WO2005018383A1

WO2005018383A1 - Modular components

Info

Publication number: WO2005018383A1
Application number: PCT/AU2004/001122
Authority: WO
Inventors: Radoslaw Lasota
Original assignee: Radoslaw Lasota
Priority date: 2003-08-22
Filing date: 2004-08-20
Publication date: 2005-03-03
Also published as: CN1838901A

Abstract

An elongate furniture member (20) comprises at least two external surfaces (21, 24) that each extend for at least part of the length of the member, and that are angled with respect to each other to subtend therebetween an included angle and an excluded angle. A groove (25) is located on the included angle side between the surfaces.

Description

MODULAR COMPONENTS

Technical Field Modular components for use in constructing items such as furniture, especially desks, work stations, tables, shelves and the like are disclosed. The components will primarily be described in this context, but it should be appreciated that the use of the components is not so limited.

Background Art Modular furniture is known. It would be advantageous if alternative modular furniture components could be provided that are easy to use and rapid to assemble.

Summary In a first aspect there is provided an elongate furniture member comprising: - at least two external surfaces, each extending for at least part of the length of the member and angled with respect to each other to subtend therebetween an included angle and an excluded angle; and - a groove located on the included angle side between the surfaces. The provision of the groove on the included angle side between the surfaces enables components to be attached to the member, which components can then allow the member to be used in modular furniture construction. For example, when the member forms part of a supporting frame for a desk or work station table top, one or more components can be mounted in the groove, and those components can in turn provide a supporting function for eg. a planar table top that rests on and/or is mounted to the component. Alternatively, the groove can provide a mounting point for attaching another eg. like member to the first member, through the use of an intermediate connecting component. Typically the at least two external surfaces and the groove extend for the full length of the member. This allows one or more components to be located anywhere along the length of the member. Typically the member comprises four external surfaces and four respective grooves, each groove located between adjacent surfaces. In this regard, preferably the member is a generally rectangular or square hollow section, preferably an extruded hollow section (eg. of extruded aluminium, aluminium alloy, light weight steel alloy, plastic etc.). Thus, whilst the member can be formed as a solid rectangular section, with grooves eg. being machined or moulded to extend into the section, typically for cost and ease of formation the member is extruded, and this also minimises the amount of material required in forming the member. Typically each groove extends into the hollow, and has a closed base and sidewalls extending up from the base to the adjacent external surfaces. Typically the adjacent external surfaces are at right angles to each other. This is the case when eg. the member is formed as a rectangular or square hollow section. Typically the or each groove between adjacent external surfaces extends into the member such that a mid-line through each groove subtends an angle of 45° to each of the adjacent surfaces. This provides for groove symmetry and enables the member to be used in a number of different orientations. The or each groove is typically adapted for receiving a component lug therein to attach the component to the member. In this regard, the component can be in the form of a supporting element attachable to the member which, when attached, provides a supporting function for other parts/components of the furniture (for example, a table top, leg, orthogonal frame member, upright etc.). In a typical variation the member comprises at least two adjacent grooves, each adapted to receive a lug from the one component to securely attach the component to the member. In this regard, the component can include an adjustable length body, with the lugs protruding inwardly towards each other from opposite ends of the body. For example, when the member comprises a square hollow section, the angle of intersection between midlines extending through the adjacent grooves is typically less than 180° and greater than 0°, such that respective lugs of the one component extending into the adjacent grooves resist removal therefrom, thus securing the component to the member. Typically the body comprises first and second portions slidable towards and away from each other to adjust the body length, thereby allowing for lug insertion/removal into/from adjacent grooves. In this regard, the first and second portions can be slideably mounted to each other, and be connected together by an adjustment screw, the rotation of which causes the sliding of the portions towards or away from each other to allow for lug insertion/removal. Typically at least one flange extends from the body portion for supporting another component of the furniture on the member. Typically the flange(s) extend from the body in a direction opposite to the lug(s). As stated above, the flange(s) can provide a support function for other components of the furniture, such as a table or desk top, other frame members, uprights, legs etc. Thus, when one flange extends from the component, the flange can support a planar element on the member, the planar member sitting on the flange in use; or when two flanges extend from the component, the flanges can be received in an open end of another elongate member to attach the other member to the member. The two flanges can be interferingly received in the open end of the other elongate member. This facilitates rapid fastening together of members (eg. by allowing their push-fitting together in assembly of the furniture). Typically a connector is attachable to an end of the member. The connector can allow for attachment of the member to another like or similar member including another member component of the frame, or an upright, a leg etc. Typically the member has an open hollow end, and the connector includes one or more first protrusions projecting from a connector body, the first protrusions being interferingly receivable in the open hollow end to attach the connector thereto. Again, this facilitates rapid fastening together of the member and connector. Typically one or more second protrusions project from the connector body for interfering insertion in the open hollow end of another member, to thereby attach the members together. Typically the first and second protrusions project orthogonally with respect to each other, to attach the members orthogonally together (eg. to produce a rectangular frame or to provide right angles in the furniture). Typically the connector body has at least one groove that aligns with and forms a continuation of a respective groove of the member. By continuing the groove into the connector, a component can be located anywhere along the member including along a connector located at the end of the member. This allows for positioning of other components adjacent to the connector. In a second aspect there is provided a component as defined above for use with the member of the first aspect. In a third aspect there is provided a connector as defined above for use with the member of the first aspect. In a fourth aspect there is provided an elongate furniture member having either a generally U-shaped or generally H-shaped profile which:

- when viewed in profile and oriented to display its U-shape, has ends of opposing leg portions of the U-shape turned inwardly, such that a flange extending from a connector can be received in an end of the member to locate adjacent to a base of the U-shape and the ends of the leg portions; or

- when viewed in profile and oriented to display its H-shape, has ends of either or both of upper and lower leg portions of the H-shape turned inwardly, with the upper and lower leg portions extending from respective upper and lower sides of a horizontal web of the H-shape, such that a flange extending from a connector can be received in an end of the member to locate adjacent to the web and the ends of the leg portions. By providing an elongate furniture member with either a U-shaped or H- shaped profile, and by providing leg portions of the U or H-shape with inwardly turned ends, a flange extending from a connector can easily be received and retained in an end of the member, which again facilitates use of the member in modular furniture construction. As stated above, the connector can also be used for attaching other furniture components to the member, the components including a like-member, legs, uprights or other components. Typically the ends of the leg portions each include a return that extends generally towards the U-shape base or the web. By providing a return, eg. a lip return, at the ends of each leg portion, the flange of a connector can accordingly be interferingly fitted (eg. wedged) between the return and the U-shaped based or web, thus facilitating secure fitting of the connector to the member. For an H-shaped member, the connector can have two flanges extending therefrom, the flanges being receivable between the web and the respective ends of the upper and lower leg portions. Optionally a grub screw can be screwed through the or each flange to engage against the U-shape base or the web in use, and thereby even more securely fasten the connector to the member. Typically the or each flange is interferingly received between the U-shape base or the web and the respective leg portion ends. Thus a grub screw or the like may not be required, and in any case rapid assembly of furniture can be attained. Typically the connector further comprises one or more additional flanges extending therefrom, the or each additional flange being receivable between the U- shape base or the web and the respective leg portion ends of another like elongate member. Typically the flange(s) of the connector and the additional flange(s) project orthogonally with respect to each other, to attach the members orthogonally together. For an H-shaped member, typically an outside surface of each leg of the H- shape has a groove defined therein to extend along a length of the member, the groove located adjacent to the web of the H-shape. Typically the groove has upper and lower under-cuts for receiving therein a T-shaped lug extending from a component, wherein insertion of the T-shaped lug into the groove attaches the component to the member.

Thus, when the H-shaped member is in its assembled orientation, additional components can be attached thereto using the T-shaped groove. In a fifth aspect there is provided a connector as defined above for use with the member of the fourth aspect. In a sixth aspect there is provided furniture incorporating the member as defined in the first or fourth aspects. Typically the furniture further incorporates the component as defined in the second aspect and/or the connector as defined in the third or fifth aspects. The furniture may be a desk, table or work station. The member, component and connector as defined above advantageously provide for modular furniture manufacture and use, and enable rapid assembly/disassembly of the furniture.

Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the modular components disclosed herein, specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic end elevation of an elongate member;

Figure 2 shows an end view of a preferred elongate member;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the member of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a reverse perspective view of the member of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a work station incorporating a plurality of members of Figures 2 to 4;

Figure 6 shows a perspective exploded view of various members and components of the work station of Figure 5;

Figures 7 to 11 show various assembled and exploded views of one of the components of Figure 6; Figures 12 to 14 show various assembled and exploded views of another of the components of Figure 6;

Figures 15 A and B show enlarged alternative perspective views of a connector as depicted in Figure 6;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a leg base cap, being another one of the components depicted in Figure 6;

Figure 17 shows a perspective partially exploded view of a member and connectors being part of the work station of Figure 5;

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of another member and component, being part of the work station of Figure 5; Figure 19 shows an end view of the members of Figures 17 and 18;

Figure 19A shows a detail of the member of Figure 19; and

Figure 20 shows an end view of an alternative member to that of Figure 19 Detatiled Description of Specific Embodiments Referring firstly to Figure 1, a schematic end view of a member is shown as section 10. Whilst this view can represent a detail of the member of Figure 2, it is first considered separately to illustrate a first component principle. In this regard, section 10 comprises first and second external surfaces 11, 12, which each extend for at least a length of the member, and which are angled with respect to each other to subtend therebetween an included angle (X and an excluded angle β. A groove in the form of a longitudinal recess 14 is located on the side of the included angle α between the first and second external surfaces 11, 12. The recess 14 allows the section to perform modular functions in furniture items, for example, the supporting of components, connectors etc., as will be described hereafter. Referring now to Figures 2 to 4 and, in particular to Figure 2, a member is shown in the form of a generally square hollow section 20. The section 20 has four elongate walls 21 to 24, each wall having an external surface that is angled at 90° with respect to an adjacent external surface. The walls define a hollow interior HI within the section, and four longitudinal recesses 25 to 28 extend in towards the hollow interior from respective corners of section 20. Each recess has a curved (concave) base, the function of which is described below. Advantageously, a generally square hollow section is employed to provide a number of lines of symmetries LS, such that section 20 can be used in at least four orientations when rotated 90° around its central longitudinal axis A. As can also be seen from Figure 2, a midline ML through each recess 25-28 subtends an angle of 45° with respect to the external surfaces of the adjacent walls thereto. In addition, the midlines of adjacent recesses subtend an angle less than 180° but greater than 0° with respect to each other (in Figure 2 the midlines of adjacent recesses are at 90°) which assists with the retention of components on the section as described below. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, it will be seen that the section 20 has two holes 30, 32 which can provide access to the screw head of an adjustable connector used for connecting the member to another member etc. (as described below). Referring now to Figure 5, a work station 40 comprises a table portion 42 constructed from a plurality of the sections 20, together with a backing wall 44 (described in greater detail below). The table portion is formed from two parallel spaced-apart end sections 20, two parallel and spaced apart side sections 20', and four respective leg sections 20". The side sections 20' are connected at each end thereof to a respective end section 20 via lateral connectors 46. The leg sections 20" are connected to respective ends of end sections 20 via end connectors 48. In addition, a table top can be supported on and connected to table portion 42 via a plurality of support components 50, with two support components being mounted to each end section 20 and one support component being mounted to each side section 20'. The lateral connectors 46, end connectors 48 and support components 50 are described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 15. The components of the backing wall 44 are described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 17 to 20. Referring now to Figure 6 the various members, components and connectors used in forming the table portion 42 of work station 40 are described. As can be seen, end sections 20 are connected to leg sections 20" via end connectors 48. It will be seen that each end connector 48 includes laterally projecting fingers 52 and downwardly subtending fingers 54, the fingers projecting/subtending from a connector body 56. Whilst the fingers are sized to snugly or interferingly fit within the open end of respective sections 20, 20", for extra secure mounting typically a grub screw 58 is screwed through hole 30 of a given section, the grub screw threadingly engaging a hole 60 in one of the fingers and further fastening the section 20 to connector 48 (described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 15 A, 15B). Figure 6 also shows the lateral connector 46 in greater detail. In this regard, the lateral connector 46 comprises an upper portion 62 and a like lower portion 64, the upper and lower portions being connected together and adjustably moveable towards and away from each other by first and second Allen screws 66, 61. The heads of the Allen screws align with and are accessible through respective holes 32, 30 of side section 20' when the lateral connector 46 is inserted into an end thereof. In this regard, typically parts of the upper and lower portions 62,64 are snugly or interferingly receivable in the end of side section 20'. Furthermore, the upper and lower portions 62,64 are engageable with longitudinal recesses 25, 28 of section 20 to mount the lateral connector thereon (described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 12 to 14). Figure 6 additionally depicts the support component 50 mounted to end section

