EP4648651A1

EP4648651A1 - Piece of furniture with weightable structural element

Info

Publication number: EP4648651A1
Application number: EP23817855.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter MÅNSSON; Per Nilsson
Original assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2023-01-13
Filing date: 2023-11-24
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: CN120513039A; WO2024151195A1

Abstract

A piece of furniture (100) is presented. The piece of furniture (100) comprises one or more structural elements connected by attachment arrangements to form the piece of furniture (100). At least one structural element is a weightable structural element (140) configured to retain one or more weight elements (150).

Description

PIECE OF FURNITURE WITH WEIGHTABLE STRUCTURAL ELEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising a weightable 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.

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 connected by attachment arrangements to form the piece of furniture is presented. At least one structural element is a weightable structural element configured to retain one or more weight elements.

In one variant, the least one weightable structural element is configured to retain one or more weight elements at opposite ends of the weight elements.

In one variant, the weightable structural element comprises an elongated groove configured to retain one or more weight elements.

In one variant, the weightable structural element further comprises a biasing member configured to snap-lockingly retain one or more weight elements.

In one variant, the biasing member is configured to snap-lockingly retain one or more weight elements in an elongated groove of the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is configured to permit at least one weight element to be slid along the elongated groove.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is configured to permit the at least one weight element to be slid along the elongated groove during assembly of the at least one weight element to the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is provided with a toe retaining portion configured to retain a mating toe element of the at least one weight element and an opposite heel retaining portion configured to retain a mating heel element of the at least one weight element.

In one variant, at least one weight element of the one or more weight elements, when retained by the weightable structural element, forms at least a part of a mounting structure adapted to support a mounting structure dependent part of the piece of furniture.

In one variant, the weightable structural element jointly with the at least one or more weight elements retained by the weightable structural element, form a mounting structure adapted to support a mounting structure dependent part of the piece of furniture.

In one variant, the mounting structure comprises at least one engaging surface provided by the one or more weight elements retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the mounting structure is adapted to support a mounting structure dependent part in the form of a back portion of the piece of furniture.

In one variant, the mounting structure comprises an elongated groove configured to receive the mounting structure dependent part.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is configured to support one or more mounting structure dependent part at a furniture supporting position if a weight element is retained by the weightable structural element and not to support said one or more mounting structure dependent part at the furniture supporting position if a weight element is not retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is an elongated weightable structural element provided with one or more attachment portions arranged at each longitudinal end of the weightable structural element and configured to form part of the attachment arrangements.

In one variant, the one or more attachment portions are facing along a longitudinal extension of the weightable structural element.

In one variant, at least one of the attachment portions is a through going hole of the weightable structural element.

In one variant, at least one of the attachment portions are configured to be blocked by weight elements retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the piece of furniture further comprises one or more weight elements retained by the weightable structural element. In one variant, the weight element comprises a shell comprising a weight material.

In one variant, the shell is made from a plastic material.

In one variant, the shell is formed by blow molding.

In one variant, at least one of the weight elements is a cast or molded weight element.

In one variant, the weight element comprises a binder.

In one variant, the binder comprises one of cement, furnace slag, fly ash, polymer or gypsum.

In one variant, the weight element further comprises an ore.

In one variant, the ore is an iron ore.

In one variant, the iron is one or more of hematite Fe2O3, wustite FeO or magnetite Fe3O4.

In one variant, the weight element comprises a binder forming, with at least one iron ore, a concrete type material. A composite material may be any suitable material preferably composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with preferably cement.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is provided by a bent sheet metal material.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is arranged at a position at which a vertical center of mass of a weighted structural element, formed by the weightable structural element when retaining at least one weight element, is arranged below a vertical center of mass of the piece of furniture.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass of the weighted structural element, formed by the weightable structural element when retaining at least one weight element, is arranged rearwise of a horizontal center of mass of the piece of furniture.

In a second aspect, a weighting system for forming a structural element of a piece of furniture is presented. The weighting system comprises a weightable structural element configured to retain one or more weight elements and at least one weight element configured to be retained by the weightable structural element. In one variant, at least one weight element is a cast or moulded weight element.

In one variant, the weight element comprises a binder.

In one variant, the binder comprises at least on of cement, furnace slag, fly ash, polymer or gypsum.

In one variant, the weight element comprises an ore.

In one variant, the ore is an iron ore.

In one variant, the weight element comprises a binder forming, together with at least one iron ore, a concrete type material.

In a third aspect, a method of providing a weighted structural element for forming a structural element of a piece of furniture is presented. The method comprises obtaining a weightable structural element adapted to retain a weight element, obtaining a first weight element adapted to be retained by the weightable structural element, and engaging the weightable structural element with the first weight element such that the first weight element is retained by the weightable structural element and thereby providing a weighted structural element.

In one variant, the weightable structural element comprises an elongated groove configured to retain the weight element. In this variant, engaging the weightable structural element with the first weight element further comprises inserting at least a portion of the first weight element into the elongated groove of the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the weightable structural element further comprises one or more biasing members arranged along the elongated groove, and engaging the weightable structural element with the first weight element further comprises engaging at least one biasing member with the weight element to bias the biasing element away from the elongated groove thereby permitting at least a portion of the first weight element to be inserted into the elongated groove of the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the first weight element is provided with a toe element and an opposite heel element. In this variant, engaging the weightable structural element with the first weight element further comprises snap-locking the first weight element into the weightable structural element by inserting the toe element into a first guide of the weightable structural element and engaging the biasing member by the heel element and snapping the heel element into the elongated groove.

In one variant, the weightable structural element is an elongated weightable structural element.

In one variant, the method further comprising sliding the first weight element in a first direction along the weightable structural element and engaging a second weight element with the weightable structural element such that both the second weight element and the first weight elements are retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, engaging the weightable structural element with the first weight element such that the first weight element is retained by the weightable structural element forms a mounting structure of the weighted structural element comprising at least one engaging surface provided by the first weight element.

In a fourth aspect, a method for assembling a piece of furniture comprising three or more structural elements connectable by attachment arrangements to form the piece of furniture is presented. At least one structural element is a weightable structural element configured to retain one or more weight elements. The method comprises attaching, by attachment arrangements, the weightable structural element to at least one other structural element,

In one variant, the method further comprises arranging at least one weight element such that the at least one weight element is retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, arranging at least one weight element such that the at least one weight element is retained by the weightable structural element comprises snap- lockingly arrange the at least one weight element to be retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, at least one structural element is a mounting structure dependent part.

In one variant, the method further comprising, after arranging the at least one weight element, arranging the mounting structure dependent part to be supported by at least one engaging surface provided by the at least one weight element retained by the weightable structural element.

In one variant, the method further comprises attaching at least one mounting dependent part to at least one other structural element. The weightable structural element, when retaining the at least one weight element, ensures that the mounting structure dependent part is correctly mounted to the piece furniture.

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-c are isometric views of a pieces of furniture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 2a-d are side views of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 3a-c are side views of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4a is an isometric view of a weightable structural element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional side view of a weightable structural element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a weight element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 6a-d are side views of a weightable structural element and a weight element at different stages of engagement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 7 is an isometric view of a weight element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 8 is an isometric view of a weight element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a weight element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 10 is an cross-sectional partial isometric view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 11 is a partial side view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 12a-f are side views of weight elements according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a piece of furniture according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of a weighting system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 15 is a schematic view of a method of providing a weighted structural element according to some embodiments; and

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a method for assembling a piece of furniture according to some embodiments.

Figs. 17a-b are side views of weightable structural elements and weight elements at a stage of engagement according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 18a is a perspective view of a shell according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 18b is a cross-sectional view of the shell of Fig. 18a.

Fig. 19a is a perspective view of a weight element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 19b is a cross-sectional view of the weight element of Fig. 19a.

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. Similarly, the term “connected”, or “operatively connected”, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two or more items that are “coupled” or “connected” 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 forms thereof), “have” (and any forms thereof), “include” (and any form thereof) and “contain” (and any forms thereof) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” one or more steps, possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

The following disclosure relates to a piece of furniture 100 (see e.g. Fig. 1) comprising one or more structural elements 110 (see e.g. Fig. 1). The definition on a structural element 110 may depend on the type of furniture the structural element 110 is to form part of. Structural elements 110 may comprise, but are not limited to shelves, sides, a back, a top, a base etc. of a bookshelf. Structural elements 110 of a table 100 may comprise, but are not limited to, legs, a table top, a side panel etc. If the piece of furniture 100 is a chair, structural elements may comprise, but are not limited to, legs, a seat, a side panel, a backrest etc. The chest of drawers 100 of Fig. la may comprise, but is not limited to, structural elements 110 in the form of sides 110, a top 110, a base 110, drawers 110 (not shown), a 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. To further exemplify, a wardrobe may comprise, but is not limited to, structural elements 110 in the form of sides, a base, a top, a door, a back, and shelves or other interior structural elements.

A plurality of structural elements 110 are generally assembled by being connected to each other to form the piece of furniture 100. The structural elements 110 are generally connected by attachment arrangements 120 (see Fig. 4a) that may be different depending on the piece of furniture 100. The attachment arrangements 120 may be exemplified by e.g. devices arranged to connect shelves to the sides of a book case, devices arranged to attach the back to the sides, devices arranged to attach the sides to the top etc. In some embodiments, the attachment arrangements 120 may comprise one or more attachment portions 122 (see e.g. Fig. 4a) that may be combined with one or more engaging portions (not shown) configure to engage the attachment portions 122 and thereby attach the structural elements 110 together. To exemplify, the attachment portions 122 may be through going holes 122 and the engaging portions may be pins, screws, dowels etc.

From the above general and summarily presented description, it is clear to the skilled person that structural elements 110 are connected by attachment arrangements 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 (see e.g. Fig. la). Such a weighted structural element 130 may be used as replacement for another structural element 110. This is efficient and reduces a 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 an increase in weight 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 and more preferably at least ten 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 may be replaced by a weighted structural element 130.

In Figs. 1-c and also in subsequent Figs., 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, la-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.

Fig. la, shows 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 further Figs.

In Fig. la, 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. la 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.

In Fig. la, 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. lb showing a partly assembled piece of furniture 100 in one perspective view and Fig. 1c in another perspective view. The weighted structural element 130, illustrated in Fig. lb and 1c 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. Advantageously, it is not possible for a user to assemble the piece of furniture 100 without the weighted structural element 130. In Figs. 2a-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, la-c and the following reasoning applies also to the chest of drawers 100 of Figs, la-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. 2a-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. 2a, 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. 2b, a first preferred region Al 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 Al 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 Al 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 Al extends from 0 to less than 25% of the depth d, and starting from the floor, the first preferred region Al 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. 2c, 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. 2a, in Fig. 2c, 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. 2c 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 Al as shown in Fig. 2b. 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 Al 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. 2d, 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. 2a. The reason for this being that, compared to the embodiment of Fig. 2a, in Fig. 2d, 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, 2a-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.

With reference to Figs. 3a-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. 3a-c may be any piece of furniture 100 comprising the weighted structural element 130. For example, the piece of furniture 100 in Figs. 3a-c 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. 2d. The pivot point P is, as in previous embodiments, located at the front of the piece of furniture 100, or as shown in Figs. 3a-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 dtrA 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 dH i A 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 dPrA along the transverse axis TA measured from the pivot point vertical axis PVA.

As shown in Fig. 3a, the piece of furniture 100 is horizontal, not forming an angle to the vertical axis VA or the transverse axis TA, and the distance dtrA along the transverse axis TA to the pivot point vertical axis PVA is greater than the distance dPrA 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 dH i A along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the hypothetical center of mass HYCM. That is to say, dtrA > dPrA > dH i A.

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 mH (not shown) of the piece of furniture 100 and the distance dH i A 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 Tpfirom 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 dPrA 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. 3b, the same piece of furniture 100 as in Fig. 3a 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. 3a with Fig. 3b, it can be seen that both the distance dH i A along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the hypothetical center of mass HYCM and the distance dPrA 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. 3a. 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. 3b, the same is true for the torque TH exerted by the hypothetical center of mass HYCM.

In Fig. 3c, the same piece of furniture 100 as in Figs. 3a and 3b is shown, but pivoted further clockwise about the pivot point P compared to Fig. 3b such that the pivot angle a is increased. This may be the result of continued application of the force F. Comparing to Fig. 3b, it can be seen that the distance dPrA along the transverse axis TA from the pivot point vertical axis PVA to the center of mass PCM has decreased further. Also, the distance dHi A 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. 3c, 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. 3a. 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. 3c, the piece of furniture 100 will return to the normal standing state illustrated in Fig. 3a 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.

As the weighted structural element 130 is (much) heavier than a corresponding structural element 130 that is not weighted, it may be advantageous to provide the weighted structural element 130 in more than one piece in order to simplify assembly of a knock-down piece of furniture 100, or simplify production of the weighted structural element 130.

In Fig. 4a, a weightable structural element 140 is shown in a perspective view.

The weightable structural element 140 is configured to retain one or more weight elements 150, see Fig. 5, and thereby form a weighted structural element 130, see e.g. Fig. 6d. The weighted structural element 130 formed by retaining one or more weight elements 150 by the weightable structural element 140 and may be usable as a weighted structural element 130 according to any embodiment or example presented herein. This means that the weightable structural element 140 may form part of piece of furniture 100 according to any embodiment or example presented herein. The weightable structural element 140 may be shaped in any suitable configuration for use in a specific piece of furniture 100. Advantageously, as exemplified in Fig. 4a, the weightable structural element 140 is formed as an elongated weightable structural element 140. The weightable structural element 140 may be of any suitable material. Advantageously, the weightable structural element 140 is a metal weightable structural element 140. Advantageously, the manufacturing of the weightable structural element 140 comprises folding sheet metal to a shape of the weightable structural element 140.

The weightable structural element 140 may be provided with one or more attachment portions 122. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4a, the elongated weightable structural element 140 is provided with attachment portions 122 at each longitudinal end of the weightable structural element 140. These attachment portions 122 are, when the weightable structural element 140 is forming part of a piece of furniture 100, i.e. when the weightable structural element 140 is connected to one or more other structural elements, configured to form part of the previously presented attachment arrangements 120. In Fig. 4a, the attachment portions are shown as through going holes of the weightable structural element 140. It should be mentioned that, depending on the configuration of the piece of furniture 100, the weightable structural element 140 may be provided with other forms of attachment portions 122, and/or attachment portions located at other places than the longitudinal ends of the weightable structural element 140. Other examples of the placement of the attachment portions will be given with reference to e.g. Fig. 8 and 9. The weightable structural element 140 advantageously comprises, or is formed with, an elongated groove 145 configured to retain one or more weight elements 150. The elongated groove 145 may be referred to as a chute or a canal. The elongated groove 145 is indicated by a dotted circle in Fig. 4b which shows a cross-sectional view of the weightable structural element 140 of Fig. 4a. The elongated groove 145 is open at least one of its long sides. In Fig. 4b, an upper edge of the elongated groove 145 is open. The open side of the elongated groove 145 is preferably configured to receive the weight element 150 as will be explained in further sections of the present disclosure. The elongated groove 145 may exhibit a cross-sectional outline according to any suitable shape or form, e.g. rectangular, square, star-shaped etc. Preferably, the elongated groove 145 is provided with one or more retaining portions 147, 149. As shown in Fig. 4b, the elongated groove 145 may advantageously be provided with a toe retaining portion 147 and/or a heel retaining portion 149. The toe retaining portion 147 and/or the heel retaining portion 149 are configured to retain the weight element 150 as will be explained in coming sections of the present disclosure. The toe retaining portion 147 and/or the heel retaining portion 149 may be configured to exhibit a cross-sectional outline according to any suitable shape or form, e.g. rectangular, square, star-shaped etc. The retaining portions 147, 149 are preferably open towards an inner section of the elongated groove 145 and, as shown in Fig. 4b, configured with a substantially rectangular cross-sectional outline. The retaining portions 147, 149 may extend along the entire elongated groove 145, along parts of the elongated groove, or be provided at one or more select sections along the elongated groove 145. As exemplified in Fig. 4b, the toe retaining portion 147 exhibits a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross- sectional area of the heel retaining portion 149. As will be apparent after digesting the teachings of the present disclosure, the shape of the elongated groove 145 and any retaining portion 147, 149 are preferably adapted to mate with a weight element 150.

The weightable structural element 140 may further comprise a biasing member 143. The biasing member 143 may extend fully or partly along the longitudinal extension of the weightable structural element 140 or be provided at select sections along the longitudinal extension of the weightable structural element 140. As seen in Fig. 4b, the biasing member 143 may be provided at an end/edge of the heel retaining portion 149 closest to the open side of the elongated groove 145. The functionality of the biasing portion 143 will be explained in further sections of the present disclosure.

In Fig. 5, a perspective view of a weight element 150 according to one embodiment is shown. The weight element 150 is provided with a toe element 157 along one long side of the weight element 150 and a heel element 159 at another, opposite, long side of the weight element 150. The heel element 159 is shown as extending along a full longitudinal extension of the weight element 150. This is but one example, and the heel element may very well extend along a portion of the longitudinal extension of the weight element 150 or be formed by a plurality of heel elements 159 located at select positions along the longitudinal extension of the weight element 150. Corresponding arrangements and extensions are valid also for the toe member 157 and the arrangement and extensions of the toe and heel members 157, 159 may be freely combined. Further, although one extension of the weight element 150 along which the toe and heel members 157, 159 are arranged is described as elongated, this is not required. In some embodiments, the weight element 150 may be substantially square such that it extends about the same length in all directions. In other embodiments, the weight element 150 may be elongated, but the elongated extension is not the same as the extension along which the toe and heel members 157, 159 are arranged. The toe and heel members 157, 159 are connected by a first surface 150_a of the weight element 150. In Fig. 5, the first surface 150_a is lower surface, i.e. a bottom surface, of the weight element 150, but such definitions will depend on rotation of the weight element 150 and may not be true for all applications of the weight element 150.

With reference to Figs. 6a-d, one exemplary description is provided of how the weightable structural element 140 may retain the weight element 150. The description will be given based on the weightable structural element 140 shown in Fig. 4b together with the weight element 150 shown in Fig. 5.

In Fig. 6a, the toe member 157 of the weight element 150 is inserted at an angle into the toe retaining portion 147 of the weightable structural element 140. The toe retaining portion 147 will act as a guide for the weight element 150 and an insertion pivot point IP is formed at the contact between toe retaining portion 147 and the toe member 157. In Fig. 6b, the weight member 150 is pivoted about the insertion pivot point IP to a point where the heel member 159 of the weight element 150 engages the biasing member 143 of the weightable structural element 140. This moves the first surface 150_a of the weight element 150 towards the weightable structural element 140. In doing this, the biasing member 143 is urged away from the open side of the groove 145 (not indicated in Figs. 6a-d). As a result, the heel retaining portion 149 of the weightable structural element 140 is deformed.

As the biasing member 143 is urged away from the open side of the groove 145, the weight element 150 may rotate further about the insertion pivot point IP. This is shown in Fig. 6c where the weight element 150 is almost fully inside the groove 145 of the weightable structural element 140. The heel retaining portion 149 of the weightable structural element 140 is further deformed compared to Fig. 6b.

In Fig. 6d, the weight element 150 is shown rotated further about the insertion pivot point IP (not indicated in Fig. 6d) such that the heel member 159 of the weight element 150 no longer urges the biasing member 143 away from the open side of the groove 145. As a result, the biasing member 143 may revert back, i.e. snap back, to its original position (see Fig. 6a) and the heel retaining portion 149 is no longer deformed allowing the heel member 159 of the weight element 150 to be arranged at the heel retaining portion 149. As a result, the weight element 150 is snap-lockingly retained by the weightable structural element 140. As seen in Fig. 6d, the heel member 159 is retained at the heel retaining portion 149 of the weightable structural element 140, and the toe member 157 is retained at the toe retaining portion 147 of the weightable structural element 140. It should be mentioned that depending on how the retaining portions 147, 149 and the toe and heel members 157, 159 are formed, the weight element 150 may be sufficiently retained by only one of the retaining portions 147, 149. When the weightable structural element 140 retains at least one weight element 150, the weightable structural element 140 and the retained weight element 150 may be described as a weighted structural element 130.

In Fig. 6d, the biasing member 143 is shown substantially engaging a second engaging surface 155 of the weight element 150. However, this is one example and a gap may be formed between the biasing member 143 and the second engaging surface 155 of the weight element 150. Such a gap and its use will be further explained in reference to Figs. 12a-f.

Depending on e.g. a desired resulting weight of the weighted structural element 130, the weightable structural element 140 and the weight element 150 may be configured such that a plurality of weight elements 150 may be retained by the weightable structural element 140. Advantageously, the plurality of weight elements 150 are arranged along a longitudinal extension of the weightable structural element 140. To exemplify, in Fig. 7, the weightable structural element 140 of Figs. 4a-b is shown retaining three weight elements 150.

In Fig. 7, the weight elements 150 will block the attachment portions 122 of the weightable structural element 140. In such embodiments, it may be beneficial to mount the weightable structural element 140 by attachment arrangements 120 engaging the attachment portions 122 prior to arranging the weight elements 150 in the groove 145 of the weightable structural element 140. Alternatively, outer weight elements 150 arranged at the longitudinal ends of the weightable structural element 140, may be e.g. chamfered allowing access to the attachment portions 122.

However, it may be advantageous for e.g. quality and cost to deliver the weightable structural element 140 and the weight elements 150 pre-assembled. In such embodiments, a weightable structural element 140 as shown in Fig. 8 may be utilized wherein the longitudinal ends of the weightable structural element 140 extend beyond the groove 145 and the weight element 150. In the embodiment of Fig. 8, attachment portions 122 are provided proximal to an outer edge of the longitudinal ends of the weightable structural element 140 such that the attachment portions 122 may be engaged also when weight elements 150 are mounted in the weightable structural element 140. The weightable structural element 140 of Fig. 8 is shown retaining one weight element 150. This is to provide an example, and also the weightable structural element 140 of Fig. 8 may retain a plurality of weight elements 150.

In some embodiments, it may not be suitable to attach the weightable structural element 140 at the ends of the longitudinal extension of the weightable structural element 140. In such embodiments, a weightable structural element 140 as shown in Fig. 9 may be suitable. In this exemplary embodiment, the attachment portions 122 are arranged facing in a direction of the open side of the groove 145 (not indicated in Fig. 9) of the weightable structural element 140, i.e. the attachment portions 122 are arranged along the length of the weightable structural element 140, at the sides thereof.

As mentioned, the weightable structural element 140 is advantageously provided from folded sheet metal. However, in order for the weightable structural element 140 to be sturdy, stable and able to hold the weight of the weight elements 150, it is preferably comparably rigid. However, as the biasing member 143 is biased from the open side of the groove 145, a rigid weightable structural element 140 will require significant force when snap-locking the weight element 150 in the groove 145. However, if the weightable structural element 140 is elongated, it will generally require less force to bias the biasing member 145 by the heel portion of the weight element (Figs. 6b-c) at a center of the weightable structural element 140 compared to at the longitudinal ends of the weightable structural element 140. Therefore, it is advantageous to introduce some play between the toe retaining portion 147 of the weightable structural element 140 and the toe member 157 weight element 150; and also between the heel retaining portion 149 of the weightable structural element 140 and the heel member 159 of the weight element 150. In doing this, the weight element 150 may be inserted at a middle of the weightable structural element 140 and may then be slid along the elongated groove 145 to either end of the elongated weightable structural element 140. To exemplify, assuming three weight elements 150 and a weightable structural element 140 configured to provide play as detailed above. A first weight element 150 is inserted at a middle of the weightable structural element 140 as described with reference to Figs. 6a-d and then the first weight element 150 is slid along the elongated groove 145 to one end of the elongated weightable structural element 140. A second weight element 150 is also inserted at the middle of the weightable structural element 140 but the second weight element 150 is slid along the elongated groove 145 to the other end of the elongated weightable structural element 140. A third weight element 150 is inserted at the middle of the weightable structural element 140 and sandwiched between the first weight element 150 and the second weight element 150 in the elongated groove 145 of the weightable structural element 140. This methodology will provide a similar result as shown in Figs. 7 and 9 with the three weight elements 150 arranged on a row, wherein each of the weight elements 150 has been inserted at the middle of the weightable structural element 140.

In Fig. 10, a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a piece of furniture 100 is shown. The piece of furniture 100 comprises a weighted structural element 130 comprising the weightable structural element 140 of Fig. 9 retaining three weight elements 150. The weighted structural element 130 is located at the most preferred region A3 of the piece of furniture 100, according to above description and Fig. 2d. As seen in Fig. 10, a lower end of a mounting structure dependent part 105 in the form of a back of the piece of furniture 100 is engaging the weighted structural element 130. The weighted structural element 130 is arranged to ensure that the mounting structure dependent part 105 is correctly mounted to the piece furniture 100. Without the weighted structural element 130 the mounting structure dependent part 105 cannot not be correctly attached to the piece of furniture 100. This may lead to the piece of furniture being unstable, unusable, esthetically displeasing etc., all depending on what kind of mounting structure the weighted structural element 130 is configured to support. Such a configuration of the piece of furniture 100 ensures that the weighted structural element 130 is duly mounted when assembling the piece of furniture 100.

However, assume that the weightable structural element 140 is provided separated from the weight elements 150 and that the weight elements 150 are to be inserted into the weightable structural element 140 during assembly of the piece of furniture. It may be that some people, e.g. to save time, effort or purely out of laziness, ignore mounting the weight elements 150. Failing to mount the weight elements 150 will provide a piece of furniture 100 being less stable than intended and functionality and safety of the piece of furniture 100 may be reduced. To this end, the inventors behind the present disclosure have realized that the weightable structural element 140 and the weight element 150 may be configured such that they together form a mounting structure 135, see Fig. 11.

Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the piece of furniture in Fig. 10. The mounting structure 135 comprises, in the embodiment of Fig. 11, a first engaging surface 153 of the weight element 150 is provided facing, when the weight element 150 is mounted in the weightable structural element 140, toward the open side of the groove 145. The first engaging surface 153 form one side, an upper side in Fig. 11, of the heel element 159. When the mounting structure dependent part 105 engages the mounting structure 135, it will meet (i.e. come in contact with) the first engaging surface 153 which will prevent the mounting structure dependent part 105 to move beyond the first engaging surface 153. It should be mentioned that, the sought after effect may be obtained solely by the fist engaging surface 153. However, in order to further improve stability of the mounting structure 135, the mounting structure 135 may further comprise the second engaging surface 155 of the weight element 150 facing in an opposite direction of the toe element 157 and being adjacent to the heel element 159 and the first engaging surface 153. The second engaging surface 155 faces, when the weight element 150 is mounted in the weightable structural element 140 the biasing member 143 of the weightable structural element 140. A third engaging surface 144 is, in Fig.

11, provided by a face of the biasing member facing the second engaging surface 155 of the weight element. The second engaging surface 155 and the biasing member 143 may be configured to sandwich the mounting structure dependent part 105 to ensure that it is tightly retained by the mounting structure 135.

The mounting structure 135 may, as shown in Fig. 11, function by allowing the structure dependent part 105 to be tightly sandwiched between the second engaging surface 155 of the weight element 150 and the third engaging surface 144 of the biasing member 143. This would be the case when e.g. a structure dependent part 105 would be arranged between the biasing member 143 and the weight element 150 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6b This is one example, and in Fig. 12a, a variant is shown wherein the mounting structure 135 is formed similarly to the mounting structure of Fig. 11 with first and second engaging surface 153, 155 provided by the weight element 150 and the third engaging surface 144 provided by a surface of the biasing element 143 of the weightable structural element 140. In Fig. 12a, a groove 136 is formed between the second engaging surface 155 and the third engaging surface 144. In Fig. 12b, the corresponding weighted element 130 as in Fig. 12a is shown but with the structure dependent part 105 mounted in the mounting structure 135, and resting on the first engaging surface 153 and being sandwiched between the second and third engaging surfaces 155, 144. If Fig. 12c, a further example is illustrated of how to provide the mounting structure 135. In this example, the weightable structural element 140 is provided without the toe and heel retaining portions 147, 149 and the biasing member 143 of the previous example. In this example, the weight element 150 is retained in the weightable structural element 140 by gravity. The first and second engaging surface 153, 155 of the mounting structure 135 are provided by the weight element 150 correspondingly to the example shown in Figs. 12a-b. One difference is that the third engaging surface 144 is provided by a surface of the weightable structural element 140 facing an inside of the groove 145 (not indicated in Fig. 12c). In Fig. 12c, a side of the weightable structural element 140 comprising the third engaging surface 144 extends further away from a bottom of the groove 145 compared to an opposite side of the weightable structural element 140. This is beneficial as it ensures that the weightable structural element 140 and the weight element 150 are mounted at a correct orientation. As in Figs. 12a-b, the groove 136 is formed between the second engaging surface 155 and the third engaging surface 144. In Fig. 12d, the corresponding weighted element 130 as in Fig. 12c is shown but with the structure dependent part 105 mounted in the mounting structure 135.

In Fig. 12e, yet another example of how to provide the mounting structure 135 is shown. In Fig. 12e, the mounting structure 135 is be provided as an elongated groove 136 in one or more weight elements 150 such that the structure dependent part 105 may engage the groove 136 and thereby be supported by the weighted structural element 130. In this example, the first and second engaging surface 153, 155 of the mounting structure 135 are provided by the weight element 150 correspondingly to the examples shown in Figs. 12a-d. However, in this example, also a third engaging surface 156 is provided by the weight element 150. The third engaging surface 156 face the second engaging surface 155. As in Figs. 12c-d, the weight element 150 is retained in the weightable structural element 140 by gravity. In Fig. 12f, the corresponding weighted element 130 as in Fig. 12e is shown but with the structure dependent part 105 mounted in the mounting structure 135.

It should be mentioned that the features of the embodiments given with reference to Figs. 11 and 12a-e may be freely combined with each other and other suitable embodiments and examples of the present disclosure. In Fig. 13, a perspective view of a piece of furniture 100 is shown. The piece of furniture 100 is shown with one of its sides removed, i.e. one structural element 110 in the form of a side element is removed. At the most preferred position A3 (hidden in Fig. 13, but shown in Fig. 2d), the piece of furniture 100 is provided with a weighted structural element 130. The weighted structural element 130 comprises a weightable structural element 140 and at least one weight element 150 (not shown in Fig. 12). The piece of furniture 100 further comprises one mounting structure dependent part 105 in the form of a back piece which is supported by the weighted structural element 130 such as described with reference to Fig. 11. If, during assembly of the piece of furniture 100, someone neglected to place the weight elements 150 in the weightable structural element 140, the mounting structure dependent part 105, i.e. the back piece of the piece of furniture 100, would slide down and be incorrectly placed. The back piece 105 provide added rigidity to the piece of furniture 100. Consequently, the mounting structure 135 may be configured to support one or more mounting structure dependent part 105 at a furniture supporting position. That is, if the mounting structure 135 is not available, or incorrect, the mounting structure dependent part 105 will be at a position of the piece of furniture 100 where its rigidity is limited, e.g. the back piece 105 sliding too far down. In other words, the weightable structural element 140 may be configured to support one or more mounting structure dependent part 105 at a furniture supporting position if a weight element 150 is retained by the weightable structural element 140. Consequently, the weightable structural element 140 may be configured not to support said one or more mounting structure dependent part 105 at the furniture supporting position if a weight element 150 is not retained by the weightable structural element 140.

It should be mentioned that the mounting structure dependent part 105 may be other parts of the piece of furniture 100 such as a side portion, a bottom member etc.

The weight element 150 is advantageously provided as a solid piece as this reduces manufacturing costs. The weight element 150 is preferably configured to comprise a solid weight material 158 (see Fig. 19b), so that the weight element 150 exhibits a density and/or a mass that is higher than a density of a material used for other, non-weighted, structural elements 110 of the piece of furniture 100. In some embodiments, the weight material 158 of the weight element 150 comprises an ore, such as an iron ore. Examples of suitable iron ores are hematite Fe2O3, wiistite FeO or magnetite FesCk Using iron ores is advantageous in that it is already in oxidized state, which thereby prevents further oxidization, and has a high specific weight, thereby reducing the volume necessary to obtain a certain weight of the weight element 150.

In other embodiments the weight material 158 of the weight element 150 comprises metal particles in the form of metal chips, metal powder and/or metal granules.

In some embodiments, the weight material 158 of the weight element 150 may comprise cast iron, sand, stone, steel, concrete etc.

In further embodiments the weight material 158 of the weight element 150 may comprise one or more materials with a ceramic nature, such as a gravel material or a stone material. Compared to iron ore, ceramic materials generally have a significantly lower density, which may require more weight elements 150 or larger weight elements 150 to be used if the weight material 158 is significantly ceramic.

In some embodiments the weight material 158 of the weight element 150 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 158 of the weight element 150 may further comprise a binder, typically cement, fly ash, furnace slag, gypsum or polymer, or a combination of several binders. Hence, the weighted material may comprise 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. Advantageously, as a minimum, the binder content of the weight material 158 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 158. 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 158 of the weight element 150 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.

In Fig. 14, a block diagram of a weighting system 200 is shown. The weighting system is suitable for forming a weighted structural element 130 of a piece of furniture 100. To this end, the weighting system 200 comprises a weightable structural element 140 according to any embodiment or example presented herein. The weighting system further comprises at least one weight element 150 according to any embodiment or example presented herein. The weight element 150 and the weightable structural element 140 are preferably configured such that the weight element 150 may be retained by the weightable structural element 140.

Weight elements 150 may be retained by the weightable structural element 140 in many different ways, and it should be emphasized that the examples given herein are non-exhaustive and further embodiments may be conceived wherein a weight element 150 is attached by means of fastening means such as screws, clips etc.

With reference to Fig. 15, a method 300 of providing a weighted structural element 130 will be presented. The weighted structural element 130 may be any weighted structural element 130 comprising weightable structural element 140 and a weight element 150 according to any embodiment or example presented herein. To this end, the method comprises obtaining 310 a weightable structural element and obtaining 320 a first weight element 150. The method 300 further comprises engaging 330 the weightable structural element 140 with the first weight element 150 such that the first weight element 150 is retained by the weightable structural element 140. Thereby a weighted structural element 130 is provided. As mentioned, the engaging 330 may be performed in any suitable manner and may comprise attaching the weight element 150 to the weightable structural element 140 by means of screws or other attachment means, such as by being snap-lockingly retained, as described herein before with reference to Figs. 6a-6d. Furthermore, the engaging 330 may also involve putting the weight element 150 onto the weightable structural element 140 and allow it to be retained there by the force of gravity, for example as indicated in Figs. 12c-12f.

To exemplify, in some embodiments, wherein the weightable structural element 140 comprises the elongated groove 145, the engaging 330 of the weightable structural element 140 with the first weight element 150 may comprises inserting at least a portion of the first weight element 150 into the elongated groove 145 of the weightable structural element 140.

The method 300 may further comprise any features, steps or parts necessary to perform the scenario described with reference to Figs. 6a-d. In some embodiments, the method 300 may further comprise sliding 340 the first weight element 150 in a first direction along the weightable structural element 140 and engaging 350 a second weight element 150 with the weightable structural element 140 such that both the second weight element 150 and the first weight element 150 are retained by the weightable structural element 140.

In some embodiments, engaging 330 the weightable structural element 140 with the first weight element 150 may be done such that the first weight element 150 is retained by the weightable structural element 140 such that a mounting structure 135 of the weighted structural element 130 is formed. The mounting structure 135 may be according to any embodiment or examples presented herein.

The method 300 may be further modified to accomplish any suitable feature or effect presented herein.

With reference to Fig. 16, a method 400 for assembling a piece of furniture 100 comprising three or more structural elements 110 will be presented. The structural elements 110 are preferably connectable by attachment arrangements 120 engaging the attachment portions 122 to form the piece of furniture 100. The piece of furniture may be a knock down piece of furniture. At least one structural element 110 is a weightable structural element 140 configured to retain one or more weight elements 150. In some embodiments, one structural element 110 is a mounting structure dependent part 105. The elements 110, 140, 150 and the mounting structure dependent part 105 may be according to any example or embodiment presented herein. The method 400 comprises attaching 410 the weightable structural element 140 to at least one other structural element 110. This may be accomplished e.g. engaging the attachment portions 122 with attachment arrangements 120. The method may further optionally comprise, before, after or simultaneously as attaching 410 the weightable structural element 140, arranging 420 at least one weight element 150 such that the at least one weight element 150 is retained by the weightable structural element 140. This may be accomplished e.g. according to the method 300 described with reference to Fig. 15 and/or any other example or embodiment presented herein. The method may further optionally comprise, after arranging 420 the at least one weight element 150, arranging 430 the mounting structure dependent part 105 to be supported by at least one engaging surface 153, 155 provided by the at least one weight element 150 retained by the weightable structural element 140.

The method 400 may be further modified to accomplish any suitable feature or effect presented herein.

In Figs. 17a and 17b, two examples of weight elements 150 and matching weightable structural element 140 is shown. The weight elements 150 in Figs. 17a and 17b may be a weight element 150 according to any example or embodiment and comprise any feature presented herein. The weight element 150 in Fig. 17a is provided with a heel element 159 having a slightly arched and/or rounded engaging the biasing member 143 during insertion of the weight element into the structural element 140. Correspondingly, the heel element 159 of Fig. 17b is chamfered. In both Fig. 17a and 17b, a first heel-to-toe width whti of the weight element 150 at the first surface 150_a of the weight element is shorter than a second heel-to-toe width wht2 further offset from the first surface 150_a in a direction towards the engaging surface 153. By forming the heel element 159 in such a way, insertion of the weight element 150 in the weightable structural element 140 is simplified. That is to say less force is require to insert the weight element 150 in the weightable structural element 140. The chamfered, rounded or arched heel element 159 will reduce an amount of travel by the biasing member 143 away from the weight element 150 per degree of rotation of the weight element 150 about the insertion pivot point IP. This further allows the biasing member to be more stiff which means that the weight element 150 is more securely retained at the weightable structural element 140, reducing a risk that the weight element 150 is removed from the weightable structural element 140.

In Figs. 18a-b, a shell 151 for housing the weight material 158 is shown. The shell 159 may be a plastic shell, preferably a blow-molded shell. Blow-molding is a manufacturing process used to create hollow objects, typically plastic containers. Blowmolding may be exemplified by melting plastic resin and then forming it into a hollow tube of molten plastic. The hollow tube is placed between two mold halves, and air is blown into the tube, causing it to expand and take the shape of the mold. Once the plastic has cooled and solidified, the mold is opened, and the finished product may be ejected. Blow-molding is efficient and cost-effective. Blow-molding may comprise extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding or stretch blow molding.

The shell 151 is provided with an opening 154 for filling the shell with weight material 158. The shell 151 enables, on one hand, the use of a non-solid weight material 158. The shell 151 may be filled with a granular weight material 158. On the other hand, in a preferred example, the shell 151 is used as a mold into which the weight material 158 comprising a binder is injected. The weight material is allowed to cure and harden inside the shell 151. Generally, a mold is removed once the molded material has cured. However, by allowing the weight material to remain inside the shell 151, the stability and protection provided by the shell 151 makes it possible to reduce an amount of binder, e.g. cement, of the weight material 158. That is to say, the weight material 158, and thereby the weight element 150 may be formed with reduced environmental impact.

In Fig, 18a, the shell 151 is provided with optional stabilizers 152 provided to reduce a risk that the shell 151 is deformed when it is filled with the weight material 158. As shown in the cross-sectional view of the shell 151 in Fig. 18b, the stabilizers 152 may be formed as indents 152a, 152b into the shell 151. Indents 152a at a first side of the shell 151 preferably meet a corresponding indent 152b at an opposite second side of the shell 151 an optional stabilizer mid-section 152’. The stabilizer mid-section 152’ provides further stability to the shell 151 and further reduces a risk of the shell 151 being deformed during filling and/or curing of weight material 152.

In Figs. 19a-b a weight element 150 comprising the shell 151 of Figs. 18a-b is shown. The shell 151 is filled with the weight material 158 (best seen in the cross- sectional view of Fig. 19b). In Fig. 19a, the weight element 150 is provided with an optional cap member 154’ arranged to close the opening 154 (not seen in Fig. 19a). The cap member 154’ may be snapped in place to cover the opening 154. The cap member 154’ may be provided with threads and configure to be screwed into the opening 154, the opening 154 is advantageously provided with a mating thread. The cap member 154’ may be formed from the same material as the shell 151. The cap member 154’ may be fixed to shell 151 by e.g. adhesive, welding, etc. Modifications and other variants of the described embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the specific example embodiments described in this disclosure and that modifications and other variants are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Therefore, a person skilled in the art would recognize numerous variations to the described embodiments that would still fall within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims (or embodiments), these may possibly advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims (or embodiments) does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

Claims

1. A piece of furniture (100) comprising one or more structural elements (110) connected by attachment arrangements (120) to form the piece of furniture (100), wherein at least one structural element (110) is a weightable structural element (140) configured to retain one or more weight elements (150).

2. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 1, wherein the least one weightable structural element (140) is configured to retain one or more weight elements (150) at opposite ends (149, 157) of the weight elements (150).

3. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 2, wherein the weightable structural element

(140) is provided with a toe retaining portion (147) configured to retain a mating toe element (157) of the at least one weight element (150) and an opposite heel retaining portion (149) configured to retain a mating heel element (159) of the at least one weight element (150).

4. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the weightable structural element (140) comprises an elongated groove (145) configured to retain one or more weight elements (150).

5. The piece of furniture of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one weight element (150) of the one or more weight elements (150), when retained by the weightable structural element (140), forms at least a part of a mounting structure (135) adapted to support a mounting structure dependent part (105) of the piece of furniture (100).

6. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 5, wherein the at least one weightable structural element (140) jointly with the at least one weight element (150) of the one or more weight elements (150), form the mounting structure (135) adapted to support a mounting structure dependent part (105) of the piece of furniture (100), 7. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the mounting structure (135) comprises at least one engaging surface (153, 155, 156) provided by the at least one weight element (150) of the one or more weight elements (150) retained by the weightable structural element (140).

8. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the mounting structure (135) is adapted to support a mounting structure dependent part (105) in the form of a back portion of the piece of furniture.

9. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the mounting structure comprises an elongated groove (136) configured to receive the structure dependent part (105).

10. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the weightable structural element (140) further comprises a biasing member (143) configured to snap-lockingly retain one or more weight elements (150), preferably, the biasing member (143) is configured to snap-lockingly retain one or more weight elements (150) in an elongated groove (145) of the weightable structural element (140).

11. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is configured to permit at least one weight element (150) to be slid along the elongated groove (145), preferably the weightable structural element (140) is configured to permit the at least one weight element (150) to be slid along the elongated groove (145) during assembly of the at least one weight element (150) to the weightable structural element (140).

12. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is configured to support one or more mounting structure dependent part (105) at a furniture supporting position if a weight element (150) is retained by the weightable structural element (140) and not to support said one or more mounting structure dependent part (105) at the furniture supporting position if a weight element (150) is not retained by the weightable structural element (140).

13. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is an elongated weightable structural element (140) provided with one or more attachment portions (122) arranged at each longitudinal end of the weightable structural element (140) and configured to form part of the attachment arrangements (120).

14. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 13, wherein the one or more attachment portions (122) are facing along a longitudinal extension of the weightable structural element (140).

15. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the attachment portions (122) is a through going hole of the weightable structural element (140).

16. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least one of the attachment portions (122) are configured to be blocked by weight elements (150) retained by the weightable structural element (140).

17. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising one or more weight elements (150) retained by the weightable structural element (140).

18. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 17, wherein the weight element (150) comprises a shell (151) comprising a weight material (158).

19. The piece of furniture (100) of claim 18, wherein the shell (151) is made from a plastic material, preferably the shell being formed by blow molding. 20 . The piece of furniture of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one of the weight elements (150) comprises a cast or molded weight material (158), preferably the weight element (150) comprises a binder, more preferably the binder comprises at least one of cement, furnace slag, fly ash or gypsum, more preferably the weight element (150) further comprises an ore, preferably an iron ore, more preferably the iron is one or more of hematite Fe2O3, wiistite FeO or magnetite Fe3O4, still more preferably the weight element (150) comprises a binder forming, with at least one iron ore, a concrete type material.

21. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is provided by a bent sheet metal material.

22. The piece of furniture (100) of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is arranged at a position at which a vertical center of mass (WVCM) of a weighted structural element (130), formed by the weightable structural element (140) when retaining at least one weight element (150), is arranged below a vertical center of mass (PVCM) of the piece of furniture (100).

23. The piece of furniture (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is arranged at a position at which a horizontal center of mass (WHCM) of the weighted structural element (130), formed by the weightable structural element (140) when retaining at least one weight element (150), is arranged rearwise of a horizontal center of mass (PHCM) of the piece of furniture (100).

24. A method (300) of providing a weighted structural element (130) for forming a structural element (110) of a piece of furniture (100), the method (300) comprising: obtaining (310) a weightable structural element (140) adapted to retain a weight element (150), obtaining (320) a first weight element (150) adapted to be retained by the weightable structural element (140), and engaging (330) the weightable structural element (1 0) with the first weight element (150) such that the first weight element (150) is retained by the weightable structural element (140) and thereby providing a weighted structural element (130).

25. The method (300) of claim 24, wherein the weightable structural element (140) comprises an elongated groove (145) configured to retain the weight element (150) and engaging (330) the weightable structural element (140) with the first weight element (150) further comprises inserting at least a portion of the first weight element (150) into the elongated groove (145) of the weightable structural element (140), preferably the weightable structural element (140) further comprises one or more biasing members (143) arranged along the elongated groove (145), and engaging (330) the weightable structural element (140) with the first weight element (150) further comprises engaging at least one biasing member (143) with the weight element (150) to bias the biasing element away from the elongated groove (145) thereby permitting at least a portion of the first weight element (150) to be inserted into the elongated groove (145) of the weightable structural element (140).

26. The method (300) of claim 22, wherein the first weight element (150) is provided with a toe element (157) and an opposite heel element (159), wherein engaging (330) the weightable structural element (140) with the first weight element (150) further comprises snap-locking the first weight element (150) into the weightable structural element (140) by inserting the toe element (157) into a first guide (147) of the weightable structural element (140) and engaging the biasing member (143) by the heel element (159) and snapping the heel element (159) into the elongated groove (145). 27. The method (300) of any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the weightable structural element (140) is an elongated weightable structural element (140) and the method (300) further comprising sliding (340) the first weight element (150) in a first direction along the weightable structural element (140) and engaging (350) a second weight element (150) with the weightable structural element (140) such that both the second weight element (150) and the first weight element (150) are retained by the weightable structural element (140).

28. The method (300) of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein engaging (330) the weightable structural element (140) with the first weight element (150) such that the first weight element (150) is retained by the weightable structural element (140) forms a mounting structure (135) of the weighted structural element (130) comprising at least one engaging surface (153, 155, 156) provided by the first weight element (150).

29. A method (400) for assembling a piece of furniture (100) comprising three or more structural elements (110) connectable by attachment arrangements (120) to form the piece of furniture (100), wherein at least one structural element (110) is a weightable structural element (140) configured to retain one or more weight elements (150), the method (400) comprising: attaching (410), by attachment arrangements (120), the weightable structural element (140) to at least one other structural element (110); arranging (420) at least one weight element (150) such that the at least one weight element (150) is retained by the weightable structural element (140); and attaching at least one mounting dependent part (105) to at least one other structural element (110), wherein the weightable structural element (140), when retaining the at least one weight element (150), ensures that the mounting structure dependent part (105) is correctly mounted to the piece furniture (100).

30. The method (400) of claim 29 further comprising: arranging (420) at least one weight element (150) such that the at least one weight element (150) is retained by the weightable structural element (140), preferably said arranging (420) at least one weight element (150) such that the at least one weight element (150) is retained by the weightable structural element (140) comprises snap-lockingly arranging the at least one weight element (150) to be retained by the weightable structural element (140).

31. The method (400) of claim 30 wherein at least one structural element (110) is a mounting structure dependent part (105), the method (400) further comprising, after arranging (420) the at least one weight element (150): arranging (430) the mounting structure dependent part (105) to be supported by at least one engaging surface (153, 155) provided by the at least one weight element (150) retained by the weightable structural element (140).