GB2352766A - Quick assembly/disassembly joining system - Google Patents

Abstract

A joining system which can be adapted to many constructional and manufacturing processes in various materials eg wood, metals, plastics, MDF. Elements to be joined have interfitting formations and are held in the interengaged position by toggle fastenings 4 ie over-centre sprung draw levers which engage hooks.

Description

2352766 Page I QUICK ASSEMBLY /DISASSEMBLY JOINING SYSTEM The invention

relates to a joining system which, after manufacture, can be assembled disassembled very quickly without the aid of tools. Many other manufacturers' furniture must be assembled by screwing etc to complete construction which many people find is very involved, time consuming and often somewhat complicated.

The invention originally related to quality furniture of all types, freestanding and fitted. I wanted to alleviate the problems often incurred with, for example, moving house. A quick assembly / disassembly system facilitates easier transportation of various items and can help avoid excessive removal costs (le, avoiding the need for a large vehicle).

However, the system does not just apply to household furniture. There are many other applications in most portable building systems. Possible applications include:- I. Portakabins, sheds, tents, tressles, tables, exhibition buildings and accessories, stage sets; 2. Quick assembly buildings for disaster areas, summer houses, conservatories, etc; portable trailers; caravans; 3. Scaffolding, crowd barriers, spectator stands; pontoon bridges.

zn Items made incorporating the quick joining system can be transported much more easily and in greater volumes - a large vehicle would not be required. No tools or technical ability is required for assembling items incorporating this system.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Z:' Figure I Illustrates the basic joint used in this case on a wardrobe. I shows the male precise joint in solid wood tongued and grooved into board material 2. 3 shows the precise female section in solid wood tongue and grooved into board material. 4 shows a sprung toggle clip clamping I and 3 together. 5 shows solid wood tongue and grooved into board material 2, as a foot for that panel. 10 is a basic rebate which must be precise. The middle is only an intermediate joint and on small items would not require 4. Figure 2 This is more descriptive and shows thejoints in more detail. 6 and 7 are solid wood tongue and grooved onto board material 2, with hinge pinhole 8 to facilitate doors. 9 is a basic plinth. Figure 3 Illustrates a complete assembly, I I being the doors inset with hinge pin. 12 constitutes the wardrobe back panel. 13 is a groove into which 12 is inserted. 14 is solid wood tongue and grooved onto 2 to give a solid wood frontage.

Page 2 Figure 4 Illustrates the samejoints. I and 3 used on a table with 4 on 15 the table leg, which is permanently fixed onto 17/3 the underside of the table, 16 is the table top. This is rebated to fit over the complete assembly and then clamped down with 4. This illustration could also apply to a chest of drawers but with the ornission of the legs. Figure 5 Illustrates the use of 1, 3 and 4 on a portable building with pitch roof 3 on the sides of the building goes the full length to enable one of the trusses 18 to be placed where desired. 19, roof sheeting shown clamped by 4 onto 18 with spaces between trusses (not illustrated). 20 shows floorjoints clamped with 4 to side walls. 21 floor fits snuggly in rebate 10 on wall joints and end panels so is automatically retained. Walls and end panels are retained the same way as in figure 1. 1 and 3 clamped with 4. A building with a flat or sloped roof could be assembled and clamped as in figure 4.

QUICK ASSEMBLY / DISASSEMBLY JOINING SYSTEM CLAMS A quick assembly/disassembly joining system comprising of a male profile on a component and a female profile on another component which enables both components to be joined precisely together at the desired angle quickly, both profiles being retained in the desired position by on one component a sprung toggle type clamp, and on the other component a restraining bracket, which when united pull together the united profiles and hold them in the desired position.

L Leer, kw QUICK AsSEM]BLY/DISASSEMEBLY JOPqNG SYSTEM A quick assembly/ dissassemblyjoining system comprising of precisely machined rebated joint male on one component, female on the adjoining component, thus restricting movement of the adjoined components in a left to right or upwards/downwards motion; inwards/outwards motion is prevented in the case of free standing structure by a sprung retaining bracket, also a precisely machined profilejoint, male on one component female on the adjoining component, the shape of which prevents movement when adjoined in an inward /outward and downward motion; upward motion in freestanding structure is prevented by a sprung retaining bracket, when all the precise joints on the relevant components are assembled, the structure, whatever it may be, will stand firm and have stability, where several structures aligned adjacent to each other only the free standing end(s) would require a sprung retaining bracket consisting of a fixed oblong plate curved into a serni circle at one end on one component and on the adjoining component a "U' shaped loop anchored to a pivoted sprung lever the loop being placed over the fixed plate and the lever closed retaining both components in a very stable and free standing position, the sprung retaining bracket would only be required in the case of a free standing assembly and would not be needed if the structure was against a fixed object.