FURNITURE CONNECTOR

This disclosure relates generally to modular furniture and connectors for modular furniture. A connector for modular furniture may include a substantially U-shaped core having a first prong and a second prong, a first extension disposed about the first prong, and a second extension disposed about the second prong. The connector may be configured to attach a first furniture piece to a second furniture piece. The connector may be capable of being legs for the modular furniture, the first furniture piece, and/or the second furniture piece.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to modular furniture and connectors used with modular furniture systems.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are systems, devices, and/or methods of use thereof regarding modular furniture, modular furniture systems, and modular furniture connectors. In various aspects, disclosed furniture systems can include a first seating element having a cushioned top surface and a plurality of voids disposed on an opposing bottom surface of the first seating element. The furniture systems may also include a support element connectable to the first seating element and having a plurality of voids disposed on a bottom surface of the support element; the support element may be for partially supporting a user resting on the first seating element, such as a back rest, arm rest, ottoman, etc. Additionally, furniture systems may include a connector for connecting the first seating element and the support element. The connector may include a substantially U-shaped inner core having a first prong in connection with to a second prong, a first projection disposed about the first prong, and a second projection disposed about the second prong.

The first projection may have a first half with a plurality of pins and a channel defined in an inner side of the first half. The first projection may also have a second half with a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of pins and a channel defined in an inner side of the second half. The channel of the first half and the channel of the second half together define a conduit for receiving the first prong of the substantially U-shaped inner core. The first projection may further include a cap received by a distal end of the first projection in an assembled state. The second projection may have a first half with a plurality of pins and a channel defined in an inner side of the first half. The second projection may also have a second half with a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of pins of the first half and a channel defined in an inner side of the second half. The channel of the first half and the channel of the second half together define a conduit for receiving the second prong of the substantially U-shaped inner core. The second projection may further include a cap received by a distal end of the second projection in an assembled state.

The first projection may be received by one of the plurality of voids of the first seating element and the second projection may be received by a void at a bottom surface of the support element. The first projection may be a first leg for the first seating element and the second projection may be a second leg for the support element.

In some embodiments, a furniture system of the present disclosure includes a first seating element having a cushioned top surface and a plurality of voids disposed on an opposing bottom surface of the first seating element. The furniture systems may also include a support element connectable to the first seating element and having a plurality of voids disposed on a bottom surface of the support element. Additionally, the furniture system may include a connector for connecting the first seating element and the support element. The connector may also function as one or more legs for the first seating element and/or support element. The connector may include an inner core having a first prong and a second prong, a first projection disposed about the first prong, and a second projection disposed about the second prong. The first projection may be received by one of the plurality of voids of the first seating element and the second projection may be received by a void at a bottom surface of the support element. The first and second projections may function as first and second legs for the first seating element and the support element, respectively.

In some embodiments, a connector for modular furniture may include a substantially U-shaped core having a first prong and a second prong, a first extension disposed about the first prong, and a second extension disposed about the second prong. The connector may be configured to attach a first furniture piece to a second furniture piece. The connector may be capable of being legs for the modular furniture, the first furniture piece, and/or the second furniture piece.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Furniture, such as chairs, tables, couches, etc. is typically incorporated into every room of a home. For example, kitchens and dining rooms typically incorporate tables and chairs, while living rooms often incorporate chairs and couches. Often, furniture is included to provide both a function and comfort (e.g., a cushioned seat for chatting with friends). However, furniture is expensive and cumbersome to ship, assemble, and arrange inside a home. Additionally, furniture elements generally cannot be mixed and matched, meaning once an element is compromised (e.g., broken or becomes dirty), the entire furniture piece must be disposed of. This leads to increasing costs for consumers who must replace their furniture, as well as increased waste of furniture in landfills.

Embodiments of the present disclosure address these and other issues with furniture. In various aspects, disclosed furniture systems can include a first seating element having a cushioned top surface and a plurality of voids disposed on an opposing bottom surface of the first seating element. The furniture systems may also include a support element connectable to the first seating element and having a plurality of voids disposed on a bottom surface of the support element; the support element may be for partially support a user resting on the first seating element. Additionally, furniture systems may include a connector for connecting the first seating element and the support element. The connector may include a substantially U-shaped inner core having a first prong connected to a second prong, a first projection disposed about the first prong, and a second projection disposed about the second prong.

