MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY WITH LOCKING MECHANISM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A modular furniture assembly a first strut assembly, a second strut assembly, and a connector. The first strut assembly includes a first strut, a first strut end fitting, and a first locking member. The second strut assembly includes a second strut, a second strut end fitting, and a second locking member. The connector includes a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The first receptacle is configured to accommodate protruding portions of the first strut end fitting. The second receptacle is configured to accommodate protruding portions of the second strut end fitting. The first locking member is configured to interface with the first strut end fitting and couple with the connector to secure the first strut to the connector. The second locking member is configured to interface with the second strut end fitting and couple with the connector to secure the second strut to the connector.

Claims

1. A modular furniture assembly comprising: a first strut having a first strut first end portion and a first strut second end portion disposed opposite to the first strut first end portion, the first strut being elongated along a first strut axis that extends through the first strut first end portion and the first strut second end portion; a first strut first end fitting attached to the first strut first end portion, the first strut first end fitting comprising protruding portions that extend transverse to the first strut axis to beyond an outer surface of the first strut first end portion; a second strut having a second strut first end portion and a second strut second end portion disposed opposite to the second strut first end portion, the second strut being elongated along a second strut axis that extends through the second strut first end portion and the second strut second end portion; a second strut first end fitting attached to the second strut first end portion, the second strut first end fitting comprising protruding portions that extend transverse to the second strut axis to beyond an outer surface of the second strut first end portion; a connector comprising a first receptacle and a second receptacle, the first receptacle being configured to accommodate insertion of the protruding portions of the first strut first end fitting into the first receptacle, the second receptacle being configured to accommodate insertion of the protruding portions of the second strut first end fitting into the second receptacle; a first locking member having a central passage through which at least one of the first strut first end portion and the first strut first end fitting extends, the first locking member being configured to interface with the first strut first end fitting and be coupled to the connector so as to clamp the protruding portions of the first strut first end fitting to an interfacing surface of the first receptacle to fixedly secure the first strut to the connector; and a second locking member having a central passage through which at least one of the second strut first end portion and the second strut first end fitting extends, the second locking member being configured to interface with the second strut first end fitting and be coupled to the connector so as to clamp the protruding portions of the second strut first end fitting to an interfacing surface of the second receptacle to fixedly secure the second strut to the connector.

2. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first locking member is coupled with the connector via a first threaded connection; and the second locking member is coupled with the connector via a second threaded connection.

3. The modular furniture assembly of claim 2, wherein: the first threaded connection is disposed within the first receptacle; and the second threaded connection is disposed within the second receptacle.

4. The modular furniture assembly of claim 3, wherein: the first threaded connection has a first pitch diameter; the protruding portions of the first strut first end fitting extend transverse to the first strut axis to beyond the first pitch diameter; the second threaded connection has a second pitch diameter; and the protruding portions of the second strut first end fitting extend transverse to the second strut axis to beyond the second pitch diameter.

5. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first strut first end fitting is attached to the first strut first end portion via a threaded connection; and the second strut first end fitting is attached to the second strut first end portion via a threaded connection.

6. The modular furniture assembly of claim 5, wherein: the first locking member comprises a first locking member sleeve portion and a first locking member flanged portion attached to an end of the first locking member sleeve portion; the first locking member sleeve portion has a first locking member sleeve end surface configured to clamp the protruding portions of the first strut first end fitting to the interfacing surface of the first receptacle; the first locking member flanged portion is configured to be disposed outside of the first receptacle when the protruding portions of the first strut end fitting are clamped to the interfacing surface of the first receptacle to be accessible for rotation of the first locking member flanged portion relative to the connector; the second locking member comprises a second locking member sleeve portion and a second locking member flanged portion attached to an end of the second locking member sleeve portion; the second locking member sleeve portion has a second locking member sleeve end surface configured to clamp the protruding portions of the second strut first end fitting to the interfacing surface of the second receptacle; and the second locking member flanged portion is configured to be disposed outside of the second receptacle when the protruding portions of the second strut end fitting are clamped to the interfacing surface of the second receptacle to be accessible for rotation of the second locking member flanged portion relative to the connector.

7. The modular furniture assembly of claim 6, wherein: the first locking member flanged portion comprises radially protruding portions that are circumferentially spaced; and the second locking member flanged portion comprises radially protruding portions that are circumferentially spaced.

8. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first strut first end fitting is attached to the first strut first end portion via a riveted connection; and the second strut first end fitting is attached to the second strut first end portion via a riveted connection.

9. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, further comprising a panel having a first elongated edge portion and a second elongated edge portion, and wherein: the first strut has an elongated first strut receptacle shaped to receive and interface with the first elongated edge portion; and the second strut has an elongated second strut receptacle shaped to receive and interface with the second elongated edge portion.

10. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a spherical exterior surface.

11. The modular furniture assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a third strut having a third strut first end portion and a third strut second end portion disposed opposite to the third strut first end portion, the third strut being elongated along a third strut axis that extends through the third strut first end portion and the third strut second end portion; a third strut first end fitting attached to the third strut first end portion, the third strut first end fitting comprising protruding portions that extend transverse to the third strut axis to beyond an outer surface of the third strut first end portion; a third locking member having a central passage through which at least one of the third strut first end portion and the third strut first end fitting extends, wherein the connector further comprises a third receptacle configured to accommodate insertion of the protruding portions of the third strut first end fitting into the third receptacle, and wherein the third locking member is configured to interface with the third strut first end fitting and be coupled to the connector so as clamp the protruding portions of the third strut first end fitting to an interfacing surface of the third receptacle to fixedly secure the third strut to the connector.

12. The modular furniture assembly of claim 11, further comprising a terminal support fitting configured to attach to a furniture member, and wherein the connector further comprises a fourth receptacle via which the terminal support fitting is attachable to the connector.

13. The modular furniture assembly of claim 12, wherein: the furniture member comprises a glass table top member; and the terminal support fitting comprises a suction cup configured to interface with the glass table top.

14. A method of fabricating a furniture assembly, the method comprising: inserting a first strut into a central passage of a first locking member; attaching a first strut first end fitting to a first strut first end portion of the first strut; inserting the first strut first end fitting into a first receptacle of a connector; and coupling the first locking member to the connector so as to clamp protruding portions of the first strut first end fitting to an interfacing surface of the first receptacle to fixedly secure the first strut to the connector.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein coupling the first locking member to the connector comprises engaging a male thread of the first locking member with a female thread of the connector that defines a portion of the first receptacle.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: inserting a second strut into a central passage of a second locking member; attaching a second strut first end fitting to a second strut first end portion of the second strut; inserting the second strut first end fitting into a second receptacle of the connector; and coupling the second locking member to the connector so as to clamp protruding portions of the second strut first end fitting to an interfacing surface of the second receptacle to fixedly secure the second strut to the connector.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: coupling a first panel to the first strut by inserting a first elongated edge portion of the first panel into an elongated first strut receptacle of the first strut; and coupling the first panel to the second strut by inserting a second elongated edge portion of the first panel into an elongated second strut receptacle of the second strut.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: inserting a third strut into a central passage of a third locking member; attaching a third strut first end fitting to a third strut first end portion of the third strut; inserting the third strut first end fitting into a third receptacle of the connector; and coupling the third locking member to the connector so as to clamp protruding portions of the third strut first end fitting to an interfacing surface of the third receptacle to fixedly secure the third strut to the connector.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: attaching a terminal support fitting to the connector via a fourth receptacle of the connector; and attaching a furniture member to the terminal support fitting.

20. A locking mechanism comprising: an end fitting configured to couple with a structural member, the end fitting comprising protruding portions; a connector comprising a receptacle configured to accommodate insertion of the protruding portions of the end fitting into the receptacle and to restrain rotation of the end fitting within the receptacle; and a locking member having a central passage configured to interface with the structural member, the locking member being configured to be coupled to the connector so as clamp the protruding portions of the end fitting to an interfacing surface of the receptacle to fixedly secure the end fitting to the connector.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view illustration of an example modular furniture assembly configured as a table, in accordance with embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 is an end view illustration of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustration of an upper corner portion of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view illustration of the upper corner portion of FIG. 3.

[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled arrangement of the upper corner portion illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustration of a lower corner portion of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a modular furniture assembly that includes struts having longitudinal recesses and a panel with edges engaged with the longitudinal recesses to support and constrain the panel, in accordance with embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 7.

[0033] FIG. 9A illustrates a connector of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1 from respective viewing directions.

