SI25191A - Modular furniture system and its elements - Google Patents

Abstract

Subject of the invention is a modular furniture system consisting of standardized elements. Elements make it easy to assemble any piece of furniture, that is to simply assemble a certain piece of furniture, disassemble it and re-assemble a different piece of furniture. The system according to the invention allows spatial assemblies at all angles, also varying from 0 degrees or 90 degrees. The system of modular furniture according to the invention includes structural elements (1) with derived holes (2), connecting elements and connecting elements (18, 21). The binding elements exist in several versions. The base connecting element (4) consists of a cartridge (5) and a dispensing element (10). The cartridge (5) consists of a jacket (7) and an optional tab (8). The insert (5) may also include a contact element (6). The discharge element (10) consists of a wedge (11) and a first travel element (12), wherein the first pull element (12) is formed such that with the second displacement element (13) which is not part of the basic connecting element (4) , creates a trigger. The first (12) and the second pull-out element (13) are each formed in such a way that they complement each other and, when assembled or interconnected, form a traction assembly which, when assembling the furniture, enables the pulling of the wedge (11) into the jacket (7) of the insert ) and fixes it there until the exhibition. The connecting elements are historical connecting elements (18) for connecting the structural elements (1) with one another in one plane and the angular connecting elements (21) for connecting the structural elements (1) to one another in at least two planes.

Description

MODULAR FURNITURE SYSTEM AND ITS ELEMENTS

The invention relates to a system of modular furniture, which preferably includes standardized elements.

Many systems of modular composition of furniture are known. Most of the presented systems use elongated elements which have holes or openings adapted for inserting the connecting elements along the whole surface, or at least on the surface in the part intended for connection, as the basic structural element. The connecting elements preferably have a screw connection as the base, but the connecting element may be in the form of a rivet / stud. The connection between individual structural elements can also be made through pins, which are made on the connecting elements, which are locked into the projected openings on the structural elements, or the connecting elements have projections on their surface that fit into the projected openings on the structural elements. Most of the known modular furniture assembly systems allow only linear or rectangular assemblies.

EP 1416169 discloses a system that allows only linear or rectangular assemblies.

EP 2894270 also discloses a system with a connecting element that enables the connection of individual elements of the system in a horizontal or vertical direction.

EP0898454 discloses a system for the construction of rectangular assemblies.

WO 2012/015304 introduces a system that is only suitable for very low loads.

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The present invention eliminates one or more of the disadvantages stated in the systems previously proposed. The system of the invention makes it easy to assemble and disassemble any piece of furniture and to assemble arbitrarily any piece of furniture at all angles. The system further enables the construction of a structure that can withstand high loads.

According to the invention, the modular furniture system is defined by independent claims.

The modular furniture system of the invention includes two or more structural members and at least one connecting element, each structural element comprising at least one hole into which the connecting element is inserted. Binding elements exist in several variants.

In one embodiment, the bonding element consists of one pair of basic bonding elements. Both basic connecting elements consist of a cartridge and a spacer. The cartridge consists of a jacket and an optional tab. The spacer element of the first base coupling element in the pair consists of a wedge and a first pull element. The spacer element of the second basic coupling element in the pair consists of a wedge and a second pull element that is complementary to the first pull element.

In a further embodiment, the insert of the base bonding element may further include a contact element located at the circumference of the sheath on the part opposite to the part by which the insert is inserted into a hole in the structural member. The insert element and the cartridge sheath are made as a single part.

In a still further embodiment, the basic bonding element including the contacting element, in combination with the second basic bonding element including the contacting element, forms a single bonding element, both basic bonding elements being connected to each other by a spacer. The spacer element of one basic coupling element includes the first pull element, the spacer element of the second basic element includes the second

-3 • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · A pull element that is complementary to the first pull element and both are attached to each of their respective wedges.

In a still further embodiment, the basic connecting element including the contact element, in combination with the second basic connecting element including the contact element, forms a connecting element, both basic connecting elements being interconnected by a spacer and the connecting element including an additional spacer with integrated contact elements on each side and an extension is integrated between the contact element and the cartridge sleeve at one basic coupling element. The spacer element of one basic coupling element includes a first thrust element, the spacer element of the second basic element includes a second thrust element that is complementary to the first thrust element and both are attached to each of their respective wedges.

