CA3150705A1 - Seating furniture assembly and method for manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A seating furniture assembly comprising: a furniture body including a plurality of body panels releasably connectable to each other, each body panel including at least one connector, each connector being configured for connection with a corresponding connector of another one of the body panels, the connectors being configured to allow the body panels to be assembled together in an operative configuration to form a seating furniture and to be disassembled from each other to configure the furniture body in a storage configuration.

Description

SEATING FURNITURE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING
THE SAME
TECHNICAL FIELD
The technical field generally relates to seating furniture, and more specifically to seating furniture assemblies that can be selectively assembled and disassembled, and to kits for seating furniture and to methods for constructing and assembling seating furniture.
BACKGROUND
Seating furniture, such as chairs, stools, couches and the like, typically occupies a certain space in a location such as a room and may be relatively difficult to store and transport.
Some solutions have been proposed to facilitate the transportation and storage of seating furniture. For example, folding furniture such as folding chairs can be folded to facilitate the transport and storage of the furniture.
Unfortunately, folding furniture may still be cumbersome even when in a folded configuration and/or may include a relatively complex folding mechanism which can make it relatively expensive to produce.
Other types of existing assemblable furniture have been proposed, but still only allow the furniture to be disassembled in portions which are still too large and/or cumbersome for easy transport or storage.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

2 SUMMARY
According to one aspect, there is provided a seating furniture assembly comprising: a furniture body including a plurality of body panels releasably connectable to each other, each body panel including at least one connector, each connector being configured for connection with a corresponding connector of another one of the body panels, the connectors being configured to allow the body panels to be assembled together in an operative configuration to form a seating furniture and to be disassembled from each other to configure the furniture body in a storage configuration.
In at least one embodiment, each connector is configured for fastenerless connection with the corresponding connector of the other one of the body panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of body panels includes four body panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of body panels includes a backrest panel and a seat panel removably connectable to the seat panel such that the seat panel extends at an angle relative to the backrest panel.
In at least one embodiment, the backrest panel includes a seat connector located at a bottom end of the backrest panel and the seat panel includes a backrest connector located at a rear end of the seat panel and configured to releasably engage the seat connector.
In at least one embodiment, at least one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one receiving slot and the other one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one engaging tab, each engaging tab being engageable with a corresponding one of the at least one receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, the seat connector includes at least one seat receiving slot extending transversely to the backrest panel and the backrest connector includes at least one backrest engaging tab extending away from a rear edge of Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

3 the seat panel, each seat receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one backrest engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one seat receiving slot includes one seat receiving slot and wherein the at least one backrest engaging tab includes one backrest engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, each seat receiving slot extends substantially horizontally when the body panels are assembled in the operative configuration and positioned on the ground surface.
In at least one embodiment, each backrest engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding seat receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, the backrest connector further includes at least one backrest receiving slot extending transversely to the seat panel and the seat connector includes at least one seat engaging tab extending inwardly into the seat receiving slot, each backrest receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one seat engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one backrest receiving slot includes one backrest receiving slot and wherein the at least one seat engaging tab includes one seat engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, each seat engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding backrest receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, each backrest receiving slot is narrower than each seat receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of body panels further includes a pair of side panels spaced from each other and positioned on either side of the backrest and seat panels, the side panels being removably connectable to the backrest panel and the seat panel.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

4 In at least one embodiment, each side panel includes at least one rear notch located towards a rear end thereof for engaging the backrest panel.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one rear notch includes a plurality of rear notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the backrest panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of rear notches includes three rear notches.
In at least one embodiment, each side panel includes at least one front notch located towards a front end thereof for engaging the seat panel.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one front notch includes a plurality of front notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the seat panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of front notches includes three front notches.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels includes at least one bottom notch for engaging the base so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially convexly away from the linear bottom side panel edge.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially concavely towards the linear bottom side panel edge.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels is solid.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

5 In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels is hollow.
In at least one embodiment, at least one of the body panels includes a handle opening sized and shaped to allow a user to grab the corresponding body panel.
In at least one embodiment, the backrest panel includes the handle opening.
In at least one embodiment, at least some of the connectors are disengageable from corresponding ones of the other connectors when the furniture body is configured from the operative configuration to the storage configuration such that at least some of the body panels are at least partially disconnected from each other when the furniture body is in the storage configuration.
In at least one embodiment, all of the connectors are disengageable from each other when the furniture body is configured from the operative configuration to the storage configuration such that all the body panels are fully disconnected from each other when the furniture body is in the storage configuration.
In at least one embodiment, the body panels are stackable over each other when .. the furniture body is in the storage configuration.
In at least one embodiment, the assembly further includes a base for receiving the furniture body, the base being configured to be placed on a ground surface.
In at least one embodiment, the base includes a stationary base preventing movement of the furniture body relative to the ground surface when the base is placed on the ground surface and the furniture body is received on the base.
In at least one embodiment, the stationary base includes at least one base member, each one of the at least one base member being elongated and extending substantially transversely to the furniture body.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one base member includes a front base member and a rear base member spaced rearwardly from the front base member and extending substantially parallel to the front base member.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

6 In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one base member is configured to engage the furniture body so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one base member includes at least one engaging notch for engaging the furniture body.
In at least one embodiment, the base includes a rocking base having a bottom curved surface to allow the furniture body to rock back and forth on the ground surface.
In at least one embodiment, the rocking base includes a pair of rocking members extending between front and rear end of the furniture body, each rocking member including top and bottom edges, the bottom edge being curved convexly away from the top edge.
In at least one embodiment, the assembly further comprises an accessory removably connectable to the furniture body.
In at least one embodiment, the accessory includes a plurality of accessory panels assemblable together to form the accessory.
In at least one embodiment, the accessory panels include a mounting bracket panel, an upper shelf panel removable connectable to an upper end of the mounting bracket panel and a lower shelf panel removably connectable to a lower end of the mounting bracket panel.
In at least one embodiment, the mounting bracket panel includes a plurality of engaging notches for engaging the upper shelf panel and the lower shelf panel.
According to another aspect, there is also provided a kit for a seating furniture, the kit comprising: a plurality of body panels assemblable with each other to form a furniture body of a seating furniture, each body panel including a connector configured for fastenerless connection with a corresponding connector of another one of the body panels.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

7 In at least one embodiment, the plurality of body panels includes four body panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of body panels includes a backrest panel and a seat panel removably connectable to the seat panel such that the seat panel extends at an angle relative to the backrest panel.
In at least one embodiment, the backrest panel includes a seat connector located at a bottom end of the backrest panel and the seat panel includes a backrest connector located at a rear end of the seat panel and configured to releasably engage the seat connector.
In at least one embodiment, at least one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one receiving slot and the other one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one engaging tab, each engaging tab being engageable with a corresponding one of the at least one receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, the seat connector includes at least one seat receiving slot extending transversely to the backrest panel and the backrest connector includes at least one backrest engaging tab extending away from a rear edge of the seat panel, each seat receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one backrest engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one seat receiving slot includes one seat receiving slot and wherein the at least one backrest engaging tab includes one backrest engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, each seat receiving slot extends substantially horizontally when the body panels are assembled in the operative configuration and positioned on the ground surface.
In at least one embodiment, each backrest engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding seat receiving slot.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

