Device for attaching leg to panel of cabinet

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (104) for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet wherein the device (104) comprises a bearing portion (108), a first engagement portion (110) defining a first main extension and a second engagement portion (112) defining a second main extension wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are parallel to each other, and wherein the first engagement portion (110) and the second engagement portion (112) are spaced apart from each other. The first engagement portion (110) and the second engagement portion (112) are connected to the bearing portion (108) spaced apart from each other. The device (104) is adapted to allow relative displacement of the first engagement portion (110) and the second engagement portion (112) when a displacement structure (124) of the device receives a correspondingly shaped end portion of the leg.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for attaching a leg to a front panel of a cabinet according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising such a device and a leg. The invention also relates to a cabinet comprising such an arrangement.

[0002] This cabinet can be used in a kitchen or bathroom. The kitchen cabinet includes a plurality of rectangular panels that are linked together to form a box shape that defines an interior space for accommodating items such as kitchen utensils. The kitchen cabinet can be fixed to a wall. In addition, the kitchen cabinet can be provided with a plurality of legs for keeping the cabinet away from the floor. More specifically, the legs are attached to the lower side of the lowermost panel of the cabinet, which is horizontal when the panel is in its operating position. More specifically, a leg can be attached near each corner of the lowermost panel of the rectangle.

[0003] According to the prior art, a device for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet is known, wherein the device comprises a plate-shaped rectangular support portion. There are four engaging portions in the form of a protrusion, one engaging portion being arranged at each corner of the plate-shaped rectangular support portion. The protrusion extends perpendicular to the extension plane of the plate-shaped rectangular support portion. The protrusion is rigidly attached to the plate-shaped rectangular support portion. More specifically, the protrusion can be formed by a dowel. The cabinet panel includes four holes, which have matching shapes and sizes relative to the protrusion and are in a similar configuration to the protrusion for receiving the protrusion so that the plate-shaped rectangular support portion can be attached to the cabinet panel. Therefore, the fixation of the device to the cabinet is based on the friction between the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion and the associated surface defining the hole. In addition, the plate-shaped rectangular support portion includes a receiving portion facing in the opposite direction relative to the protrusion, wherein the receiving portion can be used for the end of the leg so that the leg is fixed to the panel.

[0004] While the above described devices work well, there may be circumstances during assembly of the cabinet where such devices may be undesirably released from the cabinet. Summary of the invention

[0005] A first object of the present invention is to provide a device for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet, which provides for more secure fixing of the leg to the cabinet.

[0006] This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. Therefore, this object is achieved by a device for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet, wherein the device comprises a supporting portion, a first engaging portion defining a first main extension and a second engaging portion defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are parallel to each other, and wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are connected to the supporting portion spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion comprises a protrusion or a recess, wherein the protrusion or the recess is adapted to be connected to a corresponding recess or protrusion in the cabinet panel, wherein the device is adapted to allow relative displacement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, and wherein the device comprises at least one opening or weakened portion between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion for allowing relative displacement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion, It is characterized in that the supporting part is formed by a supporting plate defining a main extension plane, the supporting plate is suitable for being connected to the cabinet panel in a manner that the main extension plane of the supporting plate is parallel to the extension plane of the cabinet panel, the supporting plate includes a base section, a first plate section provided with a first joining part and a second plate section provided with a second joining part, at least one of the first plate section and the second plate section is separated from the base section by at least one opening or a weak portion, the device includes a displacement structure suitable for realizing displacement of the first joining part relative to the second joining part, wherein the displacement structure includes a receiving part, the receiving part is suitable for at least partially widening when receiving a correspondingly shaped end portion of the leg, and at least one opening or a weak portion forms a part of the receiving part, so that displacement of the first joining part relative to the second joining part is realized when the leg is received in the receiving part.

[0007] In this way, a more secure fixing of the legs to the cabinet can be achieved, wherein the cabinet can be moved around after the legs are connected and the risk that the legs may fall off is reduced.

[0008] The first main extension and the second main extension respectively define the movement directions of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion for engaging with the cabinet panel, respectively. According to one example, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are connected to the supporting portion in a manner that the supporting portion can move relative to the cabinet, so as to achieve the engagement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion with the cabinet panel.

