GB2598887A

GB2598887A - Furniture joints

Info

Publication number: GB2598887A
Application number: GB2012815.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mccullough Stephen
Original assignee: Kanso Ltd
Current assignee: Kanso Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-17
Filing date: 2020-08-17
Publication date: 2022-03-23
Also published as: GB202012815D0

Abstract

A furniture joint assembly 1 comprising a first furniture part 2 comprising sheet material and having a front face 6, a rear face 8 and an aperture (10, Figure 1b) therethrough. A second furniture part 12 includes an engaging face (14, Figure 1b) with first and second portions (16,18; Figure 1b). On assembly a hook 20 of the second part passes through the aperture in the first part. The hook extends from between the first and second portions of the engaging face, turns to define a slot (21, Figure 1c) with the first portion of the engaging face that is wider than the thickness of the first furniture part, and returns towards the first portion of the engaging face to end at a hook end (22, Figure 1c). The hook end engages with the rear face of the sheet material of the first furniture part. An A frame leg assembly (36, Figure 4b) for a trestle table comprising said furniture joint assembly is also disclosed. A further joint assembly is disclosed comprising first and second furniture parts (50,52; Figure 5a). Said first furniture part has first and second slots (58,60; Figure 5a) said slots including bevelled edges (62,68; Figure 5b).

Description

Furniture Joints

FIELD

The present invention relates to furniture joint assemblies that can find use in furniture that is readily assembled and disassembled. The joint assemblies may not require the use of tools, fastenings or fixatives.

BACKGROUND

Furniture that can be readily assembled and disassembled, preferably without the use of tools, fastenings or fixatives, or at least with minimal use of such items, is desirable.

The present applicant's international patent application PCT/GB2019/051791 described joint systems of use in readily assembled furniture that can be modular in nature, allowing the use of common parts to assemble a variety of furniture items.

Additional or alternative joint systems may provide the prospect of an even greater range of options in constructing furniture items.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect the invention provides a furniture joint assembly comprising: a) a first furniture part comprising: sheet material having a front face, a rear face and an aperture therethrough for receiving a hook feature of a second furniture part; and b) a second furniture part for assembling with the first furniture part into the joint assembly and comprising: an engaging face for engaging with the front face of the sheet material of the first furniture part, wherein the engaging face has a first portion for locating at the front face to one side of the aperture and a second portion for engaging with the front face at an opposite side of the aperture; and a hook for passing through the aperture in the sheet material of the first furniture part; the hook extending from between the first and second portions of the engaging face, turning to define a slot with the first portion of the engaging face that is wider than the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part, and returning towards the first portion of the engaging face to end at a hook end for engaging with the rear face of the sheet material of the first furniture part.

The joint assembly can be assembled by inserting the hook end of the second furniture part through the aperture in the first furniture part and rotating the second furniture part relative to the first until the first and second portions of the engagement face engage (contact) the front face of the first furniture part and the hook end engages (contacts) the rear face of the first furniture part. The hook end and the first portion of the engaging face define a restriction in the slot to a width that can receive the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part in a snug or even an interference fit when the assembly is made, with the second portion of the engaging face providing a third contact (to the front face) between the first and second parts (on the front face).

The hook turns to define a slot wider than the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part. This can aid in making the joint assembly as the width of the slot aids in providing room to insert and rotate the hook through the aperture in the first furniture part.

The hook end may engage the rear face of the first furniture part further away from the aperture than the first portion of the engaging face locates at the front face of the aperture. The first portion of the engaging face of the second furniture part locates at the front face of the first furniture part. In some examples of the joint assembly, the first portion may cover the aperture by locating closely to the front face, even being in contact with it. In other examples the first portion of the engaging face may engage with the front face of the first furniture part. i.e. it may be in operative contact with the front face of the first furniture part, cooperating with other features of the joint to prevent disassembly except when intended.

The joint assembly can provide a stable, load bearing joint, useful as part of furniture assemblies as described further herein with reference to specific examples. At the same time the joint assembly may not require the use of any fastenings or bonding agents to hold it together. Therefore the joint assembly can be disassembled easily, providing the prospect of furniture that can be assembled, disassembled and reassembled as required, without the use of tools, fastenings or fixatives.

The first furniture part comprises sheet material. The first furniture part may consist essentially of, or consist of, sheet material. The second furniture part may comprise sheet material. The second furniture part may consist essentially of, or consist of, sheet material.

