Modular multifunctional furniture system

Abstract

A modular, multifunctional furniture system (10), particularly for children, comprises at least one base module (11) in the form of a cuboid, which has at least one side wall (12) with an outer surface (15) for detachable attachment to a side wall (12) of another base module (11). Axially magnetized bar magnets (14) are arranged in the corners (13) of the base modules (11) adjacent to the respective side wall (12). These magnets are fully recessed in the corners (13) and extend towards the outer surface (15) to create a magnetic connection between the side walls (12). The side walls (12) to be connected each have a recess (16) on their outer surfaces (15). A counter element (17) can be manually inserted into and removed from the recesses (16) in a form-fitting manner.The counter element (17) is shaped such that, after being inserted into one of the recesses (16), it protrudes from it, thus engaging when the magnetic connection between the side walls (12) and the opposite recess (16) is established. The furniture system (10) can be assembled and modified without tools.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular, multifunctional furniture system. This modular, multifunctional furniture system is particularly suitable for furnishing children's rooms and also encourages creative design and play.

[0002] Especially with children, the demands placed on room furnishings increase very rapidly from both a cognitive and physical perspective as they get older. These demands also increase with a growing number of children in the household. Therefore, children's room furnishings are usually changed several times.

[0003] Furthermore, it is particularly important to foster children's creativity. This is achieved primarily by providing them with opportunities for free play and independent creative expression.

[0004] Modular furniture systems can be assembled as needed. They serve, for example, as shelves, cabinets, seating elements, or similar items in various configurations and sizes, so that they can be adapted to the available space.

[0005] For example, the publication DE 2020 070 14 978 U1 describes a basic element for a children's furniture construction kit consisting of an elastic plate with a square outline, on whose narrow sides fastening strips extend for connecting the basic elements to each other.

[0006] The German patent application DE 2020 111 01 356 U1 describes a modular children's play furniture system in which the basic elements of the system can be combined in a simple and aesthetically pleasing manner, without the need for additional connecting elements, to create any number of children's furniture pieces and play arrangements. The system comprises at least two rigid, dimensionally stable, cuboid box elements, each open on two adjacent flat sides, as well as any number of dimensionally stable square cushion elements. The internal dimensions of the cuboid box elements and the external dimensions of the square cushion elements are integer multiples of a common base dimension and are coordinated such that the internal dimensions of the cuboid box elements correspond to the external dimensions of an arrangement of the square cushion elements.

[0007] In the publication DE 2020 181 03 731 U1, a modular storage device is described, comprising at least one body formed from planar components, wherein the planar components of the body have a number of openings through which rods can be guided, wherein the rods can be fixed with plug-in means, and wherein the planar components of the body are connected with connecting means.

[0008] Furthermore, modular furniture is described, for example, in the publications DE 10 2011 014 514 A1, DE 10 2007 002 064 A1 and DE 0000 074 04 345 U.

[0009] The purpose of the invention is to provide a modular furniture system that promotes the free development of children while simultaneously serving as a practical piece of furniture for various uses, such as sitting, storing, or placing objects. It should be designed to adapt to the evolving needs and development of children and therefore must be particularly easy and stable to modify and expand.

[0010] The problem is solved by a modular, multifunctional furniture system comprising: at least one base module in the form of a cuboid, which includes at least one side wall with an outer surface for detachable attachment to a side wall of another base module, wherein axially magnetized bar magnets are arranged in the corners of the base modules adjacent to the respective side wall, which are completely recessed in the corners and extend towards the outer surface to create a magnetic connection between the side walls, wherein the side walls to be connected each have a recess on their outer surfaces, and wherein a counter element is provided which can be manually inserted into and removed from the recesses in a form-fitting manner, wherein the counter element is shaped such that it protrudes from one of the recesses after insertion.so that it engages with the opposite recess when creating the magnetic connection between the side walls, making the furniture system assemblable and modifiable without tools.

