GB2525009A

GB2525009A - A connector for connecting elements of a modular furniture assembly and a corresponding method

Info

Publication number: GB2525009A
Application number: GB1406417.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Penrose Robertson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-04-09
Filing date: 2014-04-09
Publication date: 2015-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-09
Also published as: GB2525009B; GB201406417D0

Abstract

A connector for connecting elements of a modular furniture assembly comprises a first bracket member 4a, a second bracket member 4b and a joining element. The elements of the modular furniture assembly comprise first and second elements which are arranged substantially parallel to one another and a third element which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second elements. The first bracket member 4a has an attachment portion 10a and a joining portion 8a. The attachment portion 10a is attachable to the first element and the joining portion 8a is provided with a hole 12a extending through it. The second bracket member 4b has an attachment portion 10b and a joining portion 8b. The attachment portion 10b is attachable to the second element and the joining portion 8b is provided with a hole 12b extending through it. The joining element is attachable to the third element. The first and second bracket members 4a, 4b are configured to be arranged so that the joining portions 8a, 8b overlap with one another and the holes 12a, 12b are aligned with one another; wherein the joining element is configured to pass through the holes 12a, 12b in the joining portions 8a, 8b thereby joining the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b to the third element 24c and to one another.

Description

A CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING ELEMENTS OF A MODULAR FURNITURE

ASSEMBLY AND A CORRESPONDING METHOD

The invention relates to a connector for connecting elements of a modular furniture assembly and a corresponding method.

Modular furniture assemblies are known in which a piece of furniture is assembled from a number of pre-fabricated modules or components. The assembly process may be carried out by either the manufacturer or by the end user. This allows the piece of furniture to be easily customised to the requirements of the user.

For example, a shelving unit or bookcase may be formed by a plurality of individual modules. Each module may comprise a plurality of shelving elements such as horizontal and vertical supports, which are arranged and joined together in a grid formation. A user may select the number, size and arrangement of modules to form a bespoke shelving unit which is customised to the user's requirements. For example, the shelving unit may be designed to fit in a specific space, satisfy certain storage requirements or have a desired aesthetic appearance. Such a system allows the user to obtain a bespoke piece of furniture at reduced cost.

The joints and fasteners used in modular furniture assemblies must allow the piece of furniture to be quickly and easily assembled and disassembled, even by an unskilled user. Modular furniture assemblies are therefore often constructed using techniques which involve knock-down fasteners, fixit blocks, tongue and groove joints, adhesives, etc. However, such techniques often limit the possible configurations of the modular furniture assembly and are not well suited to connecting more than two shelving elements together.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved fastener for constructing a modular furniture assembly.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention there is provided a connector for connecting elements of a modular furniture assembly. The elements of the modular furniture assembly comprise: first and second elements which are arranged substantially parallel to one another and a third element which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second elements. The connector comprises: a first bracket member having an attachment portion and a joining portion, the attachment portion being attachable to the first element and the joining portion being provided with a hole extending therethrough; a second bracket member having an attachment portion and a joining portion, the attachment portion being attachable to the second element and the joining portion being provided with a hole extending therethrough; and a joining element attachable to the third element. The first and second bracket members are configured to be arranged so that the joining portions overlap with one another and the holes are aligned with one another, and the joining element is configured to pass through the holes in the joining portions thereby joining the first and second bracket members to the third element and to one another.

The attachment portions of the first and second bracket members may be configured to abut against one another to define an enclosed space.

The enclosed space may be configured to receive the joining element.

The enclosed space may have a substantially circular cross-section.

The joining portions may each have a profile which substantially corresponds to the enclosed space.

Opposing surfaces of the joining portions may be provided with a complementary protrusion and recess which are configured to abut against one another to align the first and second bracket members.

The protrusion and recess may be frusto-conical or cylindrical.

The position of the joining portion of the second bracket member relative to the attachment portion may be offset from that of the first bracket member by a distance which is substantially equal to the thickness of the joining portion of the first bracket member.

The attachment portions of the first and second bracket members may each comprise a hole configured to receive a fastener for attaching the first and second bracket members to the first and second elements respectively.

Each attachment portion may comprise a planar portion through which the hole passes.

The holes of the attachment portions may be countersunk or counterbored.

