GB2269313A - "Modular furniture unit" - Google Patents

"Modular furniture unit" Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2269313A
GB2269313A GB9314672A GB9314672A GB2269313A GB 2269313 A GB2269313 A GB 2269313A GB 9314672 A GB9314672 A GB 9314672A GB 9314672 A GB9314672 A GB 9314672A GB 2269313 A GB2269313 A GB 2269313A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
storage module
modular furniture
furniture unit
unit according
storage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9314672A
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GB9314672D0 (en
GB2269313B (en
Inventor
Panayiotis Vangelatos
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of GB9314672D0 publication Critical patent/GB9314672D0/en
Publication of GB2269313A publication Critical patent/GB2269313A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2269313B publication Critical patent/GB2269313B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B85/00Furniture convertible into other kinds of furniture
    • A47B85/08Convertible cupboards
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/12Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics
    • F16B12/24Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics using separate pins, dowels, or the like
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47BTABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B87/00Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
    • A47B87/02Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
    • A47B87/0276Stackable modular units, each consisting of a closed periphery

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Combinations Of Kitchen Furniture (AREA)

Abstract

A modular furniture unit comprises at least two storage modules 10 wherein the storage modules am shaped and movable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the storage modules are placed adjacent one another to form a base for a bed (Fig. 1), and a second configuration in which the storage modules are stacked one on top of another to form a chest (Fig. 2). Each storage module has an opening which is accessible in both the first and second configurations. <IMAGE>