[0009] The cabinet panel may be provided with at least two engaging portions, the at least two engaging portions being arranged to be spaced apart from each other and extending perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the cabinet panel, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion of the device are adapted to engage with corresponding engaging portions of the two engaging portions of the cabinet panel. According to one example, the device is adapted to enable displacement of the first engaging portion relative to the second engaging portion when the device has been engaged to the cabinet panel, so that the contact surfaces of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are pushed against the corresponding contact surfaces of the engaging portion of the cabinet panel.

[0010] In other words, the device can be engaged to the cabinet panel in a first operation, wherein the device is moved relative to the cabinet panel so that the corresponding engagement portions engage each other. In a subsequent second operation, the first engagement portion is displaced relative to the second engagement portion in a direction parallel to the main extension plane of the cabinet panel.

[0011] Therefore, in the applied state of the device, the contact pressure between the adjacent contact surfaces of the engaged engaging parts may be uneven around the engaging parts.

[0012] According to an embodiment example, the device is adapted to allow the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion to be displaced relative to each other. Thus, during assembly, the contact surfaces of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion facing away from each other are pushed against corresponding contact surfaces of the engaging portion of the cabinet panel.

[0013] Additionally, the arrangement may be adapted to allow a projection to have a smaller eccentricity in its associated recess when the first engagement portion is in a displaced condition relative to the second engagement portion.

[0014] According to one example, at least two engagement portions of the cabinet panel are formed by holes, and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion of the device are formed by protrusions, wherein the internal shape and size of the hole are adapted to match the external shape and size of the protrusion. According to one example, the hole has a circular cross-sectional shape. According to another example, the protrusion has a circular cross-sectional shape. According to one example, there may be a press fit between the mutually matching protrusions and the opening. According to an alternative, due to the displacement capability of the engagement portion, the displaceable protrusion may be designed to have an external cross-sectional shape slightly smaller than its associated hole, wherein the engagement between the protrusion and the hole is achieved by displacement. In the operating state, i.e., after the displacement of the protrusion having such a circular cross-sectional shape, approximately half of the envelope surface of the protrusion may contact the adjacent portion of the contact surface of the hole, while the other half may be slightly spaced apart from its corresponding adjacent portion of the contact surface of the hole.

[0015] Each of the protrusions of the device can be formed by a so-called dowel. A dowel is a cylindrical rod, which is usually made of wood, plastic or metal. The envelope surface of the dowel can have a structure of spaced ribs / valleys, which extend in the extension direction of the dowel. The ribs of the dowel can penetrate the material of the cabinet panel during joining. The cabinet panel can be formed by particle board. In addition, when the dowel is pressed into place, this design of the dowel provides a path for air (and excess glue where applicable) to escape. In this application, the dowel is used as a structural reinforcement to fix the cabinet legs.

[0016] The above-mentioned opening or weak portion between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion for allowing relative displacement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion can be arranged in the support portion and extend through the support portion along the extension direction of the first engaging portion. Therefore, such an opening can allow relative movement between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion perpendicular to the extension direction of the first engaging portion. Such an opening can have the form of a groove.

[0017] According to another refinement of the last-mentioned embodiment example, at least one opening or weakened portion is located on opposite sides in the displacement direction of at least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion for allowing relative displacement.

[0018] According to another improvement of the last-mentioned embodiment example, at least one opening or weak portion is formed by a groove having an extension so that it surrounds at least one of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion on three sides for allowing relative displacement. The groove may have a substantially U-shaped extension.

[0019] Preferably, the support plate is designed to have two opposite main surfaces parallel to each other.Preferably, the support plate is designed so that its main surface is flat and suitable for contacting with the lower surface of the cabinet panel.

[0020] According to one example, the first engaging portion is connected to the first plate segment in such a way that the first main extension is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the support plate. Likewise, the second engaging portion is connected to the second plate segment in such a way that the second main extension is perpendicular to the main extension plane of the support plate.

[0021] According to one example, the first engaging portion is rigidly connected to the first plate segment. Likewise, the second engaging portion is rigidly connected to the second plate segment. The first engaging portion may be formed in one piece with the first plate segment. Likewise, the second engaging portion may be formed in one piece with the second plate segment.

[0022] According to one example, each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is displaceable relative to the base section.