8 In at least one embodiment, the backrest connector further includes at least one backrest receiving slot extending transversely to the seat panel and the seat connector includes at least one seat engaging tab extending inwardly into the seat receiving slot, each backrest receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one seat engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one backrest receiving slot includes one backrest receiving slot and wherein the at least one seat engaging tab includes one seat engaging tab.
In at least one embodiment, each seat engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding backrest receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, each backrest receiving slot is narrower than each seat receiving slot.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of body panels further includes a pair of side panels spaced from each other and positioned on either side of the backrest and seat panels, the side panels being removably connectable to the backrest panel and the seat panel.
In at least one embodiment, each side panel includes at least one rear notch located towards a rear end thereof for engaging the backrest panel.
In at least one embodiment, the at least one rear notch includes a plurality of rear notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the backrest panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of rear notches includes three rear notches.
In at least one embodiment, each side panel includes at least one front notch located towards a front end thereof for engaging the seat panel.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

9 In at least one embodiment, the at least one front notch includes a plurality of front notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the seat panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of front notches includes three front notches.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels includes at least one bottom notch for engaging the base so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially convexly away from the linear bottom side panel edge.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially concavely towards the linear bottom side panel edge.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels is solid.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the side panels is hollow.
In at least one embodiment, at least one of the body panels includes a handle opening sized and shaped to allow a user to grab the corresponding body panel.
In at least one embodiment, the backrest panel includes the handle opening.
In at least one embodiment, the kit further comprises a plurality of base members assemblable to form a base for receiving the furniture body.
In at least one embodiment, each base member is elongated and extends substantially transversely to the furniture body.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

10 In at least one embodiment, the at least one base member includes a front base member and a rear base member spaced rearwardly from the front base member and extending substantially parallel to the front base member.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one base member is configured to engage the furniture body so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.
In at least one embodiment, each one of the at least one base member includes at least one engaging notch for engaging the furniture body.
In at least one embodiment, the plurality of base members includes a pair of rocking members, each rocking member including top and bottom edges, the bottom edge being curved convexly away from the top edge.
In at least one embodiment, the kit further comprises an accessory removably connectable to the furniture body.
In at least one embodiment, the accessory includes a plurality of accessory panels assemblable together to form the accessory.
In at least one embodiment, the accessory panels include a mounting bracket panel, an upper shelf panel removable connectable to an upper end of the mounting bracket panel and a lower shelf panel removably connectable to a lower end of the mounting bracket panel.
In at least one embodiment, the mounting bracket panel includes a plurality of engaging notches for engaging the upper shelf panel and the lower shelf panel.
According to yet another aspect, there is also provided a method for manufacturing a seating furniture, the method comprising: providing at least one wooden board;
cutting a plurality of body panels in the at least one wooden board;
assembling the body panels to form a seating furniture assembly as described hereinabove.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

11 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with one embodiment, with the assembly configured in an operative position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 1, with the assembly configured in a storage position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of body panels and a base for the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 1, with the body panels and base disassembled;
FIG. 4A to 4C are perspective views showing steps for assembling the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with another embodiment, in which the seating furniture assembly is configured to receive two users, and with the seat panel removed;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with another embodiment, in which the seating furniture assembly is configured to receive three or more users, and with the seat panel removed;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with another embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a photograph showing a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with another embodiment, in which the seating furniture assembly is configured such that the angles of the backrest panel and the seat panel are adjustable;
FIG. 10 is a photograph showing an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 9, showing details of the front receiving notches for receiving the seat panel;
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

12 FIG. ills a photograph showing an enlarged view of another portion of FIG. 9, showing details of the rear receiving notches for receiving the backrest panel;
FIG. 12 is a photograph showing the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 9, in which the backrest panel and the seat panel are oriented at different angles than shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 13 is a photograph showing the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 9, in which the seat panel abuts a front base member of the base;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment, in which the base is configured to allow the furniture body to be rocked back and forth on a ground surface;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of panels for the base of the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 15, in which the panels are disassembled and configured in a storage position;
FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the panels for the base of the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 15, in which the panels are disassembled and laid out next to each other;
FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the base for the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 15;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment, in which the assembly is configured to receive two users and includes a base configured to allow the furniture body to be rocked back and forth on a ground surface;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment, in which the assembly is configured to receive three or Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

13 more users and includes a base configured to allow the furniture body to be rocked back and forth on a ground surface;
FIG. 20 is a photograph showing a seating furniture assembly, in accordance with yet another embodiment, in which the assembly further includes an accessory removable connectable to the furniture body;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of panels of the accessory for the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 20, with the panels laid out next to each other;
FIG. 22A is an enlarged perspective view of a mounting bracket panel of the accessory for the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 20, with the mounting bracket panel mounted to the seat panel;
FIG. 22B is another enlarged perspective view of a mounting bracket panel of the accessory for the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 20, with the mounting bracket panel mounted to the seat panel and the lower shelf panel removably connected to the mounting bracket panel; and FIG. 23 is a photograph showing the seating furniture assembly of FIG. 20, with another upper shelf panel removably connected to the mounting bracket panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

14 considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.
For the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "forward", "rearward" "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and correspond to the position and orientation in the seating furniture assembly and corresponding parts when being used. Positional descriptions should not be considered limiting.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is shown a seating furniture assembly 100, in accordance with one embodiment. Specifically, the seating furniture assembly is shown in an assembled or operative position in FIG. 1, and in a disassembled or storage position in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly 100, when assembled, forms a chair which is adapted to receive a single user.
Alternatively, the assembly 100 could be configured to receive two users, three users or more.
The assembly 100 comprises a furniture body 102 that is made of a plurality of body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b which are assembled together. Specifically, the body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b are removably connected together so as to allow the furniture body 100 to be readily disassembled for storage and/or transportation.
Specifically, each body panel 200, 300, 400a, 400b includes one or more connectors, each connector being configured to engage a corresponding connector of another one of the body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b. The body Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

15 panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b can therefore be selectively connected together to configure the seating furniture assembly 100 in an operative configuration in which the assembly 100 can be used for sitting, and disconnected from each other to a storage configuration.
In the illustrated embodiment, the body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b are assembled together fastenerlessly, i.e. without any fasteners or other types of fastening such as gluing or the like. It will be appreciated that this fastenerless assembly facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the seating furniture, i.e. the reconfiguration of the seating furniture assembly between the operative configuration and the storage configuration. Despite not including any fastener, the seating assembly 100 in the operative configuration is still sturdy enough to support the weight of at least one user sitting on the seating furniture. In alternative embodiments, the assembly 100 could instead include one or more fasteners to assemble two or more of the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b together.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the assembly 100 further includes a base 500 configured for being placed on a ground surface and for supporting the furniture body 102 on the ground surface. In some embodiments, instead of being positionable on a ground surface, the base 500 may instead be configured to be placed on another support structure such as a platform, a frame or another base element, or any other suitable support structure. In other embodiments, the assembly 100 may not include a base 500 at all.
In the illustrated embodiment, the body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b include four body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b, namely a seat panel 200, a backrest panel and a pair of side panels 400a, 400b. The seat panel 200 extends between a front seat end 202 and a rear seat end 204, and the backrest panel 300 extends between a top backrest end 302 and a bottom backrest end 304. In the illustrated embodiment, the top backrest end 302 forms a top backrest edge which is substantially convexly curved, but in other embodiments, the top backrest end could instead form a top backrest edge which is concavely curved, straight, made from a plurality of straight edge portions that are angled relative to each other, from Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

