Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
Attorney Docket No. 1202P-000306
APPARATUS FOR SECURING INDEPENDENT SECTIONS
OF A MODULAR SEATING ASSEMBLY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to securing modular furniture and, more
particularly, to a bracket apparatus for releasably securing modular seating
sections
together in a side-by-side configuration to form a loveseat, sofa or other
modular seating
assembly.
[0002] Sofas often incorporate one or more reclining seating sections that
provide a significant degree of added comfort when compared with many
conventional
sofas. Such modular sofa assemblies incorporating one or more reclining
seating sections
enable the owner to "customize" a sofa assembly to fit herlhis specific needs
and lifestyle.
In modular sofa assemblies, it has heretofore been necessary to secure the
recliner
sections) with the remaining seating sections) via a permanent frame, usually
constructed
integrally with the various seating sections at the factory. Accordingly, when
the sofa
assembly is shipped it must be shipped as one single, relatively large
structure.
[0003] One solution to this problem was to secure the modular seating sections
to a pair of transverse frame rails after delivery. As such, the modular
components could
be individually shipped. The advantage of such a frame-like mounting apparatus
is the
flexibility in changing the configuration of the sofa assembly as the needs of
the owner
change. Accordingly, there would be no need for the owner to order an entire
new sofa
assembly if the owner desired to utilize the sofa in a location with space
restrictions or for
1
' CA 02402583 2002-09-10
other reasons. However, this system can limit the possible configurations of
the modular
sections.
[0004 Another solution to this problem was to secure the modular seating
sections with various key-hole type brackets after delivery. This system also
allows for the
modular components to be shipped individually. However, one problem with this
key-hole
type bracket system is that one seating section must be lifted and aligned
with the other
seating section, and then lowered into place for properly engaging the key-
hole brackets.
[0005] While previous systems have provided reasonably good structural
strength to the sofa assembly, it is desirable to provide a simple bracket
apparatus for
releasably securing the independent sections of the modular seating assembly
together,
which further eliminates the need for lifting the seating sections. Each
independent
seating section can be fitted with the appropriate bracket member for allowing
the seating
sections to be interconnected. Such a bracket apparatus would increase the
possible
configurations of the modular sections. This would also facilitate the
shipping of such
seating assemblies, as the various components could be shipped independently
and
interconnected after delivery.
2
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one preferred embodiment of the bracket apparatus, a generally L-
shaped bracket is provided having a vertical engaging member and a horizontal
fastening
member. The vertical engaging portion includes an engaging recess for
receiving a
similarly positioned retaining stud. At least one of the brackets includes a
latching
mechanism pivotably supported by the vertical engaging member. The horizontal
fastening
portion is particularly well suited to be secured to a frame rail of a
recliner seating section
in a manner that disposes the vertical engaging pardon generally parallel to
the side wall
of the seating section. In another preferred embodiment, the horizontal
fastening portion
may be excluded and the vertical engaging member may be directly fastened to
the seating
section.
[0007] The preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a very cost
effective and simple to manufacture means by which one or more modular seating
sections,
whether they be fixed or recliner seating sections, can be quickly and easily
secured
together. The preferred embodiments further provide for adjustability between
the spacing
of the seating sections as well as allowing the seating sections to be quickly
and easily
uncoupled from one another. In this manner, the individual seating sections of
a modular
seating assembly may be quickly and easily coupled to one another, such as
when the
seating assembly is delivered to a home, office, etc. The preferred
embodiments of the
present invention further enable the individual seating sections of a modular
seating
assembly to be quickly and easily detached from one another if the seating
assembly is to
be moved.
3
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
[0008] !t will be appreciated, then, that the preferred embodiments disclosed
herein provide a signficant advantage in that the seating assembly may be much
more
easily shipped and handled than if the assembly was secured together at a
factory,
warehouse, or dealership. The preferred embodiments further do not require any
special
tools to enable the bracket members to be secured and released with each other
for
configuring the modular seating assembly.