[0023] According to one example, the support portion has a symmetrical design with respect to a plane extending perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the support plate, wherein the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are arranged on opposite sides of the symmetry plane and can be displaced away from the symmetry plane. This design creates the condition that the support portion cannot move relative to the cabinet panel during the relative displacement of the engaging portions.

[0024] According to another embodiment example, at least one of the first plate segment and the second plate segment is elastically connected to the base portion for allowing elastic movement parallel to the main extension plane of the support plate. Thus, at least one of the first plate segment and the second plate segment can be elastically moved relative to the base segment. According to one example, at least one of the first plate segment and the second plate segment has an elongated shape and is defined by a groove extending along two long sides and one of the short sides, wherein the groove has a width allowing the plate segment to move, and wherein the other short side forms a bridge to the base segment. In other words, it can be seen that the other short side forming the bridge to the base segment forms an articulated portion for elastic movement.

[0025] It is mentioned above that the displacement structure comprises a receiving portion which is adapted to at least partially widen when receiving a correspondingly shaped end portion of the leg. In other words, the section of the device located outside the receiving portion can be moved outwards accordingly. The receiving portion can be formed by a slot.

[0026] Furthermore, relative displacement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be achieved when the end portion of the leg is received in the receiving portion. According to one example, the opening forms a slot partially branched from a slot forming the receiving portion.

[0027] This allows for easy assembly, wherein the end user assembling the furniture will automatically achieve a relative displacement between the first and second engaging portions and thereby a rigid attachment when attaching the leg to the support plate.

[0028] In one embodiment, the displacement structure comprises a receiving portion, which is adapted to at least partially widen when receiving a correspondingly shaped object. In another embodiment, at least one opening or weakened portion forms part of the receiving portion, so that when the object is received in the receiving portion, a displacement of the first engagement portion relative to the second engagement portion is achieved.

[0029] The displacement structure may be adapted to be influenced by the end portion of the leg when the end portion of the leg is attached to the displacement structure such that the first engagement portion is displaced relative to the second engagement portion.

[0030] According to one example, the first engaging portion, the second engaging portion and the displacement structure are arranged at the corners of the triangular shape at the support portion. More specifically, when the displacement structure is affected, both the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion may be pressed outwards simultaneously.

[0031] According to another improvement of the last-mentioned embodiment example, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the support structure, and wherein the displacement structure is located in a central region of the support structure. This provides for easy assembly and a rigid construction.

[0032] According to another embodiment example, the device is suitable for allowing the first engaging portion to be displaced relative to the second engaging portion while keeping the peripheral shape of the device unaffected. In other words, the device includes a frame that is not affected by the displacement of the first engaging portion relative to the second engaging portion. In this way, the rigidity of the device is ensured, which is important in the case where the device forms a structural part that bears the weight of the cabinet when it is in the operating state of the cabinet. In addition, in use, an elongated plate-like covering can be arranged under the cabinet along the floor to cover the distance between the cabinet and the floor. This elongated covering can be attached to the front legs via clamps and supported by the device, wherein this rigid frame provides appropriate support when the covering is subjected to external impacts, such as when it is impacted by a vacuum cleaner during cleaning.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention, it relates to an arrangement device for keeping a cabinet at a distance from a floor, wherein the arrangement device comprises a device according to any of the above examples and a leg adapted to be attached to a panel of the cabinet via the device.

[0034] According to one embodiment example, the upper part of the leg and / or the wall portion defining the receiving portion of the displacement structure has a tapered shape, which is used to subject the wall portion to an increased force during attachment so as to gradually achieve the displacement. According to one example, the receiving portion can have a tapered cross-sectional shape with a larger entrance to facilitate assembly.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, it relates to a cabinet including an arrangement device as described above, wherein the cabinet panel is provided with at least two engaging parts, and the at least two engaging parts are arranged to be spaced apart from each other and extend perpendicularly to the main extension plane of the cabinet panel, wherein the first engaging part and the second engaging part of the device are suitable for engaging with the corresponding engaging parts of the two engaging parts of the cabinet panel, and wherein the device is suitable so that when the device is attached to the cabinet panel, the first engaging part can be shifted relative to the second engaging part, so that the contact surfaces of the first engaging part and the second engaging part are pushed against the corresponding contact surfaces of the engaging parts of the cabinet panel.

