GB2103752A

GB2103752A - Connections to furniture

Info

Publication number: GB2103752A
Application number: GB08219820A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Hunter
Original assignee: Harte Woodworking Ltd
Current assignee: Harte Woodworking Ltd
Priority date: 1981-07-22
Filing date: 1982-07-08
Publication date: 1983-02-23
Also published as: GB2103752B

Abstract

An edging member comprises an elongate strip having at least one channel 11 extending therealong, the channel being shaped to receive the edge of a panel 13, and there being a projection 16 extending into the channel from a side of the channel for engagement in a groove 15 extending along a face of the panel adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the panel, so that the panel and edging member can be connected together by relative sliding movement in a direction parallel to the edge of the panel, the projection in the channel sliding along the groove in the panel, and the interengagement of the projection and groove thereafter preventing the panel from pulling out of the mouth of the channel. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION, Edging members The invention relates to edging members and particularly to edging members for attachment to panels.

It is known to construct furniture, shop fittings, and like items from panels of timber or timber substitutes such as chipboard. The edges of panels are often unsightly, particularly when chipboard or like materials are used. It is known to cover up these edges using veneer or some other capping material such as a decorative strip.

However fitting the capping material can be a time consuming process involving the use of adhesive or tools. Some capping strips are known which can be slid onto an appropriately shaped formation on the panel but where chipboard or like material is used, cutting away material to provide the necessary formation can seriously weaken the edge of the panel with a consequent risk of it breaking away.

The invention provides an edging member comprising an elongate strip having a channel extending therealong, the channel being shaped to receive the edge of a panel, and there being a projection extending into the channel from a side of the channel for engagement in a groove extending along a face of the panel adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the panel, so that the panel and edging member can be connected together by relative sliding movement in a direction parallel to the edge of the panel, the projection in the channel sliding along the groove in the panel, and the interengagement of the projection and groove thereafter preventing the panel from pulling out of the mouth of the channel.

The invention enables the panel and edging member to be interconnected by a simple sliding action and the only modification required to a plain panel is the cutting of a groove in the one face of the panel. This will not tend to significantly weaken the panel even if chipboard or like material is used.

Preferably the projection comprises an elongate rib extending along the length of the channel.

Preferably the projection extends from a point lying between the mouth of the channel and the base of the channel so that the outer wall of the channel will, in use, extend past the groove in the panel on both sides of the groove so as to conceal the groove from sight and thus give an attractive finish to that face of the panel which is provided with the groove.

Preferably the elongate member has at least two channels, each having a projection extending into the channel, so that the edging member can be used to interconnect the edges of two panels.

Preferably the edging member is provided, between the two channels, with an outer shape and appearance which provides a neat attractive finish between the two joined edges of the panels.

Where the bases of the channels face one another for example, for joining together two panels in the same plane or in parallel planes, the elongate member may be provided with smooth flat exterior faces between the two channels.

Where the channels are inclined to one another, to join together two panels at an angle, the elongate member may be shaped between the two channels to give a chamfered effect to the junction formed by the two panels.

The elongate member may be provided, between the two channels, with at least one internal reinforcement, for example in the form of projecting rib, to receive screws or other fixing members inserted from outside the elongate member, for example for mounting shelves or other items.

Preferably the portion of the elongate member lying between the two channels comprises an elongate tube.

One or both outer walls of the portion of the elongate member lying between the two channels may be arranged to interconnect with a second edging member attached to a panel so that three or four panels may be joined together edge to edge, for example in a 'Y' or 'X' formation.

The second edging member may have a formation arranged to slide into engagement with the associated outer wall.

The second edging member may have a T cross-section formation and the associated outer wall may be arranged so that it can be cut away to receive the head of the T in sliding engagement.

An elongate member according to the invention may be provided having two or more grooves therein to receive the edges of two or more other items, for example two or more sliding doors or like members.

An edging member according to the invention may be provided in combination with a first form of infill member arranged to slide into the channel instead of a panel to provide an attractive finish to the edging member where fitting of a panel is not required.

