EA040753B1 - PANEL SET WITH MECHANICAL LOCKING DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

The field of technology to which the invention belongs

Embodiments of the present invention relate to panels that can be arranged perpendicular to each other and locked together using a mechanical locking device. The panels may be assembled and hooked together to form a piece of furniture such as a bookshelf, sideboard, wardrobe, drawer, drawer or furniture component and may thereafter be dismantled. The mechanical locking device may include a flexible tongue.

State of the art

A piece of furniture provided with a mechanical locking device is known from the prior art, as shown in WO 2015/038059. The furniture product contains the first panel attached perpendicularly to the second panel by means of a mechanical locking device containing a flexible tongue in the insertion slot.

The foregoing description of various known aspects is the applicant's characterization for them and is not an admission that any of the foregoing description is considered prior art.

Embodiments of the present invention address the need to provide panels that can be assembled and dismantled.

The essence of the invention

The purpose of some aspects of the present invention is to provide an improvement over the methods described above and the prior art; in particular, the implementation of a kit that can be dismantled/disassembled after assembly without damaging the mechanical locking device, so that the kit can be assembled again.

It is an object of at least some embodiments and aspects of the present invention to provide an improvement over the methods described above and the prior art.

An additional object of at least some aspects of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly of panels that can be assembled without the need for any tools.

An additional object of at least some aspects of the present invention is to facilitate the dismantling of panels made with the possibility of assembly.

An additional object of at least some aspects of the present invention is to facilitate the assembly and disassembly of panels assembled with a locking device that is easy to manufacture and use.

An additional object of at least some aspects of the present invention is to facilitate the method of dismantling the assembled panels.

At least some of these and other purposes and advantages, which will be apparent from the description, have been achieved by means of a kit comprising a first panel, a second panel, and a mechanical interlock for locking the first panel with the second panel, the first panel comprising a first edge surface and the first surface of the panel, the second panel contains the second surface of the panel, the first edge surface faces the second surface of the panel in the locked position of the first and second panels, the mechanical blocking device includes a panel groove in the second panel surface, a flexible tongue located in the panel groove, a rod-like element on the first edge surface and a groove for insertion into the second surface of the panel, extending from the second surface of the panel to the groove of the panel, the rod-like element is made with the possibility of insertion into the groove for insertion and the rod-like element contains a recess, the flexible tongue is made with the possibility of interacting with the recess for bonding the first panel to the second panel in a first direction that is perpendicular to the second surface of the panel, and the groove of the panel extends at an angle in the second panel with respect to the second surface of the panel. The set can thus be dismantled after assembly. This opens up the possibility that the kit (or an article containing one or more kits) can be dismantled and thus easier to move or change how the kit is assembled. It also opens up the possibility that the panels can be reused in a variety of ways.

According to an aspect, the angle has a value between 10-80°.

According to an aspect, the angle has a value between 30-70°. According to an aspect, the angle has a value between 10-70°. According to an aspect, the angle has a value between 15-50°. According to an aspect, the angle has a value between 25-35°.

According to an aspect, the second panel includes a second edge surface at a distance from the panel groove.

According to an aspect, the width of the panel groove in the second surface of the panel is less than the width of the first edge surface.

According to an aspect, the width of the panel groove in the second surface of the panel is greater than the diameter of the rod-like element.

- 1 040753

In an aspect, the panel slot is a closed bottom slot containing a bottom surface that is spaced away from the insertion slot.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab is located on the bottom surface of the panel groove.

According to an aspect, the flexible tongue is configured to curve inwardly towards the bottom surface to be fully positioned in the panel groove.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab in an unbent state is configured to be positioned partly in a panel groove and partly in an insertion groove.

According to an aspect, the insertion slot is a longitudinal slot that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second flat surface.

According to an aspect, the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot is substantially parallel to the second edge surface.

According to an aspect, the second panel comprises a third edge surface and a panel slot for a mechanical locking device is further located on the third edge surface.

According to an aspect, the second panel includes a fourth edge surface and a panel slot for a mechanical locking device is further located on the fourth edge surface.

According to an aspect, the panel groove extends from the third edge surface to the fourth edge surface.

According to an aspect, the insertion slot is a closed bottom slot, such as a closed bottom drill hole, comprising a bottom surface that is spaced away from the panel slot.

According to an aspect, the first edge surface comprises two or more of said rod-like elements, and the second surface of the panel comprises two or more of said insertion slots, preferably linearly arranged, each of the rod-like elements being inserted into the insertion slots.

According to an aspect, in the locked position, the panel groove is configured to receive a dismantling rod.

According to an aspect, when the stripper rod is received into a panel groove, the rod-like member is configured to cooperate with the stripper rod to bend the flexible tab inwardly into the panel groove.

According to an aspect, when the flexible tab is folded inward in the panel slot, the rod-like member and the dismantling rod are movable outward in and out of the insertion slot to dismantle the first panel from the second panel.

According to an aspect, the mechanical locking device is configured to automatically lock the first panel with the second panel when the rod-like element is inserted into the insertion slot and the first edge surface is positioned against the second surface of the panel.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab is located between the recess and the bottom surface of the panel groove in a locked position.

According to an aspect, the rod-like element is configured to be secured in a mounting groove in the first edge surface.

