GB2571784A

GB2571784A - Furniture system

Info

Publication number: GB2571784A
Application number: GB1803821.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cunningham Paul
Original assignee: Swift Group Ltd
Current assignee: Swift Group Ltd
Priority date: 2018-03-09
Filing date: 2018-03-09
Publication date: 2019-09-11
Also published as: GB201803821D0

Abstract

A furniture system for a caravan or motorhome, comprising a receiving component 10 having a first receiver 12 for an edge of a first furniture panel and a second receiver 14 for an edge of a second furniture panel. The first and second receivers are positioned at an angle from each other, wherein the angle is adjustable. A flexible element 28 may extend between first and second receivers. The flexible element may enable assembly of a variety of different furniture units requiring corners of different angles, reducing the number of different parts for assembling furniture units of recreational vehicles or holiday homes. The receiving component may be a unitary component. The receivers may each comprise a slot for push-fit attachment. An injection moulded plastic corner (50, figure 6) may prevent angle adjustment between the receivers. The receiving component may comprise third and fourth receivers 20, 22.

Description

The present invention relates to a furniture system, in particular for a recreational vehicle or holiday home.

Recreational vehicles, which include caravans, motorhomes and holiday homes, typically comprise a variety of items of furniture, including wardrobes and cupboards. It is desirable that the items of furniture are lightweight but sturdy. Cupboards and wardrobes are typically constructed by attaching panels together, where the panels form the walls of the cupboard or wardrobe. The panels are typically attached together using fittings such as knock down fittings, fixed/rigid extrusions, brackets, mechanical fixing and adhesives, or are attached by pinning methods such as dowels or staples.

Disadvantages may arise in conventional furniture systems for recreational vehicles in that the furniture units are difficult to assemble and typically comprise many different parts. Furthermore, the requirement for using fittings to attach the panels together limits the type of materials that may be used in the panels.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a furniture system for a recreational vehicle or holiday home, comprising a first receiver for receiving an edge of first furniture panel, a second receiver for receiving an edge of a second furniture panel, wherein the first receiver and second receiver are positioned at an angle from each other, wherein the angle is adjustable.

The first receiver and second receiver may form a receiving component. The receiving component may be a unitary component and may be formed of a unitary piece of extruded plastics or metallic material. The receiving component may comprise a flexible element that may extend between the first receiver and the second receiver. The flexible element may be unitary with the first receiver and the second receiver. The flexible element may be curved. The radius of curvature of the flexible element may be adjustable, in order to adjust the angle between the first receiver and the second receiver. The feature of the receiving component comprising a flexible element provides the advantage that the same receiving component may be used for a variety of different furniture units that require corners of different angles, thereby reducing the number of different parts required to assemble the furniture units for a recreational vehicle or holiday home.

The first receiver may comprise a slot in which the edge of a furniture panel may be slotted in, in order to attach the furniture panel to the furniture system. The first receiver may comprise two or more walls to form the slot. Similarly, the second receiver may comprise walls to form a slot in which the edge of a furniture panel may be slotted in, in order to attach the furniture panel to the furniture system. The receivers may receive the panels in a push-fit attachment. This may provide the advantage of simplifying the assembly process of a furniture unit, because it is not necessary to machine specific fixing features into the panels, or include fixings for example bolts or knock down fittings to form the corner of a furniture unit. This increases the range of different type of materials that can be used as furniture panels.

The receiving component may comprise a third receiver for receiving an edge of a furniture panel. The third receiver may be positioned adjacent the first receiver, preferably in a fixed position relative to the first receiver. The third receiver may comprise a slot for receiving an edge of a furniture panel. The slot of the third receiver may be positioned at an oblique angle relative to the slot of the first receiver. The slot of the third receiver may be positioned perpendicular to the slot of the first receiver. The third receiver may be adapted to receive an edge of a furniture panel so that the panel projects in a direction that is different to the direction of projection of a panel that is received in the first receiver. The third receiver may be adapted to receive a furniture panel so that the panel projects from the third receiver in a direction perpendicular to the direction that a panel projects from the first receiver.

