EP4398768A1

EP4398768A1 - An attachment element, an elongated structural member, an attachment device and a furniture

Info

Publication number: EP4398768A1
Application number: EP22867802.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erik HULT
Original assignee: Ikea Supply AG
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2021-09-08
Filing date: 2022-09-07
Publication date: 2024-07-17
Also published as: EP4398768A4; SE2151110A1; WO2023038563A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an attachment element (20) for attaching an elongated structural member (12) to a furniture body, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a first connection arrangement (24) of the elongated structural member (12), wherein the first connection arrangement (22) is adapted to be connected to the second connection arrangement (24) in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element (20) may be arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member (12) in its longitudinal direction.

Description

An attachment element, an elongated structural member, an attachment device and a furniture

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an attachment element for attaching an elongated structural member (rail) to a furniture body. The invention also relates to such an elongated structural member and an attachment device comprising a combination of the attachment element and the elongated structural member. The invention further relates to a furniture comprising a furniture body in the form of a panel and wherein the elongated structural member is rigidly attached to the panel via the attachment element.

More specifically, the furniture may comprise two rectangular panels arranged in parallel with each other and at a distance from each other thereby forming side walls, wherein the rail is adapted to bridge the distance between the panels and secure the panels in a desired spaced relationship. The elongated structural member may be arranged perpendicularly relative to the panels. Further, the furniture may comprise an additional rectangular panel forming a lower wall (floor) bridging the distance between the side walls at a lower end of the side walls. The elongated structural member may then be arranged at a front top end of the two rectangular parallel panels in a way stabilizing the furniture. An additional elongated structural member may further be arranged at a rear top end of the two rectangular parallel panels in a way further stabilizing the furniture. The furniture may be a cabinet or shelf, for example a kitchen cabinet, a bathroom cabinet, a cabinet holding drawers, or a filing cabinet.

PRIOR ART

EP3231327B1 shows a kitchen cabinet, wherein an attachment piece in the form of a top rail is arranged between two spaced panels and attached to the panels via an attachment element at each panel. The attachment element comprises two projections, which are adapted to be received in two vertically spaced holes in an inner surface of the panel and engaged in the holes. The attachment element is designed to be attached to the panel in a toolless manner via engagement of the projections in the holes. The attachment element further comprises a reception in the form of a slot that is open upwards when the plastic member is attached properly to the panel. The top rail in turn is provided with end portions at its ends in its longitudinal direction, which are inclined perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction for being received in the slots. Thus, in an assembly procedure, the attachment elements are attached to the inner surfaces of the panels in a first step and the top rail is moved downwards from above so that its inclined end portions are received in the slots of the plastic member in a second step.

One problem of this arrangement is that there needs to be space on top of the attachment elements in order for an assembly or disassembly of the top rail to take place. A further problem regards when a sink should be positioned between the panels. Provided the sink (or a countertop comprising the sink) should rest on top of the panels, the top rail would need to be fastened to the panels before the sink is moved to its desired position. Thus, the sink would need to be moved so that its bottom is moved over the top rail. This may however require a heavy lift, especially since the sink normally is delivered rigidly attached to a countertop.

SUMMARY

An objective of the invention is to provide an elongated structural element and an associated attachment element that creates conditions for attachment of the elongated structural element to a furniture body for stabilizing a furniture in a way that facilitates assembly and/or disassembly of the furniture.

The objective is achieved by an attachment element according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by an attachment element for attaching an elongated structural member to a furniture body, wherein the attachment element comprises a first connection arrangement for connection with a correspondingly shaped second connection arrangement of the elongated structural member, wherein the first connection arrangement is adapted to be connected to the second connection arrangement in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element may be arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction.

In other words, the elongated structural member is attached to the furniture body via the attachment element.

A first one of the two spaced positions for the attachment element may be a retracted, non-operative position and the other one of the two spaced positions may be an advanced, operative position. The advanced, operative position corresponds to that the attachment element may be in an operative position relative to the furniture body. Further, the first, retracted, non-operative position may be arranged at a longer distance from an adjacent end of the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction than the advanced, operative position.

It creates conditions for an easy assembly of the furniture in that the attachment element may be positioned in its non-operative position and moved in unison with the elongated structural member when the elongated structural member is moved to its operative position relative to the furniture body and then moved from its non-operative position to its operative position after the elongated structural member has been placed in its operative position relative to the furniture body.

