FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of furniture suitable for interactive learning environments. In particular, the invention relates to furniture constructed of building block modules that may be formed into different interactive furniture learning configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditionally, furniture learning environments in schools and institutions have been established as complete solutions tailored to the specific physical requirements of the location where they are to be used. Although these furniture learning environments may provide beneficial solutions for interactive learning, the furniture is often associated with heavy installation requirements and lack of flexibility in changing environments.

It is known that some learning projects may require one learning environment, while some other projects may require another learning environment to optimize conditions for learning. Particularly, some learning projects may require a high degree of silent learning, while other learning projects may require a higher degree of interaction. Also, changing environments for interactive learning may optimize learning yield.

Accordingly, there is a need for furniture learning environments that allow flexibility and are easy to convert into different configurations based on different learning situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to furniture modules for building of interactive furniture learning module assemblies as well as module assemblies as such without the drawbacks of known interactive furniture. In one aspect there is provided a furniture module for building of interactive furniture learning module assemblies, comprising two rectangular frames (10), the frames each including two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20), two pair of a second squared and elongated frame rod (30) having substantially half the length of said first pair of frame rod (20), and four triangular frame brackets (40) fixed to both said first (20) and second (30) pair of frame rod in each of the intersecting corners of the frames, thereby forming a rectangular frame structure, said frame brackets (40) including at least one mounting hole (42) for optional mounting of rectangular plates (9); and at least three squared and elongated connecting rods (50) having substantially the same length as said first pair of rod (20), each end (52) of said connecting rods (50) being releasably fixed to the two rectangular frames (10) by means of a single fastening point (14) in at least three corners of the two rectangular frames (10), thereby forming a rectangular cuboid module structure, and each upper and lower part of said connecting rods (50) having at least one releasable or integrated angle fitting (55), such as two angle fittings (55), said at least one angle fitting (55) including at least one mounting hole (54) for optional mounting of rectangular plates (9), and said at least one angle fitting (55) including one or more protrusions (56) for attachment to at least one attachment point (16) of the rectangular frames (10); wherein each end (52) of said connecting rods (50) comprises a central female screw thread body (57) for receiving a frame screw (70) through the single fastening point (14) in the at least three corners of the two rectangular frames (10), said frame screw (70) comprising a male thread body (71) for engaging with the female screw thread body (57) and a cylindrical screw head body (72) with a length (73) substantially corresponding to the width of said frames (10) and a diameter (74) operable for said screw head (73) to be stopped within said frames (10), thereby allowing said connecting rods (50) to be fixed to said frames (10).

In a second aspect there is provided a furniture module assembly for providing an interactive learning environment, the assembly comprising at least two connected modules. Assemblies may be built of more than two modules depending on the requirements in the learning environment.

One of the advantages of the module according to the invention is that it may readily be used as a building block for construction of module assemblies that accommodate the need for changing furniture learning environments and are easy to convert into different configurations based on different learning situations. At the same time, the modules and assembly as such is made in a way that optimizes security and requirements to furniture for use in schools and institutions.

A particular advantage is that the module is configured with dimensions that accommodate easy mounting to neighbour modules, such that the building blocks fit in the most appropriate way in a module assembly construction and address various purposes. For instance, the width of the module is substantially half the hight of the module, which gives advantageous options for configuring a module assembly.

A further particular advantage is that the skeleton of construction of each module allows mounting of plates to one or more sides of the module. This both improves the overall weight load of the assembly and at the same time improves the weight load during construction of the assembly, which again benefits flexibility of the system. The building flexibility is also improved considerably with the use of both triangular frame brackets and angle fittings that both serves stability of the system and mounting of plates.

In a third aspect the assembly is in form of a stair comprising one or more horizontal positioned modules (2) and one or more vertical positioned modules (3).

In a fourth aspect the assembly is in form of a high module assembly comprising at least a pair of two or more vertical positioned modules on top of another. In the present context, a “high module assembly” is intended to mean that two modules are positioned with the longest dimensions on top of each other in a vertical direction. Importantly, the above described assembly is only one option for configuring a high module assembly. Such a high module assembly may comprise further modules side-by-side and/or may be higher than two modules, such as three modules.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be understood in greater detail with reference to the following figures that serve to illustrate certain particular embodiments of the invention by way of example:

Fig. la is a stair according to the invention seen from the back side where the upper plate is used as a seat and may also be used as a table.

Fig. lb is a stair according to the invention seen in perspective from the front.

Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b are high module assemblies according to the invention seen in perspective from one front side.

Fig. 2c is high module assembly according to the invention configured with a table in the middle and two seats on each side of the table.

Fig. 2d and Fig. 2e is a workshop trolley on wheels build of two modules according to the invention with two connected movable workshop members to be hidden inside when the two modules are closed against each other.

Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are skeletons of high module assemblies according to the invention seen in perspective in a fold-out illustration. Fig. 6a is an illustration of squared and elongated connecting rods according to the invention with two angle fittings, both seen from two sides and from an end perspective.

Fig. 6b is an illustration of interconnecting rods according to the invention without angle fittings, both seen from two sides and from an end perspective.

Fig. 6c is an illustration of a rectangular frame according to the invention, both seen from two sides and from an end perspective.

Fig. 7a is an illustration of an angle fitting with protrusions according to the invention, both seen from a side and end perspective.

Fig. 7b is an illustration of a triangular frame bracket according to the invention, both seen from a side and end perspective.

Fig. 7c is an illustration of an inner frame connecting bracket according to the invention, both seen from two sides and end perspective.

Fig. 7d is an illustration of a frame connecting and stabilizing bracket according to the invention, both seen from two sides and end perspective.

Fig. 7e is an illustration of a triangular connecting block according to the invention, both seen from two sides and end perspective.

Fig. 7f is an illustration of a frame screw according to the invention.

Fig. 7g is an illustration of an inner screw member according to the invention. Fig. 8a is an illustration of an inner bracket assembly, where inner frame connecting brackets are mounted inside the frame with a frame screw and/or an inner screw member according to the invention.

Fig. 8b is an illustration of an outer bracket assembly, where outer frame connecting brackets are mounted outside the frame with an inner screw member and a corresponding screw according to the invention.

Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b, Fig. 9c, Fig. 9d illustrate mounting of an inner frame connecting bracket according to the invention in different configurations. Fig. 9a and Fig. 9e illustrate mounting of a frame screw according to the invention.

Fig. 10a, Fig. 10b, Fig. lOd and Fig. lOf illustrate mounting of an inner frame connecting bracket according to the invention in different configurations. Fig. 10a and Fig. lOe illustrate mounting of a frame screw according to the invention. Fig. 10c illustrates mounting of a triangular connecting block according to the invention.

Fig. 11a, Fig. lib, Fig. lie and Fig. Ilf illustrate mounting of a frame connecting and stabilizing bracket according to the invention in different configurations. Fig.

11a and Fig. 11c illustrate mounting of a frame screw according to the invention.

Fig. lid illustrates mounting of a triangular connecting block according to the invention.

Fig. 12a is a skeleton of a stair module assembly according to the invention seen in perspective in a fold-out illustration mounted with different means, such as frame connecting and stabilizing brackets and triangular connecting blocks. Fig. 12b and Fig. 12c illustrate details of mounted triangular connecting blocks.

Fig. 13 is a skeleton of a stair module assembly according to the invention seen in perspective in a fold-out illustration mounted with plates to extended frames. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Accordingly, there is provided a furniture module for building of interactive furniture learning module assemblies, comprising two rectangular frames (10), the frames each including two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20), two pair of a second squared and elongated frame rod (30) having substantially half the length of said first pair of frame rod (20), and four triangular frame brackets (40) fixed to both said first (20) and second (30) pair of frame rod in each of the intersecting corners of the frames, thereby forming a rectangular frame structure, said frame brackets (40) including at least one mounting hole (42) for optional mounting of rectangular plates (9); and at least three squared and elongated connecting rods (50) having substantially the same length as said first pair of rod (20), each end (52) of said connecting rods (50) being releasably fixed to the two rectangular frames (10) by means of a single fastening point (14) in at least three corners of the two rectangular frames (10), thereby forming a rectangular cuboid module structure, and each upper and lower part of said connecting rods (50) having at least one releasable or integrated angle fitting (55), such as two angle fittings (55), said at least one angle fitting (55) including at least one mounting hole (54) for optional mounting of rectangular plates (9), and said at least one angle fitting (55) including one or more protrusions (56) for attachment to at least one attachment point (16) of the rectangular frames (10); wherein each end (52) of said connecting rods (50) comprises a central female screw thread body (57) for receiving a frame screw (70) through the single fastening point (14) in the at least three corners of the two rectangular frames (10), said frame screw (70) comprising a male thread body (71) for engaging with the female screw thread body (57) and a cylindrical screw head body (72) with a length (73) substantially corresponding to the width of said frames (10) and a diameter (74) operable for said screw head (73) to be stopped within said frames (10), thereby allowing said connecting rods (50) to be fixed to said frames (10). In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more protrusions (56) of the at least one angle fitting (55) comprises at least two protrusions and is positioned in at least two attachment points (16) of the rectangular frames (10) for stabilizing the module during use.

In one embodiment of the invention, the module comprises three squared and elongated connecting rods. In one embodiment of the invention, the module comprises four squared and elongated connecting rods.

