SE2150196A1 - Storage furniture assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A storage furniture assembly comprises a first furniture frame panel (10a) extending in a first frame panel plane (P1), a second furniture frame panel (10b) configured to be connected in a fixed relationship to the first furniture frame panel (10a) to extend in a second frame panel plane (P2) at an angle to the first frame panel plane (P1), and a furniture foot assembly comprising a set of furniture feet (26), wherein said first furniture frame panel (10a) is provided with a first set of furniture foot attachment interfaces for attaching said set of furniture feet, and said second furniture frame panel (10b) is provided with a second set of furniture foot attachment interfaces for attaching said set of furniture feet (26), thereby enabling the furniture feet (26) to be attached to either of the first furniture frame panel (10a) and the second furniture frame panel (10b).

Description

STORAGE FURN ITU RE ASSEMBLY Field of the inventionThe present invention relates to a storage furniture assembly.

BackgroundStorage furniture are generally adapted for the type of items to be stored.

However, buildings and rooms may have different Iayouts, people are different, andpeople may have different storage needs. Hence, there is a need for different typesof storage furniture.

Summarylt is an object of the present invention to solve, or at least mitigate, parts or all of the above mentioned problems. To this end, according to a first aspect, there isprovided a storage furniture assembly comprising a set of furniture frame panelsconfigured to be connected in fixed relationship to each other to define a storagecompartment comprising a storage compartment access opening, wherein the set offurniture frame panels comprises a first furniture frame panel extending in a firstframe panel plane, a second furniture frame panel configured to be connected in afixed relationship to the first furniture frame panel to extend in a second frame panelplane at an angle to the first frame panel plane, and a furniture foot assemblycomprising a set of furniture feet, wherein said first furniture frame panel is providedwith a first set of furniture foot attachment interfaces for attaching said set of furniturefeet, wherein said second furniture frame panel is provided with a second set offurniture foot attachment interfaces for attaching said set of furniture feet, therebyenabling the furniture feet to be attached to either of the first furniture frame paneland the second furniture frame panel. Such a storage furniture assembly facilitatespositioning the storage furniture on its feet in two different orientations. Thereby, thestorage furniture may be adapted for different needs. By way of example, the firstfurniture frame panel may have a size and/or shape which is different from the sizeand/or shape of the second furniture frame panel, such that the storage furniture mayassume a different footprint on the floor, or a different height, or a different directionof an opening through which the interior of the storage furniture can be accessed,depending on the orientation. Alternatively or additionally, the storage compartmentmay be provided with an internal shelf or other storage arrangement, the function or storage space layout of which may change depending on the orientation. Accordingto embodiments, the first and second furniture frame panels may be rectangular. lnsuch an embodiment, the furniture foot attachment interfaces of each set of furniturefoot attachment interfaces may optionally be positioned adjacent to the four cornersof the respective furniture frame panel. Clearly, a rectangle may be quadratic oroblong. According to some embodiments, one or both of the first and the secondfurniture frame panels may have the shape of a respective oblong rectangle.According to some embodiments, such an oblong rectangle may have an aspect ratioexceeding 1,3, and preferably, an aspect ratio between 1,5 and 2,4. The rectangularshapes of the first and second panels may have different aspect ratios. For example,according to embodiments, the first furniture frame panel may have an aspect ratio ofmore than 1,3, in combination with the second furniture frame panel having an aspectratio of less than 1,2. Preferably, the set of furniture feet comprises fewer furniturefeet than required to provide all furniture foot attachment interfaces of both sets offurniture foot attachment interfaces with respective furniture feet; clearly, the set offurniture feet need only comprise enough furniture feet to provide one of the sets offurniture foot attachment interfaces with respective furniture feet. Typically, the set offurniture feet may comprise three or four furniture feet, wherein four may be the mosttypical. Similarly, each set of furniture foot attachment interfaces may typicallycomprise a corresponding number of three or four furniture foot attachmentinterfaces, wherein four may be the most typical. The feet may typically have a heightof at least 20 mm, to separate the respective panel from the floor by a correspondingdistance. According to some embodiments, the feet may have a height of between 40mm and 250 mm, which should be sufficient for reaching underneath the storagefurniture for cleaning. According to other embodiments, the feet may have a height ofbetween 60 mm and 150 mm. The first and second furniture frame panels may beconfigured to be connected in a fixed relationship to each other either directly, usinge.g. screws and/or plugs, or indirectly via e.g. any intermediate brackets that may beincluded in the storage furniture assembly.

According to embodiments, the furniture feet may be configured to bereleasably attached to the furniture foot attachment interfaces, to enable moving thefurniture feet between different sets of furniture foot attachment interfaces. Thereby,the furniture assembly may be re-configured between different configurations fordifferent purposes, as the storage needs change.

According to embodiments, said first furniture frame panel may be configuredto define a bottom wall of the storage compartment, the bottom wall being locatedopposite to the storage compartment access opening. Thereby, by attaching thefurniture feet to the bottom wall, the storage furniture may be used as a storage traywith the storage compartment access opening facing upwards. By attaching thefurniture feet to the second furniture frame panel, the storage furniture may be usedas a storage cabinet or shelf having the storage compartment access opening on alateral side. Here, the term "bottom wall" is merely used to designate the innermostwall of the storage compartment, and does not necessarily imply any particularorientation in space. According to embodiments, said bottom wall has a thickness of8-35 mm, and more preferably 12-25 mm.

According to embodiments, the first and second frame panel planes may bemutually orthogonal.

According to embodiments, said set of furniture frame panels may furthercomprise a third furniture frame panel configured to be connected in a fixedrelationship to the first and second furniture frame panels to extend in a third framepanel plane at an angle to each of the first and second frame panel planes, whereinsaid third furniture frame panel is provided with a third set of furniture foot attachmentinterfaces for attaching said set of furniture feet, thereby enabling the furniture feet tobe attached to either of the first furniture frame panel, the second furniture framepanel, and the third furniture frame panel. Thereby, the storage furniture may beadapted to even further different needs. The third furniture frame panel may have asize and/or shape which is different from the size and/or shape of the secondfurniture frame panel. Alternatively or additionally, the third furniture frame panel mayhave a size and/or shape which is different from the size and/or shape of the firstfurniture frame panel. According to embodiments, also the third furniture frame panelmay be rectangular; by way of example, it may be oblong, and optionally, have anaspect ratio exceeding 1,3, and even more preferred, an aspect ratio between 1,5and 2,4.

