| CLAIMS 1. A system for structurally and removably connecting a first member and a second member together, comprising : a first plate, comprising at least one receiving unit, said first plate being securable to the first member by an inner surface of said first plate with said at least one receiving unit embedded in said first member; a second plate, comprising at least one male unit on a first surface thereof, said second plate being securable to said second member, by a second surface opposite said first surface of the second plate; wherein said at least one receiving unit receives said at least one male unit, thereby securing said first and second members together. 2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said first plate is secured to said first member by screws. 3. The system of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein said second plate is secured to said second member. 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each one of said first and second plates comprises a piece of magnetic element. 5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each one of said first and second plates is a magnetised plate. 6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and said second plates are non magnetic plates, said plates comprising magnetic elements inserted in a material thereof. 7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first plate comprises a first one of an electromagnetic receiver and an electromagnetic emitter, and said second plate comprises a second one of an electromagnetic receiver and an electromagnetic emitter. 8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, 6 and 7, wherein said first and said second plates are made in one of glass fiber, plastic, wood or metal. 9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one receiving unit is a tube. 10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first member is a first one of piece of furniture and an appendage to said piece of furniture, and said second member is a second one of the piece of furniture and the appendage to said piece of furniture. 11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first member is a first one of a post and an extension to said post, and said second member is a second one of the post and the extension to said post. 12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first member is a first one of a base and a post, and said second member is a second one of the base and the post. 13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first member is a first one of a pile and a transverse beam, and said second member is a second one of the pile and the transverse beam. 14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said first member is a first one of a pile and a footing, and said second member is a second one of the pile and the footing. 15. A method for structurally and removably connecting a member and a first member, comprising : securing at least a first plate comprising at least one receiving unit, on the first member by an inner surface of the first plate with the at least one receiving unit embedded in the first member; securing at least a second plate comprising at least one male unit on a first surface thereof to the second member, by a second surface opposite said first surface of the second plate; and engaging the at least one male unit into the at least one receiving unit. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said securing the first plate to said first member comprises using screws. 17. The method of any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein said securing the second plate to said second member comprises using screws. 18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising providing a piece of magnetic element on each one of the first and second plates. 19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising magnetising the first and second plates. |
A system and a method for removably assembling members together FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to parts assembling. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a system and a method for removably assembling members together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] More specifically, there is provided a system for structurally and removably connecting a first member and a second member together, comprising a first plate comprising at least one receiving unit and being securable to the first member by an inner surface of the first plate with the at least one receiving unit embedded in the first member; a second plate comprising at least one male unit on a first surface thereof, the second plate being securable to the second member by a second surface opposite the first surface of the second plate; wherein the at least one receiving unit receives the at least one male unit, thereby securing the first and second members together.
[0003] There is further provided a method for structurally and removably connecting a member and a first member, comprising securing at least a first plate comprising at least one receiving unit on the first member by an inner surface of the first plate with the at least one receiving unit embedded in the first member; securing at least a second plate comprising at least one male unit on a first surface thereof to the second member, by a second surface opposite the first surface of the second plate; and engaging the at least one male unit into the at least one receiving unit.
[0004] Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] In the appended drawings:
[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
[0008] Figure 3 is a schematic elevation view of a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
[0009] Figure 4 illustrates an example of an application according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
[0010] Figure 5 illustrates an example of an application according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention;
[0011] Figures 6 show use of a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention for a floor lamp: a) a general view of a floor lamp; b) vie of a floor lamp showing the parts of the post; c) detail of the base; and d) detail of the post;
[0012] Figures 7 show a) a section view of an embodiment with electromagnet; b) elevation view of Figure 7a;
[0013] Figures 8 show use of a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention for a wall structure; [0014] Figure 9a is a variation of the structure of Figure 8c and Figure 9b is a variation of the structure of Figure 8f; and
[0015] Figures 10 show use of a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention for a wall structure.
DESCRI PTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0016] As shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, a system according to an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention comprises a first plate 12 and a second plate 14.
[0017] Typically the first plate 12 is a female member, i.e. it comprises at least one receiving unit 16. The first plate 12 is intended to be secured to the body 30 of a structure, such as a piece of furniture for example (see Figure 2), by an inner surface 17 thereof, the receiving units 16 being embedded into the material of this body 30, and the outer surface 18 of the first plate 12 typically being substantially flush with the surface 32 of this body 30.
[0018] The second plate 14 is typically a male member, i.e. it comprises at least one male unit 20, such as a bolt for example, provided on a first surface 22 of the second plate 14. The second plate 14 is intended to be secured to a member to be added to the body 30 of the structure mentioned hereinabove, by a second surface 24 of the second plate 14.
[0019] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the male units 20 of the second plate 14, secured on the member to be added to the body 30 which surface 32 is provided with a first plate 12, are distributed on the second plate 14 so as to be received into the receiving units 16 of the first plate 12, which is secured on the body 30.
[0020] Thus, to add the desired member to the body 30, the member, which surface is provided with a second plate 14, is placed in position in relation to the body 30 so that the male units 20 engage into corresponding receiving units 16 of the first plate 12 secured to the body 30. Once the male units 20 are engaged into the receiving units 16, the member is secured to the body 30. Depending on the relative geometry and size of the body 30 and the member, the length and thickness of the engagement between the member and the body 30 can be varied by adjusting the size (length, diameter or thickness) and geometry of the receiving units 16 and of the male units 20.
