Patent Application
20220000266
A variety of shapes and sizes of furniture have been developed over the years to provide comfort and decoration. Consumers appreciate furniture that can serve multiple purposes and withstand the wear of everyday use without requiring much attention. Thus, what is desirable is furniture that is versatile, durable, and relatively maintenance free.
Once purchased, consumers expect furniture that is already assembled or can be easily assembled. Once assembled, however, most furniture cannot be easily disassembled. Most furniture is assembled using nails, staples, epoxy, or some other type of fastener. Further, various types of furniture have upholstery covering the fasteners, thus making it difficult to disassemble the furniture. This presents a challenge for consumers, especially when the furniture needs to be transported from one location to another. While some modular furniture systems are available, many of these require tools for assembly, are often not particularly durable, and exhibit other shortcomings.
One aspect that makes furniture cost-prohibitive is shipping and packaging. For example, a large piece of furniture requires an even larger amount of space during shipping. The non-solid or non-uniform shape of most furniture makes it difficult to maximize the space utilized when packaging and shipping furniture. This adds increased costs of shipping due to the amount of space the furniture requires, regardless of whether or not the furniture fills all or most of the required space.
Another aspect that makes furniture cost-prohibitive is the difficulty in stacking furniture. When large pieces of furniture are stacked, damage frequently occurs to the furniture on the bottom of the stack. This damage may result from the shape and non-solid nature of the packaged furniture. Even when furniture is disassembled and boxed in order to facilitate stacking, often there is still much wasted space. The wasted space not only increases the cost of shipping, but also provides for a less stable base on which to stack other pieces of furniture.
For those consumers who cannot afford many pieces of furniture, it is also desirable to have furniture which can provide multiple functions, or which can be reconfigured. For example, a couch with a relatively deep and soft seating surface can be desirable when lounging, watching television, or listening to music. In contrast, a couch with a relatively shallow seating surface is often more desirable when sitting upright while in conversation with others. Further, different shapes, sizes, and footprint configurations of furniture may be desired depending on the space which the furniture is to fill, such as a large living room, a small office space, or a home theatre setting.
The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.
The disclosed embodiments relate to a modular furniture assembly that can be assembled, disassembled, and rearranged in a quick and efficient manner with minimal effort. In an exemplary embodiment, the modular furniture assembly includes a rectangular base (having a long side (X) and a short side (Y)), at least one transverse or upright member (having a thickness (Z1)). The rectangular base, and the upright member, has holes used to mount adjacent rectangular bases (a separation distance of the holes being Z2). Connector leg assemblies, with connector legs that are designed to be longer or greater in height than traditional modular designs, facilitate coupling the upright member to the base and can also facilitate coupling of adjacent bases when the modular furniture assembly includes a plurality of bases. In accordance with the disclosed principles, the dimensions of the long side of the base satisfy the following relationship: X=Y+2Z, where Z can be either Z1 or Z2. When the dimensions of the long side of the base satisfies the relationship X=Y+2Z2, it is still possible to adjust a Z1 dimension of the transverse or upright member while maintaining the capability to assemble, disassemble, and rearrange the modular furniture assembly. Using the identified relationship, lends itself to use of slimmer, thinner upright members, while preserving a significant difference in seat depth between a shallow-seat orientation, such as where the (X) dimension is oriented perpendicular to the user's legs seated on the base, and the deep-seat orientation of the base, such as where the (Y) dimension of the base is oriented perpendicular to the user's legs seated on the base. The X=Y+2Z geometry lends itself to maintaining spacing of the components of the modular furniture assembly, such as but not limited to the bases, upright members, and connector leg assemblies, when uprights members are replaced or changed. For instance, by maintaining X=Y+2Z2 when the Z1 is larger than Z2, for instance, the coupling locations for the connector leg assemblies with the base and the upright members remains substantially the same, thus allowing for enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly.
The disclosed embodiments bring about substantial benefits, improvements, and practical implementations to the technical field. By way of example, the improved design presented herein provides connector leg assemblies that provide secure connection, little lateral translation, while also allowing a cantilevered end of the base to tilt without placing stress on the coupling structures, or base itself. Allowing the seat end to tilt in this manner while supported on only one side both prevents internal damage to the seat structure while also simplifying assembly, as a user does not need an extra hand to hold the free end of the seat up.
The new X=Y+2Z geometry also better lends itself to slimmer, thinner upright members (for a unique and particular aesthetic appearance or style), while preserving a significant difference in seat depth between a shallow-seat orientation (where the (X) dimension of the base is oriented perpendicular to the user's legs seated on the base) and the deep-seat orientation of the base (where the (Y) dimension of the base is oriented perpendicular to the user's legs seated on the base). In other words, if using another geometry, such as a geometry governed by the equation X=Y+Z, the difference between the (X) and the (Y) dimension of the base becomes far less pronounced, where the rectangle base approaches a square shape, resulting in no significant difference between a resulting shallow-seat orientation and a deep-seat orientation of the base.
With thinner upright members, the embodiments also offer an improved, modern design, look, and feel. Thinner members also result in smaller and lighter overall packaging for shipping. Furthermore, using the new spatial relationship of the base disclosed herein (e.g., X=Y+2Z), the embodiments beneficially permit use of a thinner upright member, while preserving a more elongate rectangular-like shape, for the horizontal members, thereby increasing the seat depth difference between various different orientations and thereby making those orientations more distinct from one another. For instance, customers can change the length or depth of their modular furniture assembly more significantly than in traditional designs, while having the aesthetics of slim upright members.