According to embodiments, the first, second and third frame panel planes maybe mutually orthogonal. Thereby, the storage furniture assembly may be configuredto assume the general shape of a cuboid, preferably an oblong rectangular cuboid.

According to embodiments, said set of furniture frame panels may comprisefour furniture frame panels configured to be connected in fixed relationship to eachother to define a rectangular storage furniture frame enclosing the storage 3 compartment, the rectangular storage furniture frame being defined by a first pair ofmutually parallel furniture frame panels and a second pair of mutually parallelfurniture frame panels of said four furniture frame panels. The first pair of mutuallyparallel furniture frame panels may comprise said second furniture frame panel and afourth furniture frame panel, the second pair of mutually parallel furniture framepanels may comprise said third furniture frame panel and a fifth furniture frame panel,and proximal edges of the second, third, fourth and fifth furniture frame panels maybe configured to be connected in a fixed relationship to the first furniture frame panelsuch that distal edges of the second, third, fourth and fifth furniture frame panels,opposite to the respective proximal edges, define the storage compartment accessopening.

According to embodiments, the storage furniture assembly may furthercomprise a storage space divider assembly comprising a first storage space dividerpanel configured to be attached to respective divider connection interfaces ofmutually opposing inside faces of a first divider carrier panel and a second dividercarrier panel of said set of furniture frame panels, to divide the storage space definedby the storage compartment into a first storage subspace and a second storagesubspace. The first storage space divider panel may be positioned in such a mannerthat it will extend along differently oriented planes depending on the orientation of thestorage furniture. Thereby, depending on the orientation of the storage furniture, saidfirst storage space divider panel may operate as e.g. a shelf, a book support on ashelf, or a tray divider. The first and second divider carrier panels may be defined bythe second pair of mutually parallel furniture frame panels described hereinabove.

According to embodiments, the storage space divider assembly may furthercomprise a second storage space divider panel configured to be attached torespective divider connection interfaces of mutually opposing faces of the firststorage space divider panel and a third divider carrier panel of said set of furnitureframe panels, to divide the second storage subspace into a third storage subspaceand a fourth storage subspace. The first storage space divider panel may extendalong a first divider panel plane, and the second storage space divider panel mayextend along a second divider panel plane at an angle to the first storage spacedivider plane. By way of example, the second storage space divider plane may beperpendicular to the first storage space divider plane. The third divider carrier panelmay be defined by a furniture frame panel of the first pair of mutually parallel furnitureframe panels described hereinabove.

According to embodiments, each of said divider connection interfaces maycomprise a respective storage space divider guide rai| protruding from the respectivepanel face, the storage space divider guide rai| being configured to guidingly engagewith a respective guide track along an edge of the respective storage space dividerpanel. A pair of opposite edges of the first storage space divider panel may beprovided with respective guide tracks extending along the first divider panel planeand configured to guidedly engage with the respective storage space divider guiderails extending from the mutually opposing inside faces of said first and seconddivider carrier panels. Similarly, a pair of opposite edges of the second storage spacedivider panel may be provided with respective guide tracks extending along thesecond divider panel plane and configured to guidedly engage with the respectivestorage space divider guide rails extending from said mutually opposing faces of thefirst storage space divider panel and the third divider carrier panel.

According to embodiments, each of said storage space divider guide rails maybe configured as a rigid metal wire guide having two free ends, the free ends beinginsertable with tight fit in a mating hole pattern in the respective panel face.

According to embodiments, the furniture foot assembly may comprise a set ofthreaded elements for attaching the furniture feet to the respective furniture footattachment interfaces. According to embodiments, said set of threaded elementsmay comprise a set of foot attachment screws. Each of the furniture foot attachmentinterfaces may comprise a foot-attachment through-hole through the respectivefurniture frame panel, each foot-attachment through-hole being configured to receivea respective foot attachment screw. Alternatively or additionally, each of said footattachment screws may be configured to engage with a respective threaded insertembedded in the respective furniture frame panel. The foot attachment screws maybe attached to the respective furniture feet, to engage with a mating nut or innerthread of the respective furniture foot attachment interface. Alternatively oradditionally, the foot attachment screws may be configured to be screwed to thefurniture feet via respective foot-attachment through-holes through the respectivefurniture frame panel.

According to embodiments, said set of foot attachment screws may beconfigured to threadedly engage with respective screw holes of the furniture feet,wherein each of said furniture foot attachment interfaces comprises a foot-attachment through-hole through the respective furniture frame panel, the foot-attachment through-hole being configured to receive a respective foot attachment screw. A typical width of the foot-attachment through-hole, along the plane of therespective furniture frame panel, may be e.g. 5 mm - 50 mm. An even morepreferred range may be 8 mm - 25 mm. According to some embodiments, therespective foot-attachment through-holes may be threaded to engage with the threadof the foot attachment screw; according to other embodiments, the respective foot-attachment through-holes may be shaped to allow inserting the respective foot-attachment screws without engaging with a thread.

According to embodiments, said furniture foot assembly may further comprise,for each foot attachment screw, a respective foot support sleeve configured toreceive the respective foot attachment screw, said foot support sleeve having anouter mantle face coinciding with an inner face of a foot attachment screw hole.Thereby, a higher strength of the foot attachment may be obtained. This may be ofparticular benefit if the furniture frame panels are made of a relatively soft material,such as particle board, and/or if the foot attachment screws have a threaded screwbody of relatively small diameter, such as less than 12 mm. Even higher strengthmay be obtained if outer threads of the foot attachment screws are configured toengage with mating inner threads of the respective foot support sleeves. Each footsupport sleeve may comprise a support collar configured to form an axial support ofthe respective screw against the respective furniture frame panel.

