Patent Publication Number: US-2022211183-A1

Title: Modular Furniture with Tool Free Assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/135,210 filed Dec. 28, 2020, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/560,641 filed Sep. 4, 2019, which claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/728,706 filed Sep. 7, 2018, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates to modular furniture with tool free assembly. The invention relates to an item of furniture comprised of portions or modules to be assembled, each of the portions or modules incorporating structure which facilitates the connection between portions or modules, preferably in a manner which does not require any tools or other conventional hardware typically used in such assemblies, such as pins, bolts, nuts, screws and the like. 
     The invention thus relates to structures and different methods for assembling furniture, such as outdoor furniture, preferably without the need of any separate, independent or discrete fasteners or other such hardware to hold all of the components securely to each other in a stable and reliable manner. Most of the outdoor furniture currently available, where assembly is necessary by the purchaser or consumer, must be assembled using multiple fasteners which may be of different sizes and shapes. This can often require the need for some knowledge and understanding as to how these various fasteners may work. A disadvantage in such situations is that the loss, absence or damage of any one fastener or piece, or the fact that it may have been missing from the original packaging, can hamper and delay the assembly process causing frustration and dissatisfaction. 
     In these conventional furniture assembly products, the fasteners may be constructed out of metal, plastic or other material which performs similarly, and a plurality of screws and bolts and nuts of slightly different sizes, shapes and configurations may be somewhat confusing, as well as a challenge for people who may be mechanically less inclined. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular furniture piece with integrated connectors, the modular furniture piece comprising: a first module having a plurality of first integrated connectors selectively located thereon; a second module for fastening to the first module, the second module having a plurality of second integrated connectors located thereon, the first integrated connectors registering with the second integrated connectors when the first module and the second module are positioned with respect to each other in their assembled orientation. 
     In one embodiment, the first module comprises a plurality of third integrated connectors selectively located thereon, the third integrated connectors having a different configuration to the first integrated connectors, and the second module comprises a plurality of fourth integrated connectors, the third integrated connectors registering with the fourth integrated connectors when the first module and the second module opposition with respect to each other in their assembled orientation. 
     In another embodiment, the first module comprises a plurality of fifth integrated connectors selectively located thereon, the fifth integrated connectors having a different configuration to both of the first integrated connectors and the third integrated connectors, and the second module comprises a plurality of sixth integrated connectors, the fifth integrated connectors registering with the sixth integrated connectors when the first module and the second module opposition with respect to each other in their assembled orientation. 
     Preferably, the integrated connectors are fixed and integral with the first module or the second module such that they cannot be removed from either of the first module or the second module. 
     In one embodiment, the insert slide portion is generally of a T-shaped structure, and the insert retainer comprises an open slot having inwardly directed flanges at the opening so as to receive and hold the T-shaped structure. Further, the open end of the insert retainer may receive the T-shaped structure, the open slot of the insert retainer being closed at its other end thereby providing a barrier to further movement of the insert slide portion within the insert retainer. There may be provided a releasable stop means for securing the inserts slide portion in the insert retainer when fully inserted therein. 
     In one form, the first integrated connector is one selected from a tubular extension having an insertion hole at one end thereof, an insertion post having a head at one end thereof, and an elongate insert portion; and the second integrated connector is one selected from an insert post, and insert slot, and an elongate insert retainer respectively. Further, a third integrated connector is provided which is different from the selected first integrated connector; and a fourth integrated connector is provided which is different from the selected second integrated connector. Still further, a fifth integrated connector is provided which is different from the selected first and third integrated connector; and a sixth integrated connector is provided which is different from the selected second and fourth integrated connector. 
     Preferably, the furniture piece comprises a plurality of modules, each of the modules having at least two different types of first integrated connector, and at least two different types of second integrated connector. 