In an aspect, the second edge surface is substantially perpendicular to the second surface of the panel.

Additionally, at least some of these and other objects and advantages, which will be apparent from the description, have been achieved by a method for dismantling a set in accordance with any of the above aspects from a locked position to a dismantled position, comprising inserting a dismantling rod into an edge groove and moving of the flexible tab from the recess of the rod-shaped element by bending the flexible tab inward in the edge slot, moving the rod-like element and the dismantling rod outward in the insertion slot and out of the insertion slot, to dismantle the first panel from the second panel.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab corresponds to the flexible tab described and shown in FIG. 2A-2F in WO 2015/105449. Fig. 2A-2F and the associated description from page 6, line 15 to page 7, line 2 in WO 2015/105449 are thus expressly incorporated by reference into this document.

According to an aspect, the core of the first panel and/or the second panel may be a wood core, preferably made from MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood and particle board. The core may also be a plastic core containing a thermoset plastic or thermoplastic such as vinyl, PVC, PU or PET. The plastic core may contain fillers.

The first panel and/or the second panel may also be solid wood.

The first panel and/or the second panel may be provided with a decorative layer, such as a film or veneer, on one or more surfaces.

At least some of the purposes and advantages identified above and others that may be apparent from the description have been achieved by means of a blocking device for

- 2 040753 furniture products in accordance with the above.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other aspects, features and advantages for which the embodiments of the invention are adapted will be understood and made clear from the following description of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention; reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1a shows a 3D top view of the kit in disassembled/dismantled state for an aspect of the invention;

fig. 1b shows a disassembled/dismantled side view of the kit for an aspect of the invention;

fig. 1c shows a 3D bottom view of the disassembled/dismantled kit for an aspect of the invention;

fig. 2a shows a 3D plan view of the assembled kit for an aspect of the invention;

fig. 2b shows a side view of the kit in an assembled state for an aspect of the invention;

fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a flexible tongue according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 4 shows a side view of an enlarged view of a portion of the first panel;

fig. 5a, 5b show a 3D top view of a kit and a dismantling rod according to an aspect of the invention during disassembly of the kit;

fig. 6a-6e show an enlarged view of a part of the kit and the dismantling rod during the dismantling of the kit from the assembled state to the dismantled state;

fig. 7a, 7b show top and side views of an embodiment of a second panel according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 8a, 8b show a top view and a side view of an embodiment of a first panel according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the second panel in FIG. 7a, 7b according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 10 shows a side view for part of the first panel in FIG. 8a, 8b and a rod-like element according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 11 shows a 3D top view of a portion of the first panel in FIG. 7a, 7b according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 12a, 12b show a side view and a 3D top view of a rod-like element according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 13a, 13b show a side view and a 3D top view of a rod-like element according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 14a, 14b show a side view and a 3D top view of a rod-like element according to an aspect of the invention;

fig. 15 shows an assembled and disassembled side view of the kit for an aspect of the invention;

fig. 16 shows an enlarged side view of part of the set in FIG. 15;

fig. 17 shows a top view of the 2 second panels in FIG. 15;

fig. 18a, 18b show a side view and a top view of an embodiment of the mounting groove;

fig. 18c shows a side view of a portion of the second panel embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

Aspects of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like numbers in the drawings refer to like elements throughout the document.

The terminology used in this document is presented for the purpose of describing specific aspects of the invention only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural to the same extent, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Exemplary aspects of the invention have been described in the drawings and in the description. However, many variations and modifications can be made in these aspects without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Thus, the invention is to be considered illustrative rather than limiting and not limited to the individual aspects discussed above. Accordingly, although specific terms are used, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, for example, definitions of dimensions such as width or girth or height or length or diameter depend on how the exemplary aspects depicted, therefore, if depicted differently, the width or diameter shown in one depiction is the length or thickness in the other depiction.

It should be noted that the word containing does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed, and a single number preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. It should be further noted that any reference

- 3 040753 positions do not limit the scope of the claims that exemplary aspects may be implemented at least in part by both hardware and software and that several tools, blocks or devices can be represented by the same hardware element.

Various aspects, alternatives, and embodiments of the invention described herein may be combined with one or more other aspects, alternatives, and embodiments described herein. Two or more aspects may be combined.

The first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1a-4 and includes a set 1 containing a first panel 10, a second panel 20, and a mechanical locking device 30 for locking the first panel 10 with the second panel 20. The first panel 10 includes a first edge surface 11 and a first panel surface 12. The second panel 20 includes a second edge surface 21 and a second panel surface 22. The first edge surface 11 faces the second surface 22 of the panel in the locked position of the first and second panels 10,20. The mechanical locking device 30 further comprises an edge slot 33 in the second edge surface 21 and a flexible tongue 6 located in the edge slot 33. The rod-like element 31 includes a recess 34. The rod-like element 31 is configured to be inserted into the insertion slot 32. The flexible tab 6 is configured to engage with the recess 34 to lock the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 in a first direction that is perpendicular to the second surface 22 of the panel.

The first panel 10 and the second panel 20 are preferably panels for a furniture product and may be part of the frame of the furniture product.

Set 1 is preferably configured to interlock first panel 10 with second panel 20, with first panel surface 12 being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to second panel surface 22.