[0011] This allows children in particular to easily create new furniture arrangements, experiment with them, experience and explore the dimensions of spaces, create play and sleeping areas for figures and toys, and much more. At the same time, everyday items such as clothing, toys, craft materials, media such as CDs or records, and other belongings can be stored in the modular furniture system, which can also be adapted to the increasing space requirements as children grow.

[0012] Advantageously, the modular furniture system is designed in such a way that the connection between the base modules can be released by a bending movement of the base modules relative to each other.

[0013] Preferably, the adjacent bar magnets in the corners of the base module are aligned with opposite polarities to each other.

[0014] Advantageously, the bar magnets in the corners of each side wall are alternately polarized. This means that the diagonally opposite bar magnets in each side wall have the same polarization direction.

[0015] Preferably, the inner contour of the respective recess and the outer contour of the counter element are shaped in such a way that, after insertion, a twisting of the counter element relative to the recess is prevented.

[0016] In particular, the recess can be located in the center of the side walls of the base modules to be joined.

[0017] Advantageously, the counter element has a rectangular cross-section.

[0018] Preferably, the basic module is designed as a cuboid and / or cube with two open sides.

[0019] Advantageously, the modular multifunctional furniture system includes a module holder that can be snapped into two opposing blind holes in the base module, in each of which one of the bar magnets is recessed to attach one or more additional elements to the base module.

[0020] In particular, the module holder can comprise two movable fastening pins arranged opposite each other, designed to enter the opposite blind holes of the base module.

[0021] The fastening pins are advantageously movable out of the module holder from a retracted position in opposite directions.

[0022] Preferably, the fastening pins comprise ferromagnetic material.

[0023] Advantageously, the module holder includes a rotatable actuating element for moving the fastening pins.

[0024] Preferably, the actuating element has a recess designed for the positive-locking reception of the counter element.

[0025] Preferably, the modular multifunctional furniture system includes a flat-shaped support module for attaching an applicator to the base module.

[0026] In particular, the carrier module includes a mounting surface with magnets.

[0027] Advantageously, the mounting surface is provided with a recess designed for the form-fitting reception of the counter element.

[0028] Advantageously, the recess in the mounting surface of the support module corresponds to the one formed in the side wall of the base module.

[0029] Preferably, the base module is made of a bend-resistant, robust material.

[0030] Preferably, the modular multifunctional furniture system includes a base plate made of a soft, elastic material, which forms a sitting and / or playing area, especially for babies and toddlers.

[0031] Preferably, a recess is formed in the base plate to hold the base element.

[0032] In particular, the magnets are arranged in the side wall of the base module in accordance with the arrangement of bar magnets.

[0033] This allows the base module to be fixed to the base plate in a particularly stable manner.

[0034] In particular, the furniture system is designed as a creative and play furniture for children for free play, creative activity, redesigning and sitting.

[0035] Preferably, the base module and / or one or more of the other base modules have a different width.

[0036] For example, the basic module and / or one or more of the other basic modules form a chest, a bench, a shelf compartment or similar.

[0037] In particular, the invention creates a base cuboid made of bend-resistant, robust material, for example solid wood, which can be built stably and in a way that prevents slippage relative to each other thanks to its connection system.

[0038] The closed cuboid shape with two open sides is particularly stable and versatile. The furniture can be assembled, reconfigured, expanded, or reduced in seconds.

[0039] The ability to integrate additional basic modules such as chests, corner benches, etc., and additional add-on modules such as cushion modules, creative modules, etc., results in a particularly high level of modular multifunctionality that is tailored to the needs of children and parents.

[0040] Even babies are taken into consideration. For example, a base cube can be securely attached to a soft base or floor panel. This allows for the attachment of various modules to the base cube, such as mirrors, sensory cushions, bars with cloths, etc., ultimately resulting in a wide range of play and exploration opportunities that can be adapted to individual needs.

