WO2004036060A1

WO2004036060A1 - Furniture system

Info

Publication number: WO2004036060A1
Application number: PCT/CA2003/001597
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Alun Williams; Richard Michael Bedwell; Nicholas H. Koeppe; Benjamin Golombek; Steve Verbeek; Florin Gabriel Ionescu
Original assignee: Ti Sales & Marketing Inc; TK Canada Ltd
Current assignee: Ti Sales & Marketing Inc; TK Canada Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-21
Filing date: 2003-10-21
Publication date: 2004-04-29
Anticipated expiration: 2005-04-21
Also published as: AU2003278035A1

Abstract

An office furniture system is based an a post and beam design in which the beam is coupled at one end to the post by a fitment that extends into an annular opening encircling the post and which can be blocked to the post to fix the beam in an adjusted angular position about the post. These core elements of the system allow wide flexibility in the design and layout of the overall furniture system. Components such as shelf supports and feet can be carried by the posts in similar fashion.

Description

Title: FURNITURE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to a furniture system primarily, but not exclusively, for use in an office environment.

PRIOR ART [0002] The prior art contains numerous examples of office furniture systems, representative ones of which are shown by the following patent publications:

EP 421947 (SACEA S.p.A.)

EP 828949 (Waibel) GB 2354040 (Su-Lan Wu)

EP 815772 (Henderson)

EP 1110480 (WH Group Limited)

GB 2172624 (Weickhardt)

EP 0783853 (Steelcase Strafor) EP 0815775 (Steelcase Strafor)

EP 0830824 (Coopsette S.c.r.l.)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The furniture system of the invention is based on a novel post structure in which a beam or other component is connected to the post so as to be angularly adjustable about the longitudinal axis of the post.

[0004] The system provided by the invention includes at least one upright post having a longitudinal axis and a component that extends generally radially outwardly from the post. The component is coupled to the post by coupling means comprising a fitment that is carried by the component and extends into an annular opening encircling the post. Means is provided within the opening engageable by the fitment for defining an angularly adjusted position of the component about the post. Locking means is operable to fix the component in a said angularly adjusted position and is releasable to allow the position of the component to move angularly about the post. [0005] The furniture system of the invention is based primarily (but not exclusively) on a post and beam regime, in which the beam is coupled at one end to the post by the arrangement described above. In most practical applications, the beam will in fact extend between two such posts and will be coupled to each post at an end of the beam in the manner described. [0006] Other components such as shelf or tabletop supports, foot components can also be attached to the post in similar fashion.

[0007] Preferably, the fitment carried by the component to be coupled to the post engages in one of a series of annular inwardly facing slots that encircle the post so that the component can be positioned at increments around the post by engaging the fitment with appropriate ones of the slots.

[0008] Each post preferably comprises a series of post sections which are stackable together end-to-end according to the required length and configuration of the post. The sections are designed to provide annular openings for attachment of components. The post sections may include a cap section and a foot section each of short axial length to permit, say, a beam to be coupled to the post close to the top of the post and one or more feet to be coupled to the post adjacent its bottom end.

[0009] Preferably, the post sections are coupled together by bayonet couplings that are engageable and disengageable by turning adjacent post sections angularly with respect to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of preferred embodiments of the invention and possible applications of the post and beam structure. It is to be understood that the illustrated embodiments are given by way of example only and do not limit the scope of the invention. [0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating part of a furniture system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, as applied to an office partition system that includes a desk or table;

[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view illustrating another part of the office partition system;

[0013] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of part of Fig. 2;

[0014] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a post of the system;

[0015] Fig. 5 is a detail view of part of Fig. 4 as seen from below; [0016] Fig. 6 is a corresponding view as seen from above;

[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which a beam may be attached to the post of the invention;

[0018] Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional view at the point of attachment in

Fig. 7 showing a lower post section as seen from above; [0019] Figs. 9 and 10 are detail views corresponding to Fig. 8 illustrating angular adjustment of the beam with respect to the post;

