GB2585625A

GB2585625A - A modular furniture system and an article of furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2585625A
Application number: GB1903518.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Arthur Leese Philip
Original assignee: Furniture Components Direct Ltd
Current assignee: Furniture Components Direct Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-14
Filing date: 2019-03-14
Publication date: 2021-01-20
Anticipated expiration: 2039-03-14
Also published as: GB2585625B; GB201903518D0

Abstract

The modular furniture system has spaced frame members 110, 120 facing each other that are interconnected by cross linking 130; a reclining mechanism 140 mounted on internal surfaces of each frame member 110, 120 and mounting means 150 on an external surface of a frame member 110, 120 to mount an additional furniture element. The furniture element may be removable side arms or another frame with reclining mechanism, where the system may be a reclining chair or sectional sofa. The mounting means 150 may be brackets and may have both male and female connectors on each frame members 110, 120. The reclining mechanism 140 may have extension arms connected by a second cross linking 144 and a reclining enabler 145. There may be a releasable lock 300 applied to the two cross linkings 130, 144. The cross linking 130 may be variable or changeable in width.

Description

TITLE

A modular furniture system and an article of furniture.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a modular furniture system and an article of furniture incorporating the modular furniture system.

BACKGROUND

Previously recliner chairs have been made by mounting a seat box with attached arms to a mechanism. The mechanism often provides the base that the article of furniture stands on and also has reclining means for providing the reclining function of the chair.

These previous reclining means are complicated and the seat box and furniture arms have to fit around the mechanism, as the seat box and arms are attached together prior to fitting to the mechanism. As a result of this, the upholstery becomes very time consuming. Previously, furniture mechanisms with reclining means have been specifically designed for a certain model of furniture. If a different model of furniture is to be made, different mechanism designs have been required. Previously, making a recliner sofa comprising a plurality of reclining means has been difficult because the complexity of the reclining means makes it difficult to join two or more mechanisms together.

