MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A modular furniture assembly may include a first furniture member and a second furniture member. The first furniture member and the second furniture member may be configured to be stacked, such that a top member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member is positioned above a bottom member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member. A first portion of a first cleat member may be received in a first bottom channel of at least one bottom channel of a bottom face of the top member and a second portion of the first cleat member may be received in a first top channel of at least one top channel of a top face of the bottom member when the top member is positioned above the bottom member.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a modular furniture assembly.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

A furniture assembly (e.g., shelves, a desk, cabinets) may include a number of components to be assembled by a user of the furniture assembly. The present disclosure provides a furniture assembly that includes a number of components with common connection features, which may be interchanged. The furniture assembly of the present disclosure allows a user to select from a wide variety of configurations while minimizing the number of components necessary.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

The present disclosure provides a modular furniture assembly which may include a first furniture member and a second furniture member. The first furniture member may include a top face and a bottom face. The top face may define at least one top channel configured to receive any of a first portion and a second portion of any of one or more cleat members. The bottom face may define at least one bottom channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members. The second furniture member may include a top face and a bottom face. The top face may define at least one top channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members. The bottom face may define at least one bottom channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members. The first furniture member and the second furniture member may be configured to be stacked, such that a top member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member is positioned above a bottom member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member. The first portion of a first cleat member of the one or more cleat members may be received in a first bottom channel of the at least one bottom channel of the bottom face of the top member and the second portion of the first cleat member of the one or more cleat members may be received in the first top channel of the at least one top channel of the top face of the bottom member when the top member is positioned above the bottom member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of the above paragraph, the modular furniture assembly may further include a base member which may include a top face. The top face may include at least one base cleat. The at least one base cleat may be configured to be seated in the bottom channel of any of the bottom face of the first furniture member and the bottom face of the second furniture member. The at least one base cleat may be seated within the at least one bottom channel of the bottom face of the bottom member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member when the bottom furniture member is stacked above the base member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the top face of the base member may include a threaded bore.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the bottom member may be coupled to the base member by a fastener extending through the bottom face of the bottom member and received within the threaded bore of the top face of the base member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the modular furniture assembly may further include a crown member including a bottom face. The bottom face may include at least one crown cleat. The at least one crown cleat may be configured to be seated in the top channel of any of the top face of the first furniture member and the top face of the second furniture member. The at least one crown cleat may be seated within the at least one top channel of the top face of the top member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member when the crown member is stacked above the top member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the bottom face of the crown member may include a threaded bore.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the top member may be coupled to the crown member by a fastener extending through the top face of the top member and received within the threaded bore of the bottom face of the crown member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, a fastener may couple the bottom member and the top member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the fastener may include a bolt and a nut. The bolt may be configured to extend through the top face of the bottom member and the bottom face of the top member. The nut may be configured to threadably receive the bolt.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the modular furniture assembly may further include a third furniture member. The third furniture member may include a bottom face. The bottom face may define a bottom channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members. The third furniture member may be positioned above the bottom member, such that the bottom face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the bottom face of the top member, and a first portion of a second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in the bottom channel of the bottom face of the third furniture member and a second portion of the second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in a second top channel of the at least one top channel of the top face of the bottom member.

In some configurations of the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the modular furniture assembly may further include a third furniture member. The third furniture member may include a top face. The top face may define a top channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members. The third furniture member may be positioned below the top member, such that the top face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the top face of the bottom member, and a first portion of a second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in the top channel of the top face of the third furniture member and a second portion of the second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in a second bottom channel of the at least one bottom channel of the bottom face of the top member.

The present disclosure also provides a method of assembling a modular furniture assembly, which may include inserting a first portion of a first cleat member into a first top channel of a top face of a bottom member and placing a top member above the bottom member, such that a second portion of the first cleat member extends above the top face of the bottom member, such that the second portion of the first cleat member is received into a bottom channel of a bottom face of the top member. The bottom member may be selected from one of a first furniture member and a second furniture member. The top member may be selected from one of the first furniture member and the second furniture member.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of the above paragraph, the method may further include placing the bottom member above a base member having a top face having a base cleat extending therefrom, such that a bottom channel of a bottom face of the bottom member receives the base cleat.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of the above paragraph, the method may further include extending a fastener through the bottom face of the bottom member and threading the fastener into a threaded bore of the top face of the base member.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of either of the above paragraphs, the method may further include placing a crown member having a bottom face having a crown cleat extending therefrom above the top member, such that a top channel of a top face of the top member receives the crown cleat.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the method may further include extending a fastener through the top face of the top member and threading the fastener into a threaded bore of the bottom face of the crown member.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the method may further include inserting a threaded fastener through an aperture extending through the top face of the bottom member and the bottom face of the top member and threading the threaded fastener into a nut.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the method may further include inserting a first portion of a second cleat member into a second top channel of the top face of the bottom member, such that a second portion of the second cleat member extends above the top face of the bottom member, and placing a third furniture member above the bottom member, such that the second portion of the second cleat member is received into a bottom channel of a bottom face of the third furniture member, such that the bottom face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the bottom face of the top member.

