Abstract:
A dowel assembly for a furniture system provides a fastener usable in assembling various components in a furniture system. The dowel may be employed to define the relationship between first and second components of the furniture system, such as the relationship between adjoining planar surfaces of adjacent furniture panels. The dowel is fitted with a cam such that the cam provides a non-uniform radius at the interface between the dowel and one of the components. Through selective positioning of the cam about the longitudinal axis of the dowel, the interface between components of the furniture system may be selectively adjusted to ensure flush alignment of contiguous surfaces.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/008,017, filed Dec. 18, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to a dowel assembly for a furniture system provided with a cam having a non-uniform radius with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dowel. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Furniture systems, such as benches, storage cabinets, desks, and the like, are generally formed from multiple components rather than hewn from a single piece of material. These multiple components are usually independently formed and then joined together to provide the furniture system. Methods of joining together such components include the use of fasteners, adhesives, pegs, brackets, pressure, etc. 
         [0004]    One issue that frequently arises during the formation of such components relates to tolerances, that is, the accuracy with which the measurements of a given component correspond to those of an idealized component. For instance, furniture systems may require a great deal of precision at the interface between components in order to function properly. Inaccurate dimensions may lead to defects in appearance such as unwanted recesses or protuberances, wobble in the assembled structure, and unwanted stresses within the structural material. 
         [0005]    The source of such dimensional problems may relate to a lack of quality control during the machining process and/or a requirement for a high degree of accuracy imposed by the design. For example, some designs require such accurate fitting between elements that even the smallest degradation of the machine tools may generate nonconforming components. 
         [0006]    A second source of measurement-related problems may relate to assembly of the various components. Furniture systems may be assembled, disassembled, and rearranged multiple times once they enter the marketplace. In some designs, even the act of assembling and disassembling the furniture system may wear down components and generate problems relating to tolerances. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus and method for affixing components of a furniture system. 
         [0008]    Specifically, a dowel assembly according to the present invention includes a cam having a non-uniform radius with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dowel. When inserted into the interface between adjoining components of the furniture system, the dowel assembly spans the interface, wherein the cam may be selectively rotated with respect to the surface of the dowel body to selectively adjust the position of one component relative to the adjacent component to accommodate interfaces having various dimensions. 
         [0009]    More particularly, the dowel assembly of the invention has sufficient size and rigidity so as to span a joint between two adjacent furniture components, such as a horizontal cabinet panel and a vertical cabinet panel, to carry the weight of the panel and serve a load bearing function. Additionally, the aforementioned cam is disposed outwardly of one of the components but seats within a pocket in the other of the components wherein rotation of the cam effects displacement of one component relative to the other to selectively adjust the position of such components, such as to precisely align adjacent, contiguous surfaces on the two components, such as to align such contiguous surfaces in a flush, coplanar condition. Still further, the end of the dowel assembly opposite to the cam has a fastener formation such as threads which threadingly engage one component, while the opposite end of the dowel assembly also has fastener formations thereon, preferably a threaded shank with a washer and nut that can be tightened onto the other component and draw the two components together so that the dowel assembly serves a joining function. In this manner, a knock-down furniture system such as a knock-down cabinet, may have a refined fit between the components which more closely mimics high-end, custom built furniture. 
         [0010]    Additionally, the invention relates to an adjustment system for precisely aligning adjacent furniture panels and components together. The system provides a plurality of the dowel assemblies at spaced locations along the interface between two adjacent components wherein the dowel assemblies are each independently adjustable relative to the other assemblies so that the degree of adjustment and displacement of one component relative to the other component may be precisely adjusted independently of the other dowel assemblies being provided thereon. The system of a plurality of adjustable dowel assemblies can result, for example, in a uniformly flush joint between contiguous surfaces even if the amount of required adjustment differs at the various dowel locations. 
         [0011]    It will be appreciated that the dowel according to the invention may also be utilized in other types of structures which incorporate a dowel in joining components of a furniture system. 