In particular, in some embodiments, a modular furniture assembly includes a rectangular base and an upright member. The base has a dimension of a long side (X) and a dimension of the short side (Y). The upright member has a thickness, width, or dimension (Z1), and also has a length dimension, which may be substantially equal to the dimension of the long side (X), substantially equal to the dimension of the short side (Y), substantially equal to (X)+(Z). Multiple upright members, of different such dimension, may be provided and used in the present modular furniture assemblies. The base and the upright member have a defined spatial relationship in which the dimension of a long side (X) of the base, such as a length of the base, is substantially equal to the sum of the dimension of a short side (Y) of the base, such as a width of the base, and two times a dimension Z that can be the thickness or width (Z1) of the upright member or a separation distance of the holes in the base and the upright member and a separate distance between holes in the base and holes the upright members (Z2). The dimension Z2 can match Z1 or Z1 can be larger or smaller than Z2; as a result of this improved spatial relationship, different furniture configurations can be formed.
Optionally, the modular furniture assembly further includes a connector leg assembly that couples the base and the upright member together. The connector leg assembly includes one or more protruding members that each include a top end and a base portion. The top end is narrower than the base portion to thereby allow tilting of the base when the modular furniture assembly is in a partially assembled state. The protruding member can form part of the connector leg assembly or can extend from the base to be received in a complementary opening or hole provided by the connector leg assembly.
In some embodiments, a modular furniture assembly includes a base and an upright member. Here, the base is configured to have a dimension of a long side (X), such as a length, in a horizontal plane and a dimension of a short side (Y), such as a width, in that same plane. The upright member is configured to have a length as noted above in the horizontal plane and a thickness or width (Z1) also in that horizontal plane. The upright member is also configured to be positioned such that a height (HU) of the upright member is substantially greater than a height (H) of the base. The height (HU) can be within a vertical plane transverse to the horizontal plane, with the upright member being in the vertical plane or being inclined in relation to horizontal planer. The base and the upright member also have a spatial relationship defined in a manner so that the dimension of a long side or length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the sum of the dimension of a short side or width (Y) of the base and two times a dimension Z, such as Z1 or Z2 where Z1 can be a dimension or width of any one of the upright members and Z2 can be a separation distance of the holes in the base and upright members and a separate distance between holes in the base and holes in the upright members. Using this new spatial relationship, numerous different furniture configurations can be formed.
Some embodiments of a modular furniture assembly are structured to include a base and multiple upright members. Here, the base is configured to have a dimension of a long side or length (X), a dimension of a short side or width (Y), and a height (H). Each of the upright members has a dimension of a dimension or long side (X′), a dimension or width (Z1), and a dimension or height (HU). The height (HU) of each upright member is substantially greater than the height (H) of the base. Additionally, the base and the multiple upright members have a defined spatial relationship defined as indicated herein, where: the dimension of a long side or length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the sum of the dimension of a short side or width (Y) of the base and two times a dimension Z that can be the width (Z1) of any one of the upright members or a separation distance of the holes in the base and upright members and a separate distance between holes in the base and the holes in the upright members (Z2).
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below where like reference characters or numerals designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, some features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. It should further be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.
One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may generally relate to modular furniture assembly that can be assembled, disassembled, and rearranged in a quick and efficient manner with minimal effort. While the present disclosure will describe a particular implementation of modular furniture assembly that can be assembled, disassembled, and rearranged, it should be understood that any of the modular furniture assemblies, and methods described herein may be applicable to other uses. Additionally, elements described in relation to any embodiment depicted and/or described herein may be combinable with elements described in relation to any other embodiment depicted and/or described herein.
In some embodiments, a modular furniture assembly as disclosed herein includes a base and an upright or transverse member. The base has a dimension of a long side or length (X) and a dimension of a short side or width (Y). The upright member has a dimension, thickness or width (Z1), and a length, which may vary depending on need. As used herein, the X dimension refers to a long side or dimension of the base and the Y dimension references a short side or dimensions of the base, whether or not the terms “length” or “width” are used in association with the particular X and Y dimension. Additionally, even when the base is rotated for use with or to form different modular furniture assemblies, the X and Y dimensions still refer to, respectively, to the long side or dimension and short side or dimension.
In an embodiment, the length of the upright member is (X′), equal or substantially equal to (X). The base and the upright member have a defined spatial relationship in which the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the sum of the width (Y) of the base and two times or twice a dimension Z that can be the dimension, thickness, or width (Z1) of the upright member or a separation distance of the holes in the base and the upright member and a separate distance between holes in the base and the holes in the upright members (Z2), the separation distance being illustrated and discussed hereinafter. The dimension Z2 can match Z1 or Z1 can be larger or smaller than Z2 so long as Z2 in the base and the upright members match. With the dimension Z1 larger than Z2 wider upright members can be used with the modular furniture. With the dimension Z2 matching Z1 the coupling locations for connector leg assemblies, which connect adjacent bases and the upright members, remain substantially the same, thus allowing for enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly. As a result of this improved spatial relationship, various different furniture configurations can be formed, from a small number of the same basic components.
In some embodiments, a modular furniture assembly includes a base and an upright member. The base has a length (X) in a horizontal plane and a width (Y) in that same plane. The upright member also has a length in the horizontal plane and a width (Z) in that plane. The height (HU) of the upright member is substantially greater than a height (H) of the base. The base and the upright member also have a spatial relationship defined in a manner so that the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the sum of the width (Y) of the base and two times a dimension Z that can be the dimension, thickness, or width (Z1) of the upright member or the separation distance of the holes in the base and the upright members and a separate distance between holes in the base and the holes in the upright members (Z2). As mentioned above, with the dimension Z2 matching Z1 enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly is achieved. Using this new spatial relationship, numerous different furniture configurations can be formed, while using relatively slim upright members, while maintaining a distinct rectangular configuration to the base. Additionally, such as when Z is Z2, the new spatial relationship provides for a geometry lends itself to maintaining spacing of the components of the modular furniture assembly, such as but not limited to the bases, upright members, and connector leg assemblies, when uprights members are replaced or changed. For instance, by maintaining X=Y+2Z2 when the Z1 is larger than Z2, for instance, the coupling locations for the connector leg assemblies with the base and the upright members remains substantially the same, thus allowing for enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly.
