Patent Publication Number: US-2017367486-A1

Title: Modular Furniture Assembly Corner Seating System

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application 62/354,426 filed Jun. 24, 2016, and entitled MODULAR FURNITURE ASSEMBLY CORNER SEATING SYSTEM, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     SPECIFICATION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention is in the field of modular furniture. 
     2. Background 
     Modular furniture is useful in a variety of settings. Consumers eager to have options for arranging furniture in multiple ways can purchase modular furniture which will allow them to set up furniture assemblies in one of a plurality of different of manners. 
     In addition, many traditional couches and other furniture items cannot be moved into tight areas of a home or apartment complex, including, for example, basements, narrow hallways, or upstairs rooms. Thus, it is often desirable to produce furniture that can be conveniently assembled, disassembled and then reassembled in one of a variety of configurations, thus, providing versatility, diversity, and convenience for transport and set up. 
     Furniture assemblies have been developed in the past that provide the user with the opportunity to set up furniture in various different manners and to conveniently transport one portion of the furniture assembly at a time, rather than requiring the purchaser to negotiate a tight hallway with an entire sofa, for example. 
     However, while numerous configurations are possible while using the modular members available, there is still a continuing need for additional differently configured modules that would further increase the variety of configurations possible. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to a modular furniture assembly including a wedge shaped base. The wedge shaped base includes geometric relationships so as to be compatible with the bases and transverse members of the modular furniture assemblies described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,213,885; 7,419,220; 7,547,073; 7,963,612; 8,783,778; 9,277,826; and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 14/993,533; and 15/058,656, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, and which disclose modular furniture assemblies in which a base and a transverse member, and/or multiple bases and transverse members, can be used in a variety of different configurations in light of their novel dimensions and relationships, such as (x)=(y)+( z ), wherein (x) is the length of the base and is substantially equal to the length of the transverse member, (y) is the width of the base, and (z) is the width of the transverse member. 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a modular furniture assembly including a transverse member having a length (x′) and a width (z). The assembly further includes a wedge shaped base which enables convenient corners and angles in furniture assemblies, the wedge shaped base being configured such that the wedge shaped base has a length (x) at a back thereof and an angled side length (y). The wedge shaped base and transverse member have a defined special relationship in which the length (x) of the back of the wedge shaped base is substantially equal to the length (x′) of the transverse member, and the length (x) of the back of the wedge shaped base is substantially equal to the sum of the length of the angled side (y) of the wedge shaped base and the width (z) of the transverse member, such that different furniture configurations can be formed. The wedge shaped base enables a variety of corners and angles in furniture configurations which further enhance the usefulness of the modular furniture assemblies. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a modular furniture assembly including: (1) first and second transverse members, each having a length (x′) and a width (z); (2) a wedge shaped base configured such that the wedge shaped base has a length (x) at a back thereof and an angled side length (y); and (3) a rectangular base configured such that the rectangular base has a length (x) and a width (y). The wedge shaped base, the rectangular base, and the transverse members have a defined spatial relationship in which: (a) the length (x) of the back of the wedge shaped base and the length (x) of the rectangular base are each substantially equal to the length (x′) of each of the transverse members; (b) the length (x) of the back of the wedge shaped base and the length (x) of the rectangular base are each substantially equal to the sum of the length of the angled side (y) of the wedge shaped base and the width (z) of each of the transverse members such that (x)=(y)+( z ), and (x′)=(y)+( z ) such that different furniture configurations can be formed. 