There is a need to provide a new type of furniture mechanism which can be adapted to a variety of furniture, so that one type of furniture mechanism can be used to make, for example, sofas and chairs. There is also a need for a new type of furniture mechanism which can be adapted to a variety of furniture with different widths, for example slimmer and wider armchairs. A furniture mechanism capable of being adapted as described above would make it easier to order and stock mechanisms for producing a variety of furniture as the mechanisms for different articles of furniture can all start with the same basic mechanism. Furthermore, time is saved each time a new article of furniture is designed as there is no need to design a new mechanism for the article of furniture.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a modular furniture system, comprising a mechanism, the mechanism comprising: first and second spaced frame members, having internal surfaces facing each other and external surfaces on opposite sides thereof; cross linking means interconnecting the first and second frame members; reclining means, mounted on the internal surfaces of each of the first and second frame members; wherein mounting means is provided on the external surface of at least one of the first and second frame members, the mounting means being configured to mount the mechanism to one or more furniture elements In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the mounting means is configured to mount the mechanism to different types of furniture elements.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, a first type of furniture element is a furniture arm and a second type of furniture element is another such mechanism.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the mounting means comprises a male part on one of the first and second frame members and a female part mountable to one of the one or more furniture elements or another such female part, the male part being selectively engageable to the female part to mount one of the one or more furniture elements on the mechanism In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the female part comprises a female mounting bracket and the male part comprises a male mounting bracket, wherein the male mounting bracket is configured to engage with a receiving portion on the female mounting bracket.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first frame member and second frame member each have mounting means comprising a male mounting bracket and a female mounting bracket, wherein the entire width of the mechanism except the female mounting brackets is between the outermost edges of the male mounting brackets of the first and second frame members.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the system additionally comprises at least one additional such mechanism, the at least one additional such mechanism being one of the one or more furniture elements, wherein the mounting means is configured to mount the mechanism to the at least one additional such mechanism.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reclining means comprises: a first extension arm mounted to the internal surface of the first frame member; a second extension arm mounted to the internal surface of the second frame member; and a second cross linking means interconnecting the first and second extension arms.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reclining means additionally comprises at least one reclining enabler, the at least reclining enabler configured to selectively move the first and second extension arms between a non-reclining position and a reclining position.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one reclining enabler comprises an electric actuator or a gas strut.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one reclining enabler comprises one or more springs.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first and second extension arms are resiliently urged towards the reclining position.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the at least one reclining enabler comprises a locking part mounted on the second cross linking means, and a locking mechanism mounted on the cross linking means, wherein the locking part and locking mechanism are configured to releasably lock the first and second extension arms in the non-reclining position.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reclining means comprises seat box mounting means, configured to mount a seat box on the reclining means.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the cross linking means are configured to have changeable width, thereby enabling the width of the mechanism to be varied.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an article of furniture comprising: a modular furniture system comprising a mechanism, the mechanism comprising: first and second spaced frame members, having internal surfaces facing each other and external surfaces on opposite sides thereof; cross linking means interconnecting the first and second frame members; reclining means, mounted on the internal surfaces of each of the first and second frame members; wherein mounting means is provided on the external surface of at least one of the first and second frame members; wherein the article of furniture further comprises: a seat box, mounted to the reclining means; a back frame, mounted either to the seat box or to the mechanism; a first furniture arm mounted to the mounting means of the modular furniture system.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the article of furniture additionally comprises a second furniture arm, the first furniture arm being mounted to mounting means on the first frame member and the second furniture arm being mounted to mounting means on the second frame member; wherein the article of furniture is a recliner chair.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the modular furniture system additionally comprises: a second such mechanism, the mechanisms being connected together by their respective mounting means; wherein the article of furniture further comprises: a second seat box mounted to the reclining means of the second such mechanism; a second back frame mounted to either the second seat box or to the second such mechanism; a second furniture arm, wherein the first furniture arm is mounted to the mounting means of the mechanism and the second furniture arm is mounted to the mounting means of the second such mechanism; wherein the article of furniture is a recliner sofa.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the modular furniture system additionally comprises: a second such mechanism; wherein the article of furniture further comprises: a second seat box mounted to the reclining means of the second such mechanism; a second back frame mounted to either the second seat box or to the second such mechanism; a second furniture arm; a third furniture arm; wherein the first furniture arm is mounted on the mounting means of the mechanism; wherein the second furniture arm is mounted on the mounting means of the mechanism and the second such mechanism; wherein the third furniture arm is mounted on the mounting means of the second such mechanism; wherein the article of furniture is a series of connected recliner chairs.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reclining means is configured to be moveable between a non-reclining position and a reclining position.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reclining means is configured to tilt the seat box mounted thereon, wherein the seat box is tilted relative to the first and second frame members and the first furniture arm when the reclining means moves from the non-reclining position to the reclining position.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples the reclining means additionally comprises at least one reclining enabler, the at least one reclining enabler configured to selectively move the first and second extension arms between the non-reclining position and the reclining position; wherein the at least one reclining enabler comprises a locking part mounted on the second cross linking means, and a locking mechanism mounted on the cross linking means, wherein the locking part and locking mechanism are configured to releasably lock the first and second extension arms in the non-reclining position.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the reclining means comprises footrest mounting means configured to mount a footrest thereon.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the article of furniture additionally comprises a footrest mounted on the footrest mounting means, wherein the locking part and locking mechanism are configured to release from being locked in the non-reclining position when the footrest is pushed in a direction towards the locking mechanism and locking part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG 1 shows an example modular furniture system.

FIG 2 shows an example modular furniture system in a reclining position.

FIGS 3A-3D shows an example reclining enabler for a modular furniture system.

FIG 4 shows an example modular furniture system.

FIG 5A shows an example of a modular furniture system with two furniture mechanisms connected together.

FIG 5B shows an example of mounting means for a modular furniture system.

FIG 5C shows an example of a modular furniture system with two furniture mechanisms connected together.

FIG 6A shows an example of a modular furniture system with a seat box mounted to the modular furniture system and a back frame mounted to the seat box.

FIG 6B shows an example of a modular furniture system in a reclining position with a seat box mounted to the modular furniture system and a back frame mounted to the seat box.

FIG 7 shows an example article of furniture incorporating a modular furniture system.

FIG. 8A shows an example article of fumiture incorporating a modular furniture system.

FIG. 8B shows an example article of furniture incorporating a modular furniture system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG 1 illustrates an example modular furniture system 10.

The modular furniture system 10 comprises a mechanism 100. The mechanism 100 comprises a first frame member 110 and a second frame member 120. The first and second frame members are spaced from each other, and each have internal surfaces 111 facing each other and each have external surfaces 112 on opposite sides thereof Cross linking means 130 are provided that interconnect the first and second frame members. Reclining means 140 is provided and is mounted on the internal surfaces 111 of the first and second frame members. The reclining means 140 comprises foot rest mounting means 141 configured to mount a foot rest thereon. Mounting means 150 are provided on the external surfaces 112 of the first and second frame members. In other examples mounting means 150 are provided on only one of the external surfaces 112. The mounting means 150 are provided to mount the mechanism 100 to one or more furniture elements 500, 700.

