U.S. patent application number 12/176781 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-22 for wall system having furniture modules and accessories for attaching and finishing the modules.
This patent application is currently assigned to Bush Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to John M. Green, Gregory J. Mager, Michael Manis.
Application Number | 20090021122 12/176781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40264280 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090021122 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; John M. ; et
al. |
January 22, 2009 |
Wall System Having Furniture Modules and Accessories for Attaching
and Finishing the Modules
Abstract
A furniture system has multiple modules in which two or more
modules may be arranged together in a variety of combinations.
Adjacent modules may be attached using turnbuckles which evenly
space the modules and provide a gap between modules. The gap may be
masked with removable pilasters that match the finish of the
furniture modules. The outer walls of each module are unfinished
and therefore end caps may be secured to the outer walls of an
assembled system. The end caps match the finish of the modules.
Each module has associated with it height adjustable rollers and at
least one of those rollers may be locked to prevent rotation.
Inventors: |
Green; John M.; (East Otto,
NY) ; Manis; Michael; (Kennedy, NY) ; Mager;
Gregory J.; (Frewsburg, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE WEBB LAW FIRM, P.C.
700 KOPPERS BUILDING, 436 SEVENTH AVENUE
PITTSBURGH
PA
15219
US
|
Assignee: |
Bush Industries, Inc.
Jamestown
NY
|
Family ID: |
40264280 |
Appl. No.: |
12/176781 |
Filed: |
July 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60961237 |
Jul 19, 2007 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
312/107 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 87/008 20130101;
F16B 12/10 20130101; A47B 47/0091 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/107 |
International
Class: |
A47B 77/00 20060101
A47B077/00 |
Claims
1. A furniture system comprised of: a) a plurality of separate and
distinct modules adjacent to one another defining interior modules
and two end modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer
walls; b) an apparatus for aligning and securing together adjacent
modules, wherein the apparatus has: 1) a first mounting bracket
secured to the outer wall of one of the modules; 2) a second
mounting bracket secured to the adjacent outer wall of an adjacent
module; and 3) a mechanism for moving the module outer walls toward
one another and establishing a desired gap therebetween.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism is a
turnbuckle secured to the first and second mounting brackets,
wherein the turnbuckle may be rotated to pull the first mounting
bracket and the second mounting bracket together thereby moving the
module outer walls toward one another and establishing a desired
gap therebetween.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the turnbuckle is
comprised of a first part rotatively connected to a second part,
wherein each of the parts have internal threaded bores along a
common axis with bolts threadingly engaged therein, wherein
mounting plates are secured to the module outer walls, wherein each
mounting plate has a recess that non-rotatively captures the head
of each bolt such that rotation of the turnbuckle parts results in
the bolts being drawn into the threaded bores, thereby pulling the
outer walls together.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for
moving the module walls is positioned near the front of the modules
and at least one rigid spacer bracket is positioned away from the
mechanism to maintain the gap across the entire surface of the
outer walls.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein there is a least one
passageway positioned away from the mechanism, the passageway
extends within one module and is aligned with another passageway in
an adjacent module, and wherein the spacer bracket spaces engages
the passageways of the modules to space the modules at the desired
gap.
6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the passageway exposes
a portion of the wall thickness and the spacer bracket has a middle
portion and two opposing U-shaped ends and wherein the U-shaped
ends each straddle the thickness of a respective outer wall and
maintain the gap between the opposing walls.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein each mounting bracket
has a connecting pad mounted thereto facing the front of the module
to accept a pilaster with a color and texture similar to the color
and texture of the adjacent modules for masking the gap between the
modules and providing a seamless transition therebetween.
8. The system according to claim 7, further including a pilaster
secured to the connecting pad.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the connecting pad has
a Velcro surface to accept a mating Velcro surface on the back of
the pilaster.
10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the connecting pad and
the rear side of the pilaster are magnetically coupled.
11. In a furniture system having a plurality of separate and
distinct modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer walls,
a front surface having a color and texture and wherein when modules
are adjacent to one another there is a gap therebetween defined by
the distance between the outer walls, an apparatus for masking the
gap comprised of: a) a pad connected to an outer wall of the first
module; b) a pad connected to an outer wall of the second module;
and c) a pilaster secured to each pad over the gap, wherein the
pilaster has a similar color and texture to that of the adjacent
modules.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pilaster is
attached to the connecting pad through a Velcro connection
13. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pilaster is
magnetically attached to the connecting pad.
