Furniture system

Abstract

A furniture system, such as a bed or chair, comprises a frame member 110, an accessory support feature 200 coupled to the frame member, and a mounting plate 400 mounted to the accessory support featur

Description

The present disclosure relates to a furniture system. Background Furniture which provides support for people to sit and lay down on (for example beds, chairs, sofas) is of course known. Some furniture units may be configured to provide extra assistance to a user - for example making it easier to get into and out of chairs, or easier to get onto and off beds. The furniture unit may also be configured to be moved easily from one location to another with a user in I on the furniture item. A common need users have is to have access to an accessory (for example a table or light) while in place on the furniture system. In examples where the furniture system is operable to move up and down, the change in relative position with the accessory may place the accessory out of reach or in an inconvenient location. In examples where the furniture system can be moved to another location, the accessory needs to be moved also, taking up time and effort of the user or a person assisting the user. Additionally, a user may need one of several different types of accessory at different times. However, the floor space available around the furniture system may be limited, making it difficult to provide all the necessary accessories. Also a user may wish to lean or pull on an accessory for support (for example to help them shift position), which may cause the accessory to move out of position, and thus may cause the user to become unbalanced. Hence a furniture system which solves these problems is highly desirable. Summary According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows. Accordingly there may be provided a furniture system (100) comprising a frame member (110) and an accessory support feature (200) coupled to the frame member (110) such that the accessory support feature (200) is in a permanent state of engagement with the frame member (110). The furniture system (100) may comprise a mounting plate (400) mounted to the accessory support feature (200). The mounting plate (400) may comprise a first engagement feature (404) configured for coupling to each of a plurality of furniture accessories (500). The mounting plate (400) may comprise a first engagement feature (404) configured for supporting each of a plurality of furniture accessories (500). The mounting plate (400) may comprise a first engagement feature (404) configured for coupling to and supporting each of a plurality of furniture accessories (500). The furniture system (100) may further comprise an electrical supply connection (300). The mounting plate (400) may comprise a first electrical contact (402) in electrical connection with the electrical supply connection (300). The furniture system (100) may further comprise an accessory coupling (600). The accessory coupling (600) may comprise a second engagement feature (602), a furniture accessory coupling feature (604) and a second electrical contact (606) configured for connection to the first electrical contact (402). The first engagement feature (404) and second engagement feature (602) may be configured to couple the accessory coupling (600) to the frame member (110) via the mounting plate (400). The accessory coupling (600) may be configured for supporting each of the plurality of furniture accessories (500) when the accessory coupling (600) is coupled to the mounting plate (400). The accessory coupling (600) may comprise a third electrical contact (608) in electrical connection with the second electrical contact (606), the third electrical contact (608) being configured to make an electrical connection with a fourth electrical contact (530) provided on at least one of the plurality of furniture accessories (500) such that the at least one furniture accessory (500) is electrically connected to the electrical supply connection (300) via the first electrical contact (402), the second electrical contact (606) and the third electrical contact (608). The accessory support feature (200) may be provided as a bracket (202) extending from and fixed to the frame member (110). The frame member (110) may have a side face (130,132). The bracket (202) may comprise a support seat (206) which defines a support surface (208) configured for location of the mounting plate (400) thereon. The bracket (202) may extend from the frame member (110) such that the support surface (208) of the accessory support feature (200) is flush with the side face (130, 132) of the frame member (110). In use the side face (130) may define an external side of the furniture system (100). In use the side face (132) may faces inwards, away from an external side of the furniture system (100). The frame member (110) may have an underside (120) and a top side (122), the underside (120) and top side (122) being spaced apart from one another by the side face (130, 132). The bracket (202) may extend from the underside (120) of the frame member (110) and / or the top side (122) of the frame member (110). The support seat (206) may comprise stiffening features (210) provided as deformations (212) which extend into and across the support surface (208). The support seat (206) may define an aperture (214) for the electrical supply connection (300) to extend therethrough, the aperture (214) being aligned with the first electrical contact (402) of the mounting plate (400). The stiffening features (210) may extend around the aperture (214). The accessory support feature (200) may be provided as a carriage (204) which is configured to be slideable along the frame member (110). The carriage (204) may be mounted to the frame member (110) via a guide assembly (140). The guide assembly (140) may define a guide path (142) along the frame member (110). The guide assembly (140) may be configured such that the carriage (204) is constrained to be engaged with and move along the guide path (142). The guide assembly (140) may comprise a bearing unit (144), the carriage (204) being mounted to the frame member (110) via the bearing unit (144). The electrical supply connection (300) may comprise a linear electrical contact (302) which extends along the length of the guide path (142). The frame member (110) may form a first part of a chassis (702) of a furniture unit (700). The furniture unit (700) may comprise a chassis support unit (704) coupled to the chassis (702) and operable to raise and lower the chassis (702). The furniture unit (700) may comprise a chassis support unit (704) coupled to the chassis (702) and operable to change the orientation of the chassis (702). The furniture unit (700) may comprise a chassis support unit (704) coupled to the chassis (702) and operable to raise and lower, and / or change the orientation of, the chassis (702). The furniture unit (700) may be a bed or a chair. The furniture system may be configured as a medical furniture system and / or healthcare equipment. The furniture system may comprise a plurality of furniture accessories (500). The plurality of furniture accessories (500) may comprise at least two of a list comprising: a table (502), a light (504), a support arm (506), a power supply (508). Hence there is provided a furniture system which enables a plurality of different accessories to be held relative to a frame member of the furniture system, and hence move with the furniture system. The furniture system of the present disclosure enables the chosen accessory to remain on the furniture system at a convenient location for the user. If a user leans or pulls on the accessory (for example for support while trying to move) then the accessory remains fixed to the frame member. Brief Description of the Drawings Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a partially exploded view of a first example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 is an assembled view of the furniture system shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows an alternative example of the first example of the furniture system; Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of an assembly of components of the furniture system of the present disclosure; Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the assembly of components shown in figure 4; Figure 6 shows a first side of some of the parts of the first example of a furniture system; Figure 7 shows a second side of the parts shown in figure 6; Figure 8 shows an exploded view of an assembly of components of the furniture system of the present disclosure; Figure 9 shows an exploded view of an assembly of components of the furniture system of the present disclosure; Figure 10 shows a first view of an accessory coupling of the furniture system of the present disclosure; Figure 11 shows a first view of a mounting plate of the furniture system of the present disclosure; Figure 12 shows a second view of a mounting plate of the furniture system of the present disclosure; Figure 13 shows a second view of the accessory coupling shown in figure 10; Figure 14 shows a plan view of the accessory coupling shown in figures 10, 13; Figure 15 shows an exploded view of an accessory coupling and accessory according to the present disclosure; Figure 16 shows a view of a second example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure; Figure 17 shows a view of an alternative example of the second example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure; Figure 18 shows a view of further example of the second example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure; Figure 19 shows an end on sectional view of the second example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure; Figure 20 shows an enlarged view of the end on sectional view of the figure 19; Figure 21 shows a partially exploded view of a part of the second example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure; Figure 22 is an assembled view of the components shown in figure 21; Figure 23 shows a plan of a first example of a chassis of a furniture unit; Figure 24 shows a plan of a second example of a chassis of a furniture unit; Figure 25 shows an accessory provided as a support arm; Figure 26 shows an accessory provided as a light; and Figure 27 shows an accessory provided as a power supply. Detailed Description The present disclosure relates to a furniture system 100. The furniture system 100 may be configured as a medical furniture system and / or healthcare equipment. The furniture system 100 may comprise a furniture unit 700. The furniture unit 700 may be a bed (for example a piece of furniture configured for a user to lay on and / or sit up on, which comprises a framework configured to support a mattress 710) or a chair (for example a piece of furniture configured for a user sit on, which