16 a combination of straight edge portions and curved edge portions, or have any other suitable configuration.
When the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b are assembled together, the rear seat end 204 of the seat panel 200 and the bottom backrest end 304 of the backrest panel 300 are engaged together and maintained in a configuration in which the seat panel 200 extends at an angle relative to the backrest panel 300.
Alternatively, the body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b could include more or less than four body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b, and the body panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b may be configured and/or interconnected together in accordance with any other suitable configuration.
In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels 400a, 400b are spaced from each other and positioned on either side of the backrest and seat panels 200, 300.
The side panels 400a, 400b are also removably connected to the seat panel 200 and to the backrest panel 300 such that the side panels 400a, 400b can be easily disconnected from the seat and backrest panels 200, 300.
As best shown in FIG. 3, the seat panel 200 includes a backrest connector 220 located at the rear seat end 204 and the backrest panel 300 includes a seat connector 320 located that the bottom backrest end 304. The backrest connector 220 and the seat connector 320 are configured to removably engage each other.
In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest connector 220 and the seat connector 320 are further configured to maintain the backrest and seat panels 200, 300 at a desired angle relative to each other when connected together, as will be explained further below.
Specifically, in the illustrate embodiment, the seat connector 320 includes a seat receiving slot 322 which extends transversely relative to the backrest panel 300.
In other words, when the seating furniture 200 is received on the ground surface, the seat receiving slot 322 extends substantially horizontally.
Still in the illustrated embodiment, the backrest connector 220 includes a backrest engaging tab 222 which is sized and shaped to be received in the seat receiving Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

17 slot 322. Specifically, the backrest engaging tab 222 is generally centered at the rear seat end 204 and had a width, i.e. a distance measured in a widthwise direction W of the furniture body 102, which is substantially equal to a width of the seat receiving slot 322. In one embodiment, the backrest engaging tab 222 could in fact have a width which is slightly less than a width of the seat receiving slot 322 to facilitate insertion and removal of the backrest engaging tab 222 into and from the slot 322.
In the illustrated embodiment, the seat receiving slot 322 further has a height which is greater than a thickness of the seat panel 200. This further facilitates insertion and removal of the backrest engaging tab 222 into and from the slot 322, and also allows the seat panel 200 to be pivoted relative to the backrest panel 300 so as to set the seat panel 200 at different angles relative to the backrest panel 300, as will be explained further below.
In the illustrated embodiment, the backrest connector 220 of the seat panel further includes a backrest receiving slot 224 and the seat connector 320 of the backrest panel 300 further includes a seat engaging tab 324 which is sized and shaped to be received in the backrest receiving slot 224. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat engaging tab 324 extends inwardly into the seat receiving slot 322. Specifically, the seat receiving slot 322 is delimited by lower and upper slot edges 330, 332 which are spaced apart from each other than which extend substantially parallel to each other, and a pair of side slot edges 334 extending substantially perpendicular to the lower and upper slot edges 330, 332. In this embodiment, the seat engaging tab 324 extends from the lower slot edge 330 towards the upper slot edge 332.
In the illustrated embodiment, the seat engaging tab 324 has a width which is substantially equal to a width of the backrest receiving slot 224. In one embodiment, the seat engaging tab 324 could in fact have a width which is slightly less than a width of the backrest receiving slot 224 to facilitate insertion and removal of the seat engaging tab 324 into and from the backrest receiving slot 224.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

18 It will be understood that the seat engaging tab 324 does not extend along the entire width of the seat receiving slot 322. In other words, the backrest receiving slot 224 is therefore substantially narrower than the seat receiving slot 322, as best shown in FIG. 3.
In the illustrated embodiment, since the backrest engaging tab 222 has a height which is greater than a thickness of the seat panel 200 as described above, the backrest engaging tab 222 can be engaged in the seat receiving slot 322 by aligning the backrest engaging tab 222 with the seat receiving slot 322 such that the backrest engaging tab 222 is positioned adjacent the upper slot edge 332, above the seat engaging tab 324. The seat panel 200 can then be moved substantially rearwardly such that the backrest engaging tab 222 is inserted into the seat receiving slot 322, until the seat engaging tab 324 is aligned with the backrest receiving slot 224. The rear seat end 204 can then be lowered such that the seat engaging tab 324 is received in the backrest receiving slot 224. In this position, the seat panel 200 is therefore prevented from moving forwardly or rearwardly relative to the backrest panel 300 by the seat engaging tab 324. It will be appreciated that when the user is sitting on the furniture body 102, the seat panel 200 is prevented from moving upwardly by the weight of the user. The rear seat end 204 is therefore prevented from moving upwardly such that the backrest receiving slot 224 becomes disengaged from the seat engaging tab 324.
In the illustrated embodiment, each side panel 400a, 400b extends between a front side panel end 402 and a rear side panel end 404. In the illustrated embodiment, each side panel 400a, 400b is generally semi-circular and includes a straight bottom edge 406 and a curved top edge 408 extending convexly away from the bottom edge 402. Each side panel 400a, 400b further includes a front side panel connector 410 for removably connecting the side panel 400a, 400b to the seat panel 200 and a rear side panel connector 412 for removably connecting the side panel 400a, 400b to the backrest panel 300.
In the illustrated embodiment, the front side panel connector 410 includes a front receiving notch 420, as shown in FIG. 3. The notch 420 is cut away in the curved Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

19 top edge 408 to define a shoulder which is adapted to support a corresponding portion of the seat panel 200 engaging the side panel 400a, 400b. More specifically, the seat panel 200 includes a pair of side panel connectors 250 located at the front seat end 202. In the illustrated embodiment, each side panel connector 250 includes a hook member 252 which extends substantially laterally and away from the seat panel 200. The hook member 252 is sized and shaped to engage the curved top edge 408 of the corresponding side panel 400a, 400b and to sit in the corresponding front receiving notch 420.
In the illustrated embodiment, the rear side panel connector 412 includes a rear receiving notch 422 which is sized and shaped to receive a corresponding portion of the backrest panel 300. Specifically, the backrest panel 300 includes a pair of side panel connectors 350 located substantially midway between the top and bottom backrest ends 402, 404. In this embodiment, each side panel connector 350 includes a hook member 352 which extends substantially laterally and away from the backrest panel 300. The hook member 352 is sized and shaped to engage the corresponding rear receiving notch 422. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear receiving notch 422 extends inwardly from the curved top edge 408 into the corresponding side panel 400a, 400b and has a width substantially corresponding to a thickness of the backrest panel 300. In this embodiment, when the hook member 352 engages the corresponding rear receiving notch 422, the hook member 352 is inserted into the rear receiving notch 422 and substantially prevents movement of the backrest panel 300 relative to the side panel 400a, 400b. Alternatively, the rear receiving notch 422 could be configured in accordance with any other configuration which would allow the backrest panel 300 to be angled relative to the side panels 400a, 400b.
In the illustrated embodiment, the base 500 cooperates with the backrest panel 300 to receive the furniture body 102 on the ground surface and to prevent movement of the furniture body 102 on the ground surface. Specifically, the backrest panel 300 includes a pair of lateral side supporting members 360 extending laterally outwardly from the backrest panel 300 at the bottom panel end Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