The attachment portion and the joining portion may be substantially perpendicular to one another.

The opening of the joining portion of the second bracket member may be countersunk and the joining element may have a countersunk head.

The elements of the modular furniture assembly may further comprise a fourth element which is arranged substantially parallel to the third element and substantially perpendicular to the first and second elements. The joining element may comprise a screw portion and a rod portion, the rod portion being receivable within a hole in the fourth element.

The rod portion may be configured to extend above the attachment portions of the first and second bracket members.

The rod portion may be detachably coupled to the screw portion.

A free end of the rod portion may be provided with a drive element.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a modular furniture assembly comprising a connector as described previously.

The modular furniture assembly may be a shelving unit.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for constructing a modular furniture assembly as described previously.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a modular furniture assembly as described previously, the method comprising: attaching the first bracket member to the first element; attaching the second bracket member to the second element; and arranging the first and second bracket members so that the joining portions overlap with one another and the holes are aligned with one another; passing the joining element through the holes in the joining portions; and attaching the joining element to the third element so as to join the first and second bracket members to the third element and to one another.

The method may further comprise: attaching the joining element to the fourth element by inserting the rod of the joining element into the hole within the fourth element.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a perspective view of a connector according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of first and second bracket members of the connector; Figure 3 is a side view of a joining element of the connector; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first bracket member fixed to a shelving element; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second bracket members in an assembled configuration; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the connector when in use to connect a plurality of shelving elements; and Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fully assembled modular shelving unit.

Figure 1 shows a connector 2 according to an embodiment of the invention which may be used to connect elements of a modular furniture assembly, such as shelving elements of a modular shelving unit.

The connector 2 generally comprises a cylindrical bracket 4 and a joining element 6 which passes through the bracket 4.

As shown in Figure 2, the bracket 4 is formed by a first bracket member 4a and a second bracket member 4b.

The first bracket member 4a comprises a base member 8a (joining portion) and a side wall iDa (attachment portion). The base member Ba is connected to a lower portion of the side wall ba such that a lower surface of the base member Ba is level with a lower surface of the side wall ba. The base member Ba extends perpendicularly to the side wall iDa. The base member Ba is provided with a countersunk hole 12a which extends through the thickness of the base member 8a. Similarly, the side wall iDa is provided with a countersunk hole 14a which extends through the thickness of the side wall iDa.

The holes 12a, 14a of the base member 8a and side wall iDa are substantially perpendicular to one another.

The side wall iDa generally has a semi-circular cross-section. A planar portion 16a is, however, provided at the centre of the inner surface of the side wall iDa in which the countersunk hole 14a lies.

The base member Ba has a generally circular profile which matches the semi-circular cross-section of the side wall bOa. The base member Ba thus projects beyond the diameter line of the side wall bOa and is symmetrical about the diameter line. The base member Ba is provided with a proximal planar portion 17a which abuts against the planar portion 16a of the side wall iDa and a distal planar portion 19a which is spaced from the proximal planar portion 17a on an opposing side of the diameter line.

The second bracket member 4b is generally a mirror-image of the first bracket member 4a. The second bracket member 4b thus comprises a base member Sb and a side wall lOb, each having a countersunk hole 12b, 14b. The base member 8b is, however, connected to the side wall lOb at a position which is offset from that of the base member 8a of the first bracket member 4a. Specifically, a lower surface of the base member Sb is spaced from a lower surface of the side wall Sb by a distance which is substantially equal to the thickness of the base member Ba of the first bracket member 4a.

As shown in Figure 3, the joining element 6 is formed by a threaded screw 18 and an unthreaded rod 20. The screw 18 is provided with a countersunk head 22. The rod 20 is connected to the head 22 of the screw 18 such that longitudinal axes of the screw 18 and rod 20 are parallel with one another. The free end of the rod 20 is provided with a drive element, such as a Phillips screw drive, a slot or cross screw drive, a hex screw drive, a hex socket (Allen) screw drive, etc. In use, the first bracket member 4a is connected to a first shelving element 24a, as shown in Figure 4. An end surface of the first shelving element 24a is provided with a channel 26a which extends through the thickness of the first shelving element 24a.

