AU2019100786A4 - Modular connector - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the invention, there is provided a modular connector (2). The modular connector comprises a core element (6) with a central axis and one or more frame connectors (7) connectable to the core element. The frame connectors extend radially from the core element. A leg connection portion (9) is also provided and extends generally axially from the core element.

Description

2019100786 19 Jul 2019

Modular connector

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a modular connector for use in a modular frame system for furniture elements that have a support surface that is supported by a frame and legs.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in the construction of tables, desks and work stations and the like, and will be described herein with reference to these applications. However, it will be appreciated, that the connector and frame system could be scaled for use with smaller and larger support structures that are similarly designed to be supported on a frame and a set of legs.

Background of the Invention [0003] The use of framing systems in the design and manufacture of tables and desks is well known. The frame reduces the need for inherent structural properties in the table material and provides a strong connection point for the supporting legs to be secured to. The framing systems also enable partial pre-assembly during manufacture, reducing the time for set up during installation and eliminating or reducing the need for specialist labour skills and tools on site.

[0004] Most framing systems include a series of longitudinal frame elements, that are usually interconnected with in line connectors or corner pieces to which the main supporting legs can also be secured. While many such systems utilise a variety of commonly used specifically configured in line connectors or corner pieces with two frame connecting arms having 180 degree or 90 degree offsets, or 120 degree offsets for a hexagonal frame or table, the trend in modern interior design is to more free form or configurable designs, that are specifically tailored to suit a particular building space. There is also a trend in current commercial design, to provide work stations and spaces that are designed to bring people together, which often results in designs that are very different from the more standard rectangular tables and desks of the past. However, to achieve this with existing framing systems of the kind described above, it would then be necessary to make and stock a wide range of in line connectors and corner pieces to suit the different angles of interconnection that may be required.

-22019100786 19 Jul 2019 [0005] Some more recent framing systems have partially addressed this problem by providing connectors that have some form of angular adjustment between the frame connecting elements. However, these are surprisingly complex in design, limited in operation and still require stock of a fairly wide variety of components. In this regard, most of the designs are based around the idea of a core element having an axis, the core element being made up of generally planar stackable elements with some or all of them having integral frame connection points. The basic concept is that a connector is made up by assembling a selected number of elements in a stacking manner, rotating the stackable planar elements about the core element axis to achieve the desired angular offset of the frame connection points, and then securing the elements together to lock the selected angle.

[0006] Some of these systems still only allow for interconnection of a maximum of two frame elements. While another system does allow for connection of up to four frame elements, this means that each core element has to be made up of four laminates, of which at least some must have a different configuration to define the outer surfaces and make sure the frame elements connect within the same plane despite the location of the laminate element within the stacked core element. This again means that there is a need to stock a wide number of different components and assembly can be slow and not entirely straight forward.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention [0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a modular connector comprising a core element with a central axis, one or more frame connectors connectable to the core element to extend radially therefrom and a leg connection portion extending generally axially from the core element.

[0009] According to a preferred form the present invention provides modular connector comprising:

a core element and one or more frame connector arms securable thereto,

-32019100786 19 Jul 2019 the core element having a central axis, a surface connection base formation that extends generally transverse to the central axis, a leg connection portion accessible from an opposite direction from the base that extends generally parallel to the surface connection base, and a generally circumferentially extending side surface that extends generally away from the base, the side surface having a series of circumferentially offset location formations;

wherein the frame connector arms have a first end for radial location adjacent a portion of the side surface of the core element via the circumferentially offset location formations on the side surface, and a second end for receiving a length of frame element, the connectors further comprising fastening means to secure the frame connectors to the side surface of the core element.

[0010] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

[0011] The simple radial interconnection of the frame connector arms about the central core element enables a core and spoke configuration process that facilitates wide variation in the total number of frame connector arms as well as the angular offset between the arms, all achievable with one standard core element arrangement and one form of frame connector arm.

[0012] Preferably, the system further comprises a leg receiving socket that is securable to the leg connection portion of the core element.

[0013] Desirably, the core element includes means to secure the core element to the underside of a table structure or the like whereby the surface connection base formation is adjacent the structure. In one form the core element includes a surface connection base formation in the form of a peripheral circumferentially extending flange that has a series of apertures through which penetrating fastening means can be extended to secure the flange to the structure to be supported.

-42019100786 19 Jul 2019 [0014] In one preferred form, the circumferentially offset location formations on the side surface of the core element are simple apertures which receive headed bolt formations that connect through to a threaded formation provided with, or as part of, a connecting frame element.

[0015] In most preferred forms, the frame elements are hollow sections and the second ends of the frame connector arms are configured to receive and retain the hollow frame element, preferably via a protuberance on the connector arms that slides into an end of the frame element.

[0016] In one particularly preferred form, the frame elements are configured to receive cross dowels at ends adjacent the core element which have a threaded aperture therethrough adapted to receive the threaded end of a securing bolt formation that extends through the frame connector arm to thereby secure the frame element to the connector. Preferably, the same securing bolt formation acts to secure the frame connector arm to the core element.

