WO2018039760A1

WO2018039760A1 - Device for associating furniture articles and method of associating furniture articles by means of a device

Info

Publication number: WO2018039760A1
Application number: PCT/BR2017/050067
Authority: WO
Inventors: José Luis Gonzalez
Original assignee: Cermag Comercial Importadora E Exportadora Ltda
Priority date: 2016-08-31
Filing date: 2017-03-22
Publication date: 2018-03-08
Also published as: BR102016020139A2; BR102016020139B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) for associating furniture articles comprising a base (10) partially associated with at least one structural element (20) of the furniture article, the base (10) being configured to receive at least one blocking element (30), the blocking element (30) being provided with at least one manipulable ex-0 tension (31) configured to be operated by the user, the blocking element (30) being provided with at least one blocking extension (32), the blocking extension (32) being configured to selectively secure and deflect the base (10) to the structural element (20) by operation of the manipulable extension (31), the device (100) allowing the association between structural elements in a fast and practical manner, without it being necessary to damage the article for this purpose, and promoting easy handling of the device by a user without the need of using any tools. The present invention also relates to a method of associating furniture articles in harmony with the device (100) proposed in the present invention.

Description

"DEVICE FOR ASSOCIATING FURNITURE ARTICLES AND METHOD OF ASSOCIATING FURNITURE ARTICLES BY MEANS OF A DEVICE"

[001 ] The present invention relates to an associating device for application in furniture articles. More specifically, it relates to a device associated with at least one structural element of the furniture article by a blocking means.

[002] The present invention also relates to a method of associating said device with at least one structural element of a furniture article. DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[003] When it comes to furniture articles, it is known that various elements are associated to form their structure. Among the structural elements that usually form a furniture article we can mention, for example, doors or drawers, frames formed by profiles, glasses, among others.

[004] A large part of these associations between the various structural elements of the furniture article is done through association means which present several problems in their application. First, we can give the example of profiles perpendicularly associated to form a frame. In this type of association, an "L" shaped part is generally arranged adjacent to the elements to be associated, and then said piece is fixed to both elements by means of screws or similar, thus finalizing their association.

[005] This type of association requires the article to be screwed/drilled, and requires the use of screws and tightening/drilling tools, which makes the association complex and unpractical, and also damages the article in the process. In addition, the use of these fastening means (screws, nuts, rivets, nails, etc.) makes it necessary to use specific tools for assembling the article (half-miter saw, drill, screwdriver, etc.). [006] A similar problem can be identified when associating a fixed structure of the furniture article with a movable structure of said article, such as a door or drawer. Such associations are generally made by means of hinges or the like, which are fastened to the movable or fixed structures of the article by means of screws, rivets or the like, as is done when securing profiles of a furniture article. The same problems described above are also identified in this type of fastening.

[007] Thus, it is clear that the means used by the state of the art for the association of structural elements of a furniture article are com- plex and unpractical, further comprising a number of fastening elements whose use requires specific tools.

[008] In this sense, the prior art lacks an association device applicable to elements of a furniture article which promotes the association between such elements in a fast and practical manner, without it being necessary to damage the structure of the article for this purpose, and to promote easy handling of the device by a user without the need of using any tools.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[009] A first object of the present invention is to provide an asso- ciation device for furniture articles that allows the fast and practical association between elements of said article.

[0010] A second object of the present invention is to provide an association device for furniture articles that allows the association between elements of said article without it being necessary to damage the article for this purpose.

[001 1 ] A third object of the present invention is to provide an association device for furniture articles that promotes association between elements of said article through the simple manipulation of the user, without the need to use a tool for tightening, drilling or any other type of tool. [0012] The present invention also aims at providing a method of associating furniture articles in harmony with the device proposed in the present invention.

[0013] It is also an object of the present invention the provision of a device for associating furniture articles that allows the association of said device to at least one structural element of the furniture article.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for the association of furniture articles that promotes association between structural elements of the furniture article by means of contact pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The objects of the present invention are achieved from a device for associating furniture articles comprising a base partially associated with at least one structural element of the furniture article, the base being configured to receive at least one blocking element, the blocking element being provided with at least one manipulable extension operable by the user, the blocking element being provided with at least one blocking extension, the blocking extension being configured to selectively attach and detach the base from the structural element by operation of the manipulable extension.

