MODULAR FURNITURE APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF USING

Abstract

A modular furniture apparatus comprising: a cabinet having a cuboid shape having a flat top; a support component comprising a unitary body frame structure; a desktop panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface releasably connected to said top surface of said cabinet and said frame via suction cups.

Claims

1. A modular furniture apparatus, said furniture apparatus comprising: a cabinet, said cabinet comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on said cabinet top; a support component, said support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of said support; a desktop panel, said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of said desktop panel releasably connected to said top surface of said cabinet and said frame via said suction cups.

2. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a side panel said side panel releasably, magnetically connected to said support component.

3. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus further comprises a desktop backsplash panel, said backsplash panel removably and magnetically disposed on the top surface of said desktop panel such that said backsplash panel extends vertically at a right angle from said desktop panel.

4. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 3, wherein said apparatus further comprises a storage member, said storage member comprising a means for releasably connecting said storage member to said backsplash panel.

5. A modular furniture apparatus, said furniture apparatus comprising: a first cabinet, said first cabinet comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on said first cabinet top; a second cabinet, said second cabinet comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on said second cabinet top; a desktop panel, said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of said desktop panel releasably connected to said respective top surfaces of said first cabinet and said second cabinet suction cups.

6. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus further comprises a side panel said side panel releasably, magnetically connected to said support component.

7. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 5, wherein said apparatus further comprises a desktop backsplash panel, said backsplash panel removably and magnetically disposed on the top surface of said desktop panel such that said backsplash panel extends vertically at a right angle from said desktop panel.

8. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus further comprises a storage member, said storage member comprising a means for releasably connecting said storage member to said backsplash panel.

9. A modular furniture apparatus, said furniture apparatus comprising: a first support component, said first support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said first support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of said first support; a second support component, said second support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said second support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of said second support; a desktop panel, said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of said desktop panel releasably connected to said first and second support components via said suction cups.

10. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus further comprises a side panel said side panel releasably, magnetically connected to said support component.

11. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 9, wherein said apparatus further comprises a desktop backsplash panel, said backsplash panel removably and magnetically disposed on the top surface of said desktop panel such that said backsplash panel extends vertically at a right angle from said desktop panel.

12. The modular furniture apparatus of claim 11, wherein said apparatus further comprises a storage member, said storage member comprising a means for releasably connecting said storage member to said backsplash panel.

13. A modular furniture system, said modular furniture system comprising: at least two cabinets, said cabinets comprising a cuboid shape having a flat top; at least one suction cup disposed on each said cabinet top; at least two support components, each said support comprising a unitary body frame structure having an upper rectangular portion comprising a top, opposing front and rear rails, and opposing side rails, a lower rectangular portion comprising opposing front and rear rails and opposing side rails, and a rear vertically disposed parallel rails disposed between and connecting said upper portion and said lower portion, said support component further comprising a pair of opposing curved truss members disposed between and connecting said upper frame portion and said lower frame portion, each of said trusses connected to and extending from one of said rails; at least one suction cup disposed on said top of each said support; at least two desktop panels, each said panel having a flat upper surface and a flat opposing lower surface, said lower surface of each said desktop panel releasably connected to said top surface of said cabinet and said frame via said suction cups; at least two side panels, each said side panel releasably, magnetically connected to said support component; at least one desktop backsplash panel, each said backsplash panel removably and magnetically disposed on the top surface of one of said desktop panels such that said backsplash panel extends vertically at a right angle from said desktop panel; and at least one storage member, said storage member comprising a means for releasably connecting said storage member to said backsplash panel.

14. A modular furniture apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a frame, said frame said frame having top and a bottom; a panel, said panel disposed atop said frame; and a plurality of suction cups disposed between said panel and said top of said frame.

15. A modular furniture apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a frame, said frame having at least one generally flat side; a panel, said panel disposed against said side of said frame; a plurality of suction cups, said suction cups fixedly attached to one of said frame and said panel and removably attached to one of said frame and said panel, said cups disposed between said frame and said panel; a pad disposed on said frame; and upholstery disposed around said frame and said panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given hereinafter and from the accompanying drawings of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention, but are for explanation and understanding only. In the drawings:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a straight desk constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a cabinet for use with the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a support leg for use with the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a desktop panel for use with the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a backsplash panel for use with the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a storage unit for use with the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7 shows a side panel for use with the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 shows an alternative desk constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 shows an L-shaped desk constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 10 shows a U-shaped desk constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 11 shows cubicle desks constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary drawer for use with a file cabinet of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary frame and panel constructed in accordance with the present invention.

[0042] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplary embodiments set forth herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0043] The present invention will be discussed hereinafter in detail in terms of various exemplary embodiments according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be obvious, however, to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are not shown in detail in order to avoid unnecessary obscuring of the present invention.

[0044] Thus, all of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. As used herein, the word exemplary or illustrative means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation described herein as exemplary or illustrative is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, in the present description, the terms upper, lower, left, rear, right, front, vertical, horizontal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

[0045] Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0046] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the present modular furniture apparatus 1000 arranged as a desk. As illustrated in FIG. 1, modular furniture apparatus 1000 generally comprises file cabinet 200; frame body support leg 300; and flat desktop panel 400. Desktop 400 is releasably disposed atop cabinet 200 and leg 300 via one or more suction cups 100. As further illustrated in FIG. 1, modular furniture apparatus 1000, in a desk configuration, may further comprise backsplash 500. Preferably, backsplash 500 is releasably magnetically (or via additional suction cups 100) connected to the top of desktop 400 such that backsplash 500 extends vertically from deskstop 400 at a right angle.

[0047] Referring next to FIG. 2, there is shown a more detailed view of an exemplary cabinet 200 in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 200, cabinet 200 preferably comprises a generally cuboid shape having standard sized drawers. In some embodiments, hanging files drawers as shown in FIG. 12 may be included.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a more detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the frame body support legs 300 shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 3, support (or support legs) 300 comprises a frame body having a top and bottom supported by opposing right and left curved trusses and rear vertical rails disposed between the rectangular top and bottom.

[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown desktop panel 400 which is also shown in FIG. 1. As illustrated in FIG. 4, desktop 400 comprises a opposing flat top and bottom portions. The bottom of desktop 400 is releasably connected via suction cups 100 to the top of one or more legs 300 or one or more cabinets 400 based on the desired configuration of modular furniture apparatus 1000.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown backsplash 500 in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, backsplash 500 preferably comprises a steel body and may include border for safety and decoration.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown storage unit 600. Storage unit 600 is preferably a cuboid shape with a rear ledge that that can be releasably connected around the top edge of backsplash 500 via magnetic or suction connection as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an optional side panel 700 that may be releasably magnetically attached to a desired side of a leg 300 via magnets 150. In other sizes, panel 700 may be large enough to span the rear of, for example, modular furniture apparatus 1000 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, there is shown a plurality of alternative embodiment configurations of modular desk apparatus 1000 of the present invention.

[0054] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.