GB2589408A

GB2589408A - Coupler for a modular furniture system

Info

Publication number: GB2589408A
Application number: GB2011624.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Coules Matthew; King David; Lawrence James; Dunham Ben
Original assignee: Oneseat Ltd
Current assignee: Oneseat Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-27
Filing date: 2020-07-27
Publication date: 2021-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-27
Also published as: GB2589408B; GB202011624D0

Abstract

A coupler 1 for a modular furniture system comprises a first insert portion 2 projecting from a first portion of a connecting portion and receivable within a recessed or hollowed first end of a first modular furniture system component and a second insert portion 3 projecting from a second portion of the connecting portion and receivable within a recessed or hollowed first end of a second modular furniture system component. A joint-covering portion 4 at least partially surrounds the first insert portion 2 and the second insert portion 3 and is configured to at least partially cover a first joint between the connecting portion and a first modular furniture system component and also to at least partially cover a second joint between the connecting portion and a second modular furniture system component.

Description

COUPLER FOR A MODULAR FURNITURE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a coupler for a modular furniture system. The coupler is suitable for use in assembly and re-assembly of a modular furniture system for domestic or commercial use.

BACKGROUND TO THE PRESENT INVENTION

A known coupler for a modular furniture system has two cylindrical projections extending from opposite sides of a central connecting portion for insertion into the ends of adjacent tubes of a modular furniture system assembly. An exposed flange around the central connecting portion defines the location of butt joints between the cylindrical projections and the tubes. This type of coupler supports the inside surface of the tubes.

US patent application number US2019150611 provides square projections extending from opposite sides of a central connecting portion. This type of coupler supports the inside surface of the tubes.

US patent application number US2004104319 provides a multi-part assembly for coupling two tubes. This type of coupler supports the inside surface of the tubes.

Switzerland patent application number CH588038 provides a multi-part assembly for coupling two tubes, having grooves for receiving pins inserted through holes in the tubes from the outside of the tube. This type of coupler supports a portion of an inside surface of the tubes.

The inventors of the present invention have appreciated that these known couplers are not optimised and there is a need for a novel type of coupler for a modular furniture system. In particular, the inventors have appreciated a need for coupler which provides for fast and effective assembly of a stable modular furniture system, avoids the need for interaction of multiple separate components and which can be cheaply, quickly and easily manufactured.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in a first aspect, provides a coupler for a modular furniture system, the coupler comprising: a first insert portion projecting from a first portion of a connecting portion and receivable within a recessed or hollowed first end of a first modular furniture system component; a second insert portion projecting from a second portion of the connecting portion and receivable within a recessed or hollowed first end of a second modular furniture system component; a joint-covering portion at least partially surrounding the first insert portion and the second insert portion and configured to at least partially cover a first joint between the connecting portion and a first modular furniture system component and also to at least partially cover a second joint between the connecting portion and a second modular furniture system component.

This advantageously provides a more effective, or at least novel type of coupler which provides for fast and effective assembly of a stable modular furniture system, avoids the need for interaction of multiple separate components and which can be cheaply, quickly and easily manufactured. Advantageously, the coupler may be a one-piece, injection moulded component. One or more couplers may also be used to couple one or more panels or dividing panels or doors or accessories (e.g. a lamp) to the modular shelving system.

Preferably, the joint-covering portion is coupled to the connecting portion.

Preferably, a second end of the first insert portion projects beyond a first end of the joint-covering portion. In other words, a free end of the first insert portion is preferably longer than the joint-covering portion at least partially surrounding it. This may increase a length of the first insert portion insertable into the recessed first end of a first modular furniture system component. Alternatively, a second end of the first insert portion may be substantially the same length as, or shorter than a first end of the joint-covering portion.

Preferably, a second end of the second insert portion projects beyond a second end of the joint-covering portion. In other words, a free end of the second insert portion is preferably longer than the joint-covering portion at least partially surrounding it. This may increase the length of the second insert portion insertable into the recessed first end of a second modular furniture system component. Alternatively, a second end of the second insert portion may be substantially the same length as, or shorter than a second end of the joint-covering portion.

