Patent Publication Number: US-2004056526-A1

Title: Ready-to-assemble articles of furniture

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
     [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application S. No. 60/339,172, filed on Dec. 11, 2001, in the name of the same inventor and bearing the same title. 
    
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] The present invention relates generally to articles of furniture. More specifically, the invention concerns furniture that is “ready-to-assemble” or knock-down.  
       [0003] Knock-down or ready-to-assemble furniture has long been a welcome substitute for the traditional, one-piece, articles of furniture. Ready-to-assemble, or RTA, furniture is significantly cheaper than its more formal counterpart, which makes it a viable option for the college student furnishing a dorm room or a first-time apartment dweller or home buyer. Moreover, RTA furniture is popular with children because of the wide range of configurations that can be achieved with this type of furniture.  
       [0004] RTA furniture is also popular with parents because it represents an affordable alternative for furnishing a child&#39;s room or recreation or TV room that is subject to abnormal wear and tear. It is well-known that children, and particularly teenagers and young adults, can be extremely hard on furniture. Rather than spend a large amount of money on traditional furniture that will have its ordinary useful life cut short, many parents prefer to furnish with cheaper articles of furniture, such as RTA furniture. While the cheaper furniture may have a shorter life, the much lower cost makes periodic replacement preferable.  
       [0005] Knock-down or RTA furniture has been around for decades. Most prior RTA furniture relies upon interlocking notches and maintaining a tight fit between the spliced notches to keep the article of furniture solid. Of course, over time, the notches would wear and the fit between the components would become so sloppy as to render the article nearly unusable.  
       [0006] In addition, most prior RTA furniture has required specific sets of components, configured to generate a specific type of furniture. Thus, if a consumer wanted a chair, it was necessary to obtain a chair kit, and if a sofa was desired, a sofa kit was required. Knock-down furniture of this type does not take advantage of one possible benefit of RTA furniture, namely the ability to instantly convert one article to another article using many of the same components.  
       [0007] There remains a need for RTA furniture that is both inexpensive and versatile. The furniture must be able to achieve solid construction and to maintain its integrity over long periods of usage. In addition, the RTA furniture must have a desirable, and sometimes fun, appearance.  
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0008] These needs are met by a novel RTA furniture array that is reflected in the following written description together with the accompanying figures.  
     [0009]FIGS. 1 a - 1   c  are front, back and side perspective views of a ready-to-assemble article of furniture in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
     [0010]FIG. 2 is a top pattern view of the components of the RTA article of furniture illustrated in FIGS. 1 a - 1   c.    
     [0011]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the components shown in FIG. 2 in an orientation for assembly of the RTA article of furniture.  
     [0012]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a locking component of the RTA article of furniture of the illustrated embodiment.  
     [0013]FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a sofa rendition of the RTA article of furniture in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.  
     [0014]FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a table or ottoman rendition of the RTA article of furniture in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.  
     [0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a chair rendition of the RTA article of furniture in accordance with the invention.  
     [0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an angular chair rendition of the RTA article of furniture in accordance with the invention.  
     [0017]FIGS. 9 a - d  are perspective, side partial cross-section, top and front views of a formal chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0018]FIGS. 10 a - d  are perspective, side, top and front views of a padded chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0019]FIG. 11 is a top elevational view of a locking member for use with the chair shown in FIGS. 10 a - d.    
     [0020]FIGS. 12 a - c  are perspective, side partial cross-section, and front views of a rounded chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0021]FIGS. 13 a - b  are perspective and front views of an asymmetric chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0022]FIGS. 14 a - b  are perspective and side views of a thick chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0023]FIGS. 15 a - b  are perspective and side views of a traditional chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0024]FIGS. 16 a - d  are perspective, side, top and front views of a love seat or bench embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0025]FIGS. 17 a - d  are perspective, side, top and front views of a beach chair embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0026]FIGS. 18 a - d  are perspective, side, top and front views of a bookshelf embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0027]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a sofa table embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0028]FIGS. 20 a - c  are perspective, side, and front views of a desk embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0029]FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a server or buffet embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIGS. 22 a - d  are perspective, front, side and top views of a lamp embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0031]FIGS. 23 a - d  illustrate steps for assembling the lamp shown in FIG. 22 a.    