[0041] This modular, multifunctional furniture system is a tool-free, modular concept that adapts to the needs of both child and parents throughout childhood. It incorporates the latest pedagogical insights. Because the system can be assembled without tools while still ensuring high stability, its modules and add-on units offer a multitude of play and creative options with virtually unlimited adaptability and multifunctionality. Furthermore, the children's room furnishings no longer need to be replaced across many developmental stages.

[0042] The modular multifunctional furniture system offers increased slip resistance compared to previously known modular furniture, so that the stability of individual modules in relation to each other is correspondingly high.

[0043] Due to its special modular design and high stability, the furniture system forms a simple but versatile connection system to which not only further furniture modules, but also creative, organizational and learning modules can be attached.

[0044] This creates a piece of furniture that is no longer "just" seen as furniture, but is integrated into creative processes or play. This promotes the child's development.

[0045] Furthermore, there is enormous potential for saving resources and space, as many important functions can already be covered by modular extensions. A selection of high-quality materials also sensitizes children to quality at an early age.

[0046] The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a furniture system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention with a base module and counter elements in a spatial view obliquely from the front; Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1. Modular system shown in a similar view, but with counter elements plugged into the base module; Fig. 3 a basic module in a sectional view together with an enlarged section showing a corner of the basic module; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 An example of a piece of furniture formed from the modular system with several plug-in basic modules, as an exploded view ( Fig. 4) and as a perspective view ( Fig. 5); Fig. 6 another example of a piece of furniture formed from the modular system; Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 Another example of a piece of furniture formed from the modular system in the form of a seating element, as an exploded view ( Fig. 7) and as a perspective view ( Fig. 8); Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 a module holder for attaching an add-on module to the base body; Fig. 11 an add-on module designed as a playing surface in which a base module can be attached, in a top view; Fig. 12 the in Fig. 11 playing area shown in a cross-sectional view; Fig. 13 a connecting element according to a preferred embodiment of the invention for connecting individual base modules in a spatial representation; Fig. 14 a sectional view of two adjacent side walls of basic modules, which are connected to the in Fig. The connecting element shown in section 11 is connected; and Fig. 15 a sectional view similar to Fig. 12, with the side walls adjoining each other at right angles.

[0047] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are designated with the same reference numerals and are therefore not described again unless this appears expedient. The disclosures contained in the entire description are applicable analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations.

[0048] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a modular, multifunctional furniture system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. It comprises a cuboid base module 11, which includes several side walls 12 with an outer surface 15 for detachable attachment to a side wall 12 of a similarly designed further base module 11 in order to connect the base modules 11 to one another.

[0049] In the corners 13 of the base module 12 adjacent to the respective side wall 12, axially magnetized magnetic elements in the form of bar magnets 14 are arranged, which are completely recessed in the corners 13. In this way, a magnetic connection is established between the base module 12 and one or more further base modules 12. The base modules 12 to be connected each have a recess 16 on their outer surfaces 15, which form contact surfaces. The bar magnets 14 are recessed in blind holes 18, which are formed as bores or milled recesses from the inside in the side walls 12.

[0050] Furthermore, a counter element 17 is provided, which can be manually inserted or plugged into the recesses 16 in a form-fitting manner and can be manually removed from them. The counter element 17 is shaped such that, after being inserted into the recess 16, it protrudes from the outer surface 15 of the side wall 12. In this way, when the magnetic connection between the adjacent side walls 12 is established, the counter element 17 also engages with the opposite recess 16 of the adjacent base module.

[0051] Due to the counter element 17, which projects positively into the two adjacent side walls 12 of the interconnected base modules 11, the adjacent base modules 11 are connected to each other in a slip-proof manner. This also applies in the same way to further base modules 11 and / or other modules, which can be connected in any number, for example laterally, as well as above and below (see also Fig. 4 to 8 and 10 to 12).

