WO2025136193A1

WO2025136193A1 - A kit of parts for a piece of furniture

Info

Publication number: WO2025136193A1
Application number: PCT/SE2024/051084
Authority: WO
Inventors: Oskar FUNDBERG
Original assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Current assignee: Inter Ikea Systems BV
Priority date: 2023-12-21
Filing date: 2024-12-16
Publication date: 2025-06-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-21

Abstract

The invention relates to kit of parts for a piece of furniture comprising two components (4, 6) adapted to be interconnected for forming a part of the piece of furniture, wherein at least a first one (4) of the two components comprises at least one preformed hole (8), wherein the kit of parts further comprises at least one fastener arrangement (20) comprising a fastener (22) and a fastener supporting member (24), wherein an outer lateral surface (26) of the fastener supporting member (24) and an inner lateral surface of the preformed hole (8) are adapted for engagement for arranging the fastener supporting member (24) in a desired position in the preformed hole (8), wherein the fastener supporting member (24) is adapted for supporting the fastener (22) for orienting the fastener relative to the first component (4) before moving the fastener for interconnecting the two components (4, 6).

Description

A kit of parts for a piece of furniture

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a kit of parts for a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet or wardrobe.

The term “kit of parts” regards a collection of discrete building components that are preengineered and/or designed to be assembled in a certain way to define a finished product, in this case a piece of furniture.

To facilitate transportation and storage, it is common that furniture is shipped in a disassembled state that occupies a smaller volume than the assembled furniture. The furniture is designed so that the disassembled components can be compactly packed into a smaller container than otherwise would be possible.

According to one known such kit of parts, it comprises a first pair of panels adapted to form lateral walls and a second pair of panels adapted to form a bottom wall and a top wall in the piece of furniture. The panels forming the lateral walls, the bottom wall and the top wall may have the same thickness and are formed in the same material. The panels forming the lateral walls, the bottom wall and the top wall may further be adapted to be interconnected to jointly form a structural unit in an assembled state. Further, the kit of parts comprises a further panel of a substantially smaller thickness that is adapted to form a back wall of the piece of furniture. The back wall may further be of a different material/structure than the other walls and more particularly of a non-structural character.

Each one of the panels forming the lateral walls, the bottom wall and the top wall is in a wood-based material. Such a wood-based panel may comprise a flat wood-based core and a decorative and/or hard top layer arranged on a surface of the flat wood-based core. The wood-based core of the panel may be made of fibre board like MDF (Medium Density Fibre board) or HDF (High Density Fibre board) or plywood. The decorative top layer may be a plastic coating such as Melamine. Further, the panel forming the back wall may also be in a wood-based material, but often without any decorative and/or hard top layer.

Further, each one of the panels forming the lateral walls, the bottom wall and the top wall comprises a groove in one of its main surfaces, wherein the groove extends adjacent to and in parallel with an edge of the panel and at a distance from the edge. The groove is adapted for receipt of an edge portion of the back wall. The groove extends about halfway through the wall thickness. In one assembly step, the panel forming the back wall is received in the grooves and secured to the lateral walls, the bottom wall and the top wall by hammering a plurality of nails in a row in a spaced relationship into an edge surface of each one of the walls so that the nails engage with the edge portion of the panel that forms the back wall that is received in the grooves.

The step of hammering the nails into the edge surfaces of the walls may however be challenging for the end user. A manual operation is normally required, wherein the end user needs to hold the nail with the fingers of one hand and operate the hammer with the other hand. For example, there is a risk that nails may be directed somewhat oblique relative to an intended orientation, which may result in a poor connection and/or a less favourable visual appearance. Accordingly, it may be difficult to perform the hammering of the nail in a way that the nail enters the edge surface perpendicularly. It may further be difficult to know at what distance from the main faces of the wall that the nail needs to be inserted for engagement with the back wall. It may further be difficult to know the required spacing between the nails for achieving a secure attachment of the back wall.

SUMMARY

A first object of the invention is to achieve a kit of parts for a piece of furniture that creates conditions for a facilitated assembly.

The object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by a kit of parts for a piece of furniture comprising two components adapted to be interconnected for forming a part of the piece of furniture, wherein at least a first one of the two components comprises at least one preformed hole, wherein the kit of parts further comprises at least one fastener arrangement comprising a fastener and a fastener supporting member, wherein an outer lateral surface of the fastener supporting member and an inner lateral surface of the preformed hole are adapted for engagement for arranging the fastener supporting member in a desired position in the preformed hole, wherein the fastener supporting member is adapted for supporting the fastener for orienting the fastener relative to the first component before moving the fastener for interconnecting the two components, wherein the fastener has a length that is longer than an extension of the preformed hole in an axial direction of the preformed hole and longer than an extension of the first component in parallel with the axial direction of the preformed hole so that the fastener may extend throughout the first component and penetrate a material of a second one of the two components if moved into the preformed hole.