14. A furniture module having opposing walls and rollers secured
thereto for moving the module back and forth, wherein the module is
comprised of: a) at least three roller brackets secured to the
module; b) an adjustable roller frame secured to each roller
bracket, wherein the adjustable roller frame is movable up and down
relative to the roller bracket to adjust the height for leveling
the module.
15. The furniture module according to claim 12, further including;
a) a roller wheel secured within each roller frame; and b) a
locking member within at least one roller frame.
16. The furniture module according to claim 15, further including a
wheel and the locking member is movable relative to the wheel of
the roller frame to lock and unlock the wheel from rotation.
17. For a furniture system having at least two modules adapted to
be positioned adjacent to one another wherein each module has front
walls with a decorative appearance having a texture and color and
outer walls, an assembly for providing matching decorative ends to
cover the outer walls comprised of: a) a decorative end cap having
a texture and color similar to that of the module front face; b) a
first connector attached to the end cap; and c) a second connector
mounted to the outermost face of a module adapted to be secured to
the first connector to secure the end cap to the module, such that
with the end caps in place, there is a seamless transition between
the decorative front surface and the decorative end caps.
18. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein each end cap has at
least one module bracket that fixes to a mounting bracket secured
to the outer exposed surface of a module.
19. The assembly according to claim 16, wherein the end cap module
bracket has a locking tab that engages a receiving opening within
the mounting bracket.
20. A furniture system comprised of: a) a plurality of modules,
each module having a decorative front face and exposed outer walls,
wherein the modules are positioned adjacent to one another to
define within the group interior modules and two end modules; b) a
first mounting bracket secured to the outer walls of one modules;
c) a second mounting bracket secured to an adjacent outer wall of
an adjacent module; and d) a turnbuckle secured to each pair of
first and second mounting brackets, wherein the turnbuckle may be
rotated to pull the first mounting bracket and the second mounting
bracket together thereby moving the module outer walls toward one
another and establishing a desired gap therebetween; e) a pilaster
secured between each adjacent module to mask the gap, wherein each
pilaster has the color and the texture of the adjacent modules such
that the transition therebetween is seamless; and f) a decorative
end cap secured to the exposed outer walls of the end modules,
wherein the end cap has a color and texture similar to that of the
end modules such that the transition therebetween is seamless.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/961,237 filed Jul. 19, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) furniture
and more particularly, to furniture modules that are provided with
hardware permitting easy assembly and disassembly while, at the
same time, retaining continuity between modules to provide the
appearance of a continuous furniture system.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The assembly and disassembly of RTA furniture modules to
provide a furniture system often times becomes difficult because,
in order for the modules to provide an aesthetically pleasing
appearance, adjacent modules must be uniformly spaced apart, while
at the same time, uniformly level so that they appear to be one
continuous unit. Because of the weight of individual furniture
modules, manipulating and securing adjacent modules together is
difficult and without proper initial alignment of the modules,
fasteners that may be used to attach modules in the end may produce
an undesirable result of misaligned furniture modules.
[0006] A system is required for aligning and securing together
furniture modules to produce a furniture system having modules that
are properly leveled, properly aligned, and bridged with connection
pieces, thereby producing an aesthetically pleasing and securely
mounted furniture system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In a furniture system having a plurality of separate and
distinct modules adjacent to one another defining interior modules
and two end modules, wherein each module has two opposing outer
walls, one embodiment of the invention is directed toward an
apparatus for aligning and securing together adjacent modules. The
apparatus has a first mounting bracket secured to the outer wall of
one of the modules, a second mounting bracket secured to the outer
wall of an adjacent module, and a mechanism for moving the module
outer walls toward one another. The mechanism pulls the first
mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket together, thereby
moving the module outer walls toward one another and establishing a
desired gap therebetween.
[0008] In a furniture system having a plurality of separate and
distinct generally rectangular modules, wherein each module has two
opposing outer walls and, wherein when modules are adjacent to one
another, there is a gap therebetween defined by the distance
between the outer walls. Another embodiment of the subject
invention is directed to an apparatus for masking the gap. The
apparatus has a pad connected to an outer wall of the first module.
The pad is connected to an outer wall of the second module. A
pilaster is secured to each pad over the gap, wherein the pilaster
has a similar color and texture to that of the adjacent
modules.
