MODULAR FURNITURE SYSTEM

Abstract

A modular furniture system having 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 has a plurality of structural members, each with multiple rows of openings which extend through the 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.

Claims

1. A modular furniture system comprising: a plurality of structural members, the structural members all having the same width and depth, 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 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.

2. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 1, wherein 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.

3. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 1, wherein the second openings of the second row of openings are offset from the first openings of the first row of openings along the length of the structural members.

4. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 1, wherein a third row of openings of the multiple rows of openings has equally spaced third openings having a third diameter, a third center line extending through the center of the third openings of the third row of openings is parallel to the first center line and the second center line.

5. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 4, wherein 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.

6. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 4, wherein the third openings of the third row of openings are offset from the second openings of the second row of openings along the length of the structural members and the third openings of the third row of openings are in-line with the first openings of the first row of openings along the length of the structural members.

7. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 2, wherein mounting brackets having mounting openings are positioned to cooperate with the plurality of structural members, a diameter of the mounting openings is the same as the first diameter of the first openings and the third diameter of the third openings.

8. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 7, wherein the mounting brackets have a first leg which is positioned essentially perpendicular to a second leg, the first leg being longer than the second leg.

9. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 7, wherein mounting hardware of different defined lengths and diameters are provided to extend through respective first openings, second openings, third openings and mounting openings to secure the structural members and mounting bracket together.

10. A modular furniture system comprising: a plurality of structural members, the structural members all having the same width and depth, 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 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; wherein 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.

11. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 10, wherein the third openings of the third row of openings are in-line with the first openings of the first row of openings along the length of the structural members.

12. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 11, wherein the second openings of the second row of openings are offset from the first openings of the first row of openings and the third openings of the third row of openings along the length of the structural members.

13. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 10, wherein 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 of the third row of openings.

14. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 10, wherein the first openings of the first row of openings and the third openings of the third row of openings are equally spaced.

15. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 10, wherein the second openings of the second row of openings are equally spaced.

16. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 10, wherein a first center line extending through the center of the first openings, a second center line extending through the center of the second openings and a third center line extending through the center of the third openings are essentially parallel to each other.

17. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 10, wherein mounting brackets having mounting openings are positioned to cooperate with the plurality of structural members, a diameter of the mounting openings is the same as the first diameter of the first openings and the third diameter of the third openings.

18. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 17, wherein the mounting brackets have a first leg which is positioned essentially perpendicular to a second leg, the first leg being longer than the second leg.

19. The modular furniture system as recited in claim 17, wherein mounting hardware of different defined lengths and diameters are provided to extend through respective first openings, second openings, third openings and mounting openings to secure the structural members and mounting bracket together.

20. A structural member for use in a modular furniture system, the structural member comprising: a generally planar first surface and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface, a depth of the structural members extends between the first surface and the second surface; multiple rows of openings 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 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; wherein 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.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative Adirondack chair constructed using components of the modular furniture system of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of illustrative structural members of the modular furniture system, the structural members shown in various illustrative lengths.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative single angle bracket of the modular furniture system.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an illustrative double angle bracket of the modular furniture system.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of illustrative fastening members of the modular furniture system, the fastening members shown in various illustrative lengths and diameters.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view showing two structural members joined via the outer row of holes.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a front view showing two structural members joined via the inner row of holes.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view showing two structural members joined via an angle bracket.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing two structural members joined perpendicularly to a third structural member, one via an angle bracket and the other via the outer row of holes.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative side table constructed using components of the modular furniture system of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an illustrative bench constructed using components of the modular furniture system of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an illustrative bookshelf constructed using components of the modular furniture system of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a portion of an illustrative silicon cushion exploded from a structural member of the modular furniture system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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 FIG. 1, the side table 200 shown in FIG. 10, the bench 300 shown in FIG. 11, and the bookshelf 400 shown in FIG. 12. Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the modular furniture system 10 includes structural segments, elements or members 20, brackets 50 and fastening members 70.

[0030] As best shown in FIG. 2, the structural members 20 each have the same the same width W and depth D. However, various structural members 20 are provided in different lengths L. For example, in one illustrative system, the structural members may have a width W of 10 cm and a length L of between 10 cm and 100 cm (increasing in 10 cm increments). The depth D is dependent upon the type of material used to construct the structural members 20. This allows the structural members 20 to be assembled to form different pieces of furniture using the same structural elements 20 in a different pattern or configuration. For example, in FIG. 11, the bench 300 has different length structural members 20 which form the width, height and length of the bench.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the structural members 20 have a generally planar first surface 22 and an oppositely facing generally planar second surface 24. The depth D of each of the plurality of structural members 20 extends between the first surface 22 and the second surface 24. A first end 26 and a second end 28 extends between the first surface 22 and the second surface 24. First side 30 and second side 32 also extend between the first surface 22 and the second surface 24. The edges provided between the surfaces, ends and sides are rounded to eliminate sharp edges.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the third diameter d3 of the third openings 44 of the third row 42 is the same as the first diameter d1 of the first openings 36 of the first row 34. The second diameter d2 of the second openings 40 of the second row 38 is different than the first diameter d1 of the first openings 36 and the third diameter d3 of the third openings 44. In the embodiment shown, the second diameter d2 of the second openings 40 is larger than the first diameter d1 of the first openings 36 of the first row 34 and the third diameter d3 of third openings 44 of the third row 42, although other configurations may be used. For example, the diameter d2 may be twice the diameter d1.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3, an illustrative bracket 50 is shown. Each bracket 50 has a first leg 52 and a second leg 54. In the embodiment shown, the first leg 52 is longer than the second leg 54 and is essentially perpendicular to the second leg 54.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, bracket 50 may include more than one opening 68 in the first legs 52 or the second legs 54. In such embodiments, the openings 68 are spaced apart the same distance as the first and third openings 36, 44, thereby allowing the openings 68 of the brackets 50 to align with the first and third openings 36, 44 of the structural member 20 to allow for proper assembly of the furniture

