Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
  • A47C13/00—Convertible chairs, stools or benches
  • A47C13/005—Modular seating
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
  • F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
  • F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
  • F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
  • F16B12/10—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
  • F16B12/12—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics
  • F16B12/24—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics using separate pins, dowels, or the like

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a modular furniture system which preferably uses a variety of standardized elements.
• Modular furniture systems are well known.
• the basic structural members for most of the presented systems are elongate elements comprising a plurality of holes or openings adapted for insertion of attachment elements, the holes being placed along the entire surface or at least in a portion of the member intended for attachment.
• Connectors are preferably based on bolt connections but can, alternatively, be provided as rivets or plugs. Connection of separate structural members may also be provided by means of plugs that are provided on connectors and lock into the openings on structural members, or by means of connectors that comprise surface protrusions engaging with the openings on structural members.
• the majority of known modular furniture systems only allow straight-line or rectangular assemblies.
• EP 14 6169 presents a system allowing only straight-line or rectangular assemblies.
• EP 2894270 presents a system comprising an interlocking element enabling connection of different system members in a horizontal or vertical direction.
• EP 0898454 describes a system suitable for construction of rectangular assemblies.
• the proposed invention eliminates one or more deficiencies listed in previously proposed systems.
• the system that is the subject of this invention enables simple assembly and disassembly of any piece of furniture, as well as various spatial arrangements of any piece of furniture. Furthermore, the system is also suitable for constructions of assemblies capable of sustaining high loads. According to the invention, the modular furniture system is defined in independent patent claims.
• the modular furniture system embodying the present invention comprises a plurality of structural members and at least one fastening member, each said structural member comprising at last one hole intended for insertion of the fastening member.
• the fastening member comprises a pair of primary fastening members. Both primary fastening members comprise an insert and an expansion member.
• the insert comprises a sleeve and an optional lip.
• the expansion member of the first primary fastening member in a pair comprises a plug and the first pull element.
• the expansion member of the second fastening member in the pair comprises a plug and the second pull element that is complementary to the first pull element.
• the insert of the primary fastening member can additionally comprise a superimposed element that is on the circumference of the sleeve opposite the portion with which the insert is inserted into the hole on the structural member.
• the superimposed element and the sleeve of the insert are embodied as an integrated element.
• the primary fastening member comprising a superimposed member that when paired with the second primary fastening member forms an integral fastening member, both said fastening members being connected with a spacer.
• the expansion element of one primary fastening member comprises the first pull element
• the expansion element of the other primary element comprises the second pull element that is complementary to the first pull element, both said elements being attached to their corresponding plugs.
• the primary fastening member comprising a superimposed element that when paired with the second fastening member comprising a superimposed element forms a fastening member, wherein both primary fastening member are connected by a spacer and the fastening member comprises an additional spacer with integrated superimposed elements on both sides, and in one primary fastening member, an extension is integrated between the superimposed element and the sleeve of the insert.
• the expansion element of one primary fastening member comprises the first pull element and the expansion element of the other primary fastening member comprises the second pull element that is complementary to the first pull element, both said elements being attached to their corresponding plugs.
• the first and second pull elements are configured to complement one another and, when assembled, form a pull assembly that enables the plug to be pulled into the sleeve of the insert, fixing it in place until disassembly.
• system may comprise at least one copianar connector with holes for connecting structural members in one plane, and/or at least one angular connector with at least one pull element for connecting structural members in at least two planes.
• Fastening members form a firm connection between at least two structural members with or without the copianar connector or between one structural member and one angular connector.
• different connectors can be used.
• the function of the pull assembly is twofold: a) to pull the plug into the sleeve of the insert, causing the sleeve to expand as a result of the pull force and fixing the plug into the sleeve of the insert; b) to create a firm connection between at least two structural members with or without a copianar connector, or between and at least one structural member and an angular connector.