[0009] Another embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a
furniture module having opposing walls and rollers secured thereto
for moving the module back and forth. The module has at least three
roller brackets secured to the module and an adjustable roller
frame secured to the each roller bracket. The adjustable roller
frame is movable up and down relative to the roller bracket to
adjust the height for leveling the module. A roller wheel is
secured within the roller frame and a locking member is movable
relative to the wheel of the roller frame to lock and unlock the
wheel from rotation.
[0010] For a furniture system having at least two modules adapted
to be positioned adjacent to one another, wherein the outer walls
of each module have exposed undecorated ends, yet another
embodiment of the subject invention is directed to an assembly for
providing decorative ends. The assembly has a decorative end cap, a
first connector attached to the end cap, and a second connector
mounted to the outermost face of a module adapted to be secured to
the first connector to secure the end cap to the module. With the
end caps in place, there is an appearance of continuity between the
end caps and the modules.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a furniture system comprised of eight
separate modules;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a front view of two modules
attached with a pair of turnbuckles;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating additional details of a
turnbuckle connecting two modules;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a view showing connecting pads with a fully
assembled turnbuckle;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a view showing magnetic material connecting
pads;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective of a turnbuckle and the
brackets associated with each module for securing the
turnbuckle;
[0017] FIG. 5A is an assembled top view of the arrangement
illustrated in FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a drawing of the connecting pads located between
furniture modules for receiving a pilaster;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a module illustrating
passageways located in the rear of the outer wall of the
module;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing two modules secured using a
connecting bracket securing the passageways between adjacent
modules;
[0021] FIG. 9 is a drawing of a roller system attached to the
bottom of a module for rolling the module into position;
[0022] FIG. 9A is a bottom view of a typical module showing the
location of one set of rollers;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a drawing of a view inside in a module
illustrating the access holes for the rollers in the rear of the
module;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a drawing of a left end cap used as a finishing
piece on the left side of the end module;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a view of the end cap illustrated in FIG. 11
showing additional details;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective end view of the end cap
illustrating the manner by which the end cap is secured to a
module;
[0027] FIGS. 14-18 illustrate different types of modules;
[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates a furniture system with a different
configuration from that illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 20 illustrates a single module with end caps attached
thereto which may be used as a single furniture piece;
[0030] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an additional
style of module;
[0031] FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a corner
module;
[0032] FIG. 23 shows an exploded perspective view of a pilaster;
and
[0033] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a left end cap and a
right end cap 87.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a furniture system 10 comprised of a
plurality of interconnected furniture modules. In particular, from
left to right in the sequence of their attachment are a standard
module 15, an office module 20, a library module 25, a corner
module 30, a standard module 35, another standard module 40, an
entertainment module 45 and finally, a standard module 50. As will
be seen, each of these modules is separate and distinct from one
another and is connected together using fasteners, pilasters and
end caps that will be hereinafter described in detail. Standard
module 15 and standard module 50, since they are at the ends of the
system 10, are end modules while the remaining modules in the
system 10 are interior modules.
[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a pair of modules which, for
purposes of this specification, will be referred to as a first
module 60 and a second module 65. The purpose of such a generic
label is to make clear that the first module 60 and second module
65 are representative of any of the previously described or other
modules and any one module may be connected to any other module to
provide an expandable independent and portable furniture system
comprised of one or more of a variety of modules. Directing
attention to FIG. 2, first module 60 has a first opposing outer
wall 70 and a second opposing outer wall 75. Additionally, each
module may have a bottom strip of decorative molding 80 and a top
strip of decorative molding 82. The first module 60 is connected to
the second module 65 utilizing a mechanism for moving the module
outer walls 70,75 and therefore the entire modules 60,65 toward one
another. This mechanism may be at least one turnbuckle 100,
although as illustrated in FIG. 2, there are three turnbuckles 100.
The purpose of the turnbuckles 100 are two-fold. First of all, the
turnbuckle 100 is designed to urge the first module 60 toward the
second module 65 and, second of all, the turnbuckle 100 bottoms
out, such that, in the closed position, the distance between the
first opposing outer wall 70 of the second module 65 and the second
opposing outer wall 75 of the first module 60 is uniform for each
turnbuckle 100. It should be noted with the turnbuckle 100 in
place, there is a gap 102 between the first module and the second
module 65. Briefly returning to FIG. 1, a pilaster 105 is used to
cover the gap 102 between adjacent modules such as the standard
module 15 and the office module 20. The pilaster 105 has the same
finish and same color and texture (decorative pattern) as the
adjacent modules 15, 20 and, when properly placed and secured,
provides a continuous appearance between adjacent modules.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a turnbuckle 100
connecting a first opposing outer wall 70 to a second opposing
outer wall 75. The connecting pads 110 are used to connect
pilasters and are not directly associated with the turnbuckle 100.
