AU2020343727A1 - Modular base assembly for an article of furniture - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular base assembly (10) for an article of furniture includes a plurality of base modules, each base module comprising a frame (12) carrying a planar panel and having a plurality of apertures (16) spaced inwardly of the frame (12). A plurality of leg modules (18) is provided, each leg module (18) having a plurality of locating pins (20). Each pin is configured to be inserted into one of the apertures (16) to allow the leg module (18) to be releasably secured to at least one of the base modules to support the at least one base module in an elevated position relative to a surface. The locating pins (20) are spaced apart at opposed ends of a bridging portion spanning adjacent peripheral regions of the frames (12) to allow insertion of the locating pins (20) in apertures (16) of each of a first and a second base module to secure the base modules together.

Description

"Modular base assembly for an article of furniture" Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2019903216 filed on 2 September 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates, generally, to modular furniture and, more particularly, to a modular base assembly for an article of furniture.

Background

[0003] Many modular furniture systems are known. Such systems are constructed from various modules to allow a wide range of different furniture models to be constructed from a kit of a few different modules. These systems are popular as this allows an article of furniture to be readily tailored to a user’s requirements. Such systems also enhance delivery of the article of furniture to user’s home as the article of furniture can be delivered as separate modules which are then assembled in the home.

[0004] Modular sofas typically include one or more base modules configured to support a seat cushion relative to a surface. Modular bed bases typically include one or more base modules configured to support a mattress relative to a surface.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims. Summary

[0006] In a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a modular base assembly for an article of furniture. The assembly includes: a plurality of base modules, each base module comprising a frame carrying a planar panel and having a plurality of apertures spaced inwardly of the frame; and a plurality of leg modules, each leg module having a plurality of locating pins, each pin configured to be inserted into one of the apertures to allow the leg module to be releasably secured to at least one of the base modules to support the at least one base module in an elevated position relative to a surface. The locating pins are spaced apart at opposed ends of a bridging portion dimensioned to span adjacently arranged peripheral regions of the frames to allow insertion of the locating pins in an aperture of a first base module and an aperture of at least one further base module to secure the base modules together.

[0007] Each planar panel may define a periphery and the associated frame may have a portion substantially in register with at least one side of the periphery.

[0008] The plurality of base modules may include at least one pair of base modules, where each base module in the, or each, pair is a mirror-image of the other.

[0009] A portion of the frame of each base module in the, or each, pair may be spaced inwardly of at least two sides of the periphery of the panel.

[0010] A portion of the frame of each base module in the, or each, pair may be spaced inwardly of two sides of the periphery of the panel and another portion of the frame may be substantially in register with two other sides of the periphery.

[0011 ] Each base module may be covered by a cover, the cover defining chamfered edges along the sides adjacent the portion of the frame spaced inwardly of the periphery of the panel. At least a part of an operatively upper surface of each cover may comprise a material resistant to slip. [0012] Each frame may define a peripheral region having a plurality of corners, and at least one pair of the apertures are spaced equidistantly apart from an apex of at least one corner of the peripheral region such that the locating pins of one of the leg modules are engageable in one of the pairs of apertures to support a corner of the base module.

[0013] Each frame may comprise a plurality of orthogonally arranged elements, and wherein, at least at one of the corners of the frame, the orthogonally arranged elements overlap to extend outwardly of the peripheral region of the frame.

[0014] The frame may be spaced outwardly from the periphery of the panel to at least partially surround the periphery, and the assembly may also include a plurality of support elements connected between the panel and the frame.

[0015] Each support element may be at least partially resiliently deformable to allow movement of the panel relative to the frame.

[0016] The assembly may also include an end module. Each base module defines opposed ends and may have a plurality of mounting formations arranged proximate one of the ends to mount the end module to extend away from the base module.

[0017] The end module may be one of a backrest, an armrest, a foot board of a bed, and a head board of a bed.

[0018] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a base module for a modular article of furniture, the base module including a frame carrying a planar panel and having a plurality of apertures spaced inwardly of the frame.

[0019] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a leg module for a modular article of furniture, the leg module having opposed ends where one end is configured to be arranged on a floor and the other end has a plurality of parallel locating pins extending from the end, the locating pins being spaced apart at ends of a bridging portion to allow the locating pins to be engaged with at least one two modules of the article of furniture to connect the two modules together.

