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    • 专利摘要:
    A beam connector system (15a) for connecting a structural element (20a), such as a furniture leg, to a beam (14a-b), such as a metal tube, comprises. a sleeve bracket (30) comprising. a first sleeve bracket beam interface (32a) for holding a first beam (14a) in a first sleeve bracket beam direction (D1), and. a sleeve (24a), which defines a guide extending along a sleeve axis (A) having a direction which is different from the first direction (D1);. the beam connector system (15a) further comprising. a first insert part (22a) having a sleeve insert end (38) which is insertable in the sleeve (24a) in a first insertion direction (36) along the sleeve axis (A), and further having, opposite to the sleeve insert end (38), a structural element interface end (40) comprising a first insert part structural element interface (44) for holding a first structural element (20a), such as a furniture leg;. a second insert part (28a) having a sleeve insert end (46) which is insertable in the sleeve (24a) in a second insertion direction (37) along the sleeve axis (A), said second insertion direction (37) being opposite to the first insertion direction (36), wherein the sleeve insert ends (38, 46) of the first and second insert parts (22a, 28a) are insertable in the sleeve (24a) along their respective opposite insertion directions (36, 37) with a mutual overlap inside the sleeve (24a) to define a mutual overlap region; and. a clamping arrangement (56) for clamping the mutually overlapping sleeve insert ends (38, 46) of the first and second insert parts (22a, 28a), when inserted in the sleeve (24a), against each other and against the sleeve (24a), so as to firmly lock the sleeve insert ends (38, 46) to each other and to the sleeve (24a).Suggested figure for publication: Fig. 2B
    公开号:SE1550950A1
    申请号:SE1550950
    申请日:2015-07-02
    公开日:2017-01-03
    发明作者:Wallis Fritz
    申请人:Ikea Supply Ag；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BEAM CONNECTOR SYSTEM Field of the inventionThe present invention relates to a beam connector system for connecting a structural element, such as a furniture leg, to a beam, such as ametal tube. The invention also relates to a flat, rectangular furniture frame foruse with such a connector system, a flat package comprising such a furnitureframe and connector system, a modular furniture kit, and a method ofassembling a piece of furniture.
    Backqround of the invention Upholstered seating furniture, such as upholstered sofas andupholstered armchairs, is a type of furniture that is often very heavy and veryspace consuming, also when the upholstered sofa is held in stock at a store,and when the upholstered sofa is transported from the store to somebody'shome. EP 2374374 discloses a modular sofa having a frame made fromaluminium beams interconnected in a rectangular configuration.
    There is always a need for furniture that is lighter, easier to assemble,provides a greater degree of modularity and flexibility, consumes less spacebefore assembly, and provides increased mechanical strength.
    Summarv of the invention lt is an object of the present invention to solve, or at least mitigate,parts or all of the above mentioned problems. To this end, there is provided abeam connector system for connecting a structural element, such as afurniture leg, to a beam, such as a metal tube, the beam connector systemcomprising i) a sleeve bracket comprising a first sleeve bracket beam interface forholding a first beam in a first sleeve bracket beam direction, and a sleeve,which defines a guide extending along a sleeve axis in a direction which isdifferent from the first direction; ii) a first insert part having a sleeve insert end which is insertable in thesleeve in a first insertion direction along the sleeve axis, and further having, opposite to the sleeve insert end, a structural element interface endcomprising a first insert part structural element interface for holding a firststructural element, such as a furniture leg; iii) a second insert part having a sleeve insert end which is insertable inthe sleeve in a second insertion direction along the sleeve axis, said secondinsertion direction being opposite to the first insertion direction, wherein thesleeve insert ends of the first and second insert parts are insertable in thesleeve along their respective opposite insertion directions with a mutualoverlap inside the sleeve to define a mutual overlap region; and iv) a clamping arrangement for clamping the mutually overlappingsleeve insert ends of the first and second insert parts, when inserted in thesleeve, against each other and against the sleeve, so as to firmly lock thesleeve insert ends to each other and to the sleeve.
    Such a connector system facilitates the connection of a beam tovarious structural elements, such as to other beam(s) of the same or anotherdimension, and may provide considerable mechanical strength. lt facilitatesthe assembly of robust and strong furniture, using simple, inexpensive andlightweight components, in a home environment. Preferably, the sleeve insertends of the insert parts are insertable in the sleeve along the sleeve axis in aslidable manner. Preferably, the clamping arrangement is configured to clampthe overlapping sleeve insert ends against an inner wall portion of the sleeve.Clamping may advantageously be made in a clamping direction transversal tothe sleeve axis, and optimally perpendicular to the sleeve axis, in order tomaximize the strength of the clamped engagement between the differentparts. Exemplary preferred beam materials are steel and aluminium, beamsof which are typically strong and lightweight, even though the beam connectorsystem does provide a great level of flexibility as regards beam material.
    According to an embodiment, the sleeve insert end of the first insertpart has an overlap engagement interface configured to face a mating overlapengagement interface of the sleeve insert end of the second insert part, wheninserted into the sleeve in the respective first and second insertion directions,said overlap engagement interfaces being shaped to engage with each other in a form-fitting engagement. Such form-fitting engagement provides strengthto the clamped engagement.
    According to an embodiment, the overlap engagement interfaces of thefirst and second insert parts are provided with a mating groove-and-ridgearrangement with its grooves and ridges extending, when the overlapengagement interfaces are overlapping inside the sleeve, in a directiontransversal to the s|eeve axis. Such form-fitting engagement providesparticular strength in a load direction parallel to the s|eeve axis.
    According to an embodiment, one of the s|eeve insert end of the firstinsert part and the s|eeve insert end of the second insert part is provided withan axial stud, and the other of the s|eeve insert end of the first insert part andthe s|eeve insert end of the second insert part is provided with an axial boreadapted for co-operating with the axial stud. Such a bore and studarrangement may facilitate guiding the s|eeve insert ends of the first andsecond insert parts relative to each other during insertion. Preferably, thebore is, at least in the clamping direction, slightly wider than the stud to alloweasy insertion and provide some degree of movement, thereby to allow thebore and stud to, when clamped, clampingly engage with each other at thesame time as the overlap engagement interfaces clampingly engage. Thestud and the bore may be of a circular cross-section, or of a non-circularcross-section.
    According to an embodiment, an outer surface of at least one of thes|eeve insert ends of the first and second insert parts is shaped to matinglyabut an inner wall portion of the sleeve, preferably in a form-fitting manner.Such a configuration will distribute the transversal load over a large surface ofthe inner wall, reducing the risk of damage to any of the components of thebeam connector system.
    According to an embodiment, said inner wall portion has a curvedshape, as seen in a section taken perpendicular to the s|eeve axis, with aradius of curvature exceeding 4 mm.
    According to an embodiment, at least one of the first and second insertparts is provided with a respective insert part shoulder for axially abutting arespective portion of the s|eeve bracket, such as a circumferential edge of the sleeve or a sleeve shoulder inside the sleeve, thereby defining an axial stopposition for insertion of the respective insert part(s) along the sleeve axis.Such a shoulder facilitates insertion to a predetermined depth, and allows aprecise alignment of the respective insert part(s) with the clampingarrangement. The insert part shoulder may also provide axial support againstthe sleeve, allowing the beam connector system to withstand substantialloads on the insert part(s) along the insert direction(s).