According to one example, the two components are first arranged in a desired state adjacent to each other and in contact with each other in a way that the second component is provided on an opposite side of a portion of the first component relative to the preformed hole and so that an axial direction of the preformed hole intersects the second component.

More specifically, in an application where the second component forms a back wall that is received in a groove in the first component, the solution creates conditions for a facilitated assembly while no further pre-processing of the back wall is required. More specifically, the back wall may be formed of a non-perforated, plain sheet, that is cost-efficient in production. In other words, the solution requires only processing the at least one preformed hole in the first component.

The preformed hole may be drilled, wherein it has a circular cylindrical shape. Accordingly, the design of the fastener supporting member corresponds to the circular cylindrical shape for engagement. Further, the preformed hole may have a shorter length than a total thickness of the first component. Thus, the preformed hole may have a bottom surface. Accordingly, in assembly, the fastener will penetrate the material of the first component through the bottom all the way to an opposite side of the first component and further a distance into the second component.

According to one example, the fastener is supported by the fastener supporting member in a way that the fastener assumes a fixed orientation so that a fastening activity is facilitated.

Further, the fastener may be formed by a nail, wherein the solution creates conditions for a facilitated assembly in that it is not necessary to hold the nail with fingers when initiating hammering and it is not necessary to pre-fasten the nail via a series of small hammering blows. The nail is adapted to hold materials together by friction in the axial direction and shear strength laterally.

Further, the pre-formed hole forms an indication for the fastener position that makes it easy for the end user to understand where to arrange the fasteners.

Accordingly, the fastener support member is arranged in the preformed hole in a tight fit for firmly holding the fastener supporting member in the desired position. Accordingly, the fastener supporting member provides stability for the fastener in an operation for fastening the fastener to the first component.

Further, the pre-formed hole can be made larger in cross section than the cross section size of the fastener, which creates conditions for a more efficient production in relation to drilling very small holes adapted for receipt of a tip of the fastener.

According to one example, the fastener supporting member is adapted for an interference fit in the preformed hole of the first component.

According to one embodiment example, the fastener arrangement is adapted so that an axial direction of the fastener is oriented in parallel with an axial direction of the preformed hole when the fastener supporting member is arranged in the desired position in the preformed hole. Accordingly, provided the pre-formed hole is drilled perpendicularly to a surface, also the fastener will be oriented perpendicularly to the surface.

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener is arranged in such a way relative to the fastener supporting member that it may be moved relative to the fastener supporting member for interconnecting the two components.

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener supporting member has an opening in a first axial surface, wherein the opening is adapted for receiving at least a tip portion of the fastener for orienting the fastener relative to the first component.

According to a further embodiment example, the opening in the first axial surface of the fastener supporting member is adapted for receiving the tip portion of the fastener in a tight fit so that the fastener orientation is fixed in relation to the fastener supporting member. According to one example, the fastener is adapted for an interference fit in the opening of the fastener supporting member. Accordingly, an external dimension of the fastener may slightly exceed an internal dimension of the opening of the fastener supporting member. Further, an external cross section shape of the fastener may correspond to an inner cross section shape of the opening of the fastener supporting member. According to one further example, the fastener has a number of circumferentially spaced lateral projections and the opening of the fastener supporting member may have a generally circular cross section, wherein the circumferentially spaced lateral projections are adapted to engage with the material of the opening of the fastener supporting member.

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener supporting member defines a circular periphery in cross section, wherein the preformed hole has a circular cross section and wherein an outer lateral surface of the fastener supporting member defining the circular cross section and an inner radial surface of the preformed hole defining the circular cross section have complimentary dimensions.

According to one example, the fastener supporting member has at least partly a tubular shape, wherein the opening in the first axial surface of the fastener supporting member forms a part of an internal cavity of the tubular shape. According to one example, the opening extends throughout an axial length of the fastener supporting member.

According to a further embodiment example, the opening in the fastener supporting member is coaxial with the outer lateral surface of the fastener supporting member defining the circular cross section.

According to one example, an axial length of the fastener supporting member is substantially the same as a depth of the preformed hole. Due to this design, an axial surface of the fastener supporting member may be arranged flush with an external surface of the first component, wherein the fastener supporting member to a large extent may be concealed in an assembled state.

According to a further example, the fastener is moved axially to an extent that a head of the fastener is substantially flush with the external surface of the first component. According to a further embodiment example, the fastener and the fastener supporting member are formed in separate pieces. It creates conditions for a facilitated production of the fastener arrangement.

According to one example, the tip portion of the fastener is received in the opening in the fastener supporting member in a way that the fastener and the fastener supporting member are preconnected for movement in unison when the fastener supporting member is inserted in the preformed hole in the first component. It facilitates the assembly of the furniture in that an end user in one single movement may apply the fastener in a correct position and orientation relative to the first component.