[0020] Fig. 11 is a detail view showing the fitment of Fig. 7 in position;

[0021] Fig. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating attachment of a beam to the fitment; [0022] Fig. 13 is a similar view as seen from below;

[0023] Fig. 14 is a detail perspective view of the fitment itself;

[0024] Fig. 15 shows the beam attached to the post;

[0025] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view illustrating attachment of a foot to the post, for example, in accordance with the embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3;

[0026] Fig. 17 is a vertical sectional view showing the foot in place; [0027] Fig. 18 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating attachment of a desk or work table top support bracket and intermediate support bracket to the post;

[0028] Fig. 19 is a horizontal sectional view showing the bracket attached to the post;

[0029] Figs. 20 and 21 are perspective views from opposite ends of an alternative form of table top support bracket, for example, as shown in Fig. 2;

[0030] Fig. 22 is a partially exploded perspective view of a leg for supporting a desk or table top, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 ; [0031] Fig. 23 is a perspective view from the rear in Fig. 22 showing the leg assembled;

[0032] Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view illustrating attachment of a screen between two vertically spaced beams in an office partition system;

[0033] Fig. 25 is a partially exploded perspective view showing an alternative screen attachment method;

[0034] Figs. 26 and 27 are perspective views illustrating how the screen is attached respectively to the top and bottom beam; and,

[0035] Fig. 28 is a detail perspective view illustrating a further alternative screen attachment method. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] Referring first to Fig. 1 , part of an office partition system in accordance with the invention is shown to comprise three vertical posts 10 between which extend respective upper and lower beams 12, 14. The posts 10 partially support a desk or table top 16 by means of brackets attached to the posts, one of which is indicated at 18. Legs 20 provide support at the outer edge of the table top 16. The beams 14 extend between the posts 10 at a level below the table top 16, while the upper beams 12 are located significantly above the table top. Privacy screens 22 are carried by the beams for screening the work area of table 16 from other similar work areas, for example, on the opposite side of screens 22.

[0037] It will of course be appreciated that Fig. 1 illustrates part only of just one possible arrangement of office partition system. The screen 22 shown partly broken away at the right illustrates the fact that the system can be continued. Similarly, other beams and/or partitions can be coupled to any of the posts and extend at different angular orientations and heights with respect to the posts and are interchangeable.

[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates the possibility of providing two adjacent work spaces separated by one of the partitions 22 extending between inner and outer posts 10. As shown, the outer post is stabilized by feet 24. Fig. 2 also shows somewhat differently shaped work top support brackets 26 coupled to the outer post 10.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a free-standing post carrying upper and lower beams 12 and 14, similar to the outer post 10 shown in Fig. 2 without the work top support brackets 26.

[0040] This view serves to illustrate the fact that the post 10 is of modular construction and comprises post sections 10a which are identical with one another and which are stackable end-to-end (coaxially) to create posts of varying height from a minimum single section post up to a maximum determined by the design criteria of the partition system. The two post sections 10a are joined by an intermediate section 10b and are fitted with cap and foot sections 10c and 10d respectively.

[0041] As will be described in more detail later, the various post sections are designed to inter-engage with one another by means of a bayonet-type fitting that also allows attachment to the post of external components such as the beams 12, 14 and the feet 24 and table top support brackets. The bayonet fittings are designed to allow angular adjustment of the respective components about the longitudinal axis of the post, also as will be described. [0042] At this point, it may be appropriate to note that the beams 12, 14 may be identical to one another, or different, depending on the design of the partition system and the function of the beams. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower beams 14 are structural components of the partition system, and therefore are of relatively robust construction, whereas the upper beams may be of lighter construction, dependent on function. If the upper beams are intended to carry heavy components, for example, cupboards, cabinets or or the like (or components that will be required to carry heavy weights), then the both upper and lower beams may be of the same robust construction.