Fig. 1a-1c describe the kit according to the aspect in a disassembled or dismantled state. Fig. 2a, 2b describe the set according to the aspect in the assembled state. Set 1 can be assembled by offsetting the first panel 10 relative to the second panel 20 in a direction that is perpendicular to the second surface 22 of the panel. The mechanical locking device 20 can be configured to automatically lock the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 when the rod-shaped member 31 is inserted into the insertion slot 32 and the first edge surface 11 is positioned against the second surface 22 of the panel.

The insertion groove 32 may be formed in the second surface 22 of the panel and in the core of the second panel 20.

The second surface 22 of the panel may comprise a decorative layer and the insertion groove may extend through the decorative layer.

The insertion slot may be formed by mechanical cutting, such as drilling.

An aspect of the flexible tab 6 is shown in FIG. 3. The first part of the flexible tongue 6 is configured to interact with the edge groove 33, and the second part is configured to interact with the recess 34 of the rod-like element 31.

The second part may include a first chamfer 65 that is configured to engage with the rod 31 during assembly and a second chamfer 64 that is configured to engage with the recess 34 for blocking.

The flexible tab 6 may comprise a flexible material to allow the flexible tab 6 to be compressed and displaced in the edge slot 33 during assembly and disassembly.

The flexible tab 6 may include an element that is flexible to allow the flexible tab 6 to be compressed and displaced in the edge slot 33 during assembly and disassembly, and another element that is less flexible in order to improve blocking strength.

A portion of the curved surface of an embodiment of the flexible tongue 6 may be movable against a surface, such as a cylindrical surface, of the edge groove 33. An embodiment is shown in WO 2018/0803 87, which is thus expressly incorporated by reference.

The flexible tongue 6 may comprise a first substantially straight edge and a second edge which includes a foldable portion 61, preferably a first foldable portion and a second foldable portion. The first edge is preferably configured to engage with a recess 34 of the rod-like element 31. The flexible tab preferably includes a recess 63 in each of said foldable portions. An advantage with this flexible tongue embodiment is that a stronger spring force can be obtained which can provide stronger blocking.

The blocking surface of the flexible tongue 6 can interact with the blocking surface 62 of the notch 34 to block the first panel 10 with the second panel 20.

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The first edge surface 11 may comprise two or more of said rod-like elements 31, and the second surface 22 of the panel may comprise two or more of said insertion slots 32, preferably linearly arranged, each of the rod-like elements 31 being inserted into one of the slots 31 for an introduction.

An aspect of the rod-like element 31 is shown in FIG. 6a-6e and includes an embodiment of a recess 34. The rod-shaped member 31 has a longitudinal shape with a longitudinal direction L that is parallel to the first surface of the panel. The first cross section of the rod-shaped member 31 in a plane parallel to the second surface 22 of the panel may be circular, rectangular, star-shaped, oval, or hexagonal. The cross section may be between the notch 34 and the edge 11.

Blocking of the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first surface 12 of the panel can be obtained by the interaction of the blocking surfaces between the insertion slot 32 and the rod-like member 31.

Blocking the first panel with the second panel in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and the surface of the second direction can be obtained by interlocking the blocking surfaces between the insertion slot 32 and the rod-like member 31.

The second cross section of the insertion slot 32 in a plane parallel to the second surface of the panel preferably has a shape that corresponds to the first cross section of the rod-like element 31 in a plane parallel to the second surface of the panel. The advantage of this may be that an improved interlocking of the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 in the second direction is obtained and/or an improved interlocking of the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 in the third direction is obtained.

Edge slot 33 and insertion slot 32 are described in more detail in FIG. 4 which is a cross section along the insertion slot 32.

The edge groove 33 extends from the second edge surface 21 of the second panel 20 inwardly into the second panel 20. The edge groove 33 includes an inner portion 36 and an outer portion 37. The edge groove inner portion 36 has a first height H1. The outer portion 37 of the edge groove has a second height H2. The height of the inner and outer parts is considered in a direction that is parallel with the second end surface 21. In other words, the height H1 and the height H2 of the inner and outer parts continue in the thickness of the second panel. The second height H2 of the outer part 37 is greater than the first height H1 of the inner part 36. The outer part 37 is located closer to the second edge surface compared to the inner part.

The interior 36 of the edge slot 33 may comprise a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a bottom surface 35 extending between the first surface and the opposing second surface. According to an aspect, the lip slot 33 is a closed bottom slot containing a bottom surface 35.

The bottom surface 35 may be located at a distance from the slot 32 for insertion.

The outer portion 37 of the edge groove 33 may comprise a first surface, an opposing second surface, and a bottom surface 38 extending between the first surface and the opposing second surface. The bottom surface 38 of the second part 37 contains an opening 39 for the first part 36.

According to an aspect, the height H1 of the inner part 36 of the edge groove 33 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the flexible tab 6.

According to an aspect, the rod-shaped element 31 is attached to the first edge surface 11 at the first end 41 and includes a rod-like surface 42 located between the recess 34 and the second end 43 of the rod-like element 31.

According to an aspect, the difference between the second height H2 of the outer part 37 of the edge groove 33 and the first height H1 of the inner part 36 of the edge groove 33 is equal to or greater than the length of the shaft surface 41 between the recess 34 and the second end 43 of the rod-like element 31.