20 304 and a substantially linear bottom backrest edge 362 which extends substantially transversely relative to the backrest panel 300 across the bottom panel end 304 and the lateral side supporting members 360. When the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b are assembled together, the bottom backrest edge 362 extends abuts the ground surface and the straight bottom edge 406 of each side panel 400a, 400b is received on a corresponding lateral side supporting member 360.
More specifically, each side panel 400a, 400b includes a central bottom notch defined in its straight bottom edge 406 which is sized and shaped to receive the corresponding lateral side supporting member 360. In the illustrated embodiment, the central bottom notch 450 is generally wedge-shaped, but could instead be shaped according to any other suitable shape.
In this embodiment, the base 500 includes a front base member 502 and a rear base member 504 which is spaced rearwardly from the front base member 502 and which extends substantially parallel to the front base member 502. The base members 502, 504 are generally elongated and are configured to be positioned between the ground surface and the straight bottom edge 406 of the side panels 400a, 400b, and more specifically to be positioned so as to extend transversely to the furniture body 102, substantially parallel to the bottom backrest edge 362.
In the illustrated embodiment, the front and rear base members 502, 504 are configured to respectively engage the front side panel end 402 and the rear side panel end 404 of the side panels 400a, 400b so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body 102 relative to the base 500. More specifically, each side panel 400a, 400b includes a front bottom notch 452 located at the front side panel end 402 for engaging the front base member 502 and a rear bottom notch 454 located at the rear side panel end 404 for engaging the rear base member 504. In the illustrated embodiment, each base member 502, 504 includes a pair of spaced-apart engaging notches 550 for engaging a corresponding one of the front and rear bottom notches 452, 454. The engaging notches 550 may have a width which is slightly less than a thickness of the side panels 400a, 400b to create an interference fit between the base members 502, 504 and the side panels Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

21 400a, 400b to prevent undesired removal of the base members 502, 504 from the side panels 400a, 400b if the furniture body 102 is moved or lifted, for example. In another embodiment, the engaging notches 550 may have a width substantially corresponding to the thickness of the side panels 400a, 400b. Alternatively, the base members 502, 504 may not include any engaging notches and may directly engage the corresponding one of the front and rear bottom notches 452, 454.
It will be appreciated that the base 500 described above is merely provided as an example and that many other base configurations are possible. For example, the base 500 could include more or less than two base members, and/or each base member could be shaped according to various other suitable shapes. In one embodiment, the assembly 100 may not even include a base 500. In this embodiment, the side panels 400a, 400b could instead be shaped and sized such that when the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b are assembled together, a bottom portion of the side panels 400a, 400b abuts the ground surface to support the __ furniture body 102 on the ground surface.
According to the configuration described above, the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b can therefore be fully disconnected from each other to configure the assembly in a transport configuration. As shown in FIG. 2, in the transport configuration, the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b can therefore be stacked on top of each other such that the entire assembly has a generally flat configuration, which greatly reduces the volume of space occupied by the assembly 100. This configuration may therefore facilitate the transport, storage, shipping and/or commercialization of the assembly 100. FIG. 2 shows an example of an arrangement of the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b relative to each other when in the storage configuration. In this __ example, the seat and backrest panels 200, 300 are stacked on top of each other, with the base members 502, 504 stacked on top of each other and positioned adjacent the stacked seat and backrest panels 200, 300. The side panels 400a, 400b are positioned adjacent each other such that their straight bottom edges extend along each other, and are stacked over the seat and backrest panels 200, 300 and the base members 502, 504. It will be appreciated that in this Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

22 configuration, in addition to occupying relatively little space in a thickness-wise direction, the assembly 100 has also a relatively small footprint. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 could further include attachment members included in the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b or provided as separate members to prevent movement of the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b relative to each other when in the storage position and/or when in the operative position. Alternatively, when disassembled and configured in a storage configuration, the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b may be positioned in a different configuration than shown in FIG.
2. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 could further be provided with a container which is sized and shaped to receive some or all of the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b in the storage configuration and which could include one or more handle to facilitate transport of the assembly 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4C, to assemble the assembly 100 using the disconnected panels, a first side panel 400b may first be engaged with the backrest panel 300 as shown in FIG. 4A, followed by a second side panel 400a as shown in FIG. 4B. In the illustrated embodiment, the base members 502, 504 may then be connected to the side panels 400a, 400b, as shown in FIG. 4C. The seat panel 200 may then be positioned between the side panels 400a, 400b with the backrest engaging tab 222 aligned with the seat receiving slot 322 of the backrest panel 300 and then moved rearwardly to connect the seat panel 200 with the backrest panel 300 as described above to reach the operative position illustrated in FIG. 1.
It will be understood that this method of assembling the assembly 100 is merely provided as an example and that many alternative assembly methods may instead be used.
It will be appreciated that the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4C is merely provided as an example and that the assembly 100 may instead have one of various alternative configurations. For example, although the assembly 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured to receive a single user, the assembly could instead be configured to receive two or more users. FIG. 5 shows a seating furniture assembly 100' in accordance with an alternative embodiment, in which the seating furniture assembly 100' is adapted to receive two users. In this Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

23 embodiment, the assembly 100' includes a seat panel (not shown), a backrest panel 300', a pair of side panels 400a', 400b' and pair of base members 502', 504'.
While the side panels 400a', 400b' are substantially identical to the side panels 400a, 400b described above, the seat panel, backrest panel 300' and base members 502', 504' are substantially wider than the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base members 502, 504 described above. Alternatively, the seat panel, backrest panel 300' and/or the base members 502', 504' may not be wider than the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base members 502, 504. In this embodiment, each one of the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base members 502, 504 could be configured to be placed side-by-side with one or more additional ones of the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base members 502, 504 to form a seating furniture which is wider than the seating furniture assembly 100 in the operative position shown in FIG. 1. For example, the assembly 100' could include the base members 502', 504' and backrest panel 300' as illustrated in FIG. 5, but could also include two seat panels, each having a width similar to the width of the seat panel 200 shown in FIG. 1, placed side-by-side instead of having a wider seat panel. Alternatively, the assembly 100' could include the base members 502', 504' and a seat panel having a width corresponding to the width of the base members 502', 504', but instead of the backrest panel 300', the assembly 100' could include two backrest panels, each one having a width corresponding to the width of the backrest panel 300 shown in FIG. 1, placed side-by-side. In yet another embodiment, the backrest panel 300' and the seat panel could substantially wider than the backrest panel 300 and the seat panel 200 as illustrated in FIG. 5, but instead of including the base members 502, 504, the assembly 100' could include two bases having substantially the same width as the base 500 illustrated in FIG. 1, placed side-by-side.
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a seating furniture assembly 100", in accordance with yet another embodiment, in which the assembly 100" is configured for receiving three or more users. In this embodiment, the assembly 100" includes a backrest panel 300', a pair of side panels 400a', 400b' and pair of base members 502', 504'. While the side panels 400a', 400b' are substantially Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