     [0032]FIGS. 24 a - d  are perspective, front, side and top views of a lamp embodiment of the RTA furniture of the present invention.  
     [0033]FIGS. 25 a - d  illustrate steps for assembling the lamp shown in FIG. 24 a.    
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0034] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and described in the following written specification. It is understood that no limitation to the scope of the invention is thereby intended. It is further understood that the present invention includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.  
     [0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 a - 1   c,  one embodiment of the ready-to-assemble article of furniture of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the furniture is a chair  10  that is formed from several components. Specifically, the chair is formed by a pair of side panels  12 , a back panel  14 , a base panel  16  and a pair of locking members  18 . Each of the components is preferably formed of wood, either as solid wood elements or as pressed-wood or composite elements. Alternatively, the components can be formed of plastic or other suitable material. In order to maintain the ready-to-assemble attributes of the chair  10 , the material of the components should be sufficiently rigid, yet light-weight to facilitate the construction of the chair. For an alternative embodiment that potentially increases the comfort of the furniture, one or more panels may be padded, for example, padded wood.  
     [0036] As a further feature, each of the panels can be of a different color, which can be especially appealing for use in a child&#39;s bedroom or play room, or as a unique décor element. In the case of wood panels, each panel can be painted a different color. If the panels are formed of a plastic, the plastic itself can be molded in a specific color. As explained below, a number of like panels having different colors can be offered at a retail outlet so that the consumer can select panels of the same or different colors to suit their decorating needs.  
     [0037] As shown in more detail in FIG. 2, the chair components include pre-cut or pre-formed features for ornamental and functional attributes of the chair  10 . For instance, the side panels  12  exhibit a generally trapezoidal configuration, and define a pair of legs  23   a ,  23   b  for supporting the article of furniture. The legs  23   a ,  23   b  must be configured to support the weight of a person sitting in the chair  10  and to resist bending as the person shifts from side-to-side in the chair. In the illustrated embodiment, the legs contact the floor along the edge of the side panels  12 . Accessory components can be supplied to alter the floor contact, such as feet that can be engaged or attached to the edge of the legs.  
     [0038] The side panels  12  in this embodiment are identically configured, each including a closed base slot  20  and a back notch  22  formed at the top edge  12   a  of each panel. The base slot  20  is disposed within the interior of the panel  12  and can be oriented at an angle, as depicted in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the base slot  20  can run generally parallel with the lower edge of the legs  23   a ,  23   b , so that the base will sit horizontal in the assembled article of furniture. For the purposes of the illustrated embodiment, the base slot  20  is angled to achieve a comfortable seating position in the assembled chair  10 . Likewise, the back notch  22  in each side panel can extend at a non-vertical angle relative to the top edge of the panel  12 , again to achieve a comfortable seating position.  
     [0039] The back panel  14  includes a downward leg tab  25  that serves as an additional leg for supporting the article of furniture  10 . Like the legs  23   a ,  23   b , the leg tab  25  exhibits a trapezoidal shape, adding to the overall appearance and aesthetics of the chair  10 . The back panel  14  further defines a pair of side notches  27  at opposite sides of the panel. The notches  27  are sized to interlock with the back notches  22  in each of the side panels  12 . The panel  14  includes locking extensions  29  that extend beyond the bottom end of the notches  27  for reasons discussed herein.  
