GB2158913A - Corner connector - Google Patents

Corner connector Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2158913A
GB2158913A GB08512255A GB8512255A GB2158913A GB 2158913 A GB2158913 A GB 2158913A GB 08512255 A GB08512255 A GB 08512255A GB 8512255 A GB8512255 A GB 8512255A GB 2158913 A GB2158913 A GB 2158913A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
corner connector
connector according
corner
abutment
bore
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08512255A
Other versions
GB8512255D0 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Schulze-Happe
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SCHULZE HAPPE WOLFGANG
Original Assignee
SCHULZE HAPPE WOLFGANG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE19843418474 external-priority patent/DE3418474A1/en
Priority claimed from DE19843435481 external-priority patent/DE3435481A1/en
Application filed by SCHULZE HAPPE WOLFGANG filed Critical SCHULZE HAPPE WOLFGANG
Publication of GB8512255D0 publication Critical patent/GB8512255D0/en
Publication of GB2158913A publication Critical patent/GB2158913A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/10Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like
    • F16B12/12Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics
    • F16B12/14Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior using pegs, bolts, tenons, clamps, clips, or the like for non-metal furniture parts, e.g. made of wood, of plastics using threaded bolts or screws
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16BDEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B12/00Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
    • F16B12/44Leg joints; Corner joints
    • F16B12/46Non-metal corner connections

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Furniture Connections (AREA)

