`
`3
`
`156A1
`
`US 2008002
`
`as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 10) Pub. No.: US 2008/0023156 Al
`
` MacAllenet al. (43) Pub. Date: Jan. 31, 2008
`
`
`(54) FLEXIBLE FURNITURE SYSTEM
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Todd P. MacAllen, Vancouver (CA);
`Stephanie P. Forsythe, Vancouver (CA)
`
`(CA) cece, 2,527,927
`Nov. 25, 2005
`oo
`.
`.
`Publication Classification
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`160/135: 160/130
`35;
`160/12
`
`Int. Cl.
`A47B 97/00
`Wit
`hHOAC
`2736
`(52) US.€1
`CD eee cee ceeeetesceeeeseesenneeeneees
`s
`SS.
`ABSTRACT
`67)
`Anarticle of flexible furniture having a core formed from a
`plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each
`panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces,
`adjacent faces of said pancls being inter-conneeted to pro-
`vide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces
`awayfirmeachother, a pair of supports at opposite ends of
`said core and connectedto respective ones ofsaid faces, said
`supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said
`core wherebysaid supports may be moved apart to expand
`
`(51)
`
`BLAKE,CASSELS&GRAYDON LLP
`°
`BOX 25, COMMERCE COURT WEST
`,
`199 BAY STREET, SUITE 2800
`TORONTO, ON MSL 149 (CA)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`11/742,984
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`May 1, 2007
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 11/287,195,
`filed on Nov. 28, 2005.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/681,972,filed on May
`18, 2005.
`
`said cellular and extend the length of said partition.
`
`PRIORART_00000028
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 1
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 1 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`12
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`16
`(18b)
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`(18a)
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`J
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`PRIORART_00000029
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 2
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 2 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`(e)
`
`(c)
`
`(b)
`
`FIG4
`
`(a)
`
`PRIORART_00000030
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 3
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 3
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 3 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`
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`FIG 5
`
`(b)
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`PRIORART_00000031
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 4
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 4 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`
`
`FIG6
`
`PRIORART_00000032
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 5
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 5
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 5 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`PRIORART_00000033
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 6
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 6
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 6 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`PRIORART_00000034
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 7
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 7
`
`

`

`110
`110
`
`118d
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 7 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`FIG.10
`
`PRIORART_00000035
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 8
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 8
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 8 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`114
`
`442
`
`142
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`
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`144
`
`142
`
`FIG.11
`
`PRIORART_00000036
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 9
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 9
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 9 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`molo
`
`FIG.12
`
`—114—
`
`On142
`
`142
`—
`O
`
`
`
`118d
`
`PRIORART_00000037
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 10
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 10 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`wt—
`
`142
`
`-_
`FIG,13
`
`142
`
`PRIORART_00000038
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 11
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 11
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 11 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`>x
`
`FIG.14 Oo=
`
`NN
`
`212
`
`PRIORART_00000039
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 12
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 12
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 12 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`FIG.15
`
`PRIORART_00000040
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 13
`
`
` oocac00acaooO8
`oo0000000
`214 oo0089000000
`
`
`+z
`
`tN
`
`216
`
`213
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 13
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 13 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`FIG.16 N-
`
`310
`
`o
`
`PRIORART_00000041
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 14
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Jan. 31,2008 Sheet 14 of 14
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`US 2008/0023156 Al
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`FIG.17
`
`PRIORART_00000042
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 15
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 15
`
`

`

`US 2008/0023 156 Al
`
`Jan. 31, 2008
`
`FLEXIBLE FURNITURE SYSTEM
`
`
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`
`
`‘lhe present invention is a continuation-in-part of
`[0001]
`US. patent application Ser. No.
`11/287,195 field on Nov. 28,
`2005 which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent
`Application No. 60/681 977 filed on May 18, 2005 and
`claims foreign priority from Canadian Patent Application
`No. 2,527,927 filed on Nov. 25, 2005, all of which are
`herebyincorporated by reference.