According to one embodiment, the first connection arrangement comprises a first guide structure for engagement with a correspondingly shaped second guide structure of the second connection arrangement, wherein the first guide structure defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions.

According to one example, the attachment element may assume a plurality of different positions relative to the elongated structural member via the guide structures. More specifically, the guide structures may provide for a continuous movement of the attachment element to assume an indefinite number of different positions relative to the elongated structural member.

According to one example, the attachment element may slide relative to the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction via the guide structures while being connected to the elongated structural member. It creates conditions for an easy assembly in that the attachment element may be slid between its non-operative position and its operative position when the elongated structural member is in its operative position relative to the furniture body.

According to one embodiment, the attachment element comprises a first portion that has the shape of a rectangular plate, wherein the first guide structure comprises two spaced parallel guides, which are formed by two opposite edge sections of the first portion. It creates conditions for achieving the guide structure in a cost-effective way with regard to the design of the attachment element and the elongated structural member.

According to one embodiment, the first portion comprises an elongated opening, wherein the elongated opening extends in parallel with the guiding direction of the first guiding structure, wherein the elongated opening is adapted to receive a projection of the elongated structural member and wherein one end of the elongated opening defines a stop for the movement of the attachment element relative to the elongated structural member. It creates conditions for achieving a stop in the guiding direction in a cost- effective way with regard to the design of the attachment element and the elongated structural member.

According to one embodiment, the attachment element comprises a second portion for rigidly connecting the attachment element to the furniture body, wherein the second portion has the shape of a plate and wherein the first portion and the second portion extend perpendicularly relative to each other. It creates conditions for a cost-effective solution with regard to the design of the attachment element.

According to one embodiment, the second portion comprises a hole for receipt of a fastener, wherein an axis of the hole extends in parallel with the guiding direction. The attachment of the elongated structural member to the furniture body may then be achieved via the consecutive steps of first positioning the elongated structural member in its operative position relative to the furniture body, second, moving the attachment element in the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member to an operative position in contact with the furniture body and third, attaching the attachment element and thereby also the elongated structural member to the furniture body via the fastener.

According to one embodiment, the attachment element comprises a projection adapted for being received in a hole in the furniture body, wherein the projection is adapted to expand in a transverse direction for engagement with a wall defining the hole in the furniture body. It creates conditions for a rigid attachment of the elongated structural member to the furniture body.

According to one embodiment, the first connection arrangement is adapted for a connection with the second connection arrangement of the elongated structural member in a way that the attachment element and the elongated structural member may be moved in unison relative to the furniture body to an operative position of the elongated structural member during mounting to the furniture body and/or from the operative position during dismounting. It creates conditions for placing the elongated structural member in its operative position relative to the furniture body without first having to premount the attachment element. This in turn creates conditions for using a space above the furniture body and on the inside of the furniture body all the way to the inside surface of the furniture body before assemblying of the elongated structural member.

According to one example, the attachment element is adapted to be connected to the elongated structural member via said first and second connection arrangements in a way that the attachment element is positioned at a distance from an adjacent end of the elongated structural member. In other words, the attachment element will not project from the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction when the attachment element is connected to the elongated structural member via said first and second connection arrangements (in neither one of the two end positions).

According to one embodiment, the attachment element is formed in a plastic material. It may be moulded in one piece.

The objective above is further achieved by an elongated structural member according to claim 10. Thus, it is achieved by an elongated structural member adapted to be attached to a furniture body via an attachment element, wherein the elongated structural member comprises a second connection arrangement for connection with a correspondingly shaped first connection arrangement of the attachment element, wherein the second connection arrangement is adapted to be connected to the first connection arrangement in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element may be arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction.

According to one embodiment, the second connection arrangement comprises a second guide structure for engagement with a correspondingly shaped first guide structure of the first connection arrangement, wherein the second guide structure defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions. According to one embodiment, the guiding direction of the second guide structure is in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member.

According to one embodiment, the second guide structure comprises two spaced parallel guides formed by two opposite edge sections of the elongated structural member.

According to one embodiment, the elongated structural member comprises a first projection with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member, wherein the first projection is adapted to cooperate with a free end of the attachment element for defining a first end position in the first direction of the guiding direction.

