Abstract:
The present invention relates to furniture systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to office furniture systems using modular components configured to disguise the connections between components.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/638,944, filed Apr. 26, 2012, entitled FURNITURE CONNECTION SYSTEM, incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to furniture systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to furniture systems using modular components configured to disguise the connections between components. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Modern offices often include open plan workspaces, where modular furniture can be reconfigured to meet business needs. Due to changes in personnel, storage needs, and other factors, furniture may need to be added or removed from a location. Modular furniture components may be mechanically connected using screws, nails, bolts, or other fasteners. However, when the furniture components are later disconnected, unsightly holes from the screws, nails, bolts, or other fasteners remain. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    Disclosed herein is an office furniture system using modular components configured to disguise the connections between components. 
         [0005]    One aspect of the present invention pertains to a modular furniture system comprising: a first furniture component having a first surface and a rear surface opposite the first surface; a second furniture component having a front surface including at least one attachment hole; a bracket; and a button element having a head and a shank adapted to be inserted into the at least one attachment hole; wherein, upon removal of the button element, the bracket connects the first furniture component and the second furniture component by contacting the first surface and the front surface. In some embodiments, the bracket includes an opening, and a fastener extends through the opening and into the at least one attachment hole. In further embodiments, the front surface includes at least one recessed portion configured to receive a portion of the bracket. 
         [0006]    In certain embodiments, the modular furniture system includes two first furniture components as described above and includes at least two brackets as described above, and the second furniture component includes at least two attachment holes. In certain of these embodiments, the two first furniture components are positioned adjacent to each other and adjacent to the second furniture component such that at least a portion of the rear surface of each first furniture component contacts the front surface of the second furniture component. A clip for connecting the two adjacent first furniture components may also be included. 
         [0007]    In further embodiments, the first furniture component is box shaped, with an internal cavity, a rim surrounding the internal cavity, and a removable lid configured to fit atop the rim. In certain embodiments, the lid includes at least one descending tab sized to fit within the internal cavity of the first furniture component. In some embodiments, the first surface is the surface of the internal cavity opposite the rear surface of the box. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the bracket serially includes a first vertical portion, a transverse portion, and a second vertical portion, the second vertical portion including an opening. The first vertical portion extends into the internal cavity, the transverse portion extends across the rim, and the second vertical portion extends upwards along the front surface such that the opening is aligned with the attachment hole. In certain embodiments, the first surface includes at least one recessed portion or a plurality of recessed portions configured to receive a portion of the bracket whereby the received portion of the bracket is either flush or recessed to the first surface. The lid, when positioned on the rim of the first furniture element, conceals the bracket. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the head of the button element is larger than the at least one attachment hole. In further embodiments, the shank of the button element is configured such that a friction fit removably maintains the shank within the at least one attachment hole. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a method for removably connecting a first furniture component and a second furniture component, the method comprising: providing a first furniture component having a first surface and a rear surface opposite the first surface; providing a second furniture component having a front surface including at least one attachment hole; providing a button element having a head and a shank, the shank of the button element positioned within the at least one attachment hole; removing at least one button element from the second furniture component; positioning the rear surface of the first furniture component adjacent to the front surface of the second furniture component; and connecting the first furniture component to the second furniture component using a bracket. In some embodiments, the step of connecting further comprises inserting a fastener through an opening in the bracket and into the at least one attachment hole. In further embodiments, the step of connecting further comprises positioning a portion of the bracket in a recessed portion of the first surface. 
         [0011]    A further aspect of the present invention pertains to a method for disconnecting a first furniture component and a second furniture component, the method comprising: providing a first furniture component; providing a second furniture component, the first furniture component and second furniture component being connected by a bracket fastened to an attachment hole in the second furniture component; removing the bracket; and inserting a button element in the attachment hole. In some embodiments, the button element includes a head configured to match the aesthetics of the second furniture component and a shank extending from the head, the shank configured to friction-fit within the attachment hole. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a furniture connection system including a second furniture component and two first furniture components with lids removed. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the first embodiment of a furniture connection system from the first furniture components. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a furniture connection system including a second furniture component and a first furniture component with lid removed. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a furniture connection system including a second furniture component and a first furniture component. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a second furniture component. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of the second furniture component with button elements removed. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a first furniture component placed adjacent to the second furniture component. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the first and second furniture components, including brackets connecting the first and second furniture components. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side perspective view of a button element. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side perspective view of a bracket. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of the first and second furniture components taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a cross-section view of the first and second furniture components taken along line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 4   
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. 