According to an aspect, the difference between the second height H2 of the outer part 37 of the edge groove 33 and the first height H1 of the inner part 36 of the edge groove 33 is either equal to or greater than the distance from the outer tip 66 of the flexible tongue 6 and the surface 67 of the flexible tongue 6 that interacts with the surface of the inner part 36 edge groove 33. According to an aspect, the difference between the second height H2 of the outer portion 37 of the edge groove 33 and the first height H1 of the inner portion 36 of the edge groove 33 is either equal to or greater than the distance from the outer tip of the flexible tongue and the blocking surface 62 of the flexible tongue 6.

According to the aspect, the second height H2 of the outer part 37 of the edge groove 33 is 1.1-2.5 times greater than the first height H1 of the inner part 36. According to the aspect, the second height H2 of the outer part 37 of the edge groove 33 is 1.1-1.5 times greater than the first interior height.

According to an aspect, the flexible tongue 6 is located on the bottom surface 35 of the edge groove 33.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab 6 is configured to flex inwardly towards the bottom surface 35 to be completely within the interior 36 of the edge slot 33 as described in FIG. 6b, 6c, 6d.

According to an aspect, the flexible tongue 6, in an unfolded state, is arranged to be located partly in the outer part 37 and partly in the inner part 37 of the edge slot, as described in FIG. 6a and 6e.

According to an aspect, the edge groove 33 is a longitudinal groove 33 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second edge surface 22, as described in FIG. 1a, 1c and 2a.

According to an aspect, the second panel 20 includes a third edge surface 23. According to an aspect, the edge slot 33 of the mechanical locking device 30 is further located in the third edge surface 23, as described in FIG. 2a.

In an aspect, the second panel 20 includes a fourth edge surface 24. In an aspect, the edge slot 33 of the mechanical lock 30 is further located in the fourth edge surface 24, as described in FIG. 2a. According to an aspect, the edge groove 33 extends from the third edge surface 23 to the fourth edge surface 24.

The bendable part 61 of the flexible tongue 6 can be located on the bottom surface 35 of the edge groove 33.

Flexible tongue 6 can be located on the bottom surface 35 of the edge groove 33.

The flexible tongue may be positioned between the recess 34 and the bottom surface 35 of the edge slot in a locked position.

A portion of the flexible tab 6 may be movable against a surface of the edge slot 35, such as the first surface and/or the second surface.

According to an aspect, as described in FIG. 12a, 12b; 13a, 13b; 14a, 14b, the rod-like member 31 has an elongated shape with a longitudinal direction L that is parallel to the first surface 12 of the panel. The rod-shaped element 31 includes a first part 51 at the first end 41 and a second part 52 at the second end 43. The notch 34 corresponds to the aspect contained in the second part 52.

The first part 51 of the rod-like element 31 is adapted to be inserted into the fixing groove 101 in the first edge surface 11, as described in FIG. 1a, 6e, 8a, 8b, 10, 18a and 18b. Fig. 18a shows a side view, and FIG. 18b shows a plan view of a portion of an embodiment of the first panel 10. The second portion 52 of the rod-like member 31 according to the aspect is configured to be inserted into the insertion slot 32. According to an aspect, the rod-like element 31 comprises a third part 53. The third part is located between the first and second parts 51, 52. According to the aspect, the third part 53 has an extension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, which is greater than the extension of the fastening groove 101 in the first edge surface 11 in the corresponding direction. Having a greater extent, the third part is configured to limit/determine/limit the depth to which the first part 51 can be inserted into the fastening groove 101. By limiting the length that the rod-like element 31 can be inserted into the fastening groove 101 in the first panel 10 , the depth of the attachment groove 101 does not determine the position of the rod 31 as long as the depth is greater compared to the first part 51. This opens up the possibility that the attachment groove 101 can be made to greater tolerances without affecting the position of the rod in the insertion slot 32. This will reduce the manufacturing cost for the kit.

According to an aspect, as described in FIG. 13a, 13b; 14a, 14b, the third part 53 is combined into the second part 52. According to an aspect, the length perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the third part 53 is equal to the length of the second part 52 in the corresponding direction.

According to an aspect, as described in FIG. 12a, 12b, the extent perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L for the third part 53 is greater than the extent D1 of the insertion slot 32 in the corresponding direction, so that the third part 53 is configured to limit/determine/limit the depth to which the second part 52 can be inserted into slot 32 for insertion. By this, the length of the rod 31 that can be inserted into the insertion slot 32 is limited and defined and less than the set 1 tolerances for positioning the rod 31 in the intended locking position with respect to the flexible tab 6.

According to an aspect, the third part 53 comprises a flange 54 extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

According to an aspect, the flange 54 is a circular flange 54.

In an aspect, flange 54 is rectangular, square, triangular, or star-shaped.

According to an aspect, the first edge surface 11 includes a countersink hole 102 corresponding to the shape of the third part 53.

According to an aspect, the second panel surface 22 for the second panel 20 may include a countersunk hole 102 corresponding to the shape of the third part 53. FIG. 18c shows a side view of a portion of the second panel 20.

According to an aspect, the depth of the countersink hole 102 of the first edge surface 11 and/or

- 6 040753 of the second surface 22 of the panel is equal to the thickness of the third part 53 in the longitudinal direction L.