In some configurations of the method of assembling the modular furniture assembly of any of the above paragraphs, the method may further include inserting a first portion of a second cleat member into a top channel of a top face of a third furniture member, such that a second portion of the second cleat member extends above the top face of the third furniture member, and placing top member above the third furniture member, such that the second portion of the second cleat member is received into a second bottom channel of the bottom face of the top member, such that the top face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the top face of the bottom member.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary modular furniture assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a furniture member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the furniture member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 3 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the furniture member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 3 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a cleat member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the furniture member of FIG. 3 with the cleat member of FIG. 6 installed therein according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a fastener coupling two furniture members of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a base member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the base member of FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a fastener coupling the furniture member of FIG. 3 and the base member of FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a crown member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the crown member of FIG. 12 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary modular furniture assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary modular furniture assembly according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a method of assembling a modular furniture assembly according to the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

With reference to FIGS. 1-13, a furniture assembly 10 is provided which may include a first furniture member 14 and a second furniture member 18. As will be discussed further below, the first furniture member 14 and the second furniture member 18 are configured to be interchangeable, such that the first furniture member 14 may be placed above the second furniture member 18 when the furniture assembly 10 is assembled, or the second furniture member 18 may be placed above the first furniture member 14 when the furniture assembly 10 is assembled. The first furniture member 14 and the second furniture member 18 may be aligned by use of one or more cleat members 22 therebetween. In other words, the coupling of the furniture members 14, 18 to one another allows the furniture members 14, 18 to be used interchangeably.

Although FIGS. 1 and 2 show first and second furniture members 14, 18 included in the modular furniture assembly 10, example embodiments of the present disclosure may include more than two furniture members. The disclosure below provides a description of the first furniture member 14. However, the description will also apply to additional furniture members, including the second furniture member 18.

The first furniture member 14 may comprise a storage configuration. For example, the storage configuration may comprise one or more shelves, one or more cabinets, one or more drawers, a tv stand, or any other satisfactory storage configuration. Each furniture member in a single furniture assembly 10 may include a different storage configuration from other furniture members. The first furniture member 14 may include a bottom surface 26 (i.e., a bottom face) and a top surface 30 (i.e., a top face), as shown in FIGS. 3-5.

The top surface 30 may include a plurality of topside platforms 38, as shown in FIG. 3. The plurality of topside platforms 39 may be a step extended from the top surface 30 which the plurality of topside platforms 38 are a part. At least one topside platform 42 of the plurality of topside platforms 38 may include a topside channel 34. The topside channel 34 may define a topside recess 46 configured to receive any of a first portion 50 of the one or more cleat members 22, one of which is shown in FIG. 6, second portion 54 of the one or more cleat member 22, one of which is shown in FIG. 6, and the crown cleat 62 (which is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13). The topside channel 34 may be defined as a rectangular prism generally extending in direction D1, which includes a depth which extends into the topside platform 42, such that the topside channel 34 is recessed from a surface 66 of the topside platform 42, as shown in FIG. 5. Positioning of the one or more cleat members 22 into the topside channel 34 is shown in FIG. 7.

The bottom surface 26 may include a plurality of underside platforms 36, as shown in FIG. 4. The plurality of underside platforms 36 may be a step extended from the bottom surface 26 which the plurality of underside platforms 36 are a part. At least one underside platform 40 of the plurality of underside platforms 36 may include an underside channel 32. The underside channel 32 may define an underside recess 44 configured to receive any of a first portion 50 of the one or more cleat members 22, one of which is shown in FIG. 6, a second portion of the one or more cleat members 54, one of which is shown in FIG. 6, and a base cleat 58 (which is discussed below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10). The underside channel 32 may be defined as a rectangular prism generally extending direction D1, which includes a depth which extends into the underside platform 40, such that the underside channel 32 is recessed from a surface 61 of the underside platform 40, as shown in FIG. 5. Positioning of a cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 into the underside channel 32 is shown is similar to the positioning of the cleat member 22 into the topside channel topside channel 34 shown in FIG. 7.