An edging member according to the invention may be provided in combination with a second form of infill member arranged to modify a channel of the edging member to receive an alternative item such as the edge of a pane of glass.

The first form of infill member may be arranged such that it can be cut down to provide the second form of infill member.

An infill member may be provided to slide into the channel instead of a panel, the infill member having one or more slots or grooves therein to receive the edge of a panel, sheet of glass or the like.

The infill member may have a cross-section which is generally that of a rectangular chamber divided by internal webs into three smaller chambers, namely a central chamber and two edge chambers. At least one of the external walls of at least one of the edge members may be interrupted to provide one of the slots or grooves.

The elongate strip, and/or any infill member, may be manufactured by an extrusion process.

The elongate strip and/or any infill member, may be made of metal, for example aluminium.

The invention includes a kit of parts comprising a variety of different forms of edging member according to the invention.

By way of example, specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 a is a cross-section through a first embodiment of edging member according to the invention; Figure 1 b is a view of part of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 a, cut away to interconnect with another embodiment of edging member according to the invention having the form shown in Figure 5; Figures 2a and 2b are views similar to Figures 1 a and 1 b, and show an alternative embodiment of edging member according to the invention, for use in interconnecting two panels at an angle of 1200 instead of 900;; Figures 3a and 3b illustrate yet another embodiment similar to that shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b but suitable for use in connecting together two panels at an angle of 1350 rather than 90 ; Figures 4a and 4b are views similar to Figures 1 a and 1 b but showing yet another embodiment suitable for use in connecting together two panels lying the same plane; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of edging member according to the invention for use with the cutaway versions of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 b, 2b, 3b, and 4b; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the invention, for use with two sliding doors; Figure 7a is a cross-sectional view showing the use of first form of infill member according to the invention;; Figure 7b is a view illustrating the use of a second form of infill member according to the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a third form of infill member according to the invention; Figure 9 is an edge view of the infill member of Figure 8, showing the infill member fitted to an edging member of the form shown in Figure 1 a; Figure 1 Oa shows how the embodiments of Figures 14, 1 5 and 1 7 may be used together; Figure lOb shows how the embodiments of Figures 11, 1 5, 1 7 and 18 may be used together; Figures 11 to 1 8 are cross-sectional views through alternative embodiments which correspond generally to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8;; Figure 1 9 illustrates a further embodiment of edging member, similar to that shown in Figure 11, together with an embodiment of yet another infill member; Figure 20 illustrates another embodiment of edging member generally similar to that shown in Figure 14; Figure 21 illustrates yet another embodiment of edging member according to the invention; Figure 22 illustrates yet another embodiment of edging member according to the invention; and Figures 23 to 26 illustrate still further embodiments of infill member according to the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 a and 1 b, there is shown in cross-section an elongate extrusion of aluminium alloy indicated generally by the reference numeral 10.

The extrusion defines two separate elongate channels 11 and 12. Each channel is shaped to receive an edge of a respective panel 13, 14 of veneered chipboard. Each panel has a groove 1 5 cut therein and each groove 1 5 receives a rib 1 6 which projects inwardly into the associated channel from one side wall of the channel.

The extrusion enables panels to be rapidly assembled together in a neat and attractive fashion. The veneered panels can be cut to size and although this will leave an unsightly edge this edge lies at the base of the associated channel 11 or 12 and is therefore concealed from sight. Once the panels have been cut to size the grooves 1 5 can easily be formed by means of a saw or other cutting tool, and the components can then readily be assembled without tne need for tools by sliding the components together in a direction parallel to the edges of the panels. The panels cannot thereafter pull out through the mouths of the channels, because of the engagement of the ribs 1 6 in the grooves 1 5.

Although the provision of the grooves 1 5 cuts through the veneer, the ribs 1 6 lie between the extremities 17 of the mouths of the channels and the bases of the channels, so that the outer wall 1 8 of each channel extends on both sides of each groove 1 5, concealing the groove from view and providing a neat finish.

Lying between the two channels there is a tubular portion 19, the outer face 20 of which provides a neat chamfer effect finish to the junction between the panels 13 and 14.