According to an aspect, the first, second and third parts 51, 52, 53 of the rod-like element 31 are integral.

According to an aspect, the mounting groove 101 is a closed bottom groove, such as a closed bottom drill hole, comprising a bottom surface that is located at a distance from the first edge surface 11 that is greater than the length of the first portion 51 in the longitudinal direction L.

According to an aspect, the first part 51 of the rod-shaped element 31 is adapted to be fixed to the mounting groove 101 by means of friction.

According to an aspect, the rod-like element 31 is made of one or more wood material, polymeric material, preferably with a reinforcing material such as fiberglass or metal.

According to an aspect, one or more of the first, second and third parts 51, 52, 53 of the rod-like element 31 are substantially circular in shape.

According to an aspect, the rod-like element 31 can be made with the possibility of gluing in the mounting groove 101 in the first edge surface 11.

According to an aspect, the first part 51 of the rod-like element 31 comprises a thread. According to an aspect, the first portion 51 of the rod-shaped member 31 includes barbs 54 as described in FIG. 14a, 14b. According to an aspect, the rod-like element 31 is configured to lock into the attachment slot 101 by means of a friction connection, or by means of a mechanical connection, such as a thread, or by means of a blocking element, such as barbs 54.

The insertion slot 32 corresponds to an aspect of a closed bottom slot, such as a closed bottom drill hole, comprising a bottom surface 46 that is spaced away from the edge slot 33.

The insertion groove 32 may have a first part 43 on the first side of the edge groove 33 and a second part 44 on the second side of the edge groove 33, the second part comprising a bottom surface 46 and side walls, wherein in the locked position the rod-like element 31 passes through the first part. 43 of the insertion slot 32, through the edge slot 33 and into the second portion 44 of the insertion slot 32.

Fig. 6a shows a cross section of the first panel 10 and the second panel 20 in the locked position, i. in the assembled position. The insertion groove according to the aspect extends from the second surface 22 of the panel to the edge groove 33.

The rod-like element 31 may be configured to engage for blocking in the second direction with the side walls of the second portion 44 of the insertion slot 32.

The rod-shaped element 31 can be configured to interact in a locked position with the bottom surface 46.

The first portion 43 of the insertion slot 32 may include side walls, wherein the rod-like member 31 may be configured to engage for locking in a second direction with the side walls of the first portion 43.

The side walls may comprise the core material of the second panel 20.

The second edge surface 21 may be substantially perpendicular to the second surface 22 of the panel.

According to an aspect, the first panel 10 may be assembled by offsetting the first panel 10 relative to the second panel 20 in a direction that is perpendicular to the second surface 22 of the panel. The mechanical locking device 30 according to an aspect is configured to automatically lock the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 when the rod-shaped member 31 is inserted into the insertion slot 32 and the first edge surface 11 is positioned against the second surface 22 of the panel.

According to an aspect, the assembled first and second panels 10, 20 can be dismantled from each other. In other words, after the first and second panels 10, 20 have been assembled, they can be taken apart and separated. After they have been dismantled, they can be put back together again or put together with another panel.

Hereinafter, the method of dismantling the first panel 10 from the second panel 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 5a, 5b and 6a-6e.

In the assembled position, the outer portion 37 of the edge groove 33 is configured to receive a dismounting rod 40. The dismantling rod 40 is a rod-like member that is adapted to be inserted into the outer portion 37 of the outer groove 33. The dismantling rod has a longitudinal shape with a first end and a second end. The second end of the dismantling rod 40 is adapted to be gripped by the user, and the first end is adapted to be inserted into the edge slot 33. The cross-sectional shape of the dismantling rod 40 in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal length corresponds to the aspect of a polygon, such as a trapezoid, as described in FIG. 6b and 6c. According to an aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the dismantling rod 40 in a direction perpendicular to its longitudinal length is round, square, rectangular, or triangular.

- 7 040753

According to an aspect, the dismantling rod 40 is flexible so that it is able to be inserted into the edge groove 33 from the second edge surface 21. When the dismantling rod 40 is inserted from the second edge surface, it bends and bends so that it is located on the flexible tongue 6 and the recess 34 In an aspect, the dismantling rod 40 is insertable into the edge slot 33 from the third edge surface 23. According to an aspect, the dismantling rod 40 is insertable into the edge slot 33 from the fourth edge surface 24.

When the user is to disassemble the first panel 10 from the second panel 20 and thereby unlocks the mechanical lock 30, the user inserts the first end of the dismantling rod 40 into the outer portion 37 of the edge slot 33. When the dismantling rod 40 is inserted and received into the edge slot 33, the rod-like the element 31 is adapted to cooperate with the dismantling rod 40 to bend the flexible tongue 6 inwardly in the edge slot 33. When the dismantling rod 40 is inserted into the outer part 37, it makes contact with the recess 34 of the rod-like element 31 and the flexible tongue 6. The shape of the dismantling rod 40 corresponds to the shape of recess 34, and when the dismantling rod 40 is inserted further into the outer part 37, it will be located in the recess 34 and bend the flexible tab 6 from the recess 34 to the inside 36 of the edge groove 33, as described in FIG. 6b.