`
`
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] The present invention relates to flexible furniture
`components and methods of making such components.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`[0003] Furniture is a staple product used in domestic,
`working and public environments. Furniture maybe used to
`facilitate the use of space, such as in a seat or table, or to
`divide space, such as in a partition. By way of example,
`partitions are frequently used to subdivide spaces, or to
`create more intimate spaces. Typically such partitions are
`rigid, or have rigid frames, or are formed fromrigid inter-
`connected panels and they are relatively large, heavy, and
`cumbersome, and therefore difficult to set-up, take down,
`store, and transport. Similarly other items of furniture, such
`as seating structures, are typically ofa rigid, or permanent
`nature that, at most, are moveable to alternative locations.
`
`[0004] Moreover, the inherent rigidity of such items of
`furniture limits the extent to which they can be dynamically
`resized (extended or contracted) and reshaped to suit varying
`spaces and requirements, or readily moved around for relo-
`cation, or storage.
`
`[0005] Additionally, such furniture items, particularly in
`the form of partitions are typically formed from opaque
`panels which inhibit the transmission of light,
`therefore
`necessitating increased use of, or rearrangementofartificial
`lighting to restore adequate lighting levels.
`
`Indomestic, working, and public environmentsit is
`[0006]
`frequently desirable to be able to subdivide and reshape
`space on a temporary basis. For example, visitors may
`require a temporary sitting or sleeping area, office workers
`may need to convert an open plan area into subdivided
`working space or temporary meeting space,
`trade show
`participants may need to demarcate a temporary display
`area, and designers may need to create and shape a tempo-
`rary area for an event, or a backdrop for a designed area,
`such as in a windowdisplay in a retail setting, in a show-
`room, or in a theatrical setting. or these types of applica-
`tions, furniture components that are rigid, heavy, and/or
`cumbersome may be costly to transport, difficult
`to set
`up/take down, and mayrequire significant storage space.
`Fumiture in the form of a partition that is rigid will also
`place significant constraints on the ways in which a given
`space can be partitioned, limiting its functionality, and a
`partition that is fully opaque will severely disturb natural
`lighting.
`
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to
`[0007]
`provide articles of furniture in which the above disadvan-
`tages are obviated or mitigated.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0008] According therefore to one aspect of the present
`invention there is provided anarticle of furniture having a
`core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flexible
`flaccid material. Fach panel hasa pair of oppositely-directed
`major faces with faces of adjacent panels being inter-
`connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of
`the faces away from each other. A respective one of a pair
`of supports is provided at opposite ends of the core and
`connected to respective ones ofthe faces. The supports are
`self-supporting to provide rigidity to the article of furniture
`and/or to provide connectivity between like articles of
`furniture. In this way, the supports may be moved apart to
`expandthe cellular structure and extend the overall length of
`the article of furniture, and/or be used to connect any of
`more than one of such articles together in series.
`
`
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0009] Lmbodiments of the invention will now be
`described by way of example only with reference to the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`
`[0010]
`
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective viewofa partition;
`
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing three of the
`[0011]
`panels used to form the partition of FIG. 1;
`
`[0012]
`
`FIG. 3 is a viewon the line III-IlI of FIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 4 is a series of views showing the sequential
`[0013]
`operations required to erect the panel of PIG. 1;
`
`FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the portion shown in
`[0014]
`circle A in FIG. 4;
`
`FIG. 6 is a view showing the sequential steps to
`[0015]
`join a pair of panels shown in FIG. 1 end-to-end;
`
`FIG.7 is a detailed viewofthe inter-connection of
`[0016]
`the panels shownin FIG.6;
`
`FIG. 8 is a top perspective view showing the
`[0017]
`arrangement of a panel within a living area;
`
`FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing an
`[0018]
`alternative configuration ofpanel,
`
`FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an alter-
`[0019]
`nalive embodiment of connection applied to a partition;
`
`[0020]
`
`FIG. 11 is a view on the line XI-X1 of FIG. 10;
`
`[0021]
`TG. U1:
`
`FIG. 12 is a view in the direction of arrow XU of
`
`FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the
`[0022]
`arrangement ofthe connection of FIG. 10 with different size
`partitions;
`
`FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a seat arrange-
`[0023]
`ment incorporating the connection of FIG. 10;
`
`[0024]
`
`FIG. 15 is a view on the line XV-XVof FIG. 14;
`
`FIG. 16 is a front elevationof a light incorporating,
`[0025]
`a connection similar to FIG. 10; and
`
`[0026]
`16.