[0043] Fig. 4 illustrates the possibility of stacking three post sections

10a together end-to-end to form a post that is one section higher than the post shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The lower post section shown at the left is fitted with both a foot section 10d and an intermediate section 10b while the top section shown at the right is fitted with a cap section 10c only. Reference numeral 28 illustrates the male component of a bayonet fitting arrangement that is used to couple the sections together. That male component is shown in detail in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a corresponding perspective view from above. That view also shows an intermediate ring 30 and an opening 32 in the top of the lower post section for receiving the male component 28. It will be seen that the male component is shaped to define a series of angularly spaced locking formations 34 that are generally L-shaped and that the opening 32 has a series of corresponding slots 36 into which the formation 34 can be inserted and the upper post section then turned angularly about its longitudinal axis to engage above formations 36a to lock the two sections together.

[0044] The bayonet fitting is designed to be a relatively tight fit so that, once two post sections have been coupled together, they cannot be easily separated without an appropriate tool. Thus, the intention is that, once assembled, accidental or unintended separation is not possible or likely. Only when there is a deliberate intention to reconfigure the partition system is it possible to separate the post sections. [0045] It should at this point be noted that all of the sections that go to make up a complete post are coupled together by bayonet fittings of the form shown in Figs. 5 and 6. For example, in Fig. 4, although only two bayonet fitting formations 28 are illustrated, the cap 10c is connected to the upper post section 10a by means of a bayonet fitting and bayonet fittings are also used to couple the intermediate section 10b and the foot section 10c to the post section 10a of the lower post section.

[0046] Fig. 6 also illustrates the fact that the opening 32 in the female part of the bayonet fitting includes is surrounded by an inner cylindrical element 38 and an outer cylindrical element 40 that defines an annular space with the inner cylindrical element 38. As best seen in Fig. 8, the inner wall of the outer cylindrical element 40 is shaped to define a series of vertical slots or grooves 42 that are angularly spaced about the longitudinal axis of the post section (denoted A). In this particular embodiment, the slots 42 are disposed on radii that are angularly spaced by 15°.

[0047] This arrangement is duplicated at the lower end of the upper post section, around male formation 28 and is partially visible in Fig. 6; it can be seen that there are inner and outer cylindrical elements and an array of slots similar to the slots 42 around the inner surface of the outer cylindrical element.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 7, when the two post sections are assembled together by means of the bayonet fitting, an annular gap 44 is presented between the two post sections. This gap accepts a coupling fitment shown at 46 for attaching a component such as a beam (12 or 14) to the post. Fitment 46 has a main body portion 48 that is flat and generally rectangular, and a somewhat T-shaped head portion 50 that is designed to be received in the gap 44 between the two post sections when the fitment is oriented generally horizontally as shown in Fig. 7. The fitment can then be turned through 90° as indicated by arrow 52 so that the main body portion 48 of the fitment is then generally upright. [0049] It can be seen from Fig. 7 that the inner side of the head portion

50 of the fitment is shaped to provide a pair of ribs 54. These ribs are received in the slots 42 (and the corresponding slots at the lower end of the upper post section) when the fitment has been inserted through gap 44 and turned into an upright orientation. Fig. 11 shows the fitment in this orientation, as seen from the side, while Figs. 9 and 10 show the fitment as seen from above. In Fig. 10, one of the ribs 54 on the head portion of fitment 46 is shown engaged in one of the slots 42 in the lower post section 10a. Fitment 46 is designed so that it can be displaced inwardly to disengage the ribs 54 from the corresponding slots so that the fitment can then be angularly displaced about the axis of the post, as shown by the arrows 56 in Fig. 9. As noted previously, the slots 42 are angularly spaced 15° about the longitudinal axis of the post, which means that this facility for repositioning the fitment in different slots, allows for 15° adjustability of the angular orientation of a component carried by the fitment in the assembled partition system.