Therefore, the connecting pads will not be discussed at this
point.
[0037] An exploded view of the turnbuckle 100 and the hardware used
to connect the turnbuckle 100 to the first opposing outer wall 70
and the second opposing outer wall 75 is illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0038] Directing attention to FIGS. 4 and 5, the turnbuckle 100 is
used for aligning and securing together the first module 60 and the
second module 65. A first mounting bracket 115 is secured to the
second opposing outer wall 75 of the first module 60. A second
mounting bracket 120 is secured to the first opposing outer wall 70
of the second module 65, which is adjacent to the first module 60.
The turnbuckle 100 is secured to the first mounting bracket 115 and
to the second mounting bracket 120. Directing attention to FIG. 5,
the turnbuckle 100 is made up of a first part 125 and a second part
130. The first part 125 includes a protrusion 127 having a circular
groove 129. The protrusion 127 fits within a recess 131 within the
second part 130. A pin 132 fits within an offset passageway 133 in
the second part 130 such that when the first part 125 is secured
against the second part 130 the pin 132 engages the circular groove
129 and restricts translation between the first part 125 and the
second part 130 but permits rotation about a central axis 135
extending therethrough. The first part 125 has a threaded bore 136
to accept the threaded shank 138 of bolt 140. Similarly, the second
part 130 has a threaded bore 142 which accepts the threaded shank
144 of bolt 146. FIG. 6 illustrates the placement of the first
mounting bracket 115 of the second opposing outer wall 75 of the
first module 60 and the second mounting bracket 120 on the first
opposing outer wall 70 of the second module 65. The first mounting
bracket 115 and the second mounting bracket 120 are secured to
their respective outer walls 75, 70 using fasteners, such as screws
148, passing through holes 150 extending through the brackets 115,
120.
[0039] Bracket 115 and bolt 146 (FIG. 5) will now be discussed with
the understanding that these same features apply to bracket 120 and
bolt 140.
[0040] Bracket 115 includes a protruding portion 152 which is
spaced from the mounting plate portion 154 to define a recess 156
therein. Protruding portion 152 additionally has a slot 158 with a
width greater than the diameter of the threaded shank 144. However,
the bolt 146 additionally has a non-circular head 160 which, in
FIG. 5, is illustrated as a square which is larger than the slot
158. The non-circular head 160 is positioned within the recess 156
and is held non-rotationally therein. When the first part 125 is
engaged with the second part 130, these two parts may rotate
relative to one another but are axially restrained by the pin 132
engaged within the circular groove 129. As illustrated in FIG. 5A,
the first part 125 and the second part 130 each have a series of
flats 162, 164 about their periphery suitable for receiving a
wrench. Therefore, with the bolt 140 partially engaged within the
threaded bore 136 of the first part 125 and the second bolt 146
partially engaged within the threaded bore 142 of the second part
130, the first part 125 and the second part 130 may be rotated
relative to one another to further engage each of the bolts 140,
146 and pull the adjacent modules together.
[0041] Directing attention to FIG. 4, when the turnbuckle 100 is
engaged with the first mounting bracket 115 and the second mounting
bracket 120, rotation of the flats 162, 164 and the turnbuckle 100
results in the second opposing outer wall 75 and the first opposing
outer wall 70 being pulled together a predetermined distance, which
occurs when the turnbuckle bottoms out. In its loosened state, the
non-circular head 160 of each bolt 146, for example, may be easily
placed within the recess 156 (FIG. 4) of each mounting bracket 115,
120 and the turnbuckle tightened to pull the opposing outer walls
75, 70 together.
[0042] Returning to FIG. 3, since the turnbuckle 100 must be
rotated manually with a wrench, access to the turnbuckle 100 is
important and, for that reason, the turnbuckle 100 is placed near
the front of the furniture modules. However, it is also desirable
to secure the rear portion of the modules.
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates the typical first opposing outer wall 70.