When the flexible tab 6 is folded inward in the edge slot 33, the rod-shaped member 31 is configured to be movable in the insertion slot 32 as described in FIG. 6b. According to the aspect and orientation of the set, the rod-shaped element is movable up or down, i.e. it is outwardly movable towards the first edge surface 11. When the rod-like member 31 is moved, the dismounting bar 40 will, after moving a distance, make contact with the inner wall of the outer portion 37 of the edge groove 33 as described in FIG. 6s. According to an aspect, the distance that the rod-shaped element can move is the difference between the first height H1 of the inner part 36 and the second height H2 of the outer part 37. In this position, the flexible tongue 6 is located on the rod-like surface 42 of the rod-like element 31. flexible tongue 6 bends outward. According to an aspect, the flexible tongue 6 is bent outwards until it comes into contact with the shaft surface 42 of the rod-like element 31.

When the rod-like member 31 moves upward in the user insertion slot 32 and the flexible tab 6 is not positioned in the recess 34, the dismantling rod 40 is configured to move out of the edge slot 33. Since the flexible tab 6 is restrained from bending back into the recess 34 by the shaft surface 42 in in this position, the dismantling rod 40 can be removed from the outer part 37 without returning the mechanical locking device 30 to its locked position.

After the dismantling rod 40 has been moved out of the edge slot 33, the rod 31 is configured to move further out and out of the insertion slot 32 to dismantle the first panel 10 from the second panel 20. The first panel 10 is now dismantled from the second panel 20.

According to an aspect, when the rod 31 is moved outward in the insertion slot 32, the flexible tab 6 is bent outwardly against the rod surface 42 of the rod 31.

According to an aspect, a method for dismantling a set 1 from a locked position to a dismantled position is carried out by inserting a dismantling rod 40 into the outer part 37 of the edge groove 33 and moving the flexible tongue 6 from the recess 34 of the rod-like element 31 by bending the flexible tongue inward 6 in the edge groove 33, moving the rod-like element 31 and the dismantling rod 40 outward in the insertion slot 32, retracting the dismantling rod 40 from the edge slot 33 and retracting the rod-like element 31 further out and out of the insertion slot 32 to dismantle the first panel 10 from the second panel 20.

According to an aspect, the step of moving comprises moving the shaft member 31 such a distance outward that the flexible tongue 6 is not able to bend back into the recess 34.

After the first panel 10 has been dismantled from the second panel 20, the first panel 10 can be reassembled with the second panel 20 or another panel containing the appropriate parts. After the first panel 10 has been dismantled from the second panel 20, the second panel 20 can be reassembled with the first panel 10 or with another panel containing the appropriate parts.

According to an aspect, as described in FIG. 9, 10, 11, set 1 includes a second panel 20a, and the mechanical interlock 30 includes a panel slot 133 in the second panel surface 22 for the second panel 20a. The panel groove 133 has the same function as the edge groove 33 described above, however, in this aspect, the groove is located on the second panel surface 22 instead of the second edge panel 21. The panel groove 133 extends at an angle α in the second panel 20a with respect to the second surface. 22 panels. In other words, the panel groove 133 is formed in the second panel 20a and is positioned at an angle α with respect to the second surface of the panel, as described in FIG. 9.

Flexible tongue 6, not described in FIG. 9, according to an aspect, is placed in the groove 133 of the panel. rod

- 8 040753 non-shaped element 31 is located on the first edge surface 11, as described above. The insertion groove 32 according to this aspect is located on the second panel surface 22 and extends from the second panel surface 22 to the panel groove 133 .

According to an aspect, the rod-like element 31 is adapted to be inserted into the insertion slot 32 and the rod-like element 31 includes a notch 34.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab 6 is configured to engage with the recess 34 to lock the first panel 10 with the second panel 20a in a first direction that is perpendicular to the second surface 22 of the panel.

According to an aspect, the angle α has a value between 10-80°. According to an aspect, the angle α has a value between 10-70°. According to an aspect, the angle has a value between 20-70°. According to an aspect, the angle α has a value between 15-50°. According to an aspect, the angle α has a value between 25-35°.

According to an aspect, the second edge surface 21 of the second panel 20a is located at a distance from the groove 133 of the panel.

According to an aspect, the width W1 of the panel groove 133 in the second panel surface 22 is less than the width W2 of the first edge surface 11. In other words, the first edge surface 11 of the first panel 10 covers the panel groove 133 when the first panel 10 is locked towards the second panel 20a.

According to an aspect, the width W1 of the panel groove 133 in the second panel surface 22 is greater than the diameter D2 described in FIG. 10, rod-shaped element 133.

In an aspect, the panel slot 133 is a closed bottom slot containing a bottom surface 135 that is spaced away from the insertion slot 32.

According to an aspect, the flexible tongue 6 is located on the bottom surface 135 of the panel groove 133.

According to an aspect, the flexible tab 6 is configured to flex inward towards the bottom surface 135 to be fully seated in the panel groove 133.

According to an aspect, the flexible tongue 6, in an unfolded state, is configured to be positioned partly in the panel slot 133 and partly in the insertion slot 32.

According to an aspect, the panel groove 133 is a longitudinal groove 133 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second planar surface 22.

In an aspect, the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal slot 133 is substantially parallel to the second edge surface 21.

According to an aspect, the second panel 20a comprises a third edge surface 23 and a panel slot 133 for a mechanical locking device 30 is further located on the third edge surface 23.

