Modular furniture system

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to furniture, and more particularly to modular furniture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is known to provide modular furniture that can be assembled from pre-fabricated components. Modular furniture is more convenient and efficient to store and transport than non-modular furniture since the un-assembled components can be packed efficiently and shipped from the manufacturing facility to a store or home and then assembled, thereby reducing shipping costs. Also, some pieces of furniture are too heavy or are awkwardly-shaped to be conveniently moved through doorways, hallways or staircases. Modular furniture, on the other hand, can be delivered unassembled and then assembled in the room where it is to be used. Modular furniture is disclosed, for example, in US Patent No. 3,973,800 to Kogan, and GB1 356 125 A.

[0003] A sofa or armchair is typically constructed with a seat base (or deck) section, a left arm rest and a right armrest, and a seat back. The left and right armrests are usually mirror images of each other. Thus, the manufacture of a modular sofa or arm chair requires the manufacture of at least four distinct elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention provides a modular furniture system. The modular furniture system of the present invention can be implemented by manufacturing two distinct elements. The system of the invention comprises two or more of a first structural component, referred to herein as a "deck-back". The system further comprises two or more of a second structural component, referred to herein as a "side-element". Various types of furniture can be assembled using these two components. For example, a chair can be assembled using a first deck-back as the deck of the chair, a second deck-back for the back of the chair, a first side-element for the left side of the chair, and a second side-element for the right side of the chair. The modular system of the invention can also be used, for example, to construct a couch, sofa, ottoman, or table.

[0005] The invention thus provides a modular furniture system according to claim 1:

[0006] In the modular furniture system of the invention each deck-back may comprise a panel and a frame. The panel may be integral with the frame of the deck-back. Similarly, each side-element may comprise a panel and a frames, and the panel may be integral with the frame. The panel of the deck-back may have dimensions essentially equal to the dimensions of a side-element panel. The panel and frame of a deck-back or of a side-element may be produced in a single injection molding processes.

[0007] The modular furniture system of the invention may be adapted for the construction of any one of an armchair, sofa, ottoman, and table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a modular furniture system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 2a to Fig. 2n show assembly of the modular furniture system of Fig. 1 into an arm chair;

Fig. 3 shows a modular furniture system in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; and

Figs. 4a to Fig. 4r show assembly of the modular furniture system of Fig. 3 into a sofa.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Fig. 1 shows a modular furniture system 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The modular furniture system 1 comprises one or more deck-backs 2 and one or more side-elements 4. The deck-backs 2 and the side-elements 4 may be made of any material known to be used in the manufacture of furniture. In a preferred embodiment, the deck-backs 2 and the side-elements 4 are made from plastic. Each deck-back comprises a panel 6 attached to a frame 8. In a preferred embodiment, the panel 6 is integral with the frame 8. The panel 6 and the frame 8 may be from plastic and produced, for example, in a single injection molding process. Similarly, each side-element 4 comprises a panel 10 attached to a frame 12, and the panel 10 and the frame 12 may be integral with each other. The frame 12 includes a plurality of notches 13 into which a nut retainer 15 may be inserted to retain a nut may, as explained below. In a preferred embodiment, the panel 6 is identical to the panel 10.

[0010] The system 1 may further comprise one or more side cover panels 14 that are configured to be attached to either the frame 8 of a deck-back 2 or the frame 12 of a side-element 4, and a front panel 20. The system 1 may also include one or more cushions 16, 18 that can be incorporated into a piece of furniture assembled from the system. The system may also include various brackets, for example, the brackets 22, and 24, which can be used to attach an side cover panel 14 to either one of the frames 8 and 12, or to provide structural reinforcement to a piece of furniture. The system my further comprise parts for assembling the deck-backs 2 and the side-elements 4 into a piece of furniture. Such parts may include, for example, screws 26, nuts 28, clips 30, and an assembly wrench 32. Gliders 34 may also be provided for attachment to the underside of a piece of furniture in order to facilitate sliding of the piece over a floor.

