DE202017100195U1 - Systems and devices for connecting shelves - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (100) for connecting a first furniture element (1) to a second furniture element (2), the device (100) comprising a first elastic hook (101) provided in a first lateral connection region (102) of the device (100) wherein the first elastic hook (101) is receivable in a slot (11) of a first furniture element (1), the first elastic hook (101) being elastic in at least one first direction (A), a second elastic hook (103 ) provided in a second lateral connection region (104) of the device (100), the second elastic hook (103) being receivable in a slot (21) of the second furniture element (2), the second elastic hook (103) in at least one second direction (B) is elastic, wherein the first lateral connection region (102) is provided with a first longitudinally aligned cutout (111), wherein the cutout (111) comprises a first region (112) asst defined by only one edge (113) and thus substantially open on a side facing the second lateral connection area (103).

Description

Field of the invention

This invention generally applies to furniture systems, and more particularly to components for connecting rails to load-bearing elements.

Background of the invention

Furniture systems such as shelving systems are often constructed of vertically placed rail elements or posts that form a frame and horizontal load-bearing elements such as shelves, drawers, hangers, and the like. The load-bearing elements could also be rails on which rule boards, drawers, etc. are supported.

There are numerous possibilities for connecting the load-bearing elements to the rail elements. For example, the load-bearing elements could simply be screwed to the rail elements, they could also be glued etc.

Some examples of fasteners for shelving systems are set forth below.

WO 99/3 9611 discloses a metal cabinet with a component for connecting a side wall to a vertical rail. The component has an elastic coupling piece for connection in receiving holes of the wall. However, the component is not suitable for connection of a load-bearing element with a vertical rail element.

US 4,103,854 and US 6,698,700 disclose a molded fastener for securing articles to posts. However, the complex shape of the molded fastener makes its production costly.

US 3,628,762 discloses a hook system for connecting a shelf to a cavity wall. As above, this is part of a complex mold which is expensive to manufacture.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention preferably seeks to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-identified deficiencies in the prior art and disadvantages singly or in any combination, and at least solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a solution in accordance with those set forth below independent claims.

According to a first aspect, a device for connecting a first furniture element to a second furniture element is provided. The device includes a first elastic hook provided at a first lateral connection portion of the device. The first elastic hook can be received in a slot of a first furniture element. The first elastic hook is also elastic in at least a first direction. The device includes a second resilient hook provided on a second lateral connection portion of the device. The second elastic hook is receivable in a slot of a second furniture element. The second elastic hook is elastic in at least one second direction. The device makes provision for a tool-free and load-bearing connection of two elements of a furniture system.

In one aspect of the device, the second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction.

In another aspect of the device, a free end of the first elastic hook is provided with a notch which locates at the slot provided in the first furniture element.

In another aspect, the device is substantially planar.

In one aspect, the apparatus includes a longitudinally aligned slot for receiving a portion of a structural element of a furniture system.

In another aspect, the first and second lateral regions of the device are laterally opposite each other.

In one aspect, the first furniture element is a connecting rail. In another aspect, the second furniture element is a supporting element.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a furniture system is provided.

The furniture system comprises a first and second furniture element and a device according to one aspect of the invention for connecting the first furniture element with the second furniture element.

In one aspect, the first furniture element of the furniture system is a connecting rail.

In one aspect, the second furniture element of the furniture system is a supporting element.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which the invention is capable will become apparent and more readily apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG

1 a side view of a device according to an embodiment.

2 Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a device according to an embodiment showing the thickness of the device.

3 an isometric view of a device according to an embodiment.

4a an isometric view of a device according to an embodiment, which is inserted in a first furniture element.

4b an isometric view of a device according to an embodiment which is inserted in a second furniture element.

5 an isometric view of a furniture system comprising a first furniture element, a second furniture element and a device according to an embodiment. The first and second furniture elements are partially transparent, such that the device is visible.

6 a cross-sectional view of a furniture system according to an embodiment.