At least one platform of the plurality of underside platforms 36 may include at least one aperture 65 configured to allow a fastener 68 to pass therethrough, which is shown in detail in FIG. 8. Each of the at least one aperture 65 may include a counterbored section 64 present on a first end 63 of each of the at least one aperture 65. The first end 63 of each of the at least one aperture 65 may be an end opposite the at least one platform of the plurality of underside platforms 36 including the aperture 65.

Similarly, at least one platform of the plurality of topside platforms 38 may include at least one aperture 67 configured to allow the fastener 68 to pass therethrough, which is shown in detail in FIG. 8. Each of the at least one aperture 67 may include a counterbored section 69 present on a first end 71 of each of the at least one aperture 67. The first end 71 of each of the at least one aperture 67 may be an end opposite the at least one platform of the plurality of topside platforms 38 including the aperture 67.

The fastener 68 may include a bolt 68a which may be coupled to a nut 68b. The nut 68b may be a t-nut. The counterbored sections 64, 69 may be configured to hold any of a head 72 of the fastener 68a or the nut 68b when the nut 68b is coupled to threads of the fastener 68a.

At least one platform of the plurality of underside platforms 36 may include at least one rod aperture 73 extending therethrough. The at least one rod aperture 73 may be configured such that a threaded rod 122 may extend through the at least one rod aperture 73.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second furniture member 18 may be stacked above the first furniture member 14. In such a configuration, the upper furniture member 70 (e.g., second furniture member 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2) may be aligned with the lower furniture member 74 (e.g., first furniture member 14 in FIGS. 1 and 2). In such a configuration, the at least one underside platform 40 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 and the at least one topside platform 42 of the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74 may be configured to be in corresponding positions, such that the at least one underside platform 40 and the at least one topside platform 42 may be aligned when the lower furniture member 74 and upper furniture member 70 are stacked upon one another when assembled. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the topside platform 42 is positioned in a center position 78 of the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74, while the underside platform 40 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 is in a center position 82 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70.

In such a configuration, the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74 and the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 will be aligned when assembled. When the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74 and the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 are aligned, the one or more cleat members 22 may be configured to fill a space 86 created by the channels 32, 34. When situated within the space 86, the first portion 50 of a cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the underside channel 32, while the second portion 54 of a cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the topside channel 34. The one or more cleat members 22 may be configured such that the at least one underside platform 40 and the topside platform 42 are flush with one another when a cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the space 86.

Similarly, remaining platforms of the plurality of topside platforms 38 of the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 may be configured to be in corresponding positions, such that remaining platforms of the plurality of topside platforms 38 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 are adjacent to one another when assembled, such as in FIG. 2. Remaining platforms of the plurality of topside platforms 38 of the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 of the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 may be configured such that remaining platforms of the plurality of topside platforms 38 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 are flush with a corresponding platform when the furniture assembly 10 is assembled.

When the upper furniture member 70 and the lower furniture member 74 have been stacked, fasteners 68 may be installed to couple the furniture members 70, 74 to one another. The at least one aperture 65 present on the top surface 30 of the lower furniture member 74 may be configured to be aligned with the at least one aperture 67 present on the bottom surface 26 of the upper furniture member 70 when the upper and lower furniture members 70, 74 are stacked.

In some example embodiments, the furniture assembly 10 may also include a base member 90, such as the base member 90 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The base member 90 may comprise a top side 94 (i.e., a top face) having a plurality of platforms 98, which may extend longitudinally in a first direction D1 across the top side 94. At least one platform 102 of the plurality of platforms 98 may include the base cleat 58 which may generally longitudinally extend in the first direction D1 on the at least one platform 102 of the plurality of platforms 98. In some example embodiments, the base member 90 may include a hollow space 110 beneath the plurality of platforms 98. Gaps may be present between each platform of the plurality of platforms 98, such that the hollow space 110 is accessible between platforms of the plurality of platforms 98.

The at least one underside platform 40 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 and the at least one platform 102 may be configured to be in corresponding positions, such that the at least one underside platform 40 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 and the at least one platform 102 may be aligned when the base member 90 and the lower furniture member 74 are adjacent to one another when assembled. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 9, the platform 102 is positioned in a center position 112 of the top side 94 of the base member 90, while the underside platform 40 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 is also in a center position 78 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74. In such a configuration, the base cleat 58 of the base member 90 and the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 will be aligned when assembled. When the base cleat 58 of the base member 90 and the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 are aligned, the base cleat 58 is configured to fill the underside channel 32.