     [0040] The base panel  16  defines an interior back slot  32  that is sized to receive the leg tab  25  therethrough. The slot  32  and tab  25  can be sized for a tight-fitting relationship to enhance the tightness of the assembled chair  10 . The angled edges of the trapezoidal tab  25  can provide a progressive fit as the tab is passed into the slot until the edges of the tab contact the end walls of the slot  32 . The base panel  16  also defines a pair of relief notches  34  at the front edge  16   a  of the panel that interlock with the ends of the slots  20  in the side panels  12 . Opposite cut-outs  36  are formed at the back edge of the panel  16  to accommodate assembly of the chair  10 . The relief notches  34  and cut-outs  36  define side portions  16   b  of the base panel. These side portions  16   b  are preferably configured for a tight fit through the slots  20  of the side panels  12  with the side edges  16   c  situated outboard of the side panels.  
     [0041] The final component of the article of furniture is the locking member  18 . The member  18  includes a wedge portion  40  that is sized to slide into the slot  20 . The member also defines an extension  42  that is formed by a cut-out  44  in the locking member. Again, the significance of these elements of the locking member will be understood with the following explanation of the assembly of the chair  10 .  
     [0042] This assembly of the RTA chair  10  is depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 3. The dashed arrows in the figure help illustrate the positioning and movement of each of the components to produce the final assembled chair. In a first step of the assembly process, the side panels  12  are engaged to opposite sides of the base panel  16 . Specifically, the side portion  16   b  at one side of the base panel is passed into the base slot  20  until the cut-out  36  contacts the inside surface of the side panel. The base panel  16  is then moved forward within the slot  20  so that the relief notch  34  is interlocked with the end wall of the slot. In this position, the front edge of the base panel  16  will be oriented generally flush with the front edge of the side panel  12 . The process is repeated for the side panel  12  on the other side of the chair.  
     [0043] With this construction, the side portions  16   b  thus project outward from the side panels  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, these side portions are angled to provide a decorative effect. However, in alternative embodiments, parts of the side portions  16   b  can be wider, or project farther outward from the side panels when the chair is constructed. These extended side portions  16   b  can provide a stable support surface immediately adjacent the chair or other article of furniture on which food, drink, decorative items or literature may be placed.  
     [0044] Next, the leg tab  25  of the back panel  14  is slid as far as possible into the back slot  32  in the base panel  16 . At the same time, the side notches  27  are simultaneously slid into the back notches  22  in the side panels  12 . The notches  27  and  22  interlock and overlap so that the locking extension  29  passes across the slot  20 , as seen best in the enlarged view of FIG. 4 or in FIGS. 1 b  or  1   c . Since the base panel  16  has been pushed forward within the slot  20 , the locking extension  29  will contact a part of the cut-out  36  of the back panel  14 , helping to hold the base panel in this position.  
     [0045] In order to lock the RTA components together, the locking member  18  is pushed into a back portion  21  of the slot  20 . More specifically, the wedge portion  40  is pushed into the slot with the angled edge  43  bearing against the locking extension  29  and the cut-out  44  bearing against the end of the slot  20 . The angled edge  43  provides a variable contact and locking surface—i.e., the wedge portion  40  is pushed as far as possible into the slot  20  until the cut-out  44  and angled edge  43  are wedged between the locking extension  29  and back portion  21  of the slot  20 .  
     [0046] As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, the wedge portion  40  bears against the locking extension  29 , which bears against the base panel  20  to wedge the panel into the slot  20 . It can be appreciated that the angled edge  43  allows periodic tightening of the wedge fixation by simply pushing the wedge portion  40  further into the slot  20 . Optimally, the locking member  18  will be lodged within the slot so that the edge  18   a  at the extension  42  is generally flush with the side edge  16   c  of the base portion  16  and the edge  29   a  of the back portion  14  to yield a finished appearance.  
     [0047] The construction of the components of the chair  10  can be firmly inter-engaged to establish a solid seating surface. One feature of the invention is that the length of the notches is kept to a minimum. One problem with prior knock-down furniture is that the interlocking notches extend across a substantial portion of the length or width of a furniture component. The notches are an inherent weakness in any interlocking construction of this type, so the point of failure of prior knock-down furniture was frequently at the notches. The present invention has acknowledged this problem by keeping the length of the notches to a minimum. Moreover, at the point of the greatest load—the clamping component—the clamping function is not achieved by interlocking notches but instead by a wedging action between panel surfaces.  