In the example of FIG 1 the cross linking means 130 are provided by variable length struts. In the example of FIG. 1, the variable length struts comprise three strut parts. A first strut part has a generally flat bottomed U-shaped cross section. The second and third strut parts have a generally rectangular or square cross section. The second and third strut parts have means for attaching the strut to the internal surfaces 111 of the first and second frame members. The second and third strut parts have multiple holes on one of their sides and multiple corresponding holes on an opposing side. The holes are arranged to receive a bolt. The U-shape of the cross section of the first part is slightly tapered so that the two ends of the U are slightly further apart than the width of the base (bottom) of the U. The first part fits over the second and third parts so that the second and third parts can slide within the interior of the U-shape so as to provide the variable length of the strut. The first part has a hole at each end in the base of the U. The hole at one end receives the bolt for the second part and the hole at the other end receives the bolt for the third part. Wien a bolt is inserted through the hole, it also goes through one of the multiple holes in whichever of the second or third part are located next to the hole. The bolt emerges from the second or third part from one of the multiple holes on the opposing side. The bolt is fastened on the end emerging from the second or third part with a nut or wingnut. The bolt and nut/wingnut can be tightened so that the second or third part and first part are pressed together. This forces the second or third part into the narrower part of the U shape. Fastening the second and third part to the first part in this way increases the rigidity of the connection between each of the second and third part with the first part.

In other examples, the variable length struts comprise two strut parts. A first strut part is a U-shaped cross sectional part which fits over and slides relative to the second strut part which is a rectangular cross sectional part. The first and second strut parts may be secured to each other in variety of ways. For example, each of the first and second strut parts can have holes, in which a pin or another fastener such as a bolt and nut can be inserted. When the fastener is inserted into a hole on the first strut part and a hole on the second strut part it prevents relative movement of the first strut part and the second strut part. The first strut part and second strut part can be secured relative to each other at different points by providing at least one of the first and second strut parts with multiple holes along its length. This enables the first and second strut parts to provide a variable length strut. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the variable length struts have a variable length of 475mm to 600mm.

By providing the cross linking means 130 with variable lengths, the modular furniture system 10 can be used for a wider variety of articles of furniture. For example, recliner chairs with different widths can be made with the modular furniture system 10 by changing the distance between the first and second frame members using the cross linking means 130. In other examples there is only one cross linking means 130 comprised of one strut and in other examples there may be more than two cross linking means struts. In other examples the variable length of the cross linking means struts are provided by nested tubes. In this example, the inner tube can have a movable protrusion for engaging with an outer tube, the outer tube comprised of holes into which the moveable protrusion can fit. In other examples the cross linking means 130 have a fixed width and are not variable.

In the example of FIG 1 the reclining means comprises a first extension arm 142 mounted to the interior surface 111 of the first frame member 110 and a second extension arm 143 mounted to the interior surface 111 of the second frame member 120. Each extension arm comprises a plurality of linked members. The linked members are pivotally connected by a plurality of rivets so as to be moveable between an extended position and a non-extended position due to relative movement of the linked members about their pivots. In the example of FIG 1 the reclining means also comprises second cross linking means 144 interconnecting the first and second extension arms. The second cross linking means 144 can also be variable in length and can be constructed in a similar way to the cross linking means 130 described herein. In other examples, the modular furniture system is provided with no second cross linking means 144.

In the example of FIG 1, the first and second extension arms move from a non-reclining position to a reclining position. The reclining position is shown in FIG 2. In this example the reclining means also comprises at least one reclining enabler 145. The at least one reclining enabler 145 is anything which is configured to selectively move the first and second extension arms between the non-reclining position and the reclining position. In the example of FIG 1 the reclining enabler comprises springs 146, 147. Spring 146 connects between the first extension arm 142 to the first frame member 110 and the spring 147 connects between the second extension arm 143 to the second frame member 120. The springs 146, 147 are biased to move the first and second extension arms to the reclining position. In the example of FIG 1, the at least one reclining enabler 145 additionally comprises a locking mechanism 300 and a locking part 310. The locking part 310 is mounted on the second cross linking means 144 and the locking mechanism 300 is mounted on the cross linking means 130. The locking part 310 and the locking mechanism 300 are configured to releasably lock the first and second extension arms 142, 143 in the non-reclining position.

