EP4369987A1

EP4369987A1 - Piece of furniture comprising a weighted structural element

Info

Publication number: EP4369987A1
Application number: EP22842564.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Per Nilsson; Håkan KÄLL; Piedad GARCÍA ALVAREZ; Benny Andersson
Original assignee: Ikea Supply AG
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2021-07-16
Filing date: 2022-07-15
Publication date: 2024-05-22
Also published as: WO2023287347A1; EP4369987A4; US20240315447A1; CN117693305A

Abstract

A piece of furniture (100) is provided, comprising one or more structural elements (110) connected by attachment means (120) to form the piece of furniture (100). At least one structural element (110) is a weighted structural element (130) comprising a weight material. Said at least one weighted structural element (130) is arranged to form a structural part of the piece of furniture (100) and to add weight to the piece of furniture (100) to reduce a risk of unwanted movement of the piece of furniture (100). A structural element (130) is also provided.

Description

PIECE OF FURNITURE COMPRISING A WEIGHTED STRUCTURAL ELEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a piece of furniture and more precisely to a piece of furniture comprising a weighted structural element.

BACKGROUND

Modern pieces of furniture are commonly designed to have a low environmental impact and to be cost effective. These design targets are not necessarily in conflict and pieces of furniture are available wherein materials, assembly and even logistics are streamlined to make the piece of furniture both cost-effective and environmentally sound.

One solution to the above design targets is to produce a piece of furniture using less material in ordered to both save cost and reduce environmental impact. Further to this, a material having a comparably light weight, i.e. low density, may be chosen in order to reduce e.g. the carbon impact from logistics and handling of the material and the piece of furniture.

One problem that may arise from these lightweight pieces of furniture is that their light weight may cause unwanted dislocation of the piece of furniture. As an example, a patio piece of furniture that is light weight may be moved away from its intended placement by the wind.

In KR20-0454653, a plastic leg of a desk or of a chair or various other furniture is presented. The leg is vacuum molded from plastic, and in order to save raw material, the inner space of the leg is formed as a hollow space. In order to prevent the desk or chair from being easily moved due to low weight, a weight is injected into the hollow shape of the leg.

Plastic is a typically not considered an environmentally friendly material, and the prior art is only workable specifically for pieces of furniture having hollow plastic legs. From the above it is understood that there is room for improvements. SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a new type of piece of furniture which is improved over prior art and which eliminates or at least mitigates the drawbacks discussed above. More specifically, an object of the invention is to provide a piece of furniture that is structurally stable and has low risk of involuntary movement. These objects are addressed by the technique set forth in the appended independent claims with preferred embodiments defined in the dependent claims related thereto.

In a first aspect, a piece of furniture comprising one or more structural elements is presented. The structural elements are connected by attachment means to form the piece of furniture. At least one structural element is a weighted structural element comprising a weight material. Said at least one weighted structural element is arranged to form a structural part of the piece of furniture and to add weight to the piece of furniture to reduce a risk of unwanted movement of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element has a density and/or a weight that is higher than a density and/or a weight of other structural elements of the piece of furniture. This is beneficial as the higher density provides an efficient means for adding weight without significantly increasing the size of the element.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element has a weight that is at least two times, preferably at least three times, a weight a structural element would have if forming the corresponding structural part as the weighted structural element in the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the piece of furniture further comprises a frame. The frame is formed by one or more structural elements, wherein at least one of said structural elements of the frame is a weighted structural element. A frame is any combination of two or more structural elements and/or weighted structural elements. This is beneficial as frames may be structural parts that are hidden from view and a visual appearance of the weighted structural element is of less concern, making it cheaper to manufacture. Also, frames may provide a structurally essential part of the piece of furniture 100, and having the weighted structural element as part of this further reduces a risk of the user neglecting to add the weighted structural element to the piece of furniture. In one embodiment, said at least one weighted structural element is arranged hidden from view during use of the furniture piece. By having the weighted structural element hidden from view hidden from view makes a visual appearance of the weighted structural element of less concern, which allows e.g. cheaper manufacturing of the weighted structural element and also the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged to carry a mechanical load of the piece of furniture. The weighted structural element may be more sturdy than a corresponding structural element and a load capacity of the piece of furniture may be increased when the weighted structural element is arranged to be a load bearing structural element.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is a beam, a bar or a stretcher. These structures are commonly used to form structural elements of pieces of furniture and are typically arranged hidden from sight during use of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element comprises one or more feet. This is beneficial as it ensures that the weighted structural element is located at a lower end of the piece of furniture, further, it reduces a risk that the weighted structural element is not included when mounting the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, one or more of the one or more feet are adjustable feet. This is beneficial as it allows the piece of furniture to be placed on uneven surfaces.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a rear portion of the piece of furniture. This is beneficial as it prevents the piece of furniture from tipping forward.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass of the weighted structural element substantially coincide with a horizontal center of mass of the piece of furniture. This is beneficial as the weighted structural element will, by gravitational force, provide a downward force substantially coinciding with a corresponding force of the piece of furniture. This will provide a stable piece of furniture that has a further reduced risk of involuntary movement. In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a position at which a vertical center of mass of the weighted structural element is arranged below the vertical center of mass of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass of the weighted structural element is arranged rear wise of a horizontal center of mass of the piece of furniture. This is beneficial as the weighted structural element will act as a counter-weight for the piece of furniture reducing a risk of e.g. involuntary forward tipping motions.

In one embodiment, the piece of furniture is a table or a chair.

In one embodiment, the piece of furniture is a storage furniture and the weighted structural element is arranged such that a center of mass of the weighted structural element is located at a position below a vertical center of the piece of furniture and, as viewed from a front of the piece of furniture, behind a horizontal center of the piece of furniture. This is beneficial as the weighted structural element will act as a counter-weight for the piece of furniture reducing a risk of e.g. involuntary forward tipping motions.

In one embodiment, the piece of furniture is a storage furniture and the weighted structural element is arranged such that a center of mass of the weighted structural element is located at a position in a main preferred region located below a geometrical vertical center of the piece of furniture and, as viewed from a front of the piece of furniture, behind a geometrical horizontal transverse center of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the main preferred region extends from 0 to less than 50% of a depth, as viewed from a back of the piece of furniture, of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the main preferred region extends from 0 to less than 50% of a height as viewed from a bottom surface onto which the piece of furniture is configured to be placed.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a first preferred region of the main preferred region. The first preferred region is located behind a middle between a geometrical transverse center and a back of the piece of furniture. In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a second preferred region of the main preferred region. The second preferred region is located below a middle between the geometrical vertical center and a lower end of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged at a most preferred region of the main preferred region. The most preferred region is located below the middle between the geometrical vertical center and the lower end of the piece of furniture and behind the middle between a geometrical transverse center and a back of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is arranged such that a center of mass of the piece of furniture will not cross a pivot point vertical axis intersecting a pivot point of the piece of furniture when the piece of furniture is rotated forward less than a pivot angle about the pivot point. The pivot angle is at least 30°.

In one embodiment, the pivot angle is at least 35°.

In one embodiment, the pivot angle is at least 40°.

In one embodiment, the pivot angle is at least 45°.

In one embodiment, the pivot angle is at least 50°.

In one embodiment, the pivot angle is at least 55°.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element further comprises one or more wall attachment guides configured to receive an attaching member for attaching the weighted structural element to a wall and/or other surrounding surfaces.

In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more attachment guides is formed as a hollow cylindrical member.

In one embodiment, the piece of furniture further comprises one or more drawers and/or one or more doors.

