Modular Furniture Frame Unit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referring to a specific non-limiting embodiment depicted in, a furniture assemblycomprises two modular furniture frame units,, in this case mirror images of each other, wherein each frame unit,has a loft-bed support,, respectively. As used herein, a “mirror image” is one modular frame unit identical in form and structure to another modular frame unit, but with the structure reversed, as in a mirror, i.e. non-superimposable.is a perspective front view of furniture assemblywith frame units,each provided with a loft-bed support,. The modular furniture frame units,also include a storage component or section,housing at least one pull-out wardrobe,and preferably a second pull-out wardrobe,each positioned underneath the loft-bed support,, as seen in, which depicts a front view of the furniture assemblyof. Additionally, the modular furniture frame units,optionally include a desk element,housing a desktop,.

is an exploded view of the modular furniture frame unitof the furniture assemblyshown inand depicts the various panels that can be included in said modular furniture frame unitor similar modular frame unit. By “panel” is meant a flat or curved component, preferably rectangular in shape, that forms a part, and usually a side of, a modular frame unit or a section of a modular frame unit. Each panel can include one or more sub-panels to define the panel. As shown in, modular furniture frame unitincludes a first loft-bed support side-panelpositioned perpendicular to and extending upward from a first side edgeA of the loft-bed support. Typically, the first side-panelextends vertically upward at or near a ceiling wall. First side-panelalso includes a recessA from a first loft-bed support side-panel topB and extending downward towards a first loft-bed support side-panel bottomC, the recessA being able to receive a bed support ladder, as shown in. As disclosed herein, the bed support ladderis made from a wide range of materials, preferably wood or metal. The recessA preferably extends downward towards, but never reaches, the first side-panel bottomC. First side-panelcan consist of two or more, and preferably two to four sub-panels. In the particular example depicted in, the first loft-bed support side-panelis defined by a first bed support middle sub-panelD secured between, and adjacent to, a first bed support left sub-panelE and a first bed support right sub-panelF, wherein the middle sub-panelD defines the recessA in the first side-panel. As shown in, modular furniture frame units,of furniture assemblycan share one or more panels or sub-panels, such as for example, the first bed support right sub-panelF.

Modular frame unitoptionally includes a second loft-bed support side-panelpositioned perpendicular to and extending vertically upward from a second side edgeB of the loft-bed support. The second side-panelis located parallel to the first side-panel. Preferably, the second side-panelextends upward at a substantially similar distance as the first side-panelextends upward. The second loft-bed support side-paneloptionally extends downward from the second side edgeB of the loft-bed support. The second loft-bed support side-panelcan also consist of two or more, and preferably two to four sub-panels. Referring again to the specific example depicted in, the second side-panelis defined by two second loft-bed support sub-panels,A andB, respectively, secured adjacent to each other.

The modular frame unitoptionally includes a loft-bed support front paneland/or a loft-bed support back panel. The front paneland the back panelare located opposite and parallel to each other and extend vertically upward from a third and fourth edge,D andC, respectively, of the loft-bed support. Front and back panels,can consist of two or more, and preferably two to four sub-panels. As shown in, front panelis defined by two front loft-bed support sub-panelsA,B secured adjacent to each other, and back panelis defined by two back loft-bed support panelsA,B secured adjacent to each other. Preferably, the front paneland the back panelextend upward at a substantially similar distance as the first and second side-panels,extend upward. In addition, front paneland back paneloptionally extend downward to or near the floor from the third and fourth side edgesD,C, respectively, of the loft-bed support. Collectively, loft-bed support,, first and second side-panels,,and front and back panels,,define a loft-bed areathat provides an occupant with privacy. The loft-bed areaoptionally has one or more shelves secured independently to any one or more of the first and second side-panels,,and the front and back panels,,.

In an embodiment wherein the furniture assemblyas depicted incomprises two modular furniture frame units,that are mirror images of each other, the back panelis shared by both units,. Alternatively, each modular furniture frame unit,is provided with its own loft-bed support back panel, wherein back panelof both frame units,are adjacent to each other. In yet another embodiment, each modular furniture frame unit,is provided with its own back panel, wherein the back panelof both frame units,are separated by a partition wall (not pictured). Loft-bed supportis preferably secured to panels,,andfor support, and any panel,,andis optionally secured to any wall that it abuts.

As mentioned above, the modular furniture frame unitoptionally includes a flat desktophoused within a desk element. As it pertains to the loft-bed embodiment, the desk element, and thereby the desktop, is positioned underneath the bed support, as seen in. The desk element is therefore adjacent to the storage componentof the modular furniture frame unit. Desk elementis defined by a top desk panel, a first side desk panel, a second side desk paneland a back desk panel(see). Desk panels,,,andcan independently consist of two or more sub-panels to define said panel. The desk elementoptionally includes one or more drawers or shelvesA, or a combination of both, either above or below the desktop, to afford additional storage space.