According to one example, the fastener supporting member is formed in a plastic material. It creates conditions for a cost-efficient production of the fastener supporting member.

According to one further example, the fastener is formed in a metallic material. It creates conditions for a rigid connection of the first component and the second component. More specifically, in case the first and/or second component is formed in a wood-based material, it is especially adapted for being penetrated by a metallic fastener.

Further, providing the fastener and the fastener supporting member in separate pieces creates conditions for a facilitated disassembly of an assembled piece of furniture in that it may be easier to reach under a head of the fastener with a pointy tool for withdrawing the fastener from an inserted state.

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener and the fastener supporting member are formed in a one-piece unit.

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener supporting member comprises at least two radially extending support projections that are spaced in a circumferential direction of the fastener. Accordingly, the peripheral ends of the radially extending support projections jointly define the circular periphery in cross section. It creates conditions for a cost-efficient production of the fastener supporting member in that less material is required. According to a further embodiment example, the fastener supporting member is formed in a one-piece body. It creates conditions for a cost-efficient production of the fastener supporting member.

According to a further embodiment example, a radially outer periphery of the fastener supporting member is substantially spaced radially from a radially outer periphery of the fastener. It creates conditions for a facilitated production of the first component in that it is easier to process the preformed hole with a larger cross section size than in a size with the cross section of a conventional fastener (nail).

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener has a length that is substantially longer than an axial extension of the fastener supporting member. It creates conditions for the fastener to firmly interconnect the first component and the second component in an assembled state.

According to a further embodiment example, the fastener is formed by a nail adapted for being hammered for interconnecting the two components. It creates conditions for a facilitated assembly for an end user.

According to a further embodiment example, the kit of parts comprises a plurality of said fastener supporting members and a strip or a plurality of strips that interconnects the plurality of fastener supporting members. It creates conditions for carrying, supporting, organizing and protecting the fasteners. Further, it creates conditions for preventing the fastener tips from being exposed, worn and/or from hurting people. Further, it creates conditions for a time-efficient assembly in that after having applied a first fastener in a first preformed hole, a second, next fastener is handily available for being applied in a next preformed hole of the first component.

According to one example, the fastener supporting members are arranged in such a way relative to the strip that their axial directions are in parallel with each other and that the fastener supporting members are spaced from each other by means of the strip. According to one preferred example, a plurality of and preferably all the fasteners are received in the fastener supporting members in a way that the heads of the fasteners face in the same direction. It creates further conditions for a time-efficient assembly in that after having applied the first fastener in the first preformed hole, the second, next fastener is already oriented for being applied in a next preformed hole of the first component. According to one example, the fasteners are received in the fastener supporting members in a way that the axial directions of the fasteners are in parallel with each other.

According to one example, the strip and the plurality of said fastener supporting members are formed in one single unit. It creates conditions for a cost-efficient production of the fastener arrangement. According to a further preferred example, the strip is relatively rigid so that the fastener supporting members may be arranged in such a way relative to the strip that their axial directions are in parallel with each other.

According to a further embodiment example, the strip is attached to at least one of the fastener supporting members at a first distance from a second axial surface of the fastener supporting member that is adapted for facing a bottom of the preformed hole, wherein the fastener supporting member may be inserted in the preformed hole to an extent where the strip is in contact with an outer surface of the first component and wherein the strip is adapted for breaking when the fastener supporting member is moved further into the preformed hole together with the fastener so that the fastener supporting member may be released from the strip.

According to a further embodiment example, the at least first one of the two components comprises a plurality of preformed holes arranged so that their axial extensions are in parallel with each other and in a spaced relationship in a predetermined pattern, wherein the kit of parts comprises a plurality of said fastener arrangements that correspond to the number of preformed holes so that the two components may be interconnected by means of said plurality of fastener arrangements provided in said preformed holes. According to one example, the preformed holes are arranged in the spaced relationship along a straight line.

According to a further embodiment example, the first component is formed by a first panel, wherein the second component is formed by a second panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel are adapted to be interconnected to one another in a way that they extend perpendicularly relative to one another. According to one example, the at least one preformed hole is arranged in an edge surface of the first panel that spans a distance between two main surfaces of the first panel facing in opposite directions.

According to a further embodiment example, the first panel comprises a groove in one of its main surfaces, wherein the groove extends adjacent and in parallel with a first edge surface of the first panel and at a distance from the first edge surface, wherein a first edge portion of the second panel is adapted to be received in the groove, wherein an axial direction of the preformed hole intersects the groove so that the fastener may engage the second panel if moved coaxially with the preformed hole.

According to a further embodiment example, the preformed hole has a depth that is shorter than a distance between the first edge of the first panel and the groove. In this way, any shavings resulting from processing the preformed hole are hindered from ending up in the groove.

Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective and partly cut view of elements of a kit of parts according to a first embodiment,

Fig. 2 is a cross section view of a first panel comprised in the kit of parts according to fig.

1 ,

Fig. 3 is a close-up view of a fastener arrangement comprised in the kit of parts according to fig. 1 ,

Fig. 4 is an exploded cross section view of the fastener arrangement in fig. 3,

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross section view of the fastener arrangement according to fig. 3, Fig. 6 is a transverse cross section view of the fastener arrangement according to fig. 5, Fig. 7 is a perspective and partly cut view of the kit of parts according to fig. 1 in a partly assembled state, Fig. 8 is a perspective and partly cut view of the kit of parts according to fig. 1 in an assembled state,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fastener arrangement comprising a plurality of fastener supporting members that are interconnected by means of a strip,

Fig. 10 is a view from the side of one of the fastener supporting members in fig. 9,

Fig. 11-12 discloses the second embodiment of the fastener arrangement in consecutive assembly steps,

Fig. 13-14 discloses two assembly steps performed previous to the one shown in fig. 11 , in an operation for assembling the piece of furniture in the form of a wardrobe,

Fig. 15 is a perspective exploded view of the wardrobe in fig. 13-14 arranged face down, Fig. 16a and fig 16b are perspective views of a fastener arrangement according to a third embodiment,

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement according to a fourth embodiment, and

Fig. 18 is a is a perspective and partly cut view of the kit of parts with a fastener arrangement according to fig. 17 in a partly assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective and partly cut view of elements of a kit of parts 2 for a piece of furniture according to a first embodiment. More specifically, the piece of furniture may form a wardrobe or, as in this case, a kitchen cabinet The kit of parts 2 comprises two components 4, 6 in the form of panels. Each one of the two panels 4, 6 is formed in a wood-based material, such as HDF (High Density Fiber board) According to one alternative, a first one 4 of the two panels is formed in a wood-based material while a second one of the panels 6 is formed in a paper-based material. The two panels 4, 6 are adapted to be interconnected for forming a part of the piece of furniture. The first one 4 of the two panels has a greater thickness than the second one 6 of the two panels. More specifically, the first panel 4 is adapted to form a structural unit together with further similarly designed panels in an assembled state, see an example in fig. 13-14. The second panel 6 may further be of a different material/structure than the first panel 4 and more particularly of a non-structural character.

The first panel 4 comprises at least one preformed hole 8. The preformed hole 8 is provided in an edge surface 10 of the first panel 6. Further, the preformed hole 8 may be formed by drilling. Fig. 2 is a cross section view of the first panel 4. The preformed hole 8 has an axial direction 11 perpendicular to a plane defined by the edge surface 10. Further, the axial direction 11 is parallel with main surfaces 12, 14 of the first panel 4.

The first panel 4 and the second panel 6 are adapted to be arranged perpendicularly relative to one another. The first panel 4 comprises a groove 16 in one of its main surfaces 12, wherein the groove 16 extends adjacent to and in parallel with the first edge surface 10 of the first panel 4 and at a distance from the first edge surface 10. Accordingly, the groove 16 extends along a straight line. The groove 16 has an extension in its depth direction that is somewhat longer than halfway through a thickness of the first panel 4. The groove 16 is adapted for receipt of a first edge portion 18 of the second panel 6. Further, the axial direction 11 of the preformed hole 8 intersects the groove 16. The preformed hole 8 is arranged about midway between the main surfaces 12, 14 of the first panel 4. The preformed hole 8 has a depth that is shorter than a distance between the first edge surface 10 of the first panel 4 and the groove 16. In this way, no shavings resulting from the processing, i.e. drilling, of the preformed hole 8 may end up in the groove 16 and obstruct insertion of the second panel 6. According to one example, the preformed hole 8 has a depth of about 5 mm. According to one further example, the groove 8 is arranged about 10 mm from the edge surface 10. According to one further example, a diameter of the preformed hole 8 is about 4-5 mm.

According to one alternative to the design of the panel 4, in some applications, a thickness of the panel may be substantially larger than what is shown in fig.1 , wherein the groove does not need to extend halfway through the thickness of the panel. It is sufficient that the groove has an extension so that the preformed hole may be formed in the panel in a way that its axial direction intersects the groove.

The kit of parts 2 further comprises at least one fastener arrangement 20. The fastener arrangement 20 comprises a fastener 22 and a fastener supporting member 24. An outer lateral surface 26 of the fastener supporting member 24 and an inner lateral surface 28 of the preformed hole 8 are adapted for engagement for arranging the fastener supporting member 24 in a desired position in the preformed hole 8. Further, the fastener supporting member 24 is adapted for supporting the fastener 22 for orienting the fastener relative to the first panel 4 before moving the fastener 22 for interconnecting the two panels 4, 6. More specifically, the fastener arrangement 20 is adapted so that an axial direction 30 of the fastener 22 is oriented in parallel with the axial direction 11 of the preformed hole 8 when the fastener supporting member 24 is arranged in the desired position in the preformed hole 8. Due to the fact that the axial direction 11 of the preformed hole 8 intersects the groove 16, the fastener 22 may engage the second panel 6 if the fastener 22 is moved coaxially with the preformed hole 8.