• Fig. 1 a view of a structural member
• Fig. 2 a primary fastening member
• Fig. 3 the first variant of the fastening member, axonometric projection
• Fig. 4 the second variant of the fastening member, axonometric projection
• Fig. 5 further variant of the fastening member, axonometric projection
• Fig. 6 a coplanar connector
• Fig. 7 an angular connector
• Fig. 8 examples of coplanar and angular connectors
• Fig. 9 an example of assembled modular furniture.
• Fig. 1 shows an embodied structural member 1.
• the structural member 1 can be embodied in a variety of flat surface forms, e.g. rails or square, rectangular or triangular plates, providing these are flat in surface and of even thickness.
• the structural member 1 is preferably made of wood. Alternatively, it can be made of other materials whose surface friction and other properties, e.g. strength and elasticity, are comparable to wood. Suitable materials include wood, wood-based materials, plywood, particle board, wood-plastic composites, compact boards, duroplast and thermoplastic polymers such as ABS, Polystyrene, PVC and carbon, as well as rubber-based polymers and light metals.
• Each structural member 1 must be provided in its attachment portion with at least one attachment hole 2 into which a fastening member is inserted, both said structural members 1 and 2 forming a firm connection by means of a fastening member that is inserted through the superimposed holes 2.
• the structural member 1 may include a plurality of holes 2, wherein the distance D between the centres of holes either equals said distance or a multiple of said distance; the distance D between the holes 2 is preferably three to five times the thickness d of the structural member.
• the holes 2 are aligned along one axis, on parallel axes, or on mutually perpendicular axes.
• the holes 2 of one structural member 1 are superimposed to holes 2 of another structural member 1 , thereby providing for the insertion of the fastening member into holes 2 and creating a firm connection between two structural members 1.
• the holes 2 in the structural member 1 preferably have circular cross-sections and are preferably provided with a tapered edge 3 on the upper surface of the structural member 1.
• the tapered edge 3 facilitates insertion of the fastening member into the hole 2 and ensures that the superimposed element 6 of the insert 5 fits tightly against the tapered edge 3, preventing any portion of the insert 5 protruding from the plane of the structural member 1 .
• the horizontal cross-section of the hole 2 of the structural member 1 is adapted to the horizontal cross-section of the outer section of the insert 5 by ensuring that the clearance between the hole and the outer section of the insert 5 does not exceed 2 mm.
• the clearance does not exceed a third of the height of the lip 8 of the fastening member.
• the structural member 1 is embodied as an elongate wood rail with the holes 2 of circular cross-section with tapered edges 3, each said edge taking the shape of a truncated cone.
• the distance D between the holes 2 is dependent on the thickness d of the structural member and is three to five times the thickness d of the structural member.
• Fig. 2 presents the primary fastening member 4. It comprises an insert 5 and an expansion element 10.
• the insert 5 is made of flexible plastics and comprises a sleeve 7 and lip 8.
• the insert 5 can additionally include a superimposed element 6.
• the superimposed element 6 and tapered edge 3 are identical in shape, each taking the shape of a truncated cone.
• the superimposed element 6 fits tightly against the tapered edge 3.
• the sleeve 7 of the insert 5 is conical on the inside.
• the material used to make the sleeve 7 or insert 5 should possess appropriate flexibility properties in order to ensure that the plug 11 of the expansion element 10 is pulled into the sleeve 7 of the insert 5, expanding the sleeve 7.
• the sleeve 7 When the primary fastening member 4 is inserted into the hole 2 of the structural member 1 , the sleeve 7 expands under the pressure of the inserted expansion element 10, the inner side of the sleeve 7 pressing against the inner surface of the hole 2, the friction created establishing a firm connection between the primary fastening member 4 and the structural member 1 .
• the sleeve 7 can be optionally provided with at least one essentially longitudinal groove 9. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the sleeve 7 is provided with a plurality of grooves 9.
• the circumference radius of the sleeve 7 in the portion of the lip 8 is greater than the diameter of the hole 2, but lower than the diameter of the hole 2 at the widest portion of the tapered edge 3.