24 identical to the side panels 400a, 400b described above, the backrest panel 300"
and base members 502", 504" are substantially wider than the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base members 502, 504 described above. Moreover, in this embodiment, the assembly 100" does not include a single seat panel as described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 5, but instead a seat panel including two seat panel portions, not shown, that are distinct from each other. Each seat panel portion could be substantially similar to the seat panel 200 described above, or could be wider or narrower than the seat panel 200. In this embodiment, the backrest panel 300" includes two seat connectors 320a", 320b", each configured to connect to a corresponding seat panel portion. In another embodiment, the backrest panel 300" could include the two seat connectors 320a", 320b", but the assembly 100" may include a single, continuous seat panel having two backrest connectors, each configured to engage a respective seat connector 320a, 320b.
Alternatively, the backrest panel 300" could include more than two seat connectors and/or the assembly 100" could be configured to include more than two seat panel portions or even a single seat panel engaging one or more of the seat connectors.
It will be understood that the shape and configuration of the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b described hereinabove are merely provided as examples and that the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b could instead have any other suitable shape and configuration. For example, FIG. 7 shows a seating furniture assembly 700, in accordance with another embodiment. The seating furniture assembly 700 includes a seat panel 702, a backrest panel 704, a pair of side panels 706a, 706b and a base 750. The seat panel 702, backrest panel 704 and base 750 are substantially similar to the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base 500 of the assembly 100 described above. In this embodiment, the side panels 706a, 706b are shaped substantially differently than the side panels 400a, 400b described above. Specifically, the side panels 706a, 706b includes a linear bottom side panel edge 710 and a top side panel edge 712 which is curved but extend substantially concavely towards the bottom side panel edge 710 instead of extending upwardly and convexly away from the bottom side panel edge 710, as is the case in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. Otherwise, the side panels 706a, 706b are Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

25 substantially similar to the side panels 400a, 400b and include front and rear connectors 720, 722 for engaging respectively the seat panel 702 and the backrest panel 704. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the backrest panel 704 further includes a handle opening 740 located near a top backrest end 742 of the backrest panel 704. The handle opening 740 may be sized and shaped to allow a user to grab the top backrest end 742 of the backrest panel 704. This may facilitate the manipulation, transport and/or assembly of the backrest panel 704 and/or of the entire seating furniture. In other embodiments, the handle opening 740 may be located at another location on the backrest panel 704, or may be located on any one of the seat, backrest and side panels 702, 704, 706a, 706b. In yet another embodiment, the assembly 700 may include more than one handle opening provided in more than one of the seat, backrest and side panels 702, 704, 706a, 706b. Alternatively, instead of handle openings, the assembly 700 may include one or more portions which is shaped as a handle and which could be used in the same way as the handle opening 740. In yet another embodiment, the assembly 700 may not include any handle opening or any portion shaped as a handle.
FIG. 8 shows a seating furniture assembly 800, in accordance with yet another embodiment. The seating furniture assembly 800 includes a seat panel 802, a backrest panel 804, a pair of side panels 806a, 806b and a base 850. In this embodiment, the seat panel 802, backrest panel 804 and base 850 are substantially similar to the seat panel 702, backrest panel 704 and base 750 of the assembly 700 described above, but the side panels 806a, 806b are shaped substantially differently than the side panels 706a, 706b. In this embodiment, the side panels 806a, 806b extend between a rear side panel end 808 and a front side panel end 810, and include a linear bottom side panel edge 812 and a top side panel edge 814 which is substantially linear instead of being curved. More specifically, all edges of the side panels 806a, 806b are straight in this embodiment. Moreover, the bottom and top side panel edges 810, 812 are not parallel to each other in this embodiment. Instead, the bottom and top side panel edges 810, 812 diverge from each other as the side panels 806a, 806b extend from their rear panel end 808 towards their front panel end 810.
Alternatively, the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

26 bottom and top side panel edges 810, 812 could instead extend parallel to each other, or the side panels 806a, 806b could have any other suitable shape.
Turning now to FIGS. 9 to 13, there is shown a seating furniture assembly 900, in accordance with yet another embodiment. The assembly includes a seat panel 902, a backrest panel 904, a pair of side panels 906a, 906b and a base 950.
In this embodiment, the assembly 900 is configured such that, when in the operative position, the angle of the backrest panel 904 relative to the seat panel 902 is adjustable. More specifically, the angle of the backrest panel 904 can be adjusted relative to the side panels 906a, 906b, and the angle of the seat panel 902 can also be adjusted relative to the side panels 906a, 906b, independently from the backrest panel 904. In this embodiment, each side panel 906a, 906b extends between front and rear side panel ends 908, 910 and includes a front side panel connector 920 located near the front side panel end 908 for engaging the seat panel 902 and a rear side panel connector 922 located near the rear panel end 910 for engaging the backrest panel 904.
In this embodiment, the front side panel connector 920 includes a plurality of front receiving notches 924 defined in a curved top side panel edge 926 of the side panel 906a, 906b. Each receiving notch 924 is cut away in the top side panel edge 926 to define a shoulder which is adapted to support a corresponding portion of the seat panel 902. It will be understood that since the notches 924 are located at different locations along the top side panel edge 926, each front receiving notch 924 is configured to receive and hold the seat panel 902 at a predetermined angle or inclination relative to the side panels 906a, 906b and to the ground surface when the assembly 100 is configured in the operative configuration and is positioned on the ground surface. To change the angle of the seat panel 902, the user simply disengages the seat panel 902 from one of the front receiving notches 924 and engages the seat panel 902 in another front receiving notch 924 corresponding to a desired seat panel angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side panel connector 920 includes three front receiving notches 924 to allow the seat panel 902 to be positioned at one of three predetermined inclinations.
Alternatively, the Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

27 front side panel connector 920 could include more or less than three front receiving notches 924 to allow the seat panel 902 to be positioned at more or less than three predetermined inclinations.
Similarly, the rear side panel connector 922 includes a plurality of rear receiving notches 930 defined in the top side panel edge 926 of the side panel 906a, 906b.
The notches 930 are spaced from each other along the top side panel edge 926 and are therefore configured to receive and hold the backrest panel 904 at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels 906a, 906b. To change the angle of the backrest panel 904, the user simply disengages the backrest panel 904 from one of the rear receiving notches 930 and engages the backrest panel 904 in another rear receiving notch 930 corresponding to a backrest seat panel angle.
In the illustrated embodiment, the rear side panel connector 922 includes three rear receiving notches 930 to allow the backrest panel 904 to be positioned at one of three predetermined inclinations. Alternatively, the rear side panel connector could include more or less than three rear receiving notches 930 to allow the backrest panel 904 to be positioned at more or less than three predetermined inclinations.
In one embodiment, the seat panel 902 may further be positionable is a base-abutting position in which the seat panel 902 does not engage the front side panel connector 920 and is instead angled downwardly such that it abuts and is supported by a front base member 952 of the base 950, as shown in FIG. 13.
FIG. 14 shows a seating furniture assembly 1000, in accordance with yet another embodiment. The assembly 1000 is substantially similar to the assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4C, and includes a seat panel 1002, a backrest panel 1004, a pair of side panels 1006a, 1006b and a base 1050. In this embodiment, the seat panel 1002, backrest panel 1004 and base 1050 are substantially similar to the seat panel 200, backrest panel 300 and base 500 described above. The side panels 1006a, 1006b are also substantially to the side panels 400a, 400b, but are hollow instead of being solid like the side panels 400a, 400b. In this embodiment, the assembly 1000 is further provided with a cushion 1060 which is positioned on Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