[0020] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0021] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompany drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular bed base configured to support a single mattress;

[0023] Figure 2 is a side view of the bed base shown in Figure 1 ;

[0024] Figure 3 and 4 are underside views of the bed base shown in Figure 1, without and with covers on the platforms of the bed base, respectively;

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bed base shown in Figure 1 illustrating application of a decorative strip with some detail omitted for the sake of clarity;

[0026] Figure 6 shows the same view as Figure 5 and also shows a single mattress supported on the bed base;

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a modular bed base configured to support a double mattress;

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bed base shown in Figure 7 illustrating application of a decorative strip with some detail omitted for the sake of clarity; [0029] Figures 9 and 10 are underside views of the bed base shown in Figure 7, without and with covers on the platforms of the bed base, respectively;

[0030] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a bed base module;

[0031] Figure 12 is a plan view of the bed base module shown in Figure 11 ;

[0032] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional side view along line P-P illustrated in Figure 12;

[0033] Figure 14 is a detailed view of region Q delineated in Figure 13;

[0034] Figures 15 and 16 are side views, and Figure 17 is a plan view, of a leg module;

[0035] Figure 18 is an exploded, perspective view of an underside of a part of the bed base module shown in Figure 12;

[0036] Figure 19 is a perspective view of an underside of the bed base module shown in Figure 12;

[0037] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a modular sofa with seat cushions and support assemblies omitted for the sake of explanation;

[0038] Figure 21 is an underside view of a sofa base module including a support assembly;

[0039] Figure 22 is an underside detailed view of a leg module secured to a corner of a sofa base module;

[0040] Figure 23 is an underside detailed view of a leg module joining two sofa base modules together; and [0041] Figures 24 and 25 are a side view and cross-sectional view, respectively, of the leg module joining the two sofa base modules together.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0042] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally designates a modular base assembly 10 for an article of furniture. The assembly 10 comprises: a plurality of base modules, each base module comprising a frame 12 (Figure 3) carrying a planar panel and defining a plurality of apertures 16 spaced inwardly of the frame 12; and a plurality of leg modules 18 (Figure 15), each leg module 18 having a pair of locating pins 20, each pin 20 configured to engage with one of the apertures 16 to allow the leg module 18 to be releasably secured to at least one of the base modules to support the at least one base module relative to a surface, wherein the locating pins 20 are spaced apart at opposed ends of a bridging portion 22 dimensioned to span two adjacently arranged peripheral regions of the frames 12 to allow engaging the locating pins 20 in an aperture 16 of a first base module and an aperture 16 of a second base module to secure the first base module and the second base module together.

[0043] Figures 1 to 6 show a modular bed base assembly 30 for a single bed and configured to support a single bed mattress 32 (Fig. 6). The bed base 30 includes one pair of the base modules in the form of platforms 34. Best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the platforms 34 are mirror-images each other and are configured to be laid end to end.

[0044] Each platform 34 comprises the frame 12 carrying a rigid planar panel 36, such as an MDF board the frame 12 is mounted to the underside of one of the panels 36 (Figure 18). Optionally, the frame 12 is removably mounted, via suitable fasteners, such as screws, to the underside of the panel 36. An opposed, operatively top, side of each panel 36 defines a planar surface for receiving a part of the mattress 32. Best shown in Figure 3, each panel 36 defines a periphery and the associated frame 12 is spaced inwardly of the periphery on three of the sides of the panel 36, and is in register with the periphery along one, operatively inner, side of the panel 36. [0045] Best shown in Figure 4, each panel 36 and associated frame 12 is covered in a cover 38, typically being formed from a flexible fabric material. Where the frame 12 is spaced inwardly of the periphery of the panel 36 the cover 38 defines a chamfered edge 40. A non-slip region 37 of the cover 38 covering the operatively top side of each panel 36 contains a non-slip component. At least the chamfered edge 40 and, optionally, a border region 39 bounding the non-slip region 37 is of a tricot material.

[0046] Each frame 12 defines a peripheral region having corners 44, and at least one pair of the apertures 16 are spaced equidistantly apart from an apex of each corner 44. Each aperture 16 is defined by a tubular receiving portion 46 (Fig. 18) mounted to the frame 12. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments (not shown) the apertures 16 may be defined by the frame 12 and/or the panel 36.