[0050] Fig. 12 shows the fitment 46 in place between the two post sections. Part of a beam 14 is shown positioned ready to be engaged with a fitment. As best seen in Fig. 13, the end of the beam 14 is slotted as indicated at 58 to receive the fitment and the beam is designed to provide a seat 60 for the fitment, generally at the centre point of its height. Laterally directed flanges 48a at the bottom of the body 48 of fitment 46 provide a stop against which the beam 14 bears when the fitment and beam are fully engaged. At this time, a vertically elongated opening 48b in the body of fitment 46 (see Figs. 13 and 14) coincides with a pair of circular openings 62 in the beam 14 (see Fig. 15). A cam element 64 best seen in Fig. 12 is received in the matching openings. Element 64 has a cylindrical body part 64a that is received in opening 48b and an eccentric boss 64b that is received in one of the circular openings 62. Boss 64b has a screw-threaded opening to receive a locking screw 66. As the screw is tightened into the cam element 64, the element turns, forcing the beam 14 into tight engagement with the post. In other words, the cam element "cinches" the beam tight to the post. [0051] The inner end of the beam is profiled to match the cylindrical shape of the post's outer surface.

[0052] Figs. 16 and 17 show how a somewhat similar arrangement is used to attach the feet of Fig. 2 to the post. In this case, the equivalent of the fitment 46 described previously is shown at 68 in Fig. 16. Fitment 68 has a head 70 similar to the head 50 of fitment 46 and a body 72 in the form of a collar.

[0053] Foot 24 has an inner end face 24a that is profiled to match the external profile of the post. Inwardly of that end face is a housing 74 that has an opening 76 to receive the collar 72 of fitment 68. Below that opening 76 a nut, which is shown in an exploded position at 78, is held captive by a spring arm 80. Housing 74 includes an opening 82 for receiving a bolt 84 that has a tapered shank 86.

[0054] Fitment 68 is assembled to the post as described previously in the case of fitment 46. The foot 24 is then fitted over the collar 72 so that the opening in the collar is substantially aligned with the opening in the nut 78. The screw 84 is then inserted from above and tightened to firmly attach the foot to the post, via the fitment 68. Taper 86 acts on collar 72 to "cinch" the foot tightly to the post. A cap 88 closes the opening in the top wall of foot 24. Fig. 17 shows the foot completely assembled to the post and a leveling foot 89 on the post.

[0055] Figs. 18 to 21 show how work top support brackets 18 (Fig. 1) and 26 (Fig. 2) are attached to the post using an intermediate support bracket. The attachment method is essentially the same in both cases, simply with a different configuration of bracket.

[0056] Referring first to Fig. 18, in these embodiments, post engaging fitments are used that correspond essentially to the head portions only of the two versions of the fitment described previously (fitment 46 and fitment 68). In this embodiment, two fitments are used, one for engagement in each of the annular gaps 44 above and below the intermediate post element 10b. The two fitments are indicated at 90 in Fig. 18. Again, the fitments 90 are inserted into the respective gaps in horizontal orientations, and are then turned through 90 ° to lock into the slots such as slots 42 referred to previously. The two fitments are secured by screws 92 to an intermediate support bracket 94 that is configured to fit snugly around the curved surface of the post.

[0057] The work top support bracket 18 is in turn coupled by bolts 96 to a slide element 98 that is shaped to be received in a complimentary vertical slot 100 in the intermediate work top support element 18. Element 98 can slide up and down in slot 100 and the screws 96 can be tightened when the bracket 88 is at the appropriate vertical position, essentially clamping the bracket 18 to element 94.

[0058] The two shelf support brackets 26 shown in Figs. 20 and 21 are attached is essentially the same fashion, using similar slide element 98 that is attached to the bracket by screws 102. [0059] Figs. 22 and 23 illustrate one of the legs 20 shown in Fig. 1.

Each leg has at its upper end a bracket 104 that is shaped to replicate the shape of the work top support bracket 18. Extending downwardly from bracket 104 is a generally cylindrical leg element 106 that slidingly receives a lower cylindrical leg element 108, providing for telescopic height adjustment of the leg. An adjustment screw 110 in the upper leg element 106 can be engaged in a selected one of a row of threaded openings 112 in the lower leg element. At its bottom end, the lower leg element has a screw threaded foot 114 for height adjustment.