[0016] In this sense, the operation of the extension manipulable by the user establishes a contact pressure between the blocking extension and the structural element, and the structural element is provided with at least one groove configured to associate it with the device. In particular, the operation of the manipulable extension configures a first position and a second position of association of the base to the structural element.

[0017] In the first position of association, the blocking extension allows the base to move relative to the structural element, and in the second position of association, the blocking extension promotes the attachment of the base to the structural element. In addition, the blocking extension is disposed perpendicularly to the manipulable extension and comprises at least one locking tooth, and the base comprises at least one aperture whose shape corresponds to that of the blocking extension.

[0018] Further, the base comprises a slot immediately below the aperture, the slot allowing a contact pressure between the blocking extension and the structural element to be exerted, thereby configuring the second position of association between the base and the structural element.

[0019] The base is configured to receive a base cover which comprises a projection configured to be disposed adjacent to the manipulable extensions of the blocking element when attaching the device to a structural element of the furniture article, the projection blocking the movement of the manipulable extensions after their placement.

[0020] In particular, the base comprises a substantially L-shaped projection disposed on one of its sides, the projection being configured to be associated with a second structural element of the furniture article.

[0021 ] The present invention further relates to a method of associating furniture articles by means of a device, the device comprising a base associable with a structural element of the furniture article, the device comprising a blocking element, and the method comprising the steps of associating the base of the device to at least one structural element of the furniture article; and operating a manipulable extension of the blocking element, thus establishing one of a first position of association and a second position of association of the blocking element with respect to the structural element.

[0022] Particularly, the method further comprises the step of exert- ing a contact pressure between the blocking extension and the struc- tural element by means of the operation of the manipulate extension, and the step of associating the base with a groove of the structural element.

[0023] The method also particularly comprises the step of promot- ing the movement of the base relative to the structural element by means of the first position of association, and also the step of promoting the attachment of the base to the structural element by means of a blocking extension of the blocking element and by means of the second position of association.

[0024] Further, the method particularly comprises the steps of exerting a contact pressure between the blocking extension and the structural element through a slot of the base, and the step of associating a base cover to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will be further described in more details based on one example of execution represented in the drawings. The figures show:

[0026] Figure 1 - is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention disposed adjacent to a pair of structural elements of the furniture article;

[0027] Figure 2 - is a perspective view of the base of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 - is a perspective view of the blocking element of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 - is a perspective view of the base cover of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 - is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention applied to a pair of structural elements of a furniture article;

[0031 ] Figure 6 - is a perspective view of a first alternative embod- iment of the device of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 - is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the device of the present invention applied to a structural element of the furniture article;

[0033] Figure 8 - is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention with its blocking extension configuring a first position of association with respect to the structural element of the furniture article;

[0034] Figure 9 - is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention with its blocking extension configuring a first position of association with respect to the structural element of the furniture article;

[0035] Figure 10 - is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention with its blocking extension configuring a second position of association with respect to the structural element of the furniture article;

[0036] Figure 1 1 - is a bottom view of the preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention with its blocking extension configuring a second position of association with respect to the structural ele- ment of the furniture article;

[0037] Figure 12 - is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 - is a side view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Figure 14 - is a bottom view of a second alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device 100 of the present invention, the device 100 being disposed adjacent to a pair of structural elements of the furniture article, prior to its association to said structural elements 20.

[0041 ] For a better understanding of the invention, a structural element 20 of a furniture article is an element that composes the structure of said article, said element being a frame profile, a drawer or a door, among others.

[0042] The device 100 is configured to associate with at least one structural element of the furniture article. In this preferred embodiment, said device 100 is specifically configured for association with a pair of structural elements 20. However, as will be explained below, the device 100 may be configured constructively to associate directly with only one structural element 20.

[0043] It is shown in Figure 1 and in more detail in Figure 2 that the device 100 of the present invention comprises a base 10. Such a base 10 is configured to receive the elements comprising said device 100 and to allow the partial and, later, integral association (attachment) of the device 100 to the structural element 20 of the furniture article. In this preferred embodiment, the base 10 has a first end 1 10 and a second end 120 disposed perpendicular to each other to form an "L" shape.

[0044] Obviously, the format shown for the base 10 should be understood as a preferred configuration only; in alternative configurations, any base 10 format that allows the association between a pair of structural elements 20, as is preferably described with respect to Figure 1 , could be used.