Where the second furniture pad comprises sheet material, the hook may be of sheet material. Where the second furniture part comprises sheet material, the engaging face may be an edge of the sheet material from which the hook extends. Thus the engaging face and hook may be conveniently formed by cutting and/or machining a single portion of a sheet material.

The sheet material may comprise any suitably load bearing sheet material for furniture parts. For example a wood product, such as timber, medium density fibreboard (MDF), plywood or the like. It will be appreciated that other materials such as plastic, metal, fibrous, natural and/or man-made materials may be used alone or in combination to construct the sheet material. A joint assembly may comprise one or more materials.

Thus the joint assembly of the invention can provide a means for joining two furniture parts of a sheet material together. For example a means of joining two furniture parts comprising sheet material orthogonally together.

The second furniture part may further comprise a second slot defined between the second portion of the engaging face and a second slot engaging face provided on the hook. The second slot can be of a width to receive the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part, for example in a snug or even an interference fit. The second slot can act to stabilise and strengthen the joint assembly by engaging the front face of the first furniture part, the rear face of the first furniture part and the thickness of the sheet material across the aperture.

A second slot defined between the second portion of the engaging face and a second slot engaging face provided on the hook can be of particular use where the second furniture part is heavy or for bearing a load; and the hook projects upwards towards its end in use. The second slot can allow the second furniture part to rest securely across the bottom of the aperture.

Alternatively a second slot may be defined by a restriction in the width of the slot defined by the hook and the first portion of the engaging face. The restriction may be provided by a projection from the hook as it extends from the engagement face and/or turns the define the slot. The restriction can have a second slot engaging face for engaging the rear face of the first furniture part. The second slot can have a width to receive the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part in a snug or even an interference fit. The second slot can act to stabilise and strengthen the joint assembly by engaging the front face of the first furniture part, the rear face of the first furniture part and the thickness of the sheet material across the aperture.

A second slot defined as a restriction in the width of the slot defined by the hook and the first engaging face can be of particular use where the hook projects downwards towards its end in use. The second slot allows the second furniture part to rest securely across the bottom of the aperture.

In some examples the second furniture part may be provided with both types of second slots as discussed above, which may then be designated as second and third slots respectively.

The joint assemblies described herein can find use in furniture articles of many different types, especially those making use of sheet material to provide readily assembled and disassembled furniture. A trestle table and a bed head arrangement are described in more detail hereafter.

According to a second aspect the invention provides an 'A' frame leg assembly for a trestle table, the leg assembly comprising: a) two leg planks of sheet material upstanding in use and angled towards each other in the upwards direction, wherein each plank has a front face facing the other plank and a rear face facing outwards away from the other plank, and wherein each plank has an aperture therethrough for receiving a hook feature of a cross member plank; and b) a cross member plank of sheet material having at each end: an edge as engaging face for engaging with the front face of the sheet material of the respective leg plank, wherein the engaging face has a first portion for locating at the front face to one side of the aperture and a second portion for engaging with the front face at an opposite side of the aperture; and a hook for passing through the aperture in the sheet material of the respective leg plank; the hook extending from between the first and second portions of the engaging face, turning to define a slot wider than the thickness of the sheet material of the respective leg plank, and returning towards the first portion of the engaging face to end at a hook end for engaging with the rear face of the sheet material of the respective leg plank.

The A frame leg assembly makes use of joint assemblies of the first aspect of the invention. The joint assemblies employed in the A frame leg assembly may employ any of the features described herein in respect of the first aspect. The A frame can find use in supporting a table top as described herein but may also be employed more generally for supporting a load.

The engaging faces and hooks of the cross member plank may be conveniently formed by cutting and/or machining sheet material.

The leg planks and cross member plank may consist only of sheet material e.g. wood, plywood or any other type of sheet material.

The leg planks of sheet material are angled towards each other in the upwards direction. The top ends of the leg planks may end spaced apart, for fitting at separate locations to the underside of a table top or to supports for a table top. i.e. the top of the A frame assembly may not be closed, but is connected by attachment to a table top, support for a table top, or the like.

The hooks of the cross member plank may be directed downwards. This arrangement can provide a strong locked together arrangement when the A frame assembly is employed as legs for a table or the like, as discussed hereafter with reference to a particular embodiment. Hooks pointing downwards and extending lower than the first engagement part can also provide a strong locked together arrangement.

