U.S. patent application number 11/838486 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for furniture member attachment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to West & Knowles Design and Engineering, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Shane R. Gamble, Kevin J. Knowles, David J. Westendorf.
Application Number | 20090045666 11/838486 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40362388 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090045666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Westendorf; David J. ; et
al. |
February 19, 2009 |
Furniture Member Attachment System
Abstract
A furniture member joining system includes a U-shaped fastener
having first and second posts extending transversely from a post
body. First and second post receiving bight inserts are each
engageable with one of a first and second furniture member. The
first post is slidably received in the first bight insert and the
second post is slidably received in the second bight insert to
releasably couple the first furniture member to the second
furniture member.
Inventors: |
Westendorf; David J.;
(Monroe, MI) ; Knowles; Kevin J.; (Monroe, MI)
; Gamble; Shane R.; (Lambertville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
West & Knowles Design and
Engineering, L.L.C.
Monroe
MI
|
Family ID: |
40362388 |
Appl. No.: |
11/838486 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/440.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 4/03 20130101; A47C
4/02 20130101; A47C 13/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/440.1 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/00 20060101
A47C007/00 |
Claims
1. A furniture member joining system, comprising a U-shaped
fastener having first and second posts extending transversely from
a post body, wherein each of the first and second posts are adapted
to engage with one of a first and second furniture member to
releasably couple the first and second furniture members.
2. The furniture member joining system of claim 1, further
comprising: first and second post receiving bight inserts each
engageable with one of the first and second furniture members;
wherein the first post is slidably received in the first bight
insert and the second post is slidaby received in the second bight
insert to releasably couple the first furniture member to the
second furniture member.
3. The furniture member joining system of claim 2, further
comprising first and second fastener brackets each fastenably
connected to one of the first and second furniture members, each of
the first and second fastener brackets adapted to frictionally
receive one of the first and second bight inserts.
4. The furniture member joining system of claim 3, wherein each of
the first and second fastener brackets further includes a U-shaped
bight member receiving portion.
5. The furniture member joining system of claim 1, further
comprising an aperture created in each of the first and second
furniture members adapted to receive one of the first and second
posts.
6. The furniture member joining system of claim 1, wherein the
first post is longer than the second post.
7. A furniture member joining system, comprising: a U-shaped
fastener having first and second posts extending transversely from
a post body; and first and second post receiving bight inserts each
engageable with one of a first and second furniture member; wherein
the first post is slidably received in the first bight insert and
the second post is slidaby received in the second bight insert to
releasably couple the first furniture member to the second
furniture member.
8. The furniture member joining system of claim 7, further
comprising first and second fastener brackets each fastenably
connected to one of the first and second furniture members, each of
the first and second fastener brackets adapted to frictionally
receive one of the first and second bight inserts.
9. The furniture member joining system of claim 8, wherein each of
the first and second fastener brackets further includes a U-shaped
bight member receiving portion.
10. The furniture member joining system of claim 9, wherein each of
the first and second fastener brackets further includes first and
second planar wings each oppositely positioned about the bight
member receiving portion.
11. The furniture member joining system of claim 7, wherein each of
the first and second bight inserts includes: a tubular body; and a
plurality of bight elements created on the tubular body.
12. The furniture member joining system of claim 11, wherein each
of the first and second bight inserts further includes a flange
defining an end of the tubular body, the flange having a larger
diameter than a body diameter; and wherein the flange of each of
the first and second bight inserts is adapted to seat against an
upholstery member disposed on one of the first and second furniture
members.
13. The furniture member joining system of claim 10, wherein each
of the first and second bight inserts includes an aperture having
an aperture diameter adapted to slidingly receive one of the first
and second posts.
14. The furniture member joining system of claim 7, wherein the
first post is longer than the second post.
15. A furniture member joining system, comprising: a U-shaped
fastener having first and second posts extending transversely from
a post body; and first and second fastener brackets each fastenably
connected to one of a first and second furniture member; wherein
the first post is slidably received in the first fastener bracket
and the second post is slidaby received in the second fastener
bracket to releasably couple the first furniture member to the
second furniture member.
16. The furniture member joining system of claim 15, further
comprising first and second post receiving bight inserts each
engageable with one of the first and second furniture fastener
brackets, each of the first and second post receiving bight inserts
having an aperture adapted to slidably receive one of the first and
second posts.
17. The furniture member joining system of claim 16, wherein each
of the first and second bight inserts includes: a tubular body; and
a plurality of bight elements created on the tubular body.