Description

A NODULAR FlJBNITIJRE UNIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a modular furniture unit Typically, a major amount of space in a living room area is taken up by beds and cupboards. Living rooms, for example bedrooms, have tended to get smaller in modern times as a result of the enormous increase in building costs.
Living rooms are also relatively small in low cost housing schemes. Thus there is a continual need to save space in such living room areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a modular furniture unit comprising at least two storage modules, wherein the storage modules are shaped and movable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the storage modules are placed adjacent one another to form a base for a bed, and a second configuration in which the storage modules are stacked one on top of another to form a chest, and wherein each storage module has an opening which is accessible in both the first and second configurations.
Typically, the storage modules are rectangular box shaped.
The opening of each storage module may be covered or secured with a flap which is hinged on the storage module. Alternatively, the opening of each storage module may be covered or secured with a sliding cover or a sliding drawer suitably located on the module.
An operatively upper wall of each storage module may be removable from, in part or in full, from the rest of the storage module to expose the inside of the storage module. An operatively upper wall of each storage module may be hinged to the rest of the module to expose the inside of the storage module.
The flaps, sliding covers, sliding drawers and operatively upper walls referred to above may have an aperture formed therein, the aperture being sized to allow insertion of a person's finger therein to move them relative to the rest of the storage module. Alternatively, a handle formed on the flap, sliding cover, sliding drawer or operatively upper wall may be used. The aperture is preferable though since this allows ventilation of the inside of the storage module.
Conveniently, an engaging formation is formed on an operatively bottom side of each storage module and a complementally shaped formation is located on an operatively top side of each storage module so that one storage module engages with another storage module when the storage modules are stacked in the second configuration. The engaging formation may for example be a pin. The complementally shaped formation may for example be a blind bore.
Alternatively, at least two opposed elongate lugs are formed on an operatively bottom side of each storage module, the elongate lugs of one storage module contacting an operatively top side of another storage module when the modular furniture unit is stacked in the second configuration.
The operative side walls of each storage module may be extended beyond the operatively top and bottom sides of the storage module so that when one storage module is stacked on top of another storage module, the elongate lugs are concealed from view.
A locating horizontal edge may be incorporated on each storage module to secure the unit in the second configuration and to secure a bedding mattress, mat, cushion or cushions which may be placed on the unit in the first configuration.
A securing rod may be provided which is releasably securable to the storage modules when the modular furniture unit is in the second configuration to secure the storage modules in the second configuration and which is releasable to allow the storage modules to be placed in the first configuration.
Connection means may be provided for releasably connecting the storage modules when in the first configuration or when the storage modules are in the second configuration.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the combination of a modular furniture unit as described above and a foldable mattress, the mattress in the folded position being locatable inside one of the storage modules of the modular furniture unit.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a modular furniture unit according to the invention wherein the storage modules are in the first configuration; Figure 2 shows the modular furniture unit of Figure 1 wherein the storage modules are in the second configuration; Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a modular furniture unit according to the invention illustrating how the modules may be stacked securably one on top of another; Figure 4 shows two storage modules of a further embodiment of a modular furniture unit according to the invention; Figure 5 shows the modular furniture unit of Figure 4 wherein the storage modules are in the first configuration;; Figure 6 shows a sectional side view of part of two storage modules of another embodiment of a modular furniture unit according to the invention; Figure 7 shows a bottom view of one of the storage modules shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 shows another embodiment of a modular furniture unit according to the invention in the second configuration; Figure 9 shows the modular furniture unit of Figure 8 having one of its flaps open; Figure 10 shows the modular furniture unit of Figures 8 and 9 in the first configuration; Figure 11 shows a fastening member for use in connecting storage modules of a modular furniture unit according to the invention; Figure 12 shows the operation of the fastening member of Figure 11; Figure 13 shows the operation of the fastening member of Figure 11 wherein the modular furniture unit is in the second configuration; and Figure 14 shows the operation of the fastening member of Figure 11 when the modular furniture unit of the invention is in the first configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a modular furniture unit comprising four storage modules 10. Each storage module 10 is a rectangular box shaped structure having an opening on one side 12. The opening is covered by a flap 14 which is hinged to the storage module 10 in such a way as to cover the opening of the storage module 10. The flap 14 is provided with a handle 16 to move the flap 14. It will be appreciated that the flap 14 could for example be a drawer or a plurality of drawers or a slidable cover located on the storage module 10. The operatively top side 26 of the storage module 10 may be removable from, or hinged to, in part or in full from the rest of the storage module 10 to expose the inside of the storage module 10.
Figure 1 shows the modular furniture unit in a first configuration. In this configuration the storage modules are placed adjacent one another to form a base for a bed.
Figure 2 shows the modular furniture unit in a second configuration. In this configuration the storage modules 10 are stacked one on top of another to form a chest. The storage modules are separate from one another and can simply be moved relative to one another to form either a base for a bed as shown in Figure 1 or a chest as shown in Figure 2. In both configurations the flap 14 is accessible to open the storage modules 10.
Typically, the storage modules simply rest one on top of another as shown in Figure 2. However, it may be desirable to have a more secure way of stacking one storage module on top of another. Figure 3 shows one way of doing this.
The bottom side 20 of each storage module 10 has four engaging pins 22 which form a friction fit with four complementally shaped blind bores 24 located on the top side 26 of each storage module 10.
