Abstract:
A system for modular furniture is provided, consisting of a plurality of modules, each having a front wall, a back wall, a left wall, a right wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, the top wall having a recess and the bottom wall having at least one projection corresponding to and operable to fit within and securely engage the recess when a first of the modules is vertically stacked atop of a second of the modules. The modules can be interengagingly and securely stacked either directly atop other modules or staggered atop two or more others to provide a desired configuration. A number of adapters can be used with the modules to provide a number of customized solutions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to modular furniture. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system of reconfigurable basic units forming furniture.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Modular furniture generally refers to furniture that is assembled from a number of basic modules that, in combination, provide the functionality required. The basic modules can be configured by a user to provide a number of configurations. Each configuration can vary in terms of size, utility, design, color, etc. The finished product is typically permanently fastened together in the desired configuration and deployed. While these traditional modular furniture systems allow for a customized configuration that is suited for a specific environment, taste, budget, they do not generally allow for rapid dynamic reconfiguration of the furniture to suit immediate needs.  
           [0003]    More recently, a number of modular furniture solutions have appeared on the market wherein the modules can be configured to suit a number of requirements and are generally not fastened together with any permanency. The modules are generally box-like, having four lateral walls, a bottom and a top. The top typically has a set of features that correspond to a set of complementary indentations in the bottom.  
           [0004]    One such system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,644,008 (Overby), whereby a set of complementary box portions are fitted together to form storage cabinets of different shapes. A number of different basic modules are required to construct a complete piece of furniture as additional modules rely on existing structure to complete the boxes that provide the storage spaces. A first module used to start the furniture product has five closed sides. A second module stacked atop of it or placed beside it has four closed sides, relying on the shared closed side of the first module to provide a fifth closed side to the second module. Each edge of the second module in contact with the first module has a complementary feature to allow for the second module to interlockingly engage the first module. Subsequent additional modules need have three to four closed sides and must be selected accordingly to correspond to the existing structure already laid out. As with the second module, the edges of contact of each additional module added to the product interlockingly engage the current structure. Each of the boxes of the completed product have an open lateral face that is aligned with those on the other modules to provide a number of storage spaces accessible from a front side of the product.  
           [0005]    While Overby&#39;s system provides for modular furniture that is relatively easily disassembled, the constructs do not possess the structural strength required for a number of furniture items. Additionally, the modules can only be stacked one directly atop another, thus allowing a shearing force applied along a seam of the structure to pull the modules apart. Further, the finished product is marred by a number of projections and indentations.  
           [0006]    Another such system is disclosed in WO 92/05724 (O&#39;Neill et al.), whereby a set of box-like modules are provided with four or more circular projections on the top of one module that correspond to holes in the bottom of an adjacent module. Each of the modules is equipped with a drawer, thus making the system suitable for constructing chests of drawers and desk pedestals. While O&#39;Neill contemplates that the circular projections on the top surface of the uppermost module can be left exposed for decoration purposes, he does note that a number of applications, such as for a desk, it is desirable to place an adapter over the upper surface of the stacked modules. The adapter is generally a working surface having holes, either through bores, where the circular projections are visible on the working surface, or blind bores, where the projections are hidden from view. Further, O&#39;Neill discloses additional board adapters having a number of circular projections on an upper surface corresponding to those found on the top of the modules. This second group of adapters are to be placed below a stack of modules, providing stability to certain furniture combinations such as a two-pedestal desk where adapters underlie and overlie the two stacks of modules to stabilize the structure.  
           [0007]    While the system disclosed by O&#39;Neill allows the modular furniture to be rapidly reconfigured to suit varying immediate needs, it suffers from a relatively high cost of manufacture in that the circular projections generally must be machined and affixed to the top of the module and bores must be made in the bottom of each module. Further, O&#39;Neill only discloses that the modules are essentially vertically stacked to create the required structures.  