comprises a framework configured to carry supports - e.g. a seat for a user to sit on and a back rest for a user to lean against - where the supports may be padded / cushioned). The furniture system 100 may comprise a plurality of furniture accessories 500. For example, the plurality of furniture accessories may comprise at least two from a list comprising a table 502, a light 504, a support arm 506, a power supply 508. Figures 1 to 9 shows a first example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure. Figures 16 to 22 shows a second example of a furniture system according to the present disclosure. Figures 10 to 15 illustrate components of the furniture system which may be combined with (i.e. be included as part of) the furniture system 700, including a mounting plate 400 and an accessory coupling 600. In both the first example and the second example, the furniture system 100 may comprise a frame member 110. The frame member 110 may form a first part of a chassis 702 of the furniture unit 700. Thus the frame member 110 may form part of a chassis 702 which, in use, supports a user. As illustrated in figures 23, 24, which show a plan view of the chassis 702 for a bed, the chassis 702 may define a space (i.e. a support area 706) within which a user will be located during use of the furniture unit. Hence the frame member 110 forms part of the support structure of the furniture unit 700. As shown in figure 23 the chassis 702 may comprise support elements 708 which are connected to and span the chassis 702, upon which a mattress 710 or other supports (e.g. a panel or seat) may be located. As illustrated in figures 1, 2, 16, 17, 19, 20, the furniture unit 700 may comprise a chassis support unit 704 coupled to the chassis 702. The chassis support unit 704 may be operable to raise and lower the chassis 702. The chassis support unit 704 may be operable to change the orientation of the chassis 702. The chassis support unit 704 may be operable to raise and lower, and / or change the orientation of, the chassis 702. For example the chassis support unit 704 may include an actuator 722 (e.g. manual jack, a motor, a pneumatic system and / or a hydraulic system) which is operable to raise, lower and / or tilt the chassis 702. By way of further example, and as illustrated in figures 16 to 19, the chassis support unit 704 may be operable to raise the chassis 702 in a first vertical direction V1 and lower the chassis 702 in a second vertical direction V2, wherein the first vertical direction V1 is opposite to the second vertical direction V2. As shown in the figures, the chassis support unit 704 may comprise legs 720 which extend from the chassis 702 to support the chassis 704 above a substrate (for example a floor). Coasters, rollers or wheels 712 may be provided at the ends of the legs 720 to enable the furniture unit 700 to be moved from one location to another. In both the first example and the second example the furniture system 100 may comprise an accessory support feature 200 coupled to the frame member 110. The accessory support feature 200 may be coupled to the frame member 110 in such a way that the accessory support feature 200 is in a permanent state of engagement with the frame member 110. As shown in the figures 1 to 9, in the first example the accessory support feature 200 is provided as a bracket 202 extending from and fixed to the frame member 110. The bracket 202 may be welded, bolted, bonded, screwed or secured to the frame member 110 by some other means. The bracket 202 is thus immovably fixed to a position on the frame member 110. As shown in figures 16 to 22, in the second example the accessory support feature 200 is provided as a carriage 204 which is configured to be slideable along the frame member 110, and constrained to travel along, and remain engaged with (e.g. coupled to), the frame member 110. That is to say, in the second example, the accessory support feature 200 (carriage 204) is configured to be moveable relative to the frame member 110 along the length L of the frame member 110, and is fixed to the frame member 110 such that it cannot be removed from the frame member 110. ln both cases, the accessory support feature 200 is constantly, continuously and / or permanently fixed to the frame member 110. In some examples, the accessory support feature 200 is robustly attached and mounted to the frame member 110 such that it cannot be removed from the frame member 110. Hence the accessory support feature 200 is securely connected to the frame member 110, and thereby provides a heavy duty mount for accessories 500 to be attached thereto. As shown in the figures of each example, the furniture system 100 may comprise a mounting plate 400 mounted to the accessory support feature 200. Hence the mounting plate 400 may be mounted to the bracket 202 as shown in figures 1 to 9, or the mounting plate 400 may be mounted to the carriage 204 shown in figures 16 to 22. The mounting plate 400 may be welded, bolted, bonded, screwed or secured to the bracket 202 or carriage 204 by some other means. The mounting plate 400 may be configured for coupling to and supporting each of the plurality of the furniture accessories 500. As shown in figures 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, the mounting plate 400 may comprise a first engagement feature 404 configured for coupling to and supporting one of the plurality of furniture accessories 500. The mounting