In one embodiment of the invention, each upper and lower part of said connecting rods (50) having at least one angle fitting (55). In one embodiment of the invention, each upper and lower part of said connecting rods (50) having at least two angle fitting (55). In one embodiment of the invention, each upper and lower part of said connecting rods (50) having at least three angle fitting (55).

In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one angle fitting (55) is integrated with the connecting rods (50), such a welded to the connecting rods (50), thereby allowing a furniture module of two rectangular frames (10) and three squared and elongated connecting rods (50) to be assembled with 11 parts and a furniture module of two rectangular frames (10) and four squared and elongated connecting rods (50) to be assembled with 14 parts.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the length (73) of the cylindrical screw head body (72) substantially corresponds to the width of the inner volume (18) of said frames (10), excluding frame walls (19), thereby allowing an inner frame connecting bracket (75) to be mounted and fixed within the inner volume (18) of said frames (10) by said frame screw (70) together with said connecting rods (50). In this embodiment, the screw head may follow the line of the surface of the frame which gives advantages in terms of security during use. Also, the screw as such may be easier mounted in that the frame wall works as a support during mounting.

In general, the frames and connecting rods according to the invention may be made of various materials, such as metal, hard plastic, carbon, or other rigid and withstanding materials. Metal is preferred in the construction. The structure of the rods may be hollow forming a skeleton of the modules with a hollow structure of the individual rods. In some embodiments, the walls of the skeleton, including the connecting rods and frame, is about 2 mm. Generally, the aim is to have the same general thickness in the module in order to benefit from easier mounting of parts in the module and easier mounter of modules to each other. In some other embodiments, the thickness is about 3 mm, in some other 4 mm. The brackets used to mount the modules to each other according to the invention may preferably have the same thickness in order to have them fit into the overall system. Preferably thickness of the brackets is 2 mm.

The rods of the invention generally have four sides with the same dimensions, such as about 30 mm for each outer side with a thickness of 2 mm. In other embodiments, the outer side is about 40 mm, or such as 50 mm, or the like. However, generally the dimensions of the rods are the same in the module in order to match and be mounted to connecting module or neighbor modules.

Preferably, the dimensions of the modules are in a ratio of 2: 1 :2 (height, width, length). In some embodiments, the height is about 100 cm while the width is about 50 cm and the length is about 100 cm. In some other embodiments, the height is about 90 cm while the width is about 45 cm and the length is about 90 cm. In some embodiments, the height is about 80 cm while the width is about 40 cm and the length is about 80 cm.

When dimensions of the modules are 100 cm height, 50 cm width and 100 cm length, with a frame thickness of 3 cm, the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) are generally about 100 cm, the two pair of a second squared and elongated frame rod (30) are generally 44 cm and the at least three squared and elongated connecting rods (50) are 94 cm. Hence, when the two pair of a second squared and elongated frame rod (30) are mentioned to have substantially half the length of said first pair of frame rod (20) according to the invention, the frame may generally be excluded. In that sense, the second squared and elongated frame rod (30) of 44 cm is understood to be about half the length of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20). Also, when the at least three squared and elongated connecting rods (50) are mentioned to have substantially the same length as said first pair of rod (20), the frame may generally be excluded. In that sense, the at least three squared and elongated connecting rods (50) of 94 cm is understood to be about the same length of two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20). This calculation also applies then the modules have different dimensions.

The invention also pertains to a furniture module assembly for providing an interactive learning environment, the assembly comprising at least two connected modules. Assemblies may be built of more than two modules depending on the requirements in the learning environment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes inner frame connecting brackets (75) partly positioned in the inner volume (18) of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) of one module, and partly positioned in the inner volume (18) of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) of another module, the inner brackets (75) being fixed with the frame screw (70) in a lower end (76) and an upper end (77) to said frame rods (20) and connecting rods (50), or the inner brackets (75) being fixed with an inner female screw cylinder (80) and a corresponding screw (82) in a lower end (76) and/or an upper end (77) to said frame rods (20) in the absence of connecting rods (50), the inner screw member (80) comprising a female screw base (81) and having a length (83) that substantially corresponds to the width of the inner volume (18) of said frames (10), excluding frame walls (19), thereby allowing the inner brackets (75) to be mounted and fixed within the inner volume (18) of said frames (10) by said corresponding screw (82).

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes outer frame connecting brackets (85) partly positioned at the single fastening point (14) of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) of one module, and partly positioned at the single fastening point (14) of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) of another module, the outer frame connecting brackets (85) being fixed with an inner female screw cylinder (80) and a corresponding screw (82) in a lower end (86) and an upper end (87) to said frame rods (20), the inner screw member (80) comprising a female screw base (81) and having a length (83) that substantially corresponds to the width of the inner volume (18) of said frames (10), excluding frame walls (19), thereby allowing the outer brackets (85) to be mounted and fixed on the outside of said frames (10) by said corresponding screw (82).

