USOO78663 66B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`MacAllen et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`*Jan. 11, 2011
`
`(54) FLEXIBLE FURNITURE SYSTEM
`(75) Inventors: Todd P. MacAllen, Vancouver (CA);
`Stephanie P. Forsythe, Vancouver (CA)
`(73) Assignee: Molo design, Ltd., Vancouver (CA)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 396 days.
`This patent is Subject to a terminal dis
`claimer.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,101,836 A 12, 1937 Benedict .................... 52.406.3
`2,324,398 A
`7, 1943 Kahr .......................... 160,113
`3,170,831 A * 2/1965 Paige ............................ 428.9
`4,671.334 A * 6/1987 Yadegaret al............ 160/84.04
`4,970,831 A * 1 1/1990 Rota
`52.223
`5,193,601 A * 3/1993 Corey et al. .............. 160/84.02
`6.427.409 B2 * 8/2002 Colson et al. ............ 52.506.08
`6,527,895 B1* 3/2003 Palmer ....................... 156, 197
`6.959,752 B2 * 1 1/2005 Huang ................... 160/370.23
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/742,984
`(22) Filed:
`May 1, 2007
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2008/OO23156A1
`Jan. 31, 2008
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 1 1/287,195,
`filed on Nov. 28, 2005.
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/681,972, filed on May
`18, 2005.
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Nov. 25, 2005 (CA) .................................... 2527927
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A47H 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................... 160/84.05: 160/135; 160/351;
`108/157.14
`(58) Field of Classification Search .............. 160/84.05,
`160/351, 135, 113, 114; 410/154; 428/116,
`428/118, 178: 52/793.1, 793. 11; 156/197;
`108/157.14
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Pedersen, Martin C.; "The Soft House'; Metropolis Magazine; Jul.
`2004; New York.
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Blair M. Johnson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Blake, Cassels & Graydon
`LLP: John R.S. Orange; Wilfred So
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`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 provide a cellu
`lar structure upon movement of abutting faces away firm each
`other, a pair of Supports at opposite ends of said core and
`connected to respective ones of said faces, said Supports being
`self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said
`Supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and
`extend the length of said partition.
`
`27 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`rzzzzzczaerae,
`
`is
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 3 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`FIG 5
`
`(b)
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`§ §§§
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 5 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`S.
`
`
`
`
`
`s
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`r
`r
`vas
`
`S
`
`S.
`
`S.
`
`s
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`c
`OO
`y
`y
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`w
`ves
`v
`
`S
`
`S
`
`
`
`:
`
`
`
`Si
`
`S
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`S
`
`O
`V
`CN
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`O O O O O O O O O O
`
`O O O O O O O O O
`
`O O O O O O O O O O
`
`O O O O O O O
`
`
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`N
`Yr
`y
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 14
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 11, 2011
`
`Sheet 14 of 14
`
`US 7.866,366 B2
`
`
`
`r
`ver
`Y
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 15
`
`