FIG.1illustrates a connector30for modular furniture andFIG.2illustrates a side view of the projection31according to embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG.1, the connector30includes a first projection31aand a second projection31bjoined by an inner core45. The projections31a.31bmay be substantially identical to each other. The connector30may be for connecting one or more pieces or elements of furniture together, and/or to function as legs for a piece of furniture. Specifically, as described more fully below, the first projection31amay be received by a first furniture element and the second projection31bmay be received by a second furniture element. As the inner core45connects the first and second projections31a.31b, placement of the projections31a,31bwithin the furniture elements thereby connects the furniture elements. Additionally, a portion of the projections31a,31b(e.g., a distal end or a cap) functions or serves as legs for the connected furniture elements. That is, a portion of the projections31a.31brests against a surface (e.g., a floor) upon which the furniture elements are positioned. Thus, the connector provides an easy and simple method of connecting furniture elements, while functioning as a component of a furniture system (e.g., legs) comprised of furniture elements.

Referring toFIG.2, a projection31(e.g., projections31a,31b) includes a first half35and a second half37, joined together in an assembled state. Each half35,37includes a distal end32, a proximal end33opposite the distal end32, and a body34extending therebetween. Partially extending between the distal end32and the body34is a stepped portion42, which may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the body34. Defined within the stepped portion42is an aperture44, through which a portion of the inner core45may extend.

Disposed near the proximal end33is a tapered portion41, where the body34narrows as it reaches the proximal end33. The tapered portion41may assist in placing the projection31within a void of a furniture element, as described more fully below (seeFIGS.12A-12B). The tapering may also assist in the manufacturing process if the projection31is molded.

The projection31may have a length ranging from about 165 mm to about 180 mm, such as about 169, 170, 173, 175, 178 mm or a length within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values. The proximal end33may have a diameter ranging from about 35 mm to about 50 mm, such as 37, 30, 43, 45, 48 mm, or a diameter within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values. The tapered portion41may have a diameter ranging from about 55 to about 65 mm, such as 58, 60, 62, 63 mm, or a diameter within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values. The stepped portion42may have a length ranging from about 45 to 55 mm, such as 47, 48, 50, 52, 54 mm, or a length within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

FIG.3illustrates side views of the first half35and the second half37of the projection31ofFIG.2. In other words,FIG.3illustrates the projection31in a disassembled state. As before, each half35,37includes the distal end32, the proximal end33opposite the distal end32, and the body34extending therebetween. The second half37may include one or more (e.g., a plurality) of pins36extending from an interior surface that mate with one or more (e.g. a plurality) of voids (not illustrated, seeFIGS.4-5) within the interior surface of the first half35. Other embodiments may not include pins and/or voids, but may include other means for connecting the two halves. In some embodiments, the means for connecting the two halves allows for tool-less assembly to connect the two halves. Each half35,37may also include a portion of the aperture44. Specifically, the first half35includes a first portion44band the second half37includes a second portion44a. When the first half35is joined to the second half37, the two portions44a,44bcreate the aperture44.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the first and second halves of the projection fromFIGS.1-3andFIG.5illustrates a distal perspective view ofFIG.4. The projection31includes the first half35and the second half37which is joinable to the first half35through a plurality of pins36. Each pin36may have a length or extension of about 8 to 12 mm, such as 10 mm, from the inner side30aof the second half37. As shown inFIGS.4-5, the first half35includes one or more voids38for receiving the one or more pins36of the second half37. Each void38may have a diameter sized and shaped to receive the pins36. The second half37may be assembled to the first half35through a snap-fit, press-fit, friction-fit, clips, etc. In some embodiments, the pins36include barbs or other projections to facilitate a tight fit within the voids38of the first half35. In some embodiments, the first half35is irreversibly joined to the second half37in an assembled state; in other embodiments, the halves35,37are reversibly joined together and can be easily separated and reassembled as necessary.

The distal end32of each half35,37also includes a channel or groove43. The groove43may be for receiving a cap (see cap50inFIG.8). When the halves35,37are joined together in an assembled state, the groove43may have a circular shape.