     As a result of this geometric or spatial relationship, the length (x) of the back of the wedge shaped base is equal to the length (x) of the rectangular base, and (x) is also substantially equal to the length (x′) of the transverse member, and (x) is also substantially equal to the sum of (y) and (z), wherein (y) is the length of the angled side of the wedge shaped base and (y) is also the width of the rectangular base. The first transverse member is selectively coupleable to the back of the wedge shaped base, the rectangular base is selectively coupleable to the angled side of the wedge shaped base, and the second transverse member is selectively coupleable to the rectangular base (e.g., to the back or side thereof) 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a modular furniture assembly comprising a plurality of transverse members, each having a length (x′) and a width (z), first and second wedge shaped bases, and a rectangular base. Each wedge shaped base is configured such that the wedge shaped bases each have a length (x) at a back thereof and an angled side length (y). The rectangular base has a length (x) and a width (y). The wedge shaped bases, the rectangular base, and the transverse members have a defined spatial relationship in which: (a) the length (x) of the back of each wedge shaped base and the length (x) of the rectangular base are each substantially equal to the length (x′) of each of the transverse members; (b) the length (x) of the back of each wedge shaped base and the length (x) of the rectangular base are each substantially equal to the sum of (y) and (z), wherein (y) is both the length of the angled side of each wedge shaped base and the width of the rectangular base, and (z) is the width of each of the transverse members, such that (x)=(y)+( z ), and (x′)=(y)+( z ). This spatial relationship allows different furniture configurations to be formed. The first wedge shaped base is selectively coupleable to the second wedge shaped base along corresponding angled sides of the first and second wedge shaped bases so as to form a 90° bend across the first and second wedge shaped bases, and the rectangular base is selectively coupleable to a remaining angled side of the wedge shaped base, while the plurality of transverse members are selectively coupleable to the wedge shaped bases or the rectangular base (e.g., as backrests or armrests therefor). 
     Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a modular furniture assembly forming a convenient angle, the assembly comprising at least four transverse members, each having a length (x′) and a width (z), first and second wedge shaped bases, and first and second rectangular bases. Each wedge shaped base is configured such that the wedge shaped bases each have a length (x) at a back thereof and an angled side length (y). Each rectangular base has a length (x) and a width (y). The wedge shaped bases, the rectangular bases, and the transverse members have a defined spatial relationship in which: (a) the length (x) of the back of each wedge shaped base and the length (x) of each rectangular base are each substantially equal to the length (x′) of each of the transverse members; (b) the length (x) of the back of each wedge shaped base and the length (x) of each rectangular base are each substantially equal to the sum of (y) and (z), wherein (y) is both the length of the angled side of each wedge shaped base and the width of each rectangular base, and (z) is the width of each of the transverse members, such that (x)=(y)+( z ), and (x′)=(y)+( z ). This spatial relationship allows different furniture configurations to be formed, e.g., one in which the two wedge shaped bases, the two rectangular bases, and the four transverse members collectively form a modular furniture assembly that aligns along first and second axes, wherein the second axis is transverse to the first axis (e.g., a corner couch modular furniture assembly). 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary modular furniture assembly including a rectangular base and a transverse member; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded and cut-away view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 1 , showing the coupling of the transverse member to the base member; 
         FIG. 3  shows a front perspective view of an exemplary modular furniture assembly that can be formed using the wedge shaped base(s) of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a side perspective view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows another side perspective view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 3 , with the cushion removed to better show the wedge shaped base and the transverse member; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded view of an exemplary frame assembly of a wedge shaped base, with inner and outer fabric covers removed from the frame assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 7  with the fabric covers removed; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 8  showing the underside of the frame assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows an exploded view of exemplary components that can be used in assembling the frame assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cut-away bottom perspective view into the frame assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 8 , with feet and other hidden structures shown in phantom; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the frame assembly of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing couplers that can be used to couple a wedge shaped base to another base (e.g., a rectangular shaped base), and to couple the bases to corresponding transverse members. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary mounting platform that can be used to couple the wedge shaped base to another base (e.g., rectangular or wedge shaped), and/or to a transverse member; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of another exemplary mounting platform that can be used to connect a rectangular or wedge shaped base to another base (e.g., rectangular or wedge shaped), and/or a transverse member; 
