Patent Application
20170258224
The present invention relates to a modular furniture system which utilizes structural members with pre-manufactured holes and various connectors to construct a wide variety of furniture pieces for different functional uses.
The term “modular furniture” is generally used today to encompass all furniture that is designed or composed of standardized units or dimensions in order to allow for easy assembly and repair or flexible arrangement. It is most commonly used when referring to modular seating systems such as sectional sofas which can be arranged into numerous seating configurations, or modular storage systems such as modular cabinets which can be arranged into numerous storage configurations. These modular systems work well but are generally designed and intended to serve only one functional use. A sectional sofa for example, while allowing for numerous seating configurations, would not serve well as a storage solution.
A modular furniture system on the other hand is a system that is designed to construct multiple furniture pieces using the same base components and which can serve multiple functional uses.
There are a number of known examples of modular furniture systems which have been designed to serve multiple functional uses by creating different furniture pieces however they generally suffer from one or more of the following drawbacks. The systems require special tools or skill sets to assemble or reconfigure into different furniture pieces. Some components of the system are too specific to one functional use and can't be reused to build other furniture pieces for other functional uses. The systems serve only a few functional uses well and become awkward if forced or stretched to serve other functional uses.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,802,780 to Hammerschlag discloses a construction system with pre-manufactured rows of holes for fastening. This system builds off of U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,747 to Lemmon which discloses a custom construction system which utilizes basic construction components to produce a wide variety of furniture and home improvement projects. Both systems are designed more for the home DIY carpenters and require structural members be cut or modified to build certain furniture pieces. This limits the potential users who would purchase such a system and also limits the potential for reuse since structural members which may have been cut or modified to build one piece of furniture might not work for another piece of furniture. These systems also both have structural issues and either require additional structural members to shore up the main structural members which adds additional cost or require special hardware to reinforce which damages the structural members and limits the potential for reuse.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,783,182 B1 to Gallagher discloses a modular furniture system comprised of legs, seat frames, back frames and arm rests which can be assembled and connected in various configurations to form numerous seating arrangements. While this system may allow for numerous seating arrangements, some components of the system are too specific to one functional use and cannot be reused to build other furniture pieces such as tables or bookshelves. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 8,733,851 to Lee discloses a modular furniture system comprised of surface members, junctions and connectors which can be assembled and connected in various configurations to build numerous storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, stands and desks. However, the components of the system and the method of assembly limit the usage of the system to storage, and it cannot be used to build other furniture pieces such as chairs.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,078,515 to Keragala discloses a modular interior design system comprised of members that are joined together to form modular cells. These modular cells, which resemble cubes or boxes, can then be combined with other modular cells to form furniture pieces. The system is similar to U.S. Pat. No. 8,573,716 to Zalewski which discloses a storage shell that includes a plurality of sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. While these systems may work well for some functional uses, they veer away from what one would consider conventional furniture design due to the cube like modular cells. Characteristics common to chairs and tables such as legs cannot be formed since the systems require members be joined together into modular cells. While the Keragala system can be “stretched” to construct a chair as shown in
A final issue encountered with many known modular furniture systems is the durability of the components which make up the system. When assembled and disassembled multiple times, the components can break down and become damaged. This can cause multiple issues such as the loss of structural integrity, the components no longer connecting properly or securely, or the damage to the component is so extensive that it can no longer be used at all.
What is desired, therefore, is a modular furniture system that requires no special skills to modify and can be easily assembled and disassembled using basic tools. A modular furniture system comprised of base components that are not specific to one functional use. A modular furniture system that can build a wide variety of furniture pieces that serve multiple functional uses. A modular furniture system that is made of quality materials and will not break down after assembling and disassembling multiple times. A modular furniture system that can be extended using advanced components such as hinges, handles, and cushions. A modular furniture system that can personalized with an assortment of materials and colors.
An object of the invention is to provide a modular furniture system which is comprised of a small set of interchangeable base components which can be assembled using common tools and disassembled without damaging the components, allowing the consumer to disassemble and reassemble the components to form another piece of furniture.