         [0012]    Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons familiar with arrangements of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view which illustrates various types of furniture systems assembled using the system of dowel assemblies of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric assembly view of a known furniture system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2B  is an exploded partial isometric assembly view of the known furniture system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C  are isometric views illustrating surface issues relating to dimensional constraints along the interface between components; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B , and  FIG. 4C  are cross-sectional side views illustrating the surface issues relating to dimensional constraints along the interface between a known, non-adjustable dowel and the components; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a partial isometric assembly view of the furniture system of the invention assembled using the inventive system of dowel assemblies; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a partial end view of contiguous top surfaces oriented flush to one another; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5C  is an exploded isometric view of the furniture system of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  is an isometric assembly view of a dowel assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  is a side assembly view of a dowel assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B  are side cross-sectional and end views, respectively, of a dowel and cam assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view of a dowel and a cam joining components of a furniture system; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B  are isometric views of a dowel assembly and a cam affixing components of a furniture system featuring a representation of the dowel disposed within one component of the furniture system and cooperating with the adjacent component; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an isometric assembly view of a furniture system further affixed with brackets; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11A ,  FIG. 11B , and  FIG. 11C  are orthographic projections of an embodiment for a tool for adjusting the position of a cam with respect to a dowel; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12A ,  FIG. 12B , and  FIG. 12C  are orthographic projections of a second embodiment for a tool for adjusting the position of a cam with respect to a dowel; 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment for a furniture system; 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of an additional alternative embodiment for a furniture system; 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of a further embodiment of an adjustable dowel assembly; 
           [0032]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a nut therefor; 
           [0033]      FIG. 17  is a top view of a set screw; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the set screw; 
           [0035]      FIG. 19  is a side view of a dowel body; 
           [0036]      FIG. 20  is an end view of the dowel body; 
           [0037]      FIG. 21  is an isometric view of the dowel body; 
           [0038]      FIG. 22  is a top view of a base plate; 
           [0039]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the base plate; 
           [0040]      FIG. 24  is a side view of an L-shaped adjustment bracket; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  is a top view of the adjustment bracket; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  is an end view of the adjustment bracket. 
       
    
    
       [0043]    Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “rightwardly” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the arrangement and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the furniture systems displayed here include desks  105  as well is storage cabinets  110 . While functionally distinct, the desks  105  and storage cabinets  110  share a variety of features. For example, both the desks  105  and storage cabinets  110  feature at least one horizontal member  120  coupled to at least one vertical member  130  such that the vertical members  130  define the height of the horizontal member  120  relative to the floor. The horizontal members  120  are substantially the same as each other, while the vertical members  130  are similar in construction but have different heights. 
         [0045]    Further, in both the desks  105  and the storage cabinets  110 , the top surface  125  of the horizontal member  120  adjoins the vertical member  130  contiguously along the top edge face  135  of the vertical member  130 . As a consequence, the top edge face  135  of the vertical member  130  preferably is substantially flush with the contiguous top surface  125  of the horizontal member. However, dimensional anomalies, such as those occurring during the manufacturing process, may reduce the likelihood of achieving this effect consistently. 
         [0046]    These difficulties are illustrated with specificity in the known furniture construction of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , which figures provide isometric assembly views of a furniture system. As shown in the figures, the vertical member  130  couples to the horizontal member  120  via two rigid dowels  250  and two bolt assemblies  251 . Each dowel  250  attaches to the horizontal member  120  within a dowel receiving bore  222  located along the joining surface  223  of the horizontal member  120 . One end of the dowel  250  is affixed within the horizontal member  120 . Further, the opposite, cantilevered, free end of each dowel  250  attaches to the vertical member  130  within a corresponding, upward opening slot  232  located within an end member  233  of an internal frame  234  of the vertical member  130 . Once inserted into the slot  232 , the dowel  250  slides downwardly into the slot  232  wherein the dowel  250  projects horizontally from the top panel joining surface  223  so that the cantilevered dowel  250  is supported on the bottom end of the slot  232  and carries the vertical weight of the horizontal panel  120 . It is noted that the horizontal panels  120  and  121  in the preferred cabinet construction of  FIG. 1  are disposed between the inside faces of the respective vertical panels  130  or  130 - 1  so that all of the vertical weight of the horizontal member  120  is carried by the dowels  250 . 