An elongate rib 21 projects internally of the tubular portion 1 9 to provide a reinforcement to receive a screw or like fixing member applied in the direction of arrow A, for example for use in fixing brackets for the mounting of shelves.

The embodiments shown in Figures 2a and 3a are substantially identical to that shown in Figure 1 a, and like reference numerals are used for like parts, the only difference being that whereas the embodiment of Figure 1 a is suitable for use in connecting together two panels at an angle of 900, the embodiment shown in Figure 2a will interconnect panels at an angle of 1200, and the embodiment shown in Figure 3a will interconnect two panels at an angle of 1350.

The embodiment shown in Figure 4a is also somewhat similar, being used for interconnecting two panels at an angle of 1800, i.e. in the same plane, and again like reference numerals are used for like parts. The only other differences are that a central web 22 divides the tube 19 into two equal parts, and the tube has two smooth flat outer faces 20 from each of which projects a reinforcement rib 21.

Figure 5 is a cross-section through an embodiment of edging member which can be used to connect a third panel to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 a, 2a, 3a and 4a. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 has a channel 23, and a retaining rib 1 6. However the base of the channel, instead of being connected to another channel via a tube, is connected to a T crosssection formation 24. The edge of a panel can be fitted into the channel 23, and then this panel can be connected to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 a, 2a, 3a and 4a by cutting away part of the wall 20 to slidingly receive the formation 24, as shown in Figures 1 b, 2b, 3b and 4b. Since the embodiment shown in Figure 4 has two walls 20, both walls can be cut away if desired, in order to join four panels together in an 'X' formation.

Figure 6 shows yet another embodiment which is similar to that shown in Figure 5 except that the base of the channel 23, instead of being provided with a T cross-section formation 24, is provided with two parallel grooves 25. This enables other devices to be located, for example a pair of sliding doors.

In some circumstances one of the channels of one of the embodiments of the invention may not be used and to prevent the unused channel from presenting an unsightly appearance, an infill member such as that shown at 26 in Figure 7a may be used. It will be seen that the infill section provides the unused channel of the extrusion 10 with a smooth rectilinear appearance, the infill section also being shaped to accommodate the rib 1 6 thereby holding the infill section in position.

The infill section shown in Figure 7a is such that it can be cut down to provide the infill section 28 shown in Figure 7b. This section has the effect of reducing the width of the channel by more than half, for example to receive the edge of a pane of glass 29.

The infill member illustrated in Figures 8 and 9 comprises an aluminium extrusion the crosssection of which is generally in the form of a rectangular chamber, divided by internal webs 30 into a central chamber 31 and outer chambers 32 and 33. An outer wall 34 of chamber 32 is interrupted to provide a first slot 35 and an outer wall 36 of chamber 33 is interrupted to provide a second slot 37.

In order to fit the infill section to an elongate member such as that shown at 10 in Figure 9, a channel 38 is cut across one face 39 of the infill member, the channel extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extruded infill member. The infill member can then be slid into engagement with the extrusion 10, one of the ribs 16 of the extrusion 10 engaging in the channel 38, as shown in Figure 9. The longitudinal axis of the infill member thus extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the extrusion 10.

The infill member increases the versatility as regards the ways in which panels can be fitted to the assembly. For example if the extrusion 10 is extending vertically to form a vertically extending corner of a unit, the slot 35 faces upwardly and can receive the lower edge of a vertical panel, sheet of glass, or the like. The slot 37 will extend horizontally to receive the edge of a horizontal panel, sheet of glass, or the like.

If it is desired to provide a greater thickness horizontally extending panel at the upper edge of the infill member, for example to provide a table top, the wall 36 can be removed partially or entirely, for example by cutting along the dotted line 36b of Figure 38, to enlarge the slot 37.

Turning now to Figures 11 to 18, there are shown eight sections which are generally similar in principle of operation to the sections shown in Figures 1 to 8 respectively. The sections are generally more rounded, for example having radiused corners.

