Patent Application
20180289149
The present invention relates to furniture and, more particularly, to modular furniture.
Prior art pre-assembled furniture devices are often expensive, difficult to transport, and of limited utility in small or non-standard physical spaces. Modular, or ready-to-assemble, furniture devices designed for point of use assembly overcome some of the disadvantages of pre-assembled furniture, but known modular furniture devices and systems are often still limited by requiring users to employ specific furniture orientations, including the number of drawers, shelves and desktops, and tools for assembly and disassembly. The difficulty inherent in gathering and using tools, especially with the associated complex assembly instructions, often discourages people from buying modular furniture. Examples of prior art modular furniture devices include:
U.S. Pat. No. 9,433,282 discloses a connector hub assembly usable as a standalone module or as a component in a work space system. The connector hub assembly optionally includes features for connecting one or more arms of a support frame for supporting a modular workspace system including desk space, cabinet space, view screens, electronic equipment, and/or other workspace system components.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,370,244 discloses a cabinet having an upper panel assembly and a parallel lower panel assembly, a left side panel assembly and a parallel right side panel assembly, and an intermediate plate providing an upper and a lower central opening. The upper central opening engages a selection of a user's choice of inter-changeable box-shaped modular units. The lower central opening provide housing including housing for an associated mattress. The cabinet is movable between horizontal and vertical orientations. In the horizontal orientation, the repositionable support panels of the cabinet provide support for a mattress. In the vertical orientation, the cabinet includes a cabinet, desk, and a computer work station.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,282,816 discloses a modular storage system capable of mounting storage fixtures such as shelves, drawers, rods, desks, hampers, trash cans and the like in various configurations without the use of tools and fastener hardware. The system includes vertical side panels capable of being mounted to a horizontal support rail, which is attached to a wall, in various configurations allowing the system to be mounted and rearranged against the wall without the use of tools and hardware. The vertical side panels include a plurality of support cleats that mate with the storage fixtures and provide for self-locking of the storage fixtures in the system so that they can be mounted and rearranged without the use of tools and hardware.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,226,579 discloses a modular desk system including, a plurality of configurable components including a top panel, an all-purpose hook, a cup hook, a storage shelf, a connecting shelf, a connecting planter box, a connecting divider, a connecting platform, a desktop organization member, a channel, a kickstand base, a support frame, and methods of forming configuration assemblies from such components. The configuration assemblies of the modular desk system may be paired with and coupled to other desk units and/or furniture.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,390,069 discloses a ready-to-assemble (RTA) modular desk has multiple clasp connectors, two desk assemblies a door and at least one pedestal drawer. Each desk assembly has a pedestal, and a desktop having a bottom surface. The pedestal and a stand are constructed and mounted detachably on bottom surface of the desktop by using the clasp connectors. The desk assemblies are connected detachably to the each other using multiple latch assemblies. The door is mounted detachably on one of the pedestals. The pedestal drawers are mounted detachably in one of the pedestals. Therefore, the RTA modular desk can be assembled without using tools in a variety of orientations, allowing a person to customize the RYA modular desk to their needs and easily change or disassemble the RTA modular desk without using tools.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,332 discloses a stackable, modular triangular desk for holding a computer while providing an accessible work area including: (a) a generally triangular-shaped, substantially planar desk top portion; (b) a frame attached to the desk top portion supporting the desk top portion in an elevated position; and (c) a chair portion supported by the same frame and spaced apart from a front edge of the desk top portion, wherein the frame comprises only two frame components that support the desk on a floor surface, one of the frame components being connected to the chair portion, and the other of the frame components being connected to the desk top portion.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,662,732 discloses a modular desk having a frame defining a periphery of a worksurface area and at least one opening formed within the worksurface area. A storage accessory is removeably received in the opening and releaseably engages the frame. In one embodiment, the frame further comprises a plurality of sockets formed therein. An accessory includes a stanchion having an insert portion received in at least one of the plurality of sockets. In one embodiment, an accessory includes a flexible membrane, which forms at least a portion of a worksurface. A method of reconfiguring a worksurface with various accessories is also provided, as is a method for storing an article on a worksurface.