[0017] While it would be possible in some embodiments to secure a leg directly to the leg connection portion of the core element, in preferred forms an intermediate leg connecting adaptor is used which is configured to receive and retain a particular leg profile. In this manner, the key elements of the connector can be standardised common components and varied for use with different leg sizes and profiles by using appropriately configured leg socket arrangements. The leg connecting adapter may extend within the leg. However, many preferred embodiments are in the form of a leg socket that receives and retains and end of the leg. This provides added strength to the connection an obviates the need for a perfect finish at the top end of the leg. Preferably the leg adapter also include means for securing the leg to the adapter. Again, this can take any suitable form and will depend on the shape and material of the leg, but may include the use of penetrating fasteners that engage the adapter and leg material.

[0018] In arrangements that use a leg connecting adapter, the leg connection portion of the core element includes means to connect and retain the selected adapter. In one form, the core element includes a series of apertures configured to receive and retain fasteners that extend through aligned apertures provided on the leg socket. However, any suitable connection method can be employed including the use of inter-engaging

2019100786 19 Jul 2019

- 5rotary connections such as threaded or bayonet fittings or spring pin activated push fit connections and the like.

[0019] In accordance with a second aspect ofthe invention there is provided a method of constructing a table like structure with a frame utilising a modular connector according to the first aspect of the invention, the method including the steps of:

selecting a plurality of core elements corresponding to the number of legs required, positioning and retaining a requisite number of frame connecting arms to each core element at the required angular offsets, securing selected lengths of frame to the frame connectors to thereby interconnect the modular connectors with the frame to form a frame assembly;

securing the frame assembly to the underside of a support surface; and then securing legs to the leg connection portion of each core element.

[0020] Preferably the method includes the additional step of first securing the leg to a leg adapter before securing the leg adapter to the leg connection portion of the core element.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0021] A preferred embodiment(s) of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings(s) in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is an exploded inverted perspective view of a simple desk or table utilising four first embodiment modular connectors according to the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of one of the modular connectors of Figure 1 with a first embodiment leg and optional leg socket;

[0024] Figure 3 is a series of inverted plan views of the modular connector with leg and leg socket illustrating a sample of possible configurations ranging from one frame

-62019100786 19 Jul 2019 connector arm to five frame connector arms and the various angular offsets that can be achieved; and [0025] Figure 4 shows two perspective views (plan and underside) of an assembled table illustrating a non-standard table configuration readily achievable with the connector of the invention.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention [0026] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which should be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive.

[0027] Referring firstly to Figure 1 there is shown an inverted exploded view of a simple table 1 constructed using four first embodiment modular connectors 2 which function to interconnect a series of frame elements 3 that are usually hollow with a rectangular cross section, to in this example form a rectangular support frame 4 which is later secured to a table or desk top 5. Each connector 2 includes a core element 6 to which are secured a pair of frame connector arms 7 offset at 90 degrees. Also secured to each core element 5 is a leg assembly 8 comprising a leg element 9 which secured to a leg adapter or socket 10.

[0028] Details of the interconnection of the elements described above are best illustrated by simultaneous reference to Figure 2. In this regard the core element 6 is generally circular in shape and has a central axis corresponding with the centre of that circle. The core element includes a surface connection base formation 12 which is extends generally transverse to the central axis and which includes a peripheral flange 13 having a number of circumferentially spaced securing openings 14 through which fasteners can be extended to attach the core element to an underside of a table top such as item 5 in Figure 1.

[0029] The core element 6 also includes a leg connection portion 15 that is accessible from an opposite direction from the base and which is generally parallel to the base formation. In this particular embodiment, the leg connection portion 15 is in the form of a generally circular recess that includes an internal connecting flange 16 at its base. The corresponding leg adapter 10 comprises a circular flange 17 from which extends a socket formation 18 configured to receive and retain a particular leg profile. In the embodiment illustrated, the leg has generally eye shaped cross section and the

2019100786 19 Jul 2019

-7socket extends above and below the flange to enable a straighter cut on the leg and provide a strong and well supported connection. However, legs of any desired profile can be used by tailoring the socket portion 18 of the adapter to the selected leg profile. As can be seen, the circular flange on the leg adapter is configured to sit within or at least across the circular recess 15 in the leg connection portion of the core element. In the illustrated preferred form, the flange 17 is spaced from flange 16 thereby leaving room to accommodate the fasteners for the frame connectors as described in more detail below. The circular flange of the adapter 10 also includes formations through which fasteners can be passed to secure the leg adapter to the core element, preferably via connection with the connecting flange 16 inside the circular recess 15.

[0030] In addition to the base formation and leg connection portion, the core element also includes a generally circumferentially extending side surface 17 that extends generally away from the base. In this particular embodiment the side surface 17 is curved and inclined with respect to the central axis of the core element and tapers inwardly away from the base. The core element also includes an internal wall 18 that defines the circular recess of the leg connection portion 15 which connects with a distal edge of the side surface 17 remote from the base. Circumferentially offset location formations 19 are provided on the external inclined side surface 17 which align with corresponding apertures 20 formed in the internal wall 18.