[0052] The bar magnets 14 are recessed into the side walls 12 such that they are alternately polarized in the consecutive corners 13 of each side wall 12. This means that on the contact surface 15 of the respective side wall 12, the bar magnets 14 positioned diagonally to each other have the same polarization or the same pole (N = north pole, S = south pole), while the bar magnets 14 adjacent to each other in the corners 13 are always positioned with inverted polarization.

[0053] The recesses 16 have an inner contour 16a that corresponds to the outer contour 17a of the counter element 17. The inner contour 16a of the recess 16 and the outer contour 17a of the counter element 17 are shaped in such a way that twisting or rotation between the counter element 17 and the side walls 12 adjacent to it on both sides is prevented, so that the two side walls 12 of the adjacent base modules 11 are also secured against rotation relative to each other.

[0054] In the embodiment shown here, the inner contour 16a of the recess 16 and the outer contour 17a of the counter element 17 are rectangular. However, they can also be formed in any other way that prevents rotation relative to each other.

[0055] In the embodiment shown here, the recesses 16a are arranged centrally in the side walls 12 of the base module 11, which serve as contact surfaces 15 for connection with further base modules 11. That is, they are positioned in the center of the respective side wall 12. However, other positioning of the recesses 16a is also possible. For example, several recesses 16a can be formed in the respective side wall 12 of the base modules 11.

[0056] The recesses 16, for example, are formed by milled cutouts. The base module is made of wood, preferably solid wood.

[0057] The friction of the counter element 17, which is precisely shaped to fit the recess 16, against its inner surface holds the counter element 17 in place after insertion into the recess 16. This prevents it from falling out, yet allows it to be easily removed by hand. The use of wood as the material for the base modules and the counter element 17 further facilitates this. Moreover, wood has a pleasant feel and is particularly suitable for children from an educational perspective.

[0058] Preferably, the recesses 16 have a depth that corresponds, for example, to approximately half the material or wall thickness of the side wall 12. Depending on the thickness of the side wall 12, the depth could be, for example, approximately 1 cm. Depending on the respective material thickness, this depth can also be less or greater and, for example, range between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. However, other dimensions are also possible.

[0059] The recesses 16 can, for example, have rounded corners, which are formed, for instance, by the milling process. In general, they can have any shape or internal contour 16a that prevents rotation of the inserted counter element 17 and thus between the adjacent side walls 12.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment shown here, the counter element 17 is designed as a block. However, it can also have any other shape that prevents rotation within the recesses 16.

[0061] The base element 11 is designed here as a cuboid in the shape of a cube with two open sides. That is, the front and back of the cuboid, or base element 11, are open, while the side walls 12 with the recesses 16 are closed. This results in particularly high stability and load-bearing capacity. The four remaining side walls 12 of the base element 11 are advantageously designed as closed side walls for attaching further base elements.

[0062] In principle, other configurations are also possible, for example with a smaller or larger number of closed side walls 12, not every one of which needs to be equipped with a recess 16 as a contact surface for attaching another base module 11 or a different type of module. Furthermore, the term "closed side wall" does not necessarily mean that it contains no openings whatsoever. Instead, it should be understood to mean that the side wall provides, on the one hand, a sufficiently large surface area for forming the recess 16 and the magnetized areas, and on the other hand, offers sufficiently high stability.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in the enlarged section A, the outer surface 15 of the side wall 12 is closed in the area of ​​the bar magnets 14, so that these are not visible from the outside. The holes or blind holes 18 are drilled or milled as deep as possible.

[0064] Depending on the dimensions, the side wall 12 at the base of the blind holes 18 has a thickness of, for example, only 1 mm to 2 mm, preferably approximately 1.5 mm. Depending on the design, this thickness can also be less or greater. Due to the immediate proximity of the outer ends of the bar magnets 14 to the outer surfaces or contact surfaces 15 of the side walls 12, in which they are recessed, a high tensile force results between the adjacent base modules 11 and / or other modules equipped with magnets.