plate 400 may comprise a first engagement feature 404 configured for coupling to and supporting each of the plurality of furniture accessories 500. The mounting plate 400 may be configured to couple to and support one / each of the plurality of furniture accessories 500 at a time. Hence the mounting plate 400 may comprise a first engagement feature 404 configured for coupling directly to (and supporting) one of the plurality of the furniture accessories 500 at a time, and / or the mounting plate 400 may comprise a first engagement feature 404 configured for coupling indirectly to (and supporting) one of the plurality of the furniture accessories 500 indirectly via an accessory coupling 600. In both cases the mounting plate 400 is coupled to the selected accessory 500. In both cases the mounting plate 400 supports the selected accessory 500. By way of non-limiting example, and as shown in the figures, the first engagement feature 404 may be provided as a pair of leg members 420, each of which terminates in a foot 422, each foot 422 facing the other, for example to form a channel. The furniture system 100 may comprise an accessory coupling 600. The accessory coupling 600 may comprise a second engagement feature 602. The first engagement feature 404 and the second engagement feature 602 may be configured to couple the accessory coupling 600 to the frame member 110 via the mounting plate 400. Since the mounting plate 400 is configured to be fixed to the accessory support feature 200, the first engagement feature 404 of the mounting plate 400 and the second engagement feature 602 of the accessory coupling 600 may be configured to couple the accessory coupling 600 to the frame member 110 via the mounting plate 400 and the accessory support feature 200. By way of non-limiting example, and as shown in the figures, the second engagement feature 602 is provided as a pair of grooves 620 on either side of the accessory coupling 600. The spacing and sizing of the features of the first engagement feature 404 and the second engagement feature 602 are such that mounting plate 400 and the accessory coupling 600 may be attached to, and detached from, each other, for example by sliding relative to one another. By way of example, the spacing and sizing of the features of the first engagement feature 404 and the second engagement feature 602 may be configured such that the mounting plate 400 and the accessory coupling 600 may be attached to, and detached from, each other, by engaging each foot 422 in a groove 620, and sliding the feet 422 along the groove 620. In another example, as illustrated in figure 16, the second engagement feature 602 may be provided on the accessory 500 so that the accessory 500 may be coupled to the mounting plate 400 directly. In such an example, the spacing and sizing of the features of the first engagement feature 404 and the second engagement feature 602 on the accessory 500 are such that mounting plate 400 and the accessory 500 may be attached to, and detached from, each other, for example by sliding relative to one another. By way of example, the spacing and sizing of the features of the first engagement feature 404 and the second engagement feature 602 may be configured such that the mounting plate 400 and the accessory 500 may be attached to, and detached from, each other, by engaging each foot 422 in a groove 620, and sliding the feet 422 along the groove 620. Thus an accessory 500 may be mounted directly to the mounting plate 400, or mounted to the mounting plate 400 via an accessory coupling 600. That is to say, in some examples an accessory 500 may be mounted to the accessory support feature 200 via the mounting plate 400. In other examples, an accessory 500 may be mounted to accessory support feature 200 via the accessory coupling 600 and the mounting plate 400 (where the accessory coupling 600 is mounted to the mounting plate 400). The accessory coupling 600 may be configured for supporting one of the plurality of furniture accessories 500 when the accessory coupling 600 is coupled to the mounting plate 400. Put another way, the accessory coupling 600 may be configured for supporting each of the plurality of furniture accessories 500 when the accessory coupling 600 is coupled to the mounting plate 400. The accessory coupling 600 may be configured to couple to and support one / each of the plurality of the furniture accessories 500 at a time. The accessories 500 which form part of the furniture system may be provided as a table 502 (for example as illustrated in figures 1 to 3, 15 to 22), a support arm 506 (for example as illustrated in figure 25), a light 504 (for example as illustrated in figure 26) and / or a power supply 508 (for example as illustrated in figure 27). The power supply 508 may be provided as a unit fitted with sockets 522 (or the like) for connection to an electrically operated device. Although the accessories may be provided as a variety of different units, common to each accessory is a coupling member 512. The coupling member 512 may comprise and / or terminate at a mounting section 510. The mounting section 510 may be provided as a free end of the coupling member 512. The accessories are interchangeable with one another. That is to say, each accessory 500 is configured for mounting to the accessory coupling 600 or the mounting plate 400. The accessory coupling 600 may comprise a furniture accessory coupling feature 604. In the example