According to one embodiment, the elongated structural member comprises a second projection with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member, wherein the second projection is adapted to be received in an elongated opening in the attachment element and wherein the second projection is adapted to define a second end position in a second direction of the guiding direction when in contact with an end of the elongated opening.

According to one embodiment, the first and/or second projection is formed by a cut-out of the elongated structural member. A main body of the elongated structural member may be formed in metal, wherein the cut-out may be achieved via punching.

According to one embodiment, the elongated structural member comprises an end portion in its longitudinal direction, which is adapted to rest on top of the furniture body in an operative position of the elongated structural member. It creates conditions for putting the elongated structural member on its desired place - in its operative position - relative to the furniture body before it is attached to the furniture body via the attachment element.

According to one embodiment, the elongated structural member comprises a stop, which is adapted to contact a corresponding surface of the furniture body for defining the operative position of the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction.

According to one example, the stop is aligned with one of the end positions (the operative position) of the attachment element relative to the elongated structural member. It creates further conditions for an efficient assembly in that the elongated structural member may be placed in its operative position relative to the furniture body, wherein the stop contacts an inner surface of the furniture body, and then the attachment element may be moved relative to the elongated structural member to its operative position.

The invention further regards an attachment device, which comprises an elongated structural member according to any one of the embodiments and examples mentioned above and at least one attachment element according to any one of the embodiments and examples mentioned above. Due to the design of the connection arrangements, the attachment device may be handled as one unit, wherein the attachment element is connected to the elongated structural member.

The invention further regards a furniture comprising a furniture body in the form of a panel and an attachment device as above, wherein the panel defines a main extension plane, wherein the attachment device is attached to the panel so that the elongated structural member extends perpendicular relative to the main extension plane of the panel.

According to one embodiment, the furniture comprises two panels arranged in parallel with each other and at a distance from each other and defining a compartment, wherein the elongated structural member is adapted to be connected to each one of the spaced panels via an attachment element at either end in its longitudinal direction.

The objective above is further achieved by an attachment element according to claim 21. Thus, it is achieved by an attachment element for attaching an elongated structural member to a furniture body, wherein the attachment element comprises a first connection arrangement adapted for a connection with a correspondingly shaped second connection arrangement of the elongated structural member in a way that the attachment element and the elongated structural member may be moved in unison relative to the furniture body to an operative position of the elongated structural member during mounting to and/or dismounting from the operative position.

This design of the attachment element may be combined with any one of the features of the attachment element as described above. The objective above is further achieved by an elongated structural member according to claim 30. Thus, it is achieved by an elongated structural member adapted to be attached to a furniture body via an attachment element, wherein the elongated structural member comprises a second connection arrangement for connection with a correspondingly shaped first connection arrangement of the attachment element in a way that the attachment element and the elongated structural member may be moved in unison relative to the furniture body to an operative position of the elongated structural member during mounting to and/or dismounting from the operative position.

This design of the elongated structural member may be combined with any one of the features of the attachment element as described above.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a furniture in the form of a kitchen cabinet according to a first embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the furniture in figure 1 in an assembled state without countertop,

Fig. 3A and 3B are perspective views from different directions of an attachment element according to a first embodiment,

Fig. 4A is a perspective view an elongated structural member and two attachment elements according to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the elongated structural member with the two attachment elements according to Fig. 4A in a connected state,

Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B are perspective views of one end of the elongated structural member with an attachment element in the connected state, wherein the attachment element is shown in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction,

Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C are perspective views of three consecutive steps in the assembly of the elongated structural member to a furniture body, and

Fig. 7A and 7B are perspective views of two consecutive steps in the assembly of a countertop with an attached sink to a furniture body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a furniture 2 in the form of a kitchen cabinet according to a first embodiment. The furniture 2 will in the following text be referred to as a kitchen cabinet. It should however be emphasized that the invention is applicable also for other types of furniture. The kitchen cabinet 2 comprises two furniture bodies 4, 6 in the form of a first and second panel 4, 6. Each panel 4, 6 defines a main extension plane and the two panels are arranged at a distance from each other so that the main extension planes are parallel relative to one another. The first and second panel 4, 6 are rectangular and form side walls of the kitchen cabinet. The kitchen cabinet 2 further comprises a third panel 8, which forms a back wall of the kitchen cabinet and a fourth panel 10, which forms a lower wall (floor) of the kitchen cabinet.

