate from each other, even if they touch each other). In some other embodiments, however, the two benches are configured to couple with each other when they are in the second position. In this regard, the two benches can couple with each other in any suitable manner, including, without limitation, through the use of one or more catches, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, straps, clamps, braces, frictional engagements, mechanical engagements, and/or any other suitable coupling mechanisms. By way of non-limiting illustration,shows an embodiment in which two convertible benchesare coupled with a strap mechanism.

As still another example of a suitable modification, the benchcan comprise any suitable number and type of supports or ribs. By way of non-limiting example,show some embodiments in which the one or more edges and/or internal components of the benchcomprise a ribbed surfaceto strengthen the bench. In this regard, because of the arched leg support, the arched armrest cap, the arched opening, the arched recess, and/or the other characteristics set forth herein, some embodiments of the bench are relatively strong while comprising fewer ribs than would otherwise be necessary.