18. The furniture member joining system of claim 17, wherein each
of the first and second bight inserts further includes a flange
defining an end of the tubular body, the flange having a larger
diameter than a tubular body diameter; and wherein the flange of
each of the first and second bight inserts is adapted to seat
against an upholstery member disposed on one of the first and
second furniture members.
19. The furniture member joining system of claim 14, wherein the
first post has a length greater than a second post length.
20. The furniture member joining system of claim 14, wherein each
of the first and second posts includes a free end defining a
rounded post apex adapted to permit insertion alignment and ease of
insertion of the posts.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices used to releasably
couple furniture members.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0003] Furniture members such as chairs, sofas, sectionals,
loveseats, and the like often include multiple members that can be
joined to create larger seating or reclining surfaces. Common
devices to attach multiple furniture members include fasteners such
as brackets which couple together, and plates joined individually
to each furniture member which are fastened together to
semi-permanently join the furniture members. Known joining methods
create alignment problems between the furniture members, are often
cumbersome and difficult for an end user to disassemble or
reassemble the furniture members, and require additional tools to
connect and/or disconnect the joining couplings. Known joining
methods are also prone to inadvertently disconnect or
disengage.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure,
a furniture member joining system includes a U-shaped fastener
having first and second posts extending transversely from a post
body, wherein each of the first and second posts are adapted to
engage with one of a first and second furniture member to
releasably couple the first and second furniture members.
[0005] According to additional embodiments of the present
disclosure, a furniture member joining system includes a U-shaped
fastener having first and second posts extending transversely from
a post body. First and second post receiving bight inserts are each
engageable with one of a first and second furniture member. The
first post is slidably received in the first bight insert and the
second post is slidably received in the second bight insert to
releasably couple the first furniture member to the second
furniture member.
[0006] According to still further embodiments of the present
disclosure, a furniture member joining system includes a U-shaped
fastener having first and second posts extending transversely from
a post body. First and second fastener brackets are each fastenably
connected to one of a first and second furniture member. The first
post is slidably received in the first fastener bracket and the
second post is slidably received in the second fastener bracket to
releasably couple the first furniture member to the second
furniture member.
[0007] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0008] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of two furniture members
joined using a joining system of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the two furniture
members of FIG. 1 joined showing inserted bight inserts of the
present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of a furniture member
having bight insert fastener brackets of the present
disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4 is the end elevational view of FIG. 3, after
installation of upholstery and insertion of the bight inserts into
the bight member fastener brackets;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a fastener bracket of
the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the fastener bracket of FIG.
5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a bight insert of the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the bight insert of FIG. 7;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a U-shaped fastener of
the present disclosure;
[0018] FIG. 10 is front elevational view of an installation of a
fastener bracket to a furniture member frame, and a bight insert
below an upholstery layer of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view similar to FIG. 10,
showing partial installation of a U-shaped fastener;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view modified from FIG. 11 to
additionally show a second furniture member frame member and
fastener assembly of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view modified from FIG. 12 to
show installation of a U-shaped fastener directly into abutting
furniture member frames;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a front elevational view modified from FIG. 13 to
show installation of a U-shaped fastener into bight inserts
inserted into abutting furniture member frames;
[0023] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of a molded polymeric
fastener bracket of the present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the molded polymeric fastener
bracket of FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings,
corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding
parts and features.
[0026] Referring generally to FIG. 1, a furniture assembly 10 can
include two or more furniture members which are temporarily and
releasably connected together. In several embodiments, a first
furniture member 12 and second furniture member 14 are joined and
retained as an assembly using at least one U-shaped fastener 16. In
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, first and second U-shaped fasteners
16', 16'' are used. U-shaped fasteners 16 are releasably insertable
through the face(s) of adjoining furniture portions such as
furniture upholstery face 18' and furniture upholstery face 18'' of
first and second furniture members 12, 14 respectively.
[0027] To help retain the U-shaped fasteners 16, according to
several embodiments a plurality of bight inserts 20 are first
inserted into adjoining and aligned furniture upholstery faces 18.
Bight inserts 20 which are aligned between the first and second
furniture members 12, 14 slidably receive and engage the U-shaped
fasteners 16. In the embodiment shown, bight inserts 20', 20'' are
connected through furniture upholstery face 18' and bight inserts
20''', 20'''' are connected through furniture upholstery face 18''.