[0065] The bar magnets 14, recessed from the inside in the corners 13, extend longitudinally, or with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the outer surface 15 of the side wall 12 in which they are recessed. In each corner 13, the adjacent bar magnets 14 are arranged with opposite polarities. That is, in each corner 13, the north pole N of one bar magnet is located adjacent to the south pole S of the other bar magnet on its inner side. The same applies to the outer sides of the corners 13 and the bar magnets 14 adjacent there.

[0066] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows, as an example, an arrangement of basic modules 11 of the furniture system 10, which are connected to each other in the manner described above and form a piece of furniture or furniture 20. The basic modules 11 are as described above with reference to the Fig. 1-3 described as trained.

[0067] In this example, three identical base modules 11 are used to construct the furniture 20. The base modules 11 used here are cube-shaped and each has an open front and an open back. The four other sides of each cube are closed and, as described above, form the side walls 12 for mutual connection and, as needed, for connection with other modules and / or base modules 11.

[0068] The counter elements 17 serve to connect the modules; they are positioned in the recesses 16 formed between the contact surfaces 15 to be joined. In this way, any number of base modules 11 can be connected to each other in horizontal and vertical directions.

[0069] The base modules 11, or one or some of them, can also be designed as cuboids with different side lengths. For example, such cuboids can have a greater width to form, for instance, a chest or bench that is positioned between or next to cube-shaped base modules and has a greater width than these. In particular, it is advantageous if such base cuboids have a width that is an integer multiple of the edge length of the cube-shaped base element 11.

[0070] Furthermore, by combining it with other basic modules, for example a corner bench, various shelves, seating surfaces, benches and many other furniture designs can be created.

[0071] An example of a shelf is in Fig. Figure 6 is shown. However, many other arrangements of basic modules 11 and further modules are possible.

[0072] The Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows a base module 11, to whose upper side wall 12 a module support module 22 is attached. The module support module or support module 22 is designed as a flat surface or as a plate and serves on one side of the plate, in this example on its upper surface 23, for attaching an applicator 24, which in this example is designed as a cushion or seat cushion element.

[0073] The other side of the support module 22, in this example the underside, forms the contact surface 15 of the support module 22 in order to connect it with the similarly designed contact surface 15 of the side wall 12 of the base module 11 as described above, in this example with the upper side wall 12 of the base module 11.

[0074] The counter element 17, shown in the preceding figures and described above, again serves as a connecting piece. For this purpose, the contact surface 15 of the support module 22 is provided with the recess 16 described above in the same manner as it is formed in the side wall 12 of the base module 11.

[0075] Furthermore, the carrier module 22 comprises a number of magnets or bar magnets 27, which are arranged in the carrier module 22 in the same way as the bar magnets 14 in the side walls 12 of the base module 11, and which are recessed in the carrier module 22.

[0076] On the upper surface 23 of the support module 22, a circumferential edge 26 is formed, which is raised above the upper surface 23 and thus forms a receiving area for the cushion element 24.

[0077] Optionally, the cushion element 24 can also include magnetic elements or magnets for connection with the magnets or bar magnets 27 of the carrier module 22, which are arranged, for example, in a mounting plate 25 on which the cushion element or applicator 24 is attached.

[0078] The support element 22 can be connected to any side wall 12 of the base module 11, so that it can be oriented horizontally or vertically. Due to its design, many other items such as mirrors, decorative elements, pictures, surfaces for painting, chalkboards, etc., can be attached to the support module 22 instead of the cushion element 24.

[0079] In this example, it forms a piece of furniture 28 designed as a seating element 28 with the basic module 11, which in turn can be connected to further basic modules 11 in the manner described above.

[0080] The Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows a module holder 30, with which further supplementary modules such as creative, organizational and learning modules can be attached to the base module 11.

[0081] The module holder 30 can be snapped into two opposing side walls 12 of the base module 11 in its blind holes 18 (see Fig. 1) For this purpose, two fastening pins 32 are arranged in the module holder 30, which are movable in the longitudinal direction L of the module holder 30 in order to move from a retracted position inside the module holder 30 to a protruding position, in which they protrude from the end faces 34 of the module holder 30.