     In accordance with the invention, there may be provided a first additional integrated connector and a second additional integrated connector, the first and second additional integrated connectors being utilized for releasably fastening one furniture piece to an adjacent furniture piece. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of constructing a modular furniture piece with integrated connectors, the method comprising: providing a first module having a plurality of first integrated connectors selectively located thereon; and providing a second module and fastening it to the first module, the second module having a plurality of second integrated connectors located thereon, the first integrated connectors registering with the second integrated connectors when the first module and the second module are positioned with respect to each other in their assembled orientation. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, there is therefore provided an item of furniture made up of modular components, each modular component comprising an integrated connector which engages with a corresponding integrated connector on an adjacent modular component to secure the modular components together. The connector may comprise a snap post received within a snap aperture. Further, the connection may comprise an insert portion which is slidably received within an insert retainer. Assembly of the modular components can be effected so that the item of furniture is constructed without the need for any external hardware or the use of any tools. Corresponding disassembly is also facilitated. 
     In other words, the mechanism for connecting one module of an item of furniture to another module thereof comprises features on such modules, and not separate therefrom, which engage and interact with each other so as to effect firm and stable connections, in addition to allowing disassembly of the item, when this may be required. 
     According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a modular furniture item with integrated fastening components so that the modules can be assembled without the use of external fasteners or tools. 
     According to yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling an item of modular furniture, wherein each of the modules is provided with a fastening component which corresponds, registers and engages with a fastening component on the adjacent module to effect a rigid and stable connection between such modules. 
     The invention is thus for an item of furniture which may be comprised of parts or modules, wherein the parts or modules can be assembled into the full item of furniture without the need for any fastening hardware, or, indeed with respect to at least one aspect of the invention, the requirement for tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers or hammers, in order to assemble the furniture utilizing the fastening hardware. 
     In one embodiment, a furniture item in accordance with the present invention may comprise a plurality of injection molded parts, or parts produced by different processors, each of the parts having incorporated or integrated therein various snaps and inserts which mate and register with corresponding parts on another module in order to securely connect the modules to each other. The modules are therefore constructed with integrated forms of connection enabling adjacent modules to be snapped connected to each other simply by bringing a fasteners towards each other, and applying a generally moderate pressure to cause engagement between them. Corresponding disassembly may be carried out in the reverse process. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  of the drawings shows a perspective view of outdoor furniture comprised of modules, when fully assembled; 
         FIG. 2  shows a illustrative hardware which may be typically used for conventionally assembled furniture; 
         FIG. 3  shows a modular chair constructed and assembled in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  shows a modular chair such as one shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, in an exploded view showing the different modules and components thereof; 
         FIG. 5  shows one module of the furniture item illustrating integrated insertion holes and snap retainer slots in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 6  shows a further module of the furniture item illustrating integrated insertion posts and snap posts in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  illustrate in further detail the structure of a snap post and corresponding slot in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  shows two modules of a furniture item in accordance with the invention for connection by the insertion method and comprising an insert on one module and an insert retainer on the other module; 
         FIG. 10A ,  FIG. 10B  and  FIG. 10C  illustrate a top perspective view, a bottom perspective view, and an exploded view respectively of a coffee table item of furniture constructed in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a modular love seat constructed and assembled in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a modular corner chair constructed and assembled in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a modular right arm rest chair constructed and assembled in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a modular left arm rest chair constructed and assembled in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a modular armless chair constructed and assembled in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a modular accent table constructed and assembled in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a modular rectangular coffee table constructed and assembled in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 18A and 18B  are top and front views respectively of a modular chair constructed in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
         FIG. 18C  is a detail view of the circle portion designated X in  FIG. 18B  of the drawings; 
         FIG. 19A  is a top view and end view respectively of a panel for use with a modular chair constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19B  is a perspective view of the panel for a modular chair as shown in  FIG. 19A ; 
         FIG. 19C  is an end view cross section showing connection of the parts with a detail of each of the connections in the respective circle; and 
         FIGS. 19D and 19E  are enlarged views of the circled views as illustrated in  FIG. 19C  showing the connection construction details. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention is for a modular furniture item, which may be used either indoors or outdoors, which may be assembled without the use of fastening hardware or tools, and which have integrated components on the various modules which engage with related integrated components on other modules to securely fasten and hold each of the modules to each other in a stable and efficient manner. 
     Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which show various items of furniture comprised of a plurality of modules, with each of the modules being connectable to each other to establish a fastening therebetween. The connectors between the modules may be the same from one item of furniture to another, so that a wide variety of different size and shape furniture may be assembled with different types of modules, but all of which utilize the preferred form of connection between modules, as described here in. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, it will be seen that a U-shaped couch or sofa  12  is constructed out of modular components and assembled by appropriately orienting the modules relative to each other and fastening them together. The sofa  12  itself may comprise a series of single seats  14  which may be pushed adjacent to each other, and even releasably connected, so that a wide variety of combinations and configurations is available for the most desired and convenient use, as selected by the user. The couch  12  in this drawing has, as mentioned, discrete seats  14 , and each of the seats  14  is comprised of panels and modules which are linked and fastened together to provide a secure seat, as will be described. 
       FIG. 2  of the drawings illustrates the types of fastening means which may typically be associated with a piece of furniture which has separate components to be assembled by the user, and utilized to link or connect different panels and components of such furniture to keep them together. Different types of screws  20 , big  22  and small  24 , as well as adjustable knobs  26 , hex keys  28  and other tools and parts may be incorporated into a kit with a package which is sold and delivered with the disassembled item of furniture. The tools require a level of work to assemble the piece of furniture, and may lead to inconvenience and significant time delays if some of the hardware may be missing, lost or damaged, which prevents the piece of furniture from being properly assembled. Even the absence of a minor part can severely impact and ultimately prevent the construction of the entire piece. 
     The present invention preferably comprises injection molded components with inbuilt or integrated snaps and inserts to hold all parts of the furnished together, and potentially perform in a similar or even better manner than an assembled piece of furniture using hardware such as screws and bolts. 
       FIG. 3  of the drawings shows a chair  30 , or club chair, which may be constructed and assembled in accordance with the present invention. This chair is designed in such a way that there is no requirement for the usage of any fasteners such as, but not limited to, metal and nonmetal type screws, bolts, nuts, washers, pins or clips. The chair illustrated in this figure is designed such that no hardware is necessary, and the modules each have fastening components which connect to each other in some way, and hold the chair  30  together securely without the need for any fasteners. Some of the figures below show detailed views of various parts and components used to assemble a club chair  30  piece of furniture as illustrated. At no point in the assembly are any bolts and nuts such hardware required, nor any tools, specialized or otherwise, to operate the fasteners. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4  of the drawings, which may show a chair  42  of the type as illustrated in the previous figure, but in a disassembled and exploded view. The various parts and panels which make up the chair can be seen. Some of the components include a seat panel  44 , a front panel  46 , side panels  48  and  50 , and a back panel  52 . The back panel  52  may include an internal component  54 , to facilitate the connection. Other panels may include similar such internal components, which may also operate as spacers. The chair  42  comprises four feet  56 , which rest on the floor or surface. There may be additional components such as inner panels  58  and  60  for the side, and, as mentioned, internal spacers may be provided in the various panels to help to keep the various modules in the correct position. As will be appreciated, each of the panels need not simply be a flat one-dimensional component, but may have depth to provide the furniture with additional strength and aesthetics. 