According to embodiments, the storage furniture assembly may furthercomprise a set of furniture foot attachment interface covers, each of said furniturefoot attachment interface covers comprising a respective panel connection interfacemating with a furniture foot attachment interface of said sets of furniture footattachment interfaces, and a cover trim configured to cover an outside face of therespective furniture foot attachment interface. The respective panel connectioninterfaces of the furniture foot attachment interface covers may, for example, eachcomprise an insert body configured to be inserted in a mating manner in a foot-attachment through-hole of the respective furniture foot attachment interface, whereina connector, such as a screw, may be configured to be attached to the insert bodyfrom an inside face of the respective furniture panel, via the foot-attachment through-hole.

According to embodiments, the storage furniture assembly may furthercomprise a hanger comprising a panel connection interface mating with a furniturefoot attachment interface of said sets of furniture foot attachment interfaces, and ahanger knob which, when the hanger is attached to the furniture foot attachment 6 interface, is spaced from an outer face of the respective furniture frame panel.Thereby, one or several of the furniture foot attachment interfaces which are not usedfor furniture feet may be used for attaching respective hangers, which may e.g.extend from a |atera| side of the storage furniture when positioned on its furniturefeet. Again, the panel connection interface may comprise an insert body configuredto be inserted with a tight fit in a foot-attachment through-hole of the respectivefurniture foot attachment interface, and a connector, such as a screw, configured tobe attached to the insert body from an inside face of the respective furniture panel,via the foot-attachment through-hole.

According to embodiments, each furniture frame panel of said set of furnitureframe panels may comprise a respective piece of board material having a thicknessof 8-35 mm, more preferably 12-25 mm. Such furniture frame panels provide anattractive balance between cost, ease of assembly, and structural strength.Examples of board materials suitable for the purpose are wood and/or cellulosebased board, such as particle board, MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), HDF (HighDensity Fibreboard), solid wood board, wood plastic composite board, and hollow-board, such as honeycomb cardboard core board. According to embodiments, alsoany storage space divider panels, as the case may be, may each comprise arespective piece of board material having a thickness of 8-35 mm, more preferably12-25 mm. ln other embodiments, the furniture frame panels and/or any storagedivider panels may be made of sheet metal or plastic.

According to a second aspect, parts or all of the above mentioned problemsare solved, or at least mitigated, by a storage furniture assembly comprising a set offurniture frame panels comprising four furniture frame panels configured to beconnected in fixed relationship to each other to define a rectangular storage furnitureframe enclosing a storage compartment, the rectangular storage furniture framebeing defined by a first pair of mutually parallel furniture frame panels and a secondpair of mutually parallel furniture frame panels of said four furniture frame panels; anda storage space divider assembly comprising a first pair of storage space dividerguide rails comprising a first storage space divider guide rail and a second storagespace divider guide rail configured to be connected to mutually opposing inside facesof said second pair of mutually parallel furniture frame panels, a first storage spacedivider panel extending in a first divider panel plane, and comprising a pair ofopposite edges provided with respective guide tracks extending along said firstdivider panel plane, the guide tracks of said first storage space divider panel being 7 configured to guidedly engage with said first pair of storage space divider guide railsto enable sliding the first storage divider into a position inside the storagecompartment at which position the first storage space divider panel divides thestorage compartment into a first storage subspace and a second storage subspace,wherein the storage furniture assembly further comprises a second pair of storagespace divider guide rails comprising a third storage space divider guide rail and afourth storage space divider guide rail, the third storage space divider guide rail beingconfigured to be connected to an inside face of a furniture frame panel of said firstpair of furniture frame panels, and the fourth storage space divider guide rail beingconfigured to be connected to a divider connection face of the first storage spacedivider panel, the divider connection face of the first storage space divider panelopposing said inside face of a furniture frame panel of said first pair of furniture framepanels, and a second storage space divider panel extending in a second dividerpanel plane, and comprising a pair of opposite edges provided with respective guidetracks extending along said second divider panel plane, the guide tracks of saidsecond storage space divider panel being configured to guidedly engage with saidsecond pair of storage space divider guide rails to enable sliding the second storagedivider into a position inside the second storage subspace at which position thesecond storage space divider panel divides the second storage subspace into a thirdstorage subspace and a fourth storage subspace. Such a storage furniture assemblyenables easy assembly of a storage furniture comprising a mix of e.g. shelves andbook supports, or any other internal storage space layout involving differentlyoriented divider panels. The storage furniture assembly may be combined with any ofthe features described hereinabove with reference to the storage furniture assemblyaccording to the first aspect. For example, according to embodiments, each of saidstorage space divider guide rails may be configured as a rigid metal wire guidehaving two free ends, the free ends being insertable with tight fit in a mating holepattern in the respective panel face. lt is noted that embodiments of the invention may be embodied by all possiblecombinations of features recited in the claims. Further, it will be appreciated that thevarious embodiments described for the first aspect are all combinable with thevarious embodiments described for the second aspect of the present invention, andvice versa.

