GB2253342A

GB2253342A - A modular construction system for furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2253342A
Application number: GB9104191A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roderick Charles Ward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-02-28
Filing date: 1991-02-28
Publication date: 1992-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2011-02-28
Also published as: GB2253342B; GB9104191D0

Abstract

A modular construction system for furniture such as cupboards, wardrobes and shelves comprises a plurality of similar or identical modules 10, each comprising at least one upright member 11 and at least one horizontal base member 15. Preferably the module consists of two of each such members 11 and 15 side-by-side. <IMAGE>

Description

A MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM FOR FURNITURE The invention relates to a modular construction system for furniture such as a cupboard or wardrobe.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular construction system for furniture comprising a plurality of similar or identical modules, each module including at least an upright member and a horizontal base member thereon.

In this way, items of furniture such as cupboards of various sizes can be produced and the number of different components required are minimized.

Preferably, the modules are arranged to be located side-by-side when forming the item of furniture.

The module formed by the upright and base members is preferably of L-shaped configuration.

The item of furniture may be erected from components suitably arranged to pack flat.

Each module may comprise two upright members and two horizontal base members, the upright base members being spaced apart by one or more cross members.

Each module may include two spaced cross members which may be arranged to support a base board horizontally. Preferably, one of the cross members is at the front of the item of furniture, while a rearmost one of the cross members may be spaced from the rear of the item of furniture.

Where each module includes two base members, each base member, where it is side-by-side with another base member of another module, preferably defines a channel therewith. The channel may be arranged to receive a spacer member which may suitably be arranged to support a division panel. Where a base board is provided, the spacer member may be arranged to provide an upper surface substantially flush therewith.

Each upright member may comprise side member of the module. Each upright member may be arranged at the front and/or at the rear of the module. Each upright member, where it is side-by-side with another upright member of another module preferably defines a channel therewith. The channel may be arranged to receive a division panel.

Preferably, mounting means is provided for mounting a shelf to the upright side members. The means may include a pin across the channel defined between the upright members and may further include a hook to hook onto the pin.

The or a plurality of the upright members may hingedly support a door or respective doors.

Where a shelf is provided, it may alternatively be mounted on shelf support means which extends from the front towards the rear of the cupboard. The shelf support means may include flanges which extend in opposite directions to support adjacent ends of two shelves for respective modules arranged side-byside. The front end of the support member may include a mounting which engages the aforesaid pin across the channel. The mounting may locate in a socket or channel formed in the shelf mounting member. The rear of the shelf mounting member may be supported by a wall mountable bracket arrangement which may provide adjustment in the vertical and/or horizontal directions. The shelf mounting member may be formed with means which enables a cover plate to be positioned thereon and which overlaps the adjacent edges of the shelves supported on the shelf support member.

The item of furniture may be suitably arranged to be positioned against a wall, although alternatively it may be freestanding. Where the item of furniture is freestanding each base member may be associated with two upright members spaced apart thereon to define side members at the front and rear of the item of furniture. In that way the item of furniture may be arranged to support doors at its front and rear, the doors being mounted on the upright members.

Each member or one or more selected members of the module can be reduced in size to enable a dimension of the item of furniture to be reduced. in such a case, each member or the selected member or members may include a plurality of locations for fixing means which will provide appropriate fixing locations appropriate for reductions in size of one or more of the members.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an item of furniture constructed from a modular construction system according to the first aspect of the invention or any of the sub features mentioned in relation thereto.

A modular construction system in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig.l is a rear perspective view of two modules in accordance with the invention for constructing a cupboard, Fig.2 is a front perspective view of modules for constructing a cupboard, Fig.2A is a detailed view of a hook bracket for supporting a shelf, Fig.3 is a side elevation of a cupboard, Fig.4 is a front perspective view of part of a cupboard made up from a number of modules of the kind shown in Figs.l and 2, Fig.5 is a perspective view of an alternative type of support for cupboard shelving, Fig.6 is a transverse cross-section through the shelf mounting shown in Fig.5, Figs.7, 8 and 9 are respective elevation, end and plan views of a front end fixing for the shelf support shown in Fig.5 and Figs.10, 11 and 12 are respective elevation, end and plan views of a wall mountable rear end fixing for the shelf support shown in Fig.5.