     Each of the panels mentioned above is connected to its adjacent panel or panels, and there are generally two typical forms of connection for securing to modules or parts together, although the invention is not limited to these two methods. These may generally be described as a snap method of fastening on the one hand, and an insertion method of fastening on the other. Both will be described further below. Any item of furniture in accordance with the invention which is assembled using a plurality of panels would typically use both of these assembly or fastening mechanisms, and the position of connection, as well as the nature and function of the parts that are being connected, will have a type of connection which best suits the particular needs of the situation, and results in a secure and steady a chair. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  of the drawings show two parts or modules which are joined together in accordance with the invention. These figures illustrate one of the connection mechanisms and methods, namely, the presence of a snap on one module which registers with and connects to an insertion hole on an adjacent module to which it is fastened. These are, for illustrative purposes, a first part  70  and a second part  72 , as previously indicated. On the surface of part  70  in  FIG. 5 , it will be seen that there are rows of tubular extensions  74  which are hollow, and define insertion holes  76 . Also on this part, there are rows of strategically positioned slots  78 , which are generally (but not necessarily) rectangular structure. In  FIG. 6  of the drawings, it will be seen that there are rows of insertion posts  80 , and these correspond in position to the tubular extensions  74  with insertion holes  76  as shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  also shows the presence of the snap posts  84 , and these correspond in position to the snap or retainer slots  78  in the module comprising the first part  70  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . It will be readily appreciated that the first part  70  and the second part  72 , comprising two modules or components, can be easily placed adjacent to each other, and fastened to each other together to securely construct the desired piece of furniture. Each one of the insertion posts  80  as shown in  FIG. 6  is guided into its corresponding insertion hole  76  which are present in the tubular extensions  74  as shown in  FIG. 5  of the drawings. It will be seen that there are multiple tubular extension  74  arranged over the area of the first part  70 , to provide an extensive and firm connection. The tubular extensions  74  may be more closely spaced together in areas likely to bear more weight, and vice versa. Therefore, a particular item of furniture will have its tubular extensions  74 , and the corresponding insertion posts  80 , configured for maximum effectiveness when fastening, and the ability to sustain a selected load. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the snap post  84  includes a head  90  which has an entry angle, or is made to taper in the form of an inclined plane, for ease of inserting into the retainer slots  78 . Therefore, the end-user may use minimum or just moderate hand force to push the snap post  84  into the retainer slot  78 . By this method, the use of external tools and any other hardware is avoided. 
     The modules illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6  show two methods of connection. The snap post  84  and corresponding slot  78  are used at or near the periphery of the module, while the insert post  80  and the tubular extensions  74  with insertion hole  76  are selectively spaced towards the inside of the module. These effectively connect the modules together without the need for any other hardware or tools required for the task. 
     As mentioned, only a small force of the hand is required so that the snap post  84  is placed within and retained by the slot  78 . This allows the assembly to be secure and rigid. There are multiple snap posts  84  on any part of the module so that when assembled, it gives considerable strength, possibly even more so than the use of conventional external fasteners. It will, of course, be noted that the number of snap posts  84  and insertion posts  76  can be increased in number or decreased in number according to their position on the furniture, and the load that they are likely to support. When nothing more than a simple connection is required, fewer such insertion posts  76  and snap posts  84  may be used. However, when the respective modules are load-bearing, or may be subjected to considerable stresses and forces, such as with a chair or storage item, the number of insertion posts  80  and snap posts  84  can be increased to any degree in order to ensure that the assembled furniture is strong, and remains rigid. 
     The drawings in  FIGS. 5 and 6  show insertion posts  80  and snap posts  84  of a particular shape and size, but it is important to note that the invention is not limited to these types of shapes, dimensions and configurations. Any desired shape, or a mix of shapes, can be used to achieve the purpose of properly installing the modules and providing a chair which is strong and able to provide the necessary supports. 
     The chair can, of course, be disassembled from its assembled position, and this is achieved by the end-user of consumer pushing the snap posts  84  manually so as to free them from the snap or retainer slots  78 . Once more, tools are not necessary to achieve this purpose. Preferably, they will be adequate access to both sides of the peripheral edge in which the slots  78  are located so that a user can reasonably conveniently apply the necessary force to the snap posts  84 , once inserted in the slots  78 , to remove them. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, a more detailed illustration of the snap post  80 , as in  FIG. 7 , and the snap post retainer slot  78 , as in  FIG. 8 , is illustrated. The configuration of the snap post  80  includes structure with an incline  90 , so that as the inclined surface  90  slides through the retainer slot  78 , the snap post  80  is pushed slightly in a rearward direction until the snap post  80  is inserted to the slot a sufficient distance, and then snaps forward again to engage the surface around the snap post retainer slot  78 . A strong and secure connection is thus made. Since there are multiple snap posts  80  located at strategic points of connection between adjacent modules, the plurality of such connections adds up to a very effective connection, possibly considerably more so than the more limited number of external fasteners which may otherwise be used in conventional assemblies, allowing the modules to remain rigid and fixed to each other. 
