GB2416672A

GB2416672A - Modular support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2416672A
Application number: GB0509546A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Abernethie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-11
Filing date: 2005-05-11
Publication date: 2006-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2025-05-11
Also published as: GB2416672B; GB0509546D0

Abstract

A support apparatus comprises a channel unit 1 having a main channel 2 which has a base 3 and a first and second side wall 4 together defining a longitudinal opening 5 narrower than the width of the main channel 2, a back plate member 8 to be slidably retained within the main channel 2, a front plate member 7, a support member 9 projecting from one of the back plate member 8 and front plate member 7, and means to secure the front plate member 7 to the back plate member 8 to clamp therebetween a portion of at least one of the side walls. The support apparatus can be used with other support apparatus to make modular furniture and shelving.

Description

TITLE

MODULAR SUPPORT APPARATUS

DESCRIPTION

Field of invention

The invention relates to modular support apparatus.

Technical background

Furniture is usually built around a support frame which defines the basic shape of the furniture and bears most of any load applied.

I;urniture can be categorised as free-standing or built-in. Free-standing furniture, such as desks or tables, can be positioned as desired in a room, and because it is not fixed in place it can be repositioned. However, because stand-alone furniture is often quite heavy and bulky, repositioning can be difficult. In addition, the shape and dimension of the furniture is fixed at the time of manufacture, so the furniture cannot be modified to fit the dimensions of a new location or the changing demands of the end users.

Built-in lurniturc, such as worktops and shelves, is fixed in place in the room when the furniture is installed. The layout of the furniture can only be changed by uninstalling the furniture, which can be time consuming and expensive, and is often beyond the abilities of the end user. Built-in furniture is often purpose built and can be designed in accordance with overall design of the room in an integrated design process. On the other hand, if the demands placed on the room change, all of the built in furniture may have to be replaced at considerable expense.

Both free-standing and built-in furniture suffer from the limitation that the furniture itself cannot be readily adapted to the needs or numbers of end-users. Very rarely the furniture can be adapted, but the range of a:laptations is restricted to a limited number of pre-defined positions. In addition there is also considerable effort and expense involved in moving the furniture around. The invention provides an apparatus which - 2 overcomes these problems. The invention is also applicable to support apparatus other than furniture.

Summarv of invention The support apparatus comprises a channel unit having a main channel, with the channel having a base and a first and second side wall. The channel has a longitudinal opening, with the edges of the opening being defined by the side walls. The width of the opening may be narrower than the width of the main channel, so that the back plate member cannot be removed through the opening. The channel unit may be made from extruded aluminium. The back and front plate members may be secured together by any suitable means that makes the plate members grip a portion of the side walls between them when secured together, so that the plate members are prevented from further longitudinal movement along the main channel. The term "plate member" includes members that are neither plate shaped nor have a planar surface.

The support member may project from one of the back plate member and front plate member. If the support member projects from the back plate member, then the support member may project through the longitudinal opening in the main channel. Preferably the support member is planar. T he support member may project perpendicularly to the back or front plate member to which it is attached. The support member may have any orientation with respect to the back or front plate member, and may be rotatable about its axis, but preferably the plane of the support member is fixed either parallel to or perpendicular to the length of the main channel.

The means which secures the front plate member to the back plate member may secure the members together through the longitudinal opening. Alternatively, a part of one oi the plate members may project through the opening and the means may be positioned on this part of the plate member.

The first side wall of the support apparatus may have an inwardly depending flange portion to retain the back plate member within the main channel. Another inwardly r - 3 depending flange portion may be provided on the second side wall, so that the two flange portions act together to retain the back plate member within the main channel.

The inwardly depending flange portions may be coplanar. The means securing the two plate members may clamp at least one of the inwardly depending flange portions.

A part of each side wall may project beyond the longitudinal opening to form a groove therebetween for receiving the front plate member. The groove may be capable of retaining the front plate member.

The support apparatus as discussed may be used in conjunction with one or more other channel units. In which case, the support member may act as the front plate member or back plate member in conjunction with an identical main channel of a secondary channel unit. The support apparatus may further comprise an attachment member which can act in place of the other of the back plate member or front plate member. For example, the support member may slide into an end portion of a main channel of a secondary channel unit, and an attachment member may be received in the groove of the secondary channel unit and secured to the portion of the support member within the secondary channel unit, thus clamping the support member and attachment member to the secondary channel unit. The support member may have a cross section adapted to be received within an identical main channel of a secondary channel unit. Prelerably the members and channel units of the support apparatus are interconnectable to form a modular system.