The receiving component may comprise a fourth receiver for receiving an edge of a furniture panel. The fourth receiver may be positioned adjacent the second receiver, preferably in a fixed position relative to the second receiver. The fourth receiver may comprise a slot for receiving an edge of a furniture panel. The slot of the fourth receiver may be positioned at an oblique angle relative to the slot of the second receiver. The slot of the fourth receiver may be positioned perpendicular to the slot of the second receiver. The fourth receiver may be adapted to receive an edge of a furniture panel so that the panel projects in a direction that is different to the direction of projection of a panel that is received in the second receiver. The fourth receiver may be adapted to receive a furniture panel so that the panel projects from the fourth receiver in a direction perpendicular to the direction that a panel projects from the second receiver when a panel is received in the second receiver.

To assemble a furniture unit, a first panel may be inserted into either the first receiver or the third receiver and a second panel may be inserted into either the second receiver or the fourth receiver. Providing the third and fourth receivers increases the range of angles of corners that can be formed in a furniture unit using the furniture system. The furniture system may comprise one or more spaces for modifying the width of the receivers, such that panels of different thicknesses may be receivable in the receivers. Any unused receivers in a furniture system may act as conduits for electric cable routings.

The receiving component may be adapted to receive metal inserts. The metal inserts may provide additional strength in the receiving component when required.

The receiving component may be adapted to receive accessories such as clips for shelves, hanging rails, hinges, catch plates, etc.

The furniture system may comprise a corner fixing component for fixing the receiving component in a desired configuration. The corner fixing component may retain the receiving component so that the furniture panels form a corner at a desired angle. The corner fixing component may hold the first receiver in a fixed position relative to the second receiver. The corner fixing component may be a moulded or cast component, preferably formed from either injection moulded plastics or die cast material. The corner fixing component may be attachable to the receiving component. For example, the corner fixing component may be bonded and/or screwed into the receivers of the receiving component.

The corner fixing component may comprise a first holder for holding a first part of the receiving component, preferably an end of the first receiver or an end of the third receiver. The corner fixing component may comprise a second holder for holding a second part of the receiving component, preferably an end of the second receiver or an end of the fourth receiver. The first holder may be in a fixed position relative to the second holder, in order to hold the first receiver in a fixed position relative to the second receiver. The position of the first holder relative to the second holder may set the angle of the corner formed by the receiving component.

The first holder may comprise a recess in which the first receiver or third receiver is insertable. The first holder may hold the first receiver or the third receiver in a push-fit attachment. The second holder may comprise a recess in which the second receiver or fourth receiver is insertable. The second holder may hold the second receiver or the fourth receiver in a push-fit attachment.

The furniture system may comprise a plurality of corner fixing components. Corner fixing components may be provided that fix the corner at various angles. When assembling a furniture unit, a suitable corner fixing component may be chosen from the plurality of corner fixing components, to fix the corner at the desired angle.

The corner fixing component may be provided at an upper end or a lower end of the receiving component. A second comer fixing component may be provided at the other of the upper end and the lower end of the furniture system.

The furniture system may comprise a corner cap, for covering the comer of a furniture unit. The comer cap may comprise means for attachment to the receiving component. In use, the comer cap may extend around the receiving component and the edges of the panels to cover the corner region of the furniture unit. The corner cap may comprise a projection that is attachable to a complementary projection on the receiving component. The corner cap projection may be a flange that slots together with a flange projection on the receiving component for attaching the corner cap to the receiving component.

The corner cap may comprise a curved surface. Alternatively, the corner cap may comprise two planar surfaces that are joined together to form a corner that corresponds to the angle of the corner formed by the receiving component.

The corner cap may be adapted to receive a cover such as a decorative foil or other aesthetic film.

The corner cap provides the advantage of covering the corner of a furniture unit incorporating the furniture system, thereby minimising edging requirements of the panels, for example when composite boards are used as the panels.

A furniture unit may comprise a plurality of furniture panels connected together using the components of the furniture system. The furniture system may be used to form a variety of different furniture units, for example cupboards, and wardrobes of different sizes. The panels may be boards that form walls of the furniture unit.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a receiving component for a furniture system;

Figure 2 shows a fixing component for the furniture system;

Figure 3 shows a curved corner cap for the furniture system;

Figure 4 shows a planar corner cap for the furniture system;

Figure 5 shows the furniture system assembled in a first configuration;

Figure 6 shows the furniture system assembled in a second configuration; and

Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of a furniture unit comprising the furniture system.

Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the furniture unit of figure 7.

Figure 1 shows a receiving component 10 that forms part of a furniture system. The receiving component 10 is an extruded portion. The receiving component comprises a first receiver 12 and a second receiver 14. The first and second receivers 12, 14 each comprise a recess 16, 18 for receiving the edge of a panel that forms a wall of a furniture unit in a push-fit arrangement. The first receiver 12 is adapted to receive an edge of a first furniture panel, and the second receiver 14 is adapted to receive an edge of a second furniture panel (see Figure 5 for more detail).

The receiving component 10 comprises third and fourth receivers 20, 22. The third receiver 20 is provided adjacent the first receiver 12, and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first receiver 12. The third receiver 20 comprises a slot 24 for receiving an edge of a furniture panel. If a panel is inserted in the third receiver 20, it will project from the receiving component 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of projection of a panel inserted in the first receiver 12.

Similarly, the fourth receiver 22 is provided adjacent the second receiver 14 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the second receiver 14. The fourth receiver 22 is adapted to receive an edge of a furniture panel in a slot 26, so that the furniture panel projects from the receiving component 10 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of projection of a panel inserted in the second receiver 14.

An edge of a first furniture panel may be received in either of the first receiver 12 or the third receiver 20, and an edge of a second furniture panel may be received in either of the second receiver 14 or the fourth receiver 22. Figure 5 shows an example in which the first panel is received in the first receiver 12. Figure 6 shows an example wherein the first furniture panel is received in the first receiver 12, and the second furniture panel is received in the fourth receiver 22.

The first receiver 12 and second receiver 14 are joined by a flexible element 28. The flexible element 28 is a curved piece of plastic that extends between the first receiver 12 and the second receiver 14. The radius of curvature of the flexible element 28 is adjustable, in order to adjust the relative positions of the first and second receivers 12, 14 and thereby adjust the angle of the receiving component 10.

The position of the third receiver 20 is fixed relative to the position of the first receiver 12, and the position of the fourth receiver 22 is fixed relative to the position of the second receiver 14. Adjustment of the angle between the first and second receivers 12, 14 therefore adjusts the angle between the third and fourth receivers 20, 22.

A corner fixing component 50 shown in figure 2 is attachable to the base of the receiving component 10. The corner fixing component 50 is formed by moulding, preferably injection moulding. As shown in figure 2, the corner fixing component 50 comprises a first holder 52 for holding a part of an end of the receiving component 10. The corner fixing component 50 comprises a second holder 54 for holding another part of the end of the receiving component. As shown in figure 6, the first holder 52 is configured to hold the third receiver 20 of the receiving component 10, and the second holder 54 is configured to hold the fourth receiver 22 of the receiving component 10. The positions of the first and second holders 52, 54 are fixed relative to each other, and therefore the corner fixing component 50 holds the receivers 12, 14, 20, 22 of the receiving component 10 in a fixed position, so the angle of the corner of a furniture unit is fixed.

The furniture system may comprise a plurality of corner fixing components 50 that can retain the receiving component 10 in different configurations in order to provide corners of different angles. For example, there may be provided a corner fixing component for fixing the corner at 120 degrees, and a corner fixing component for fixing the corner at 90 degrees, and a corner fixing component for fixing the corner at 60 degrees.

Figure 3 shows a curved corner cap 60. The curved corner cap 60 covers the exterior of the corner of the furniture unit when furniture panels are inserted in the receiving component 10. The curved corner cap 60 comprises a curved surface 62 for covering the corner of the furniture unit. Figure 5 shows the curved corner cap 60 used to cover the corner of a furniture unit when furniture panels are inserted into the first and second receivers 12,14.

The curved corner cap 60 comprises two projecting flanges 64, 66 for attachment to the receiving component 10. The receiving component 10 comprises complementary projecting flanges 30, 32 (see figure 1). The projecting flanges 64, 66 of the curved corner cap 60 slot together with the projecting flanges 30, 32 of the receiving component 10 to attach the cap 60 to the receiving component 10.

Figure 4 shows a planar corner cap 70. The planar corner cap 70 covers the exterior of the corner of the furniture unit when furniture panels are inserted in the receiving component 10. The planar corner cap 70 comprises a first surface 72 and a second surface 74, wherein the first surface 72 is angled relative to the second surface 74 at the angle of the corner. The first and second surfaces 72, 74 meet to form a corner, to cover the corner of the furniture unit. Figure 6 shows the planar corner cap 70 used to cover the corner of a furniture unit when furniture panels are inserted in the first and fourth receivers 12, 22.

The planar corner cap 70 comprises projecting flanges 76, 78 for attachment to the receiving component 10. The projecting flanges 76, 78 are adapted to slot together with the projecting flanges 30, 32 of the receiving component, to attach the planar cap 70 to the receiving component 10.

Figures 7 and 8 show a furniture unit 80 assembled using the furniture system and a series of panels. A first corner 82 of the furniture unit 80 is formed using a first receiving component 10a, first and second corner fixing components 50a, 50b, and a curved corner cap 60. The first corner fixing component 50a is provided at the lower end 84 of the first receiving component 10a, and the second corner receiving component 50b is provided at the upper end 85 of the first receiving component 10a. An edge of a first panel 86 is inserted in the first receiver 12a of the first receiving component 10a and an edge of a second panel 88 is inserted in the second receiver 14a of the first receiving component 10a. The first receiving component 10a is held in position by the first and second fixing components 50a, 50b so that the first and second panels 86, 88 extend in directions substantially perpendicularly from each other.

A second corner 90 of the furniture unit 80 is formed using a second receiving component 10b, a third corner fixing component (not shown), a fourth corner fixing component 50c, and a planar corner capping unit 70. The third corner fixing component is provided at a lower end of the second receiving component 10b and the fourth corner fixing component 50c is provided at an upper end of the second receiving component 10b. An edge of the second panel 88 is inserted in the first receiver 12b of the second receiving component 10b and an edge of a third panel 92 is inserted in the fourth receiver 22b of the second receiving component. The second receiving component 10b is held in position so that the third panel 92 extends substantially parallel to the second panel 88.

As shown in figures 7 and 8, the receiving components 10a, 10b extend up the length of the edge of the panels 86, 88, 92 and corner caps 60, 70 extend up the length of the exterior of the corners of the furniture unit.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A furniture system for a caravan or motorhome, comprising a receiving component having a first receiver for receiving an edge of first furniture panel and a second receiver for receiving an edge of a second furniture panel, wherein the first receiver and second receiver are positioned at an angle from each other, wherein the angle is adjustable

2. The furniture system according to claim 1, wherein the receiving component is a unitary component.

3. The furniture system according to claim or claim 2, further comprising a flexible element extending between the first receiverand the second receiver.

4. The furniture system according to any preceding claim, wherein the first receiver comprises a first slot for receiving an edge of the first furniture panel in a push-fit attachment and the second receiver comprises a second slot for receiving and edge of the second furniture panel in a push fit attachment.

5. The furniture system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third receiver positioned adjacent the first receiver, in a fixed position relative to the first receiver, wherein the third receiver is adapted to receive an edge of a furniture panel so that the panel projects in a direction that is different to the direction of projection of a panel that is received in the first receiver

6. The furniture system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a fourth receiver positioned adjacent the second receiver, in a fixed position relative to the second receiver, wherein the fourth receiver is adapted to receive an edge of a furniture panel so that the panel projects in a direction that is different to the direction of projection of a panel that is received in the second receiver.

7. The furniture system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a corner fixing component for fixing the receiving component in a desired configuration by preventing adjustment of the angle between the first receiver and the second receiver.

8. The furniture system according to claim 7, wherein the corner fixing component is formed of injection moulded plastics material.

9. The furniture system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a comer cap for covering a comer of a furniture unit formed by the first and second panels received by the receiving component.

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10. The furniture system according claim 9, wherein the comer cap comprises means for attachment to the receiving component.

11. The furniture system according to claim 10, wherein the comer cap comprises a projecting flange that is attachable to a corresponding projecting flange of the receiving

10 component.

12. The furniture system according to any of claims 9 to 11,wherein the comer cap comprises a curved surface for covering the comer of the furniture unit.

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13. The furniture system according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the comer cap comprises a first planar surface and a second planar surface that are joined together to form a comer that corresponds to the comer of the furniture unit.