[0047] Figures 3 and 4 show the pair of platforms 34 interconnected by two of the leg modules 18. Each leg module 18 defines opposed ends 46, 48 (Figure 15). One end 46 is configured to releasably engage one or more of the frames 12 and the other end 48 is configured to bear on a floor surface, for example, by carrying a resiliently deformable cap to enhance friction between the leg module 18 and the floor and also to reduce damage to the floor. Securing the leg modules 18 to the frames 12 and arranging the floor ends 48 of the leg modules 18 on the floor allows supporting the platforms 34 in an elevated position relative to the floor.

[0048] Each leg module 18 defines a longitudinal axis between the opposed ends 46, 48 and has the pair of pins 20 spaced apart at opposed ends of the bridging portion 22 to extend parallel to each other and the longitudinal axis. Best shown in Figure 25, the bridging portion 22 is dimensioned to span two adjacently arranged peripheral regions of the frames 12 such that one of the pins 20 can be inserted into one aperture 16 defined by one of the platforms 34 and another of the pins 20 can be inserted into an aperture 16 defined by the other platform 34 to secure the platforms 34 together.

[0049] Figures 5 and 6 show a decorative strip 50 applied along an end of one platform 34 and a side of both platforms 34. The strip 50 is releasably securable to the covers 38, typically by a hook-and-loop type fastening arrangement, to at least partially conceal the join between the platforms 34. In an embodiment the decorative strip 50 is a fabric material having a backing which forms one component of the hook-and-loop type fastening arrangement, the tricot material of the cover 38 forming the other component of the hook-and-loop type fastening arrangement. In an embodiment, the fabric of the strip 50 may be selected to match a fabric covering the headboard 52.

[0050] Each platform 34 defines mounting formations, in the form of sockets 35, proximate one end to allow mounting an end board to the platform 34. Each socket 35 is dimensioned to receive a post (not illustrated) extending from a bottom of the end board 52. In the bed base 30 the end board is in the form of a head board 52. In other embodiments (not illustrated), the end board is in the form of a foot board securable at a foot end of the bed base 30.

[0051] Figures 7 to 10 show an alternative modular bed base assembly 60 for a double bed and configured to support a double bed mattress. A reference to a double mattress is to be understood as including a queen size mattress and a king size mattress The bed base 60 shares features with the previously described bed base 30. It will be appreciated that common reference numerals indicate common features.

[0052] The bed base 60 includes two identical pairs of base modules in the form of platforms 62. Each platform 62 in a pair is a mirror-image of the other. The platforms 62 in each pair are configured to be laid end to end. To form the bed base 60, the end to end arranged pairs are positioned adjacent to each other. This means that the bed base 60 has platforms 62 arranged in a mirrored configuration about two perpendicular planes extending through the bed base 60.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the bed base 60 may comprise non-identical pairs of platforms. For example, in some embodiments (not illustrated), the bed base 60 comprises the two pairs of platforms 62 arranged at either side of another, alternatively configured pair of platforms. This embodiment is an alternative way of extending the width of the bed base 60 from a double sized bed base to a queen sized or king sized bed base.

[0054] Each platform 62 includes the planar panel 36 carried by the frame 12. Best shown in Figure 9, the frame 12 of the panel 36 is secured to an underside of the panel 36 and configured to be spaced inwardly of the periphery of the panel 36 along two sides of the panel 36, and in register with the periphery along the other two, operatively inner, sides of the panel 36.

[0055] Best shown in Figure 10, each platform 62 and associated frame 12 is covered by a cover 64 prior to being supplied to a user. The cover 64 defines chamfered edges 48 along the two sides where the frame 12 is spaced inwardly of the periphery of the panel 36.

[0056] Figures 11 to 14 show the platform 62 in isolation. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a slip-resistant portion 66 of the cover 64 formed from a material resistant to slip. This portion 66 is arranged to enhance friction between the cover 46 and a mattress. The portion 66 is bounded on two sides by a border region 67 formed from a tricot material. It will be appreciated that the cover 38 applied to the platform 34 of the single bed base 30 is similarly configured to the cover 64 except that the slip -resistant portion is bound on three sides by the fabric.

[0057] The mounting formations of the platform 62 are in the form of sockets 68 defined adjacent one end of the platform 62. The sockets 68 are configured to receive posts (not shown) extending from the head board 52 to allow mounting the head board 52 to the platform 62.