The first and second sliding elements are each formed so that they are complementary to each other and, when assembled or when they are joined together, form a sliding assembly which, when assembling the furniture, allows the wedge to be pulled into the liner and fixed there until disassembled.

The system may additionally include at least one historically connecting element with holes for connecting structural elements in one plane and / or at least one angular connecting element with at least one pull element for connecting structural elements in at least two planes.

The connecting elements form a solid connection between at least two structural members with or without the historic connecting element or between one structural element and one angular connecting element. Depending on the purpose of use, that is, depending on the piece of furniture being assembled, different fasteners are used. The function of the pull assembly is twofold, namely: a) pulling the wedge into the cartridge sheath, which expands due to the action of the pulling force and locks the wedge into the cartridge sheath; b) permits a firm connection between at least two structural members, with or without a historic connecting element, or between at least one structural element and an angular connecting element.

The invention will now be described by way of example examples and by means of pictures showing:

figure 1: example of a structural element figure 2: basic link element in axonometric view figure 3: first variant of a link element in axonometric view figure 5: second variant of a link element in axonometric view figure 6: example of a straight line connecting element, Figure 7: Example of an angular connecting element Figure 8: Examples of historic and angular connecting elements Figure 9: An example of an assembled modular piece of furniture.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of structural element 1. The structural element 1 can be of various flat shapes, for example in the form of a lath, square, rectangular or triangular plate, it is important that it is flat and generally of the same thickness. Preferably, the structural element 1 is made of wood. It can also be made of other materials that have surface friction and other characteristics, such as strength and elasticity comparable to wood. Suitable materials are, for example, wood, wood forming, plywood, particle board, wood composites, compact boards, various duroplast polymers, thermoplastics such as ABS, Polystiren, PVC, carbon ..... polymers with rubber, light metals.

The individual structural member 1 must comprise at least one hole 2 in which the bonding element is inserted in the part intended for connection so that the structural members 1 are connected to the bonding element via holes 2, which are one above the other. . Structural element 1 may have multiple holes 2, with the spacing D between the centers of the holes equal to or a certain distance or a multiple of that distance, and the spacing D between holes 2 is preferably between 3 and 5 times the thickness d of the structural element. Holes 2 are arranged to be arranged on the same axis, on parallel axes or on perpendicular axes. When assembling modular furniture, holes 2 of one structural element 1 rest against holes 2 of another structural element 1 so that • · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

-5 insertion of the connecting element in hole 2 and thereby forming a solid connection between the two structural members 1. Holes 2 on the structural element 1 are preferably circular in shape and preferably have an engraved edge 3 on each upper surface of the structural elements 1. of the connecting element in the hole 2, and furthermore, when inserting the connecting element in the hole 2, the support element 6 of the insert 5 fits tightly into the recessed edge 3, thus the insert 5 does not protrude from the plane of the structural element 1. The horizontal cross-section of the hole 2 of the structural element 1 is adjusted horizontal section of the outer part of the insert 5 so that the clearance between the hole 2 and the outer portion of the insert 5 does not exceed 2 mm. Preferably, the clearance does not exceed one third of the height of the tab 8 of the connecting element.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the structural element 1 is constructed as an elongated lath made of wood with holes 2 in the form of a circle with a tapered edge 3 in the form of a truncated cone. The distance D between holes 3 is defined by the thickness d of the structural element and is between 3 and 5 times the thickness d of the structural element.