Abstract

1. A corner connector, suitable for use with an article of furniture, for fixing together at least two panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, which connector has at least two flat abutment surfaces (2) which are in an angular relationship to each other and which each have at least one receiving bore for receiving a fixing means (4) for attaching a panel to the abutment surface (2). A cover cap 6 may be used with the connector. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Corner connector The present invention relates to a corner connector, in particular for articles of furniture, for fixing together at least two panels which are disposed at an angle to each other.
Many different forms of corner connectors of this kind are known, which however can only ever be used for one type of furniture.
This means that many different corner connector constructions are required. To produce each corner connector construction, it is necessary to have a suitably designed piece of equipment or a tool of a suitable configuration, thus increasing the cost of the connector. In addition, the large number of different corner connector constructions requires a large storage capacity. Another disadvantage is that the known corner connectors form edges and projections which are a nuisance when cleaning the article of furniture fitted therewith.
There is thus a need for a generally improved corner connector which is of a simple design which can be used for widely varying kinds of corner connections, and preferably can carry a high load.
According to the present invention there is provided a corner connector, suitable for use with an article of furniture, for fixing together at least two panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, which connector has at least two flat abutment surfaces which are in an angular relationship to each other and which have at least one receiving bore for receiving a removable fixing means for attaching a panel to the abutment surface.
The solution according to the invention provides at least two flat abutment surfaces which are in an angular relationship to each other and which each have at least one receiving bore for a fixing means.
It is now possible to produce virtually any corners which are required, by corner connectors of the same design. Thus it is possible for example to join a table top to a table leg, the side walls of the cupboard to the top or the bottom thereof, the shelves of a shelf unit to the side members thereof, and also secure the structure to a wall. Furthermore, a horizontally disposed abutment plate can carry a leg or a roller or castor of an article of furniture. If four corner connectors are used, it is also possible to connect members which intersect each other. In addition, it is possible to conceive of use of the connectors in a row-type structure or a vertical-type structure, in such a way that a plurality of vertically disposed plates or panels carry a horizontally disposed plate or panel.By virtue of the receiving bore for a fixing means, the desired connection can be made easily and quickly, which is a particularly advantageous consideration when furniture is to be assembled by purchasers themselves.
The options for use of the connector are increased if, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, there are three abutment surfaces which are in a right-angled relationship to each other. A form which saves on material and which is particularly attractive is achieved if the abutment surfaces are formed from three abutment plates which extend at right angles to each other and which form a corner angle. In that arrangement, it is particularly advantageous if the free edges are of an arcuate configuration in such a way that the notional surface described by the edges corresponds to the surface of a portion of a sphere.
It is also particularly advantageous to provide a cover cap which can be fixed to the abutment plates of the corner connector and which corresponds to the contour of the free edges.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment, the corner connector may be in the form of a solid member. This design is particularly simple to produce as the corner connector can then be manufactured in the form of a section of a sphere.
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a corner connector according to the invention, which is provided with a cover cap, with the necessary fixing means, Figure la is an exploded perspective view of a corner connector of this invention in the form of a solid member, with the necessary fixing means, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the connector of Fig. 1 a showing use in relation to a table, as a double-sided face connector, Figure 3 is a part sectional view showing the connettion of a vertical panel to a horizontal panel by two corner connectors of the invention disposed on both sides of the vertical panel, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a corner connector of the invention in the form of a table connector, Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the connection between two vertical panels which cross each other, by means of four corner connectors of the invention, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of a corner of a cupboard with a castor secured to a corner connector of the invention.
A corner connector 1 shown as an embodiment of the invention in Fig. 1 is formed as an integral plastics injection moulded member in such a way that a total of three abutment plates 2 form a corner angle, with the individual abutment plates being in right-angled relation to each other. Each abutment plate 2 is in the form of a quarter of a circle, with the respectively adjoining straight edges being connected together. In the relevant art, such corner connectors are referred to as 'gusset members'. Each abutment plate 2 is provided with a through bore or hole 3 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is in the form of a screwthreaded bore, with the centre point thereof being disposed on the line which bisects the angle, starting from the corner.A screw 4 can be screwed into each screwthreaded bore for fixing the panel which bears against the respective abutment plate 2, as shown by the embodiments illustrated in Figs.
2 to 6. If the screw head has recesses for the engagement of a fitting tool, and the recess is found to give rise to problems or annoyance, a cap 5 can be fitted into the recess in the head of the screw after the assembly operation.
The hollow space within the abutment plates 2 is closed by a cover cap 6. The cover cap 6 comprises a cover cap 7 and three clamping limb portions 8 which project into the interior of the corner connector 1 and which are arranged in such a way that they bear against the associated abutment plates 2 at the insides thereof. The cover plate 7 is curved to correspond to the arcuate configuration of the free edges of the abutment plates 2. Accordirigly, the cover plate 6 describes the form of the surface of a portion of a sphere. As viewed in projection, each clamping limb portion 8 is of a triangular configuration and is provided at its free end with a retaining recess 9 which, in the assembled condition, partially engages around the respective -screw 4 which is fitted into the adjoining abutment plate 2.As the retaining recess is of a circular configuration and the angle at the centre is over 1 80 C, a retaining connection is provided by virtue of the members being in the form of plastics members, because of the resiliency of the members as afforded by their shape and material. A bore or hole 10 is also provided in the cover plate 7, for drawing off the cover cap 6.
The corner connector 1 shown as a further embodiment in Fig. 1a is formed as an integral solid light metal or alloy member in such a way that its shape corresponds to an eighth of a sphere, a total of three abutment surfaces 2' forming the corner angle. The individual surfaces 2' are in right-angled relationship to each other are each in the form of a quarter of a circle, being formed as flat surfaces.
From each abutment surface 2', at right angles thereto, a receiving bore 3' extends into the interior of the corner connector 1, in the form of a blind bore which, in this embodiment, is formed as a screwthreaded bore.
The centre points of the receiving bores 3' are disposed on the axes of symmetry at equal spacings from the corner which is jointly formed by the abutment surfaces 2'. Accordingly, the notional extensions of the longitudinal centre lines of the screwthreaded bores 3' intersect at a common point.
For the purpose of fixing the panel which bears against the respective abutment surface 2, a screw 4 is again screwed into each screwthreaded bore 3' as shown in the embodiments illustrated in the drawings.
Fig. 2 shows the use of the corner connector 1 for a double-sided face connection. In this construction, both the embodiment of the corner connector 1 shown in Fig. 1 and also that shown in Fig. 1 a may be used. A horizontally disposed panel 11, in the form of a table panel, is connected to a vertically disposed panel 1 2 in such a way that the corner connector 1 is disposed within the corner found thereby. In that arrangement, a vertically extending abutment plate 2 is unused.
The article of furniture shown in Fig. 2 is usually referred to as a box article.
Fig. 3 shows the way in which the vertical panel 1 2 can be connected to the horizontal panel 11 by means of two corner connectors 1 in what is referred to as the row and vertical-type construction. It will be noted that, in that structure, only the corner connection shown in Fig. 1 can be used. The panel 11 projects beyond the panel 1 2 on both sides thereof. A respective corner connector 1 is fitted into each of the corner regions which are formed thereby, while a respective screw 4 is passed downwardly through the panel 11 and screwed into the horizontally disposed abutment plate 2. The plate 1 2 is clamped between the abutment plates 2 which extend parallel to each other and in a vertical direction. Those two abutment plates are drawn together by a common screw 4.The abutment plates 2 which extend in alignment in a vertical direction are once again unused.
Fig. 4 shows a corner of a table. The table leg is formed by two panels 12, 12' which are disposed in right-angled relationship to each other and on to which is laid the panel 11 which forms the table top. A corner connector 1 is fitted into the internal corner which is formed by the assembly of the panels, in such a way that two vertical abutment plates bear against the panels 1 2 and 12' and the horizontal abutment plate is disposed beneath the horizontal panel 11. In this embodiment also, the screws 4 are passed through the respective panel and screwed into the abutment plate 2. Both the corner connector shown in Fig. 1 and also the corner connector shown in Fig. 1a may be used.
Fig. 5 shows a connection which is referred to as a cross connection, wherein two mutually crossing vertical panels 12, 12' are connected by means of a total of four corner connectors 1 which are disposed in the respective corners. The necessary screws are not shown. A further panel (not shown) may be laid on to the panels 1 2 and 12' and fixed by means of the screws 4. Only the corner connector shown in Fig. 1 can be used in that construction.
Fig. 6 shows the bottom corner of a cupboard. The vertical panels 1 2 and 12' which form the cupboard walls are again connected to the horizontal panel 11 which forms the floor of the cupboard by way of a corner connector as shown in Fig. 1 or as shown in Fig. la, in such a fashion that the vertically extending abutment plates 2 bear against the insides of the cupboard walls and the horizontally extending abutment plate bears against the top surface of the bottom of the cupboard.
The side walls are in turn secured to the corner connector by means of two screws, while in this construction, the horizontally disposed abutment plate 2 serves for fixing a castor 1 3. For that purpose, a carrier pin 1 4 which carries the castor wheel 1 3 is fitted into the horizontally disposed abutment plate 2.
Instead of the castor 13, it is also possible to fit a furniture leg or foot, possibly a leg or foot which is adjustable in respect of height.
The possibilities of use of the corner connector, as depicted above, are to be considered as being given by way of example, as the corner connector can be used virtually wherever a corner is formed from at least two plates or panels which are in an angular relationship to each other. In addition, it is also possible to conceive of use thereof as an abutment member if the corner connector is set back with respect to the end edges. If one abutment plate remains free, that can also be used for fixing the article of furniture to a wall. In relation to a bed frame, there is the possibility of the side members being connected to the head and foot ends by the corner connectors, in which case then the horizontally disposed abutment plates may form a means for supporting a slat structure or the like.

Claims (20)

1. A corner connector, suitable for use with an article of furniture, for fixing together at least two panels which are disposed at an angle to each other, which connector has at least two flat abutment surfaces which are in an angular relationship to each other and which each have at least one receiving bore for receiving a removable fixing means for attaching a panel to the abutment surface.
2. A corner connector according to Claim 1, having three abutment surfaces which are in right-angled relationship to each other.
3. A corner connector according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the abutment surfaces are formed from abutment plates which extend at an angle relative to each other and which form a corner angle.
4. A corner connector according to Claim 3, wherein free edges of the abutment plates are of an arcuate configuration in such a way that the notional surface described by the edges corresponds to the surface of a portion of a sphere.
5. A corner connector according to Claim 3, including a cover cap which can be fixed to the corner connector and whose contour corresponds to the free edges of the corner connector.
6. A corner connector according to Claim 5, wherein the cover cap is formed by a curved cover plate and three clamping limb portions operative to bear against the insides of the abutment plates.
7. A corner connector according to Claim 6, wherein, as considered in a projected view, each clamping limb portion is of a triangular configuration and, at the tip which is remote from the cover plate, is provided with a retaining recess shaped operatively partially to engage around the fixing means.
8. A corner connector according to Claim 6 of Claim 7, wherein the cover plate has a bore therein for the insertion of a draw-off tool for the cover cap.
9. A corner connector according to any one of the preceding claims, formed as an integral member.
1 0. A corner connector according to Claim 9, formed as an integral plastics injection moulded member.
11. A corner connector according to Claim 1, formed as a solid member.
12. A corner connector according to Claim 11, formed in the manner of a three-sided pyramid, with the outer sides forming the abutment surfaces.
1 3. A corner connector according to Claim 12, wherein the base surface of the pyramid is of a curved configuration.
14. A corner connector according to Claim 11, produced from a light metal or alloy.
1 5. A corner connector according to Claim 14, made from aluminium.
1 6. A corner connector according to any one of the preceding claims, formed from a section of a sphere.
1 7. A corner connector according to Claim 1, wherein each abutment surface or each abutment plate, as viewed in projection, defines a quarter of a circle.
1 8. A corner connector according to Claim 1, wherein the receiving bore is a screwthreaded bore in the form of a through bore or a blind bore, into which fixing means in the form of a screw can be screwed.
1 9. A corner connector according to Claim 1, wherein each receiving bore is disposed in a line bisecting the angle of each abutment surface, being the line which extends from the corner.
20. A corner connector substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figs.
1 to 6 or Fig. 1 a of the accompanying drawings.
GB08512255A 1984-05-18 1985-05-15 Corner connector Withdrawn GB2158913A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19843418474 DE3418474A1 (en) 1984-05-18 1984-05-18 Corner connectors
DE19843435481 DE3435481A1 (en) 1984-09-27 1984-09-27 Corner connector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8512255D0 GB8512255D0 (en) 1985-06-19
GB2158913A true GB2158913A (en) 1985-11-20