    According to an embodiment, the second insert part further comprisesa structural element interface end comprising a second insert part structuralelement interface for holding a second structural element, such as a seatingfurniture armrest, the structural element interface end of the second insertpart being opposite to the sleeve insert end of the second insert part. Such aconfiguration allows the beam connector system to firmly connect twostructural elements, extending in opposite directions, to the same sleeve, andthereby to the same beam.
    According to an embodiment, the sleeve is elongate, and preferablyhas a length along the sleeve axis of at least twice its width perpendicular tothe sleeve axis. Such a design increases the beam connector system's abilityto withstand torsional loads transversal to the sleeve axis.
    According to an embodiment, the sleeve bracket comprises a secondsleeve bracket beam interface for holding a second beam, such as a metaltube, in a second sleeve bracket beam direction. Such a sleeve bracketallows connecting a structural element to a junction between two beams.
    According to an embodiment, said second sleeve bracket beamdirection is essentially perpendicular to the first sleeve bracket beamdirection. The beam connector system can thereby be used as a cornerbracket for a rectangular frame, and allows easy and secure connection ofe.g. a furniture leg at the corner. As an alternative example, the secondsleeve bracket beam direction may be opposite to the first sleeve bracketbeam direction, thereby providing a straight beam joint provided withconnecting means for connecting e.g. a perpendicular furniture leg.
    According to an embodiment, the structural element interface of thefirst insert part comprises an integrally formed support plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the sleeve axis, for providing torsional support to thefirst insert part and, optionally, for mounting of a structural element ofdimensions substantially greater than the dimensions of the sleeve insert endof the first insert part thereto. Such a support- or mounting plate may, e.g., beparticularly useful for mounting a furniture leg of large cross section to aninsert part of small cross section. The mounting plate may be configured toabut, and rest on, perpendicular beams, thereby distributing any external loadon the first insert part, applied along the sleeve axis direction, over a largearea.
    According to an embodiment, the mounting plate is provided withprotrusions configured to engage with mating recesses of beams connectedto the sleeve bracket beam interfaces. As this engagement between recessesand protrusions will be located at a distance from the sleeve axis, such aconfiguration provides additional stability, particularly to shear loads on theconnector system. The protrusions may be formed as flanged through-holesin the mounting plate, the flanges of which may extend into holes or bores inthe respective beams. lf the beams are configured as e.g. metal tubes,connected to respective tube inserts of the sleeve bracket, mating screwguides may be provided in the respective tube inserts to facilitate themounting of screws for provision of even further stability.
    According to an embodiment, the first sleeve bracket beam direction isessentially perpendicular to the sleeve axis. Such a beam connector systemis particularly useful for forming perpendicular connections. lt may be ofparticular use in structures where a major part of the load will be applied in adirection essentially parallel with the sleeve axis. Any second sleeve bracketbeam direction may also be essentially perpendicular to the sleeve axis toprovide a beam connector system providing complete three-dimensional,rectilinear construction capabilities; in particular if both first and second insertparts are provided with respective structural element interfaces.
    According to an embodiment, the clamping arrangement comprises aclamping screw hole in the sleeve, for receiving a clamping screw to clampthe first and second insert parts towards an inner sleeve wall portion oppositethe hole. ln order to maximize the engagement between the first and second insert parts, the clamping screw hole preferably faces the mutual overlapregion of the first and second insert parts. The screw hole may be threaded orunthreaded. Preferably, the screw hole is arranged in a reinforcement of thes|eeve to enable substantial clamping forces. On a s|eeve bracket configuredas a corner bracket, the clamping screw hole may preferably be located onthe side of the s|eeve that, when in use, will be located at the inner corner.
    According to an embodiment, a side of a s|eeve insert end of at leastone of the first and second insert parts comprises a flat or concave clampingscrew engagement surface. Such a shape of the engagement surface mayprevent the clamping screw from slipping off the engagement surface whentightened. The clamping screw engagement surface may be provided in arecess in the s|eeve insert end. Such a recess may be provided in anotherwise convex surface portion. The clamping screw engagement surfacemay also be reinforced to withstand the highly localized load of a clampingscrew.
    According to an embodiment, the s|eeve bracket is symmetric abouteach of at least two perpendicular planes. Such a s|eeve bracket is easy tomanufacture, is forgiving with respect to its orientation during assemblythereby reducing the risk for mistakes, and can be mounted in any direction,providing for a high degree of versatility.
    According to an embodiment, said first and/or second insert partstructural element interface are/is an interface for holding a metal tube, andpreferably configured as a respective metal tube insert for form-fittingengagement inside a respective metal tube. A tube insert may form a verytight connection to a metal tube.
    According to an embodiment, /at least one of/ the s|eeve bracket beaminterface(s) is a metal tube interface, and preferably comprises a metal tubeinsert for form-fitting engagement inside a respective metal tube.
    According to an embodiment, said metal tube interface(s) of the s|eevebracket is/are shaped for mating with a metal tube of larger cross-section thanthe metal tube interface(s) of the insert part(s). Such a configuration isparticularly well suited for structures wherein a major part of any external load may be expected to be applied on the beam connector system along adirection parallel to the sleeve axis.
    According to an embodiment, the metal tube insert(s) of said sleevebracket are/is configured for form-fitting engagement inside a respectivemetal tube of rectangular cross-section, a side of said rectangular cross-section being essentially parallel to the sleeve axis. A rectangular cross-section tube provides extra strength in load directions parallel to the surfacesof the rectangular tubes. ln an embodiment, the rectangular cross-sectionarea of a metal tube connected to the beam interface of the sleeve bracketmay be larger than the rectangular cross-section area of a metal tubeconnected to the metal tube interface of an insert part. Such an embodimentmay be particularly well suited for an embodiment wherein a major part of anyexternal load may be expected to be applied on the beam connector systemalong a direction parallel with the sleeve axis.
    According to an embodiment, the metal tube insert(s) of at least one ofsaid insert part(s) and/or of said sleeve bracket are/is longitudinally split andprovided with a respective longitudinal screw guide extending into therespective metal tube insert in a screw guide direction into the respectivetube, thereby to define a slotted expansion plug arrangement for firmlyattaching the respective metal tube by expansion of the respective metal tubeinsert, by screwing a screw into the screw guide. Such an arrangementprovides an inexpensive and strong engagement between a metal tube insertand a respective metal tube. A particularly well suited location for such aslotted expansion plug arrangement may, for example, be at the bottom of anaxial bore in the sleeve insert end of the first or second insert part. Preferably,the screw guide may be tapering in a direction into the tube, and/or a taperingscrew may be used.
    According to an embodiment, said insert part metal tube insert(s)and/or said sleeve bracket metal tube insert(s) are/is provided with arespective metal tube abutment shoulder. Such a shoulder will, duringassembly, facilitate inserting the metal tube insert(s) into the respective metaltube(s) to a predetermined and accurate depth. lt may also serve as a loadcarrying structure for axial loads along the respective tube(s).
