Modular metamorphosis: parsimonious pedestal-platform furniture system™, (alternatively called the modular metamorphosis 3-P system™ or the modular metamorphasis base-pair furniture system™)

Abstract

The invention is an interlocking, modular system utilizing reconfiguration and repositioning of two basic elements which together comprise the basic “Modular Metamorphosis Base-Pair Unit™.” The basic “base-pair” unit is composed of one horizontal support platform and one vertical support pedestal whose design enables repositioning the elements of the Base-Pair Unit™ into multiple functional units (furniture and storage) as well as aesthetic (design or decorative) entities, in a parsimonious and space-saving fashion. Accessory elements that further extend, subdivide, enhance, or embellish the invention may be stored within the integrally configured and interchangeable storage units contained in the hollowed out base-pair elements. The interlock assembly system is accomplished without tools and predicated on the inherent complimentarily of the architectural design of the base-pair elements, as the invention does not use legs. The invention enables space transformation from eating to study to sleep to play space by reconfiguring the base-pair elements to form different types of furniture that address the needs of the moment.

1 . A modular furniture system comprised of one basic unit, called the base-pair, which is composed of two companion elements, the platform and the pedestal, wherein:
 a. Each element is hollow such that it can be configured to interlock with the companion element,   b. The surfaces of each element are configured with interlocking features that correspond with those of the companion element, and   c. The interlocking features are decorative as well as functional.   
     
     
         2 . The system referred to in  claim 1  where the two elements (the platform and pedestal) can be reconfigured and repositioned to assume different furniture functions without additional attachments and embellishments, including as a:
 a. dining table, 
 b. coffee table and 
 c. bench. 
 
     
     
         3 . As a second independent claim, a modular system that can accommodate soft furnishing enhancements attachments and accessories (such as mattresses and pillows), such that the addition broadens the different functions the system can attain such as:
 a. A platform bed,   b. day-bed or chaise, and   c. club chair.   
     
     
         4 . As a third independent claim, a modular system which each of the two elements can be further sub-divided and reconfigured to assume even greater functionality, such as:
 a. A desk,   b. display unit, and   c. storage unit.   
     
     
         5 . As a fourth independent claim, an interlocking system where each element contains interlocking features on the surfaces of the two elements, wherein
 a. The interlocking features on a surface of one element are male “extrusions” on one element that correspond with female “cut-outs” or “receptacles” on the other   b. The interlocking features on a surface of one element are female devices (cut-outs or receptacles) that correspond with male extrusions on the companion member,   c. The interlocking features are decorative as well as functional,   d. The interlock features on the surface may include both male and female features,   e. The interlocking features are hollow, and.   f. The interlock features secure the assembly or attachment of one of the elements to the other, such that they interlock with companion spaces in the opposing base-platform component (i.e. they fit into companion (complimentary) receptacles, cut outs and/or extrusions).   
     
     
         6 . As a fifth independent claim, an interlocking system where by virtue of its configuration of the extrusion member, it has multiple purposes, including
 a. drawer pulls,   b. rolling devices,   c. display stands,   d. interlock devices,   e. aesthetic embellishments, and   f. housing for aesthetic enhancements.   
     
     
         7 . An interlocking assembly system referred to in  claim 6 , wherein the interlock features
 a. Are architectural elements that function individually and collectively,   b. That individually serve one function, such as a drawer pull for one drawer and   c. Collectively they assume a form that acts as an interlocking device, such as a column.   
     
     
         8 . The system referred to in  claim 6 - 8  where the interlock features units can be attached to or embedded in or fashioned as premolded parts of the base-pair elements 
     
     
         9 . The system referred to in  claim 6 - 9  which contains interlock features that are removable to aid in transport, assembly, or moving, 
     
     
         10 . The system referred to in  claim 6 - 10  which contains interlock features that can be used as aesthetic elements for decoration. 
     
     
         11 . The system referred to in  claim 6 - 11  where each extrusion is hollow enabling it to contain aesthetic enhancements 
     
     
         12 . The components referred to in  claims 6 - 12  above can be fabricated from easily accessible building materials such as corrugated cardboard or cardboard tubes covered with thin metal or acrylic to achieve the drawer pulls, acrilyized raffia, Lucite, acrylic or other plastics, or laminates,: 
     
     
         13 . The system referred to in  claim 6 - 13  where the interlock units contain additional avidity enhancing material, such as metallic paint and magnets, latex or elastic, or springs, and may be further secured, by a snap-lock design, latex or elastic, a spring system, a tongue-in-groove design. 
     
     
         14 . As a sixth independent claim, a modular system in which the hollowed out space in the elements of the base-pair unit can be used to store enhancements and accessories, thereby allowing the two-element unit to function in multiple capacities without the need for additional storage space for accessories or attachments when not in use, thereby enabling the system to function in the ultimate space-conservation mode. 
     
     
         15 . As a seventh independent claim, a system of configuring the hollowed portions of the base-pair elements for storage where the integrated storage allowing it to take multiple forms, such as,
 a. shelves,   b. drawers,   c. hinged “hampers,   d. -pull-out or pull-down units, and   e. hinged top-loading storage, or in any combination thereof.   
     
     
         16 . The system referred to in  claims 15 - 16  may be accessed by hinges, drawer pulls architecturally carved or contained or externally applied. 
     
     
         17 . As an eighth independent claim, an interlock system that by virtue of its configuration within the base-pair unit acts as a ROLLING ELEMENT 
     
     
         18 . The system referred to in  claim 17  where a fold-down spindle element integrated or inserted into a corresponding tube or hollowed cylinder contained in the other. This unit in one member of the base-pair unit can be unfolded such that it that slips inside a hollowed unit such as drawer-pulls or architectural elements of the other member of the base-pair unit, enabling the unit to be moved in a rolling motion. 
     
     
         19 . The system referred to in  claim 18 - 20  where rounded drawer-pulls are used as the interlock extrusion such that all or some rotate in the housings provided i.e. they are embedded in the housing element such that they revolve or turn on themselves.