Preferably, the coupler further comprises at least one rib protruding from the first insert portion. This may bear against an insider surface of a first end of a first modular furniture system component and provide a more secure or interference fit. Preferably, the first insert comprises a plurality of ribs. Preferably the at least one rib is a elongate rib. Alternatively, a series of smaller spaced apart ribs or bumps may be provided. The skilled person will envisage other arrangements that are functionally equivalent to an elongate rib in ensuring that the first insert portion fits securely in a first end of a first modular furniture system component.

Preferably, the coupler further comprises at least one rib protruding from the second insert portion. This may bear against an insider surface of a first end of a second modular furniture system component and provide a more secure or interference fit. Preferably, the second insert comprises a plurality of ribs. Preferably the at least one rib is a elongate rib. Alternatively, a series of smaller spaced apart ribs or bumps may be provided. The skilled person will envisage other arrangements that are functionally equivalent to an elongate rib in ensuring that the second insert portion fits securely in a first end of a second modular furniture system component.

Preferably, a first end of the joint-covering portion defines a first recess shaped to receive a recessed first end of a first modular furniture system component. This may provide a more stable and secure coupling of the first modular furniture system component to another modular furniture system component.

Preferably, a second end of the joint-covering portion defines a second recess shaped to receive a recessed first end of a second modular furniture system component. This may provide a more stable and secure coupling of the second modular furniture system component to another modular furniture system component.

Preferably, the first recess is an annular recess for receiving a recessed first end of a first modular furniture system component. This may accommodate a round section tube having a recessed end, or a hollow tube, and may provide a stable and secure coupling for the first modular furniture system component. Other recess shapes may alternatively be used so as to match a shape of the first modular furniture system component. By way of example, the first recess may be shaped to receive an oval or oblong or elliptical or triangular or square or rectangular or pentagonal etc. end of a second modular furniture system component. Other shapes will be apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably, the second recess is an annular recess for receiving a recessed first end of second modular furniture system component. This may accommodate a round section tube having a recessed end, or a hollow tube, and may provide a stable and secure coupling for the second modular furniture system component. Other recess shapes may alternatively be used so as to match a shape of the first modular furniture system component. By way of example, the second recess may be shaped to receive an oval or oblong or elliptical or triangular or square or rectangular or pentagonal etc. end of a second modular furniture system component. Other shapes will be apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably, the first recess and second recess comprise substantially equal depth of recess. Alternatively, the first recess and second recess may comprise a different depths of recess.

Preferably, the first insert portion and the second insert portion are coaxially arranged. Alternatively, the first recess and second recess may not be coaxially arranged, i.e. offset relative to one another.

Preferably, the first insert portion and the second insert portion project from the connecting portion by substantially the same amount (i.e. length) in opposite directions. Alternatively, the first insert portion and the second insert portion may project from the connecting portion by different amounts (i.e. lengths) in opposite directions. In other words, one of the first insert portion and the second insert portion may be relatively longer than the other.

Preferably, the first insert portion and the second insert portion are of substantially the same size and/or shape as one another. The coupler may therefore be symmetrical about a central transverse plane. This may provide a coupler for coupling adjacent components of a modular furniture system that are identical to one another for regularity in the appearance of a modular furniture system.

Alternatively, the first insert portion and the second insert portion may be of a different size and/or shape to one another. The coupler may therefore be non-symmetrical about a central transverse plane. This may provide a coupler for coupling adjacent components of a modular furniture system that are different to one another for irregularity in the appearance of a modular furniture system.

Preferably, at least a portion of the first insert portion has a cross-shaped profile. More preferably, substantially the whole of the first insert portion has a cross-shaped profile. This may provide effective support for an inside surface of a first end of a first modular furniture system component into which the first insert portion is inserted. It may also mean that reduced force is required to insert the first insert portion into an end of a modular furniture system component, as compared to a first insert portion having a round profile, while still providing a positive and stable coupling by way of an effective friction or interference fit.

Preferably, each contact surface of the cross-shaped profile of the first insert portion is provided with an elongate rib that bears against an inside surface of the first end of a first modular furniture system component into which the first insert portion is inserted. This may provide a more secure or interference fit of the first insert portion and thereby enhance the rigidity and stability of modular furniture system of a modular furniture system assembled using the coupler.

