FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an assembly device and the corresponding method to connect, in a removable and easily disassembled maimer, two or more components of a furnishing element, such as for example a table, a desk, a chair, a sideboard, a bed, a piece of furniture or suchlike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various assembly devices are known, used to connect two or more components of a furnishing element, such as, for example, a table, a desk, a chair, a sideboard, a bed or other types of furniture. These known devices can be used, for example, to connect one or more support legs to a support structure of the furnishing element.

In particular, assembly devices and methods are known which provide to irremovably attach a component to the support structure of a furnishing element by gluing, jointing or by means of nails.

Assembly devices and methods are also known which provide to connect components of a furnishing element by screwing. These devices and methods require an operator to connect the components together, for example by manual assembly, using a plurality of screws, bolts or other threaded connection members.

However, these known assembly devices and methods have the disadvantage that they require great physical effort from the operator who carries them out, also exposing the latter to the risk of injuries and accidents. Furthermore, attaching the components by means of these known methods does not generally allow them to be disassembled in the future, making it difficult to displace and move the furnishing elements.

Assembly devices are also known which comprise a male element and a female element, attached to the components of the furnishing element to be connected to each other and which can be associated with each other by means of jointed couplings or by same-shape coupling.

However, the latter assembly devices of a known type require that the couplings be fixed by using locking elements, for example pins, dowels, grub screws and/or screws, to prevent relative movements between the components to be coupled and thus prevent the structure of the furnishing elements from yielding during use.

However, using these locking elements is complicated, since the seatings intended to receive them are often made in points of the furnishing elements that are not easily accessible, especially by non-experts, and therefore very difficult to reach. Furthermore, if they remain visible after the furnishing element has been assembled, these locking elements can make the aesthetics of the furnishing element less appreciable. Furthermore, to guarantee correct assembly, these elements of a known type require suitable tools to be used, which are not always readily available.

Examples of known assembly devices for furnishing elements are described in documents DE 102005028573 Al and GB 2274773 A.

There is therefore a need to perfect an assembly device to removably connect two or more components of a furnishing element which can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an assembly device and to perfect a corresponding method to connect two or more components of a furnishing element which are very simple, so as to allow anyone, even a nonexpert person, to use them easily.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an assembly device and to perfect a corresponding method to connect two or more components of a furnishing element which allow the rapid assembly and disassembly of the components themselves.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an assembly device and to perfect a corresponding method to connect two or more components of a furnishing element which do not require locking elements to be used.

Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an assembly device and to perfect a corresponding method which do not require manual or electric tools to be used.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, and to resolve the technical problem disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a device according to the present invention, to assemble a furnishing element having a first component and at least one second component to be coupled together, comprises both a female element able to be coupled to the first component and having an internal cavity, and also a male element able to be associated with the second component and be inserted in the internal cavity.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the internal cavity is provided with at least one recess and the male element comprises at least one thrust member configured to be coupled to the at least one recess in order to produce a snap-in coupling between the first and second component. The female element comprises a cylindrical body in which the internal cavity is made, the internal cavity being defined by a cylindrical axial hole open at least toward a first end of the cylindrical body. Furthermore, the cylindrical body comprises at least one threaded portion, configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of either the first or second component.

Doing so achieves at least the advantage of obtaining an assembly device and perfecting an assembly method which allow to rapidly assemble and disassemble the components in a simple and fast way so as to allow anyone, even a non-expert person, to use them easily.