According to an aspect, the second panel 20a includes a fourth edge surface 24 and a panel slot 133 for a mechanical locking device 30 is further located on the fourth edge surface 24.

According to an aspect, the panel groove 133 extends from the third edge surface 23 to the fourth edge surface 24.

In an aspect, the insertion slot 32 is a closed bottom slot, such as a closed bottom drill hole, comprising a bottom surface 46 that is spaced away from the panel slot 133.

According to an aspect, the first edge surface 11 comprises two or more of said rod-like elements 31, and the second panel surface 22 comprises two or more of said insertion slots 32 and one or more panel slots 133, preferably arranged in a linear fashion, each of the rod-like elements 31 being formed with the possibility of insertion into one of the slots 32 for insertion.

In an aspect, in the locked position between the first panel 10 and the second panel 20a, the panel groove 133 is configured to receive a dismantling rod 40.

When the stripper rod 40 is received into the panel groove 133, the rod-like member 31 is configured to cooperate with the stripper rod 40 to bend the flexible tab 6 inwardly in the panel groove 133. Thereafter, when the flexible tab 6 is bent inwardly in the panel slot 133, the rod-like member 31 and the dismantling rod 40 are configured to be movable outward in the insertion slot 32 and out of the insertion slot 32 to dismount the first panel 10 from the second panel 20a. Since the panel groove 133 extends from the second panel surface 22, the dismantling can be carried out in fewer steps compared to the dismantling method described above. The reason is that the insertion groove 32 and the panel groove 133 are located on the same surface, the second surface 22 of the panel.

According to an aspect, the mechanical locking device 30 is configured to automatically lock the first panel 10 with the second panel 20 when the rod 31 is inserted into the insertion slot 32 and the first edge surface 11 is positioned against the second panel surface 22.

According to the aspect of the flexible tongue 6 is located between the recess 34 of the rod element 31 and don

- 9 040753 surface 135 of the groove 133 of the panel in the locked position. In an aspect, the second edge surface 21 is substantially perpendicular to the second surface 22 of the panel.

According to an aspect, the rod-like element 31 as described above can be connected to a second panel 20 containing an edge groove 33 as described above, or to a panel groove 133 as described above.

According to an aspect, the second panel 20, 20a comprises one or more edge slots 33 and one or more panel slots 133. According to an aspect, the second panel 20, 20a is connected and locked to two or more first panels 10.

The insertion groove 32 may be formed in the second surface 22 of the panel and in the core of the second panel 20.

The second surface 22 of the panel may comprise a decorative layer and the insertion groove may extend through the decorative layer.

The insertion slot may be formed by mechanical cutting, such as milling or sawing.

An edge element, such as an edge tape, according to an aspect, is attached to the second edge to cover the second groove and to reinforce the second edge 21. The edge element may be glued to the second edge or attached by a mechanical locking device, which may include a part that protrudes from the edge element and is configured to be inserted into the edge groove 53. The part can be attached to the edge groove by friction. The edge element according to the aspect does not cover the third and/or fourth edge surfaces 23, 24, so that the demounting rod 40 can be inserted into the edge groove 33. The edge element according to the aspect is removable, so that the demounting rod 40 can be inserted into the edge groove 33.

According to an aspect, the second panel may comprise two or more of said edge grooves 5.

According to an aspect, the first panel 10 comprises two or more first edge surfaces 11 as described above. In other words, one or more bar elements 31 may be located on two or more edges of the first panel 10, as described in FIG. 15 and 17.

According to an aspect, one or more rod-like elements 31 on one first edge surface 11 of one first panel 10 are arranged offset with respect to one or more rod-like elements on the other first edge surface 11 of the first panel 10. By arranging the rod-like elements 31 offset on different first edge surfaces 11 of the first panel 10, unintended assembly of the various first and second panels 10, 20, 20a can be prevented if the position of the rod-like elements 31 on the first edge surface 11 corresponds only to the position of the slots 32 for insertion into the second surface 22 of the panel from which they are intended to unite.

According to an aspect, one second panel may be connected to four first panels, as described in FIG. 15. According to an aspect, the second panel 20 comprises two second panel surfaces 22 and one or more insertion slots 32 extending from one of the second panel surfaces 22, and one or more insertion slots 32 extending from the other second panel surface 22 to a common edge slot 33 as described in FIG. 15 and 16.

According to an aspect, the panel may be a combination of the first panel 10 and the second panel 20, 20a and comprise rod-shaped elements 31 on the first edge and a panel groove 133 on the panel surface and/or an edge groove on the other edge surface, as described in FIG. 17.

The flexible tab 6 may correspond to the flexible tab described and shown in FIG. 2A-2F in WO 2015/105449. Fig. 2A-2F and the associated description from page 6, line 15 to page 7, line 2, in WO 2015/105449, are thus expressly incorporated by reference into this document.

The core of the first panel 10 and/or the second panel 20, 20a may be a wood core, preferably made from MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood or particle board. The core may also be a plastic core containing a thermoset plastic or thermoplastic such as vinyl, PVC, PU or PET. The plastic core may contain fillers.

The first panel 10 and/or the second panel 20, 20a may also be solid wood.

The first panel 10 and/or the second panel 20, 20a may be provided with a decorative layer, such as a film or veneer, on one or more surfaces.