An embodiment is directed to a modular furniture system which includes a plurality of structural members. The structural members all have the same width and depth, with first structural members having a first length and second structural member having a second length. Each of the plurality of structural members has a generally planar first surface and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface. The depth of each of the plurality of structural members extends between the first surface and the second surface. Multiple rows of openings are provided on each of the plurality of structural members. The multiple rows of openings extend through the first surface and the second surface of each of the plurality of structural members. A first row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has equally spaced first openings having a first diameter. A second row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has equally spaced second openings having a second diameter which is different than the first diameter. A first center line extending through the center of the first openings of the first row of openings is parallel to a second center line extending through the center of the second openings of the second row of openings.
An embodiment is directed to a modular furniture system which has a plurality of structural members, the structural members all have the same width and depth. First structural members have a first length and second structural member have a second length. Each of the plurality of structural members has a generally planar first surface and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface. The depth of each of the plurality of structural members extends between the first surface and the second surface. Multiple rows of openings are provided on each of the plurality of structural members. The multiple rows of openings extend through the first surface and the second surface of each of the plurality of structural members. A first row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has first openings having a first diameter. A second row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has second openings having a second diameter. A third row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has third openings having a third diameter. The third diameter of the third openings of the third row of openings is the same as the first diameter of the first openings of the first row of openings, and the second diameter of the second openings of the second row of openings is different than the first diameter of the first openings of the first row of openings and the third diameter of the third openings.
An embodiment is directed to a structural member for use in a modular furniture system. The structural member includes a generally planar first surface and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface, with the depth of the structural members extending between the first surface and the second surface. Multiple rows of openings are provided on each of the plurality of structural members, with the multiple rows of openings extending through the first surface and the second surface of each of the plurality of structural members. A first row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has first equally spaced openings having a first diameter. A second row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has second equally spaced openings having a second diameter. A third row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has third equally spaced openings having a third diameter. The third diameter of the third openings of the third row of openings is the same as the first diameter of the first openings of the first row of openings, and the second diameter of the second openings of the second row of openings is larger than the first diameter of the first openings of the first row of openings and the third diameter of the third openings.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the preferred embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such preferred embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features, the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.
The embodiments are directed to a modular furniture system 10 which includes a small set of interchangeable base components which can be assembled using common tools and disassembled without damaging the components, allowing the consumer to disassemble and reassemble the components to form different pieces of furniture such as, but not limited to, the Adirondack chair 100 shown in
As best shown in
As shown in
The structural members 20 may be made from any material having the required strength characteristics required to support the load which the furniture is designed to hold. Such material includes, but is not limited to, hardwoods, furniture grade plywood, metal and injection molded plastic. Additionally, in various illustrative embodiments, materials or veneers, such as, but not limited to, high pressure laminate material, may be applied to the surfaces or faces of the structural members 20 to allow for various colors or textures to be used.
Multiple rows of openings are provided on each of the plurality of structural members 20. In the illustrative embodiment shown, each structural members 20 includes: a first row 34 of openings which has equally spaced first openings 36 having a first diameter d1; a second row 38 of openings having equally spaced second openings 40 having a second diameter d2; and a third row 42 of openings having equally spaced third openings 44 having a third diameter d3. A first center line C1 extends through the center of the first openings 36 of the first row 34 of openings. A second center line C2 extends through the center of the second openings 40 of the second row 38 of openings. A third center line C3 extends through the center of the third openings 44 of the third row 42 of openings.
The first center line C1 is essentially parallel to the second center line C2. The first center line C1 is essentially parallel to the third center line C3. The second center line C2 is essentially parallel to the third center line C3. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the first center line C1, the second center line C2 and the third center line C3 are essentially parallel to the first side 30 and second side 32 of the structural member 20. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the first center line C1, the second center line C2 and the third center line C3 are essentially perpendicular to the first end 26 and the second end 28 of the structural member 20.
As shown in
The third openings 44 of the third row 42 are positioned in-line with the first openings 36 of the first row 34 along the length L of the structural members 20. The second openings 40 of the second row 38 are offset from the first openings 36 and the third openings 44 along the length L of the structural members 20.