The channel 26a has a semi-circular cross-section which corresponds to the outer surface of the side wall iDa of the first bracket member 4a. The thickness of the first shelving element 24a and the length of the channel 26a corresponds to the height of the side wall iDa of the first bracket member 4a. The side wall ba of the first bracket member 4a thus sits substantially flush with the surfaces of the first shelving element 24a. The first bracket member 4a is affixed to the first shelving element 24a by a screw 28a, which passes through the hole 14a in the side wall iDa and into the first shelving element 24a. If desired, the first shelving element 24a may be provided with a preformed pilot hole which receives the screw 28a.

The second bracket member 4b is affixed to a second shelving element 24b in a similar manner.

With the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b affixed to the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b, the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b can be assembled to form the cylindrical bracket 4. Specifically, the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b are brought together so that end surfaces of the side wall iDa abut against end surfaces of the side wall lOb to form an enclosed space, with the offset base members 8a, 8b overlapping one another. The distal planar portion 19a of the base member 8a of the first bracket member 4a abuts against the planar portion 16b of the side wall lOb of the second bracket member 4b. Similarly, the distal planar portion 19b of the base member 8b of the second bracket member 4b abuts against the planar portion 16a of the side wall 1 Oa of the first bracket member 4a. In this position, the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b are parallel and aligned with one another (i.e. they are coplanar). As shown in Figure 5, a lower surface of the base member 8b is provided with a frusto-conical projection 30 which surrounds the hole 14b. The base member 8b overlies the base member Sa with the frusto-conical projection 30 being received by the countersunk hole 12a. Consequently, the holes 12a, 12b of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b are aligned with one another.

The screw 18 of the joining element 6 passes through the holes 12a, 12b and, as shown in Figure 6, is screwed into a third shelving element 24c which is perpendicular to the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b. The screw 18 is driven into the third shelving element 24c using the drive element of the rod 20 until the countersunk head 22 abuts against the countersunk hole 12b of the base member 8b of the second bracket member 4b. The base members Ba, 8b of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b are thus captured between the head 22 of the screw 18 and the third shelving element. Consequently, the joining element 6 connects the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b and the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b to one another.

When the screw 18 of the joining element 6 is fully inserted into the third shelving element 24c, the rod 20 extends above the level of the side walls ba, lOb of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b. The rod 20 can be used to connect a fourth shelving element 24d which is arranged parallel to the third shelving element 24c and perpendicular to the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b. The shelving elements 24a-24d thus form a cross. The fourth shelving element 24d is provided with a preformed hole which receives the rod 20. The rod 20 and the preformed hole of the fourth shelving element 24d are sized so as to form an interference or press fit which connects the fourth shelving element 24d to the rod 20 of the joining element 6. The length of the preformed hole is at least as long as the portion of the rod 20 extending above the level of the side walls ba, lOb, such that the fourth shelving element 24d can be brought into abutment with the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b.

The rod 20 is shown as having a smooth, cylindrical outer surface, but the outer surface of the rod 20 may also be provided with surface texture, such as knurling or fluting, so as to improve the connection between the rod 20 and the fourth shelving element.

As shown in Figure 6, the shelving elements 24a-24d may be connected to one another using a pair of connectors 2. This arrangements prevents rotation of the fourth shelving element 24d about the rod 20 of the joining element 6 and improves the strength of the joint. Additional connectors 2 may be used where greater strength is required.

Figure 7 shows a modular shelving unit 32 which is constructed using a plurality of connectors 2. As will be appreciated, the modular shelving unit 32 comprises joints where four shelving elements 24 are connected to one another (i.e. within the body of the shelving unit 32), joints where three shelving elements 24 are connected to one another (i.e. at the top and/or bottom of the shelving unit 32), and joints where only two shelving elements 24 are connected to one another (i.e. at the corners of the shelving unit 32). The connector 2 can be used for each of these purposes.

Where three shelving elements 24 are to be connected, the joining element 6 need not be provided with the rod 20. The joining element 6 may therefore be a standard screw which is driven into the perpendicular shelving element 24 to connect the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b to the perpendicular shelving element 24 and to one another. The connector 2 is arranged so that the side walls ba, lOb of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b connect with those shelving elements 24 which are parallel to one another (i.e. the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b).