Each half35,37additionally includes a channel39defined within an inner side30aof body34. The channel39of each half35,37is for receiving the inner core45. For example, as discussed more fully below, a prong of the inner core45fits within and is received by the channels39. Specifically, when the first half35is connected to the second half37, the channels39create a conduit for receiving the prong of the inner core45and securing the prong within the assembled projection31.

The channel39of each half35,37may extend from the proximal end33, through the body34, to a curve40, which causes the channel39to curve through the distal end32. The channel39will meet or merge with the first or second portion44a,44b, respectively. When the projection31is assembled, the first and second portions44a,44bwill define the aperture44, through which a portion of the inner core45may extend. The channel39may have a width of about 10 to about 14 mm, such as 11, 12, 12.5, 13 mm, or a width within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values.

FIG.6Aillustrates the outer side30bof the first and second halves35,37of the projection31. As before, each half35,37includes the distal end32, the proximal end33opposite the distal end32, and the body34extending therebetween. Disposed at or near the distal end32is the stepped portion42. In some embodiments, the stepped portion42remains outside of a void of a furniture element that has received an assembled projection31(seeFIGS.1-2) and thereby acts as a leg for the furniture element. Additionally, defined in each stepped portion42is a portion44a,44bof aperture44. The portions44a,44bare continuous with the channel39defined on the inner side30a. Again, in an assembled state, the channels39create a conduit for receiving prongs of the inner core45, where a portion of the inner core45extends through aperture44to connect two projections31to form the connector30.

FIG.6Billustrates various measurements (in mm) for each half35,37of the projection31. For example, the pins36of the second half37may be asymmetrically disposed about the channel39. As such, a first vertical pair of pins36may be distanced apart by about 100 to 110 mm, such as about 105 mm. A second vertical pair of pins36may be distanced apart by about 95 to 105 mm, such as about 99.5 mm. Similarly, the voids38may be asymmetrically disposed about the channel39and distanced from each other to match the spacing of the pins36.

FIGS.7A-7Cillustrate various views of an inner core45from the connector30ofFIG.1. The inner core45may be substantially U-shaped, having a first prong46and a second prong47joined to the first prong46through base48. The first and second prongs46,47may be joined to the base48through curves49.

As discussed previously, the first and second prongs46,47are configured to be received by a conduit. Specifically, the first prong46is to be received by a conduit of a first projection31aand the second prong47is to be receive by a conduit of a second projection31b. The first and second projections31a,31bmay be assembled from the first and second halves35,37fromFIGS.3-6. The conduits of the first and second projections31a,31bmay be defined by the channels39within the inner sides30aof each half35,37. The base48of the inner core45extends between the projections31a,31band thereby connects the projections31a,31b. A length of the base48(and, thus, a distance between the projections31a,31b) may correspond to dimensions of modular furniture elements to be connected by the connector30. The length may be measured from an outside of the a first curve49to an outside of a second curve49.

In some embodiments, a length of the base48ranges from about 190 to 200 mm, such as 192, 195, 197 mm, or a length within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values. Each prong46,47may have a diameter of about 10 to about 14 mm, such as 11, 12, 13 mm, or a diameter within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values. The prongs46,47may be spaced apart by a distance of about 180 to 190 mm, such as 182, 185 mm, or a distanced within a range defined by any two of the foregoing values; the distance may be measured from a center of each prong46,47. A distance between a prong46,47and an opposing curve49may be about 150 mm.

FIG.8illustrates a cap50used with the connector30ofFIG.1. Specifically, the cap50is to be received by the groove43defined in the distal end32of the projection31. The cap50may include a top surface51and an opposing bottom surface52. Extending from the bottom surface52is a flange53that defines a cavity54. The flange53may be received by the groove43and a portion of the distal end32may be received within the cavity54. The cap50may be press-fit, snap, clip, or otherwise fit within groove43.

As before, the connector30and/or the projections31a,31bof the connector30act as legs for modular furniture or furniture systems. The cap50may ultimately rest on a floor or other surface and can assist in preventing sliding of modular furniture or a furniture system. The cap may also assist in keeping the two halves of the projection in connection with each other in an assembled state. In some embodiments, the cap50is made from a silicon to provide a frictional force against the floor. In some embodiments, the cap50is a plastic or other molded material.