It will be appreciated that there are numerous ways of securing one storage module on top of another storage module, as for example shown in Figure 4.
Each storage module 10 in this embodiment includes a locating horizontal edge 40 which is attached to the side of the module 10 and which stands proud of the operatively top side 26 of the storage module 10. In this way, each upper storage module will abut the locating horizontal edge 40 of each lower storage module to make the resulting chest more secure. More particularly, the locating horizontal edges 40 provide a skirt for locating any bedding mattress, mat, cushion or cushions which are placed on top of the storage modules when the unit is in the first configuration as illustrated in Figure 5.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an alternative method of securing an upper module to a lower module is shown. Four opposed elongate lugs 50 are formed on an operatively bottom side 52 of an upper storage module 54. The elongate lugs 50 contact an operatively top side 56 of a lower storage module 58 when the modular furniture unit is stacked in the second configuration as shown in Figure 6. The surface area of contact between the elongate lugs 50 and the operatively top side 56 of the lower storage module 58 is relatively small but the same downward force on that surface area gives a greater pressure on the contact area and hence a more secure fit between upper and lower storage modules respectively.The side walls of each storage module may be extended beyond the operatively top side 56 and operatively bottom side 52 of each storage module so that when one storage module is stacked on top of another storage module, the elongate lugs 50 are concealed from view as shown in Figure 6.
A securing rod may be provided with the modular furniture unit which is releasably securable to the storage modules when the modular furniture unit is in the second configuration. For example, the securing rod may pass through an aperture formed in each of the storage modules to secure the storage modules in the second configuration and which can be removed from the storage modules so that the storage modules can be placed in the first configuration.
Referring to Figures 8 and 9, an alternative embodiment of the modular furniture unit of the invention is shown. Each storage module 60 is a rectangular box shaped structure having two openings 62 on one side. Each opening is covered by a flap 64 which is hinged to the storage module 60 as shown. Each flap 64 is provided with an aperture 66, the aperture being sized to allow insertion of a person's finger therein to move the flap 64. Figures 8 and 9 show the storage module in the second configuration.
Figure 10 shows the modular furniture unit of Figures 8 and 9 in the first configuration and like parts have been indicated with like numerals. It can be seen that the operatively top side 68 of each storage module comprises a wall which is hinged to the rest of the module to expose the inside of the storage module as shown. This allows easier access to the inside of the storage modules when the furniture unit is in the first configuration. The wall 68 is also provided with an aperture 70, the aperture being sized to allow insertion of a person's finger therein to move the wall 68. Two apertures 72 are also formed on the side of the storage modules for ease of gripping and lifting the storage modules.
The modules can be made of any material. Typically the material will be timber or composite particle board or an injection moulded polymer. The material should preferably be of a type that can be cut, shaped, injection or blow moulded, vacuum formed, nailed, bolted, jointed or glued. The modules should also have a structural strength capable of supporting human weight.
The locating horizontal edge 40 in the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings and the elongate lugs 50 in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings relate to methods of securing an upper module to a lower module when the storage modules are in the second configuration. The securing rod referred to previously is one way of connecting the storage modules in their second configuration. It may however be desirable to actually connect the storage modules in the first or second configurations in a releasable manner. Figures 11 to 13 illustrate one way of doing this. Figure 11 shows a fastening member which comprises a head 80, two arms 82 extending from the head 80 and having an abutment formation 84 located at the distal end of each arm 82.Each of the arms 82 are spaced apart from one another and the fastening member is made from a resilient polymeric plastic material. Figure 12 shows adjacent walls 86 of two storage modules, the adjacent walls 86 having aligned apertures 88 formed therein. The arms 82 of the fastening member are inserted through the aligned apertures 88 and the head 80 and abutment formations 84 connect the adjacent walls 86 of the storage modules together. To release the storage modules from one another, the abutment formations 84 are pressed together in the direction of arrows A and the head 80 can then be gripped and withdrawn from the aligned apertures 88. In this manner, adjacent storage modules can be releasably connected to one another.In particular, the fastening member presents a very convenient means of doing this and is particularly useful for housewives and children since no additional tools, such as screw drivers, or significant strength is required to operate the fastening member.
Figure 13 shows how storage modules can be releasably connected to one another in the second configuration using fastening members as described above. Figure 14 shows how the storage modules can be releasably connected to one another in the first configuration using fastening members as described above.
A number of advantages are apparent from the present invention. The unit provides a base for a bed with maximum utilization of the space underneath the bed for domestic storage. The base for the bed can be made into a chest, which takes up less floor space yet provides the same storage space. Because the furniture unit is modular, this aids transportation of the unit in that the unit can be broken down into modules. This is particularly useful when carrying the unit through narrow passages in a building or carrying the unit into elevators and the like. The furniture unit is particularly advantageous for poorer people in that the unit can act as a base for a bed as well as a chest.
Further, the modules can be purchased separately as and when the person can afford to purchase the modules. For example, a single module can be purchased for use as storage space until such time as the user can afford additional modules to eventually complete the base of a single or double bed.
In addition, by configuring the modules appropriately, a person may secure valuable possessions under his person thus reducing the risk of theft while sleeping. The device in the single bed configuration may also find particular use in children's bedrooms, where the storage space of the modules may serve as the ideal storage space for toys and the like, and will also assist the tidying up process in such bedrooms.
It is envisaged that each of the storage modules can be made in a knock-down (or collapsible) form so as to provide the modular furniture unit in a kit form.
Such a kit form may be advantageous in that the unit has a reduced volume resulting in lower freight or similar costs when transporting the unit.