[0031] An important element of the modular corner connector of the invention are the separately attachable frame connector arms 7. These are of a standard shape and can be connected to the core element 6 in a wide combination of numbers and angular offsets as illustrated in Figure 3. The frame connector arms 7 have a first end 21 that is configured for radial location adjacent a portion of the side surface 17 of the core element guided by the circumferentially offset location formations, and a second end 22 configured to receive a length of frame element 3. The means of connection of the arms to core element and arms to frame element is not important and can be varied. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the simple use of a headed bolt 23 that is configured to pass through the location apertures 19 and 20 to engage a cross dowel 24 with threaded cross hole 25 located in an aperture 26 in the frame element 3, serves to secure the first end 21 of the arms to the core element at the same time as securing the frame element 3 to the second end of the arms 22.

-82019100786 19 Jul 2019 [0032] It will also be appreciated that while the preferred forms of frame connector arms have male connectors at the second end 22 adapted to receive an externally positioned end of a hollow section frame element, in other embodiments the arms may include female sockets adapted to receive the frame elements internally.

[0033] In use, the general method of assembly will comprise the steps of: selecting a plurality of core elements corresponding to the number of legs required, positioning and retaining a requisite number of frame connecting arms to each core element at the required angular offsets, securing selected lengths of frame to the frame connectors to thereby interconnect the modular connectors with the frame to form a frame assembly; securing the frame assembly to the underside of a support surface; and then securing legs to the leg connection portion of each core element.

[0034] An example illustrating the flexibility of the modular connector of the invention is illustrated in Figure 4. As can be seen, with one standard core element and one form of standard frame connecting arm, numerous different forms of corner and in line connectors can easily be constructed having different numbers of arms and different angular offsets. It will also be appreciated that while the examples shown do have finite limitations with respect to angles and the number of arms that connect to a single core element, the flexibility can be enhanced by, for example, increasing the core element diameter, narrowing the width of the frame connector arm connection points to the core and/or providing additional or more closely spaced location formations.

[0035] While one embodiment has been described, numerous variations are possible within the same inventive concept. For example, the radially extending frame connecting arms could secure to a flat core element without the use of a separate side surface that extends away from the base. Also, the side surface, if present, need not be continuous as illustrated but could be formed from discontinuous discrete elements. Similarly, numerous other connections means could be used instead of those described. For example, the leg adapter could rotatably connect with the leg connection portion of the core element, and/or other components interconnect using various push fit connections or the like. Similarly, while the preferred embodiment of the core element illustrated has a side surface that is curved and tapered, other profiles could also be used.

-92019100786 19 Jul 2019 [0036] Accordingly, while the invention has been described with reference to specific emodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it could be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (10)

1. A modular connector comprising a core element with a central axis, one or more frame connectors connectable to the core element to extend radially therefrom and a leg connection portion extending generally axially from the core element.

2. A modular connector comprising:

a core element and one or more frame connector arms securable thereto, the core element having a central axis, a surface connection base formation that extends generally transverse to the central axis, a leg connection portion accessible from an opposite direction from the base that extends generally parallel to the surface connection base, and a generally circumferentially extending side surface that extends generally away from the base, the side surface having a series of circumferentially offset location formations;

wherein the frame connector arms have a first end for radial location adjacent a portion of the side surface of the core element via the circumferentially offset location formations on the side surface, and a second end for receiving a length of frame element, the connectors further comprising fastening means to secure the frame connectors to the side surface of the core element.

3. A modular connector according to claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a leg receiving socket that is securable to the leg connection portion of the core element.

4. A modular connector according to any claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the core element includes means to secure the core element to the underside of a table structure or the like whereby the surface connection base formation is adjacent the structure.

5. A modular connector according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the core element includes a surface connection base formation in the form of a peripheral circumferentially extending flange that has a series of apertures through which penetrating fastening means can be extended to secure the flange to the structure to be supported.

6. A modular connector according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the circumferentially offset location formations on the side surface of the core element are

2019100786 19 Jul 2019 simple apertures which receive headed bolt formations that connect through to a threaded formation provided with, or as part of, a connecting frame element.

7. A modular connector according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the frame elements are hollow sections and the second ends of the frame connector arms are configured to receive and retain the hollow frame element via a protuberance on the connector arms that slides into an end of the frame element.

8. A modular connector and frame system according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the frame elements are configured to receive cross pins at ends adjacent the core element which have a threaded aperture therethrough adapted to receive the threaded end of a securing bolt formation that extends through the frame connector arm to thereby secure the frame element to the connector.

9. A modular connector according to claim 8 wherein the same securing bolt formation acts to secure the frame connector arm to the core element.

10. A modular connector according to any one of claims 2 to 9 wherein the leg is secured to the leg connection portion via a separate leg adapter.