my invention is an adaptable set of modules that can be arranged in several ways to provide a place to sleep , a table for eating , chairs of a simple japanese zabuton style , or a set of shelves for the storage of items . this invention comprises four separate components — two types of base units , one type of cushion , and one type of shelf . as a kit , these could be purchased as a set of one central base unit , two end base units , three shelves and a handful of fasteners to hold them together in various configurations . individual components such as clean cushions could be purchased separately as needed . each base unit is fabricated , either as a single piece or as a structural equivalent pre - assembled from separate parts . cost , simplicity and ease of cleaning are all major factors ; therefore , this description will be arbitrarily exemplified by the case of single - piece molded parts . each base unit is a flat panel provided on one of its two flat surfaces with several rectangular ribs . when placed on a floor horizontally and aligned end - to - end , with one central base unit situated between each of two end base units , this assemblage of three units forms the shape and size of a bed — for example 25 inches wide by 90 inches long — and provides a flat horizontal surface raised above the floor that can hold a trio of cushions that together form a mattress for sleeping . for more dedicated installations , a series of such adjacent beds can be lined up side - to - side to accommodate a large number of people , as in a homeless shelter . the trio of cushions could of course be economically replaced by single full - length mattress cushions instead . raised above the floor level , as it is , this bed affords protection against insects , fluid spills and cold floor - level air . when used individually , each of the three base units with its associated cushion can serve as a kneeling pad or serve the function of a traditional japanese zabuton chair used around a low eating table so that the diners may rest in a comfortable seiza kneeling position . assembled differently , each of the two end base units may be arranged vertically on one edge , standing on the floor , spaced and supported across their top edges by the central base unit to form a shelf support . each rib , aligned parallel to the floor , provides a ledge for supporting a shelf . equipped with several shelves , the assemblage provides a storage unit or bookcase . holes may be provided as appropriate to secure the various parts together and in position , using any set of conventional fasteners such as screws or removable pins or rivets . likewise , surface fasteners such as hook - and - loop tape , straps or temporary adhesive can also serve to hold the cushions in position . fig1 is an orthogonal view of the complete bed assembly showing the central base unit , flanked on either end by one each of the two end base units , and topped by the three cushions . fig2 is an orthogonal view of the three base units assembled as in fig1 , but inverted to reveal their bottom faces , showing their several rectangular ribs . fig3 is an orthogonal view of the fully assembled shelf assembly . fig4 is an orthogonal view of the shelf assembly , partially assembled . fig5 is an orthogonal view of the central base unit arranged with one cushion to form a zabuton chair . each of the two end base units can serve similarly . fig6 is an orthogonal view of a typical cushion as would be used on the chair or the bed assembly . fig7 is an orthogonal view of one exemplary shelf . it should be understood that these parts may be constructed in any of several ways . for example , additional features could be included in each of the several parts to permit additional combinations and permutations beyond those described here , or to strengthen the parts to serve more robust purposes . unitary molded or extruded base units designed to avoid capillary action between separate parts afford simplicity , low cost and can be easily sterilized between occupants .
a simple , low cost , easy to clean adaptive furniture set is provided , affording a variety of furniture configurations including a bed , a chair or a shelf storage unit . this modular set is particularly useful for students , low - income families , and transient or refugee populations .