         [0047]    While the dowels  250  carry a vertical load, such dowels  250  do not join or draw the panels  120  and  130  sidewardly together as is required for rigid affixation of these components together. Hence, the aforementioned bolt assemblies  251  also are provided so as to project horizontally sidewardly from the top panel joining surface  223 . The bolt assemblies  251  comprise a threaded rod  235  which is threadedly engaged into a corresponding threaded bore  236  formed in the top panel  120 . This threaded rod  235  is configured to extend into an upward opening pocket-like recess  237  formed in the upper edge of the vertical panel  130 . The recess  237  includes a vertically oriented upward opening slot  238  which allows for the threaded rod  251  to slide downwardly therein. The recess  237  is defined on one side by a recess side wall  239  in which the slot  238  is formed. The bolt assembly  251  further comprises a washer  470  and a nut  471  which engage the threaded shaft  235  interiorly within the recess  237  so that the recess wall  239  is sandwiched on the outside by the top panel end face  223  and on the inside by the washer  470  which is then pressed and clamps onto the side wall by tightening of the nut  471 . In particular, the threaded shaft  235  is fastened within the recess  237 , for example, by adjoining the washer  470  (see  FIG. 4A ) and tightening the nut  471  (see  FIG. 4A ) so as to bring the horizontal member  120  sidewardly closer to the vertical member  130 . In this way, the horizontal member  130  is attached to the vertical member  130  via dowels  250  and bolt assemblies  251 . In the present illustration, the top surface  135  of the vertical member  130  is defined by the top surface of an end cap  460  ( FIG. 4A-C ). This end cap  460  connects to the vertical member  130  within the end cap interface  461  of the vertical member  130 . 
         [0048]    In order to achieve a substantially flush surface between the top surface  125  of the horizontal member  120  and the top surface  135  of the vertical member  130 , it is required that the various elements of the known furniture system of  FIG. 2A  be dimensioned to a high degree of accuracy. For instance, the interface between the horizontal member  120  and the vertical member  130  is at least partially related to the interface between the dowels  250  and the slots  232 . If the slot  232  extends too far downward from the horizontal member  120 , the dowel  250  would cause the horizontal member  120  to rest too lowly with respect to the top of the vertical member  130  (see  FIG. 3C  and  FIG. 4C ). Alternatively, if the slot  232  does not extend sufficiently downward with respect to the horizontal member  120 , the dowel  250  would cause the horizontal member  120  to rest too highly with respect to the top of the vertical member  130  (See  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 4B ). Likewise, alignment errors may arise due to the interface between the dowel  250  and the dowel receiving bore  222 . 
         [0049]    Whether the top surface  125  of the horizontal member  120  and the top surface  135  of the vertical member  130  are “substantially flush” (see  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 4A ) may be defined in various ways. For example, the design may specify a degree of allowable discontinuity between the top surface  125  of the horizontal member  120  and the top surface  135  of the vertical member  130 . However, given that machining and sharpening inherently causes wearing of the cutting devices, it may be difficult to consistently and inexpensively manufacture components having acceptable dimensions according to the definition of “substantially flush”. 