[0034] FIG. 9B illustrates a connector that includes non-orthogonal receptacles, in accordance with embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a strut end fitting of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a locking member of the modular furniture assembly of FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates a strut end fitting coupled to a strut with a fastener that extends through a side of the strut, in accordance with embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates a modular furniture assembly with multiple levels of connectors and struts, in accordance with embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of connecting a strut with a connector, in accordance with embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of connecting a panel to struts of a modular furniture assembly, in accordance with embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a simplified flow chart illustrating a method of connecting a furniture member to a connector via a terminal support fitting, in accordance with embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

[0043] Modular assemblies described herein can be employed in a variety of furniture items that can be readily assembled. In many embodiments, the furniture item can be disassembled, reconfigured, and reassembled quickly and easily as the desires and needs of the user change. Improvements in materials and manufacturing techniques, including injection molding, 3D printing, and other additive manufacturing techniques, allow for a wide selection of materials for the construction of the modular components of embodiments described herein.

[0044] Turning now to the drawing figures in which similar reference identifiers are used to designate similar elements, FIG. 1 shows a side view of a modular table 100. FIG. 2 shows an end view of the modular table 100. The modular table 100 is an example of a modular furniture assembly that can be constructed using the modular components and related methods described herein. The modular components and related methods described herein can be used to make a wide variety of furniture assemblies including, but not limited to, tables, chairs, frames, book shelfs, entertainment centers, bed frames, cabinets, desks, couches, and other furniture items or the like. The modular table 100 includes connectors 102, a set of vertically oriented strut assemblies 104, a first set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 106, a second set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 108 (shown in FIG. 2), a table top panel 110, table top connection fittings 112, and floor support fittings 114. The connectors 102 include receptacles 116. Each of the receptacles 116 is configured to receive, accommodate, and couple with any one of: (1) a respective end portion of a respective one of the strut assemblies 104, 106, 108, and (2) a terminal support fitting such as one of the table top connection fittings 112 or one of the floor support fittings 114. A frame structure 118 of the modular table 100 is formed via the strut assemblies 104, 106, 108 being interconnected via respective instances of the connectors 102. Each of the table top connection fittings 112 is coupled to a respective one of the connectors 102. Each of the floor support fittings 114 is coupled with a respective one of the connectors 102. Each of the table top connection fittings 112 interface with the table top panel 110. In the modular table 100, there are four table top connection fittings 112 that support the table top panel 110. In the modular table 100, there are four floor support fittings 114 that are configured to interface with a floor structure that supports the modular table 100.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the vertically oriented strut assemblies 104 have the same first length, each of the first set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 106 have the same second length, and each of the second set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 108 have the same third length. In the illustrated embodiment, the second set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 108 have a third length that is somewhat longer than the first length of the vertically oriented strut assemblies 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the first set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 106 have a second length that is substantially longer than the third length of the second set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 108. The strut assemblies 104, 106, 108, however, can have any suitable lengths. For example, the second set of horizontally oriented strut assemblies 108 can have the same length as the vertically oriented strut assemblies 104, such that the frame structure 118 has a square end profile. The respective lengths of the strut assemblies 104, 106, 108 can be selected so that the frame structure 118 can have any suitable length, width, and height.

[0046] The table top panel 110 can have any suitable configuration and be fabricated from any suitable material. For example, the table top panel 110 can include a glass panel, a wood panel, a plastic panel, or a metal panel. The table top panel 110 can have a bottom surface that is substantially non-porous such that a suction cup, such as in the table top connection fitting 112 described herein, can couple to the bottom surface.

[0047] FIG. 3 is an exploded view illustration of an upper corner portion 300 (defined in FIG. 1) of the modular table 100. FIG. 3 further illustrates aspects of the connector 102, the strut assemblies 104, 106, and the table top connection fitting 112. Each of the strut assemblies 104 includes a strut 104-S, two strut end fittings 122, and two strut locking members 124. Each of the strut assemblies 106 includes a strut 106-S, two strut end fittings 122, and two strut locking members 124. Likewise, each of the strut assemblies 108 includes a strut 108-S, two strut end fittings 122, and two strut locking members 124. Each of the locking members 124 has a central passage 126 that extends through the locking member 124. The table top connection fitting 112 includes a strut locking member 124 and a suction cup assembly 130.