The embodiment shown in Figure 11 for example, is substantially identical to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, except that the extremities 1 7 are joined together by a flat wall 1 7a, the rib 21 is dispensed with, and a tube 21 a is formed between the flat wall 1 7a and the remainder of the section. Not only does the tube 21 a provide a mounting for screws which can be inserted in the direction of arrow A, to pass through both walls of the tube if necessary, but the tube also provides a convenient location at the end of the elongate member for the plugging in of an end cap to provide a neat finish to the end of the elongate member. Alternatively, a foot member may be fitted into the lower end of the elongate member. The foot member may for example be adjustable in height.The lower end of the tube 21 a could be tapped to provide a screwthread, and the foot member may have a screwthreaded shank which can be screwed into the lower end of the tube to a greater or less extent, depending upon the desired height of the foot.

The embodiments shown in Figures 12 and 13 are similarly arranged, with a flat wall 1 7a and a tube 21a.

The embodiment shown in Figure 14 is similar to that shown in Figure 4a, except that the ribs 21 are dispensed with and the web 22 is replaced by a tube 21. Figure 1 Oa shows that the embodiment shown in Figure 14 can still be cut away so as to operate in a similar manner to that shown at Figure 4b.

The embodiments shown in Figures 1 5 to 18 are identical to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8, except for the more rounded appearance.

Figure 1 Ob shows for example how the embodiments of Figures 1 5 and 17 can be used with the embodiments of Figures 1 and 18.

Figure 1 9 illustrates an embodiment of edging member similar to that shown in Figure 11 except that the tube 21 a is only a partial tube, being interrupted at 21 h and 21 c.

The tubes 21 a of the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 1 3 may be similarly interrupted.

Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment which is identical to that shown in Figure 14 except that the tube 21a of Figure 14 is interrupted at 21 b, 21c,21d,and2le.

Figure 21 shows an embodiment of edging member which can be mated with a panel in a similar manner to the other edging members and has a slot 45 therein to receive a sheet of glass at right angles to the panel. This section also has a T-shaped slot 46, for example suitable to mate with a section such as that shown in Figure 1 5.

Figure 22 illustrates yet another embodiment of edging member according to the invention which can be fitted on to the edge of a panel in the same way as the other embodiments, and provides the edge of a panel with a hook-like formation 47.

This may for example be used as the handle of a drawer, of which the panel forms part, or of a pullout or sliding panel.

Figure 23 illustrates yet another form of infill member 41 which comprises a generally rectangular extrusion, the two shorter faces being interrupted by slots 42 and 43 and the two halves of the infill member being held together by a central web 44. If the section as shown in Figure 20 has its central portion removed by cutting along the dotted line shown in Figure 20, then the two pieces which result can be held together by the infill member 41 as shown in Figure 23, to produce an assembly which can mate with two sections of the form shown in Figure 1 5.

Figure 24 shows yet another form of infill member 48 which can mate with a section such as that shown in Figure 19 to provide the section with a groove 49, for example to receive the edge of a glass panel.

Figure 25 illustrates yet another infill member 49 which can be used in a somewhat similar fashion to the infill member shown in Figures 7 and 1 7 to provide a square finish. Yet another infill member 40 is shown in Figure 1 9 which is generally similar to that shown in Figure 25 except that it provides a chamfered finish rather than a square finish.

Finally, Figure 26 shows an embodiment of infill member which is somewhat similar to that shown in Figure 18, except that it has slots which face away from one another, rather than slots which are at right angles to one another.

The embodiments shown in the Figures comprise a set of basic extrusions which can conveniently be manufactured in quantity to provide a stock from which a wide variety of furniture, shop fittings or the like can be rapidly constructed, using the extrusions and chipboard panels.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example the elongate members may have different shapes and configurations.

Although the channels shown are of substantially rectangular shape, it is not essential that they are of this shape, provided that they securely locate the edges of the panels with which they are used. The walls 20 need not be flat, provided that they provide a neat and attractive appearance, and they may for example be curved.

It is not essential for tubes to be used, and the walls which constitute the bases of the channels 11 and 12 of Figure 1 a for example might be dispensed with, providing that some other means is provided for interconnecting the walls 18 and 20. For example the rib 21 may be extended to meet the wall 20.