[0045] The device 100 further comprises a blocking element 30, as shown in figure 1 and in more detail in figure 3. The blocking element 30 comprises a blocking extension 32 and a manipulable extension 31 . The manipulable extension 31 has a preferably rectangular and flat shape and is disposed vertically so as to facilitate its manipulation by a user in a preferably rotational movement. [0046] The blocking extension 32 preferably has a perpendicular orientation with respect to the manipulate extension 31 , and is preferably cylindrical, according to figure 3.

[0047] In this regard, the base 10 is configured to receive the blocking element 30 and, preferably, the portion of the blocking extension 32 of said element 30. More specifically, in this preferred embodiment, the base 10 is provided with apertures 300 whose shape corresponds to that of the blocking extension 32, i.e., oblong. Thus, upon insertion of the blocking extension 32 through the aperture 300, the as- sociation between the blocking element 30 and the base 10 occurs.

[0048] It is emphasized that the formats shown for the blocking extension 32 and for the apertures 300 represent only preferred embodiments of the present invention; in alternative embodiments, obviously, other shapes could be used, provided that the insertion of the blocking extension 32 into the aperture 300 is allowed.

[0049] In general terms, it is understood that the blocking extension 32 and apertures 300 should have formats that cooperate with each other.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the base 10 also has a slot 310 im- mediately below each aperture 300, so that upon insertion through the aperture 300, the blocking extension 32 can rotate freely within the slot 310 without the risk of disassociating from the base 10.

[0051 ] The slot 310 also allows the blocking extension 32 to perform rotational movement without being obstructed by the constructive shape of the base 10, and further allows the blocking extension 32 to contact the structural element 20 of the furniture article upon operation of the blocking element 30 by the user, as will be explained in detail below.

[0052] Obviously, the shape illustrated for the slot 310 and best viewed in figure 2 should be understood only as a preferred configura- tion of this element.

[0053] Additionally, the base 10 may be configured to receive a base cover 40. More specifically, the base 10 may have a housing 50 (according to Figure 2) at its central region for engaging a base cover 40 as preferably shown in Figure 4.

[0054] The base cover 40 may serve as a means of visual finishing for the device 100, in addition, said cover 40 preferably comprises a projection 41 configured to be disposed adjacent to the manipulable extensions 31 of the blocking element 30 when using and attaching the device 100 to a structural element 20 of the furniture article, as seen from Figures 4 and 5.

[0055] Thus, the projection 41 aims to block the movement of the manipulable extensions 31 after attachment of the base cover 40 to the device 100, preventing the device 100 from accidentally sliding off the structural element 20. In addition, the cover 40 also has the function of blocking the movement of the blocking element 30 relative to the base 10, so that said element 30 does not deflect from the base 10 after assembly, thereby maintaining the integrity of the device 100.

[0056] As already explained, the device 100 is configured to asso- ciate with at least one structural element 20 of the furniture article. In this preferred embodiment, the device 100 allows the association of a pair of structural elements 20 in a perpendicular arrangement. This configuration is usually applied for association between frames of furniture articles, such as the formation of doors or drawers.

[0057] More specifically, and as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the association between the device 100 and the at least one structural element 20 is occurs by means of base 10.

[0058] In this preferred configuration, each structural element 20 is provided with a groove 200 configured to be partially associated with the base 10. More specifically, the groove 200 is configured to prevent the base 10 to move in the lateral (transverse to the groove) and vertical directions, but still allow longitudinal movement of said base 10, in other words, it allows base 10 "to run" (slide) longitudinally along the groove 200, thus configuring a partial association between the two el- ements.

[0059] In other words, in this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the groove 200 is configured as a rail, thereby allowing longitudinal movement of the base 10 within the limits defined by said rail (groove 200). It should be noted that the association between the base 10 and the structural element 20 that allows longitudinal movement of base 10 in groove 200 is referenced as a partial association between base 10 and structural element 20.

[0060] Having the base 10 partially associated with the structural element of the furniture article, the present invention provides a method of integral association (attachment) between these elements without the need for bolts, nuts or specific tightening or fastening tools.

[0061 ] The present invention provides such an effect by means of contact clamping pressure between the blocking extension 32 and the structural element 20 (also referred to as blocking).