28 the seat panel 1002. It will be understood that other cushions could be placed along the backrest panel 1004 and the side panels 1006a, 1006b. In the illustrated embodiment, the cushion 1060 is simply placed on the seat panel 1002 and is unsecured therefore, but alternatively, the assembly could include one or more cushions that are permanently secured, e.g. glued or otherwise affixed, to corresponding panels.
Referring now to FIGS. 15 to 17B, there is shown a furniture seating assembly 1100, in accordance with another embodiment. In this embodiment, the assembly 1100 includes the seat panel 200, the backrest panel 300 and the pair of side panels 400a, 400b forming the furniture body 102 described above. The assembly 1100 further includes a base 1150 for receiving the furniture body 102 on a ground surface. While the base 500 was configured to prevent movement of the furniture body 102 relative to the ground surface, the base 1150 is configured to allow the furniture body to be rocked back and forth relative to the ground surface, effectively turning the furniture body 102 into a rocking chair. More specifically, the base 1150 includes a front base member 1152 and a rear base member 1154 which are configured to extend in a widthwise direction, and a pair of rocking members which are configured to extend perpendicular to the front and rear base member 1152, 1154 and between the front and rear base members 1152, 1154, substantially in alignment with the side panels 400a, 400b, i.e. between front and rear ends of the furniture body 102. More specifically, each rocking member includes a top edge 1158 and a bottom edge 1160. The top edge 1158 is linear to extend along the straight bottom edge 406 of a corresponding side panel 400a, 400b when the furniture body 102 is received on the base 1150. The bottom edge 1160 is curved and extends downwardly and convexly away from the top edge 1158. When the furniture body 102 is received on the base 1150, the bottom edge 1160 of both the rocking members 1156 contact the ground surface and thereby allow the furniture body 102 to be rocked back and forth relative to the ground surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

29 In this embodiment, each rocking member 1156 includes a central indent 1162 defined in the top edge 1158 of the rocking member 1156 for receiving the lateral side supporting members 360 of the backrest panel 300. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the central indent 1162 is substantially elongated and is substantially centered on the top edge 1158. Alternatively, the central indent could be narrower and be aligned with the lateral side supporting members 360 of the backrest panel 300, and/or could have any other configuration. In another embodiment in which the backrest panel 300 does not include lateral side supporting members 360, the rocking member 1156 may not even include a central indent 1162.
In this embodiment, the front and rear base members 1152, 1154 include a pair of spaced-apart side panel engaging notches 1170 defined in a top edge 1172 of the base members 1152, 1154 and a pair of spaced-apart rocking member engaging notches 1174 located on a bottom edge 1176 of the base members 1152, 1154, opposite the side panel engaging notches 1170. The side panel engaging notches 1170 are substantially similar to the engaging notches 550 described above in connection with the base 500 and are configured for engaging corresponding portions of the side panels 400a, 400b, while the rocking member engaging notches 1174 are configured for engaging corresponding receiving notches 1178 defined on the top edges 1158 of the rocking members 1156. In this embodiment, the base members 1152, 1154 and the rocking members 1156 are also connected together fastenerlessly, i.e. without any fasteners. This allows the base 1150 to be readily disassembled once the base 1150 is removed from the furniture body 102.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17B, the base members 1152, 1154 and the rocking members 1156 are substantially flat. This allows the entirety of the base 1150 to be configured in a substantially flat storage configuration when the base 1150 is disassembled, as shown in FIG. 16. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the base members 1152, 1154 could be placed adjacent each other and the rocking member 1156 could be placed adjacent to each other such that the top edges 1158 of the rocking member 1156 extend along each other, and Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

30 could further be stacked on the base members 1152, 1154. It will be appreciated that in this position, the disassembled base 1150 is substantially flat and has a relatively small footprint.
In one embodiment, the base 1150 could be provided as a base kit separate from the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b. Specifically, the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b could be provided to the user configured in the storage configuration as a kit for a seating furniture. The kit could further include the base 500, as shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, the base 1150 could then be provided to replace the base 500.

In another embodiment, instead of including the base members 502, 504 of the base 500, the kit could instead include the base members 1152, 1154 of the base 1150. It will be understood that apart from the spaced-apart rocking member engaging notches 1174, the base members 1152, 1154 are substantially similar to the base members 502, 504. The base members 1152, 1154 can therefore be placed on the ground surface and receive the furniture body 102 to support the furniture body 102 and prevent the furniture body 102 from moving relative to the ground surface. The user would then only need to acquire the rocking members 1160 to transform the base 500 into the base 1150. In another embodiment, the base 1150 could instead be included in the kit along with the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b. In yet another embodiment, the kit could include only the base 1150, which could selectively be used by the user without the rocking members 1160 as described above.
It will be understood that this embodiment of the base 1150 is merely provided as an example and that other configurations may be considered. For example, instead of a pair of rocking members 1156 having curved bottom edges 1160, the base 1150 could include any curved surface facing downwardly towards the ground surface and configured to contact the ground surface to allow the furniture body 102 to be rocked back and forth on the ground surface.
FIGS. 18 and 19 show alternative embodiments of a seating furniture assemblies including bases with curved bottom surfaces. Specifically, FIG. 18 shows a seating furniture assembly 1200, in accordance with an embodiment in which the seating Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

31 furniture assembly 1200 is configured to receive two users. In this embodiment, the assembly 1200 includes a seat panel 1202, a backrest panel 1204, a pair of side panels 1206a, 1206b and a base 1250. The base 1250 is generally similar to, but substantially wider than, the base 1150 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17B.
Specifically, the base 1250 includes base members 1252, 1254 and rocking members 1256, similarly to the base 1150. The rocking members 1256 are substantially similar to the rocking members 1156, while the base members 1252, 1254 are substantially wider than the base members 1152, 1154. In this embodiment, the base 1250 further includes an intermediate rocking member 1260 located generally midway between the rocking members 1256. The intermediate rocking member 1260 is generally similar to the other rocking members 1256 and extends substantially parallel to the rocking members 1256.
FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of a seating furniture assembly 1300, in which the seating furniture assembly 1300 is configured for receiving three or more users.
In this embodiment, the assembly includes a base 1350 which is substantially similar to the base 1250 described above, but which includes two intermediate rocking members 1360a, 1360b spaced apart from each other instead of a single intermediate rocking member. It will be understood that in other embodiments, the base could include any suitable number of intermediate rocking members.
Turning to FIGS. 20 to 23, there is shown a seating furniture assembly 2000, in accordance with another embodiment. The assembly 2000 includes the seat panel 200, the backrest panel 300, the side panels 400a, 400b and the base 500 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4C. The panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b are assemblable together to form the furniture body 102.
In this embodiment, the assembly 2000 further includes an accessory 2002 removably connectable to the furniture body 102, and more specifically to at least one of the panels 200, 300, 400a, 400b and the base 500. In the illustrated embodiment, the accessory 2002 includes a plurality of accessory panels 2050, 2052, 2054 which are assemblable together to form the accessory 2002.
Specifically, the accessory panels 2050, 2052, 2054 include a mounting bracket Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

