Modular furniture subassembly, component therefor and method of assembling a modular furniture subassembly

Abstract

A modular furniture component that includes a first end provided with an integral connector and an opposite second end adapted to engage a second modular furniture component at and with an integral connector of the second modular furniture component that is identical to the first mentioned connector to thereby, in use, connect the modular furniture component to the second mentioned modular furniture component, to define at least part of a furniture assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to modular furniture, and in particular, but not exclusively to modular furniture and related components that can be used to assemble into an item of furniture. BACKGROUND [0002] There are many examples of modular furniture that can be assembled from a plurality of distinct components. Examples of patents in the area include: [0003] DE19949849—this document shows panels that have tongues and grooves, but relies on pins to hold the panels together. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,836,217—this shows projections at the edges of panels but requires an edge engagement member that slides over the edges to hold panels together. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,780—this document also shows panels that require pins to affix the panels together. [0006] EP1022968—this shows panels that require grooved interconnecting elements that engage with panel edges in order to create the required structure. [0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,726—this shows the use of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a modular furniture system that includes identical furniture components that can be connected to each other using releasable locking means. The components can be panels, curved panels, or other shapes such as quadrilateral plan shapes. The connectors can be male and female, or a two-part male and female connection. The components can be connected at their ends to form an endless perimeter or a cavity with a single opening. The furniture system is suitable for creating furniture assemblies with a unique appearance."

Problems solved by technology

Multiple component parts capable of assembly with other components for such a system relatively expensive.

It can also make such a system relatively cumbersome to use by a consumer or user in that assembly of the component parts is required prior to the connection of the components to define the item of furniture.

In addition inconvenience such as broken parts, losing parts and also accuracy in manufacturing to ensure that component parts can engage conveniently together also arise.

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