Further, the fastener 22 is arranged in such a way relative to the fastener supporting member 24 that it may be moved relative to the fastener supporting member 24 for interconnecting the two panels 4, 6.

Fig. 3 is a close-up view of the fastener arrangement 20 comprised in the kit of parts according to fig. 1. The fastener supporting member 24 comprises at least two radially extending support projections 25, 27 that are spaced in a circumferential direction of the fastener supporting member 24. Accordingly, the peripheral ends of the radially extending support projections 25, 27 jointly define the circular periphery in cross section.

Fig. 4 is an exploded cross section view of the fastener arrangement 20. The fastener supporting member 24 has an opening 32 in a first axial surface 34, wherein the opening 32 is adapted for receiving at least a tip portion 36 of the fastener 22 for orienting the fastener 22 relative to the first panel 4. More specifically, the opening 32 in the first axial surface 34 of the fastener supporting member 24 is adapted for receiving the tip portion 36 of the fastener 22 in a tight fit so that the fastener orientation is fixed in relation to the fastener supporting member 24.

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross section view of the fastener arrangement 20 and Fig. 6 is a transverse cross section view of the fastener arrangement 20 according to cut A-A in fig. 5.

The fastener supporting member 24 defines a circular periphery in the transverse cross section, see fig. 6. Further, the preformed hole 8 has a circular cross section, wherein an outer lateral surface 26 of the fastener supporting member 24 defines the circular cross section and an inner radial surface 28, see fig. 2, of the preformed hole 8 defines the circular cross section having complimentary dimensions. The fastener supporting member 24 is formed in a plastic material. The fastener supporting member 24 has the shape of a sleeve. Further, an end 29 of the fastener supporting member 24 has a tapering shape for facilitating entry into the preformed hole 8, see fig. 4. In the shown example, each one of the ends of the fastener supporting member 24 has a tapering shape. It facilitates positioning the plug during production.

The opening 32 in the fastener supporting member 24 is coaxial with the outer lateral surface 26 of the fastener supporting member 24 defining the circular cross section. The fastener 22 and the fastener supporting member 24 are formed in separate pieces. Further, the fastener supporting member 24 is formed in a one-piece body. The opening 32 in the fastener supporting member 24 extends throughout the fastener supporting member 24. The opening 32 in the fastener supporting member 24 has a circular cross section. The opening 32 in the fastener supporting member 24 is defined by an inner surface 42.

The fastener 22 has a cross section size that is matched to the cross section of the opening 32 in the fastener supporting member 24 for achieving a tight fit. More specifically, the fastener 22 is adapted for slightly deforming the opening 32 laterally when the fastener 22 is assembled in the fastener supporting member 24. Accordingly, the opening 32 is somewhat depressed and/or deformed by the fastener 22. According to the shown example, the fastener 22 has a square cross section, see fig. 6, and the opening 32 in the fastener supporting member 24 has a circular cross section, wherein edges of the fastener 22 penetrate/engage with the opening 32.

According to one embodiment, the opening 32 has a narrow section 31 centrally for gripping around the fastener 22, see close-up view in fig. 4. More specifically, the opening

32 has a first conical section that extends from the first axial surface 34 towards the narrow section 31 and a second conical section that extends from a second axial surface

33 towards the narrow section 31. Accordingly, the opening 32 has a larger cross section adjacent to the respective axial surface 33, 34 than its cross section at the central section 31. Thus, edges of the fastener 22 will to a greater extent penetrate/engage with the surface defining the opening 32 in the narrow, central section 31 in relation to the penetration/engagement with the surface defining the opening 32 in the axially outer sections. It creates conditions for a proper orientation of the fastener 22 when received in the fastener supporting member 24. The design of the fastener supporting member 24 having a tapering shape of the opening 32 from each end towards the central section is a result of a production technique, wherein a tool is approached from two opposite sides. It creates conditions for a release angle from each side that meet in the middle.

Further, a radially outer periphery 38 of the fastener supporting member 24 is substantially spaced radially from a radially outer periphery 40 of the fastener 22 when the fastener 22 is received in the fastener supporting member 24.

The fastener supporting member 24 has an axial extension of about 5 mm. Further, the fastener 22 has a length that is substantially longer than an axial extension of the fastener supporting member 24. The fastener 22 may have a length of about 40 mm. The fastener 22 is formed by a nail adapted for being hammered for interconnecting the two panels 4, 6. The nail is in a metallic material, such as stainless steel.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the kit of parts according to fig. 1 in a partly assembled state, wherein the second panel 6 is inserted in the groove 16. Further, the fastener 22 is received in the fastener supporting member 24 in a way that they are moved in unison and the fastener supporting member 24 is positioned in the preformed hole 8 so that the fastener 22 extends from the first panel 4 and a head 35 of the fastener 22 is accessible from above for hammering.