Of particular interest are two passageways 165, 166 extending
through the opposing outer wall 70. Although not illustrated in
this figure, the second opposing wall 75 has similar passageways.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the first opposing outer wall 70 of
a second module 65 is aligned with the second opposing wall 75 of a
first module 60, the passageways 165, 166 are aligned with one
another. The passageways 165, 166 are large enough to accommodate
the hand of a user and, as a result, a spacer bracket 170 having a
first U-shaped portion 172 fits around and straddles the thickness
of the second opposing outer wall 75 while the second U-shaped
portion 174 fits around the first opposing outer wall 70. The
middle portion 176 of the spacer bracket 170 is sized such that the
distance between the first opposing outer walls 70 and the second
opposing outer wall 75 in the region of the spacer bracket 170 is
identical to the distance between the first opposing outer wall 70
and the second opposing outer wall 75 adjacent to a tightened
turnbuckle 100. Additionally, the passageways are positioned away
from the turnbuckles 100 to maximize the effectiveness of the
spacer brackets 170. In such a fashion, the first opposing outer
wall and second opposing outer wall are uniformly spaced along
their entire surfaces.
[0044] Directing attention to FIGS. 9 and 10, each module, for
example standard module 40, has attached thereto rollers for moving
the module 40 back and forth. In particular, a roller 180 is
comprised of a roller bracket 182 secured to the module 40. An
adjustable roller frame 184 is secured to the roller bracket 182.
The adjustable roller frame 184 is moveable up and down relative to
the roller bracket 182 to adjust the height of the module 40. In
particular, a leveling bolt 186 is threadingly engaged within the
roller bracket 182 and abuts the roller frame 184 such that
rotationally advancing the leveling bolt 186 urges the roller
bracket 182 away from the roller frame 184, thereby lifting the
module 40. The roller 180 is further comprised of a roller wheel
190 secured within the roller frame 184 and permitted to rotate.
However, a locking bolt 192 is threadingly engaged with the roller
frame 184 and is moveable relative to the wheel 190 of the roller
frame 184 to lock and unlock the wheel 190 from rotation by contact
with the roller wheel 190. It should be noted that the roller 180
found in FIG. 9 is mounted toward the front and to the outside of
the module wall. The roller 180 is located within the gap 102 (FIG.
2) created by two adjacent modules. As a result, both the leveling
bolt 186 and the locking bolt 192 are easily accessible from the
front of the modules. As seen in FIG. 9A, there are two front
rollers 180 mounted to the outside of the module 40 outer walls 70,
75.
[0045] However, directing attention to FIGS. 9A and 10, there are
also two rollers 195 mounted toward the rear and inside of the
module 40. These rollers 195 are identical to rollers 180 but do
not have the locking bolt 192 hardware. These rollers 195 are not
as accessible and, as a result, access holes 194 are provided in
the rear and through the bottom of each module. A tool may be
inserted therein to engage the leveling bolt 186 of the rollers
195. Rollers 195 and rollers 180 may be adjusted to level the
entire module 40. As stated, the back portion of each module has a
set of rollers 195 with a leveling bolt 186 but do not include a
locking bolt 192. This feature is present only in the front rollers
of the module 40.
[0046] As previously mentioned, FIG. 1 illustrates a left end cap
85 and a right end cap 87 which have decorative moldings and the
same color and texture as each of the modules. Regardless of the
module selection for the furniture system, the left end cap 85 and
the right end cap 87 will always be present. The outer walls 70,75
of each module are unfinished surfaces and therefore the end
modules have outer walls that, without end caps, would be exposed.
As an example and as illustrated in FIG. 7, which shows a typical
first opposing outer wall 70, the wall is plain and undecorated and
the second outer opposing wall 75 is the same. As a result, the end
caps 85, 87 and the pilasters (to be discussed) are finishing parts
that provide a continuous appearance to any furniture system that
may be assembled in accordance with the subject invention.
[0047] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate different views of the left
end cap 85. However, it should be appreciated that the decorative
features of the end cap 85 illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are
slightly different from those illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the
general purpose of the end cap 85 providing a continuous appearance
at the end of the module string is achieved through the design
associated with FIGS. 11-13 and, for that reason, while it should
be noted that the decorative trim of end cap 85 is missing in FIGS.
11-13, the same principles apply and the same reference numbers
will be utilized.
[0048] The left end cap 85 is comprised of a front panel 202 and a
side panel 205 which are designed to blend with the design of the
modules in accordance with the furniture system.
[0049] Although the left end cap 85 will be discussed, it should be
appreciated that the right end cap 87 has identical features
although reversed to accommodate the opposite side of the furniture
system.
