A modular furniture system

Abstract

Modular furniture systems comprise rods extending within channels of modules. To remove the rod, a user may push the rod through the channels. However, this may not be possible where a piece of furniture is adjacent to a wall. There is provided a modular furniture system comprising a plurality of modules (10), each module comprising a channel (20) having an opening (30), a first cavity (40), and a second cavity (50), wherein the first cavity is located between the opening and the second cavity; and a connecting element (60) comprising first and second portions (70, 80) having a cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size substantially equal to the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the first cavity, wherein the first and second portions are locatable within the opening and first cavity of the channels, such that the second cavity is arranged to remain vacant.

Description

A modular furniture system

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a system and a method of assembling modular furniture and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in modular cabinets.

[0002] Modular furniture systems enable a user to build a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet, to their desired shape and size. The shape and size may be based, for example, on the room in which the furniture is to be placed, or the items intended to be stored in the cabinet. One type of connection used to join adjacent modules of a modular furniture system is a rod engageable with channels within the surfaces of the two adjacent modules. In particular, one portion of the rod may be insertable within a channel of one module, and another portion may be insertable within a channel of the adjacent module.

[0003] However, if a user wishes to subsequently change the shape and / or size of the piece of furniture, or simply disassemble it, disconnecting two modules joined using the above connection may be relatively difficult. Typically, to remove the rod, a user may push the rod through the channels until a portion sufficient to grasp protrudes, and then pull the remaining portion from the channels. However, if the piece of furniture is arranged against, or fixed to, a wall, pushing the rod through the channels towards the wall will not be possible. Furthermore, pushing the rod away from the wall may require first moving the piece of furniture away from the wall; this may be time consuming, and additionally some users may be unable to move large, heavy pieces of furniture.

[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a modular furniture system having an improved means of connecting and / or disconnecting modules.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a modular furniture system, the modular system comprising: a plurality of modules, each module comprising a body having a surface, and a channel within the body, the channel comprising an opening located on the surface and a first and second cavity each located within the body, wherein the first cavity is located between the opening and the second cavity; and a connecting element for releasably connecting two adjacent modules, the connecting element comprising a first portion having a cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size substantially equal to the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the first cavity, and an opposing second portion, also having a cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size substantially equal to the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the first cavity, such that either of the first or second portions are configured, in use, to fit within the channel of a module; wherein, two adjacent modules are arranged to be releasably connectable, in use, by the first portion of the connecting element being locatable, in use, within the opening and first cavity of the channel of one of the two modules, such that the second cavity of the one module is arranged to remain vacant, and the second portion of the connecting element being locatable, in use, within the opening and first cavity of the channel of the other of the two modules, such that the second cavity of the other of the two modules is arranged to remain vacant, thereby releasably connecting two adjacent modules.

[0006] When the connecting element is inserted within the channels of two adjacent modules, the vacant cavities may provide spaces adjacent to the connecting element in which a part of a tool, a user’s finger, or a user’s fingernail may be placed. With a tool, finger, or fingernail placed within each cavity, a user may be able to grip the end of the connecting element. The user may then be able to pull the connecting element to remove it from the channels of the modules.

[0007] In this way, where a piece of furniture utilising the system is against, or affixed to, a wall, a user may remove the connecting element simply by pulling it out of the channels in a direction away from the wall, rather than first detaching and / or moving the piece of furniture to provide space to push the connecting element from the channels.

[0008] Additionally, the presence of a vacant cavity may reduce the surface area of the connecting element in contact with the inner surfaces of the channels, such that the relative friction between the connecting element and inners surfaces of the channels may be less than if the second cavities were not present. Consequently, a user may be able to pull the connecting element from the channels using a lower force than if the second cavities were not present.

[0009] The connecting element being locatable in the channel of a module may comprise the connecting element being configured to slide into, and out of, a channel of a module in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

[0010] The second cavity being arranged to remain vacant may occur when all of the connecting element, or at least the majority of the connecting element, remains outside of the second cavity, in use. Alternatively, the second cavity being arranged to remain vacant may occur when only an end of the second cavity remains vacant.

[0011] To insert the connecting element into the channel of a module, a user may slide the connecting element into the channel.

[0012] The tool used to remove the connecting element from the channels of the modules may be a pair of pliers.

[0013] Two adjacent modules may be connected such that the surface of one module is flush against the surface of another module, by locating the first portion of the connecting element within the channel of one module, and locating the second portion of the connecting element within the channel of the other module. To disconnect the two adjacent modules, a tip of one jaw of the pliers may be inserted into a second cavity within each channel to clamp an end of the connecting element therebetween. The connecting element may then be pulled from the channel of each module, thereby disconnecting the two adjacent modules.

[0014] The surface of at least one of the plurality of modules may be planar. At least one module may comprise two planar surfaces, wherein the surfaces may be opposite to each other. Sides may extend between the edges of the two surfaces. A channel may be located in each surface of the at least one module comprising two planar surfaces.

[0015] The surface of at least one of the plurality of modules may be curved. The longitudinal axis of the channel within a module having a curved surface may extend rectilinearly along the curved surface.

[0016] The opening of the channel of a module may have a width less than a maximum width of the first cavity. In one example, the width of the first cavity of the channel may increase with depth into the channel, wherein the depth of the channel may be a relative distance from the surface into the module. The width may increase linearly, exponentially, or in steps. In this way, the connecting element (which has substantially the same cross-sectional size and shape as the first cavity) may be prevented from being removed from the channel in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel of a module, because the wider side of the first portion of the connecting element may not fit through the opening.

[0017] The first cavity may comprise a trapezium-shape cross-section, with the shorter side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium arranged adjacent to the opening, and the longer side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium arranged adjacent to the second cavity. Accordingly, the first portion of the connecting element may also comprise a trapezium-shape cross-section, and the second portion of the one connecting element may also comprise a trapezium-shape cross-section. The shorter sides of the two parallel sides of the trapeziums of the connecting element may be connected to each other. The connecting element may be formed as unitary part, or may be formed as two separate pieces connectable together.

[0018] The second cavity of the channel of a module may comprise a square or rectangular cross-section. The second cavity may be adjacent to the longer side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium. The second cavity may be located in the base of channel. Alternatively, the second cavity may be adjacent to one of the non-parallel sides of the trapezium cross-section of the first cavity.

[0019] Other cross-sectional shapes of the first and second cavities are also contemplated. For example, the first cavity of a channel of a module may have a circular cross-section, and the second cavity may have a smaller circular cross-section. The cross-sectional shape of the second cavity of a channel of a module may be a semi-circle, a triangle, or a pentagon.

[0020] The cross-sectional surface area of the first and second portions of the connecting element may be marginally less than the cross-sectional surface area of the channel of a module. For example, the cross-sectional surface area of the first and second portions of the connecting element may be smaller than the cross-sectional surface area of the channel of a module, but large enough to avoid rattling and / or movement therebetween, and / or the connecting element falling out of the channel of a module under the force of gravity alone, if oriented vertically. In this way, a minimal space may be present between the inner surfaces of the channel of a module and the outer surface of the connecting element, in use. The minimal space may be, for example, a less than 1mm gap between the inner surfaces of the channel of a module and the outer surface of the connecting element, in use.

[0021] The channel of a module may be formed by a router tool. A first drill bit of the router tool may be used to create part of the opening in the surface, part of the first cavity, and the second cavity; for instance, to form the second cavity to have a square or rectangular cross-section. A second drill bit, having a different shape from the first, of the router tool may be used to enlarge the opening and the first cavity; for instance, to form the first cavity to have a trapezium-shape cross-section.

[0022] By forming the channels of a module by enlarging an initial part of the first cavity, a more uniform cross-section along the length of the channel of a module may be achieved than if the channel was routed in a single process. This is because relatively less material may be removed during each step, such that less strain and / or unwanted movement of the drill bit may occur. As a result, the risk of relatively non-uniform inner surfaces of the channel may be reduced, such that the relative friction between the inner surfaces of the channel of a module and the outer surfaces of the connecting element may be reduced. In this way, the channels may be formed with relative precision, which may be required for the connecting elements to be relatively easily removed from a channel by a user. Moreover, by providing a relatively low coefficient of friction between the connecting element and the channel of a module, the connecting element may additionally be usable, in use, as a drawer rail. As such, an adjacent module may be utilised as a drawer, or pull-out shelf.

[0023] The widest width of the channel of a module may be between 5mm and 30mm, and the narrowest width of the channel may be between 2mm and 20mm. The width of the channel may be measured in a direction parallel to the surface of the module and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel of the module. The depth of the channel may be between 10mm and 60mm. The depth of the channel may be measured in a direction perpendicularly into the channel from the plane in which the surface lies. The length of the channel may be between 100mm and 1000mm. The length of the channel may be measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel.

[0024] The channel of a module may extend between two sides of the module, such that each end is exposed on the surface of each side. Alternatively, the channel of a module may extend from one side of the module and terminate within the module, such that one end of the module is exposed on the surface of one side, and the other end of the channel is not exposed on the surface of the other side (has a blind end).

[0025] The widest width of the connecting element may be between 5mm and 30mm, and the narrowest width of the connecting element may be between 2mm and 20mm. The width of the connecting element may be measured in a direction parallel to the parallel sides of the trapezium shape. The height of the connecting element may be between 20mm and 120mm. The height of the connecting element may be measured in a direction perpendicular to the parallel sides of the trapezium-shape cross-sections of the first and second portions. The length of the connecting element may be between 100mm and 1000mm. The length of the connecting element may be in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element.

[0026] The modules may comprise wood, such as engineered wood or solid wood. In particular, the modules may comprise plywood. In this way, the channel of a module may be formed such that the inner surfaces are relatively uniform compared to other materials, such as MDF, in which it is more difficult to create uniform cut surfaces. Furthermore, the likelihood of unwanted obstructions, such as MDF fibres, protruding from the inner surfaces may be reduced. A relatively uniform inner surface may comprise a relatively smooth inner surface. As such, friction between the outer surface of the connecting element and inner surfaces of the channel of a module may be reduced during insertion or removal of the connecting element.

[0027] The connecting element may comprise wood, such as engineered wood or solid wood. For example, the connecting element may comprise plywood.

[0028] The modules and / or connecting element may comprise materials other than, or as well as, wood. For example, the modules and / or connecting element may comprise plastics, and / or metals.

[0029] The connecting element may comprise an elongate bar, and the first portion and second portion may be arranged symmetrically relative to each other about a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate bar.

[0030] The elongate bar may comprise a first end opposite to a second end, and at least one of the first and second ends may comprise a recess. In this way, the second cavity and the recess may combine to produce a larger void in which a tip of a pair of pliers, or a user’s finger or fingernail, may be placed to grip the connecting element prior to removal. The recess may be arranged adjacent to an edge of the first and / or second end. The recess may comprise a cuboidal shape or a quarter-spherical shape.

[0031] In a further alternative, the recess may be spaced away from the edges of the first and / or second end. In this way, a user may place a tip of a pair of pliers, or a user’s finger or fingernail within the recess, and the other tip of the pair of pliers, or another finger, or another fingernail into the second cavity, proximate to the recess, in use, to thereby grip the connecting element.

[0032] The edges of the opening of a channel of a module may comprise a fillet, a chamfer, or a diminishing radius. In this way, the channels may not comprise a sharp edge, reducing the risk of injury to a user. Additionally, a filleted or chamfered edge may increase the width of the opening of the channel of a module. An increased width of the opening may improve the ease of releasably inserting a connecting element into the channel of a module.

[0033] At least one module may comprise a plurality of channels on one or more surfaces of the body. The longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of channels may be perpendicular or parallel to each other. Alternatively, the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of channels may be non-parallel and non-perpendicular to each other.

[0034] The system may comprise more than two modules. The system may comprise a plurality of connecting elements. In this way, a furniture system may be constructed by connecting adjacent modules using the connecting elements. For instance, the furniture system may comprise modules such as box shelves, drawer cabinets, bureaus, open shelving, cupboards, or a mixture of any of these furniture structures.

[0035] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of connecting two adjacent modules within a modular furniture system, the method comprising the steps of: providing two modules and a connecting element of the first aspect; aligning the surface of one module adjacent to the surface of the other module such that the opening of the channel of one module is aligned with the opening of the channel of the other module; and inserting the connecting element into the channel of each module such that the first portion of the connecting element is inserted into the opening and first cavity of the channel of one module, the second portion of the connecting element is inserted into the opening and first cavity of the other module, and the second cavity of each channel of each module remains vacant, thereby connecting the two adjacent modules.

[0036] In this way, two modules may be arranged such that the surface of each module is flush against the other may be connected together, and may not be pulled apart in a direction perpendicular the longitudinal axes of the channels of the modules.

[0037] In a third aspect, there is provided a method of connecting two adjacent modules within a modular furniture system, the method comprising the steps of: providing two modules and a connecting element of the first aspect; aligning the surface of one module adjacent to the surface of the other module such that the opening of the channel of one module is aligned with the opening of the channel of the other module; and inserting the connecting element into the channel of each module such that the first portion of the connecting element is inserted into the opening and first cavity of the channel of one module, and into the opening and first cavity of the other module, and the second cavity of each channel of each module remains vacant, thereby connecting the two adjacent modules.

[0038] In this way, two modules arranged with the longitudinal axis of their channels arranged collinearly such that they form a singular extended channel, may be connected together, and may not be pulled apart in a direction perpendicular the longitudinal axes of the channels of the modules.

[0039] The two modules of either of the second aspect or the third aspect may subsequently be disconnected by removing the connecting element.

[0040] In use, the connecting element of the second aspect may be removed by inserting a first tip of a pair of pliers, a first finger, or a first fingernail, into the second cavity of the channel in which the first portion is located, and a second tip of the pliers, a second finger, or a second fingernail, into the second cavity of the channel in which the second portion is located. With a tip, finger, or fingernail within the second cavity of the channel of each adjacent module, a user may be able to grip an end of the connecting element between the respective tips of the pliers, fingers, or fingernails, and subsequently pull the connecting element from the channels.

[0041] In use, the connecting element of the third aspect may be removed by inserting a first tip of a pair of pliers, a first finger, or a first fingernail, into the second cavity of the channel in which the first portion is located, and a second tip of the pliers, a second finger, or a second fingernail may be placed adjacent to the second portion of the connecting element. With a tip, finger, or fingernail within the second cavity of the channel, and a tip, finger, or fingernail located on the other side of the connecting element, a user may be able to grip an end of the connecting element between the respective tips of the pliers, fingers, or fingernails, and subsequently pull the connecting element from the channels.

[0042] In the third aspect it will be understood that the second portion of the connecting element is not inserted into any channel.

[0043] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

[0044] is a cross-section of a modular furniture system, in a frontal plane of the modular furniture system as viewed by a user;

[0045] is a perspective view of part of a module;

[0046] is a perspective view of a connecting element;

[0047] is a perspective view of part of two adjacent modules of a modular furniture system;

[0048] is an elevational side view of the two parts of adjacent module sections of; and

[0049] is a perspective view of another arrangement of part of two adjacent modules.

[0050] The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0051] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Likewise, method steps described or claimed in a particular sequence may be understood to operate in a different sequence.

[0052] Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

[0053] It is to be noticed that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a device comprising means A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.

[0054] Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in an aspect” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any one embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner with any other particular feature, structure or characteristic of another embodiment or aspect of the invention, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

[0055] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0056] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0057] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0058] In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

[0059] The use of the term “at least one” may mean only one in certain circumstances. The use of the term “any” may mean “all” and / or “each” in certain circumstances.

[0060] The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0061] shows a cross-section of a modular furniture system, in a frontal plane of the modular furniture system as viewed by a user.

[0062] The modular furniture system 100 comprises six modules 200, wherein each module 200 is a square box cabinet. The modules 200 are arranged in three rows of two. The modules 200 are connected to each adjacent module via connections 300 comprising the channels and connecting element described below. Each module 200 has a connection point in the centre of either two or three sides. It is also contemplated that the connection point may be in different location, for example, proximate to the edges of each side. Each side may also comprise a plurality of connection points. It will be appreciated that the six modules 200 may be arranged in any other combination, and that the furniture system 100 may comprise more modules 200, or fewer modules 200. In this way larger pieces of furniture may be created from smaller modules, the larger piece being individually designed.

[0063] The six modules 200 may each be formed of four individual panels, or sides. Each side may be connected to adjacent sides to create a box-like structure. Each panel may be connected to an adjacent panel via dowels locatable within holes, or a dovetail joint. A fifth panel (not shown) may be attached to create a back or front to the box.

[0064] is a perspective view of part 10 of a module 200. This part 10 may be one of the panels, or sides, of one of the modules 200 shown in. The part 10 is shown to be cuboidal, and comprising an upper planar surface 13, and a planar side surface 17 sharing an edge with the upper planar surface 13. A channel 20 is shown to extend from the side surface 17 into the upper planar surface 13 in a direction parallel to the plane in which the upper surface 13 lies. The channel 20 is shown to extend linearly, across the top of, and within, the upper planar surface, to another side surface, opposite to the side surface 13.

[0065] The channel 20 comprises an opening 30 within the upper surface 13 of the part 10. The channel 20 further comprises a first cavity 40. The first cavity 40 is located within the upper surface 13, below the opening 30. The first cavity 40 has a trapezium-shape cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel 20 (and parallel to the plane in which the side surface 17 lies). The trapezium-shape cross-section is orientated such that the shorter side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium-shape cross-section is adjacent to the opening 30, and the longer side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium-shape cross-section is located away from the upper surface 13.

[0066] The channel 20 further comprises a second cavity 50. The second cavity 50 is located within the part 10, below the first cavity 40. The second cavity 50 has a square cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel 20. The first cavity 40 and second cavity 50 are shown to be arranged such that the second cavity 50 is located adjacent to the centre point of the longer side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium-shape cross-section of the first cavity 40.

[0067] The channel 20 is shown to be symmetrical about a plane extending perpendicularly to the plane in which the upper surface 13 lies.

[0068] A base 51 of the channel 20 is shown to be located within the upper surface 13, in a plane parallel to the plane in which the upper surface 13 lies. First and second shoulders are shown to be located adjacent to each edge of the base 51. The first and second shoulders comprise first and second shoulder surfaces 41, 43, both lying in a plane parallel to the plane in which the base 51 lies. The base 51 is located deeper into the part 10 than the first and second shoulder surfaces 41, 43, relative to the surface 13 of the part 10.

[0069] First and second parallel walls 53, 55 form part of the shoulders, and are shown to extend between each edge of the base 51 and each inner edge of the first and second shoulder surfaces 41, 43, relative to the channel 20. The first and second parallel walls 53, 55 are shown to extend in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the base 51 lies. The first and second parallel walls 53, 55 are parallel relative to each other.

[0070] A first inclined wall 45 extends from the outer edge of the first shoulder surface 41 to an edge of the opening 30. The first inclined wall 45 is shown on the lefthand side of the channel 20. A second inclined wall 47 extends from the outer edge of the second shoulder surface 43 to another edge of the opening 30. The second inclined wall 47 is shown on the righthand side of the channel 20. The first inclined wall 45 forms an acute angle with the first shoulder surface 41, about the point the first inclined wall 45 meets the first shoulder surface 41. The second inclined wall 47 forms an acute angle with the second shoulder surface 43, about the point the second inclined wall 47 meets the second shoulder surface 43. The planes in which the first and second inclined walls 45, 47 lie are convergent. It will be appreciated that the angle between the first inclined wall 45, and the first shoulder surface 41, and the second inclined wall 47 and the second shoulder surface 43, may be any angle between 1 degree and 89 degrees, more preferably 75 degrees.

[0071] The first and / or second inclined walls 45, 47 are shown to be planar. Alternatively, the first and / or second inclined walls 45, 47 may be convex or concave.

[0072] The module section 10 may comprise plywood.

[0073] is a perspective view of a connecting element 60. In use, the connecting element 60 is insertable within the channel 20 of. The connecting element 60 is shown to be an elongate bar. A first portion 70 forms a first half of the connecting element 60, and a second portion 80 forms a second half of the connecting element 60, wherein the halves are shown to be either side of the longitudinal axis of the elongate bar.

[0074] The first and second portions 70, 80 each have a trapezium-shape cross-section, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 60. The shorter parallel sides of the trapezium shape cross-section of each first and second portion 70, 80 are connected. The longer parallel sides of the trapezium shape cross-section of each first and second portion 70, 80 are spaced away from each other. In this way, the combined cross-sections of the first and second portions 70, 80 are shown to resemble a substantially hour-glass shape.

[0075] The connecting element comprises a bottom side 61, and a top side 63 opposite to the bottom side 61. The bottom side 61 and top side 63 extend in planes parallel to each other and to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 60. A waist 65 is located at a point equidistant between the bottom side 61 and the top side 63, where the first and second halves meet. The width of the waist 65 is shown to be less than the width of the bottom side 61 and the top side 63. The two halves may be integral with one another.

[0076] A first side 67 extends between the bottom side 61 and the top side 63. The first side 67 is shown to comprise a first surface 71 and a second surface 81. The planes in which the first and second surfaces 71, 81 lie are shown to be non-parallel with each other, and converge inwardly towards the waist 65. It will be appreciated that the first side 67 may alternatively comprise a single concave surface, wherein the bottom of the concave surface forms part of the waist of the connecting element 60.

[0077] A second side 69 extends between the bottom side 61 and the top side 63, but on the opposite side, of the connecting element 60, from the first side 67. The second side 69 is a mirror image of the first side 67, and comprises a first surface 73 and a second surface 83. The planes in which the first and second surfaces 73, 83 lie are non-parallel with each other, and converge inwardly towards the waist 65. It will be appreciated that the second side 69 may alternatively comprise a single concave surface, wherein the bottom of the concave surface forms part of the waist of the connecting element 60.

[0078] The elongate bar comprises a first planar end surface 66. The elongate bar further comprises a second planar end surface (not shown) opposite to the first planar end surface 66.

[0079] The connecting element 60 may comprise plywood.

[0080] is a perspective view of two parts 10 of modules 200 placed adjacent to each other, and connected by a connecting element 60. The two adjacent parts 10 are arranged such that one part 10 lies on top of the other part 10. The top part 10 is shown to be inverted compared to its orientation in. The bottom part 10 maintains its orientation, as shown in. The channel 20 in the bottom part 10 is in the uppermost surface of the bottom part 10, and the channel 20 in the top part 10 is in the lowermost surface of the top part 10.

[0081] The channels 20 of each part 10 are aligned such that their trapezium-shape cross-sections together form a larger cross-sectional shape resembling the hourglass cross-sectional shape of the connecting element 60 of. The openings 30 are shown to be immediately adjacent one another. The linear directions in which each channel 20 extends are parallel.

[0082] The first portion 70 of the connecting element 60 is shown to have been placed into the first cavity 40 of the top part 10. The second cavity 50 of the top part 10 is shown to be vacant, with the connecting element 60 located within the channel 20 of the top part 10.

[0083] The second portion 80 of the connecting element 60 is shown to be within the first cavity 40 of the bottom part 10. As shown in, the second cavity 50 of the bottom part 10 is vacant, with the connecting element 60 located within the channel 20 of the bottom part 10.

[0084] The connecting element 60 may be releasably engageable within the channels 20 of the top and bottom parts 10, in use. In particular, the connecting element 60 may slide into and out of the channels 20 of the top and bottom parts 10, in use, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axes of the channels 20.

[0085] The connecting element 60 is shown to be partially extended from the channels 20 of the top and bottom parts 10 such that the first planar end surface 66 of the connecting element 60 is spaced away from the side surfaces 17 of the top and bottom parts 10. This is for illustrative purposes; however, it will be appreciated that in use, the connecting element 60 will likely be pushed completely into the channels 20 of the top and bottom parts 10 such that the planar end surface 66 is flush with the side surfaces 17 of the top and bottom parts 10.

[0086] is an elevational side view of the two adjacent parts 10 of, viewed in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 60.

[0087] The top side 63 of the connecting element 60 is adjacent to the first and second shoulder surfaces 41, 43 of the top part 10, and the bottom side 61 of the connecting element 60 is adjacent to the first and second shoulder surfaces 41, 43 of the bottom part 10. The first surface 71 of the first side 67 of the connecting element 60 is adjacent to the first inclined wall 45 of the channel 20 of the top part 10, and the first surface 73 of the second side 69 of the connecting element 60 is adjacent to the second inclined wall 47 of the top part 10. The second surface 81 of the first side 67 of the connecting element 60 is adjacent to the second inclined wall 47 of the bottom part 10, and the second surface 83 of the second side 69 of the connecting element 60 is adjacent to the first inclined wall 45 of the bottom part 10. The second cavity 50 of the top part 10 is adjacent to the top side 63 of the connecting element 60, and the second cavity 50 of the bottom part 10 is adjacent to the bottom side 67 of the connecting element 60. The openings 30 of the top and bottom parts are adjacent to the waist 65 of the connecting element 60.

[0088] The opening 30 of the channel 20 in each of the top and bottom parts 10 is shown to have a width less than the width of the first cavity 40 at a point adjacent to the second cavity 50. In this way, in use, the first portion 70 and second portion 80 of the connecting element 60 may be unable to vacate the channels 20 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting element 60. As such, in use, the top part 10 and bottom part 10 may be prevented from being pulled away from each other.

[0089] additionally shows recesses 90 located within the first planar end surface 66 of the connecting element 60. Each recess 90 is shown to be adjacent to the second cavity 50 of each channel 20. The second cavity 50 and the adjacent recess 90 combine to produce a larger void in which a grip of a pair of pliers, a user’s finger, or a user’s fingernail, may be placed to grip the connecting element 60 prior to removal. The recesses 90 are shown to have a semi-circular cross section. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also contemplated, for example rectangular or triangular. The recesses 90 may be cut-outs within the first planar end surface 66 of the connecting element 60. The cut-outs may be quarter-spherical, or cuboidal.

[0090] In use, a user may insert a tool, finger, or fingernail into the second cavity 50 of each module section 10 to grip the end of the connecting element 60. Once the connecting element 60 has been gripped, the user may pull it away from the side surfaces 17 of each part 10.

[0091] is a perspective view of another arrangement of two adjacent parts 10 of modules 200 connected via the connecting element 60. The parts 10 are arranged such that their upper surfaces 13 lie in the same plane, with one part 10 in front of the other part 10. The channels 20 of each part 10 are aligned such that they form a single elongated channel. This might be useful where two box shelves are arranged adjacent one another one behind the other to create a deeper shelf unit.

[0092] The first portion 70 of the connecting element 60 is shown to be located within the first cavity 40 of the front part 10. The first portion 70 is also in the first cavity (not shown) of the back part 10. The second cavity 50 of the front part 10 is shown to be vacant, with the first portion 70 located within the first cavity 40 of the front part 10. Whilst not shown, it will be appreciated that the second cavity of the back part 10 will also be vacant, with the first portion 70 located in the first cavity of the back part 10.

[0093] A space is shown between the adjacent parts 10, and between the connecting element 60 and each part 10, of Figures 4 to 6 for illustrative purposes. However, it will be appreciated that in use the adjacent parts 10 may be in contact with each other, and the connecting element 60 may be in contact with each part 10.

[0094] It will also be appreciated that a channel may be arranged in any side of the modules 200. A plurality of channels within each module 200, or each part 10, are also contemplated.

[0095] In use, with the connecting element 60 within the channels 20 of two adjacent parts 10, if a user wishes to disconnect the two adjacent parts 10, the user may place the tip of a pair of pliers, into each second cavity 50. With the tips of the pliers within each second cavity 50, a user may be able to grip the end of the connecting element 60. The user may then be able to pull the connecting element 60 to remove it from the channels 20 of the parts 10.

[0096] In this way, where a piece of furniture utilising the modular system, such as the furniture structure 100 in, is against, or affixed to, a wall, a user may remove the connecting element 60 simply by pulling it out of the channels 20 in a direction away from the wall, rather than first detaching and / or moving the furniture structure 100 to provide space to push the connecting element from the channels.

Claims

A modular furniture system, the modular system comprising:a plurality of modules, each module comprising a body having a surface, and a channel within the body, the channel comprising an opening located on the surface and a first and second cavity each located within the body, wherein the first cavity is located between the opening and the second cavity; anda connecting element for releasably connecting two adjacent modules, the connecting element comprising a first portion having a cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size substantially equal to the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the first cavity, and an opposing second portion, also having a cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size substantially equal to the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the first cavity, such that the first and second portions are configured, in use, to fit within the channel of a module;wherein, two adjacent modules are arranged to be releasably connectable, in use, by the first portion of the connecting element being locatable, in use, within the opening and first cavity of the channel of one of the two modules, such that the second cavity is arranged to remain vacant, and the second portion of the connecting element being locatable, in use, within the opening and first cavity of the channel of the other of the two modules, such that the second cavity is arranged to remain vacant, thereby releasably connecting two adjacent modules.The modular furniture system of claim 1, wherein the first cavity comprises a trapezium-shape cross-section, with the shorter side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium arranged adjacent to the opening, and the longer side of the two parallel sides of the trapezium arranged adjacent to the second cavity.The modular furniture system of either of claim 1 and claim 2, wherein the second cavity of a module comprises a square or rectangular cross-section.The modular furniture system of any preceding claim, wherein the connecting element comprises an elongate bar, and the first portion and second portion are arranged symmetrically relative to each other about a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate bar.The modular furniture system of claim 4, wherein the elongate bar comprises a first end opposite to a second end, and at least one of the first and second ends comprises a recess.The modular furniture system of any preceding claim, wherein the edges of the opening of a channel of a module comprise a fillet or a chamfer.The modular furniture system of any preceding claim, wherein at least one module comprises a plurality of channels within the body.The modular furniture system of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of channels are perpendicular or parallel to each other.A method of connecting two adjacent modules within a modular furniture system, the method comprising the steps of:providing two modules and a connecting element of any preceding claim;aligning the surface of one module adjacent to the surface of the other module such that the opening of the channel of one module is aligned with the opening of the channel of the other module; andinserting the connecting element into the channel of each module such that the first portion of the connecting element is inserted into the opening and first cavity of the channel of one module, the second portion of the connecting element is inserted into the opening and first cavity of the other module, and the second cavity of each channel of each module remains vacant, thereby connecting the two adjacent modules.A method of connecting two adjacent modules within a modular furniture system, the method comprising the steps of:providing two modules and a connecting element of any preceding claim;aligning the surface of one module adjacent to the surface of the other module such that the opening of the channel of one module is aligned with the opening of the channel of the other module; andinserting the connecting element into the channel of each module such that the first portion of the connecting element is inserted into the opening and first cavity of the channel of one module, and into the opening and first cavity of the other module, and the second cavity of each channel of each module remains vacant, thereby connecting the two adjacent modules.

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