shown the accessory coupling feature 604 is provided as a socket to receive the mounting section 510 of the accessory 500. The furniture system 100 may comprise an electrical supply connection 300. In the examples of figures 1 to 9, the electrical supply connection 300 may be a cable which is configured for connecting to an electrical supply. In both the first example and second example, the mounting plate 400 may comprise a first electrical contact 402 in electrical connection with the electrical supply connection 300. The first electrical contact 402 may be in electrical connection with the electrical supply connection 300 via a first electrical connection 410, for example as shown in figure 12. Hence the first electrical connection 410 may be provided on an opposite side (e.g. rear side) of the mounting plate 400 to the first electrical contact 402, the first electrical contact 402 being provided on a side which faces the accessory coupling 600 or a compatible coupling on the accessory 500. As shown in figures 13 to 15 the accessory coupling 600 may comprise a second electrical contact 606 configured for connection to the first electrical contact 402. Hence, in examples where present, the second electrical contact 606 is urged into contact with the first electrical contact 402 when the accessory coupling 600 is coupled to the mounting plate 400. At least one of the plurality of furniture accessories 500 comprises a fourth electrical contact 530. Hence accessories requiring an electrical supply (for example a light 504 or power supply 508) are configured to be supplied with electricity via the fourth electrical contact 530. Some of the plurality of furniture accessories 500 may not be provided with an electrical contact (for example the support arm 506). In examples in which no accessory coupling 600 is provided, the fourth electrical contact 530 may be configured and positioned on the accessory 500 such that it is urged into contact with the first electrical contact 402 on the mounting plate 400 when the coupling member 512 of the accessory 500 is coupled to the mounting plate 400. As shown in figure 14, the accessory coupling 600 may comprise a third electrical contact 608 in electrical connection with the second electrical contact 606. The second electrical contact 606 is provided on an external surface of the accessory coupling 600. The third electrical contact 608 is provided in a location which will engage with the mounting section 510 of the coupling member 512 and be urged into contact with the fourth electrical contact 530. As shown in figure 14, the third electrical connection 608 may be provided inside the socket of the accessory coupling 600. As shown in figure 15, the third electrical contact 608 may be configured to make an electrical connection with the fourth electrical contact 530 on the furniture accessories 500. Hence, in examples in which there is provided an accessory coupling 600, when the fourth electrical contact 530 is placed (e.g. pushed, urged) into contact with the third electrical contact 608, the furniture accessory 500 is electrically connected to the electrical supply connection 300 via the third electrical contact 608, second electrical contact 606 and first electrical contact 402. In examples in which there is no accessory coupling 600, and the accessory 500 is coupled directly to the mounting plate 400, when the fourth electrical contact 530 is pushed into contact with the first electrical contact 402, the furniture accessory 500 is electrically connected to the electrical supply connection 300 via the fourth electrical contact 530 and the first electrical contact 402. As illustrated in figures 3, 6, 7, 23, 24 the frame member 110 has side faces 130, 132. The frame member 110 may have an underside 120 and a top side 122. The underside 120 and top side 122 may be spaced apart from one another by the side faces 130, 132. A first side face 130 may define an external side of the furniture system 100. That is to say, the first side face 130 may face away from the furniture unit 700. A second side face 132 may face inwards, away from an external side of the furniture system 100. In the first example, illustrated in figures 1 to 9, the bracket 202 comprises a support seat 206 which defines a support surface 208 configured for location of the mounting plate 400 thereon. As illustrated in figures 7, 9, the bracket 202 may comprise an arm 220, or arms, which extend from the support seat 206 to couple with the frame member 110. The an arm 220, or arms, may be bolted, screwed, welded, bonded or attached by some other appropriate permanent method to the frame member 110. The bracket 202 may extend from the underside 120 of the frame member. The bracket 202 may extend from the top side 122 of the frame member 110. As shown in figures 1,2, 4 to 8, 23 the bracket 202 may extend from the frame member 110 such that the support surface 208 of the accessory support feature 200 is flush with the first side 130 (i.e. the outer side) of the frame member 110. As shown in figures 3, 24, the bracket 202 may extend from the frame member 110 such that the support surface 208 of the accessory support feature 200 is flush with the second side 132 (i.e. the inner side) of the frame member 110. In this arrangement mounting plate 400 and accessory coupling 600 (and hence the coupling member 512 or the accessory 500) are provided within the support area 704. As shown in