# US 2008/0185889 A1 · Adjustable furniture > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2008/0185889 A1 - Document ID: US20080185889A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 11/742,298 - Filed: 2007-04-30 - Published: 2008-08-07 - Earliest claimed: 2007-02-01 - Inventors: Nathan Kipperman - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20080185889A1 ## CPC - A47C 17/162: {with adjustable back-rest} - A47B 85/00: Furniture convertible into other kinds of furniture - A47C 13/00: Convertible chairs, stools or benches (step-stools requiring conversion between the step and seat functions A47C12/02) - A47C 17/163: {and a foot-rest} - A47C: CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS - A47B: TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE (furniture jointing F16B) ## Abstract An item of adjustable furniture having a first support section, a second support section connected rotatably to the first support section by a pair of hinges, and a third support section connected rotatably to the second support section by a pair of hinges. Each hinge includes a pair of discs fastened rotatably to one another by a hinge pin. Each disc includes an array of apertures and a locking mechanism having an aesthetically pleasing J-shaped hook member, a knob fastened to the hook member, and a spring interposed between the knob and the pin. The hook member is removably received within the apertures of the discs when the spring is expanded, thereby locking the hinge. To unlock the hinge and allow for the rotation of the support members for the purpose adjusting the furniture, the knob is depressed to disengage the hook member from the apertures of the discs. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A hinge comprising: a first disc and a second disc oriented rotatably relative to one another, said first disc being attachable at a portion of its periphery to a first support member of an item of adjustable furniture and said second disc being attachable at a portion of its periphery to a second support member of the adjustable furniture; a hook member releasably engageable with said first and second discs and moveable between a locked position, in which said hook member is engaged with said discs and prevents said discs from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said hook member is disengaged from said discs and enables said discs to rotate relative to one another so that the first and second support members of the furniture item can be rotated relative to one another for the purpose of adjusting the shape of the furniture item. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The hinge as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first disc comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, and said second disc comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc are juxtaposed with one another. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The hinge as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first disc is connected to said second disc by a centrally located pin. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The hinge as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a washer positioned around said pin and intermediate said first and second discs to reduce friction between said discs. ### Claim 5 (depends on 3) The hinge as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc are coated with a friction-reducing material. ### Claim 6 (depends on 3) The hinge as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first disc comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which extends from said first surface of said first disc to said second surface of said first disc, and said second disc comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which extends from said first surface of said second disc to said second surface of said second disc, said hook member, when in its locked position, extends through one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The hinge as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plurality of apertures of said first disc are arranged in a circular array and said plurality of apertures of said second disc are arranged in a circular array. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The hinge as claimed in claim 7, wherein said plurality of apertures of said first disc are arranged proximate to the periphery of said first disc, and said plurality of apertures of said second disc are arranged proximate to the periphery of said second disc. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The hinge as claimed in claim 7, wherein said hook member is J-shaped and comprises a long leg and a short leg, said long leg of said hook member extending through said pin, said short leg of said hook member extending through one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc when said hook member is in its locked position. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The hinge as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a knob operable in concert with said hook member for moving said hook member between its locked position to its unlocked position. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The hinge as claimed in claim 10, wherein said knob is fastened to said long leg of said hook member. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The hinge as claimed in claim 11, further comprising a spring interposed between said knob and said pin, said spring being movable between an expanded position when said hook member is in its locked position, and a contracted position when said hook member is in its unlocked position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The hinge as claimed in claim 12, wherein said short leg of said hook member is completely withdrawn from said one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and said corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc when said spring is in its contracted position. ### Claim 14 An item of adjustable furniture, comprising: a first support member and a second support member; and a first hinge comprising; a first disc and a second disc oriented rotatably relative to one another about an axis of rotation, said first disc being attached to said first support member and said second disc being attached to said second support member; a lock member having a first portion extending along said axis of rotation and a second portion releasably engageable with said first and second discs and moveable between a locked position, in which said second portion is engaged with both of said discs and prevents said discs from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said second portion is disengaged from said discs and enables said discs to rotate relative to one another so that said first and second support members of said item of furniture can be rotated relative to one another for the purpose of adjusting the shape of said furniture. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 14, wherein said first disc comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, and said second disc comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc are juxtaposed. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first disc is connected to said second disc by a pin through which said first portion of said lock member extends. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 16, further comprising a washer positioned around said pin and intermediate said first and second discs. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 16, wherein said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc are coated with a friction-reducing material. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 16, wherein said first disc comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which extends from said first surface of said first disc to said second surface of said first disc, and said second disc comprises a plurality of apertures, each of which extends from said first surface of said second disc to said second surface of said second disc, so that when said second portion of said look member is in its locked position, a length of said second portion of said lock member extends through one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc to prevent relative movement therebetween. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 19, wherein said plurality of apertures of said first disc are arranged in a circular array, and said plurality of apertures of said second disc are arranged in a similarly patterned circular array. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 20, wherein said plurality of apertures of said first disc are arranged proximate to the periphery of said first disc, and said plurality of apertures of said second disc are arranged proximate to the periphery of said second disc. ### Claim 22 (depends on 21) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 21, wherein said lock member is J-shaped and comprises a straight long leg and a curved short leg, said first portion of said lock member comprising said long leg of said lock member, at least a part of which extends through said pin, and said second portion of said lock member comprises said short leg of said look member, at least a distal part of which extends through one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc when said second portion of said lock member is in its locked position. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 22, wherein said lock member further comprises a knob. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 23, wherein said knob is fastened to a distal end of said long leg of said lock member. ### Claim 25 (depends on 24) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a spring interposed between said knob and said pin, said spring being movable between an expanded position when said second portion of said lock member is in its locked position, and a contracted position when said second portion of said lock member is in its unlocked position. ### Claim 26 (depends on 25) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 25, wherein said short leg of said lock member is completely withdrawn from said one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and said corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc when said spring is in its contracted position. ### Claim 27 (depends on 14) The item of furniture item as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a second hinge, said second hinge comprising: a first disc and a second disc oriented rotatably relative to one another about a second axis of rotation, said first disc of said second hinge being attached to said first support member and said second disc of said second hinge being attached to said second support member; a lock member having a first portion extending along said second axis of rotation and a second portion releasably engageable with said first and second discs of said second hinge and moveable between a locked position, in which said second portion of said second hinge is engaged with both of said discs of said second hinge and prevents said discs of said second hinge from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said second portion of said second hinge is disengaged from said discs of said second hinge and enables said discs of said second hinge to rotate relative to one another so that said first and second support members of said item of furniture can be rotated relative to one another for the purpose of adjusting the shape of said furniture. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 27, wherein said first support member comprises a pair of legs and said second support member comprises a pair of legs, said first disc of said first hinge is connected to one of said pair of legs of said first support member, and said second disc of said first hinge is connected to a corresponding one of said pair of legs of said second support member, said first disc of said second hinge is connected to the other of said pair of legs of said first support member, and said second disc of said second hinge is connected to the corresponding other of said pair of legs of said second support member. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 28, wherein each of said pair of legs of said first support member further comprises a generally linear top portion and a generally arcuate bottom portion, and each of said pair of legs of said second support member further comprises a generally linear top portion and a generally arcuate bottom portion. ### Claim 30 (depends on 29) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 29, wherein said first support member further comprises a plurality of crossbars that connect said pair of legs of said first support member to one another, and said second support member further comprises a plurality of crossbars that connect said pair of legs of said second support member to one another. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 30, wherein said plurality of crossbars of said first support member are attached in spaced relation along said generally linear top portions of said pair of legs of said first support member, and said plurality of crossbars of said second support member are attached in spaced relation along said generally linear top portions of said pair of legs of said second support member. ### Claim 32 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said first and second support members are generally circular in cross section. ### Claim 33 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said first and second support members are generally rectangular in cross section. ### Claim 34 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said first and second support members are generally square in cross section. ### Claim 35 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said first and second support members are generally triangular in cross section. ### Claim 36 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, further comprising a cushion positioned on and supported by said plurality of crossbars of said first and second support members. ### Claim 37 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, wherein said first support member is generally rectangular in shape when viewed in plan view, and said second support member is generally rectangular in shape when viewed in plan view. ### Claim 38 (depends on 31) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 31, further comprising a third support member and a third hinge, said third hinge comprising: a first disc and a second disc oriented rotatably relative to one another about a third axis of rotation, said first disc of said third hinge being attached to said third support member and said second disc of said third hinge being attached to said second support member; a lock member having a first portion extending along said third axis of rotation and a second portion releasably engageable with said first and second discs of said third hinge and moveable between a locked position, in which said second portion of said third hinge is engaged with both of said discs of said third hinge and prevents said discs of said third hinge from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said second portion of said third hinge is disengaged from said discs of said third hinge and enables said discs of said third hinge to rotate relative to one another so that said second and third support members of said item of furniture can be rotated relative to one another for the purpose of adjusting the shape of said furniture. ### Claim 39 (depends on 38) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 38, further comprising a fourth hinge, said fourth hinge comprising: a first disc and a second disc oriented rotatably relative to one another about a fourth axis of rotation, said first disc of said fourth hinge being attached to said third support member and said second disc of said fourth hinge being attached to said second support member; a lock member having a first portion extending along said fourth axis of rotation and a second portion releasably engageable with said first and second discs of said fourth hinge and moveable between a locked position, in which said second portion of said fourth hinge is engaged with both of said discs of said fourth hinge and prevents said discs of said fourth hinge from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said second portion of said fourth hinge is disengaged from said discs of said fourth hinge and enables said discs of said fourth hinge to rotate relative to one another so that said second and third support members of said item of furniture can be rotated relative to one another for the purpose of adjusting the shape of said furniture. ### Claim 40 (depends on 39) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 39, wherein said third support member comprises a pair of legs, said first disc of said third hinge is connected to one of said pair of legs of said third support member, and said second disc of said third hinge is connected to a corresponding one of said pair of legs of said second support member, said first disc of said fourth hinge is connected to the other of said pair of legs of said third support member, and said second disc of said fourth hinge is connected to the other of said pair of legs of said second support member. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 40, wherein each of said pair of legs of said third support member further comprises a generally linear top portion and a generally arcuate bottom portion. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 41, wherein said third support member comprises a plurality of crossbars that connect said legs of said third support member to one another. ### Claim 43 (depends on 42) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 42, wherein said plurality of crossbars of said third support member are attached in spaced relation along said generally linear top portions of said pair of legs of said third support member. ### Claim 44 (depends on 43) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 43, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said third support member are generally circular in cross section. ### Claim 45 (depends on 43) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 43, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said third support member are generally rectangular in cross section. ### Claim 46 (depends on 43) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 43, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said third support member are generally square in cross section. ### Claim 47 (depends on 43) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 43, wherein each of said plurality of crossbars of said third support member are generally triangular in cross section. ### Claim 48 (depends on 43) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 43, further comprising a cushion positioned on and supported by said plurality of crossbars of said third support member. ### Claim 49 (depends on 43) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 43, wherein said third support member is generally rectangular in shape when viewed in plan view. ### Claim 50 (depends on 30) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 30, further comprising a generally flat support member supported by said plurality of crossbars of said second support member. ### Claim 51 A hinge comprising: a first disc and a second disc oriented rotatably relative to one another about an axis of rotation; and a J-shaped lock member having a straight elongated first portion extending along said axis of rotation and a curved second portion releasably engageable with alignable apertures formed in said first and second discs and moveable between a locked position, in which a distal end of said curved second portion is engaged with said apertures of both of said discs and prevents said discs from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said distal end of said curved second portion is disengaged from said discs and enables said discs to rotate relative to one another. ### Claim 52 (depends on 51) The hinge as claimed in claim 51, wherein said first disc comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, and said second disc comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc are juxtaposed with one another. ### Claim 53 (depends on 52) The hinge as claimed in claim 52, wherein