[0082] The fastening pins 32 comprise ferromagnetic material, so that when inserted into the base module 11 they are attracted by the bar magnets 14 located in the blind holes 18. This pulls them into the blind holes 18 after insertion into the base module 11, locking the module holder 30 in the base module 11.

[0083] To insert the module holder 30 into the base module 11 and to remove it, the fastening pins 32 are pulled back so that they no longer protrude from the end faces 34.

[0084] For this purpose, a rotatable actuating element 36 is arranged in an opening 38 of the module holder 30. It has a recess 16 of the same type as that formed in the side walls 12 of the base module 11. This allows the actuating element 36 to be actuated by inserting the counter element 17 into the recess 16 and then rotating it.

[0085] The actuating element 36 is connected to the two fastening pins 32 inside the module holder 30. In the example shown here, two internal tension elements in the form of ropes or wire ropes, which connect the round or disc-shaped actuating element 36 to the two fastening pins and are not visible in the figure, serve to convert the rotary movement of the actuating element 36 into a counter-rotating linear movement of the actuating elements 36 in order to retract them into the module holder 30.

[0086] Using the module holder 30, various creative and play elements can be attached to the base module 11, such as curtains, bells, wooden figures, wooden pieces with geometric shapes, and much more. The module holder 30 can be inserted horizontally or vertically within the base module 11 in the upper recesses 18, both at the front and at the back, flush with the front and / or back of the base module 11.

[0087] The Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows a base plate 40 as another module of the furniture system, which is made of a soft, elastic material. This shows Fig. 11 the base plate 40 in a top view, while Fig. 12 a sectional view along line AA' in Fig. 11 shows.

[0088] The base plate 40 is designed as a play area or activity area for babies and toddlers. It comprises a base plate 46 on which a top layer 48 made of soft, elastic material is applied. The soft top layer 48 is attached to the base plate 46, for example, with fastening strips or similar means.

[0089] At its center, the base plate 40 includes a recess 42 designed to receive a base module 11 as described above and to fix it in the base plate or playing surface 40. For this purpose, the recess 42 has an inner contour that corresponds to the outer contour of the base module 11. In this example, the recess 42 is square to accommodate a cube-shaped base module 11 with square side faces 12. However, recesses of other shapes can also be provided to fix one or more correspondingly shaped base elements 11.

[0090] The recess 42, for example, is formed by a milled groove. It extends through the top layer 48 into the relatively harder base plate 46. This base plate can also be elastic.

[0091] The recess 42 has a relatively shallow depth, sufficient to fix the base module 11. For example, a depth approximately equal to the wall thickness of the side walls 12 of the base module 11 is sufficient. However, it can also be larger or smaller.

[0092] The base plate 40 comprises an arrangement of magnets 44, corresponding to the arrangement of bar magnets 14 in the side wall 12 of the base module 11. The magnets 44 are positioned at the bottom of the recess 42 to hold an inserted base module 11 by magnetic force. This allows the base module 11 to be clicked into the base plate 40.

[0093] The magnets 44 are recessed in the base plate 46 and can in particular be designed as bar magnets identical or similar to the bar magnets 17 in the base module 11.

[0094] The base plate 40 is preferably divisible, in this example into four base elements 40 ad, which can be plugged together. Magnets 45, arranged in the base plate 46 of each sub-element in the area of ​​its connecting edges, serve for plugging them together.

[0095] Optionally, a recess 16 can also be provided at the bottom of the depression 42, as is formed in the side walls 12 of the base module 11, which leads to even greater stability of the play furniture formed from the base module 11 and the base element 40.

[0096] The soft play surface formed by the base plate 40 allows babies and toddlers to play around and crawl around the base element 11 inserted in it while lying down.

[0097] The Fig. Figures 13 to 15 show a flexible connecting element 50 designed to connect two base modules 11.