Figure 2 shows the basic connecting element 4. It consists of a cartridge 5 and a spacer element 10. The cartridge 5 is made of flexible plastic and consists of a jacket 7 and a tab 8. The cartridge 4 may further include a mounting element 6. The mounting element 6 and the recessed edge 3 have the same shape, preferably having the shape of a truncated cone. After inserting the insert 5 into the hole 2, the contact element 6 rests tightly on the recessed edge 3. The insert 7 sleeve 7 is conical on the inside. The material of which the sheath 7 or the insert 5 is made must have adequate flexibility so that the wedge 11 of the spacer element 10 can be pulled into the sheath 7 of the insert 5 when assembled and widen the sheath 7. When the base binding element 4 is inserted into the hole 2 of the structural element 1, the sleeve 7 expands due to the clamping spacer 10 and the outer sleeve 7 is pressed against the inner surface of the hole 2 by its outer side, causing friction to form a firm connection between the base connecting element 4 and the structural element 1. To facilitate expansion of the sleeve 7, the sleeve 7 optionally, at its periphery, at least one substantially longitudinal notch 9 may be made. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the jacket 7 has several notches made 9. V • ·

-6in the case 7 having a tab 8, the diameter of the rim 7 in the area of the tab 8 is larger than the diameter of the hole 2, but smaller than the diameter of the hole 2 in the widest part of the recessed edge 3. The height of the coat 7 in the area without the contact element 6 and the tab 8 is equal to the depth of the hole 2 in the region without the submerged edge 3, so that the connecting element in the assembled state does not protrude from the surface of the structural element 1. The function of the supporting element 6 is also to strengthen the structure of the insert at the junction location.

The spacer element 10 consists of a wedge 11 and a first thrust element 12, wherein the first thrust element 12 is formed so as to form a thrust assembly with a second thrust element 13 that is not part of the basic linking element 4, which allows the wedge 11 to be pulled during assembly into the jacket 7 of cartridge 4 and fixates there until disassembled. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first thrust element 12 is formed as a head nut, the second thrust element 13 is formed as a head screw. Alternatively, the first thrust element 12 is formed as a head screw, and the second thrust element 13 is formed as a head nut. It is essential that the first and second sliding elements are each designed to be complementary to each other and, when assembled or interconnected, form a sliding assembly which, when assembling the furniture, allows the wedge 11 to be pulled into the sheath 7 of the insert 4 and fixed therein until disassembled.

Depending on the purpose of use, either the pull members 12, 13, or just one of them, are attached to the wedge 11. The outer shape of the wedge 11 is preferably cone-shaped, with the wedge 11 and the insert sleeve 7 having the same taper slope on the inside. The inner shape of the wedge 11 is preferably formed in the upper part by a tapered step, so that the pull elements 12, 13 do not fall out of the wedge 11, and their free rotation in the wedge 11 is enabled. In one embodiment, the inner shape of the wedge 11 is shaped in conjunction with pull elements 12, 13 to prevent their free rotation in the wedge 11. The wedge 11 and the pull elements 12, 13 may be integrated or made of one piece, ie of the same material.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the head nut is secured to the wedge 11, and the inner shape of the wedge 11 is adapted to the shape of the nut head to prevent the freewheel • · • · · · · · · · · • · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

-7-nutability of the nut 11. When assembling, when a draw assembly is formed between the first pull 12 and the second pull element 13, that is, when the screw is threaded down the thread into the nut, the wedge 11 is pulled into the sheath 7 of the insert, which expands, so that the wedge 11 is fixed in the sheath 7 of the cartridge and fixed there until disassembly.

Figure 3 presents the first variant of a linking element used to connect two structural members 1 to each other or in the same plane via a historically connected linking element 18. The first basic linking element 4, including the contacting element 6, is paired with the second basic linking element 4 ', which includes the contact element 6' forms a single connecting element, with the two basic connecting elements 4, 4 'connected to each other by a spacer 14. The inserts 5, 5' of the two connecting elements 4, 4 'are fixed to the spacer 14, preferably the inserts 5, 5 'and the spacer 14 are in one piece and are all of the same material. The spacer element 10 of one basic linking element 4 includes a first thrust element 12, the spacer element 10 'of the second base element 4' includes a second thrusting element 13, both of which are fixedly fixed to each of their respective wedges 11, 11 '. The spacer 14 is the same thickness as the connecting elements 18, 21, the dimensions of the spacer 14 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the holes 20 on the historic connecting element 18. The shape of the spacer 14 is in each case adapted to the shape of the holes 20 in the historical connecting element 18. Preferably, the shape of the spacer 14 is in the form circle, but may be in the form of equilateral polygons, such as hexagons. The function of the spacer 14 is to allow the distance between the structural members 1 to be connected and at the same time to serve as a mechanical connection between the connecting element and the historic connecting element 18. In the embodiment, in Figure 3, the first thrust element 12 is a nut with a cylindrical head, the second thrust element 13 is a cylindrical head screw, spacer 14 is circular. In assembly, when the bolt is threaded into the nut or the nut is bolted to the bolt, both wedges 11 and 1Γ are pulled into the casings 7 and 7 'of the corresponding inserts 5 and 5', which extend so that the wedges 11 and 11 ' fixed in coats 7 and 7 'of the corresponding inserts 5 and 5' and remain there fixed until disassembly.