           [0008]    Another system for modular furniture comprised of a number of cubes having either one open or doored lateral wall. The cubes are typically constructed of wood or wood products and can be stacked as required to match a space or storage requirement. The cubes themselves, however, do not have any interlockingly engaging features to stabilize a completed product. Further, no method for securing laterally placed modules is available, thus allowing the structure to shear horizontally.  
           [0009]    Accordingly, there is a need for a system for providing modular furniture that can be adapted to provide a number of furniture products. Further, there is a need for modular furniture that, when formed into a furniture product, is stable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for providing modular furniture, comprising: a plurality of modules, each having a front wall, a back wall, a left wall, a right wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, the top wall having at least one recess and the bottom wall having at least one projection corresponding to and operable to fit within and securely engage the recess when a first of the modules is vertically stacked atop of a second of the modules.  
           [0011]    In an implementation of the aspect, the modules have one the recess, preferably substantially centrally located in the top wall.  
           [0012]    The recess can define a lip around a perimeter of the top wall of the module.  
           [0013]    In an implementation of the aspect, the modules have at least two projections from the bottom wall with at least one channel between the projections operable to receive portions of two or more lips of adjacent modules, such that the first module is operable to securely engage the lips within the channel when the first of the modules is stacked atop of two or more additional modules.  
           [0014]    The at least one projection can be dimensioned to allow one of the modules to be placed atop and securely engage the recesses of at least two other of the modules. Further, at least one functional adapter can be used with the modules, wherein the at least one functional adapter is operable to securely engage the recess of at least one module. The at least one functional adapter can be a retainer clip, a seat adapter, a mattress support adapter, a headboard adapter, a table adapter, a desk adapter, a finishing adapter, a lateral cover adapter, or a crib adapter.  
           [0015]    Further, a base projection frame can be used in conjunction with one or more modules, the frame being operable to fit around the base projections of the one or more modules. Where the base projection frame is operable to fit around the base projections of two or more of the modules, the frame can restrict horizontal movement of the modules.  
           [0016]    In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular furniture component, comprising: a front wall; a back wall; a left wall; a right wall; a top wall having at least one recess; a bottom wall having at least one projection corresponding to and operable to fit within and securely engage the recess of another component. The recess can define a lip around a perimeter of the top wall. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a module in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a module in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a module in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the bottom wall of a module having four base projections in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a retainer clip for use with two modules;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a retainer clip deployed on two laterally abutting modules;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 is a front view of a table adapter deployed on a module;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 9 is a side view of a seat adapter deployed on a module;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 is a front view of a finishing adapter being deployed on a module;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 is a front view of a lateral cover adapter being deployed on a pair of modules stacked one atop another;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 12 is a desk constructed of a working surface adapter placed atop two pedestals constructed of modules;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 13 is a crib adapter deployed atop modules;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 14 is a storage unit comprised of staggered stacked modules;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 15 is a top view of a bed frame configuration of modules and a headboard adapter;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the headboard adapter;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a mattress support adapter deployed atop two modules;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 18 is a top view of a base projection frame; and  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 19 is a top view of a desk base projection frame. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0037]    A module for providing modular furniture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is generally shown at  20  in FIG. 1. Module  20  has a top wall  24 , a front wall  28 , a back wall  32 , two side walls  36 , and a bottom wall  40 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, module  20  is generally cubic, but other variations will occur to those skilled in the art that are suitable for side-by-side placement and stacking, such as a box-like structure having a length, a width and a depth of different lengths. Top wall  24  has a recess  44 . Bottom wall  40  has a base projection  48  corresponding to recess  44 , allowing modules  20  to be stacked one atop another.  
         [0038]    In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, recess  44  has a one-inch depth and has a cross-area defined by a perimeter offset one inch from the outer perimeter of module  20 , thus defining a sub-top wall  52  and a lip  56 . Correspondingly, base projection  48  is like-dimensioned, having a depth of one inch and a cross-area defined by a perimeter offset one inch from the outer perimeter of module  20 . When modules  20  are stacked one atop another, base projection  48  of one module fits snugly in recess  44  of another module.  