Some embodiments of a modular furniture assembly are structured to include a base and multiple upright members. The base has a length (X), a width (Y), and a height (H). Each of the upright members has a length, a width (Z), and a height (HU). The height (HU) of each upright member is substantially greater than the height (HB) of the base. The base and the multiple upright members have a defined spatial relationship defined in the following manner: the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the sum of the width (Y) of the base and two times a dimension Z that can be the dimension, thickness, or width (Z1) of any one of the upright members or the separation distance of the holes in the base and the upright members and a separate distance between holes in the base and the holes in upright members (Z2). In one configuration, the dimension Z1 is the same as the dimension Z2 although in other configurations Z1 can be larger or smaller than Z2. With the dimension Z1 larger than Z2 wider upright members can be used with the modular furniture. With the dimension Z2 matching Z1 enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly is achieved. Using this new spatial relationship, multiple different configurations can be formed from the same basic components.
Optionally, the modular furniture assembly further can include a connector leg assembly that couples together one or more bases and optionally one or more bases to one or more upright members. The connector leg assembly includes one or more protruding members that each include a top end and a base portion. The top end is narrower than the base portion to thereby allow tilting of the base when the modular furniture assembly is in a partially assembled or disassembled state. The protruding member can form part of the connector leg assembly or can extend from the base to be received in a complementary opening or hole provided by the connector leg assembly.
The disclosed embodiments bring about substantial benefits, improvements, and practical implementations to the technical field. While some example improvements and practical applications provided by the disclosed embodiments are provided herein, it will be appreciated, however, that these are just examples only and that the embodiments are not limited to only these improvements. By way of example and not limitation, the improved structure of the modular furniture assembly provides for improved sitting comfort while maintaining modularity. Smaller components facilitating improved shipping characteristics can be used without decreasing seating area, thereby leading to decreased shipping costs, improved maneuverability, improved assembly, and improved rearrangement.
During assembly, one seat end of the modular furniture assembly can be left unsupported on one end in a cantilevered manner, thereby causing stress and tension on the coupling components. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the improved modular furniture assembly presented herein provides connector leg assemblies that provide secure connection and little lateral translation, while also allowing the seat end to tilt, such as in a cantilevered manner, without placing stress on the coupling components. Allowing the seat end to tilt in this manner while supported on only one side both prevents internal damage to a structure of the modular furniture assembly while also simplifying assembly.
With thinner upright members, the embodiments also offer an improved, modern design, look, and feel. Thinner upright members also result in smaller and lighter overall packaging for shipping. Furthermore, using a new spatial relationship of the base and upright members, and the overall orientation of the modular furniture assembly, in addition to achieving a thinner upright member, the new spatial relationship causes the horizontal members or the base to approach a more elongate rectangular shape, thereby increasing a seat depth difference between various different orientations and thereby making those orientations more distinct from one another. For instance, customers can change the length or seat depth of their modular furniture assembly more significantly than in traditional designs. Additionally, such as when Z is Z2, the new spatial relationship provides a geometry that lends itself to maintaining spacing of the components of the modular furniture assembly, such as but not limited to the bases, upright members, and connector leg assemblies, when uprights members are replaced or changed. For instance, by maintaining X=Y+2Z2 when the Z1 is larger than Z2, for instance, the coupling locations for the connector leg assemblies with the base and the upright members remains substantially the same, thus allowing for enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly.
The new special relationship of dimensions, X=Y+2Z, lends itself to using the thinner upright members and provide for a unique and particular aesthetic appearance or style, while preserving a significant difference in seat depth between a shallow-seat orientation, where the (X) dimension is oriented perpendicular to the user's legs seated on the base, and the deep-seat orientation of the base, where the (Y) dimension of the base is oriented perpendicular to the user's legs seated on the base.
Additionally, the new spatial relationship enables the modular furniture assembly to accommodate a wider range of human body sizes and a wider range of preferences. A short or narrow depth may be comfortable for some while a long or deep depth may be comfortable for others. The disclosed embodiments provide increased customizability, thereby leading to substantial improvements in the technical field. These and numerous other benefits will now be discussed in more detail with regard to the Figures presented by this disclosure.
With this background, and with reference to
With reference to
The base 104 serves as a support surface on which a user can sit or rest. The base 104 is configured such that the upright member 102a can be positioned adjacent to or perpendicularly to the base 104 in a variety of positions and detachably coupled thereto to form different types of furniture assemblies. The upright member 102a can be coupled to any of the 4 sides of base 104 by way of a coupler mechanism or coupler, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, that allows a user to quickly couple or decouple the upright member 102a and the base 104 with minimal effort, potentially even without the use of a tool, such as a screwdriver, wrench, hammer, etc. The ease of coupling the upright member 102a to the base 104 provides for the capability of easily forming many configurations of furniture assemblies.
As shown in
As mentioned above, the modular furniture assemblies may include differently configured upright members, of varying dimensions, such as lengths, for use in different positions relative to base 104.
In the disclosed embodiments, no matter the employed upright member, such as upright members 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d, the base 104 and upright member 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d are configured in such a manner so as to satisfy the following spatial relationship between the X, Y, and Z dimensions:
X=Y+2Z
In other words, by following this spatial relationship, the long side of the horizontal member or base 104 is equal to the short side of the base 104 plus two times the dimension or thickness or width (Z1) of any of the upright members, such as for example upright members 102a, 102b, 102c, or 102d or, alternatively, a separation distance of the holes in the base and upright members and a separate distance between holes in the base and holes in the upright (Z2) (
For instance, whereas the configuration in
The modular furniture assembly 100B, which is representative of the modular furniture assembly 100A of
The modular furniture assembly 100B includes the same base 104 as the modular furniture assembly 100A having a dimension of the long side or length (X), a dimension of the short side or width (Y), and a height (HB). As a result of the rectangular-shaped base 104, a customer is able to change the depth or seating length of the modular furniture assembly by rearranging the assembly's constituent parts in different ways.