FIGS 3A-3D illustrate the locking mechanism 300 and the locking part 310. In the example illustrated in FIGS 3A-3D the locking mechanism 300 and locking part 310 form a latch lock. The locking mechanism 300 comprises a guiding profile 301, a rotation pin 320, a location stop pin 321, a cam 302, a cam spring 303, a lock mechanism spring 304 and a recess 305. The locking part comprises a locking member 311 which can be, for example, a roller pin.

The lock mechanism spring 304 is connected to the cross linking means 130 and is configured to bias the locking mechanism 300 to partially rotate around the rotation pin 320 in a first direction. When the locking member 311 provided on the locking part 310 is moved towards the non-reclining position, the locking member 311 engages the guiding profile 301 and cam 302 as shown in FIG 3B. The engagement of the locking member 311 with the guiding profile 301 causes the locking mechanism 300 to rotate around the rotation pin away from the first direction. As the locking mechanism 300 moves away from the first direction, the guiding profile 301 guides the locking member 311 to continue engaging the cam 302, which moves the cam 302 from a closed position to open the recess 305. After the cam has moved, the bias of the lock mechanism spring 304 to rotate the locking mechanism 300 to the first direction causes the locking member 311 to enter the recess 305. The cam 302 is biased by the cam spring 303 so that when the locking member 311 enters the recess 305, the cam tries to move back towards the closed position, this causes the locking member 311 to be locked in the recess 305 of the locking mechanism 300 as shown in FIG. 3C. When the locking member 310 is locked in the locking mechanism 300, the first and second extension arms are held in the non-reclining position against the bias of the springs 146, 147 to move the first and second extension arms to the reclining position.

To release the locking member 311 from the locking mechanism 300, this is achieved by moving the first and second extension arms further away from the reclining position and hence moving second cross linking means 144 and the locking member 310 further away from the reclining position. This causes the locking member 311 to apply a force to the cam 302. This moves the cam 302 against the bias of the cam spring 303. The movement of the cam 302 and movement of the locking member 310 causes the locking member 310 to leave the recess 305. When the force to move the first and second extension arms further away from the reclining position is released, the first and second extension arms are urged towards the reclining position due to the natural bias of the springs 146, 147.

The force provided to move the first and second extension arms further away from the reclining position whilst the locking member 311 is locked in the locking mechanism 300 may be provided by a user pushing a footrest of the recliner article of furniture in which the modular furniture system is incorporated. For example, a user sitting on a recliner chair incorporating the modular furniture system 10 can press the back of their feet or legs into the footrest mounted on the footrest mounting means 141, which in turn is mounted on the first and second extension arms. Therefore the movement of the footrest in a direction inwards towards the locking mechanism 300 and locking part 310 whilst the reclining means 140 is locked in the reclining position releases the lock so that the reclining means 140 can move towards the reclining position. This action by the user may be known as a "kick-back". Therefore a user performing a kick-back can release the first and second extension arms supporting the footrest from the non-reclining position to reclining position.

The latch lock comprising the locking mechanism 300 and locking part 310 is unique in that operates from approximately the center of the mechanism 100 and not from both sides of the mechanism 100 so it reduces the amount of cross links required and also cables to be attached to the furniture arms.

FIG 4 illustrates a modular furniture system 10 where the at least one reclining enabler 145 is an electric actuator. As can be seen in FIG 4, there are no springs mounted on the first and second extension arms. In this example, the first and second extension arms are not biased towards the reclining position. The electric actuator provides all the movement between the reclining position and the non-reclining position for the reclining means. The electric actuator comprises a motor 400 and a motor powered strut 410. The electric motor 400 is mounted on the cross linking means 130 and one end of the motor powered strut 410 is mounted on the second cross linking means 144. The electric motor 400 may be connected to a switch or other control means accessible by the user. The user may command the motor powered strut 410 to move the second cross linking means 144 so as to move the first and second extension arms into the reclining position. In an article of furniture incorporating the modular furniture system illustrated in FIG 4, the switch or other control means can be provided in the part of the article of furniture which the user sits on, or alternatively may be provided in an arm of the article of furniture. The user may also command the motor powered strut 410 to move the second cross linking means 144 back to the non-reclining position. If the switch is mounted onto the arm as opposed to the seat mechanism then it would be necessary to connect the switch to the actuator motor 400 via cables after assembly of the article of furniture has taken place.