In one embodiment, the piece of furniture is a chest of drawers.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is provided with one or more connecting means for connecting the weighted structural element to one or more other structural elements by the connecting means. This is beneficial as it provides an easy and efficient means for attaching the weighted structural element to form part of the piece of furniture. Preferably, the weighted structural element comprises at least two connecting means that are arranged at two separate ends of the weighted structural element, such as two opposing ends.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element comprises an outer housing formed from a material that is different from the weight material. This is beneficial as the housing may be formed as e.g. a mold, with a specific foil or texture etc.

In one embodiment, the outer housing is formed from at least one of a metal material, such as steel, a plastic material and/or a paper material. This is beneficial as these materials are cheap, generally environmentally sound and easy to produce and form into a desired shape. Preferably the housing having a wall thickness of 0.1-5 mm, such as 0.1-2 mm, or even 0.1-0.5 mm. Reduced thickness saves material and thereby e.g. cost and environmental impact.

In one embodiment, the connecting means are provided on and/or in, the outer housing. This is beneficial as the outer housing may be adapted to fit one or more suitable piece of furniture by providing specific connecting means for each piece of furniture. Additionally, or alternatively, the same weight material, e.g. material of the same shape, size and form, may be used with different housings in order to accommodate more than one piece of furniture, thereby increasing production volume and decreasing unit cost.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element comprises one or more weight bricks formed from the weighted material.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element further comprises one or more elongate members configured to attach the weight bricks to the connection means.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is formed as one solid body consisting of the weight material. This is beneficial as the weighted structural element is only one piece and can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured with reduced environmental impact. Preferably the weighted structural element comprises at least one connecting means fixed to the solid body, and more preferably, the weighted structural element comprises at least two connecting means fixed to the solid body. More preferably, the at least two connecting means being arranged at two separate ends, such as two opposing ends, of the weighted structural element. In one embodiment, the weight material comprises an ore, preferably an iron ore, more preferably the iron is one or more of hematite Fe2Cb, wiistite FeO or magnetite FesCri. Ores are advantageous in that it is already in oxidized state, which thereby prevents further oxidization.

In one embodiment, the weight material comprises metal particles in the form of metal chips, metal powder and/or metal granules. This is beneficial as these forms may be provided from e.g. scrap material making the weight material more environmentally friendly.

In one embodiment, the weight material comprises one or more materials with a ceramic nature. Preferably said one or more materials with a ceramic nature is one or more of a gravel material or a stone material. Ceramic materials are generally environmentally sound materials providing a weighted material with reduced environmental impact.

In one embodiment, the weight material comprises a binder. This is beneficial as the binder allows greater freedom in choosing other components of the weight material and in forming the weighted structural element. Preferably, the binder is one or more of cement, gypsum or polymer. More preferably, the weighted material comprises a mixture of a binder and an ore and/or a material of a ceramic nature. Still more preferably, the weighted material comprises less than 50 wt%, more preferably less than 30 wt%, and most preferably 1-15 wt%, of a binder and at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 70 wt%, most preferably 85-99 wt%, of an ore and/or a material of ceramic nature.

In a second aspect, a structural element is presented. The structural element is suitable for connecting to one or more other structural elements by attachment means to form a piece of furniture. The structural element is a weighted structural element comprising a weight material. The weighted structural element has a density that is higher than 1 g/cm³ for adding weight to the piece of furniture to reduce a risk of unwanted movement of the piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the weight material has a density that is higher than 3 g/cm³, preferably being in the range of 4-10 g/cm³ such as between 4 and 7 g/cm³. This is beneficial as higher density adds more weight. In one embodiment, the structural element is provided with one or more connecting means for connecting the structural element to one or more other structural elements by the attachment means. This is beneficial as it simplifies assembly of the intended piece of furniture.

In one embodiment, the structural element further comprises an outer housing formed from a material that is different from the weight material. This is beneficial as the housing may be formed as e.g. a mold, with a specific foil or texture etc.

In one embodiment, the outer housing is formed from at least one of a metal material, a plastic material and/or a paper material. This is beneficial as these materials are cheap, generally environmentally sound and easy to produce and form into a desired shape. Preferably the housing having a wall thickness of 0.1-5 mm, such as 0.1-2 mm, or even 0.1-0.5 mm. Reduced thickness saves material and thereby e.g. cost and environmental impact.

In one embodiment, the weighted structural element is formed as one solid body consisting of the weight material. This is beneficial as the weighted structural element is only one piece and can be easily and cost-effectively manufactured with reduced environmental impact. Preferably the weighted structural element comprises at least one connecting means fixed to the solid body, and more preferably, the weighted structural element comprises at least two connecting means fixed to the solid body. More preferably, the at least two connecting means being arranged at two separate ends, such as two opposing ends, of the weighted structural element.

In one embodiment, the weight material comprises an iron ore, preferably the iron is one or more of hematite FeiCb, wiistite FeO or magnetite FesCri. Ores are advantageous in that it is already in oxidized state, which thereby prevents further oxidization.

In one embodiment, the weight material comprises one or more materials with a ceramic nature, preferably said one or more materials with a ceramic nature is one or more of a gravel material or a stone material. Ceramic materials are generally environmentally sound materials providing a weighted material with reduced environmental impact.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the following; references being made to the appended diagrammatical drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how the inventive concept can be reduced into practice.

Figs la-e are isometric views of pieces of furniture according to different embodiments;

Fig. 2a is an isometric view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments;

Fig. 2b is an isometric view of parts of the piece of furniture of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 2c is an isometric view of the piece of furniture of Fig. 2a; Figs. 3a-c are side views of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments;

Fig. 4a is an isometric view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments; Fig. 4b is an isometric view of parts of the piece of furniture of Fig. 4a according to some embodiments;

Fig. 4c is an upside down isometric view of the piece of furniture of Fig. 4a according to some embodiments;

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments;

Figs. 6a-c are schematic side views of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments;

Fig. 7a is an isometric view of a weighted structural element according to some embodiments; Fig. 7b is a cross-sectional view of the weighted structural element of Fig. 7b according to some embodiments;

Fig. 8a is a side view of a weighted structural element according to some embodiments;

Fig. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the weighted structural element of Fig. 8a according to some embodiments;

Fig. 9 is a side view of a weighted structural element according to some embodiments;

Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a weighted structural element according to some embodiments; Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a weighted structural element according to some embodiments; and

Fig. 12 is a partial is an isometric view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention, such as it is defined in the appended claims, to those skilled in the art.

The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two or more items that are "coupled" may be integral with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The terms "substantially," "approximately," and "about" are defined as largely, but not necessarily wholly what is specified, as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including") and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, anything that "comprises,"

"has," "includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more features.

