• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Abstract A hub assembly configured to join two or more elements of a modular furniture frame to each other. The hub assembly comprises a plurality of components that are rotatable around an axis and are adapted to be fixable in an angular relationship to each another. At least two of the components are first frame connectors that are adapted to connect a tubular frame member perpendicular to the axis of rotation. wt, Nt It Fiur 1
    公开号:AU2013204494A1
    申请号:U2013204494
    申请日:2013-04-12
    公开日:2014-03-06
    发明作者:Matthew Thomas Cramsie
    申请人:Thinking Ergonomix Pty Ltd；
    IPC主号:A47B13-00
    专利说明:
    1 MODULAR TABLE FRAME SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to tables and in particular to a modular frame system for supporting a table-top surface that is configurable in multiple arrangements. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Furniture designs and in particular, designs of tables, that have a frame which supports a top surface have been known for some time. It is commonplace in such designs that a frame is constructed to provide a rigid structure having a number of vertical legs, on a top of which is provided a table-top, which can either be affixed or supported. In some applications, such as when furnishing an office environment, it is preferable to provide a modular table system which may be built from a kit consisting of a number of common parts to construct furniture which can be adapted to suit particular environmental or user requirements. The benefits of utilising a modular furniture system include a decreased complexity of installation and a reduction in manufacturing costs by eliminating (or at least reducing) the cost of producing many different components. For example, when furnishing a work place, common scenarios may include adapting the dimensions of a table or desk to fit within the restricted dimensions of an office space, attaching multiple desk surfaces together to create a work station or fixing table surfaces together having different shapes to create particular table geometry to suit a purpose or room layout. In the past a number of solutions have been provided to attempt to resolve this problem. For example, United States patent no. 20120073480 entitled 2 "Table system" in the name of Daniel Korb, discloses a modular table system having a frame to support a table surface which has interchangeable joints to allow different frame members to be attached to adjust the dimensions of the frame or top attach satellite table surfaces to provide additional work spaces. Whilst the invention disclosed provides a table system that is adaptable according to the user and environmental requirements, it requires a considerable number of frame and joint components to do so, and is consequently complex and time consuming to assemble. Furthermore, due to this complexity of its construction, the invention is difficult to modify once assembled should the usage requirements of the table change. European patent no. 1234526 entitled "Tubular-frame structure for supporting surfaces" in the name of Leonardo S.r.l. discloses an alternative modular table system having a frame to support a table surface. The invention defines a frame constructed from a series of hollow tubular members into the end of which joints are inserted which fix the tubular members in angular positions in relation to one another. Whilst this system may prove relatively adaptable to suit a range of table top sizes or environmental requirements, the fixed angular relationship of the joints limits the number of arrangements the frame may be configured into and would also require an excessive number of components to adapt the system to suit certain requirements. Accordingly, it would be useful to provide a modular table system that may be adapted to many configurations in order to support a range of table top surface geometries and suit different usage requirements. It would be advantageous for such a system to be constructed from a kit comprising few discrete components in order to minimise material usage and production expense. Such a system would preferably be simple and quick to assemble and should also be able to be easily modified once assembled to suit an alternative arrangement should the user or environmental requirements change, for example, when moving office locations.