[0011] Fig. 2 shows assembly of an armchair 36 from the system 1 (the assembled armchair is shown in Fig. 2n). First, as shown in Figs. 2a to 2c, a left-side frame 36 for the armchair 36 is assembled. One of the brackets 24 is snap-fitted onto the frames 12 of one of the side-elements 4 (Fig. 2a). Then a side cover panel 14 is attached as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 2b. Nut retainers 15 are inserted into the appropriate notches 13 and nuts 28 are inserted into the nut retainers 15 (Fig. 2c). The gliders 34 are then attached to the ends of the frame 12. Now, as shown in Figs. 2d to 2f, a right-side frame 38 for the armchair 36 is assembled. Another one of the brackets 24 is snap-fitted onto the frame 12 of another one of the side-elements 4 (Fig. 2d). Then a side cover panel 14 is attached (Fig. 2e). Nuts 28 are then inserted into the nut retainers 15 and the gliders 34 are attached to the ends of the frame 12 (Fig. 2f).

[0012] Fig. 2g shows the assembly of a chair back 40 for the armchair 36. A side cover panel 14 is screwed onto brackets 42 that are integral with a deck-back 2. The brackets 42 are angled relative to the panel 6 of the deck-back, so that the side cover panel 14 is angled relative to the panel 6. Figs. 2 h and i show the right-side frame 38, the chair back 40 and the left-side frame 37, being assembled together using the screws 26 and the wrench 32.

[0013] Now, as shown in Fig. 2j, a chair deck 44 is assembled from another deck-back 2 and a front panel 20. The front panel 20 of the chair deck 44 is attached at a right angle to the deck-back 2. A clip 30 is then attached to each of the two lateral sides of the deck-back. The chair deck 44 is then assembled onto the assembly formed by the left and right side frames and the back (Figs. 2 k and l). One of the brackets 22 is then inserted into the underside of the chair, as shown in Fig. 2m, in order to enhance the sturdiness of the armchair. Cushions 16 and 18 may then be placed on the arm chair, as indicated in Fig. 2n, and assembly of the armchair 36 is complete.

[0014] Fig. 3 shows a modular furniture system 100 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The modular furniture system 100 has several components in common with the modular furniture system 1 shown in Fig. 1. Thus, the modular furniture system 100 comprises one or more deck-backs 2 and one or more side-elements 4, where each side-element 4 comprises a panel 10 attached to a frame 12, and each deck-back comprises a panel 6 attached to a frame 8. The system 100 further comprises one or more side cover panels 14 that are configured to be attached to either the frame 8 of a deck-back 2 or the frame 12 of a side-element 4, as shown below. The system 100 also includes front panels 20, and one or more cushions 16,18 that can be incorporated into a piece of furniture assembled from the system. The system may also include various brackets, for example, the brackets 21, 22, 23, 24and 29, which can be used to attach a side cover panel 14 to either one of the frames 8 and 12, or to provide structural reinforcement to a piece of furniture. The system my further comprise parts for assembling the deck-backs 2 and the side-elements 4 into a piece of furniture. Such parts may include, for example, screws 26 and 27, nuts 28, and the wrench 32, and connectors 17 and 19. Gliders 34 may also be provided for attachment to the underside of a piece of furniture in order to facilitate sliding of the piece over a floor.

[0015] Fig. 4 shows assembly of a sofa 102 from the system 100 (the assembled sofa is shown in Fig. 4r). First, as shown in Figs. 4a to 4c, a left-side frame 136 for the sofa 102 is assembled. One of the brackets 24 is snap-fitted onto the frame 12 of one of the side-elements 4 (Fig. 4a). Then a side cover panel 14 is attached (Fig. 4b). Nut retainers 15 are inserted into the appropriate notches 13 and nuts 28 are inserted into the nut retainers 15 (Fig. 4c). The gliders 34 are then attached to the ends of the frame 12. Now, as shown in Figs. 4d to 2f, a right-side frame 138 for the sofa 102 is assembled. Another one of the brackets 24 is snap-fitted onto the frame 12 of another one of the side-elements 4 (Fig. 4d). Then a side cover panel 14 is attached (Fig. 4c). Nut retainers 15 are inserted into the appropriate notches 13 and nuts 28 are inserted into the nut retainers 15. The gliders 34 are then attached to the ends of the frame 12 (Fig. 4f).