Figure 4 shows a second variant of the connecting element used to connect the three structural elements 1 with each other or in the same plane via • · ♦ ·

-8-plane connecting element 18. The basic connecting element 4, which includes the contact element 6, forms a connecting element with the second basic connecting element 4 ', which includes the contact element 6', with the two basic connecting elements 4, 4 'interconnected with a spacer 14 and the connecting element includes an additional spacer 14 'with integrated contact elements 6, 6' on each side, with an extension extension 15 between the support element 6 and the cartridge sleeve 7 of the insert 5. Spacer elements 10 and 10 'are the same as those of the single bond element. The spacers 14 and 14 'are in the shape of a hexagon, with the diameter of the spacers 14 and 14' being slightly smaller than the diameter of the holes 20 on the original connecting elements 18. The thickness of the spacers 14 and 14 'is equal to the thickness of the connecting elements 18 and 21.

In a still further embodiment, the outer surface of the wedge 11.11 'is formed by at least one pen 17 which, when assembled, is trapped in the notch 9 of the jacket 7, 7', with the function of preventing the rotation of the wedge 11, 11 'in the insert 5, 5'. In this case, at the same time, the inner shape of the wedge 11, 11 'is shaped in conjunction with the first swivel 12 or the second swivel element 13 so that it does not rotate in the wedge 11, 11'. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the outer surface of the wedge 11 'is formed by a single pen 17 which, when assembled, is trapped in the notch 9 of the sheath 5'. The spacer 14 is in the form of an equilateral hexagon.

Figure 6 shows an example of a historically connecting element 18. A historically connected connecting element 18 for connecting structural members 1 in one plane is made as a flat element with at least two arms 19, 19 'with holes 20. Legs 19, 19' are in the same plane , can be in the same axis or in different axes, allowing the connections of structural elements 1 at different angles. The dimension and shape of the hole 20 is determined by the dimension or shape of the spacer 14, 14 'of the connecting element, or by the dimension or shape of the first thrust 12 or the second thrust element 13. In both cases, the dimension of the hole 20 is slightly larger, in the first case the spacer 14 , 14 'fits into the hole, in the second case so that the first pull 12 or the second pull element 13 fits into the hole 20. The distance between the centers of the holes 20 is equal to the distance between the centers of the holes 2 or more than that of the structural element 1. The position of the holes 20 is defined according to the purpose of use.

-9 Holes 20 are preferably circular, but may be in the form of equilateral polygons, such as hexagons. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the historically connecting element 18 is made as a flat element with two arms 19 and 19 'having circular holes 20 formed. The arms 19 and 19 'are in the same plane and are joined at right angles to each other.

Figure 7 shows the angular linking element 21. The angular linking element 21 for connecting structural members 1 in at least two planes is made with at least two arms 22, 22 ', with each arm 22, 22' including at least one first puller element 12 or the second tilting element 13. The tines 22, 22 'are in different planes, the connecting angle between the tines 22, 22' may be different and each time determined according to the intended use. The distance between the centers of the first moving elements 12 or other moving elements 13 on each arm 22, 22 'is defined by the position of holes 2 on the structural members 1. The number of first moving elements 12 or other moving elements 13 on each arm 22, 22' depends on the purpose of use, in the event that there are more pull elements 12, 13 on one arm 22, 22 'in the same axis, the distance between the centers of the pull elements 12, 13 is equal to the distance between the centers of holes 2 or more than that of structural element 1. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the angular connecting element 21 is made of two arms 22 and 22 ', which are joined at right angles to each other. Each arm 22 and 22 'includes two other pull elements 13, which are configured as helical elements 23 and are on the same axis.