     [0048] In additional to the novel interlocking construction, the present invention contemplates a furniture system that can be quickly and easily converted between different articles of furniture. In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels  12  are identically configured so that they can be readily used on either side of the article of RTA furniture. Alternatively, the panels can be mirror configured, or provided in mirror-configured pairs, where the outboard surface has a different finish than the inboard surface of the side panels. This alternative configuration reduces the universality of the side panels, but allows for a custom outboard finish. (Note: for the purposes of the present disclosure, it is assumed that “identically configured” encompasses “mirror configured” in reference to the RTA furniture panels. Moreover, the identical or mirror configuration refers primarily to the interlocking elements of the panels. Thus, opposite side panels can have different contours, provided that the interlocking elements, such as the slot  20 , notch  22  and ground-engaging elements follow the identical configuration theme).  
     [0049] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the side panels  12  and locking members  18  can be common to a wide variety of articles of furniture. As shown in FIGS. 1 a - 1   c,  a chair  10  is formed by combining the side panels with “chair configured” back and base panels  14 ,  16 . The love seat shown in FIG. 5 can be created using the same side panels  12  and locking members  18  by simply substituting longer back and base panels  50 ,  52 , respectively. The panels can be constructed to their counterpart panels  14 ,  16  to form the same interlocking construction with the side panels.  
     [0050] In a similar manner, a table or ottoman shown in FIG. 6 can be produced by a back panel  60  that is vertically shorter than the back panel  14  of the chair  10 . A base panel  62  can be utilized to form the table or ottoman. Preferably, the base panel  62  is identical to the base panel  16 , so that only the back panel need be substituted.  
     [0051] In addition to permitting easy conversion between articles of furniture, the RTA furniture of the present invention allows easy mixing and matching of panel colors and designs. For instance, a chair, such as chair  10 , can be more aesthetically pleasing to a child if each of the panels is in a different color. Thus, one can maintain a supply of panels  12 ,  14 , and  16  of different colors to change the appearance of the article of furniture as desired. Moreover, the panels can have different profiles to alter the overall aesthetic effect of the furniture. For example, the furniture shown in the present figures follow a generally angular or trapezoidal profile. Alternatively, the corners of the panels or even the panels themselves can be rounded and the legs  23   a ,  23   b  can be modified or combined according to taste. The chairs  65  and  67  shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the variability in configuration and appearance that can be achieved with the RTA system of the present invention. Again, as with the differently colored panels, one can maintain an inventory of panels with different profiles to permit ready modification of an article of furniture. In addition to different profiles and colors, the panels can carry different indicia or surface patterns.  
     [0052] A low-rise chair  70  shown in perspective in FIG. 9 a  further demonstrates the flexibility of the RTA system of the present invention. The chair is shown in side partial cross-section view in FIG. 9 b,  in top view in FIG. 9 c  and in front view in FIG. 9 d.  This chair  70  includes opposite side panels  72 , a back panel  74  and a base panel  76 , as with the chairs in the prior figures. The chair  70  also relies upon the wedge locking member  80  to provide the final tightening of the complete chair assembly. However, the chair adds a front panel  78  that essentially closes the front face of the chair.  
     [0053] The side panels  72 , back panel  74  and base panels  76  can include the same array of slots and notches as with the chair  10  illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 3 . In order to accommodate the front panel, the side panels require some modification. As shown best in FIG. 9 b,  the side panel includes a base slot  82  for receiving the base panel  76  and the locking member  80 . A generally vertical back notch  22  engages the back panel  74 . In a modification from the prior described chair, the side panels  72  also include a front panel slot  86  that intersects the base slot  82 . The front panel slot  86  is slightly longer than the height of the front panel  78 . The front panel includes its own notch  88  to engage the base of the slot  86  to lock the panel when the base panel  76  is disposed within the base slot  82 . Again, the wedge locking member  80  locks the entire ready-to-assemble low-rise chair  70  together.  
     [0054] This versatility not only improves a consumer&#39;s furniture options, it also presents a unique method of selling furniture. In one embodiment, the RTA furniture of the present invention can be sold pre-packaged with all the components for a specific article of furniture in one box. Auxiliary components can be sold separately, such as different back panels or base panels. In one approach, back and base panel pairs can be sold together. For instance, a chair conversion kit can have back and base panels of one length, while a sofa conversion kit can include back and base panels of a greater length.  
     [0055] In another embodiment, the components can be sold individually to allow the consumer unlimited choices for the RTA furniture. The components can have a variety of sizes, colors, profiles and surface patterns that can be mixed and matched at will by the purchaser.  
     [0056] The RTA furniture concept of the present invention can be constructed without the puzzle-like complexity of prior knock-down furniture approaches. Moreover, each of the articles of furniture embodying this invention require only four panels and two locking members to provide a fully-functional, solidly built structure. This simple construction allows a consumer to quickly replace a damaged component, or change out components for a different decorating effect.  
     [0057] The wedge portion of the locking member provides a solid, yet adjustable, clamping of the furniture panels. The wedging feature of this invention relies upon surface-to-surface pressure contact between components to achieve a solid fixation. Moreover, the locking member operates and locks all three panels at a side so that all panels are, in effect, inter-engaged with each other. This feature provides a significantly more rigid construction than prior knock-down items in which the locking feature is limited to less than all of the furniture components. Many of those ill-fated prior items relied instead upon loosely interlocking certain components, while,locking a couple of key components to prevent disengagement of the other components. This approach allowed a great deal of slop or movement between interlocked components, a problem that is not suffered by RTA furniture constructed according to the present invention.  
     [0058] While the locking member of this invention produces a solid furniture construction, it also makes disassembly of the furniture very easy. The furniture components can be separated by simply dislodging the wedge portion  43  of the locking member  18  from the slot  20 . This can be accomplished by manipulating the extension  42  of the member  18  until the wedge portion is loosened. Since the locking member is configured to follow the contour of the base panel, it is not susceptible to accidental dislodgement.  
     [0059] In an alternative embodiment of the locking member  18 , a torsion spring or other spring action device, not shown, may be used to further secure the member  18  within the slot  20 . To this end, the spring action device may for example include a countersunk torsion spring that is disposed within a countersink opening in the cut-out  44 . When the member  18  is within the slot  20 , the spring action device would tend to force the member  18  against the edge of the seat  16  to further secure the member  18  in place. It may be advisable to reduce the sloping aspect of surface  43  in such an embodiment. Other spring-loaded configurations may also be employed. The use of spring loading may increase the ability to retain structural integrity after the wood ages for a significant time.  
     [0060] Accordingly, the present invention provides an RTA furniture article, as well as an RTA furniture system, that incorporates style, convenience, and can be produced, stored, shipped and manufactured relatively inexpensively. At least some of the structure features may be carried over into other RTA interior design elements, such as, but not limited to, bookshelves, plant stands, magazine racks, office partitions (cubicles), lighting, sculpture. Depending on the proper selection of materials, the RTA furniture of the present invention is suitable for outdoor use as well as indoor use.  
     [0061] The RTA furniture system of the present invention also contemplates a padded chair  90  as part of the furniture line. This chair  90  is depicted in perspective, side, top and front views in FIGS. 10 a - 10   d,  respectively. As with the prior wedge-locked chair  10 , the chair  90  includes side panels  92 , back panel  94 , base panel  96  and wedge locking member  97 . However, the base panel  96  includes a padded portion  96   a  that can be affixed to or integrated into the base panel  96 . In order to accommodate the thicker padded portion  96   a , the base slot  98  in the side panels  92  is thicker than the base panel itself and thick enough to allow the padded portion to pass therethrough.  