[0036] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Attached below is a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] In the attached picture:

[0039] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view from below of an arrangement of legs for distancing a cabinet from a floor and comprising an attachment device according to a first embodiment,

[0040] Figure 2a It is in the assembled state according to Figure 1 A three-dimensional top view of the arrangement device,

[0041] Figure 2b is based on Figure 2a A perspective view of the arrangement of the device viewed from below,

[0042] Figure 3a Is the basis for the attachment period Figure 2a A partially cutaway perspective view of an arrangement of

[0043] Figure 3b is in an attached state Figure 3a A partially cutaway perspective view of an arrangement of

[0044] Figure 4 At each corner there is a Figure 3b A perspective view of a cabinet of the arrangement device shown, viewed from below,

[0045] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The partially cutaway perspective view from below shows two consecutive assembly steps. Figure 4 The arrangement shown,

[0046] Figure 6a is a perspective view from below of a device for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet according to a second embodiment, and

[0047] Figure 6b is based on Figure 6a A perspective view of the device as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Figure 1 The first embodiment includes an attachment device 4 and a device for keeping the cabinet 42 away from the floor (see Figure 4) is a perspective exploded view of the arrangement device 2 of the legs 6 viewed from below. Figure 2a It is in the assembled state. Figure 1 A three-dimensional top view of the arrangement device 2, and Figure 2b is a similar perspective view of the arrangement 2 from below.

[0049] The device 4 comprises a supporting portion 8, a first engaging portion 10 defining a first main extension and a second engaging portion 12 defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are parallel to each other. Here, the term main extension refers to the connection direction of the respective engaging portions 10, 12. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 are connected to the supporting portion 8 spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to their main extensions. The device 4 is adapted to allow relative displacement of the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 4 is adapted to allow relative displacement of the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 away from each other. In other words, the device is adapted to allow the first engaging portion 10 to shift relative to the second engaging portion 12 from a first mutual relationship to a second mutual relationship, wherein the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 are spaced apart to different degrees in the second mutual relationship. In the illustrated embodiment, the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 are spaced apart to a greater degree in the second mutual relationship. This is Figure 5a and Figure 5b An example assembly is shown in more detail.

[0050] Each of the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 is formed by a protrusion. The respective protrusion is adapted to be received in a corresponding recess in the cabinet panel. The protrusion is formed by a pin in the form of a dowel. The dowel has a constant cross-section in the direction in which it extends. More specifically, the dowel defines a circular cross-sectional shape. The envelope surface of the dowel is adapted to frictionally engage with a corresponding surface defining a hole. The first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 are identical in design and structure.

[0051] The device 4 comprises a first opening 14 partially surrounding the first engaging portion 10 and a second opening 16 partially surrounding the second engaging portion 12, the first opening 14 and the second opening 16 being used to allow relative displacement between the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12. Each of the first opening 14 and the second opening 16 is formed by a slot. Each of the slots has a continuous extension so that it surrounds the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 on three sides for allowing relative displacement. More specifically, each of the slots has a generally U-shaped extension.

[0052] The support portion 8 is formed by a support plate 18 defining a main extension plane, wherein the support plate 18 is adapted to be connected to the cabinet panel in such a way that the main extension plane of the support plate is parallel to the extension plane of the cabinet panel. The support plate 18 comprises a base section 52, a first plate section 20 provided with a first engaging portion 10, and a second plate section 22 comprising a second engaging portion 12, wherein the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 are spaced apart from the base section 52 parallel to the main extension plane by at least one opening 14, 16. More specifically, each of the slot-shaped openings 14, 16 defines the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22, respectively.

[0053] The projection defining the first engagement portion 10 extends perpendicularly to the extension plane of the first plate segment 20. More specifically, the projection defining the first engagement portion 10 is formed in one piece with the first plate segment 20. In a similar manner, the projection defining the second engagement portion 12 extends perpendicularly to the extension plane of the second plate segment 22. More specifically, the projection defining the second engagement portion 12 is formed in one piece with the second plate segment 22.