Fig. 8 is a perspective and partly cut view of the kit of parts according to fig. 1 in an assembled state, wherein the fastener 22 has been hammered, see arrow 37, through the fastener supporting member 24 further into the first panel 4 and throughout the edge portion 18 of the second panel 6.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fastener arrangement 100 comprising a plurality of fastener supporting members 102, 104, 106, 108 that are interconnected by means of a strip 110. More specifically, the strip 110 interconnects the fastener supporting members 102, 104, 106, 108 in a way that the fastener supporting members 102, 104, 106, 108 are arranged with their axial extensions in parallel with each other. More specifically, a longitudinal direction of the strip 110 extends perpendicularly relative to an axial extension of the fastener supporting members 102, 104, 106, 108. The strip 110 and the fastener supporting members 102, 104, 106, 108 are formed in a one- piece unit. Fig. 10 is a view from the side of one of the fastener supporting members 102 arranged at an end of the strip 110 in fig. 9. The strip 110 is attached to the fastener supporting member 102 at a first distance from a second axial surface 112 of the fastener supporting member 102 that is adapted for facing a bottom of the preformed hole 8. The first distance is smaller than a depth of the preformed hole 8. According to one example, the fastener supporting member 102 has an axial extension of about 5 mm and the strip 110 extends from the body of the fastener supporting member 102 at about 3-4 mm from the second axial surface 112 of the fastener supporting member 102.

It may be noted that the fastener supporting members 102, 104, 106, 108 have a continuous radially outer peripheral surface that defines a circular shape in cross section. In other words, the fastener supporting member forms a sleeve with a cylindrical outer surface that does not have any recesses or other interruptions. According to alternatives, it is of course possible to interconnect fastener supporting members of other designs, such as the one described above with regard to the first embodiment of the fastener arrangement, by means of a strip.

Further, according to an alternative design of the fastener supporting members 24 in an embodiment where they are interconnected by means of a strip, production of the fastener supporting members 24 may be carried out in a way that only one end has a tapering shape, while the other, opposite, end has a straight extension.

Fig. 11-12 discloses the second embodiment of the fastener arrangement 110 in consecutive assembly steps in assembling a piece of furniture in the form of a wardrobe 15. The first panel 4 forms a side wall of the wardrobe 15 and the second panel 6 forms a back wall of the wardrobe. Further, the wardrobe 15 is positioned face down on a floor during the assembly of the fastener arrangement 100. Accordingly, the axial extension of the preformed hole 8 is arranged vertically, wherein the fastener 103 has a vertical extension when the fastener supporting member 102 is arranged in the preformed hole 8. In an assembly step, the fastener supporting member 102 is inserted in the preformed hole 8 to an extent where the strip 110 is in contact with an outer surface 114 of the first panel 4, see close-up view in fig. 11. The strip 110 is adapted for breaking when the fastener supporting member 102 is moved further into the preformed hole 8 together with the fastener 22 so that the fastener supporting member 102 may be released from the strip 110. In other words, the fastener supporting member 102 is manually inserted in the preformed hole 8 to an extent that the fastener 103 is oriented upwards, whereafter the fastener 103 is hammered down to a state where the upper axial surface of the fastener supporting member 102 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the first panel 4. Also, the fastener 103 is hammered down to a state where the head of the fastener 103 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the first panel 4, see a close-up view in fig. 12.

Fig. 13-14 disclose two previous assembly steps in assembling the wardrobe 15. The kit of parts comprises a third panel 7 that has a mirrored design with regard to the first panel 4, wherein the second panel 6 may be received in a similarly designed groove in the third panel 7. Further, the wardrobe 15 comprises a fourth panel 9 that is adapted to form a bottom wall in the wardrobe. Further, the wardrobe 15 comprises a fifth panel 13 that is adapted to form a top wall in the wardrobe. The fourth panel 9 and the fifth panel 13 are arranged in parallel with each other and at a distance from each other. The fourth panel 9 and the fifth panel 13 are arranged perpendicularly relative to the first panel 4 and the third panel 7. Further, the first panel 4, the third panel 7, the fourth panel 9 and the fifth panel 13 are adapted to be structural and form a load-carrying structure of the wardrobe. In a similar manner as has been described above with regard to the first panel 4, also the fourth panel 9 and the fifth panel 13 comprise grooves facing each other for receipt of the second panel 6. Further, in a similar manner as has been described above with regard to the first panel 4, each one of the third panel 7, the fourth panel 9 and the fifth panel 13 is provided with a number of spaced preformed holes for receipt of fastener arrangements for rigidly attaching the second panel 6.