[0048] In many embodiments, each of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S is an elongated structural member. Each of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can have any suitable cross-sectional shape that can be accommodated within the central passage 126 of the locking member 124. For example, each of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can have a substantially circular cross section. In other embodiments, the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can have a square cross section, an elliptical cross section, a rectangular cross section, or other shaped cross section. The struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can be solid, tubular, or have portions that are solid and other portions that are hollow or tubular as suitable for any particular modular furniture assembly. The struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can have any length suitable for any particular modular furniture assembly. As described herein, the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can have an elongated channel adapted to receive an elongated edge of a panel to constrain and support the panel. In the illustrated embodiment, the central passage 126 has a cylindrical inner surface sized to slidingly receive any one of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S. Each of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S has two end portions 128, which are disposed on opposite ends of the strut. The strut end fitting 122 is configured for attachment to any one of the end portions 128. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the struts in a modular furniture assembly can be selected to satisfy design requirements of the modular furniture assembly while still retaining modularity, including load capacities, weight, and material cost. For example, some struts could be selected to be aluminum where additional strength is required while other struts could be selected to be a plastic to reduce material costs where additional strength is not required.

[0049] The strut end fitting 122 has a strut coupling portion 136 and a connector coupling portion 138. The strut coupling portion 136 is configured to couple with an end portion 128 of any of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S. The strut coupling portion 136 and the end portions 128 of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can have any suitable complementary features for attachment of the coupling portion 136 to the end portion 128. For example, in some embodiments, the strut coupling portion 136 and the end portions 128 of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S are configured for interconnection via a threaded connection. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut coupling portion 136 has a male threaded segment and the end portion 128 has a complementarily configured female threaded segment for coupling with the male threaded segment of the strut coupling portion 136. As another example, the strut end fitting 122 can be coupled with the end portion 128 via a riveted connection or a threaded fastener, such that the rivet or threaded fastener is engaged with the strut end fitting 122 and a side wall of the end portion 128. In such embodiments, the sidewall of the end portion 128 can have a countersunk fastener hole to accommodate a countersunk fastener that does not extend beyond the outer surface of the end portion 128. The connector coupling portion 138 of the strut end fitting 122 includes features that protrude transverse to the elongate direction of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S to beyond the outer surface of the end portion 128 of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector coupling portion 138 has four protruding tabs that protrude transverse to the elongate direction of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S and form a cross oriented transverse to the elongate axis of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S. In other embodiments, the connector coupling portion 138 has one, two, three, or more than four protruding tabs. In many embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the connector coupling portion 138 substantially matches a corresponding cross-sectional shape of each of the receptacles 116 of a connector 102 to accommodate insertion of the connector coupling portion 138 into the receptacle 116 and to prevent any significant rotation of the strut end fitting 122 around the elongate axis of the strut 104-S, 106-S, 108-S relative to the connector 102 when the connector coupling portion 138 is disposed within the receptacle 116.

[0050] The connectors 102, the strut end fittings 122, and/or the locking members 124 can be fabricated using any suitable approach. For example, the connectors 102, strut end fittings 122, and/or the locking members 124 can be fabricated via injection molding and/or three-dimensional printing. In addition, the connectors 102, the strut end fittings 122, and/or the locking members 124 can be fabricated using other approaches such as casting, machining, or other approaches using suitable materials.

[0051] The table top connection fitting 112 includes a strut locking member 124 and a suction cup assembly 130. The suction cup assembly 130 has a suction cup portion 132 and a stem portion 134 configured to be received within the central passage 126 of the strut locking member 124 so as to retain the suction cup assembly 130 to the strut locking member 124 against inadvertent separation of the suction cup assembly 130 from the strut locking member 124. The stem portion 134 can have any suitable configuration to enable coupling the suction cup assembly 130, and retention of the suction cup assembly 130, to the strut locking member 124. For example, the stem portion 134 can have a cylindrical outer surface having a diameter selected to be received by the central passage 126 of the strut locking member 124, and produce a suitable fit between the stem portion 134 and the strut locking member 124, such as a suitable minimal clearance fit up to a suitable maximum interference fit that accommodates the ability for an assembler to press-fit the stem portion 134 into the central passage 126 by hand.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a partially-assembled configuration of the upper corner 300. In the illustrated configuration, one locking member 124 is shown assembled to each of the illustrated struts 104-S, 106-S. One strut end fitting 122 is shown attached to an end portion 128 of each of the illustrated struts 104-S, 106-S. The illustrated configuration can be produced by first assembling each of the locking members 124 to the respective strut 104-S, 106-S via insertion of the end portion 128 of the respective strut 104-S, 106-S through the central passage 126 of the locking member 124, followed by attachment of a strut end fitting 122 to the end portion 128 of each of the respective struts 104-S, 106-S. The table top connection fitting 112 is shown with the suction cup assembly 130 coupled with the strut locking member 124 prior to coupling of the table top connection fitting 112 to the connector 102.