Other shapes may alternatively be used for the second insert portion. By way of example, at least a portion of the first insert portion may have a circular or triangular or square or rectangular or pentagonal etc. profile. Other shapes will be apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably, at least a portion the second insert portion has a cross-shaped profile. More preferably, substantially the whole of the second insert portion has a cross-shaped profile. This may provide effective support for an inside surface of a first end of a second modular furniture system component into which the second insert portion is inserted. It may also mean that reduced force is required to insert the second insert portion into an end of a modular furniture system component, as compared to a second insert portion having a round profile, while still providing a positive and stable coupling by way of an effective friction or interference fit.

Other shapes may alternatively be used for the second insert portion. By way of example, at least a portion of the second insert portion may have a circular or triangular or square or rectangular or pentagonal etc. profile. Other shapes will be apparent to the skilled person.

Preferably, the first and second insert portions are configured so that their respective cross-profiles are rotationally aligned on opposite sides of the connecting portion. Alternatively, the first and second insert portions may be arranged so that their respective cross-profiles are not rotationally aligned. In other words, the first and second insert portions may be rotationally offset relative to one another.

Preferably, the first insert portion, the second insert portion, the connecting portion and the joint-covering portion are integrally formed. This may provide a single coupler unit that is cheaply and easily manufactured.

Preferably, the coupler is substantially rigid. This may help to provide a more rigid and stable coupling of the modular furniture system components and therefore a more rigid and stable modular furniture system.

Preferably, the coupler is made from plastics material. This may provide a single coupler unit that is cheaply and easily manufactured. Alternatively, the coupler may be made from a metallic, naturally occurring or composite material, or a combination of one or more of the aforementioned materials. The skilled person will be well aware of suitable materials.

The present invention, in a second aspect, provides a modular furniture system comprising at least one coupler according to the present invention in the first aspect. Such a modular furniture system may benefit from the aforementioned advantages of the coupler of the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention, in a third aspect, provides a kit of parts for forming a modular furniture system comprising: a plurality of modular furniture system components; and a plurality of couplers according the present invention, in a first aspect, for coupling the plurality of modular furniture system components. Such a kit of parts may enable a user to assemble a modular furniture system that benefits from the aforementioned advantages of the coupler of the first aspect of the invention.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa. Furthermore, any, some and/or all features in one aspect can be applied to any, some and/or all features in any other aspect, in any appropriate combination.

It should also be appreciated that particular combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspects of the invention can be implemented and/or supplied and/or used independently.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompany drawings in which:-Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a coupler according to a first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a second perspective view of a coupler according to the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a side view of a coupler according to the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an end view of a coupler according to the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows s a marked up side view of a coupler according to the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a section through A-A of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a section through B-B of Figure 5; Figure 8 shows a side view showing first and second modular furniture system components coupled using the coupler of the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 shows an end view showing first and second modular furniture system components coupled using the coupler of the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 shows is a marked up side view showing first and second modular furniture system components coupled using the coupler of the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 shows a cutaway view of Figure 8 showing the first and second modular furniture system components coupled using the coupler of the first example embodiment of the present invention and the first and second insert portions extending into the first and second modular furniture system components; Figure 12 shows a section through C-C of Figure 10; Figure 13 shows just one example configuration of a modular furniture arrangement that may be constructed using a plurality of the coupler of the first example embodiment of the present invention; Figures 14 to 19 show a coupler according to a second example embodiment of the present invention that is very similar to the coupler according to the first example embodiment and further comprises a plurality of ribs extending from the first and second insert portions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the Figs 1 to 12, a coupler according to a first example embodiment of the invention 1 is provided for use in assembling a modular furniture system (see example configuration in Fig 13). The coupler generally comprises a first insert portion 2, and a second insert portion 3 and a joint covering portion 4 which may resemble a shroud or knuckle.

The first insert portion 2 projects from a first end or side of a central connecting portion 5. The second insert portion 3 projects from a second end or side of the central connecting portion 5.