With reference to Figs la-e, a brief introduction will be given to some general terms and their intended when used throughout this disclosure. In this disclosure, a piece of furniture 100 may be any piece of furniture 100, non-limiting examples are presented in Fig. la as a bookshelf 100, in Fig. lb as a table 100, in Fig. lc as a chair 100, in Fig. Id as a chest of drawers 100 and in Fig. le as a wardrobe 100. Other non- exhaustive examples of pieces of furniture 100 also comprised in the term, albeit not illustrated in any of the Figs la-e, are e.g. beds, shelfs, cupboards etc. The piece of furniture 100 comprises one or more structural elements 110. With reference to Fig. la, these structural elements 110 may comprise, but are not limited to shelves 110, sides 110, back 110, top 110, base 110 etc. of the bookshelf 100. With reference to Fig. lb, structural elements 110 of a table 100 may comprise, but are not limited to, legs 110, table top 110, side panel 110 etc. Regarding the chair of Fig. lc, structural elements 110 may comprise, but are not limited to, legs 110, seat 110, side panel 110, backrest 110 etc. The chest of drawers 100 of Fig. Id may comprise, but is not limited to, structural elements 110 in the form of sides 110, top 110, base 110, drawers 110, back 110 (not shown) etc. It should be mentioned that e.g. the drawers 110, even though being a structural element 110, may themselves comprise further structural elements 110. The wardrobe of Fig. le comprises, but is not limited to, structural elements 110 in the form of sides 110, base 110, top 110, door 110, back 110 (not shown), and shelves 110 or other interior structural elements 110. A number of structural elements 110 are typically assembled by being connected to each other to form the piece of furniture 100. The structural elements 110 are generally connected by attachment means 120 that may be different depending on the piece of furniture 100. The attachment means 120 are, in Fig. la, exemplified by the devices arranged to connect the shelves 110 to the sides 110. However, a bookshelf 100 as illustrated in Fig. la will typically comprise additional attachment means 120 for e.g. attaching the back 110 to the sides 110, attaching the sides 110 to the top 110 etc. In Fig. lb, attachment means 120 in the form of brackets 120 are provided to connect the side panel 110 and the legs 110, the brackets 120 are typically attached to the structural elements 110 by means of other attachment means 120 in the form of nails and/or screws. The chair of Fig. lc exemplifies attachment means 120 in the form of screws 120 and brackets 120, wherein the screws 120 are provided to attach the bracket 120 to the seat 110 and the side panel 110 of the chair 100. In Fig. Id, the drawers 110 are illustrated with attachment means 120 in the form of screws 210. Further to this, a chest of drawers 100 as illustrated in Fig. Id may be provided with attachment means 120 in the form of one or more sliding means 120 for slidably mounting the drawer 110 to the sides 110 of the chest of drawers 100.

Similarly, the door 110 of the wardrobe 100 in Fig. le is attached to the sides 110 by means of attachment means in the form of hinges 120.

From the above general and summarily presented description, it is clear to the skilled person that structural elements 110 are connected by attachment means 120 to form the piece of furniture 100. While the above description focuses on visible structural elements 110, it should be noted that structural elements 110 are also provided as furniture parts used for the construction of the particular piece of furniture 100, but made hidden by other exterior structural elements 110. Such hidden structural elements 110 may e.g. include support beams, bars, stretchers etc.

The inventors have surprisingly realized that significant improvements to the piece of furniture 100 are obtained by providing one or more of the structural elements 110 as weighted structural elements 130. Such weighted structural element 130 is used as replacement for another structural element 110. This is efficient and reduces the cost of the piece of furniture 100, because an additional element is not added. Rather, an existing element is replaced and the replacing element performs the task of the replaced element, with the addition of adding weight to the piece of furniture 100.

Especially for knock-down furniture, i.e. pieces of furniture 100 provided to a customer in a non-assembled state and preferably in a flat package, as the weighted structural element 130 is a structural element 110, the customer needs to mount it to obtain the desired structure and basic function of the piece of furniture 100. Thereby, the customer cannot miss the added benefit of low risk of involuntary movement of the piece of furniture 100, as the weight increase of the piece of furniture 100 is inherent with the weighted structural element 130.

Since the weighted structural element 130 replaces a structural element 110 of the piece of furniture, it will provide the same mechanical and structural function as the replaced structural element 110 but with added weight. That is to say, the weighted structural element 130 has a weight that is greater than a weight of the replaced structural element. Preferably the weight of the weighted structural element 130 is at least two times, preferably at least three times, the weight of the corresponding structural element 110.

As the skilled person will understand, the replaced structural element 110 is typically not replaced per se, and that the phrase replaced structural element 110 is used for explanatory purposes. Further to this, the weight of the weighted structural element or any other body is, as the skilled person understands, the force with which a body is attracted toward the earth and which is equal to the product of the mass and the local gravitational acceleration. In other words, albeit not as easy to measure, the mass of a structural element 110 or weighted structural element 130 may be used interchangeably with the weight of a structural element 110 or weighted structural element 130. It should be noted that in principle, any structural element 110 of a piece of furniture 100 could be replaced by a weighted structural element 130. In the following, some specific examples will be given.

In the following figures, a number of references will be used in explaining geometrical and mass centers along different axis for a piece of furniture 100 with and without the weighted structural element 130, and also of the weighted structural element 130 itself. Importantly, for the piece of furniture 100, a horizontal center of mass PHCM of the piece of furniture 100 is a location of the center of mass of the piece of furniture 100 along a horizontal axis HA of the piece of furniture 100 when the piece of furniture 100 comprises the weighted structural element 130. A vertical center of mass PVCM of the piece of furniture 100 is a location of the center of mass of the piece of furniture 100 along a vertical axis VA of the piece of furniture 100 when the piece of furniture 100 comprises the weighted structural element 130. A center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100 is the total center of mass of the piece of furniture 100 when the piece of furniture 100 comprises the weighted structural element 130; that is to say, the center of mass PCM will be located at the intersection between the vertical center of mass PVCM and the horizontal center of mass PHCM of the piece of furniture 100. In Figs. 2a-c a chest of drawers 100 is shown, having a plurality of structural elements 110 assembled to form the piece of furniture 100. In the shown example, a weighted structural element 130 is formed as a rear support beam.

In Fig. 4a-c a chair 100 for outdoor use is shown. The chair 100 has a plurality of structural elements 110 (i.e. the seat and the legs), and a weighted structural element 130 in the form of a support bar for the legs.

In Fig. 5 a table 100 for outdoor use is shown. The table 100 has a plurality of structural elements 110 (such as legs and the table top), and weighted structural elements 130 forming a frame 140 for the table 100.

Again referring to Fig. 2a, showing a chest of drawers 100 having a breadth extension along a horizontal axis HA, a height extension along a vertical axis VA and a depth extension along a transverse axis TA. A horizontal plane HP is described between the horizontal axis HA and the transverse axis TA. A vertical plane VP is described between the vertical axis VA and the horizontal axis HA. It may be assumed that the chest of drawers 100 is arranged next to a wall which intersects an origin O of the coordinate system and extends in the vertical plane VP. Additionally, it may be assumed that the chest of drawers 100 is arranged on a floor that intersects the origin O of the coordinate system and extends in the horizontal plane HP. The same coordinates will be adhered to when referencing Figs. 2b and c, Figs. 3a-d, and further Figs. 6a-c.

In Fig. 2a, the weighted structural element 130 is arranged at a rear portion of the piece of furniture 100. Specifically, the weighted structural element 130 is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass WHCM of the weighted structural element 130 is arranged rear wise along the transverse axis TA of a horizontal center of mass PHCM of the piece of furniture 100. That is to say, the horizontal center of mass WHCM of the weighted structural element 130 is arranged between the wall and the horizontal center of mass PHCM of the piece of furniture 100. The horizontal center of mass PHCM of the piece of furniture 100 is arranged further along the transverse axis TA than the horizontal center of mass WHCM of the weighted structural element 130. Additionally, or alternatively, the weighted structural element 130 may be arranged at a position at which a vertical center of mass WVCM of the weighted structural element 130 is arranged below a vertical center of mass PVCM of the piece of furniture 100.

That is to say, the vertical center of mass WVCM of the weighted structural element 130 is arranged between the floor and the vertical center of mass PVCM of the piece of furniture 100. The vertical center of mass PVCM of the piece of furniture 100 is arranged further along the vertical axis VA than the vertical center of mass WVCM of the weighted structural element 130.