         FIG. 17A  shows a top plan view of an exemplary modular furniture assembly including one or more wedge shaped bases, one or more rectangular bases, and one or more transverse members; 
         FIG. 17B  is a bottom plan view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 17A , showing use of the mounting platforms of  FIGS. 15-16  to selectively couple the bases and transverse members together into the modular furniture assembly; 
         FIG. 17C  is a bottom perspective view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18A  is a front perspective view of the modular furniture assembly of  FIG. 17A ; 
         FIG. 18B  is a perspective view similar to that of  FIG. 18A , but showing the addition of cushions positioned against the transverse members; 
         FIGS. 19A-19E  are top plan views of various additional possible modular furniture assemblies that can be formed from one or more wedge shaped bases, one or more rectangular bases, and one or more transverse members; 
         FIGS. 20A-20F  reflect views of a wedge shaped base  12   a  of the present invention, wherein any broken lines are shown for environmental purposes only; 
         FIG. 20A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wedge shaped base  12   a  of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20B  is a top view of the wedge shaped base of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20C  is a rear view of the wedge shaped base of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20D  is a front view of the wedge shaped base of  FIG. 20A ; 
         FIG. 20E  is a right side view of the wedge shaped base of  FIG. 20A ; and 
         FIG. 20F  is a left view of the wedge shaped base of  FIG. 20A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The invention relates to a modular furniture assembly that can be assembled, disassembled, rearranged, moved and cleaned in a quick and efficient manner with minimal effort. The invention further relates to modular furniture assemblies that have a spatial relationship such as those described U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,213,885; 7,419,220; 7,547,073; 7,963,612; 8,783,778; 9,277,826; U.S. application Ser. Nos. 14/993,533; and 15/058,656, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, which enable a user to form a number of different furniture assemblies. The above referenced patents and applications describe such systems assembled from one or more bases (e.g., rectangular bases) and one or more transverse members. The present invention increases the utility of such modular furniture assemblies by providing a wedge shaped base compatible therewith. In particular, the modular furniture assemblies include at least one transverse member having a length (x′) and a width (z), and a wedge shaped base with a length at the back (x) and an angled side length (y), wherein (x) is substantially equal to (x′), and wherein (x) is substantially equal to (y)+(z). This configuration provides convenient angling and rounding of corners as shown in the Figures. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a modular furniture assembly  10 , such as those described in the above referenced patents and applications. In the illustrated embodiment, modular furniture assembly  10  comprises a rectangular base  12  and a transverse member  14  detachably coupled to rectangular base  12  by a coupler  15  ( FIG. 2 ). Base  12  and transverse member  14  are adapted to be detachably coupled to each other in a variety of ways and configurations so as to form a variety of unique and custom furniture assemblies. Further, rectangular base  12  and transverse member  14  are sized and configured according to a defined spatial relationship. 
     The spatial relationship between rectangular base  12  and transverse member  14  enables the formation of a variety of different types, sizes and configurations of furniture assemblies. In this embodiment, rectangular base  12  has a length (x) and a width (y), wherein the length (x) of rectangular base  12  is greater than the width (y) of base  12 , and transverse member  14  has a length (x) and a width (z), wherein the length (x′) of transverse member  14  is greater than the width (z) of transverse member  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, rectangular base  12  and transverse member  14  are configured such that the length (x) of base  12  is substantially equal to the length (x) of transverse member  14  and the length (x) of base  12  is substantially equal to the sum of the width (y) of rectangular base  12  and the width (z) of transverse member  14 . As such, (x) is substantially equal to (y)+(z). 
     Furthermore, the height (h′) of transverse member  14  is substantially greater than the height (h) of base  12 , such that transverse member  14  can be conveniently employed as a backrest or armrest while base  12  is employed as a seat. As shown in  FIG. 2 , rectangular base  12  comprises a removable cushion  18 . Cushion  18  is configured to be mounted on a frame assembly  16  of rectangular base  12  so as to provide a useful and comfortable sitting area for a user. Cushion  18  has the same length and width dimensions (x) and (y) as underlying frame assembly  16 , so that both share the (x) and (y) length and width dimension characteristics. Cushion  18  can be easily mounted on or removed from frame assembly  16 , providing easy access to coupler  15 . 
       FIGS. 3-6  illustrate an exemplary modular furniture assembly  10   a  according to the present invention, and which includes a spatial relationship between the components thereof that is compatible with the spatial relationship of modular furniture assembly  10 , described above. Assembly  10   a  is shown as including a wedge shaped base  12   a , and a transverse member  14  ( FIG. 4 ). The transverse member  14  of  FIGS. 3-6  may be identical to transverse member  14  described above in conjunction within  FIGS. 1-2 . Couplers  15  such as those described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2  may likewise be used to selectively couple wedge shaped base  12   a  with transverse member  14 , to couple wedge shaped base  12   a  to a rectangular base  12 , to another wedge shaped base  12   a , or any combination thereof. 