`
`FIG. 17 isa section on the line XVU-XVII of FIG.
`
`PRIORART_00000043
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 16
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 16
`
`

`

`US 2008/0023 156 Al
`
`Jan. 31, 2008
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`[0027] Referring therefore to FIG. 1, a partition 10 com-
`prises a core 12 and a pairof supports 14, 16 at opposite ends
`of the core 12. As can best be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3. the
`core 12 is formed froma plurality of panels 18. The panels
`18 each have a pair of oppositely-directed major faces 19,
`20, and are formed froma flexible flaccid material. In the
`preferred embodiment, the material forming the panels 18 is
`standard white, flame retardant tissuc paper, having a weight
`of approximately 13.5 Ibs (500 sheets @ 24"x36"=13.5 Ibs).
`Each panel has a major dimension or height h and a width
`w which may be adjusted to suil particular environments.
`Typically the height will be in the order of 1-2 metres but
`could range from 0.5-3 metres whenused asa partition, or
`0.1 metres to 0.5 metres when used as a seat. A seat height
`of 0.45 m has been found particularly bencficial. The width
`is typically in the order of 30 centimetres but could range
`from 10-100 centimetres. Adjacent panels 18 are inter-
`connected to one another al spaced intervals that allernate
`across the widthofthe face of the panel 18. As indicated in
`FIG. 2,
`the connection between panels 18a and 18% is
`through a seriesofparallel, laterally-spaced strips 24 on the
`face 19 of panel 184. The strips 24 are defined bystripes of
`adhesive, which connects the panels 18a, 185 to one another,
`as shown in FIG.3.
`
`the cellular structure is opened within the core 12. The
`lateral extension of the supports 14, 16 beyond the core 12
`provides marginal tabs that may be grasped to facilitate
`manipulation of the core without direct contact with the
`panels 18.
`
`[0032] Once partially extended, the supports 14 and 16
`maybe folded along a vertical axis to provide enhanced
`rigidity at each end of the partition 12. ‘This may be seen in
`more detail in FIG. 5 where it will be seen that the opposite
`edges of the supports 14 and 16 maybe brought together so
`that the loop and hookstrips 34 are brought into abutment.
`The loop and hookstrips 34 engage one another and thus
`hold the support in a folded tubular configuration. This
`movement is accommodated by the flexible nature of the
`cellular structure which expands towardsthe lateral edges to
`accommodate the folding of the supports 14 and 16. With the
`supports 14 and 16 folded into a tubular support, extension
`of the core 12 continues as shownin view (e) of FIG.4, until
`the desired overall length is reached.
`
`[0033] With the partition 10 expanded, it has sufficient
`width to remain stable in a vertical position with therigidity
`provided by the end supports 14 and 16. The material
`forming the panels 18 is preferably translucent so that a
`pleasing transmissionoflight through the pane! may occur,
`while still providing a degree of privacy.
`
`
`
`Similarly, the inter-connection betweena panel 185
`[0028]
`
`and 18c is through spaced parallel strips 28 on the face 19
`
`of panel 18c whichare offset from the strips 24. Each of the
`panels 18 is therefore alternately connected to the panel 18
`on opposite sides so that, as shown in FIG. 3, upon extension
`of the panel in a horizontal direction, a cellular structure
`having voids 30 is formed within the core. The voids 30
`extend vertically from top to bottom of the core 12 with the
`panels 18 providing a continuous transverse barrier. The
`lateral outer ends ofeach of the panels 18 are connected so
`as to form vertical pleats on the exterior faces of the core 12.
`
`[0034] The extended partition as shownin FIG. 4¢ may be
`adjusted to different configurationsasillustrated by the open
`curve shown in FIG. 1 and the wrapped curve shown in FIG.