[0050] On the inner surface of the side panel 205 are mounted a
plurality of identical brackets 207 having a mounting plate portion
209 secured to the inner surface 211 of the side panel 205 by
fasteners 213. Extending from the mounting plate portion 209 is a
cantilevered portion 215 which extends into a locking tab 217
oriented approximately perpendicular to the cantilevered portion
215. FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of the left end cap 85
secured to an adjacent module such as the standard module 15.
Mounted upon the first opposing outer wall 70 of the standard
module 15 are mounting brackets 220 with fasteners 222. The
mounting brackets 220 have a mid-portion 225 spaced from the first
opposing outer wall 70 to define a receiving opening 227. The
locking tabs 217 of the brackets 207 fit from above within the
receiving opening 227 to support and properly locate the left end
cap 85 upon the adjacent standard module 15. It should be noted
that the length of the cantilevered portion 215 should be sized
such that the front panel 202 abuts with the first opposing outer
wall 70 of the standard module 15. As a result, the undecorated
ends of any particular module may be provided with a left end cap
85 or a right end cap 87, each of which is decorated to match the
decor or the adjacent module. The bracket 207 attached to the left
end cap 85 and the mounting bracket 220 attached to the first
opposing outer wall 70 of the module, act to secure the end cap 85
to the module 15.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 1, between each of the modules is a
pilaster 105 which covers the gap 102 (FIG. 3) between each module
with a panel that blends in appearance and provides a continuum
between the modules. Directing attention to FIG. 4, pads 110 are
connected to the first opposing outer wall 70 and the second
opposing outer wall 75 of modules that are adjacent to one another.
As a general guideline, a pair of connecting pads 110 may be
located adjacent each of the turnbuckles 100. As illustrated in
FIG. 4, each connecting pad 110 is comprised of a layer of plastic
Velcro which mates with opposing plastic Velcro (not shown) mounted
upon the inside surface of the pilaster 105. In another embodiment,
as illustrated in FIG. 4A, magnetic material connecting pads 110
may be used in place of the plastic Velcro connecting pads 110 to
mate with opposing steel plates (not shown) on the inner surface of
the pilaster 105. As a result, when two modules are adjacent to one
another, with a gap 102 therebetween, defined by the distance
between the first opposing outer wall 70 of one module and the
second opposing outer wall 75 of another module, a pilaster 105 is
secured by connecting pads 110 to cover the gap 102, wherein the
pilaster 105 has a decorative pattern and profile similar to that
of the modules. It should be noted that in FIG. 1, the top and
bottom of each module has decorative trim and the pilaster will
have matching identical decorative trim as well.
[0052] While FIG. 1 illustrated a plurality of different types of
modules, all that is required for any customized module to be
compatible with the furniture system described herein is that the
module have a first opposing outer wall 70 and a second opposing
outer wall 75 similar to that described herein. As a result, a
module can have any number of designs or features. FIGS. 14-18
illustrate different types of modules that are compatible with the
subject furniture system.
[0053] Again referring to FIG. 1, eight separate modules are
illustrated to form a relatively large furniture system 10.
However, FIG. 19 illustrates an arrangement where only the office
module 20, the standard module 15 and a second standard module 35
are assembled. Left end cap 85 is secured to standard module 15 and
right end cap 87 is secured to standard module 35, wherein each
module is also secured to the office module 20. Pilasters 105 are
secured between the standard module 15 and the office module 20 and
between the office module 20 and the standard module 35.
[0054] Although the furniture system so far described has addressed
multiple modules, directing attention to FIG. 20, it is entirely
possible for a consumer to purchase a single module such as the
entertainment module 230 and attach thereto the left end cap 85 and
the right end cap 87 to provide a stand-alone furniture system with
only a single module.
[0055] FIG. 21 illustrates a perspective view of an additional
style of module.
[0056] FIG. 22 illustrates the corner module 30 showing the first
opposing outer wall 70 oriented perpendicular to the second
opposing outer wall 75.
[0057] FIG. 23 shows the front portion 107 and the top portion 109
of a typical pilaster 105, including the top decorative molding 80
and the bottom decorative molding 82.
[0058] FIG. 24 shows additional details of a left end cap 85 and a
right end cap 87, including the top decorative molding 80 and the
bottom decorative molding 82.
[0059] While specific embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that various modifications and alternatives to those details
could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the
disclosure. The presently preferred embodiments described herein
are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope
of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the
appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
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