     As perhaps best seen in  FIG. 6 , wedge shaped base  12   a  and transverse member  14  are sized and configured according to a defined spatial relationship in which wedge shaped base  12   a  has a length (x) at a back thereof and an angled side length (y), wherein the length (x) of the back of wedge shaped base  12   a  is greater than the angled side length (y) of wedge shaped base  12   a , and transverse member  14  has a length (x) and a width (z), as described above, wherein the length (x) is substantially equal to the length (x′) of transverse member  14  and the length (x) of the back of wedge shaped base  12   a  is substantially equal to the sum of the length (y) of the angled side of wedge shaped base  12   a  and the width (z) of transverse member  14 . As such, (x) is substantially equal to (y)+(z). This relationship remains true for both the rectangular base  12  and transverse member  14 , and the wedge shaped base  12   a  and transverse member  14 , as will be apparent. In other words (x) is thus equal to both the length of the back of the wedge shaped base  12   a , and equal to the length of rectangular base  12 . Similarly, it will be apparent that (y) is thus equal to both the length of the angled side(s) of the wedge shaped base  12   a , and equal to the width of the rectangular base  12 . It will also be apparent that (x) is also equal or substantially equal to (x′), the length of transverse member  14 , and (x) is equal to the sum of (y) and (z). 
     Because the wedge shaped base  12   a , the rectangular base  12 , and the transverse member all incorporate the (x)=(y)+( z ) spatial relationship, the wedge shaped base  12   a  can be incorporated into a furniture assembly including rectangular shaped bases to be coupled thereto (e.g., at either or both angled sides, or even along the back), to form a corner, bend, curve or other shape within couch or other modular furniture assembly being assembled. The wedge shaped base thus provides an additional degree of freedom to construct furniture configurations not possible using only rectangular bases and transverse members. 
       FIGS. 3-6  illustrate these dimensions (x), (y), (z), and (x′) associated with wedge shaped base  12   a  and transverse member  14 . In addition, similar to rectangular base  12 , wedge shaped base  12   a  can be employed as a seat, and includes a removable cushion  18   a  placed thereon (e.g., wedge shaped like base  12   a ). Cushion  18   a  is configured to be mounted on a frame assembly  16   a  of wedge shaped base  12   a  so as to provide a useful and comfortable sitting area for a user. Cushion  18   a  can be easily mounted on or removed from frame assembly  16   a , providing easy access to a coupler  15 , e.g., used for selectively coupling wedge shaped base  12   a  to one or more of transverse member  14 , a rectangular base  12 , or another wedge shaped base  12   a . Another cushion  18   b  can be provided e.g., leaned against the upper portion of transverse member  14 , which may not be used as a seat, but as a cushion against the backrest or armrest provided by the upper portion of transverse member  14 . 
     Frame assembly  16   a  also comprises a plurality of feet (e.g.,  20   a - 20   d ) mounted on frame assembly  16   a , which feet function in conjunction with one or more foot couplers (e.g., foot couplers  34 ′ and/or  34 ) to aid in selectively coupling the wedge shaped base  12   a  to another base (whether wedge shaped or rectangular), to a transverse member  14 , or both. 
     As perhaps best seen in  FIG. 6 , the angle between the two angled sides (y) of the wedge shaped base  12   a  is at or about 45° relative to one another, so as to provide a 45° bend (or approximately 450 bend) in the seating surface into which the wedge shaped base  12   a  is incorporated. In other embodiments, other angles may alternatively be possible (e.g., 30°, 60°, or any angle therebetween). Angles other than 30°, 45° or 60°, such as greater than 0° and less than 90°, or from 90° to 180° could alternatively be provided. Additive versions of such angles could also be provided. For example, a 135° bend in a furniture assembly (e.g., a couch) can be achieved with three 45° wedges, or a single wedge shaped base could be provided with angled sides at  1350  relative to one another, effectively consolidating three 45° wedges into one component. It will be apparent from this description that other corner seat configurations with an additive angle could be provided (e.g., 90°, etc.).  FIGS. 17A-18B  show an example of how two 450 wedge shaped bases can be coupled together to provide a 90° bend in the resulting couch or other furniture assembly. Eight 45° wedge shaped bases could be used to form a circular modular furniture assembly. Numerous other varieties are also possible. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the angled sides each have a length (y), and both sides are angled at 45°, for example, forming (about) a 45° angle therebetween. With equal length sides (y), the angle between either angled side (y) and the back (x) is 67.5°. The illustrated 45° angling is particularly beneficial, as one wedge shaped base can be used to provide a 45° bend in the furniture configuration, two such bases  12   a  can provide a 90° bend, three such bases  12   a  can provide a 135° bend, and so forth. Also apparent from  FIG. 6 , the wedge shape of base  12   a  (and frame assembly  16   a  and cushion  18   a ) is shown as generally triangular, or more particularly, generally a truncated triangle (e.g., a triangle in which the 45° angle apex has been removed). Such a truncated triangle of  FIG. 6  may also be described as generally trapezoidal in shape. 