Horizontal center of mass WHCM, PHCM may be interpreted as a horizontal location of the center of mass, i.e. a projection of the center of mass onto the horizontal plane HP and vertical center of mass WVCM, PVCM may be interpreted as a vertical location of the center of mass, i.e. a projection of the center of mass onto the vertical plane VP. As can be further seen in Fig. 2a the weighted structural element 130 is arranged such that a center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is located at a position below a geometrical vertical center VC of the piece of furniture 100 and, as viewed from a front of the piece of furniture 100 and as explained above, behind a geometrical horizontal center HC of the piece of furniture 100, this will be further detailed elsewhere in the present disclosure.

The embodiment of Fig. 2a may be described as comprising one or more frames 140, 140’. A frame 140, 140’ is to mean any partial structure of the piece of furniture 100 comprising two or more structural elements 110. In Fig. 2a, one frame 140 may be defined as a bottom rectangular horizontal frame structure 140 formed from four structural elements 110 and/or weighted structural elements 130. In one embodiment, one of the structural elements 110, 130 of the bottom rectangular horizontal frame structure 140 is a weighted structural element 130. Preferably, it is the, when viewed from a front of the piece of furniture 100, rear part of the bottom rectangular horizontal frame structure 140, structural element 110, 130 that is the weighted structural element 130. The sides of the piece of furniture 100 of Fig. 2a may each be formed by a side frame 140’ comprising horizontal structural elements 110 and/or weighted structural elements 130 forming legs of the furniture and a side panel of the furniture piece 100. Preferably, it is the, when viewed from the front of the piece of furniture 100, rear part of the side frame 140’ that is formed by a weighted structural element 130. It should be mentioned that more than one structural element 110, 130 of a frame 140, 140’ may be a weighted structural element 130. In some embodiments, all structural elements of a frame 140, 140’ are provided as weighted structural elements 130.

In Fig. 2a, the weighted structural element 130 is preferably arranged at a position wherein it reduces a risk for the piece of furniture 100 tipping forward. Such a position is typically at a position of the piece of furniture 100 that is horizontally distanced from the front of the piece of furniture 100. Further to this, the weighted structural element 130 is preferably placed at a position to reduce a torque exerted by a piece of furniture 100 that has started to move in a forward direction. Such positions are typically at a position of the piece of furniture 100 that is vertically, towards a lower portion of the piece of furniture 100, thereby lowering the vertical height, from the floor, of the center of mass of the piece of furniture 100. In summary, in embodiments wherein the piece of furniture 100 is a chest of drawers 100, one or more weighted structural elements 130 is preferably arranged at a rear lower section of the piece of furniture 100. This is illustrated in Fig. 2b showing a partly assembled piece of furniture 100 in one perspective view and Fig. 2c in another perspective view. The weighted structural element 130, illustrated in Fig. 2b and 2c as a substantially black object, is arranged at the lower back of the piece of furniture 100. The weighted structural element 130 is required in order for the piece of furniture 100 to function as intended, and it would not be possible for a user to assemble the piece of furniture 100 without the weighted structural element 130.

In Figs. 3a-d, cross-sectional views along in a plane of the transverse axis TA and the vertical axis VA is shown of a piece of furniture 100. The piece of furniture 100, which may typically be a chest of drawers, is shown in the corresponding coordinate system as in Figs. 2a-c and the following reasoning applies also to the chest of drawers 100 of Figs. 2a-c or to any other suitable piece of furniture 100. The piece of furniture 100 is formed with a height h along the vertical axis VA and a depth d along the transverse axis TA. For the sake of explanation, it is assumed that the piece of furniture 100 is placed with its back to a wall w, and that any tipping of the piece of furniture would be in a, as illustrated in Figs. 3a-d, clockwise rotation about a pivot point P located at a lower front section of the piece of furniture 100. It is further assumed that, without the weighted structural element 130, the piece of furniture 100 would have a substantially central center of mass located at an intersection between a geometrical transverse center TC and the geometrical vertical center VC of the piece of furniture 100. This means that a hypothetical center of mass HYCM of the piece of furniture 100 without the weighed structural element 130, is located at a point at half the depth d and half of the height h the piece of furniture 100; i.e. in the intersection of the geometrical transverse center TC, the geometrical horizontal center HC and the geometrical vertical center VC of the piece of furniture 100. Based on these assumptions and with reference to Figs. 3a-d, preferred regions A, Al, A2, A3 for placements of the weighted structural element 130 will be explained. The skilled person will know, after digesting the teachings of the present disclosure, how to modify and adapt the preferred regions A, Al, A2, A3 to create embodiments without the above mentioned assumptions such as specific location of the hypothetical center of mass HYCM etc. In Fig. 3a, a main preferred region A for placement of the weighted structural element 130 is shown. The main preferred region A may be defined as a region below the geometrical vertical center VC and behind a geometrical transverse center TC of the piece of furniture 100, i.e. starting from the side opposite to the pivot point P, the main preferred region A extends from 0 to less than 50% of the depth d, and starting from the floor, the main preferred region A extends from 0 to less than 50% of the height h. The preferred region A is located below half the height h, behind half the depth d and at a side opposite the pivot point P of the piece of furniture 100. To exemplify, assume that the weighted structural element 130 is located at a, along the transverse axis TA and the vertical axis VA, center of the main preferred region A, or is evenly spread in the main preferred region A, the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is located centrally in the main preferred region A. This placement increases a torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P compared to having no weighted structural element 130 and implying that a hypothetical center of mass HYCM of the piece of furniture 100 without weighted structural element 130 would be located at the intersection of the geometrical transverse center TC and the geometrical vertical center VC.

The torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P will increase with an increase in distance opposite the transverse axis TA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130, i.e. in a negative direction along the transverse axis TA. In a stationary piece of furniture 100, the torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P is unaffected by a distance along the vertical axis VA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130. However, as will be explained with reference to e.g. Figs. 6a-b, the distance along the vertical axis VA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 will affect the stability of the piece of furniture 100 and it is beneficial to reduce this distance.

In Fig. 3b, a first preferred region A1 for placement of the weighted structural element 130 is shown. The main preferred region A comprises the first preferred region Al. The first preferred region A1 may be defined as a region below the geometrical vertical center VC and behind a middle MBTC between the geometrical transverse center TC and a back of the piece of furniture 100. The first preferred region A1 is located below half the height h, behind a quarter of the depth d and at a side opposite the pivot point P of the piece of furniture 100, i.e. starting from the side opposite to the pivot point P, the first preferred region A1 extends from 0 to less than 25% of the depth d, and starting from the floor, the first preferred region A1 extends from 0 to less than 50% of the height h. To exemplify, assume that the weighted structural element 130 is located at a, along the transverse axis TA and the vertical axis VA, center of the first preferred region Al, or is evenly spread in the first preferred region Al, the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is located centrally in the first preferred region Al. This placement increases a torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P compared to the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 being located central in the main preferred region A as shown in Fig. 3a. The reason for this being that, compared to the embodiment of Fig. 3a, in Fig. 3b, the distance along the transverse axis TA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is increased (the distance along the vertical axis VA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is unchanged).

