WO2019220121A1

WO2019220121A1 - A furniture system

Info

Publication number: WO2019220121A1
Application number: PCT/GB2019/051344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian Charles Coates; Luke Roy WHITE
Original assignee: Zoeftig Group Limited
Priority date: 2018-05-18
Filing date: 2019-05-16
Publication date: 2019-11-21
Also published as: GB2573807B; GB2573807A; GB201808096D0

Abstract

A furniture system (1) has a longitudinally extending member (2) and a number of supports (3). The supports (3) are adapted to be located on a support surface and to mount the longitudinally extending member (2) above the support surface, in use. At least two component connectors (7) are adapted to be mounted on the longitudinally extending member (2) and are adapted to support a component (4) coupled to the component connectors (7), in use. Each component connector (7) comprises a first member (15) adapted 10 to fit over the longitudinally extending member (2) and a second member (12) adapted to fit over the first member (15). The first member (15) permits relative rotational movement between the second member (12) and the longitudinally extending member (2) in an axis (40) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending member (2).

Description

A FURNITURE SYSTEM

The invention relates to a furniture system and especially, a furniture system having a longitudinally extending beam on which a number of items of furniture or furniture components, such as seats, arms, writing tablets, tables and power units, are mounted.

It has become common place for furniture systems for waiting areas and audience areas, such as airport lounges, stadiums or auditoriums, to have seats and in some instances, other furniture components, mounted on a horizontal beam that is supported on a floor by legs. Typically, the legs, the seats and any arms, tables, power units or linking bars, are all mounted on the beam. The seats used may be fixed seats, in which the seat portion and back portion are fixed relative to each other, or may be flip-up seats, in which the seat portion can rotate relative to the back portion and the beam between a horizontal, in use position, and a vertical, stowed position. The flip-up seat type is common particularly in auditoriums or stadiums, where the stowed position enables easier access by users between rows of seats. The fixed seat arrangement is more common in waiting areas, where seating is more spaced out and access between closely arranged rows is not required.

The mounting of all the components on a single support beam increases flexibility of configuration and also enables the configuration to be modified, if necessary. For example, one beam mounted on legs can be used to support four seats with arms, four seats without arms, three seats and one table or two seats and two tables, with or without arms. It is also usually possible in these systems to run electrical and/or data cables through the beam to also permit mounting of power units (including, for example, power sockets and/or data sockets) on the beam, for example, adjacent to seats or adjacent to or on tables. In some locations there can be a requirement for the seating to be orientated in a curve. This can especially be a requirement in auditoriums, where the seats are arranged around a central area, such as a stage. Traditionally, in such situations, conventional seating systems with straight beams have been installed with multiple beams positioned end to end at an angle to each other, such that the central longitudinal axis of one beam is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of a neighbouring beam. Hence, the beams of the seating system define a portion of an edge of a polygon in order to accommodate the curves. While this solution can be acceptable in some instances, it is not ideal and is a compromise.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a furniture system comprising a longitudinally extending member; a number of supports, the supports being adapted to be located on a support surface and to mount the longitudinally extending member to and spaced from the support surface, in use; at least two component connectors adapted to be mounted on the longitudinally extending member and adapted to support a component coupled to the component connectors, in use; and wherein each component connector comprises a first member adapted to fit over the longitudinally extending member and a second member adapted to fit over the first member, the first member permitting relative movement between the second member and the longitudinally extending member in an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending member.

An advantage of the invention is that by providing component connectors that permit relative movement relative to a longitudinally extending member, it is possible to provide a furniture system in which the longitudinally extending member is curved.

Preferably, the longitudinally extending member includes a formation extending along a top surface of the longitudinally extending member. Typically, the formation is adapted to engage with a complimentary formation on the surface of the first member which contacts the upper surface of the longitudinally extending member. Most preferably, the formation on the longitudinally extending member extends outwardly from the top surface and the complimentary formation may be a recess in a surface of the first member that contacts the longitudinally extending member.

Typically, the formation on the top surface of the longitudinally extending member is centrally located on the top surface of the longitudinally extending member beam. The formation on the top surface may extend the full length of the longitudinally extending member.

The longitudinally extending member may be straight or curved. In other words, a longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending member may define a straight line or a curved line. Preferably, where the longitudinally extending member is curved, the longitudinal axis defines a curved line in a horizontal plane.