Family

ID=25821318

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08512255A Withdrawn GB2158913A (en) 1984-05-18 1985-05-15 Corner connector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2158913A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0357568A2 (en) * 1988-09-02 1990-03-07 Andrea Cattarozzi Modular sectional container which can be transported manually, for conserving substances, in particular for alimentary use
EP1785218A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2007-05-16 Biemmegi di Fraternali Bruno, Bertuccioli Domenico E Dini Giacomo S.n.c. Process to manufacture a corner element for furniture
US7334377B2 (en) 2003-08-14 2008-02-26 Johnson Controls Technology Company Raceway construction for an air handing unit
CN102734286A (en) * 2012-06-14 2012-10-17 深圳广田高科新材料有限公司 Connecting piece special for hidden overall fixed cabinet closing plates
CN102817851A (en) * 2012-08-09 2012-12-12 上海英格索兰压缩机有限公司 External metal plate structure of screw air compressor

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1150284A (en) * 1965-08-19 1969-04-30 George Charles Boyd Auger Improvements in or relating to Lattice Work Components.
GB1398495A (en) * 1972-03-10 1975-06-25 Floetotto Moebelfab H Assembly system for furniture
GB1420835A (en) * 1972-06-27 1976-01-14 Recker B Connecting device for panel shaped members
GB1491071A (en) * 1975-10-24 1977-11-09 Maxwell D Panel joining means
GB1516723A (en) * 1974-07-08 1978-07-05 Kristiansen K Corner structure
GB1530316A (en) * 1975-11-06 1978-10-25 Benaglia M Panel assembly joint
GB2049863A (en) * 1979-01-16 1980-12-31 Schuckmann Alfred Von Corner joint for furniture
GB2126682A (en) * 1982-08-18 1984-03-28 Marc Udo Schmolz A fixing for furniture

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1150284A (en) * 1965-08-19 1969-04-30 George Charles Boyd Auger Improvements in or relating to Lattice Work Components.
GB1398495A (en) * 1972-03-10 1975-06-25 Floetotto Moebelfab H Assembly system for furniture
GB1420835A (en) * 1972-06-27 1976-01-14 Recker B Connecting device for panel shaped members
GB1516723A (en) * 1974-07-08 1978-07-05 Kristiansen K Corner structure
GB1491071A (en) * 1975-10-24 1977-11-09 Maxwell D Panel joining means
GB1530316A (en) * 1975-11-06 1978-10-25 Benaglia M Panel assembly joint
GB2049863A (en) * 1979-01-16 1980-12-31 Schuckmann Alfred Von Corner joint for furniture
GB2126682A (en) * 1982-08-18 1984-03-28 Marc Udo Schmolz A fixing for furniture

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0357568A2 (en) * 1988-09-02 1990-03-07 Andrea Cattarozzi Modular sectional container which can be transported manually, for conserving substances, in particular for alimentary use
EP0357568A3 (en) * 1988-09-02 1990-05-23 Andrea Cattarozzi Modular sectional container which can be transported manually, for conserving substances, in particular for alimentary use
US7334377B2 (en) 2003-08-14 2008-02-26 Johnson Controls Technology Company Raceway construction for an air handing unit
EP1785218A1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2007-05-16 Biemmegi di Fraternali Bruno, Bertuccioli Domenico E Dini Giacomo S.n.c. Process to manufacture a corner element for furniture
CN102734286A (en) * 2012-06-14 2012-10-17 深圳广田高科新材料有限公司 Connecting piece special for hidden overall fixed cabinet closing plates
CN102734286B (en) * 2012-06-14 2016-08-03 深圳广田高科新材料有限公司 A kind of concealed entirety fixes the connector that cabinet shrouding is special
CN102817851A (en) * 2012-08-09 2012-12-12 上海英格索兰压缩机有限公司 External metal plate structure of screw air compressor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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