`

`US 7,866,366 B2
`
`1.
`FLEXBLE FURNTURE SYSTEM
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`2
`from a plurality of laminar panels of a flexible flaccid mate
`rial. Each panel has a 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
`of the faces. The Supports are self-supporting to provide rigid
`ity 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 expand the 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.
`
`15
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 11/287,195 field on Nov. 28, 2005
`which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Applica
`tion 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 hereby incorporated
`by reference.
`
`10
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to flexible furniture compo
`nents and methods of making Such components.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`Furniture is a staple product used in domestic, working and
`public environments. Furniture may be 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 from rigid interconnected panels and they are rela
`tively 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 of a rigid,
`or permanent nature that, at most, are moveable to alternative
`locations.
`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 relocation, or
`Storage.
`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 rearrangement of artificial lighting to
`restore adequate lighting levels.
`In domestic, working, and public environments it is fre
`quently desirable to be able to subdivide and reshape space on
`a temporary basis. For example, visitors may require a tem
`45
`porary 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 temporary area for an event, or a
`backdrop for a designed area, Such as in a window display in
`a retail setting, in a showroom, or in a theatrical setting. For
`these types of applications, furniture components that are
`rigid, heavy, and/or cumbersome may be costly to transport,
`difficult to set up?take down, and may require significant
`storage space. Furniture 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 provide
`articles of furniture in which the above disadvantages are
`obviated or mitigated.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`According therefore to one aspect of the present invention
`there is provided an article of furniture having a core formed
`
`65
`
`Embodiments of the invention will now be described by
`way of example only with reference to the accompanying
`drawings in which:
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a partition;
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing three of the panels
`used to form the partition of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a view on the line III-III of FIG.1;
`FIG. 4 is a series of views showing the sequential opera
`tions required to erect the panel of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the portion shown in circle A in
`FIG. 4;
`FIG. 6 is a view showing the sequential steps to join a pair
`of panels shown in FIG. 1 end-to-end:
`FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the inter-connection of the
`panels shown in FIG. 6;
`FIG. 8 is a top perspective view showing the arrangement
`of a panel within a living area;
`FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing an alternative
`configuration of panel;
`FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of an alternative
`embodiment of connection applied to a partition;
`FIG. 11 is a view on the line XI-XI of FIG. 10;
`FIG. 12 is a view in the direction of arrow XII of FIG. 11;
`FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement
`of the connection of FIG. 10 with different size partitions:
`FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a seat arrangement
`incorporating the connection of FIG. 10;
`FIG. 15 is a view on the line XV-XV of FIG. 14;
`FIG. 16 is a front elevation of a light incorporating a con
`nection similar to FIG. 10; and
`FIG. 17 is a section on the line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Referring therefore to FIG. 1, a partition 10 comprises a
`core 12 and a pair of 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 from a plurality of panels 18. The panels 18 each
`have a pair of oppositely-directed major faces 19, 20, and are
`formed from a flexible flaccid material. In the preferred
`embodiment, the material forming the panels 18 is standard
`white, flame retardant tissue paper, having a weight of
`approximately 13.5 lbs (500 sheets (a 24"x36"=13.5 lbs).
`Each panel has a major dimension or heighth and a width w
`which may be adjusted to Suit particular environments. Typi
`cally the height will be in the order of 1-2 metres but could
`range from 0.5-3 metres when used as a 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 beneficial. The width is typi
`cally in the order of 30 centimetres but could range from
`10-100 centimetres. Adjacent panels 18 are inter-connected
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 16
`
`

`

`3
`to one another at spaced intervals that alternate across the
`width of the face of the panel 18. As indicated in FIG. 2, the
`connection between panels 18a and 18b is through a series of
`parallel, laterally-spaced strips 24 on the face 19 of panel 18b.
`The strips 24 are defined by stripes of adhesive, which con
`nects the panels 18a, 18b to one another, as shown in FIG. 3.
`Similarly, the inter-connection between a panel 18b and
`18c is through spaced parallel strips 28 on the face 19 of panel
`18c which are 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 of each
`of the panels 18 are connected so as to form vertical pleats on
`the exterior faces of the core 12.
`An end panel 18d of the core is connected to respective
`ones of the supports 14 and 16 over its entire width. The
`Supports 14 and 16 are made from a self-supporting material,
`typically a non woven felt material, 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 be
`utilized as appropriate depending upon the overall dimen
`sions of the partition 10. The supports 14 and 16 extend
`laterally beyond the core as indicated at 32 and are adhered to
`respective ones of the end panels 18d.
`Fasteners in the form of a pair of loop and hook strips 34,
`such as that sold under the trade name “Velcro are stitched to
`the felt supports 14 and 16, and extendvertically from one end
`to the other.
`The core 12 is collapsible so that the major faces of adja
`cent panels 18 lay parallel to one another and in abutment. In
`this position, as shown in 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 oppo
`site supports 14 and 16 used to manipulate the partition. The
`Supports 14 and 16 are moved away from one another as
`shown in FIG. 4c to expand the core so that 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.
`Once partially extended, the supports 14 and 16 may be
`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 may be brought together so that the loop
`and hook strips 34 are brought into abutment. The loop and
`hook strips 34 engage one another and thus hold the Support
`in a folded tubular configuration. This movement is accom
`modated by the flexible nature of the cellular structure which
`expands towards the lateral edges to accommodate the fold
`ing of the supports 14 and 16. With the supports 14 and 16
`folded into a tubular support, extension of the core 12 con
`tinues as shown in view (e) of FIG.4, until the desired overall
`length is reached.
`With the partition 10 expanded, it has sufficient width to
`remain stable in a vertical position with the rigidity provided
`by the end supports 14 and 16. The material forming the
`panels 18 is preferably translucent so that a pleasing trans
`mission of light through the panel may occur, while still
`providing a degree of privacy.
`The extended partition as shown in FIG. 4e may be
`adjusted to different configurations as illustrated by the open
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 7,866,366 B2
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`4
`curve shown in FIG. 1 and the wrapped curve shown in FIG.
`8. The core 12 has a surprising degree offlexibility to accom
`modate different configurations and allow an appropriate
`shaped and sized partition to be installed in anotherwise open
`space. By varying the overall dimensions, additional func
`tionality 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 illustrated in FIG.9. Where
`appropriate, the terminal portions of the voids 30 may be used
`as a pocket to support a container, such as a vase, or similar
`object. In this embodiment, the height would be between 0.5
`and 1.5 metres.
`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 each
`partition adjacent one another. The loop and hook Strips 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 seriatim. The additional thickness provided by the
`double Support at the intersection enhances rigidity, with the
`supports 14, 16, at the free ends of the partition being folded
`upon themselves to provide stable Support.
`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 minimum size. It may then be stored and used
`when Subsequently required.
`In the above embodiments, the core has been made from a
`light weight paper material, although it will be apparent that
`alternative materials may be used that fulfil the same func
`tional 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 known as
`Tyvek from DuPont which is both tear and water resistant.
`Alternatively, a paper laminated with a plastic film to provide
`a composite material may be used. With Such a core material,
`the supports 14 may be made of a felt or may be made from a
`material similar to the core material but with increased thick
`ness. The felt used in the support would be sufficiently flex
`ible to allow folding to define the tubular support structure at
`each end with fasteners such as the loop and hook strips 34
`incorporated on the Support. In some applications, the inher
`ent stiffness of the material used in the core is such as to
`provide sufficient rigidity to the core when the cellular struc
`ture is expanded for the core to be self supporting when
`expanded. Kraft paper or plastics material has provided Suf
`ficient rigidity for this purpose. In this case the Supports may
`be provided to permit connectivity if multiple units are to be
`joined end to end.
`Whilst a translucent material is preferred, it will be appar
`ent that opaque or different coloured materials may also be
`utilized. The dimensions of the void 30 and the number of
`voids in the lateral direction may be adjusted to suit particular
`applications. It has been found in practise 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.
`may be 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 maxi
`mum functionality.
`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
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 17
`
`

