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 establish 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 with the opposite recess (16) when the magnetic connection between the side walls (12) and the recess 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 spaces for children and also encourages creative design and play.

[0002] Especially for children, the cognitive and physical demands on room furnishings increase rapidly with age. These demands also increase with the number of children in the household. Therefore, children's room furnishings are usually replaced several times.

[0003] It's also especially important to encourage children's creativity. This is achieved, in particular, by offering them opportunities for free play and their own creativity.

[0004] Modular furniture systems can be combined as needed. They serve as shelves, cabinets, seating elements, and similar items in various configurations and sizes, allowing them to be adapted to the available space.

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

[0006] The publication DE 2020 111 01 356 U1 describes a modular children's play furniture system, whereby the basic elements of the system can be combined in a simple and aesthetically pleasing manner and without the need for additional connecting elements to create any number of children's furniture and children's play arrangements. The system comprises at least two solid, dimensionally stable, cuboid box elements, each open on two adjacent longitudinal 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 an integer multiple of a common basic 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] The document DE 20 2018 103 731 U1 describes a modular storage device 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 by means of plug-in means, and wherein the planar components of the body are connected by means of connecting means.

[0008] In addition, furniture with a modular structure is described, for example, in the documents DE 10 2011 014 514 A1, DE 10 2007 002 064 A1 and DE 0000 074 04 345 U.

[0009] Furthermore, the document DE 20 2013 102 776 U1 describes a cabinet element in the manner of a folding box. Two adjacent shell sides are each hingedly connected to one another at a first fold line, so that four first fold lines run parallel to one another. In the unfolded state, the respective shell sides connected to one another at one of the first fold lines are aligned perpendicular to one another and form a cuboid having a front opening with a circumferential front edge and an opposite rear opening with a circumferential rear edge. Connecting means in the form of magnets are provided at predetermined locations in the shell sides, so that one cabinet element can be detachably connected to a corresponding shell side of another cabinet element.

[0010] Further examples of detachable magnetic connections between side walls of furniture components or between different furniture elements are described in the documents EP 2 878 833 A1, DE 1 909 100 U and DE 20 2013 006 619 U1, as well as in the article "The new way of building furniture", published at https: / / www.bauunternehmen24.net / magnetische-moebel / ?cn-reloaded=1&cn-reloaded=1, downloaded from the DPMA on July 24, 2024.

[0011] Finally, DE 7 313 052 U describes a device for connecting the individual elements of modular furniture, wherein a bushing is arranged on each of two adjacent surfaces of two individual elements, which are both aligned with each other and connected by a plug-in element engaging in both bushings. The bushing is arranged on a corner or edge fitting.

[0012] The object of the invention is to provide a modular furniture system that promotes children's independent development while simultaneously providing practical furniture for use, for example, as a seat, for storing items, or for placing objects on. It should be designed to continually adapt to the children's development and increasing demands and must therefore be particularly easy and stable to convert and expand.

[0013] The object is achieved by a modular, multifunctional furniture system, comprising: at least one base module in the form of a cuboid, which comprises at least one side wall with an outer side 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 bar magnets are completely countersunk in the corners and extend towards the outer side in order to establish a magnetic connection between the side walls, wherein the side walls to be connected each have a recess on their outer sides, and wherein a counter element is provided which can be inserted into the recesses and removed from them by hand in a form-fitting manner, wherein the counter element is shaped in such a way that it protrudes from one of the recesses after being inserted into said recess,so that when the magnetic connection of the side walls is established, it engages with the opposite recess, whereby the furniture system can be assembled and modified without tools.

[0014] This makes it easy for children, in particular, to create new furniture arrangements, experiment with them, explore and explore the dimensions of rooms, 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 items can be stored in the modular furniture system, making it adaptable to the increasing space requirements as children grow.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Preferably, the adjacent bar magnets in the corners of the base module are aligned with opposite polarization to each other.

[0017] Advantageously, the bar magnets in the corners of each side wall are alternately polarized. This means that the bar magnets arranged diagonally opposite each other in the respective side wall have the same polarization direction.

[0018] 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, rotation of the counter element relative to the recess is prevented.

[0019] In particular, the recess can be arranged in the center of the side walls of the base modules to be connected.

[0020] Advantageously, the counter element has a rectangular cross-section.

[0021] Preferably, the base module is designed as a cuboid and / or cube with two open sides.

[0022] Advantageously, the modular multifunctional furniture system comprises a module holder which can be snapped into two opposite blind holes of the base module, in each of which one of the bar magnets is countersunk in order to attach one or more additional elements to the base module.