Description of embodiments

The following description describes a device for connecting a connecting rail to a supporting element in furniture systems. In general, the device has a planar shape and has a first resilient hook provided at one end of the locking coupling device with a rail of a furniture system as the device is inserted into the rail. The opposite end of the device is provided with a second elastic hook for locking coupling with a supporting element of the furniture system when that end of the device is inserted into the supporting element. As a result, the device functions as an adapter for connecting two elements together. As will be apparent from the following description, the apparatus provides for tool-free and load-bearing connection of two elements of a furniture system. Further, the device allows snap-locking with the respective elements such that possibly a verifying click sound could be provided.

The 1 illustrates an embodiment of a device 100 for connecting a first furniture element, for example, a connecting rail of a furniture system, with a second furniture element, for example, a supporting element of a furniture system. The device 100 includes a first elastic hook 101 which is in a first lateral connection area 102 the device 100 is provided. The first elastic hook 101 is in a slot 11 the first furniture element receivable. The first elastic hook 101 is preferably elastic in a first direction A. A second elastic hook 103 is in a second lateral connection area 104 the device 100 provided. The second elastic hook 103 is in a slot 21 a second furniture element receivable. The second elastic hook 103 is preferably elastic in a second direction B. Like in the 1 can be seen, the second direction is substantially orthogonal to the first direction; in normal use, the first direction A is a vertical direction, whereas the second direction B is a horizontal direction.

The device is with a central area 105 provided between the first and second lateral connection areas 102 . 104 is arranged and with an axial flap 106 provided with the longitudinal axis of the device (LO in 1 ) is aligned. The axial flap 106 extends upwards in a direction coincident with the vertical axis of the device 100 is aligned when the device 100 is in use. The axial flap 106 could be at least partially insertable into the second furniture element. The axial flap 106 could be with a flat top 107 be provided. The axial flap 106 can form a support for the supporting element.

The elastic hook 101 of the first lateral connection area 102 extends from the central area 105 the device 100 , The central area 105 should be considered in this context as a section of the device 100 be designed, extending from the first lateral connection area 102 to the second lateral connection area 104 , extends substantially parallel with the second direction B. The elastic hook 101 has a free end 109 and a firm end 110 on. The tight end 110 is closer to the central area 105 the device 100 as the free end 109 positioned so that the hook 101 from the central area 105 extends. The solid end 110 the elastic hook 101 could be considered the basis of Hook can be called. The elastic hook 101 is by means of a cut-out area 108 deformable, between the hook 101 and the central area 105 the device 100 is provided. A force on the free end 109 of the hook 101 in a direction to A in the 1 is applied, that is, in the direction of the central region 105 from the top of the device 100 , that's what the hook does 101 deformed and inward to the cut out area 108 emotional. The overall height of the device 100 thus becomes in the lateral connection area 102 reduced. The reduced height of the device 100 in the lateral connection area 102 allows her into a slot 21 to be inserted on a vertical rail 2 (like in the 4a apparent). The elasticity of the hook 101 provides tactile "clip-in" feedback as well as a latching action when inserting the device 100 in a slot 21 on a piece of furniture.

The first lateral connection area 102 may form a substantially arcuate edge. The free end 109 the elastic hook 101 may form part of the arcuate edge, another part of the arcuate edge may be from the base 110 of the hook 101 be formed. The arcuate edge allows the device 100 , easier in the slot 11 to be inserted.

The first lateral connection area 102 can with a first longitudinally aligned cutout 111 be provided. The cutout 111 can be a first area 112 include only by an edge 113 is defined, and thus is substantially open on one side, that is, the side which is the second lateral connection area 103 is facing. The cutout 111 can also have a second area 114 include, by two lateral edges 115 . 116 is defined such that a slot in the device 100 is formed. A wall of a first furniture element 1 of a furniture system can within the clipping 111 or the clipping 111 and the slot 114 the device 100 being held. The cutout 111 settles at the bottom edge of the device 100 deploy as the device 100 is aligned when it is in use.