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,254,427 discloses a grommet adapted to be placed through an aperture in a work surface, such as a desk. A lip, with a diameter larger than the aperture in the work surface, is located at the top of the housing, or body of the grommet, so that the lip rests over the aperture in the desk while the housing of the grommet passes through the aperture, so that the great majority of the grommet lies below the surface of the work surface. The grommet contains a plurality of electrical plugs and/or a plurality of data modular couplers for communication terminals so that power and communications wires may be passed over the lip of the grommet and down into the housing to be connected inside of the grommet. The grommet has a power wire connected near the base of the grommet, for connection to a power source, such as a wall plug. Communication and data wires connect to a communication source, such as a telephone plug. A cover or cap fits over the top of the housing to cover the incoming wires and the connections within, while leaving a space between the top of the housing and the cover so that the wires may pass through, or is adapted to fit flush with the top of the housing and overlap the lip when no wires are passing through.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,553 discloses a system of modular furniture construction including basic elements of corner posts, intermediate posts, and a corner leg converter post, which each have longitudinal slots to receive panels and a rows of equally spaced holes for retaining fasteners that hold shelves in place. Vertical bores in each end of the center posts and intermediate posts allow connecting rods to couple two or more posts vertically together to form longer post members.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,420 discloses an office furniture system of free standing furniture elements which can be linked to each other comprises a modular desk unit and a modular storage unit. The modular storage unit occupies the same floor footprint as a rectangular desk unit. The separate storage unit enhances the storage capacity of an office layout since the mounting of drawers and shelves are not limited by the desk unit configuration. The storage unit has compatible lay-in wiring trays, accepts compatible modular power components and accepts the same privacy partition panels and other accessories as are mounted to the desk units. When the desk unit and the storage unit are linked into an integrated office design, a continuous pathway is provided for the electrical, communication and data wiring required for the office system. Power cables are physically separated from the data and communication wires. Since the vertical space above the wiring trays remains accessible, cabling can be easily routed at any time through the system, enhancing office system expansion and design.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,794,545 discloses a modular table top system including a variety of differently shaped modular table tops, including rectangular, triangular, curved, semi-circular, etc., which can be selectively linked to form customized table or desk shapes. Each modular table top accommodates leg brackets along linkable edges thereof in alternative positions. In a first position, each leg bracket is positioned completely under the table top proximate the linkable edges thereof, and, in a second position, each leg bracket is rotated 180 degrees to a position straddling two adjacent linked table tops. With leg brackets straddling adjacent table tops, the number of legs required to support a linked structure is reduced, allowing greater freedom of chair placement, and reducing overall cost.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,754,995 discloses a system of modular transformable furniture that utilizes a combination of basic structural assemblies. The combination of structural assemblies used in the construction of any individual furniture item includes at least two frame assemblies, one or more connecting assemblies, various optional accessory assemblies and a mechanism for interconnecting the frame assemblies, connecting assemblies, and accessory assemblies. The combination of assemblies can be joined and rejoined to form a variety of furniture items including such items as: a bassinet; rocking cradle; changing table; play pen; crib; single, double, queen and king sized beds assemblies; double, triple and quadruple bunk bed assemblies; bed headboard and foot-board storage compartment units; dressers; storage cabinets; desks and computer desks; entertainment units; stereo cabinet; futon couch and bed; bench seat and toy box; night stand; vanity; kitchen work station; display shelving unit; and various table configurations.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,452,554 discloses a modular furniture construction system employing a main body element consisting of a longitudinal element as well as two secondary body elements extending transversely from the longitudinal element. Each of the secondary body elements is provided with a key-shaped guiding hole in which a fastening device is inserted adapted to join two main body elements together. These main body elements can be joined together in a number of different ways to form, along with one or more support element, various pieces of furniture, such as chairs, tables, desks shelves and other similar devices.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,176,435 discloses an interchangeable modular furniture system including an underlying supporting structure having at least spaced side walls and a top wall with panels independently and removably mounted to at least one of the walls of the underlying supporting structure. Preferably, independently and removably mounted panels cover at least the spaced side walls and top wall of the underlying supporting structure. Cooperative releasable fasteners are attached to each panel and associated wall for releasable attachment to each other. The underlying supporting structure further includes a base having an underlying ledge adjacent each of the spaced side walls for also supporting the removable panels relative to the spaced side walls. Within the underlying supporting structure, shelves, drawers and/or doors may be employed in order to produce various types of furniture units including credenzas, dressers and dressers/cabinets. In addition, the aforementioned structure can be usefully employed for bars, desks, nightstands and other furniture pieces. The present invention also includes a modular bed system including an underlying mattress supporting structure and a headboard removably mounted relative to the underlying mattress supporting structure or to an adjacent wall, as may be desired.