Other types of reclining enabler may be used besides the reclining enablers already described. Any means suitable for selectively moving the first and second extension arms from the non-reclining position to the reclining position can be used. For example, the reclining enabler may only comprise springs mounted on the first and second extension arms that propel the first and second extension arms open. The springs may be configured to bias the first and second extension arms to the non-reclining position only up to a certain position of the first and second extension arms and past this point the mechanical arrangement of the first and second extension arms may bias them towards the reclining position. In this example, no second cross linking means 144 are required and so in some examples no second cross linking means 144 are provided.

In other examples instead of springs being mounted on the first and second extension arms there may be gas struts which provide the same function as the springs. In other examples the first and second extension arms may be replaced by gas struts, the gas struts being mounted to a footrest to enable movement between the reclining and non-reclining position.

The cross linking means 130 are interchangeable and can be used for the different reclining enablers 145. For example, the cross linking means 130 can be used for the electric actuator, a spring actuator and a gas strut actuator. In doing this the cross linking means 130 remain the same but the positions to be attached to surfaces 111 change.

FIG 4 also illustrates male mounting brackets 151 which are mounting means 150. The male mounting brackets 151 can engage with a hole or other receiver on a furniture element such as a furniture arm. In other examples, the male mounting brackets 151 engage with a receiving portion on female mounting brackets which can form part of the mounting means 150 as well. The female mounting brackets are described below.

FIG 5A illustrates an example of a modular furniture system 10 with two adjacent mechanisms 100, 500 connected together. In this example the second such mechanism 500 is a furniture element mounted on mechanism 100. In this example the mounting means 150 comprises male mounting brackets 151 provided on the external surfaces of the first and second frame members and female mounting brackets 152. The male mounting brackets 151 are selectively engageable to the female mounting brackets 152. In this example the female mounting brackets 152 are mounted to other such female mounting brackets 152 on the second such mechanism 500. The female mounting brackets 152 on the adjacent mechanisms 100, 500 are selectively connected to each other, for example by a bolt and nut or other type of fastener. The female mounting brackets 152 on the adjacent mechanisms each selectively engage with a male mounting part 151 on each of the mechanisms, hence the two mechanisms are mounted together. In other examples the female mounting brackets 152 of a mechanism are mountable to another furniture element such as a furniture arm. For example, a female mounting bracket 152 may be mounted onto a furnished arm and then the female mounting bracket 152 on the furniture arm may be mounted to the male mounting bracket 151 on the mechanism.

FIG 5B illustrates an example of two female mounting brackets 152. In this example, the two female mounting brackets 152 can be joined together by bolts 155 and nuts 156 fastened together through holes 154 in the female mounting brackets 152. Each female mounting bracket also has a receiving portion 153 which can receive and engage with a male mounting bracket 151. For example, the male mounting brackets 151 shown in FIG 4 can be inserted and engage with the receiving portion 153. Other holes 157 are provided so that the female mounting brackets 152 can be fastened to other furniture elements, such as furniture arms.

In the example of FIG 5B the receiving portion 153 is tapered to receive a tapered male mounting bracket 151. When the male mounting bracket 151 is inserted into the receiving portion 153 the tapered fit means the male mounting bracket 151 locks into place. This design allows the male and female brackets to be used for both the mounting of furniture elements such as furniture arms to the mechanism and also for mounting two mechanisms together to allow for the manufacture of modular sofas.

When the two mechanisms are mounted together using male mounting brackets 151 and female mounting brackets 152 a center leg may be required to be mounted to position 158 illustrated in FIG 4. This is to give additional stability and strength to the linkage of the two mechanisms. FIG 50 illustrates an example of a modular furniture system 10 with two adjacent mechanisms 100, 500 connected together. A center leg 510 as described above is mounted between the mechanisms 100, 500.

FIG 6A illustrates a seat box 600 mounted on a modular furniture system 10. The seat box 600 is mounted to the modular furniture system by seat box mounting means 160. In some examples the seat box mounting means 160 are provided on the first and second extension arms of the reclining mechanism 140. The seat box 600 is typically a rectangular frame but can be another shaped frame, for example a trapezium. In typical examples, seat box frame members that make the rectangular frame of the seat box 600 mount to the seat box mounting means 160. In other examples, crossbeams can be provided between the seat box frame members to enable the seat box to be mounted to the reclining means 140. In some examples the seat box is made up of timber or board which has a cross section in the range of 25mm by 50mm up to and including 50mm by 50mm. In other examples, the seat box is made of any other suitable material such as metal and with any suitable cross section.