`

`US 7,866,366 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`5
`partitions 110 are arranged to be joined end-to-end in a man
`ner similar 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 within the periphery
`of the end panel 118d so that the end panels 118d overlap by
`a margin in the order of 20 millimetres around the millboard.
`Each of the supports 114, 116 has a series of holes 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
`earth magnets 142. The magnets 142 are typically in the order
`of 3 millimetres thick and 25 millimetres diameter. The mag
`nets are a tight sliding fit in the holes 140 so as to be friction
`ally retained by the millboard. The millboard itself is chosen
`to be of the same thickness as the magnet 142 so that the face
`of the magnet 142 is flush with the surface of the millboard.
`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 end face of the millboard is wrapped by a cover
`144 of the same material as used to produce the core 112 for
`aesthetic purposes and to 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.
`With the magnets in situ, the partitions 110 may be con
`nected to one another by relying upon the magnetic attraction
`between the opposite poles of adjacent partition. The rare
`earth magnets 142 have Sufficient force to retain the Supports
`114, 116 in abutment with one another. However the supports
`may be readily separated by sliding the partitions relative to
`35
`one another or pulling them apart axially to release the mag
`nets. The margin of the end panel 118d provides a flexible tab
`to permit manipulation of the core 112.
`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 Such
`that a relatively tall partition may be attached to a relatively
`Small partition with the magnets 142 in alignment. The grid
`also allows partitions to be stacked on top of one another and
`connected in seriatim to a taller partition to form a continuous
`wall.
`Whilst it is convenient that the supports 114, 116 are
`formed from rigid millboard to carry the magnets, it will also
`be apparent that a similar arrangement may beachieved 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 compli
`mentary 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.
`The embodiments are described above in the context 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
`
`55
`
`6
`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 seat 210 may be stored in a col
`lapsed flat position and when needed expanded into 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
`concave Surface 211. For storage, the Supports are separated
`and the core collapsed to a flat configuration.
`As shown in FIG. 14, the seat 210 is formed from three
`cores 212 joined end to end to make a torus. It will be apparent
`that the overall diameter of the seat 210 may be increased by
`expanding the inner diameter of the torus and thereby further
`expanding the cores 212. Alternatively, a single core 212 may
`be used with the supports 214.216 connected to one another,
`provided there are sufficient laminated panels to permit
`extension of the core over the required circumference. In this
`case, the diameter will be similar to that shown in FIG. 14.
`A simple seat may be provided in a similar manner by
`having an expanded core 212 with a planarupper Surface 211,
`arranged eitherina cylindrical form with supports 214,216 in
`abutment, or in the form of a 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 of the
`other to increase the overall height.
`When used in a seating embodiment, the dimensions of the
`cellular structure and the stiffness of the 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 prefer
`able to reduce the spacing between the glue Stripes to 2.5 cm
`so that the maximum dimension of each void 30 in a collapsed
`state is 5 cm.
`A similar arrangement of flexible furniture is used with
`respect to a light as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 in which like
`reference numerals will be used to denote like components
`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 another as 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 by the core. Naturally the core is formed
`from a fire-resistant material, or the light Source produces
`only 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
`described above that the provision of the cellular structure to
`foam the core and the releasable fastenings provided at the
`end panels allow for a variety of configurations to be pro
`vided. 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 variety of configurations that may be
`utilized. As indicated above, the dimensions of the core may
`be adjusted to Suit particular requirements, ranging from a
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 18
`
`