In Fig.l each module 10 comprises two upright side members 11 at the front of the cupboard which are connected by cross members 12, 13 at their upper and lower ends. The upper cross member 1 2 and lower cross member 13 are connected to the upright members 11 by screws 14 which pass through the upright members. Two base members 15 extend rearwardly from the upright members 11. A plate 16 spans between each upright member 11 and base member 15 and is screwed to both members. A rear cross member 17 is screwed between the two base members 15 at a position spaced from their rear ends. Each base member 15 includes an outwardly facing stepped groove 18 at is upper edge.Where two modules are bolted side-byside as in Fig.1, the base members 15 and upright members 11 are bolted or screwed to each other and the stepped grooves 18 form a channel 19. The upright members 11 have similar outwardly facing stepped grooves 20 which form a channel 21 when the modules are arranged side by side.

The lower cross member 13 and the rear cross member 17 are the same height and support a base board 22 (Figs.2 and 4). The base board is straight sided and extends between the upright members 11 such that the channels 19 are uncovered. The channels 19 are filled by spacer members 23 which comprise a tongue 24 to fit within the channel 19 and an upper section 25 which is arranged to lie flush with two adjacent base boards 22.

As shown in Figs.2, 2A and 4, shelving 27 may be mounted in a cupboard built from the modules. The rear of the shelf may be mounted in any suitable manner, for example by known plastic extruded brackets 28. At the front of the shelf 27 a hook bracket 29 is provided. The hook bracket 29 is in the form of a T, a head 30 of which is fastened to the underside of the shelf by screws 32, and a leg 33 of which is bent downwardly and hooks over a pin 34 which extends between the walls of the channel 21.

As shown in Fig.3, the cupboard may be provided with doors 35 hinged at 35a to the upright members 11 in known manner and a plinth facia 36 and cornice 37 may be screwed to the framework 10. A top board 38 may be screwed to the top of the framework 10 and attached by brackets, such as extruded plastic brackets 39, to a wall W against which the cupboard can be installed. It will be understood, however, that the cupboard can be made free standing with a built-in back panel which takes the place of wall W in Fig.3. Alternatively, further upright members 11 may be secured to the rear of base members 15 and cross members 12, 13 can be screwed therebetween as shown in broken lines in Fig.1. Doors can be mounted at the front and rear of the cupboard in such a case.

One or more suitable members (not shown) may interconnect the upper ends of the front and rear upright members 11.

As shown in Fig.3, the rear end of spacer member 23 projects to the rear of the base member 15 over a distance D. The length of the spacer member can be reduced by cutting to enable distance D to be varied and thereby ensure correct spacing of the upright members 11 from the wall. The distance D also accommodates skirting board where present.

With reference to Fig.4, three modules 10 are joined together side-by-side after the manner of those shown in Fig.1. In order to separate the lefthand module as viewed in the drawing from the two remaining modules, a divider 40 in the form of a suitable panel is mounted in the channel 21 between the two upright members 11 and its lower end is suitably fixed to the upper section 25 of spacer member 23 placed in position between the base members 15. Shelves 27 can be positioned as shown and a clothing support rail 42 can be shelf-mounted if desired.

An end panel 43 is connected to the righthand ends of the cross members 12, 13 and 17 of the righthand module in place of an upright 11 and a base member 15. The panel 43 can be attached to the wall W b one or more suitable angle brackets 44. Cross members 13 can be attached to the floor by similar angle brackets 44. A suitable top board 38 can be placed in position on top of the assembled modules if the cupboard is to be spaced from a ceiling.

Alternatively, or additionally, a vertical filler panel 45 may be mounted at the front of the cupboard so as to extend between the top of the cupboard and a ceiling. Doors will be mounted on the cupboard if desired.

In certain instances, it may be necessary to provide a vertical end filler panel 47 which can be attached to the wall by suitable angle brackets 44 and to the adjacent upright member 11 by means of screws 14. A cross member 17a shorter than the other cross members 17 may be cut to size to fit between the wall or skirting board and the adjacent base member 15.

An alternative form of shelf mounting is now described with respect to Figs.5 to 12.