In Fig. 3c, a second preferred region A2 for placement of the weighted structural element 130 is shown. The main preferred region A comprises the second preferred region A2. The second preferred region A2 may be defined as a region behind the geometrical transverse center TC and below a middle MLVC between the geometrical vertical center VC and a lower end of the piece of furniture 100, i.e. starting from the side opposite to the pivot point P, the second preferred region A2 extends from 0 to less than 50% of the depth d, and starting for the floor, the second preferred region A2 extends from 0 to less than 25% of the height h. The lower end is to mean the bottom most end of the piece of furniture 100, generally the end that is in contact with a lower supporting surface, e.g. a floor. It is not to be confused with a lower panel or other element of the piece of furniture 100. The second preferred region A2 is located below a quarter of the height h, behind half the depth d and at a side opposite the pivot point P of the piece of furniture 100. To exemplify, assume that the weighted structural element 130 is located at a, along the transverse axis TA and the vertical axis VA, center of the second preferred region A2, or is evenly spread in the second preferred region A2, the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is located centrally in the second preferred region A2. This placement increases a torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P compared to the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 being located central in the main preferred region A as shown in Fig. 3a. The reason for this being that, compared to the embodiment of Fig. 3a, in Fig. 3c, the distance along the vertical axis VA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is decreased (the distance along the transverse axis TA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is unchanged). In fact, as the height h of the piece of furniture 100 is longer than the depth d of the piece of furniture 100, the embodiment of Fig. 3c increases the torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P also compared to the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 being located central in the first preferred region A1 as shown in Fig. 3b. The reason is that the change in distance between the pivot point and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 along the transverse axis TA between the main preferred region A and the first preferred region A1 is lower than the change in distance between the pivot point and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 along the vertical axis VA between the main preferred region A and the second preferred region A2.

In Fig. 3d, a most preferred region A3 for placement of the weighted structural element 130 is shown. The main preferred region A comprises the most preferred region A3. The most preferred region A3 may be defined as a region behind the middle MBTC between the geometrical transverse center TC and a back of the piece of furniture 100; and below the middle MLVC between the geometrical vertical center VC and a lower end of the piece of furniture 100, i.e. starting from the side opposite to the pivot point P, the region A3 extends from 0 to less than 25% of the depth d, and starting for the floor, the region A3 extends from 0 to less than 25% of the height h. The most preferred region A3 is located below a quarter of the height h, behind a quarter of the depth d and at a side opposite the pivot point P of the piece of furniture 100. To exemplify, assume that the weighted structural element 130 is located at a, along the transverse axis TA and the vertical axis VA, center of the most preferred region A3, or is evenly spread out across the most preferred region A3, the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is located centrally in the most preferred region A3. This placement increases a torque required to pivot the piece of furniture 100 clockwise about the pivot point P compared to the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 being located central in the main preferred region A as shown in Fig. 3a. The reason for this being that, compared to the embodiment of Fig. 3a, in Fig. 3d, the distance along the vertical axis VA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is decreased and the distance along the transverse axis TA between the pivot point P and the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 is increased. Consequently, arranging the weighted structural element 130 within the most preferred region A3 will require a higher torque to pivot the piece of furniture clockwise about the pivot point P compared to the any of the embodiments in Figs, 3a-c.

The skilled person will appreciate, after contemplation of the teachings herein, that the more torque exerted by the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 on the pivot point P in a counter clockwise direction, the more stable, sturdy and unlikely to tip the piece of furniture 100 will be. Consequently, it is preferred to distance the center of mass WCM of the weighted structural element 130 along the transverse axis TA as far as possible from the pivot point P and minimize the distance from the floor along the vertical axis VA.

In the embodiment of Figs. 4a-c the centers of mass are arranged differently; here, the weighted structural element 130 is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass WHCM of the weighted structural element 130 substantially coincide with a horizontal center of mass PHCM of the piece of furniture 100.

Also the embodiment of Figs. 4a-c may be described as comprising one more frames 140, 140’. In Fig. 4a, one frame 140 may be defined as the rectangular horizontal frame structure 140 formed for supporting a seat of the chair 100. The legs of the chair 100 of Fig. 4a may be stabilized by a leg frame 140’ comprising horizontal structural elements 110 and/or weighted structural elements 130 forming a stabilizing structure 140’ for the legs 110 of the chain 100. The leg frame 140’ is in Fig. 4a illustrated as formed only from weighted structural elements 130 and this is one embodiment. In other embodiments, the leg frame 140’ may comprise one or more structural elements 110 or be formed wholly without weighted structural elements 130. Fig. 4a illustrates the leg frame 140’ as formed only from weighted structural elements 130. Typically, as previously explained, the weighted structural element 130 is arranged such that the position at which the horizontal center of mass WHCM of the weighted structural element 130 substantially coincide with the horizontal center of mass PHCM of the chair 100. This may comprise forming the entire frame 140, 140’ from weighted structural elements 130. However, as the skilled person will understand after digesting the teachings of this disclosure, chairs 100 may be prone to tipping if e.g. children are weighing or rocking on the chair. In order to prevent this, the weighted structural element 130 is preferably placed at a lower section and towards a front of the chair 100. This is illustrated in Fig. 4b showing a partly assembled piece of furniture 100 in one perspective view and Fig. 4c illustrating the same piece of furniture 100 in another perspective view. The weighted structural elements 130, illustrated in Fig. 4b and 4c as substantially black objects, are, in this embodiment, forming the stabilizing structure 140’ and part of the rectangular horizontal frame structure 140. As with the chest of drawers of Figs. 2a-c, the weighted structural elements 130 of Figs. 4a-4c are required in order for the piece of furniture 100 to function as intended.

With reference to Figs. 6a-c, some further explanation and benefits of the weighted structural element 130 with regard to tipping of the piece of furniture 100 will be given. The piece of furniture 100 in Figs. 6a-6c may be any piece of furniture 100 comprising the weighted structural element 130. For example, the piece of furniture 100 in Figs. 6a-6c may be a cupboard, a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a bookshelf, etc. The weighted structural element 130 is in this embodiment located at a lower comer of the piece of furniture 100 opposite the pivot point P of the piece of furniture 100, i.e. at the most preferred region A3 as described in reference to Fig. 3d. The pivot point P is, as in previous embodiments, located at the front of the piece of furniture 100, or as shown in Figs. 6a-c, at a distance dtrA along the transverse axis TA as measured from the back of the piece of furniture 100. A pivot point vertical axis PVA, parallel to the vertical axis VA, intersect the transverse axis TA at the pivot point P. The pivot point vertical axis PVA will be used to reference the transverse location of the pivot point P. The distance dtTA along the transverse axis TA to the pivot point vertical axis PVA is equal to the depth d of the piece of furniture 100. The hypothetical center of mass HYCM of the piece of furniture 100 (the center of mass not taking the weighted structural element 130 into consideration) is located at a distance dHTA along the transverse axis TA from a front of the piece of furniture, in this exemplary embodiment, approximately half the depth d of the piece of furniture 100; and at a distance dHvA along the vertical axis VA measured from the transverse axis TA which distance dHvA is, in this exemplary embodiment, approximately half the height h of the piece of furniture 100. Correspondingly, the (real) center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100, taking the weighted structural element 130 into account, is located at a distance dPvA along the vertical axis VA measured from a lower end of the piece of furniture 100, and at a distance dPTA along the transverse axis TA measured from the pivot point vertical axis PVA.

As shown in Fig. 6a, the piece of furniture 100 is horizontal, not forming an angle to the vertical axis VA or the transverse axis TA, and the distance dtTA along the transverse axis TA to the pivot point vertical axis PVA is greater than the distance dPTA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100; which in turn is greater than the distance dHTA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the hypothetical center of mass HYCM. That is to say, dtTA > dPTA > dHTA.