Accordingly, where the connector 2 is used along the sides of the shelving unit 32, the cylindrical bracket 4 is oriented horizontally. On the other hand, where the connector 2 is used along the top or bottom of the shelving unit 32, the cylindrical bracket 4 is oriented vertically. Where the connector 2 is used to connect three shelving elements 24, a cap may be used to close the open end of the cylindrical bracket 4 to conceal the joining element 6 and the screws 28a, 28b.

Alternatively, along the sides of the shelving unit 32, the connector 2 may be used in a vertical orientation with the joining element 6 having the rod 20. In this orientation, only one of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b is connected to a horizontal shelving element 24 and the other simply provides a concealing function. This configuration thus corresponds substantially to that shown in Figure 6 and described previously, but with one of the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b omitted.

Where only two perpendicular shelving elements 24 are to be connected, the joining element 6 again need not be provided with the rod 20. Further, the side wall ba, lOb of one of the first and second bracket members need not be provided with a hole 14a, 14b, if desired. The cylindrical bracket 4 (possibly with an additional cap, as described above) conceals the joining element 6 and screw 28a and thus may be beneficial even where joining only two shelving elements 24.

Figure 7 depicts a modular shelving unit 32 having a 5 by 5 grid formation. However, it will be appreciated that the connector 2 allows any number of shelving elements 24 to be assembled to provide a desired shape and configuration for the modular shelving unit 32.

The connector 2 may be used to assemble other modular furniture and is not limited the modular shelving unit 32 described previously.

The bracket members 4a, 4b may be cast or machined metal components.

Alternatively, the bracket members 4a, 4b may be formed from plastic.

Although the bracket 4 has been described as being cylindrical, other shapes could be used. For example, the bracket 4 may have a cross-section which is square, with each side wall 4a, 4b forming half of the perimeter of the square (i.e. with the square being divided diagonally or parallel to the sides). Moreover, the bracket 4 need not define an enclosed space as described previously. Consequently, the side walls ba, lOb of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b need not abut against one another. For example, in its simplest embodiment, the bracket 4 may comprise two L-shaped bracket members. Such bracket members may be formed simply by bending a strip of material into the desired shape. The holes may be formed either before or after being the strip of material.

Where the bracket 4 has an open form, this may allow the third shelving element 24c to be inserted in-between the side walls ba, lOb. This may improve the stability of the third shelving element 24c.

The end surfaces of the side walls lOa, lOb need not be planar faces as shown, but may instead have interlocking profiles to provide additional location during assembly, and improved strength once assembled. For example, the end surfaces may be provided with complementary protrusions/recesses which interdigitate with one another.

Where a stronger joint is required, the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b may each be provided with a plurality of holes 12a in the base member 8a, 8b and/or a plurality of holes 14a in the side wall bOa, lOb.

The screw 18 and rod 20 of the joining element 6 may be detachably coupled to one another. For example, the rod 20 may be provided with a male thread which is threaded into a female thread provided in the head 22 of the screw 18. Accordingly, the screw 18 can be driven into the third shelving element 24c in a conventional manner with the rod 20 detached. The rod 20 can then be attached to the screw 18 and used to connect the fourth shelving element 24d. With such an arrangement, the rod 20 need not be provided with a drive element, although this may still be useful for attaching and detaching the rod 20 to/from the screw 18.

Although the joining element 6 has been described as having a screw 18 and the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b have been described as being attached to the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b using screws 28a, 28b, it will be appreciated that other types of fasteners may be used instead. For example, knock-down fasteners secured with a cam lock may be used. Nails may also be suitable for attaching the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b to the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b where it is not necessary to remove the bracket members 4a, 4b from the shelving elements 24a, 24b. The joining element 6 may still allow easy disassembly of the shelving elements 24a, 24b.

Further, each of the first, second and third shelving elements 24a-24c may be provided with a captive nut or tapped hole which receives the screw (bolt), rather than screwing into the material of the shelving element itself.

The lower surface of the base member 8b need not be provided with the frusto-conical projection 30 and the hole 12a of the base member 8a need not be countersunk, as described previously. This arrangement does, however, ensure that the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b are properly aligned and helps hold the first and second shelving elements 24a, 24b together during assembly. Nevertheless, other structures may be used to ensure alignment, such as a cylindrical projection and a corresponding cylindrical recess around the hole 12a (i.e. a counterbored hole). Other non-circular projections and recesses could also be used to ensure proper angular alignment and to prevent rotation of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b relative to one another. For example, the projection and recess may have a square, triangular or other polygonal cross-section.