[0016] Fig. 4g shows the assembly of a chair back 140 for the sofa 102. A side cover panel 14 is screwed onto brackets 42 that are integral with a deck-back 2. The brackets 42 are angled relative to the panel 6 of the deck-back, so that the side cover panel 14 is angled relative to the panel 6. A second chair back 140 is then assembled, and then, as shown in Fig. 4h and i, the two chair backs 140 are joined together using one of the connectors 17 and the nuts 28.

[0017] Figs. 4j and k shows assembly of a deck for the sofa 102 by joining together two deck-backs 2 using another one of the connectors 17 and the nuts 28. In Fig. 4l, two front panels 20 are joined together using a connector 19, nuts 28 and the bracket 23. Then, as shown in Fig. 4m, the back assembly and the side frames are joined together. The deck of the sofa is then inserted (Fig. 4n), and secured with the bracket 29 (Fig. 4o). The two brackets 22 are then inserted into the underside of the sofa, as shown in Fig. 4p, in order to enhance the sturdiness of the sofa. The front panel assembly is then attached (Fig. 4q). Cushions 16 and 18 may then be placed on the arm chair, as indicated in Fig. 4n, and assembly of the sofa 102 is complete.

Claims

1. A modular furniture system (1) comprising:

(a) one or more deck-backs (2), each deck-back (2) being configured for use as a deck of a chair and further being configured for use as a back of a chair;

(b) one or more side-elements (4), each side-element (4) being configured for use as a right-side of a chair and further being configured for use as a left-side of a chair;

wherein, at least one of the one or more deck-backs (2) and the at least one of the one or more side elements (4) comprises a panel (10) and a frame (12), and one or more cover panels (14) fitted to the frame (12), spaced apart from the panel (10).

2. The modular furniture system according to Claim 1 wherein each deck-back comprises a panel and a frame.

3. The modular system according to Claim 2 wherein the panel of each deck-back is integral with the frame of the deck-back.

4. The modular furniture system according to Claim 1 wherein each side-element comprises a panel and a frame.

5. The modular system according to Claim 4 wherein the panel of each side-element is integral with the frame of the side-element.

6. The modular furniture system according to Claim 1 wherein each deck-back comprises a panel, each side-element comprises a panel, and the dimensions of a deck-back panel are essentially equal to the dimensions of a side-element panel.

7. The modular furniture system according to Claim 3 wherein the panel and frame of a deck-back are produced in a single injection molding processes.

8. The modular furniture system according to Claim 5 wherein the panel and frame of a side-element are produced in a single injection molding processes.

9. The modular furniture system according to any one of the previous claims adapted for the construction of any one of an armchair, sofa, ottoman, and table.

10. The system according to any one of the previous claims further comprising one or more side cover panels configured to be attached a frame of a deck-back and further configured to be attached to a frame of a side-element.

11. The system according to any one of the previous claims further comprising one or more front panels.

12. The system according to any one of the previous claims further comprising one or more cushions.

13. The system according to any one of the previous claims further comprising one or more brackets.

Ansprüche

1. Ein modulares Möbelsystem (1) umfassend:

(a) ein oder mehr Flächen-Lehnen (2), wobei jede Flächen-Lehne (2) für die Benutzung als eine Sitzfläche eines Stuhles konfiguriert ist und weiter für die Benutzung als eine Rückenlehne eines Stuhles konfiguriert ist;

(b) ein oder mehr Seitenelemente (4), wobei jedes Seitenelement (4) für die Benutzung als eine rechte Seite eines Stuhles konfiguriert ist und weiter für die Benutzung als eine linke Seite eines Stuhles konfiguriert ist;

wobei mindestens eine der ein oder mehr Flächen-Lehnen (2) und das mindestens eine der ein oder mehr Seitenelemente (4) eine Platte (10) und einen Rahmen (12) umfasst und ein oder mehr Deckplatten (14) am Rahmen (12) getrennt von der Platte (10) angeordnet angebrächt sind.

2. Das modulare Möbelsystem gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei jede Fläclaen-Lehne eine Platte und einen Rahmen umfasst.

3. Das modulare System gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei die Platte jeder Flächen-Lehne mit dem Rahmen der Flächen-Lehne integriert ist.