Elongate members may be provided with configurations suitable for interconnecting more than four panels.

Some embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 1 b, 2b, 3b, 4b and 7b may be extruded specially, but it is preferred that these embodiments are provided by cutting down the embodiments shown in Figures 1 a, 2a, 3a, 4a and 7a, since this simplifies manufacture by reducing the number of basic extrusions required, and the cutting down can be achieved very quickly and simply by means of straightforward saw cuts.

Claims

1. An edging member comprising an elongate strip having a channel extending therealong, the channel being shaped to receive the edge of a panel, and there being a projection extending into the channel from a side of the channel for engagement in a groove extending along a face of the panel adjacent to and parallel to the edge of the panel, so that the panel and edging member can be connected together by relative sliding movement in a direction parallel to the edge of the panel, the projection in the channel sliding along the groove in the panel, and the interengagement of the projection and groove thereafter preventing the panel from pulling out of the mouth of the channel.

2. An edging member as claimed in Claim 1, in which the projection comprises an elongate rib extending along the length of the channel.

3. An edging member as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the projection extends from a point lying between the mouth of the channel and the base of the channel so that the outer wall of the channel will, in use, extend past the groove in the panel on both sides of the groove so as to conceal the groove from sight and thus give an attractive finish to that face of the panel which is provided with the groove.

4. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, having at least two channels, each having a projection extending into the channels, so that the edging member can be used to interconnect the edges of two panels.

5. An edging member as claimed in Claim 4, provided between the two channels, with an outer shape and appearance which provides a neat attractive finish between two joined edges of panel.

6. An edging member as claimed in Claim 5, in which the bases of the channels face one another, for joining together two panels in the same plane or in parallel planes, the elongate member being provided with smooth flat exterior faces between the two channels.

7. An edging member as claimed in Claim 5, in which the channels are inclined to one another, to join together two panels at an angle, the elongate member being shaped between the two channels to give a chamfered effect to the junction formed by the two panels.

8. An edging member as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, in which the elongate member is provided, between the two channels, with at least one internal reinforcement to receive screws or other fixing members inserted from outside the elongate member, for example for mounting shelves or other items.

9. An edging member as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 8, in which the portion of the elongate member lying between the two channels comprises an elongate tube.

10. An edging member as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 9, in which one or both outer walls of the portion of the elongate member lying between the two channels is arranged to interconnect with a second edging member attached to a panel so that three or four panels may be joined edge to edge, for example in a 'Y' or 'X' formation.

1 An edging member as claimed in Claim 10, in which the second edging member has a formation arranged to slide into engagement with the associated outer wall.

12. An edging member as claimed in Claim 11, in which the second edging member has a T crosssection formation and the associated outer wall is arranged so that it can be cut away to receive the head of the T in sliding engagement.

13. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate strip has two or more grooves therein to receive the edges of two or more items, for example two or more sliding doors or like members.

14. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a first form of infill member arranged to slide into the channel instead of a panel to provide an attractive finish to the edging member where the fitting of a panel is not required.

1 5. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a second form of infill member which infill member is arranged to modify a channel of the edging member to receive an alternative item such as a pane of glass.

16. An edging member as claimed in Claim 1 5 when dependent on Claim 14, in which the first form of infill member is such that it may be cut down to provide the second form of infill member.

1 7. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with an infill member arranged to slide into the channel instead of a panel, the infill member having one or more slots or grooves therein to receive the edge of a panel, sheet of glass or the like.

18. An edging member as claimed in Claim 17, in which the infill member has a cross-section which is generally that of a rectangular chamber divided by internal webs into three smaller chambers, namely a central chamber and two edge chambers.

1 9. An edging member as claimed in Claim 18, in which at least one of the external walls of at least one of the edge chambers is interrupted to provide one of the slots or grooves.

20. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate strip, and/or any infill member, is manufactured by an extrusion process.

21. An edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the elongate strip, and/or any infill member, is made of metal, e.g.

aluminium.

22. An edging member constructed and arranged substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A kit of parts comprising a variety of different forms of edging member as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.