Figure 8 shows variants of the historically and angular connecting elements, and Figure 9 presents an example of a chair assembled according to the modular furniture system of the invention.

Depending on the purpose of use, that is, depending on the piece of furniture to be assembled, different structural elements 1, different historic connecting elements 18, different angular connecting elements 21 and different connecting elements are used. In assembly, when the bolt 13 or screw element 23 is threaded into the nut 12 or the nut 12 is screwed onto the bolt 13 or the screw element 23, the wedge 11, 11 'is pulled into the sheath 7, 7' of the insert 5, 5 ', which expands so that the wedge 11, 11 'is fixed in the jacket 7, 7'

-10 cartridge 5, 5 'and remain there until disassembled. In this way, a solid connection is provided either between structural elements 1 or between structural elements 1 and the historic connecting elements 18 or between structural element 1 and the angular connecting element 21. When disassembling a piece of furniture, the screw 13 or the screw element 23 is unscrewed from the nut 12, or the nut 12 is unscrewed from the screw 13 or the screw element 23, the wedge 11, 11 'is released from the sheath 7, 7' of the insert 5, 5 ', the elements are no longer connected and can be reused to assemble any piece of furniture.

It is understood that, although the various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but covers all variants that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

It is also understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations mentioned in the description, but includes any combination in the description of the disclosed features.

Claims (15)