The base cleat 58 may be configured such that the underside platform 40 and the platform 102 are flush with one another when the base cleat 58 occupies the underside channel 32.

Similarly, remaining platforms of the plurality of platforms 98 of the top side 94 of the base member 90 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 may be configured to be in corresponding positions, such that remaining platforms of the plurality of platforms 98 of the top side 94 of the base member 90 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 may be aligned when the base member 90 and the lower furniture member 74 are adjacent to one another when assembled, such as in FIG. 2.

Remaining platforms of the plurality of platforms 98 of the top side 94 of the base member 90 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 may be configured such that remaining platforms of the plurality of platforms 98 and remaining platforms of the plurality of underside platforms 36 are flush with a corresponding platform when the furniture assembly 10 is assembled.

At least one platform of the plurality of platforms 98 of the top side 94 of the base member 90 may include at least one threaded bore 114, which may be configured to receive the bolt 68a or another suitable fastener. The threaded bore 114 is shown in detail in FIG. 11. Threads of the at least one threaded bore 114 may be configured to receive the threads of the bolt 68a. In some configurations, the at least one threaded bore 114 may be sized to receive a threaded insert 117. The threaded insert 117 may include outer threads and inner threads. The outer threads may be configured to attach to the threads of the threaded bore 114, while the inner threads may be configured to receive the threads of the bolt 68a. In such a configuration, the inner threads act as the threaded bore 114 to the extent the inner threads receive the bolt 68a.

Each of the at least one threaded bores 114, may be configured to align with an aperture of the at least one aperture 65 of the bottom surface 26 of the lower furniture member 74 when the lower furniture member 74 is stacked above the base member 90. When aligned, the bolt 68a may be inserted through the aperture 65 and may be threaded into the threaded bore 114.

At least one platform of the plurality of platforms 98 of the top side 94 of the base member 90 may include at least one lower rod aperture 115 extending therethrough. The at least one lower rod aperture 115 may be configured such that the threaded rod 122 may extend through the at least one lower rod aperture 115. Each aperture of the at least one lower rod aperture 115 may be configured to align with one of the at least one rod aperture 73 when the lower furniture member 74 is stacked above the base member 90.

The base member 90 may also include a plurality of feet 116 In some example embodiments, each foot of the plurality of feet 116 may be independently adjustable. For example, each foot of the plurality of feet 116 may include a pad 118, the threaded rod 122, and a stationary nut 126. The pad 118 may be fixed to a first end 130 of the threaded rod 122. The stationary nut 126 may be fixed to a bracket 134, which is fixed to the base member 90. The threaded rod 122 may be rotated, which may advance the threaded rod 122 through the stationary nut 126. The rotation changes a distance from the pad 118 to the stationary nut 126. Adjustment of the distance from the pad 118 to the stationary nut 126 on each of the feet of the plurality of feet 116 may be utilized to level the base member 90 on a surface 138 on which the furniture assembly 10 is resting. In some example embodiments, each foot of the plurality of feet 116 may be fixed.

Each foot of the plurality of feet 116 may be configured to align with one aperture of the at least one lower rod aperture 115, such that the threaded rod 122 extends through one aperture of the at least one lower rod aperture 115.

As the distance from the pad 118 to the stationary nut 126 is adjusted, the threaded rod 122 may advance or retreat through the lower rod aperture 115. As the distance from the pad 118 to the stationary nut 126 continues to be shortened, the threaded rod 122 may also advance into the rod aperture 73 of the lower furniture member 74 when the lower furniture member 74 is stacked above the base member 90.

The furniture assembly 10 may also include a crown member 146, such as the crown member 146 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The crown member 146 may be decorative in some embodiments. In further example embodiments, the crown member 146 may be configured as additional storage space by including one or more shelves, one or more cabinets, one or more drawers, a tv stand, or any other satisfactory storage configuration. The crown member 146 may include a bottom surface 150 (i.e., a bottom face), which may be generally planar. One or more crown cleats 62 may extend from the bottom surface 150. The one or more crown cleats 62 may generally longitudinally extend in the first direction D1 on the bottom surface 150. Each of the one or more crown cleats 62 may be configured similarly to the base cleat 58, such that the crown cleats 62 may each be configured to be situated within topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the upper furniture member 70 when the crown member 146 is assembled above the upper furniture member 70.

