WO2009047787A2

WO2009047787A2 - A screw less multipurpose modular furniture assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2009047787A2
Application number: PCT/IN2008/000378
Authority: WO
Inventors: Himmat Chudasama Muljibhai; Mahendra Chudasama Muljibhai
Original assignee: Kanaiyalal Muljibhai Mistry
Priority date: 2007-05-18
Filing date: 2008-05-19
Publication date: 2009-04-16
Also published as: WO2009047787A8; WO2009047787A9; WO2009047787A4; WO2009047787A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to modular furniture assembly. The modular furniture assembly comprises at least two panels (1) being positioned vertically on the ground surface and supporting a horizontally positioned panel (11), said vertically positioned panels (1) comprises plurality of slots (7) on the peripheral edges (5); plurality of connectors (21) for connecting said vertically positioned panels (1), said connectors (21) are slidably fitted to said vertically positioned panels (1); plurality of covers (35) being placed over said connectors (21) and edges (5) of the vertically positioned panels (1); plurality of caps (4) being placed over the top of the connectors (21) at the corner region where the connector (21) connects said panels (1), said caps (4) consists of outward projections (42) which fits into the slots provided on the connectors (21); and leveling means (51) provided at the bottom edge of the vertically positioned panels (1) to adjust the level and height of the panels (1).

Description

"A Screw less Multipurpose Modular Furniture Assembly"

Field of Invention:

The present invention relates to a modular furniture assembly. More particularly it relates to a modular furniture assembly configured in the form of table or like work stations.

Prior Art:

In today's business world, flexibility is one of the greatest keys to success, particularly in the case of small and mid-size businesses. A large business may have enough sheer power and leverage to make it on a few core services, but smaller businesses almost always need to be able to diversify in order to survive. In order to allow the necessarily level of flexibility for the company as a whole, one will need to reflect that flexibility in each separate area of his business, not only including the abilities of his employees, but also the very layout of his offices.

This sort of all around flexibility will allow his business to adapt in whatever sorts of ways his current situation might dictate. One of the best ways to accomplish this degree of flexibility in his office space is through the use of modular office furniture. Modular office furniture is often the key to a flexible and productive office.

Modular office furniture is, well, modular, which essentially just means that it is made from pieces which are designed to fit back together in any number of different combinations. In the case of office furniture, modular essentially means that if one need to have an 1-shaped desk, one would not have to go out and find such a desk, in the proper measurements. Rather, one might 'build' the desk out of two or more modular desk pieces, and perhaps a piece to join them together better.

This means that one can reconfigure his office space entirely, pretty much at will. With the use of modular office furniture, one can quickly and easily take apart an outdated design, and rework it into a layout that is more beneficial to the specific sort of job one will be doing. Similarly, one can add on pieces as necessary, such as bookcases, and the like, as necessary in order to best facilitate the required tasks.

Another excellent feature of modular furniture is the ability to simply rearrange things. There have been studies that suggest that essentially any change in a previously static workplace environment can inspire an increase in productivity amongst workers. As such, if layouts of the office periodically rework, one may be able to give his business' productivity the boost it needs.

Various kinds of modular furniture capable of being assembled and disassembled by the customer are presently available in market. But these customer-assembled furniture suffers from following deficiencies:

i. This furniture fails to get the full aesthetic look and finishing as obtained by factory assembly. ii. It is complex and non-flexible, iii. It is not easy to assemble and disassemble, iv. It consists of screws or like fastening means for the purpose of assembling and disassembling of the furniture. v. It fails in providing sufficient privacy to the user while working, vi. It consists of large number of parts.

All these deficiencies associated with prior art modular furniture makes it essential to provide modular furniture, which will be free from all such deficiencies.

Object of the Invention:

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide furniture assembly, which obviates the deficiencies associated with the prior art furniture.