FIG.9schematically illustrates assembly of the projection31and the cap50. Specifically, to form the projection31, the first half35is joined to the second half37, such as through pins36being received by voids38or any other suitable connection method. The halves35,37may be reversibly or irreversibly joined together. Once the projection31is assembled, the cap50may be connected to the distal end32of the projection31(e.g., received by groove43). The projection31and the cap50can now act or function as a leg for a piece of furniture.

Additionally, and/or alternatively, prior to joining the first and second halves35,37, the inner core45may be positioned between the halves35,37. Specifically, a prong (e.g., first or second prong46,47) may be positioned within the channel39of the first half35and then the second half37may be attached to the first half35, where the channel39of the second half37is positioned about the prong. The process may then be repeated with a second projection (i.e., a second set of first and second halves35,37) and a second prong of the inner core45. Positioning the inner core45between the halves35,37forms the connector30ofFIG.1, which can then be used to connect a first furniture element to a second furniture element.

The halves35,37simply need to be snapped or clipped together to assemble the projections31. Additionally, the halves35,37simply need to be snapped or clipped together around a prong46,47of the inner core45to create the connector30ofFIG.1. Notably, no tools are required to assemble the connector30and, thus, to modularly connect furniture elements together in a furniture system. In other embodiments, tools may be used to connect and/or assemble the connector.

FIG.10illustrates a furniture system100according to the present disclosure, though the connectors30have been omitted for clarity of the furniture elements contained within the system100. As illustrated, the system100includes a plurality of modular furniture pieces, such as a furniture element10and one or more support elements20. The furniture element10may be a cushioned element (e.g., a seating element) for a user to rest upon when using the furniture system100. The furniture element10includes a top surface11which may be a cushioned surface, a bottom surface12opposite the top surface11, and side surfaces13extending between the top and bottom surfaces11,12. In general, the furniture element10has a cuboid shape, such as a cube or rectangular prism shape, though any shape is contemplated herein.

Disposed within or defined by the bottom surface12are a plurality of voids14. Each void of the plurality of voids14may be capable of receiving a projection31from the connector30(not illustrated). To that end, the voids14may extend into the bottom surface12far enough to accommodate a length of the body34of the projection31, while leaving the stepped portion42outside of the void14. In some embodiments, the stepped portion42abuts or rests against a perimeter of the void14. Thus, the projection31and/or the stepped portion42may serve as legs for the furniture element10.

The furniture system100also includes one or more support elements20, such as a first support element20aand a second support element20b. Each support element20a,20bincludes a top surface21a,21b, a bottom surface22a,22bopposite the top surface21a,21b, and side surfaces23a,23bextending between the top surface21a,21band the bottom surface22a.22b. Similar to the furniture element10, each support element20a.20bincludes a plurality of voids24a,24bdisposed or defined within the bottom surface22a,22b. In some embodiments, the support elements20may be an arm rest, a back rest, an ottoman, and/or a second furniture element (e.g., a second cushioned seating element).

As with voids14, each void24a,24bis sized and shaped to receive a projection31from the connector30(not illustrated). To that end, the voids24a,24bmay extend into the bottom surface22a,22bfar enough to accommodate a length of the body34of the projection31, while leaving the stepped portion42outside of the voids24a,24b. In some embodiments, the stepped portion42abuts or rests against a perimeter of the voids24a,24b. Thus, the projection31and/or the stepped portion42may serve as legs for the support elements20a,20b.

FIGS.11A-11Dillustrate various layouts of a furniture system according to the present disclosure. As shown in these figures, the connection between the connectors may be front-back, left-right, etc. due to the modular nature of the design. Specifically illustrated are different configurations of connecting a furniture element10and a support element20using a connector30, such as the connector30fromFIGS.1-8. Additionally illustrated inFIG.11Aare various measurements (i) of distances between voids within the bottom surfaces of the furniture and/or support elements, (ii) of lengths of the support elements, and (iii) lengths from one end of a first support element to one end of a second support element. For example, a distance between voids14of a furniture element10may be about 95 mm, while a distance between a first void14of the furniture element10and a first void24of a support element may be about 185 mm.