[0054] More specifically, each of the first plate segment 20 and the second plate segment 22 has an elongated shape and is defined by a slot 14, 16 extending along two long sides and one of the short sides. In addition, the slots 14, 16 have a width that allows the plate segments 20, 22 to move in the extension plane of the plate segment 18. In addition, the other short side that forms a bridge with the base segment 52 can be defined to form a hinge for elastic movement. In other words, each of the elongated plate segments 20, 22 pivots parallel to the extension plane of the plate segment 18 around the short side that forms the hinge.

[0055] The device 4 comprises a displacement structure 24, which is suitable for achieving a displacement of the first engagement portion 10 relative to the second engagement portion 12. The displacement structure 24 comprises a receiving portion 26, which is suitable for at least partially widening when receiving the upper portion 28 of the leg 6. Each of the openings 14, 16 forms a part of the receiving portion 26. In addition, the receiving portion 26 has the shape of a groove. More specifically, the groove-shaped receiving portion 26 has a circumscribing shape, in particular an elliptical shape. Similarly, the upper portion 28 of the leg 6 comprises a wall or annular portion with a rounded circumscribing shape, in particular an elliptical shape, which matches the size of the groove-shaped receiving portion 26.

[0056] More specifically, each of the first plate segment 20 and the second plate segment 22 is defined by a slot-shaped receiving portion 26 in a direction toward the displacement structure 24. When the leg 6 is attached to the displacement structure 24, the walls defining the receiving portion of each of the first plate segment 20 and the second plate segment 22 will be pushed radially outward. More specifically, each of the first plate segment 20 and the second plate segment 22 includes walls 38, 40 defining the slot-shaped receiving portion 26. Each of the walls 38, 40 has at least one convex contact surface facing the slot-shaped receiving portion 26. More specifically, each of the walls 38, 40 has two adjacent convex contact surfaces facing the slot-shaped receiving portion 26. Similarly, the base segment 52 includes walls 58, 60 defining the slot-shaped receiving portion 26 on opposite sides of the receiving portion 26, wherein the walls 58, 60 form a rigid support surface for the leg 6 during attachment.

[0057] More specifically, when the end portion 28 of the leg 6 is attached to the displacement structure 24, the displacement structure 24 is adapted to be influenced by the end portion 28 of the leg 6 so that the first engagement portion 10 is displaced relative to the second engagement portion 12. More specifically, each of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 is displaced outwardly relative to the base section 52.

[0058] The first engaging portion 10, the second engaging portion 12 and the displacement structure 24 are arranged at the corners of the triangular shape at the support structure 8. More specifically, the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 are arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the support structure 8, and wherein the displacement structure 24 is located in the central area of ​​the support structure 8. More specifically, the support plate 18 has a generally rectangular shape, wherein each of the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12 is arranged adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular support plate 18.

[0059] The device 4 is adapted to allow displacement of the first engaging portion 10 relative to the second engaging portion 12 while keeping the peripheral shape of the device intact. This is achieved in the following manner: openings / slots 14, 16 extend on the outer sides of the first engaging portion 10 and the second engaging portion 12, respectively, wherein the openings / slots have such a width that each of the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 can be slightly moved outwards.

[0060] Now go to Figure 1 The leg 6 comprises two parts 30, 32 adapted for height adjustment of the leg. More specifically, the leg 6 is adapted for stepless (continuous) height adjustment. Each of the leg parts 30, 32 has a cylindrical shape, wherein one of the leg parts 30 has a cylindrical hollow shape adapted for receiving the other leg 32. More specifically, the envelope surface of each of the leg parts 30, 32 has a threaded structure 34, 36.

[0061] In addition, the device comprises two additional engaging parts 72, 74. Each of the additional engaging parts 72, 74 is also formed by a protrusion in the form of a dowel and extends parallel to the first engaging part 10 and the second engaging part 12. Each of the additional engaging parts 72, 74 is rigidly attached to the support part 8. Therefore, the additional engaging parts 72, 74 are arranged in a manner that cannot move relative to each other. In addition, each of the additional engaging parts 72, 74 is arranged adjacent to the corner of the rectangular support plate 18. In other words, the device comprises four engaging parts 10, 12, 72, 74, which are arranged in a configuration that defines the corners of the rectangle.

[0062] The upper portion 28 of the leg 6 has an upwardly tapering shape for subjecting the wall portion defining the receiving portion of the displacement structure 24 to an increased force during attachment in order to achieve a gradual displacement. According to an alternative or supplementary solution, the slot-shaped receiving portion 26 may have a shape tapering inwardly from the opening.

