US 4,726,701 AGranted

Modular shelf assembly

OwnerOlivier A. Thomasinventor

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Abstract

A modular assembly for use in forming an article of furniture or the like including a connector member for joining together three elongated members on mutually perpendicular axes. The connector member includes three pairs of flanges which are received respectively in U-shaped channels in the three elongated members with the members secured in each case to the connector member by a clamping member which clamps the flanges of the elongated member between the flanges on the connector member and flange portions on the clamping member. The portions of the connector member receiving the horizontal elongated members are recessed inwardly or rearwardly from the connector member portion receiving the vertical member so that the ends of the horizontal elongated members may pass behind the vertical member to hide the raw edges of the horizontal members. The connector member and the various fastening elements are essentially totally hidden from view in the final assembly.

A modular assembly, for use in forming an article of furniture or the like, comprising:

(A) a first elongated member having a cross section defining a pair of confronting U-shaped channel portions connected by a frontal web portion with each channel portion including a flange portion at the rear of the member spaced from the flange portion of the other channel portion to define an elongated central rear slot therebetween extending lengthwise of the member at the rear side thereof and providing access therethrough to the interior of the member;
(B) a second elongated member;
(C) a third elongated member;
(D) a connector member having
(1) a first portion defining a pair of flanges for respective receipt in the U-shaped channel portions of said first elongated member,
(2) a second portion adapted to be secured to an end of said second elongated member,
(3) a third portion adapted to be secured to an end of said third elongated member;
and
(4) a fourth portion connected at a forward end portion thereof to said first connector member portion and connected at a rearward end portion thereof to said second and third connector member portions and sized and configured to extend, with said first connector member portion positioned within said interior of said first elongated member with said flange portions thereof positioned respectively in said U-shaped channel portions of said first elongated member, rearwardly outwardly from said first connector member portion through said rear slot in said first elongated member to dispose said second and third connector member portions outside of said interior of said first elongated member to factilitate respective connection of said second and third elongated members thereto;
(E) a clamp member including a pair of flange portions connected by a central web portion with the flange portions adapted to seat respectively on the outer rear surfaces of said flange portions of said first elongated member and said web portion adapted to span said rear slot of said first elongated member;
and
(F) a fastener assembly adapted to draw the clamp member toward said flanges of said first portion of said connector member to clampingly sandwich said flange portions of said channel portions of said first elongated member therebetween to selectively secure said connector member to said first elongated member in any desired position of longitudinal adjustment therealong.

9 more elements

Abstract

Claims17