Patent claims 1) A modular furniture system comprising two or more structural members (1) and at least one connecting element, each structural element (1) comprising at least one hole (2) into which a connecting element is inserted, characterized in that the connecting element consists of one pair of basic connecting elements (4, 4 '), with both basic connecting elements (4, 4') consisting of a insert (5, 5 ') and a spacer (10, 10'), wherein the insert (5, 5 ') consists of a jacket (7) and optionally a tab (8) and the spacer element (10) of the first base bonding element (4) is paired with a wedge (11) and a first puller element (12), and the spacer element (10 ') of the second base coupling element (4') in the pair consists of a wedge (11 ') and a second pull element (13) that is complementary to the first pull element (12). 2) Modular furniture system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system further includes at least one historically connecting element (18) with holes (20) for connecting the structural elements (1) in one plane and / or at least one angular connecting element (21) ) with at least one pull member (12, 13) for joining the structural members (1) in at least two planes. Modular furniture system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the hole (2) has a recessed edge (3) in the structural element (1), and the insert (5) is further assembled in addition to the sheath (7) and optionally the tab (8). from the contact element (6), wherein the contact element (6) rests on the recessed edge (3) and the first pull element (12) is formed as a head nut and the second pull element (13) is formed as a head screw. Modular furniture system according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the first basic bonding element (4), in pair with the second basic bonding element (4 '), forms a single bonding element, both being the basic bonding elements (4, 4'). connected to each other by spacer (14). • · · · -12 «· · 5) The basic connecting element in the modular furniture system, characterized in that it consists of a cartridge (5) and a spacer (10), wherein the cartridge (5) consists of a sheath (7) and optionally a flap (8), a spacer element (10) consists of a wedge (11) and a first pull element (12), wherein the first pull element (12) with the second pull element (13), which is not part of the basic tie element (4), forms a pull assembly for pulling wedges (11) into the sheath (7) of the insert (5). The basic fastening element according to claim 5, characterized in that the insert also includes a contact element (6), which preferably has the shape of a truncated cone, and which fits on the recessed edge (3) made in the hole (2) on the structural element (1) ). The basic fastening element according to claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the inner sleeve (7) of the insert (5) is conical and optionally has at least one notch (9) extending over the circumference (7), and in the case of a tab (8), the diameter of the rim (7) in the tab area (8) is larger than the diameter of the hole (2) but smaller than the hole diameter (2) in the widest part of the recessed edge (3) and the height of the jacket (7) in the area without the contact element (6) and the flap (8), equal to the depth of the hole (2) in the area without the cut edges (3). The basic connection element according to claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the outer shape of the wedge (11) is cone-shaped, wherein the wedge (11) and the jacket (7) of the insert (5) have the same inclination on the inside and the inner form of the wedge (11) in the upper part is preferably formed by a tapered step so that the trailing elements (12, 13) do not fall out of the wedge (11) and their free rotation in the wedge (11) is enabled or the internal shape of the wedge is provided. (11) formed in conjunction with the drawbar elements (12, 13) to prevent their free rotation in the wedge (11). -139) The basic connection element according to claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the basic connection element (4) including the contact element (6) is paired with another basic connection element (4 ') including the contact element (6 ') forms a single connecting element, with both basic connecting elements (4, 4') interconnected by a spacer (14) and the shape of the spacer (14) adapted to the shape of the holes (20) in the historic connecting element (18), wherein the spacer element (10) of one basic coupling element (4) includes a first swivel element (12), the spacer element (10 ') of the second base element (4') includes a second swivel element (13) which is complementary to the first swivel element ( 12) and are both attached to each of their respective wedges (11, 1 T). The basic fastening element according to claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the basic fastening element (4) including the contact element (6) with the second basic fastening element (4 ') including the fastening element (6'), forms a bonding element, both basic bonding elements (4, 4 ') being interconnected by a spacer (14) and the bonding element including an additional spacer (14') with integrated contact elements (6, 6 ') on each side, and an extension (15) is integrated between the contact element (6) and the cartridge (7) of the insert (5) at one basic connecting element (4), wherein the spacer element (10) of one basic connecting element (4) includes a first pulling element (12) ), the spacer element (10 ') of the second base element (4') includes a second pull element (13) that is complementary to the first pull element (12) and are both attached to each of its respective wedges (11, 1Γ). The basic fastening element according to claims 5 to 10, characterized in that the outer surface of the wedge (11, 11 ') is formed by at least one pen (17) which, during assembly, is trapped in the notch (9) of the jacket (5, 5). '). The basic tie element according to claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the first pull element (12) is formed as a nut with a head and is the second pull element (13) shaped as a head screw or vice versa. -1413) The structural element (1) in the modular furniture system, characterized in that the structural element (1) is flat and of uniform thickness and has at least one hole (2) in which it is intended to be connected to which inserts the connecting element and the hole (2) is preferably circular in shape and has a recessed edge (3) on each upper surface of the structural members (1) and the horizontal section of the hole (2) is adapted to the horizontal cross-section of the outer part of the insert (5) such that the clearance between the hole (2) and the outer part of the cartridge (5) does not exceed 2 mm; and if the structural element (1) has multiple holes (2), the distances (D) between the centers of the holes (2) are equal to a distance of 3 to 5 times the thickness (d) of the structural element (1) or a multiple of that distance and holes ( 2) they are on the same axis, on parallel axes or on perpendicular axes. 14) A planar connecting element (18) in a modular furniture system, characterized in that it is made as a flat element with at least two arms (19, 19 ') with holes (20) and the arms (19, 19') are in the same plane, in the same axis or in different axes, and the dimension and shape of the holes (20) are determined by the dimension or shape of the spacer (14, 14 ') of the connecting element or by the dimension or shape of the first pull (12) or second pull element (13), and the distances between the centers of the holes (20) are equal to the distance between the centers of the holes (2) for the structural element (1) or a multiple of that distance. 15) An angular connecting element (21) in a modular furniture system, characterized in that it is made with at least two arms (22, 22 ') wherein the individual arm (22, 22') includes at least one first pull element (12), or the second move element (13), which is complementary to the first move element (12), where, in the case where an individual limb (22, 22 ') includes more than one move element (12, 13), the distance between the centers thereof of the arm (22, 22 ') is equal to the distance between the centers of the holes (2) at the structural member (1) or a multiple of that distance. A piece of furniture consisting of a modular furniture system according to any one of claims 1 to 15.