[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be
understood that
the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred
embodiment
of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not
intended to limit
the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00010] The various advantages of the present invention will become apparent
to
one skilled in the art by reading the following specification, appended
claims, and by
referencing the following drawings in which:
[00011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a modular seating assembly in the form
of
a modular sofa;
[00012] Fig. 2 is an elevational view of the right side of the recliner
seating section
positioned at the left end of the modular seating assembly showing the
brackets associated
with the first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
4
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
(00013] Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the left side of the fixed seating
section
showing the brackets associated with the first preferred embodiment of the
present
invention;
(00014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the brackets shown in Figs. 2 and 3 in
accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[00015] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket in accordance
with
a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[00016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the brackets according to the first
preferred
embodiment shown in the engaged position; and
(00017] Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the brackets in a disengaged
position
according to the first embodiment of the present invention;
(00018] Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the brackets in an engaged
position
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[00019] Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the bracket according to the
second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(00020] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a bracket
assembly particularly well suited for removably securing a plurality of
seating sections
together to form a modular seating assembly is disclosed. The following
description of the
preferred embodiments) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended
to limit
the invention, its application, or uses.
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
[00029] Referring now to Fig. 1, the brackets in accordance with the first and
second preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in
conjunction with
modular seating assembly 90. As wil) be appreciated, modular seating assembly
10
includes a left recliner seating section 12, a fixed seating section 14, a
corner seating
section 16, and a right recliner seating section 18. It should be understood
that the plurality
of independent seating sections 12, 14, 16, and 18 are modular seating
sections, with
seating sections 12 and 18 being of the recliner type and having recliner
mechanisms like
that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,992,930, issued November 30, 1999,
entitled Wall
Proximity Reclining Chair, which is commonly assigned, and the disclosure of
which is
expressly incorporated herein by reference. However, one skilled in the art
will appreciate
that the brackets of the present invention can be used for securing many
styles of modular
seating sections.
[00022] Left and right recliner seating sections 12, 18 both include a leg
rest panel
20 which can be extended when the seating section is placed into the reclined
position.
The brackets associated with the present invention are utilized between the
abutting
surfaces of each independent seating section. More particularly, a first set
of brackets are
disposed between left recliner seating section 12 and fiixed seating section
14 forming
interface 22. A second set of brackets are disposed between fixed seating
section 14 and
corner seating section 16 forming interface 24. Finally, a third set of
brackets are disposed
between corner section 16 and right recliner seating section 18 forming
interface 26.
Accordingly, the brackets of the present invention permit the universal
interconnection of
any number of independent seating sections 12, 14, 16, and 18, in addition to
several other
types of independent or modular seating sections (not shown).
6
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
(00023] Fig. 2 illustrates the right surface 28 of left recliner section 12.
As
disclosed, right surface 28 includes a pair of L-shaped stud brackets 30a, 30b
which are
securely fastened to front and rear frame rails 32. A set of glides 34 are
also secured to
the frame rails 32 at each comer. Each glide 34 (two shown) includes a
threaded shaft 36
which is threaded into an aperture formed in the frame rails 32. Accordingly,
each glide 34
can be rotated to change the vertical position of the glide 34 thus adjusting
the height of the
frame rails 32. As disclosed, stud bracket 30a is mounted at a forward portion
of right
surface 28, and stud bracket 30b is mounted at a rearward portion thereof.
Each stud
bracket 30a, 30b includes a laterally extending stud 38 having a head portion
40 at its
outboard end. Preferably, each stud 38 is threaded. Accordingly, the lateral
position of
head portion 40 can be adjusted in or out by selectively rotating each
threaded stud 38. It
should be understood that interface 22 between seating sections 12 and 14 is
formed by
abutting right surFace 28 with left surtace 42 (see Fig. 3). It is to be
understood by one
skilled in the art, that the studs 38 need not be affixed to individual stud
brackets 30a and
30b. Rather, the studs 38 may be affixed with frame member of the modular
seating
section and rotate to move in and out of the frame member (not shown).
Additionally, the
threaded stud allows for lateral movement and affixing of the modular seating
sections. In
particular, this is important on the recliner sections to ensure that the
reclining panel 20 has
a nearly friction free movement between its reclined and unreclined positions.
This is
particularly important when plush upholstery over thick padding is used to
ensure an ease
of movement in the reclining motion.
[00024] Fig. 3 illustrates the left surface 42 of fixed seating section 14.
The left
surface 42 has a side mount latch bracket assembly 44, including a receiving
bracket 46
7
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
and a latch 48 secured at a forward portion. Additionally, a side mount
receiving bracket
46 is secured at a rearward portion. Each of the side mount receiving brackets
46 are
affixed to a frame member 49 of the seating section 14. Fixed seating section
14 is
supported by four adjustable legs 50.
(00025] With continuing reference to Fig. 3 and reference to Fig. 2, as will
be
appreciated, when right surface 28 is abutted with left surface 42, the studs
38 of each stud
bracket 30a and 30b, will engage a respective portion of the left side 42 of
the seating
section. In particular, the stud 38 of the rearward stud bracket 30b will
engage the
rearward receiving bracket 46. While the stud 38 of the forward stud bracket
30a will
engage the latch bracket assembly 44. As will be discussed in further detail,
latch 48 is
pivotally coupled to the side mount latch bracket 46 and retains stud 38
within receiving
recess 52 for maintaining seating sections 12 and 14 in their proper
alignment.
Additionally, the distance between seating sections 12 and 14 can be adjusted
by changing
the inboardloutboard position of each threaded stud 38.
[00026] With reference now to Fig. 4, the interface 22 described with respect
to
Figs. 2 and 3 is shown in more detail. More specifically, Fig. 4 illustrates
the L-shaped stud
brackets 30a, 30b in alignment with side mount receiving bracket 46 and side
mount latch
bracket assembly 44 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Fig. 4 further illustrates each L-shaped stud bracket 30a, 30b rigidly secured
to frame rails
32 via suitable fasteners 54. Furthermore, side mount brackets 46a, 46b are
rigidly
secured to frame rails 49 via suitable fasteners 56. One skilled in the art
will readily
appreciate that stud brackets 30a, 30b are separated from each other by the
same distance
as side mount brackets 46a, 46b thus facilitating proper alignment of each
stud 38 within
8
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
each receiving recess 52. As will also be appreciated, the vertical position
of each stud 38
matches the vertical position of each receiving recess 52 (within acceptable
design
tolerances), also for facilitating proper alignment between the modular
seating sections 12,
14, 16 and 18 of modular seating assembly 10. This vertical alignment between
stud 38
and receiving recess 52 can be adjusted by changing the positions of legs 50
and/or glides
34 as described above. The stud brackets 30a, 30b each include a horizontal
flange 58 and
vertical member 60 which are disposed 90° from one another. Preferably,
L-shaped stud
brackets 30a, 30b are stamped from a single metal blank which also produce the
necessary apertures and recesses. A subsequent stamping process then forms
horizontal
flange 58 in the requisite position. However, one skilled in the art will
realize a single
process may form the bracket and apertures.
[00027] With continuing reference to Fig. 4 and further reference to Fig. 5,
the
latch bracket assembly 44 is illustrated in greater detail. Latch bracket
assembly 44
includes a receiving bracket 46a and a latch 48. A circular aperture 64 is
formed near the
upper end of the receiving bracket 46 for receiving a rivet 66 for pivotally
supporting latch
48. A generally U-shaped recess 52 is formed at the rearward portion of the
receiving
bracket 46 for receiving stud 38 of stud bracket 30a, which is secured to the
seating section
opposite latch bracket assembly 44. As will be appreciated, the diameter of
head portion
40 is greater than the width of recess 52 to prevent the inadvertent
disengagement of
adjacent brackets. A mechanical stop 68 is formed at the forward portion of
the receiving
bracket 46 for limiting the rotation of latch 48. The receiving bracket 46
also includes a
relief or cut-out. portion 7.O formed along its forward edge which provides a
recessed area
for fully depressing latch 48. The receiving bracket 46 includes an upper
mounting region
9
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
or flange 72 and a lower mounting region or flange 74 which include the
apertures 76 for
mounting the receiving bracket 46 onto the frame rail 49. A mid-region 78
which includes
the aperture 64 to receive the rivet 66 and the recess 52 protrudes laterally
outward from
the mounting regions 72 and 74, thereby extending out from the frame rail 49.
In this way,
there is a depression or pocket formed between bracket 46 and frame rail 49
which
receives the head portion 40 of the stud 38 so that the stud 38 may be easily
inserted and
removed from the receiving bracket 46.
[00028] Latch 48 is pivotably supported by a rivet 66 which extends through a
circular aperture 80 formed through latch 48. Rivet 66 is also secured within
circular
aperture 64 formed in receiving bracket 46. Latch 48 is further defined,
primarily, by a lever
arm 82 and a catch arm 84 wherein a slot 86 and a catch 88 are formed which
serve to
encompass a stud 38 received into recess 52. The rearward portion of catch 88
includes
an outer guide surface 90 which causes latch 48 to rotate about rivet 66 as
stud 38 is
placed within recess 52. The tip 92 of latch 48 serves as a weighted mass for
counterbalancing latch 48 and imparting a gravity driven counterclockwise
rotational bias.
Latch 48 further includes a tab 94 for engaging mechanical stop 68 for
limiting the rotation
of latch 48. As such, when stud 38 is properly situated within recess 52,
latch 48 will rotate
counterclockwise in the direction of arrow 100 (as viewed in Fig. 6) about
rivet 66 such that
slot 86 and catch 88 prevent stud 38 from exiting recess 52. Preferably, the
clockwise
rotation of latch 48 is achieved through movement of lever arm 82 having a
rounded end
96.
[00029] With reference to Figs. 6 through 8, the mechanism and actuation of
the
first preferred embodiment of the present invention is described. The stud 38
is received
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
within the recess 52 of the receiving bracket 46. Furthermore, the head
portion 40 of the
stud 38 has a diameter greaterthan the width of the recess 52 so as to not
allow the head
portion 40 to be removed from the recess 52 without being slid out through the
recess 52.
When a stud 38 engages the latch bracket assembly 44, the latch 48 also
engages and
encompasses the stud 38, once the stud 38 is received within the recess 52, to
further
ensure that the stud 38 does not slide out of the recess 52. With particular
reference to
Fig. 6, when the stud is fully received within the recess 52 the stud 38 is
adjacent a rear
portion of the recess 52 and the latch 48 is in the locked or engaged
position. With
continuing reference to Fig. 6, but with particular reference to Fig. 7 and 8,
the particular
actuation of the latch assembly is illustrated. In particular, the stud
bracket 30a which is
affixed to a seating section (not shown) is moved in the direction of arrow 98
to engage the
outer guide surface 90 of the latch 48. As the stud 38 engages the outer guide
surface 90,
the latch 48 rotates about the rivet 66 in the direction of arrow 100.
Therefore, it is to be
understood that the latch 48 may be moved from its closed to open position by
the force
of the stud 38 affixed to the stud bracket 30a moving in the direction of
arrow 98.
[00030] It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that the slot 86 is
angled in
such a manner so as to dissuade the unintentional disengagement of the stud
38. Due to
the angle of the slot 86, if the stud 38 were to attempt to move out of the
recess 52 the
catch 88 would not allow such movement. Since the slot 86 is angled
complimentary to the
catch 88, as the stud 38 attempts to move out of the recess 52 it would move
along axis
104 into the slot 86, thereby further rotating latch 48 clockwise towards the
closed position.
The catch 88 extends below the bottom portion of the recess 52 when the latch
48 is
11
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
closed. Therefore, when the stud 38 is received within the recess 52 and
engaged by the
latch 48, there is no means for the stud 38 to inadvertently move out from the
recess 52.
[00031] The mass of tip 92 is of sufficient magnitude to urge latch 48 into
the
closed position so that it is not easily moved from the closed position.
Therefore, only a
manual disengagement of the latch 48 will allow the removal of the stud 38
from the recess
52. Furthermore, lever 82 is angled acutely with respect to slot 86.
Specifically, a first axis
fine 102 of the lever arm 82 is intersected by a second axis line 104 dividing
the slot 86 to
form an internal acute angle C less than 90 degrees. The angle C is generally
between 50
degrees and 10 degrees. The orientation of lever 82, in addition to the
rounded end 96,
places additional mass along the first axis line 102 through the rivet 66 and
second axis line
104 of the angled slot 86, thus further counterbalancing the latch 48 in the
closed position.
Therefore, in addition to the weighted mass tip 92, the lever arm 82 helps
keep the latch
48 in the engaged position. The above-described elements and their
relationship work
together to make the removal of the stud 38 through an inadvertent movement
very difficult.
However, by simply depressing the rounded end 96 into the depression 70 the
removal of
the stud 38 is easily disengaged therefore making advertent assembly and
disassembly of
the modular seating assembly 10 simple for an assembler or an owner.
[00032] As previously discussed, latch 48 is designed such that stud 38 can be
automatically inserted and retained within recess 52. Once inserted, stud 38
may be
released from recess 52 by rearwardly depressing rounded end 96 of lever 82
within cut-
out portion 70 to rotate latch 42 in the direction of arrow 100 about rivet 66
until catch 88
no longer blocks the removal of stud 38 from recess 52. Cut-out portion 70
allows rounded
end 96 to be moved sufficiently forward to completely release stud 38. The
complimentary
12
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
recess 62 of the stud bracket 30a, 30b also ensures ease of movement of the
latch 48. As
rounded end 96 is moved within recess 70, the adjacent sections of furniture
(such as
seating sections 16 and 18) can be moved out of alignment so that stud 38 of
bracket 30a
can be disengaged from latch bracket assembly 44, and stud 38 of bracket 30b
can be
disengaged from receiving bracket 46. In this manner, right recliner seating
section 18 can
be disengaged and moved away from comer seating section 16 for disassembling
or
breaking down modular seating assembly 10.
[00033] While it is preferred that latch 48 is rotated via lever arm 82, one
skilled
in the art will appreciate that tab 94 can be depressed using a blunt tool,
such as a flat
blade screwdriver, for appropriately rotating latch 48 for releasing stud 38.
Furthermore,
one skilled in the art will realize that alternatively a cable or other
mechanism may be
affixed to the latch 48 to allow actuation of the latch 48 without direct
contact of the
operator.
[00034] Referring now to Fig. 9, the details associated with an alternate
embodiment of the present invention are disclosed. It should be understood
that L-shaped
latch bracket assembly 144 is similar to latch bracket assembly 44 and similar
elements are
indicated with like numerals increased by 100. The L-shaped latch bracket
assembly 144
includes an L-shaped receiving bracket 146 and a latch 148. A recess 152
formed in
receiving bracket 146 serves to engage stud 38 (not shown). The latch 148 of
the second
preferred embodiment includes the similar structures as the latch 48 of the
first preferred
embodiment. Briefly, the latch 148 includes an aperture 180 for receiving the
rivet 166, a
lever arm 182, a catch arm 184 extending from the lever arm 182, a slot 186
formed in the
catch arm, and a catch 188. The catch 188 is bounded on the first side by the
slot 186 and
13
CA 02402583 2002-09-10
then on the outside by the outer guide surface 190, then on the upper surface
by a tip 192
which also provides additional mass to the latch 148. Furthermore, the lever
arm 182
terminates in a rounded mass 19fi. Finally, a tab 194 provides a mechanical
stop for the
rotation of the lever 148. The receiving bracket portion 146 of the L-shaped
latch bracket
assembly 144 is similar to the stud bracket assemblies 30a, 30b, only in
general shape.
The receiving bracket 146 includes a vertical body 198 and a flange 200
extending
generally perpendicular from the vertical body 198 at a tower end. The flange
200 includes
an aperture 202 to receive an appropriate retaining member to affix the L-
shaped latch
bracket assembly 144 to a seating section. Furthermore, the vertical member
198 includes
a recess 170 to allow the rotation of the latch 148 to disengage the stud 38.
Additionally,
the vertical member 198 includes an aperture 168 to receive the rivet 166.
Finally, the
vertical member 198 includes a mechanical stop 172 to engage the tab 194. Once
the rivet
166 affixes the latch 148 to the receiving bracket 146, the latch 148 is able
to rotate in the
direction of arrow 204 to be to engage and disengage the stud 38. Although not
illustrated,
the actuation of the second preferred embodiment is generally similar to that
of the first
preferred embodiment described above in reference to Figs. 6 through 8. One
generally
skilled in the art will understand that the actuation and working of the
second preferred
embodiment as illustrated in Fig. 9 would be similar to that described above.
[00035 The foregoing discussion discloses and describes exemplary
embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily
recognize from
such discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that various
changes,
modifications, and variations can be made therein without departing from the
spirit and
scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
14