Claims (22)

ClAIMS
1. A modular furniture unit comprising at least two storage modules, wherein the storage modules are shaped and movable relative to each other between a first configuration in which the storage modules are placed adjacent one another to form a base for a bed, and a second configuration in which the storage modules are stacked one on top of another to form a chest, wherein each storage module has an opening which is accessible in both the first and second configurations.
2. A modular furniture unit according to claim 1 wherein the storage modules are rectangular box shaped.
3. A modular furniture unit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the opening of each storage module is covered or secured with a flap which is hinged on the storage module.
4. A modular furniture unit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the opening of each storage module is covered or secured with a sliding cover.
5. A modular furniture unit according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the opening of each storage module is covered or secured by a sliding drawer suitably located on the storage module.
6. A modular furniture unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an operatively upper wall of each storage module is removable from, in part or in full, from the rest of the storage module to expose the inside of the storage module.
7. A modular furniture unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein an operatively upper wall of each storage module is hinged to the rest of the storage module to expose the inside of the storage module.
8. A modular furniture unit according to claim 3 wherein the flap has an aperture formed therein, the aperture being sized to allow insertion of a person's finger therein to move the flap.
9. A modular furniture unit according to claim 4 wherein the sliding cover has an aperture formed therein, the aperture being sized to allow the insertion of a person's finger therein to slide the sliding cover.
10. A modular furniture unit according to claim 5 wherein the sliding drawer has an aperture formed therein, the aperture being sized to allow insertion of a person's finger therein to slide the drawer.
11. A modular furniture unit according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the operatively upper wall has an aperture formed therein to allow the insertion of a person's finger therein to move the operatively upper wall relative to the rest of the storage module.
12. A modular furniture unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein an engaging formation is formed on an operatively bottom side of each storage module and a complementally shaped formation is located on an operatively top side of each storage module so that one storage module engages with another storage module when the storage modules are stacked in the second configuration.
13. A modular furniture unit according to claim 12 wherein the engaging formation is a pin.
14. A modular furniture unit according to claim 13 wherein the complementally shaped formation is a blind bore.
15. A modular furniture unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein at least two opposed elongate lugs are formed on an operatively bottom side of each storage module, the elongate lugs of one storage module contacting an operatively top side of another storage module when the modular furniture unit is stacked in the second configuration.
16. A modular furniture unit according to claim 15 wherein the operative side walls of each storage module are extended beyond the operatively top and bottom sides of the storage module so that when one storage module is stacked on top of another storage module, the elongate lugs are concealed from view.
17. A modular furniture unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a locating horizontal edge is incorporated on each storage module to secure the unit in the second configuration and to secure a bedding mattress, mat, cushion or cushions which may be placed on the unit in the first configuration.
18. A modular furniture unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein connection means is provided for releasably connecting the storage modules when the storage modules are in the first configuration or when the storage modules are in the second configuration.
19. A modular furniture unit according to claim 18 wherein the connection means includes a fastening member having a head and at least two limbs extending from the head which are resiliently spaced apart from one another and an abutment formation formed at the distal end of each arm, the arms being insertable through aligned apertures in adjacent walls of each storage module.
20. A modular furniture unit according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a securing rod is releasably securable to the storage modules when the modular furniture unit is in the second configuration to secure the storage modules in the second configuration and which is releasable to allow the storage modules to be placed in the first configuration.
21. The combination of a modular furniture unit according to any one of the preceding claims and a foldable mattress, the mattress in the folded position being locatable inside one of the storage modules of the modular furniture unit.
22. A modular furniture unit substantially as herein described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 14 of the accompanying drawings.
GB9314672A 1992-07-17 1993-07-15 A modular furniture unit Expired - Fee Related GB2269313B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA925363 1992-07-17

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9314672D0 GB9314672D0 (en) 1993-08-25
GB2269313A true GB2269313A (en) 1994-02-09
GB2269313B GB2269313B (en) 1996-03-06

Family

ID=25581891

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9314672A Expired - Fee Related GB2269313B (en) 1992-07-17 1993-07-15 A modular furniture unit

Country Status (4)

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JP (1) JPH06269338A (en)
GB (1) GB2269313B (en)
MX (1) MX9304330A (en)
ZA (1) ZA934955B (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102138734B (en) * 2010-02-03 2013-05-08 龙忠生 Furniture and assembling method thereof
AT514260A1 (en) * 2013-04-10 2014-11-15 Pfeifer Oskar Modular bedstead
US10781625B2 (en) 2015-08-29 2020-09-22 Intirion Corporation Safe configured for holding valuables

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014004442A1 (en) * 2012-06-27 2014-01-03 Kumar Sivathanu B Multi-functional, reconfigurable furniture system
KR200471368Y1 (en) * 2012-12-31 2014-02-20 전소윤 Block module system
JP6227964B2 (en) * 2013-10-08 2017-11-08 株式会社高橋木工所 Furniture fall prevention device

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB695913A (en) * 1951-05-31 1953-08-19 Nils Aall Barricelli Improved chest of drawers
GB1201500A (en) * 1967-12-01 1970-08-05 Kerridge Joinery Ltd A new or improved case for storing articles

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB695913A (en) * 1951-05-31 1953-08-19 Nils Aall Barricelli Improved chest of drawers
GB1201500A (en) * 1967-12-01 1970-08-05 Kerridge Joinery Ltd A new or improved case for storing articles

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102138734B (en) * 2010-02-03 2013-05-08 龙忠生 Furniture and assembling method thereof
AT514260A1 (en) * 2013-04-10 2014-11-15 Pfeifer Oskar Modular bedstead
US10781625B2 (en) 2015-08-29 2020-09-22 Intirion Corporation Safe configured for holding valuables

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA934955B (en) 1994-02-01
GB9314672D0 (en) 1993-08-25
GB2269313B (en) 1996-03-06
JPH06269338A (en) 1994-09-27
MX9304330A (en) 1994-04-29

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19990715