    3 Preferably a solution is provided that avoids or substantially alleviates any of the disadvantages present in the prior art or which provides an alternative to the prior art approaches. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hub assembly configured to join two or more elements of a modular furniture frame to each other, the hub assembly comprising a plurality of components rotatable around an axis and adapted to be fixable in an angular relationship to each another, wherein at least two components are first frame connectors adapted to connect a tubular frame member perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Preferably, each component has one or more substantially planar attachment regions, having at least two planar surfaces arranged substantially perpendicular to and at least partially surrounding the axis of rotation. Preferably, the attachment region of a first component is arranged in contact with an attachment region of a second component. The hub assembly preferably comprises at least one pair of identical components, wherein an attachment region of the first component is disposed in an inverted orientation with respect to the axis of rotation and in relation to an attachment region of the second component. In one embodiment, the hub assembly comprises one pair of identical components, which are first frame connectors. In this embodiment, the hub assembly preferably additionally comprises at least two spacer components disposed between each first frame connectors. Most preferably, at least one of the spacer components is a second frame connector. The hub assembly 4 preferably further comprises a second pair of identical components, which are second frame connectors. Preferably, each frame connector has a frame member dock adapted to connect with a frame member, the frame member dock having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of a frame member connected to the frame member dock, and wherein the longitudinal axis of each frame member dock is located substantially on the same plane as the longitudinal axis of each other frame member dock in the hub assembly. Preferably, the height of each attachment region extends in the direction of the axis of rotation, and wherein one planar surface of the attachment region of the first frame connector is spaced apart from its longitudinal axis by a distance equal to half of the total height of each attachment region of each other component in the hub assembly. Preferably, one planar surface of the attachment region of the second frame connector is substantially collinear with its longitudinal axis. Preferably, at least one of the components is adapted to connect to a leg component and at least one of the components is adapted to be affixed to a surface. In one of the preferred embodiments, one or more of the components has an array of apertures through its attachment region in an annular region concentric to the axis of rotation. In another embodiment, one or more of the components has at least one slot through its attachment region arranged in an annular region concentric to the axis of rotation.
    5 Preferably, at least one of the components is adapted to support a substantially planar surface, and at least one of the components is adapted to connect to a cap component adapted to support a planar surface. Preferably, the cap includes a deformable region, which is preferably an elastomeric component. Preferably, each attachment region has a first side surface having at least one protrusion extending from the surface and arranged in an annular region concentric to the axis of rotation, and an opposing side surface having at least one complimentary recess arranged in a complimentary annular region. The hub assembly preferably has an array of alternating complimentary protrusions and recesses arranged in each annular region. Preferably, each protrusion is a substantially hemispherical dome. In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modular table frame for supporting a surface, the frame comprising at least one hub assembly adapted to connect one or more lateral frame members around an axis and at least one leg; each leg being adapted to connect to the hub assembly; and wherein each frame member is rotatable around the at least one hub assembly in a plane substantially parallel to the surface being supported. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that in the context of this specification the term 'modular' refers to a system of common parts that may be adapted to provide alternative configurations.
    6 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a table frame system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a leg, hub assembly and two brace members which comprise part of the table system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3A is an exploded view of a hub assembly in a first configuration, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B is an exploded view of a hub assembly in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4A is a perspective view of a first brace joint component, used as a top or bottom part of a hub assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4B is a perspective view of a first brace joint component, in accordance with alternative preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a second brace joint component, used as either central part of a hub assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 6A is an exploded view of a hub assembly in a second configuration, in accordance with a different preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 6B is an exploded view of a hub assembly in a second configuration, in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a hub assembly having two brace joint components; 7 Figures 8a - 8f are top views of the hub assembly shown in Figure 7 having each brace joint arranged in a number of different configurations in relation to one another; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, showing hub assembly having three brace joint components; Figures 10a - 10h are top views of the hub assembly shown in Figure 9 having each brace joint arranged in a number of different configurations in relation to one another; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a further alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, showing a hub assembly having four brace joint components; Figures 12a - 12h are top views of the hub assembly shown in Figure 11 having each brace joint arranged in a number of different configurations in relation to one another; Figure 13 is a side view of a table frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, affixed to a surface; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the table frame shown in the previous figure; Figure 15 is a perspective view of another aspect of the invention, showing a cap component; Figure 16 is a cross-section view of the cap component shown in the previous figure having an insert in its central well feature; Figure 17 is an exploded view of the cap component shown in Figure 16 in relation to a table frame as shown in Figure 14; Figure 18 is a side view of a table frame system as shown in the previous figure, supporting a table-top surface.