In Fig.5, an aluminium or plastics extrusion 50 forms a main mounting member and has opposed flanges 52, extending outwards from its lower edge. The extrusion has spaced apart vertical walls 54 connected by a web 55 and each wail has a terminal flange 56 at its upper end. The terminal flanges define a groove 57 therebetween The extrusion 50 receives a front fixing member 60 shown in detail in Figs.7 to 9. The front fixing member 60 is provided with a rearwardly extending projection 62 which fits between the walls 54 of the extrusion 50 so as to take up the position shown in Fig.5. The projection 62 is formed with a bore 63 which receives a screw 64 which passes through the frontmost of a row of apertures 65.The 7 fixing member has a further aperture 66 therein and the fixing locates in the channel 21 and receives the pin 34 described hereinbefore to fix the extrusion 50 in position. The rear of the extrusion is mounted on a rear fixing 70 which comprises a first bracket 71 having vertical slots 72 therein for receiving fixing screws 73. The fixing screws 73 will locate in the wall W or a suitable rear panel for the cupboard.

The first bracket 71 has a U-shaped second bracket 73 thereon, the two brackets being interconnected by means of an adjustment screw 74. The screw 74 extends through a horizontal slot 75 formed in one end of the U-shaped bracket 73. The vertical slots 72 enable the vertical position of the bracket 71 relative to the wall W to be adjusted and the horizontal slots 75 enable the second bracket 73 to be adjusted in the horizontal direction relative to the bracket 71. Once all the necessary adjustments have been made, the screws 73 and the screw 75 can be tightened to lock the brackets in position.

As shown in Figs.5 and 6, the flanges 52 support adjacent edges of two shelves 27. A cover strip 79 has a locating rib 79a, which snap-fits into slot 57, and a cap section 80 which overlaps adjacent edges of shelves 27.

For total versatility, the upright members 11 and base members 15 can be reduced in length and the cross members 12, 17 attached at suitable positions to enable the modules 10 to fit a particular space.

Similarly the cross members themselves can be reduced in size. If desired sets of fixing points for the cross members can be provided on the upright and base members which will accommodate such shortening of the upright and base members. Similarly, the extrusion 50 can be reduced in length which may reduce the number of apertures 65.

Adjustable feet 90 (see Figs.1 and 4) can be attached to the base members 15 for engagement with the floor.

The adjustment permits compensation to be made for uneven flooring and levelling.

The modular construction system of the invention can be used on various types of furniture including kitchen cupboards and cabinets, built-in or free standing wardrobes and the like.

Claims

1. A modular construction system for furniture comprising a plurality of similar or identical modules, each module including at least an upright member and a horizontal base member thereon.

2. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each module comprises a distinct framework,

3. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the modules are arranged to be located side-by-side when forming the item of furniture.

4. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the module formed by the upright and base members is of L-shaped configuration.

5. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the components of the system are arranged to pack flat.

6. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises two upright members and two horizontal base members, the upright members being spaced apart by one or more cross members.

7. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 6, wherein each module includes two spaced cross members which are arranged to support a base board horizontally.

8. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 7, wherein one of the cross members is at the front of the item of furniture, while a rearmost one of the cross members is spaced from the rear of the item of furniture.

9. A modular construction system as claimed in anv preceding claim, wherein each module includes two base members, and each base member, where it is side-byside with another base member of another module, defines a channel therewith.

10. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the channel is arranged to receive a spacer member.

11. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the spacer member is arranged to support a division panel.

12. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the spacer member is arranged to provide an upper surface substantially flush with the base board.

13. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each upright member is at the side of the module.

14. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 13, wherein each upright member is arranged at the front or at the rear of the module.

15. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 14, wherein each upright member, where it is side-byside with another upright member of another module defines a channel therewith.

16. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the channel is arranged to receive a division panel.

17. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16, wherein mounting means is provided for mounting a she-lf to the upright side members.

18. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 17 when dependent on claim 16, wherein the mounting means includes a pin across the channel defined between the upright members.

19. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the mounting means further includes a hool to hook onto the pin.

20. A modular construction system as claimed in an preceding claim, wherein the or a plurality of the upright members may hingedly support a door or respective doors.

21. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a shelf is provided mounted on shelf support means which extends from the front towards the rear of the module.

22. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the shelf support means includes flanges which extend in opposite directions to support adjacent ends of two shelves for respective modules arranged side-by-side.

23. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 21 when dependent on claim 18 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the support means includes a mounting which engages the aforesaid pin across the channel.

24. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the mounting locates in a socket or channel formed in the shelf mounting member.

25. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the rear of the shelf mounting member is supported by a wall mountable bracket arrangement which provides adjustment in the vertical and/or horizontal directions.

26. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 21 to 25, wherein the shelf mounting member is formed with means which enables a cover plate to be positioned thereon and which overlaps the adjacent edges of the shelves supported on the shelf support member.

27. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the item of furniture is arranged to be positioned against a wall.

28. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 26, wherein the item of furniture is arranged to be freestanding.

29. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 28, wherein each base member is associated with two upright members spaced apart thereon to define side members at the front and rear of the item of furniture.

30. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the item of furniture is arranged to support doors at its front and/or rear, the doors being mounted on the upright members.

31. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each member or one or more selected members of the module can be reduced in size to enable a dimension of the item of furniture to be reduced.

32. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 31, wherein each member or the selected member of members includes a plurality of locations for f mixing means which will provide appropriate fixing locations appropriate for reductions in size of one or more o the members.

33. An item of furniture constructed from a modular construction system for furniture as claimed in any preceding claim.

33. A modular construction system for furniture substantially as described herewith with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. An item of furniture constructed from a modular construction system for furniture as claimed in any preceding claim.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A modular construction system for furniture comprising a plurality of similar or identical modules, each module including at least a frame member at a side of the module the modules being arranged to be located side-by-side when forming the item o furniture so that the or one frame member of one module is side-by-side with the or one frame member of the next module and defines a channel therewith 2. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel is arranged to receive a division panel.

3. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or at least one frame member is an upright member.

4. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each upright member is arranged at the front or at the rear of the module.

5. A modular construction system as claimed in any ,preceding claim, wherein the or at least one frame member is a horizontal base member.

6. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the channel is arranged to receive a spacer member.

7. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 6 where a divisional panel is provided, wherein the spacer member is arranged to support a division panel.

8. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 5 or 7, wherein the spacer member is arranged to provide an upper surface substantialty flush with a base board.

9. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each module includes at least an upright member and a horizontal base member, thereon, the or each frame member comprising the or each upright member and/or the or each horizontal base member.

10. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the module formed by the upright and base members is of L-shaped configuration.

11. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, wherein each module comprises two upright members and two horizontal base members, the upright members being spaced apart by one or more cross members.

12. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 11, wherein each module includes two spaced cross members which are arranged to support a base board horizontally.

13. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 12, wherein one of the cross members is at the front of the item of furniture, while rearmost one of the cross members is spaced from the rear of the item cf furniture.

14. A modular construction system as claimed in claim or any subsequent claim when debeodert thereon, wherein mounting means is provided for mounting a shelf to two upright side members.

15. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the mounting means includes a pin across the channel defined between the upright members.

16. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the mounting means further includes a hook to hook onto the pin.

17. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 3 or any subsequent claim when dependent thereon, wherein the or a plurality of the upright members may hingedly support a door or respective doors.

18. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a shelf is provided mounted on shelf support means which extends from the front towards the rear of the module.

19. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the shelf support means includes flanges which extend in opposite directions to support adjacent ends of two shelves for respective modules arranged side-by-side.

20. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 18 or 19 when dependent on claim 15 or any claim when dependent thereon, wherein the support means includes a mounting which engages the aforesaid pin across the channel.

21. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mounting locates in a socket or channel formed in the shelf mounting member.

22. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the rear of the shelf mounting member is supported by a wall mountable bracket arrangement which provides adjustment in the vertical and/or horizontal directions.

23. A modular construction system as claimed in any Q claims 18 to 22, wherein the shelf mounting member is formed with means which enables a cover plate to be positioned thereon and which overlaps the adjacent edges of the shelves supported on the shelf support member.

24. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises a distinct framework.

25. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the components of the system are arranged to pack flat.

26. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the item of furniture is arranged to be positioned against a wall.

27. A modular construction system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 25, wherein the item of furniture is

28. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 27, wherein a plurality of frame members are provided comprising two base members each associated with two upright members spaced apart thereon to define side members at the front and rear of the item of furniture.

29. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 28, wherein the item of furniture is arranged to support doors at its front and/or rear, the doors being mounted on the upright members.

30. A modular construction system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each member or one or more selected members of the module can be reduced in size to enable a dimension of the item of furniture to be reduced.

31. A modular construction system as claimed in claim 30, wherein each member or the selected member or members includes a plurality of locations for fixing means which will provide appropriate fixing locations appropriate for reductions in size of one or more of the members.

32. A modular construction system for furniture substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.