The seat box 600 can be upholstered to form the seat part of the article of furniture into which the modular furniture system is incorporated. FIG 6A also illustrates a back frame 610 which in this example is mounted to the seat box 600. In other examples the back frame 610 is mounted to the first and second frame members. FIG 6A also illustrates a footrest 620. In examples where the user can perform a kick-back to release the reclining means from being locked in the non-reclining position, it is the footrest 620 the user pushes against. As shown in this example, the footrest 620 is mounted on footrest mounting means 141. In other examples, the footrest 620 forms an integral part of the first and second extension arms and so no footrest mounting means 141 are required.

FIG 6B illustrates an example of how the seat box 600 tilts relative to the first and second frame members when the reclining means is moved from the non-reclining position to the reclining position. For example, as shown in FIG 6A when in the non-reclining position, the seat box 600 is in a first position relative to the first and second frame members. When the reclining means is moved to the reclining position the seat box mounting means 160 tilts relative to the first and second frame members due to the movement of the first and second extension arms. The tilt of the seat box mounting means 160 relative to the first and second frame members causes the seat box 600 to tilt relative to the first and second frame members. In an article of furniture into which the modular furniture system 100 and the seat box 600 are incorporated this will cause relative tilting of the seat box relative to the furniture arms which are mounted on the first and second frame members. This therefore provides a way of tilting a user's body into a more reclined position to better suit the footrest moving into a reclining position. The back frame 610 will tilt with the seat box 600 when it is mounted to the seat box as shown in FIGS 6A and 6B. In other examples where the back frame 610 is mounted to the first and second frame members instead of the seat box 600 the back frame 610 does not tilt with the seat box 600.

FIG 7 illustrates an article of furniture 700. The article of furniture comprises a modular furniture system 100 as described herein, the modular furniture system comprising first and second spaced frame members having internal surfaces facing each other and external faces on opposite sides thereof, cross linking means interconnecting the first and second frame members; reclining means, mounted on the internal surfaces of each of the first and second frame members; wherein the mounting means is provided on the external surface of at least one of the first and second frame members. The article of furniture 700 further comprises a seat box 600 mounted to the reclining mechanism; a back frame 610 and at least one furniture arm 710, 720.

In the example illustrated in FIG 7, said reclining means comprises foot rest mounting means configured to mount a foot rest 620 thereon. In the example illustrated in FIG 7, the article of furniture comprises two furniture arms and forms a recliner chair. In the example of FIG 7 the female mounting brackets 152 are mounted on the furniture arms 710, 720 and the male mounting brackets 151 are provided on both of the external surfaces of the first and second frame members and the furniture arms are mounted on the modular furniture system. The seat box 600 is mounted on the modular furniture system 10. The back frame 610 is mounted on the seat box in this example but on other examples can be mounted on the first and second frame members. In other examples only one furniture arm is required. In these examples the other frame member not mounted to a furniture arm may be mounted to a wall or to another furniture element such as a furniture sidewall.

FIG 8A illustrates an article of furniture 800. The difference between the article of furniture 700 and the article of furniture 800 is that the article of furniture 800 comprises a second such mechanism 500 with an additional seat box 600 and an additional back frame 610, forming a recliner sofa 800. As illustrated previously in FIG 5A, the two female mounting brackets 152 are connected to each other and each of the female mounting brackets 152 connect to male mounting brackets 151 on the two mechanisms. FIG 8B illustrates an article of furniture 800 with a center leg 510 as described in FIG 50.

In the examples of FIG 7, FIG 8A and FIG 8B the articles of furniture have not been upholstered. The furniture arms can be upholstered prior to mounting to the mechanism. The back frame can also be upholstered prior to mounting it to the seat box or mechanism. An article of furniture having the modular furniture system can therefore be provided as separate upholstered parts prior to assembly of the article of furniture. For instance a recliner seat as illustrated in FIG 7 may be provided as four separate upholstered parts: two upholstered arms, an upholstered back frame and an upholstered seat box and footrest mounted on the mechanism 100. Advantageously, this enables assembly of the separate upholstered parts into the article of furniture with no tooling after it has been delivered to a recipient's desired location. No tooling is required as the furniture arms are mounted by the mounting means which require no tools for the mounting and the back frame may slot onto back frame mounting means provided on the seat box or mechanism. This advantageously saves labour cost and time in the manufacturing, delivery and assembly of the article of furniture incorporating the modular furniture system.

