Mounting device for connecting parts of a piece of furniture

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mounting device for connecting parts of a piece of furniture, a piece of furniture comprising such a mounting device, and a method of assembling such piece of furniture, according to the independent claims. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sometimes furniture fittings are used for connecting parts of a piece of furniture, e.g. for connecting a table leg with a table top. Table legs come in many types, there are for example wooden legs that can attach with a variety of bracketing methods, and there are metal ones that are attached to plates that have pre-bored holes so you can simply screw them to the bottom of the table.

In DE202005009915 U1 a connecting system for joining e.g. table leg and top is disclosed. The connecting system consists of two plates which are attached to components and are preformed so that they form dovetail joint.

The inventors of the present invention have identified a need for an improved mounting device for connecting parts of a piece of furniture. There is a need for a mounting device for connecting parts of a piece of furniture which is less expensive, easy and straightforward to manufacture.

Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device for connecting parts of a piece of furniture, which mounting device is less expensive, easy and straightforward to manufacture. A further object is to provide a mounting device which provides for facilitated and improved assembly of the piece of furniture.

Yet another object is to provide a mounting device which provides for a stable connection between the parts of the piece of furniture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned objects are achieved by the present invention according to the independent claims.

Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the mounting device for connecting parts of a piece of furniture comprises an attachment plate, adapted to be attached to at least a first furniture part, said attachment plate comprising at least a first engagement portion, which projects from a first side of said attachment plate, said first engagement portion being adapted to be inserted into said first furniture part. The attachment plate further comprises at least a second engagement portion, which projects from a second side of said attachment plate, said second engagement portion being adapted to be inserted into a second furniture part. The mounting device is adapted to be attached to said second furniture part when said attachment plate is attached to said first furniture part. Thus, the first engagement portion is adapted to be inserted into said first furniture part and to engage with said first furniture part. The attachment plate is then tightly attached to the first furniture part and thereafter, when said attachment plate is attached to said first furniture part, the second engagement portion is inserted into a second furniture part in order to engage with said second furniture part. When inserted into said second furniture part, the mounting device is attached to said second furniture part. For example, the attachment plate or the second engagement portion may be attached to said second furniture part. The mounting device is advantageously shaped such that it may be attached to the second furniture part after it has been attached to said first furniture part. The present invention is based on the insight that providing the mounting device with a first engagennent portion and a second engagennent portion adapted to project into said first and second furniture part, respectively, provides for facilitated assembly of the piece of furniture and a stable connection between all parts. It also provides the opportunity to make the connection between the furniture parts invisible. The second engagement portion and/or the attachment plate is advantageously shaped such that they may be attached to the second furniture part after that the mounting device, i.e. the attachment plate or the first engagement portion, already has been attached to the first furniture part. The lengths of the engagement portions are preferably adapted to the type of furniture parts it is adapted to connect. Thus, when the mounting device is connecting a table top and a table leg, the second engagement portion which is to be inserted into the table leg is longer than the first engagement portion adapted to be inserted into the table top.

In one embodiment, the mounting device is adapted to be invisibly arranged between said first furniture part and said second furniture part. Thus, at a distance the mounting device may not be seen when mounted. This provides for a secure connection between the first and second furniture parts. The first and second furniture parts are adapted to be provided with slots and recesses such that the mounting device may be arranged invisibly between the furniture parts.

In one embodiment, the attachment plate comprises attachment means, adapted to be attached to said second furniture part. The attachment plate is then preferably provided with a bend or a curve, such that a space is provided, in the area of the bend or curve, between the first furniture part and the attachment plate when the attachment plate has been attached to the first furniture part. The attachment means is then advantageously arranged in the area where the space is, such that it possible to fasten the attachment plate to the second furniture part, for example by means of a screwbolt and a nut. In one embodiment, said attachment means is arranged at said second engagement portion. The second engagement portion is adapted to be arranged in a slot in said second furniture part. Preferably, said second furniture part is adapted to be provided with a second securing slot, through which said attachment means may be reached such that said attachment means may be attached to said second furniture part.

Said second securing slot may be arranged in an angle substantially perpendicular to said at least one receiving slot respectively. The receiving slot may for example be a hole adapted to receive a screw or a bolt, a tap or similar components.

In one embodiment, said second side is at an opposite side of said

attachment plate with respect to said first side.

In one embodiment, said first engagement portion and said second engagement portion are projecting substantially 90° from said first side and said second side, respectively. In one embodiment, said first engagement portion forms an integrated part of said attachment plate, such that said plate and said first engagement portion form a single piece.

In one embodiment, said second engagement portion forms an integrated part of said attachment plate, such that said plate and said second

engagement portion form a single piece.