figures 8, 9 the support seat 206 may comprise stiffening features 210 provided as deformations 212 which extend into and across the support surface 208. The support seat 206 may define an aperture 214 for the electrical supply connection 300 to extend therethrough, the aperture 214 being aligned with the first electrical contact 402 of the mounting plate 400. The stiffening features 210 may extend around the aperture 214. In the second example illustrated in figures 16 to 22, the accessory support feature 200 is provided as a carriage 204. The carriage 204 may be mounted to the frame member 110 via a guide assembly 140. As shown in figure 20, the guide assembly 140 may be provided on the inner surface 132 of the frame member 110, with a first edge of the carriage 204 extending around the top of the frame member 110 and a second edge of the carriage 204 extending around the bottom of the frame member 110, with both the first edge and second edge being slidably coupled to the guide assembly 140. The guide assembly 140 may define a guide path 142 along the frame member 110. That is to say, the guide assembly 140 may define a guide path 142 along the length L of frame member 110, as illustrated in figure 18. The guide assembly 140 may be configured such that the carriage 204 is constrained to be engaged with and move along the guide path 142. The carriage 204, guide assembly 140 and / or guide path 142 may be configured such that the carriage 204 is constrained to be engaged with, and move along, the guide path 142. Stops / abutments may be provided spaced apart from one another along the length of the frame member 110 to limit the extent to which the carriage 204 can move along the guide path 142, and to prevent the carriage from being removed from (e.g. sliding off) the guide path 142. Hence the carriage 204 is mounted such that the carriage is limited to traveling along guide path 142 in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2, wherein the second direction D2 is opposite to the first direction D1 along the length L of the frame member 110. The guide assembly 140 may comprise a bearing unit 144, the carriage 204 being mounted to the frame member 110 via the bearing unit 144. In the second example the electrical supply connection 300 may comprise a linear electrical contact 302 which extends along the length L of the guide path 142. Hence in this example the electrical supply connection 300 is a linear electrical contact 302 which is configured for connecting to an electrical supply. The first electrical contact 402 of the mounting plate 400 is configured to be in electrical connection with the linear electrical contact 302 whatever position the carriage 204 is along the length L of the frame member 110, Hence there is provided a furniture system which enables a plurality of different accessories to be held relative to a frame member of the furniture system. Hence an accessory mounted to the accessory support feature moves with the furniture system. For example when a furniture system provided as a bed or chair is raised or lowered, the accessory support feature 200 (and any accessory mounted to it) will raise and lower with the furniture system. Likewise, when a furniture system provided as a bed or chair is wheeled from one location to another, the accessory support feature 200 (and any accessory mounted to it) will travel with the furniture system, and hence the user is not separated from their accessory of choice. In providing the accessory support feature 200 and mounting plate 400 on the frame member 110, the accessory 500 attached to the mounting plate 400 is attached to a position (or range of positions) relative to user. Hence regardless of where the furniture unit 700 is moved to, and regardless of whether the chassis 702 is moved relative to other parts of the furniture unit 700 (e.g. up and / or down) the provision of the accessory support feature 200 and mounting plate 400 on the frame member 110 (and, in examples where present, the accessory coupling 600) enable an accessory 500 to be coupled to, and move with the chassis 702 of the furniture unit 700,and hence move with a user located in the support area 706. Additionally, with the furniture system of the present disclosure, no extra floor space around the bed or chair is needed for the accessory since it is mounted via the accessory support feature, which is mounted to a frame member of the furniture system. The furniture system of the present disclosure enables one of a plurality of different types of accessories to be mounted, according to a user’s need. Since the accessory support feature 200 is coupled to the frame member 110 such that the accessory support feature 200 is in a permanent state of engagement with the frame member 110, the accessory mounted to the accessory support feature 200 has a firm mounting, enabling a user to use and adjust the accessory with confidence, knowing it will not move out of position (for example when leaned on or pulled). Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. 5 The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 10

Claims

