WO2008052269A1

WO2008052269A1 - Modular furniture system

Info

Publication number: WO2008052269A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/001666
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter James Boyle
Original assignee: Zapco International Limited; Torrent Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-11-01
Filing date: 2007-11-01
Publication date: 2008-05-08
Also published as: AU2007314156B2; AU2007314156A1

Abstract

A modular furniture system (10), including a plurality of panels (14) and a plurality of panel connectors (15) to connect the panels (14) together, each connector (15) including two interconnectable parts (16, 17), a first part (16) being located at an edge region of a first panel (14) and a second part (17) which extends through an edge region of a second panel (14) into locking connection with the first part (16).

Description

MODULAR FURNITURE SYSTEM

The present invention relates to modular furniture system, such as a modular shelving system, which employs panels and connectors to connect the panels together.

Modular furniture systems, such as modular shelving systems, are popular particularly for shelving. With such systems, the consumer saves the cost of assembly and saves on transport costs, because the modular components can be transported with a reduced volume compared to the volume of the completed piece of furniture. Also, in relation to shelving, the consumer can build the shelving into sizes and shapes that suit the particular application. For example, modular shelving enables the height and width of the shelving to be varied to suit the particular space of its installation.

It is highly desirable that modular furniture be simple and easy to construct. This is because modular furniture is often employed in domestic situations in which unskilled personnel assemble the furniture and in circumstances in which skilled personnel are involved in the assembly process, it is usual that in modular furniture, assembly should involve minimal time and effort.

The present invention relates to a new form of modular furniture in which the modular components are easy to use and assemble and in a preferred form, can be easily disconnected for disassembly of the modular furniture.

According to the present invention there is provided a modular furniture system, including a plurality of panels and a plurality of panel connectors to connect the panels together, each panel connector including two interconnectable parts, a first part being located at an edge region of a first panel and a second part which extends through an edge region of a second panel into locking connection with the first part. The invention has been developed for use principally with plastic panels which are generally square or rectangular and substantially hollow, but which will normally include internal strengthening webs. In such panels, the first part of the panel connectors is preferably located within the panel to remove it from view when the panels are connected. The invention could however, be employed with other forms of panels, such as medium density fibreboard (MDF) panels. For example, an MDF panel might be formed with openings in the edge thereof to accommodate the first part of a panel connector.

In a preferred arrangement, the first part of the panel connector includes an opening into which a locking portion of the second part extends and whereby locking connection between the first and second parts occurs following receipt of the locking portion within the opening of the first part.

The first part of each panel connector is preferably anchored to the first panel, such as by receipt of a projection within an opening. The projection can be provided on one of the first part or the panel and the opening is provided in the other of the first part or panel. In one embodiment, the projection or opening of the first part is provided on a resilient member of the first part which can flex to enable engagement of the projection or opening of the first part with the opening or projection of the panel.

Alternatively, the opening or projection of the first part can be provided on a rigid member, and the panel can be of a flexibly resilient material or construction to enable the projection or opening of the first part to nest with the projection or opening of the first panel. In either arrangement, anchoring of the first part of the panel connector to the panel should be secure and in the preferred arrangement, the anchoring is releasable. However, in that preferred arrangement, release should require some effort, for example the use of a tool. That is, release should not be so easy that the integrity of the connection between the panel connector and the panel is easily disrupted. In the above arrangement in which a projection is received within an opening and in which one of the projection or opening is provided on a resilient member, release can be achieved by urging the resilient member in a direction to disengage the projection from the opening and then removing the first part from the first panel. A simple tool such as a screwdriver could be employed to urge the resilient member.

In the preferred arrangement, the first part includes a pair of resilient members each of which includes a projection or an opening, preferably a projection, and each resilient member is operable to resiliently flex to engage the projection or opening with a respective projection or opening of the first panel. Preferably the pair of resilient members are opposed to each other and in the embodiment in which the pair of resilient members each includes a projection, preferably the projections extend away from each other.