• the height of the sleeve 7 in the portion without the superimposed element 6 and lip 8 is equal to the depth of the hole 2 in the portion that does not have a tapered edge 3, which prevents the protrusion of the fastening member in its assembled state from the surface of the structural member 1.
• the function of the superimposed element 6 is also to reinforce the construction of the insert at the point of connection.
• the expansion element 10 comprises a plug 11 and the first pull element 12, wherein the first pull element 12 is configured to interlock with the second pull element 3, the latter not part of the primary fastening member 4, said elements forming a pull assembly that facilitates engagement of the plug 11 with the sleeve 7 of the insert 5, fixing it in place until disassembly.
• the first pull element 12 is configured as a nut with head
• the second pull element 13 is configured as a head bolt.
• the first pull element 12 can be configured as a head bolt
• the second pull element 13 as a nut with head.
• first and second pull elements are each configured to complement each other and upon attachment form a pull assembly that facilitates retracting of the plug 11 into and engaging with the sleeve 7 of the insert 5, fixing it in place until disassembly.
• both pull elements 12 and 13, or only one of them are attached to the plug 11.
• the outer shape of the plug 11 is preferably conical, with the inner side of the plug 11 and the sleeve 7 of the insert having identical slant angles.
• the inner form of the plug 11 in its upper portion is preferably configured with a conical lip, preventing pull elements 12 and 13 from disengaging with the plug 11 while enabling unhindered rotation of said elements inside the plug 11.
• the inner side of the plug 11 is configured to form a joint with pull elements 12 and 13 in order to prevent unhindered rotation inside the plug 11.
• the plug 11 and pull elements 12, 13 may be integrated or manufactured from one piece of wood, i.e. from identical material.
• the nut with head is attached to the plug 11 , the inner shape of the plug 11 being adapted to the head of the nut in order to prevent unhindered rotation of the nut inside the plug 11.
• the plug 1 retracts into the sleeve 7 of the insert that expands in order to facilitate the engagement of the plug 11 with the sleeve 7 of the insert, fixing it in place until disassembly.
• Fig. 3 shows the first variant of the fastening member that is used for fastening two structural members 1 to one another or in one plane by means of a coplanar connector 18.
• the first primary fastening member 4 comprising a superimposed element 6 when coupled with the second primary fastening member 4' comprising the superimposed element 6' forms an integrated fastening member, wherein both said primary fastening members are attached to one another with a spacer 14.
• the inserts 5, 5' of both fastening members 4, 4' are fixed to the spacer 14, both said inserts 5, 5' and spacer 14 having been manufactured of one piece and identical material.
• the expansion element 10 of one primary fastening member 4 comprises the first pull element 12, and the expansion element 10' of the second primary element 4' comprises the second pull element 13, both said elements being fixed to their corresponding plugs 11 , 11'.
• the spacer 14 is of equal thickness as the connectors 18, 21 , while the dimensions of the spacer 14 are slightly smaller than the dimensions of the holes 20 on the coplanar connector 18.
• the form of the spacer 4 is adapted to the form of the holes 20 in the coplanar connector 18.
• the spacer 14 is preferably circular in form, although it can also take the form of an equilateral polygon, e.g. a hexagon.
• the function of the spacer 14 is to ensure the distance between structural members 1 being attached to one another, and act as a mechanical connection between the fastening member and the coplanar connector 18.
• the first pull element 12 is a cylindrical nut
• the second pull element 13 is a cylindrical head bolt
• the spacer 14 takes the form of a circle.
• Fig. 4 shows the second variant of the fastening member that is used for fastening three structural members 1 to one another or in one plane by means of a coplanar connector 18.
