Connector for arranging modular seats in a non-linear array

Abstract

A wedge-shaped connector for arranging and connecting seat modules in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship to form a non-linear modular seating array. The connector includes substantially planar sidewalls configured for supporting seat modules and a substantially planar rear panel positioned between the sidewalls adjacent backs of the sidewalls. A back side of the connector has a width greater than a width of its front side so as to define an acute angle between the sidewalls. In this manner, first and second modular seats may be arranged in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship by abutting first and second seat modules against first and second sidewalls, respectively, of a connector. The shape of the non-linear array can be varied by varying the degree of angle formed by the sidewalls by varying widths of front and/or rear panels, and/or installing the connector in various orientations.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A connector for connecting first and second seat modules, said connector having a front side and a back side, said connector comprising: 
 a substantially planar first sidewall configured for supporting a first seat module, said first sidewall having a front, back, top and bottom;    a substantially planar second sidewall configured for supporting a second seat module, said second sidewall having a front, back, top and bottom;    a substantially planar rear panel positioned between said first and second sidewalls adjacent said backs of said first and second sidewalls,    said back side of said connector having a width greater than a width of said front side of said connector so as to define an acute angle A between said first and second sidewalls; and    whereby the first and second seat modules may be arranged in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship by abutting the first and second seat modules against the first and second sidewalls, respectively.    
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a cap mounted on the top of said first and second sidewalls.  
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein said cap forms an arm rest.  
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising a substantially planar front panel positioned between said first and second sidewalls adjacent said front side of said connector, said rear panel having a width greater than a width of said front panel.  
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second sidewalls comprises a longitudinal notch adjacent said backs, said rear panel having opposed side edges positioned in said notches.  
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a decorative trim member joined to each of said fronts of said first and second sidewalls.    
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 7 , wherein said first and second sidewalls comprise plywood and said decorative trim member comprises solid wood.  
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 an additional decorative trim member joined to each of said backs of said first and second sidewalls.    
     
     
         9 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a decorative trim member joined to each of said backs of said first and second sidewalls.    
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 9 , wherein said first and second sidewalls comprise plywood and said decorative trim member comprises solid wood.  
     
     
         11 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein said first and second sidewalls are secured to one another to support said rear panel therebetween by a selectively releasable mechanical fastener positioned between the fronts and rears of said first and second sidewalls for drawing together said first and second sidewalls and retaining said rear panel therebetween.  
     
     
         12 . The connector of  claim 11 , wherein said first sidewall abuts said second sidewall adjacent said fronts.  
     
     
         13 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second sidewalls defines a plurality of openings positioned to receive mechanical fasteners for joining said sidewalls to a seat module.  
     
     
         14 . A modular seating array comprising: 
 at least two seat modules, each of said seat modules having a back support member, a seat member for use as a seat when said module is in an upright position, and a pair of end supports spaced from one another and supporting said seat member and said back support member in between said pair of end supports; and    at least one connector positioned between said two seat modules and joined to at least one of said pair of end supports of each of said seat modules, said connector thereby interconnecting said seat modules in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship to form the modular seating array.    
     
     
         15 . The modular seating array of  claim 14 , wherein each of said pair of end supports comprises a respective sidewall of said connector.  
     
     
         16 . The modular seating array of  claim 14 , wherein said seat member is pivotally movable relative to said back support member for movement between an upright position for seating and a folded position for storage.  
     
     
         17 . A modular seating array comprising: 
 at least two seat modules, each of said seat modules having a back support member and a seat member for use as a seat when said seat module is in an upright position; and    a connector having a first sidewall and a second sidewall, said first and second sidewalls secured to one another in a fixed spaced relationship to define an acute angle therebetween, said first sidewall being joined to and supporting said back support member and said seat member of one of said at least two seat modules, said second sidewall being,joined to and supporting said back support member and said seat member of another of said at least two seat modules, said connector thereby interconnecting said seat modules in a predetermined spaced and angled relationship to form the modular seating array.    
     
     
         18 . The modular seating array of  claim 17 , said connector further comprising a cap mounted on a top of said first and second sidewalls.  
     
     
         19 . The modular seating array of  claim 17 , said connector further comprising a substantially planar rear panel positioned between said first and second sidewalls.  
     
     
         20 . The modular seating array of  claim 19 , wherein each of said first and second sidewalls comprises a longitudinal notch, said rear panel having opposed side edges positioned in said notches.