The free end 109 the elastic hook 101 can with a score 117 be provided. The notch has a first edge 118 and an orthogonal second edge 119 , The first edge 118 could be with device in use 100 vertically oriented such that they are parallel to an inner wall of a first furniture element 1 of a furniture system. The score 117 the free end 109 the elastic hook 101 can be at the slot 11 set up in the first piece of furniture 1 a furniture system is provided. In this way, the first elastic hook can be 109 hold in place or can a connecting rail 1 hold in position a slot 11 through which the hook 109 has been inserted. The score 117 snaps on the free end 109 of the hook 101 in the edge of the slot 11 such that at the edge of the slot 11 a force on the part of the hook 101 is applied and the first furniture element 1 is held in position. The score 117 and the edge 118 limit the movement of the device 100 lateral / horizontal out of the slot 11 , When the device 100 in the slot 11 has been inserted, the edge abuts 118 to the edge of the slot 11 on and the device 100 can not be pulled out of the slot without the elastic hook 101 deform so that the edge 118 not long at the edge of the slot 11 abuts. In other words, given the height of the slot 11 of the first furniture element 1 slightly less than the overall height of the device 100 in the first lateral connection area 102 is, the first hook 109 must be deformed as well as the device 100 in the first furniture element 1 is inserted. As soon as the hook 109 inside the slot 11 of the first furniture element 1 is in position becomes the hook 109 allows at least partially to return to its non-biased position, causing the hook 109 against the slot 21 of the first furniture element 1 will clamp.

The cutout 111 can the device 100 inside the slot 11 of the first furniture element 1 hold. When applying a force to the upper part of the device 100 , for example, at the top 107 of the lobe 106 and / or the second edge 119 the score 117 , becomes a force on the edge 116 of the clipping 111 and at the first edge 118 the score 117 applied. The forces act in opposite directions on the wall of the first furniture element 1 such that the device 100 is held in position. In one embodiment, a rear portion of the first hook 101 , on the tight end 110 , to be positioned with an inner wall of the first furniture element 1 to be in contact. A force on the upper part of the device 100 would also therefore be distributed through this point of contact and the device 100 could therefore be held even more robust in position.

The second lateral connection area 104 could be laterally opposite the first lateral connection area 102 be positioned. That is, it could be on the other lateral side of the device 100 to the first lateral connection area 102 be positioned. The second lateral connection area 104 could with a second elastic hook 103 be provided. The second elastic hook 103 has a firm end 120 and a free end 121 , The second lateral hook could be substantially U-shaped. An arm of the U-shape could be stuck 120 his and the other end or the other arm of the U-shape could be free 121 be such, that the free end 121 could be urged towards the firm end 120 to move. The second lateral hook 103 could be positioned such that the bend of the U-shape, when in use, at the upper end of the device 100 is positioned. In such an arrangement, the U-shape is an inverted U-shape. Like the first elastic hook 101 , restores the elasticity of the second hook 103 a tactile "clip-in" feedback and a snap-in connection upon insertion of the device 100 in a slot 21 a second furniture element 2 (see also 4b ) ready.

The second elastic hook 103 can be deformed by a narrowing of the arms of the U-shape, so that the hook becomes narrower. A force on the arm of the free end 121 of the hook 103 in a direction to B in the 1 that is, towards the central area 105 from the lateral edge of the device 100 applied, causes the hook 103 deformed and tighter. For clarity, the width of the elastic hook 103 then reduced. The reduced width of the hook 103 in the second lateral connection area 104 allows its insertion into a slot 21 that is attached to a second furniture element 2 is provided (as it is in the 4b ) you can see.

The free end 121 the second elastic hook 103 could with a score 122 be provided. The score 122 could be provided such that the free end 121 the elastic hook 103 be held in place when it is in the slot 21 is inserted, the second furniture element 2 is provided. The score 122 could be a first edge 123 parallel to a lateral axis of the device 100 have, wherein the lateral axis parallel to the direction B of 1 is.

In this way, the second elastic hook can hold in position, or may be a second furniture element 2 hold in position, for example, a supporting element with a slot 21 through which the hook 103 has been inserted. The score 122 snaps on the free end 121 of the hook 103 in an edge of the slot 21 such that at the edge of the slot 21 a force on the part of the hook 103 is applied and the second furniture element 2 is held in position. The score 122 and the edge 123 allow the device 100 the second furniture element 2 to hold even if a lifting force on the second furniture element 2 is applied, for example, holding the element 2 during the transport of the furniture system. When a lifting force is applied, the edge of the slot snaps 21 in the edge 123 the score 122 one and the elastic hook 103 will not be easy from the furniture item 2 let solve.