         [0039]    Module  20  can be constructed of wood, wood product, paper product, plastics, metal, or any other suitable material that provides the required structural integrity and can be moved by a person. Further, module  20  can be a composite of a number of materials. For example, a metal frame can be fitted with paperboard or plastic walls to provide a specific style. In a present embodiment, module  20  is constructed of one-inch particle board and has a void formed therein.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 2 shows a module  20   a  in accordance with a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1, wherein storage is provided inside module  20   a  and is accessible by means of a door  60  in front wall  28   a . Door  60  is operable via a handle  64 . Further, a pair of base projections  48   a  are shown, similar to base projection  48  of FIG. 1, but having a channel  68  between base projections  48   a . Channel  68  is dimensioned to receive lips  56  of two modules  20  that are laterally abutting such that module  20   a  can be securely placed atop two modules  20  wherein each of base projections  48   a  is positioned within a recess  44  of separate modules  20 . This staggered stacking configuration allows for increased structural integrity of a combined module structure when two or more vertical rows of modules  20  are deployed.  
         [0041]    Where modules  20  are generally box-shaped, modules  20  can be constructed of different dimensions. In a present embodiment, modules  20  share a common width and height, but have varied widths to allow for staggered stacked configurations and other configurations that are adaptable to the particular circumstances of the user. Other variations of the dimensions of modules  20  will occur to those of skill in the art.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3 shows a variation of the module suited for staggered stacking and providing wide drawer space desired by some users. Module  20   b  has a length of 36 inches, and a width and height of 18 inches. Module  20   b  is shown having two base projections  48   b , again similar to those found on module  20   a , thus allowing module  20   b  to be readily stacked atop of two other appropriately sized modules. Module  20   b  is shown having two slide-out drawers  72  having handles  76 .  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 4 shows a further alternate embodiment of the invention, whereby module  20   c  is similarly dimensioned to module  20   b , but has a storage space  80  accessible via an opening in front wall  28   c . Further, the sub-top wall is not present, thus allowing access to storage space  80  from the top of the module. When modules  20  are placed atop of module  20   c , their base projections  48  depend in recess  44   c  and modules  20  are supported by the peripheral portion of bottom wall  40  of module  20  resting on lip  56   c  of module  20   c.    
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of a module  20   d  in accordance with a variation of that shown in FIG. 2. In particular, four base projections  48   d  project from bottom wall  40   d , defining four channels  68   d  that are each dimensioned to securely receive two adjacent lips  56  of four modules  20  that are laterally abutting such that module  20   a  can be securely placed atop the four modules wherein each of base projections  20   d  is positioned within a recess  44  of separate modules  20 . This base projection configuration allows module  48   d  to be placed centrally over four abutting modules. Such a module  20   d  can also be operably deployed stacked on two modules such that the lips of the two modules correspondingly mate with two parallel channels  68   d . Other variations of channels  68  and base projections  48  for use with modules of various dimensions will be apparent to those of skill in the art.  
         [0045]    A retainer clip  80  for use with modules  20  is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In accordance with an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, retainer clip  80  has a c-shaped cross-section, having a retaining channel  84  formed by flanges  88  and dimensioned to receive and retain lips  56  of two modules  20  upon placement thereover. In an implementation of the embodiment, retainer clip  80  is constructed of a rectangle of sheet metal crimped slightly over 90 degrees to create flanges that slightly extend towards one another, requiring a slight force to deploy retainer clip  80  over lips  56  and enabling retainer clip  80  to securely grip lips  56 . The metal is preferably thin enough to allow the base projection of a module to be fitted into the recess of a module on which the retainer clip is placed, yet strong enough to provide the laterally abutting modules with the appropriate structural rigidity. Other materials and dimensions for constructing retainer clip  80  will occur to those of skill in the art. Further, it is contemplated that the lips might preferably have corresponding indentations to allow the retainer clip to be recessed therein and even flush therewith.  