This also achieves the advantage of obtaining an assembly device and perfecting an assembly method which allow to connect two or more components of a furnishing element to each other, which do not require the use of locking elements.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the male element has a longitudinal axis and comprises a first housing disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis and the thrust member is housed inside the first housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the thrust member comprises a first sphere configured to couple to the recess, and a spring disposed inside the first housing and in contact with the first sphere in order to thrust it constantly toward the outside of the first housing, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the device also comprises positioning means configured to prevent the reciprocal rotation between the male element and the female element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the positioning means comprise a centering tooth made on the male element and configured to be selectively inserted in a corresponding recess of the female element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the positioning means comprise at least one pin associated with at least one of the components and configured to be inserted in a corresponding seating associated with the other of the components.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a furnishing element comprises at least one assembly device as described above.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method to assemble a furnishing element, having a first component and at least one second component, by removably coupling the two components to each other by means of an assembly device as defined above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 is an exploded view of a device to removably connect components of a furnishing element, according to the present invention;

- fig. 2 is a schematic, lateral section view of the device of fig. 1;

- fig. 3 is a lateral section view of the device of fig. 1;

- fig. 4 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a furnishing element which comprises the device of fig. 1;

- fig. 5 is an exploded view of a device to removably assemble components of a furnishing element, in accordance with a second embodiment;

- fig. 6 is a schematic, lateral section view of the device of fig. 5;

- fig. 7 is a lateral section view of the device of fig. 5;

- fig. 8 is an exploded view of a device to removably assemble components of a furnishing element, in accordance with a third embodiment;

- fig. 9 is a schematic, lateral section view of the device of fig. 8;

- fig. 10 is a lateral section view of the device of fig. 8;

- fig. 11 is a partial three-dimensional view of a furnishing element in accordance with a possible embodiment;

We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications. DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

With reference to fig. 1, this shows an assembly device 10 according to the present invention to removably assemble two components 11 and 12 of a furnishing element 100, which in accordance with a first embodiment is a table 200.

The device 10 can be used, for example, to removably assemble the legs 111 to a frame or bearing structure 112 of the table 200; however, the device 10 could also be used to connect together armrests, cross members, or other similar components, depending on the type of furnishing element 100.

The device 10 comprises a female element 14 (fig. 2) able to be associated with a component 12 of the furnishing element 100, and a male element 15 able to be associated with a component 11 of the furnishing element 100 and configured to be selectively inserted in the female element 14 in order to produce a snap-in insert.

For example, the female element 14 can be associated with the bearing structure 112 of the table 200 and the male element 15 can be associated with one of the legs 111.

The female element 14 comprises a cylindrical body 17, having a prevalent development along its own longitudinal axis X, provided with an entry hole in correspondence with a first end 18, configured to allow the selective insertion of the male element 15, as will be described in detail below.

The entry hole defines an internal cavity 16 with a circular section, which is also coaxial to the longitudinal axis X, having an internal surface in correspondence with which a recess 20, or internal annular groove, with a semi-circular section is made (figs. 2, 6 and 9).

The recess 20 extends perimetrically along the entire internal cavity 16 and is configured to be selectively coupled to the male element 15 or a member thereof, as will be described in detail below.

The diameter D of the female element 14 is indicatively comprised between 1 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 1.5 cm and 5 cm, its length L can be indicatively comprised between 2 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 10 cm.

According to possible embodiments, the cylindrical body 17 of the female element 14 can be hollow, and the entry hole could be a through hole coaxial to the longitudinal axis X.

Furthermore, according to one possible solution, the cylindrical body 17 of the female element 14 comprises a second end 21, opposite the first end 18.

The cylindrical body 17 comprises a threaded portion 19 made in correspondence with its external surface, configured to allow a selective association of the female element 14 with the bearing structure 112 of the table 200. According to possible embodiments, not shown in the attached drawings, the portion 19 of the cylindrical body 17 could be disposed in correspondence with the second end 21.

The bearing structure 112 comprises at least one connection member 24a, mating in shape with the legs 111 of the table 200, configured to be selectively associated with the female element 14. For example, the connection member 24a could have a circular section in order to be associated with the legs 111.

The connection member 24a can be integrated with the bearing structure 112 of the furnishing element 100 (figs. 4 and 11), for example it could be integrated with one of the edges of the table 200; moreover, according to possible embodiments, not shown in the drawings, the connection member 24a could be an element able to be selectively associated with the bearing structure 112, for example by means of jointing, screwing or gluing.