[0053] FIG. 4 further illustrates aspects of the receptacles 116 of the connector 102. Each of the receptacles 116 is partially defined by a bottom surface 140 that interfaces with an end surface of the connector coupling portion 138 when the strut assembly 104, 106, 108 is coupled to the connector 102. Each of the receptacles 116 is also partially defined by annularly distributed separate female threaded segments 142 that are separated from each other by an intervening non-threaded portion of the receptacle 116. The intervening non-threaded portions accommodate the protruding tabs of the connector coupling portion 138.

[0054] Each of the locking members 124 has a sleeve portion 144 and a collar portion 146. The sleeve portion 144 has a male threaded segment configured for threaded connection to the female threaded segments 142 of the receptacle 116. In many embodiments, the collar portion 146 is configured for grasping by an assembler of the modular table 100 to enable the assembler to rotate the locking member 124 relative to the connector 102 to engage the male threaded segment of the sleeve portion 144 with the female threaded segments 142 during coupling of the locking member 124 to one of the connectors 102.

[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates an assembled arrangement of the upper corner portion 300 of the modular table 100. In the illustrated configuration, each of the illustrated strut assemblies 104, 106 is shown fixedly coupled to the connector 102. The connector coupling portion 138 of the strut end fitting 122 of each of the strut assemblies 104, 106 is clamped into engagement with the bottom surface 140 of the respective receptacle 116 by the respective locking member 124 via threaded connection of the male threaded segment of the sleeve portion 144 with the female threaded segments 142 that partially define the respective receptacle 116. The table top connection fitting 112 is shown coupled to the illustrated connector 102 via threaded connection of the male threaded segment of the sleeve portion 144 of the locking member 124 with the female threaded segments 142 that partially define the respective receptacle 116.

[0056] FIG. 6 is an exploded view illustration of an lower corner portion 600 (defined in FIG. 1) of the modular table 100. Details of the connection of the strut assemblies 104, 106 and the connector 102 illustrated in FIG. 6 are the same as described herein with respect to the upper corner portion 300, and are therefore not repeated here. The floor support fitting 114 includes a strut locking member 124 and a floor interface assembly 148. The floor interface assembly 148 has a floor interface portion 150 and a stem portion 152 configured to be received within the central passage 126 of the strut locking member 124 so as to retain the floor interface assembly 148 to the strut locking member 124 against inadvertent separation of the floor interface assembly 148 from the strut locking member 124. The stem portion 152 can have any suitable configuration to enable coupling the floor interface assembly 148, and retention of the floor interface assembly 148, to the strut locking member 124. For example, the stem portion 152 can have a cylindrical outer surface having a diameter selected to be received by the central passage 126 of the strut locking member 124, and produce a suitable fit between the stem portion 152 and the strut locking member 124, such as a suitable minimal clearance fit up to a suitable maximum interference fit that accommodates the ability for an assembler to press-fit the stem portion 152 into the central passage 126 by hand.