[0063] Figure 3a Is the basis for the attachment period Figure 2a The arrangement of the device 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view from below. The legs 6 are assembled by the leg parts 30, 32 so that the threads 34, 36 are engaged. In addition, the device 4 is attached to the cabinet panel 44 (see also Figure 4 ). In consecutive steps, the leg 6 is moved straightly (parallel to the extension direction of the leg 6) towards the device 4 - see arrow - so that the upper part 28 of the leg 6 is received in the slot-like receiving portion 26 of the device 4. Due to the relatively tapered shape of the contact surfaces of the upper part 28 and the slot-like receiving portion 26, the plate sections 20, 22 (and thereby the projections / dowels 10, 12) will be displaced outwards during joining. Figure 3b is in an attached state Figure 3a A partially cutaway perspective view of an arrangement of the apparatus as viewed from below.

[0064] Figure 44 is a perspective view observed from the bottom of the cabinet 42. The cabinet 42 includes a plurality of rectangular panels 44, 46, 48, which are connected together to form a box shape, and the shape of the box defines an internal space for accommodating items such as kitchen utensils. The lowermost panel 44 is provided with a layout device 2 as described above for keeping the cabinet 42 away from the floor at each corner. More specifically, at each corner, the lowermost panel 44 is provided with a hole pattern 50, which matches the protrusion pattern defined by the engaging portions 10, 12, 72, 74 of the device 4. More specifically, the hole pattern 50 includes four holes 54, 56, wherein these holes are arranged in the corners of the rectangle.

[0065] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The partially cutaway perspective view from below shows two consecutive assembly steps. Figure 4 The arrangement shown. Figure 5a In , the device 4 is arranged so that the engagement portions 10, 12, 72, 74 are received in the holes 54, 56 of the hole pattern 50 in the lowermost panel 44. Figure 5b , the leg 6 moves upwards - see arrow 62 - so that its upper part 28 enters the receiving portion 26, wherein the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 move away from each other in the horizontal plane - see arrows 64, 66, and thus the first joining part 10 and the second joining part 12 move away from each other in the horizontal plane - see arrows 68, 70.

[0066] Figure 6a is a perspective view from below of a device 104 for attaching a leg 6 to a panel 44 of a cabinet 42 according to a second embodiment, and Figure 6b is based on Figure 6a A perspective view of the device 104 as viewed from above.

[0067] The device 104 includes a support portion 108, a first engaging portion 110 defining a first main extension, and a second engaging portion 112 defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are parallel to each other. The structure and function of the support portion 108 and the first engaging portion 110 and the second engaging portion 112 are similar to those described above for the first embodiment, and for ease of presentation, will not be repeated in detail.

[0068] The device 104 includes a first opening 114 partially surrounding the first engaging portion 110 and a second opening 116 partially surrounding the second engaging portion 112, the first opening 114 and the second opening 116 being used to allow relative displacement between the first engaging portion 110 and the second engaging portion 112. Each of the first opening 114 and the second opening 116 is formed by a groove. Each of the grooves has a continuous extension so that it surrounds the first engaging portion 110 and the second engaging portion 112 on three sides for allowing relative displacement.

[0069] The support portion 108 is formed by a support plate 118 defining a main extension plane, wherein the support plate 118 is adapted to be connected to the cabinet panel 44 in such a manner that the main extension plane of the support plate is parallel to the extension plane of the cabinet panel. The support plate 118 comprises a base section 152, a first plate section 120 provided with a first engaging portion 110, and a second plate section 122 comprising a second engaging portion 112, wherein the first plate section 120 and the second plate section 122 are spaced apart from the base section 152 parallel to the main extension plane by at least one opening 114, 116. More specifically, each of the slot-shaped openings 114, 116 defines the first plate section 120 and the second plate section 122, respectively.

[0070] The device 104 comprises a displacement structure 124, which is suitable for achieving a displacement of the first engagement portion 110 relative to the second engagement portion 112. The displacement structure 124 comprises a receiving portion 126, which is suitable for at least partially widening when receiving the upper portion 28 of the leg 6. Each of the openings 114, 116 forms a part of the receiving portion 126. In addition, the receiving portion 126 has the shape of a groove. More specifically, the groove-shaped receiving portion 126 has a rounded surrounding shape, in particular an elliptical shape. Similarly, the upper portion 28 of the leg 6 comprises a wall or annular portion with a rounded surrounding shape, in particular an elliptical shape, which matches the size of the groove-shaped receiving portion 126.