       FIGS. 7-13  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a frame assembly  16   a  of wedge shaped base member  12   a , illustrating an example of how interior components thereof may be configured. It will be apparent that the illustrated and described configurations are merely exemplary, such that numerous other configurations are of course possible, in keeping with the above described geometric or spatial relationships. In the illustrated embodiment, frame assembly  16   a  is shown as including at least one removable cover  22 . Wedge shaped base  10   a  is thus comprised of a frame  36  (or frame assembly  16   a ) and a removable cover  22 . Removable cover  22  is configured to provide additional protection for frame  36  of frame assembly  16   a , e.g., in the event that a soda, beverage, or other item is spilled on frame assembly  16   a . For example, cover  22  prevents damage to the structure of frame  36 , isolating the spill to cover  22 , e.g., which may largely absorb the spill. Cover  22  is easily removed for laundering, and replacement. The removable characteristic of cover  22  also allows a user to change the color, pattern, or other aesthetic characteristics of the visible exterior of the frame assembly  16   a , as desired. Cover  22  also covers frame members  40   a - 40   d  of frame  36  for aesthetics. Cover  22  may include both an inner cover and an outer cover. 
     Cover  22  is detachably coupled to frame assembly  16   a  through a removable securing mechanism, such as a hook and pile mechanism, e.g. VELCRO, a zipper, or other suitable mechanism. Frame assembly  16   a  includes a plurality of abutting surfaces  26   b - 26   d  (the angled sides and back), associated with frame members  40   b - 40   d . The front surface associated with frame member  40   a  is not typically abutted against another base or a transverse member, although such could be possible, if desired. Frame members  40   a - 40   d  may be made from wood, metal, composite, plastic, or any other structural material or combination of suitable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, abutting surfaces  26   b - 26   d  are respective substantially flat vertical surfaces configured to be positioned adjacent and abut the substantially flat abutting vertical surface  28  ( FIG. 5 ) of transverse member  14 , or abutting surfaces of other bases  12   a , or  12 . Coupler  15  can be used to couple wedge shaped base  12   a  to a transverse member  14 , another wedge shaped base  12   a , or a rectangular shaped base  12  by bringing the corresponding abutting surfaces together and inserting the coupler  15  into the provided apertures  62   a  (see  FIG. 14 ). 
     Returning to  FIGS. 7-13 , frame assembly  16   a  further comprises a support member  58  that is mounted between frame members  40   a - 40   d . Support member  58  extends around at least a portion of an interior perimeter of frame  36  defined by frame members  40   a - 40   d . In another embodiment, support member  58  may extend over the entire width, or substantially the entire width of frame  36 , similar to the support member  58  described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, incorporated herein by reference, for example. For example, in one embodiment, support member  58  is mounted on a plurality of upstanding posts  59  positioned within the cavity defined by frame members  40   a - 40   d . As shown, support member  58  comprises a plurality of structural members (e.g., elongate members  58   a - 58   d ), extending around the interior perimeter defined by frame members  40   a - 40   d . As shown, support member  58  is disposed along a top of frame assembly  16   a . An analogous support member  58 ′ formed from a plurality of structural members  58   a ′- 58   d ′ is positioned along the bottom of frame assembly  16   a , as perhaps best seen in  FIGS. 9-10 . One or more triangular corner supports  61  can be provided as part of either support member  58  or support member  58 ′, as desired. Support members  58  and/or  58 ′ may comprise any suitable structural material, such as wood metal, plastic, or the like. 
     As seen in  FIGS. 7-13 , structural members  58   b ,  58   c , and  58   d  (those members along the angled sides and the back of frame assembly  16   a ) each include one or more grooves  62  formed therein. Grooves  62  are positioned along the perimeter of support member  58  and are sized so as to allow a portion of coupler  15  to be received therein. Grooves  62  are positioned in support member  58  so as to provide a variety of coupling locations on wedge shaped base  12   a  for the coupling of transverse member  14  to wedge shaped base  12   a  and/or coupling of wedge shaped base  12   a  to another base (either rectangular or wedge shaped). 