     [0062] The padded chair  90  also illustrates another feature of the RTA furniture system of the present invention. Since the padded base panel requires a wider base slot  98 , a degree of “slop” is present in the positioning of the base panel. In order to eliminate this “slop”, the present invention contemplates a base locking member  99  that bears against the underside  96   b  of the base panel. More specifically, the base locking member can be configured as shown in FIG. 11. The locking member  99  can be generally elongate and oval in configuration, having rounded ends  99   a.  The locking member  99  is slightly shorter than the length of a slot  94   a  formed in the back panel  94 . The slot  94   a  is arranged on the panel to be situated directly adjacent the underside  96   b  of the base panel  96  when the chair is assembled. The base locking member  99  can be pressed into the slot  94   a  so that the member bears against the base panel  96  and provides a slight upward force against the panel to push it against the upper edge of the base slot  98  in the side panels. The wedge locking members  97  can then be pressed into position to lock the entire assembly together.  
     [0063] This same combination of wedge locking member  97  and base panel locking member  99  can be implemented in a wide range of furniture items. A rounded chair is depicted in FIGS. 12 a - c,  and asymmetric chair in FIGS. 13 a - b,  a wide chair in FIGS. 14 a - b  and a traditional chair in FIGS. 15 a - b.  The same principals can be applied to longer furniture, such as the love seat/bench of FIGS. 16 a - d.    
     [0064] As described above, the RTA furniture of the present invention can be formed of plastic. A plastic beach chair according to one embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 17 a - d.  The beach chair  130  includes side panels  132  that incorporate a stiffening flange  133  at the upper edge of each panel. The flange  133  is preferably wide enough to double as an armrest. The flange  133  defines a notch  133   a  to receive the back panel  135 . The back panel  135  also includes a stiffening flange  136  projecting to the rear of the chair  130 . The stiffening flanges add rigidity to the panels to resist bending or bowing of the panels when a consumer is sitting in the chair.  
     [0065] The beach chair  130  also includes a base panel  138  that is held within the chair by the wedge locking member  97  and base locking member  99  as described above. In certain embodiments, the base panel  138  can include a drink holder  139  formed in the plastic material on one or both sides of the chair.  
     [0066] Thus far, the furniture items describe above that use the wedge locking member  18 ,  97  alone or in conjunction with the base locking member  99  have been seating items. However, these same concepts can be applied to other types of furniture. For instance, a book shelf  140  is shown in FIG. 18 a,  and in the side, top, and front views of FIGS. 18 b - d.  The book shelf  140  includes opposite side panels  142  and a back panel  144 . The back panel is shown tapered from top to bottom for a decorative effect; however, the panel can span the entire width of the book shelf according to taste.  
     [0067] The book shelf  140  also includes a number of shelf panels  146 . Each shelf panel is connected to the side panels and back panel using the same type of slots and notches implemented with the chair  10 , for instance. In addition, each shelf panel  146  can be held in place, and the entire RTA assembly locked together using a plurality of wedge locking members  97 . It can be noted that only the top-most wedge locking member  97  bears against the back panel  144  in the manner describe above. The lower locking members only wedge against the corresponding shelf panel, since the back panel does not project through an associated vertical slot in the side panel.  
     [0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the lowermost shelf panel is maintained by a base locking member  99 , again in the manner described above. Alternatively, each shelf panel can include a corresponding base locking member  99  to provide additional vertical support and load-bearing capability. One or more of the shelf panels can be configured to support sliding doors  148  as shown in FIGS. 18 a, d.    
     [0069] The same concepts implemented to form the RTA book shelf can be used to form a sofa table, such as the table  150  shown in FIG. 19. The construction and assembly of this table is similar to the book shelf. Likewise, the same principals can be applied to create a desk  160 , shown in FIGS. 20 a - c,  or a server/buffet, as shown in FIG. 21. Both furniture items utilize both the wedge locking member  97  and the base locking member  99 , with the latter locking member used to support the table top, such as desk top  162 .  