[0062] The operation of the blocking (clamping pressure) is promoted by the blocking element 30 and occurs by establishing contact pressure between said blocking element 30 and the structural element 20 of the furniture article. In this sense, contact pressure is understood as any pressure which is sufficient to promote the attachment between the base 10 and the structural element 20 of the furniture article.

[0063] More specifically, when the base 10 is only partially associated with the structural element 20 (i.e. when the manipulable extension 31 has not yet been operated by the user), the blocking element 30 does not exert a contact pressure close to the structural element, and the base can run freely along the longitudinal extension of the structural element 20, particularly, along the groove 200.

[0064] It is configured, thereby, a first position 70 for attaching the blocking element 30, and more specifically, the blocking extension 32, with respect to the structural element 20, as can be seen in Figures 8 and 9.

[0065] When the manipulate extension 31 is operated, the blocking element 30 exerts a contact pressure on the structural element 20 through its blocking extension 32, effectively securing the base 10 to the structural element 20, i.e., preventing any movement of the base 10 relative to the structural element 20, thereby establishing a second position 80 for attaching the base 10 to the structural element 20; this second position is also referred to as integral association between base 10 and structural element 20, as can be seen in Figures 10 and 1 1 .

[0066] It should be noted that in this preferred embodiment of the present invention the change between the first position of association 70 and the second position of association 80 occurs by means of operation of the manipulate extension 31 , thereby configuring a rotation movement on the blocking extension 32. In addition, and also prefera- bly, the blocking extension 32 comprises at least one locking tooth 320 for enhancing the integral association between the base 10 and the structural element 20. More preferably, and as shown in Figure 3, the blocking extension 32 comprises a pair of locking teeth 320 that assist in securing the base 10 to the structural element 20, favoring the estab- lishment of contact pressure.

[0067] In any case, it should be noted that the use of at least one locking tooth 320 in the blocking extension 30 should be considered as a preferred embodiment. Alternatively, the contact pressure could be exerted directly by the blocking extension 32 or by any structural ele- ment comprised by said extension 32 which allows a contact pressure to be exerted on the structural element 20, effectively securing the base 10 to said structural element 20.

[0068] More specifically, the arrangement of the locking teeth 320 from the blocking extension 32 allows said teeth 320 to contact the lim- its of the groove 200, thereby exerting a contact pressure on the groove preventing the base 10 to move relative to the structural element 20.

[0069] Even more specifically, it is proposed that the limits of the groove 200 be defined by recesses in which the teeth 320 can be ar- ranged, integrally securing the base 10 to the structural element 20.

[0070] It should also be noted that the use of teeth 320 from the blocking extension 32 as disclosed in Figures 3 and 8 to 10 is to be understood only as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, alternatively, any component that enables a contact pressure to be ex- erted on the structural member 20 could be used.

[0071 ] In this preferred embodiment the attachment of the base 10 is applied to both the structural elements 20, as shown in Figure 5. Thus, the device 100 is fixed to both elements 20, and both structural elements 20 are integrally associated with each other.

[0072] It is thus clear that the present invention enables the association between elements of the furniture article in a practical and rapid manner, the association being achieved by operating the manipulable extension 31 of the device 100 in a simple movement (such as rotation) without the need for fastening means (such as screws) or specific tools (screwdrivers, drills, etc.).

[0073] In addition, blocking (contact pressure) does not cause damage to the furniture article, thus the device 100 can be attached to and detached from the structure of the furniture article several times without impairing the article or the integrity of the attachment.

[0074] It should be further noted that the device of the present in- vention has several applications other than that disclosed by Figures 1 to 5 and 8 to 10 but which are based on the same essential characteristics.

[0075] In this regard, Figures 6 and 7 show an alternative embodi- ment of the present invention which promotes an association of a fixed structure 20 of the furniture article (such as a frame of profiles) with a movable structure of said article (such as a door or drawer, not shown in the figures).

[0076] In this example, the base 10 is associated with only one structural member 20 of the furniture (fixed structure, in this case having grooves 200), and the base 10 is configured to receive a tilting element 60 capable of associating said base 10 with the structure of the article, such as, for example, a hinge 60.

[0077] Also with respect to this alternative embodiment of Figures 6 and 7, the base 10 receives a pair of blocking elements 30 having each a manipulable extension 31 and a blocking extension 32 for association with the structural element 20. After the association of the base 10 with the structural element 20, the tilting element 60 is associated with the movable structure of the furniture article. This association may be accomplished by means of any suitable fastening element (e.g., screws) or may be further accomplished by a further locking device 100 of the present invention associated with the other end of the hinge.