Accordingly,
In some embodiments, the long side or length (X′) of the upright member 102b is substantially equal to the dimension of the long side or length (X) of the base 104, as shown in
In some cases, a height (HU) of the upright member (e.g., 102a or 102b in
Having introduced the spatial relationship between the base and the upright member of the modular furniture assembly, attention will now be directed to
In accordance with the disclosed principles, the connector legs 109A-D are designed to be taller than conventional furniture legs. As a result of being taller, the taller legs utilize a new method for connecting horizontal and upright members. For instance, in some implementations, the height of each connector leg 109A-D is approximately 7 inches. In some implementations, the height is from about 6 inches to about 8 inches. In some implementations, the height can be higher than about 8 inches, such as about 10 inches, or more than about 10 inches).
Each connector leg assembly 105A-105D includes a connector plate 118A-118D, with connector plates 118A and 118D being illustrated in
In the illustrated configuration, the coupling plate 113 and the fasteners 112A and 112B are inserted into an opposite end of a number of passthrough or receiving holes, such as holes 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D, and 116E, from the end where the protruding members 108A-108D are inserted into corresponding holes in the frame assembly 106. For instance, the frame assembly 106 (and/or frame assembly of upright member 102b) includes the passthrough or receiving holes, such as holes 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D, and 116E. The holes 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D, and 116E terminate in a pocket or recessed portion 131 of the frame assembly 106. The pocket 131 also accommodating a portion of the coupling plate 113, such as one of the first and second legs 115 when the fasteners 112A and 112B are used to mount the upright member 102 to the base 104.
The modular furniture assembly 100B can be assembled in various different ways by selecting different ones of the holes 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D, and 116E to insert the protruding members 108A-108D of the connector leg assembly 105A-105D into. That is, the protruding members 108A-108D may be inserted into corresponding ones of the holes 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D, and 116E in a versatile manner to enable different resulting configurations. The holes 116A-116E can be sized to accommodate the protruding members 108A-108D. In one configuration, a diameter of at least a portion of each of the one or more of the holes 116A-116E approximately matches a diameter of a corresponding protruding member of the protruding members 108A-108D. In other configurations, a diameter of at least a portion of each hole 116A-116E is oversized in relation to a diameter of a corresponding protruding member 108A-108D, such that the diameter of the hole 116A-116E is between about 5% to about 200% larger than the diameter of the corresponding protruding member 108A-108D. This aids with tilting the connector leg assembly 105A-105D in relation to the base 104 or vice versa by providing additional space between the wall of the hole 116A-116E and the protruding member 108A-108D receive within the hole 116A-116E, and as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. While the diameter of one or more of the holes 116A-116E is indicated as being between about 5% to about 200% larger than a diameter of the corresponding protruding member 108A-108D, in other configurations the holes 116A-116E are larger than a diameter of each of the protruding members 108A-108D by about 10% to about 150%, from about 15% to about 100%, from about 20% to about 75%, from about 30% to about 50%, or about 30%. Stated another way, the diameter of the one or more of the holes 116A-116E can be less than or equal to about 90% of the Z2 dimension, less than or equal to about 80% of the Z2 dimension, less than or equal to about 70% of the Z2 dimension, less than or equal to about 60% of the Z2 dimension, less than or equal to about 50% of the Z2 dimension, less than or equal to about 40% of the Z2 dimension, from about 30% to about 90% of the Z2 dimension, from about 45% to about 75% of the Z2 dimension, or from about 55% to about 65% of the Z2 dimension.
The fasteners 112A-112D are also inserted into the same holes 116A, 116B, 116C, 116D, and 116E as the protruding members 108A-108D and are inserted through the corresponding holes 121 of the coupling plate 113. The fasteners 112A-112D are then inserted into the protruding members 108A-108D and are tightened to secure the connector leg assembly 105A-105D corresponding to leg 109A to the frame assembly 106 (and/or upright member 102b), optionally with a head of the fastener 112A-112D or other upper portion of the fastener 112A-112D within the pocket 131, this preventing the fastener 112A-112D impeding mounting of the cushion 107 to the frame assembly 106. More or less than the fasteners 112A-112D may be used for the connection process.
The other connector leg assemblies 105B-105D corresponding to legs 109B-109D are connected to the frame assembly in a similar manner.
As a result of these connections, the connector leg assembly 105A is now connected to both the upright member 102 and the frame assembly 106. That is, the connector leg assembly 105A operates as a coupling mechanism or a coupler between the upright member 102 and the frame assembly 106, thereby providing a secure connection between those two modular components. In some embodiments, coupling plate 113 is provided between the two fastener 112A, 112B to help further secure the modular components in place.
The connecting leg assemblies, the coupling plates, and the fasteners described herein can be considered as examples of coupling units or couplers that aid in connecting adjacent bases and upright members. Individual portions of any of the connecting leg assemblies, the coupling plates, and the fasteners can also be considered examples of coupling units or couplers that aid in connecting adjacent bases and upright members. For instance, the protruding members and the cooperating or corresponding receiving holes can each be considered as a coupling unit or coupler. Additional details regarding the connector member or plate 118 and coupling plate 113 are provided in subsequent figures.
Connector leg assembly 105, including leg 109, is also shown as providing a connection, link, or bridge between the two frame assemblies 106, where the connector leg assembly 105 also operates as a securing member to securely connect those two frame assemblies 106. The frame assembly 106 shown on the left includes a hole 116E, and the connector leg assembly 105 includes a protruding member 108A. The protruding member 108A is shown as being inserted into a first end of the hole 116E while a corresponding fastener 112 is shown as being inserted into a second, opposite end of the hole 116E. The fastener 112 screws into a threaded hole 133E, provided on a top portion or end 125E of the protruding member 108A.