[0021] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first plate 12 can be secured to the body
30 by screw 34 going through apertures 36 on the first plate 12 for example. Similarly, the second plate 14 can be secured to the surface of the member using screws going through apertures 36' in the second plate 14 for example (see Figure 2).
[0022] To further increase the anchorage between the body 30 and the member, each plate 12, 14 may further be provided with a piece of magnetic element 40, 42 respectively, so that when the surfaces 22 and 18 of the respective plates are brought into contact, the male units 20 of the second plate 14 being inserted into the receiving units 16 of the first plate 12, a magnetic force attracts these surfaces, and therefore further secures the body 30 and the member together.
[0023] The pieces of magnetic element 40, 42 can be of any size and magnetic charge, according to a desired magnetic attraction. It may be considered using magnetised plates 12 and 14, or magnetic elements can be inserted in the material of non magnetic plates 12 and 14, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 for example. In the latter case, the plates may be in glass fiber, plastic, wood, etc. Still alternatively, an attractive magnetic force can be created between the male units 20 of the second plate 14 and the receiving units 16 of the first plate 12 themselves.
[0024] In Figure 3, the plates 12 and 14 are metallic. A magnet 40 is inlaid in the thickness of the material of the first plate 12. A corresponding recess 42 may be provided on the matting surface 22 of the second plate 14 so as to accommodate the thickness of the magnet 40 protruding out of the surface 18 of the first plate 12.
[0025] When the member added to the body needs be separated and removed from the body, for replacement for example, it suffices to pull out the male units 20 of the second plate 14 from the receiving units 16 of the first plate 12, thereby separating the member from the body. In case a magnetic force is used for further anchorage between the body and the member as mentioned hereinabove, a force sufficient to counteract the attractive magnetic force is to be applied so as to separate the member from the body.
[0026] Obviously, a number of first plates 12 can be used on the body and a number of second plates 14 can be used on the member (or vice-versa). When using female plates 12 on the body, as described hereinabove, the body can stand alone, devoid of the member, still provided with female plates, i.e. ready to receive an additional member when desired, but without its form and shape being modified, since the female plate 12 is typically non visible once in place.
[0027] The first plate and the second plate may be mixed plates 140, i.e. each one combining receiving units 16 and male units 20 (see Figures 8 for example).
[0028] Examples and illustrations of the present system and method will now be given in relation to pieces of furniture.
[0029] Figure 4 illustrates the case of a table having a main body 30, to which appendages such as wood feet 44 are to be added. A plate 12, in the form of a magnetic metallic plate with tubes 16, is fixed to the undersurface of the body 30 of the table, by screws 34 for example, at positions where the feet need be located, by inserting the tubes 16 into holes 46 machined in the material of the body 30. A metallic plate 14 comprising male units 20 is secured to a surface of each foot 44, by screw 34' for example. Each foot 44 can thus be securely attached to the body 30 at the designated location, and removed therefrom when desired, for replacement by other feet of different height or design for example.
[0030] Figure 5 shows a sofa having removable/replaceable armrest 48, removable/replaceable feet 50 and a removable/replaceable backrest 52, all secured to the body 30 of the sofa as described hereinabove. [0031] Figures 6 show the present system used for securing a lamp post to a lamp base. In Figures 6, a female plate 12 comprising one receiving unit 16 and a male plate 14 comprising one male unit 20 are used to secure the post 200 to the base 210, and also to secure parts 100 and 200, and part 90 and 100, together, as extensions of the post, for example.
[0032] As illustrated in Figures 7, depending on the height and weight of floor lamp for example, the plates 12 and 14 may be selected with more than one receiving unit 16 and one male unit 20 respectively. Moreover, the connection between the lamp post 200 and the lamp base 210 may be further provided with an electromagnet 260, an electromagnetic emitter 15 and an electromagnetic receiver 17, with a magnetic tube 264 going through the lamp post 200, as to generate an electromagnetic attraction between the plates 12 and 14.
[0033] By adjusting the shape, geometry and therefore anchorage strength of the system and method, they can be applied in a range of fields where parts need be secured together in a robust, steady and resistant, while detachable way, for example in construction work, as will now be illustrated in relation to Figures 8 and 9.
[0034] In Figures 8, a pile 250, in wood for example, is shown, for supporting walls
260 for example (See Figure 8b). In Figure 8a, an aluminum tube 252 housing an optic fiber 254 goes through the pile 250. In Figure 8c, a pile 250 is shown, anchored in a footing 256 using a system of the present invention, and supporting a structure 258, such as a transverse beam, to which it is connected using a system of the present invention. Plates 12 and 14 are used to secure the pile 250 to the transverse beam 259. A magnetic steel tube 264 going through the pile 250 may be used, with a conductive wire 266 (Figure 8g) or electromagnet 260 (figure 8c) for further securing the pile 250 to the transverse beam 258, as described hereinabove.
[0035] Figure 9a is a variation of Figure 8c with an electromagnet 260 and a tube 252 going through the pile 250, for a further electromagnetic connection between the pile 250 and the footing 256 for example. [0036] Figure 9b is a variation of figure 8f, with electromagnets 260 for further connecting elements of the pile 250.
[0037] In embodiments as illustrated in Figures 9a and 9b for example, the electromagnetic connection can be activated or deactivated when required, automatically for example.
[0038] In Figures 10, a magnetised steel pile 272 is anchored into a footing 256 located under a slab 270 and to a transverse beam 258, using systems of the present invention.
[0039] Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of embodiments thereof, it may be modified, without departing from the nature and teachings of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.