     Disassembly of adjacent and connected components can be made by appropriately pressing the snap post  80  slightly rearwardly so as to allow it out of the snap post retainer slot  78 . Multiple assemblies and disassemblies may be carried out, as desired, so that the furniture item can be respectively constructed for use when required or compacted when needed for storage and transportation. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 9  of the drawings, which shows, for example, the connection of a first part  100  and a second part  102 , comprising separate and adjacent modules of the furniture item is to be fastened together. These figures illustrate what may be referred to as the insertion method, comprising a slot and track arrangement. It will be seen that the second part  102  has along its edge and insert retainer  104 , including a radiused upper end  106  and radiused lower end  108 . The insert retainer  104  or slot has an open end  110 , for slidably receiving the insert portion  112  of the first part  100 . One end of the insert portion  112  is inserted at the radiused opening  110  into the insert retainer  104 , and the first part  100  and the second part  102  are slidably moved relative to each other until the insert portion  112  is fully received within the insert retainer  104 . A very effective form of connection is thus established. The connection is not just at specific points, but at all points along the length. 
     It will be appreciated that the insert portion  112  is a feature or component which is integrated into the main part of the module or first part  100 . It is a rigid structure which can carry a significant number of pounds of load, or support a significant force, without any significant yielding. This form of connection is able to replace fasteners such as bolts, screws etc. as mentioned above, and the connection is designed in such a way that the edges  106  and  108  are radiused to ensure that there is no or minimal stress concentration which may result in premature failures. 
     The insert portion  112  feature also acts as a guide for assembling to the mating parts  100  and  102 . It will be seen that the insert portion  112  has a T-shaped configuration in cross-section, and is able to withstand both compression as well as tensile loads. This T-shaped cross-section construction is not the only shape that may be used in this invention, but any other effective shape which has the ability to connect in a suitable manner may be used. Another such example is an I-shaped cross-section insert portion, which may also be of sound mechanical efficiency. 
     The second part  102  shown in  FIG. 9  further has a receiving feature for the insert portion  112 , referred to as the insert retainer  104 . The insert retainer  104  is closed at one end  116 , an open at the other end  118 . The open end  118  of the insert retainer  104  is the means by which the insert portion  112  is accommodated and installed therein. The closed end  116  provides a stop for the insert portion  112 , to ensure that it is probably located within the insert retainer  104 . The insert retainer  104  feature is thoroughly and effectively internally radiused, to act as a load-bearing surface. 
     Various mechanisms and structures may be so as to retain the insert portion  112  within the insert retainer  104 , so that it is secure therein, and will not slide out. In some circumstances, depending upon the construction of the furniture piece, other modules may cover the open end  118  of the insert retainer  104 , effectively preventing the insert portion from sliding out. However, the insert portion  112  and/or insert retainer  104  may also include structures, such as of the snap post type referred to above, or protrusion in a recess, to help keep the insert portion  112  within the insert retainer  104  so that it will remain in position and be prevented from sliding therein. These are just examples, and many other mechanisms may be used, and will form a part of this invention. 
     Upon assembly, the unit would thus be able to withstand several pounds of load without straining or collapsing, and may further be able to handle forces and stresses which other fasteners would not. One of the reasons for this is the ability of all fasteners to undergo torsional stresses as they are tightened. Further, there is the additional stress due to load, which can sometimes be substantial. These stresses can cause premature failure. 
     The present invention is able to effectively provide many more connecting points and connecting surfaces without adding any complexity to assembly, since the connections are structured so as to automatically engage and attach to each other. In more conventional furniture assembly systems, where hardware and fastening tools are required, there is perhaps an inclination to reduce the number of fasteners to avoid too much complexity in the assembly. The present invention, and the method of connection described therein, effectively avoids this situation. 
     The type of connection between modules used between any selected pair of modules will, of course, be chosen according to the nature of the construction. They may be some modules which are not suited for the insert retainer and insert portion type of connection, since it may not be feasible to slide such adjacent modules relative to each other during the connection process. 