    According to an embodiment, said sleeve bracket metal tubeinterface(s) and/or insert part metal tube interface(s) are/is permanentlyattached to the respective metal tube. Particularly for flat-pack furniture to beassembled by an end consumer, it is desirable that as much as possible ofthe furniture has been pre-assembled prior to delivery to the end consumer.Moreover, the resources of an industrial workshop typically enables forming astronger and tighter permanent connection than what may typically beobtained using the tools and machinery found in a typical household.
    According to an embodiment, said respective metal tube is riveted,flanged, upset, welded, brazed, and/or press-fit to the respective metal tubeinsert. The forming of such a connection may be facilitated by a metal tubeinsert provided with a recess for receiving an upsetting or deformation of themetal tube wall.
    According to an embodiment, wherein at least one of said respectiveinsert parts is integrally formed, and/or said sleeve bracket is integrallyformed, and preferably cast or moulded in zinc-aluminium alloy or plastic.Such components are relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture.Alternatively, e.g. the sleeve bracket may be of steel, and may be integrallyformed with the sleeve bracket beam(s).
    According to another aspect of the invention, parts or all of the abovementioned problems are solved, or at least mitigated, by a flat, rectangularfurniture frame comprising four straight beams, preferably metal tubes,interconnected by the sleeve brackets of four beam connector systems of atype described hereinbefore. Such a frame fits into a flat package. Thanks tothe sleeve brackets at the corners, the frame can easily be provided with e.g.furniture legs, arm rests, and/or back rests by an end consumer.
    According to an embodiment, said furniture frame is a seat frame for apiece of seating furniture, such as a piece of upholstered seating furniture,e.g. an upholstered sofa. ln particular, upholstered furniture, such asupholstered sofas, are typically bulky and heavy, and cannot be transportedas flat packs. The present seat frame provides the possibility to transport e.g.sofas as flat-packs.
    According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided aflat package, such as a cardboard box, comprising a permanently joinedrectangular furniture frame as described above; and, for each of said s|eevebrackets, a respective first insert part having a s|eeve insert end which isinsertable in the respective s|eeve in a first insertion direction along therespective s|eeve axis, and further having, opposite to the s|eeve insert end, afurniture leg interface for holding a respective furniture leg; a respectivesecond insert part having a s|eeve insert end which is insertable in therespective s|eeve in a second insertion direction along the respective s|eeveaxis, said second insertion direction being opposite to the first insertiondirection, wherein the s|eeve insert ends of the first and second insert partsare insertable in the s|eeve along their respective opposite insertion directionswith a mutual overlap inside the respective s|eeve to define a mutual overlapregion; and a respective clamping arrangement for clamping the mutuallyoverlapping s|eeve insert ends of the respective first and second insert parts,when inserted in the respective s|eeve, against each other and against therespective s|eeve, so as to firmly lock the s|eeve insert ends to each otherand to the respective s|eeve.
    According to another aspect of the invention, parts or all of the abovementioned problems are solved, or at least mitigated, by a modular furniturekit comprising a plurality of beam connector systems as describedhereinbefore, a plurality of beams such as metal tubes, and buildinginstructions for building a piece of furniture of a first type using at least aportion of said beams and beam connector systems. ln an embodiment, thes|eeve brackets of a plurality of said beam connector systems may bepermanently joined with a plurality of said beams to form a pre-assembled flatframe subassembly, which may be rectangular.
    According to an embodiment, the modular furniture kit furthercomprises building instructions for building a piece of furniture of a secondtype using at least a portion of said beams and beam connector systems.Different types of furniture may be, e.g., tables, two-seat sofas, three-seatsofas, armchairs, pouffes, stools, etc. Thanks to the invention, true modularity may be obtained in the sense that different types of furniture may be obtainedusing (subsets of) the same set of furniture frame elements.
    According to another aspect of the invention, parts or all of the abovementioned problems are solved, or at least mitigated, by a method ofassembling a piece of furniture, the method comprising providing a sleevebracket comprising a beam interface, such as a metal tube interface, and asleeve; inserting a sleeve insert end of a first insert part, which comprises astructural element interface such as a furniture leg interface, into the sleevealong a first insertion direction; inserting a sleeve insert end of a second insertpart into the sleeve along a second, opposite insertion direction until thesleeve insert ends of the first and second insert parts overlap in a mutualoverlap region inside the sleeve; and clamping the mutually overlappingsleeve insert ends of the first and second insert parts against each other, andagainst the sleeve, so as to firmly lock the beam interface to the structuralelement interface. Such a method may be used in the assembly of a piece offurniture using any of the beam connector systems, furniture frames, flatpackages, or modular furniture kits describes hereinbefore.
    Brief description of the drawinqs The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages ofthe present invention, will be better understood through the followingillustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where thesame reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a modular steel framefor an upholstered sofa; Fig. 2A is an exploded view of the modular steel frame of Fig. 1; Fig. 2B is a magnified view of a beam connector system of the modularsteel frame of Figs 1 and 2A; Fig. 3A is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a sleeve bracket of thebeam connector system of Fig. 2B, as seen from a first perspective; 11 Fig. 3B is a diagrammatic view in perspective of the sleeve bracket ofFig. 3A, as seen from a second perspective; Fig. 4A is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a first insert part of thebeam connector system of Fig. 2B, as seen from a first perspective; Fig. 4B is a diagrammatic view in perspective of the first insert part ofFig. 4A, as seen from a second perspective; Fig. 5A is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a second insert part ofthe beam connector system of Fig. 2B, as seen from a first perspective; Fig. 5B is a diagrammatic view in perspective of the second insert partof Fig. 5A, as seen from a second perspective; Fig. 6A is a diagrammatic view in perspective, partly in section, of thesecond insert part of Figs 5A-B when in an unexpanded state; Fig. 6B is a diagrammatic view in perspective, partly in section, of thesecond insert part of Fig. 6A when in an expanded state; Fig. 7 is a schematic three-dimensional view of the beam connectorsystem of Fig. 2B, illustrating the sleeve bracket of Figs 3A-B wheninterconnected with the first and second insert parts of Figs 4A-B and 5A-B; Fig. 8 is a section of the beam connector system when in anassembled state; Fig. 9 is a diagrammatic exploded view in perspective of a secondembodiment of a first insert part in a beam connector system; and Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic view in perspective of a flat-pack fordistributing the furniture frame of Fig. 1.