The fasteners 112 are inserted into corresponding holes provided in the coupling plate 113, which is disposed within the pocket 131 (
In particular,
Upright member 102c is illustrated as having a dimension or width (Z1), a dimension or length equal to (X) plus (Z1), and a distance between adjacent receiving holes 116A-116D (and receiving holes 124A-124D) being a separation distance (Z2). Upright member 102a has a dimension or width (Z1) and a dimension or length equal to (Y). The base frame assembly has a dimension or length (X) and a dimension or width (Y). The dimensions (X), (Y), and (Z) correspond to the (X), (Y), and (Z) dimensions earlier with regard to the defined spatial relationship X=Y+2Z, where dimension Z can be the dimension, width or thickness (Z1) of the upright member or the separation distance (Z2) between adjacent receiving holes 116A-116D receiving holes 124A-124D. For instance, with the dimension Z2 matching Z1 enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly can be achieved. The dimension Z2 can match Z1 or Z1 can be larger or smaller than Z2 so long as Z2 the spacing of receiving holes in the base and the upright members match.
As illustrated by the modular furniture assembly 100E shown in
The modular furniture assembly 100E in this scenario is formed from two separate bases 104, and associated frame assemblies 106, which can be identical or substantially the same. For instance, the left base 104, and associated frame assembly 106, is shown next to a right based 104, and associated frame assembly 106.
The frame assembly 106 includes a reinforcing member or plate 122 disposed on a lower portion of the frame assembly 106. The reinforcing member 122 can have a number of holes, including hole 124A, hole 124B, hole 124C, and hole 124D. These holes 124A-124D of the reinforcing member 122 correspond with or are aligned with the holes mentioned earlier, such as holes 116A-116D of
Particular spacing between the different holes 124A-124D, and so holes 116A-116D, is provided. Specifically, the spacing between any one hole 124A-124D and another adjacent hole 124A-124D, between any one hole 116A-116D and another adjacent hole 116A-116D, and between one hole 124A-124D and an adjacent hole 116A-116D) is the dimension (Z2), which in some configuration corresponds to the thickness of each upright member, such as upright members 102, i.e., Z1=Z2. That is, the spatial relationship X=Y+2Z provides that the distance between the center of the receiver holes (e.g., holes 124A-124D and holes 116A-116D) is equal to the dimension (Z1), i.e., the width of the upright member described herein. The dimension Z2 can match Z1 or Z1 can be larger or smaller than Z2 so long as Z2 of receiving holes 124A-124D and holes 116A-116D in the base and the upright members match. Modular furniture assemblies using the spatial relationship X=Y+2Z can have a slimmer and aesthetically pleasing form because the upright members interface the corners of the modular furniture assembly without gaps or overlapping surfaces. Modular furniture assemblies using the spatial relationship X=Y+2Z, where Z is Z2, lends itself to maintaining spacing of the components of the modular furniture assembly, such as but not limited to the bases, upright members, and connector leg assemblies, when uprights members are replaced or changed. For instance, by maintaining X=Y+2Z2 when the Z1 is larger than Z2, such as illustrated with the modular furniture assemblies 100F and 100G in
When upper members have a dimension, thickness, width (Z1) that is larger than a separation distance (Z2), maintaining the spatial relationship of X=Y+2Z, where Z is Z2 prevents unwanted lengthening or increasing a size of the coupling units or couplers, such as increasing a length of the coupling plate 113 (
It will be appreciated that while the reinforcing member 122 is mounted to the base frame assemblies as illustrated, the base frame assemblies and/or upright member frame assemblies may incorporate other reinforcing members or components (e.g., metal inserts or the like) in or around the various defined coupling holes or where additional stiffness, rigidity, or strength is desired, rather than an embodiment where such holes are simply formed through the bare frame members themselves (formed from wood, plastic, metal, or other desired material). Additionally, while the reinforcing member 122 is disposed on the bottom of the frame assembly, it will be understood that reinforcing members can be disposed on the top of the frame assembly, on the bottom of the upright member, within the recessed portion of the upright member, and other locations. Furthermore, while the frame assemblies are illustrated within the pocket 131 (
Specifically,
The frame assembly 106 of the base 104 includes multiple holes, including hole 124H which are similar to holes 124A-124D referenced before. Holes 124E and 124F are included in the upright member 102c, and hole 124G is included as a part of the upright member 102a. The frame assembly 106 includes additional holes (not labeled), e.g., one of which is shown between holes 124H and 124G.
The portion labeled 135 represents an area where the connector member or plate 118 of the connector leg assembly 105 may be attached to the frame assembly 106 and the upright members 102c and 102a, though other locations may also be used by the connector leg assembly 105. Indeed, any of the holes may be used to connect a connector leg assembly 105 to the remainder of the furniture assembly 100J.
Whereas the configuration illustrated in
Relatedly,
Accordingly, some embodiments disclosed herein illustrate a modular furniture assembly, such as the modular furniture assemblies of
As mentioned previously, the connector leg assembly 105 includes a connector member or plate (e.g., plate or connector member 118) with its protruding members (members 108A-108D) and a leg (e.g., connector leg 109) which can be connected to (or is already provided fixedly attached to) a bottom surface of the connector member or plate 118. The leg 109 is configured to elevate at least a portion of the modular furniture assembly above a floor upon which the base 104 is supported. The connector leg assembly 105 includes two or more protruding members (e.g., protruding members 108A-108D) extending from a top surface of the connector member or plate 118. The two or more protruding members 108A-108D are configured to selectively attach to the corresponding receiving holes 124 of the base 104 and the upright member 102.