In other examples instead of there being two adjacent mechanisms connected directly to each other the mechanisms are separated by a furniture arm. For example, a furniture arm may be provided with two female mounting brackets 152, one female mounting bracket being provided on each side of the furniture arm and each side of the furniture arm being connected to a mechanism. In this way a series of connected recliner chairs can be formed as an article of furniture. In other examples the recliner sofa or the series of connected recliner chairs may comprise more than two mechanisms. There is no limit to the number of mechanisms that can be linked together to form a recliner sofa or a series of connected recliner chairs. For example, a series of connected recliner chairs can be used for cinema seating.

The male mounting bracket and female mounting bracket are examples of a male part and a female part. The mounting means 150 are not limited to being the male mounting bracket and the female mounting bracket illustrated in the Figures. For example, the male part may comprise a projection from the mechanism, which is received in a slot on other furniture elements, the slot being the female part. In other examples the female part may be provided on the mechanism and a male part is provided on the furniture element.

In examples where the mounting means comprises the male mounting bracket 151 and female mounting bracket 152 illustrated in the Figures, the entire width of the mechanism besides the female mounting brackets 152 is between the outermost edges of the male mounting brackets 151 on the first and second frame members. By providing all of the mechanism besides the female mounting brackets in between the male mounting brackets 151, this makes it easier to mount the mechanism onto other furniture elements, thereby providing a more convenient, modular system of assembling articles of furniture.

In the examples provided, all of the components relating to adjusting the width of the modular furniture system, the reclining means, the reclining enablers and other related components such as wires and switches for electric motors are all provided between the two frame members. This provides several advantages, including easier assembly and easier transportation of the mechanisms and the furniture elements such as furniture arms, seat boxes and back frames. By providing the reclining means between the two frame members and the mounting means on the external surfaces of the frame members, furniture elements can be mounted to the mechanism without interfering with the reclining means or crosslinking means. By providing the mounting means on the external surfaces of the two frame members the furniture elements can be mounted so that they are flush with the seat box, when a seat box is mounted to the mechanism.

In the examples provided, the cross linking means 130 and second cross linking means 144 may be used for both manual and electric recliner chairs. For example, a modular furniture system for a manual recliner chair is illustrated in FIG 1 and a modular furniture system for an electric recliner chair is illustrated in FIG 4. This is advantageous for several reasons, including simplifying ordering of modular furniture systems and manufacturing of electric and manual recliner articles of furniture, as it is easy for the person manufacturing an article of furniture to choose between a manual and electric recliner without having to use a different modular furniture system.

The modular furniture system is typically made of metal but other materials such as wood or polymers could be used to make all or part of the modular furniture system.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one.." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example' or 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a feature described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example as part of a working combination but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Although embodiments have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described above.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer and exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

I/we claim:

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular furniture system, comprising a mechanism, the mechanism comprising: first and second spaced frame members, having internal surfaces facing each other and external surfaces on opposite sides thereof; cross linking means interconnecting the first and second frame members; reclining means, mounted on the internal surfaces of each of the first and second frame members; wherein mounting means is provided on the external surface of at least one of the first and second frame members, the mounting means being configured to mount the mechanism to one or more furniture elements.
2. A modular fumiture system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means is configured to mount the mechanism to different types of furniture elements.
3. A modular furniture system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first type of furniture element is a furniture arm and a second type of furniture element is another 20 such mechanism
4. A modular fumiture system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mounting means comprises a male part on one of the first and second frame members and a female part mountable to one of the one or more furniture elements or another such female part, the male part being selectively engageable to the female part to mount one of the one or more furniture elements on the mechanism.
5. A modular furniture system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the female part comprises a female mounting bracket and the male part comprises a male mounting bracket, wherein the male mounting bracket is configured to engage with a receiving portion on the female mounting bracket.
6. A modular furniture system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first frame member and second frame member each have mounting means comprising a male mounting bracket and a female mounting bracket, wherein the entire width of the mechanism except the female mounting brackets is between the outermost edges of the male mounting brackets of the first and second frame members.
7. A modular fumiture system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the system additionally comprises at least one additional such mechanism, the at least one additional such mechanism being one of the one or more furniture elements, wherein the mounting means is configured to mount the mechanism to the at least one additional such mechanism.
8. A modular fumiture system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reclining means comprises: a first extension arm mounted to the internal surface of the first frame member; a second extension arm mounted to the internal surface of the second frame member; and a second cross linking means interconnecting the first and second extension arms.
9. A modular furniture system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the reclining means additionally comprises at least one reclining enabler, the at least reclining enabler configured to selectively move the first and second extension arms between a non-reclining position and a reclining position.
10. A modular fumiture system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one reclining enabler comprises an electric actuator or a gas strut.
11. A modular fumiture system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one reclining enabler comprises one or more springs.
12. A modular furniture system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first and second extension arms are resiliently urged towards the reclining position.
13. A modular furniture system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one reclining enabler comprises a locking part mounted on the second cross linking means, and a locking mechanism mounted on the cross linking means, wherein the locking part and locking mechanism are configured to releasably lock the first and second extension arms in the non-reclining position.
14. A modular furniture system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the reclining means comprises seat box mounting means, configured to mount a seat box on the reclining means.
15. A modular furniture system as claimed any preceding claim, wherein the cross linking means are configured to have changeable width, thereby enabling the width of the mechanism to be varied.
16. An article of furniture comprising: a modular furniture system comprising a mechanism, the mechanism comprising: first and second spaced frame members, having internal surfaces facing each other and external surfaces on opposite sides thereof; cross linking means interconnecting the first and second frame members; reclining means, mounted on the internal surfaces of each of the first and second frame members; wherein mounting means is provided on the external surface of at least one of the first and second frame members; wherein the article of furniture further comprises: a seat box, mounted to the reclining means; a back frame, mounted either to the seat box or to the mechanism; a first furniture arm mounted to the mounting means of the modular furniture system.
17. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 16, wherein the article of furniture additionally comprises a second furniture arm, the first furniture arm being mounted to mounting means on the first frame member and the second furniture arm being mounted to mounting means on the second frame member; wherein the article of furniture is a recliner chair.
18. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 16, wherein the modular furniture system additionally comprises: a second such mechanism, the mechanisms being connected together by their respective mounting means; wherein the article of furniture further comprises: a second seat box mounted to the reclining means of the second such mechanism; a second back frame mounted to either the second seat box or to the second such mechanism; a second furniture arm, wherein the first furniture arm is mounted to the mounting means of the mechanism and the second furniture arm is mounted to the mounting means of the second such mechanism; wherein the article of furniture is a recliner sofa.
19. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 16, wherein the modular furniture system additionally comprises: a second such mechanism; wherein the article of furniture further comprises a second seat box mounted to the reclining means of the second such mechanism; a second back frame mounted to either the second seat box or to the second such mechanism; a second furniture arm; a third furniture arm; wherein the first furniture arm is mounted on the mounting means of the mechanism; wherein the second furniture arm is mounted on the mounting means of the mechanism and the second such mechanism; wherein the third furniture arm is mounted on the mounting means of the second such mechanism; wherein the article of furniture is a series of connected recliner chairs.
20. An article of furniture as claimed in any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the reclining means is configured to be moveable between a non-reclining position and a reclining position.
21. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 20 wherein the reclining means is configured to tilt the seat box mounted thereon, wherein the seat box is tilted relative to the first and second frame members and the first fumiture arm when the reclining means moves from the non-reclining position to the reclining position.
22. An article of furniture as claimed in any of claims 20 to 21, wherein the reclining means comprises: a first extension arm mounted to the internal surface of the first frame member; a second extension arm mounted to the internal surface of the second frame member; and a second cross linking means interconnecting the first and second extension arms.
23. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 22, wherein the reclining means additionally comprises at least one reclining enabler, the at least one reclining enabler configured to selectively move the first and second extension arms between the non-reclining position and the reclining position; wherein the at least one reclining enabler comprises a locking part mounted on the second cross linking means, and a locking mechanism mounted on the cross linking means, wherein the locking part and locking mechanism are configured to releasably lock the first and second extension arms in the non-reclining position.
24. An article of furniture as claimed in any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the reclining means comprises footrest mounting means configured to mount a footrest thereon.
25. An article of furniture as claimed in claim 24, when dependent on claim 23, wherein the article of furniture additionally comprises a footrest mounted on the footrest mounting means, wherein the locking part and locking mechanism are configured to release from being locked in the non-reclining position when the footrest is pushed in a direction towards the locking mechanism and locking part.