[0057] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate a modular furniture assembly 700 that includes four of the connectors 102, two strut assemblies 706, two strut assemblies 708, and a panel 710. Any suitable number and/or variation of the modular furniture assembly 700 can be included in any suitable modular furniture assembly so as to include a suitable number of panels like or similar to the panel 710. Each of the strut assemblies 706 is configured the same as the strut assembly 106, except for including a strut 706-S in place of the strut 106-S of the strut assembly 106. The strut 706-S is configured the same as the strut 106-S, except the strut 706-S has an elongated receptacle 712 configured to receive, accommodate, and interface with a respective perimeter edge segment 714 of the panel 710. Likewise, each of the strut assemblies 708 is configured the same as the strut assembly 108, except for including a strut 708-S in place of the strut 108-S of the strut assembly 108. The strut 708-S is configured the same as the strut 108-S, except the strut 708-S has an elongated receptacle 716 configured to receive, accommodate, and interface with a respective perimeter edge segment 718 of the panel 710. The panel 710 can act as a shelf, seat, divider, or other similar component of a modular furniture assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel 710 has cutaways 720 disposed near the connectors 102 to prevent interference of the panel 710 with the connectors 102 and the strut locking members 124, as well as provide access to the connectors 102 and the strut locking members 124 during assembly. The cutaway 720 can have any suitable shape (e.g, round, angular segments). In some embodiments, each of the elongated receptacles 712, 716 have a rectangular cross-section for receiving, accommodating, and interfacing with corresponding rectangular cross-sections of respective perimeter edges 714, 718 when the panel 710 is flat, such as illustrated in FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the perimeter edges 714, 718 can have a chamfer or radius and the elongated receptacles 712, 716 can have a cross-sectional shape that reflects the chamfer or radius, or otherwise accommodates the chamfer or radius, to enhance ease of insertion of the perimeter edges 714, 718 into the respective receptacles 712, 716. One skilled in the art would recognize a variety of panel end and receptacle configurations suitable for a furniture assembly.

[0058] FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of the connector 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 102 includes a spherical exterior surface 154 and six receptacles 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 102 includes regions 156. Each of the regions 156 surrounds one of the receptacles 116 and is configured to provide a suitable minimum clearance between the connector 102 and the strut locking member 124 when the strut assembly 104, 106, 108 is connected to the connector 102. In some embodiments, each of the regions 156 is substantially planar so that the strut locking member 124 can be disposed closer to the center of the connector 102 as compared to when the region 156 is part of the spherical exterior surface 154. Configuring the connector 102 to have the spherical exterior surface 154 may result in the connector 102 having a reduced volume as compared to other exterior shapes for the connector 102. The connector 102, however, can have any other exterior shape suitable for particular furniture assemblies or methods of manufacture of connectors and components. In at least some embodiments, each of the six receptacles 116 is oriented orthogonal to each of four adjacent receptacles 116 and in line with one of the six receptacles disposed on an opposite side of the connector 102. In such embodiments, when six strut assemblies 104, 106, 108 are connected to the connector 102 via the six receptacles 116, the six connected strut assemblies includes three collinear pairs of the strut assemblies 104, 106, 108, with each of the collinear pairs extending orthogonal to each of the other two collinear pairs of strut assemblies 104, 106, 108.

[0059] Each of the receptacles 116 is partially defined by the annularly distributed separate female threaded segments 142, which are separated from each other by intervening non-threaded portions 158 of the receptacle 116 that accommodate the protruding tabs of the connector coupling portion 138. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the intervening non-threaded portions 158 extend radially beyond a pitch diameter of the female threaded segments 142.

[0060] The connector 102 can have any suitable number of the receptacles 116. Each of the receptacles 116 can have any suitable position and orientation relative to the other receptacles 116 of the connector 102. For example, the connector 102 can have one or more of the receptacles 116 that are positioned and oriented such that at least some strut assemblies connected to the connector 102 via the receptacles 116 have a relative orientation that is non-orthogonal. FIG. 9B illustrates an example connector 102 that has receptacles 116 that are positioned and oriented such that at least some strut assemblies connected to the connector 102 via the receptacles 116 have a relative orientation that is non-orthogonal.

[0061] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the strut end fitting 122. The strut end fitting 122 includes the strut coupling portion 136 and the connector coupling portion 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut coupling portion 136 has a male thread configured to engage a female threaded receptacle in an end portion 128 of any of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S. The connector coupling portion 138 has protruding tabs 160 that extend perpendicular to an end fitting axis 162 of the strut end fitting 122. The male threads of the strut coupling portion 136 are formed concentric to the end fitting axis 162. When coupled to one of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S, the end fitting axis 162 is coincident with the elongate axis (SA) of the strut. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector coupling portion 138 has four protruding tabs 160 that extend orthogonal to each other and perpendicular to the end fitting axis 162. Each of the four protruding tabs 160 are substantially rectangular with rounded corners as illustrated. In many embodiments, the intervening non-threaded portions 158 of most if not all of the receptacles 116 are configured to receive, accommodate, and interface with the protruding tabs 160 so as to prevent any significant rotation of the strut end fitting 122 relative to the connector 102, thereby preventing any significant rotation of the strut assembly 104, 106, 108 relative to the connector 102. The connector coupling portion 138 and the receptacle 116, however, can have any suitable complementary shapes for receipt, accommodation, and interface of the connector coupling portion 138 by and with the receptacle 116.