4. Das modulare Möbelsystem gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei jedes Seitenelement eine Platte und einen Rahmen umfasst.

5. Das modulare System gemäß Anspruch 4, wobei die Platte jedes Seitenelement mit dem Rahmen des Seitenelements integriert ist.

6. Das modulare Möbelsystem gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei jede Flächen-Lehne eine Platte umfasst, jedes Seitenelement eine Platte umfasst und die Abmessungen einer Flächen-Lelznen-Platte im Wesentlichen gleich sind zu den Abmessungen einer Seitenelernent-Platte.

7. Das modulare Möbelsystem gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei die Platte und der Rahmen einer Flächen-Lehne in einem einzigen Spritzgießverfahren hergestellt werden.

8. Das modulare Möbelsystem gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei die Platte und der Rahmen eines Seitenelements in einem einzigen Spritzgießverfahren hergestellt werden.

9. Das modulare Möbelsystem gemäß irgendeinem der vorherigen Ansprüche angepasst zum Aufbau von irgendeinem aus einem Sessel, einem Sofa, einer Ottomane und einem Tisch.

10. Das System gemäß irgendeinem der vorherigen Ansprüche weiter umfassend ein oder mehr Seitenabdeckplatten konfiguriert für das Anbringen am Rahmen einer Flächen-Lehne und weiter konfiguriert für das Anbringen am Rahmen eines Seitenelements.

11. Das System gemäß irgendeinen der vorherigen Ansprüche weitet umfassend ein oder mehr Frontplatten.

12. Das System gemäß irgendeinem der vorherigen Ansprüche weiter umfassend ein oder mehr Kissen.

13. Das System gemäß irgendeinem der vorherigen Ansprüche weiter umfassend ein oder mehr Kammern.

Revendications

1. Système de meuble modulaire (1), comprenant :

(a) un ou plusieurs éléments structurels formant assise-dossier (2), chaque élément structurel formant assise-dossier (2) étant configuré pour une utilisation en tant qu'assise d'un fauteuil et étant en outre configuré pour une utilisation en tant que dossier d'un fauteuil ;

(b) un ou plusieurs éléments latéraux (4), chaque élément latéral (4) étant configuré pour une utilisation en tant que côté droit d'un fauteuil et étant en outre configuré pour une utilisation en tant que côté gauche d'un fauteuil ;

dans lequel, au moins l'un du ou des plusieurs éléments structurels formant assise-dossier (2) et au moins l'un du ou des plusieurs éléments latéraux (4) comprennent un panneau (10) et un bâti (12), et un ou plusieurs panneaux de recouvrement (14) montés sur le bâti (12), espacés du panneau (10).

2. Système de meuble modulaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque élément structurel formant assise-dossier comprend un panneau et un bâti.

3. Système modulaire selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le panneau de chaque élément structurel formant assise-dossier est d'un seul tenant avec le bâti de l'élément structurel formant assise-dossier.

4. Système de meuble modulaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque élément latéral comprend un panneau et un bâti.

5. Système modulaire selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le panneau de chaque élément latéral est d'un seul tenant avec le bâti de l'élément latéral.

6. Système de meuble modulaire selon la revendication 1, dans lequel chaque élément structurel formant assise-dossier comprend un panneau, chaque élément latéral comprend un panneau, et les dimensions d'un panneau d'élément structurel formant assise-dossier sont essentiellement égales aux dimensions d'un panneau d'élément latéral.

7. Système de meuble modulaire selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le panneau et le bâti d'un élément structurel formant assise-dossier sont fabriqués selon des traitements de moulage par injection unique.

8. Système de meuble modulaire selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le panneau et le bâti d'un élément latéral sont fabriqués selon des traitements de moulage par injection unique.

9. Système de meuble modulaire selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, conçu pour la fabrication de l'un quelconque d'un fauteuil, d'un canapé, d'une ottomane et d'une table.

10. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un ou plusieurs panneaux latéraux de recouvrement configurés pour être assujettis à un bâti d'un élément structurel formant assise-dossier et configurés en outre pour être assujettis à un bâti d'un élément latéral.

11. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un ou plusieurs panneaux avant.

12. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un ou plusieurs coussins.

13. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre une ou plusieurs fixations.

Drawing