Typically, the first member contacts an upper surface of the longitudinally extending member and opposite side surfaces of the longitudinally extending member. Preferably, the first member comprises leg portions that extend over the side surfaces and typically, the leg portions are longer than the width of the side surfaces. Hence, the leg portions extend below the side surfaces of the longitudinally extending member.

Typically, a spacer member may be located between the ends of the leg portions. The spacer member may comprise a formation that locates within a complimentary formation in the leg portions when the spacer is located between the ends of the leg portions. Typically, the component connector is mounted to the longitudinal extending member by means of a deformation of the second member, such as, preferably, by an elastic deformation. The second member may comprise two leg portions in which the leg portions of the first member locate.

Preferably, the leg portions of the first member may be deformable to enable the first member to be clamped onto the longitudinally extending member, and more preferably, the leg portions are elastically deformable. Typically, where a spacer member is used the spacer limits the deformation. In one example, the length of the spacer is less than width of the longitudinally extending member adjacent to the spacer such that deformation of the ends of the legs of the first member onto the spacer causes the leg portions to be clamped to the longitudinally extending member and the spacer acts to limit the deformation of the leg portions.

Deformation of the leg portions of the second member may cause the deformation of the leg portions of the first member.

Preferably, the component connector is secured to the longitudinally extending member by means of a securing device that acts to clamp the component connector onto the longitudinally extending member. Typically, the securing device deforms the second member against the first member to cause the first member to be deformed onto the longitudinally extending member, and preferably, against opposite sides of the longitudinally extending member.

The securing device may be inserted through the component connector on one side of the longitudinally extending member and securingly engage with the component connector on the other side of the longitudinally extending member. More preferably, the securing device passes through both the first member and the second member and most preferably, passes through the first and second members on the one side of the longitudinally extending member, through the first member on the other side of the longitudinally extending member and securingly engages with the second member on the other side of the longitudinally extending member.

In one example of the invention, the securing device is a fastener having a fastening formation formed thereon that securingly engages with a

complimentary fastening formation in the component connector. In another example, a separate securing member having the complimentary fastening formation maybe engaged with the fastener either in or adjacent to the component connector. The fastener may be a threaded fastener.

Where the first member has two leg portions, the securing device may extend through first and second leg portions of the first member. Where a spacer member is present, the securing device may pass through the spacer member.

Preferably, the component connector may be for connecting a component, such as a furniture component to the longitudinally extending member.

Typically, the component is one of: (i) a seat; (ii) a writing tablet; (iii) a table;

(iv) a power unit; and (v) a connecting member to connect the furniture system to another furniture system.

However, preferably, the furniture component is a seat, typically having a back portion and a seat portion. In one example, the seat portion may be rotatably mounted on the component connector for movement between a down, in use position, and an upright, stowed position. The down position is preferably substantially horizontal and the upright position is generally vertical. Typically the angle of rotation between the down position and the upright position is between 80^Q and 90^Q. In one example, an armrest may extend from the component connector. The arm rest may be a separate component from the component connector or may be an integral part of the component connector.

Preferably, the second member may rotate relative to the longitudinally extending member about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending member. More preferably, the axis of rotation of the second member is substantially vertical.

Typically, the second member may rotate up to 5^Q in either direction from a mid-point. However, it is possible that the angle of rotation could be greater or less than this depending on curvature of the longitudinally extending member. It is also possible that the angle of rotation in one direction may be different from the angle of rotation in the other direction.

Typically, if the first member is shaped so as to compliment the shape of the upper and side surfaces of the beams. In one example, the first member may have a central section with leg portions extending in the same direction from the central section. For example, the first member could be substantially U- shaped where a cross-sectional profile of the sides and upper surface of the longitudinally extending member are also substantially U-shaped.

Typically, the longitudinally extending member is an elongate member, which could be in the form of a beam. The longitudinally extending member may be hollow. The longitudinally extending member is preferably formed from a metal, such as steel or aluminium.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a furniture system comprising a longitudinally extending member; a number of supports, the supports being adapted to be located on a support surface and to mount the beam to and spaced from the support surface, in use; at least one component connector adapted to be mounted on the longitudinally extending member and adapted to support a component coupled to the component connector, in use; and wherein the longitudinally extending member comprises a formation extending along its top surface, the formation engaging with a complimentary formation on the component connector to locate the component connector on the longitudinally extending member.