The second lateral connection area 104 could be a longitudinally aligned slot 125 include. The longitudinally aligned slot 125 could be between the axial lobe 106 and the second lateral hook 103 be positioned. The longitudinally aligned slot 125 is parallel to the axial lobe 106 , The longitudinally aligned slot 125 has on an edge of the device 100 an opening, such that a section 23 a second furniture element 2 a furniture system in the slot 125 can be included. The section 23 the carrying element 2 can be between the two walls of the slot 125 being held. The section 23 can be at the base 126 of the slot 125 be positioned. The two walls of the slot 125 are on a first side by the edge of the axial lobe 106 and on the second side, the edge of the second elastic hook 103 Are defined.

The device 100 is essentially planar. As in the 2 - 4 can be seen is the device 100 shallow-shaped, that is, it has a substantially constant thickness. This allows cheaper and simplified manufacturing processes. It allows the device 100 moreover, in thin slits 11 . 21 to be inserted in furniture systems. Like in the 3 can be seen, the device could 100 at least one area 124 reduced thickness. Such areas 124 reduced thickness could be used in several areas of the device 100 to reduce material or improve hook flexibility 101 . 103 be provided. But such areas 124 however, should not be the viability of the device 100 to reduce.

The device 100 can be made of various materials, for example, at least one polymer. The planar shape of the device 100 makes the production, for example, possible in an injection molding process.

The 4a and 4b show the recording of the device 100 in the first and second furniture element 1 . 2 , Like in the 4a can be seen, is the first lateral connection area 102 in a slot 11 of the first furniture element 1 received. Like in the 4b can be seen, is the second lateral connection area 104 in a slot 21 of the second furniture element 2 received.

The device 100 sees a connection, in the lateral connecting areas 102 . 104 , with furniture elements 1 . 2 which are stable in a lateral direction, such that, for example, as soon as the device 100 in the lateral connection area 102 with the furniture element 1 connected, the device 100 can not be pulled out by applying a force from there 104 pulls laterally outward. The connection between the device 100 and the furniture element 1 is also stable in the longitudinal direction, that is, parallel to the line LO, such that the device 100 not from the furniture element 1 that at 102 is connected, can be pulled away by adding a force 104 is applied downward. The link is also in and out of the side of 1 , orthogonal to the lateral and longitudinal axes stable, since the device 100 is level and in the slot 11 in the furniture element 1 fits, the device 100 and the furniture element 1 are also fixed in this direction.

During disassembly is the device 100 from the first furniture element 1 and the second furniture element 2 removable. The second elastic hook 103 can be made closer, as described above. The arms of the U-shape narrow in such a way that the edge 123 the score 118 from the edge of the slot 21 Distance has. The second furniture element 2 can then be moved upwards, with the edge 123 the score 118 through the slot 21 goes through it. To remove the device 100 from the furniture element 1 , lets the first elastic hook 101 , as described above, narrow. The edge 118 the score 117 is then from the edge of the slot 11 free. The device 100 can then be tilted such that the first elastic hook 101 out of the slot 11 (clockwise in 6 ) emotional. The device 100 can then out of the slot 11 be removed.

Like in the 5 also shown herein is a furniture system which is a furniture element 1 , a second furniture element 2 and a device 100 for connecting the first furniture element 1 with the second furniture element 2 includes. In one embodiment, the furniture element 1 a connecting rail and the second furniture element 2 is a supporting element. Both the first and second furniture elements 1 . 2 are for receiving the device 100 with axially aligned slots 11 . 21 (see also 4a -B). The slots 11 . 21 are generally aligned with the extension axis of the piece of furniture. Like in the 6 can be seen, is the slot 21 on the second furniture element 2 through the section 23 of the second furniture element 2 divided so that two separate openings 21a . 21b be formed. The first opening 21a is at the end of the second furniture element 2 positioned, the second opening 21b is distal to the end of the second furniture element 2 and to the section 23 positioned. The axial flap 106 and the first lateral connection area 102 let go through the first opening 21a position and the second elastic hook 103 can through the second opening 21b be positioned. The first and second furniture elements 1 . 2 can through the device 100 be held in position so that they are orthogonal.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the particular form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