Brief description of the drawinqs The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, withreference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will beused for similar elements, wherein: Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a set of furniture frame panels of a storagefurniture assembly; Fig. 1B is a perspective view of a set of storage space divider panels of thestorage furniture assembly; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a storage space divider guide rail, parts of afurniture foot assembly, a hanger, a furniture foot attachment interface cover, andvarious connectors of the storage furniture assembly; Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the furniture frame panels of Fig. 1 in a firstintermediate step of assembly of a piece of storage furniture; Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the furniture frame panels of Fig. 3A in asecond intermediate step of assembly of the piece of storage furniture; Fig. 3C is a perspective view of the storage furniture assembly of Fig. 3B witha first pair of storage space divider guide rails of the type illustrated in Fig. 2 in a thirdintermediate step of assembly of the piece of storage furniture; Fig. 3D is a perspective view of the storage furniture assembly of Fig. 3C, witha first storage space divider panel of the set of storage space divider panels of Fig.1B, in a fourth intermediate step of assembly of the piece of storage furniture; Fig. 3E is a perspective view of the storage furniture assembly of Fig. 3D witha second pair of storage space divider guide rails as illustrated in Fig. 2 in a fifthintermediate step of assembly of the piece of storage furniture; Fig. 3F is a perspective view of the storage furniture assembly of Fig. 3E, witha second storage space divider panel of the set of storage space divider panels ofFig. 1B, in a sixth intermediate step of assembly of the piece of storage furniture; Fig. 3G is a perspective view of the storage furniture obtained after the sixthintermediate step of assembly of Fig. 3F; Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the storage furniture of Fig. 3G with a set offurniture feet of the type illustrated in Fig. 2 attached in a first alternative position; Fig. 4B is a perspective view of the storage furniture of Fig. 3G with the set offurniture feet attached in a second alternative position; 9 Fig. 4C is a perspective view of the storage furniture of Fig. 3G with the set offurniture feet attached in a third alternative position; Fig. 5A is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of a foot supports|eeve to a foot attachment screw, to be used for attaching a furniture foot to thestorage furniture of Fig. 3G; Fig. 5B is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of the set of furniturefeet to the storage furniture of Fig. 3G in the third alternative position of Fig. 4C; Fig. 6A is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of a hanger of the typei||ustrated in Fig. 2 to the storage furniture of Fig. 5B; and Fig. 6B is a perspective view illustrating the attachment of a set of furniturefoot attachment interface covers of the type i||ustrated in Fig. 2 to the storagefurniture of Fig. 6A.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only showparts which are necessary in order to elucidate the embodiments, wherein other partsmay be omitted.

Detailed description of the exemplarv embodiments Fig. 1A illustrates a set of furniture frame panels 10 forming part of a storagefurniture assembly. The set of furniture frame panels 10 comprises a first furnitureframe panel 10a, a second furniture frame panel 10b, a third furniture frame panel10c, a fourth furniture frame panel 10d, and a fifth furniture frame panel 10e. Thefurniture frame panels 10a-e are rectangular, and are configured to be attached toeach other to define a cuboidal furniture frame enclosing a likewise cuboidal storagecompartment in a manner which will be elucidated further below. For the purpose, thestorage furniture assembly also comprises a set of assembly plugs 12, which areconfigured to be tightly fit in blind holes 14 of the furniture frame panels 10a-e foraligning and fixating the respective furniture frame panels 10a-e to each other. Amagnified portion of the view of Fig. 1A illustrates the fitting of an exemplaryassembly plug 12 into a blind hole 14 in an edge face of the fourth furniture framepanel10d.

The first furniture frame panel 10a has a first width W1 and a second widthW2, and an aspect ratio W1/W2 of about 2, whereas the third furniture frame panel10c has a first width W3 and a second width W4, and an aspect ratio W3/W4 ofabout 1,7. The aspect ratio of the second furniture frame panel 10b is W4/\N2, and isabout 1,18. Typical dimensions of W1 and W3 may be between 500 mm and 1800 mm, whereas typical dimensions of W2 and W4 may be between 300 mm and 800mm, for example. The fourth panel 10d has similar dimensions as the second panel10b, and the fifth panel 10e has similar dimensions as the third panel 10c.

Each of the first, second and third panels 10a-c is also provided which arespective set of furniture foot attachment interfaces 15, 16, 17 for attaching a set offurniture feet (not illustrated). Each set of furniture foot attachment interfaces 15, 16,17 comprises four respective furniture foot attachment interfaces which arepositioned adjacent to the four corners of the respective rectangular furniture framepanel 10a, 10b, 10c. For clarity of illustration, all fourfurniture foot attachmentinterfaces 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d are pointed out with arrows only in relation to the thirdset of furniture foot attachment interfaces 17, and the third furniture frame panel 10c.

Fig. 1B illustrates a set of two storage space divider panels 18a, 18b, whichalso form part of the storage furniture assembly, and which are, likewise in a mannerwhich will be elucidated in detail further below, configured to be connected to thefurniture frame defined by the furniture frame panels 10a-e of Fig. 1A to divide thestorage compartment into a plurality of subspaces. Each of the storage space dividerpanels 18a, 18b is, along each edge of a respective pair of parallel, opposite edges20a, 20b, provided with a respective guide track 22 extending along the respectiveedge 20a, 20b. All panels 10a-e, 18a-b are, in this embodiment, made of 16 mm thickparticle board.

Turning now to Fig. 2, the storage furniture assembly further comprises afurniture foot assembly 24. The furniture foot assembly 24 comprises a set of fourfurniture feet 26, a set of four foot support sleeves 28, and a set of four footattachment screws 30, even though for clarity of illustration, only one of each isillustrated in the view of Fig. 2. lt will be appreciated that the remaining three of eachmay be identical to those illustrated. The illustrated furniture foot 26 has anexemplary height H of about 80 mm. The illustrated foot support sleeve 28 comprisesa circular-cylindrical sleeve body 28a, and a support collar 28b extending radiallyaway from the sleeve body 28a, the support collar being provided with a keyedinterface for engaging with a screwing tool.

A first end 30a of the illustrated foot attachment screw 30 is configured tothreadedly engage with a respective screw hole 32 in an upper face of the respectivefurniture foot 26, and a second end 30b of the foot attachment screw 30 is configuredto be received in the sleeve body 28a of the respective foot support sleeve 28, andthreadedly engage with an internal thread (not illustrated) within the sleeve body 28a. 11 The storage furniture assembly further comprises a set of four storage spacedivider guide rails 34, only one of which is again illustrated, which guide rails 34 areconfigured as rigid metal wire guides each having two free ends 33, 35 bent to facein the same direction.