The formation on the longitudinally extending member may extend outwardly from the top surface and the complimentary formation may be a recess in a surface of the component connector that contacts the longitudinally extending member.

Typically, the formation on the top surface of the longitudinally extending member is centrally located on the top surface of the longitudinally extending member beam.

Preferably, the formation on the top surface extends the full length of the longitudinally extending member.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a furniture system comprising a longitudinally extending member; a number of supports, the supports being adapted to be located on a support surface and to mount the beam to and spaced from the support surface, in use; at least one component connector adapted to be mounted on the longitudinally extending member and adapted to support a component coupled to the component connector, in use; and wherein the component connector comprises two leg portions adapted to be located on opposite sides of the longitudinally extending member and a spacer member adapted to be located between the two leg portions, such that the two leg portions can be deformed to clamp against the sides of the longitudinally extending member and the spacer limits the extent of the deformation of the two leg portions.

Typically, the spacer member comprises a formation that locates within a complimentary formation in the leg portions when the spacer is located between the ends of the leg portions.

Preferably, the deformation of the two leg portions of the component connector is an elastic deformation.

The two leg portions may be deformed by means of a fastener that is tightened to deform the leg portions. Typically, the fastener may pass through the spacer. Preferably, the fastener passes through one leg portion, the spacer member and engages with a fastening in or at the other leg portion.

Each of the three aspects of the invention may be used in combination with one or more of the other aspects of the invention. Where at least one of the second and third aspect is combined with the first aspect, it may also be combined with one or more of the features of the first aspect.

Examples of seating systems in accordance with the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a seating system;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a second example of a seating system; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the second example of the seating system;

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a mounting system for the seating systems shown in Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is an exploded view from below of the mounting system shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the section“A” in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the mounting system assembled and in a first position;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view of the seat mounting system shown in Fig.7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the seat mounting system in a second position;

Fig. 10 is a bottom view of the seat mounting system shown in Fig.9; Fig. 1 1 is a perspective view of the seat mounting system in a third position;

Fig. 12 is a bottom view of the seat mounting system shown in Fig. 1 1 ; Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB of Fig. 7;

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view along the line CC of Fig. 9;

Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view along the line DD of Fig. 1 1 ;

Figs. 16a to 16c show a seat being mounted on a beam of the first example of the seating system;

Fig. 17 is a front view of a seat mounted on a beam of the second example of the seating system;

Fig. 18 is a cross sectional view along the line EE of Fig. 17;

Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of section D of Fig. 18; and

Fig. 20 is a bottom view of the seat of Fig. 17.

Fig. 1 shows a beam mounted seating system 1 which comprises horizontal beam 2. The beam 2 is mounted on legs 3 which, in use will rest on a horizontal supporting surface, such as a floor. Alternatively, the seating system 1 could be provided with legs or supports (not shown) that enable it to be mounted on a vertical support surface, such as a wall. In a further alternative, the seating system 1 could be mounted on legs that pivot as part of a“Fold Down Mechanism” to allow the seats to fold down and lay flat to the floor when required on retractable tiering. Such retractable tiering and fold down mechanisms are conventional and well known. The beam 2 is typically a metal beam and in one example maybe aluminium. Mounted on the beam 2 are three seats 4. Each seat 4 includes a back rest 5, a seat portion 6 mounted on a seat support (or seat chassis) 7. In the example shown in Fig.

1 , the seat portion 6 is rotatably mounted on the seat support 7 for movement between a horizontal position, in which a user can sit on the seat portion 6, and an upright position, as shown in Fig. 1 . Also mounted on each seat support 7 is an armrest 8. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the armrest 8 is pivotably mounted on the seat support 7 so that it is movable between a horizontal, in use position (as shown in Fig.1 ) and a vertical, upright position. The backrest 5 is typically fixedly mounted to the seat support 7.

A second example of a seating system 10 is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The seating system 10 is substantially identical to the seating system 1 , except that the seats 4 are mounted on a curved horizontal beam 1 1 instead of the straight beam 2. In this second example, the seats 4 and the seat supports 7 are identical to the seats 4 and seat supports 7 in the seating system 1.