said first disc is connected to said second disc by a centrally located pin. ### Claim 54 (depends on 53) The hinge as claimed in claim 53, further comprising a washer positioned around said pin and intermediate said first and second discs to reduce friction between said discs. ### Claim 55 (depends on 53) The hinge as claimed in claim 53, wherein said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc are coated with a friction-reducing material. ### Claim 56 (depends on 53) The hinge as claimed in claim 53, wherein said apertures of said first disc extend from said first surface of said first disc to said second surface of said first disc, and said apertures of said second disc extend from said first surface of said second disc to said second surface of said second disc, said curved portion extends through one of said apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said apertures of said second disc when said curved second portion of said lock member is in its said locked position. ### Claim 57 (depends on 53) The hinge as claimed in claim 53, wherein said apertures of said first disc are arranged in a circular array and said apertures of said second disc are arranged in a circular array. ### Claim 58 (depends on 54) The hinge as claimed in claim 54, wherein said apertures of said first disc are arranged proximate to the periphery of said first disc, and said apertures of said second disc are arranged proximate to the periphery of said second disc. ### Claim 59 (depends on 58) The hinge as claimed in claim 58, further comprising a knob operable in concert with said lock member for moving said curved second portion of said lock member between its locked position to its unlocked position. ### Claim 60 (depends on 59) The hinge as claimed in claim 59, wherein said knob is fastened to said straight elongated first portion of said lock member. ### Claim 61 (depends on 60) The hinge as claimed in claim 60, further comprising a spring interposed between said knob and said pin, said spring being movable between an expanded position when said curved second portion of said lock member is in its locked position, and a contracted position when said curved second portion of said lock member is in its unlocked position. ### Claim 62 (depends on 61) The hinge as claimed in claim 61, wherein said curved second portion of said lock member is completely withdrawn from said one of said apertures of said first disc and said corresponding one of said apertures of said second disc when said spring is in its contracted position. ### Claim 63 An item of furniture, comprising: a first support member, a second support member, and a third support member, each of said support members comprising a pair of legs, each of said pair of legs comprising a generally linear top portion and a generally arcuate bottom portion, and a plurality of crossbars attached in spaced relation along said generally linear top portions of said pair of legs; a first hinge and a second hinge, each of which are attached to said first and second support members; and a third hinge and a fourth hinge, each of which are connected to said second and third support members, each of said hinges comprising, a first disc having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, and a plurality of apertures arranged in a circular array, each of which extends from said first surface of said first disc to said second surface of said first disc; a second disc having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, and a plurality of apertures arranged in a circular array, each of which extends from said first surface of said second disc to said second surface of said second disc, said second surface of said first disc and said second surface of said second disc being juxtaposed, said first and second discs being connected to one another by a pin and being oriented rotatably relative to one another about an axis of rotation; a J-shaped lock member having a straight long leg extending along said axis of rotation and a portion of which extending through said pin, and a curved short leg releasably engageable with said first and second discs and moveable between a locked position, in which a distal part of said short leg extends through one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc and prevents said discs from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which said short leg is completely withdrawn from said one of said plurality of apertures of said first disc and a corresponding one of said plurality of apertures of said second disc and enables said discs to rotate relative to one another; a knob fastened to said long leg of said lock member; and a spring interposed between said knob and said pin, said spring being movable between an expanded position when said short leg of said lock member is in its locked position, and a contracted position when said short leg of said lock member is in its unlocked position; said first disc of said first hinge being connected to one of said pair of legs of said first support member, and said second disc of said first hinge being connected to a corresponding one of said pair of legs of said second support member; said first disc of said second hinge being connected to the other of said pair of legs of said first support member, and said second disc of said second hinge being connected to the corresponding other of said pair of legs of said second support member; said first disc of said third hinge being connected to one of said pair of legs of said third support member, and said second disc of said third hinge being connected to a corresponding one of said pair of legs of said second support member; said first disc of said fourth hinge being connected to the other of said pair of legs of said third support member, and said second disc of said fourth hinge being connected to the other of said pair of legs of said second support member, such that said first and second support members of said item of furniture can be rotated relative to one another and said second and third support member of said item of furniture can be rotated relative to one another for the purpose of adjusting the shape of said furniture item. ### Claim 64 (depends on 63) The item of furniture as claimed in claim 63, further comprising a cushion positioned on and supported by said plurality of crossbars of said first, second and third support members. ### Claim 65 A hinge, comprising: a first disc and a second disc rotatable relative to one another; and a J-shaped hook member moveable between a locked position, in which a portion of said hook member is engaged with said discs and prevents said discs from rotating relative to one another, and an unlocked position, in which a portion of said hook member is disengaged from said discs and enables said discs to rotate relative to one another.