The storage componentof the modular furniture frame unithouses at least one pull-out wardrobe. A “storage component” is defined by at least two sides, either panels or walls or a combination of both. By “pull-out wardrobe” as used herein is meant a large, tall cabinet, with or without a door, used for storage, such as for example storing clothes, shoes and the like, that is pulled out or slid out from the storage component of the modular frame unit as described herein. The pull-out wardrobe is pulled to and from the storage component using a variety of mechanisms, including but not limited to one or more of casters (or any other set of small wheels), guide rails and ball-bearing slides.depicts a pull-out wardrobe without modular furniture frame unit. The pull-out wardrobeis defined by a front storage component panel, a back storage component panel, a top storage component panel, a bottom storage component panel, and a side storage component panel. The front storage component panelis optionally provided with a knob or handleA to enable an occupant to push and pull the pull-out wardrobe to and from the storage componentof the modular furniture frame unit. The bottom storage component panelcan also be used as a shelf to place items. The at least one pull-out wardrobealso comprises an access sideparallel to, and on the opposite side of, the side storage component panel. The access sideprovides an occupant with access to the items inside the pull-out wardrobewhen said pull-out wardrobe is pulled from the storage component. The access sideof the at least one pull-out wardrobeof the frame unitcan be adjacent to desk element, and preferably the second side desk panelof desk element, when the at least one pull-out wardrobeis retracted inside the storage component. Referring again to, the pull-out wardrobeis also configured with a height such that the top storage component panelis positioned near a bottom surface (not pictured) of the bed supportwhen the pull-out wardrobeis retracted inside the storage component. Pull-out wardrobeis optionally provided with at least one valet rodA and one or more drawers and/or shelvesB either above or below the at least one valet rodA, or both.

In the particular non-limiting embodiment depicted in, storage components,each house two adjacent pull-out wardrobes,,;,. A first pull-out wardrobe,and a second pull-out wardrobe,, respectively, are side-by-side from each other, and the access sideof the first pull-out wardrobe,is adjacent to side panelof the desk elementwhen the first pull-out wardrobe is retracted into the storage component. The access sideof the second pull-out wardrobeis therefore adjacent to the back storage component panelwhen both the first pull-out wardrobe and the second pull-out wardrobe are retracted into the storage component.

Finally, as shown in, bed support ladderis secured to one of pull-out wardrobes,;,, and preferably to the front panelof one of the wardrobes,;,, by any number of means, including but not limited to, screws, nails, brackets, and combinations thereof. The ladderis configured such that the recessA of the first side-panelis able to receive the ladder, or in other words, the top of the side rails of the ladderare near or at the top of the recessA. The laddertherefore preferably extends upward essentially the entire length of the front storage component panelto essentially near or at the top of the recessA. By securing or mounting the ladder to the wardrobe, the ladder does not need to be stored and can be used to pull and push the wardrobe out of and into the storage component of the frame unit.

Referring now to another specific non-limiting embodiment as depicted in, a furniture assemblycomprises two modular furniture frame units,that are mirror images of each other.is a perspective front view of furniture assemblywith frame units,. The modular furniture frame units,also include a storage component,housing at least one pull-out wardrobe,, and preferably housing only one pull-out wardrobe,. The storage components,are positioned adjacent to a bed support,, as seen in, which is a front view of the furniture assemblyof. The modular furniture frame units,optionally include a desk element,including a desktop,. Furniture assemblyis optionally installed under a dropped ceilingand between two walls′,″. A privacy curtainoptionally extends downward from the dropped ceiling and in front of the bed support to afford privacy to an occupant. Further, as shown in, the modular furniture frame unitoptionally includes at least one stepleading to the bed support,and adjacent to the desk element,.

, which is an exploded view of the modular furniture frame unitshown inwith dropped ceilingand walls′,″ omitted, depicts a bed supportpositioned on top of, and preferably secured to, a bed support base. The bed support baseis configured to provide support to the bed support. Specifically, and referring to the specific example shown in, bed support basecomprises two identical or substantially identical bed base side-panelsA (only one depicted) parallel to each other and positioned perpendicular to and extending downward from the bed supportat each bed support sideA (only one depicted). The bed support base also includes two identical or substantially identical bed base end-panelsB (only one depicted) parallel to each other and positioned perpendicular to and extending downward from the bed supportat each bed support endB. In a particular non-limiting example, therefore, the bed support baseis shaped in the form of a square or rectangle.

As mentioned above, the modular furniture frame unitoptionally includes a desk elementhaving a flat desktoppositioned thereon. As it pertains to the embodiment shown in, the desk elementis therefore defined by desktop, a first side desk panel, a second side desk paneland a back desk panel. The desktopis positioned on of top of the first side desk panel, the second side desk paneland the back desk panel. Desk panels,andcan independently consist of two or more sub-panels to define said panel. The desk elementis positioned such that bed supportand one of the bed base side-panelsA of the bed support baseare adjacent to the back desk panel. The desk elementoptionally includes one or more drawers and/or shelvesA below the desktop to afford additional storage space. When the drawers/shelvesA are specifically located on back desk panel, the drawers/shelvesA can extend into one or more recesses in bed base side-panelsA to create more storage space.

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

Finally, it is to be understood that the depiction of the pull-out wardrobe inis similar for storage components,of the modular furniture frame unit. The reference numbers for the elements presented inare therefore used to describe the pull-out wardrobeshown in. Referring then to, pull-out wardrobeis defined by a front storage component panel, a back storage component panel, a top storage component panel, a bottom storage component panel, and a side storage component panel. The front storage component panelis optionally provided with a knob or handleA to enable an occupant to push and pull the pull-out wardrobe to and from the storage componentof the modular furniture frame unit. The bottom storage component panelcan also be used as a shelf to place items. The pull-out wardrobealso comprises an access sideparallel to, and on the opposite side of, the side storage component panel. The access sideprovides an occupant with access to the items inside the pull-out wardrobewhen said pull-out wardrobe is pulled from the storage component. The access sideof the at least one pull-out wardrobeof the frame unitis adjacent to one of the storage cabinet side-panelsA when the pull-out wardrobeis retracted. Preferably, the storage componentis adjacent to the bed supportand the bed support base. Pull-out wardrobeis optionally provided with at least one valet rodA and one or more drawers and/or shelvesB either above or below the at least one valet rodA, or both.

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