`8. The core 12 has a surprising degree of flexibility to
`accommodate different configurations and allow an appro-
`priate shaped and sized partition to be installed in an
`otherwise open space. By varying the overall dimensions,
`additional functionality may be obtained. The extended
`partition shown in FIG. 4e may also be made with a lower
`height, for example 1 metre and a wider base, for example
`0.5 metres so that the top surface of the partition may be
`used as an area to display objects. Such an arrangement is
`[0029] An end pancl 18d of the core is connected to
`illustrated in FIG. 9. Where appropriate, the terminal por-
`respective ones of the supports 14 and 16 overits entire
`tions of the voids 30 may be used as a pocket to support a
`width. The supports 14 and 16 are made fromaself-
`container, such as a vase, or similar object. In this embodi-
`supporling material,
`typically a non woven felt material,
`ment, the height would be between 0.5 and 1.5 metres.
`which has a degree of flexibility but also has sufficient
`rigidity to resist collapse of the core 12.
`In a typical
`application, the felt is a 1.95 nominal pounds per square yard
`felt having a thickness in the order of 3 millimetres, although
`other weights and thicknesses may beutilized as appropriate
`depending upon the overall dimensions of the partition 10.
`The supports 14 and 16 extendlaterally beyond the core as
`indicated at 32 and are adhered to respective ones of the end
`panels 18d.
`
`T[asteners in the form of a pair of loop and hook
`[0030]
`strips 34, such as that sold underthe trade name “Velcro”are
`stitched to the felt supports 14 and 16, and extend vertically
`from one end to the other.
`
`[0031] The core 12 is collapsible so that the major faces of
`adjacent panels 18 lay parallel to one another and in abut-
`ment. In this position, as shownin FIG. 4a, the partition 10
`may be stored in a flat, collapsed position. When the
`partition 10 is required, it can be oriented vertically (FIG.
`4b) and the opposite supports 14 and 16 used to manipulate
`the partition. The supports 14 and 16 are moved awayfrom
`one another as shown in FIG. 4c to expand the core so that
`
`[0035] The provision of the supports 14 and 16 also
`permits a pair of partitions 10 to be joined end-to-end as
`shown in FIG. 6. As may be seen from FIG. 6a, a pair of
`partitions 10 is erected and positioned with supports 14, 16
`at opposite ends of cach partition adjacent one another. The
`loop and hookstrips 34 in adjacent supports 14, 16 are then
`brought into contact with one another as shown in FIG. 7 so
`that the partitions 10 are joined in serialim. The additional
`thickness provided by the double support at the intersection
`enhancesrigidity, with the supports 14, 16, at the free ends
`of the partition being folded upon themselves to provide
`stable support.
`
`[0036] After use of the partition 10, it is simply necessary
`to reverse the procedure by moving the ends towards one
`another, unfolding the supports 14 and 16, and collapsing the
`core 12 to its minimumsize. It may then be stored and used
`when subsequently required.
`
`Inthe above embodiments, the core has been made
`[0037]
`from a light weight paper material, although it will be
`apparentthat alternative materials may be used that fulfil the
`
`PRIORART_00000044
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 17
`
`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 17
`
`

`

`US 2008/0023 156 Al
`
`Jan. 31, 2008
`
`same functional requirements. For example,it is possible to
`utilize a heavier weight paper material, such as Kraft paper,
`or a non-woven textile material such as a plastic material
`knownas Tyvek from DuPont which is both tear and water
`resistant. Alternatively, a paper laminated witha plastic film
`to provide a composite material may be used. With such a
`core material, the supports 14 may be madeofa felt or may
`be made from a material similar to the core material but with
`increased thickness. The felt used in the support would be
`sufficiently flexible to allow folding to define the tubular
`support structure at each end with fasteners suchas the loop
`and hook strips 34 incorporated on the support. In some
`applications, the inherentstiffness ofthe material used in the
`core is such as to provide sufficientrigidityto the core when
`the cellular structure is expanded for the core to be self
`supporting when expanded. Kraft paper or plastics material
`has provided sufficientrigidity for this purpose. In this case
`the supports may be provided to permil connectivily if
`multiple units are to be joined end to end.