     Grooves  62  each form a portion of an aperture in frame assembly  16   a , as perhaps best seen in  FIGS. 7-8 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , cover  22  includes apertures  62   a  aligned with each of grooves  62 , so as to easily allow a portion of couplers  15  to be inserted through apertures and grooves  62   a  and  62 , respectively, coupling wedge shaped base to a transverse member  14 , or to another base. In the illustrated embodiment, two grooves  62  are positioned adjacent respective abutting surfaces  26   b  and  26   c , corresponding to length (y) along the angled sides of the wedge shaped base  12   a , while one groove  62  is positioned adjacent abutting surface  26   d , along the back of wedge shaped base  12   a . In the illustrated embodiment, no groove is formed in the front structural member  58   a , corresponding to the front of the wedge shaped base  12   a , as typically no transverse member or other base is coupled thereto. 
     The two grooves  62  positioned adjacent respective abutting surfaces  26   b  and  26   c  enable the positioning of transverse member  14  (or a base) in two different locations adjacent each of abutting surfaces  26   b  and  26   c , which enables the formation of different furniture configurations. Transverse member  14  can be positioned and coupled to wedge shaped base  12   a  by coupler  15  in at least five different positions in relation to wedge shaped base  12   a , as there are five different grooves  62 . Coupling can be accomplished, for example, by aligning an aperture of transverse member  14  with any of grooves  62  and placing a portion of coupler  15  in each of the aperture of the transverse member and the desired groove  62  of frame assembly  16   a , as seen in  FIG. 14 . Similarly, coupling another base  12   a  or  12  is similarly accomplished by placing a portion of coupler  15  in each of the aperture of the base ( 12   a  or  12 ) and the groove of frame assembly  16   a , as shown in  FIG. 14 . Examples of the apertures of the transverse member  14  are described in additional detail in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, incorporated herein by reference (e.g., see  FIGS. 3, and 5A-5C  thereof). 
     As described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, coupler  15  can comprise an elongate, U-shaped member configured to be positionable within the aperture of transverse member  14  and one of grooves  62  of frame assembly  16   a , or when two bases are to be coupled together, within one of the grooves  62  of a wedge shaped base  12   a  and one of the grooves  62  of a second base (e.g., another wedge shaped base  12   a  or a rectangular base  12 ). Coupler  15  is further configured to engage the inner surfaces of frame  36  of frame assembly  16   a  (e.g., engaging against MDF members  17  associated with frame members  40   b - 40   d ), sandwiching a portion of transverse member  14  and a portion of frame assembly  16   a  together between portions of coupler  15 . MDF members  17  serves to reinforce frame assembly  16   a  in the region when coupling occurs, acting as a sort of grind plate which coupler  15  slides over during coupling. When coupling two bases together, the coupler similarly sandwiches portions of both frames between the legs of the coupler  15 , as will be apparent from  FIG. 14 . 
     Coupler  15  is configured to substantially prevent movement of the upper portion of whatever two components are coupled, e.g., transverse member  14  in relation to wedge shaped base  12   a , or rectangular base  12 , or to prevent movement of the upper portions of two coupled bases (any combination of  12  and  12   a ), as the case may be. In this manner, coupler  15  substantially prevents movement of a first component (transverse member  14 , base  12 , or wedge shaped base  12   a ) in at least a first direction with respect to any base coupled therewith (e.g., a wedge shaped base  12   a  or a rectangular shaped base  12 ). Such prevention of movement is provided whether the coupled structures are a transverse member and a base (whether rectangular or wedge shaped), and where two bases (whether of the same shapes, or different shapes) are coupled together using coupler  15 . Additional details of coupler  15  are disclosed in the above referenced patents and applications, incorporated herein by reference, as well as U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/270,339, filed Sep. 20, 2016, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , coupler  15  includes a loop handle  15   a  secured to a top of coupler  15 , facilitating easier removal of couplers  15  when a user desires to reconfigure the modular components of the modular furniture assembly. 