[0078] A further operation and use of the device in its alternative embodiment of Figures 6 and 7 occurs by means of a first and a second position, such as those presented in the preferred embodiment described above.

[0079] In addition, Figures 12, 13 and 14 disclose a second alternative embodiment of the present invention, the construction of which is adapted for use in a drawer. It is shown that the base 10 comprises a substantially rectangular shape and is associable with a single blocking element 30. Furthermore, it is shown that the base 10 comprises a substantially L-shaped projection 400 starting from one of the longer length sides of the base 10, as can be seen in Figures 12, 13 and 14.

[0080] In this alternative embodiment, the base 10 is associated with a structural element 20 of the furniture article, preferably the cover of a drawer. The cover (front face) of the drawer may, as seen in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprise a groove 200 for securing the blocking element 30 from its blocking extension 32. In this regard, the blocking extension 32 may also comprise teeth 320 to assist in this association, similarly to the preferred configuration of the device 100.

[0081 ] In addition, the projection 400 is provided with a surface 410 for association with a second structural element 20 of the furniture arti- cle, preferably the body (side face) of the drawer which will receive the cover mentioned above. The association between the surface 410 of the projection 400 and the second structural element 20 is preferably made by means of holes 420 disposed on the surface 410 and configured to receive fastening elements such as screws.

[0082] A further operation and use of the device in its alternative embodiment of Figures 12, 13 and 14 occurs by means of a first and a second position, such as those presented in the preferred embodiment described above.

[0083] Also, depending on the dimensions of the drawer, more than one device may be used for the correct formation of the drawer.

[0084] The blocking movement used in the present invention is also not limited to that disclosed by the preferred embodiment described herein. The manipulable extension 31 may, for example, have a horizontally flat shape, in the sense of facilitating a tilting movement rather than a rotational movement. Thus, access by the upper region of the device 100 is facilitated.

[0085] In accordance with aspects of the device 100 presented herein, the present invention also relates to a method of associating furniture articles.

[0086] In accordance with the device 100 described above, the method comprises the following steps: associating the base 10 of the device 100 to at least one structural element 20 of the furniture article; and operating a manipulable extension 31 of the blocking element 30, thus establishing one of a first position 70 of association and a second position 80 of association of the blocking element 30 with respect to the structural element 20.

[0087] In this regard, the positions of association 70, 80 are such as those already presented for the device 100 of the present invention, and as shown in Figures 8 to 1 1 .

[0088] Preferably, the method may further comprise the step of exerting a contact pressure between the blocking extension 32 and the structural element 20 by means of the operation of the manipulable extension 31 , and the step of associating the base 10 with a groove 200 of the structural element 20.

[0089] The method also comprises the step of promoting the movement of the base 10 relative to the structural element 20 by means of the first position of association 70, and also the step of promoting the attachment of the base 10 to the structural element 20 by means of a blocking extension 32 of the blocking element 30 and by means of the second position of association 80.

[0090] The steps discussed above disclose the possibility of partial association between the device 100 and the structural element 20 during assembly of the furniture article as well as the possibility of integral association between the device 100 and the structural element 20.

[0091 ] Finally, the method preferably comprises the steps of exert- ing a contact pressure between the blocking extension 32 and the structural element 20 through a slot 310 of the base 10, and also the step of associating a base cover 40 to the base 10.

[0092] Again, through the method disclosed herein, it is clear that the device 100 allows its simple and practical association to a structural element of a furniture article, without the need to use specific tools, making the process of assembling the furniture article fast and convenient.

[0093] The method described above further comprises the step of exerting a contact pressure between the blocking extension 32 and the structural element 20 by means of the operation of the manipulable extension 31 and/ or the step of associating the base 10 with a groove 200 of the structural element 20, depending on the particular constructive arrangement chosen for the device 100.

[0094] In addition, the method further comprises the step of promoting the movement of the base 10 relative to the structural element 20 by means of the first position of association, which allows partial association of the base 10 with the structural element 20 as already explained above.