[0023] In particular, the module holder may comprise two movable fastening pins arranged opposite one another, which are designed to enter the opposite blind holes of the base module.

[0024] Advantageously, the fastening pins can be moved out of the module holder from a retracted position in opposite directions.

[0025] Preferably, the fastening pins comprise ferromagnetic material.

[0026] Advantageously, the module holder comprises a rotatable actuating element for moving the fastening pins.

[0027] Preferably, the actuating element has a recess which is designed to positively receive the counter element.

[0028] The modular multifunctional furniture system preferably comprises a flat support module for attaching an applicator to the base module.

[0029] In particular, the carrier module comprises a mounting surface with magnets.

[0030] Advantageously, the fastening surface is provided with a recess which is designed to positively receive the counter element.

[0031] Advantageously, the recess in the fastening surface of the carrier module corresponds to that formed in the side wall of the base module. The base module is preferably made of a bend-resistant, robust material

[0032] Preferably, the modular multifunctional furniture system comprises a base plate made of a soft, elastic material, which forms a lounge and / or play area, especially for babies and toddlers.

[0033] Preferably, a recess is formed in the base plate for holding the base element.

[0034] In particular, the magnets are arranged according to the arrangement of bar magnets in the side wall of the base module.

[0035] This allows the base module to be fixed particularly securely to the base plate.

[0036] In particular, the furniture system is designed as a creative and play furniture for children for free play, creative activity, redesign and sitting.

[0037] Preferably, the base module and / or one or more of the further base modules have a different width.

[0038] For example, the base module and / or one or more of the other base modules form a chest, a bench, a shelf or something similar.

[0039] In particular, the invention creates a base cuboid made of bend-resistant, robust material, for example solid wood, which can be constructed in a stable and slip-proof manner thanks to its connection system.

[0040] The closed cuboid with two open sides is particularly stable and versatile. The piece can be assembled and reconstructed, expanded, or reduced in seconds.

[0041] The ability to integrate additional basic modules such as a chest, corner bench, 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.

[0042] Babies have also been considered. For example, a base cube can be securely attached to a soft base or floor plate. This creates the opportunity to attach various modules to the base cube, such as a mirror, sensory cushion, a bar with a cloth, etc., ultimately creating a variety of play and exploration options that can be adapted to individual needs.

[0043] The modular, multifunctional furniture system is a tool-free, concept piece of furniture that can be adapted to the needs of both the child and the parents throughout childhood. It incorporates the latest findings in educational theory. Because the furniture system can be assembled without tools while still maintaining high stability, its modules and add-on modules offer a wide variety of play and creative options with virtually unlimited adaptability and multifunctionality. Furthermore, the children's room furnishings no longer need to be replaced throughout the child's many developmental phases.

[0044] The modular, multifunctional furniture system offers increased slip resistance compared to previously known modular furniture, so that the stability of individual modules relative to each other is correspondingly high.

[0045] Thanks to its special modular design and high stability, the furniture system forms a simple but versatile connection system to which not only additional furniture modules but also creative, organizational and learning modules can be attached.

[0046] This creates a piece of furniture that is no longer viewed "just" as a piece of furniture, but is integrated into creative processes or play. This promotes the child's development.

[0047] In addition, there is enormous potential for resource and space savings, 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.

[0048] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary drawings. In these drawings: 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 that in Fig. 1 shows a similar view of the modular system, but with counter elements inserted into the base module; Fig. 3 a base module in a sectional view together with an enlarged detail showing a corner of the base module; Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 an example of a piece of furniture made from the modular system with several plugged-together basic modules, as an exploded view ( Fig. 4) and as a perspective view ( Fig. 5); Fig. 6 another example of a piece of furniture made 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 a supplementary module to the base body; Fig. 11 a supplementary module designed as a playing surface, in which a basic module can be attached, in a view from above; Fig. 12 which in Fig. 11 shown playing surface in a 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 Fig. 13 shown connecting element; and Fig. 15 a sectional view similar to Fig. 14, with the side walls adjacent to each other at right angles.

[0049] In the figures, identical or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals and will therefore not be described again unless appropriate. The disclosures contained throughout the description apply analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or the same component designations.

[0050] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a modular, multifunctional furniture system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. It comprises a cuboid-shaped base module 11, which has a plurality of side walls 12 with an outer side 15 for releasably attaching to a side wall 12 of a similarly configured further base module 11 in order to connect the base modules 11 to one another.