The A frame leg assembly is suitable for a trestle table. A three legged table employing on A frame assembly and a conventional leg or other additional support as the third leg is envisaged. More typically at least two of A frame leg assemblies will be employed, spaced apart and, typically in a parallel relationship, to provide four legs to a table top, two from each assembly. As a yet further alternative the leg planks of one A frame assembly may be sufficiently wide to support a table without other legs being required.

The table top may comprise means for engaging with the A frame assemblies. A table top can connect to the top ends of the leg planks by being provided with grooves for receiving the top ends of leg planks. For example a groove for each leg plank on the underside of the table top. The grooves are sized to receive the thickness of the top ends of the leg planks.

Alternatively the table top may be provided with downwards extending projections, for example elongate blocks of e.g. sheet material and the top ends of the leg planks abut the underside of the table top and the projection.

As a yet further alternative the table top may be supported upon table support planks that run as cross members between spaced apart top ends of the leg planks.

The table support planks may include slots for accepting the top ends of the leg planks.

In some examples the top ends of leg planks may be provided with an outwardly facing groove that receives a corresponding inwardly directed projection of the grooves in a table top or the slot in a table support plank. This can aid in 'locking a table top to the A frame assembly, for example allowing a table to be picked up by the table top, without disengaging the top from the A frame. The reverse arrangement may also serve i.e. the top ends of leg planks may be provided with an outwardly directed projection that is received in a corresponding inwardly facing groove of the grooves in a table top or the slot in a table support plank.

Thus a table that can be easily assembled and disassembled, without the use of tools, fastenings or fixatives can be made by providing one or more A frame assemblies as described herein and a table top having means for engaging with the A frame assemblies.

According to a third aspect the invention provides a furniture joint assembly comprising: a) a first furniture part comprising: a first surface; first and second slots, spaced apart from each other, defining an axis therebetween, and extending into or through the furniture part from the first surface; wherein the first slot includes a bevelled edge, distal to the second slot and lengthening the first slot in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the furniture part; wherein the second slot comprises two portions; a locking portion including a bevelled edge, distal to the first slot and lengthening the locking portion in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the first furniture part; and a receiving portion, alongside the locking portion, and longer in the axial direction, at least at the first surface; and b) a second furniture part comprising a portion of a resiliently deformable sheet material comprising an edge face for placing alongside the first surface of the first furniture part; wherein the edge face includes first and second tab portions, projecting from the edge face, spaced apart and sized for fitting into the respective first and second slots of the first furniture part: wherein the first tab portion includes a bevelled edge for face to face engagement with the bevelled edge of the first slot in the first furniture part; and wherein the second tab portion includes a bevelled edge for face to face engagement with the bevelled edge of the locking portion of the second slot in the first furniture part; and wherein the first and second slots are aligned so that after the first tab portion is inserted into the first slot, the resiliently deformable sheet material can be bent transverse to the axis so that the second tab portion can be inserted into the receiving portion of the second slot and then unbent into the locking portion of the second slot, thereby securing the first furniture part to the second furniture part.

In the furniture joint assembly according to this aspect, the edge face of the second furniture part may contact the first surface of the first furniture part when the assembly is made. This can provide a more secure assembly.

The second furniture part comprises a portion of a resiliently deformable sheet material. The second furniture part may consist essentially of or consist of a resiliently deformable sheet material. In this context 'resiliently deformable' means that there is sufficient resilience so that the sheet material tends to unbend into the locking portion of the second slot. If the parts have a snug or even an interference fit then some force may be applied to straighten the sheet material into place.

Conveniently, when the second tab portion is in the locking portion of the second slot the resiliently deformable sheet material of the second furniture part is not fully returned to the unbent position i.e. the second tab portion is resiliently biased to the locked position when the joint assembly has been made. This can provide a secure assembly, even when furniture is being moved or is otherwise subjected to changing loads.

Alternative or additional means of securing the joint assembly are envisaged. The second tab portion may be prevented from moving from the locking portion to the receiving portion of the second slot by a restriction preventing bending or rotation of the second furniture part. (Rotation may be possible, to some extent, depending on the tolerances provided for fitting the first and second parts together.) For example a restriction may be placed in the receiving portion of the second slot e.g. a removeable plug, at least partially filling it. Alternatively a restriction may be fitted alongside the resiliently deformable sheet material as it extends from the first to the second slot, to act against bending or rotation. For example a peg may be fitted into an aperture in the first furniture part, alongside the second furniture part, to prevent bending or rotation..