The storage furniture assembly further comprises a set of seven furniture footattachment interface covers 36, the function of which will be e|ucidated further below.Again, only one single furniture foot attachment interface cover 36 is illustrated, and itwill be appreciated that the remaining six may be identical. Each furniture footattachment interface cover 36 comprises a respective panel connection interface 36bconfigured to be connected to a furniture foot attachment interface 15, 16, 17 of thefirst, second and third furniture frame panels 10a-c, and a respective cover trim 36aconfigured to cover an outside face of the respective furniture foot attachmentinterface 15, 16, 17.

The storage furniture assembly further comprises a hanger 38, wherein thehanger 38 comprises a hanger knob 38a, a panel connection interface 38b similar tothe panel connection interfaces 36b of the furniture foot attachment interface covers36, and a knob shaft 38c extending between the hanger knob 38a and the panelconnection interface 38b. The storage furniture assembly also comprises eight screwconnectors 40 configured to be attached to the panel connection interfaces 36b, 38bof the furniture foot attachment interface covers 36 and the hanger 38.

Figs 3A to 3G illustrate the assembly of the furniture frame panels 10a-e andthe storage space divider panels 18a, 18b. The furniture frame panels 10a-e arepositioned such that the first furniture frame panel 10a, extending along a first panelplane P1, will define a bottom wall of the storage compartment 42, and the second,third, fourth and fifth furniture frame panels 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e are arranged in twopairs of mutually parallel furniture frame panels to define a rectangular frame 45.Thereby, the second and fourth furniture frame panels 10b, 10c will define a first pair44a of mutually parallel furniture frame panels, wherein the second furniture framepanel 10b extends along a second panel plane P2, and the third and fifth furnitureframe panels 10c, 10e will define a second pair 44b of mutually parallel furnitureframe panels, wherein the third furniture frame panel 10c extends along a third panelplane P3.

Proximal edges 46b, 46d (Fig. 1A) of the second and fourth furniture framepanels 10b, 10d are connected to a first pair of opposite edges of the first furnitureframe panel 10a by means of the assembly plugs 14 (Fig. 1A). Thereafter, proximal 12 edges 46c, 46e of the third and fifth furniture frame panels 10c, 10e are connected toa second pair of opposite edges of the first furniture frame panel 10a, again bymeans of assembly plugs 14 (Fig. 1A). The first pair 44a of furniture frame panels10b, 10d are also connected by means of assembly plugs 14 to the second pair 44bof furniture frame panels 10c, 10e along the corners of the rectangular frame 45.Distal edges 48b, 48c, 48d, 48e of the second, third, fourth and fifth furniture framepanels 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, opposite to the respective proximal edges 46b-e, define astorage compartment access opening 43 through which the storage compartment 42can be reached.

Now with reference to Fig. 3B, the furniture frame panels 10a-10e are securedto each other by means of screws 50 which, at each interface between two adjacentfurniture frame panels 10a-e, penetrate one of the mutually interfacing panels and isthreadedly secured into the edge of the other of the mutually interfacing furnitureframe panels 10a-e. For each screw 50, pairs of coinciding screw holes 52a, 52b (thelatter illustrated in Fig. 3A) are arranged in the respective pairs of interfacing panels.

Fig. 3C illustrates the attachment of a first pair of storage space divider guiderails comprising a first storage space divider guide rail 34a and a second storagespace divider guide rail 34b to the inner faces of the fifth and third furniture framepanels 10e, 10c. The first and second storage space divider guide rails 34a, 34b areof the type illustrated with reference sign 34 in Fig. 2. As illustrated in the magnifiedportion of Fig. 3C, the inner faces of the fifth and third furniture frame panels 10e, 10care provided with pairs of blind holes 54, and the free ends 33, 35 of each storagespace divider guide rail 34a, 34b are inserted in respective blind holes 54 such thatthe respective guide rails 34a, 34b extend in a direction perpendicular to the firstpanel plane P1 (Fig.3A). Thereafter, and now with reference to Fig. 3D, the firststorage space divider panel 18a is slid onto the first pair of storage space dividerguide rails 34a, 34b (Fig. 3C) in such a manner that the first and second storagespace divider guide rails 34a, 34b are received in the respective opposite guidetracks 22 of the first storage space divider panel 18a. The first storage space dividerpanel 18a extends along a first divider panel plane P4, and the guide tracks 22 of thefirst storage space divider panel 18a also extend, and guide the first storage spacedivider panel 18a, along the first divider panel plane P4. Referring back to the view ofFig. 2, each storage space divider guide rail 34 comprises, at an intermediateposition between the first and second ends 33, 35, a resilient protrusion 56. Whenthe first storage space divider panel 18a reaches an end position, firmly seated 13 against the bottom panel 10a (Fig. 3A), the protrusion clicks into a seat 58 at anintermediate position along the respective guide track 22, thereby Iocking the firststorage space divider panel 18a in the inserted position illustrated in Fig. 3E. The firststorage space divider panel is held by the third and fifth furniture frame panels 10c,10e, which furniture frame panels 10c, 10e thereby operate as a first pair ofdividercarrier panels, wherein the storage space divider guide rails 34a, 34b operate asdivider connection interfaces of the divider carrier panels 10c, 10e. The first storagespace divider panel 18a divides the storage space defined by the storagecompartment 42 into a first storage subspace 42a and a second storage subspace42b.

After having attached the first storage space divider panel 18a within thestorage space 42, and as illustrated in the view of Fig. 3E, a second pair of storagespace divider guide rails comprising a third storage space divider guide rail 34c, anda fourth storage space divider guide rail 34d, are attached to mutually opposing facesof the second furniture frame panel 10b and the first storage space divider panel 18a,such that the second furniture frame panel 10b is enabled to operate as a thirddivider carrier panel, and the first storage space divider panel 18a is enabled tooperate as a fourth divider carrier panel.

Also the third and fourth storage space divider guide rails 34c, 34d are of thetype illustrated with reference sign 34 in Fig. 2. As illustrated in the magnified portionof Fig. 3E, the mutually opposing faces of the second furniture frame panels 10b andthe first divider panel 18a are provided with respective pairs of blind holes 54, andthe free ends 33, 35 (Fig. 2) of each storage space divider guide rail 34c, 34d areinserted in respective blind holes 54 such that the respective storage space dividerguide rails 34c, 34d extend in a direction perpendicular to the first panel plane P1(Fig.3A). Thereafter, and now with reference to Fig. 3F, the second storage spacedivider panel 18b is slid onto the second pair of storage space divider guide rails 34c,34d in such a manner that the third and fourth storage space divider guide rails 34c,34d are received in the respective opposite guide tracks 22 of the second storagespace divider panel 18b. The second storage space divider panel 18b extends alonga second divider panel plane P5, and the guide tracks 22 of the second storagespace divider panel 18b also extend, and guide the second storage space dividerpanel 18b, along the second divider panel plane P5. Again, once the second storagespace divider panel 18b reaches an end position, firmly seated against the bottompanel 10a (Fig. 3A), respective protrusions 56 (Fig. 2) of the storage space divider 14 guide rails 34c, 34d click into respective seats 58 of the guide tracks 22. As isapparent from the view of Fig. 3G, once inserted, the second storage space dividerpanel 18b divides the second storage subspace 42b (Fig. 3F) into a third storagesubspace 42c and a fourth storage subspace 42d, and the second storage spacedivider panel 18b extends along the second divider panel plane P5 which isperpendicular to the first storage space divider plane P4. Once the storage furniture60 has been assembled, the three frame panel planes P1, P2, P3 (Fig. 3A) aremutually orthogonal, whereas the first divider panel plane P4 is parallel to the secondframe panel plane P2, and the second divider panel plane P5 is parallel to the thirdframe panel plane P3.

The storage furniture 60 thus assembled has sets of furniture foot attachmentinterfaces 15, 16, 17 (Fig. 1) on three mutually orthogonal faces, namely the firstfurniture frame panel 10a (Fig. 3A), the second furniture frame panel 10b, which hasa relatively smaller area and less elongate shape, and the third furniture frame panel10c, which has a relatively larger area and more elongate shape than the secondfurniture frame panel 10b. By attaching the set of furniture feet 26 (Fig. 2) to the footattachment interfaces 15 of the first furniture frame panel, i.e. the bottom wall 10a(Fig. 3A), the storage furniture may be used as a storage tray 60a with the storagecompartment access opening 43 facing upwards, as is illustrated in Fig. 4A. Byattaching the furniture feet 26 to the foot attachment interfaces 16 (Fig. 1A) of thesecond furniture frame panel 10b, or to the foot attachment interfaces 17 (Fig. 1A) ofthe third furniture frame panel 10c, the storage furniture may be used as a storagecabinet or shelf 60b, 60c having the storage compartment access opening 43 on alateral side, as is illustrated in Figs 4B and 4C. The furniture access opening 43 mayalso be provided with a door (not illustrated). By attaching the furniture feet 26 to thesecond furniture frame panel 10b, a storage cabinet 60b (Fig. 4B) of relatively higherheight and relatively smaller footprint is obtained. By attaching the furniture feet 26 tothe third furniture frame panel 10c, a storage cabinet 60c (Fig. 4C) of relatively lowerheight and relatively larger footprint is obtained, wherein said relatively lower height(Fig. 4C) is lower than said relatively higher height (Fig. 4B), and said relatively largerfootprint (Fig. 4C) is larger than said relatively smaller footprint (Fig. 4B). Moreover,the layout and function of the storage space dividers 18a, 18b differs between thethree different pieces of storage furniture 60a, 60b, 60c obtainable; for example, thestorage furniture 60c of Fig. 4C defines two shelves of relatively larger horizontalwidth and lower height and one shelf of relatively smaller horizontal width and higher height, whereas the storage furniture 60b of Fig. 4B defines two shelves of relativelysmaller horizontal width and higher height, and one shelf of relatively largerhorizontal width and lower height. ln the storage furniture 60a of Fig. 4A, the storagesubspaces 42a, 42c, 42d defined by the storage space dividers 18a, 18b aremutually similar in shape and function, and may each be used as e.g. a tray forbooks or vinyl records. As a further option the storage space dividers 18a, 18b couldbe removed or omitted, in particular in the storage furniture 60a of Fig. 4A, resultingin a single large compartment 42.

Figs 5A and 5B illustrate the attachment of the furniture feet 26 to the third setof furniture foot attachment interfaces 17a-17d (Fig. 1A) on the third furniture framepanel 10c (Fig. 1A). lt will be appreciated that the furniture feet 26 may alternativelybe attached to either one of the alternate sets of furniture foot attachment interfaces,i.e. the furniture foot attachment interfaces 15 and 16 of the first and second furnitureframe panels 10a, 10b, in the same manner, mutatis mutandis.

Starting with Fig. 5A, the foot attachment screws 30 are inserted in respectivefoot support sleeves 28 by screwing them together. Now with reference to Fig. 5B,each furniture foot attachment interface 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d of the third set of furniturefoot attachment interfaces 17 comprises a respective foot-attachment through-hole62 through the third furniture frame panel 10c. As illustrated in the magnified view ofthe second foot attachment interface 17b, a foot attachment screw 30 assembledwith a respective foot support sleeve 28 is inserted through the respective foot-attachment through-hole 62 from the inside of the storage compartment 42, andscrewed into a mating thread in the screw hole 32 of the respective furniture foot 26.The outer mantle face of the sleeve body 28a of the foot support sleeve 28 isreceived in the foot-attachment through-hole 62 with a tight fit such that, when thefoot attachment screw 30 is threaded into the respective furniture foot 26, the supportcollar 28b comes to rest against the inner face of the third furniture frame panel 10c.The remaining three furniture feet 26 are connected to the remaining three furniturefoot attachment interfaces 17a, 17c, 17d of the third furniture frame panel 10c in thesame manner.

Now referring to Figs 6A and 6B, the furniture foot attachment interfaces 15,16 which are not used for attaching the furniture feet 26, i.e. the furniture footattachment interfaces 15, 16 of the first and second furniture frame panels 10a, 10b,are covered by the furniture foot attachment interface covers 36 (Fig. 2) and thehanger 38. Starting with Fig. 6A, the hanger 38 is attached to an upper furniture foot 16 attachment interface 16a of a respective set of furniture foot attachment interfaces16, adjacent to the storage compartment access opening 43. The hanger 38 isattached by inserting the panel connection interface 38b of the hanger 38, which isconfigured an insert body, into the foot-attachment through-hole 62 of the furniturefoot attachment interface 16a from the outside. The size and shape of the panelconnection interface 38b of the hanger 38 coincide with the size and shape of thefoot-attachment through-hole 62, to obtain a tight fit. Thereafter, the hanger 38 isfirmly secured to the foot attachment interface 16a by attaching a screw connector 40to the panel connection interface 38b from the inside of the storage compartment 42.

Fig. 6B illustrates how the remaining furniture foot attachment interfaces 15,16, which are not used for attaching either furniture feet 26 or a hanger 38, arecovered by the set of furniture foot attachment interface covers 36. Each furniturefoot attachment interface cover 36 is attached to a respective furniture footattachment interface 15, 16 by inserting the panel connection interface 36b of thefurniture foot attachment interface cover 36, which panel connection interface 36b isconfigured an insert body, into the foot-attachment through-hole 62 of a respectivefurniture foot attachment interface 15, 16 from the outside. This is illustrated in detailin a magnified view of one of the furniture foot attachment interfaces 16b of thesecond furniture frame panel 10b. Again, the size and shape of the panel connectioninterfaces 36b of the furniture foot attachment interface covers 36 coincide with thesize and shape of the respective foot-attachment through-holes 62 to obtain a tightfit. Thereafter, the furniture foot attachment interface covers 36 are firmly secured tothe respective furniture foot attachment interfaces 15, 16 by attaching screwconnectors 40 to the respective panel connection interfaces 36b from the inside ofthe storage compartment 42, such that the respective cover trims 36a are broughtinto abutment with the outside faces of the respective furniture frame panels 10a, 10bat the respective furniture foot attachment interfaces 15, 16.

The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a fewembodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, otherembodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope ofthe invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. For example, the furnitureframe panels need not be rectangular; they can have any other suitable shape.Moreover, the furniture frame panels do not need to be connected to each other atright angles; they can be connected to each other at acute or obtuse angles alike.Hence, the storage furniture need not be cuboidal; the teachings herein are 17 applicable also to storage furniture of other shapes, such as triangular, rhomboidal,tetrahedral, etc. The furniture foot attachment interfaces do not need to be configuredas through-holes; alternatively, they can be configured as e.g. threaded blind-holesaccessible from the outside of the respective panels. ln the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps,and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. 18

Claims (20)

1. 1.A storage furniture assembly comprising a set of furniture frame panels (10)configured to be connected in fixed relationship to each other to define astorage compartment (42) comprising a storage compartment access opening(43), wherein the set of furniture frame panels (10) comprises a first furniture frame panel (10a) extending in a first frame panel plane(P1), a second furniture frame panel (10b) configured to be connected in afixed relationship to the first furniture frame panel (10a) to extend in a secondframe panel plane (P2) at an angle to the first frame panel plane (P1), and a furniture foot assembly comprising a set of furniture feet (26),wherein said first furniture frame panel (10a) is provided with a first set offurniture foot attachment interfaces (15) for attaching said set of furniture feet, characterized in that said second furniture frame panel (10b) isprovided with a second set of furniture foot attachment interfaces (16) forattaching said set of furniture feet (26), thereby enabling the furniture feet (26)to be attached to either of the first furniture frame panel (10a) and the secondfurniture frame panel (10b).

2. _ The storage furniture assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first furniture frame panel (10a) is configured to define a bottom wall of the storagecompartment (42), the bottom wall being located opposite to the storagecompartment access opening (43).

3. The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims,wherein the first and second frame panel planes (P1, P2) are mutuallyorthogonal.

4. _ The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said set of furniture frame panels (10) further comprises a third furniture frame panel (10c) configured to be connected in a fixedrelationship to the first and second furniture frame panels (10a, 10b) to extendin a third frame panel plane (P3) at an angle to each of the first and secondframe panel planes (P1, P2), wherein said third furniture frame panel (10c) isprovided with a third set of furniture foot attachment interfaces (17) forattaching said set of furniture feet (26), thereby enabling the furniture feet (26)to be attached to either of the first furniture frame panel (10a), the secondfurniture frame panel (10b), and the third furniture frame panel (10c).

5. _ The storage furniture assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first, second and third frame panel planes (P1, P2, P3) are mutually orthogonal.

6. _ The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said set of furniture frame panels (10) comprises four furniture framepanels (10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) configured to be connected in fixed relationship toeach other to define a rectangular storage furniture frame (45) enclosing thestorage compartment (42), the rectangular storage furniture frame beingdefined by a first pair (44a) of mutually parallel furniture frame panels (10b,10d) and a second pair (44b) of mutually parallel furniture frame panels (10c,10e) of said fourfurniture frame panels (10b, 10c, 10d, 10e).

7. _ The storage furniture assembly according to claim 6 in combination with any of claims 4-5, wherein the first pair (44a) of mutually parallel furniture frame panels comprisessaid second furniture frame panel (10b) and a fourth furniture frame panel(10d), the second pair (44b) of mutually parallel furniture frame panelscomprises said third furniture frame panel (10c) and a fifth furniture framepanel (10e), and proximal edges (46b, 46c, 46d, 46e) of the second, third, fourth and fifthfurniture frame panels (10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) are configured to be connected ina fixed relationship to the first furniture frame panel (10a) such that distaledges (48b, 48c, 48d, 48e) of the second, third, fourth and fifth furniture framepanels (10b, 10c, 10d, 10e), opposite to the respective proximal edges (46b,46c, 46d, 46e), define the storage compartment access opening (43).

8. _ The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a storage space divider assembly comprising a first storage space divider panel (18a) configured to be attached torespective divider connection interfaces (34a, 34b) of mutually opposing insidefaces of a first divider carrier panel (1 Oe) and a second divider carrier panel (10c) of said set of furniture frame panels (10), to divide the storage spacedefined by the storage compartment (42) into a first storage subspace (42a)and a second storage subspace (42b).

9. The storage furniture assembly according to claim 8, wherein the storagespace divider assembly further comprises a second storage space divider panel (18b) configured to be attached todivider connection interfaces (34c, 34d) of mutually opposing faces of the firststorage space divider panel (18a) and a third divider carrier panel (18b) of saidset of furniture frame panels (1 O), to divide the second storage subspace (24b)into a third storage subspace (42c) and a fourth storage subspace (42d).

10.The storage furniture assembly according to any of the claims 8-9, whereineach of said divider connection interfaces comprises a respective storagespace divider guide rail (34a-d) protruding from the respective panel face, thestorage space divider guide rail (34a-d) being configured to guidingly engagewith a respective guide track (22) along an edge of the respective storagespace divider panel (18a, 18b).

11. .The storage furniture assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of said storage space divider guide rails (34a-d) is configured as a rigid metal wireguide having two free ends (33, 35), the free ends being insertable with tight fitin a mating hole pattern (54) in the respective panel face.

12.The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the furniture foot assembly comprises a set of threaded elements (28,30) for attaching the furniture feet (26) to the respective furniture footattachment interfaces (15, 16, 17).

13.The storage furniture assembly according to claim 12, wherein said set of threaded elements comprises a set of foot attachment screws (30).

14.The storage furniture assembly according to claim 13, wherein said set of foot attachment screws (30) are configured to threadedly engage with respectivescrew holes (32) of the furniture feet (26), and wherein each of said furniturefoot attachment interfaces (15, 16, 17) comprises a foot-attachment through-hole (62) through the respective furniture frame panel (10a, 10b, 10c), thefoot-attachment through-hole (62) being configured to receive a respective footattachment screw (30).

15.The storage furniture assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein saidfurniture foot assembly further comprises, for each foot attachment screw (30),a respective foot support s|eeve (28) configured to receive the respective footattachment screw (30), said foot support s|eeve having an outer mantle face(28a) coinciding with an inner face of a foot attachment screw hole (62).

16.The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a set of furniture foot attachment interface covers (36), eachof said furniture foot attachment interface covers (36) comprising a respective panel connection interface (36b) mating with a furniture footattachment interface of said sets of furniture foot attachment interfaces (15,16, 17), and a cover trim (36a) configured to cover an outside face of the respectivefurniture foot attachment interfaces (15, 16, 17).

17.The storage furniture assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a hanger (38) comprising a panel connection interface (38b) mating with a furniture footattachment interface (16a) of said sets of furniture foot attachment interfaces(15, 16, 17), and a hanger knob (38a) which, when the hanger is attached to the furniturefoot attachment interface (16a), is spaced from an outer face of the respectivefurniture frame panel (10b).

18.The storage furniture according to any of the preceding claims, wherein eachfurniture frame panel (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) of said set of furniture framepanels comprises a respective piece of board material having a thickness of 8-35 mm, more preferably 12-25 mm.

19.A storage furniture assembly comprising a set of furniture frame panelscomprising fourfurniture frame panels (10b, 10c, 10d, 10e) configured to beconnected in fixed relationship to each other to define a rectangular storagefurniture frame (45) enclosing a storage compartment (42), the rectangularstorage furniture frame (45) being defined by a first pair (44a) of mutuallyparallel furniture frame panels (10c, 10e) and a second pair (44b) of mutuallyparallel furniture frame panels (10b, 10d) of said four furniture frame panels(10b, 10c,10d, 10e); and a storage space divider assembly comprising a first pair of storage space divider guide rails (34a, 34b) comprising afirst storage space divider guide rai| (34a) and a second storage space dividerguide rai| (34b) configured to be connected to mutually opposing inside facesof said second pair (44b) of mutually parallel furniture frame panels (10c, 10e),a first storage space divider panel (18a) extending in a first divider panelplane (P4), and comprising a pair of opposite edges (20a, 20b) provided withrespective guide tracks (22) extending along said first divider panel plane (P4),the guide tracks (22) of said first storage space divider panel (18a) beingconfigured to guidedly engage with said first pair of storage space dividerguide rails (34a. 34b) to enable sliding the first storage divider (18a) into aposition inside the storage compartment (42) at which position the first storagespace divider panel (18a) divides the storage compartment (42) into a firststorage subspace (42a) and a second storage subspace (42b), the storagefurniture assembly being characterized ina second pair of storage space divider guide rails (34c, 34d) comprisinga third storage space divider guide rai| (34c) and a fourth storage spacedivider guide rai| (34d), the third storage space divider guide rai| (34c) beingconfigured to be connected to an inside face of a furniture frame panel (10b) ofsaid first pair (44a) of furniture frame panels, and the fourth storage spacedivider guide rai| (34d) being configured to be connected to a dividerconnection face of the first storage space divider panel (18a), the dividerconnection face of the first storage space divider panel (18a) opposing saidinside face of a furniture frame panel (10b) of said first pair (44a) of furnitureframe panels, anda second storage space divider panel (18b) extending in a second divider panel plane (P5), and comprising a pair of opposite edges (20a, 20b)provided with respective guide tracks (22) extending along said second dividerpanel plane (P5), the guide tracks (22) of said second storage space dividerpanel (18b) being configured to guidedly engage with said second pair ofstorage space divider guide rails (34c, 34d) to enable sliding the secondstorage divider (18b) into a position inside the second storage subspace (42b)at which position the second storage space divider panel (18b) divides thesecond storage subspace (42b) into a third storage subspace (42c) and afourth storage subspace (42d).

20.The storage furniture assembly according to claim 19, wherein each of saidstorage space divider guide rails (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) is configured as a rigidmetal wire guide having two free ends (33, 35), the free ends (33, 35) being insertabie with tight fit in a mating hole pattern (54) in the respective panelface. 24