FIGS.11B-11Cillustrate alternative layouts or arrangements of the furniture elements10and support elements20. The voids14,24of each element10,20are indicated by + symbols inFIGS.11B-11Cand the connectors30are indicated by bolded lines between the + symbols.FIG.11Dillustrates a furniture system100where the connectors (e.g. the projections31or caps50) are acting as legs for the furniture system100. When the projections31are assembled without an inner core45, a single projection31can be used as a leg alone (rather than a leg with a connector). The system can therefore be used to interchangeably form legs and/or leg/connectors as desired, with the same projections used for both legs and/or leg/connectors.

FIGS.12A-12Bschematically illustrate assembly of a furniture system100using the connector ofFIG.1. As shown inFIG.12A, connectors30and a few single projections31are provided. The single projections31may be inserted into voids14of a furniture element10where no connection to another element (e.g., a support element20or another furniture element10) is needed, such that the single projection31can act as legs for the furniture element10. The connectors30, specifically the projections31of the connectors30, can also be inserted into voids14in order to attach another element (e.g., a support element20or another furniture element10) to the furniture element10. Once the various projections31have been fully inserted into the voids14, portions of the projections31(e.g., the stepped portion42) are shown sticking out or extending from the voids14to act as legs for the furniture element10.

Referring toFIG.12B, once the projections31and connectors30have been inserted into the voids14, the furniture element10may be connected to another element, such as a support element20. The support element20and voids24of the support element20may be aligned with the free projections31of the connectors30. The support element may then be placed and pushed over the free projections31to thereby connect the support element20to the furniture element10. The process may be repeated as necessary to attach a desired number of furniture elements10and/or support elements20together.

Alternatively, the connectors30and projections31may first be inserted or attached to a support element20and a furniture element10may then be connected to the support element20. It is not required to flip either the furniture element10or the support element20over to insert the connectors30and/or projections31; the elements20,10may simply be lifted to insert the connectors30and/or projections31as appropriate.

FIG.13illustrates a close-up view of the connector30received within a furniture piece. As clearly seen, a portion of the projection31abuts the bottom surface12,22of the furniture piece, which may be furniture element10or a support element20. The projection31is also illustrated as having received the cap50, which may ultimately rest against the surface (typically the floor) the furniture piece is positioned on. Also visible is the inner core45extending from the first projection31to a free projection31, which is ready to receive another furniture piece (e.g., a furniture element10or a support element20).

FIG.14illustrates a kit65for modular furniture. In one embodiment, a kit65may include a cover15to receive an inner cushion or body16. Together, the cover15and inner body16may create a furniture element10. Alternatively, the cover15and inner body16may create a support element20. The kit also includes the components for the connector30, such as inner cores, projections halves, and caps.

In some embodiments, the kit does not include any tools, such as screw drivers or drills. Rather, as explain elsewhere, the halves for the projection31of the connector30simply need to be snapped around prongs of the inner core, thus creating the connector(s)30. Once assembled, the connectors30may be used to modularly link furniture and support elements together to create a furniture system100.

FIG.15illustrates a mold80for making the projections31for the connector30. The mold80may include a body83defining a first cavity81and a second cavity82. The first and second cavities81,82receive molten plastic, thermoplastic, acrylic, etc. in an injection molding process to form the projections31. Alternatively, each cavity81,82may be shaped to a corresponding half35,37of the projections31. For example, the first cavity81may define a plurality of voids (e.g., voids38) to create the first half35and the second cavity82may include a plurality of pins (e.g., pins36) to create the second half37. The molded halves35,37(or projections31) may be removed from the molds80and (i) assembled or (ii) incorporated into kits65.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It should also be noted that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may have been disclosed in relation to a particular furniture element (e.g., a seat or cushion); however, other elements (e.g., ottomans, chairs, etc.) are also contemplated. Structures close to the bottom of furniture elements or that rest on a surface, such as a floor, are referred to as more “distal” while structures that extend through and into the furniture elements are more “proximal.” A proximal end or side of a projection31is received by the furniture element and a distal end or side of the projection31rests on the floor.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the author(s) of this disclosure for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The author(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the author(s) intends for the embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Although this disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto.