U.S. patent application number 11/399389 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for modular furniture and method of forming same.
Invention is credited to Christopher A. Lizell.
Application Number | 20060186770 11/399389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324245 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060186770 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lizell; Christopher A. |
August 24, 2006 |
Modular furniture and method of forming same
Abstract
A modular furniture assembly including a first freestanding
furniture unit having a frame with a first side having a first
preformed hole, and the frame supporting a sink. The assembly
further including a second freestanding furniture unit having a
first side with a second preformed hole, and a first fastener
positioned within the first and second preformed holes to secure
the first and second furniture units together to from an integral,
first furniture assembly. Also, a method of forming a modular
furniture system, including opening a first preformed hole in a
first freestanding furniture unit by removing a first removably
replaceable plug from within the first preformed hole, opening a
second preformed hole in a second freestanding furniture unit by
removing a second removably replaceable plug from within the second
preformed hole, and positioning a first fastener within the first
and second preformed holes to secure the first and second furniture
units together to from an integral, first furniture assembly.
Inventors: |
Lizell; Christopher A.;
(Green Lane, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEDNAREK;PILLSBURY WINTHROP SHAW PITTMAN LLP
1650 TYSONS BOULEVARD
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
46324245 |
Appl. No.: |
11/399389 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11167186 |
Jun 28, 2005 |
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11399389 |
Apr 7, 2006 |
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60582813 |
Jun 28, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/228.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 77/04 20130101;
A47B 87/008 20130101; A47B 96/20 20130101; A47B 91/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/228.1 |
International
Class: |
A47B 77/08 20060101
A47B077/08; A47B 81/00 20060101 A47B081/00 |
Claims
1. A modular furniture assembly, comprising: a first freestanding
furniture unit having a frame with a first side having a first
preformed hole, said frame supporting a sink; a second freestanding
furniture unit having a first side with a second preformed hole;
and a first fastener positioned within the first and second
preformed holes to secure the first and second furniture units
together to from an integral, first furniture assembly.
2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first furniture
unit has feet with adjustable leveling devices.
3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said adjustable
leveling devices include a threaded element.
4. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first furniture
unit has a first opening extending through a second side that is
structured and arranged to receive a conduit.
5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein said first opening
extends through a baseboard that is positioned under said sink.
6. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein said second side is a
rear vertical side of said first furniture unit.
7. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the second side of
the first furniture unit is covered with a removably replaceable
panel and the first opening extends through said panel.
8. A method of forming a modular furniture system, comprising:
opening a first preformed hole in a first freestanding furniture
unit by removing a first removably replaceable plug from within the
first preformed hole; opening a second preformed hole in a second
freestanding furniture unit by removing a second removably
replaceable plug from within the second preformed hole; and
positioning a first fastener within the first and second preformed
holes to secure the first and second furniture units together to
from an integral, first furniture assembly.
9. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: removing the
first fastener from the first and second preformed holes and
closing the first preformed hole again by reinserting a plug into
the first preformed hole.
10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising: closing the
second preformed hole again by reinserting a plug into the second
preformed hole.
11. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: removing the
first fastener from the first and second preformed holes;
positioning the first fastener within the first preformed hole of
the first freestanding furniture unit and within a third preformed
hole in a third freestanding furniture unit to secure the first and
third furniture units together as an integral, second furniture
assembly.
12. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: further
securing the first and second furniture units together with a
second fastener extending through additional predrilled holes in
said first and second furniture units after removing an additional
releasably securable plug from each of the additional predrilled
holes.
13. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: adjusting
leveling devices on the feet of the first and second furniture
units to level the single furniture assembly.
14. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: forming a
first opening in the first furniture unit; and connecting a conduit
to the first furniture unit, the pipe extending through the first
opening.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the first opening
extends through the baseboard.
16. A method according to claim 14, wherein the first opening
extends through a rear side of the first furniture unit.
17. A method according to claim 8, further comprising: covering an
opening in a first side of the first furniture unit with a
removably replaceable panel, the first furniture unit having a
frame and four sides, and the opening leading to the interior of
the frame; removing the panel from the first side to expose the
opening in the first side; and attaching one of a door and a drawer
to the first side to provide selective access to the opening and to
the interior of the frame.
18. A method of forming furniture, comprising: covering an opening
in a first side of a freestanding furniture unit with a removably
replaceable panel, the furniture unit having a frame and four sides
and the opening leading to the interior of the frame; removing the
panel from the first side to expose the opening in the first side;
attaching a device to the first side to provide selective access to
the opening; and opening and closing the device to selectively
access the interior of the frame.
19. A method according to claim 18, wherein opening and closing the
device includes pivoting open a door.
20. A method according to claim 18, wherein opening and closing the
device includes sliding open a drawer.
21. A method according to claim 18, further comprising: removing
the device that provides selective access to the opening; and
replacing the panel to its previous position on the first side of
the first free standing furniture unit.
22. A method according to claim 18, further comprising: providing
one of a drawer and a door to another side of the freestanding
furniture unit that is opposite to the one side of the furniture
unit.
23. A method according to claim 18, further comprising: adjusting
leveling devices on the feet of the first and second furniture
units to level the single furniture assembly.
24. A method of forming a modular furniture system, comprising:
opening a first preformed hole in a first freestanding furniture
unit by removing a first removably replaceable plug from within the
first preformed hole; and positioning a first fastener within the
first preformed hole to secure the first furniture unit to a second
furniture unit as an integral, first furniture assembly.
25. A method according to claim 24, further comprising: removing
the first fastener from the first preformed hole and closing the
first preformed hole by reinserting a plug into the first preformed
hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/167186, filed Jun. 28, 2005, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/582,813, filed
Jun. 28, 2004. Each of the above-identified applications is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety,
respectively.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to furniture such as
cabinets and, in particular, to a cabinet structure for
accommodating conduits such as plumbing and electrical wiring and
outlets, and methods for forming modular cabinet assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One aspect of the present invention relates to a modular
furniture assembly, including a first freestanding furniture unit
having a frame with a first side having a first preformed hole,
said frame supporting a sink; a second freestanding furniture unit
having a first side with a second preformed hole; and a first
fastener positioned within the first and second preformed holes to
secure the first and second furniture units together to from an
integral, first furniture assembly.
[0004] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of
forming a modular furniture system, including opening a first
preformed hole in a first freestanding furniture unit by removing a
first removably replaceable plug from within the first preformed
hole; opening a second preformed hole in a second freestanding
furniture unit by removing a second removably replaceable plug from
within the second preformed hole; and positioning a first fastener
within the first and second preformed holes to secure the first and
second furniture units together to from an integral, first
furniture assembly.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of
forming furniture, including covering an opening in a first side of
a freestanding furniture unit with a removably replaceable panel,
the furniture unit having a frame and four sides and the opening
leading to the interior of the frame; removing the panel from the
first side to expose the opening in the first side; attaching a
device to the first side to provide selective access to the
opening; and opening and closing the device to selectively access
the interior of the frame.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is a method of
forming a modular furniture system, comprising: opening a first
preformed hole in a first freestanding furniture unit by removing a
first removably replaceable plug from within the first preformed
hole; and positioning a first fastener within the first preformed
hole to secure the first furniture unit to a second furniture unit
as an integral, first furniture assembly.
[0007] Other objects, features, and advantages of the illustrated
embodiments of the present invention and the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description of the
illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying
drawings, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The illustrated embodiments of the present invention are
further described in the detailed description which follows, by
reference to the noted drawings by way of non-limiting exemplary
embodiments, in which like reference numerals represent similar
parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system in an assembled position, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded view of
the exemplary removable modular baseboard system shown in FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
having a partially assembled removable modular baseboard system, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary removable
boards having notches that fit around conduits, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system that includes a detachable base with four
sides, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system that includes a detachable base with one
side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
containing a removable modular baseboard system without a base, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
containing a modular shelf unit and a removable modular baseboard
system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular furniture assembly
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of three units of the assembly
of FIG. 9 arranged in a different configuration than in FIG. 9 and
without side coverings or counter tops in accordance with another
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of units of the assembly of
FIG. 9 separate from each other and the other units of the
assembly.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-section along line 12-12 in FIG. 1 with
respect to the middle unit illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front view in partial cross-section of the unit
illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a rear view of two, attached furniture units in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a rear view of the two, attached furniture units
illustrated in FIG. 14 but showing the panels having been replaced
with a drawer and a door, in accordance with another embodiment of
the invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in
FIG. 6.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a partial, cross-sectional view similar to FIG.
13, but showing another foot configuration in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Before one or more embodiments of the invention are
described in detail, one skilled in the art will appreciate that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction, the arrangements of components, and the arrangement
of steps set forth in the following detailed description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various
ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The illustrated embodiments of the present invention, and
especially with respect to FIGS. 9-17, show a modular cabinetry
system composed of various configurations of freestanding furniture
modules. Each module may include provisions for such things as
modular connectivity, conduit routing, toe-kicks, and base seals
for kitchen and bath applications. The embodiments provide for a
simplified and completely non-marring installation process allowing
for the flexibility, value, and reuse properties of fine furniture
within common cabinetry applications. The embodiments may bridge
the gap between furniture and common cabinetry products by
providing, among other things, a secure and non-marring mounting
method, non-marring modular attachment method, a non-marring
conduit routing method, and a comprehensive toe-kick option with
non-marring base seals, all within a modular and freestanding
furniture design that presents many advantages over common
cabinetry products, as will be seen.
[0028] Among the wide variety of applications, some applications of
the invention may include kitchen cabinetry, kitchen islands, and
bathroom vanities. The invention may also find use in many other
applications where built-in cabinetry, or freestanding furniture is
utilized.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system 100 in an assembled position, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Removable
modular baseboard system 100 includes receiving frame 110 in which
a plurality of removable boards 130 is disposed. Removable boards
130 are shown in FIG. 1 as having substantially the same width and
substantially the same length. In another embodiment of the present
invention, removable boards 130 vary in width. In another
embodiment of the present invention, removable boards 130 vary in
length.
[0030] Receiving frame 110 defines the board-receiving area.
Receiving frame 110 is constructed from a single sheet of material.
In another embodiment, receiving frame 110 is constructed from two
or more pieces of material.
[0031] Receiving frame 110 is mounted on top of base 120. Brush
seal 160 is affixed to the other side of base 120. Base 120 and
brush seal 160 define the height of the access area beneath
removable boards 130. Brush seal 160 is designed to contact the
floor. An exemplary brush seal 160 includes a polypropylene bristle
in a metal channel with an overall height of approximately 0.88
inches. Brush seals are manufactured by Precision Brush Company of
Solon, Ohio, for example. Bristle material and color is chosen
depending on the application and customer preference. For example,
in a kitchen or bath area, a bristle material resistant to water,
fungus, and bacteria, such as nylon or polypropylene, is used. In
other applications such as entertainment centers, horse or goats
hair bristles are used for the desired look, color, and feel. The
bristle density can also be chosen to suit particular applications.
For example, if the cabinet is placed over an HVAC vent, a lower
bristle density is chosen for greater airflow. In a kitchen area, a
very high density bristle is chosen for a tighter seal against
water, dirt, and pests.
[0032] Alternatively, brush seal 160 could be any air permeable
barrier that allows the passage of air, compensates for the
unevenness of a floor, and eliminates any gaps visible between the
bottom of the cabinet and the floor. For example, plastic strips or
cloth strips could be used in lieu of a brush seal.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exploded view of
the exemplary removable modular baseboard system 100 shown in FIG.
1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In
FIG. 2, removable boards 130 are shown with varying widths.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows that base 120 and brush seal 160 define the air
gap between receiving frame 110 and the floor. FIG. 2 also shows
that removable boards 130 are supported by lip 170 formed in
receiving frame 110. Removable boards 130 are also held in place by
contact with each other. Removable boards 103 can rest next to each
other or can interlock, such as by tongue and groove connections.
If air circulation is desired, boards 103 can be placed with slight
gaps in between adjacent boards. Lip 170 is formed around a board
receiving area of receiving frame 110. In another embodiment of the
present invention, lip 170 is created by the connection of base 120
to receiving frame 110.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
300 having a partially assembled removable modular baseboard system
100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Receiving frame 110 is connected to a cabinet housing so that brush
seal 160 makes contact with the floor. Receiving frame 110 and
removable boards 130 function as the bottom shelf of cabinet 300.
The opening of receiving frame 110 and the opening of base 120
allows plumbing and electrical wiring to pass from the floor into
cabinet 300.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing exemplary removable
boards 130 having notches 180 that fit around conduits, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Removable
boards 130 allow notches 180 to be cut outside of the interior
space of a cabinet. In another embodiment of the present invention,
at least one removable board of removable boards 130 contains
pre-cut notches 180 of varying sizes and shapes. In another
embodiment of the present invention, notches 180 of different sizes
and shapes are pre-scored on at least one removable board of
removable boards 130 to allow for easy removal during installation
(e.g., the notches can be conveniently punched out). In another
embodiment of the present invention, at least one removable board
of removable boards 130 contains on at least one side pre-marked
notches 180. In another embodiment, notches on adjacent boards 103
can be aligned to accommodate a conduit in between both boards.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system 500 that includes detachable base 520 with
four sides, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Removable modular baseboard system 500 also includes
receiving frame 110, brush seal 160, and a plurality of removable
boards (not shown). Detachable base 520 is connected to receiving
frame 110. One or more sides of detachable base 520 can be removed
from detachable base 520 and receiving frame 110. In an alternative
embodiment, instead of configuring base 520 of removable modular
baseboard system 500 to be detachable, base 520 can be a built-in
non-removable base to provide added strength if necessary for
certain cabinet applications.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary removable
modular baseboard system 600 that includes a detachable base 620
with one side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. Detachable base 620 is connected to receiving frame 110.
An air permeable seal 160 is attached to base 620.
[0039] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a
modular shelf unit without a base, which can be positioned, for
example, in a cabinet toward the bottom as a removable modular
baseboard or higher in the cabinet as a removable modular shelf.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet 700
containing a removable modular baseboard system without a base, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Cabinet 700
includes receiving frame 110 and a plurality of removable boards
130. A removable modular baseboard system without a base is used to
give cabinetry a more furniture like appearance. Receiving frame
110 can, however, be produced with pre-drilled holes to accommodate
installations with or without bases.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cabinet
800 containing a modular shelf unit and a removable modular
baseboard system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The removable modular baseboard system includes
receiving frame 110, plurality of removable boards 130, and base
120. The modular shelf unit includes receiving frame 810 and
plurality of removable boards 830. The modular shelf unit provides
additional storage space while allowing access to plumbing and
electrical wiring conduits.
[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates one example of a modular, freestanding
furniture assembly 10 formed from a number of individual
freestanding furniture units 12-16. Assembly 10 may be formed in
numerous configurations and from numerous types and styles of units
12-16, in addition to those illustrated in FIG. 9. The illustrated
assembly 10 shown in FIG. 9 is formed from five freestanding units
12-16, which may all be secured together to form a single modular
assembly 10. In FIG. 9, the units 12-16 include a tall cabinet 12;
a wide cabinet 13 with drawers 20 and a door 22; a single cabinet
14 with a single door 24 and a single drawer 26; a connector
cabinet 15 (best seen in FIG. 11); and a sink cabinet 16 with a
sink 28 and doors 30. The units 12-16 may be made from any of a
variety of appropriate cabinet and furniture materials, including
but not limited to wood.
[0042] Each unit 12-16 is versatile in that it can be transformed
between a freestanding piece of standalone furniture and a part of
a modular assembly. Additionally, each unit 12-16 individually may
be transformed to take on various configurations, as explained
below. As seen in FIG. 10, in their basic form, units 12-16 are
cabinet frames without sides, doors, or drawers and capable of
being joined with other units 12-16. In FIG. 10, some of the same
basic units 13, 15, and 16 from FIG. 9 are shown in a different
arrangement than that shown in FIG. 9.
[0043] In FIG. 10, sink cabinet 16 includes sink 28 attached to the
top of the frame 34, which includes four legs 41 and four feet 42
with each foot 42 supporting a respective leg 41 against the floor
50. At the bottom of the sink cabinet unit 16, removable boards
130, as discussed above and illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 may be
employed for the convenient passing of conduits, such as plumbing
pipes 104 and electrical wires 106. Connector cabinet unit 15 has
all sides removed and includes merely a frame 40, legs, 41, and
feet 42. FIG. 10 illustrates how connector cabinet unit 15 is
positioned in a corner of the module assembly 10 to be developed
with the two other units 16 and 13 that are positioned at a right
angle relative to each other. All side panels 76, as discussed
below, for the connector cabinet unit 15 have been removed. Wide
cabinet unit 13 includes a frame 46, legs 41, and feet 48 and has
all doors 22, drawers 20, and panels 76 removed resulting in the
door openings 23 and drawer openings 21 in the frame 46 being
revealed.
[0044] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the feet 48 of units 12-16 in
more detail. Since the feet 48 may be substantially identical for
all of the units 12-16, only the feet 48 of connector cabinet unit
15 are illustrated. Each foot 48 may include a device to make the
respective unit 12-16 level regardless of the unevenness of the
supporting floor 50 and so that the cabinetry may be resistant to
movement in order to preserve watertight seals for such things as
kitchen and bath countertops and to protect internally routed
conduits from unnecessary stress and damage. Thus, stability of
each unit 12-16 is provided through the use of the leveling
devices, which may be hidden within the feet 50.
[0045] As seen in FIG. 13, each foot 48 of connector cabinet 15
includes an adjustable leveling device 52 that is capable of being
adjusted up or down to change the effective height of its
respective foot 48. Various leveling devices may be used, including
leveling glides such as those manufactured by International
Equipment Components, Inc. The leveling device 52 illustrated has a
protective base 54, which includes a protective surface 55 to
protect the floor 50 from being scratched by the leveling device
52, and a protruding, threaded stud 56 that permits the base 54 to
be rotated and move up and down relative to a corresponding
threaded member 59, such as an insert nut, which is rigidly
attached to the foot 48. Since each of the four feet 48 of corner
cabinet 15 has a leveling device 52, the unit 15 may be leveled
regardless of the unevenness of the floor 50.
[0046] The leveling devices 52 may include vibration dampers
designed to resist and dampen applied forces, jolts, vibrations,
and impacts. The leveling device 52, as illustrated, employs the
protective surface 55, which may be formed from a resilient
material, such as neoprene, to form a built-in suspension system
and to permit the base 54 to contact the floor 50 with a powerful
friction grip to prevent movement of the unit 15. Thus, the surface
55 may not only provide protection for the floor, but it may also
provide dampening action and a friction grip between the cabinet 15
and the floor 50. Therefore, the unit 15 can remain freestanding
even against walls and can function with or without a rigid
attachment to a wall. Thus, the freestanding units 12-16 may be
easily secured to the floor 50, and wall damage may be avoided.
[0047] Each of the units 12-16 may be connected to each other by
attaching the frames of adjacent units 12-16 together. The units
12-16 may be attached in variety of ways, but the units are
illustrated as being attached by fasteners 60 (best seen in FIGS.
14 and 15) extending through holes 62 in the respective frame for
each of the units 12-16. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes
62 are predrilled so that each hole 62 can receive either a
fastener 60 or a plug 64 to hide its respective hole 62. The plug
64 may be, for example, a wooden insert that provides a finished or
decorative look to a frame when it is desired to use a unit 12-16
in a manner in which a side is facing away from a wall or is
otherwise in plain view.
[0048] The illustrated units 12-16 each have four pre-drilled holes
on each side through which a joining fastener 60 may be used to
secure the units 12-16 to each other. When not used, each hole may
be filled with a plug 64. Through the use of predrilled holes 62
and plugs 64, each unit 12-16 may give the appearance of being
finished on all four sides, when desired, while allowing for
various configurations as described herein, such as a right, or
left hand configuration, or a center island application with
opposite sides of a unit 12-16 being functional with drawers and
doors.
[0049] To attach one of the units 12-16 to an adjacent one of the
units 12-16, the two units to be connected are positioned adjacent
one another in an abutting relationship. Also, holes 62 of abutting
units 12-16 are aligned so that the units can be fastened together.
FIG. 14 illustrates the connection between connector cabinet unit
15 and single cabinet unit 14, as viewed from the side facing
toward from the rear view with respect to FIG. 1. To make the
connection, the plugs 64 are removed from all of the aligned holes
62 facing the opposite unit, and a fastener 60 is inserted through
each set of aligned holes 62. Any appropriate fastener may be
employed, including fasteners such as a joint connector bolt and
nut as manufactured by Stafast Products Inc. The fastener 60
illustrated in FIG. 14 is a two-piece fastener, with a threaded
female part 66 and a threaded male part 68. Each part 66, 68 has a
corresponding slotted head 70, 72 so that each head 70, 72 can be
turned by a tool, such as a screwdriver, to tighten the fastener 60
and secure the units 14 and 15 together. When it is desired to
separate the units 14 and 15, the procedure may be reversed. That
is, the fasteners 60 may be loosened and the parts 66 and 68
removed from their respective holes 62. Then, the units 14 and 15
may be physically separated, and a plug 64 may be reinserted into
each hole 62, which is shown in FIG. 14. Then, each of the units 14
and 15 may be used alone as a standalone unit or together with the
same unit or other units in a different configuration. The use of
the holes 62, fasteners 60, and plugs 64 permits the units to be
changed back and forth between various configurations and between
use of a single unit 12-16 as a standalone unit or as part of a
modular assembly, such as assembly 10.