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,423 discloses a modular desk system employs two work tops which are arranged to define a pair of back-to-back work stations. The work tops are cantileverd from a core, which is common to both of the work stations. A pedestal or an end panel supports the free end of each work top. The core has a substantially unobstructed, interior raceway for data, communication and electrical service lines and accessory equipment. The top of the core is substantially open so that a communication and data turret removably mounted on the core can be partially sunk into the raceway.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,768,298 discloses a desk storage system using modular components assembled in one of a plurality of configurations per user preference. The desk storage system includes modular components attachable to one another by connectors mounted on the periphery of the modular components. The connectors enable lateral and, selectively, angular tilt adjustment of adjacent modular components.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,101,183 discloses modular office furniture adapted for rapid and simple assembly and disassembly. The furniture basically comprises a generally planar top module adapted for use as a desk top or table top or the like and a pedestal module for supporting the top module. Quick-acting snap connecting means are provided for securing the top module onto the pedestal module. The snap connecting means includes a cylindrical locking rod and an associated clip having a resilient mouth into which the rod is adapted to be snap fit. The rod is permanently secured to the pedestal and the clip is permanently secured to the top. A pair of guide rings are provided secured to the locking rod and spaced apart thereon by sufficient distance to permit the clip to fit therebetween when the rod is within the clip mouth but to prevent longitudinal relative movement between the rod and clip. The pedestal unit may be of various configurations, e.g., drawer units, and more than one pedestal unit can be utilized with the top module, if desired.
Even in view of the known prior art, there exists a need for a modular furniture apparatus, system, and method of using that mitigates the shortcomings of the conventional modular furniture while providing structurally sound, configurable, modular furniture for on-site/point-of-use assembly.
In one embodiment, the present invention is exemplified by a modular furniture apparatus, said furniture apparatus comprising: a cabinet, said cabinet comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on said cabinet top; a support component, said support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of said support; a desktop panel, said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of said desktop panel releasably connected to said top surface of said cabinet and said frame via said suction cups.
In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a side panel said side panel releasably, magnetically connected to said support component.
In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a desktop backsplash panel, said backsplash panel removably and magnetically disposed on the top surface of said desktop panel such that said backsplash panel extends vertically at a right angle from said desktop panel.
In another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a storage member, said storage member comprising a means for releasably connecting said storage member to said backsplash panel.
In another embodiment, the present invention is exemplified by a modular furniture apparatus, said furniture apparatus comprising: a first cabinet, said first cabinet comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on said first cabinet top; a second cabinet, said second cabinet comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on said second cabinet top; a desktop panel, said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of said desktop panel releasably connected to said respective top surfaces of said first cabinet and said second cabinet suction cups.
In another embodiment, the present invention is exemplified by a modular furniture apparatus, said furniture apparatus comprising: a first support component, said first support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said first support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of said first support; a second support component, said second support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said second support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of said second support; a desktop panel, said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of said desktop panel releasably connected to said first and second support components via said suction cups.
In another embodiment, the present invention is exemplified by a modular furniture system, said modular furniture system comprising: at least two cabinets, said cabinets comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on each said cabinet top; at least two support components, each said support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of each said support; at least two desktop panels, each said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of each said desktop panel releasably connected to said top surface of said cabinet and said frame via said suction cups; at least two side panels, each said side panel releasably, magnetically connected to said support component; at least one desktop backsplash panel, each said backsplash panel removably and magnetically disposed on the top surface of one of said desktop panels such that said backsplash panel extends vertically at a right angle from said desktop panel; and at least one storage member, said storage member comprising a means for releasably connecting said storage member to said backsplash panel.
The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only. In the drawings:
Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.
Thus, all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
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While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62463279 | Feb 2017 | US |