Further, the holes 12a, 12b in the base members 8a, 8b and the holes 14a, 14b in the side walls ba, lOb may be counterbored rather than countersunk. In fact, the holes, particularly the hole 12b in the second bracket member 4a, do not need to be countersunk or counterbored and the screw head may sit proud of the surface.

As described above, the connector 2 connects the shelving elements 24 in a number of simple steps. At each step, accurate location of parts is straightforward, aided by either the geometry of the shelving elements 24 or the already installed bracket members 4a, 4b. Since the bracket comprises two bracket members 4a, 4b rather than a single bracket, easy access is provided to the holes 14a, 14b in the side walls iDa, lOb for fixation of the bracket members 4a, 4b to shelving elements 24. The layered lower portions 8a, 8b of the first and second bracket members 4a, 4b provide sufficient support for accurate alignment of the central fastener 6 within the third shelf element 28c.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A connector for connecting elements of a modular furniture assembly, the elements of the modular furniture assembly comprising: first and second elements which are arranged substantially parallel to one another and a third element which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first and second elements, the connector comprising: a first bracket member having an attachment portion and a joining portion, the attachment portion being attachable to the first element and the joining portion being provided with a hole extending therethrough; a second bracket member having an attachment portion and a joining portion, the attachment portion being attachable to the second element and the joining portion being provided with a hole extending therethrough; and a joining element attachable to the third element; wherein the first and second bracket members are configured to be arranged so that the joining portions overlap with one another and the holes are aligned with one another; wherein the joining element is configured to pass through the holes in the joining portions thereby joining the first and second bracket members to the third element and to one another.
2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portions of the first and second bracket members are configured to abut against one another to define an enclosed space.
3. A connector according to claim 2, wherein the enclosed space is configured to receive the joining element.
4. A connector according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the enclosed space has a substantially circular cross-section.
5. A connector according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the joining portions each have a profile which substantially corresponds to the enclosed space.
6. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein opposing surfaces of the joining portions are provided with a complementary protrusion and recess which are configured to abut against one another to align the first and second bracket members.
7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein the protrusion and recess are frusto-conical or cylindrical.
8. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the position of the joining portion of the second bracket member relative to the attachment portion is offset from that of the first bracket member by a distance which is substantially equal to the thickness of the joining portion of the first bracket member.
9. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment portions of the first and second bracket members each comprises a hole configured to receive a fastener for attaching the first and second bracket members to the first and second elements respectively.
10. A connector according to claim 9, wherein each attachment portion comprises a planar portion through which the hole passes.
11. A connector according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the holes of the attachment portions are countersunk or counterbored.
12. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment portion and the joining portion are substantially perpendicular to one another.
13. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening of the joining portion of the second bracket member is countersunk and wherein the joining element has a countersunk head.
14. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the elements of the modular furniture assembly further comprises a fourth element which is arranged substantially parallel to the third element and substantially perpendicular to the first and second elements; wherein the joining element comprises a screw portion and a rod portion, the rod portion being receivable within a hole in the fourth element.
15. A connector according to claim 14, wherein the rod portion is configured to extend above the attachment portions of the first and second bracket members.
16. A connector according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the rod portion is detachably coupled to the screw portion.
17. A connector according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein a free end of the rod portion is provided with a drive element.
18. A connector substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
19. A modular furniture assembly comprising a connector according to any preceding claim.
20. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the modular furniture assembly is a shelving unit.
21. A kit of parts for constructing a modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 19 or 20.
22. A method of constructing a modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 19 or 20, the method comprising: attaching the first bracket member to the first element; attaching the second bracket member to the second element; and arranging the first and second bracket members so that the joining portions overlap with one another and the holes are aligned with one another; passing the joining element through the holes in the joining portions; and attaching the joining element to the third element so as to join the first and second bracket members to the third element and to one another.
23. A method of constructing a modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 22 when dependent on claim 14, the method further comprising: attaching the joining element to the fourth element by inserting the rod of the joining element into the hole within the fourth element.
24. A method of constructing a modular furniture assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.