Figs. 4 to 6 shows details of the seat supports 7 which enables the seat supports 7 to be used to mount a seat (or other furniture component) to either the straight beam 2 or the curved beam 1 1. The seat supports 7 each comprise a chassis 12, an insert 15, a spacer 22 and a threaded fastener 29. The insert 15 is generally U-shaped and has central section on which an upstanding protrusion 18 and lug 20 are located. Leg portions 38, 39 of the insert 15 are flat on the insides where the leg portions 38, 39 face each other and have a curved profile on the outside surfaces 36, 37 of the leg portions 38, 39. The insert 15 is inserted into a recess 16 defined by legs 33, 32 of the chassis 12. The recess 16 also has a generally U-shaped cross-section to match the external U-shaped profile of the insert 15 and the inside surfaces of the recess 16 are curved to match the curve of the external surfaces of the leg portions 38, 39.

As shown in Fig. 5, an aperture 17 is located in the upper section of the recess 16 and protrusion 18 on the insert 15 is adapted to be inserted into the recess 17. Although it is possible that the protrusion 18 could be fixed into the recess using a fastener, it is preferable that the protrusion 18 is a press fit into the recess 17. The dimensions of the recess 17 and the protrusion 18 are such that the protrusion 18 is a snap fit into the recess 17 and is retained in position in the recess 17 via lugs or barbs 19 on diametrical opposite sides of the protrusion 18. The lug 20 engages in a corresponding recess 21 in the upper surface of the recess 16, adjacent to the aperture 17.

The length of the aperture 21 is greater than the length of the lug 20 such that when the insert 15 is inserted into the recess 16 such that the protrusion 18 is located in the aperture 17 and the lug 20 is in the recess 21 , the insert 15 can rotate about a central axis through the protrusion 18 with the lug 20 moving from one end of the slot 21 to the other end of the slot 21. Therefore, the lug 20 acts to limit rotational movement of the insert 15 in the recess 16 and also ensures that the insert 15 is inserted into the recess 16 in the correct orientation.

The spacer 22 locates between the ends 23, 24 of the leg portions 38, 39 of the insert 15. Each of the ends 23, 24 has a recess 25 into which protrusions 26 on the ends of the spacer 22 are located. Each of the insert 15 and the spacer 22 include slots 27, 28 respectively.

After the insert 15 has been inserted into the recess 16 and the spacer 22 has been inserted between the ends 23, 24 of the insert 15, the fastener 29 can be inserted through a hole 30 in the leg 32 of the chassis 12 and then through slots 27 in the ends 23, 24 of the insert 15 and slots 28 in the spacer 22, before penetrating hole 31 in the leg 33 of the chassis 12. The hole 31 contains a securing device which can be engaged by the fastener 29 to secure the fastener 29 within the chassis 12. Typically, securing device maybe a threaded nut that is held captive within the hole 31 and is engaged by the threaded fastener 29. As shown in Figs. 7 to 15, after the insert 15 has been inserted into the recess 16 in the chassis 12, the spacer 22 inserted into the insert 15 and the fastener 29 inserted through the hole 30, the slots 27, 28 in the insert 15 and spacer 22, respectively, the insert 15 and spacer 22 can rotate relative to the chassis 12 and the fastener 29 about a central axis 40 through the protrusion 18 due to the internal curved surfaces 34, 35 of the leg portions 32, 33 respectively and the complimentary curved surfaces 36, 37 on the outside of the leg portions 38, 39 of the insert 15.

Figs. 7, 8 and 13 show the insert 15 and spacer 22 aligned with the chassis 12 and the fastener 29 such that central axis 41 of the slots 27, 28 is aligned with central axis 42 of the fastener 29. In this position the insert 15 is at its mid-point relative to the chassis 12.

In Figs. 9, 10 and 14 the insert 15 and spacer 22 are rotated in the direction of arrow 43 relative to the chassis 12 and fastener 29 such that the central axis 41 of the slots 27, 28 is at an angle +Q to the central axis 42 of the fastener 29.

In Figs. 1 1 , 12 and 15, the insert 15 and spacer 22 are rotated in the direction of the arrow 44, which is the opposite direction from the arrow 43. This results in the central axis 41 of the slots 27, 28 being at an angle of -Q to the central axis 42 of the fastener 29.