The wardrobe 15 is adapted for being assembled by first connecting the panels forming the bottom wall 9 and the top wall 13 to opposite ends of the third panel 7 forming the lateral walls via fasteners (not shown). The grooves in the panels forming the bottom wall 9, the top wall 13 and the lateral wall 7 define a plane. In a consecutive assembly step, the second panel 6 forming the back wall is inserted in the opposite grooves in the panels 9, 13 from free ends of the panels and then slid (see arrow) towards the lateral wall 7 until the back wall 6 is received in the grooves in each one of bottom wall 9, the top wall 13 and the lateral wall 7. In a further assembly step, the first panel 4 forming the lateral wall is connected to the free ends of the bottom wall 9 and the top wall 13 via fasteners 19, 21 so that a free edge portion of the back wall 6 is received in the groove of the first panel 4.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the wardrobe 15 indicated in fig. 14 in a state lying face down. The first panel 4 comprises a plurality of preformed holes 8, 8’, 8”, 8”’ arranged so that their axial extensions are in parallel with each other and in a spaced relationship along a longitudinal direction of the edge surface of the first panel 4. Further, a plurality of fastener arrangements 20, 20’, 20”, 20”’ are provided that corresponds to the number of preformed holes so that the two panels 4, 6 may be interconnected by means of said plurality of fastener arrangements provided in said preformed holes.

As the wardrobe in fig. 15 is lying face down on the floor, the back panel 6 is generally horizontal, which is advantageous for hammering. Accordingly, the preformed holes 8 face vertically upwards when the fastener supporting members 24 are inserted.

Fig. 16a and fig 16b are perspective views of a fastener arrangement 120 according to a third embodiment. The fastener arrangement 120 comprises a fastener 122 and a fastener supporting member 124. For ease of presentation, only the main differences in relation to the first embodiment will be described. The fastener supporting member 124 comprises at lest one transverse opening 126, 128, 130 that extends radially between a central opening 132 for receipt of the fastener 122 and a radially peripheral surface 134 of the fastener supporting member 124. More specifically, the fastener supporting member 124 comprises a plurality of transverse openings 126, 128, 130. At least two of the transverse openings 126, 128, 130 are arranged circumferentially spaced. Further, at least two of the transverse openings 126, 128, 130 are arranged axially spaced.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a fastener arrangement 220 according to a fourth embodiment. The fastener arrangement 220 comprises a fastener 222 and a fastener supporting member 224. For ease of presentation, only the main differences in relation to the first embodiment will be described. The fastener supporting member 224 is integrated in the fastener 222. In other words, the fastener supporting member 224 and the fastener 222 are formed in a one-piece body. The one-piece body that forms the fastener arrangement 220 is formed in metal. The fastener supporting member 224 comprises at least two radially extending support projections 226, 228, 230, 232 that are spaced in a circumferential direction of the fastener. More specifically, the fastener supporting member 224 comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced thin elements 226, 228, 230, 232 that are adapted to move in unison with the fastener 222 and penetrate the material of the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 as the fastener 222 is hammered. In the embodiment shown, there are four thin elements 226, 228, 230, 232 arranged with equal circumferential spacing. Each one of the thin elements 226, 228, 230, 232 has a radial extension between a body of the fastener and a pointy edge. More specifically, each one of the thin elements 226, 228, 230, 232 has a wider extension closer to the fastener body and a tapering shape towards its radially free end. Further, each edge has an axial extension corresponding generally to a depth of the preformed hole 8 in the first panel 4 for providing proper support. Further, each one of the thin elements has 226, 228, 230, 232 has a generally straight extension in parallel with an axial direction of the fastener 222. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the kit of parts with the fastener arrangement 220 arranged for interconnecting the panels 4, 6.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

According to one alternative, the invention is not limited to that the components are formed as panels. For example, a second component may be a distance member, such as a leg, or a rail/fitting.

According to a further alternative, the invention is not limited to that the first panel is provided with a groove for receipt of the other panel. According to one example, the first panel is provided with an elongated cut-out for reception of the end portion of the second panel. According to a further example, the first and second panels may be arranged in any other overlapping state, wherein the pre-formed hole has an axial direction directed through a portion of the second panel.

According to a further alternative, the fastener supporting member (and the strip) may be formed in a different material than plastic material, such as a paper material.

According to a further alternative, the fastener is not limited to a nail, wherein it may be a screw or other type of fastener.

According to a further alternative, the fastener is not limited to have a square cross section, wherein it may have a circular cross section.