The connection member 24a comprises a body having an insertion hole 25, made in correspondence with a first longitudinal end, which defines a cavity 27 mating in shape and sizes with the body of the female element 14.

An internal thread 29 is created inside the cavity 27 configured to allow the screwing, and therefore the association, of the threaded portion 19 of the female element 14, as will be better described below.

The male element 15 comprises a cylindrical body 31, having a main development along the longitudinal axis X, mating in shapes and sizes with the internal cavity 16 of the female element 14, in order to create a stable coupling.

According to possible embodiments, the male element 15 can be associated with the component 11 by means of gluing, welding, jointing or screwing; moreover, the male element 15 and the component 11 could be made as a single piece.

The body 31 of the male element 15 comprises a first recess, or housing 33, for example with a circular section, having a first transverse axis Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, inside which there is housed a first thrust member 34 configured to stably couple to the internal surface of the internal cavity 16 of the female element 14 and prevent a relative translation between the female element 14 and the male element.

The first thrust member 34 comprises a spring 36 configured to thrust a first sphere 37 from the inside of the first housing 33 toward the outside thereof, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis X.

The diameter of the first housing 33 is slightly larger than that of the first sphere 37, so that the latter can perform movements, opposed by the presence of the spring 36, in a direction parallel to the first transverse axis Y.

A stop member 38 is disposed in correspondence with the aperture of the first housing 33, substantially coplanar with the external surface of the body 31 of the male element 15. The stop member 38 is configured to prevent the first sphere 37 from exiting the housing 33, while leaving the sphere 37 protruding with respect to the surface of the body 31, for example by a few millimeters, due to the effect of the compression exerted by the spring 36. During use, the first sphere 37 is configured to couple to the recess 20 of the female element 14, so as to create a snap-in coupling and prevent the translation of the male element 15 with respect to the female element 14, as will be better described in detail.

According to possible embodiments, the male element 15 can comprise a second thrust member 40, substantially the same as the first thrust member 34, disposed in correspondence with a second recess, or housing, 41 of the body 31 made along a second transverse axis Z, parallel to the transverse axis Y and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X.

The second thrust member 40 comprises a second spring 42 configured to thrust a second sphere 44 from the inside of the second housing 41 toward the outside thereof, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, a second stop member 46 is disposed in correspondence with the aperture of the second housing 41 to prevent the second sphere 44 from exiting.

According to possible embodiments, not shown in the drawings, the first thrust member 34 and the second thrust member 40 could comprise a positioning grub screw, disposed in addition, or alternatively, to the stop members 38 and 46. During use, the second sphere 44 is configured to exert pressure in correspondence with the internal surface of the internal cavity 16 of the female member 14, in order to prevent the translation of the male element 15 with respect to the female element 14, as will be better described in detail.

The forces that the first and second spheres 37, 44 exert, during use, in correspondence with the recess 20 and the surface of the internal cavity 16, respectively, are such as to prevent the translation of the two components 11, 12. For example, the springs 36 and 42 can be the same each other, and have an elastic constant comprised between 47 N and 100 N so as to guarantee a stable coupling between the male element 15 and the female element 14.

Advantageously, the circumferential shape of the recess 20 of the female element 14 allows, during use, a relative rotation of the male element 15 with respect to the female element 14. This can be particularly advantageous when the shape of the legs 111 of the table 200 is circular.

According to possible embodiments, not shown in the drawings, the thrust members 34, 40 can be associated with the body 31 of the male element 15 by means of inserts, for example screwable.

In accordance with one possible embodiment, shown in figs, from 5 to 11, the furnishing element 100 is a table 300 (figs. 4 and 11) provided with legs 211 with a polygonal section, for example square or rectangular, and a bearing structure 212.

The bearing structure 112 comprises at least one connection member 24b, substantially the same as the connection member 24a, mating in shape with the legs 211 of the table 300, the connection member 24b could have a polygonal section mating that of the legs 211, for example square, and be configured to be associated with the bearing structure 212.

According to possible embodiments, the device 110, 210 comprises positioning means 50 configured to prevent the relative rotation between the female element

14 and the male element 15, and consequently the rotation between the first component 11 and the second component 12.