     Returning to the description of frame assembly  16   a ,  FIGS. 7-11  show how one or more serpentine springs or zig-zag springs  63  (used interchangeably herein) can be provided, e.g., extending between structural members  58   a  and  58   d . A plurality of straps  65  can be provided, e.g., extending between structural members  58   b  and  58   c . As shown in  FIG. 8 , straps  65  are weaved alternatingly above and below serpentine springs  63 , as they encounter each one. Straps  65  (e.g., formed of nylon or other suitable material) are shown as being stapled to structural members  58   b  and  58   c . Springs  63  are secured to structural members  58   a  and  58   d  through any suitable mechanism, e.g., the illustrated hooks  66 , or the like. While springs  63  are shown extending from the front structural member  58   a  to the back structural member  58   d , and straps  65  are shown extending between the two angled side structural members  58   b  and  58   c , it will be appreciated that the location of the springs  63  and straps  65  could be switched, and/or numerous other changes could also be made. 
     While exemplary internal components of frame assembly  16   a  have been shown and described in some detail, it will be appreciated that the illustrated configuration is merely exemplary, and numerous other configurations could alternatively be provided. Any of the individual features described herein in conjunction with the frame assembly  16   a  may be employed in any embodiment individually, with or without any of the other features described in conjunction with frame assembly  16   a.    
       FIG. 14  illustrates how couplers  15  are used to couple wedge shaped base  12   a  to an adjacent rectangular base  12 , and how both are coupled to transverse members  14  at the backsides of the bases  12   a ,  12 , also using couplers  15 . The aperture  64  seen in transverse member  14  is used as one leg of U-shaped coupler  15  is pressed into aperture  62   a  (and associated groove  62 ) of base  12   a , while the other leg of coupler  15  is received into a slot below aperture  64 , so that coupler  15  sandwiches a portion of the frame of base  12   a  and a portion of the frame of transverse member  14  between the legs of coupler  15 . Once cushions  18  and  18   a  (associated with bases  12  and  12   a ) are positioned over frame assemblies  16  and  16   a , apertures  64  of transverse member  14  are hidden. As described in further detail below, the legs of the bases and transverse members are also coupled together at a lower portion thereof, e.g., using foot couplers  34 , or  34 ′, of  FIGS. 15-16 . 
     In addition to coupling along an upper portion of wedge shaped base  12   a , provided by coupler  15 , a mechanism is also provided for coupling a lower portion of base  12   a  (or  12 ) with another base ( 12  or  12   a ) or for coupling to a transverse member  14 . Referring to  FIGS. 15-16 , two exemplary foot couplers  34  and  34 ′ are shown. Foot coupler  34  shown in  FIG. 16  may be substantially the same as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, for example. Both couplers include a plurality of apertures  74 . Foot coupler  34 ′ of  FIG. 15  is shown as being generally L-shaped, with  3  apertures, while foot coupler  34  is shown with  4  apertures. As shown in  FIGS. 17B-17C , the L-shaped foot couplers  34 ′ are particularly configured for use at the back of wedge shaped base members  12   a  (adjacent length (x)), for coupling such base members  12   a  to transverse members  14 . Apertures  74  are sized and configured to receive a foot of any base  12   a ,  12  or transverse member  14  therein. Apertures  74  of foot coupler  34 ′ are sufficiently spaced apart, such that when a foot  30  from transverse member  14  is positioned in aperture an  74  and a back foot  20   a  or  20   d  from wedge shaped base  12   a  is positioned in another aperture  74  of the same coupler  34 ′, transverse member  14  and wedge shaped base  12   a  are adjacent and in contact one with another, with transverse member  14  positioned along the back length (x) of wedge shaped base  12   a . Coupler  34 ′ thus couples the two structures together, as transverse member  14  forms a backrest for wedge shaped base  12   a.    
     The foot couplers  34 ,  34 ′ are configured to substantially prevent movement of the bottom portion of transverse member  14  in relation to a coupled base  12   a  or  12 . When coupling bases (e.g.,  12   a  or  12 ) to one another, such prevention of relative movement of the coupled bases is also obtained. In this manner, the foot couplers substantially prevent movement of a coupled transverse member  14  or coupled base ( 12   a  or  12 ) in at least a second direction with respect to a given base  12   a  or  12  being coupled to. For example, coupler  15  substantially prevents movement of the middle portion of a coupled transverse member  14  or top portion of base  12   a ,  12  in at least a first direction, i.e., away from wedge shaped base  12   a , while foot couplers  34  and  34 ′ substantially prevent movement of the bottom portion of transverse member  14 , a second base  12 , or a second base  12   a  in at least a second direction, i.e., towards a first base  12   a  to which such component is coupled by the foot coupler. 