Such a configuration allows the bottom surface 150 of the crown member 146 to be flush with top surface 30 of the upper furniture member 70 when the furniture assembly is assembled.

The crown member 146 may include at least one threaded bore 154, which may be configured to receive the fastener 68 (i.e., bolt 68a). Threads of the at least one threaded bore 154 may be configured to receive the threads of the fastener 68. In some configurations, the at least one threaded bore 154 may be sized to receive a threaded insert (not shown). The threaded insert may include outer threads and inner threads. The outer threads may be configured to attach to the threads of the threaded bore 154, while the inner threads may be configured to receive the threads of the fastener 68. In such a configuration, the inner threads act as the threaded bore 154 to the extent the inner threads receive the fastener 68. Threaded bore 154 is similar in operation to threaded bore 114 as described above and shown in FIG. 11.

Each of the at least one threaded bores 154, may be configured to align with one aperture of the at least one aperture 67 of the top surface 30 of the upper furniture member 70 when the crown member 146 is stacked above the upper furniture member 70. When aligned, the bolt 68a may be inserted through the aperture 67 and may be threaded into the threaded bore 154.

In some example embodiments, a plurality of furniture members may be configured to be positioned on the same “level” (i.e., at the same height). The plurality of furniture members may include a single unit (e.g., base member, furniture member, crown member) positioned above or below the plurality of furniture members. In configurations which include multiple furniture members on the same level, such as those shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, furniture members on the same level may be installed in conjunction with one another prior to the next level being positioned. Such an interchangeability of furniture members provides an opportunity for a variety of configurations for a furniture consumer.

In an example embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a modular furniture assembly 200 may include multiple furniture members above a single furniture member. Modular furniture assembly 200 may include a first furniture member 204, a second furniture member 208, a third furniture member 212, a base member 216, and a crown member 220. The first, second, and third furniture members 204, 208, 212 may be similarly configured to first and second furniture members 114, 118 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8. The base member 216 may be similarly configured to base member 90 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 9-11. The crown member 220 may be similarly configured to crown member 146 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 12, and 13.

The second and third furniture members 208, 212, may be positioned adjacent in a side-by-side configuration, such that both second and third furniture members 208, 212 are positioned above first furniture member 204 and below the crown member 220. In some example embodiments, the second and third furniture members 208, 212 may not be directly adjacent to one another. In some example embodiments, the second and third furniture members 208, 212 may be directly adjacent to one another. The crown member 220 may be multiple members, each positioned above one of the second and third furniture members 208, 212, respectively, such as in FIG. 14.

The first furniture member 204 may be positioned above the base member 216. The first furniture member 204 may be coupled to the base member 216 via a base cleat and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 9-11.

The second furniture member 208 may be positioned above the base member 216. The third furniture member 212 may also be positioned above the base member 216, such that a bottom face 224 of the second furniture member 208 is coplanar with a bottom face 228 of the third furniture member 212. Each of the second furniture member 208 and the third furniture member 212 may be coupled to the first furniture member 204 via the use of a cleat member and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

The crown member 220 may be positioned above both the second furniture member 208 and the third furniture member 212. Each of the second furniture member 208 and the third furniture member 212 may be coupled to the crown member 220 via the use of a crown cleat and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11-13.

In an example embodiment shown in FIG. 15, a modular furniture assembly 300 may include multiple furniture members below a single furniture member. Modular furniture assembly 300 may include a first furniture member 304, a second furniture member 308, and a third furniture member 312, a base member 316, and a crown member 320. The first, second, and third furniture members 304, 308, 312 may be similarly configured to first and second furniture members 114, 118 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8. The base member 316 may be similarly configured to base member 90 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 9-11. The crown member 320 may be similarly configured to crown member 146 as described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 12, and 13.

The first and second furniture members 304, 308, may be positioned adjacent in a side-by-side configuration, such that both first and second furniture members 304, 308 are positioned above the third furniture member 312.

The first furniture member 304 may be positioned above the base member 316. The second furniture member 308 may be positioned above the base member 316 in a position level with the first furniture member 304, such that a top face 324 of the second furniture member 308 and a top face 328 of the first furniture member 304 may be coplanar. In some example embodiments, the first and second furniture members 304, 308 may not be directly adjacent to one another. In some example embodiments, the first and second furniture members 304, 308 may be directly adjacent to one another. Each of the first furniture member 304 and the second furniture member 308 may be coupled to the base member 316 via a base cleat and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 9-11.