Applying mechanics and the teachings of static strength theory, a torque TH (not shown) exerted from the hypothetical center of mass HYCM about the pivot point P is proportional to a hypothetical mass niH (not shown) of the piece of furniture 100 and the distance dHTA along the transverse axis TA from the hypothetical center of mass HYCM to the pivot point vertical axis PVA That is to say T_H = m_HdH_TA. A corresponding torque Tpfrom the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100 about the pivot point P is proportional to a mass mp (not shown) of the piece of furniture 100 and the distance dPTA along the transverse axis TA from the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture to pivot point vertical axis PVA. That is to say T_P = m_PdP_TA. Due to the placement and a mass of the weighted structural element 130, the torque Tpfrom the center of mass PCM is substantially greater than the torque TH from the hypothetical center of mass HYCM.

In Fig. 6b, the same piece of furniture 100 as in Fig. 6a is shown, but pivoted clockwise about the pivot point P such that a pivot angle a is provided between the piece of furniture 100 and the transverse axis TA. The pivot angle a describe the rotation of the piece of furniture 100 about the pivot point P. The pivoting may have been the result of a force F applied in a positive direction along the transverse axis TA. The applied force F would have to be sufficiently large to overcome the torque Tpfrom the center of mass PCM. When comparing Fig. 6a with Fig. 6b, it can be seen that both the distance dHTA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the hypothetical center of mass HYCM and the distance dPTA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the center of mass PCM has decreased. As a consequence, both the torque Tp from the center of mass PCM and the torque TH from the hypothetical center of mass HYCM are decreased when comparing to Fig. 6a. However, if the applied force F is removed, the torque Tpfrom the center of mass PCM would urge the piece of furniture back to its horizontal position of Fig. 6a by a counter clockwise pivoting about the pivot point P. In Fig. 6b, the same is true for the torque TH exerted by the hypothetical center of mass HYCM.

In Fig. 6c, the same piece of furniture 100 as in Figs. 6a and 6b is shown, but pivoted further clockwise about the pivot point P compared to Fig. 6b such that the pivot angle a is increased. This may be the result of continued application of the force F. Comparing to Fig. 6b, it can be seen that the distance dPTA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the center of mass PCM has decreased further. Also, the distance dHTA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the hypothetical center of mass HYCM is now negative (or positive depending on reference, importantly, it has changed sign). Assuming that the piece of furniture did not comprise the weighted structural element 130, at the pivot angle a as shown in Fig. 6c, the piece of furniture 100 would be beyond a tipping point and even if the force F was removed, the piece of furniture 100 would keep rotating about the pivot point P due to the torque TH from the hypothetical center of mass HYCM. However, the weighted structural element 130 places the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100 such that the torque Tpfrom the center of mass PCM is still counter clockwise, counteracting the force F and if the force F was removed, the piece of furniture 100 would pivot about the pivot point P in the counter clockwise direction rotating the piece of furniture back to the position shown in Fig. 6a.

The relationship between the location of the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100, the pivot point P and the pivot angle a will determine if the piece of furniture 100 will continue to tip forward or return backward (pivot clockwise or counter clockwise) upon removal of the force F.

If the pivot angle a is sufficiently large, such that the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100 moves beyond a vertical axis intersecting the pivot point P when the piece of furniture 100 is pivoted about the pivot point P; also the piece of furniture 100 having a weighted structural element 130 will continue to pivot about the pivot point P by the torque Tp exerted from the center of mass PCM, regardless if a force F is applied or not. Depending on the design of the piece of furniture 100, the placement of the weighted structural element 130 may have different locations, but in a preferred embodiment, the weighted structural element 130 is arranged such that the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100 will not move beyond the vertical axis intersecting the pivot point P at pivot angles a below at least 30°, more preferably below 35°, still more preferably below at least 40°, even more preferably below 45° and most preferably below at least 50°. This is true for all embodiments of the piece of furniture 100, not only when the piece of furniture is a storage furniture 100. Hence, even if the piece of furniture 100 has already pivoted an angle a of around 40°, as illustrated in Fig. 6c, the piece of furniture 100 will return to the normal standing state illustrated in Fig.

6a if the force F is released (removed). In addition, even if the force F is maintained so the pivot angles a exceeds the position at which the center of mass PCM of the piece of furniture 100 will move beyond the vertical axis intersecting the pivot point P, the piece of furniture 100 will tip over at a slow pace, thereby minimizing any damage to the piece of furniture 100 and other objects. It should be mentioned that, for e.g. a storage furniture 100, the tipping and the pivoting is related to a forward direction, which is to mean a movement (of a top of the piece of furniture 100) in the positive direction of the transverse axis TA. For a storage furniture, the forward direction is from the back to the front of the piece of furniture 100.

Common for any weighted structural element 130, is that it comprises a solid weight material, so that the weighted structural element 130 has a density and/or a mass that is higher than a density of the structural elements 110 of the piece of furniture 100. Hence, each weighted structural element 130 is provided to, in addition to forming the piece of furniture 100, add weight to the piece of furniture 100 to reduce a risk of unwanted movement of the piece of furniture 100.

In some embodiments, the weight material comprises an ore, such as an iron ore. Examples of suitable iron ores are hematite Fe2Ch, wiistite FeO or magnetite FesCk Using iron ores is advantageous in that it is already in oxidized state, which thereby prevents further oxidization.

In other embodiments the weight material comprises metal particles in the form of metal chips, metal powder and/or metal granules.

In some embodiments, the weight material may comprise cast iron, sand, stone, steel, concrete etc.

In further embodiments the weight material comprises one or more materials with a ceramic nature, such as a gravel material or a stone material. Compared to iron ore ceramic materials typically have a significantly lower density, which may then require more or larger weighted furniture elements 130 if ceramic material are used.

In some embodiments the weight material may be a combination of various high density materials, such as any combination of the above mentioned iron ore materials, metal particles and ceramic materials.

The weight material may further comprise a binder, typically cement, gypsum or polymer. Hence, the weighted material comprises a mixture of a binder and a base material (i.e. an ore and/or metal particles and/or material of a ceramic nature). In preferred embodiments the weighted material comprises less than 50 wt%, more preferably less than 30 wt%, and most preferably l-15wt%, of a binder and at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 70wt%, most preferably 85-99wt%, of the base material. As a minimum, the binder content of the weight material is not less than 1 wt%, preferably not less than 2 wt%. Examples of base materials are listed in the following table, along with their typical density. For certain pieces of furniture 100, it has been desired to provide a weighted furniture element 130 having a density of approximately 4 times a density of water, i.e. a density of approximately 4 g/cm³. Various combinations of base material and binder are possible. In a specific example, particulate magnetite material was used as the base material together with cement as a binder to form the weight material. The particulate magnetite material, having a density of approximately 4,7 g/cm³, was mixed with cement at a ratio of 95 wt% particulate magnetite material and 5 wt% cement, resulting in a density of the weighted structural element 130 of approximately 4 g/cm³.

Preferably the weight material is selected to have a density being higher than 3 g/cm³, preferably being in the range of 3-10 g/cm³ such as between 3,5 and 7 g/cm³. Now turning to Figs. 7a- 7b, examples of weighted structural elements 130 will be described in more detail. Starting in Fig. 7a, the weighted structural element 130 forms a beam or bar of an associated piece of furniture 100, for example for use as the weighted structural element 130 mounted at the rear of the chest of drawers of Fig. 2a. The weighted structural element 130 comprises a solid body 132 of weight material and an outer housing 134, or housing 134 for short, formed from a material that is different from the weight material of the solid body 132. The solid body 132 may be formed by any combination of base material and binder as explained above, and the housing 134 is typically formed from a metal material, a plastic material and/or a paper material. The body 132 is preferably in the shape of a rectangular elongated body being inserted into the housing 134, which housing 134 surrounds the body 132 on at least one of its sides. Alternatively, the body 132 may comprise a particulate material, such as magnetite powder, which is kept in place by the housing 134.