The kitchen cabinet 2 further comprises two elongated structural members 12, 14, which are adapted to be attached in a spaced relationship to the first and second panels 4, 6 so that they extend perpendicularly relative to the main extension plane of the respective panel 4, 6. The elongated structural member may be named a rail. Further, the two elongated structural members 12, 14 are positioned at an upper end of the panels 4, 6. A first one of the two elongated structural members 12 is attached at a front end of the kitchen cabinet 2 and a second one of the two elongated structural members 14 is attached at a rear end of the kitchen cabinet 2. In other words, each one of the elongated structural members 12, 14 is connected to each one of the panels 4, 6 so that it bridges the distance between the panels 4, 6. The elongated structural members 12, 14 provide structural rigidity to the kitchen cabinet, wherein the third panel 8 forming the back wall may be non-structural. The elongated structural members 12, 14 are formed in a metallic material. Further, the elongated structural members 12, 14 have a main extension along a straight line.

The kitchen cabinet 2 further comprises a countertop 16 (also called benchtop) in the form of a board of wood or stone placed on top of the first and second panels 4, 6. The countertop 16 has a sink 18 attached, wherein the sink 18 is positioned between the two elongated structural members 12, 14 and extends downwards in the space defined by the two panels 4, 6 in a sideways direction of the kitchen cabinet 2 and by the elongated structural members 12, 14 in a depth direction of the kitchen cabinet 2.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the furniture 2 in figure 1 in an assembled state without the countertop 16. It may be noted that an end portion 19 of the first elongated structural member 12 rests on top of an upper end 21 of the panel 4 in an operative position.

Fig. 3A and 3B are perspective views from different directions of an attachment element 20 according to a first embodiment. The attachment element 20 is adapted for attaching the respective elongated structural member 12, 14 to one of the first and second panels 4, 6. Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the elongated structural member 12 and two attachment elements 20, 120 according to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B for connection to the elongated structural member 12.

The attachment element 20 comprises a first connection arrangement 22 for connection with a correspondingly shaped second connection arrangement 24 of the elongated structural member 12. The first connection arrangement 22 is adapted to be connected to the second connection arrangement 24 in two spaced positions. More specifically, the first connection arrangement 22 is adapted to be connected to the second connection arrangement 24 in a plurality of intermediate positions between two end positions. The two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element 20 may be arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member 12 in its longitudinal direction. More specifically, the first connection arrangement 22 comprises a first guide structure 26 for engagement with a correspondingly shaped second guide structure 28 of the second connection arrangement 24, wherein the guide structures 26, 28 define a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions. According to one example, the guide structures 26, 28 are adapted for a guiding movement along a straight line between the two spaced positions. Thus, the attachment element 20 may be slidably connected to the elongated structural member 12 in its longitudinal direction between the two end positions.

The attachment element 20 comprises a first portion 30 that has the shape of a rectangular plate, wherein the first guide structure 26 comprises two spaced parallel guides 32, 34, which are formed by two opposite edge sections of the first portion 30. More specifically, the guides 32, 34 have a main extension in parallel with the guiding direction of the first guide structure 26.

Further, the first portion 30 comprises an elongated opening 36, wherein the elongated opening 36 extends in parallel with the guiding direction of the guiding structure, wherein the elongated opening 36 is adapted to receive a projection 38 of the elongated structural member 12 and wherein one end 41 of the elongated opening 40 defines a stop for the movement of the attachment element 20 relative to the elongated structural member 12 when the projection 38 contacts the end 41.

The attachment element 20 comprises a second portion 42 for rigidly connecting the attachment element to the panel 4, wherein the second portion 42 has the shape of a plate and wherein the first portion 30 and the second portion 42 extend perpendicularly relative to each other. More specifically, the first portion 30 and the second portion 42 are in one piece. Further, the second portion 42 extends from an end of the first portion 30, wherein the attachment element 20 has the shape of an L in cross section, wherein a first leg of the L is formed by the first portion 30 and a second leg of the L is formed by the second portion 42. One side surface of the second portion 42 is adapted to contact an inner surface of the panel 4.

The second portion 42 comprises a hole 44 for receipt of a fastener 46, see fig. 6B, wherein an axis of the hole extends in parallel with the guiding direction of the guide structure 26. Further, the attachment element 20 comprises a projection 48 adapted for being received in a hole 50 in the panel 4, see fig. 6A, wherein the projection 48 is adapted to expand in a transverse direction for engagement with a wall defining the hole

50 in the panel 4. More specifically, the projection 48 is provided with spring sections 49,

51 at its periphery for engagement with the surface defining the hole 50 in the panel 4. An axis of the hole 44 of the second connection portion 42 is in parallel with an axis of the projection 48 and the two axes are aligned, wherein the hole 44 extends throughout the projection 48. The projection 48 is adapted to expand in a transverse direction when the fastener 46 is introduced in the hole. The projection 48 is in one piece with the second portion 42.

The attachment element 20 is preferably formed in a plastic material and may be moulded to its final shape.

Fig. 4A shows the second connection arrangement 24 of the elongated structural member 12. More specifically, the second guide structure 28 is shown, wherein the second guide structure 28 defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions. More specifically, the guiding direction of the second guiding structure 28 is in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12. The second guiding structure 28 extends along a substantial part of the elongated structural member 12 and preferably all the length of the elongated structural member 12 except for two end sections 19, 23. More specifically, the second guiding structure 28 ends at a distance from each end of the elongated structural member 12 thereby forming a contact surface 25 facing in the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12 towards the end.

Further, the second guide structure 28 comprises two spaced parallel guides 52, 54 formed by two opposite edge sections 56, 58 of the elongated structural member. Each one of the edge sections 56, 58 is hook-shaped, or alternatively L-shaped, in cross section, wherein a free end of the hooks/L’s is directed inwards. More specifically, the guides 52, 54 are designed for matching a design of the two opposite edge sections 32, 34 of the first portion 30 of the attachment element 20.

The elongated structural member 12 comprises a first projection 60 with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12, wherein the first projection 38 is adapted to cooperate with a free end 62 of the attachment element 20 for defining a first end position in the first direction of the guiding direction.

Further, the elongated structural member 12 comprises a second projection 38 with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12, wherein the second projection 38 is adapted to be received in the elongated opening 36 in the attachment element 20 and wherein the second projection 38 is adapted to define a second end position in a second direction of the guiding direction when in contact with the end 41 of the elongated opening 36. The second projection 38 is somewhat flexible for allowing a position in a stressed state closer to the main body of the elongated structural member 12.

The first and the second projection 60, 38 is formed by a cut-out of the elongated structural member. Each one of the first and the second projection 60, 38 has a rectangular shape. The first projection 60 extends perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12. The second projection 38 extends obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12 and is directed towards the first projection 60.

The first and the second projection 60, 38 may be cut and folded/bent in the same direction from plate-shaped element in the form of a single sheet, which is adapted to form a main body of the elongated structural member 12. According to one example, the projections may be formed by a portion of the elongated structural member 12 shaped by a pressing tool. According to one example, a cut may be performed throughout a thickness of the plate-shaped element followed by a folding/bending action of a section of the plate-shaped element adjacent the cut. The cut may for example have the shape of an L or U.

Further, the first connection arrangement 22 of the attachment element 20 is adapted for a connection with the second connection arrangement 24 of the elongated structural member 12 in a way that the attachment element 20 and the elongated structural member 12 may be moved in unison relative to the panel 12 to an operative position of the elongated structural member during mounting and/or from the operative position during dismounting. During assembly of the attachment elements 20, 120 to the elongated structural member 12, each one of the attachment elements 20, 120 is moved relative to the elongated structural member 12 in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12 in a way that the first connection arrangement 22 is connected with the second connection arrangement 24 of the elongated structural member 12. More specifically, each one of the attachment elements 20, 120 is aligned with the elongated structural member 12 and moved relative to the elongated structural member 12 in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12 in a way that the first guide structure 26 engages the second guide structure 28. The second guide structure 28 is open towards an end of the elongated structural member 12. In this way, the attachment element 20 is blocked from movement transverse relative to the elongated structural member 12.

Further, the attachment element 20 is moved so that its end 62 passes the second projection 38, wherein the second projection may be resiliently displaced to a state more in parallel with an extension plane of the elongated structural member 12. Further, the attachment element 20 is moved so that the elongated opening 36 receives the second projection 38. Now, the attachment element 20 may be moved relative to the elongated structural member 12 between two end positions, a first end position being defined by engagement of the end 62 of the attachment element 20 and the first projection 60 and a second end position defines by engagement of the end 61 of the elongated opening 36 and the second projection 38. This is shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B.

It may be noted that the second portion 42 of the attachment element 20 is positioned in line with the panel contact portion 25 of the guide 58 of the elongated structural member 12 when the attachment element 20 is positioned in the second end position, see fig. 5B. In other words, the attachment element 20 may be moved relative to the elongated structural member 12 in its longitudinal direction between a retracted non-operative position (the first position) and an extended operative position (the second position).

Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6C are perspective views of three consecutive steps in the assembly of the elongated structural member 12 to the panel 4. More specifically, in a first step, the elongated structural member 12 is moved to its operative position while the attachment element 20 is connected to the elongated structural member 12, see fig. 6A. Thus, the elongated structural member 12 may be moved with the attachment element 20 connected from the front of the kitchen cabinet to its operative position, wherein the end portions 19 rest on top of the panels 4, 6 and the contact surface 25 is in contact with an inner surface of the panel 4. Further, the elongated structural member 12 is positioned in a depth direction of the kitchen cabinet so that the attachment element 20 is aligned in a width direction of the kitchen cabinet with its associated hole 50 in the panel 4. Further, the elongated structural member 12 may be moved with the attachment element 20 connected to its operative position from the front of the kitchen cabinet while the countertop 16 is in its operative position on top of the panels 4, 6.

In a second step, when the elongated structural member 12 is arranged in its operative position, the attachment element 20 is moved relative to the elongated structural member 12 in the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member 12 so that the projection 48 is received in the hole 50. More specifically, the attachment element 20 is moved relative to the elongated structural member 12 while being guided via the guide structures 26, 28.

In a third step, the fastener 46 is moved into the opening 44 of the attachment element 20 and further into the hole 50 in the panel while effecting the spring sections 49, 51 of the projection 48 from the inside so that they expand transversally and engage with the wall defining the hole 50.

Fig. 7A and 7B are perspective views of two consecutive steps in the assembly of the countertop 16 with the attached sink 18 to a furniture 102. The furniture 102 comprises three kitchen cabinets 2, 64, 66 arranged side-by-side. The furniture 102 comprises the countertop 16, which has a length spanning the complete width of the three kitchen cabinets 2, 64, 66. In a first step, the countertop 16 is moved in a substantially horizontal direction from the front of the furniture 102, see arrows in Fig. 7A. Further, due to the fact that the elongated structural member 12 may be assembled after positioning of the countertop 16 in its operative position on top of the kitchen cabinets 2, 64, 66, the countertop 16 may only be lifted to a height wherein a lower surface 68 of the board of the countertop 16 is above an upper surface 70 of the kitchen cabinets 2, 64, 66. More specifically, the countertop 16 may be placed on top of the kitchen cabinets 2, 64, 66 in a preliminary state and then pushed in a depth direction of the furniture 102 to its operative position while resting on the furniture 102. Thus, the sink 18 may project downwards into the space between the panels 4, 6 in its associated kitchen cabinet 2 during the movement of the countertop 16 to its operative position. In a second step, when the countertop 16 is arranged in its operative position, the elongated structural member 12 is moved to its operative position in front of the sink 18 while the attachment elements 20, 120 are connected to the elongated structural member 12.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

According to one alternative, the invention may be applicable for a furniture having a furniture body that is not in the form of a panel. The furniture body may be formed by a beam or other type of frame structure, wherein the elongated structural member may be arranged for bridging the distance between two furniture bodies for stabilizing the furniture.

According to one alternative, the elongated opening of the first portion of the attachment element and the associated projection of the elongated structural member may be designed so that both ends of the elongated opening define stops for the movement of the attachment element relative to the elongated structural member.

According to one alternative or complement, the elongated opening of the first portion of the attachment element and the associated projection of the elongated structural member may be designed so that they jointly form a guiding structure.

Claims

1. Attachment element (20) for attaching an elongated structural member (12) to a furniture body (4), wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a first connection arrangement (22) for connection with a correspondingly shaped second connection arrangement (24) of the elongated structural member (12), wherein the first connection arrangement (22) is adapted to be connected to the second connection arrangement (24) in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element (20) is arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member (12) in its longitudinal direction.

2. Attachment element according to claim 1 , wherein the first connection arrangement (22) comprises a first guide structure (26) for engagement with a correspondingly shaped second guide structure (28) of the second connection arrangement (24), wherein the first guide structure (26) defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions.

3. Attachment element according to claim 2, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a first portion (30) that has the shape of a rectangular plate, wherein the first guide structure (26) comprises two spaced parallel guides (32, 34), which are formed by two opposite edge sections of the first portion.

4. Attachment element according to claim 3, wherein the first portion (30) comprises an elongated opening (36), wherein the elongated opening (36) extends in parallel with the guiding direction of the first guiding structure (26), wherein the elongated opening (36) is adapted to receive a projection (38) of the elongated structural member (12) and wherein one end (41) of the elongated opening defines a stop for the movement of the attachment element (20) relative to the elongated structural member (12).

5. Attachment element according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a second portion (42) for rigidly connecting the attachment element to the furniture body (4), wherein the second portion (42) has the shape of a plate and wherein the first portion (30) and the second portion (42) extend perpendicularly relative to each other. Attachment element according to claim 5, wherein the second portion (42) comprises a hole (44) for receipt of a fastener (46), wherein an axis of the hole extends in parallel with the guiding direction. Attachment element according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a projection (48) adapted for being received in a hole (50) in the furniture body (4), wherein the projection (48) is adapted to expand in a transverse direction for engagement with a wall defining the hole in the furniture body. Attachment element according to any preceding claim, wherein the first connection arrangement (22) is adapted for a connection with the second connection arrangement (24) of the elongated structural member (12) in a way that the attachment element (20) and the elongated structural member (12) may be moved in unison relative to the furniture body to an operative position of the elongated structural member during mounting to the furniture body and/or from the operative position during dismounting. Attachment element according to any preceding claim, wherein the attachment element (20) is formed in a plastic material. An elongated structural member (12) adapted to be attached to a furniture body (4) via an attachment element (20), wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a second connection arrangement (24) for connection with a correspondingly shaped first connection arrangement (22) of the attachment element (20), wherein the second connection arrangement (24) is adapted to be connected to the first connection arrangement (22) in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element (22) is arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member (12) in its longitudinal direction. 19 An elongated structural member according to claim 10, wherein the second connection arrangement (24) comprises a second guide structure (28) for engagement with a correspondingly shaped first guide structure (26) of the first connection arrangement (22), wherein the second guide structure (28) defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions. An elongated structural member according to claim 11, wherein the guiding direction of the second guide structure (28) is in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member (12). An elongated structural member according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second guide structure (28) comprises two spaced parallel guides (32, 34) formed by two opposite edge sections of the elongated structural member (12). An elongated structural member according to any one of claims 10-13, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a first projection (60) with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member, wherein the first projection is adapted to cooperate with a free end (62) of the attachment element (20) for defining a first end position in the first direction of the guiding direction. An elongated structural member according to any one of claims 10-14, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a second projection (38) with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member (12), wherein the second projection (38) is adapted to be received in an elongated opening (36) in the attachment element (20) and wherein the second projection (38) is adapted to define a second end position in a second direction of the guiding direction when in contact with an end (41) of the elongated opening. An elongated structural member according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the first and/or second projection (60, 38) is formed by a cut-out of the elongated structural member (12). 20

17. An elongated structural member according to any one of claims 10-16, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises an end portion (19) in its longitudinal direction, which is adapted to rest on top of the furniture body (4) in an operative position of the elongated structural member.

18. An elongated structural member according to claim 17, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a stop (25), which is adapted to contact a corresponding surface of the furniture body (4) for defining the operative position of the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction.

19. An attachment device for a furniture body, wherein the attachment device comprises an elongated structural member (12) according to any one of claims 10- 18 and at least one attachment element (20) according to any one of claims 1-9.

20. A furniture (2) comprising a furniture body (4) in the form of a panel and an attachment device according to claim 19, wherein the panel defines a main extension plane, wherein the attachment device is attached to the panel so that the elongated structural member (12) extends perpendicular relative to the main extension plane of the panel.

21. Attachment element (20) for attaching an elongated structural member (12) to a furniture body (4), wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a first connection arrangement (22) adapted for a connection with a correspondingly shaped second connection arrangement (24) of the elongated structural member (12) in a way that the attachment element (20) and the elongated structural member (12) is moved in unison relative to the furniture body (4) to an operative position of the elongated structural member (12) during mounting to and/or dismounting from the operative position, and wherein the first connection arrangement (22) is adapted to be connected to the second connection arrangement (24) in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element (20) may be arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member (12) in its longitudinal direction. 21

22. Attachment element according to claim 21, wherein the first connection arrangement (22) comprises a first guide structure (26) for engagement with a correspondingly shaped second guide structure (28) of the second connection arrangement (24), wherein the first guide structure defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions.

23. Attachment element according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a first portion (30) that has the shape of a rectangular plate.

24. Attachment element according to claim 22 and claim 23, wherein the first portion (30) comprises an elongated opening (36), wherein the elongated opening extends in parallel with the guiding direction of the first guiding structure (26), wherein the elongated opening is adapted to receive a projection (38) of the elongated structural member (12) and wherein one end (41) of the elongated opening defines a stop for the movement of the attachment element (20) relative to the elongated structural member (12).

25. Attachment element according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a second portion (42) for rigidly connecting the attachment element (20) to the furniture body (4), wherein the second portion has the shape of a plate and wherein the first portion (30) and the second portion (42) extend perpendicularly relative to each other.

26. Attachment element according to claim 25, wherein the second portion (42) comprises a hole (44) for receipt of a fastener (46).

27. Attachment element according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the attachment element (20) comprises a projection (48) adapted for being received in a hole (50) in the furniture body, wherein the projection is adapted to expand in a transverse direction for engagement with a wall defining the hole in the furniture body.

28. Attachment element according to any one of claims 21-27, wherein the attachment element (20) is formed in a plastic material. 22

29. An elongated structural member (12) adapted to be attached to a furniture body (4) via an attachment element (20), wherein the elongated structural member comprises a second connection arrangement (24) for connection with a correspondingly shaped first connection arrangement (22) of the attachment element (20) in a way that the attachment element (20) and the elongated structural member (12) is moved in unison relative to the furniture body (4) to an operative position of the elongated structural member during mounting to and/or dismounting from the operative position, and wherein the second connection arrangement (24) is adapted to be connected to the first connection arrangement (22) in two spaced positions and wherein the two spaced positions correspond to that the attachment element (20) may be arranged in two spaced positions relative to the elongated structural member (12) in its longitudinal direction.

30. An elongated structural member according to claim 29, wherein the second connection arrangement (24) comprises a second guide structure (28) for engagement with a correspondingly shaped first guide structure (26) of the first connection arrangement (22), wherein the second guide structure (28) defines a guiding direction for allowing a relative guided movement between the two spaced positions.

31. An elongated structural member according to claim 30, wherein the guiding direction of the second guide structure (28) is in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member (12).

32. An elongated structural member according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein the second guide structure (28) comprises two spaced parallel guides (32, 34) formed by two opposite edge sections of the elongated structural member.

33. An elongated structural member according to any one of claim 30-32, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a first projection (60) with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member (12), wherein the first projection is adapted to cooperate with a free end (62) of the attachment element for defining a first end position in the first direction of the guiding direction. 23 An elongated structural member according to any one of claims 30-33, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a second projection (38) with an extension transverse relative to the longitudinal direction of the elongated structural member (12), wherein the second projection (38) is adapted to be received in an elongated opening in the attachment element (20) and wherein the second projection is adapted to define a second end position in a second direction of the guiding direction when in contact with an end of the elongated opening. An elongated structural member according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the first and/or second projection (60, 38) is formed by a cut-out of the elongated structural member (12). An elongated structural member according to any one of claims 29-35, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises an end portion (19) in its longitudinal direction, which is adapted to rest on top of the furniture body (4) in an operative position of the elongated structural member. An elongated structural member according to claim 36, wherein the elongated structural member (12) comprises a stop (25), which is adapted to contact a corresponding surface of the furniture body (4) for defining the operative position of the elongated structural member in its longitudinal direction. An attachment device for a furniture body, wherein the attachment device comprises an elongated structural member (12) according to any one of claims 29- 36 and at least one attachment element (20) according to any one of claims 21-28. A furniture (2) comprising a furniture body (4) in the form of a panel and an attachment device according to claim 38, wherein the panel (4) defines a main extension plane, wherein the attachment device is attached to the panel so that the elongated structural member (12) extends perpendicular relative to the main extension plane of the panel.