The third furniture member 312 may be positioned above both the first furniture member 304 and the second furniture member 308. The third furniture member 312 may be coupled to the first furniture member 304 via the use of a cleat member and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8. Similarly, the third furniture member 312 may be coupled to the second furniture member 308 via the use of a cleat member and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

The crown member 320 may be positioned above the third furniture member 312. The third furniture member 312 may be coupled to the crown member 320 via the use of a crown cleat and a fastener, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11-13.

It should be understood that any number of furniture members at a single level may be used in combination with any number of furniture members at a second level.

A method of assembling a furniture assembly 400 is shown in FIG. 16 and will now be described with reference to the furniture assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 1-13, except where otherwise stated. The base member 90 may be placed on the surface 138 in step 404. Each foot of the plurality of feet 116 may be individually adjusted to cause the furniture assembly 10 to be generally level and stable. Each foot of the plurality of feet 116 may be adjusted by rotation of the threaded rod 122 causing the pads 118 to be move in a vertical direction relative to the surface 138.

After the base member 90 has been leveled, the lower furniture member 74 (i.e., first furniture member 14 in this configuration) may then be stacked above the base member 90 such that the at least one platform 42 is aligned with the at least one platform 102 in step 408. The base cleat 58 of the base member 90 may be inserted into the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the first furniture member 14 as the lower furniture member 74 is placed upon the base member 90. When the base cleat 58 occupies the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the first furniture member 14, the first furniture member 14 is prevented from sliding relative to the base member 90. In this configuration, each aperture of the at least one aperture 65 may be aligned with a threaded bore of the at least one threaded bore 114.

The first furniture member 14 may then be coupled to the base member 90 through the use of one or more bolts 68a (or other suitable fasteners) in step 412. Each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least aperture 65. Each bolt 68a may then be rotated into a threaded bore of the at least one threaded bore 114, such that the base member 90 is then coupled to the first furniture member 14. In such a position, the head 72 of the bolt 68a may be positioned within the counterbored section 64 of the aperture 65.

In configurations which include a first additional furniture member level with the lower furniture member 74, such as in the example shown in FIG. 15, the method 400 may proceed to step 416 following the step 412. In the step 416, the first additional furniture member may be stacked above the base member 90 such that at least one bottom-side platform of the first additional furniture member is aligned with the at least one platform 102 in the step 416. The base cleat 58 of the base member 90 may be inserted into an underside channel of a bottom surface of the first additional furniture member as the first additional furniture member is placed upon the base member 90. When the base cleat 58 occupies the underside channel of the bottom surface of the first additional furniture member, the first additional furniture member is prevented from sliding relative to the base member 90. In this configuration, each aperture of the at least one aperture 65 may be aligned with a threaded bore of the at least one threaded bore 114.

The first additional furniture member may then be coupled to the base member 90 through the use of one or more bolts 68a in step 420. Each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least aperture 65. Each bolt 68a may then be rotated into a threaded bore of the at least one threaded bore 114, such that the base member 90 is then coupled to the first additional furniture member. In such a position, the head 72 of the bolt 68a may be positioned within the counterbored section 64 of the aperture 65.

After the step 412, or the step 420 when applicable, a cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 may be inserted into the topside channel 34 in step 424, such that the first portion 50 of the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14 and the first additional furniture member (if applicable). After the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 has been inserted into the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14 in the step 424, the second furniture member 18 may be placed atop the first furniture member 14 in step 428. When placed upon the first furniture member 14, the second furniture member 18 may be placed in a position such that the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the second furniture member 18 is aligned with the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14. When placed in such a position, the second portion 54 of the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 may occupy the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the second furniture member 18.

When the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the underside channel 32 of the bottom surface 26 of the second furniture member 18 and the topside channel 34 of the top surface of the first furniture member 14, the first furniture member 14 and the second furniture member 18 are prevented from sliding relative to one another. In this configuration, each aperture of the at least one aperture 65 may be aligned with an aperture of the at least one aperture 67.

The second furniture member 18 may then be coupled to the first furniture member 14 through the use of one or more fasteners 68 in step 432. Each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least one aperture 65 and through one aperture of the at least one aperture 67, such that the head 72 of the bolt 68a is positioned in the counterbored section 64 of the aperture 65. A nut 68b may be placed in the counterbored section 69 of aperture 67 in a position such that the nut 68b may be threadably coupled to the bolt 68a. One or both of bolt 68a and nut 68b may rotated to cause the bolt 68a and the nut 68b to be coupled. The bolt 68a and the nut 68b may tightened to couple the first furniture member 14 and the second furniture member 18.