It is a further object of this invention to provide furniture assembly that is simple in construction and cost effective. It is still a further object of this invention to provide furniture assembly that can be easily assembled, disassembled and have an aesthetic look.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide furniture assembly, which can be assembled with minimum number of parts.

It is yet a further object of this invention to provide furniture assembly which is robust in nature.

It is yet another object of this invention is to provide modular furniture assembly having a look and finishing as assembled in a factory.

It is yet another object of this invention is to provide modular furniture assembly which requires no screws or like fasteners for fitting purpose.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a modular furniture assembly which is capable of allowing various arrangements and configurations of workstations to be produced.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved power and communication cabling management system within a modular furniture assembly.

Statement of the Invention:

Accordingly to achieve above-mentioned objects, the present invention provides a modular furniture assembly comprises:

at least two panels being positioned vertically on the ground surface and at least one panel being positioned horizontally, in parallel and above the ground surface to provide the working surface, said vertically positioned panels are connected to each other and supports horizontally positioned panel to enable said horizontally positioned panel to be held above the ground level, said horizontally and vertically positioned panels comprises of flat surfaces and at least three peripheral edges, said vertically positioned panels comprises plurality of slots on the peripheral edges; plurality of connectors for connecting said vertically positioned panels, said connectors are slidably fitted to said vertically positioned panels;

plurality of covers being placed over said connectors and edges of the vertically positioned panels to ensure aesthetic look of the furniture assembly;

plurality of caps being placed over the top of the connectors at the corner region where the connector connects said panels, said caps consists of outward projections which fits into the slots provided on the connectors;

leveling means provided at the bottom edge of the vertically positioned panels to adjust the level and height of the panels.

According to one embodiment of the invention connectors consists of outwardly projected structure over the periphery in such a way that said outwardly projected structure of the connector slidably fitted to vertically positioned panel through the slots provided on the peripheral edges of said vertically positioned panels. The outwardly projected structure is L shaped. The connectors can be squared, triangular or right angled in shape.

According to another embodiment of the invention all covers are slidably fitted over the connectors and edges of the vertically positioned panels. The locking fixtures with spring mechanism are provided on the edges of the vertically placed panels so as to ensure tight fitting of the covers over the edges.

According to another embodiment of the invention covers and caps are made up of plastic materials.

According to another embodiment of the invention vertically positioned panels are manufactured from a single structure of a frame. Also channels are provided inside the vertically positioned panels for accommodating the power and communication cables. The channels are covered by the covers for concealment of the power and communication cables. At least one power and communication point is provided on the inner surface of the vertically positioned panels. The horizontally positioned panel can be made up of wood, plastic, glass or acralite.

According to another embodiment of the invention modular furniture of the present invention can be configured in the form of table or like work stations.

Brief description of the Drawings:

Figure 1 : Shows one configuration of the modular furniture assembly in accordance to the present invention. Figure 2 : Shows another configuration of the modular furniture assembly in accordance to the present invention. Figure 3 : Shows the configuration of the modular furniture assembly in accordance to the present invention specifically indicating the cabling management system. Figure 4(a) : Shows the squared connector respectively used for connecting the vertically positioned panels of the modular furniture assembly. Figure 4(b) : Shows the triangular connector respectively used for connecting the vertically positioned panels of the modular furniture assembly. Figure 4(c) : Shows the right angle connectors respectively used for connecting the vertically positioned panels of the modular furniture assembly. Figure 5(a) : Shows outer corner covering used in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 5(b) : Shows side top cover used for covering the top and side edges of the vertically positioned panels in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 5(c) : Shows vertical covering for squared connectors used in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 6(a) : Shows top and bottom caps for the squared connectors used in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 6(b) : Shows top and bottom caps for the triangular connectors used in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 7 : Shows the locking fixture with spring mechanism to be used in the modular furniture assembly.

Figure 8 : Shows the inner corner cover in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 9 : Shows the bottom leveler used in the modular furniture assembly. Figure 10(a) : Shows the master section.