The first insert portion 2 projects from (i.e. is longer than) a first end of the joint covering portion 4. The second insert portion 2 projects from (i.e. is longer than) a second end of the joint covering portion 4.

The first insert portion 2 and the second insert portion 3 each project from the connecting portion 5 by substantially the same amount (i.e. length) in opposite directions. The first insert portion and second insert portion are of substantially the same size and shape as one another. The first insert portion and the second insert portion are coaxially arranged.

The first insert portion 2 and the second insert portion 3 have a cross-shaped profile or section (Figure 9). In other words, a cross-section perpendicular to a length of the first and second insert portion resembles a cross. The first and second insert portions are rotationally aligned so that the cross profiles are aligned.

A first annular recess 6 is formed between or defined by the first insert portion 2 and the first end of the joint-covering portion 4. A second annular recess 7 is formed between or defined by the second insert portion and the first end of the joint-covering portion 4. The first recess and second recess have substantially the same depth as one another.

The coupler is therefore symmetrical about a plane through a longitudinal centreline of the coupler (Figure 5, A-A). The coupler is also symmetrical about a plane through a transverse centreline of the coupler (Figure 5, B-B).

The first insert portion 2, the second insert portion 3, the central connecting portion 5 and the joint-covering portion 4 are integrally formed.

The coupler is made from plastics material. A preferred material is PET. A particularly preferably material is recycled PET. Other suitable materials will be well known to the skilled person.

The first insert portion 2 and the second insert portion 3 are receivable within the ends of modular furniture system components to form a modular furniture system. These modular furniture system components may be hollow tubes, or rods or beams having one or more recessed ends.

In particular, the first insert portion is receivable within an end of a first tube of a modular furniture system and second insert portion is receivable within an end of a second tube of a modular furniture system.

The coupler is most effectively used in compression. In other words, it is most effective when used to couple vertically-orientated and aligned modular furniture system components (tubes). The structure of the coupler is such that it resists bending or buckling of the coupled tubes. The coupler may however also be used to couple tubes that are not vertically orientated and aligned. It may, for example be used to couple horizontally-orientated and aligned modular furniture system components or modular furniture system components orientated on an angle (e.g. diagonal).

In order to assemble a modular furniture system, the first insert portion is inserted into a first tube 8. The first insert may be inserted into the tube until the end of the tube fits snuggly within and is at the extremity or inner end of the first recess 6. The second insert portion is then inserted into second tube 9. The second insert may be inserted into the tube until the end of the tube fits snuggly within and is at the extremity or inner end of the second recess 7. A friction or interference fit provides for a stable coupling between the coupler and the first and second tubes 8,9. In the event that manual force is not sufficient, a mallet, preferably a rubber or plastic mallet, may be required to tap the first and second insert portions into the ends of the tubes and ensure the tubes are fully received within the recesses.

Once first insert portion 2 and the second insert portion 3 have been inserted into the tubes 8,9, a first joint is formed between the end of the first tube 8 positioned in the first annular recess 6 and the central connecting portion 5 defining the inner end or base of the first annular recess and a second joint is formed between the end of the second tube 9 positioned in the second annular recess 7 and the central connecting portion 5 defining the inner end or base of the second recess.

The joint covering portion or shroud 4 is configured to cover the first joint the second joint. The primary purpose of this is to provide a more rigid and stable coupling between the first 8 and second 9 tubes than is achievable using known couplers. This is because the end of each tube is positioned in a recess and therefore sandwiched between the first or second insert bearing against the inside of the tube and the joint-covering portion bearing against the outside of the tube. This helps to provide a stable coupling that opposes bending or buckling between the coupled first and second tubes. A secondary purpose of this is to conceal the first and second joints thereby providing a more visually simplistic and appealing coupling. With only the joint covering portion being visible externally, the couplers may give the modular furniture system an appearance resembling natural bamboo with its naturally occurring joints or knuckles.

It will be appreciated that the first and/or second tubes may then be coupled to adjacent tubes using one or more additional couplers in the manner described above to form a desired modular furniture system configuration. The modular furniture system may be formed from, or so as to have, a variety of modules or zones.