    Detailed description of the exemplarv embodiments Fig. 1 i|ustrates a steel tube sofa frame 10 for an upho|stered three-seat sofa. The steel tube frame 10 may be provided with upholstery in a non-illustrated manner, e.g. using hook-and-Ioop fastener strips attached to theframe. The sofa frame 10 comprises a flat, rectangular sofa seat frame 12comprising four substantially horizontal, straight, hollow steel tubes 14a-d ofrectangular cross-section, which are permanently joined at right angles bymeans of respective steel tube connector systems 15a-d to be describedfurther below, to form the rectangular seat frame 12. The sofa frame 10 12 further comprises a backrest 16, two armrests 18a-b, and four furniture legs20a-d, each of which is made of a steel tube of, for example, rectangularcross-section, and as a special case of rectangular, square cross-section. ltmay be desirable that the beam be of a strong material such as steel, since itallows the beam dimensions to be minimized. ln particular for a sofa, it maybe desirable to have a dimension of the beams 14a-b that does not add toomuch to the sofa's height, allowing a substantial layer of upholstery to beadded on top of the seat frame 12 as well as a substantial storage spacebelow the seat frame 12 within the constraints of a preferred seating height ofabout 40 cm.
    Turning now to the exploded view of Fig. 2A, the legs 20a-d (Fig. 1) areattached to the seat frame 12 by means of respective leg connectorsconfigured as insert parts 22a-d, which are inserted from below intorespective vertical sleeves 24a-d arranged at each corner of the seat frame12. Each armrest 18a-b is formed of four steel tubes which are permanentlyjoined in a rectangular shape, and comprises a respective pair of verticalposts 26a, 26d and 26b, 26c. The armrests are attached to the seat frame 12by means of armrest connectors configured as insert parts 28a-d, which areattached to the vertical posts 26a-d and inserted into the vertical sleeves 24a-d from above. The backrest 16 (Fig. 1) is attached to the armrests 18a-b andthe steel tube 14b in a non-illustrated manner.
    Fig. 2B illustrates a first steel tube connector system 15a in greaterdetail. lt will be appreciated that the other steel tube connector systems 15b-d(Fig. 1) may be identical. The steel tube connector system 15a comprises asleeve bracket 30 comprising a first beam interface configured as a sleevebracket steel tube interface 32a for holding a first steel tube 14a in asubstantially horizontal first sleeve bracket steel tube direction D1. The firstsleeve bracket steel tube interface 32a is configured as a steel tube insert34a, mating with the interior of the respective steel tube 14a. The sleevebracket 30 further comprises a second sleeve bracket beam interface, alsoconfigured as a steel tube interface 32b, for holding a second steel tube 14bin a substantially horizontal second sleeve bracket steel tube direction D2,which is substantially perpendicular to the first sleeve bracket steel tube 13 direction D1. Also the second sleeve bracket steel tube interface 32b isconfigured as a steel tube insert 34b, mating with the interior of the respectivesteel tube 14b. The two steel tube inserts 34a-b are joined at the sleeve 24a,which defines a substantially vertical guide extending along a sleeve axis A ina direction substantially perpendicular to the steel tube directions D1, D2.
    The steel tube connector system 15a further comprises the first insertpart 22a, which has a sleeve insert end 38 which is insertable in the sleeve24a in a first insertion direction 36 along the sleeve axis A from below, and astructural element interface, configured as a furniture leg interface 42,provided at a furniture leg interface end 40 opposite to the sleeve insert end38. The furniture leg interface 42 is configured as a steel tube insert 44,mating with the interior of the steel tube of the respective furniture leg 20a.
    The steel tube connector system 15a further comprises the secondinsert part 28a, which has a sleeve insert end 46 which is insertable in thesleeve 24a in a second insertion direction 37 along the sleeve axis A fromabove, and a structural element interface configured as an armrest interface50, which is provided at an armrest interface end 48 opposite to the sleeveinsert end 46. The armrest interface 50 is configured as a steel tube insert 51,mating with the interior of a vertical steel tube post 26a of the respectivearmrest 18a.
    The sleeve insert end 38 of the first insert part 22a has an overlapengagement interface 52 facing in a radial, with respect to the sleeve axis A,direction. The overlap engagement interface 52 of the first insert part 22a isconfigured to overlap with a similar radially facing overlap engagementinterface 54 of the sleeve insert end 46 of the second insert part 28a whenthe insert parts have been inserted into the sleeve 24a from oppositedirections along the sleeve axis A. Once inserted, the overlap engagementinterfaces 52, 54 are to be clamped together, and clamped against an innerwall portion of the sleeve, by applying a clamping force to the sleeve insertends 38, 46 pressing the overlap engagement surfaces 52, 54 together in aradial direction towards the sleeve wall. ln the illustrated example, theclamping force is to be provided by a clamping screw 56 in threadedengagement with the sleeve 24a. 14 Fig. 3A illustrates the sleeve bracket 30. Each of the steel tube inserts34a-b has a rectangular shape for mating with the respective rectangularsteel tubes 14a-b (Fig. 2B) with a tight fit - preferably with a press-fittightness. An upper face 58a-b of each steel tube insert 34a-b is providedwith a respective recess 60a-b for receiving an upset of the respective steeltube 14a-b. The steel tubes 14a-b may be upset by pressing or striking aportion of the steel tube wall into the recess 60a-b, to even further strengthenthe permanent joints between the steel tubes 14a-b and the sleeve bracket30. At the bottom of each recess 60a-b, a respective vertical screw guide62a-b is integrally formed. The screw guides 62a-b provide an alternative orcomplement to upsetting -the steel tubes 14a-b may be provided with matingholes (not shown) in the tube walls, allowing the steel tubes 14a-b to besecured to the steel tube inserts 34a-b by means of locking screws throughthe mating holes, into the screw guides 62a-b. Similar recesses and screwguides are arranged at the bottom faces 64a-b (Fig. 3B) of the steel tubeinserts 34a-b. Returning to Fig. 3A, an outer surface of the sleeve 24a formsan abutment shoulder 66, which acts as an axial stop for the tube 14a whenpressed onto the steel tube insert 34a. The sleeve 24a also forms an axialstop for the tube 14b in the same manner.
    A threaded screw hole 68 for receiving the clamping screw 56 isarranged on an inner corner side 70 of the sleeve 24a, between the steel tubeinserts 34a-b. Thereby, the clamping screw 56 will not be visible when thesofa frame 10 (Fig. 1) is in use, and/or need not be covered by anyupholstery, which allows access thereto when the sofa frame 10 has beencovered with said upholstery. The screw hole 68 is arranged in a screw holereinforcement 72 protruding from the sleeve 24a, adding to the length of thethreaded engagement between the clamping screw 56 and the screw hole 68.
    The interior of the sleeve 24a is provided with an inner wall portion 74,opposite the screw hole 68, against which inner wall portion 74 the first andsecond insert parts 22a, 28a are to be clamped by the clamping screw 56.The inner wall portion 74 has a curved shape, as seen in a section takenperpendicular to the sleeve axis, with a radius of curvature preferablyexceeding about 4 mm, and more preferred, exceeding about 7 mm. The curved wall portion 74 also defines an inner abutment shoulder 76, whichserves as an axial stop for facilitating inserting the second insert part 28a to awell-defined axial position inside the sleeve 24a.