`
`[0038] Whilst a translucent material is preferred, it will be
`apparent that opaque or different coloured materials may
`also be utilized. The dimensions of the void 30 and the
`numberofvoids in the lateral direction may be adjusted to
`suit particular applications. It has been found inpractise that
`a spacing between stripes 24, 28 in the order of 5-10
`centimetres (when unexpanded) is appropriate, although
`spacing as low as 1 cm. maybe used, and that the width of
`the stripes 24, 28 is between 1 and 10 millimetres. This
`arrangement provides a flexible structure with extensive
`elongation to provide maximumfunctionality.
`
`[0039] An alternative form of connection for articles of
`flexible furniture is shown in FIG. 10-12,
`in which like
`reference numerals will be used to denote like components
`with a prefix 1 added for clarity. In the embodiment of FIG.
`10, a pair of partitions 110 are arranged to be joined
`end-to-end in a mannersimilar to that shown in FIG. 6. The
`end panel 118d of the core 112 is secured to supports 114,
`116. The supports 114, 116 are made from a self-supporting
`material, which in this embodiment are preferably made
`from a rigid material such as a millboard. The supports 114,
`116 lay withinthe peripheryof the end panel 118dso that the
`end panels 118d overlap by a margin in the order of 20
`millimetres around. the millboard.
`
`Eachof the supports 114, 116 hasa series of holes
`[0040]
`140, best seen in FIG. 11 formed through the millboard. The
`holes are arranged in a regular pattern, as will be described
`more fully below with respect to FIG. 13, and are arranged
`to receive rare carth magnets 142. The magnets 142 are
`typically in the order of 3 millimetres thick and 25 milli-
`metres diameter. The magnets are a tight sliding fit in the
`holes 140 so as to be frictionally retained by the millboard.
`The millboard itselfis chosen to be ofthe same thickness as
`the magnet 142 so that the face of the magnet 142 is flush
`with the surface of the millboard.
`
`[0041] The magnets 142 ate oriented such that a common
`polarity is present for all magnets on one face. Thus the
`magnets in the support 114 shown in FIG. 10 are oriented
`such that the north pole is exposed and those of the support
`116 in the adjacent partition 110 are arranged such that a
`south pole is exposed. The exposed endface of the millboard
`is wrapped by a cover 144 of the same material as used to
`producethe core 112 for aesthetic purposes andto retain the
`
`magnets in situ. The cover 144 extends over the edges and
`each face of the millboard to provide self contained end
`supports 114, 116 to facilitate manufacture as well as
`enhance the aesthetics.
`
`[0042] With the magnets insitu, the partitions 110 may be
`connected to one another by relying upon the magnetic
`attraction between the opposite poles of adjacent partition.
`Therare earth magnets 142 havesufficient force to retain the
`supports 114, 116 in abutment with one another. However
`the supports may be readily separated by sliding the parti-
`tionsrelative to one another or pulling them apart axially to
`release the magnets. The margin of the end panel 118d
`provides a flexible tab to permit manipulation of the core
`112.
`
`[0043] As can be seen in FIG. 13, the arrangement of
`magnets 142 on the support 114, 116 provides a grid that
`allows different size partitions to be connected in seriatim.
`The magnets 142 are arranged in two columns in rows
`uniformly spaced suchthata relativelytall partition may be
`attached to a relatively small partition with the magnets 142
`in alignment. The grid also allowspartitions to be stacked on
`top of one another and connected in seriatim to a taller
`partition to form a continuous wall.
`
`[0044] Whilst it is convenient that the supporis 114, 116
`are formed from rigid millboard to carry the magnets, it will
`also be apparentthat a similar arrangement maybe achieved
`using the self-supporting flexible supports 114, 116 such as
`the felt shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 9. The
`end panel 118d and the covering panel 144 secures the
`magnets 142 within the flexible support 114, 116 so as to be
`retained within the hole 140. This arrangement would also
`allow the end panels to be folded as shown in FIG. 5
`provided that the orientation of the magnets is such that one
`column has a north polarity and the other column has a south
`polarity.A complimentary arrangement on the support of an
`adjacent partition will still permit the partitions to be joined
`to one another in seriatim as well as folded.