The maximum angle of rotation of the insert 15 and spacer 22 relative to the chassis 12 and the fastener 29 is limited by the length of the slots 27, 28 in the insert 15 and spacer 22, and by the length of the slot 21 and the length of the lug 20 that is located within the slot 21. An example of a maximum value for the displacement angle +/- Q is +/- 5°. Flowever, the length of the slots 27, 28 and the length of the slot 21 and lug 20 may be modified to increase or decrease the maximum angle of rotation, as desired. In some instances, it may be necessary to increase the width of the insert 15 and spacer 22 to accommodate a longer slot width to permit a greater maximum angle of rotation.

Figs. 16a to 16c show a seat 4 being mounted on the beam 2 using two seat supports 7. First, the inserts 15 in inserted into each chassis 12. The seat 4 is then placed to the beam 2 such that the beam 2 locates between legs 38, 39 of the insert 15. The beam 2 has a protruding ridge 50 extending along its upper surface. This ridge 50 locates in a complimentary recess 51 in the insert 15. This is shown in more detail in Figs. 18 and 19. The mutual engagement between the ridge 50 and the recess 51 assist in stabilizing the seat 4 on top of the beam 2 prior to the securing of the seat supports 7 to the beam though using spacers 22 and the fasteners 29.

After the seat 4 has been placed on the beam 2, as described above, the spacers 22 are inserted in to the lower ends 23, 24 of the inserts 15 and the fasteners 29 inserted through the holes 30, the slots 27, 28 and into the hole 31 to engage with a securing device located within the hole 31 . Typically, the fastener 29 is a headed bolt and the securing device is a threaded nut, the fastener 29 is rotated using an appropriate tool, such as an alien key or screw driver, that engages with a formation 54 in the head of the fastener 29 to tighten the fastener 29. The tightening of the fastener 29 causes the legs 32, 33 of the support 7 to be elastically deformed towards each other and towards the sides of the beam 2. This deformation of the legs 32, 33 causes the legs 38, 39 of the insert 15 to be elastically deformed towards each other and on to the side surfaces 52, 53 of the beam 2 so that the insert 15 is clamped on to the sides of the beam 2 to attach the support 7 to the beam 2. This

attachment of the support 7 to the beam 2, secures the seat 4 to the beam 2, as shown in Fig. 16c. After the seat 4 has been placed on the beam 2 such that the beam 2 is located within the insert 15, the lower ends, 23, 24 of the insert 15 depend below lower edge 55 of the beam 2. This enables the spacers 22 to be inserted between the lower ends 23, 24 of the inserts 15 so that the spacers 22 fit under the underside 55 of the beam 2 leaving a small tolerance gap. In addition, the inserts 22 typically are slightly narrower than the width of the beam 2, so that when the fastener 29 is tightened, legs 38, 39 of the insert 15 clamp on to the sides 52, 53 of the beam 2. Hence, the spacer 22 limits the deformation of the legs 32, 33, 23, 24 and helps minimise the risk of overtightening of the fastener 29. As an alternative to the spacer 22 being narrower than the width of the beam 2, it is possible that the spacer 22 could be designed to deform (either elastically or plastically) as the fastener 29 is tightened to enable to legs 38, 39 to clamp on to the sides 52, 53 of the beam 2 as the fastener 29 is tightened.

When the seat 4 is fixed to the straight beam 2, as illustrated in Fig. 16a to 16c, the insert 15 and spacer 22 are orientated such that the central axis 41 of the slots 27, 28 is aligned with the central axis 42 of the bolt 29, as described above and shown in Figs. 7, 8 and 13.

Fig. 20 shows an example of how the seat 4 can also be mounted on the curved beam 11 using the same seat supports 7. In order to mount the seat 4 on the curved beam 1 1 , the method of mounting is the same as that described above and shown in Figs. 16a to 16c, 17, 18 and 19. The only difference is that when the seat 4 is placed onto the beam 1 1 , the inserts 15 are rotated relative to the seat support 7 to accommodate the curvature of the beam 1 1. Therefore, after the seat 4 has been mounted on the beam 1 1 , the inserts 15 and the spacers 22 will be rotated relative to the chassis 12 and the fasteners 29, such that the central axis 41 of the slots 27, 28 is at an angle to central axis 42 of the fastener 29, as shown in Fig. 20. As can be seen from Fig. 20, on one seat support 7, the insert is rotated in one direction and on the other seat support 7, the insert is rotated in the opposite direction. Where the beam has a uniform radius of curvature, the magnitude of rotation of the inserts 15 is the same for both seat supports 7, the only difference being the direction of rotation.