     In  FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C  of the drawings, there is shown a coffee table  130 , in top perspective, bottom perspective, and exploded views respectively. The square coffee table  130  includes nine parts. These include four pieces of the side edge  132 , four pieces of the corner or edge  134 , and a central portion  136 . The side edge portion  132  are assembled by the insertion method as previously described, while the central portion  136  is assembled securely onto the corner or edge pieces  134  by the snap and insert method, as also explained and described previously. The square coffee table  130  once assembled as required zero fasteners, other than the integrated fastening mechanism on the parts themselves, and uses the different types of connector systems as set forth herein, allowing the assembly of a rigid and secure coffee table  130  which is able to bear substantial loads and stresses. 
       FIGS. 11 to 17  show illustrative examples of furniture types which may be provided in modular form, and wherein the modules are assembled by the end user or consumer using the fastening mechanisms described herein.  FIG. 11  of the drawings shows a loveseat  140  with the various modules and panels assembled in accordance with the invention.  FIG. 12  shows a corner chair configuration  142 ,  FIG. 13  illustrates a right armrest  144 , while  FIG. 14  illustrates a left armrest  146 .  FIG. 15  shows an armless chair  148  of the invention, while  FIG. 16  shows an accent table  150  constructed in accordance with the invention. One final example seen in  FIG. 17  is a rectangular coffee table  152 , constructed in accordance with the invention. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 18A to 19E  of the drawings showing another embodiment of a modular chair and the forms of connection that may be established to secure portions and panels thereof together in a secure, stable and easy manner.  FIGS. 18A and 18B  show a top and front view respectively of a modular chair  180  whereby panels are connected together as shown using fastening means as set out in the drawings and as described herein.  FIG. 18C  shows a detail of the fastening mechanisms of two panels of the chair  180 , the detail illustrating the chair  180  as illustrated in the circle designated with X in  FIG. 18B  of the drawings. At one point, there is illustrated a slot and slide construction  182 , while registering connections and areas are shown at the area  184  and  186 . 
     In the above figures, parts are inserted in such a way to facilitate a self-locking connection due to the feature where the insert area has a defined angle which creates a self-locking mechanism. As regards  FIG. 18C , this figure shows that there are two features where a different part or portion has an angle which creates a self-locking mechanism. The radius at the top corner shown in this figure creates a support which gives stability against just about any anticipated load. All of the parts when assembled will create a self-locking assembly. 
       FIG. 19A  of the drawings shows a top view and an end view of a portion of a modular chair  190  in accordance with one aspect of the invention. The figure shows a rail slide  192  and a rail slot  194 . Corresponding and matching slots and slides engage with each other to form a connection.  FIG. 19D  shows a detail of the connections including a snap tab and aperture combination and another detail of the connection including a male and female component set  198  which engage each other. 
     In  FIGS. 19A to 19E , when the two parts are assembled, a locking mechanism described as a snap and retainer joint is used, as seen in  FIG. 19D . This is like the T-shaped feature which enters into a mating part with a rectangular or circular or other shaped hole, and thereby forms a self-locking assembly. The radius and the angle may be selected so as to give the assembled panels the ability to withstand a desired or anticipated load. There is a post and socket assembly, which helps to align the parts before they are locked together either by a self-locking mechanism or by snap and retainer assembly. In  FIG. 19E , it can be seen that the post or male component is located on one member of the assembly and the socket or female component is created on the mating part of the assembly. The post has a reduced feature or circumference at the entry point which allows it to enter into the socket. The step creates a support to withstand any compressive and tensile load. 
     It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these types or shapes of furniture. The important points to note is that the furniture is comprised of modules or parts which are sold and transported in a broken down condition typically for assembly by the end-user, and these modules have integrated constructional features which are formed during the manufacturing process, and which allow adjacent modules to be connected without the use of external fasteners, hardware, or other tooling which may be required in more conventional versions of modular furniture. 
     Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus and procedures disclosed or claimed. Although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one embodiment are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other embodiments. 
     As used herein, “plurality” means two or more. As used herein, a “set” of items may include one or more of such items. As used herein, whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising”, “including”, “carrying”, “having”, “containing”, “involving”, and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of”, respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims. Use of ordinal terms such as “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used herein, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.