`

`7
`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.
`Although the invention has been described with reference
`to certain specific embodiments, various modifications
`thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
`departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as out
`lined in the claims appended hereto. The entire disclosures of
`all references recited above are incorporated herein by refer
`CCC.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An article offlexible 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, adja
`cent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a
`cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away
`from each other, a pair of Supports at opposite ends of said
`core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said
`Supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core
`whereby said Supports may be moved apart to expand said
`cellular structure and extend the length of said core and flex
`ible so as to be foldable into a tubular configuration about an
`axis parallel to said major faces, and a plurality of fasteners on
`each of said Supports to secure said Supports in said tubular
`configuration and to permit connection to an adjacent Support
`of another similar article.
`2. An article according to claim 1 wherein the same said
`fasteners on said Supports are operable to maintain said tubu
`lar structure and permit connection to an adjacent Support.
`3. An article according to claim 2 wherein said fasteners are
`loop and hook fasteners.
`4. An article according to claim 2 wherein said fasteners are
`magnets.
`5. An article according to claim 1 wherein said cellular
`structure defines a plurality of parallel voids oriented on the
`longitudinal axis of said panels.
`6. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels are
`formed from paper.
`7. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels are
`formed from a non-woven material.
`8. An article according to claim 7 wherein said non-woven
`material is a plastic.
`9. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels are
`formed from a composite material.
`
`8
`10. An article according to claim 9 wherein said composite
`material includes a plastic and paper.
`11. An article according to claim 10 wherein said compos
`ite material is a paper laminated to a plastic film.
`12. An article according to claim 1 wherein said Supports
`are formed from a felt panel.
`13. An article according to claim 1 wherein said Supports
`are formed from a non-woven material.
`14. An article according to claim 1 wherein said Supports
`are wrapped by a covering.
`15. An article according to claim 14 wherein said panel
`extends laterally beyond said Supports.
`16. An article according to claim 1 wherein said fasteners
`are embedded in said supports so as to be flush with a surface
`thereof.
`17. An article according to claim 16 wherein said surface of
`said Supports is covered by a wrapping.
`18. An article according to claim 1 wherein said fasteners
`are located at predefined locations to permit attachment of
`said Support to a similar Support of a different article.
`19. An article according to claim 18 wherein said fasteners
`are magnets arranged on a grid.
`20. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels
`have a major dimension of between 0.1 and 3 meters.
`21. An article according to claim 20 wherein said panels
`have a major dimension of between 0.1 and 0.5 meters.
`22. An article according to claim 20 wherein said panels
`have a major dimension of between 0.5 and 3 meters.
`23. An article according to claim 1 wherein said panels
`have a width of between 10 and 100 centimeters.
`24. An article according to claim 23 wherein said width is
`30 and 45 centimeters.
`25. An assembly of articles, 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 another article, and fasteners releasably securing
`said Supports to one another.
`26. An assembly according to claim 25 wherein said fas
`teners are magnets.
`27. An assembly according to claim 25 wherein said fas
`teners are hook and loop fasteners.
`
`US 7,866,366 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`Patent Owner Molo Design, Ltd. - Exhibit 2008
`Page 19
`
`