Figure 10(b) : Shows the centre member for table top

Figure 10(c) : Shows the section of glass.

Detail Description of the Invention:

The above, and the other objects, features & advantages of invention will become apparent from following description read in conjunction- with the accompanying drawings.

While designing the modular furniture assembly of the present invention following things were kept in the mind: i. Single sitting ii. Four sitting iii. Multiple sitting iv. Low height partition v. Full height partition vi. Work surface with no bracket vii. Over head units on a glass panels viii. Shelves without brackets on the glass and wood panels ix. Luminaries in sandwich in panel x. Venation blinds in sandwich glass panel xi. Aesthetic and perfect look xii. It should be multipurpose. xiii. More flexibility. xiv. Easy to erect easy to dismantle and above all. xv. It should be basic for all sizes in the panel thickness.

Referring to figures 1 to 3, the different configurations of the workstations of modular furniture assembly according to present invention are shown. As shown in figures it comprises plurality of panels, connectors for connecting these panels, covers for providing covering to edges of the panels and connectors and caps for providing covering to top of the connectors. Among the plurality of panels, at least two panels (1) are vertically positioned on the ground surface. Each such panel (1) consists of plane surfaces (3,4) and plural edges (5). Basically these vertically positioned panels (1) are made from frame structure (2). The frame structure is made up of aluminum material as well MS/PVC. The frame structure (2) is covered by various coverings to form plane surfaces (3,4). These coverings are made up of plastic or wooden material. The vertically positioned panels (1) are connected to each other to form different workstations. Panel (1) also consists of support providing platform (6) and plurality of slots (7) over the edges (5) that allows slidable fitting of the connector (21,24,27) through it. Typically vertically positioned panels (1) are rectangular or squared in the shape.

The vertically positioned panels (1) also consist of channels (9) for accommodating the power and communication cables (61, 62). These channels are covered by the coverings (10) for providing the concealment of the cables. At least one power and communication point (63,64) is provided in whole furniture assembly. These points (63,64) are provided on the vertically positioned panels (1). Each panel (1) may consists of power and communication point on the inner surface.

Among the plurality of panels, at least one panel (11) is horizontally positioned panel. This panel (11) is rests on the support-providing platform (6) of the vertically positioned panel (1). the horizontally positioned panel have surfaces (12,13) and plural edges (14). The top surface (12) defines the working surface of the workstation. Typically the horizontal panel (11) is made up of wood, glass, plastic or acrelite material. It may in any shape like square, rectangular, triangular, pentagon etc.

Levelers (51) are provided at the bottom edge of the vertically positioned panels (1). These levelers provides leveling and height adjustment of the panels (1).

The vertically positioned panels (1) are connected to each other by the connectors (21,24,27). Figure 4(a) to 4(c) shows the different kinds of connectors used in the present invention. Figure 4(a) shows the squared shape connector (21). Such connector having eight outwardly projected L shaped projections (22) over its periphery and slots (23) created due to L shaped projections. Two L shaped projections are provided at the each corner of the squared connector. In the same manner figure 4(b) shows triangular shaped connector (24) having plural L shaped outward projections (25) over its periphery and slots (26). The L shaped outwardly projected portion (22, 25) of the squared and triangular connector (21, 24) are constructed in such a manner that the slots (7) provided in vertically positioned panels (1) slidably accommodates the L shaped outward projections of the connectors. The square shaped and triangular shaped connectors (21, 24) are hollow structures. Figure 4(c) shows another kind of connector (27) for connecting panels (1).

Now referring to figures 5(a) to 5(c) shows different kinds of covers being placed over the sides or corners of the connectors and edges of the vertically positioned panels (1). Figure 5(a) shows outer corner cover which is used to cover open corners. Figure 5(b) shows the cover which is used to cover the edges of the vertically positioned panels (1). The L-shaped outward projections (330 are provided on these covers which fits into slots (23, 26) of the connectors (21, 24). Figure 5(c) shows the cover (35) which is used to cover sides of the squared connector (21). Cover (35) consists of L-shaped inward projections (36). These projections (36) fit into slots (23) of the squared connector (21).