    Fig. 3B illustrates the interior of the sleeve 24a from a differentperspective. ln Fig. 3B, the ciamping screw 56 has been screwed into thescrew hole 68 such that it protrudes into the sleeve 24a. ln this position, thescrew 56 would have clamped the insert parts 22a, 28a, if they had beeninserted in the sleeve 24a, against each other and against the wall portion 74(Fig. 3A). Preferably, the sleeve 24a has a rectangular cross-section; in theembodiment of Figs 3A-B the sleeve 24a has a square cross-section, whichmay be a particularly preferred special case of rectangular cross-section.Preferably, the sleeve is elongate, i.e. has an axial length L, as measuredalong the sleeve axis A (the latter illustrated in Fig. 2B), exceeding its innerwidth W. ln the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve's length L is about threetimes its inner width W. A suitable length L is, by way of example, between 40mm and 120 mm, and more preferred, between 50 mm and 90 mm. Asuitable width W is, by way of example, between 10 mm and 40 mm, andmore preferred, between 15 mm and 30 mm. As can be seen in Figs 3A-3B,the sleeve bracket 30 is symmetric about a plane perpendicular to the sleeveaxis A. The sleeve bracket 30 is also symmetric about a plane containing thesleeve axis A and the centre axis of the screw hole 68.
    Fig. 4A illustrates the first insert part 22a from a first perspective. Thesteel tube insert 44 has a rectangular cross-section, and in this specificexample a square cross-section, mating with the interior of the furniture leg20a (Fig. 2B), and may preferably be press-fit to the furniture leg 20a. Thefirst insert part 22a has been given a slotted structure, comprising a pluralityof slots 78 extending into the first insert part 22a, for lighting and material-saving purposes. A notch 80 is arranged in the slotted structure for receivinge.g. an upset of the steel tube wall of the furniture leg 20a, thereby adding tothe strength of the engagement between the first insert part 22a and thefurniture leg 20a. An integrally formed support plate 82 extends along a planeperpendicular to the sleeve axis A, when inserted into the sleeve 24a (Fig.2A), and has a lower surface 85 (Fig. 4B) defining an axial stop position for 16 press-fitting the furniture leg 20a to the steel tube insert 44 from below. Anupper surface 83 of the support plate 82 is configured to abut an axial edge84 (Fig. 3B) of the sleeve 24a, and defines an axial stop position when axiallyinserting the sleeve insert end 38 of the insert part 22a into the sleeve 24afrom below. The upper surface 83 is also configured to abut the lower sides ofthe steel tubes 14a, 14b from below, and thereby also adds support for anytorsional loads about any axis parallel with the plane of the support plate 82.A flat clamping screw engagement surface 86, configured to face theclamping screw hole 68 (Fig. 3A) when inserted into the sleeve 24a, and toreceive the clamping screw 56, is arranged in a recess 88 of the sleeve insertend 38. An axial stud 90 is shaped to be inserted into a mating bore,described hereinafter with reference to Fig. 5A, of the second insert part 28a(Fig. 2A) when the two insert parts 22a, 28a meet and overlap inside thesleeve 24a.
    Fig. 4B illustrates the first insert part 22a from a different perspective. Acurved outer surface 92 of the sleeve insert end 38 is shaped to matingly abutthe curved inner wall portion 74 (Fig. 3A) of the sleeve 24a. The curved outersurface 92 is formed by a cut-away of the sleeve insert end's 38 otherwisesquare cross-section, thereby defining an axial shoulder 94 configured to abuta downwards axial shoulder, similar to the upwards facing axial shoulder 76of Fig. 3A, inside the sleeve 24a. The shoulders 94, 76 assist in defining,together with the support plate 82 (Fig. 4A) and sleeve edge 84 (Fig. 3B), anaxial stop position in the first insertion direction 36, and add to the beamconnector system's ability to withstand axial loads.
    The overlap engagement interface 52 of the first insert part's 22asleeve insert end 38 is provided with a set of parallel grooves 96 and ridges98 extending in a direction transversal, and more precisely, perpendicular tothe sleeve axis A (Fig. 4A). The grooves 96 and ridges 98 are configured tomate with similar grooves and ridges of the second insert part 28a.
    Turning now to Fig. 5A, the overlap engagement interface 54 of thesleeve insert end 46 of the second insert part 28a is provided with a similarset of parallel grooves 100 and ridges 102, which extend in a directionperpendicular to the sleeve axis A and are configured to mate with the 17 grooves 96 and ridges 98 of the overlap engagement interface 52 of the firstinsert part 22a in a form-fitting engagement.
    The steel tube insert 51 is axially split into two tabs 51a, 51 b. An axialbore 104, mating with the axial stud 90 of the first insert part 22a (Fig. 4A),tapers into an axial screw guide 106, as is best shown in Fig. 5B, extendinginto the steel tube insert 51, between the tabs 51a, 51 b. The screw guide 106is adapted to receive a screw 107 for Iocking the steel tube insert 51 to thevertical post 26a (Fig. 2A) of the armrest 18a (Fig 1). A curved outer surface108 of the sleeve insert end 46 is shaped to matingly abut the curved innerwall portion 74 (Fig. 3A) of the sleeve 24a. The curved outer surface 108 isformed by a cut-away of the insert part's othen/vise rectangular cross-section,thereby defining an axial shoulder 110 configured to abut the axial shoulder76 (Fig. 3A) inside the sleeve 24a. Once the first and second insert parts 22a,28a have firmly interlocked with each other inside the sleeve 24a, theshoulders 94 (Fig. 4B) and 110 (Fig. 5B) will define a form-fitting engagementwith the wall portion 74 (Fig. 3A), Iocking the insert parts 22a, 28a to thesleeve 24a in the axial direction. A circumferential shoulder 112 about thesecond insert part 28a defines an axial stop position for inserting the steeltube insert 51 into the vertical post 26a (Fig. 2B) of the armrest 18a frombelow. The bore 104 and/or the axial stud 90 (Fig. 4A) may have an oval-cylindrical cross-section to leave some level of radial play in the clampingdirection, thereby to allow some movement in the clamping direction whenclamping the two insert parts 22a, 28a together.
    Figs 6A-6B illustrate the function of the screw guide 106 (Fig. 5B),which has a tapering shape in the axial direction looking in the direction of thevertical post 26a, when inserting the steel tube insert 51 (Fig. 5B) into thevertical post 26a. The width of the steel tube insert 51 (Fig. 5B) allows, whenin an unexpanded state (Fig. 6A), insertion into the vertical post 26a of thearmrest 18a (Fig. 1). Screwing the screw 107 into the screw guide 106 willpress the steel tube insert tabs 51a, 51 b apart, pressing them against theinner walls of the vertical post 26a, thereby firmly Iocking the second insertpart 28a to the vertical post 26a. ln this respect, the split steel tube insert 51of the second insert part 28a functions in the same manner as a slotted 18 expansion plug generally used for attaching, e.g., a painting to a wall. Theslotted expansion plug arrangement facilitates firmly attaching the secondinsert part 28a to the vertical armrest post 26a without press tools, e.g. athome.