In some implementations, the two or more receiving holes 124A-124D of the base 104 are separated from one another by a distance equal to the thickness or width (Z1) of the upright member 102, such that Z1=Z2. In some cases, the connector leg assembly 105 further includes a coupling plate (e.g., plate 113) configured to aid in selectively securing the two or more protruding members 108A-108D of the connector leg assembly 105 within the two or more receiving holes 124A-124D of the base 104 (or upright member 102). In some cases, the connector member or plate 118 coordinates with a top portion of the frame assembly 106 and selectively attaches to the two or more protruding members 108A-108D of the connector leg assembly 105 via a fastener, bolt, or the like in the two or more receiving holes 124A-124D of the base 104 (and/or upright member 102).
While the major planar face 143A is generally perpendicular to the base 104 or frame assembly 106 to which it attaches, such as being in a vertical plane, it can also be inclined in relation to the base 104 or frame assembly 106 such that an entirety of the upright member 140A is inclined at the angle 147A in relation to the base 104 or frame assembly 106. Additionally, while a back 149A of the upright member 140A is illustrates as being generally parallel to the vertical direction V, it will be understood that back 149A can be inclined at an angle the same as or different to the angle 147A. The other upright members described herein and also be inclined as described in relation to the upright member 140A.
In accordance with the disclosed principles, however, at least some of the embodiments described herein provide structures that aid with tilting the base or upright member in relation to connector leg assembly without causing such damage. The structures can include modifications to the protruding member so that it includes a chamfered or tapered end, differently sized holes in the reinforcing plate, and/or differently sized holes in the base and upright member. One or more of these modified structures can aid with reducing damage to the components of the modular furniture assembly during use and rearrangement. Both the holes in the reinforcing plate and the holes within the base or upright can be larger in diameter than a diameter of the protruding member. In another configuration, the holes in the reinforcing plate can be substantially the same size as a diameter of the protruding member, while a diameter of at least a portion of the holes in the base or upright member are larger than the diameter of the protruding member. More generally, all or a portion of the holes in the reinforcing plate and/or the holes within the base or upright member can be oversized and have larger diameters than the diameter of the protruding member
Generally, and with reference to
While the reinforcing member 122 is illustrated disposed on the lower or bottom surface of the base 104, it will be understood that a portion 122a of the reinforcing member 122, as an aligner and spacer, can be disposed within hole 116, such as illustrated in
The reinforcing member 122 can be formed of a metal, alloy, polymer etc. and optionally molded to the base 104 or upright member 102 or otherwise coupled or fixably attached to the base 104 or upright member 102 to align and space adjacent bases and upright members.
Turing to
Accordingly, in some embodiments, the modular furniture assembly further includes a connector leg that couples the base and the upright member together. The connector leg includes one or more protruding members that each (optionally) have a chamfered end or at least a narrower top end and a wider bottom end to allow tilting of the base when the modular furniture assembly is in a partially assembled state. When a chamfer angle of the chamfered end is present, that angle is between about 1 and about 25 degrees. When there is now angling and instead when the top end is simply narrower than the bottom end, then the proportional relationship between the narrower top and the wider bottom end is structured to allow the base to tile between about 0 and about 25 degrees. Accordingly, some embodiment refrain from using a chamfer and instead use a pocket in the seat frame in that area to allow for tilt, thereby providing the freedom to use whatever mating geometry is optimal for the connection.
Accordingly, some embodiments of the modular furniture assembly described herein, or otherwise contemplated by the present disclosure, include a base configured to have a long side or length (X) in a horizontal plane and a short side or width (Y) in the horizontal plane. The modular furniture assembly also includes one or more upright members, which may be of varying dimensions (e.g., dimension (Y)), dimension (X), dimension (X+Z), or dimension (Y+Z)) in the horizontal plane and a width (Z1) in the horizontal plane. The upright member is configured to be positioned such that a height (HU) of the upright member is substantially greater than a height (H) of the base. The base and the upright member have a defined spatial relationship defined in the following manner:
The long side or length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the sum of the short side or width (Y) of the base and two times a dimension Z which can be the thickness or width (Z1) of the upright member or a separation distance (Z2) between adjacent receiving holes in the base 104 and/or the upright member 102. As a result of using this spatial relationship definition, different furniture configurations can be formed.
In some cases, the long side or length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the long side or length (X′) of the upright member. In other cases, the upright member may have a different length, and upright members having such varying lengths may be used in the same assembly, as needed, for backrests and armrests. Some embodiments further comprise a coupler configured to detachably couple the upright member to the base. In some implementations, the height (HU) of the upright member is perpendicular to the length of the upright member.
Optionally, some embodiments further include a connector leg assembly configured to selectively secure a bottom portion of the base to a bottom portion of the upright member. Here, the connector leg assembly includes a connector leg and two or more protruding members (e.g., on a plate member attached to the leg) configured to selectively attach to the bottom portions of the base and the upright member. In an embodiment, the protruding members of the connector leg are separated from one another in at least one direction by a distance substantially equal to the width (Z) of the upright member.
The new X=Y+2Z geometry also better lends itself to slimmer, thinner upright members (for a unique and particular aesthetic appearance or style), while preserving a significant difference in seat depth between the shallow-seat orientation and the deep-seat orientation of the base. In other words, if using an X=Y+Z geometry with slim upright members, the difference between the X and the Y dimension of the base becomes far less pronounced (approaching a square), resulting in no significant difference between a resulting shallow-seat orientation and a deep-seat orientation of the bases. By way of contrast in the X=Y+2Z configuration, the (X) dimension remains significantly distinct from the (Y) dimension even when the (Z) dimension is relatively thin. Additionally, the X=Y+2Z geometry where Z is Z2, or a separation distance of adjacent holes in the base and/or upright member lends itself to maintaining spacing of the components of the modular furniture assembly, such as but not limited to the bases, upright members, and connector leg assemblies, when uprights members are replaced or changed. For instance, by maintaining X=Y+2Z2 when the Z1 is larger than Z2, for instance, the coupling locations for the connector leg assemblies with the base and the upright members remains substantially the same, thus allowing for enhanced interchangeability for the components of the modular furniture assembly.