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes frame connecting and stabilizing brackets (90) partly positioned at the single fastening point (14) of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) of one module, and partly positioned at the single fastening point (14) of the two pair of a first squared and elongated frame rod (20) of another module, the frame connecting and stabilizing brackets (90) being fixed with an inner female screw cylinder (80) and a corresponding screw (82) in a lower end (91) and an upper end (92) to said frame rods (20), and being further fixed to said frames (10) in a distance therefrom that secures stabilization of the at least two connected modules, the inner screw member (80) comprising a female screw base (81) and having a length (83) that substantially corresponds to the width of the inner volume (18) of said frames (10), excluding frame walls (19), thereby allowing the frame connecting and stabilizing brackets (85) to be mounted and fixed on the outside of said frames (10) by said corresponding screw (82).

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes triangular connecting blocks (95) having a thickness (97) and substantially corresponding in length (98) and width (99) to the dimensions of the triangular frame brackets (40) of the rectangular frames (10) and the angle fittings (55) of the connecting rods (50), the triangular connecting blocks (95) being mounted between and fixed to either two of said triangular frame brackets (40) or two of said angle fittings (55) from two different modules. The various brackets and blocks described above may be used in various assembly configurations, alone or in combination, as it is suitable for flexible construction of assemblies. For instance, the inner frame connecting brackets (75) may be used in combination one or more of the other brackets or blocks as it suits in the particular configuration.

In one embodiment of the invention, inner frame connecting brackets (75) are used in combination with triangular connecting blocks (95). In one embodiment of the invention, inner frame connecting brackets (75) are used in combination with frame connecting and stabilizing brackets (90). In one embodiment of the invention, frame connecting and stabilizing brackets (90) are used in combination with triangular connecting blocks (95). In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes one or more plates (9) either mounted to four of the triangular frame brackets (40) of the rectangular frames (10) and/or mounted to four of the angle fittings (55) of the connecting rods (50).

One of the advantages of the invention, is that the plates (9) may be mounted to both of the triangular frame brackets (40) and angle fittings (55). Hence, only one size of block is required. It is preferred that the triangular frame brackets (40) and angle fittings (55) have substantially the same dimensions. Such plates (9) may be in form of a table plate, sitting plate, stair step plate, side shield plates, or the like. The plates (9) may be of wood, plastic, metal, or any other material that suits the particular use. In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly is in form of a stair comprising one or more horizontal positioned modules (2) and one or more vertical positioned modules (3), and the assembly further comprising a plate (9) on top of the one or more horizontal positioned modules (2) as a stair step or seat, an intermediate stair step or seat (4) that halves the vertical distance relative to said horizontal (2) and vertical (3) modules and a plate (9) on top of the vertical modules (3) as a table allowing interactive learning from both sides of said table when people are seated on said intermediate stair step or seat (4) on one side of the table and on separate chairs on the other side of the table. Plates (9) may also be positioned in other positions to the modules of the stair.

Importantly, the above described assembly is only one option for configuring a stair. Such a stair may comprise further modules side-by-side and/or may be higher than two modules, such as three or four modules. In some configurations, the modules may also all be horizontal or vertical as suitable for the intended use.

In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more horizontal positioned modules (2) are at least connected to the one or more vertical positioned modules (3) by means of said frame connecting and stabilizing brackets (90), and wherein the one or more horizontal positioned modules (2) and the one or more vertical positioned modules (3) are at least connected sideways by means of said triangular connecting blocks (95).

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly is in the form of a high module assembly comprising two or more vertical positioned modules on top of each other (5 a, 5b), and the assembly further comprising one or more plates (9) flanking at least two sides of the upper of the vertical positioned modules (5b), such as three sides, and a plate (9) on top of the lower of the vertical positioned modules (5a) as a table.

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly is in form of a high module assembly comprising at least a set of two or more vertical positioned modules on top of another (6a, 6b), each set being connected with front to each other, and the assembly further comprising one or more plates (9) flanking at least two sides of the upper of the vertical positioned modules (6b), such as three sides, and a plate (9) on top of the lower of the vertical positioned modules (6a) as a table.

In one embodiment of the invention, the assembly is in form of a high module assembly comprising at least a pair of two or more vertical positioned modules on top of another (7a, 7b), each pair being connected with interconnecting rods (60), and the assembly further comprising one or more plates (9) flanking at least two sides of the upper of the vertical positioned modules (7b), such as three sides, and a plate (9) in each of the lower of the vertical positioned modules (7a) as a seat.

In one embodiment of the invention, said vertical positioned modules on top of another are at least connected by means of said inner frame connecting brackets (75), and wherein each set of two or more vertical positioned modules on top of another are at least connected sideways by means of said triangular connecting blocks (95).