20 as well as showing another unmounted supported component 50. Support component 50 comprises in use an upper portion 68 that is slideably connected to a lower portion 70 via an Allen screw 72. The upper portion 68 further comprises a laterally projecting flange 74 having a hole 76 defined therethrough. The support component 50 is mountable on the end sections 20 and side sections 20' at recesses 25,28 (described below in greater detail). When so mounted, the flange 74 provides a supporting surface for a table top or the like, with a screw or bolt etc. able to be inserted through hole 76 and into the underside of the table top etc. Finally, figure 6 depicts a base cap 80 for snug or interfering insertion into a lower end of leg section 20" to provide a ground engaging function to the leg end. Base cap 80 is described in greater detail below with reference to Figure 16. Referring now to Figures 7 to 11, the support component 50 will be described in greater detail. It will be seen that the upper portion 68 is slideably mounted and connected to the lower portion 70 via a tongue and groove type arrangement. In this regard, a tongue 82 projects from a body of the upper portion 68, the tongue having opposing key-ridges 83,84 formed laterally thereon, as best shown in Figure 10. The tongue further comprises a bush portion 86 having an internally threaded cylindrical recess 88 defined therein and into which the Allen screw 72 is screwable. As best seen in Figure 11, the lower portion 70 of connector 50 comprises a pair of opposing longitudinal key-ways 89, 90, each having a longitudinal groove 91, 92 respectively defined therein, the key-ways connected together via a curved shroud wall 94. The grooves 91,92 respectively receive the key-ridges 83,84 to slideably mount the upper and lower portions 68, 70 together. The Allen screw 72 is screw insertable up through a hole 96 defined in a lower bush 98 of the lower portion 70. Thus, when the upper and lower portions are assembled and connected together by the Allen screw 72, rotation of that screw causes either sliding together or sliding a part of the upper and lower portions 68, 70, with the key-ridges 83, 84 and key-ways 89, 90 facilitating smooth and guided sliding. As best shown in Figure 9, it will also be seen that the upper portion 68 has a downwardly and angularly projecting planar lug 100 and the lower portion 70 has an upwardly and angularly projecting planar lug 102. These lugs are respectively insertable and retained in eg. longitudinal recesses 25, 28 of the section 20. In this regard, the Allen screw 72 is typically rotated such that the upper and lower portions slide apart until the lugs 100, 102 can be aligned with respective openings to recesses 25, 28. Once so aligned, the Allen screw is then rotated to draw the upper and lower portions together, causing the lugs 100, 102 to be progressively inserted into recesses 25, 28. The angled disposition of the lugs and recesses retains the support component