         [0050]    The method and apparatus of the invention of overcoming these types of difficulties is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C , which provide an isometric assembly view of a furniture system assembled using a system of inventive dowel assemblies  550 . 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C, the furniture system includes a vertical member or panel  130  which rigidly supports the horizontal members or panels  120  which are suspended from the opposite panel side faces  480  of vertical panel  130 . As seen in  FIG. 5B , the internal frame  234  of the vertical panel includes an edge channel  481  in which the top cap  460  is snap-fitted by the retainer  482 . Once the top cap  460  is snap-fit into position, the edge surface  135  lies contiguous and in the illustrated embodiment, disposed between the top surfaces  125  of the horizontal panels  120 . It is noted that these various surfaces  125 ,  135 ,  480  and the other exposed surfaces of the furniture system have a desired aesthetic appearance that may vary but in many embodiments, has a wood appearance. To closely mimic the appearance of fine furniture, it is highly desirable to make the surfaces  135  and  125  as closely flush and coplanar as possible to each other. As previously mentioned, however, variations in manufacturing tolerances can result in the surfaces  125  and  135  being positioned with a more pronounced offset or non-flush condition which results in a less desirable fit and finish. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 5C , the furniture system of the invention includes a system of adjustable dowel assemblies  550  which preferably are provided at spaced apart locations along the entire length of the end edges of the horizontal panel  120 . Rather than providing the aforementioned dowels  250  and bolt assemblies  251 , the inventive dowel assemblies  550  are provided preferably in all of the spaced end locations for cooperating engagement with the upper edges of the vertical panels  130 . Preferably the upper edges of the vertical panels  130  include a plurality of pocket-like recesses  490  which each define a vertical slot  491  in the side wall  492  thereof ( FIG. 8 ). As described hereinafter, these dowel assemblies  550  provide multiple functions wherein the dowel assemblies  550  support the vertical loads of the horizontal panels  120 , have bolt features which draw the horizontal panel  120  and the vertical panels  130  sidewardly together, and also are adjustable to precisely adjust the relative position of the top cap  460  relative to the contiguous surfaces  125  to more precisely achieve the desired fit and finish between such surfaces. Further, the dowel assemblies  550  are provided as a system of a plurality of such assemblies  550  which are each independently adjustable one relative to the other so that dimensional variations across the front to back width of the horizontal panels  120  may also be accommodated. 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B , the dowel assembly  550  has a dowel body  551  disposed along a longitudinal axis  590  and includes a distal region  554  defining a securing end, an intermediate region  552  defining a dowel support body, and a proximal region  557 . Compared with the intermediate region  552 , the distal region  554  has a smaller radius with respect to the longitudinal axis  590  and the distal region  554  is threaded whereas the intermediate region  552  is unthreaded. Compared with the intermediate region  552 , the proximal region  557  has a smaller radius with respect to the longitudinal axis  590 . The proximal region  557  includes a threaded drawing portion  558  formed as a threaded shank as well as an unthreaded portion  556  defining a cam support shaft. 
         [0054]    Also pictured are a cam  580 , a washer  470 , and a nut  471 . The cam  580  features a non-uniform radius with respect to the longitudinal axis  590  of the dowel  550 , a cam cavity or bore  585  having a radius slightly larger than that of the shaft  556  of the proximal region  557 , and a plurality of drive indentations or bores  582  configured to facilitate rotating adjustment of the cam  580  about longitudinal axis  590 . Put another way, the cam cavity  585  is positioned eccentrically from the outer geometry of the cam  580  and rotatably receives the shaft  556  therethrough. 
         [0055]    Further, the washer  470  and nut  471  are adapted to be threadedly supported on the shank  558  for drawing the cabinet components together. The washer  470  features an outer radius measured from the longitudinal axis  590  as well as a washer cavity or bore  475  having a radius slightly larger than that of the proximal region  557 . In addition, the nut  471  includes a hexagonal outer geometry to facilitate rotation of the nut  471  via hand tools such as a drive socket or wrench having a corresponding operative interface. The nut  471  also features a threaded nut cavity or bore  465  configured to facilitate threaded engagement between the nut  465  and the threaded shank portion  558  of the proximal region  557 . 
         [0056]    The dowel body  551  attaches to the additional elements such as cam  580 , washer  470 , and nut  471 . For instance, the threaded portion  558  of the proximal region  557  enables attachment of at least one nut  471  to the dowel body  551  via the corresponding threaded nut cavity  465 . Further, the proximal region  557  is provided with sufficient length to accommodate at least one washer  470  between the intermediate region  552  and the nut  471  and sufficient diameter to snugly attach to both the nut  471  and the one or more washers  470 . As another example, the proximal region  557  enables attachment of at least one cam  580  to the dowel body  551  via the cam cavity  585 . Additionally, the distal region  554  of the dowel body  551  is threaded to enable coupling of the dowel  550  via the distal region  554  to horizontal panel member  120 . 