Claims

1. A kit of parts for a piece of furniture (15) comprising two components (4, 6) adapted to be interconnected for forming a part of the piece of furniture (15), wherein at least a first one (4) of the two components comprises at least one preformed hole (8), wherein the kit of parts further comprises at least one fastener arrangement (20, 100, 120, 220) comprising a fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) and a fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224), wherein an outer lateral surface (26) of the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) and an inner lateral surface (28) of the preformed hole (8) are adapted for engagement for arranging the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) in a desired position in the preformed hole (8), wherein the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) is adapted for supporting the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) for orienting the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) relative to the first component (4) before moving the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) for interconnecting the two components (4, 6), wherein the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) has a length that is longer than an extension of the preformed hole (8) in an axial direction of the preformed hole (8) and longer than an extension of the first component (4) in parallel with the axial direction of the preformed hole (8) so that the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) may extend throughout the first component (4) and penetrate a material of a second one (6) of the two components if moved into the preformed hole (8).

2. A kit of parts according to claim 1 , wherein the fastener arrangement (20, 100, 120, 220) is adapted so that an axial direction (30) of the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) is oriented in parallel with the axial direction (11) of the preformed hole (8) when the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) is arranged in the desired position in the preformed hole (8).

3. A kit of parts according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) is arranged in such a way relative to the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) that it may be moved relative to the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) for interconnecting the two components (4, 6).

4. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) has an opening (32) in a first axial surface (34), wherein the opening (32) is adapted for receiving at least a tip portion of the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) for orienting the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) relative to the first component (4).

5. A kit of parts according to claim 4, wherein the opening (32) in the first axial surface (34) of the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) is adapted for receiving the tip portion of the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) in a tight fit so that the fastener orientation is fixed in relation to the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224).

6. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) defines a circular periphery in cross section, wherein the preformed hole (8) has a circular cross section and wherein an outer lateral surface (26) of the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) defining the circular cross section and an inner radial surface (28) of the preformed hole (8) defining the circular cross section have complimentary dimensions.

7. A kit of parts according to any one of claims 4- 5 and claim 6, wherein the opening (32) in the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) is coaxial with the outer lateral surface (26) of the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) defining the circular cross section.

8. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (22, 103, 122) and the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124) are formed in separate pieces.

9. A kit of parts according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the fastener (222) and the fastener supporting member (224) are formed in a one-piece unit.

10. A kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 224) comprises at least two radially extending support projections that are spaced in a circumferential direction of the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222).

11. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) is formed in a one-piece body.

12. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein a radially outer periphery of the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) is substantially spaced radially from a radially outer periphery of the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222).

13. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) has a length that is substantially longer than an axial extension of the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224).

14. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) is formed by a nail adapted for being hammered for interconnecting the two components.

15. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener supporting member (24, 102, 124, 224) has an axial extension that is substantially as long as a depth of the preformed hole (8).

16. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the kit of parts comprises a plurality of said fastener supporting members (102) and a strip (110) or a plurality of strips (110) that interconnects the plurality of fastener supporting members (102).

17. A kit of parts according to claim 16, wherein the strip (110) is attached to at least one of the fastener supporting members (102) at a first distance from a second axial surface (112) of the fastener supporting member that is adapted for facing a bottom of the preformed hole (8), wherein the fastener supporting member (102) may be inserted in the preformed hole (8) to an extent where the strip (110) is in contact with an outer surface of the first component (4) and wherein the strip (110) is adapted for breaking when the fastener supporting member (102) is moved further into the preformed hole together with the fastener (103) so that the fastener supporting member (102) may be released from the strip.

18. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least first one of the two components (4, 6) comprises a plurality of preformed holes (8, 8’, 8”, 8”’), arranged so that their axial extensions are in parallel with each other and in a spaced relationship in a predetermined pattern, wherein the kit of parts comprises a plurality of said fastener arrangements (20, 20’, 20”, 20”’) that correspond to the number of preformed holes (8, 8’, 8”, 8”’)so that the two components (4, 6) may be interconnected by means of said plurality of fastener arrangements (20, 20’, 20”, 20’”) provided in said preformed holes (8, 8’, 8”, 8’”).

19. A kit of parts according to any preceding claim, wherein the first component (4) is formed by a first panel, wherein the second component (6) is formed by a second panel, wherein the first panel (4) and the second panel (6) are adapted to be interconnected to one another in a way that they extend perpendicularly relative to one another.

20. A kit of parts according to claim 19, wherein the first panel (4) comprises a groove (16) in one of its main surfaces (12), wherein the groove (16) extends adjacent and in parallel with a first edge surface (10) of the first panel (4) and at a distance from the first edge surface (10), wherein a first edge portion (18) of the second panel (6) is adapted to be received in the groove (16) , wherein an axial direction (11) of the preformed hole (8) intersects the groove (16) so that the fastener (22, 103, 122, 222) may engage the second panel (6) if moved coaxially with the preformed hole (8).

21. A kit of parts according to claim 20, wherein the preformed hole (8) has a depth that is shorter than a distance between the first edge surface (10) of the first panel (4) and the groove (16).