    8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention relates to a modular furniture frame system for supporting a surface, the frame system being adaptable to provide a range of different configurations according to user requirement. The system is provided as a kit of a limited number of different, common components that are adaptable according to different usage scenarios to suit a wide range of environmental restrictions, particularly relating to the geometry of a surface being supported or the support of multiple surfaces. The invention is particularly useful to also provide a structure for tables or desks, however it may also be used to provide a frame for a chair, stool, bench, shelving system or other similar furniture component. The invention has particular relevance when installed in office environments, where tables or desks are often required to be adapted when assembled according to environmental or user requirements and also may need to be modified at a later date due to a change in location or usage. In such instances, it is advantageous to provide a kit in accordance with the present invention that comprises multiples of common components to allow the construction of a frame according to user requirements conveniently and efficiently. In addition to providing conventional tubular frame members and legs, the kit includes one or more hub assemblies configured to provide the junctions between the furniture frame components, such as brace members and legs. Each hub comprises a number of joints able to be rotated around a common axis, to which tubular members are attached and arranged in a desired angular relationship with respect to one another. The hub provides a joint between frame elements that allows elements that are substantially on the same plane to be varied to an infinite number of positions in relation to each other around a common axis and secured in a preferred position. Each hub is also adapted to secure at least a portion of 9 leg component substantially parallel to its axis of rotation and also to support or be attached to a table-top surface. Each hub assembly comprises pluralities of identical components which, when arranged in an inverted orientation with respect to each other and to the common axis, provide an alternative function. For example, one component of the hub when connected to the hub in a first orientation with respect to the common axis of rotation, will provide a 'top' part of the hub, whereas the same component when connected to the hub in an inverted orientation will provide the 'bottom' part of the hub. Similarly, an alternative component can provide either a 'second' or 'third' component of the hub, dependent on the orientation it is secured around the axis of rotation. By using only a few different parts, the hub provides a simple to assemble, variable-angle joint that is cost effective, utilised a reduced amount of material and minimises production costs. The hub is also simple to adjust once assembled, only requiring a single fixture to be removed, allowing the components parts of the hub to be rotated to different angles if required, or additional components added into the assembly to create a different joint. As such, the hub assembly is a significantly more convenient, efficient and cost effective solution for constructing modular furniture frames than those found in the prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in the furniture industry, aesthetic appearance is an important factor which impacts upon the appeal of different furniture systems. Due to the simplicity of the hub assembly design of the present invention, the invention provides a compact and aesthetically pleasing solution within a modular furniture system. Furthermore, through utilising a combination of reversible joint and spacer components, the overall height dimension of the hub remains constant, further increasing its aesthetic and functional appeal. Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular furniture frame structure in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the 10 invention, where the frame is configured as a table 1, supporting a table top surface 2. In the drawing, the table-top is a rectangular, glass sheet however, this is merely an example of a surface that can be supported by the present invention and it will be appreciated that the system can be adapted to support many different table-top surfaces of different geometries and materials. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the frame includes four brace elements 3, four legs 4 and four hub assemblies 5, each hub arranged at a junction of one or more brace elements and a leg, securing the brace elements at right angles to one another such that the braces are positioned substantially on the same horizontal plane. Whilst four of each component is shown, this is will be appreciated to represent only one example of how the invention may be configured and that other number of braces, legs and hub assemblies may be provided to construct alternative embodiments of the invention to support different table-top surfaces or other items. In Figure 1, two different brace members or elements 3 being different lengths are shown, allowing a rectangular shaped frame to be constructed. However, it is within the scope of the invention that brace elements are provided of many different lengths or profiles, according to user requirements. In some instances, a single brace member may be provided as a long, continuous tubular extrusion, which is cut to length when assembled to suit the desired table surface dimensions. Figure 2 shows a detailed, exploded view of two brace members 3, a leg 4 and a hub assembly 5. On the top surface of the leg there is an attachment surface 6 adapted to be affix the leg to the underside of the hub. A number of first fixtures 7 are also shown, in this case being screws, which pass through one or more apertures 8 arranged through each component of the hub assembly and aligned to allow the fixture to connect to a leg attachment surface 6. A number of second fixtures 9 are also shown which are inserted through apertures in each tubular brace 3 and into complimentary housings or apertures 10 in each frame connector of each hub assembly.