In one embodiment, said first engagement portion is an engagement portion providing a reversible mechanical lock in a direction substantially

perpendicular to said direction of insertion thereby allowing for an interlocking effect between said engagement portion and said first furniture part, whereas said first engagement portion may move in said direction of insertion. Examples of such an engagement portion may include a pin, a tap or any similar structure.

In one embodiment, said second engagement portion is an engagement portion providing a reversible mechanical lock in a direction substantially perpendicular to said direction of insertion, thereby allowing for an interlocking effect between said engagement portion and said first furniture part, whereas said first engagement portion may move in said direction of insertion. In one embodiment, said first engagement portion and said second

engagement portion respectively are a shaped as a number of pins. This provides for a stable and secure connection between the furniture parts.

In one embodiment, said first engagement portion and said second

engagement portion respectively is a hollow pin. This is an alternative way of providing a stable and secure connection between the furniture parts.

In one embodiment, said first furniture part and second furniture part are separate pieces. The mounting device advantageously connects the furniture parts tightly and essentially invisibly with each other.

In one embodiment, said first furniture part is a table top and said second furniture part is a table leg. In one embodiment, said first furniture part is a first part of a bed such as a bed frame, a bed bottom, a spring mattress or a supporting structure for a mattress, and said second furniture part is a leg for said bed.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a piece of furniture comprising a first furniture part and at least one second furniture part, wherein said piece of furniture comprises at least one mounting device as described above. In one embodiment, said mounting device is arranged invisibly between said first furniture part and said second furniture part.

In one embodiment, said first furniture part and said at least one second furniture part respectively comprises at least one receiving slot, adapted to receive said first engagement portion and said second engagement portion. This advantageously provides for a connection which is invisible. The second furniture part may be provided with a recess in which the attachment plate may be arranged when the mounting device is mounted between the first and second furniture part. This also provides for a piece of furniture with an invisible connection between the furniture parts.

In one embodiment, said piece of furniture is a table, said first furniture part is a table top and at least one said second furniture part is a table leg.

In another embodiment, said piece of furniture is a bed, said first furniture part is a part of a bed such as a bed frame, a bed bottom, a spring mattress or a supporting structure for a mattress and the at least one said second furniture part is a leg for said bed.

According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a piece of furniture. The method comprises:

- pressing said first engagement portion of said mounting device into said receiving slot(s) in said first furniture part;

- attaching said attachment plate to said first furniture part;

- pressing said second engagement portion of said mounting device into said receiving slot(s) of said second furniture part;

- attaching said attachment means of said attachment plate to said second furniture part.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a mounting kit for connecting parts of a piece of furniture, said kit comprising a mounting device according to what has been disclosed above, and further comprising a joining device, wherein said attachment means of the mounting device are adapted to receive said joining device. This is advantageous for example in that the assembly of the pieces of furniture is facilitated and further in that a stable and firm connection between the furniture parts is enabled.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the attachment means is adapted to receive said joining device at an angle substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of said second engagement portion of said mounting device. In one embodiment, the joining device is adapted to exert a clamping or joining force acting between said first and second furniture part. Such a force may for example be a clamping force exerted by a joining device comprising a screw joint, a force due to a press fit between said joining device and said first and/or second engagement portion or the like.

In one embodiment, the joining device is adapted to exert a clamping or joining force in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the joining device. Such a clamping or joining force may greatly improve the joining of said first and said second furniture part. For example, the joining device may be conveniently inserted in a direction substantially parallel to an upper surface of said first piece of furniture, for example a table top or a bed frame, and yet cause a clamping force to arise between the furniture parts in a substantially perpendicular direction, i.e. in the exemplary case in the direction of a furniture part such as a table or bed leg, thereby achieving a firm fit between said first and second furniture part.

In one embodiment, said joining device is a pointed bolt comprising a first circular section and a second pointed, or conical section. In one embodiment, the first circular section of the pointed bolt comprises a threaded section.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE APPENDED DRAWINGS

Figure 1 a shows the mounting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 b shows the second furniture part adapted to receive a mounting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 c shows the mounting device, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when mounted on a second furniture part.

Figure 2a shows the mounting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2b shows the second furniture part adapted to receive a mounting device according to said second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2c shows the mounting device, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when mounted on a second furniture part.

Figure 3a shows the mounting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3b shows the second furniture part adapted to receive a mounting device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3c shows the mounting device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when mounted on a second furniture part. Figure 3d shows a portion of a piece of furniture comprising the mounting device, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when connecting a first furniture part, which is a table top, and a second furniture part, which is a table leg. Figure 4 shows a detail of the mounting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 shows a block scheme schematically illustrating a method of assembling a piece of furniture comprising a mounting device according to any of the embodiments.