    Having now described exemplary embodiments of the components ofthe first steel tube connector system 15a, it should be apparent how thesleeve bracket 30 (Figs 3A-B) can be firmly connected to the first insert part22a (Figs 4A-B) and the second insert part 28a (Figs 5A-B) by inserting thesleeve insert end 38 of the first insert part 22a into the sleeve 24a of thesleeve bracket 30 to an axial stop from below; inserting the sleeve insert end46 of the second insert part 28a into the sleeve 24a to an axial stop fromabove; and clamping the overlapping sleeve insert ends 38, 46 of the first andsecond insert parts 22a, 28a against each other, and against the inner wallportion 74 of the sleeve 24a, by screwing the clamping screw 56 onto theclamping screw engagement surface 86. From a stability point of view it maybe preferable that the sleeve insert ends 38, 46 of the insert parts 22a, 28aare shaped to, when inserted, fill the entire cross-section of the interior of thesleeve 24a as much as possible, leaving only a gap just wide enough to allowthe grooves and ridges of the engagement interfaces 52, 54 to meet andovenap.
    Fig. 7 illustrates the entire steel tube connector system 15a after suchassembly. The overlap engagement interfaces 52, 54 (Figs 4B, 5A) of the firstand second insert parts 22a, 28a define, when overlapping, a mutual overlapregion 114. The grooves and ridges 96, 98, 100, 102 of the overlapengagement interfaces 52, 54 form a mating groove-and-ridge arrangement116 at the mutual overlap region 114. The steel tube connector system 15afirmly interconnects four perpendicular steel tube interfaces 32a, 32b, 42, 50,wherein the two horizontal steel tube interfaces 32a, 32b mate with tubes14a, 14b of larger cross-section than the vertical steel tube interfaces 42, 50of the insert parts 22a, 28a do.
    Preferred materials for the respective insert parts 22a-d, 28a-d and thesleeve bracket 30 are zinc-aluminium alloys, i.e. alloys whose main constituents are zinc and aluminium, such as Zamak, of which Zamak 5 is a 19 preferred variant. Other preferred materials for the purpose are plastic andsteel. The respective insert parts 22a-d, 28a-d and the sleeve bracket 30 arepreferably integrally formed, and may be cast or moulded in e.g. zinc-aluminium alloy or plastic.
    Fig. 8 illustrates the very same situation as Fig, 7, as seen in a cross-section taken along the plane defined by the sleeve axis A (Fig. 2B) and thescrew axis (Fig. 3A). Thus, Fig. 8 illustrates how the clamping screw 56presses onto the clamping screw engagement surface 86, and thereby exertsa pressure on the sleeve insert ends 38, 46, and thereby at the matinggroove-and-ridge arrangement 116 at the mutual overlap region 114, and thescrew 56 also presses the sleeve insert ends 38, 46 towards the inner wallportion 74 of the sleeve 24a.
    Fig. 9 illustrates a second embodiment 122a of the first insert part.According to the illustrated second embodiment, the first insert part 122a isprovided with a support plate 182 extending along a plane perpendicular tothe sleeve axis (Fig. 2B). The support plate 182 provides, similar to thesupport plate 82 (Fig. 4A), torsional support to the steel tube connectorsystem 115a. However, the support plate 182 also serves as a mounting platefor mounting a structural element, such as a furniture wheel 120, thereto. Forthe purpose, the mounting plate 182 is provided with mounting holes 113a-b,allowing attaching the wheel 120 to the mounting plate 182 using a screwedengagement via the mounting holes 113a-b. Being adapted for connecting tothe wheel 120, the structural element interface of the first insert part 122adoes not need, and does not have, any steel tube insert 44 of the typeillustrated in Fig. 4A.
    Even though illustrated apart in Fig. 9, the tubes 14a-b, which areillustrated partly in section, are firmly press-fit to the respective steel tubeinserts 34a-b (compare principle of Fig. 3A). Through-holes 111a-b throughthe lower walls of the steel tubes 14a-b face the respective screw guides 62a-b (Fig. 3B) of the steel tube inserts 34a-b, and the edges of the through-holes111a-b are upset to form flanges extending into the respective recesses 64a-b of the of the steel tube inserts 34a-b. The mounting plate 182 is providedwith protrusions 117a-b mating with, and configured to extend into and engage with, the respective through-holes 111a-b of the steel tubes 14a-b aswell as the recesses 64a-b of the steel tube inserts 34a-b. The protrusions117a-b are configured as flanged through-holes, allowing additional screws121a-b to be screwed from below, through the mounting plate 182 and thesteel tubes 14a-b, into the screw guides 62a-b, adding to the stability of thesteel tube connector system 115a. The screws 121a-b may also be used forattaching structural elements to the steel tube connector system 115a frombelow. lt will be appreciated that the mounting plate 182 can be made evenlarger than the one illustrated, facilitating the attachment of a structuralelement ofdimensions even greater than the dimensions of the illustratedwheel 120 thereto.
    Referring back again to Fig. 2A, the sofa frame 10, before assembly,fits into a flat package, such as the cardboard box 3 illustrated in Fig. 10, andcan thereby be conveniently transported and assembled at home. A subset ofthe components of the sofa frame 10 may also be used for assembling aframe for other types of furniture, such as for a table. This may easily beachieved by attaching the second insert parts 28a-d to a tabletop (notillustrated) instead of to armrests 18a-b (Fig. 1). lnstructions 1, 2 forassembling a plurality ofdifferent furniture types using the same framecomponents may be included in the same package 3.
    The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a fewembodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in theart, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possiblewithin the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims.
    For example, while the beam interfaces of the sleeve bracket 30 havebeen illustrated as steel tube inserts 34a-b (Fig. 2B), they may equally well beconfigured as e.g. screw brackets for attaching, or sleeves for receiving,wooden beams. The structural element interfaces of the first and secondinsert parts 22a-d, 122a, 28a-d need not be configured for attachingspecifically to a furniture leg, an armrest or a wheel; the interfaces may beused for connecting any other suitable component, and particularly any othersuitable furniture component. Moreover, the structural elements need not be 21 separate or separable from the respective insert parts 22a-d, 122a, 28a-d; byway of example, the furniture legs 20a-d may be integrally formed with thefirst insert parts 22a-d, and may be moulded in e.g. Zamak 5. lt is further not necessary to have structural element interfaces on bothfirst and second insert parts 22a-d; 28a-d - by way of example, the first insertpart may be provided with e.g. a steel tube interface, and the second may beused only as a locking element used, together with the clampingarrangement, for locking the first insert part to the sleeve 24a.
    The clamping arrangement need not comprise a clamping screw 56 ina screw hole 68 in the sleeve 24a. For example, other per se knownelements, such as snap-in connectors and wedges, could be used instead ofa clamping screw. ln a further alternative embodiment, the clampingarrangement need not clamp the insert parts 22a, 28a against an inner wallportion 74 of the sleeve - as an exemplary alternative, the insert parts 22a,28a can be clamped from two or more directions, such as two oppositedirections, using two or more clamping screws through the sleeve wall, suchthat the insert parts 22a, 28a will be clamped between the screws instead ofbetween a screw 56 and a wall 74. ln such an alternative clampingarrangement, it will be understood that the insert parts are clamped againstthe sleeve via the plurality of clamping screws.