1 A furniture system (100) comprising:a frame member (110);5 an accessory support feature (200) coupled to the frame member (110) such that theaccessory support feature (200) is in a permanent state of engagement with the frame member (110);an electrical supply connection (300); anda mounting plate (400) mounted to the accessory support feature (200), the mounting10 plate (400) comprising:a first engagement feature (404) configured for coupling to and supporting each of a plurality of furniture accessories (500); anda first electrical contact (402) in electrical connection with the electrical supply connection (300).152 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an accessory coupling (600) comprising:a second engagement feature (602);a furniture accessory coupling feature (604);20 a second electrical contact (606) configured for connection to the first electricalcontact (402);wherein the first engagement feature (404) and second engagement feature (602) are configured to couple the accessory coupling (600) to the frame member (110) via the mounting plate (400); and25 the accessory coupling (600) is configured for supporting each of the plurality offurniture accessories (500) when the accessory coupling (600) is coupled to the mounting plate (400).3 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 2 wherein the accessory coupling (600)30 comprises a third electrical contact (608) in electrical connection with the secondelectrical contact (606), the third electrical contact (608) being configured to make an electrical connection with a fourth electrical contact (530) provided on at least one of the plurality of furniture accessories (500) such that the at least one furniture accessory(500) is electrically connected to the electrical supply connection (300) via the first electrical contact (402), the second electrical contact (606) and the third electrical contact (608).5 4 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the accessorysupport feature (200) is a bracket (202) extending from and fixed to the frame member (110).5 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 4 wherein the frame member (110) has a 10 side face (130,132), and the bracket (202) comprises a support seat (206) whichdefines a support surface (208) configured for location of the mounting plate (400) thereon; andthe bracket (202) extends from the frame member (110) such that the support surface (208) of the accessory support feature (200) is flush with the side face (130, 15 132) of the frame member (110).6 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein in use the side face (130) defines an external side of the furniture system (100).20 7 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein in use the side face (132) facesinwards, away from an external side of the furniture system (100).8 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of claims claim 5 to 7 wherein the frame member (110) has an underside (120) and a top side (122), the underside (120) and top25 side (122) being spaced apart from one another by the side face (130, 132), and thebracket (202) extends from the underside (120) of the frame member (110) and / or the top side (122) of the frame member(110).9 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8 wherein the support 30 seat (206) comprises stiffening features (210) provided as deformations (212) whichextend into and across the support surface (208).10 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the support seat (206) defines an aperture (214) for the electricalsupply connection (300) to extend therethrough, the aperture (214) being aligned with the first electrical contact (402) of the mounting plate (400).11 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 10 when dependent on claim 9 wherein the5 stiffening features (210) extend around the aperture (214).12 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the accessory support feature (200) is a carriage (204) which is configured to be slideable along the frame member (110).13 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 12 wherein the carriage (204) is mountedto the frame member (110) via a guide assembly (140),1514wherein the guide assembly (140) defines a guide path (142) along the frame member (110); andthe guide assembly (140) being configured such that the carriage (204) is constrained to be engaged with and move along the guide path (142).A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 13 wherein the guide assembly (140) comprises a bearing unit (144), the carriage (204) being mounted to the frame member (110) via the bearing unit (144).15 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein:the electrical supply connection (300) comprises a linear electrical contact (302) which extends along the length of the guide path (142).2516 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the frame member (110) forms a first part of a chassis (702) of a furniture unit (700), and the furniture unit (700) further comprises a chassis support unit (704) coupled to the chassis (702) and operable to raise and lower and / or change the orientation of the 30 chassis (702).17 A furniture system (100) as claimed in claim 16 wherein the furniture unit (700) is a bed or a chair.18 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the furniture system is configured as a medical furniture system and / or healthcare equipment.19 A furniture system (100) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a plurality of furniture accessories (500), wherein the plurality of furniture accessories (500) comprises at least two of a list comprising: a table (502), a light (504), a support arm (506), a power supply (508).15

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