50 on the section 20. Typically the Allen screw is screwed tightly so that the lugs 100,102 are drawn tightly into the respective recesses 28, 25. Referring now to Figures 12 to 14, the lateral connector 46 is shown in greater detail. The lateral connector 46 comprises identical upper and lower portions 62,64. Each portion comprises a faceplate 104 for abutting an external surface of one of the walls 21-24 of section 20 (as best shown in Figure 14). Extending orthogonally from each face plate 104 is bush support plate 106, bush support plate supporting a forward bush 108 and a rearward bush 110. The bushes are internally threaded such that rotation of the first Allen screw 66 causes the upper and lower portions to be moved either towards or away from each other, and similarly with rotation of the second Allen grub screw 67. In this regard, access to the first and second Allen screws 66, 67 is provided by holes 111, 112 defined in support plate 106. Each face plate 104 is provided with an angularly projecting plate lug 114, which can be inserted into a respective longitudinal recess 25, 28 etc. of section 20, as best shown in Figure 14. Thus, in a similar manner to the mounting of support component 50 to section 20, the Allen screws 66,67 are rotated so that the opposing plate lugs 114 can be positioned adjacent to the opemngs of recesses 25, 28, and so that when the Allen screws are rotated to draw the upper and lower portions 62,64 together, the plate lugs are progressively advanced into their respective recesses 25,28, ultimately with the lug being fastened against the recess side wall and the faceplate abutting the section wall 24 etc. The holes 111,112 align with respective holes 32,30 of section 20 when the connector 46 is inserted into the end of eg. side section 20'. Typically the spacing between the upper and lower portions 62,64 when firmly mounted to end section 20 is such that the lateral connector 46 forms a snug or interference fit in the end of the side section 20' . However, any adjustments (eg. to enhance interference or frictional fitting) can be made by adjusting second Allen grub screw 67. Referring now to Figures 15A and 15B, the end connector 48 is shown in greater detail. In this regard, it will be seen that the laterally projecting fingers 52 and downwardly subtending fingers 54 each comprise first and second finger arrangements 120,122. The first and second finger arrangements are shaped so as to fit snugly in the end of section 20. In this regard, the first finger arrangement 120 comprises three generally flat finger portions A, B and C (Figure 15 A) which sit flat against respective inside faces of walls 22,23,24 of section 20. Each of the finger portions A, B and C is defined by a pair of slits 124 which facilitate finger flexing during insertion of the fingers into the end of a section 20. In addition, convex recessed portions D and E are provided respectively between finger portions A-B and finger portions B-C, the recessed portions accommodating there the inwardly projecting longitudinal recesses 27,28 when the fingers 52,54 are inserted into respective section ends. The convex recessed portion D and E is shaped to match the concave base of each recess 27, 28. Second finger arrangement 122 has a generally U-shaped profile, with outwardly turned legs of the U-shape defining flat longitudinal flanges 126. In a similar manner to the flat faces of finger portions A, B and C, the flat flanges 126 sit against the inside face of wall 21 when the fingers 52, 54 are inserted into respective open ends of sections 20. In addition, a web base 128 of the finger arrangement 122 is provided with the internally threaded hole 60 such that grub screw 58 can be accessed by hole 30 of section 20 to fasteningly attach the connector 48 to its respective sections. Finally, it will be seen that the connector body 56 is formed with recesses 130 therein which are positioned to align with respective recesses 27, 28 of the sections into which the fingers 52 and 54 have been inserted, the recesses 130 thereby forming a continuation of recesses 27, 28. This allows for components to be attached to the corners of a resulting frame formed from the end connectors, and also preserves the aesthetic appearance of the resulting furniture item. Referring now to Figure 16, the base cap 80 is shown in greater detail. The base cap 80 includes a base plate 140 having four cut-outs 142 defined therein. The cut-outs 142 typically align with and form a continuation of longitudinal recesses 25, 28 defined in the leg section 20" to thus enhance the aesthetic appearance of the base cap when attached to a lower end of leg section 20". A cylindrical plug 144 projects upwardly from the base plate 140 and is sized for snug or interfering insertion into an end of section 20. In this regard the concave curve at the base of each of the longitudinal recesses 25 to 28 is typically shaped and sized to match the external diameter of the cylindrical plug 144. To prevent rotation of the base cap 80 in the end of leg section 20", a pair of flanges 146, 147 are defined on the outside surface of cylindrical plug 144. These flanges are shaped and sized so as to be located on either side of the side walls of a respective one of the longitudinal recesses 25 to 28 once the base cap has been inserted into leg section 20". Referring now to Figures 17 to 19, the various components of the backing wall 44 of work station 40 will be described. In this regard typically the backing wall is formed from a plurality of sections 150 having a generally H-shaped profile (as best shown in Figure 19). To construct the external perimeter of the backing wall 44, corner connectors 152 are provided at the four corners of opposing and parallel side sections