In some embodiments, each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least one aperture 67 and through one aperture of the at least one aperture 65, such that the head 72 of the bolt 68a is positioned in the counterbored section 69 of the aperture. In such embodiments, the nut 68b may be placed in the counterbored section 64 of the aperture 65 in a position such that the nut 68b may be threadably coupled to the bolt 68a. One or both of bolt 68a and nut 68b may rotated to cause the bolt 68a and the nut 68b to be coupled. The bolt 68a and the nut 68b may tightened to couple the first furniture member 14 and the second furniture member 18.

In configurations which include a second additional furniture member level with the upper furniture member 70, such as in the example shown in FIG. 14, the method 400 may proceed to step 436 following the step 432. A cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 may be inserted into the topside channel 34 in step 436, which is unoccupied by the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 of the step 424, such that the first portion 50 of the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14. After the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 has been inserted into the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14 in the step 436, the second additional furniture member may be placed atop the first furniture member 14 in step 440. When placed upon the first furniture member 14, the second additional furniture member may be placed in a position such that an underside channel of the bottom surface of the second additional furniture member is aligned with the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14. When placed in such a position, the second portion 54 of the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 may occupy the underside channel of the bottom surface of the second additional furniture member.

When the cleat member of the one or more cleat members 22 occupies the underside channel of the bottom surface of the second additional furniture member and the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the first furniture member 14, the first furniture member 14 and the second additional furniture member are prevented from sliding relative to one another. In this configuration, each aperture of the at least one aperture 65 may be aligned with an aperture of the at least one aperture 67.

The second additional furniture member may then be coupled to the first furniture member 14 through the use of one or more fasteners 68 in step 444. Each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least one aperture 65 and through one aperture of the at least one aperture 67, such that the head 72 of the bolt 68a is positioned in the counterbored section 64 of the aperture 65. A nut 68b may be placed in the counterbored section 69 of aperture 67 in a position such that the nut 68b may be threadably coupled to the bolt 68a. One or both of bolt 68a and nut 68b may rotated to cause the bolt 68a and the nut 68b to be coupled. The bolt 68a and the nut 68b may tightened to couple the first furniture member 14 and the second additional furniture member.

In some embodiments, each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least one aperture 67 and through one aperture of the at least one aperture 65, such that the head 72 of the bolt 68a is positioned in the counterbored section 69 of the aperture. In such embodiments, the nut 68b may be placed in the counterbored section 64 of the aperture 65 in a position such that the nut 68b may be threadably coupled to the bolt 68a. One or both of bolt 68a and nut 68b may rotated to cause the bolt 68a and the nut 68b to be coupled. The bolt 68a and the nut 68b may tightened to couple the first furniture member 14 and the second additional furniture member.

Following the step 432, or the step 444 if applicable, the crown member 146 may then be stacked above the second furniture member 18 and the second additional furniture member (if applicable) such that each crown cleat of the at least one crown cleat 62 is aligned with a topside channel of the at least one topside channel 34 in step 448. Each crown cleat of the at least one crown cleat 62 may be inserted into the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the second furniture member 18. When the crown cleat 62 occupies the topside channel 34 of the top surface 30 of the second furniture member 18, the crown member 146 is prevented from sliding relative to the second furniture member 18. In this configuration, each threaded bore of the at least one threaded bore 154 may be aligned an aperture of the at least one aperture 65.

The crown member 146 and the second furniture member 18 may then be coupled to one another through the use of one or more bolts 68a in step 452. Each bolt 68a may be inserted through one aperture of the at least aperture 67. Each bolt 68a may then be rotated into a threaded bore of the at least one threaded bore 154, such that the crown member 146 is then coupled to the second furniture member 18. In such a position, the head 72 of the bolt 68a may be positioned within the counterbored section 69 of the aperture 67.

The method 400 ends at step 456, which may result in an assembled modular furniture assembly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A modular furniture assembly comprising: a first furniture member comprising a top face and a bottom face, the top face defining at least one top channel configured to receive any of a first portion and a second portion of any of one or more cleat members, the bottom face defining at least one bottom channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members, anda second furniture member comprising a top face and a bottom face, the top face defining at least one top channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members, the bottom face defining at least one bottom channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members,wherein the first furniture member and the second furniture member are configured to be stacked, such that a top member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member is positioned above a bottom member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member, andwherein the first portion of a first cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in a first bottom channel of the at least one bottom channel of the bottom face of the top member and the second portion of the first cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in the first top channel of the at least one top channel of the top face of the bottom member when the top member is positioned above the bottom member.

2. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a base member comprising a top face, the top face comprising at least one base cleat, the at least one base cleat configured to be seated in the bottom channel of any of the bottom face of the first furniture member and the bottom face of the second furniture member,wherein the at least one base cleat is seated within the at least one bottom channel of the bottom face of the bottom member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member when the bottom furniture member is stacked above the base member.

3. The modular furniture assembly of claim 2, wherein the top face of the base member includes a threaded bore.

4. The modular furniture assembly of claim 3, wherein the bottom member is coupled to the base member by a fastener extending through the bottom face of the bottom member and received within the threaded bore of the top face of the base member.

5. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a crown member comprising a bottom face, the bottom face comprising at least one crown cleat, the at least one crown cleat configured to be seated in the at least one top channel of any of the top face of the first furniture member and the top face of the second furniture member,wherein the at least one crown cleat is seated within the at least one top channel of the top face of the top member of the first furniture member and the second furniture member when the crown member is stacked above the top member.

6. The modular furniture assembly of claim 5, wherein the bottom face of the crown member includes a threaded bore.

7. The modular furniture assembly of claim 6, wherein the top member is coupled to the crown member by a fastener extending through the top face of the top member and received within the threaded bore of the bottom face of the crown member.

8. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein a fastener couples the bottom member and the top member.

9. The modular furniture assembly of claim 8, wherein the fastener comprises: a bolt configured to extend through the top face of the bottom member and the bottom face of the top member, anda nut configured to threadably receive the bolt.

10. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third furniture member comprising a bottom face, the bottom face defining a bottom channel configured to receive any of the first portion the second portion of any of the one or more cleat members, wherein the third furniture member is positioned above the bottom member, such that the bottom face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the bottom face of the top member, and a first portion of a second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in the bottom channel of the bottom face of the third furniture member and a second portion of the second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in a second top channel of the at least one top channel of the top face of the bottom member.

11. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, further comprising a third furniture member comprising a top face, the top face defining a top channel configured to receive any of the first portion and the second portion of any of one or more cleat members, wherein the third furniture member is positioned below the top member, such that the top face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the top face of the bottom member, and a first portion of a second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in the top channel of the top face of the third furniture member and a second portion of the second cleat member of the one or more cleat members is received in a second bottom channel of the at least one bottom channel of the bottom face of the top member.

12. A method of assembling a modular furniture assembly comprising: inserting a first portion of a first cleat member into a first top channel of a top face of a bottom member, the bottom member being selected from one of a first furniture member and a second furniture member, such that a second portion of the first cleat member extends above the top face of the bottom member, andplacing a top member above the bottom member, such that the second portion of the first cleat member is received into a bottom channel of a bottom face of the top member, the top member being selected from one of the first furniture member and the second furniture member.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising placing the bottom member above a base member having a top face having a base cleat extending therefrom, such that a bottom channel of a bottom face of the bottom member receives the base cleat.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: extending a fastener through the bottom face of the bottom member, andthreading the fastener into a threaded bore of the top face of the base member.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising placing a crown member having a bottom face having a crown cleat extending therefrom above the top member, such that a top channel of a top face of the top member receives the crown cleat.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: extending a fastener through the top face of the top member, andthreading the fastener into a threaded bore of the bottom face of the crown member.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: inserting a threaded fastener through an aperture extending through the top face of the bottom member and the bottom face of the top member, andthreading the threaded fastener into a nut.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising: inserting a first portion of a second cleat member into a second top channel of the top face of the bottom member, such that a second portion of the second cleat member extends above the top face of the bottom member, andplacing a third furniture member above the bottom member, such that the second portion of the second cleat member is received into a bottom channel of a bottom face of the third furniture member, such that the bottom face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the bottom face of the top member.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising: inserting a first portion of a second cleat member into a top channel of a top face of a third furniture member, such that a second portion of the second cleat member extends above the top face of the third furniture member, andplacing top member above the third furniture member, such that the second portion of the second cleat member is received into a second bottom channel of the bottom face of the top member, such that the top face of the third furniture member is coplanar with the top face of the bottom member.