In the claims, the term "comprising / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Moreover, although individually listed, a variety of means, elements or process steps could be used by e.g. A single unit or a single processor. In addition, although individual features may be included in various claims, they could potentially be combined to advantage, and inclusion in various claims does not imply that a combination of features is unrealizable and / or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude plurality. The terms "a," "an," "first," "second," and so on, do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided by way of example only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 99/39611 [0005]
• US 4103854 [0006]
• US 6698700 [0006]
• US 3628762 [0007]

Claims (17)

Contraption ( 100 ) for connecting a first furniture element ( 1 ) with a second furniture element ( 2 ), the device ( 100 ) comprises a first elastic hook ( 101 ), which in a first lateral connection area ( 102 ) of the device ( 100 ), wherein the first elastic hook ( 101 ) in a slot ( 11 ) of a first furniture element ( 1 ) is receivable, wherein the first elastic hook ( 101 ) in at least one first direction (A) is elastic, a second elastic hook ( 103 ), which in a second lateral connection area ( 104 ) of the device ( 100 ), wherein the second elastic hook ( 103 ) in a slot ( 21 ) of the second furniture element ( 2 ) is receivable, wherein the second elastic hook ( 103 ) is elastic in at least one second direction (B), wherein the first lateral connection region (B) 102 ) with a first longitudinally aligned cutout ( 111 ), the cutout ( 111 ) a first area ( 112 ) defined by only one edge ( 113 ), and thus is substantially open on one side, which faces the second lateral connection region (FIG. 103 ) is facing. Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the cutout ( 111 ) a second area ( 114 ) defined by two lateral edges ( 115 . 116 ) is defined such that a slot in the device ( 100 ) is formed, and such that a wall of a first furniture element ( 1 ) of a furniture system within the section ( 111 ) or section ( 111 ) and the slot ( 114 ) of the device ( 100 ) can be held. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutout ( 111 ) at a lower edge of the device ( 100 ), since the device ( 100 ), when in use, is aligned. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second lateral connection area ( 104 ) a longitudinally aligned slot ( 125 ), which between the axial lobe ( 106 ) and the second lateral hook 103 is positioned, wherein the longitudinally aligned slot ( 125 ) in parallel with an axial flap ( 106 ), which is aligned with the longitudinal axis (LO) of the device, wherein the axial lobe ( 106 ) extends upward in a direction coincident with the vertical axis of the device ( 100 ) is aligned when the device ( 100 ) is in use, wherein the longitudinally aligned slot ( 125 ) an opening at an edge of the device ( 100 ) such that a section ( 23 ) of a second furniture element ( 2 ) a furniture system in the slot ( 125 ) can be recorded. Device according to claim 4, wherein the axial lobe ( 106 ) at least partially into the second furniture element ( 2 ) is insertable. Device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the axial lobe ( 106 ) with a flat, upper edge ( 107 ) supporting a supporting element ( 23 ) of the second furniture element ( 2 ). Device according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the slot ( 125 ) has two walls which on a first side by the edge of the axial lobe ( 106 ) or on the second side, the edge of the second elastic hook ( 103 ), where the two walls are set up, a section ( 23 ) of the supporting element ( 2 ) such that the section ( 23 ) to a base ( 126 ) of the slot ( 125 ) can be positioned. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second direction (B) is substantially orthogonal to the first direction (A). Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a free end ( 109 ) of the first elastic hook ( 101 ) with a notch ( 117 ) located at the slot ( 11 ), which in the first furniture element ( 1 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device ( 100 ) is substantially planar. Contraption ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device ( 100 ) a longitudinally aligned slot ( 122 ) to include a section ( 23 ) of the second furniture element ( 2 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second lateral regions ( 102 . 104 ) are laterally opposite each other. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first furniture element ( 1 ) is a connecting rail. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second furniture element ( 2 ) is a supporting element. Furniture system, which is a first furniture element ( 1 ), a second furniture element ( 2 ) and a device ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims for connecting the first furniture element ( 1 ) comprising the second furniture element. Furniture system according to claim 15, wherein the first furniture element ( 1 ) is a connecting rail. Furniture system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second furniture element ( 2 ) is a supporting element.

Images