[0062] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the strut locking member 124. The illustrated strut locking member 124 includes the sleeve portion 144 and the collar portion 146. The sleeve portion 144 has a male threaded segment configured for threaded connection to the female threaded segments 142 of the receptacle 116. The collar portion 146 is configured for grasping by an assembler to enable the assembler to rotate the strut locking member 124 relative to the connector 102 to engage the male threaded segment of the sleeve portion 144 with the female threaded segments 142 during assembly of one of the strut assemblies 104, 106, 108 to one of the connectors 102. The sleeve portion 144 includes a clamping surface 164 that interfaces with a surface region of the connector coupling portion 138 of the strut end fitting 122 to clamp the connector coupling portion 138 to a strut end fitting interface surface that partially defines the receptacle 116 of the connector 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the collar portion 146 includes radially protruding portions 166 arranged circumferentially around the collar portion 146. The radially protruding portions 166 are sized and spaced to accommodate grasping and turning of the strut locking member 124 relative to the connector 124 during coupling of the strut locking member 124 to the connector 102 and decoupling of the strut locking member 124 from the connector 102. In some embodiments, the collar portion 146 can have features configured for engagement by an installation tool (e.g., a wrench) for turning of the strut locking member 124 relative to the connector 102.

[0063] FIG. 12 illustrates a strut end portion 128 with a strut end fitting 122 coupled to the strut end portion 128 with a fastener 168 inserted through an opening 170 in a side wall of the strut end portion 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut end portion 128 has a cylindrical receptacle into which the strut coupling portion 136 of the strut end fitting 122 is inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, the strut coupling portion 136 of the strut end fitting 122 has a cylindrical outer surface instead of male threads. The strut coupling portion 136 has a fastener hole that aligns with the opening 170 and accommodates the fastener 168, which secures the strut coupling portion 136 to the strut end portion 128. The opening 170 in the side wall of the strut end portion 128 is countersunk to accommodate a recessed head of the fastener 168 so that the recessed head of the fastener lies flush with or below the outer surface of the strut end portion 128, so that the strut locking member 124 can pass freely over the fastener 168. The fastener 168 can have any suitable configuration, such as a threaded fastener or a rivet.

[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates a modular frame assembly 200 that includes multiple instances of interconnected horizontally oriented strut assemblies 106, 108 that are interconnected by intervening vertically oriented strut assemblies 104. The modular frame assembly 200 provides an example of how the modular components described herein can be combined to create a multi-layered and/or multi-sectional modular furniture item or structural assembly. A person of skill in the art will readily recognize that the modular components described herein can be combined to create any of a wide variety of multi-layered and/or multi-sectional modular furniture items and structural assemblies. Additionally, variation in the number, position, and orientation of the receptacles 116 of the connectors 102 can be employed to enable the creation of even more complicated modular furniture items and structural assemblies.

[0065] FIG. 14 illustrates a method 400 of fabricating a modular furniture assembly. Any suitable modular components, including the modular components described herein, can be used to practice the method 400. In act 402, a strut is inserted through a central passage of a locking member. For example, the end portion 128 of one of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S can be passed through the central passage 126 of one of the strut locking members 124. After the strut locking member 124 has been assembled to the strut, a strut end fitting is attached to an end portion of the strut (act 404). For example, one of the strut end fittings 122 can be attached to the end portion 128 of the strut. Since the protruding portions 160 of the strut end fittings 122 extend beyond the outer surface of the end portion 128 of the strut, the protruding portions 160 of the strut end fittings 122 would prevent positioning of the strut locking members 124 onto the strut if a strut end fitting 122 is attached to each of the two end portions 128 of the strut. In act 406, the strut end fitting, which is attached to the end portion of the strut, is inserted into a receptacle in a connector. The receptacle is configured to receive the protruding portions of the end fitting such that the strut end fitting and strut are prevented from rotating around an elongate axis of the strut once inserted. For example, one of the strut end fittings 122, which is attached to the end portion 128 of one of the struts 104-S, 106-S, 108-S, can be inserted into one of the receptacles 116 of one of the connectors 102. In act 408, the locking member is moved along the strut to the connector and coupled to the connector such that locking member clamps the protruding portions of the strut end fitting against an interfacing surface within the receptacle. The coupling of the locking member can include engaging a male thread on the locking member with a female thread of the connector that defines a portion of the receptacle. For example, the strut locking member 124 can be moved along the strut 104-S, 106-S, 108-S to the connector 102 and coupled to the connector 102 via engaging the male thread on the strut locking member 124 with the female thread segments 142 disposed within the receptacle 116 of the connector 102 so as to clamp the protruding portions 160 of the strut end fitting 122 against an interfacing surface of the connector 102 within the receptacle 116.