[0098] The flexible connecting element 50 forms a connector consisting of two advantageously cylindrical ferromagnetic parts 51 and a flexible, robust, elastic connecting band 52. The ferromagnetic parts 51 are arranged at both ends of the elastic connecting band 52, which extends longitudinally. The ferromagnetic parts 51 extend perpendicular to the elastic connecting band 52 and are located on the same side of the connecting band 52.

[0099] The ferromagnetic parts 51, designed as cylinders, fit into the blind holes 18 of the modules or base modules 11 in which the magnets 14 are provided (see e.g. Fig. 1) In this way, the base modules 11 can be connected to each other in another direction. In particular, the base modules 11 with open front and back can not only be connected laterally (X-direction) and stacked on top of each other (Y-direction), but also in the direction of depth (Z-direction), so that all three spatial directions can be accessed or supplemented with base modules.

[0100] The flexible, elastic connection increases the ease of assembly. The flexible connector or element 50 is particularly advantageous when a connection needs to be made at an angle of, for example, 90 degrees. As shown in Fig.As shown schematically in Figure 15, wall mounting can also be achieved using a corresponding wall mounting part 53, which is advantageous when the overall height of the furniture system 10 increases, in order to prevent the furniture piece assembled from the modules from tipping over. The wall mounting part 53 can be attached to a wall 54 in a conventional manner, for example with dowels. It includes a section 55 open towards the wall 54, in which a magnet 56 is arranged to receive and magnetically hold a ferromagnetic part 51 of a connecting element 50.

[0101] For example, a ferromagnetic part 51 of the connecting element 50 can be positioned in the open area 55 before the wall mounting part 53 is attached to the wall 54. After assembly, a base module 11 can be positioned with its open back on the wall mounting part 53. The wall mounting part 53, attached to the wall 54, provides a support with its top surface for a side wall 12 of a base module 11. Subsequently, the other ferromagnetic part 51 of the connecting element 50 is inserted into a blind hole 18 of a side wall 11 of the base module 11, bending the elastic connecting band 52 by 90 degrees, and held there by magnetic force.

[0102] The invention provides, in particular, a connection system in which the contact surfaces of two connected cuboid modules attract each other. This is achieved, in particular, by four axially magnetized, alternately polarized bar magnets with a defined polarization pattern, recessed in each corner of the respective cuboid faces. To ensure the connection is stable against shear forces, a counter element is inserted, preferably centrally in each cuboid face, into recesses formed, for example, as milled grooves. Two connected modules can be separated, for example, by a "kinking" motion.

[0103] This modular, multifunctional furniture system offers children numerous creative and design possibilities. Children can assemble, reconfigure, expand, and disassemble it without tools, using various modules and add-ons. It is also suitable for adults as a versatile and easily adaptable furniture system. Reference symbol list: 10 modular multifunctional furniture system 11 Basic Module 12 side walls 13 corners of the base module 14 magnetic bodies / bar magnets 15 Outer surface / Contact surface 16 Recesses in side wall 16a Inner contour 17 Counter element 17a Outer contour 18 blind holes 20 pieces of furniture 22 Module carrier module or carrier module 23 Top 24 cushion element / appliqué 25 Mounting plate 26 Rand 27 magnets 28 seating elements 30 module holder 32 fastening pins 34 end faces of the module holder 36 Actuating element 38 Opening 40 Base plate / playing area 40a-d floor elements 42 In-depth study 44 magnets 45 magnets 46 Base plate 48 Top layer 50 flexible connecting element 51 ferromagnetic parts 52 elastic connecting bands 53 Wall mounting part 54 Wall 55 open area L Longitudinal direction of the module holder North Pole South Pole QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 2020 070 14 978 U1

[0005] DE 2020 111 01 356 U1

[0006] DE 2020 181 03 731 U1

[0007] DE 10 2011 014 514 A1

[0008] DE 10 2007 002 064 A1

[0008] DE 0000 074 04 345 U

[0008]