• the primary fastening member 4 comprising a superimposed element 6, and the second primary fastening member 4' comprising a superimposed element 6' form a fastening member, wherein both primary fastening members 4, 4' are connected with a spacer 14 and the fastening member comprises an additional spacer 14' with integrated superimposed elements 6", 6'" on each side, wherein an extension 15 is integrated in one primary fastening member between the superimposed element 6 and the sleeve 7 of the insert 5.
• the expansion elements 10 and 10' are identical as in the variant embodying a uniform fastening member.
• Spacers 14 and 14' are hexagonal in shape, their diameter being slightly lower than the diameter of the holes 20 on coplanar connectors 18. The thickness of spacers 14 and 14' is equal to the thickness of connectors 18 and 21.
• the outer surface of the plug 11 , 11 ' is configured with at least one tongue 17 that when assembled engages with the groove 9 on the sleeve
• the inner shape of the plug 11 , 11 ' is also configured to form a joint with the first pull element 12 or the second pull element 13, preventing their rotation inside the plug 11 , 11 '.
• the outer surface of the plug 11 ' is provided with one tongue 17, which engages with the groove 9 on the sleeve 7'.
• the spacer 14 is shaped like an equilateral triangle.
• Fig. 6 shows the embodiment of a coplanar connector 18.
• the coplanar connector 18 for connecting structural members 1 in one plane is embodied as a flat member with at least two arms 19, 19' and attachment holes 20.
• the arms 19, 19' are arranged in the same plane, along the same axis, or along different axes, which facilitates connection of structural members 1 to one another at different angles.
• the dimension and form of the hole 20 are defined with the dimension and form of the spacer 14, 14' of the fastening member, or with the dimension or shape of the first pull element 12 or the second pull element 13.
• the dimension of the hole 20 is slightly greater, in the first case to allow the spacer 14, 14' to fit into the hole, and in the second case to allow the first pull element 12 or the second pull element 13 to fit into the hole 20.
• the distance between the centres of the holes 20 is equal to the distance between the centres of the holes 2 or a multiple of said distance in the structural member 1.
• the position of holes 20 is defined by the purpose of use. Holes 20 are preferably circular in form, but can also take the shape of equilateral polygons, e.g. hexagons.
• the coplahar connector 18 is embodied as a flat member with two arms 19 and 19', provided with circular holes 20. Arms 19 and 19' are arranged in the same plane and are perpendicular to each other.
• Fig. 7 shows an angular connector 21 ' .
• the angular connector 21 for connection of structural members 1 in at least two planes is provided by means of at least two arms 22, 22', each arm 22, 22' comprising at least one first pull element 12 or second pull element 13. Arms 22, 22' are in different planes, and the connecting angle between the arms 22, 22' may differ and depends on the purpose of use.
• the distance between the centres of the first pull elements 12 or the second pull elements 13 in any specific arm 22, 22' is defined by the position of holes 2 in structural members 1 .
• each arm 22, 22' The number of the first pull elements 12 or the second pull elements 13 in each arm 22, 22' is dependent upon the purpose of use; when an arm 22, 22' comprises a plurality of pull elements 12, 13, said elements are arranged along the same axis and the distance between the centres of pull elements 12, 13 is equal to the distance between the centres of the holes 2 or a multiple of said distance in the structural member 1 .
• the angular connector 21 is embodied with two arms 22 and 22', perpendicular to one another.
• Each arm 22 and 22' comprises two second pull elements 13, which are embodied as bolting members 23 and arranged along the same axis.
• Fig. 8 shows the variants of coplanar and angular connectors
• Fig. 9 presents the embodiment of a chair assembled according to the modular furniture system presented in this invention.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Dowels (AREA)
• Assembled Shelves (AREA)
• Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Priority Applications (1)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=59399468

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Family Cites Families (2)

• 2016
  • 2016-05-20 SI SI201600130A patent/SI25191A/sl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2017
  • 2017-05-11 WO PCT/SI2017/000009 patent/WO2017200494A2/en unknown
  • 2017-05-11 EP EP17743412.3A patent/EP3457891A2/en not_active Withdrawn

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