Figure 13 shows one example configuration of a modular furniture structure 10, in this example, a shelving system, formed using the coupler of the present invention for coupling shelving system components. It will be appreciated that the modular furniture system can be used to provide an infinite range of configurations and sizes of modular furniture structures (e.g. shelving structures), which may be formed from, or so as to have, a variety of modules or zones.

In the embodiment described above, the coupler is shown as being an 'in-line' type coupler capable of coupling two adjacent and longitudinally aligned (i.e. horizontal or vertical or angled) modular furniture system components (e.g. tubes). An alternative embodiment of the coupler may be an 'angle' or bend'-type coupler capable of coupling two adjacent modular furniture system components (e.g. tubes) that meet at an angle. A further alternative embodiment of the coupler may permit coupling of more than two adjacent modular furniture system components (e.g. tubes) -thereby providing a corner type coupler. The skilled person will appreciate that there is variability in the structure and configuration of the coupler so that it may be used to form a variety of joints and give flexibility in the modular furniture system arrangement. Further, the modular furniture system arrangement may incorporate one or more couplers according to one or more different embodiments of the invention -i.e. one or more couplers of different shapes and configurations such as one or more 'in-line' type couplers and/or one or more 'angle' or bend'-type couplers and/or one or more 'corner'-type couplers.

With reference to Figures 14 to 19, a coupler according to a second example embodiment of the invention coupler is substantially the same as the coupler according to the first example embodiment described above and further comprises a plurality of elongate ribs 11, each rib extending along a contact surface of the first and second insert portions. When the first and second insert portions are received within corresponding ends of a first tube and a second tube of a modular furniture system, the elongate ribs 11 bear against an inside surface of the first and second tubes. The elongate ribs of the second example embodiment may give additional rigidity and stiffness to a modular furniture item assembled using the coupler of the second example embodiment when compared to a modular furniture item assembled using the coupler of the first example embodiment.

In all other respects, the coupler according to a second example embodiment is that same as the coupler according to the first example embodiment and the entirety of the foregoing description of the first example embodiment relates equally to the coupler according to the second example embodiment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A coupler for a modular furniture system, the coupler comprising:-a first insert portion projecting from a first portion of a connecting portion and receivable within a recessed or hollowed first end of a first modular furniture system component; a second insert portion projecting from a second portion of the connecting portion and receivable within a recessed or hollowed first end of a second modular furniture system component; and a joint-covering portion at least partially surrounding the first insert portion and the second insert portion and configured to at least partially cover a first joint between the connecting portion and a first modular furniture system component and also to at least partially cover a second joint between the connecting portion and a second modular furniture system component.
2. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to Claim 1, wherein the joint-covering portion is coupled to the connecting portion.
3. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first insert portion projects beyond a first end of the joint-covering portion.
4. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the second insert portion projects beyond a second end of the joint-covering portion.
5. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, further comprising at least one rib protruding from the first insert portion.
6. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, further comprising at least one rib protruding from the second insert portion.
7. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein a first end of the joint-covering portion defines a first recess shaped to receive a recessed or hollow first end of a first modular furniture system component.
8. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to Claim 7, wherein the first recess is an annular recess.
9. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein a second end of the joint-covering portion defines a second recess shaped to receive a recessed or hollow first end of a second modular furniture system component.
10. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to Claim 9, wherein the second recess is an annular recess.
11. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to Claim 9, wherein the first recess and second recess comprise a substantially equal depth of recess.
12. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the first insert portion and the second insert portion are coaxially aligned.
13. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the first insert portion and the second insert portion project from the connecting portion by substantially the same length in opposite directions.
14. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the first insert portion and second insert portion are of substantially the same size and/or shape.
15. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein at least a portion of the first insert portion has a cross-shaped profile.
16. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein at least a portion the second insert portion has a cross-shaped profile.
17. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the first insert portion, the second insert portion, the connecting portion and the joint-covering portion are integrally formed.
18. A coupler for a modular furniture system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the coupler is made from plastics material.
19. A modular furniture system comprising at least one coupler according to any of the preceding Claims.
20. A kit of parts for forming a modular furniture system comprising:-a plurality of modular furniture system components; and a plurality of couplers according to any of the preceding Claims for coupling the plurality of modular furniture system components.