[0058] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate the frame 12 being secured to the panel 36 to be spaced inwardly of two sides of the periphery of the panel 36. Figure 15 shows a first frame member 70 spaced from a second frame member 72 secured to the panel 36 to expose a notch 74 defined by each frame member 70, 72. Best shown in Figure 16, the notches 74 are configured to be complementary to retain one frame member 70 orthogonally to the other frame member 72 on the panel 36.

[0059] Each frame member 70, 72 has a bevelled corner portion 76 configured to extend outwardly from the peripheral region defined by the frame 12 to the periphery of the panel 36. The corner portions 76 are arranged to support a corner of the panel 36 and also to aid in imparting the chamfered appearance to the cover 64..

[0060] Figure 20 shows a modular sofa 80 including a modular sofa base assembly 82 supporting a pair of backrest modules 81 and a pair of armrest modules 83. The sofa base 82 shares features with the previously described bed bases 30, 60. It will be appreciated that common reference numerals indicate common features.

[0061] The base assembly 82 includes a pair of the base modules in the form of support assemblies, or suspension bases, 84. It is noted that parts of the suspension bases 84 are omitted from Figure 20 for the sake of clarity and ease of description. The base modules are configured to support seat cushions (not shown) in an elevated position relative to a surface such as the floor. The bases 84 are interconnected by two of the leg modules 18 as described in greater detail below.

[0062] Figure 21 illustrates one of the suspension bases 84 carrying four leg modules 18. The base 84 includes a planar panel 86 defining a periphery, the panel 86 typically being formed from a substantially non-stretch material. The frame 12 is spaced outwardly from the periphery of the panel 86 to define the periphery of the base 84.

The frame 12 carries the panel 86 via a plurality of resiliently deformable members, in the form of coil springs 88, connected at spaced intervals between the frame 12 and the panel 86. The springs 88 are arranged to allow relative movement between the panel 86 and the frame 12, for example, by a user exerting force on the panel 86 by sitting on a seat cushion supported by the suspension base 84.

[0063] Figure 22 shows a detailed view of one of the leg modules 18 carried by one of the suspension bases 84 to support a corner of the suspension base 84. The pins 20 of the leg module 18 are each received in one of the apertures 16 of a pair of the apertures 16 spaced at either side of a corner 44 defined by the frame 12.

[0064] Figure 23 shows a detailed view of one of the leg modules 18 interconnecting two adjacently arranged suspension bases 84. The pins 20 of the leg module 18 are inserted into an aligned pair of the apertures 16 spaced inwardly, and on opposite sides, of each of the adjacently arranged peripheral regions of the frames 12 of the suspension bases 84.

[0065] Figures 24 and 25 show the leg module 18 interconnecting the adjacent frames 12, illustrated in Figure 23, in more detail. Best shown in Figure 25, the bridging portion 22 of the leg module 18 is dimensioned to span the adjacently arranged peripheral regions of the frames 12 to allow the pins 20 to be inserted into one aperture 16 defined by a first base 84 and another aperture 16 defined by a second base 84, consequently interconnecting the bases 84.

[0066] Assembly of the single bed base 30 involves arranging the platforms 34 in a mirrored configuration, end to end, and securing six leg modules 18 to the frames 12. Two of the leg modules 18 are arranged across the join between the adjacent platforms 34 to interconnect the platforms 34. The floor ends 46 of the leg modules 18 are placed on a floor surface to elevate the platforms 34 from the floor. The head board 52 is engaged with the mounting formations of one of the platforms 34. The decorative strip 50 is applied around three sides of the bed base 10. The mattress 32 is then placed on the platforms 34.

[0067] Assembly of the double bed base 60 involves arranging the platforms 62 in each pair in a mirrored configuration, end to end, alternating the orientation of each pair, and arranging the pairs adjacent to each other. Ten leg modules 18 are secured to the frames 12 where six of the leg modules 18 are arranged across the join between adjacent platforms 62 to interconnect the platforms 62 in the same pair, and interconnect adjacently arranged pairs. The floor ends 46 of the leg modules 18 are placed on a floor surface to elevate the platforms 62 from the floor. The posts of the head boards 52 are received in the sockets 68 of two of the platforms 62. The decorative strip 50 is applied around three sides of the bed base 60. A double mattress (not illustrated) is then placed on the platforms 62.