In some embodiments, the furniture assembly includes at least one base and at least one upright member to form a couch and/or chair. In some embodiments, an upright member functions as a backrest or armrest when coupled to a base. In another embodiment, at least one base and one or more upright members can be used to form a bed with the one or more upright members functioning as a headboard or footboard. In one such embodiment, a base can be sized large enough to serve as a stand-alone bed and/or can serve as a box spring on which a cushion or mattress can be mounted. In some embodiments, one or more bases can form a bed or ottoman with or without the use of upright members. Accordingly, various assemblies can be formed using bases and/or upright members to form a couch, chair, bed, and/or other type of furniture piece of the present invention.
In some embodiments, each base and each upright member includes a frame assembly and a cover (e.g., a fabric or other cover) of similar or identical dimensions to the base frame assembly or upright member frame assembly, such that the cover of each base frame assembly has a length (X) that is substantially equal to the sum of a width (Y) of the base frame cover and two times a width (Z) of the upright member cover. A cover may of course also be provided for the cushion portion of the base, as well. In some embodiments, the covers are removable, washable, and can be interchanged with covers of substantially the same geometry. Such embodiments enable manufacturers to provide covers of various styles, materials, and colors that can be used interchangeably by consumers.
The protruding member 308 also includes an O-ring 320. The O-ring 320 operates to help retain the entire connector leg (which includes the protruding member 308) against the frame assembly 106 in the event that a customer lifts the end of the frame assembly 106. By structuring the protruding member 308 to include the O-ring 320, the connector leg 109 is prevented from falling out before the unit is fully assembled and even when the unit is fully assembled.
The modular furniture components and methods disclosed in the present application may also be used in connection with numerous furniture assemblies, e.g., such as, but not limited to, any similar to those disclosed in (i) U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, entitled MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (ii) U.S. Pat. No. 8,783,778, entitled MOUNTING PLATFORM FOR MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (iii) U.S. Pat. No. 7,963,612 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (iv) U.S. Pat. No. 7,547,073, entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (v) U.S. Pat. No. 7,213,885 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, (vi) U.S. Publication No. 2017/0367486 entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY CORNER SEATING SYSTEM, (vii) U.S. Pat. No. 10,212,519 entitled ELECTRONIC FURNITURE SYSTEMS WITH INTEGRATED INTERNAL SPEAKERS, (viii) U.S. Pat. No. 10,236,643 entitled ELECTRICAL HUB FOR FURNITURE ASSEMBLIES, (ix) U.S. Pat. No. 10,143,307 entitled FURNITURE SYSTEM WITH RECLINER ASSEMBLY, and (x) U.S. Pat. No. 10,123,621 entitled FURNITURE SYSTEM RECLINER ASSEMBLY WITH SLED RAILS, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.
A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.
Following are some further example embodiments of the invention. These are presented only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Further, any example embodiment can be combined with one or more of the example embodiments.
Embodiment 1. A modular furniture assembly including a base having a first dimension (X) and a second dimension (Y), and an upright member having a third dimension (Z), wherein the base and the upright member have a defined spatial relationship, the defined spatial relationship being: the first dimension (X) of the base is substantially equal to a sum of the second dimension (Y) of the base and two times the third dimension (Z) of the upright member, such that different furniture configurations can be formed.
Embodiment 2. The modular furniture assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the third dimension (Z) is selected from a width of the upright member (Z1) or a separation distance between two or more receiving holes (Z2) formed in the upright member.
Embodiment 3. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-2, wherein the two or more receiving holes of the base are separated from one another by the separation distance (Z2) that is equal to the third dimension (Z) of the upright member; the two or more receiving holes of the upright member are separated from one another by the separation distance (Z2) that is equal to the third dimension (Z) of the upright member; and at least one of the two or more receiving holes of the base is separated from at least one of the two or more receiving holes of the upright member by a distance substantially equal to the third dimension (Z) of the upright member when the modular furniture assembly is assembled.
Embodiment 4. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-3, wherein the separation distance (Z2) between two or more receiving holes can be larger or smaller than the third dimension (Z), so long as the separation distance (Z2) for both the base and the upright member match.
Embodiment 5. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-4, wherein a fourth dimension of the upright member is (X′), and wherein the first dimension (X) of the base is substantially equal to the fourth dimension (X′) of the upright member.
Embodiment 6. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-5, wherein a height (HU) of the upright member is substantially greater than a height (H) of the base.
Embodiment 7. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-6, wherein a height (HU) of the upright member is perpendicular to a length of the upright member.
Embodiment 8. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-7, wherein a length of the upright member is a length in a horizontal plane and the first dimension (X) of the base is a length in said horizontal plane, and wherein the second dimension (Y) of the base is in said horizontal plane and the third dimension (Z) of the upright member is in said horizontal plane.
Embodiment 9. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-8, further including at least one first coupling unit associated with at least one of the base and the upright member; at least one second coupling unit associated with a connector leg assembly, the at least one first coupling unit corresponding with and the at least one second coupling unit.
Embodiment 10. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-9, further comprising at least one fastener that cooperates with both the at least one first coupling unit and the at least one second coupling unit.
Embodiment 11. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-10, wherein the at least one first coupling unit is complementary with the at least one second coupling unit.
Embodiment 12. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-11, wherein the connector leg assembly comprises a connector plate; a leg connected or selectively connectable to the connector plate, the leg being configured to elevate at least a portion of the modular furniture assembly above a floor upon which the base is supported; and the at least one second coupling unit, the at least one second coupling unit comprising a receiving hole selectively alignable with the at least one first coupling unit.
Embodiment 13. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-12, wherein the at least one second coupling unit comprises at least one protruding member extending from a top surface of the connector plate, the at least one protruding member being configured to selectively be received into at least one receiving holes of the at least one first coupling unit.