         [0046]    A cross-sectional view of two modules  20  abutting laterally is shown in FIG. 7, each having a recess  44  defining a lip  56 . Retainer clip  80  is shown deployed over two lips  56  of the two modules  20 .  
         [0047]    A number of adapters can be constructed for use with modules  20  to extend their functionality. These adapters are preferably removably securable to modules  20  so that new furniture items can be configured from and dismantled to their basic elements quickly. As such, the adapters preferably are operable to securely interlock with modules  20  without the need for fasteners such as nails or screws.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 8 shows a table adapter  92  for use with modules  20  to co-operatively form a table. In this case, adapter  92  is a working surface  96  having one or more base projections  100  extending from a bottom surface thereof. The shown example illustrates base projections  100  that are not unlike those of FIGS. 2, 3,  4  and  5 , allowing table adapter  92  to be deployed over a number of configurations of modules  20 . Working surface  96  is dimensioned to provide a substantial working surface, yet be stable when retained by base projections  100  to one or more modules  20 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 shows a seat adapter  104  for use with modules  20 . Seat adapter  104  is comprised of a seat board  108  having one or more base projections  112  extending from a bottom surface thereof. A back board  116  is connected to seat board  108  via one or more hinges  120  that allow seat adapter  104  to be folded for storage when not in use. Back board  116  can be limited from rotating back beyond a pre-determined reclining angle by a restraining strap  124  constructed of non-elastic material, such as cotton, that is secured to both seat board  108  and back board  116 . Alernatively, any other method known to those skilled in the art for restricting the rotation of back board  116  can be employed, such as a hinge that limits rotation to a pre-determined angle.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 10 shows a finishing adapter  128  for use with a single module  20 . In a present embodiment, finishing adapter  128  is dimensioned to generally fit and fill recess  44 , providing module  20  a flush upper surface of top wall  24 . Finishing adapter  128  either preferably is of the same general color as module  20  or can be colored contrastingly for decorative purposes. Further, finishing adapter  128  can be sized slightly smaller than recess  44 , allowing finishing adapter  128  to be removed by overturning module  20 . Alternatively, finishing adapter can be furnished with a feature, such as an indentation on a side thereof, allowing it to be removed from module  20  when in an upright position.  
         [0051]    Where modules  20  are to provide a means of separating areas of a floor, such as their employment in an office environment for defining cubicles, a lateral cover adapter can be deployed over the modules, providing a customizable finish to a lateral side thereof. FIG. 11 shows a present embodiment of lateral cover adapter  132 , wherein lateral cover adapter  132  is comprised of a lateral cover  136  depending from a top retaining means  140  and operable to be held securely over the sides of modules  20  using a bottom retaining means  144 . Lateral cover  136  can be an industrial-grade fabric not unlike those used in the construction of commercially-available cubicle walls spanning a pre-determined length to cover one or more modules when depending from top retaining means  140 . Alternatively, lateral cover can be any desired covering for modules  20  known to those skilled in the art, such as a mirror or corkboard. Top retaining means  140  can be a bar sized to fit in recess  44  and operable to retain lateral cover adapter  132  over the sides of modules  20 . Where top retaining means  140  is a bar, top retaining means  40  can be constructed of metal, wood, or any other suitable material known to those skilled in the art that would operably rest in recess  44  and retain the upper end of cover adapter  132 . Bottom retaining means  144  is also a bar dimensioned to be placed snugly under bottom wall  40  beside base projection  48 . Bottom retaining means  144  might also be a hollow pipe through which wires or cables can be fed. It is understood by those of skill in the art that lateral cover adapter can also be operable to be fitted over front walls or back walls of modules  20 .  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 12 illustrates a working surface adapter  148  having a working surface board  152  and a pair of base projections  156 . Working surface adapter  148  can be placed atop of and span two pedestals of modules to form, in this case, a desk. Computer tower cabinet module  160  forms one pedestal, having a height equal to that of two other modules  164  that are stacked to form the other pedestal. Cabinet module  160  has a computer tower hole  168  accessible through an aperture in the front wall and back wall of cabinet module  160  into which a computer tower can be fitted and allowing cabling to extend from the tower&#39;s back side.  