The channel unit may further comprise one or more secondary channels extending parallel to the length of the channel unit. The secondary channels may be formed within and / or outside the main channel. Preferably each secondary channel has side walls parallel to the side walls of the main channel. The or each secondary channel may be adapted to receive cabling, so that cabling can be hidden out of sight within the channels.

A cover adapted to removably attach to and cover at least a longitudinal section of the groove may be provided. The cover may act to keep the interior of the channel sealed - 4 when that part of the channel is not in use. A cover adapted to removably attach to and cover at least a longitudinal section of the or each secondary channel may be provided, which would protectively close the cable-carrying sections of the channel unit. A single cover may extend across both the main channel and the or each secondary channel, or the cover may be part of a larger panel which extends beyond the width of the channel unit. For example, if the channel unit is only secured to a support wall at one end and projects out into a space to form the support frame for a desk, a larger panel, such as a modesty panel, could be attached to the channel unit.

The cover may be attached to the channel unit by means of interacting nibs and protrusions. For example, the walls of the groove may have inwardly projecting nibs, and the cover may have two parallel flexible walls, each having an outwardly projecting protrusion. When the cover is pushed onto the channel unit, the protrusions come into contact with the nibs, and with further pushing the walls bend and the protrusions are forced past the nibs and abut against the other side of each nib, holding the cover in place.

The means for securing the front plate member to the back plate member may comprise at least one bolt, which in use is passed through a hole in the front plate member and is screwed into a threaded bore in the back plate member and tightened to the desired torque to clamp the members to the portion of the side wall.

Alternatively, the bolt may be an integral part of the back plate member. As another alternative other means may be used, such as a spring loaded latch.

Sealing members may be provided, each sealing member comprising a cap to cover the end of the channel unit and a spur extending from the cap to be received within an end portion of the channel unit. A foot may extend from the cap of the sealing member and away from the spur so that the channel unit can be used as a furniture leg.

Each channel unit may have means for attaching the channel unit to a surface such as a wall or a furniture panel. For example, there may be through holes for screws in the base of the main channel, or there may be flanges or wall mounting portions at an end of the channel unit.

The support apparatus according to the invention may be assembled in a method comprising the steps of locating the back plate member within the channel; aligning the front plate member with the back plate member; and securing the back plate member to the front plate member through the opening.

The support apparatus may be used to build modular furniture.

The modular furniture may comprise a first channel unit mounted horizontally on a wall, a plurality of support members secured to and projecting from the first channel unit, a plurality of secondary channel units each being secured to a support member, and a worktop supported by the secondary channel units.

Alternatively, the modular furniture apparatus may comprise a plurality of first channel units mounted vertically on a wall, a support member secured to and projecting from each first channel unit, a plurality of secondary channel units each being secured to a support member, and a shelf supported by the secondary channel units. Alternatively, the secondary channel units can be omitted and the shelf can be connected directly to the support members.

DRAWINGS

Figure I shows a cross section of a basic channel unit according to the invention perpendicular to its longitudinal axis; Figure 2 shows a cross section of a channel unit with both secondary and main chamels according to the invention, the cross section being taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the channel unit; - 6 Figure 3 shows end, side and plan views of a front plate member having a projecting support member according to the invention; Figure 4 shows end, side and plan views of a different front plate member having a projecting support member according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a cover according to the invention; Figure 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a modular furniture apparatus comprising a plurality of support apparatus according to the invention; Figure 7 shows the modular furniture apparatus of Figure 6 when assembled; and Figure 8 shows an exploded view of a modular shelving apparatus comprising a plurality of support apparatus according to the invention.

A support apparatus consisting of a basic channel unit l is shown in Figure 1. The channel unit is generally U-shaped in cross section and has a base 3 from which two side walls 4 project. The base 3 and two side walls 4 define a main channel 2 which receives a back plate member 8 (Figure 6). The side walls 4 have first and second sections. The first section is adjacent to the base 3 of the channel, and projects perpendicular to the base 3 before turning parallel to the base 3 so as to widen the channel 3. The second section projects out perpendicular to the parallel part of the first section. Thus there is a secondary channel 14 running along the back of the main channel 2, with the side walls of this secondary channel 14 being the first section of the side walls 4. The secondary channel 14 is too narrow to receive the back plate member, and instead is capable of receiving cables or fixing devices for fixing the channel unit to a support surface. 3()

An inwardly depending flange portion 6 extends from the second section of each side wall 4 into the main channel 1, the space between the ends of the flange portions - 7 constituting an opening 5 which extends along the length of the channel unit l.The width of the opening 5 is narrower than the maximum width of the main channel 2, so that the back plate member 8 (shown in Figure 6) cannot be removed from the channel unit I through the opening 5.