The housing 134 may be provided with two opposite connecting means 136 for connecting the weighted structural element 130 to one or more other structural elements 110 of the associated piece of furniture 100. Each connecting means 136 is illustrated as plates formed integral with the housing 134, having through holes for receiving e.g. screws 138 or bolts. Although shown with symmetry, it should be noted that the weighted structural element 130 could be provided with any suitable number of connecting means 136, and these may have any suitable configuration for attaching the weighted structural element 130 to an associated structural element 110 of the piece of furniture 100.

In Fig. 7b, a cross-sectional view of a weighted structural element 130 according to one embodiment is shown. The weighted structural element 130 may be the weighted structural element 130 of Fig. 7a. The housing 134 may be used as a mold into which a flowing mass of base material and binder is poured. The mass of base material and binder may be allowed to harden inside the housing 134 to form a strong and solid body 132 providing a weighted structural element 130 in any suitable shape or form. As illustrated in Fig. 7b, a thickness of the housing 134 is preferably lower than a thickness of the solid body 132. That is to say, a cross-section of the housing 134 is typically thin compared to a corresponding cross-section of the solid body 132, i.e. the base material and binder. This is beneficial as a high mass may be provided inside a comparably thin housing 134. For example, the housing 134 may have a wall thickness of only 0.41 to 5 mm, and even, in particular when the housing 134 is made of a metal, such as steel, or a plastic, a wall thickness of typically 0.14-2 mm or even 0.1-0.5 mm, while the solid body 132 may typically have a smallest cross-sectional dimension of 8- 200 mm.

In Fig. 8a and 8b, another example of a weighted structural element 130 is shown. Here, the weighted structural element 130 comprises a tubular housing 134 being filled with a body 132 of weight material (see cross-sectional view of Fig. 8b). Also the weighted structural element 130 of this embodiment is provided with two opposite connecting means 136 for connecting the weighted structural element 130 to one or more other structural elements 110 by the connecting means 136. Each connecting means 136 is illustrated as a threaded rod extending axially away from the housing 134, for being engaged with corresponding nuts (not shown) in order to attach the weighted structural element 130.

In Fig. 9, another embodiment of a weighted structural element 130 is shown. Here, the weighted structural element 130 is formed as one solid body 132 consisting of the weight material. No housing is surrounding the body 132 of this embodiment. The weighted structural element 130 comprises two connecting means 136 being arranged at the two opposite ends of the weighted structural element 130. Similar to the embodiment of Fig. 7, the connecting means 136 may be plates provided with holes for receiving screws or bolts, or similar. The solid body 132 of Fig. 9 may be formed by e.g. pouring a flowing mass of base material and binder into a mold, not shown. When the mass of base material and binder has hardened, the mold may be removed and the solid body remains as a self-supported molded structure. The mold may be reused for forming further solid bodies 132. The connecting means 136 may be bolted or screwed directly into the solid body 132.

It should be mentioned that the connection means 136 are optional features. It may, in some embodiments, be that other structural elements 110 of the associated piece of furniture 100 is provided with other connection means 136 or that attachment means 120 are provided for forming the piece of furniture 100 by the weighted structural element 130 and one or more structural elements 110.

Several embodiments of pieces of furniture 100 and weighted structural elements 130 are presented in this disclosure. As the skilled person will appreciate, these embodiments are provided as way of exemplifying the invention. The presented embodiments may be combined in any suitable way and the choice of e.g. using a housing 134 or not, is a design choice available for any piece of furniture 100, the same is true for a solid weighted structural element 130.

Although embodiments presented are primarily straight weighted structural elements 130, the skilled person will understand that any suitable shape or form of the weighted structural element is possible.

Initial tests have been made in order to investigate how the housing 134 affects the properties of the weighted structural element 130. For these tests the weight material was chosen as a mixture of magnetite and cement, at the following ratios: 1, 2 and 5wt% respectively of cement, and 99, 98 and 95wt% respectively of magnetite. The conclusion was that if a housing 134 was used (i.e. the embodiments related to Figs. 7a- b and 8a-b), then around 2-3 wt% binder was sufficient. If there is no housing 134 of the weighted structural element 130 (i.e. the embodiment of Fig. 9), so the weighted structural element 130 is preferably its own structure, then 5-10 wt% binder was suitable.

The weighted structural element 130 may be provided with a suitable coating in order to make it e.g. more durable to weather, more visually appealing etc. The coating may be in the form of a foil or a paint, configured to mimic a texture and/or a color of other structural elements 110 of the piece of furniture 100. If the weighted structural element 130 is provided with a housing 134, the housing 134 may be provided with the coating.

With reference to Fig. 10, some further optional features of the weighted structural element 130 will be explained. As taught, e.g. in reference to Figs. 3a-d, it is beneficial to arrange the weighted structural element 130 at a lower back of the piece of furniture 100. In fact, the further back, and the lower down the weighted structural element 130 is arranged, the more torque will be required to pivot the piece of furniture about a front pivot point P. The weighted structural element 130 may be arranged as a lowermost structural element 130 putting it in contact with a surface (a floor) underneath the piece of furniture 100. One way to ensure that the weighted structural element 130 is used and placed at e.g. the third preferred region A3 (as described in reference to Fig. 3d) when e.g. assembling a piece of furniture 100 is to provide the weighted structural element 130 as a bottom structural piece of the piece of furniture 100. By providing the weighted structural element 130 with one or more feet 135, two such feet 135 shown in Fig. 10, the contact with the surface underneath the piece of furniture 100 may be smooth and without risk of scraping or damaging the weighted structural element 130 and/or the surface underneath the piece of furniture 100. In some embodiments, the one or more feet 135 may be adjustable feet 135 such that they may be adjusted to compensate for the surface, e.g. the floor, underneath the piece of furniture 100 being uneven and/or unlevelled. The adjustment of the feet 135 may be provided by threads on the feet 135 engaging mating treads of the weighted structural element 130. Needless to say, the feet 135 may be combined with any suitable weighted structural element or piece of furniture 100 presented within the present disclosure. The skilled person will appreciate that the feet 135 may be formed as an integral part of the weighted structural element 130 or, as shown in Fig. 10, comprised in the housing 134 of the weighted structural element 130.

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a weighted structural element 130 showing further optional features of the weighted structural element 130. The weighted structural element 130 comprises one or more weight bricks 131 formed from, or comprising, the weighted material of the present disclosure. For example, the bricks 131 may comprise magnetite and cement. The weight of the weighted structural element 130 may be configured by changing a number of weighted bricks 131 of the weighted structural element 130. The weighted structural element 130 comprising the weighted bricks 131 may be shipped in a disassembled state allowing the end user to assemble the weighted structural element 130 reducing e.g. a transport volume of a of an associated piece of furniture 100. The weight bricks 131 may be arranged inside the housing 134 of the weighted structural element 130 and/or may be connected to the connection means 136 by one or more elongate members 133, such as rods 133, configured to extend between the connection means 136. The weight bricks 131 may be provided with one or more elongate grooves 13 configured to receive and guide the elongate members 133 between the connection means 136. Preferably, the weight bricks 131 comprise on elongate groove 13 G at each side such that the weight bricks 131 may be sandwiched between two elongate members 133. In some embodiments, the weight brick comprises one or more through holes (not shown) through which the elongate members 133 may extend when being attached between the two connection means 136.

With continued reference to Fig. 11 yet another optional feature of the weighted structural element 130 will be presented. The weighted structural element 130 may comprise one or more wall attachment guides 137. The wall attachment guides 137 may be formed as hollow cylindrical members configured to receive an attaching member 137’ for attaching the weighted structural element 130, and thereby the piece of furniture 100, to a wall w. The attaching members 137’ may be any suitable attachment means such as a screw, nail, hammer drive anchor etc. The wall attachment guides 137 are beneficial as they provide further means to securely attach the piece of furniture 100 to a wall w. Providing the wall attachment guides 137 in the weighted structural element 130 is further beneficial as it provides a secure attachment of a sturdy, rigid and load bearing structural element.

In Fig. 12, a partial perspective view of a piece of furniture 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, the weighted structural element 130 comprises adjustable feet 135 and is arranged at a vertically lower and transverse rear end of the piece of furniture 100. The weighted structural element 130 further comprises the wall attachment guides 137 configured to guide attaching members 137’ extending through the attachment guides 137 and into a wall (not shown in Fig. 12) at the back of the piece of furniture 100.

Claims

1. A piece of furniture (100) comprising one or more structural elements (110) connected by attachment means (120) to form the piece of furniture (100), wherein at least one structural element (110) is a weighted structural element (130) comprising a weight material, said at least one weighted structural element (130) is arranged to form a structural part of the piece of furniture (100) and to add weight to the piece of furniture (100) to reduce a risk of unwanted movement of the piece of furniture (100).

2. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 1, wherein the weighted structural element (130) has a density and/or a weight that is higher than a density and/or a weight of other structural elements (110) of the piece of furniture (100).

3. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the weighted structural element (130) has a weight that is at least two times, preferably at least three times, a weight a structural element (110) would have if forming the corresponding structural part as the weighted structural element (130) in the piece of furniture (100).

4. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a frame (140) formed by one or more structural elements (110), wherein at least one of said structural elements (110) of the frame (140) is a weighted structural element (130).

5. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one weighted structural element (130) is arranged hidden from view during use of the furniture piece (100).

6. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged to carry a mechanical load of the piece of furniture (100).

7. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is a beam, a bar or a stretcher.

8. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) comprises one or more feet (135).

9. The piece of furniture according to claim 8, wherein one or more of the one or more feet (135) are adjustable feet (135).

10. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged at a position at which a vertical center of mass (WVCM) of the weighted structural element (130) is arranged below the vertical center of mass (PVCM) of the piece of furniture (100).

11. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass (WHCM) of the weighted structural element (130) is arranged rearwise of a horizontal center of mass (PHCM) of the piece of furniture (100).

12. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piece of furniture (100) is a storage furniture and the weighted structural element (130) is arranged such that a center of mass (CM) of the weighted structural element (130) is located at a main preferred region (A) located below a geometrical vertical center (VC) of the piece of furniture (100) and, as viewed from a front of the piece of furniture (100), behind a geometrical transverse center (TC) of the piece of furniture (100).

13. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 12, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged at a first preferred region (Al) of the main preferred region (A), wherein the first preferred region (Al) is located behind a middle (MBTC) between a geometrical transverse center (TC) and a back of the piece of furniture (100).

14. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged at a second preferred region (A2) of the main preferred region (A), wherein the second preferred region (A2) is located below a middle (MLVC) between the geometrical vertical center (VC) and a lower end of the piece of furniture (100).

15. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged at a most preferred region (A3) of the main preferred region (A), wherein the most preferred region (A3) is located below the middle (MLVC) between the geometrical vertical center (VC) and the lower end of the piece of furniture (100) and behind the middle (MBTC) between a geometrical transverse center (TC) and a back of the piece of furniture (100).

16. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged such that a center of mass (PCM) of the piece of furniture (100) will not cross a pivot point vertical axis (PVA) intersecting a pivot point (P) of the piece of furniture (100) when the piece of furniture (100) is rotated forward less than a pivot angle (a) about the pivot point (P), wherein the pivot angle (a) is at least 30°, preferably the pivot angle (a) is at least 35°, more preferably the pivot angle (a) is at least 45°, even more preferably the pivot angle (a) is at least 50°, and most preferably the pivot angle (a) is at least 55°.

17. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) further comprises one or more wall attachment guides (137) configured to receive an attaching member (137’) for attaching the weighted structural element (130) to a wall (w).

18. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 17, wherein at least one of the one or more attachment guides (137) is formed as a hollow cylindrical member.

19. The piece of furniture according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more drawers (110) and/or one or more doors (110).

20. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piece of furniture (100) is a chest of drawers (100).

21. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass (WHCM) of the weighted structural element (130) substantially coincide with a horizontal center of mass (PHCM) of the piece of furniture (100).

22. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the piece of furniture (100) is a table (100) or a chair (100).

23. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is provided with one or more connecting means (136) for connecting the weighted structural element (130) to one or more other structural elements (110) by the connecting means (136), preferably the weighted structural element (130) comprises at least two connecting means (136), being arranged in two separate ends, such as two opposing ends, of the weighted structural element (130).

24. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the weighted structural element (130) comprises an outer housing (134) formed from a material that is different from the weight material.

25. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 24, wherein the outer housing (134) is formed from at least one of a metal material, such as steel a plastic material and/or a paper material, preferably the housing (134) having a wall thickness of 0.1-5 mm, such as 0.1-2 mm, or even 0.1-0.5 mm.

26. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 24 or 25 when depending on claim 23, wherein the connecting means (136) are provided on and/or in, the outer housing (134).

27. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the weighted structural element (130) comprises one or more weight bricks (131) formed from the weighted material.

28. The piece of furniture (100) according to claim 22 and 27, wherein the weighted structural element (130) further comprises one or more elongate members (133) configured to attach the weight bricks (131) to the connection means (136).

29. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the claims 1 to 22, wherein the weighted structural element (130) is formed as one solid body (132) consisting of the weight material, preferably the weighted structural element (130) comprises at least one connecting means (136) fixed to the solid body (132), more preferably the weighted structural element (130) comprises at least two connecting means (136) fixed to the solid body (132), more preferably the at least two connecting means (136) being arranged in two separate ends, such as two opposing ends, of the weighted structural element (130).

30. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the weight material comprises an ore, preferably an iron ore, more preferably the iron is one or more of hematite Fe2Cb, wiistite FeO or magnetite FeiCri.

31. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the weight material comprises metal particles in the form of metal chips, metal powder and/or metal granules.

32. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the weight material comprises one or more materials with a ceramic nature, preferably said one or more materials with a ceramic nature is one or more of a gravel material or a stone material.

33. The piece of furniture (100) according to any of the preceding claims wherein the weight material comprises a binder, preferably the binder is one or more of cement, gypsum or polymer, more preferably the weighted material comprises a mixture of a binder and an ore and/or a material of a ceramic nature, still more preferably the weighted material comprises less than 50 wt%, more preferably less than 30 wt%, and most preferably 1-15 wt%, of a binder and at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 70 wt%, most preferably 85-99 wt%, of an ore and/or a material of ceramic nature.

34. A structural element (130) for connecting to one or more other structural elements (110, 130) by attachment means (120) to form a piece of furniture (100), wherein the structural element (130), is a weighted structural element (130) comprising a weight material, the weighted structural element (130) having a density that is higher than 1 g/cm³ for adding weight to the piece of furniture (100) to reduce a risk of unwanted movement of the piece of furniture (100).

35. The structural element (130) according to claim 34, wherein the weight material has a density being higher than 3 g/cm³, preferably being in the range of 4-10 g/cm³ such as between 4 and 7 g/cm³.