    The sleeve bracket 30 need not be provided with two beam interfaces.One is enough. Alternatively, it may be provided with e.g. four beaminterfaces for interconnecting four beams, such as four steel tubes, extendingin four perpendicular directions in a plane. lt is also not necessary that thesleeve bracket beams 14a-b form perpendicular angles with each other, orwith steel tubes attached to the first and second insert parts 22a, 28a; otherangles may be better suited for certain applications. The sleeve bracketbeams 14a-d need not be made from steel material, but other materials arepossible as well. Hence, the sleeve bracket beams 14a-d could, for example,be made from metal, such as steel or aluminium, plastic materials, wood,wood fibre material, and composite material, meaning a material made fromat least two components. The composite material could, for example, be fibrereinforced polymers, for example carbon and/or glass fibre reinforced plastic, 22 wooden particle reinforced plastic, etc. Preferably, the sleeve bracket beams14a-d are all made from hollow tubes.
    The invention is not limited to steel frame sofas or to steel framefurniture; it can be used also for other applications. However, it may beparticularly useful for rectangular frames extending in the horizontal planewhich need to be provided with vertical legs, such as seat frames for any typeof seating furniture, or table frames for carrying a table top, or beds forsleeping.
    权利要求:
    Claims (32)
    [1] 1. 23 i1. A beam connector system (15a; 115a) for connecting a structuralelement (20a-d; 26a-d; 120), such as a furniture leg, to a beam (14a), such asa metal tube, the beam connector system being characterized in comprisinga sleeve bracket (30) comprising a first sleeve bracket beam interface (32a) for holding a firstbeam (14a) in a first sleeve bracket beam direction (D1), and a sleeve (24a), which defines a guide extending along a sleeveaxis (A) having a direction which is different from the first direction (D1); the beam connector system (15a; 115a) further comprising a first insert part (22a; 122a) having a sleeve insert end (38) which isinsertable in the sleeve (24a) in a first insertion direction (36) along the sleeveaxis (A), and further having, opposite to the sleeve insert end (38), astructural element interface end (40) comprising a first insert part structuralelement interface (44; 182) for holding a first structural element (20a; 120),such as a furniture leg; a second insert part (28a) having a sleeve insert end (46) which isinsertable in the sleeve (24a) in a second insertion direction (37) along thesleeve axis (A), said second insertion direction (37) being opposite to the firstinsertion direction (36), wherein the sleeve insert ends (38, 46) of the first andsecond insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a) are insertable in the sleeve (24a) alongtheir respective opposite insertion directions (36, 37) with a mutual overlapinside the sleeve (24a) to define a mutual overlap region (114); and a clamping arrangement (56, 68) for clamping the mutually overlappingsleeve insert ends (38, 46) of the first and second insert parts (22a; 122a,28a), when inserted in the sleeve (24a), against each other and against thesleeve (24a), so as to firmly lock the sleeve insert ends (38, 46) to each otherand to the sleeve (24a).
    [2] 2. The beam connector system according to claim 1, wherein the sleeveinsert end (38) of the first insert part (22a; 122a) has an overlap engagementinterface (52) configured to face a mating overlap engagement interface (54)of the sleeve insert end (46) of the second insert part (28a), when inserted 24 into the sleeve (24a) in the respective first and second insertion directions(36, 37), said overlap engagement interfaces (52, 54) being shaped toengage with each other in a form-fitting engagement.
    [3] 3. The beam connector system according to claim 2, wherein the overlapengagement interfaces of the first and second insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a)are provided with a mating groove-and-ridge arrangement (116) with itsgrooves (96, 100) and ridges (98, 102) extending, when the overlapengagement interfaces (52, 54) are overlapping inside the sleeve (24a), in adirection transversa| to the sleeve axis (A).
    [4] 4. The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims,wherein one of the sleeve insert end (38) of the first insert part (22a; 122a)and the sleeve insert end (46) of the second insert part (28a) is provided withan axial stud (90), and the other of the sleeve insert end (38) of the first insertpart (22a; 122a) and the sleeve insert end (46) of the second insert part (28a)is provided with an axial bore (104) adapted for co-operating with the axialstud (90).
    [5] 5. The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims,wherein an outer surface (92, 108) of at least one of the sleeve insert ends(38, 46) of the first and second insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a) is shaped tomating|y abut an inner wall portion (74) of the sleeve (24a), preferabiy in a form-fitting manner.
    [6] 6. The beam connector system according to claim 5, said inner wallportion (74) having a curved shape, as seen in a section taken perpendicularto the sleeve axis (A), with a radius of curvature exceeding 4 mm.
    [7] 7. The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims,wherein at least one of the first and second insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a) isprovided with a respective insert part shou|der (83, 94, 110) for axia|yabutting a respective portion of the sleeve bracket (30), such as a circumferential edge (84) of the sleeve (24a) or a sleeve shoulder (76) insidethe sleeve (24a), thereby defining an axial stop position for insertion of therespective insert part(s) (22a; 122a, 28a) along the sleeve axis (A).
    [8] 8. The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims,wherein the second insert part (28a) further comprises a structural elementinterface end (48) comprising a second insert part structural element interface(51) for holding a second structural element (26a), such as a seating furniturearmrest (18a), the structural element interface end (48) of the second insertpart (28a) being opposite to the sleeve insert end (46) of the second insertpart (28a).
    [9] 9. The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims,wherein the sleeve (24a) is elongate, and preferably has a length (L) alongthe sleeve axis (A) of at least twice its width (W) perpendicular to the sleeveaxis (A).
    [10] 10.wherein the sleeve bracket (30) comprises a second sleeve bracket beam The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims, interface (32b) for holding a second beam (14b), such as a metal tube, in asecond sleeve bracket beam direction (D2).
    [11] 11.bracket beam direction (D2) being essentially perpendicular to the first sleevebracket beam direction (D1). The beam connector system according to claim 10, said second sleeve
    [12] 12.structural element interface (44) of the first insert part (22a; 122a) comprises The beam connector system according to claim 11, wherein the an integrally formed support plate (82, 182) extending along a planeperpendicular to the sleeve axis (A), for providing torsional support to the firstinsert part (22a; 122a) and, optionally, for mounting of a structural element(120) of dimensions substantially greater than the dimensions of the insert 26 end of the first insert part (122a) thereto.
    [13] 13.mounting plate (182) is provided with protrusions (117a-b) configured to The beam connector system according to claim 12, wherein the engage with mating recesses (11 1a) of beams (14a-b) connected to thesleeve bracket beam interfaces (32a-b).
    [14] 14.wherein the first sleeve bracket beam direction (D1) is essentially The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims, perpendicular to the sleeve axis (A).
    [15] 15.wherein the clamping arrangement comprises a clamping screw hole (68) in The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims, the sleeve (24a), for receiving a clamping screw (56) to clamp the first andsecond insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a) towards an inner sleeve wall portion (74)opposite the hole (68).
    [16] 16.sleeve insert end (38) of at least one of the first and second insert parts (22a; The beam connector system according to claim 15, wherein a side of a 122a, 28a) comprises a flat or concave clamping screw engagement surface(86).
    [17] 17.wherein the sleeve bracket (30) is symmetric about each of at least two The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims, perpendicular planes.