In one arrangement, the first part is formed as part of an edge member that extends partly or fully along the length of the edge region of the first panel. In this arrangement, the edge member can cooperate with the edge region of the first panel and in a preferred arrangement, the edge member is formed at least partly as a channel for close receipt of at least a portion of the edge region. In this preferred arrangement, the channel is elongate and preferably is closed at one or each end, although the channel can be short for receipt of only a small section of the edge region.

In the above arrangement in which the first part is formed as part of an edge member which is formed as a channel, spaced apart walls of a hollow panel can be inserted between a wall of the channel and a facing resilient member that extends substantially parallel to the channel wall. The resilient members can extend from the base of the channel, substantially parallel to the side walls of the channel which also extend from the base. In this arrangement, the resilient member can be formed as described above for anchoring to the panel, while the edge member can simplify the connection of the first part of the panel and can also improve the aesthetic appeal of modular furniture constructed according to the invention.

It is preferred that the first part include a locating arrangement for locating the second part relative to the first part when the second part is moved into locking connection with the first part. The locating arrangement is provided to cause the second part to maintain a particular orientation relative to the first part so as to maintain the locked condition of the connector. It is preferred that the second part be releasably located by the locating arrangement, so that the second part can be removed from locking connection with the first part for disassembly of the panel connector and the modular furniture system.

Any suitable locating arrangement can be employed. In one arrangement, the first part includes a pair of opposed locating surfaces and the arrangement is such that when the second part is introduced into connection with the first part into the particular orientation that is required for locking between the first part and the second part, the second part engages the locating surfaces of the first part and that engagement resists disconnection between the second part and the locating surfaces. In one arrangement, the second part is rotated into engagement with the locating arrangement and while the second part can be rotated out of engagement with the locating arrangement, the locating arrangement resists that rotation.

In the preferred arrangement, the first part includes a pair of opposed lugs, the facing surfaces of which are shaped concavely, and complementarily shaped surfaces of the second part can be rotated into nesting engagement with each of the concave surfaces of the opposed lugs. By this arrangement, the second part is securely located by the lugs, although disengagement between the second part and the lugs is not difficult. In the preferred arrangement, the locating arrangement is provided on the or each of the resilient members described above and disconnection of the second part from the locating arrangement causes resilient flexing of the resilient member or members. The need for resilient flexing causes resistance to release of the first and second parts from the locked condition.

It is preferred that the or each resilient member of the first part cooperates with the second part in the locked condition of the panel connector, to prevent resilient flexing of the or each resilient member in a direction to release the projection or opening of the or each resilient member from the opening or projection of the first panel. In other words, it is preferred that there is cooperation between the or each resilient member and the second part of the panel connector in a locked condition of the panel connector so that the resilient member cannot be flexed to release the first part from the first panel and so disturb the integrity of connection between first and second panels. Thus, for example, the second part may support the or each resilient member against inward flexing in the locked condition of the panel connector. This can be achieved by the second part bridging between a pair of resilient members, or between a resilient member and another structural part of the first part.

It is to be appreciated, that the first and second parts of the panel connector can be moved into a locking connection without requiring the locating arrangement discussed above. It is envisaged that the locating arrangement may form part of the locking connection, but achieving a locking connection is not dependent on the first part including a locating arrangement.

Locking connection between the first and second parts preferably occurs following relative rotation between the first and second parts. It is preferred that it is the second part which is rotated to lock with the first part and in the preferred arrangement, the first part is anchored at an edge region of the first panel against rotation relative to the first panel and it is the second part which rotates into locking connection with the first part. To facilitate rotation of the second part, it is preferred that the second part includes facility to receive a tool which can impart rotational movement to the second part. That facility may include a hexagonal bore to receive an Allen key, or the second part can include a head having a square or hexagonal or other shaped periphery for engagement by a suitable spanner or wrench or other suitable tool.