`
`[0045] The embodiments are described above in the con-
`text of a partition. However, the ability to dimensionally
`resize the core 12 provides for its use in alternative articles
`of flexible furniture, such as those shown in FIGS. 14
`through 17. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, a circular seat
`210 is provided having a concave upper surface 211. As seen
`in FIG. 15, the lower surface 213 of the core 212 is planar
`to sit against the floor and the upper and side surfaces
`smoothly curved. The opposite end faces 218d of the core
`are secured to supports 214, 216 that carry a series of
`magnets 242. The magnets are wrapped by a cover 244 of
`the material used to form the core to provide a pleasing
`aesthetic as well as secure the magnets 242 within the
`supports 214, 216. The scat 210 may bestored in a collapsed
`flat position and when needed expandedinto a circular array
`with the supports 214, 216 in abutment. The magnets 242
`secure the supports 214, 216 to one another and hold the core
`212 in the circular configuration presenting an upper con-
`cave surface 211. l'or storage, the supports are separated and
`the core collapsed to a flat configuration.
`
`[0046] As shownin FIG. 14, the seat 210 is formed from
`three cores 212 joined end to end to make a torous. It will
`be apparent that the overall diameter of the seat 210 maybe
`increased by expanding the inner diameter of the torous and
`thereby further expanding the cores 212. Alternatively, a
`
`PRIORART_00000045
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 18
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`Jan. 31, 2008
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`single core 212 may be used with the supports 214.216
`connected to one another, provided there are sufficient
`laminated pancls to permit extension of the core over the
`required circumference. In this case, the diameter will be
`similar to that shown in FIG. 14.
`
`[0047] A-simple seat may be provided in a similar manner
`byhaving an expanded core 212 with a planar upper surface
`211, arranged citherin a cylindrical form with supports 214,
`216 in abutment, or in the form ofa bench with said supports
`not in abutment. In each case, multiple units may be joined
`end to end to increase the diameter of the cylindrical seat, or
`the length of the bench, which can be arranged linearly, or
`in an undulating manner, and which can act as a form of
`partition, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, and may be stacked one
`on top ofthe other to increase the overall height.
`
`[0048] When used in a seating embodiment, the dimen-
`sions ofthe cellularstructure and the stiffness ofthe material
`
`used is adjusted to provide an increased structural rigidity
`and increased weight bearing capacity, kraft paper has been
`found to have the requisite properties and it has been found
`preferable to reduce the spacing, betweenthe glue stripes to
`2.5 cm so that the maximum dimension of each void 30 in
`a collapsed state is 5 em.
`
`[0049] A similar arrangement of flexible furniture is used
`with respectto a light as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 in which
`like reference numerals will be used to denote like compo-
`nents with a prefix 3 for clarity. In the embodiments of FIGS.
`16 and 17, a light 310 is formed with a core 312 with end
`panels 318d secured to respective supports 314, 316. In this
`arrangement the axis of the voids is radial although an axial
`orientation may be used if preferred. The supports, as shown
`in FIG. 17,carry an array of magnets 342 so that the supports
`may be joined to one anotheras described above. A bulb 350
`is located within the centre chimney formed by the fanning
`of the core 312. The bulb 350 illuminates the core 312 to
`provide a pleasing effect and the heat may escape through
`the central aperture provided bythe core. Naturally the core
`is formed from a fire-resistant material, or the light source
`producesonly a small amount of heat. The light 310 may be
`collapsed and stored in a flat configuration and deployed as
`required in different locations.
`
`It will be apparent from the various embodiments
`[0050]
`described abovethat the provision of the cellular structure to
`foam the core and the relcasable fastenings provided at the
`end panels allow for a variety of configurations to be
`
`
`provided. The provision of the magnets or other fasteners in
`
`a pre-defined grid permits different components to be joined
`to one another to increase a variely of configurations that
`maybe utilized. As indicated above, the dimensions ofthe
`core maybe adjusted to suit particular requirements, ranging
`from a single row of voids to provide a thin or narrow
`partition, to a relatively wide cellular structure with multiple
`rows of voids to provide seating or table like surfaces.