[0071] The support plate 118 has a generally rectangular shape, wherein each of the first engagement portion 110 and the second engagement portion 112 is disposed adjacent to a respective corner of the rectangular support plate 118 .

[0072] Compared to the first embodiment of the device 4, in the second embodiment of the device 104 there is no additional engagement portion (with Figure 2a 72, 74 in FIG. 1 ). In other words, the first engaging portion 110 and the second engaging portion 112 are the only engaging portions. This allows for a more cost-effective production of the second embodiment of the device 104.

[0073] Furthermore, the support plate 118 in the second embodiment of the device 104 has a slightly smaller extension in a direction perpendicular to a plane parallel to the extension of the engagement projections 110, 112. This allows for the use of a smaller amount of material, which in turn allows for a further more cost-effective production.

[0074] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings; on the contrary, a person skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the device as described above, both the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are adapted to be displaced relative to the base section of the support plate. According to an alternative, the device comprises a single displaceable engagement portion. Thus, the device can be as Figure 1 5 includes four engaging parts, or can be as shown in FIG. Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown two engagement parts are included, wherein only one engagement part is arranged in a displaceable manner. According to another alternative, all four engagement parts may be adapted to be displaced relative to the base section of the support plate.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the device as described above, the engaging portion is formed by a dowel having a structure of a plurality of spaced-apart elongated ribs extending parallel to the direction of extension of the dowel. According to an alternative, the engaging portion is formed by a dowel having a structure of a plurality of spaced-apart ribs extending in a transverse direction relative to the direction of extension of the dowel. More specifically, the ribs may be arranged perpendicularly relative to the direction of extension of the dowel, thereby forming a plurality of axially spaced-apart and radially protruding annular portions. Such a structure may form a stronger grip in the material of the cabinet panel.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the device as described above, the engaging portions are arranged at the same nominal distance from each other as the corresponding holes in the cabinet panel. Thus, when the legs are attached, an increased contact pressure / friction is first achieved due to the relative displacement of the engaging portions. According to an alternative, the engaging portions are arranged at a nominal distance from each other that is slightly larger than the corresponding nominal distance between the corresponding holes in the cabinet panel. In this way, when the support plate is attached to the cabinet panel, an increased contact pressure / friction is already achieved due to the relative displacement of the engaging portions.

[0078] according to Figure 4In the embodiment shown, the bottom panel 44 of the cabinet 42 is provided with four sets of hole patterns, one set of hole patterns at each corner of the rectangular panel, and these four sets of hole patterns are used for the engagement of four legs, one leg at each corner of the rectangular panel. Therefore, all four legs are associated with a single cabinet 42. According to an alternative, the bottom panels of two adjacent cabinets can each be provided with a subset of such hole patterns, so that the support plate bridges the two cabinets. For example, two of the holes in a single hole pattern can be provided in the bottom panel of a first cabinet in the adjacent cabinets, and the other two of the holes in the single hole pattern can be provided in the bottom panel of a second cabinet in the adjacent cabinets.

[0079] According to an alternative, the attachment means is adapted to allow the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion to be displaced relative to each other. Then, the displacement structure of the attachment means adapted to achieve the displacement of the first engaging portion relative to the second engaging portion can be redesigned. More specifically, the receiving portion and the associated upper portion of the leg can be designed to achieve the relative displacement of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion towards each other when the leg is received in the receiving portion during assembly.

[0080] According to another alternative embodiment, at least one and preferably each of the first and second engaging portions is formed by a recess instead of a protrusion. The recess may be formed by a hole having an elongated cylindrical shape. Thus, the recess may be provided in the first plate section and the second plate section, respectively. Thus, the panel may be provided with a correspondingly shaped protrusion for receiving in the recess. According to another alternative, the recess is provided in both the support plate and the panel, wherein separate cylindrical fastening elements such as dowels are received in the two recesses in the support plate and the panel for fastening the device to the panel.

Claims

1. A device (4, 104) for attaching a leg (6) to a panel (44) of a cabinet (42), in, The device (4, 104) comprises a support portion (8, 108), a first engaging portion (10, 110) defining a first main extension, and a second engaging portion (12, 112) defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are parallel to each other, and wherein the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) are connected to the support portion (8, 108) spaced apart from each other, wherein each of the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) comprises a protrusion or a recess, wherein the protrusion or the recess is adapted to be connected to a corresponding recess (50) in the cabinet panel (44) or protrusion, wherein the device (4, 104) is adapted to allow relative displacement of the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112), and wherein the device (4, 104) comprises at least one opening (14, 16, 114, 116) or weakened portion between the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) for allowing relative displacement between the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (2, 112), characterized in that the support portion (8, 108) is formed by a support plate (18, 118) defining a main extension plane, the support plate (18, 118) being adapted to be arranged in a manner The support plate (18, 118) is connected to the cabinet panel (44) in a manner that the main extension plane is parallel to the extension plane of the cabinet panel (44), the support plate (18, 118) comprises a base section (52, 152), a first plate section (20, 120) provided with the first engaging portion (10, 110), and a second plate section (22, 122) provided with the second engaging portion (12, 112), at least one of the first plate section (20, 120) and the second plate section (22, 122) is spaced apart from the base section (52, 152) by the at least one opening (14, 16, 114, 116) or the weak portion, and the device (4, 104) The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a device for manufacturing a support leg (6) comprising a displacement structure (24, 124) adapted to achieve displacement of the first engagement portion (10, 110) relative to the second engagement portion (12, 112), wherein the displacement structure (24, 124) comprises a receiving portion (26, 126) adapted to at least partially widen when receiving a correspondingly shaped end portion (28) of the support leg (6), and the at least one opening (14, 16, 114, 116) or weakened portion forms a part of the receiving portion (26, 126), so that when the support leg (6) is received in the receiving portion (26, 126), the first engagement portion (10, 110) is achieved.110) relative to the second engaging portion (12, 112).

2. The device according to claim 1, in, The device (4, 104) is adapted to allow relative displacement of the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) away from each other.

3. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in, The at least one opening (14, 16, 114, 116) or weak portion is positioned on opposite sides of at least one of the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) in a displacement direction for allowing the relative displacement.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in, The at least one opening (14, 16, 114, 116) or weakened portion is formed by a groove having an extension so that the groove surrounds at least one of the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) on three sides for allowing the relative displacement.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, in, At least one of the first plate section (20, 120) and the second plate section (22, 122) is resiliently connected to the base section (52, 152) for allowing resilient movement parallel to the main extension plane of the support plate (18, 118).

6. A device according to any preceding claim, in, The first engagement portion (10, 110) and the second engagement portion (12, 112) are arranged adjacent opposite ends of the support structure (8, 108), and wherein the displacement structure (24, 124) is located in a central region of the support structure.

7. A device according to any preceding claim, in, The device (4, 104) is adapted to allow displacement of the first engagement portion (10, 110) relative to the second engagement portion (12, 112) while maintaining the peripheral shape of the device intact.

8. An arrangement device (2) for keeping a cabinet (42) at a distance from a floor, in, The arrangement device (2) comprises a device (4, 104) according to any of the preceding claims and a leg (6) adapted to be attached to a panel (44) of the cabinet via the device.

9. The arrangement device according to claim 8, in, The upper portion (28) of the leg and / or a wall portion defining the receiving portion of the displacement structure has a tapered shape for subjecting the wall portion to an increasing force during attachment in order to gradually achieve the displacement.

10. A cabinet, comprising the arrangement device according to claim 8 or 9, in, The cabinet panel (44) is provided with at least two engaging portions (54, 56), the engaging portions (54, 56) being arranged to be spaced apart from each other and extending perpendicularly to a main extension portion of the cabinet panel, wherein the first engaging portion (10, 110) and the second engaging portion (12, 112) of the device (4, 104) are adapted to engage with corresponding engaging portions of the two engaging portions (54, 56) of the cabinet panel, and wherein the device (4) is adapted to enable displacement of the first engaging portion (10, 110) relative to the second engaging portion (12, 112) when the device is attached to the cabinet panel, so that contact surfaces of the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are pressed against corresponding contact surfaces of the engaging portions of the cabinet panel.

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