         [0057]    As illustrated in  FIG. 6B , a side assembly view of the dowel assembly  550 , the eccentric nature of the cam  580  causes the maximum radius of the cam  580  to trace out a first circumference as the cam rotates about the longitudinal axis  590  and the minimum radius of the cam  580  to trace out a second smaller circumference during the same rotation. In other words, at its maximum, the radius of the cam  580  with respect to the longitudinal axis  590  is greater than the radius of the intermediate region  552  with respect to the longitudinal axis  590  by a distance “a”. At its minimum, the radius of the cam  580  with respect to the longitudinal axis  590  of the dowel  550  is smaller than the radius of the intermediate region  552  with respect to the longitudinal axis  590  of the dowel  550  by a distance “b”. Given the cylindrical nature of the cam  580 , radii having infinite lengths between “a” and “b” may exist. In addition, the length “d” of the cam  580  may correspond to the length “c” of the unthreaded shaft region  556 , for example, to facilitate rotation of the cam  580  about the unthreaded region  556 . 
         [0058]    The dimensional relationship illustrated in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  provide operational effects when used in conjunction with a furniture system. For example, as seen in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  the dowel body  551  is inserted into the horizontal member  120  and affixed via interaction, as by threading, between the distal region  554  and the dowel receiving bore  493  of the horizontal member  120 . The dowel assembly  550  is also inserted into the vertical member  130  by abutting joining surface  223  of the horizontal member  120  against the inner surface  480  of the vertical member  130  such that the proximal portion  557  of the dowel body  551  extends into the recess  490  through the slot  491  and the cam  580  rests against the base or bottom end  494  of the slot  491  so as to carry the vertical weight of the horizontal member  120 . Given the geometric properties of the cam  580 , rotation of the cam  580  about the longitudinal axis  590  causes the dowel body  551 , and thus the horizontal member  120 , to be raised and lowered with respect to the base of the slot  491  in response to the instant thickness of the cam  580  contacting against the base  494  of the slot  491 . Since the top cap  460  is removed during assembly, a spacer plate  495  (diagrammatically illustrated in  FIG. 9B ) or other guide would be placed next to the cam  580  to represent the top surface  135  and indicate when this top surface  135  would be flush to the top surface  125  when the top cap  460  is installed. When the horizontal member  120  achieves a desired position relative to the vertical member  130 , e.g., the top surface  125  of the horizontal member  120  and the top surface  135  of the vertical member  130  would be substantially flush, rotation of the cam  580  is discontinued. The dowel assembly  550  is affixed against the interior wall  492  of the recess  490  via the washer  470  sized larger than the gap defining the slot  491  and the nut  471 . The cam  580  is thinner than the slot  491  so that the side wall  492  is clamped between panel face  223  and washer  470 . For designs featuring an end cap  460 , the end cap is then attached to the vertical member  130 . 
         [0059]    These operational effects may be achieved with various types of cam  580  as well as various types of dowel body  551 , for example, the dowel body  551 A and cam  580 A featured in  FIGS. 7A and 7B . These figures illustrate the cam  580 A comprising three recesses  582 A and the eccentrically located cam cavity  585 A adjoining the proximal region  557 A. Further, these figures show the cam  580 A having a maximum radius substantially equal to that of the intermediate region  552 A and having a minimum radius having a length less than the radius of the intermediate region  550 A. Like above, the cam  580 A is turned within the slot  232 , for example, to accommodate the additional material left within the slot  232  due to wearing of the machine tool. In this way, the cam  580 A may be dimensionally tailored to the demands of a particular furniture system design. 