         [0025]    Generally, the present system, method, and apparatus provide attachment mechanisms for connecting adjacent, modular pieces of furniture in an unobtrusive, yet secure fashion. While the figures herein illustrate one specific implementation, the invention as illustrated will be adapted and modified by those skilled in the art as will occur to them in view of the present disclosure. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first embodiment of a furniture connection system  10 . In this embodiment, a second furniture component  12 , namely, a vertical panel, is positioned behind two first furniture components  14 , namely, seat-box units, to provide a seating space with a back. As shown, the first furniture components  14  each include a first surface  16  and a rear surface  18  opposite the first surface  16 . The second furniture component  12  includes a front surface  20 . When connected, the rear surface  18  of the first furniture component  14  is adjacent to the front surface  20  of the second furniture component  12 . In  FIG. 1 , cushioned lids  24  of the seat-box units have been removed to show the interior cavity  22  of each box-like first furniture component  14  and the mechanism for connecting the furniture components  12 ,  14  and components  14 ,  14 . When the lids  24  are present, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the mechanism for connecting the furniture components  12 ,  14  is obscured from view. 
         [0027]    As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the interior of each seat-box in this embodiment includes recessed portions  26  near the rim  27 . The recessed portions  26  can be formed by using a router on the interior of the cavity  22  or using other suitable techniques. The recessed portions  26  may be formed in one, a plurality, or all sides of the cavity  22 . Each recessed portion  26  is adapted to receive a bracket  28  that is attached to the adjacent second furniture component  12 . One or more square-cornered U-shaped clips  30  connect adjacent first furniture components  14 ,  14  maintaining the seat-boxes in a fixed relative position. In some embodiments, the U-shaped clip  30 , bracket  28 , or both are configured to partially fit within the recessed portions  26  so that the clip  30  or bracket  28  is flush or recessed with the interior surface of the cavity  22 . The second furniture component  12  includes at least one button element  32 , described in further detail below, aesthetically filling at least one attachment hole (not visible in these figures) that is strategically placed to match up with a recessed portion  26  of the first furniture component  14 . 
         [0028]      FIGS. 3-4  illustrate a second embodiment of a furniture connection system  110 . In this embodiment, a single first furniture component  114  is positioned in front of and adjacent to a second a second furniture component  112 , forming a seating space with a back.  FIG. 3  depicts this second embodiment  110  with the lid  124  removed from the first furniture component  114 , while  FIG. 4  shows the lid  124  in place. In this embodiment, the second furniture component  112  is a vertical panel with four attachment holes, two with inserted button elements  132  and two with attached brackets  128 . In this embodiment, the button elements  132  and attachment holes are positioned to form an aesthetically pleasing pattern that coincides with reasonable attachment points for other modular furniture components, namely, the first furniture component  114 . The button elements  132  in this embodiment also press against the upholstery of the second furniture component  112 , supplementing the aesthetic effect. 
         [0029]      FIGS. 5-8  show a method of connecting a first furniture component  114  to a second furniture component  112 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the second furniture component  112  is a vertical panel with four button elements  132  in place, each inserted in an attachment hole  134 . In this embodiment, the button elements  132  are friction-fit into the attachment holes  134  so they can be pulled out with the application of modest force.  FIG. 6  shows the same second component  112 , with two button elements  132  removed, revealing two attachment holes  134 .  FIG. 7  shows the second furniture component  112  of  FIG. 6 , with a first furniture component  114  positioned in front. The rear surface  118  of the first furniture component  114  is adjacent the front surface  120  of the second furniture component  112 . The attachment holes  134 , no longer filled by button elements  132 , are seen aligned with recessed portions  126  on the first surface  116  of the first furniture component  114 . These attachment features are visible only because the lid  124  of the first furniture component  114  has been removed. 
         [0030]    To attach these furniture components together, a roughly S-shaped bracket  128  is placed in the recessed portion  126 , across the rim  127  of first furniture component  114 , and over the attachment hole  134 . In this embodiment, a fastener  136 , such as a screw or nail, is fed through an opening (not visible in these figures) in the bracket  128  and into the attachment hole  134 , thus holding the first furniture component  114  to the second furniture component  112 .  FIG. 8  shows the furniture components  112 ,  114  with brackets  128  in place. Upon disassembly of the modular furniture components  112 ,  114 , the button elements  132  are reinserted into the attachment holes  134  to disguise the attachment holes  134  and maintain the aesthetics of the second furniture component  112 . Due to the nature of the disclosed connection mechanism, no holes or other disfigurements are left on the first furniture component  114 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 9  shows a button element  132  adapted for placement in an attachment hole  134 . In preferred embodiments, the button element  132  includes a head  140  and a shank  142 , the head  140  being configured to match the aesthetics of the second furniture component  112 . In this embodiment, the shank  142  comprises two elongated metal strips  143  biased to separate slightly; thereby increasing the friction fit in the attachment holes  134 . In other embodiments, other shanks will be used, and in still other embodiments, other attachment dynamics will be used as will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. 
         [0032]      FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a bracket  128 . In this embodiment, the bracket  128  serially includes a first, generally vertical, portion  144 , a transverse portion  146 , and a second vertical portion  148 , the second vertical portion  148  including the opening  138 . In some embodiments, the first vertical portion  144  is straight. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the first vertical portion  144  may include a slight angle to bias the first vertical portion  144  against the first surface  116  when installed. In preferred embodiments, the first vertical portion  144  is sized to be accepted within the recessed portion  126  of the first surface  116 . In some embodiments, the transverse portion  146  is sized to span the rim  127  of the first furniture component  114 . In certain embodiments, the recessed portion  126  is configured to receive the first vertical portion  144  whereby the received portion of the bracket  128  is either flush or recessed to the first surface  116 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 11  illustrates the second embodiment of the furniture connection system  110  using a cross-section view of  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the button element  132  is secured within the second furniture component  112  using a washer-type element  150 . In use, the head  140  of the button element  132  is positioned on the outside of the second furniture component  112  with its shank  142  extending through the attachment hole  134 . On the interior of the second furniture component  112 , the shank  142  passes through the washer-type element  150 , which fits snugly around it and improves the friction-fit resistance to the button element  132  working itself loose. 
         [0034]    When installed, the bracket  128  contacts both the front surface  120  of the second furniture component  112  and the first surface  116  of the first furniture component  114 . The bracket  128  is secured to the second furniture component  112  by a fastener  136  extending through the opening  138  and into the attachment hole  134 . Due to the shape of the bracket  128 , it mechanically secures the first furniture component  114  to the second furniture component  112 . In some embodiments, the bracket  128  is pressed into the upholstery  152  of the second furniture component  112  such that the lid  124  may fit on the rim  127  flush against the front surface  120  and obscure the bracket  128  from view. 
         [0035]      FIG. 12  illustrates the second embodiment of the furniture connection system  110  using a cross-section view of  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the removable lid  124  includes at least one tab  154  which extends downward from the lid  124 . In some embodiments, each side of the lid  124  includes a downward extending tab  154 . When placed on the seat box portion of the first furniture component  114 , the tabs  154  extend into the cavity  122 , contacting the sides of the rim  127  and preventing the lid  124  from sliding off the seat box portion. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 12 , the tab  154  is sized to fit between recessed portions  126 . In other embodiments, the tab  154  may extend over one or more recessed portions  126 . As described, the first vertical portion  144  of the bracket  128  may fit flush or recessed to the first surface  116 , such that the tab  154  may fit over the bracket  128 . 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the first surface includes a plurality of recessed portions so that a user may select where to position the bracket so that the first and second furniture components can be shifted left or right in relation to each other and still have a recessed portion and attachment hole aligned for connection. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the leftmost first furniture component fits flush with the second furniture component and the rightmost first furniture component extends past the right side of the second furniture component. A user could remove the brackets, shift both first furniture components to the left, and reattach the brackets, such that the rightmost first furniture component fits flush and the leftmost first furniture component extends past the side of the second furniture component. The terms left and right are used herein for ease of understanding and are not meant to be limiting. 
         [0037]    In other embodiments, different types of furniture are configured with attachment holes and recessed positioning portions so that modular pieces can be combined and fixed together into a single “unit.” While the figures depict a comparatively squat and generally rectangular first furniture component and a comparatively tall and generally rectangular second furniture component connected to for a seating space with a back, other furniture shapes are within the scope of the invention. For example, the front surface of a generally upright c-shaped second furniture component could be positioned adjacent to a generally cylindrical-shaped first furniture component and be connected thereto using the disclosed system. 
         [0038]    While the figures depict either one or two first furniture components being connected to a single second furniture component, it should be understood that different combinations of first and second furniture components may be used. In some embodiments, a single first component may be connected to a single second component. In further embodiments, a single first component may be connected to two second components. In other embodiments, three first components may be connected to a single second component. In certain embodiments, three first components may be connected to two second components, where a left first component is connected to a left second component, a right first component is connected to a right second component, and a central first component is connected to both the left and right second components. In other embodiments, a second furniture component could include attachment holes and button elements on two different sides, effectively having two front surfaces using the nomenclature herein, and connect two first furniture components spaced apart from each other. Other combinations and arrangements will occur to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. 
         [0039]    All publications, prior applications, and other documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each had been individually incorporated by reference and fully set forth. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.