Throughout the figures the same reference signs designate the same, or essentially the same features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 a shows a mounting device 1 for connecting parts of a piece of furniture, according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The mounting device 1 comprises an attachment plate 2, adapted to be attached to at least a first furniture part 3 (not shown in figure 1 ), the attachment plate 2 comprising a first engagement portion 4, which projects from a first side 5 of the attachment plate 2. The first engagement portion 4 is adapted to be inserted into the first furniture part 3. The attachment plate 2 further comprises a second engagement portion 6, which projects from a second side 7 of the attachment plate 2. The second side 7 is at an opposite side of the attachment plate 2 with respect to the first side 5. The first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 are projecting substantially 90° from the first side 5 and the second side 7, respectively.

According to this first embodiment shown in Figure 1 a, each one of the first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 are shaped as a number of pins, i.e. each one of the first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 respectively comprises a number of pins. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 a-1 c, the number of pins comprised in each engagement portion is three. Furthermore, the attachment plate comprises attachment means 9, adapted to be attached to the second furniture part 8. Figure 1 b shows the second furniture part 8 adapted to receive a mounting device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention (shown in Figure 1 a). The first furniture part 3 (not shown) and the second furniture part 8 respectively comprises three receiving slots 10, adapted to receive the first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6, respectively comprising three pins. The first furniture part further comprises a securing slot 12 adapted to receive the attachment means 9 and in some embodiments further joining components such as a screw or a bolt, a tap or similar components., In the illustrated case, the hole 12 is adapted to receive the attachment means 9 and a screw and bolt connection. The first furniture part 3 and second furniture part 8 are separate pieces. The first furniture part 3 is a table top and the second furniture part 8 is a table leg. Figure 1 c shows the mounting device 1 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention, when mounted on a second furniture part 8. The first furniture part 3 has been omitted for sake of simplicity. As illustrated in Figure 1 c, the second engagement portion 6 is adapted to be inserted into a second furniture part 8. The mounting device 1 is adapted to be attached to the second furniture part 8 when the attachment plate 2 is attached to the first furniture part 3. The attachment means 9 is attached to the second furniture part 8 with a screwbolt and a nut.

Figure 2a shows the mounting device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The mounting device 1 comprises an attachment plate 2, adapted to be attached to at least a first furniture part 3 (not shown in figure 2), the attachment plate 2 comprising a first engagement portion 4, which projects from a first side 5 of the attachment plate 2. The first engagement portion 4 is adapted to be inserted into the first furniture part 3. The

attachment plate 2 further comprises a second engagement portion 6, which projects from a second side 7 of the attachment plate 2. The second side 7 is at an opposite side of the attachment plate 2 with respect to the first side 5. The first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 are projecting substantially 90° from the first side 5 and the second side 7, respectively.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2a, the attachment means 9 is arranged at the second engagement portion 6. The first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 respectively is a hollow pin.

Figure 2b shows the second furniture part 8 adapted to receive a mounting device 1 according to said second embodiment of the present invention. The second furniture part 8 comprises one slot 10 adapted to receive the second engagement portion 6, which according to this embodiment is a hollow pin. The second furniture part 8 is provided with a recess 1 1 in which the attachment plate 2 is arranged when the mounting device 1 is mounted between the first 3 and second furniture part 8.

Figure 2c shows the mounting device 1 , according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when mounted at a second furniture part 8. The first furniture part 3 has been omitted for sake of simplicity. As illustrated in Figure 2c, the second engagement portion 6 is adapted to be inserted into the second furniture part 8. The mounting device 1 is adapted to be attached to the second furniture part 8 when the attachment plate 2 is attached to the first furniture part 3. The attachment means 9 is attached to the second furniture part 8, i.e. with a screwbolt and a nut. The attachment means 9 is arranged at said second engagement portion 6. The second engagement portion 6 is adapted to be arranged in a slot 10 in said second furniture part 8. The second furniture part is provided with a second securing slot 12, through which said attachment means 9 may be reached such that said attachment means 9 may be attached to said second furniture part 8.

Figure 3a shows the mounting device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The mounting device 1 comprises an attachment plate 2, adapted to be attached to at least a first furniture part 3 (not shown in figure 3a-3c), the attachment plate 2 comprising a first engagement portion 4, which projects from a first side 5 of the attachment plate 2. The first engagement portion 4 is adapted to be inserted into the first furniture part 3. The

attachment plate 2 further comprises a second engagement portion 6, which projects from a second side 7 of the attachment plate 2. The second side 7 is at an opposite side of the attachment plate 2 with respect to the first side 5. The first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 are projecting substantially 90° from the first side 5 and the second side 7, respectively.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a, the attachment means 9 is arranged at the second engagement portion 6. The first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6 respectively comprises a first and a second pin.