According to several embodiments, U-shaped fasteners 16 can be made
of a metal such as steel or stainless steel, but can also be made
from a rigid polymeric material. Bight inserts 20 can be made such
as by injection molding from a polymeric material including
polyamide materials.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, each of the first and second
furniture members can further include an occupant back support
member 22 (shown as back support members 22', 22''), an occupant
lower support area 24 (shown as lower support areas 24', 24''), an
outward arm rest 26 (shown as arm rests 26', 26''), and an armrest
support structure 28 (shown as armrest support structures 28',
28''). Occupant lower support area 24 is commonly supported using a
plurality of springs (not shown) such as sinuous wire springs which
are overlayed with a cloth or matting material (not shown). An
additional cushion (not shown) is commonly stacked above each of
the occupant lower support areas 24', 24'' after insertion of the
U-shaped fasteners 16.
[0029] After frame structures of first and second furniture members
12, 14 have an upholstery covering provided, first and second
furniture members 12, 14 are butted against each other for example
having a first and second member side surface 30, 32 in abutment
with each other. At this time, a first and second member upholstery
surface 34, 36 of first and second furniture members 12, 14 should
be approximately co-planer with each other. With the first and
second furniture members 12, 14 aligned as shown in FIG. 2, bight
insert 20' is aligned with bight insert 20''' and bight insert 20''
is aligned with bight insert 20''''. The arrangement is then ready
to receive U-shaped fasteners 16', 16'' shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 3, a furniture member frame 38 which
is commonly manufactured from a plurality of wooden and/or
composite frame elements can include a frame side 40, a frame back
structure 42, a frame arm structure 44, and an arm support member
46. A front leg 48 and a rear leg 50 are also shown, however, it
should be obvious that two or more each of front legs 48 and rear
legs 50 are commonly used for each furniture member frame 38. Each
of the front and rear legs 48, 50 position furniture member 38
above a floor surface 52.
[0031] With the furniture frame 38 oriented as shown, at least one
fastener bracket 54 is connected to the furniture frame 38.
According to additional embodiments including the example shown,
two fastener brackets 54 identified as fastener bracket 54' and
fastener bracket 54'' are connected to frame side 40. More than two
fastener brackets 54 can also be used if the connecting side
lengths of the furniture members warrant additional fasteners.
Fastener brackets 54 each include a U-shaped bight member receiving
portion 56 shown in this embodiment as bight member receiving
portions 56', 56''. Bight member receiving portions 56 are adapted
to receive and engage the bight inserts 20 described in reference
to FIG. 1. Each of the fastener brackets 54', 54'' are oriented as
shown to align with an upper edge 58 of frame side 40. Fastener
brackets 54 are then connected to frame side 40 using a plurality
of fasteners 60 such as screws or rivets. Upper edge 58 of frame
side 40 is positioned at a height "A" with respect to the floor
surface 52. Each of the fastener brackets 54 is separated from the
other fastener brackets 54 by a bracket spacing "B". Bracket
spacing "B" is maximized so that when U-shaped fasteners 16 are
subsequently inserted the potential for separation between first
and second furniture members 12, 14 is minimized.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 4, an upholstery layer 62 is applied to
furniture member frame 38 in contact with upper edge 58 as shown.
Apertures (not clearly visible in this view) are created through
upholstery layer 62 co-axial with bight member receiving portions
56', 56'' for example by cutting, punching, or similar operation.
Bight inserts 20 which in the example shown are indicated as bight
inserts 20', 20'' are then inserted through these apertures. The
bight inserts 20', 20'' are each inserted in an insertion direction
"D" and an insertion direction "E" respectively. After application
of upholstery layer 62, an upholstered elevation "C" results. A
portion of bight inserts 20 abuts with and extends above the
upholstery layer 62. Additional layers of upholstery which are
commonly applied to frame back structure 42, frame arm structure
44, and arm support member 46 are not shown for clarity.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, each of the fastener brackets 54
includes first and second planar wings 64, 66 which are each
located outwardly of the bight member receiving portion 56. At
least one and preferably a plurality of apertures identified as
fastener receiving apertures 68', 68'', 68''', and 68'''' are
created in the first and second planar wings 64, 66 to permit
fastener bracket 54 to be fastened to the individual furniture
member. Each fastener bracket 54 has a bracket width "F" and a
bracket height "G". Bracket width "F" and bracket height "G" can be
dimensionally equal, however, the present disclosure is not limited
to the rectangular geometry or dimensions of fastener brackets
54.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, further details of fastener brackets 54
include a bracket plate thickness "H", a receiving portion radius
"J" defined by bight member receiving portion 56, and a receiving
portion stand-off dimension "K" of bight member receiving portion
56. According to several embodiments of the present disclosure,
bracket width "F" can be 2.18 inches (5.54 cm), bracket height "G"
can be 2.00 inches (5.08 cm), bracket plate thickness "H" can be
0.03 inches (0.76 mm), receiving portion radius "J" can be 0.36
inches (0.91 cm), and receiving portion stand-off dimension "K" can
be 0.72 inches (1.83 cm). These dimensions are provided for example
only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 7, each of the bight inserts 20
include a tubular body 70 having a plurality of bight elements 72
sequentially positioned in an axial direction of tubular body 70.