    11 Referring to Figure 3A an exploded view of a hub assembly 5 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, showing the components of a hub in a first configuration, to connect two brace elements to each other. The assembly includes two identical first frame connectors 11 rotatable around an axis and arranged in an inverted orientation to each other so that the same component provides the 'top' and 'bottom' components of the hub assembly, thereby reducing the number of different components required to construct a hub. Each frame connector has an attachment region 12 which at least partially surrounds a central axle aperture 13 and has at least two generally planar surfaces spaced apart from each other and arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation, such that the region 12 is rotatable when placed in contact with adjacent attachment regions of other components. Each frame connector also has a brace dock 14 having a protrusion configured to fit within a hollow tubular brace member. Whilst such an arrangement is preferred, it is within the scope of the invention that the brace dock 14 may be configured in other arrangements such as a socket into which a brace is inserted. Each dock 14 is also adapted to be fixed to a brace by using conventional fixtures such as screws or bolts which are secured through a brace and within one or more apertures in the dock. In Figure 3A, the frame connectors 11 are configured as 'top' and 'bottom' components of the assembly, as it is the attachment regions 12 of these components that are configured to provide the top or bottom layer of a stack of components connected to each other around a common axis in a hub assembly. The frame connectors in this arrangement have an attachment region 12 arranged generally adjacent, or in some cases spaced apart from, an upper surface of a brace dock 14 to enable the attachment regions of other components of the assembly to be arranged around the common axis, either above or below it. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3A, the hub assembly 5 also includes two identical spacer components 15 which are rotatable around the same axis as the frame connectors 11 and arranged either in the same orientation 12 or in an inverted orientation in relation to each other (as shown). Each spacer has an axle aperture 16, which is aligned with the axle aperture 13 of the frame connectors 11. A conventional fixture is passed through the axle aperture 16, in this case a bolt 17 within an associated spring 18, to connect the attachment regions 12 of the frame connectors 11 and spacers 12 to each other along the common axis of rotation. Whilst the assembly is shown as having four main components arranged around a common axis, it will be appreciated that this is merely one example of how the invention can be configured and that the invention may comprise any number of components arranged adjacent to one another around a common axis in a similar arrangement, to provide the desired combination of frame connectors and/or spacers. Each of the frame connectors 11 and spacers 12 have a complimentary array of fixture apertures 19 arranged at regular intervals in an annular region arranged concentrically to the axle apertures 13, 16, such that when the fixing apertures in each component are aligned, one or more fixtures, such as screws or bolts, can be inserted through an aperture of each component to fix a hub assembly 5 to a leg (as shown in the previous figure) or an underside of a table surface. In Figure 3A, each hub component 11, 15 has sixteen fixture apertures, allowing a fixture to be passed through to connect the hub to an article in a wide range of positions. However it is within the scope of the invention that each component has more or less apertures, according to the requirements of the system. In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 3B, at least the frame connectors 110 have one or more annular fixture slots 191, 192 arranged through each attachment region, instead of an array of fixture apertures. As above, to connect the hub to a surface, the slots are aligned with the fixture apertures 19 through the spacer components 15 to allow fixtures to be passed through each component and secure the hub assembly 5 to another component, such as a leg or table top. This arrangement is particularly preferable in some applications, as the 13 fixture grooves require less accurate aperture alignment and prove more convenient and less time consuming when arranging and fixing a hub to a component. The fixture grooves provide an easier to use system, with less obstacles to a fixture being inserted through the hub to connect the hub to another article. Whilst only the frame connectors 110 are shown with fixing grooves in the figure, it is considered within the scope of the invention that the spacer components may also have one or more fixture grooves instead of an array of fixture apertures, to further enhance the convenience and efficiency of securing an associated hub assembly to another article. In the embodiments illustrated in Figure 3A and 3B, each of the frame connectors 11, 110 and spacers 12 have at least one array of mating features 20, shown as alternating domed bosses and complimentary recesses, arranged at regular intervals in an annular region concentric to the axle apertures 13, 16 and on at least one planar surface of each attachment region. When the mating features 20 of each component are placed in contact