         [0053]    A crib adapter  172  is shown, in FIG. 13, stacked atop two modules  176 . Crib adapter  172  has two base projections  180  that fit into the recesses of modules  176  and can be quickly removed from atop of modules  20  to be placed on a flat surface to form a playpen.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 14 shows a number of modules combined to form a staggered-drawer storage unit  184 . Storage unit  184  is formed from drawer modules  188  and cabinet modules  192 . As shown, cabinet modules  192  have the same height as two drawer modules  188  stacked one atop another. By staggering the stacking of the upper drawer modules  188  such that they span a portion of the lower drawer modules  188  and cabinet modules  192 , the structural strength of the configuration is increased.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 15 shows a headboard adapter  216  for use with the modules to form a bed. To form the base for the bed, two parallel rows of two side modules  220  aligned end-to-end are separated by a foot module  224 . Headboard adapter  216  is then secured to a pair of side modules  220 . As shown in FIG. 16, headboard adapter  216  consists of a headboard  228  onto which a spacer  232  of equal width to foot module  224  is mounted to space side modules  220 . A pair of bed shelves  236  project from headboard  228 . When deployed, headboard  228  and spacer  232  rest on the ground.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a mattress support adapter  240  resting atop two side modules  220 . Mattress support adapter  240  has a plurality of slats  244  supported on slat rails  248  with two mattress retainer rails  252  retaining a mattress placed thereon. Mattress support adapter  240  can be constructed in sections to correspond to side modules  220  or can be made as a single unit.  
         [0057]    A base projection frame  200  is shown in FIG. 18. Base projection frame  200  consists of four steel tubes that are secured together in a suitable fashion to securely hold together two or more modules by placing the base projections of laterally abutting modules into the frame  200 . Further, a base projection frame  200  can be dimensioned to fit around a single module to provide a decorative finish and to reduce the probability that small objects falling around the base of a module could be hidden from view under bottom wall  40 . Base projection frame  200  can be constructed having one or more conduits for cabling and wiring.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 19 shows a desk base projection frame  204  adapted for use with the furniture configuration of FIG. 12. Desk base projection frame  204  consists of a pair of sub-frames  208  connected by a back frame member  212 . When used in conjunction with the configuration of FIG. 12, sub-frames  208  would be placed around the base projections of the pedestals and would be held a fixed distance from each other by means of back frame member  212 . No frame member is provided at a front side of desk base projection frame  204  to allow a user thereof to place a chair thereunder without concern for any obstructions. Desk base projection frame  204  and working surface adapter  148  cooperate to provide structural stability to the configured desk. Desk base projection frame  204  can be also constructed to have one or more conduits for cabling and wiring.  
         [0059]    While the embodiments discussed herein are directed to specific implementations of the invention, it will be understood that combinations, sub-sets and variations of the embodiments are within the scope of the invention. For example, while box-shaped modules have been described, modules of various other shapes will occur to those of skill in the alt, such as octagonal and hexagonal boxes, L-shaped boxes, etc. Further, the modules can be constructed without storage space therein or as a solid structure to increase structural strength.  
         [0060]    The recesses and base projections of the modules can be any shapes that matingly correspond to each other to allow one module to interengagingly secure another module placed stacked thereon.  
         [0061]    A number of variations on lateral cover adapter will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the top retainer member can be similar to the finishing adapter. The bottom retainer member can be an L-shaped clip that is held securely under the bottom wall when the cover is pulled taut by the placement of the top retainer member.  
         [0062]    Although retainer clips having a c-shaped cross-section have been described, it is to be understood by those of skill in the art that a number of other shaped clips can be operable to provide like functionality.  
         [0063]    The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be examples of the present invention and alterations and modifications may be effected thereto, by those of skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.