150' and opposing and parallel end sections 150". In addition, an intermediate connector 154 is mounted on each end section 150" for mounting an intermediate section 1501 (Figure 5) between and parallel to the side sections 150'. Referring now to Figure 19, it will be seen that section 150 has, in profile, upper leg portions 156 and lower leg portions 158, the leg portions being interconnected by a stepped web 160. In this regard, web 160 defines upper and lower steps 162, 164. The upper and lower steps combine to define a longitudinal recess 166 - li on either side of section 150, the recess 166 generally having a T-shape in profile. The recess 166 can thus receive a T-shaped lug 168 therein as shown in Figure 19 A. Lug 168 can project from a component, section etc. to be attached to the member (eg. a hook, tray, shelf, bracket etc.) and to facilitate its mounting to the backing wall 44. Alternatively, the recess 166 can simply provide an aesthetic appearance to the section 150. It will further be seen that each of the upper and lower leg portions 156, 158 has an inwardly turned end region 170. This defines a partially enclosed recess R on each side of web 160, to thereby facilitate the attaching of corner connectors 152 etc. Furthermore, each end region 170 has a flange or lip return 172 projecting therefrom and generally towards stepped web 160. Flange return 172 further defines the partially enclosed recess R on either side of stepped web 160, and provides for ease of attachment of the corner connectors 152 to the section 150. In this regard, and as best shown in Figure 17, each corner connector 152 is provided with laterally proj ecting tongues 174 and downwardly subtending tongues

176. Each of these tongues is insertable into a respective one of the recesses R defined in the section 150, with each tongue being captured between the ends of adjacent flange returns 172 and either the upper or lower steps 162,164 of the web 160. Typically the tongues are inserted into the recess R in a snug or interference fit. Optionally, to provide for secure attachment of the corner connectors to the section 150, a grub screw 180 can be screwed through an appropriately internally threaded hole 180 located in the outermost of the tongues 174, 176. The grub screw once fully inserted abuts and fastens against web 160. The opening of recess R between the end regions 170 also facilitates grub screw access. From Figure 18, it will also be seen that intermediate connector 154 is insertable into one of the recesses R of section 150. In this regard, typically the intermediate connector 154 has an enlarged generally T-shaped head 184 which is insertable such that a respective shoulder 186 on each side of the head sits under and is captured behind flange return 172. Projecting outwardly from the T-shaped head 184 is a pair of finger supports 188, which are insertable into the end of intermediate section

1501. In this regard, the finger supports 188 are typically positioned on either side of web 160, and are typically wedged between the opposing upper and lower steps 162,164, thus fastening the intermediate section 1501 to the end sections 150" (see Figure 5). This also allows screens 189 (see Figure 5) to be positioned between section 1501 and the opposing sections 150'. Referring now to Figure 20, if desires, some of the sections 150 having a general H-shape in profile can be replaced with a section 190 having a generally U- shaped profile. In this regard, web 160 is replaced with a base web 192 of the U-shaped section. Upper leg portions 156 are replaced with stem portions 194 of the U-shaped section. The end regions 170 are replaced with the in-turned upper regions 196, and the flange returns 172 are replaced with the flange returns 198. The U-shaped section 190 can be sized to receive one of the tongues 174,176 of corner connector 152, or the T- shaped head of intermediate connector 154. The grub screw 180 can fasten that tongue in the U-shaped recess. In addition, the finger supports 188 can be located on either side of base web 192 with the upper finger support being located snugly between end returns 198. Typically the lateral and end connectors and support components are formed from injection moulded plastics materials, and typically the sections are formed from extruded metal such as aluminium, aluminium alloy, or light weight steel alloy, or optionally are extruded from plastic. The sections described above are shaped to allow their use in the modular construction of furniture items, especially desks, tables, work stations, shelves and the like. However, it should be appreciated that the sections can be used in other construction applications. Whilst a number of component embodiments have been described, it should be appreciated that the components can be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An elongate furniture member comprising: at least two external surfaces, each extending for at least part of the length of the member and angled with respect to each other to subtend therebetween an included angle and an excluded angle; and a groove located on the included angle side between the surfaces.

2. A member as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least two external surfaces and the groove extend for the length of the member.

3. A member as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprising four external surfaces and four respective grooves, each groove located between adjacent surfaces.

4. A member as claimed in claim 3 that is a generally rectangular hollow section.

5. A member as claimed in claim 4 wherein each groove extends into the hollow, and has a closed base and sidewalls extending up from the base to the adjacent external surfaces.

6. A member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein adjacent external surfaces are at right angles to each other.