[0068] Assembly of the sofa base 82 involves arranging the suspension bases 84 adjacent to each other and securing six leg modules 18 to the frames 12. Two of the leg modules 22 are arranged across the join between the adjacent bases 84 to interconnect the bases 84. The floor ends 26 of the leg modules 18 are placed on a floor surface to elevate the bases 84 from the floor. The seat back modules 81 and arm modules 83 are secured to the bases 84. The seat cushions (not illustrated) are then placed on the platforms 86. In some embodiments, each suspension base 84 is provided with the seat cushion already attached.

[0069] The disclosed base assemblies 30, 60, 82 are modular structures formed from panel-like base modules. This modular configuration minimises a package size of each assembly 60, 60, 82. This enhances efficiency of shipping and delivery of the assembly 60, 60, 82 to the user. Furthermore, the compact dimensions of the assemblies 30, 60, 82 enhance ease of assembly in a user’s home.

[0070] Each assembly 60, 60, 82 includes a plurality of leg modules 18 configured to releasably engage a pair of adjacent base modules. This allows each assembly 30, 60, 82 to be rapidly constructed using minimal components and without requiring separate connectors, tools or specialist skills.

[0071] Each leg module 18 is configured to span adjacently arranged frame 12 portions to allow the locating pins 20 to interconnect adjacently arranged base modules. This advantageously simplifies interconnecting base modules and, due to the interlocking relationship of the leg modules 18, frames 12 and apertures 16, provides a robust, stable connection between the base modules.

[0072] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (15)

CLAIMS:

1. A modular base assembly for an article of furniture, the assembly comprising: a plurality of base modules, each base module comprising a frame carrying a planar panel and having a plurality of apertures spaced inwardly of the frame; and a plurality of leg modules, each leg module having a plurality of locating pins, each pin configured to be inserted into one of the apertures to allow the leg module to be releasably secured to at least one of the base modules to support the at least one base module in an elevated position relative to a surface, wherein the locating pins are spaced apart at opposed ends of a bridging portion dimensioned to span adjacently arranged peripheral regions of the frames to allow insertion of the locating pins in an aperture of a first base module and an aperture of at least one further base module to secure the base modules together.

2. The modular base assembly according to claim 1 , wherein each planar panel defines a periphery and wherein the associated frame has a portion substantially in register with at least one side of the periphery.

3. The modular base assembly according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of base modules includes at least one pair of base modules, wherein each base module in the, or each, pair is a mirror-image of the other.

4. The modular base assembly according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the frame of each base module in the, or each, pair is spaced inwardly of at least two sides of the periphery of the panel.

5. The modular base assembly according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the frame of each base module in the, or each, pair is spaced inwardly of two sides of the periphery of the panel and a further portion of the frame is substantially in register with two other sides of the periphery.

6. The modular base assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein each base module is covered by a cover, the cover defining chamfered edges along the sides adjacent the portion of the frame spaced inwardly of the periphery of the panel.

7. The modular base assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of an operatively upper surface of each cover comprises a material resistant to slip.

8. The modular base assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each frame defines a peripheral region having a plurality of corners, and wherein at least one pair of the apertures are spaced equidistantly apart from an apex of at least one corner of the peripheral region such that the locating pins of one of the leg modules are engageable in one of the pairs of apertures to support a corner of the base module.

9. The modular base assembly according to claim 8, wherein each frame comprises a plurality of orthogonally arranged elements, and wherein, at least at one of the corners of the frame, the orthogonally arranged elements overlap to extend outwardly of the peripheral region of the frame.

10. The modular base assembly according to claim 1, wherein the panel defines a periphery and the frame is spaced outwardly from the periphery to at least partially surround the periphery, and further comprising a plurality of support elements connected between the panel and the frame.

11. The module base assembly according to claim 10, wherein each support element is at least partially resiliently deformable to allow movement of the panel relative to the frame.

12. The modular base assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an end module, wherein each base module defines opposed ends and has a plurality of mounting formations arranged proximate one of the ends to mount the end module to extend away from the base module.

13. The modular base assembly according to claim 12, wherein the end module comprises one of a backrest, an armrest, a foot board of a bed, and a head board of a bed.

14. A base module for a modular article of furniture, the base module comprising a frame carrying a planar panel and having a plurality of apertures spaced inwardly of the frame.

15. A leg module for a modular article of furniture, the leg module having opposed ends where one end is configured to be arranged on a floor and the other end has a plurality of parallel locating pins extending from the end, the locating pins being spaced apart at ends of a bridging portion to allow the locating pins to be engaged with at least two modules of the article of furniture to connect the articles together.