Embodiment 14. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-13, further comprising two or more receiving holes on one of a bottom portion of the base or a bottom portion of the upright member; two or more receiving holes on the other of the bottom portion of the base or the bottom portion of the upright member; and a connector leg assembly configured to selectively secure the bottom portion of the base to the bottom portion of the upright member, the connector leg assembly comprising: a connector plate; a leg connected or selectively connectable to a bottom surface of the connector plate, the leg configured to elevate at least a portion of the modular furniture assembly above a floor upon which the base is supported; and two or more protruding members extending from a top surface of the connector plate, the two or more protruding members configured to selectively be received into the receiving holes of the base and the upright member.
Embodiment 15. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-14, wherein the two or more receiving holes of the base are separated from one another by a distance equal to a separation distance of the receiving holes of the upright member; the two or more receiving holes of the upright member are separated from one another by a distance substantially equal to the third dimension (Z) of the upright member; and at least one of the two or more receiving holes of the base is separated from at least one of the two or more receiving holes of the upright member by a distance substantially equal to the third dimension (Z) of the upright member when the modular furniture assembly is assembled.
Embodiment 16. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-15, further comprising a clamp assembly configured to selectively secure the two or more protruding members of the connector leg assembly within the two or more receiving holes of the base, wherein the clamp assembly coordinates with a top portion of the base and selectively attaches to the two or more protruding members of the connector leg assembly via the two or more receiving holes of the base.
Embodiment 17. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-16, wherein the two or more protruding members each comprise a narrower top portion and a wider base portion, such that each protruding member permits tilting of at least one of the base or the upright member.
Embodiment 18. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-17, wherein a diameter of the protruding members is smaller than a diameter of each of the two or more receiving holes.
Embodiment 19. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-18, further comprising a reinforcing member having a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes being selectively aligned with the two or more receiving holes, wherein the diameter of the protruding members is smaller than a diameter of the plurality of holes.
Embodiment 20. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-19, wherein the upright member further comprises one or more couplers configured to detachably couple the upright member to the connector leg assembly.
Embodiment 21. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 1-20, further comprising a coupler configured to detachably couple the upright member to the base, wherein the base and the upright member each have an aperture that receives a portion of the coupler.
Embodiment 22. A modular furniture assembly comprising a base having a length (X) in a horizontal plane, a width (Y) in said horizontal plane; and an upright member having a length in said horizontal plane, a width (Z1) in said horizontal plane, and two receiving holes having a separation distance (Z2), wherein the upright member is configured to be positioned such that a height (HU) of the upright member is substantially greater than a height (H) of the base, wherein the base and the upright member have a defined spatial relationship, the defined spatial relationship being: the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to a sum of the width (Y) of the base and twice a dimension (Z) which is selected from the width (Z1) of the upright member or the separation distance (Z2), such that different furniture configurations can be formed.
Embodiment 23. The modular furniture assembly of embodiment 22, wherein the base comprises two receiving holes having the separation distance (Z2).
Embodiment 24. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-23, wherein a distance between one of the two receiving holes of the base and one of the two receiving holes of the upright member is the separation distance (Z2).
Embodiment 25. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-24, wherein the length of the upright member is (X′), and wherein the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the length (X′) of the upright member.
Embodiment 26. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-25, wherein the length of the upright member is one of: (X); (Y); or (X+Z).
Embodiment 27. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-26, further comprising a coupler configured to detachably couple the upright member to the base.
Embodiment 28. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-27, wherein the height (HU) of the upright member is perpendicular to the length of the upright member.
Embodiment 29. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-28, wherein the upright member is inclined in relation to the upright member.
Embodiment 30. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-29, further comprising a connector leg assembly configured to selectively secure a bottom portion of the base to a bottom portion of the upright member, the connector leg assembly comprising two or more protruding members configured to selectively attach to the bottom portions of the base and the upright member.
Embodiment 31. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-30, wherein the two or more protruding members are separated from one another in at least one direction by a distance substantially equal to the width (Z) of the upright member.
Embodiment 32. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 22-31, wherein at least one of the upright members is configured to function as a backrest or armrest.
Embodiment 33. A modular furniture assembly comprising a base having a length (X), a width (Y), and a height (H); and a plurality of upright members, each upright member having a length, a width (Z1), a height (HU), and have two receiving holes having a separation distance (Z2) wherein the height (HU) of each upright member is substantially greater than the height (H) of the base, wherein the base and the plurality of upright members have a defined spatial relationship, the defined spatial relationship being: the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to a sum of the width (Y) of the base and two times a dimension (Z) which is selected from the width (Z1) of the plurality of upright members or the separation distance (Z2), such that different configurations can be formed.
Embodiment 34. The modular furniture assembly of the embodiments 33, wherein at least one of the plurality of upright members is configured to function as a backrest or armrest.
Embodiment 35. The modular furniture assembly of any of the embodiments 33-34, wherein the plurality of upright members include a first upright member having length (X′), wherein the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to the length (X′) of the first upright member, wherein the plurality of upright members include a second upright member having a length that is one of: (Y); (X+Z); or (Y+Z).
Embodiment 36. A modular furniture assembly comprising a base having a length (X) and a width (Y); an upright member having a width (Z), wherein the base and the upright member have a defined spatial relationship, the defined spatial relationship being: the length (X) of the base is substantially equal to a sum of the width (Y) of the base and two times the width (Z) of the upright member, such that different furniture configurations can be formed; and a connector leg that couples the base and the upright member together, wherein the connector leg includes one or more protruding members that each include a top end and a base portion, the top end being narrower than the base portion to allow tilting of the base when the modular furniture assembly is in a partially assembled state.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/046,287 filed on Jun. 30, 2020, and entitled “RECONFIGURABLE MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY WITH OVERLAPPING GEOMETRY,” which application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63046287 | Jun 2020 | US |