7. A member as claimed in claim 6 wherein the or each groove between adjacent external surfaces extends into the member such that a mid-line through each groove subtends an angle of 45° to each of the adjacent surfaces.

8. A member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each groove is adapted for receiving a component lug therein to attach the component to the member.

9. A member as claimed in claim 8 comprising at least two adjacent grooves, each adapted to receive a lug from the one component to securely attach the component to the member.

10. A member as claimed in claim 9 wherein the component includes an adjustable length body, with the lugs protruding inwardly towards each other from opposite ends of the body.

11. A member as claimed in claim 10 wherein the body comprises first and second portions slidable towards and away from each other to adjust the body length.

12. A member as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first and second portions are slideably mounted to each other, and are connected together by an adjustment screw, the rotation of which causes the sliding of the portions towards or away from each other.

13. A member as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein at least one flange extends from the body portion for supporting another component of the furniture on the member.

14. A member as claimed in claim 13 wherein the flange(s) extend from the body in a direction opposite to the lug(s).

15. A member as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein: - when one flange extends from the component, the flange can support a planar element on the member, the planar member sitting on the flange in use; or - when two flanges extend from the component, the flanges can be received in an open end of another elongate member to attach the other member to the member.

16. A member as claimed in claim 15 wherein the two flanges are interferingly received in the open end of the other elongate member.

17. A member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a connector is attachable to an end of the member.

18. A member as claimed in claim 17 that has an open hollow end, wherein the connector includes one or more first protrusions projecting from a connector body, the first protrusions being interferingly receivable in the open hollow end to attach the connector thereto.

19. A member as claimed in claim 17 wherein one or more second protrusions project from the connector body for interfering insertion in the open hollow end of another member, to thereby attach the members together.

20. A member as claimed in claim 19 wherein the first and second protrusions project orthogonally with respect to each other, to attach the members orthogonally together.

21. A member as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein the connector body has at least one groove that aligns with and forms a continuation of a respective groove of the member.

22. A component as defined in any one of claims 9 to 15.

23. A connector as defined in any one of claims 17 to 21.

24. An elongate furniture member having either a generally U-shaped or generally H-shaped profile which: - when viewed in profile and oriented to display its U-shape, has ends of opposing leg portions of the U-shape turned inwardly, such that a flange extending from a connector can be received in an end of the member to locate adjacent to a base of the U-shape and the ends of the leg portions; or - when viewed in profile and oriented to display its H-shape, has ends of either or both of upper and lower leg portions of the H-shape turned inwardly, with the upper and lower leg portions extending from respective upper and lower sides of a horizontal web of the H-shape, such that a flange extending from a connector can be received in an end of the member to locate adjacent to the web and the ends of the leg portions.

25. A member as claimed in claim 24 wherein the ends of the leg portions each include a return that extends generally towards the U-shape base or the web.

26. An H-shaped member as claimed in claim 24 or 25 wherein the connector has two flanges extending therefrom, the flanges being receivable between the web and the respective ends of the upper and lower leg portions.

27. A member as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26 wherein a grub screw is screwable through the or each flange to engage against the U-shape base or the web in use and fasten the connector to the member.

28. A member as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein the or each flange is interferingly received between the U-shape base or the web and the respective leg portion ends.

29. A member as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 28 wherein the connector further comprises one or more additional flanges extending therefrom, the or each additional flange being receivable between the U-shape base or the web and the respective leg portion ends of another like elongate member.

30. A member as claimed in claim 29 wherein the flange(s) of the connector and the additional flange(s) project orthogonally with respect to each other, to attach the members orthogonally together.

31. An H-shaped member as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 30 wherein an outside surface of each leg of the H-shape has a groove defined therein to extend along a length of the member, the groove located adjacent to the web of the H-shape.

32. A member as claimed in claim 31 wherein the groove has upper and lower under-cuts for receiving therein a T-shaped lug extending from a component, wherein insertion of the T-shaped lug into the groove attaches the component to the member.

33. A connector as defined in any one of claims 24 or 26 to 30.

34. Furniture incorporating the member as defined in any one of claims 1 to 21 or 24 to 32.

35. Furniture as claimed in claim 34 further incorporating the component as defined in claims 22 and/or the connector as defined in any one of claims 23 or 33.