         [0060]    According to the invention, the dowel assembly  550  including the cam  580  featured in  FIG. 8  is implemented to connect a horizontal member  120  with a vertical member  130 . Specifically, the cam  580  is rotatably connected about the proximal region of the dowel assembly  550  and rotatably seated within the slot  491  of the vertical member  130  to carry the weight and load of the horizontal member  120 . In the present embodiment, the cam  580  has a length measured along the longitudinal axis of the dowel  550  less than the width of the slot  491 . Put another way, the cam fills in a lower portion of the slot  491 . The length of the cam  580  measured along the longitudinal axis of the dowel assembly  550  and the radius of the cam  580  measured with respect to the longitudinal axis of the dowel  550  are tailored to the dimensional issues arising during manufacture. Furthermore, the dowel body  551  is selected according to similar dimensional constraints. For instance, if the vertical member  130  to be implemented features a recess  491  having specified dimensions, the proximal region of the dowel body  551  is tailored to extend into the recess  490  via the slot  491  to a specified degree. Similar issues relating to the dimensions of the depth of the recess  490 , the width of the slot  232 , and/or the interface between the end cap (not shown) and/or the end cap interface  233  dictate allowable dimensions for the nut  471  and the washer  470 . Furthermore, the cam  580  features recesses  582  according to, for example, the properties of the cam material and the anticipated friction on the interface between the cam  580  and the slot  491 . 
         [0061]    Once assembled, the horizontal member  120  in  FIG. 10  is joined laterally with the vertical member  130  via brackets  1010  at the corners. In this embodiment, the brackets  1010  secure along a horizontal panel interface  1023  of the horizontal member  120  and a vertical panel interface  1033  of the vertical member  130  at the junction between a horizontal bracket recess  1025  and a vertical bracket recess  1035 . In this way, the position of the horizontal member  120  and the vertical member  130  are laterally aligned with respect to their respective bracket recesses  1025 ,  1035 . Further, note that one or more horizontal member  120  may be joined with one or more the vertical member  130  via a support positioned below the horizontal member  120 , for example, to reduce the tendency of the horizontal member  120  to bow under its weight. 
         [0062]    Rotation of the cam  580 ,  580 A about the dowel body  551 ,  551 A may be aided with the use of tools such as those featured in  FIGS. 11A-C  and  FIGS. 12A-C . For example, the tool  1105 A featured in  FIGS. 11A-C  includes a plurality of protrusions  1110 A connected to an arced flange  1125  and further connected to a handle  1120 A. Said plurality of protrusions  1110 A are arranged to secure snugly within the cam recesses  582 ,  582 A of the cam  580 ,  580 A so as to turn the cam  580 ,  580 A about the longitudinal axis of the dowel body  551  and  551 A without interfering with the proximal region  557  of the dowel body  551 ,  551 A. In another embodiment, the tool  1105 B illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-C  features a single protrusion  1110 B connected to the distal end of a handle  1120 B. Whereas the tool  1105 A of  FIGS. 11A-C  is operated by inserting all protrusions  1110 A within corresponding cam recesses  582 ,  582 A and rotating the tool  1105 A in a direction normal to the proximal side end of the handle  1120 A, the tool  1105 B of  FIGS. 12A-C  is operated by inserting the single protrusion  1110 B within a single cam recess  582 ,  582 A and pushing or pulling the tool  1105 B via the handle  1120 B in the direction of the length of the tool  1105 . Issues such as stresses generated at the interface between the protrusion  1110 A,  1110 B and the cam recess  582 ,  582 A may favor a particular tool design. 