[0095] The method further comprises the step of promoting the attachment of the base 10 to the structural element 20 by means of a blocking extension 32 of the blocking element 30 and through the second position of association, and/or exerting a contact pressure between the blocking extension 32 and the structural element 20 through a slot 310 of the base 10.

[0096] Moreover, in harmony with the device 100 described above, it is emphasized that the contact pressure between the blocking extension 32 and the structural element 20 is exerted through at least one locking tooth 320, said locking tooth 320 associated with the blocking extension 32. [0097] In addition, the method may further comprise the step of attaching a base cover 40 to the base 10, thereby blocking any movement of the manipulable extensions 31 .

[0098] Finally, the use of the device 100 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 14 is to be understood only as a preferred illustration of the present invention.

[0099] As understood from the description, the device 100 suggested by the present invention allows for association between any elements in a practical, fast and efficient manner, wherein said associa- tion occurs by moving a manipulable extension of said device.

[00100] As an example of a preferred embodiment has been disclosed, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible embodiments, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including their possible equivalents.

Claims

1 . A device (100) for associating furniture articles comprising a base (10) associable with at least one structural element (20) of the furniture article, the device (100) characterized in that the base (10) is configured to receive at least one blocking element (30), the blocking element (30) being provided with at least one manipulable extension (31 ) operable by the user, the blocking element (30) being provided with at least one blocking extension (32), the blocking extension (32) being configured to selectively attach and detach the base (10) to the structural element (20) by operation of the manipulable extension

(31 ) .

2. The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the operation of the manipulable extension (31 ) by the user establishes a contact pressure between the blocking extension (32) and the structural element (20).

3. The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the structural element (20) is provided with at least one groove (200) configured to promote association of the structural element (20) with the device (100).

4. The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized by the fact that the operation of the manipulable extension (31 ) configures a first position and a second position of association of the base (10) with the structural element (20).

5. The device (100) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that, at the first position of association, the blocking extension

(32) allows moving the base (10) relative to the structural element (20).

6. The device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, at the second position of association, the blocking extension (32) promotes the attachment of the base (10) to the structural element (20).

7. The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the blocking extension (32) is arranged perpendicularly to the ma- nipulable extension (31 ), the blocking extension (32) further comprising at least one locking tooth (320).

8. The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the base (10) comprises at least one aperture (300) whose shape corresponds to that of the blocking extension (32).

9. The device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the base (10) comprises a slot (310) immediately below the aper- ture (300).

10. The device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the slot (310) allows a contact pressure between the blocking extension (32) and the structural element (20) to be exerted, thereby configuring the second position of association between the base (10) and the structural element (20).

1 1 . The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the base (10) is configured to receive a base cover (40) which comprises a projection (41 ) configured to be disposed adjacent to the manipulable extensions (31 ) of the blocking element (30) when attach- ing the device (100) to a structural element (20) of the furniture article, the projection (41 ) blocking the movement of the manipulable extensions (31 ).

12. The device (100) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the base (10) comprises a substantially L-shaped projection (400) disposed on one of its sides, the projection (400) being configured to be associated with a second structural element (20) of the furniture article.

13. Method of associating furniture articles by means of a device (100), the device (100) comprising a base (10) associable with a structural element (20) of the furniture article, the device (100) compris- ing a blocking element (30), the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of

associating the base (10) of the device (100) to at least one structural element (20) of the furniture article;

operating a manipulable extension (31 ) of the blocking element (30), thus establishing one of a first position of association and a second position of association of the blocking element (30) with respect to the structural element (20).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the blocking element (30) further comprises a blocking extension (32), the method is characterized in that it further comprises the step of

exerting a contact pressure between the blocking extension (32) and the structural element (20) by operation of the manipulable extension (31 ).

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of

associating the base (10) with one groove (200) of the structural element (20).

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of

promoting the movement of the base (10) relative to the structural element (20) by means of the first position of association, alternatively:

promoting attachment of the base (10) to the structural ele- ment (20) by means of the blocking extension (32) of the blocking element (30) and by means of the second position of association.

17. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of

exerting a contact pressure between the blocking extension (32) and the structural element (20) by means of a slot (310) of the base (10).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that the contact pressure between the blocking extension (32) and the structural element (20) is exerted through at least one locking tooth (320), said locking tooth (320) associated with the blocking extension (32).

19. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of

blocking the movement of the manipulable extensions (31 ) by associating a base cover (40) with the base (10) of the device (100).