Accordingly, the invention has the advantage that by providing a mounting system in which inserts that engage with a beam are rotatable with respect to a chassis, it is possible to mount the seat 4 on either a straight beam 2 or a curved beam 11. Accordingly, the invention not only has the advantage of enabling seats 4 to be mounted on a curved beam, where curved beams are desirable, such as in auditoriums or stadiums having a curved seating plan, it also enables the same mounting system to be used with conventional straight (non-curved) beams. This avoids the need for different mounting systems for curved beams and straight beams.

Claims

1. A furniture system comprising a longitudinally extending member; a number of supports, the supports being adapted to be located on a support surface and to mount the longitudinally extending member to and spaced from the support surface, in use; at least two component connectors adapted to be mounted on the longitudinally extending member and adapted to support a component coupled to the component connectors, in use; and wherein each component connector comprises a first member adapted to fit over the longitudinally extending member and a second member adapted to fit over the first member, the first member permitting relative rotational movement between the second member and the longitudinally extending member in an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending member.

2. A furniture system according to claim 1 , wherein the longitudinally extending member includes a formation extending along a top surface of the longitudinally extending member.

3. A furniture system according to claim 2, wherein the formation is adapted to engage with a complimentary formation on the surface of the insert which contacts the upper surface of the longitudinally extending member.

4. A furniture system according to any of claims 2 to 3, wherein the formation on the top surface of the longitudinally extending member is centrally located on the top surface of the longitudinally extending member beam.

5. A furniture system according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the formation on the top surface extends the full length of the longitudinally extending member.

6. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinally extending member is curved.

7. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member contacts an upper surface of the longitudinally extending member and opposite side surfaces of the longitudinally extending member.

8. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member comprises leg portions that extend over the side surfaces of the longitudinally extending member.

9. A furniture system according to claim 8, wherein the leg portions of the first member are deformable to enable the first member to be clamped onto the longitudinally extending member.

10. A furniture system according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the leg portions are longer than the width of the side surfaces so that the leg portions extend below the side surfaces of the longitudinally extending member.

1 1. A furniture system according to claim 10, further comprising a spacer member located between the ends of the leg portions.

12. A furniture system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the length of the spacer is less than the width of the longitudinally extending member adjacent to the spacer such that deformation of the ends of the legs of the first member onto the spacer causes the leg portions to be clamped to the longitudinally extending member and the spacer limits the deformation of the leg portions.

13. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member is substantially U-shaped and a cross-sectional profile of the sides and upper surface of the longitudinally extending member is also substantially U-shaped.

14. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the component connector is secured to the longitudinally extending member by means of a securing device that acts to clamp the component connector onto the longitudinally extending member.

15. A furniture system according to claim 14, wherein the securing device deforms the second member against the first member to cause the first member to be deformed onto the longitudinally extending member to clamp the component connector to the longitudinally extending member.

16. A furniture system according to claim 15, wherein the securing device causes the first member to be deformed against opposite sides of the longitudinally extending member.

17. A furniture system according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the securing device is inserted through the component connector on one side of the longitudinally extending member and securingly engaged with the component connector on the other side of the longitudinally extending member.

18. A furniture system according to claim 17, wherein the securing device passes through both the first member and the second member.

19. A furniture system according to any of claims 14 to 18 when dependent on any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the securing device extends through first and second leg portions of the first member.

20. A furniture system according to claim 19, wherein the securing device extends through the spacer member.

21 . A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the component is one of: (i) a seat; (ii) a writing tablet; (iii) a table; (iv) a power unit; and (v) a connecting member to connect the furniture system to another furniture system.

22. A furniture system according to claim 21 , wherein the component is a seat, the seat having a back portion and a seat portion and the seat portion is rotatably mounted on the component connector for movement between a down, in use position, and an upright, stowed position.

23. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an armrest extending from the component connector.

24. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second member may rotate relative to the longitudinally extending member about an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending member, and preferably, the axis of rotation of the second member is substantially vertical.

25. A furniture system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second member may rotate up to 5^Q in either direction from a mid-point.