     It will be apparent from the examples seen in  FIGS. 17B-17C  that one or more of the apertures  74  of any given coupler  34 ,  34 ′ are not necessarily used, such that some apertures may receive a foot (e.g., foot  30  of a transverse member, foot  20  of a rectangular base  12 , or one of feet  20   a - 20   d  of a wedge shaped base  12   a ), while one or more other apertures  74  may remain empty, depending on the particular modular furniture assembly configuration desired.  FIGS. 17B-17C  label several of the particular feet received within apertures  74  so as to illustrate this feature. 
     As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the foot couplers of the present invention do not need to be restricted as to the number of apertures  74  formed therein, nor the specific shapes shown. For example, a foot coupler of the present invention can be sized and configured to include any appropriate number of apertures, and any appropriate shape so as to couple the feet of a base ( 12   a  or  12 ) to another base ( 12   a  or  12 ), or to a transverse member  14 . In one embodiment, apertures  74  can comprise a tapered opening so as to enable a consumer to more easily insert a foot therein. Use of the L-shaped foot couplers  34 ′ as seen in  FIG. 17B  prevent the foot couplers from extending outwardly past the vertical rear edge of the transverse members  14  coupled as backrest members. In other words, while a square or rectangular foot coupler  34  as seen in  FIG. 16  could be used to make this coupling, one corner of the coupler  34  would then extend out past the edge of the overall couch or other furniture assembly, which is aesthetically undesirable, and or which creates a tripping hazard. The L-shaped foot coupler  34 ′ thus includes the same size and spacing of apertures as foot coupler  34 , but with one aperture removed. It will be apparent that a triangular shaped foot coupler (i.e., filling in the hypotenuse between the legs of coupler  34 ′) could be provided, providing similar benefits as L-shaped foot coupler  34 ′. 
     The modular furniture assemblies are assembled in a similar manner as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,277,826, only that one or more wedge shaped bases are included within the assembly, increasing the variety of configurations that can be made.  FIG. 17A  shows how two wedge shaped bases  12   a  can be coupled to one another, with a rectangular base  12  coupled on either side thereof. As shown, four transverse members  14  can be coupled to the back of each of bases  12   a ,  12 , while another two transverse members  14  can be coupled to the sides of rectangular bases  12 , forming armrests therefor. It will be apparent that were a wedge shaped base  12   a  forms an end of the couch or other furniture assembly (e.g., see  FIG. 14 ), a transverse member  14  can be coupled to form an armrest against the angled side (y) of such a wedge shaped base  12   a.    
       FIGS. 18A-18B  shows front perspective views of the furniture assembly  50  seen in  FIGS. 17A-17B . In  FIG. 18B , the assembly is designated  50 ′, as a plurality of cushions  18   b  (which could also be termed pillows) have been added, positioned against those transverse members  14  serving as backrests and armrests. 
     Because the furniture assemblies are modular, it will be apparent that numerous configurations other than those specifically illustrated can be formed, using any desired number of the three basic components (a wedge shaped base  12   a , a rectangular base  12 , and a transverse member  14 ). For example,  FIG. 19A  illustrates a configuration of a modular furniture assembly  52  that can be formed using two wedge shaped bases  12   a , three rectangular bases  12 , and seven transverse members  14 .  FIG. 19B  shows another modular furniture assembly  54  that can be formed using two wedge shaped bases  12   a , four rectangular bases  12 , and eight transverse members.  FIG. 19C  shows another modular furniture assembly  56  that can be formed using two wedge shaped bases  12   a , five rectangular bases  12 , and eight transverse members.  FIG. 19D  shows another modular furniture assembly  58  that can be formed using two wedge shaped bases  12   a , six rectangular bases  12 , and nine transverse members.  FIG. 19E  shows another modular furniture assembly  60  that can be formed using six wedge shaped bases  12   a , seven rectangular bases  12 , and thirteen transverse members. It will be apparent that numerous other configurations are also possible, so that the potential configurations are nearly limitless. 
     Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein may include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result, and/or values that round to the stated value. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a typical manufacturing process, and may include values that are within 15%, within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, etc. of a stated value. Furthermore, the terms “substantially”, “similarly”, “about” or “approximately” as used herein represent an amount or state close to the stated amount or state that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term “substantially” “about” or “approximately” may refer to an amount that is within 15%, within 10% of, within 5% of, or within 1% of, a stated amount or value. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.