Furthermore, according to possible embodiments, the positioning means 50 can be associated with the device 110, 210; for example these can be comprised in the support structure 212 and/or in the polygonal section legs 211 of the table 300.

In accordance with one possible embodiment, shown in figs, from 5 to 7, the assembly device 110 comprises positioning means 50 which comprise a centering tooth 51 in correspondence with the external surface of the body 31 of the male element 15, configured to be selectively inserted in a centering recess 52 of the female element 14, so as to prevent the relative rotation between the male element

15 and the female element 14 around the longitudinal axis X.

The centering tooth 51 is mating in shape with the centering recess 52, and in the example shown in the drawings it is parallelepiped; however, it could also have a polygonal or circular section.

In accordance with one possible embodiment, shown in figs, from 8 to 10, the assembly device 210 comprises positioning means 50 which comprise a plurality of pins 55 disposed in correspondence with the attachment member 28, which are configured to be inserted each in a corresponding seating 56 made in correspondence with each leg 211 of the table 300 in order to prevent the relative rotation between the male element 15 and the female element 14 around the longitudinal axis X.

The pins 55 are mating in shape with the seating s 56, and in the example shown in the drawings the shape is cylindrical; however, it could also have a polygonal or circular section.

Advantageously, the presence of the positioning elements 50 prevents, during use, a relative rotation between the male element 15 and the female element 14. This can be particularly advantageous when the section of the legs 211 of the table 300 is polygonal, and when the legs 211 have to be aligned, for example, with one of the edges of the table 300.

The operation of the device 10 described heretofore, which corresponds to the method according to the present invention, comprises the following steps.

In a first step, an operator associates the female element 14 with one of the components 11, 12, for example with the connection member 24a or 24b, by selectively screwing, manually or automatically, the threaded portion 19 in correspondence with the thread 29 of the cavity 27.

Subsequently or simultaneously, the male element 15 is associated with at least another one of the components 11, 12.

Subsequently, the male element 15 associated with a leg 111, 211 of the table 200, 300 is selectively inserted inside the internal cavity 16 of the female element 14 by means of a vertical movement, that is, from bottom to top in figs. 2, 6 and 9.

The male element 15 is inserted in the internal cavity 16 until the thrust member 34 of the male element 15 is inserted in the recess 20 of the internal cavity 16, in order to create a snap-in coupling between the first and second component 11, 12.

During this step, the spheres 37 and 42 are partly thrust inside the first and second housing 33, 41 due to the friction between them, thrust by the springs 36 and 42, and the surfaces of the internal cavity 16 and the springs 36 and 42 are at least partly compressed.

The male element 15 is inserted vertically inside the internal cavity 16 of the female element 14 until the first sphere 37 is taken in correspondence with the internal annular groove 20; during this step, the first sphere 37 in any case maintains the thrust on the internal annular groove 20.

The first sphere 37 is thrust by the first spring 36 inside the internal annular groove 20, while the second sphere 42 is kept in compression against the surface of the internal cavity 16 of the female element 14 by the action of the second spring 42.

The springs 36 and 42 are sized in such a way that once the male element 15 has been inserted inside the internal cavity 16, the relative translations between the latter are prevented. Furthermore, the circumferential shape of the recess 20 allows this step to be carried out without the need to center the leg with respect to a seating. The male element 15 is free to rotate selectively with respect to the female element 14. This is particularly advantageous when the legs 111 of the table 200 have a circular section, and do not require a particular orientation with respect to the bearing structure 112.

In accordance with the embodiment shown in figs, from 5 to 7, the step described above can comprise inserting the centering tooth 51 into the centering recess 52.

Furthermore, in accordance with the embodiment shown in figs, from 8 to 10, the step described above can comprise inserting each pin 55 into a corresponding seating 56.

In this way, the rotation between the male element 15 and the female element 14 is prevented.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the assembly device 10 and to the method as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of assembly devices and methods, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the same claims.