     [0070] The locking members described above can also be used on smaller decorative or furniture accessory items. For instance, the present invention contemplates a lamp assembly  155 , as shown in FIGS. 22 a - d.  The lamp assembly supports a lamp L and its wiring W, as shown in FIG. 22 a.  The assembly  155  includes a vertical panel  157  that defines a vertical slot  158  extending along a substantial portion of its length. The slot is configured to receive a transverse panel  159  that defines a mating notch  161  at its bottom edge. At the top edge of the transverse panel  159  are a pair of spaced-apart notches  160  that straddle the vertical panel  157  when the transverse panel is situated within the slot  158 .  
     [0071] The notches  160  are configured to receive a pair of support members  162 . The support members  162  preferably form a flat surface to support a top plate  164  that is connected to the top of the vertical panel. In particular, the top plate  164  defines a slot  165  through which the top of the vertical panel  157  extends. The top plate can define a wiring hole  166  and a lamp hole  167  for supporting those respective components of the lamp. The entire assembly is held together by a wedge locking member  168  that fits through the upper portion of the vertical slot  158  in the vertical panel  157 . The wedge locking member bears against the top surface of the top plate  164  to push the panel against the support members  162 .  
     [0072] The construction of the lamp assembly proceeds according to the steps shown in FIGS. 23 a - d.  In the first step, the transverse panel  159  is mated with the vertical panel  157 . The support members  162  are added in the next step of FIG. 23 b  and the top plate mounted over the vertical panel, as shown in FIG. 23 c.  In the final step, the wedge locking member  168  is pushed into the top of the vertical slot  158 . The locking member  168  preferably includes a curved edge  159  to provide a camming effect as the member is pushed further into the slot. The locking member presses the top plate against the support members to firmly lock the lamp assembly  150  together.  
     [0073] The invention also contemplates a picture frame that utilizes the wedge locking member to complete its construction. As shown in FIGS. 24 a - d  and the assembly drawings of FIGS. 25 a - d,  the picture frame  170  includes a front panel  172  that defines a picture opening  173 , along with a vertical slot  173  and a horizontal slot  175 . A complementary shaped backing panel  176  also defines coincident vertical and horizontal slots  177 ,  178 , respectively. The front panel  172  need not include a separate opening  173  provided that the panel is formed of a material through which a picture is visible. For instance, the front panel  172  can be formed of a clear thermoplastic to provide an entirely transparent face.  
     [0074] The two frame panels  172  and  176  are held together by a vertical support member  174  that includes a notch  174   a  for mating within the vertical slots  174 ,  178 , in accordance with the construction step shown in FIG. 25 b.  A wedge locking member  182  is then pressed into the top of the slot  174  to lock the support member  181  therein, as shown in FIG. 25 c.  A similar approach is applied at the horizontal slots  175 ,  178  with a horizontal support component  184  and wedge locking member  185 . Each of the locking members can include a flat edge, such as the member  182 , or preferably a curved edge, such as edge  186  of the member  185  in order to produce the camming effect described above.  
     [0075] The two locking members solidly combine the two frame panels  172 ,  176  to form the completed picture frame  170 . The vertical and horizontal positioning of the support members  174 ,  184  allow the picture frame to stand in two orientations.  
     [0076] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. Other style variations of furniture and accessories may readily incorporate the principles of the present invention.  
     [0077] For instance, it can be appreciated from a comparison of the articles of furniture shown in the figures that the wedge locks can be of a wide range of sizes and configurations. The wedge lock  18  for the chair shown in FIG. 1 a  is tapered, while the wedge lock  80  shown in FIG. 9 a  is more rectangular in outer shape, and the wedge lock  97  in FIG. 13 a  is more rounded. Likewise, the wedge locks can have different exposed lengths, as can be seen by comparing the wedge lock  18  of FIG. 1 a  to the wedge lock  97  of FIG. 10 a.