         [0063]    These and other concepts in accordance with the invention may be implemented to connect a variety of furniture systems such as the desk/storage cabinet combination  1300  featured in  FIG. 13  and the desk/bench combination  1400  featured in  FIG. 14 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , multiple horizontal members  120 E are coupled to multiple vertical members  130 E while maintaining a substantially flush top surface. This embodiment features the use of caps along the tops and the sides of the vertical members  130 E as well as caps along the exposed sides of the horizontal members  120 E. Underneath these caps are the dowel assemblies  550 ,  550 A according to the present invention. Through installation of these devices, a substantially flush top surface can be consistently achieved in combination a variety of modular features such as privacy screens  1315 , technology  1305  like electrical and communications outlets, and cabinetry  1310 . Referring to  FIG. 14 , dowel assemblies  550 ,  550 A according to the present invention may be implemented within variable loading structures such as benches  1405  as well as other structures like desks  1410 . This embodiment features the use of caps along the tops and the sides of the vertical members  130 F as well as caps along the exposed sides of the horizontal members  120 F. As these examples illustrate, the dowel assembly of the invention may be implemented in a wide variety of furniture systems to improve aspects such as cost, appearance, and modularity. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-26 , a further embodiment of a dowel assembly  550 - 1  ( FIG. 15 ) has a dowel body  551 - 1  disposed along a longitudinal axis  590 - 1  ( FIGS. 19-20 ). The dowel body  551 - 1  includes a threaded distal region  554  defining a securing end for securing to the horizontal furniture panel  120  wherein the outer diameter of the threads generally correspond to the diameter of the dowel receiving bore  493  so as to threadedly engage therewith along the length thereof. A hexagonal drive section  51  is provided for rotatable driving of the dowel body  551 - 1  into the bore  493  by a suitable tool such as a wrench or the like. Axially adjacent thereto, a stop flange  52  is provided which abuts against the end face of the panel  120  to define the fully seated position for the dowel body  551 - 1  when engaged in the bore  493 . 
         [0065]    The dowel body  551 - 1  further includes an end shaft which projects outwardly and defines a proximal region  557 - 1 . The proximal region  557 - 1  narrows slightly to a threaded drawing portion  558 - 1  formed as a threaded shank and also serving as a support shaft which carries the vertical weight or load of the horizontal panel  120  as seen in  FIG. 15 . The threaded drawing portion  558 - 1  receives a nut  471 - 1  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ) thereon. 
         [0066]    To cause raising and lowering of the panel  120  relative to the vertical panel  130 , the drawing portion  558 - 1  is engaged with and vertically supported by an L-shaped support bracket  55  which is located in the recess  237  as seen in  FIG. 15 . The support bracket  55  ( FIGS. 24-26 ) has a horizontal base leg  56  which is configured to sit on the floor or bottom of the recess  237 . The support bracket  55  also has an upstanding support leg  57  with a hole  58  through which the dowel drawing portion  558 - 1  extends as seen in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0067]    The base leg  56  includes a threaded bore  60  which opens vertically and receives and adjustment screw or other adjustment member  61  ( FIGS. 15 ,  17  and  18 ) which is preferably formed as a set screw. The screw  61  can be driven downwardly when located in the recess  237  so as to lift the right side of the bracket  55  upwardly as indicated by inclination line  63  in  FIG. 24 . This will effect tilting of the bracket  55  which in turn raises the vertical elevation of the hole  58  relative to the bottom of the recess  237 . By moving the hole  58  upwardly, as indicated in phantom outline in  FIG. 24 , the dowel body  551 - 1  will in turn be raised which causes a corresponding lifting of the horizontal panel  120 . This thereby allows for precise adjustment of contiguous surfaces in a similar manner to the first embodiments described above which use a rotatable cam. 
         [0068]    To protect the bottom of the recess, a base plate  66  ( FIGS. 15 ,  22  and  23 ) is first placed in the recess. The protective plate  66  preferably is formed of metal or other suitable, hard material which defines a top surface  67  that can be contacted by the bottom end of the set screw  61 . Hence, downward driving of the set screw  61  by a tool which engages the hex socket  61 A causes raising of the horizontal furniture panel  120  while reversing the set screw  61  will lower the panel  120  to allow for precise alignment of the contiguous panel surfaces. 
         [0069]    Once aligned, the nut  471 - 1  is tightened to draw the vertical bracket leg  57  tightly against the recess wall  239  which performs the additional function of drawing the panels  120  and  130  together and clamping same in position. 
         [0070]    Although a number of particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.