Claims

[1] Modular multifunctional furniture system (10), in particular for children, comprising: at least one base module (11) in the form of a cuboid, which comprises at least one side wall (12) with an outer side (15) for releasable attachment to a side wall (12) of another base module (11), wherein axially magnetized bar magnets (14) are arranged in the corners (13) of the base modules (11) adjacent to the respective side wall (12), which bar magnets are completely recessed in the corners (13) and extend towards the outer side (15) in order to establish a magnetic connection between the side walls (12), wherein the side walls (12) to be connected each have a recess (16) on their outer sides (15), and wherein a counter element (17) is provided which can be inserted into and removed from the recesses (16) by hand in a form-fitting manner, wherein the counter element (17) is shaped in such a way that after being inserted into one of the recesses (16) it protrudes from this, so that when the magnetic connection of the side walls (12) is established it comes into engagement with the opposite recess (16), wherein the furniture system (10) can be assembled and modified without tools. [2] Furniture system according to claim 1, characterized by that the connection established can be released by a bending movement of the base modules (11) relative to one another. [3] Furniture system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that 3.

1. the adjacent bar magnets (14) in the corners (13) of the base module (11) are aligned with opposite polarization to each other; and / or 3.

2. the bar magnets (14) in the corners (13) of the respective side wall (12) are alternately polarized. [4] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the inner contour (16a) of the respective recess (16) and the outer contour (17a) of the counter element (17) are shaped in such a way that, after insertion, rotation of the counter element (17) relative to the recess (16) is prevented. [5] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the recess (16) is arranged in the center of the side walls (12) to be connected. [6] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base module (11) is designed as a cuboid and / or cube with two open sides. [7] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya module holder (30) which can be snapped into two opposite blind holes (18) of the base module (11), in each of which one of the bar magnets (14) is countersunk in order to fasten one or more supplementary elements to the base module (11). [8] Furniture system according to claim 7, characterized by that the module holder (30) comprises two movable fastening pins (32) arranged opposite one another, which are designed to enter the opposite blind holes (18) of the base module (11). [9] Furniture system according to claim 8, characterized by that the fastening pins (32) can be moved out of a retracted position within the module holder (30) in opposite directions. [10] Furniture system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the fastening pins (32) comprise ferromagnetic material. [11] Furniture system according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized bythat the module holder (30) comprises a rotatable actuating element (36) for moving the fastening pins (32), wherein the actuating element (36) has the recess (16) which is designed for the positive reception of the counter element (17). [12] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a flat carrier module (22) for fastening an applicator (24) to the base module (11), wherein the carrier module (22) comprises a fastening surface (23) with magnets (27) and with the recess (16) which is designed for the positive reception of the counter element (17). [13] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the base module (11) is made of a bending-resistant, robust material, in particular wood. [14] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims characterized bya base plate (40) made of a soft, elastic material, which forms a play surface for babies and toddlers, wherein a recess (42) provided with magnets (44) for holding the base element (11) is formed in the base plate (40), wherein the magnets (44) are arranged corresponding to the arrangement of bar magnets (14) in the side wall (12) of the base module (11). [15] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed as a piece of play furniture for children to creatively build, redesign, sit and play. [16] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one or more of the base modules (11) have a different width and form a module element from the group chest, bench, shelf compartment. [17] Furniture system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya flexible connecting element (50) for fastening the base module (11) and / or for connecting the base module (11) to another base module (11), wherein the connecting element (50) can be manually and detachably fastened with its ends to the inner sides of two adjacent side walls (12) of the base modules (11) and extends with a central section over the edges of the adjacent side walls (12) in order to hold them together. [18] Furniture system according to claim 17, characterized by that the flexible connecting element (50) comprises an elastic connecting band, at each end of which a ferromagnetic part (51) is arranged, which is designed for direct positioning on one of the bar magnets (14).

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