[0046] Fastening members 70 are best shown in FIG. 5. The fastening members 70 in the illustrative embodiment shown are sex bolts. Each fastening member 70 has a female internally threaded barrel 72 and a male externally threaded screw 74. Both the barrel 72 and screw 74 have heads 76. The heads 76 are configured to be received in the tapered lead-in surfaces of the openings 36, 40, 44, 68 such that the heads 76 are flush with respective surfaces when fully tightened. The heads 76 are designed to clamp or bind the structural members 20 and/or brackets 50 between the head 76 of the barrel 72 and the head 76 of the screw 74. As shown in FIG. 5, the fastening members 70 may have different lengths and diameters depending upon the requirement for assembly. The fastening members 70 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, titanium, metal alloys and plastic. While the fastening members 70 are shown as sex bolts, other type of fasteners can be used.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 13, accessories 80 may be provided to cooperate with the support members 20. In the embodiment shown, a silicon cushion 80 is shown with projections 82 which are dimensioned to be received in openings 40 to provide a frictional fit therebetween. However other types of projections and other methods of securing the accessories can be used. While a cushion is shown, other types or accessories, such as, but not limited to, lights, cup holders and glass tops, can be incorporated into the modular furniture system 10. In addition, other components, such as, but not limited to, hinges and handles may also be included in the modular furniture system 10.

[0048] 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 FIGS. 1, 10, 11 and 12 respectively.

[0049] 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. FIG. 6 depicts one illustrative method of securing two support members 20 together. The support members 20 are joined at a ninety degree angle. In this position, respective openings 36, 44 of a first support member 20 align with respective openings 36, 44 of a second support member 20. Fastening members 70 are inserted through the openings 36, 44 and are tightened to secure the support members 20. As four fastening members 70 are used, the first support member 20 is fixedly secured to the second support member 20 in this position.

[0050] FIG. 7 depicts another illustrative method of securing two support members 20 together. The support members 20 are joined at a ninety degree angle. In this position, a respective opening 40 of a first support member 20 align with a respective opening 40 of a second support member 20. A fastening member 70 is inserted through the openings 40 and is tightened to secure the support members 20. The fastening member 70 has a larger diameter than the fastening members 70 of FIG. 6, thereby allowing the larger fastening member 70 to have sufficient strength. As one fastening member 70 is used, the first support member 20 is pivotally secured to the second support member 20 in this position, allowing the first support member 20 to move slight relative to the second support member 20 as assembly of the furniture occurs.

[0051] FIG. 8 depicts another illustrative method of securing two support members 20 together. The support members 20 are joined at a ninety degree angle using a bracket 50. In this position, a respective opening 36 of a first support member 20 aligns with a respective opening 68 of the bracket 50 and a respective opening 36 of a second support member 20 aligns with another respective opening 68 of the bracket 50. A fastening member 70 is inserted through each of the respective opening 36 of a first support member 20 and the respective opening 68 of the bracket 50 and the respective opening 36 of a second support member 20 and the other respective opening 68 of the bracket 50. The fastening members 70 are tightened to fixedly secure the support members 20. In the embodiment shown, the horizontal structural member 20 is resting solely on the bracket 50 and all of the weight resting on the horizontal structural member would be transferred to the bracket 50 and fastening member 70. In an alternate configuration, the bracket 50 can be flipped so that the horizontal structural member 20 is resting on both the bracket 50 and the vertical structural member 20.

[0052] 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.

[0053] FIG. 9 depicts another illustrative method of securing three or more support members 20 together. The support members 20 are joined at a ninety degree angle. In this position, respective openings 36, 44 of a first support member 20 align with respective openings 36, 44 of a second support member 20. Fastening members 70 are inserted through two of the openings 36, 44 and are tightened to secure the first and second support members 20. The third support member 20 is joined at a ninety degree angle to the second support member 20 using a bracket 50. In this position, a respective opening 36 of the second support member 20 aligns with a respective opening 68 of the bracket 50 and a respective opening 36 of the third support member 20 aligns with another respective opening 68 of the bracket 50. A fastening member 70 is inserted through each of the respective opening 36 of the second support member 20 and the respective opening 68 of the bracket 50 and the respective opening 36 of the third support member 20 and the other respective opening 68 of the bracket 50. The fastening member 70 extends through a respective opening 36 of the first support member 20. The fastening member is tightened to fixedly secure the support members 20. Additionally, a respective opening 44 of the second support member 20 aligns with a respective opening 68 of a second bracket 50 and a respective opening 44 of the third support member 20 aligns with another respective opening 68 of the bracket 50. A fastening member 70 is inserted through each of the respective opening 44 of the second support member 20 and the respective opening 68 of the bracket 50 and the respective opening 44 of the third support member 20 and the other respective opening 68 of the bracket 50. The fastening member 70 extends through a respective opening 44 of the first support member 20. The fastening member is tightened to fixedly secure the support members 20.

[0054] FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate various ways to secure support members 20 together to form various pieces of furniture. However, other methods of securing the support members 20 together can be used.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.