As a yet further alternative the restriction may be provided by an arrangement where the joint assembly according to this third aspect includes a third furniture part fitted alongside the second furniture part. The third furniture part has the connection features of the second furniture part including the tab portions; and the first furniture part has corresponding third and fourth slots for receiving the tab portions. The third and fourth slots are positioned alongside the first and second slots but with the fourth slot (including the receiving and locking portions) alongside the first slot. When the first second and third furniture parts are assembled with the second and third furniture parts alongside each other a secure arrangement can be obtained.

Sheet material employed for assemblies according to the third aspect may be for example, a wood product, such as timber, medium density fibreboard (MDF), plywood or the like. It will be appreciated that other materials such as plastic, metal, fibrous, natural and/or man-made materials may be used alone or in combination to construct the resilient sheet material.

For example if the sheet material of the second furniture part has a rectilinear edge face, then the locking portion of the second slot is in alignment with the first slot and the first slot does not permit an inserted first tab portion to move substantially transverse to the axis during bending of the sheet material. The receiving portion of the second slot is slightly to one side, requiring bending of the sheet material to allow insertion of the second tab portion. After insertion of the second tab portion the sheet material is allowed to spring back towards or into its unbent shape, and the second tab portion locates in the locking portion of the second slot. Disassembly follows the reverse procedure. The sheet material is bent to displace the second tab portion into the receiving portion of the second slot, from where it is pulled out of the second slot. The first tab portion can then be removed from the first slot The bevelled edges of the tabs on the second furniture part secure the first furniture part to the second furniture part in a manner akin to a dovetail joint arrangement as illustrated below and with reference to specific embodiments. The respective bevelled edges of the first and second furniture parts are in face to face engagement. The spacing between the bevelled edges on the first furniture part and the bevelled edges of the tab portions of the second furniture part correspond to give a snug or even an interference fit.

The joint assembly may include further securing features. The joint assembly of the third aspect may be bonded into place with an adhesive in some uses, but fixative free, easy to assemble and disassemble furniture joints are contemplated.

The locking portion of the second slot may be provided with a further bevelled edge, opposed to the first i.e. at the other end of the slot in the axial direction -proximal to the first slot. The further bevelled edge lengthens the locking portion of the second slot in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the first furniture part. In such an embodiment the second tab portion on the second furniture part will have a corresponding further bevelled edge for face to face engagement when the joint assembly is made. In other words, in such an embodiment, the second tab portion forms a dovetail that can be slid from the receiving portion of the second slot into the locking portion, where the respective bevelled edges are face to face.

The second slot on the first furniture part includes two portions. The receiving portion is longer in the axial direction, at least at the first surface. This allows reception of the corresponding tab portion on the second furniture part. The receiving portion may be of the same length as the locking portion when the increased length of the locking portion caused by the angles of bevelled edges is included. Alternatively the receiving portion of the second slot may be longer.

The tab portions on the second furniture part may be of the same material as the sheet material,. For example, the tab portions may be formed by cutting or machining sheet material to provide the edge face and tab portions projecting from it.

The tab portions on the second furniture part may be of the same width as the thickness of the sheet material. However, in such an example, the second slot is wider than the sheet material as the second tab portion is bent transversely into place in the second slot when making the joint. Therefore it can be advantageous if the width of the second tab portion is narrower than (e.g. half the width or less) the thickness of the sheet material. This can allow use of a narrower second slot, that may be completely hidden from view behind the second furniture part after the joint is made.

The slots in the first furniture part extend into or through the furniture part from the first surface. The slots may be generally rectangular in form. Edges of a generally rectangular first slot may fit closely to or in contact with faces of the first tab portion when the joint is made. The slots may extend only part way through the first furniture part, so that the joints made are not visible, at least from the other side to the first surface. Alternatively the slots extend through the first furniture part to show the connection of the two parts at a side opposite the first surface.

For example the slots may be made part way through a first furniture part that comprises a sheet material, such as a bed headboard. The second furniture part may be one of a plurality of headboard supports, each supporting the headboard at a first surface that is the back of the headboard. Thus the joint(s) between the headboard and supports are not visible from the front of the headboard.

The joint is made when an assembly method is carried out. The first tab portion is inserted into the first slot (so as to engage the respective bevelled edges of the first slot and first tab portion). The sheet material of the second furniture part is bent to allow insertion of the second tab portion into the receiving portion of the second slot and then the unbending of the sheet material tends to drive the second tab portion into the locking portion of the second slot.

Where two second furniture parts are employed with one first furniture part, with a pair of first and second slots provided for each second furniture part, the joint assembly can be particularly secure. The unbending of the sheet material of one second furniture part can be in the opposite direction to the unbending of the sheet material of the other second furniture part. For example, if the two second furniture parts are upstanding parallel supports of a bed headboard fixed to a bed frame, then the receiving portions of the second slots can be placed each to the inside of their respective locking portion or each to the outside of their respective locking portion.

The second furniture part of the furniture joint assembly according to the third aspect may include the engaging face and hook features of a second furniture part in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. This can allow connection to a further furniture part by means of a joint assembly according to the first aspect of the invention.

A bed and headboard assembly described further below provides an example of the use of these joint assemblies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures la to lc show a furniture joint assembly in schematic perspective and cross section elevation views; Figures 2a to 2d show another furniture joint assembly in schematic perspective and cross section elevation views; Figures 3a to 3d show a further furniture joint assembly in schematic perspective and cross section elevation views; Figure 4a shows, in schematic cross section, a furniture joint assembly used in a trestle table shown in figure 4b; Figure 4b shows a trestle table in schematic cross section elevation; Figures 4c and 4d show in schematic cross section the fitting of leg planks to a support plank in the table of figure 4b; Figure 5a shows, in schematic cross section, a bed headboard connected to a bed frame by a support; Figures 5b and Sc show, in schematic cross section detail, fitting the headboard of figure 5a to the support; Figure 5d shows in schematic elevation part of the headboard of figure 5a; Figure Se shows in partial schematic perspective cross section the headboard and support of figure 5a; and Figure 5f shows in schematic elevation part of an alternative headboard arrangement to that of figure 5d.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure la shows schematically a furniture joint assembly 1 in perspective with the assembly shown being made in cross section elevation figure lb and in completed form in cross section elevation figure lc.

First furniture part 2 is of a sheet material 4 (e.g. plywood) with a front face 6 and rear face 8. As can be seen more clearly in figures lb and lc an aperture 10 passes through sheet material 4. Second furniture part 12, in this example also of a sheet material (e.g. plywood), has an engaging face 14 for engaging with the front faces of the first part 2. Engaging face 14 has a first portion 16 and a second portion 18.

A hook 20, of the sheet material, extends from between the first and second portions 16, 18, of the engaging face 14. The hook 20 turns to define a slot 21 with the first portion 16 of the engaging face 14 that is wider (width W) than the thickness 'T of the sheet material 4 of the first part 2.

Hook 20 returns towards the first portion 16 of engaging face 14 to end at hook end 22.

As can be seen from figures lb and lc the joint assembly is made by inserting hook 20 through aperture 10 and rotating (suggested by arrow R) the second furniture part 12 downwards until the hook end 22 engages the rear face 8 of the first furniture part 2 with the first portion 16, of the engaging face 14 locating at the front face 6 of the first furniture part 2. The second portion 18, of the engaging face 14 of the second furniture part 12 engages the front face 6 of the first furniture part at the other side of aperture 10. The extra width W of the slot 21, compared to the thickness T, facilitates insertion and rotation of the second part 12 (figure 1b) whilst allowing a secure finished assembly as shown in figure lc. The spacing between the hook end 22 and the first portion 16 of the engaging face 14 corresponds to the thickness T. In this example a force Fl (e.g. a weight acting downwards) applied to second part 12 is countered by forces F2 and F3 from part 2, giving a stable joint.

Figures 2a to 2d show a similar joint assembly to that shown in figures 1, with like parts numbered the same. The assembled joint is shown in figure 2a. Elevation views 2b to 2d show assembly of the joint in elevation cross section views. In this example the second furniture part 12 includes a second slot 24, defined between the second portion 18 of engaging face 14 and another engaging face 26 cut in the hook 20. The second slot 24 is sized to accept the thickness T of the first part 2.

Assembly of the joint is done by rotation R (figure 2b) of part 12 to fit the hook 20 through aperture 10 and place hook end 22 onto rear face 8 of part 2. As shown in figure 2c the assembly is completed by downwards motion D to engage second slot 24 about the lower end 28 of aperture 10. The completed assembly 1, shown in figure 2d has additional security provided by the use of slot 24, but can be readily disassembled by reversing the sequence shown in figures 2b to 2d.

Figures 3a to 3d show a similar joint assembly 1 to that of figures 1 and 2, with like parts numbered the same. In this example the hook 20 is shown fitted in a downwards direction as shown in perspective view figure 3a. As can be seen in elevation views 3a to 3d a restriction is provided in the slot 21 by a small projection 30. The restriction 30 has an engaging face 32 and together with first engaging face 16 defines a second slot 24 (marked in figure 3c).

Figures 3b to 3d show assembly in elevation cross sections. An upwards rotation R is shown in figure 3b, followed by a downwards movement D in figure 3c that engages second slot 24 about the lower end 28 of aperture 10. In this example the first portion 16 of the engaging face 14 not only locates at but engages with the front face 6 of the first furniture part 2.

Figures 4a and 4b show schematically an A frame assembly and its use in an exemplary trestle table. Figure 4a shows in elevation cross section a joint assembly akin to that of figure 1c except that the hook 20 is inverted and the two furniture parts 2 and 12 are in a sloping arrangement. The sloping of the first furniture part 2 relative to the second 12 is determined by the angle of first and second portions 16, 18, of the engaging face 14, and a corresponding angle on hook end 22.

As shown in schematic elevation figure 4b a plank 34 forms the cross member plank of an A frame assembly 36 together with two leg planks 38, 40. The leg planks and cross member plank are held together by two joint assemblies 1 of the form shown in figure 4a. The A frame 36 provides two legs (leg planks 38, 40) for a table support plank 42. A further A frame assembly (not visible, spaced apart from and behind assembly 36) provides another two legs and will have a corresponding support plank. A table top can be fitted onto support planks 42. As can be seen in figure 4b the top ends 46, 48 of leg planks 38, 40 do not meet but instead separately engage table top support plank 42, by fitting into grooves 44 on its underside. The grooves hold the leg planks in place and can urge the top ends 46, 48 towards each other as suggested by arrows F4.

The weight of a table top (and any load placed on it) applies force F5, urging the spreading of leg planks 38, 40 (arrows S), which is resisted by the cross member plank 34. This helps to securely hold the joint assemblies 1 together.

Figures 4c and 4d show in close up an optional arrangement at the top ends 46, 48 of leg planks. As can be seen in figure 4c the top end 46 of the leg plank shown has an outwardly facing groove 47 that receives an inwardly facing projection 49 in the slot 44 of support plank 42. This arrangement can 'lock' the leg plank 46 into the table support plank 42 even if the table of figure 4b is lifted by the support plank 42 or a table top secured to it. Figure 4d shows the leg plank 38 being fitted to the support plank 42.

Figures 5a to Sc show another joint assembly arrangement in schematic cross section elevation. In figure 5a a first furniture part 50 (in this example a bed head board of a sheet material) is shown in cross section joined to a second furniture part 52 (in this example a support for first part 50). Support 52 is of a sheet material and is joined to a bed frame 54 using a joint assembly 1 of the type shown in figures 1.

First part 50 has a first surface 56 with first 58 and second 60 slots extending into the first furniture part, but not passing through it.

In enlarged views figure 5b and Sc it can be seen that first slot 58 incudes a bevelled edge 62 at the distal end from second slot 60 which increases the length of slot 58 as it extends into the first furniture part. (in the direction of axis 67 shown in figure 5d, discussed below) As can be seen from elevation view of the first surface 56 shown in figure 5d, second slot 60 has a locking portion 64 with a receiving portion 66 alongside it. Locking portion 64 has a bevelled edge 68 at the distal end from first slot 58 which increases the length of locking portion 64 (in the direction of the axis 67 defined by slots 58, 60) as it extends into the first furniture part. In this example the receiving portion 66 of second slot 60 is longer than the locking portion 64.

In this example the locking portion of second slot 60 is provided with a further bevelled edge 70 opposed to bevelled edge 68. The further bevelled edge 70 lengthens the locking portion 64 of the second slot 60 in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the first furniture part.

Second part 52 has an edge face 72 that contacts first surface 56 when the joint is made (see figures 5b to 5d). First 74 and second 76 tab portions project from edge face 72. First tab portion 74 has a bevelled edge 78 for face to face engagement with the bevelled edge 62 of the first slot 58 in the first furniture part 50. The second tab portion 76 includes a bevelled edge 80 for face to face engagement with the bevelled edge 68 of the locking portion 64 of the second slot 60 in the first furniture part 50.

In this example second tab portion 76 also has further bevelled edge 82 for face to face engagement with further bevelled edge 70 on the locking portion 64 of second slot 60 when the joint assembly is made as described below.

The joint assembly between first and second furniture parts 50, 52 is shown in schematic perspective view figure 5e with only a section of part 50, including slots 58 and 60 shown.

The assembly is made as follows. First tab portion 74 is located in first slot 58 with respective bevelled edges 78, 62 face to face (figure 5b), and the second furniture part 52 aligned along axis 67 (figure 5d). The edges of slot 58 align part 52 in the desired direction with respect to second slot 60. Part 52 is then bent away from axis 67 (suggested by arrow B in figure 5d) to allow second tab portion 76 to be received into receiving portion 66 of second slot 60. Once the second tab portion 76 is in the receiving portion 66 part 52 can then be unbent (arrow U) to locate bevelled edges 80,82 face to face with corresponding bevelled edges 68,70 in locking portion 64. Unbending may be due solely the resilience of the sheet material of part 52, or if a tight fit, force may be applied in direction U to complete assembly. It can be advantageous to have the alignment of slots 58 and 60 arranged so that when the assembly is made the second tab portion remains resiliently biased to the locked position (in the direction of arrow U). Disassembly follows the reverse procedure.

In the example depicted the bed headboard (first part 50) will typically be fixed to two or more supports (second parts 52) by the same means shown in figures 5.

Figure 5f shows in schematic elevation an arrangement similar to that discussed above and depicted in figures 5a to 5e. In this example first furniture part 50 is provided with third and fourth slots 84, 86 placed respectively alongside first and second slots 58, 60. The third slot 84 has the same form as the second slot 60 while the fourth slot 86 has the same form as the first slot 58. This allows fitment of a third furniture part 88 running alongside second furniture part 52, having a similar arrangement of tab portions but with the slot 84, that includes the receiving and locking portions, at the opposite end to the slot 60 that locks to the first furniture part 50. Such an arrangement is resistant to unintended disassembly by e.g. unintended rotation of the second furniture part 52 relative to first part 50.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A furniture joint assembly comprising: a) a first furniture part comprising: sheet material having a front face, a rear face and an aperture therethrough for receiving a hook feature of a second furniture part; and b) a second furniture part for assembling with the first furniture part into the joint assembly and comprising: an engaging face for engaging with the front face of the sheet material of the first furniture part, wherein the engaging face has a first portion for locating at the front face to one side of the aperture and a second portion for engaging with the front face at an opposite side of the aperture; and a hook for passing through the aperture in the sheet material of the first furniture part; the hook extending from between the first and second portions of the engaging face, turning to define a slot with the first portion of the engaging face that is wider than the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part, and returning towards the first portion of the engaging face to end at a hook end for engaging with the rear face of the sheet material of the first furniture part.
2. The furniture joint assembly of claim 1 wherein the second furniture part further comprises a second slot for receiving the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part, wherein the second slot is defined between the second portion of the engaging face and a second slot engaging face provided on the hook.
3. The furniture joint assembly of claim 1 wherein the second furniture part further comprises a second slot for receiving the thickness of the sheet material of the first furniture part; wherein the second slot is defined by a restriction in the width of the slot defined by the hook and the first engaging face; and wherein the restriction is provided by a projection from the hook as it extends from the engagement face and/or turns the define the slot and has a second slot engaging face for engaging the rear face of the first furniture part.
4. The furniture joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the hook end engages the rear face of the first furniture part further away from the aperture than the first portion of the engaging face engages the front face of the aperture.
5. The furniture joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the first furniture part consists essentially of sheet material.
6. The furniture joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the second furniture part consists essentially of sheet material.
7. The furniture joint assembly of any preceding claim wherein the hook is of sheet material.
8. The furniture joint assembly of claim 7 wherein the engaging face is an edge of the sheet material from which the hook extends.
9. The furniture joint of any preceding claim wherein sheet material employed in the first and/or the second furniture parts comprises at least one of: a wood product, such as timber, medium density fibreboard (MDF), plywood, plastic, metal, and fibre reinforced plastic.
10. An A frame leg assembly for a trestle table, the leg assembly comprising: a) two leg planks of sheet material upstanding in use and angled towards each other in the upwards direction, wherein each plank has a front face facing the other plank and a rear face facing outwards away from the other plank, and wherein each plank has an aperture therethrough for receiving a hook feature of a cross member plank; and b) a cross member plank of sheet material having at each end: an edge as engaging face for engaging with the front face of the sheet material of the respective leg plank, wherein the engaging face has a first portion for locating at the front face to one side of the aperture and a second portion for engaging with the front face at an opposite side of the aperture; and a hook for passing through the aperture in the sheet material of the respective leg plank; the hook extending from between the first and second portions of the engaging face, turning to define a slot wider than the thickness of the sheet material of the respective leg plank, and returning towards the first portion of the engaging face to end at a hook end for engaging with the rear face of the sheet material of the respective leg plank.
11. The A frame leg assembly of claim 10 wherein the engaging faces and hooks of the cross member plank are formed by cutting and/or machining sheet material.
12. The A frame leg assembly of claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the top ends of the leg planks are spaced apart following construction of the assembly.
13. The A frame leg assembly of any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the hooks of the cross member plank are directed downwards in use.
14. The A frame leg assembly of claim 13 wherein the hooks extend lower than the first engagement parts of the cross member plank.
15. A trestle table comprising at least one A frame leg assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14. 20
16. A trestle table according to claim 15 comprising: at least two A frame leg assemblies according to any one of claims 10 to 14, to provide at least four legs to a table top; and a table top comprising means for engaging with the top ends of the leg planks of the A frame leg assemblies.
17. A trestle table according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the table top is provided with a grooves for receiving the top ends of the legs.
18. A trestle table according to claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the table top is provided with downwards extending projections and the top ends of the leg planks abut the said projections and the underside of the table top.
19. A furniture joint assembly comprising: a) a first furniture part comprising: a first surface; first and second slots, spaced apart from each other, defining an axis therebetween, and extending into or through the furniture part from the first surface; wherein the first slot includes a bevelled edge, distal to the second slot and lengthening the first slot in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the furniture part; wherein the second slot comprises two portions; a locking portion including a bevelled edge, distal to the first slot and lengthening the locking portion in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the first furniture part; and a receiving portion, alongside the locking portion, and longer in the axial direction, at least at the first surface; and b) a second furniture part comprising a portion of a resiliently deformable sheet material comprising an edge face for placing alongside the first surface of the first furniture part; wherein the edge face includes first and second tab portions, projecting from the edge face, spaced apart and sized for fitting into the respective first and second slots of the first furniture part: wherein the first tab portion includes a bevelled edge for face to face engagement with the bevelled edge of the first slot in the first furniture part; and wherein the second tab portion includes a bevelled edge for face to face engagement with the bevelled edge of the locking portion of the second slot in the first furniture part; and wherein the first and second slots are aligned so that after the first tab portion is inserted into the first slot, the resiliently deformable sheet material can be bent transverse to the axis so that the second tab portion can be inserted into the receiving portion of the second slot and then unbent into the locking portion of the second slot, thereby securing the first furniture part to the second furniture part.
20. The furniture joint assembly of claim 19 wherein the edge face of the second furniture part contacts the first surface of the first furniture part when the assembly is made.
21. The furniture joint assembly of claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the second furniture part consists essentially of a resiliently deformable sheet material.
22. The furniture joint assembly of any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the locking portion of the second slot is provided with a further bevelled edge, opposed to the first, that lengthens the locking portion of the second slot in the direction of the axis as it extends into or through the first furniture part; and wherein the second tab portion on the second furniture part has a corresponding further bevelled edge for face to face engagement when the joint assembly is made.
23. The furniture joint assembly of any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the tab portions are formed by cutting or machining the sheet material of the second furniture part.
24. The furniture joint assembly of any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein the tab portions have the same thickness as the sheet material forming the second furniture part.
25. The furniture joint assembly of any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein the second tab portion is narrower than the thickness of the sheet material of the second furniture part.