`
`
`
`[0051] Although the invention has been described with
`reference to certain specific embodiments, various moditi-
`cations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art
`without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention
`as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The entire dis-
`closures of al references recited above are incorporated
`herein by reference.
`
`Whatis claimedis:
`1. An article of flexible furniture having a core formed
`from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and
`each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces,
`adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to pro-
`vide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces
`awayfrom each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of
`said core and connected to respective ones ofsaid faces, said
`supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said
`core whereby said supports may be movedapart to expand
`said cellular structure and extend the length of said core.
`2. An article according to claim 1 wherein said supports
`are flexible and may be folded into a tubular configuration.
`3. An article according to claim 2 including fasteners on
`said supports to maintain said tubular structure.
`4. An article according to claim 3 wherein said fasteners
`are loop and hook fasteners.
`5. An article according to claim 3 wherein said fasteners
`are magnets.
`6. Anarticle according to claim 1 wherein said cellular
`structure defines a plurality of parallel voids oriented on the
`longitudinal axis of said panels.
`7. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels are
`formed from paper.
`8. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels ure
`formed from a non-woven material.
`9. Anarticle according to claim 8 wherein said non-woven
`material is a plastic.
`10. An article according to claim | wherein said panels are
`formed from a composite material.
`11. An article according to claim 10 wherein said com-
`posite material includes a plastic and paper.
`12. Anarticle according to claim 11 wherein said com-
`posite material is a paper laminated to a plastic film.
`13. An article according to claim 1 wherein said supports
`are formed from a felt panel.
`14. An article according to claim 1 wherein said supports
`are formed from a non-woven material.
`15. An article according to claim 1 wherein said supports
`are formed from a rigid board.
`16. Anarticle according to claim 15 wherein said board is
`wrapped by a covering.
`17. An article according to claim 16 wherein said panel
`extends laterally beyond said board.
`18. An article according to claim 1 wherein fasteners are
`carried by said supports.
`19. Anarticle according to claim 18 wherein said fasten-
`ers are magnets.
`20. Anarticle according to claim 19 wherein said fasten-
`ers are embedded in said supports so as to be flush with a
`surface thereof.
`21. An article according to claim 20 wherein said surface
`of said supports is covered by a wrapping.
`22. An article according to claim 20 wherein said supports
`are rigid.
`23. An article according to claim 20 wherein said supports
`are flexible.
`24. An article according to claim 18 whercin said fasten-
`ers are located at predefined locations to permit attachment
`of said support to a similar support of a different article.
`25. An article according to claim 24 wherein said fasten-
`ers are magnets arranged on a gird.
`26. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels
`have a major dimension of between 0.1 and 3 metres.
`
`PRIORART_00000046
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 19
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`Petitioner Chanel, Inc. Exhibit 1037
`Page 19
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`US 2008/0023 156 Al
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`27. An article according to claim 26 wherein said panels
`have a major dimension of between 0.1 and 0.5 metres.
`28. An article according to claim 26 wherein said panels
`have a major dimension of between 0.5 and 3 metres.
`29. Anarticle according to claim 1 wherein said panels
`have a width of between 10 and 100 centimetres.
`30. An article according to claim 29 wherein said width is
`30 and 45 centimetres.
`31. Anarticle according to claim 1 wherein said core is
`expandedinto a torous to position said supports in abutment
`with said fasteners securing said supports to one another.
`32. An article according to claim 31 wherein one surface
`of said torous formed. by said core is concave.
`33. An assemblyofarticles, each constructed according to
`claim 1, wherein said articles are arranged in seriatim with
`a support of one article adjacent to and in abutment with a
`support of anotherarticle, and fasteners releasably securing
`said supports to one another.
`34. An assembly according to claim 33 wherein said
`fasteners are magnets.
`35. An assembly according to claim 33 wherein said
`fasteners are hook and loop fasteners.
`
`36. An article of flexible furniture having a core formed
`from a plurality of laminar panels of a