Where the first part includes an opening into which a locking portion of the second part extends, the locking portion can be operable to cooperate with the first part in the locked condition of the first and second parts to prevent removal of the locking portion through the opening and by this arrangement, the first and second parts are prevented from disconnection. The locking arrangement can be such that at least a part of the locking portion is positioned inboard, in the direction of insertion of the locking portion into the opening of the first part, of an abutment which is provided for cooperation with the locking portion. By this cooperation, in the locked condition of the panel connector, the locking portion is prevented from removal through the opening of the first part and therefore the first and second parts are prevented from disconnection. In the preferred arrangement, the abutment is a portion of the first part which surrounds the opening of that part. In this arrangement, the locking portion may cooperate with the first part non-releasably, so that once the locking portion is inserted through the opening of the first part, the first and second parts are permanently connected together. However, in the preferred arrangement, the connection between the first and second parts is releasable. Releasable connection can be achieved by rotatable engagement between the first and second parts, in which the locking portion of the second part is inserted through the opening of the first part and thereafter the second part is rotated in a first direction to bring the locking portion into the locked condition. Release of the first and second parts from the locked condition can be achieved by further rotation of the second part in the first direction, or by rotation of the second part in a second direction, reverse to the first direction.

In a preferred arrangement, the first and second parts include a cam surface and a cam follower and relative movement between the cam surface and the cam follower causes relative movement between the first and second parts such that the second part moves in a direction towards the first part as the second part moves into locking connection with the first part. Preferably the first part includes a cam surface and the second part includes a cam follower. By this arrangement, the panel connector can be arranged to slightly shift the first panel relative to the second panel to bring them into tight connection together. This improves the stability and rigidity of modular furniture according to the invention and can be achieved as part of the connection process between the first and second parts, simply by rotating the second part relative to the first part into locked engagement with the first part.

In a preferred arrangement, the cam surface of the first part is provided on a portion of the first part which surrounds the opening of the first part. In a preferred arrangement, the abutment described above can be formed as part of the cam surface. In a further preferred arrangement, it is preferred that a cam surface is provided on each of opposite sides of the opening of the first part and that the second part includes a cam follower that engages each cam surface.

As indicated above, panels which are employed as part of the invention preferably are hollow, at least at their edge region at which the first part of each panel connector is located. In such panels, the first part is received within the hollow edge region of the panel for locating thereto. A panel for use in the invention preferably includes a pair of facing panel surfaces and at least one of those surfaces includes an opening or a projection for receipt of a projection or an opening of the first part, for anchoring the first part to the first panel. In the preferred arrangement, the hollow edge region includes an opening or a projection formed in each of the facing panel surfaces and preferably the openings or projections of those surfaces are in facing alignment.

Typically the panel for use in the invention will be square or rectangular and preferably the first part is located or anchored at corner regions of the panel.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a modular furniture system including an edge connector for connecting edge regions of one panel to the edge region of another panel, the edge connector being arranged to receive at least a portion of an edge of each of two panels and to frictionally engage the edge of each panel. The edge connector further includes connecting means to connect the edge connector to the panels, the connecting means being operable to resist disconnection of the edge connector from each panel edge.

The above aspect of the invention can be employed with the first aspect discussed earlier, so that a modular furniture system includes both the panel connectors of the first aspect, and the edge connectors of the second aspect.

In a preferred form, the edge connector includes one or more channels to receive a respective edge region of at least two panels. In this arrangement, if the panel connector includes two channels, then it can receive two edge regions of two different panels. The channels of the edge connector can be oriented at any suitable angle to each other, but it is envisaged that usually, the channels will either be aligned in the same plane, or will be at right angles to each other.

The connecting means of the edge connector can include an opening or a projection for cooperating with a projection or an opening of a panel to which the edge connector is connected. Preferably the connecting means includes a projection, or more preferably a pair of projections, which project from an internal surface of a channel of the edge connector. Where the edge connector includes a pair of projections, preferably these project from opposite ends of the channel in a direction towards each other.

It will be appreciated that the invention has been described above in relation to a modular furniture system, but the invention also extends to the panel connectors and the edge connectors separately. The invention further extends to panels for use in the modular furniture system, which are configured for use with either the panel connectors or edge connectors described above.

The invention can be employed for the manufacture of a wide range of furniture, such as tables, benches, desks, shelves and cabinets. The furniture can include draws, castors, doors, file suspenders and other additional parts. Normally, the invention will provide a structure or frame to which other additional parts can be applied as necessary. Importantly, the invention provides for simple assembly and minimum parts.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be performed, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view a modular shelving system according to the invention. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate interconnecting parts of a panel connector of the kind shown in Figure 1.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate the sequence of engagement between the interconnecting parts of Figures 2 and 3.

Figure 7 illustrates an assembled view of the modular shelving system of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a further modular shelving system according to the invention.

Figure 9 is a side view of a modular furniture system of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a component of a modular furniture system of Figure 8.

Figures 1 1 and 12 illustrate a further embodiment of one component part of the invention.

Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a modular furniture system employing the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 1 and 12.

Figure 14 is an assembled view of the system illustrated in Figure 13.

Figure 1 shows a small section of a modular shelving system which is one embodiment of a modular furniture system according to the invention. The modular shelving system 10 includes a plurality of panels, of which first and second panels 1 1 and 12 are shown in Figure 1. Each panel 1 1 , 12 is generally square or rectangular and is hollow at least at end edge regions thereof. Each panel 1 1 , 12 further includes webs or ribs 13 extending through the interior of each panel for strengthening the panel against inward deflection of the broad panel surfaces 14. The shelving system 10 further includes a panel connector 15 (see Figure 2) which includes two interconnectable parts 16 and 17 (see Figure 1 ). The part 16 is arranged to be anchored at an edge region of the panel 1 1 and for this, a pair of openings 18 are formed in the broad panel surfaces 14 of the first panel 11 , each for receipt of a respective projection 20, only one of which is illustrated in Figure 1. The arrangement is such that the part 16 is inserted into the interior of the edge of the panel 1 1 to engage respective projections 20 in the panel openings 18 and upon that engagement the part 16 is anchored relative to the panel 1 1. It is preferred that one side of the part 16 rests against the interior end surface 19 of the panel 1 1 so that the part 16 is prevented from rotation when it is anchored to the panel 1 1.

The part 17 of the panel connector 15 is intended for passage through an edge region of the second panel 12 and to facilitate this passage, openings 21 are provided in each of the broad panel surfaces 14 of the second panel 12. It will be readily apparent, that the first part 16 is engaged in the panel 1 1 and the second part 17 extends through the panel 12 for interconnection with the first part 16.

Figures 2 and 3 show further views of the interconnectable parts 16 and 17 of Figure 1. With reference to Figure 2, the part 16 is illustrated as having a generally square or rectangular construction, having an opening 25 into which a leading end of the part 17 can extend and the part 16 further includes side walls 26 and 27. There are two side walls 26 and two side walls 27 each provided as opposing pairs of walls, although only one each of the walls 26 and 27 can be seen in Figure 2. The side walls 27 extend from an inboard end 28 of the part 16 and are separated from the side walls 26 by slots 29. By this arrangement, the side wall 27 can resiliently flex inwardly, to allow the projections 20 thereof to be received within the openings 18 (see Figure 1 ) of the panel 1 1. The slotted side wall arrangement 27 shown in Figure 2 is repeated on the other side of the part 16 which is not visible in Figure 2. This arrangement is illustrated in Figure 3. The second part 17 is elongate and includes a head 30, having a hexagonal bore 31 for receipt of an Allen key, a cylindrical shank 32, a reduced diameter shank section 33 and a locking portion 34. The arrangement is such that in the orientation of the part 17 in Figure 2, the locking portion 34 can be inserted into the part 16 through the opening 25 to the extent at which the shoulder 35 between the shank portions 32 and 33 abuts against the inclined surface 36 surrounding the opening 25. Engagement between the shoulder 35 and the surface 36 terminates further inward movement of the part 17 into the part 16.

Once the part 17 has been inserted into the part 16 to bring the shoulder 35 into engagement with the surface 36, the part 17 can be rotated to the orientation shown in Figure 3. That rotation R can be by an Allen key or other suitable tool. In that rotated position, an engagement part 40 is positioned behind an abutment surface which is formed on an internal surface of the part 16 which surrounds the opening 25. In Figure 2, one side of the abutment surface 44 is shown and in that figure, a recess 42 can be seen formed in the abutment surface 41 and in the orientation of Figure 3, the rear surface 43 of the part 17 nests in the recess 42. It is to be appreciated that an abutment surface 41 and recess 42 are also provided on the opposite side of those parts which are shown in Figure 2.

The locking portion 34 further includes a blade 44 which includes side edges 45. Further discussion in relation to the blade 44 and its side edges 45 will take place later herein.

Figures 4 to 6 illustrate end views of the parts 16 and 17 when the part 17 has been inserted into the part 16. In that inserted position, the shoulder 35 of the part 17 is in abutment with the inclined surface 36 of the part 16 (see Figure 2). Referring to Figure 4, the blade 44 has an orientation in which it extends between the side walls 26 of the part 16 and is clear of the side walls 27 which carry the projections 20. The blade 44 is also clear of a pair of locating surfaces 64 which are formed on the inwardly facing surfaces of the side walls 27. The locating surfaces 64 are concavely shaped complementary to the side edges 45 of the blade 44. Figure 5 shows the blade 44 rotated through approximately 45° so that each of the side edges 45 has entered into initial engagement with the locating surfaces 64.

Figure 6 shows the blade 44 rotated through 90° from the Figure 4 position, or through a further 45° from the Figure 5 position and in the position of Figure 6, the side edges 45 are in nesting engagement with the locating surfaces 64. Conveniently, the nesting engagement maintains the blade 44 in the position shown in Figure 6 in the absence of a rotating force that rotates the blade 44 out of nesting engagement with the locating surfaces 64. Further, in Figure 6, the lengthwise extent of the blade 44 between the locating surfaces 64, is such that the blade 44 bridges across the opening 25 of the part 16 to overlie the abutment surface 41 and thus the blade 44 is prevented from being withdrawn from the part 16 in the position shown in Figure 6. This is the locked condition of the panel connector 15. Effectively, the surrounding surface of the opening 25 forms an abutment against which the rear surface 43 (see Figure 3) of the blade 44 engages to prevent removal of the blade 44 from the part 16 when the blade 44 is in the transverse orientation or rotated orientation, shown in Figure 6.

Still further, Figure 6 illustrates that the blade 44 supports the side walls 27 against inward flexing and this has the effect of preventing or at least resisting release of the projections 20 when they are received within openings 18 (see Figure 1 ), of a panel 1 1. Inward flexing of the side walls 27 can occur when the blade 44 is rotated to the position shown in Figure 4 and in that position, the projections 20 can be removed from the openings 18, so that the part 16 of Figure 1 can be removed from engagement with the panel 1 1.

Thus, by inserting the blade 44 into the first part 16 and rotating it 90°, the part 17 is secured against removal or disconnection from the part 16.

Returning to Figure 1 , it will therefore be appreciated, that with the first part 16 anchored to the first panel 1 1 , the second panel 12 can be secured to the first panel 1 1 , by insertion of the part 17 through the openings 21 in the panel 12 and by inserting the blade 44 of the part 17 into the opening 25 of the part 16 and rotating the part 17 by 90°. This connected arrangement is shown in Figure 7. To ensure a tight or firm connection between the panels 1 1 and 12 of Figure 7, the interconnecting parts 16 and 17 of the present invention employ a cam movement to shift the part 17 towards the part 16 when the part 17 is rotated from the position shown in Figure 4 to the position shown in Figure 6. For this, the part 17 includes a cam follower formed as the surface 43, while the abutment surface 41 includes a raised cam surface. The cam surface can be formed as a ramp along which the cam follower 43 slides as the part 17 is rotated relative to the part 16. As the cam follower 43 slides up the ramp surface, the part 17 moves axially further into engagement with the part 16, such that the head 30 presses the panel 12 into firm engagement with the panel 11.

It will be appreciated that panel connectors 15 can be employed as often as required to connect panels together. In Figure 1 , the invention is described with respect to a lower corner of the panels 1 1 and 12, but it can be seen that openings 18 and 21 are provided at the upper corner of each panel to accommodate a further panel connector. Additionally, the same arrangement described in Figures 1 to 7 could be employed at any point along the edge of two abutting panels, i.e. not just at the panel corners.

It will be appreciated that the present invention allows easy and quick assembly of modular components. With reference to Figure 1 , the process of connecting a pair of panels together is to push the connector part 16 into anchoring connection with the panel 1 1 and thereafter to insert the connector part 17 through the panel 12 and into the connector part 16. Upon receipt of the connector part 17 into the connector part 16, rotation of the connector part 17 firmly secures the panels 1 1 and 12 together. This operation is therefore simple and straightforward and requires very low skill levels.

The present invention provides a further arrangement for connecting panels together and that involves the provision of an edge connector and such an edge connector is illustrated in Figure 8. The edge connector 70 illustrated in Figure 8 is elongate and includes three channels for receiving an edge of each of three panels. In Figure 8, two panels are identified by the numerals 74 and 75 and the edge regions of those panels are arranged for receipt within the channels 71 and 73 respectively. The edge region of a third panel could be received within the channel 72, although for clarity, such a panel has not been shown in Figure 8.

Figure 9 shows a side view of a modular shelving system using the edge connector 70 of Figure 8 at four positions and with each edge connector receiving the edge region of three panels 80. Each of the edge connectors and the panels typically will be made of plastic. Preferably the edge connectors are made of a rigid plastic and the size of the channel is such to snugly or frictionally receive panel edges. Frictional engagement provides a level of security in the connection between the edge connectors and the panels. The panels 80 can have the same construction as the panels 1 1 and 12 of the earlier figures.

Edge connectors according to the invention further include connecting means to connect the edge connector to the panels. The connecting means is in addition to the frictional engagement of the channel and in the form illustrated in Figure 8, includes projections 77 formed at each end 76 of the channels 71 , 72 and 73 for receipt within openings 78 formed in side walls of the panels 74 and 75. It should be appreciated that alternatively, the openings 78 could be formed in the channels and projections formed in the panels.

Figure 8 illustrates each of the panels 74 and 75 as including further openings 79 for receipt of the projections 20 of the part 16 illustrated in Figure 1 and this illustrates that the panels of the invention can be configured for connection with an edge connector of the above described kind, or a panel connector described earlier. Thus, a variety of different panels to suit the different connectors is not required.

It will be appreciated that the edge connector 70 illustrated in Figure 8 could include only two channels, and these can be in planar alignment, such as channels 71 or 73, or perpendicular, such as channels 71 and 72, or any other suitable channel alignment. The connector 70 could for example include a fourth channel in planar alignment with the channel 72.

It is to be further appreciated, that while the edge connector 70 includes channels extending the full length thereof, it is within the scope of the present invention, that the channels be modified to include channel portions only. An example of such an arrangement is illustrated in the edge connector 90 of Figure 10 in which channel portions 91 are provided to engage edges of respective panels, but the portions do not extend for the full length of the edge connector 90. Variations of this kind will take many different forms and are within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 1 illustrates yet a further embodiment of the invention, which is similar to the invention disclosed in Figures 1 to 7, but with the first part of the panel connector provided in a modified form. The second part of the panel connector is identical to the second part 17 as described in the earlier figures and therefore the same reference numerals as previously used are employed in Figure 1 1.

The first part of the panel connector is illustrated in Figures 1 1 and 12 and is formed as part of a channel 100. The channel 100 includes side walls 101 and a base 102. One end of the channel 100 is closed by an end wall 103. The channel 100 forms an edge connector, which is provided to extend either partly or fully along an end edge of a panel. Figures 13 and 14 show a pair of panels 104, 105, with Figure 13 showing the panels in a spaced apart relationship and Figure 14 showing them in a connected relationship.

The components of the first part of the panel connector are shown in Figures 1 1 and 12, and from those figures, it can be seen that the first part includes an opening 125, a pair of side walls 126 and 127, with each side wall 126, 127 being spaced slightly inwardly of the facing side walls 101. Each side wall also includes concave locating surfaces 164 within which the side edges 45 of the second part 17 nest in a locked condition of the panel connector. The side walls 126, 127 further include projections 128 for receipt within openings 129 (see Figure 13) of a panel 104.

With reference to Figures 13 and 14, it will be evident that the channel 100 is fitted over the end edge 130 of the panel 104 so that the panel sheets 131 and 132 fit between the side walls 126 and 127 of the first part and the side walls 101 of the channel 100. Preferably the side walls 101 frictionally engage the panel sheets 131 and 132 for secure fit.

With a channel 100 fitted over the end edge 130, as shown in Figure 14, the second part 17 can be inserted through the opening 133 of the panel 105 so that the blade 44 extends through the opening 125 of the channel 100 and thereafter, the second part 17 can be rotated as described earlier, so that the side edges 45 of the blade 44 can be moved into engagement with the convex surfaces 164 of the side walls 126 and 127.

The arrangement of Figures 1 1 to 14 is convenient in that the end edge 130 of the panel 104 can be completely enveloped within the channel 100 and by application of the channel 100 to the panel 104, the first part is accurately located. Thus the assembly of the arrangement shown in Figure 14 is simplified and has greater aesthetic appeal.

The channel 100 including the side walls 126 and 127 and opening 125 can be formed by moulding in a one step moulding process. Thus, the channels are easily formed from plastic by known moulding techniques.

It is to be appreciated that the shelving arrangement shown in Figure 9 can be achieved without the use of the edge connectors 70, and with the arrangement shown in either of Figures 1 or 13. Thus, panel connectors could be employed to replace the edge connectors 70 shown in Figure 9 to achieve the same arrangement. It is expected that each of the embodiments of the invention, i.e. the panel connectors and the edge connectors, will be employed in many modular furniture systems that are manufactured according to the invention. The invention described herein is susceptible to variations, modifications and/or additions other than those specifically described and it is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations, modifications and/or additions which fall within the spirit and scope of the above description.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A modular furniture system, including a plurality of panels and a plurality of panel connectors to connect the panels together, each connector including two interconnectable parts, a first part being located at an edge region of a first panel and a second part which extends through an edge region of a second panel into locking connection with the first part.

2. A modular furniture system according to claim 1 wherein the first part includes an opening into which a locking portion of the second part extends and whereby locking connection between the first and second parts occurs following receipt of the locking portion within the opening of the first part.

3. A modular furniture system according to claim 2, wherein in the locked condition of the first and second parts the locking portion of the second part cooperates with the first part so as to prevent removal thereof through the opening thus preventing disconnection between the first and second parts.

4. A modular furniture system according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the locking portion is positioned inboard, in the direction of insertion of the locking portion into the opening of the first part, of an abutment provided for cooperation with the locking portion, which in the locked condition of the first and second parts, prevents removal of the locking portion through the opening.

5. A modular furniture system according to claim 4, wherein the abutment is a portion of the first part which surrounds the opening of the first part.

6. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein location of the first part is by anchoring the first part to the first panel by receipt of a projection within an opening, the projection being provided on one of the first part or the panel and the opening being provided on the other of the first part or the panel.

7. A modular furniture system according to claim 6, wherein the projection or opening of the first part is provided on a resilient member of the first part, and whereby flexing of the resilient member occurs for receipt of the projection of the first part or first panel in the opening of the other of the first part or first panel.

8. A modular furniture system according to claim 7, wherein the first part includes a pair of resilient members each of which includes a projection or an opening and each resilient member being operable to resiliently flex for engagement of each projection or opening with a corresponding opening or projection provided in the first panel.

9. A modular furniture system according to claim 8, wherein the resilient members are opposed to each other.

10. A modular furniture system according to claim 9, wherein the resilient members each include a projection and the projections extend from the resilient members in opposite directions.

1 1. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the or each resilient member cooperates with the second part in the locked condition of the connector to prevent resilient flexing of the or each resilient member in a direction to release the projection or opening of the or each resilient member from the opening or projection of the first panel.

12. A modular furniture system according to claim 8, wherein the second part cooperates with each of the pair of resilient members in the locked condition of the connector to prevent resilient flexing of the resilient members towards each other that would otherwise release the projection or opening of each resilient member from the opening or projection of the first panel.

13. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first part is formed as part of an edge member that extends partly or fully along the length of the edge region of the first panel, the edge member cooperating with the edge region of the first panel for connection to the first panel.

14. A modular furniture system according to claim 13, wherein the edge member is formed at least partly as a channel for close receipt of at least a portion of the edge region.

15. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second part is located by a locating arrangement of the first part which locates the second part in a particular orientation relative to the first part when the second part is moved into locking connection with the first part.

16. A modular furniture system according to claim 15, wherein the second part is releasably located relative to the first part by the locating arrangement.

17. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein locking connection between the first and second parts occurs following relative rotation between the first and second parts.

18. A modular furniture system according to claim 17, wherein the second part includes facility to receive a tool for rotating the second part for locking connection with the first part.

19. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first part includes a cam surface and the second part includes a follower and wherein relative movement between the cam surface and the follower causes the second part to move in a direction towards the first part as the second part moves into locking connection with the first part.

20. A modular furniture system according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the cam surface is provided on a portion of the first part which surrounds the opening of the first part.

21. A modular furniture system according to claim 20, wherein the cam surface is provided on each of opposite sides of the opening.

22. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , wherein each first panel is hollow, at least at its edge region at which the first part is located and the first part is received within the panel for locating thereto.

23. A modular furniture system according to claim 22, wherein the hollow edge region includes a pair of facing panel surfaces at least one of which includes an opening or a projection for receipt of a projection or an opening of the first part for locating the first part to the first panel.

24. A modular furniture system according to claim 23, wherein the hollow edge region includes an opening or a projection formed in each of the facing panel surfaces.

25. A modular furniture system according to claim 24, wherein the openings or projections are in facing alignment.

26. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the first panel is square or rectangular and the first part is anchored at corner regions of the first panel.

27. A modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the first and second panels are connected together at right angles.

28. A modular furniture system including a plurality of panels and an edge connector for connecting the edge region of one panel to the edge region of another panel, the edge connector being arranged to receive at least a portion of an edge of each of two panels and to frictionally engage the edge of each panel, the edge connector further including connecting means to connect the edge connector to the panels, the connecting means resisting disconnection of the edge connector to each panel.

29. A modular furniture system according to claim 28, wherein the edge connector includes one or more channels or channel portions to receive one or more edge regions of a panel.

30. A modular furniture system according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the connecting means includes an opening or a projection for cooperating with a projection or an opening of a panel to which the edge connector is connected.

31. A modular furniture system according to claim 30, wherein the connecting means includes a projection which projects from an internal surface of a channel of the edge connector.

32. A modular furniture system according to claim 30, wherein the connecting means includes a pair of projections which project from opposite ends of the channel in a direction towards each other.