[0060] Fig. 24 illustrates one method of coupling a mesh screen 116 between the upper and lower beams 12 and 14 of the partition system. The screen itself comprises a mesh body portion 118 that has along each of its upper and lower margins, a horizontally extending generally cylindrical formation 120 to be received in correspondingly shaped formations 122, 124 along the bottom edge of the upper beam 12 and the top edge of the lower beam 14. The screen is dimensioned so that it is appropriately tensioned in the vertical direction between the two beams, providing a neat and flat screen configuration.

[0061] It is of course to be understood that there are many different ways of attaching screens between the two beams and variations of beam types and many possible types of screens; Fig. 24 illustrates one possibility only. Tall screens can be used to create "cabin" type enclosures. Also, as noted previously, cabinets, cupboards, shelves or other accessories can be attached to the beams. For example, it will be seen that continuous C-profile slots 126 are provided in the respective side faces of the beam and may be used to facilitate attachment of accessories.

[0062] Finally, Figs. 25 to 28 illustrate some possible alternative screen attachment methods. As noted previously, the beam of the office furniture system can take numerous different forms, ranging from a full structural beam as shown in the previous figures, to a relatively lightweight beam-like element that might, for example, act as a top cap on a screen or other portion of the furniture system. In another embodiment, there may be no beams; the screen may be simply held by clips to two adjacent posts.

[0063] Fig. 25 shows two upright posts 10 with upper and lower beams

12 and 14 extending therebetween. A screen 128 is shown in an exploded position and comprises a relatively lightweight peripheral frame 130, for example, of aluminum channel members, over which fabric panels 132 are secured to provide flat fabric surfaces at opposite sides of the panel.

[0064] The upper and lower members of the peripheral frame 130 are channel members that open respectively upwardly and downwardly to receive clips carried by the upper and lower beams 12 and 14 respectively. Two clips that extend downwardly from the upper beam 12 are shown at 134 in Fig. 25 and in more detail in Fig. 26. Lower panel retention elements are shown at 136 and in more detail in Fig. 27.

[0065] Fig. 26 also shows a fitment 138 attached to the post 10 for the purpose of connecting to the post the particular form of beam 12 that is shown in Fig. 26. It can be seen that the beam has an upwardly projecting configuration that fits into a complimentary recess in the bottom edge of the beam and that an eccentric cam arrangement is used to secure the beam to the fitment generally as described in conjunction with, say, Fig. 12. [0066] In summary, the screen 128 shown in Fig. 25 is fitted into the space defined by the post 10 and beams 12 and 14 when the furniture system is assembled and the screen is retained by the clips 134 and 136 that engage within the channel members of the screen frame.

[0067] Fig. 28 shows a still further form of post and beam coupling fitment, 140. In this case, the fitment carries a beam that comprises channels 142 and 144 that face respectively upwardly and downwardly. This form of beam allows screens to be attached, for example, by being fitted within the respective channels or by means of hooks or clips on the screens that engage the respective channels. For example, the panels may be of the form disclosed in United States Patent No. 6,253,509 (Hellwig, et al.).

[0068] A number of significant attributes of the invention, at least as expressed in its preferred embodiment, are:

[0069] • The ability to use a single post to create a variety of planning applications. Most prior art systems are rigidly fixed into a 90 degree planning convention and are only able to achieve other variants by the addition of another post type. Because of the groove detail (annular gap 44) running 360 degrees around the post, the invention offers maximum flexibility in planning capability (albeit restricted to defined - e.g. 15 degree - increments) both at initial installation and during later reconfiguration. This offers many benefits including reduced complexity during the specification and build processes as well as end user benefit of reusable parts when replanning.

[0070] • Stackability of posts for height adjustment. Reconfiguration.

[0071] • The means of attaching the beam, brackets or feet to the post using an inset which can be placed into the groove at any point, without the need to disassemble the post structure. Also, the ability of these components to be applied or repositioned at any vacant position around the post whilst the post is complete.

[0072] • Because of the means of attachment the brackets are able to be multifunctional, rotating about the post to support worksurfaces in left, right handed and shared positions negating the need for a range of dedicated brackets to perform these functions.

[0073] • Height adjustment may be achieved by the use of adapters which attach the brackets to the post. This allows the bracket to move vertically, giving continuous height adjustability over a range of 600 - 860mm. [0074] • The post and beam structure is capable of being used in a broad variety of applications: a low level spine supporting worksurfaces and distributing services, mid level enclosures incorporating space division and the ability to carry storage on the beam, high level enclosures creating cabins/private offices, loose fit relationship of worksurfaces to space division/services distribution, independent use of the post for localized distribution/support of surfaces.

[0075] It will of course be appreciated that the preceding description relates to particular preferred embodiments of the invention only and that modifications are possible within the broad scope of the invention. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the beams or other components are coupled to the posts by engaging fitments such as the fitments shown at 46 in Fig. 7 with selected ones of the inwardly facing annular series of slots 42 shown, for example, in Fig. 8. Other expedients could be used for achieving a similar effect. For example, a clamp arrangement could be used that would rely on frictional forces between two surfaces, one an annular surface of the post and the other a corresponding surface on fitment 46 or its equivalent.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An office furniture system which includes at least one upright post having a longitudinal axis and a component that extends generally radially outwardly from the post, wherein the component is coupled to the post by coupling means comprising a fitment that is carried by the component and extends into an annular opening encircling the post, means within the opening engageable by the fitment for defining an angularly adjusted position on the component about the post, and locking means operable to fix the component in a said angularly adjusted position, the locking means being releaseable to allow the position of the component to move angularly about the post.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the component comprises a beam that extends generally radially outwardly from the post, and wherein the fitment is provided at an inner end of the beam adjacent the post.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said means engageable by the fitment comprises an annular series of inwardly facing slots that extend generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post, and wherein the fitment has a corresponding rib engageable in a selected one of said slots, the fitment being movable with respect to the component in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the post between a first position in which the rib is clear of the slots for permitting angular adjustment of the component about the post, and a second position in which the rib is engaged in a selected said slot for locating said component in a defined angular position about the post, and wherein the locking means is adapted to lock the fitment in said second position and is releaseable to permit the fitment to move to said first position to allow adjustment of the component about the post.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein respective upper and lower series of inwardly facing slots are provided within said annular opening, and wherein the fitment is provided with upper and lower ribs for engagement with the respective series of slots.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fitment has a generally flat configuration and is insertable into said annular opening in an orientation generally normal to the longitudinal axis of the post, the fitment being turnable within the opening to bring said ribs into position for engagement with the respective series of slots.

6. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking means comprises cam means located between said fitment and said component and operable to cause movement of said fitment between its said first and second positions.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said post comprises a series of post sections which are stackable together end-to-end along said axis according to the required length and configuration of the post, and wherein said sections are adapted to provide said annular openings encircling the post, between each two adjacent sections.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said post includes a cap section and a foot section of short axial length defining respective said annular openings adjacent the top of the post for coupling a beam to the post and adjacent the bottom of the post for coupling one or more feet to the post.

9. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said post sections are coupled together by bayonet couplings that are engageable and disengageable by turning adjacent post sections angularly with respect to one another.

10. An office furniture system as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a plurality of said upright posts laterally spaced from one another, in which each post is joined to an adjacent post by a beam coupled at respective ends thereof to said posts.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least two said adjacent posts are coupled together by respective upper and lower beams that are vertically spaced from one another, and wherein a screen extends between the respective beams for providing a partition of the system.

12. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the beams have C-profile slots in side faces thereof for attachment of accessories to the system.