According to an aspect, set 1 is one of a drawer bottom, a frame and a back of a piece of furniture.

According to an aspect, the set of panels are resilient panels. The resilient panels may include a core containing a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be foamed.

The thermoplastic material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof. Heart

- 10 040753 wines can be formed from several layers.

The aspects described above may include a decorative layer, such as a decorative film containing a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic decorative layer material may be or comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or their combination. The decorative film is preferably printed, for example, by direct printing, rotogravure or digital printing. According to an aspect, the decorative layer comprises melamine, high pressure laminate (HPL) or veneer.

The aspects described above may include a wear layer such as a film or foil. The wear layer may comprise a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof.

The aspects described above may include panels containing a wood-based core such as HDF, MDF, plywood, particle board, OSB, or mesonite.

The various aspects, embodiments, and alternatives described above may be combined with one or more of the other aspects, embodiments, and alternatives described.

Claims (21)

1. A set (1) containing the first panel (10), the second panel (20a) and a mechanical locking device (30) for blocking the first panel (10) with the second panel (20a), while the first panel (10) contains the first edge surface (11) and first surface (12) of the panel; the second panel (20a) contains the second surface (22) of the panel; the first edge surface (11) faces the second surface (22) of the panel in the locked position of the first and second panels (10, 20a); the mechanical blocking device (30) contains a groove (133) of the panel in the second surface (22) of the panel, a flexible tongue (6) located in the groove (133) of the panel, a rod-like element (31) on the first edge surface (11) and a groove (32 ) for insertion into the second surface (22) of the panel, extending from the second surface (22) of the panel to the groove (133) of the panel; the rod-like element (31) is made with the possibility of insertion into the groove (32) for insertion, and the rod-like element (31) contains a recess (34); the flexible tab (6) is configured to interact with the recess (34) to block the first panel (10) with the second panel (20a) in a first direction that is perpendicular to the second surface (22) of the panel; the groove (133) of the panel extends at an angle α in the second panel (20a) with respect to the second surface (22) of the panel; and the angle α has a value between 10-80°. 2. Set (1) according to claim 1, in which the angle α has a value between 10-70° or between 25-35°. 3. Set (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second panel (20a) contains a second edge surface (21) at a distance from the groove (133) of the panel. 4. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width (W1) of the panel groove (133) in the second surface (22) of the panel is less than the width (W2) of the first edge surface (11). 5. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width (W1) of the panel groove (133) in the second surface (22) of the panel is less than the diameter (D2) of the rod-like element (31). 6. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel slot (133) is a closed bottom slot containing a bottom surface (135) which is spaced from the insertion slot (32). 7. Set (1) according to claim 6, in which the flexible tongue (6) is located on the bottom surface (135) of the groove (133) of the panel. 8. Set (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the flexible tongue (6) is foldable inwardly towards the bottom surface (135) so as to be fully seated in the groove (133) of the panel. 9. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible tab (6) in an unfolded state is arranged partly in the panel groove (133) and partly in the insertion groove (32). 10. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel groove (133) is a longitudinal groove (133) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the second flat surface (22). - 11 040753 the third edge surface (23), while the groove (133) of the panel of the mechanical blocking device (30) is additionally located on the third edge surface (23). 11. Set (1) according to claim 10, wherein the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal groove (133) is substantially parallel to the second edge surface (21) of the second panel (20a). 12. Set (1) according to any of the preceding claims, in which the second panel (20a) contains 13. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second panel (20a) comprises a fourth edge surface (23), wherein the groove (133) of the mechanical interlock panel (30) is additionally located on the fourth edge surface (24). 14. Set (1) according to claim 13, wherein the panel groove (133) extends from the third edge surface (23) of the second panel (20a) to the fourth edge surface (24). 15. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion slot (32) is a closed bottom slot, such as a closed bottom drill hole, comprising a bottom surface (46) which is spaced from the slot (133) panels. 16. Set (1) according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in which the first edge surface (11) contains two or more of the said rod-like elements (31), and the second surface (22) of the panel contains two or more of the mentioned grooves (32) for insertion, preferably arranged in a linear fashion, with each of the rod-like elements (31) being inserted into one of the insertion slots (32). 17. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in the locked position, the groove (133) of the panel is configured to receive a dismantling rod (40), while when the dismantling rod (40) is received in the groove (133) of the panel, rod-shaped the element (31) is configured to interact with the dismantling rod (40) to bend the flexible tongue (6) inwardly in the groove (133) of the panel, and when the flexible tongue (6) is bent inwardly in the groove (133) of the panel, the rod-like element (31 ) and the dismantling rod (40) are movable outwardly in the insertion slot (32) and out of the insertion slot (32) to dismantle the first panel (10) from the second panel (20a). 18. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical interlock (30) is configured to automatically lock the first panel (10) with the second panel (20a) when the rod-shaped element (31) is inserted into the groove (32) for introduction, and the first edge surface (11) is located close to the second surface (22) of the panel. 19. Set (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the flexible tongue (6) is located between the recess (34) and the bottom surface (135) of the panel groove (133) in a locked position. 20. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the rod-like element (31) is designed to be fixed in the mounting groove (101) in the first edge surface (11). 21. Set (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second edge surface (21) is substantially perpendicular to the second surface (22) of the panel.