[0050] Each of the units 12-16 may also utilize removable
baseboards 130 as described above, and removably replaceable
backing boards or panels 76, which can be modified for plumbing and
electrical conduits, 104, 106, entering from wall or floor areas.
Panels 76 may be constructed so that they are not load bearing and
may be replaceably attached to a frame member of a unit 12-16.
Therefore, structural modification of a panel 76 for such things as
the passing of conduits does not affect the structural integrity or
value of the particular unit 12-16. A new panel 76 may replace
previous panels 76 that have been altered for various reasons, such
as for the passing through of conduits. The removable baseboards
130 and panels 76 may also allow access to areas behind and beneath
the units 12-16. As described herein, the removable panels 76 may
be replaceable with drawers and/or door fronts for dual-side
applications.
[0051] FIG. 15 illustrates that each of the units 12-16 may have
removably replaceable side panels, such as panels 76, as in shown
in FIG. 14. When units 14 and 15 are, for example, against a wall,
the rear sides 74 and 75 of each unit, respectively, that is
against the wall may have a panel 76 that encloses the frame of the
unit. However, if it is desired to use the units 14 and 15 away
from the wall in, for example, a kitchen island cabinet where both
the front and rear of the unit can provide drawers and doors, each
panel 76 may be removed from its respective frame to uncover drawer
openings 21 and door openings 23 in the frame in the same manner as
described above with respect to FIG. 10. The panels 76 may be
secured in various, appropriate manners, including through the use
of dowel pins or fasteners extending between a panel 76 and the
frame. Any openings in the frame caused by the connection with a
panel 76 may be covered by a device similar to plugs 64 described
above. FIG. 15 illustrates the same rear sides 74, 75 of units 14
and 15, respectively, shown in FIG. 14, but with drawers 80 and a
door 82. Thus, the units 14 and 15 may be used in the center of a
room with drawers and doors accessible from both the front 84, 86
and rear sides 74, 76 of the units 14 and 15, respectively.
[0052] Each of the units 12-16 may include a removable toe-kick or
base 120 with a brush seal 160 as described and illustrated above
with respect to FIGS. 1-8. FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of a brush seal 160 with a brush 162 held by a support 164
that is rigidly attached to base 120 by an appropriate fastener
166, such as a screw.
[0053] As mentioned above, the units may take various
configurations. One such alternative configuration for a foot 48 of
a unit 12-16, is illustrated in FIG. 17, which illustrates a foot
88 that provides an additional thickened area 90 in the foot 88,
adjacent to the base 54 of the leveling device 52. Foot 88 further
provides the ability to support the unit, regardless of the use of
the leveling device 52.
[0054] The units 12-16 can be used differently depending on the
desired application. In one use, removably replaceable plugs 64 are
removed from within preformed holes 62 and a fastener 60 is
positioned within the preformed holes 62 to secure two of the units
12-16 together to from an integral, first furniture assembly 10.
Then, if it is desired to separate the units 12-16, the fasteners
60 may be removed and the holes 62 closed once again by plugs 64.
If it is later determined to reattach one or more of the units
12-16, the plugs 64 are removed and fasteners 60 employed once
again to joint abutting units 12-16, for example, a different
assembly 210 may be formed. Adjusting of leveling devices 52 and
the making of openings for conduits may occur at any time during
use of the units 12-16 and in any configuration. Similarly, when
covering an opening in a first side of a unit 12-16 with a
removably replaceable panel 76, a unit 12-16 may be used with a
panel 76 and then used without the panel 76 and, instead, with
doors and drawers. Further, if desired, the doors and drawers may
be removed and the panel 76 reinstalled. Similarly, if a panel 76
has been reconfigured for a dedicated purpose, such as having holes
for passing a conduit there through, and that purpose changes, the
panel 76 may be replaced with another panel 76.
[0055] The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the
present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and
modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above
disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the
claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
[0056] Further, in describing representative embodiments of the
present invention, the specification may have presented the method
and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of
steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not
rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method
or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of
steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would
appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore,
the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification
should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition,
the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present
invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps
in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily
appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *