US20120187814A1

US20120187814A1 - Furniture System and a Frame Assembly for a Furniture System

Info

Publication number: US20120187814A1
Application number: US13/358,314
Authority: US
Inventors: Nicholas A. Fryling
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-01-25
Filing date: 2012-01-25
Publication date: 2012-07-26

Abstract

A furniture system comprising a plurality of vertical frame sub-assemblies and a support sub-assembly. The vertical frame sub-assembly includes an upper beam and a lower beam, coupled to each other by way of a plurality of attachment support beams. The support sub-assembly includes a plurality of horizontal support beams that extend between adjoining vertical frame sub-assemblies. Additionally, a plurality of cross bar support beams extend between the at least one of adjoining vertical frame sub-assemblies and horizontal support beams.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Prov. Pat. App. Ser. No. 61/435,923 filed Jan. 25, 2011, entitled “Furniture System and a Frame Assembly for a Furniture System,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure
The present disclosure is directed to furniture, and preferably, office type furniture. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to a furniture system having a frame assembly which allows for a modular design and a modular configuration. With such a furniture system, a number of components can be mixed and matched so as to achieve various different configurations which provides versatility and interchangeability.
2. Background Art
The use of different furniture systems is known in the art. Many of such systems require a number of different parts and components. It is often the case that each different furniture piece requires completely different parts, and the commonality of the parts across the different furniture pieces is limited. Additionally, in many instances, furniture needs to be shipped in a completed and fully assembled condition (especially where heavy duty office furniture is concerned).
Thus, even small changes to a furniture design require a multitude of different components to be developed. Additionally, with respect to the different components, it is often quite expensive to produce the changes. Further, the furniture system of the present disclosure allows for shipment in a component or collapsed condition, wherein the furniture can be assembled at the location of installation.
It would be advantageous to provide a furniture system which allows modifications and changes while retaining similar parts. Additionally, it is advantageous to provide a furniture system which has a number of components that can be used in a number of different configurations.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is directed to a furniture system which has the above-described advantages. In particular, the furniture system includes components that can be fashioned into a number of different furniture pieces, and which can be utilized to form a number of different types of furniture pieces. Thus, not only does the furniture system provide versatility, but additionally, the furniture system also provides the ability to minimize different components while still providing a vast number of different options.
The furniture system of the present disclosure includes, in a broad form, a plurality of vertical frame sub-assemblies and a support sub-assembly. These vertical frame sub-assemblies are joined together with a support sub-assembly to render a number of different structures.
In an embodiment, the frame assembly includes at least two vertical frame sub-assemblies and a support sub-assembly extending therebetween. Each vertical frame sub-assembly comprises an upper beam, a lower beam and at least two attachment support beams. The upper beam has a first end and a second end. The upper beam has a base wall and opposing extensions extending from the base wall. The opposing extensions have a plurality of openings extending therealong between the first end and the second end, with the opposing extensions defining a slot opposite the base wall. The upper beam defines an upper beam cross-sectional configuration.
The lower beam includes a first end and a second end. The lower beam having a base wall and opposing extensions extending from the base wall. The opposing extensions have a base wall and opposing extensions extending from the base wall. The opposing extensions have a plurality of openings extending therealong between the first end and the second end, with the opposing extension defining a slot opposite the base wall. The lower beam defines a lower beam cross-sectional configuration.
The lower beam is positioned relative to the upper beam so that the opposing slots face each other and are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other. They are also substantially parallel to each other.
The attachment support beams each have a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the at least two attachment support beams extends into the slot of the upper beam and is attached thereto. The second end of each of the at least two attachment support beams extends into the slot of the lower beam and is attached thereto.
The at least two support sub-assemblies couple the vertical support assemblies to each other. The at least two support sub-assemblies are positioned in a spaced apart orientation.
In one embodiment, the at least two attachment support beams comprise at least four attachment support beams in a spaced apart orientation.
In another embodiment, the at least four attachment support beams further include openings configured to receive at least one rail assembly of a drawer accessory assembly.
In another embodiment, the at least four attachment support beams are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the upper beam and the lower beam.
Preferably, the base wall of the upper beam has a width which is larger than a width of the slot defined by a distance between the first extension and the second extension.
In some such embodiments, the upper beam has a cross-sectional configuration which is substantially light-bulb like.
In a preferred embodiment, the base wall of the upper beam has a width that matches a width of a slot defined by a distance between the first extension and the second extension.
In some such embodiments, the upper beam and the lower beam are substantially identical in configuration.
In some embodiments, the plurality of openings of the upper and lower beam are substantially collinear along each extension and are substantially equally spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance.
In a preferred embodiment, at least one fascia assembly is positioned over at least a portion of the frame assembly and coupled thereto.
In some embodiments, the at least one fascia is coupled to at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam by way of at least one fastener extending through at least one of the plurality of openings in each of the upper beam and the lower beam.
In some embodiments, the at least one fascia member is coupled to at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam through an interference fit with the cross-sectional configuration of at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam.
Preferably, at least one drawer accessory assembly is provided. The assembly includes at least one drawer and a rail assembly slidably coupling the at least one drawer to the frame assembly.
In some such assemblies, the at least one drawer further comprises at least two side structures having a side portion and a bottom portion, and a side body flange positioned proximate the bottom portion. The two side structures are coupled to each other along the side body flange. The two panels which span between either one of the two side structures on opposing ends thereof. The at least one rail assembly comprises a structure positioned on opposing side portions of the opposing side structures, each of which interfaces with one of the at least two vertical frame sub-assemblies, on opposing sides thereof.
In a preferred embodiment, the furniture system comprises at least three drawers positioned in a stacked orientation.
Preferably, the at least two vertical frame sub-assemblies comprise three vertical frame sub-assemblies positioned in a spaced apart orientation. A plurality of drawer accessory assemblies are positioned between two of the three vertical frame sub-assemblies. A fascia member spans between the upper beam of all three vertical frame sub-assemblies, to in turn define a desk with drawers off to one side thereof.
In another embodiment, the furniture assembly comprises a wardrobe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of the furniture system of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, a number of frame assemblies coupled together to define a file cabinet system;

FIG. 2 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of a vertical frame sub-assembly of the present disclosure, showing in particular, an arrangement of the upper beam, the lower beam and the attachment support beams;

FIG. 3 of the drawings comprises a partial perspective view of the vertical frame sub-assembly of the present disclosure, showing in particular, the attachment region between the lower beam and one of the attachment support beams;

FIG. 4 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of the vertical frame sub-assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 of the drawings comprises a partial side elevational view of the vertical frame sub-assembly of the present disclosure, showing in particular, the perimeter of the upper beam;

FIG. 6 of the drawings comprises a partial side elevational view of the vertical frame sub-assembly of the present disclosure, showing in particular, the perimeter of the lower beam;

FIG. 7 of the drawings comprises a partial cross-sectional view of the attachment support beams taken about lines 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 of the drawings comprises a back elevational view of the furniture system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 of the drawings comprises a top plan view of a support sub-assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 of the drawings comprises a top plan view of a rear support beam of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of a support sub-assembly of the present disclosure taken about lines 11-11 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of a vertical fascia panel with attachment assembly which is part of the front fascia system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of a vertical fascia panel with attachment assembly which is part of the front fascia system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 of the drawings comprises a partial perspective view of a vertical fascia panel with attachment assembly which is part of the front fascia system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 of the drawings comprises a partial perspective view of a vertical fascia panel with attachment assembly which is part of the front fascia system of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of a side fascia panel with attachment assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of a side fascia panel with attachment assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of a horizontal fascia panel of the front fascia system, with attachment assembly, of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of a drawer accessory assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 20 of the drawings comprises a bottom plan view of a drawer accessory assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 of the drawings comprises a side elevational view of a drawer accessory assembly of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of the furniture system of the present disclosure, showing, in particular, a number of frame assemblies coupled together to define a desk with drawers;

FIG. 23 of the drawings comprises a perspective view of an attachment bracket for attaching a back panel to a vertical frame sub-assembly;

FIG. 24 of the drawings comprises a back elevational view of a back panel fascia that extends across the back of a desk with drawers; and

FIG. 25( a) through 25(e) comprise a plurality of different cross-sectional configurations of the upper beam or the lower beam.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While this disclosure is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and described herein in detail a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment illustrated.
It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the disclosure, and some of the components may have been distorted from actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.
A Furniture System 10, as shown in FIG. 1, is a versatile way of keeping filing cabinets organized, while providing ease of use, assembly and shipping. The furniture system of FIG. 22 comprises a desk unit (with the fascia removed), and likewise provides a desk which is of utility, while being easy to ship and assemble. Referring back to FIG. 1, the Furniture System 10 comprises a frame assembly 12, a drawer accessory assembly 14 and a fascia assembly 16. In the embodiment depicted, a file cabinet system is shown, which includes nine drawers. It will be understood that the system is modular and that a number of different configurations are contemplated for use, including, but not limited to, back to back drawer configurations, wider or narrower drawer configurations and side by side drawer configurations of differing height, among others. In addition, the system can be utilized for desks, cubicles, tables, and a number of different office furniture structures. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular configuration or any particular piece of furniture. The invention is well suited for use in association with any number of different furniture systems, such as desks (FIG. 22) or other elements such as higher cabinets (i.e., wardrobes).
The frame assembly 12 is a support structure of the Furniture System 10. With reference to FIGS. 2 through 11, collectively, and in particular to FIGS. 2 and 4, there are two primary parts to the frame assembly 12, namely, a vertical frame sub-assembly 20 and a support sub-assembly 22. The vertical frame sub-assembly 20, specifically shown in FIG. 2, is the repeating framework of the Furniture System 10, and that particular embodiment includes four separate vertical frame sub-assemblies. The vertical frame sub-assembly 20 comprises an upper beam 24, a lower beam 26, and a plurality of attachment support beams 28.
It will be understood that a piece of furniture will include a number of frame assemblies. Each of the frame assemblies can be substantially identical. However, it is also contemplated that the frame assemblies of a single piece of furniture may be different, i.e., of different dimensions. It is also contemplated that the different frame assemblies can be positioned so as to be spaced apart known distances apart from each other while being substantially parallel to each other. The invention is not limited to any particular number of frame assemblies or any particular configuration of frame assemblies in a furniture piece. It will also be understood that the vertical frame sub-assemblies can be the link between different components, such as, for example, the connection between a wardrobe and a desk.
With reference to FIGS. 2 through 6, in particular, the upper beam 24 has a first end 30, a second end 32, a base wall 34, a first side wall 36, a second side wall 38, a first top lip 40, a second top lip 42, a first extension 44, and a second extension 46. The first end 30 and the second end 32 are located at opposing ends of the upper beam 24 and are means for attachment. The base wall 34 is the foundation of the upper beam 24. The base wall 34 has a plurality of openings 50 that are means for attachment. The first side wall 36 and the second side wall 38 are located on either side of the base wall 34. The first top lip 40 and the second top lip 42 are particularly shown in FIG. 5.
The first extension 44 on the upper beam 24 has a plurality of spaced apart openings 52. The second extension 46 on the upper beam 24 also has a plurality of spaced apart openings 54. The spaced apart openings 52 and 54, particularly shown in FIG. 5, are equally spaced apart to provide different positions for attachment. The spaced apart openings 52 and 54 are used to attach the various support sub-assemblies as well as outside walls and other trim pieces and the like. A slot 55 is defined between the first extension 44 and the second extension 46, with the first and second extensions positioned on opposing sides thereof and spaced apart from the base wall. The cross-sectional configuration defines a perimeter 57. In the embodiment shown, the base wall is wider than the slot 55, and, as such, the first and second side walls are spaced apart further from each other than the first and second extensions. As will be explained below, in other embodiments, different relationships between the width of the slot and the width of the base wall can be defined (i.e., they can be the same, smaller or bigger). Additionally, different spacing distances from the slot to the base wall can also be defined.
The lower beam 26 is similar to the upper beam 24. The lower beam 26 has a first end 60, a second end 62, a base wall 64, a first side wall 66, a second side wall 68, a first top lip 70, a second top lip 72, a first extension 74, and a second extension 76. The first end 60 and the second end 62 are located at opposing ends of the lower beam 26 and are means for attachment. The base wall 64 is the foundation of the lower beam 26. The base wall 64 has a plurality of openings (not shown) that are means for attachment. The first side wall 66 and the second side wall 68 are located on either side of the base wall 64. The first top lip 70 and the second top lip 72 are particularly shown in FIG. 6.
The first extension 74 on the lower beam 26 has a plurality of spaced apart openings 82. The second extension 76 on the lower beam 26 also has a plurality of spaced apart openings 84. The spaced apart openings 82 and 84, particularly shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, are equally spaced apart to provide different positions for attachment. The spaced apart openings 82 and 84 are used to attach the various support sub-assemblies as well as outside walls and other trim pieces and the like. A slot 85 is defined between the first extension 74 and the second extension 76, with the first and second extensions positioned on opposing sides thereof and spaced apart from the base wall. The cross-sectional configuration defines a perimeter 87. In the embodiment shown, the base wall is wider than the slot 85, and, as such, the first and second side walls are spaced apart further from each other than the first and second extensions. As will be explained below, in other embodiments, different relationships between the width of the slot and the width of the base wall can be defined (i.e., they can be the same, smaller or bigger). Additionally, different spacing distances from the slot to the base wall can also be defined.
In many embodiments, the upper and lower beams 24, 26, respectively are substantially identical in shape and in configuration. The upper and lower beams are mirror images of each other taken about a midpoint between the two configurations. It will be understood that the cross-sectional configuration of the upper and lower beams may comprise a number of different perimeter shapes. In the first embodiment, the configuration is substantially light-bulb like. In other embodiments, such as, for example, and as is shown in FIGS. 25( a)a through 25(e), a number of different configurations are contemplated. In each such configuration, the slot remains on one end (i.e., the upper or lower end, respectively) of the respective beam so as to accept an attachment support beam. In addition, on either end of the slot, a plurality of the respective first and second extensions include a plurality of openings. The different configurations include configurations which are linear, which are continuous. It is preferred that the cross-sectional configuration of the upper and lower beams are substantially symmetrical about an axis that bisects the slot so that they can be used interchangeably and in different orientations and interchangeably between the upper and lower beam. Additionally, multiple webs may be included to simplify construction or to provide additional support (i.e., FIG. 25 e). It will also be understood that while it is contemplated that the beams are formed from a steel member, other materials, such as other metals and alloys thereof, polymers and composites are likewise contemplated for use. Indeed, the invention is not limited to any particular material. For example, the beams may comprise a roll formed member, an extruded member, multiple members that are welded or adhered together, among others.
The attachment support beams 28, as shown in FIG. 4, have a first end 90, a second end 92, and a plurality of attachment openings 94. The first end 90 and the second end 92 of the attachment support beams 28 attach to either the upper beam 24 or the lower beam 26 to form the vertical frame sub-assembly 20. The various attachment support beams 28 are typically welded to the upper and lower beams, although other means of fastening are contemplated (i.e., adhesive, rivets, screws, among others). The attachment openings 94, particularly shown in FIG. 4, are used to attach a first component on frame of a rail assembly as part of the drawer accessory assembly 14. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, there are two different types of attachment support beams, namely beams which have a few larger openings, and others which include a series of smaller openings. Again, this can be varied within the scope of the present invention. Advantageously, with respect to the openings which are positioned in a spaced apart orientation, the spacing of these can mimic the spacing of the other openings that extend along the upper and lower beams so as to promote uniformity.
It will be understood that while the frame assembly is shown as including four separate, and substantially parallel attachment support beams, others are likewise contemplated for use. For example, a greater or lesser number of support beams may be utilized which are spaced apart from each other at differing intervals. Additionally, it is likewise contemplated that the attachment support beams may be in a configuration other than substantially vertical and parallel to each other.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 8-11, and more particularly FIGS. 8-11, the support sub-assembly 22 is the other component of the frame assembly 12. The support sub-assembly 22 comprises a plurality of horizontal support beams 100 and a plurality of cross bar support beams 102. The horizontal support beams 100, as shown in FIG. 9, connect to either the upper beam 24 or the lower beam 26 of the vertical frame sub-assembly 20. The horizontal support beams 100 aid in the support of the frame assembly 12. The cross bar support beams 102, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 11, connect to the horizontal support beams 100 or the upper beam 24. The cross bar support beams 102 also aid in the support of the frame assembly 12. It is contemplated that for each assembly a plurality of uniform combination horizontal support beams 100 with cross bar support beams 102 can be provided. In the embodiment shown, the cross bar support beam 102 is disposed at an angle of approximately 45° relative to the horizontal support beams 100. Of course, different configurations are contemplated as are different support assemblies.
A number of different structures are contemplated for attaching the support subassembly to the remainder of the structures. One such configuration is shown wherein the horizontal support beams 100 and the cross bar support beams comprise c channels, and the ends of which include a brace mounting clip, such as brace mounting clip 103, which is spot welded in place, or otherwise coupled to the ends. As is shown in FIG. 11, the cross bar support beams may include a notch 105 proximate the brace mounting clip so as to provide access for a tool. It is contemplated that the different supports are coupled to the openings 52, 54, 82 and 84 through the use of self-tapping screws and the like. Of course other coupling structures are likewise contemplated.
Additionally, and with reference to FIGS. 8 and 10, a plurality of rear support beams 104 can be provided. The rear support beams 104 are configured to extend between opposing attachment support beams. Openings can be provided on the beams to make such a secured coupling. The support beams are likewise contemplated as extending between the respective attachment support beams at a 45° angle, while other angles are contemplated. In addition, it is contemplated that similar clips as the brace mounting clips can be utilized. In the embodiment, shown, two spaced apart beams are contemplated both of which start near the middle of a first attachment support beam and extend outwardly toward the opposing ends of a second attachment support beam. Of course, other structures are contemplated, including those which may have different geometric configurations (i.e., an x-brace, or a single brace, or multiple differently configured braces, or the like).
The drawer accessory assembly 14 is a component of the furniture system 10. The drawer accessory assembly 14, as shown in FIGS. 19 through 21, comprises a drawer and a rail assembly (not shown). The drawer, particularly shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, comprises two panels 116 a, 116 b which are interchangeably either the front or the back panel, and drawer body structures 120 a, 120 b which when mounted together form the opposing sides and bottom panel.
The two panels 116 a, 116b are substantially identical so that they can be utilized as a front or a back drawer panel. As such panel 116 a will be described with the understanding that panel 116 b is substantially identical and the like structures are augmented with a “b” instead of an “a”. The panel 116 a includes a plurality of openings (or flanges with openings) which couple to corresponding structures on either of the drawer body structures 120 a, 120 b).
Similarly, the two side structures 120 a, 120 b are substantially identical, and, as such, the side structure 120 a will be described with the understanding the side structure 120 b is substantially identical. Similar structures on the side structure 120 a will be shown in side structure 120 b, with identical reference numbers, augmented by a “b” instead of an “a.” In particular, the side structure 120 a includes side portion 130 a and bottom portion 132 a, which are positioned substantially at right angles to each other. The bottom portion 132 a terminates with side body flange 134 a. A plurality of openings and/or flanges with openings (i.e. are disposed along the edges of either one or both of the side portion 130 and the bottom portion 132). These plurality of openings are configured to cooperate with similar structures on the panels 116 a, 116 b to secure the panels to each other.
To assemble the drawer 110, two panels 116 a and 116 b, and two side structures 120 a, 120 b are provided. The two side structures are mated to each other so that the opposing side body flanges 134 a and 134 b abut each other. These two are coupled to each other by any one of many suitable means, including but not limited to, screws, fasteners, adhesive, clips, interference fits, and the like. Once these are assembled, the panels 116 a and 116 b are respectively coupled to the front and back mounts 136, respectively through suitable means. These suitable means may include screws, fasteners, adhesive, clips, interference fits, and the like. The completed drawer is then ready to receive a portion of the rail assembly 112.
The rail assembly comprises a typically available rail assembly which would include a first component on the frame and a second component on the drawer. The rail assembly 112 allows the drawer 110 to slide in and out of the frame assembly 12 of the furniture system 10. The first component on frame is particularly shown in FIG. 1. The first component on frame attaches to the attachment openings 94 of the attachment support beams 28. The second component on drawer, particularly shown in FIG. 1, attaches to the side walls 120 of the drawer 110.
Fascia 16 may comprise any number of different treatments that can be coupled to the frame, and a number of different fascia are shown in FIGS. 12-15, 16-18, 19-21, and 24. The fascia 14 may include top panels, back panels, side panels, front panels, drawer panels and the like which are coupled to the surfaces of the frame and the drawer. The different fascia have different mounting options. For example, the top panel and the side panels are typically coupled to the vertical frame sub-assemblies 20 or to the attachment support beams 28. Preferably, these structures are coupled to the openings 52, 54, 82, 84 or to the openings such as openings 60. The drawer panels fascia can be coupled to the panel 116 a through any suitable means, including, but not limited to screws, fasteners, adhesive, clips, interference fits, and the like. The front fascia can be coupled to the structure through an interference fit between the cross-sectional configuration of the upper and lower beams and corresponding structures on the fascia. It is preferred that each of the fascia can be selectively coupled or removed from the structure, so that the fascia can be updated (or replaced if damaged) and so that the structures can be reconfigured.
With particular reference to the various structures of fascia 14 shown, and with reference to the Figures, FIGS. 12-15 and 18 disclose a front fascia system for the drawer cabinet and together define a front fascia system. This includes vertical fascia panel 204 disclosed in FIGS. 12 and 14 (with similar vertical fascia disclosed in FIGS. 13 and 15). The vertical fascia includes attachment assembly 205 in the form of an upper and lower clip that includes openings that matingly engage openings on the upper and lower beam, respectively. The difference between the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is that the embodiment of FIG. 12 is for the end wherein a wider panel is required, and the embodiment of FIG. 13 is positioned between adjoining drawer cabinets having cabinets on either side thereof.
The horizontal fascia panel 206 is shown in FIG. 18 and includes attachment assembly 207 in the form of a bracket 207 which aids in the coupling thereof to one of the vertical fascia attachment assembly 205 or to the upper or lower beam.
The side fascia panel 208 is configured for attachment to a side of a piece of furniture, to, for example, cover the side of a vertical frame sub-assembly. Such a panel includes attachment assembly 209 which, as explained above may comprise any number of different structures. Drawer front fascia 210 is shown in FIGS. 19-21. Desk back fascia 211is shown in FIG. 24.
To assemble the furniture system, the user can easily decide the precise number of and spacing of the different vertical frame sub-assemblies 20. Once these are spaced and positioned relative to each other, they need to be joined together to form an overall frame assembly. It will be understood that in FIG. 1, a configuration is shown which has a number of vertical frame sub-assemblies which are positioned substantially parallel to each other in a spaced apart orientation. It will be understood that additional vertical frame sub-assemblies can be coupled end to end, wherein back to back cabinets or other back to back structures are contemplated for use.
Once these have been selected and the orientation is determined, the support assembly 22 is configured to matingly engage the various vertical frame sub-assemblies. In particular, a number of cross bar support beams 102 and horizontal support beams 100 can be coupled to the various vertical frame sub-assemblies in order to create the overall frame assembly. In the embodiment shown, a pair of horizontal support beams are used to extend across adjoining upper beams of adjoining vertical frame sub-assemblies. Similarly, cross bar support beams 102 are coupled to horizontal support beams and vertical frame sub-assemblies to provide additional rigidity.
Next, the first component of the rail assembly 112 is coupled to the attachment support beams 28 of the vertical frame sub-assemblies at the proper spaced apart orientation. For the embodiment shown in the drawings, three rail assemblies are positioned along each of the support beams to support three separate rows of drawers.
Once these structures have been configured, the fascia members 16 can be introduced into and coupled to the frame assembly. In particular, the fascia members include structures on the back side thereof which interface with the upper and lower beams to retain the fascia in position. Such structures are known to those of skill in the art. In certain embodiments, there may be a locking structure which limits the ability of the fascia members to be removed once they are positioned as desired.
Finally, the drawers can be inserted into the frame assembly wherein the second component of the various rail assemblies interfaces with the first component of the various rail assemblies.
It will be understood that by varying the spacing and the orientation of the different vertical frame sub-assemblies, different structures can be developed. For example, wider spacing between the vertical frame sub-assemblies can be utilized for wider filing cabinets. Still wider spacing can be utilized for desks in cubicles or other structures. In addition, the heights of adjoining vertical frame sub-assemblies 20 can be varied so as to, for example, position a relatively high wardrobe next to a desk, wherein the wall of the wardrobe is simultaneously the side leg of the desk. Similarly, adjoining vertical frame sub-assemblies 20 can be varied so as to define, for example, file systems of varying height in a side by side orientation. The spacing, positioning and sizing can be varied so that a number of different structures can be rendered, without limitation.
For example, a number of different structures are shown utilizing the same vertical frame sub-assembly as forming the basis of the structure. These include the desk that is shown in FIGS. 22-24, wherein three separate vertical frame sub-assemblies are utilized. In such an embodiment, an extended width, but shortened, vertical frame sub-assembly 20′ can be utilized to span between a pair of vertical support sub-assemblies to form the back panel of a desk. A plurality of back panel attachment brackets 133 can be employed. The brackets 133 couple to the attachment support beams of the vertical frame sub-assembly 20′ and also are coupled to the attachment support beams of the vertical frame sub-assembly 20 which is on either side of the vertical frame sub-assembly 20′. In the embodiment shown, there are a total of four separate back panel attachment brackets, however, a fewer or greater number is likewise contemplated.
Additionally, a wardrobe is likewise contemplated (which is merely a heightened cabinet) and which can utilize pairs of vertical frame subassemblies, or a vertical frame subassembly having substantially longer attachment support beams associated therewith. It is also contemplated that with the drawer unit that is shown, there may be a greater number of drawers, as well as a greater width of the drawers. In addition, the drawers themselves can be of different height relative to each other. The variations are substantially limitless, but, the basic structure of the upper beam, the lower beam and the attachment support beams can be utilized in a number of different configurations.
The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the disclosure and the disclosure is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A furniture system comprising:

a frame assembly having at least two vertical frame sub-assemblies and a support sub-assembly extending therebetween, each vertical frame sub-assembly comprising:

an upper beam having a first end and a second end, the upper beam having a base wall and opposing extensions extending from the base wall, the opposing extensions having a plurality of openings extending therealong between the first end and the second end, with the opposing extensions defining a slot opposite the base wall, the upper beam defining an upper beam cross-sectional configuration;

a lower beam having a first end and a second end, the lower beam having a base wall and opposing extensions extending from the base wall, the opposing extensions having a base wall and opposing extensions extending from the base wall, the opposing extensions having a plurality of openings extending therealong between the first end and the second end, with the opposing extension defining a slot opposite the base wall, the lower beam defining a lower beam cross-sectional configuration;

the lower beam positioned relative to the upper beam so that the opposing slots face each other and are spaced apart a predetermined distance from each other, and substantially parallel to each other; and

at least two attachment support beams, the attachment support beams each having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the at least two attachment support beams extending into the slot of the upper beam and attached thereto, and, the second end of each of the at least two attachment support beams extending into the slot of the lower beam and attached thereto; and

at least two support sub-assemblies coupling the vertical support assemblies to each other, the at least two support sub-assemblies positioned in a spaced apart orientation.

2. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein the at least two attachment support beams comprises at least four attachment support beams in a spaced apart orientation.

3. The furniture system of claim 2 wherein the at least four attachment support beams further include openings configured to receive at least one rail assembly of a drawer accessory assembly.

4. The furniture system of claim 2 wherein the at least four attachment support beams are substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the upper beam and the lower beam.

5. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein the base wall of the upper beam has a width, the width of the base wall is larger than a width of the slot defined by a distance between the first extension and the second extension.

6. The furniture system of claim 5 wherein the upper beam has a cross-sectional configuration which is substantially light-bulb like.

7. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein the base wall of the upper beam has a width that matches a width of a slot defined by a distance between the first extension and the second extension.

8. The furniture system of claim 5 wherein the upper beam and the lower beam are substantially identical in configuration.

9. The furniture system of claim 5 wherein the plurality of openings of the upper and lower beam are substantially collinear along each extension and are substantially equally spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance.

10. The furniture system of claim 1 further comprising at least one fascia assembly positioned over at least a portion of the frame assembly and coupled thereto.

11. The furniture system of claim 10 wherein the at least one fascia is coupled to at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam by way of at least one fastener extending through at least one of the plurality of openings in each of the upper beam and the lower beam.

12. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein at least one fascia is coupled to at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam through an interference fit with the cross-sectional configuration of at least one of the upper beam and the lower beam.

13. The furniture system of claim 1 further comprising at least one drawer accessory assembly comprising at least one drawer and a rail assembly slidably coupling the at least one drawer to the frame assembly.

14. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein the at least one drawer further comprises at least two side structures having a side portion and a bottom portion, and a side body flange positioned proximate the bottom portion, wherein the at least two side structures are coupled to each other along the side body flange, and at least two panels which span between either one of the two side structures on opposing ends thereof, and the at least one rail assembly comprises a structure positioned on opposing side portions of the opposing side structures, each of which interfaces with one of the at least two vertical frame sub-assemblies, on opposing sides thereof.

15. The furniture system of claim 14 further comprising at least three drawers positioned in a stacked orientation.

16. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein the at least two vertical frame sub-assemblies comprise three vertical frame sub-assemblies positioned in a spaced apart orientation, wherein a plurality of drawer accessory assemblies are positioned between two of the three vertical frame sub-assemblies, and further comprising at least one fascia member spanning between the upper beam of all three vertical frame sub-assemblies, to in turn define a desk with drawers.

17. The furniture system of claim 1 wherein the furniture assembly comprises a wardrobe.