Now referring to figures 6(a) and 6(b) shows the caps used to cover the top of the hollow connectors (21, 24). Figure 6(a) shows the cap (41) which covers the top of the square connector (21). Cap (41) consists of projections (42) which fit into hollow connector (21) from the top. Similarly figure 6(b) shows cap (43) which covers the top of the triangular connector (24). Cap (43) also consists of projections (43) which fit tightly into hollow triangular connector (24) from the top.

Using the modular furniture assembly of the present invention a table or like workstations can be configured. It may consists of key board holder (71) at the bottom surface of the horizontally positioned panel (11). There can be a small file rack (72) which can be placed below the horizontally positioned panels (11). A fixture (73) for the file unit connected to master beam section which the file unit are the panel made of glass or wood or both single or sandwiched furniture.

Industrial Applicability:

Modular furniture of the present invention are the workstations that can be adjusted and moved in order to adapt to users' needs. They contain components that can be rearranged, such as modular shelves, drawers and cabinets. These components can be configured to the needs of different workers. Modular workstations are beneficial as they are adaptable, have large work surfaces and wraparound comfort, and meet ergonomic requirements.

The efficient modular workstations of the present invention help to organize and utilize all items necessary to carry out specific job duties. They are used in many different industry areas in order to help increase workers' productivity. They can also be customized to fit particular environments. Customized modular workstations can help to optimize work areas, making sure all space and compartments are being used efficiently by workers.

The modular workstations of the present invention are, both standard and custom made. Computer workstations, desks, command operation centers, workbenches and industrial workstations are some of the most common modular workstations. They are used in almost every industry and by a variety of people including call center staff, factory workers, assembly line workers, office workers, and many more.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A modular furniture assembly comprises:

at least two panels being positioned vertically on the ground surface and at least one panel being positioned horizontally, in parallel and above the ground surface to provide the working surface, said vertically positioned panels are connected to each other and supports horizontally positioned panel to enable said horizontally positioned panel to be held above the ground level, said horizontally and vertically positioned panels comprises of flat surfaces and at least three peripheral edges, said vertically positioned panels comprises plurality of slots on the peripheral edges;

plurality of connectors for connecting said vertically positioned panels, said connectors are slidably fitted to said vertically positioned panels;

plurality of caps being placed over the top of the connectors at the corner region where the connector connects said panels, said caps consists of outward projections which fits into the slots provided on the connectors; and

2. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said connectors consists of outwardly projected structure over the periphery in such a way that said outwardly projected structure of the connector slidably fitted to vertically positioned panel through the slots provided on the peripheral edges of said vertically positioned panels.

3. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said outwardly projected structure is L shaped.

4. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein said connectors are squared in shape.

5. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein said connectors are triangular in shape.

6. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claims 1 to 3 wherein said connectors are of right angle shape.

7. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein all covers are slidably fitted over the connectors and edges of the vertically positioned panels.

8. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking fixtures with spring mechanism are provided on the edges of the vertically placed panels so as to ensure tight fitting of the covers over the edges.

9. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said covers and caps are made up of plastic material or aluminum material.

10. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said vertically positioned panels are manufactured from a single structure of a frame.

11. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein channels are provided inside the vertically positioned panels for accommodating the power and communication cables.

12. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 11 wherein said channels are covered by the covers for concealment of the power and communication cables.

13. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least one power and communication point is provided on the inner surface of the vertically positioned panels.

14. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said horizontally positioned panel is made up of wood, plastic or glass.

15. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said furniture is configured in the form of table or like work stations.

16. A modular furniture assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein locking fixtures with spring mechanism are provided on the edges of the vertically positioned panels so as to ensure tight fitting of the covers over the edges.

17. A modular furniture assembly substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to accompanying drawings.