[0051] In the corners 13 of the base module 11 adjacent to the respective side wall 12, axially magnetized magnetic elements in the form of bar magnets 14 are arranged, which are completely recessed into the corners 13. In this way, a magnetic connection is established between the base module 11 and one or more additional base modules 11. The base modules 11 to be connected each have a recess 16 on their outer sides 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.

[0052] Furthermore, a counter element 17 is provided, which can be inserted or plugged into the recesses 16 by hand and can be removed therefrom again by hand. The counter element 17 is shaped such that, after being inserted into the recess 16 in the outer side 15 of the side wall 12, it protrudes from the latter. In this way, the counter element 17 also engages the opposite recess 16 of the adjacent base module when the magnetic connection between the adjacent side walls 12 is established.

[0053] Due to the counter element 17, which protrudes into the two adjacent side walls 12 of the interconnected base modules 11, the adjacent base modules 11 are securely connected to each other in a slip-proof manner. This also applies to additional base modules 11 and / or other modules, which can be connected in any number, for example, from the sides, top, and bottom (see also Fig. 4 to 8 and 10 to 12).

[0054] The bar magnets 14 are recessed into the side walls 12 in such a way that they are alternately polarized in each side wall 12 at the corners 13 that follow one another in the circumferential direction. 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.

[0055] 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 both sides is prevented, so that the two side walls 12 of the adjacent base modules 11 are also secured against twisting relative to each other.

[0056] In the embodiment shown here, the inner contour 16a of the recess 16 and the outer contour 17a of the counter element 17 are square. However, they can also be designed in any other way that prevents rotation relative to each other.

[0057] In the embodiment shown here, the recesses 16a are arranged centrally in the side walls 12 of the base module 11 and are designed as contact surfaces 15 for connecting to other base modules 11. This means that they are positioned in the center of the respective side wall 12. However, other positioning of the recesses 16 is also possible. For example, multiple recesses 16 can be formed in the respective side wall 12 of the base modules 11.

[0058] The recesses 16 are formed, for example, by milling. The base module is made of wood, preferably solid wood.

[0059] The friction of the counter element 17, which is precisely designed to fit the recess 16, on the inside of the recess 16 holds the counter element 17 in place after insertion into the recess 16, preventing it from falling out but allowing it to be easily removed by hand. This is particularly facilitated by the use of wood as the material for the base modules and the counter element 17. Furthermore, wood is pleasant to the touch and particularly suitable for children from an educational perspective.

[0060] 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 can be, for example, approximately 1 cm. Depending on the respective material thickness, this depth can also be lesser or greater, for example, in a range between 0.5 cm and 2 cm. However, other dimensions are also possible.

[0061] The recesses 16 can, for example, have rounded corners, which are formed, for example, by the milling process. In general, they can have any shape or inner contour 16a that prevents rotation of the inserted counter element 17 and thus between the adjacent side walls 12.

[0062] In the preferred embodiment shown here, the locking element 17 is designed as a small block. However, it can also have any other shape that prevents twisting within the recesses 16.

[0063] The base element 11 is designed here as a cuboid in the shape of a cube with two open sides. This means that 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. Advantageously, the four remaining side walls 12 of the base element 11 are designed as closed side walls for attaching additional base elements.

[0064] In principle, however, other configurations are also possible, for example, with a smaller or larger number of closed side walls 12, each of which does not necessarily have 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 no openings are arranged therein. Instead, it should be understood that the side wall, on the one hand, provides a sufficiently large surface area for forming the recess 16 and the magnetized regions, and, on the other hand, offers sufficiently high stability.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in the enlarged section A in Figure 3, the outer side 15 of the side wall 12 is closed in the area of ​​the bar magnets 14, so that they are not visible from the outside. The holes or blind holes 18 are formed, drilled, or milled as deep as possible.

[0066] 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, however, this thickness can also be smaller or larger. Due to the immediate proximity of the outer ends of the bar magnets 14 to the outer sides or contact surfaces 15 of the side walls 12, in which they are recessed, a high tensile force is generated between the adjacent base modules 11 and / or other modules equipped with magnets.

[0067] The bar magnets 14, recessed from the inside into the corners 13, extend in their longitudinal direction, or with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the outer surface 15 of the side wall 12, in which they are each recessed. In each corner 13, the adjacent bar magnets 14 are arranged with opposite polarization. This means that in each corner 13, the north pole N of one bar magnet is adjacent to the south pole S of the other bar magnet. The same applies to the outer sides of the corners 13 and the adjacent bar magnets 14 there.

[0068] The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show, as an example, an arrangement of base modules 11 of the furniture system 10, which are connected to one another in the manner described above and form a piece of furniture or furniture 20. The base modules 11 are as described above with reference to the Fig. 1-3 described.

[0069] In this example, three identical base modules 11 are used to construct the furniture 20. The base modules 11 used here are shaped like cubes and each have 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 interconnecting them and, as needed, for connecting to additional modules and / or base modules 11.

[0070] The counter elements 17 are used for connection and are positioned between the contact surfaces 15 to be connected in the recesses 16 formed therein. In this way, any number of base modules 11 can be connected to each other horizontally and vertically.

[0071] The base modules 11, or one or several of them, can also be designed as cuboids with different side lengths. For example, such cuboids can have a greater width to form, for example, 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.

[0072] By connecting it with other basic modules 11, for example, a corner bench, various shelves, seating areas, benches and many other furniture designs can be created.

[0073] An example of a shelf is in Fig. 6. However, many other arrangements of base modules 11 and additional modules are possible.

[0074] The Fig. 7 and Fig. 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 flat or formed as a plate and serves to attach an applicator 24 to one side of the plate, in this example to its upper side 23, which in this example is designed as a cushion or seat cushion element.

[0075] The other side of the carrier module 22, in this example the underside, forms the contact surface 15 of the carrier module 22 in order to connect it to the similarly designed contact surface 15 of the side wall 12 of the base module 11 as described above, in this example to the upper side wall 12 of the base module 11.

[0076] The counter element 17, which is shown in the previous figures and described above, serves as the connecting piece. For this purpose, the contact surface 15 of the carrier module 22 is provided with the recess 16 described above in the same way as that formed in the side wall 12 of the base module 11.

[0077] 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 countersunk in the carrier module 22.

[0078] On the upper side 23 of the carrier module 22, a circumferential edge 26 is formed, which is raised relative to the upper side 23 and in this way forms a receiving area for the cushion element 24.

[0079] Optionally, the cushion element 24 may also comprise magnetic elements or magnets for connection to the magnets or bar magnets 27 of the carrier module 22, which are arranged, for example, in a holding plate 25 on which the cushion element or applicator 24 is fastened.

[0080] The support element 22 can be connected to any side wall 12 of the base module 11, allowing it to be oriented horizontally or vertically. Due to its design, many other items, such as mirrors, decorative elements, pictures, painting surfaces, chalkboards, etc., can be attached to the support module 22 instead of the cushion element 24.

[0081] In this example, it forms with the base module 11 a piece of furniture 28 designed as a seating element 28, which in turn can be connected to further base modules 11 in the manner described above.

[0082] The Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show a module holder 30 with which additional supplementary modules, such as in particular creative, organizational and learning modules, can be attached to the base module 11.

[0083] The module holder 30 can be snapped into two opposite 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 within the module holder 30 into a protruding position in which they protrude from the end faces 34 of the module holder 30.

[0084] The mounting 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. As a result, after insertion into the base module 11, they are drawn into the blind holes 18 and lock the module holder 30 in the base module 11.

[0085] To insert the module holder 30 into the base module 11 and to remove it, the fastening pins 32 are retracted so that they no longer protrude at the end faces 34.

[0086] For this purpose, a rotatable actuating element 36 is arranged in an opening 38 of the module holder 30. It has a recess 16 similar to that formed in the side walls 12 of the base module 11. Thus, the actuating element 36 can be actuated by inserting the counter element 17 into the recess 16 and then rotating it.

[0087] 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 cables 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 an opposing linear movement of the actuating elements 36 in order to retract them into the module holder 30.

[0088] Using the module mount 30, various creative and play elements can be attached to the base module 11, such as curtains, bells, wooden figurines, wooden pieces with geometric shapes, and much more. The module mount 30 can be inserted both horizontally and vertically within the base module 11 in the top-located blind holes 18 in both the front and rear areas, whereby it sits flush with the front and / or rear of the base module 11.

[0089] The Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show a further module of the furniture system, a base plate 40, which is made of a soft, elastic material. Fig. 11 the base plate 40 in a view from above, while Fig. 12 a sectional view along the line AA' in Fig. 11 shows.

[0090] The base plate 40 is designed as a play area or resting area for babies and toddlers. It comprises a base plate 46, on which a cover layer 48 made of soft, elastic material is formed. The soft cover layer 48 is attached to the base plate 46, for example, with fastening strips or the like.

[0091] At its center, the base plate 40 includes a recess 42 designed to accommodate a base module 11 described above and to secure 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 surfaces 12. However, differently shaped recesses can also be provided to secure one or more correspondingly shaped base elements 11.

[0092] The recess 42 is formed, for example, by a milled recess. It extends through the cover layer 48 into the relatively harder base plate 46. However, this can also be designed to be elastic.

[0093] The recess 42 has a relatively shallow depth, which is sufficient for securing the base module 11. For example, a depth approximately corresponding to the wall thickness of the side walls 12 of the base module 11 is sufficient. However, it can also be larger or smaller.

[0094] The base plate 40 comprises an arrangement of magnets 44 that corresponds to the arrangement of bar magnets 14 in the side wall 12 of the base module 11. The magnets 44 are provided in the area of ​​the recess 42 at its base to hold an inserted base module 11 by magnetic force. This allows the base module 11 to be clicked into the base plate 40.

[0095] The magnets 44 are arranged countersunk in the base plate 46 and can in particular be designed as bar magnets identical or similar to the bar magnets 14 in the base module 11.

[0096] The base plate 40 is preferably divisible, in this example into four base elements 40 ad that can be plugged together. Magnets 45 are arranged in the base plate 46 of each sub-element in the region of its connecting edges.

[0097] Optionally, a recess 16 can also be provided at the bottom of the recess 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 floor element 40.

[0098] Due to the soft play surface which forms the base plate 40, the base element 11 inserted therein can be played around and crawled around by babies and toddlers while lying down.

[0099] The Fig. 13 to 15 show a flexible connecting element 50 which is designed to connect two base modules 11.

[0100] The flexible connecting element 50 forms a connecting piece consisting of two advantageously cylindrical ferromagnetic parts 51 and a flexible, robust, elastic connecting band 52. The ferromagnetic parts 51 are arranged at the two ends of the elastic connecting band 52, which extends in a longitudinal direction. The ferromagnetic parts 51 extend perpendicular to the elastic connecting band 52 and are arranged on the same side of the connecting band 52.

[0101] 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 a further direction. In particular, the base modules 11 with open front and back sides can be connected to each other not only laterally (X-direction) and arranged one above the other (Y-direction), but also in the depth direction (Z-direction), so that all three spatial directions can be accessed or supplemented with base modules.

[0102] The flexible, elastic connection increases the ease of assembly. The flexible connecting piece or element 50 is particularly advantageous when a connection is required, for example, at a 90-degree angle. As shown in Fig.As shown schematically in Figure 15, wall mounting can also be achieved, for example, with a corresponding wall mounting part 53, which is advantageous when the assembly height of the furniture system 10 increases in order to prevent the piece of furniture 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 comprises an area 55 open toward the wall 54, in which a magnet 56 is arranged to receive a ferromagnetic part 51 of a connecting element 50 and to magnetically hold it thereto.

[0103] 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 for a side wall 12 of a base module 11 with its upper side. Subsequently, the other ferromagnetic part 51 of the connecting element 50 is inserted into a blind hole 18 of a side wall 12 of the base module 11, whereby the elastic connecting band 52 is bent by 90 degrees, and held there by magnetic force.

[0104] The invention, in particular, creates 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 poled bar magnets recessed into each corner of the respective cuboid surfaces, with a defined polarization pattern provided for this purpose. To stably secure the connection against shear forces, a counter element is inserted into recesses, e.g., formed as milled recesses, preferably in the center of each cuboid surface. Two interconnected modules can be separated from each other, for example, by a "bending movement."

[0105] This modular, multifunctional furniture system offers children numerous creative and design possibilities. It can be assembled, reconstructed, supplemented with various modules and add-ons, and disassembled without the need for tools. It is also suitable for adults as a versatile, easily reconfigurable furniture system. List of reference symbols: 10 modular multifunctional furniture system 11 Basic module 12 side walls 13 corners of the base module 14 magnetic bodies / bar magnets 15 Outside / contact surface 16 recess 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 / applique 25 retaining plate 26 rand 27 magnets 28 Seat element 30 module holder 32 fixing pins 34 Front sides of the module holder 36 Actuating element 38 Opening 40 Base plate / playing surface 40a-d floor elements 42 Deepening 44 magnets 45 magnets 46 Base plate 48 Top layer 50 flexible connecting element 51 ferromagnetic parts 52 elastic connecting band 53 Wall mounting part 54 Wall 55 open area 56 Magnet L Longitudinal direction of the module holder N North Pole S South Pole

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, wherein the counter element (17) is shaped in such a way that, after being inserted into one of the recesses (16), it protrudes from the latter, so that it engages with the opposite recess (16) when the magnetic connection of the side walls (12) is established, 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 bythat 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 by a 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 bythat 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 by that 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 bya 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 by a 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 by a 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 (52), at the ends 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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