A part of each side wall 4 projects beyond the longitudinal opening 5 and parallel to the second section of each side wall. The projecting part of each side wall together with the forward facing surface of each flange portion 6 forms a recess 12 which receives the front plate member 7 (Figure 3). Nibs] 6 are positioned on the projecting part of each side wall and face inwardly into the recess. The nibs 16 cooperate with protrusions 17 on cover 15 (Figure 5) to hold the cover 15 in place over a longitudinal section of channel. As can be seen in Figure 1, the nibs 16 are situated on the part of each side wall more towards the inwardly projecting flanges 6 than towards the lowermost point of each side wall. The front plate member 7 is thus received in the recess 12 between the nibs]6 and the flanges 6. The positioning of the nibs 16 relative to the length of the projecting part of each side wall permits the legs of the cover 15 to be fully received within the recess 12 even when a front support member 7 is also received within the recess.

Whilst Figure I shows a basic embodiment of the channel unit I according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a more complicated embodiment. However, the basic shape ol the channel unit I of Figure I can still be seen within this more complicated embodiment. The main channel 2 is positioned centrally within the channel unit 1.

Secondary channels 14 have been added to both sides of the main channel I by extending each of the side walls of the main channel 2 parallel to the base 3. The extended part of each side wall is terminated with a perpendicular member which then forms one of the side walls of the secondary channel 14. There are a total of four secondary channels 14 to the sides of the main channel 1, two facing forwards and two lacing backwards. In addition, the side walls 4 have been extended perpendicular to the rear of the base 3 to form another secondary channel 14 facing backwards. The nibs]6 are provided on the inward facing part of the outermost perpendicular members of the secondary channels 14 instead of in the main channel, whereby a \ - 8 cover l 5 can extend across the full width of the channel unit. The main channel 2 and two of the secondary channels]4 have screw guidance grooves 22 which run along the length of the channel unit l and help guide a drill bit (not shown) when making screw holes for fixing the channel unit l to a support surface such as a wall.

Figures 3 and 4 show two different embodiments of the front plate member 7, each having a projecting support member 9. In both embodiments, the front plate member 7 is a thin rectangular plate which has two holes for receiving the securing means. The projecting support member 9 is also a thin rectangular plate, and projects from a central portion of the front plate member 7. In Figure 3 the plane of the support member 9 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the front plate member 7. The front plate member 7 shown in Figure 3 is used to support a secondary channel unit l 3 which forms a support leg as shown in Figure 6, or a horizontal support surface as shown in Figure 8. In Figure 4, the plane of the support member 9 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the front plate member 7. The front plate member 7 of Figure 4 is used to support a secondary channel unit 13 that forms a horizontal support surface as shown in Figure 6. The user can choose which front plate member 7 to use according to the desired final orientation of the projecting support member 9 and secondary channel unit 13.

Figure 5 shows a cross section of a curved cover 15 for covering a longitudinal section of channel unit 1. leg is provided at each end of the cover on the concave side. A protrusion 17 is provided on each leg to interact with the nibs 16 in the channel unit 1.

Figure 6 shows how a channel unit l and four secondary channel units can be connected together to form a support structure for a worktop. A channel unit l is positioned horizontally, and two back plate members 8 are fed into the main channel 2 and slid into the desired position within the main channel 2. The channel unit l would be secured to a wall along its length, or at one end. Two front plate members 7 are positioned within the groove] 2 in the front of the channel unit l and aligned with the back plate members 8 within the main channel 2. These front plate members 7 are / - 9 - identical to the one shown in Figure 4. Bolts (not shown) are fed through the holes in the front plate members 7 and screwed into the aligned threaded holes in the back plate members. The bolts are tightened, drawing the back and front plate members together, causing them to grip the flange portions 6 of the main channel 2 between them. Sealing members 18 are fed onto both ends of the channel unit 1, with the spur sliding into the main charnel 2. A threaded hole is provided on the spur for fixing the sealing member in place.