The first openings 36 of the first row 34 and the third openings 44 of the third row 42 are equally spaced. The second openings 40 of the second row 38, while offset from the first openings 36 and third opening 44, are also equally spaced and are spaced apart the same distance as the first openings 36 and the third openings 44. However, other spacing of the openings may be used.
All of the openings 36, 40, 44 have a tapered lead-in surface extending from the first surface 22 and the second surface 24. The lead-in surface is dimensioned to receive the heads of the fastening members 70, thereby allowing the heads to be mounted flush with the first surface 22 and the second surface 24.
The hole patterns of the structural members 20 as described are designed to allow for the members 20 to be joined together in various combinations and patterns to form different furniture pieces.
Referring to
The first legs 52 have a generally planar first surface 56 and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface 58. The depth D of each of the plurality of first legs 52 extends between the first surface 56 and the second surface 58. Sides 60 extend between the first surface 56 and the second surface 58. The edges provided between the first surface surfaces 56 and sides 60 are rounded to eliminate sharp edges. However, the edges provided between the second surface surfaces 58, and sides 60 are not rounded to provide better stability when provided in contact with the structural members 20.
The second legs 54 have a generally planar first surface 62 and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface 64. The depth D of each of the plurality of second legs 54 extends between the first surface 62 and the second surface 64. Sides 66 extend between the first surface 62 and the second surface 64. The edges provided between the first surface surfaces 62, and sides 66 are rounded to eliminate sharp edges. However, the edges provided between the second surface surfaces 64, and sides 66 are not rounded to provide better stability when provided in contact with the structural members 20.
The brackets 50 may be made from any material having the required strength characteristics required to support the load which the furniture is designed to hold. Such material includes, but is not limited to, aluminum, zinc, metal alloys, and plastic.
Openings 68 are provided on each of the brackets 50. The openings 68 provided on the first legs 52 are essentially identical to the openings 68 provided on the second legs 54. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the diameter d4 of the openings 68 is essentially the same as the diameters d1 of the first openings 36 and d3 of the third openings 44 of the structural members 20. All of the openings 68 have a tapered lead-in surface extending from the first surface 56, 62. The lead-in surface is dimensioned to receive the heads of the fastening members 70, thereby allowing the heads to be mounted flush with the first surface 56, 62.
As shown in
Fastening members 70 are best shown in
As shown in
During assembly, the structural members 20 are positioned and secured with fastening member 70 or with brackets 50 and fastening members 70. The structural members 20 can be positioned at different angles and different locations relative to each other to form the a multitude of items or furniture pieces, such as, but not limited to the chair, table, bench and bookshelf shown in
In order to assemble the various pieces of furniture, the structural members 20 must be joined or secured in different ways to ensure that the furniture is stable and can support the required load.
In another alternate embodiments, a bracket 50 having two opening 68 on either leg 52, 54 can be used. The operation of this bracket 50 is the same, except that the openings 68 on each leg 52, 54 would align with respective openings 36, 44 of each support member 20. Fastening members 70 would then be inserted and tightened in all of the respective openings.
The modular furniture system 10 as shown and described herein using the illustrative embodiments includes a small set of interchangeable base components which can be assembled using common tools and disassembled without damaging the components, allowing the consumer to disassemble and reassemble the components to form another piece of furniture. The modular furniture system 10 can be supplemented or extended by adding additional components thereto. In addition, complementary accessories can be easily added to enhance the comfort and functionality of the furniture.
The modular furniture system 10 may include detailed instructions specifying how to assemble the components in order to build a certain piece of furniture at the time of purchase if the consumer purchased a set. Alternatively, instructions may be downloaded at a later date. The consumer could follow the instructions for a particular piece of furniture, or choose to design their own piece by assembling the components to their liking. Additional components could then be added over time to allow for even more variations and furniture designs.
While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. In particular, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, sizes, and with other elements, materials, and components, without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention may be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, sizes, materials and components and otherwise used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operative requirements without departing from the principles of the present invention. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined by the appended claims, and not limited to the foregoing description or embodiments.