[0066] Since the struts have two ends, it is possible in some embodiments for the method 400 to be applied only with regard to at least one of the strut ends. For example, the strut end fitting for a first end portion of a strut may be attached prior to the strut being inserted into the central passage of either a first or second locking member, since the strut can be inserted through each of the strut locking member 124 from a second end portion of the strut. Additionally, the first end portion and attached first strut end fitting may be inserted into a receptacle of a connector prior to inserting the second end portion into either the first or second strut locking member 124. The method 400 can then proceed as illustrated in FIG. 14 with regard to the second end portion of the strut, a second strut end fitting, and a second connector. Thus, in any assembly comprising various embodiments of the disclosed modular furniture assembly, the method 400 can be followed for coupling at least one end portion of a strut assembly to a connector. The method 400 can be repeated for any of the strut assembly end portions coupled to the connectors in the modular furniture assembly.

[0067] FIG. 15 illustrates a method 420, in accordance with embodiments, of connecting a panel to the struts of a modular furniture assembly. Any suitable modular components, including the modular components described herein, can be used to practice the method 420. In act 422, a panel is coupled to a first strut by inserting a first elongated edge portion of the panel into an elongated receptacle of the first strut. The coupling of the panel to the first strut can be accomplished by aligning the first elongated edge portion with the elongated strut receptacle and directing the first elongated edge portion of the panel into the elongated strut receptacle along a direction perpendicular to the dimension of the elongation. In embodiments where the elongated strut receptacle extends along the length of the strut to the end of at least one of the strut end portions, the first elongated edge portion can be coupled into the elongated strut receptacle by sliding the first elongated edge portion along the receptacle. In embodiments where the elongated strut receptacle extends along the length of the strut to the end of at least one of the strut end portions, at least one panel edge portion and at least one corresponding strut receptacle can be configured to be a dovetail or similar interface. In act 424, a second elongated edge portion of the panel is coupled into an elongated receptacle of a second strut. The second elongated edge portion can be coupled to the elongated receptacle in a manner similar to the first elongated edge portion as described above.

[0068] FIG. 16 illustrates a method 460 of connecting terminal support fittings into the connectors of a modular furniture assembly and attaching a furniture element thereto, according to some embodiments. Any suitable modular components, including the modular components described herein, can be used to practice the method 460. In act 462, a terminal support fitting is attached to a connector via a receptacle of the connector. In some embodiments, the terminal support fitting is coupled to a locking member that couples to the connector via a threaded connection. The terminal support fitting can couple to the locking member by an interference fit with a central passage of the locking member. The terminal support fitting can have a portion configured to interface with the central passage of a locking member and a flared portion that extends over a sleeve portion of the locking member such that the flared portion retains the terminal support fitting to the locking member. The terminal support fitting and the locking member can be integrally formed with one portion configured to couple to a receptacle of the connector and another portion configured to attach to a furniture element. In act 464, a furniture member is attached to the terminal support fitting. In some embodiments, the furniture element can be a glass table top member and the terminal support fitting can have a suction cup portion. Attaching the table top to the suction cup portion can include pressing the table top into the section cup until the suction cup is engaged and a sealed interface formed between the table and the suction cup. Those skilled in the art would recognize that other configurations of terminal support fittings and furniture members are possible and within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the furniture member can have cavities disposed to receive a portion of a terminal support fitting shaped to fit the cavity. As another example, the terminal support fittings can be configured as a bracket to support a furniture element along a portion of one surface and a restrain it along a portion of one or more of its edges, e.g. a corner bracket.

[0069] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate and the inventors intend for the disclosure to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

[0070] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.