32 panel 2050, an upper shelf panel 2052 removable connectable to an upper end 2053 of the mounting bracket panel 2050 and a lower shelf panel 2054 removably connectable to a lower end 2055 of the mounting bracket panel 2050.
In this embodiment, the mounting bracket panel 2050 is generally T-shaped and includes a mounting notch 2060 sized and shaped to engage the seat panel 200, a seat abutting portion 2062, an upright portion 2064 and a forwardly extending portion 2066. The mounting bracket panel 2050 is configured such that when the mounting notch 2060 engages the seat panel 200, the seat abutting portion 2062 abuts an underside of the seat panel 200, the upright portion 2064 extends upwardly and substantially vertically and the forwardly extending portion 2066 extends forwardly and substantially horizontally. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket panel 2050 includes upper and lower top engaging notches 2068, 2070 located at a top end 2072 of the upright portion 2064 and a bottom engaging notch 2074 located at a front end 2076 of the forwardly extending portion .. 2066.
Still in the illustrated embodiment, the upper shelf panel 2052 is substantially rectangular, and includes a cup holding opening 2080 located towards a corner of the upper shelf panel 2052, a first engaging notch 2082 defined in a first edge 2083 of the upper shelf panel 2052 and a second engaging notch 2084 defined in a second edge 2085 of the upper shelf panel 2052. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 20, the first engaging notch 2082 engages the upper top engaging notch such that the upper shelf panel 2052 extends laterally inwardly from the mounting bracket panel 2050. It will be appreciated that the same upper shelf panel could be flipped such that when the first engaging notch 2082 engages the upper top engaging notch 2068, the upper shelf panel 2052 instead extends laterally outwardly to the mounting bracket panel 2050. In other embodiments, the upper shelf panel 2052 could include other engaging notches such that the upper shelf panel 2052 could be positioned in other positions and/or other orientations relative to the furniture body 102 when mounted to the mounting bracket panel 2050.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

33 In the illustrated embodiment, the lower shelf panel 2054 is substantially similar to the upper shelf panel 2052 and includes a first engaging notch 2090 defined in a first edge 2091 of the lower shelf panel 2054 and a second engaging notch 2092 defined in a second edge 2093 of the lower shelf panel 2054. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 22B, the first engaging notch 2090 engages the bottom engaging notch 2074 of the mounting bracket panel 2050 such that the lower shelf panel 2054 extends laterally inwardly relative to the mounting bracket panel 2050.
It will be appreciated that in this configuration, the lower shelf panel 2054 could be used as a shelf for receiving objects thereon, as a footrest or for any other suitable .. use. Alternatively, the same upper shelf panel 2052 could be flipped such that when the first engaging notch 2082 engages the upper top engaging notch 2068, the upper shelf panel 2052 instead extends laterally outwardly to the mounting bracket panel 2050. In other embodiments, the upper shelf panel 2052 could include other engaging notches such that the upper shelf panel 2052 could be positioned in other positions and/or other orientations relative to the furniture body 102 when mounted to the mounting bracket panel 2050.
It will be understood that the configuration of the accessory 2002 described above is merely provided as an example and that various alternative configurations may be considered. For example, FIG. 23 shows another upper shelf panel 2300 positioned below the upper shelf panel 2052 and engaging the lower top engaging notch 2070. In this embodiment, this other upper shelf panel 2300 is positioned so as to extend laterally outwardly from the mounting bracket panel 2050.
Alternatively, the upper shelf panel 2300 could instead be flipped to extend laterally inwardly from the mounting bracket panel 2050 instead, or could be positioned so as to extend in any other direction. In yet another embodiment, the accessory could instead include any number of shelves positioned in any position and orientation relative to the furniture body 102. It will further be understood that although the accessory 2002 is shown mounted to the assembly 2000 in FIGS. 20 to 23, the accessory 2002 could be used with any of the assemblies described above.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

34 It will be understood the entire assembly being made of solely of panels may facilitate the manufacturing of the assembly. Specifically, all panels could be made of the same material and using the same manufacturing technique, which could make the process of manufacturing the panels relatively unexpensive. For example, the panels could be made from one or more wooden boards, i.e. boards made of wood, of engineered wood or of another rigid wood product. Each panel could be cut in the wooden boards and then assembled as described above.
Alternatively, the panels may be made from another rigid material such as polymer (including any type of plastic), composite or any other suitable material, and be made using another manufacturing technique such as molding or the like.
While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

Claims (81)

35

1. A seating furniture assembly comprising:
a furniture body including a plurality of body panels releasably connectable to each other, each body panel including at least one connector, each connector being configured for connection with a corresponding connector of another one of the body panels, the connectors being configured to allow the body panels to be assembled together in an operative configuration to form a seating furniture and to be disassembled from each other to configure the furniture body in a storage configuration.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each connector is configured for fastenerless connection with the corresponding connector of the other one of the body panels.

3. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the plurality of body panels includes four body panels.

4. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of body panels includes a backrest panel and a seat panel removably connectable to the seat panel such that the seat panel extends at an angle relative to the backrest panel.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the backrest panel includes a seat connector located at a bottom end of the backrest panel and the seat panel includes a backrest connector located at a rear end of the seat panel and configured to releasably engage the seat connector.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the seat .. connector and the backrest connector includes at least one receiving slot and the other one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one engaging tab, each engaging tab being engageable with a corresponding one of the at least one receiving slot.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the seat connector includes at least one seat receiving slot extending transversely to the backrest panel and the backrest connector includes at least one backrest engaging tab extending away from a rear edge of the seat panel, each seat receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one backrest engaging tab.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one seat receiving slot includes one seat receiving slot and wherein the at least one backrest engaging tab includes one backrest engaging tab.

9. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein each seat receiving slot extends substantially horizontally when the body panels are assembled in the operative configuration and positioned on the ground surface.

10. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each backrest engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding seat receiving slot.

11. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the backrest connector further includes at least one backrest receiving slot extending transversely to the seat panel and the seat connector includes at least one seat engaging tab extending inwardly into the seat receiving slot, each backrest receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one seat engaging tab.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one backrest receiving slot includes one backrest receiving slot and wherein the at least one seat engaging tab includes one seat engaging tab.

13. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 11 and 12, wherein each seat engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding backrest receiving slot.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein each backrest receiving slot is narrower than each seat receiving slot.

15. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the plurality of body panels further includes a pair of side panels spaced from each other and positioned on either side of the backrest and seat panels, the side panels being removably connectable to the backrest panel and the seat panel.

16. The assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein each side panel includes at least one rear notch located towards a rear end thereof for engaging the backrest panel.

17. The assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the at least one rear notch includes a plurality of rear notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the backrest panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.

18. The assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality of rear notches includes three rear notches.

19. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein each side panel includes at least one front notch located towards a front end thereof for engaging the seat panel.

20. The assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one front notch includes a plurality of front notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the seat panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.

21. The assembly as claimed in claim 20, wherein the plurality of front notches includes three front notches.

22. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein each one of the side panels includes at least one bottom notch for engaging the base so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.

23. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02 panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially convexly away from the linear bottom side panel edge.

24. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side .. panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially concavely towards the linear bottom side panel edge.

25. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein each one of the side panels is solid.

26. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein each one of the side panels is hollow.

27. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 26, wherein at least one of the body panels includes a handle opening sized and shaped to allow a user to grab the corresponding body panel.

28. The assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein the backrest panel includes the handle opening.

29. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein at least some of the connectors are disengageable from corresponding ones of the other connectors when the furniture body is configured from the operative configuration to the storage configuration such that at least some of the body panels are at least partially disconnected from each other when the furniture body is in the storage configuration.

30. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein all of the connectors are disengageable from each other when the furniture body is configured from the operative configuration to the storage configuration such that all the body panels are fully disconnected from each other when the furniture body is in the storage configuration.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

31. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 29 and 30, wherein the body panels are stackable over each other when the furniture body is in the storage configuration.

32. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31, further including a base for receiving the furniture body, the base being configured to be placed on a ground surface.

33. The assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the base includes a stationary base preventing movement of the furniture body relative to the ground surface when the base is placed on the ground surface and the furniture body is received on the base.

34. The assembly as claimed in claim 33, wherein the stationary base includes at least one base member, each one of the at least one base member being elongated and extending substantially transversely to the furniture body.

35. The assembly as claimed in claim 34, wherein the at least one base member includes a front base member and a rear base member spaced rearwardly from the front base member and extending substantially parallel to the front base member.

36. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 34 and 35, wherein each one of the at least one base member is configured to engage the furniture body so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.

37. The assembly as claimed in claim 36, wherein each one of the at least one base member includes at least one engaging notch for engaging the furniture body.

38. The assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the base includes a rocking base having a bottom curved surface to allow the furniture body to rock back and forth on the ground surface.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

39. The assembly as claimed in claim 38, wherein the rocking base includes a pair of rocking members extending between front and rear end of the furniture body, each rocking member including top and bottom edges, the bottom edge being curved convexly away from the top edge.

40. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 39, further comprising an accessory removably connectable to the furniture body.

41. The assembly as claimed in claim 40, wherein the accessory includes a plurality of accessory panels assemblable together to form the accessory.

42. The assembly as claimed in claim 41, wherein the accessory panels include a mounting bracket panel, an upper shelf panel removable connectable to an upper end of the mounting bracket panel and a lower shelf panel removably connectable to a lower end of the mounting bracket panel.

43. The assembly as claimed in claim 42, wherein the mounting bracket panel includes a plurality of engaging notches for engaging the upper shelf panel and the lower shelf panel.

44. A kit for a seating furniture, the kit comprising:
a plurality of body panels assemblable with each other to form a furniture body of a seating furniture, each body panel including a connector configured for fastenerless connection with a corresponding connector of another one of the body panels.

45. The kit as claimed in claim 44, wherein the plurality of body panels includes four body panels.

46. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 44 and 45, wherein the plurality of body panels includes a backrest panel and a seat panel removably connectable to the seat panel such that the seat panel extends at an angle relative to the backrest panel.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

47. The kit as claimed in claim 46, wherein the backrest panel includes a seat connector located at a bottom end of the backrest panel and the seat panel includes a backrest connector located at a rear end of the seat panel and configured to releasably engage the seat connector.

48. The kit as claimed in claim 47, wherein at least one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one receiving slot and the other one of the seat connector and the backrest connector includes at least one engaging tab, each engaging tab being engageable with a corresponding one of the at least one receiving slot.

49. The kit as claimed in claim 48, wherein the seat connector includes at least one seat receiving slot extending transversely to the backrest panel and the backrest connector includes at least one backrest engaging tab extending away from a rear edge of the seat panel, each seat receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one backrest engaging tab.

50. The kit as claimed in claim 49, wherein the at least one seat receiving slot includes one seat receiving slot and wherein the at least one backrest engaging tab includes one backrest engaging tab.

51. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 49 and 50, wherein each seat receiving slot extends substantially horizontally when the body panels are .. assembled in the operative configuration and positioned on the ground surface.

52. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein each backrest engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding seat receiving slot.

53. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein the backrest connector further includes at least one backrest receiving slot extending transversely to the seat panel and the seat connector includes at least one seat engaging tab extending inwardly into the seat receiving slot, each backrest Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02 receiving slot being sized and shaped to receive a corresponding one of the at least one seat engaging tab.

54. The kit as claimed in claim 53, wherein the at least one backrest receiving slot includes one backrest receiving slot and wherein the at least one seat engaging tab includes one seat engaging tab.

55. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 53 and 54, wherein each seat engaging tab has a width substantially equal to a width of the corresponding backrest receiving slot.

56. The kit as claimed in claim 55, wherein each backrest receiving slot is narrower than each seat receiving slot.

57. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 56, wherein the plurality of body panels further includes a pair of side panels spaced from each other and positioned on either side of the backrest and seat panels, the side panels being removably connectable to the backrest panel and the seat panel.

58. The kit as claimed in claim 57, wherein each side panel includes at least one rear notch located towards a rear end thereof for engaging the backrest panel.

59. The kit as claimed in claim 58, wherein the at least one rear notch includes a plurality of rear notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the backrest panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.

60. The kit as claimed in claim 59, wherein the plurality of rear notches includes three rear notches.

61. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 60, wherein each side panel includes at least one front notch located towards a front end thereof for engaging the seat panel.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

62. The kit as claimed in claim 61, wherein the at least one front notch includes a plurality of front notches, each notch being configured to receive and hold the seat panel at a predetermined angle relative to the side panels.

63. The kit as claimed in claim 62, wherein the plurality of front notches includes three front notches.

64. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 63, wherein each one of the side panels includes at least one bottom notch for engaging the base so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.

65. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 64, wherein each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially convexly away from the linear bottom side panel edge.

66. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 65, wherein each one of the side panels includes a linear bottom side panel edge and a top side panel edge opposite the linear bottom side panel edge, the top side panel edge curving substantially concavely towards the linear bottom side panel edge.

67. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 66, wherein each one of the side panels is solid.

68. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 66, wherein each one of the side panels is hollow.

69. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 46 to 68, wherein at least one of the body panels includes a handle opening sized and shaped to allow a user to grab the corresponding body panel.

70. The kit as claimed in claim 69, wherein the backrest panel includes the handle opening.

71. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31, further comprising a plurality of base members assemblable to form a base for receiving the furniture body.

72. The kit as claimed in claim 71, wherein each base member is elongated and extends substantially transversely to the furniture body.

73. The kit as claimed in claim 72, wherein the at least one base member includes a front base member and a rear base member spaced rearwardly from the front base member and extending substantially parallel to the front base member.

74. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 72 and 73, wherein each one of the at least one base member is configured to engage the furniture body so as to substantially prevent movement of the furniture body relative to the base.

75. The kit as claimed in claim 74, wherein each one of the at least one base member includes at least one engaging notch for engaging the furniture body.

76. The kit as claimed in claim 71, wherein the plurality of base members includes a pair of rocking members, each rocking member including top and bottom edges, the bottom edge being curved convexly away from the top edge.

77. The kit as claimed in any one of claims 44 to 76, further comprising an accessory removably connectable to the furniture body.

78. The kit as claimed in claim 77, wherein the accessory includes a plurality of accessory panels assemblable together to form the accessory.

79. The kit as claimed in claim 78, wherein the accessory panels include a mounting bracket panel, an upper shelf panel removable connectable to an upper end of the mounting bracket panel and a lower shelf panel removably connectable to a lower end of the mounting bracket panel.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02

80. The kit as claimed in claim 79, wherein the mounting bracket panel includes a plurality of engaging notches for engaging the upper shelf panel and the lower shelf panel.

81. A method for manufacturing a seating furniture, the method comprising:
providing at least one wooden board;
cutting a plurality of body panels in the at least one wooden board;
assembling the body panels to form a seating furniture assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 43.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-03-02