with a a complimentary mating feature region of an adjacent component, as the components are connected around the common axis of the hub, and aligned such that the male features, being the domes, fit within the female features, being the recesses, the engagement between the opposing mating features is prevents each component being rotated in relation to each other around the central axis of rotation. It is preferable that domed bosses and recesses provide the male and female mating features 20, as such an arrangement is able to be rapidly engaged by a user without requiring precise alignment and provides sufficient engagement to prevent the components freely rotating in relation to each other. In other embodiments of the invention, the depth of engagement of the features may be optimised to provide varying degrees of secure attachment between components. Different engagement depths provide different relationship between the part, from gently obstructing the components from rotating in relation to each other to securely fixing the components firmly to each other in a specific angular relationship.
    14 Whilst it is preferable that the mating features 20 are formed from an array of a number of dome bosses and recesses are shown in the drawing, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other mating feature configurations are within the scope of the invention, to provide a different function. For example, a single ring that prudes from one component and fits within a complimentary recess in an adjacent part may be provided, which would allow the components to rotate freely in relation to each other, or alternatively only a few bosses protruding from one component and complimentary apertures arranged through an adjacent component may be employed to limit the number of angular relationships the components can be fixed to each other in. Figure 4A shows a perspective view of a frame connector 11 as described in the previous figure, configured to be the top or bottom component of a hub assembly by inverting the attachment region 12 in relation to the axis of rotation. In the figure, the mating features 20, being the alternating domes and recesses arranged in an annular region, have each dome shaded to clearly illustrate the alternating nature of the feature. The attachment region of each component of the hub has a corresponding complimentary region of mating features, configured such that when attachment regions of adjacent components are placed in contact and arranged around the same axis of rotation, the male features mate with the female features, when aligned in a number of positions, to fix the position of one component with respect to its adjacent component. The alternating mating feature arrangement is also particularly advantageous where the same arrangement is provided on both sides of an attachment region, as this allows each component to be used in either orientation and be secured to an adjacent component. Figure 4B illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment of a frame connector 110, having two fixture slots 191, 192 clearly showing the increased access this arrangement provides a user when attempting to secure one or more fixtures through fixture apertures in other components of the hub assembly. In this embodiment of the frame connector, the 15 attachment region 121 does not have an array of mating features and alternatively, has a single recessed mating groove 122, which when mated with an adjacent component having a mating ring (not shown) provides an alternative function, allowing the components to be continuously rotated and repositioned in relation to each other. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative frame connector 21 which may be substituted in place of one or more of the spacers 15 in the assembly illustrated in Figure 3 to connect a third brace member to the hub assembly 5. The frame connector comprises many features common to the frame connector 11 previously described, having an attachment region 22 configured to surround an axis, an axle aperture 23 and a brace dock 24, also in the form of a boss configured to fit within a tubular brace element. The dock feature also has one or more fixing apertures through which conventional fixings are passed to connect the dock to a brace. The attachment region also has at least one annular region having fixing apertures 25 and another having mating features 26 which are identical to those previously described, and which are configured to mate with an adjacent frame connector 11, 21 or spacer 15 component. As discussed above, each frame connector has a frame member dock 14, which is adapted to connect with a frame member 3. The frame member dock 14 has a longitudinal axis that is substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of a frame member 3 that is connected to the frame member dock. Where multiple components are put together to form the hub assembly, the longitudinal axis of each frame member dock 14 is located substantially on the same plane as the longitudinal axis of each other frame member dock in the hub assembly. The height of each attachment region 12 of each of the frame connectors 11, 21 extends in the direction of the axis of rotation. A planar surface of the attachment region 3 of the first frame connector 11, which is arranged substantially perpendicular to and at least partially surrounding the axis of rotation, is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis of the frame member 3.
    16 Where there are multiple components in the hub assembly, the distance of the planar surface of the attachment region 3 from the longitudinal axis of the frame member 3 is equal to half of the total height of each attachment region 3 of each of the other components in the hub assembly. Further, a planar surface of the attachment region 3 of the second frame connector 21 is substantially collinear with its longitudinal axis. In Figure 6A a hub assembly 5 is shown arranged in an alternative preferred embodiment, having two identical first frame connectors 11 and two identical second frame connectors 21 to allow up to four brace members to be joined to the hub. Both the first and second pairs of frame connectors are arranged having one of each pair in an inverted orientation in relation to its associated identical component. The position of each attachment region 12, 22 of each component in relation to its associate brace dock 14, 24 ensures that the same component can be used as either a top or bottom component, or as either of the central components, when the attachment regions of each are stacked one on top of another around a common axis, ensuring the brace dock remain substantially on the same, horizontal plane. In Figure 6B an exploded view of a hub assembly in accordance with an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, where both of the first frame connectors 110 have two elongated fixture slots 191, 192, which can be seen to readily align with the fixture apertures 25 through each second frame connector 21. Figure 7 shows an assembled hub assembly 5 according to a preferred embodiment, configured to affix two brace members to the hub, having two identical frame connectors 11 arranged in an inverted orientation to each other and two spacer components 15 attached to the hub between the attachment regions 12 of the frame connectors. Figures 8a - 8f show the hub assembly 5 illustrated in Figure 7 configured in a number of different arrangements to connect one brace member to another, having the longitudinal axis of each brace element arranged in a 17 desired angular relationship to the longitudinal axis of the other brace element, each longitudinal axis being positioned on the same plane. Figure 9 shows an assembled hub assembly 5 according to an alternative preferred embodiment, configured to affix three brace members to the hub, having two identical first brace joints 11 arranged in an inverted orientation to each other, a second alternative frame connector 21 and a spacer component 15, all of which affixed around a central axis of rotation. Figures 10a - 10h show the hub assembly 5 illustrated in Figure 9 configured in multiple arrangements to connect three brace members to each other, similarly having the longitudinal axis of each brace element arranged in a desired angular relationship to the longitudinal axis of each other brace element and each brace element longitudinal axis being positioned on the same plane. Figure 11 shows an assembled hub assembly 5 according to an additional alternative preferred embodiment, configured to affix four brace members to the hub, having two identical first brace joints 11 arranged in an inverted orientation to each other and two identical second frame connectors 21 arranged in an inverted orientation to each other, all of which affixed around a central axis of rotation. Figures 12a - 12h show the hub assembly 5 illustrated in Figure 11 configured in different arrangements to connect four brace members in different positions in relation to each other, with the longitudinal axis of each brace element being positioned substantially on the same plane. Figures 13 and 14 show a table system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention having a plurality of fixtures, in this case nails 25, inserted through the aligned fixing apertures 19 in each component of the hub 5 to affix the table frame to a table top surface 2. Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a cap component 26, adapted to be affixed to a component of the hub assembly 5. The cap has a planar 18 surface, in this example formed by the rim of a well 27, to support a table top surface. In Figure 16, a cross-section of the cap 26 is shown, where the cap also includes one or more inserts 28 in the well, such as a deformable elastomer disc or low shore hardness rubber bung, to support and grip a surface, such as a glass sheet. Whilst a deformable insert is preferred, it is also within the scope of the invention that more than one gripping feature may be included and produced from a range of materials to increase the friction between the cap and the table-top or provide a degree of suspension of the surface. Conversely, a rigid part may be inserted in this region, such as a stainless steel disc, that is adapted to be secured to the cap and fixed to a sheet of a material using an adhesive. Figure 17 is an exploded, detail view of a table system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, where the cap 26 having an insert 28 in its well is shown spaced apart from the table frame assembly previously shown in Figure. Figure 18 is a side, detail view of a table system in accordance with Figure 1, where the cap 26 is affixed to a brace joint 11 and a glass sheet, being the table top 2 is supported on the deformable insert 28 of the cap. In this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "comprising" has the non-exclusive meaning of the word, in the sense of "including at least" rather than the exclusive meaning in the sense of "consisting only of". The same applies with corresponding grammatical changes to other forms of the word such as "comprise", "comprises" and so on. It will be apparent that obvious variations or modifications may be made which are in accordance with the spirit of the invention and which are intended to be part of the invention. Although the invention is described above with reference to specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by 19 those skilled in the art that it is not limited to those embodiments and may be embodied in other forms. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The invention can be utilised in the production and assembly of furniture and in particular modular office furniture systems.
    权利要求:
    Claims (23)
    [1] 1. A hub assembly configured to join two or more elements of a modular furniture frame to each other, the hub assembly comprising a plurality of components rotatable around an axis and adapted to be fixable in an angular relationship to each another, wherein at least two components are first frame connectors adapted to connect a tubular frame member perpendicular to the axis of rotation.
    [2] 2. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein each component has one or more substantially planar attachment regions, having at least two planar surfaces arranged substantially perpendicular to and at least partially surrounding the axis of rotation.
    [3] 3. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein the attachment region of a first component is arranged in contact with an attachment region of a second component.
    [4] 4. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 3 comprising at least one pair of identical components, wherein an attachment region of the first component is disposed in an inverted orientation with respect to the axis of rotation and in relation to an attachment region of the second component.
    [5] 5. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 4, comprising one pair of identical components are first frame connectors.
    [6] 6. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 5, additionally comprising at least two spacer components disposed between each first frame connectors.
    [7] 7. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 6, wherein at least one of the spacer components is a second frame connector. 21
    [8] 8. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 5, further comprising a second pair of identical components are second frame connectors.
    [9] 9. A hub assembly in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each frame connector has a frame member dock adapted to connect with a frame member, the frame member dock having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of a frame member connected to the frame member dock, and wherein the longitudinal axis of each frame member dock is located substantially on the same plane as the longitudinal axis of each other frame member dock in the hub assembly.
    [10] 10. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein the height of each attachment region extends in the direction of the axis of rotation, and wherein one planar surface of the attachment region of the first frame connector is spaced apart from its longitudinal axis by a distance equal to half of the total height of each attachment region of each other component in the hub assembly.
    [11] 11. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 9, wherein one planar surface of the attachment region of the second frame connector is substantially collinear with its longitudinal axis.
    [12] 12. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the components is adapted to connect to a leg component.
    [13] 13. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the components is adapted to be affixed to a surface.
    [14] 14. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein one or more of the components has an array of apertures through its attachment region in an annular region concentric to the axis of rotation. 22
    [15] 15. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein one or more of the components has at least one slot through its attachment region arranged in an annular region concentric to the axis of rotation.
    [16] 16. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the components is adapted to support a substantially planar surface.
    [17] 17. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the components is adapted to connect to a cap component adapted to support a planar surface.
    [18] 18. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 14, wherein the cap includes a deformable region.
    [19] 19. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 15, wherein the deformable region is an elastomeric component.
    [20] 20. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein each attachment region has a first side surface having at least one protrusion extending from the surface and arranged in an annular region concentric to the axis of rotation, and an opposing side surface having at least one complimentary recess arranged in a complimentary annular region.
    [21] 21. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 17, having an array of alternating complimentary protrusions and recesses arranged in each annular region.
    [22] 22. A hub assembly in accordance with claim 18 wherein each protrusion is a substantially hemispherical dome.
    [23] 23. A modular table frame for supporting a surface, the frame comprising: at least one hub assembly adapted to connect one or more lateral frame members around an axis and at least one leg; 23 each leg being adapted to connect to the hub assembly; and wherein each frame member is rotatable around the at least one hub assembly in a plane substantially parallel to the surface being supported.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    US6824220B1|2004-11-30|Modular furniture retaining system
    US8671644B2|2014-03-18|Supporting frame
    US9655445B2|2017-05-23|Table benching apparatus and methods of using the same
    US10039374B2|2018-08-07|Multi-tiered workstation assembly
    AU2013204494B2|2016-11-17|Modular table frame system
    US9062483B1|2015-06-23|Free-wheeling hinge assembly
    WO2008088129A1|2008-07-24|Assembly structure of table easily arranged well
    KR200486872Y1|2018-07-10|Table assembly
    EP3437515B1|2020-08-12|Modular furniture
    KR20150003516U|2015-09-23|Self-assembly table for outdoor
    KR20140028686A|2014-03-10|Kit for furniture
    US10517392B2|2019-12-31|Multi-tiered workstation assembly
    KR20180027097A|2018-03-14|Multifunctional furniture
    WO2018215909A1|2018-11-29|Furniture arrangement
    TWM598086U|2020-07-11|Table rack system
    JP4381007B2|2009-12-09|Optional mounting structure and furniture
    KR200482912Y1|2017-03-15|Joint structure for connecting legs of furniture and furniture having the same
    CA2385956C|2008-04-08|Support stand
    WO2012099552A1|2012-07-26|Carrier and connective systems for creating different types of table variations
    KR101929319B1|2018-12-17|Connector module
    AU2014202180A1|2014-11-13|Expandable Frame Structure
    KR200492205Y1|2020-08-27|Extendable system shelf
    TWM622471U|2022-01-21|Fixed base and partition module
    EP2671468A1|2013-12-11|Supporting frame
    KR200321928Y1|2003-07-31|a sectional papercase
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2013204494B2|2016-11-17|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    SE377757B|1971-06-23|1975-07-28|Castelli Sas Anonima||
    JPH07111205B2|1993-10-08|1995-11-29|愛知株式会社|Table support mounting structure|
    US5621994A|1995-05-04|1997-04-22|Apco Graphics, Inc.|Sign assembly with adjustable corners|
    KR100207284B1|1997-08-02|1999-07-15|윤이용|Variable frame connector in table|
    NL1010357C1|1998-10-20|2000-04-25|Brink Plaattechniek B V|Coupling for joining together rods to form furniture frame for e.g. table, adjustable to allow coupling of frame rods at chosen angle|
    KR101042290B1|2008-09-09|2011-06-17|박도형|A connecting device for the reinforcement frames of tabletop|
    CN201854908U|2010-09-08|2011-06-08|谢志鸿|Novel fabric wardrobe frame structure|
    法律状态:
    2017-03-16| FGA| Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent)|
    2020-11-05| MK14| Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired|
    2021-03-04| NA| Applications received for extensions of time, section 223|Free format text: AN APPLICATION TO EXTEND THE TIME FROM 12 APR 2020 TO 12 NOV 2020 IN WHICH TO PAY THE RENEWAL FEE HAS BEEN FILED |
    2021-05-27| NB| Applications allowed - extensions of time section 223(2)|Free format text: THE TIME IN WHICH TO PAY THE RENEWAL FEE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO 12 NOV 2020 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    AU2012903552A|AU2012903552A0||2012-08-17|Rotatable hub assembly for furniture|
    AU2012903552||2012-08-17||
    AU2013204494A|AU2013204494B2|2012-08-17|2013-04-12|Modular table frame system|AU2013204494A| AU2013204494B2|2012-08-17|2013-04-12|Modular table frame system|
    [返回顶部]