    [18] 18.said first and/or second insert part structural element interface (44, 51) being The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims, an interface for holding a metal tube (20a, 26a), and preferably configured asa respective metal tube insert (44, 51 ) for form-fitting engagement inside arespective metal tube (20a, 26a). 27
    [19] 19.wherein /at least one of/ the sleeve bracket beam interface(s) (32a-b) is a The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims, metal tube interface, and preferably comprises a metal tube insert (34a-b) forform-fitting engagement inside a respective metal tube (14a-b).
    [20] 20. The beam connector system according to claims 18 and 19, said metaltube interface(s) (34a-b) of the sleeve bracket (30) being shaped for matingwith a metal tube (14a-b) of larger cross-section than the metal tubeinterface(s) (44, 51) of the insert part(s) (22a, 28a).
    [21] 21. The beam connector system according to any of the claims 18-20, themetal tube insert(s) (34a-b) of said sleeve bracket (30) being configured forform-fitting engagement inside a respective metal tube (14a-b) of rectangularcross-section, a side of said rectangular cross-section being essentiallyparallel to the sleeve axis (A).
    [22] 22. The beam connector system according to any of the claims 18-21, themetal tube insert(s) (44, 51, 34a-b) of at least one of said insert part(s) (22a;122a, 28a) and/or of said sleeve bracket (30) being longitudinally split andprovided with a respective longitudinal screw guide (106) extending into therespective metal tube insert (51) in a screw guide direction into the respectivetube (26a), thereby to define a slotted expansion plug arrangement for firmlyattaching the respective metal tube (26a) by expansion of the respectivemetal tube insert (51 ), by screwing a screw (107) into the screw guide (106).
    [23] 23. The beam connector system according to any of the claims 18-22, saidinsert part metal tube insert(s) (44) and/or said sleeve bracket metal tubeinsert(s) (34a-b) being provided with a respective metal tube abutmentshoulder (85, 66).
    [24] 24. The beam connector system according to any of the claims 18-23, saidsleeve bracket metal tube interface(s) (34a-b) and/or insert part metal tube 28 interface(s) (44) being permanently attached to the respective metal tube.
    [25] 25. The beam connector system according to claim 24, wherein saidrespective metal tube (14a-b, 20a) is riveted, flanged, upset, welded, brazed,and/or press-fit to the respective metal tube insert (44, 34a-b).
    [26] 26. The beam connector system according to any of the previous claims,wherein at least one of said respective insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a) isintegrally formed, and/or said sleeve bracket (30) is integrally formed, andpreferably cast or moulded in zinc-aluminium alloy or plastic.
    [27] 27. A flat, rectangular furniture frame comprising four straight beams (14a-d), preferably metal tubes, interconnected by the sleeve brackets (30) of fourbeam connector systems (15a-d) according to claim 11 taken in combination with claim 10 and any one of claims 1-9 and 12-26.
    [28] 28. The furniture frame according to claim 27, wherein said furniture frameis a seat frame (12) for a piece of seating furniture (10), such as a piece ofupholstered seating furniture, e.g. an upholstered sofa.
    [29] 29. A flat package (3), such as a cardboard box, comprising a permanently joined furniture frame (12) according to any of theclaims 27-28; and, for each of said sleeve brackets (30), a respective first insert part (22a-d; 122a) having a sleeve insert end(38) which is insertable in the respective sleeve (24a) in a first insertiondirection (36) along the respective sleeve axis (A), and further having,opposite to the sleeve insert end (38), a furniture leg interface (42) for holdinga respective furniture leg (20a); a respective second insert part (28a-d) having a sleeve insert end (46)which is insertable in the respective sleeve (24a) in a second insertiondirection (37) along the respective sleeve axis (A), said second insertiondirection (37) being opposite to the first insertion direction (36), wherein thesleeve insert ends (38, 46) of the first and second insert parts (22a-d; 122a, 29 28a-d) are insertable in the sleeve (24a) along their respective oppositeinsertion directions (36, 37) with a mutual overlap inside the respective sleeveto define a mutual overlap region (114); and a respective clamping arrangement (56, 68) for clamping the mutuallyoverlapping sleeve insert ends (38, 46) of the respective first and secondinsert parts (22a-d; 122a, 28a-d), when inserted in the respective sleeve(24a), against each other and against the respective sleeve (24a), so as tofirmly lock the sleeve insert ends (38, 46) to each other and to the respectivesleeve (24a).
    [30] 30. A modularfurniture kit comprising a plurality of beam connectorsystems (15a-d; 115a) according to any of the claims 1-26, a plurality ofbeams (14a-d) such as metal tubes, and building instructions (1)for building apiece of furniture of a first type using at least a portion of said beams (14a-d)and beam connector systems (15a-d, 115a).
    [31] 31. The modularfurniture kit according to claim 30, further comprisingbuilding instructions (2) for building a piece of furniture of a second type usingat least a portion of said beams (14a-d) and beam connector systems (15a-d;115a).
    [32] 32. A method of assembling a piece of furniture, comprising providing a sleeve bracket (30) comprising a beam interface (32a-b),such as a metal tube interface, and a sleeve (24a); inserting a sleeve insert end (38) of a first insert part (22a; 122a),which comprises a structural element interface (42) such as a furniture leginterface, into the sleeve (24a) along a first insertion direction (36); inserting a sleeve insert end (46) of a second insert part (28a) into thesleeve (24a) along a second, opposite insertion direction (37) until the sleeveinsert ends (38, 46) of the first and second insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a)overlap in a mutual overlap region (114) inside the sleeve (24a); and clamping the mutually overlapping sleeve insert ends (38, 46) of thefirst and second insert parts (22a; 122a, 28a) against each other, and against the sleeve (24a), so as to firmly lock the beam interface (32a-b) to thestructural element interface (42).
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    同族专利:
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    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    GB1285411A|1970-04-06|1972-08-16|British Aluminium Co Ltd|Construction of frameworks|
    DE2155234A1|1971-11-06|1973-05-10|Rolf Voelkle|ASSEMBLY FRAME ACCORDING TO THE MODULAR PRINCIPLE|
    US8365929B2|2009-06-10|2013-02-05|Shenzhen Yeefu Precision Machinery Co., Ltd.|Cabinet frame for easy assembly|
    TWI365731B|2010-06-17|2012-06-11|
    IT1402258B1|2010-10-15|2013-08-28|Sinetica Ind S R L|CONNECTION JOINT FOR TUBULAR ELEMENTS OF A MODULAR STRUCTURE AND ITS ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE|
    法律状态:
    2021-03-02| NUG| Patent has lapsed|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    SE1550950A|SE539966C2|2015-07-02|2015-07-02|Beam connector system for connecting a structural element toa beam, a furniture and a kit comprising a flat package and a furniture frame|SE1550950A| SE539966C2|2015-07-02|2015-07-02|Beam connector system for connecting a structural element toa beam, a furniture and a kit comprising a flat package and a furniture frame|
    PCT/SE2016/050674| WO2017003367A1|2015-07-02|2016-06-30|Beam connector system|
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