Each of the bight elements 72 include a bight face 74 which all
face toward a flange 76. Bight elements 72 are deflectable to allow
insertion of bight inserts 20. Bight inserts 20 include a bight
member length "L" and each of the bight elements 72 has a bight
length "M". Each of the bight elements 72 also has a minimum
diameter "N". A lead-in end of the bight inserts 20 have a diameter
"P" at a free end of each of the bight inserts 20 which define a
minimum diameter of the bight elements 72 and also provide for
easier initial insertion of bight inserts 20. Referring back to
FIG. 6, a dimension for receiving portion radius "J" is
predetermined to receive the minimum diameter "N" of body portion
of bight inserts 20 while frictionally engaging the bight elements
20. According to several embodiments of the present disclosure,
bight member length "L" can be 2.125 inches (5.39 cm), bight length
"M" can be 0.15 inches (0.38 cm), diameter "N" can be 0.72 inches
(1.83 cm), and lead-in diameter "P" can be 0.64 inches (1.63 cm).
As previously noted, these dimensions are not limiting to the
present disclosure.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, each of the bight inserts 20 further
include a post receiving aperture 78 created throughout the total
bight member length "L" including through flange 76. Flange 76 has
a flange diameter "Q" and post receiving aperture 78 has a post
aperture diameter "R". According to several embodiments flange
diameter "Q" can be 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), and post receiving
aperture diameter "R" can be 0.52 inches (1.32 cm).
[0037] Referring to FIG. 9, each of the U-shaped fasteners 16
include a base portion 80 having a base portion width S, and each
of a first post 82 and a second post 84. First post 82 has a first
post length "T" and second post 84 has a second post length "U".
First post length "T" is greater than second post length "U" to
allow U-shaped fasteners 16 to accommodate minor discrepancies in
the elevation as well as alignment between the various furniture
members to be joined. The difference in post length also allows
first post 82 to be partially inserted in one of the bight inserts
20 while aligning second post 84 with the corresponding aligned one
of the other bight inserts 20. Each of the first and second posts
82, 84 define a post to base angle alpha with base portion 80.
According to several embodiments, post to base angle alpha is
approximately 90.degree..
[0038] First post 82 has a free end defined by a first post apex
86. Similarly, second post 84 has a free end defined by a second
post apex 88. The rounded post apexes 86, 88 of the first and
second posts 82, 84 are adapted to permit insertion alignment and
ease of insertion of the posts. U-shaped fasteners 16 have a post
diameter "V" which is maintained for both the first and second
posts 82, 84. A post spacing "W" is maintained between first and
second post apexes 86, 88. According to several embodiments of the
present disclosure, first post length "T" can be 2.5 inches (6.35
cm), second post length "U" can be 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), post
diameter "V" can be 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), and post spacing "W" can
be 3.3125 inches (8.41 cm). Referring to both FIGS. 8 and 9, post
receiving aperture diameter "R", which in the present example is
0.52 inches (1.32 cm), is larger than post diameter "V" 0.5 inches
(1.27 cm) to allow a sliding clearance fit for the first and second
posts 82, 84. These dimensions are exemplary only and do not limit
the size or shapes of the components of the present disclosure,
which can be scaled up or down or sized differently for different
furniture member applications within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 10 through 12, the difference in post
length between first and second posts 82, 84 can also accommodate
insertion of the U-shaped fasteners 16 below an existing layer of
upholstery if desired rather than above the upholstery layer. As
shown in FIG. 10, fastener bracket 54' is fastened to a furniture
member frame 90. A bight insert 20' is inserted through upholstery
layer 62' and into the bight member receiving portion 56' of
fastener bracket 54'. An upper surface of the flange 76' of bight
insert 20' is positioned substantially flush or co-planar with an
upper edge 92 of furniture member frame 90. An upholstery layer 94
is then applied to the furniture member frame 90 above the bight
insert 20', but is not fastened to the frame 90 proximate to bight
insert 20'. As shown in FIG. 11, this allows the upholstery layer
94 to be lifted proximate to bight insert 20'. After lifting
upholstery layer 94, the longer first post 82' of U-shaped fastener
16' is partially inserted into bight insert 20' and the shorter
second post 84' is positioned as shown.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 12, a bight insert 20'' is installed
similar to bight insert 20' through upholstery layer 62'' and under
an upholstery layer 96 of a furniture member 98 (which is shown
lifted away from bight insert 20''). The shorter second post 84' is
then readied for insertion by aligning with the post receiving
aperture 78'' of bight insert 20'' and both first and second posts
82', 84' can then be fully inserted. Both upholstery layers 94 and
96 can be replaced above the furniture member frames 90, 98. This
configuration allows the installation of U-shaped fasteners 16
which can be kept substantially out of sight for furniture members
such as chairs which do not have a cushion member installed after
installation of the U-shaped fasteners 16.