A support member 9 projects from each front plate member, and is received within an end portion of a main channel 2 of a substantially horizontal secondary channel unit l 3 which is identical in cross-section to the first channel unit I. The main channel 2 faces downwards. An attachment member lO, which is identical to the hack plate member 8, is received within the groove l 2 on each secondary channel unit 13, and is I;xed to the support member 9 using bolts as described above.

A back plate member 8 is fed into the main channel 2 of each secondary channel unit 13, and slid along the channel 2 to the desired location. A front plate member 7 is positioned within the groove 12 of each secondary channel unit and aligned under each back plate member 8. These front plate members 7 are identical to the one shown in Figure 3. The plates are clamped together and to the secondary channel unit 13 using bolts as described. The support member 9 of each of these front plate members 7 projects downwardly and is received within the end portion of a vertical secondary channel unit 13. The support member 9 is received within the groove 12, although in another configuration (not shown), the support member 9 may be received within the main channel 2. A back plate member 8 already within the main channel 2 is secured to the support member using bolts to clamp the plate members to the secondary channel unit 13. The spur 20 of a sealing member l 8 is fed into the main channel at the other end of each vertical secondary channel unit l 3, and is fastened thereto with a bolt and plate member (not shown). The cover 19 of the sealing member 18 seals the end of the secondary channel unit 13. A foot 21 extends downwardly from the cover l 9 to act as a load bearing support member for the vertical secondary channel unit 13.

In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the spur 20 of the sealing member is - 10 formed separately to the sealing member 18, and is slid into the main channel. The spur 20 is then fixed in place in the main channel with a screw which screws through a hole in the spur 20, and into contact with the back of the channel. Further screwing the screw into the hole forces the spur 20 towards the front of the main channel and against the inwardly projecting flanges 6 where it is held. The foot 21 of the sealing member 18 is then attached to the spur 20 at the end of the vertically arranged channel unit 1 using a screw.

Covers 15 arc clipped onto the channel units where there are no support members and a worktop surface is attached to the upwardly facing surface of the substantially horizontal secondary channel units 13.

A modular shelving system is shown in Figure 8, and consists of two vertically aligned basic channel units 1. The channel units 1 are parallel to each other. In use, the channel units l would be fixed to vertical support surfaces such as walls. Two back plate members 8 are slid into each main channel 2 and each is clamped to a front plate member 7. The front plate members are identical to the front plate members of Figure 3. Each set of front and back plate members is clamped together with bolts (not shown), as described above. Covers 15 are clipped into the groove 12 of each part of the channel unit between the projecting support members. A shelf or other horizontal member can be attached to the horizontal support surfaces.

Claims

l. A support apparatus comprising a channel unit having a main channel which has a base and a first and second side wall together defining a longitudinal opening narrower than the width of the main channel; a back plate member to be slidably retained within the main channel; a front plate member; a support member projecting from one of the back plate member and front plate member; and means to secure the front plate member to the back plate member to clamp therebetween a portion of at least one of the side walls.
2. A support apparatus according to claim l, wherein the means secures the front plate member to the back plate member through the opening.
3. A support apparatus according to claim l or claim 2, wherein the first side wall has an inwardly depending flange portion to retain the back plate member within the main channel.
4. A support apparatus according to claim 3, wherein another inwardly depending flange portion is attached to the second side wall, the two flange portions to retain the back plate member within the main channel.
5. A support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the inwardly depending flange portions are coplanar.
6. A support apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the means clamps at least one of the inwardly depending flange portions. - 12
7. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a part of each side wall projects beyond the longitudinal opening to form a groove for receiving the front plate member.
8. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member can act as the front plate member or back plate member in conjunction with an identical main channel of a secondary channel unit.
9. A support apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an attachment member which can act in place of the other of the back plate member or front plate member in conjunction with the identical main channel of a secondary channel unit.
10. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member has a cross section adapted to be received within an identical main channel of a secondary channel unit.
11. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel unit further comprises one or more secondary channels extending parallel to the length of the channel unit.
12. A support apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the or each secondary channel is adapted to receive cabling.
13. A support apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a cover adapted to removably attach to and cover at least a longitudinal section of the groove.
14. A support apparatus according to either claim I I or claim 12, further comprising a cover adapted to removably attach to and cover at least a longitudinal section of the or each secondary chapel. - 13
15. A support apparatus according to either claim 13 or claim]4, wherein the cover is attached to the channel unit by means of interlocking nibs and protrusions.
16. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for securing the front plate member to the back plate member comprises at least one bolt, which in use is passed through a hole in the front plate member and is screwed into a threaded bore in the back plate member and tightened to the desired torque to clamp the members to the portion of the side wall.
17. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising sealing members, each sealing member comprising a cap to cover the end of the channel unit and a spur extending from the cap to be received within an end portion of the channel unit.
18. A support apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a foot extends from the cap of the sealing member and away from the spur.
19. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each channel unit has means Nor attaching the channel unit to a surface.
20. A support apparatus as described herein with reference to the drawings.
21. A method of assembling a support apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising the steps of locating the back plate member within the channel; aligning the front plate member with the back plate member; and securing the back plate member to the front plate member through the opening.
22. A modular furniture apparatus according to claim 21, comprising a first channel unit mounted horizontally on a wall, a plurality of support members secured to and projecting fiom the first channel unit, a plurality of secondary channel units each being secured to a support member, and a worktop supported by the secondary channel units.

oO47 002 doe It
23. A modular furniture apparatus according to claim 21, comprising a plurality of first channel units mounted vertically on a wall, a support member secured to and projecting from each first channel unit, a secondary channel unit secured to each support member, and a shelf supported by the secondary channel units.

O047 002 doc

22. A modular furniture apparatus comprising a support apparatus according to any preceding claim. - ]4

23. modular furniture apparatus according to claim 22, comprising a first channel unit mounted horizontally on a wall, a plurality of support members secured to and projecting from the first channel unit, a plurality of secondary channel units each being secured to a support member, and a worktop supported by the secondary channel units.

24. A modular furniture apparatus according to claim 22, comprising a plurality of first channel units mounted vertically on a wall, a support member secured to and projecting from each first channel unit, a secondary channel unit secured to each support member, and a shelf supported by the secondary channel units.

\? il.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A support apparatus comprising a channel unit having a main channel which has a base and a first and second side wall together defining a longitudinal opening narrower than the width of the main channel; a back plate member to be slidably retained within the main channel; a front plate member; a support member projecting from one of the back plate member and front plate member which can act as a front plate member or back plate member in conjunction with an identical main channel of a secondary channel unit.; and means to secure the front plate member to the back plate member to clamp therebetween a portion of at least one of the side walls.

2. A support apparatus according to claim l, further comprising an attachment member which can act in place of the other of the back plate member or front plate member in conjunction with the identical main channel of a secondary channel unit.

3. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means secures the front plate member to the back plate member through the opening.

4. A support apparatus according any preceding claim, wherein the first side wall has an inwardly depending flange portion to retain the back plate member within the main channel.

5. A support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein another inwardly depending flange portion is attached to the second side wall, the two flange portions to retain the back plate member within the main channel.

6. A support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the inwardly depending flange portions are coplanar.

oO47 002.doc 7. A support apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the means clamps at least one of the inwardly depending flange portions.

8. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a part of each side wall projects beyond the longitudinal opening to form a groove for receiving the front plate member.

9. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support member has a cross section adapted to be received within an identical main channel of a secondary channel unit.

10. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel unit further comprises one or more secondary channels extending parallel to the length of the channel unit.

11. A support apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the or each secondary channel is adapted to receive cabling.

12. A support apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a cover adapted to removably attach to and cover at least a longitudinal section of the groove.

13. A support apparatus according to either claim 10 or claim I 1, further comprising a cover adapted to removably attach to and cover at least a longitudinal section of the or each secondary channel.

14. A support apparatus according to either claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the cover is attached to the channel unit by means of interlocking nibs and protrusions.

I S. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means for securing the front plate member to the back plate member comprises at least oO47 002 doe one bolt, which in use is passed through a hole in the front plate member and is screwed into a threaded bore in the back plate member and tightened to the desired torque to clamp the members to the portion of the side wall.

16. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising sealing members, each sealing member comprising a cap to cover the end of the channel unit and a spur extending from the cap to be received within an end portion of the channel unit.

17. A support apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a foot extends from the cap of the sealing member and away from the spur.

18. A support apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each channel unit has means for attaching the channel unit to a surface.

19. A support apparatus as described herein with reference to the drawings.

20. A method of assembling a support apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising the steps of locating the back plate member within the channel; aligning the front plate member with the back plate member; and securing the back plate member to the front plate member through the opening.

21. A modular furniture apparatus comprising a support apparatus according to any preceding claim.