Figure 3b shows the second furniture part 8 adapted to receive a mounting device 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The second furniture part 8 comprises a first slot 10 and a second slot 10 adapted to receive the second engagement portion 6 comprising a first pin and a second pin. The second furniture part 8, which in this case is a table leg, is provided with a recess 1 1 adapted to receive the attachment plate 2 of the mounting device 1 .

Figure 3c shows the mounting device 1 , according to the third embodiment of the present invention, when mounted in a second furniture part 8. The first furniture part 3 has been omitted for sake of simplicity. The mounting device 1 is adapted to be attached to the second furniture part 8 when the attachment plate 2 is attached to the first furniture part 3. The attachment means 9 is attached to the second furniture part 8, i.e. with a screwbolt and a nut. The attachment means 9 is arranged at said second engagement portion 6. The second engagement portion 6 is adapted to be arranged in a slot 10 in said second furniture part 8. Figure 3d shows a portion of a piece of furniture 13 comprising a mounting device 1 , according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The mounting device 1 is connecting a first furniture part 3, which is a table top, and a second furniture part 8, which is a table leg. However, the first furniture part 3 may be a bench top and the second furniture part 8 may be a bench leg, or it may be parts comprised in any other piece of furniture comprising legs, such as a chair or similar. The mounting device 1 is invisibly or essentially invisibly arranged between the first furniture part 3 and the second furniture part 8. The first furniture part 3 and the second furniture part 8 respectively comprises a first and a second receiving slot 10, adapted to receive the first engagement portion 4 and the second engagement portion 6.

Figure 4 shows the mounting device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The mounting device 1 is provided with a deformation prevention device 14 adapted to prevent the table top or similar from saging. The deformation prevention device 14 is preferably attached to the

attachment plate 2. The deformation prevention device 14 may further be provided with holding means for holding a table top border. According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a piece of furniture 13, as illustrated in Figure 5. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the method comprises:

- pressing the first engagement portion 4 of the mounting device 1 into the receiving slot(s) 10 in the first furniture part 3; (a)

- attaching the attachment plate 2 to the first furniture part 3; (b)

- pressing the second engagement portion 6 of the mounting device 1 into the receiving slot(s) 10 of the second furniture part 8; (c)

- attaching the attachment means 9 of the attachment plate 2 to the second furniture part 8. (d)

The mounting device 1 is preferably made from die cast grey iron steel;

powder lacquered. According to yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a mounting kit for connecting parts of a piece of furniture. Such an exemplary kit is illustrated in Figure 2d showing the kit arranged in the second furniture part 8. The kit comprises a mounting device 1 , in the illustrated case the mounting device 1 of Figure 2a, and further comprises a joining device 15. The attachment means 9 of the device 1 are adapted to receive said joining device.

In the illustrated case, the attachment means is a pointed bolt 15. The pointed bolt 15 comprises a first circular section 15b and a second pointed or conical section 15a. Further, the first circular section 15b of said pointed bolt comprises a threaded section 15b. The threaded section is adapted to engage with the second furniture part 8. Figure 2d further shows the second furniture part 8 being provided with a second securing slot 12, in the illustrated case a hole 12. The attachment means 9, in the illustrated case a hole 9, may be reached through the hole 12 such that the device 1 may be attached to the second furniture part 8 using the pointed bolt 15. The hole 12 is arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to the direction of insertion of the device 1 into the furniture part 8.

When using the kit for mounting the first furniture part 3 (not shown) and the second furniture part 8 together, the device 1 is inserted into the furniture part 8, such that the hole 9 and the hole 12 substantially align, at least with respect to a circumferential position of each hole. Hereby, the pointed bolt may be inserted into hole 12 and further into hole 9. The tip of pointed section 15a should be allowed to enter the holes 9, 12 substantially aligned with the edge of the hole 9, such that the relative motion between the conical section 15a of the bolt 15 and the edge of the hole 9 allows for a lifting force to be exerted on the furniture part 8. This force relates to the angle of the conical section 15a of the bolt 15, this angle may be adapted depending on the application. This design hereby allows for the pointed bolt, upon insertion, to lift the furniture part 8 and thereby allow for the exertion of a locking force between the furniture part 8 and the furniture part 3 (not shown). The force may also be described as a clamping or joining force acting between said first and second furniture part. For example, the first furniture part 3 may be a table top 3 and the second furniture part 8 may be a table leg 8. In this case, the leg 8 is lifted, or pressed, against the table top by the pointed bolt moving, or sliding, against the edge of the hole 9 upon insertion such that a secure and reliable connection between the table top 3 and the leg 8 is created.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appending claims.