[0041] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 3, and 9 in additional
embodiments of the present disclosure, the bight inserts 20', 20'',
20''', and 20'''' can be eliminated if the furniture members 12, 14
each include a frame structure having a width sufficient to allow
apertures to be created in the frame structure which can
accommodate the diameter of the posts 82, 84. These embodiments
also permit the elimination of the fastener brackets 54. According
to additional embodiments, the fastener brackets 54 can be
eliminated if the furniture members 12, 14 each include a frame
structure having a width sufficient to allow apertures to be
created in the frame structure which can accommodate the diameter
of the bight inserts 20. According to still further embodiments,
the bight inserts 20 can be eliminated by creating fastener
brackets with a post receiving diameter adapted to slidably receive
the diameter of posts 82, 84. Fastener brackets of these
embodiments can be created from a metal or a polymeric
material.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 13, a U-shaped fastener 16' is shown
inserted through upholstery layers 62', 62'' and into the furniture
member frames 90, 98. This embodiment eliminates both the bight
inserts 20 and the fastener brackets 54. Apertures (not shown), can
be pre-formed such as by drilling into each of furniture member
frames 90, 98 to receive the posts 82', 84' of U-shaped fastener
16'.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 14, the embodiment of FIG. 13 can be
modified by inserting bight inserts 20', 20''' through upholstery
layers 62', 62'' and into furniture member frames 90, 98 prior to
insertion of U-shaped fastener 16'. This embodiment provides bight
inserts 20', 20''' which frictionally engage within apertures (not
shown) created in furniture member frames 90, 98, but eliminates
the fastener brackets 54.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, according to further
embodiments, a homogenous, one-piece body, molded polymeric
fastener bracket 100 can be used in place of fastener bracket 54.
Similar to fastener brackets 54, fastener bracket 100 includes a
bight member receiving portion 102, and first and second planar
wings 104, 106 which are each located outwardly of the bight member
receiving portion 104. At least one and preferably a plurality of
apertures identified as fastener receiving apertures 68', 68'',
68''', and 68'''' are created in the first and second planar wings
104, 106 to permit fastener bracket 100 to be fastened to the
individual furniture member. Similar to fastener brackets 54, each
fastener bracket 100 has a bracket width "F" and a bracket height
"G". Bracket width "F" and bracket height "G" can be dimensionally
equal, however, the present disclosure is not limited to the
rectangular geometry or dimensions of fastener brackets 100.
Further details of fastener brackets 100 include a bracket plate
thickness "H", a receiving portion radius "J" defined by bight
member receiving portion 102, and a receiving portion stand-off
dimension "K" of bight member receiving portion 102.
[0045] The furniture member attachment system of the present
disclosure offers several advantages. The U-shaped fasteners of the
present disclosure allow two or more furniture members to be
releasably joined without the use of additional tools. The
different length posts of the U-shaped fasteners allow insertion of
a longer first post in a first furniture member to help align the
second furniture member before insertion of the second shorter
post. Post receiving bight inserts made of a polymeric material can
be installed through upholstery layers of the furniture member and
provide a sliding fit to receive the posts of the U-shaped
fastener. Misalignment of the furniture members can also be
accommodated by the different post lengths and angular engagement
of the U-shaped fasteners.
* * * * *