Connector for furniture

Abstract

A connector 10 for furniture comprises a longitudinal body 12 and an enlarged head 13 disposed at one end of the body 12. A cavity 14 is disposed within the body 12. A latch 16 is pivotally mounted wi

Description

08 08 23 The present invention relates to a connector particularly but not exclusively for use in the assembly of furniture. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION 5 Furniture such as wardrobes can be heavy and have a large volume, so they cannot be easily transported. For example, a wardrobe is often too large to fit through a door or up or down a flight of stairs. They are awkward to handle. A first solution is to dismantle the furniture into lighter, less bulky parts, which fit through doors and up stairs. To take furniture apart, joints are provided which allow them to be 10 built and rebuilt. Once rebuilt, these joints can leave the furniture unstable, flimsy or misaligned. The furniture may be rebuilt incorrectly. Furthermore, material reduction to reduce cost and weight, such as hardboard wardrobe backs, are flimsy. They can be easily pushed out, removing lateral stability and structural integrity and can lead to a piece of furniture feeling poorly made or physically breaking when it is shuffled, 15 pushed, or heaved into its final position. A second solution is to flat pack an entire product. This involves providing the furniture in a number of parts with a tool (e.g. hex keys and / or screwdrivers) and a bag of fixings (e.g. screws) so that the customer can transport the flat packed furniture more easily. It can then be carried more easily into a home or office and assembled in situ. However, 20 this can be a time-consuming process and some customers find flatpack furniture difficult and frustrating to construct. In general, the fixings and the self-assembly lead to structural weakness. This is because the fixings and material sizes are minimised to reduce cost and weight, with the result that the fixings can be ineffective in the long term, especially when 25 unfastened and refastened after a first assembly. A large proportion of the customers that buy flat pack furniture move house on a more regular basis than ever before. Despite this, flat packed furniture can be difficult to dismantle and rebuild elsewhere. Furthermore, the tools provided with the flatpack are often lost over time. 30 Consequently, there is a need to provide a connector, for use in furniture construction, which provides a reliable structural connection and which can be re-used. 08 08 23 It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection which reduces or substantially obviates the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a connector for furniture as 5 claimed in claim 1. Optional features are set out in dependent claims 1 to 16. The connector provides a means of quickly, securely and releasably connecting two or more elements together. The connector may be considered a peg for installing flatpack furniture. The connector may be used where a first element is disposed above or against a second element. The first element may be a first piece of a flat pack furniture 10 item. The second element may be a second piece of a flat pack furniture item. A bore may be provided through the first element. The connector may be inserted into the bore in the first element. A bore may be provided substantially through the second element. The connector may be inserted through at least a portion of the second element. In the latched position, the latch can abut against the second element, 15 preventing withdrawal of the connector, thereby connecting the first and second elements together. The biasing means provides a self-fixing or self-tightening connector. In other words, manually screwing, tightening and / or fixing the connector is not required. The connector may be fitted without requiring a tool. This has advantages in flatpack 20 furniture where quickly connecting the elements together without the use of tools minimises the time-consuming nature and difficulty of the installation. The elements may be straightforward to disassemble by releasing the latch. The connector includes a control rod. The control rod is in communication with the latch. The control rod can be operated to release the latch. Dissembling the elements 25 is advantageous when relocating furniture, for example. The connector may be removed and reinserted multiple times without affecting the strength of the connection. The control rod be operated by pulling the control rod in a direction away from the latch. A recess may be provided in the upper end of the connector. The biasing means may be disposed substantially within the recess. The biasing means may be a spring, for 30 example, a coil spring. A bore may connect the recess to the cavity. The control rod may be disposed substantially within the bore. 08 08 23 The latch may be pivotally mounted to the body at a lower end of the latch. A link arm may be pivotally mounted to the latch proximate an upper end of the latch. The link arm may be pivotally mounted to the latch proximate a lower end of the link arm. The control rod may be pivotally connected to the link arm at one end. The control rod may 5 be connected to the biasing means at its other end. The biasing means biases the control rod in a direction towards the cavity. The biasing means may bias the link arm further into the cavity. The biasing means may directly or indirectly pivot the latch. In the latched position, a portion of the latch may protrude from a lateral side. 10 The enlarged head may be exposed when the connector is fitted. The control rod may be accessible from the enlarged head, enabling operation of the control rod to release the connector. The control rod may be substantially disposed within the connector when the latch is in the latched position. The control rod may be substantially flush with the enlarged 15 head when the latch is in the latched position. Providing the control rod within the connector presents a substantially flat upper surface to the connector which does not snag on clothes or the like. A release tool may be provided to operate the control rod. The release tool may comprise an aperture for receiving the control rod. The release tool may provide a 20 connection means. The connection means may temporarily connect the release tool to the control rod. The connection means may be a press-fit fastener. The connection means may be a latch. The means may include male and female connectors. The connection means may include a threaded portion. At least a portion of the release tool aperture may be threaded for screwing the release tool onto the threaded portion of 25 the control rod. The control rod may ride up the threaded aperture of the release tool. The aperture of the release tool may be internally threaded, ie with a female thread. The end of the control rod may be externally threaded, ie with a mating male thread. The body may be substantially cylindrical for inserting into cylindrical bores. The enlarged head may be substantially circular. 30 An end of the aperture distal from the enlarged head may be substantially rounded. The substantially rounded distal end may facilitate insertion of the connector into a bore. 08 08 23 The control rod may be disposed through and attached to a star lock washer. The star lock washer may be connected to the biasing means. The cavity may include an abutment means for abutting the link arm. The abutment means may restrict the movement of the link arm. The abutment means may ensure 5 the link arm (and latch) pivots in the correct direction, for example, in one direction only. The restriction of movement of the link arm may prevent the latch from jamming. The abutment means may guide the movement of the link arm to some degree. The abutment means may be provided within the latch itself. The link arm may sit within the latch. The link arm may abut a portion of the latch when fully retracted. 10 At least a portion of the release tool may be sized to fit into the recess. During use, a portion of the release tool may be inserted into the recess. Alternatively, the control rod may protrude from the connector body. The release tool may connect to a protruding portion of the control rod. During insertion of the connector into the apertures in the first and second element, the 15 latch may be compressed inwards, that is, into the cavity. Once inserted, a portion of the latch may extend out of the cavity. The latch may not be repositioned into the cavity without operating the control rod. The connector may be provided as a fixing for flat packed furniture. The release tool may be provided as part of the flat packed furniture. The release tool 20 may be provided as a magnetic door stop. According to a second unclaimed aspect of the invention there is provided a release tool comprising a body and an engagement member extending from the body, the engagement member having connection means for engaging with a connector head, and also for mounting in a piece of furniture, and having at least one retaining means 25 for retaining a door in a closed position disposed on the body for use as part of a door catch. The connection means may include a thread, for example, a female thread. The retaining means may include a magnet. The door catch may be a magnetic door catch. 30 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of connecting two or more elements, the method comprising the steps of: providing a first aperture in a first member and a second aperture in a second member; 08 08 23 axially aligning the first and second aperture; providing a connector of the first aspect of the invention; and 5 inserting the connector into the first and second aperture. The advantages are similar to those discussed for the first aspect of the invention. One or both apertures may have a shape substantially similar to a cross section of the connector body. One or both apertures may be substantially circular. One or both apertures may have a diameter substantially similar to a diameter of the connector 10 body. One or both of the first and second apertures may provide a secure fit. The secure fit may prevent instability of the connector in the apertures. According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method of releasing the connection of the third aspect of the invention utilising the release tool of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of 15 connecting the release tool to the control rod, pulling the release tool against the bias of the spring to release the latch, and removing the connector by sliding it out of the apertures in the first and second members. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-section, side view and front view of a connector according to the present invention; 25 Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the connector of Figure 1 being inserted into an aperture; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the connector of Figure 1 being inserted into an aperture; 08 08 23 Figure 4 shows a release tool for removing the connector of Figure 1 from the aperture of Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the connector of Figure 1 and release tool of Figure 4; 5 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a pair of release tools of Figure 5; DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figure 1, a connector according to the present invention is generally shown at 10. The connector 10 is a fitting for connecting two or more elements (200, 300, see Figure 2) together. In a preferred embodiment, the connector 10 is for 10 assembling flat pack or home assembled furniture. The connector has a connector body 12. The connector body 12 is substantially cylindrical. The connector body 12 may be considered a longitudinal connector body 12. The connector body 12 is received in an aperture when in use. The connector 10 has a connector head 13. The connector head 13 has an area larger than a cross 15 section of the connector body 12. The connector head 13 may be considered an enlarged head 13. The connector head 13 sits above a surface of an element when in use. In other embodiments, the connector head 13 may sit substantially within the element. A cavity 14 is provided in the connector body 12. The connector 10 includes a latch 20 16. The latch 16 is disposed within the cavity 14. The latch 16 is connected to the connector body 12 by a first pivot 17. The latch 16 has a latched position, best shown in Figure 1. In the latched position, the latch 16 protrudes from the cavity 14. The latch 16 has an unlatched position, shown in Figure 5 and described in more detail below. In the unlatched position, the latch 16 is substantially disposed within the cavity 14. 25 The connector 10 includes a control rod 18. The control rod 18 is disposed in a top end of the connector 18. The control rod 18 is indirectly connected to the latch 16. The control rod 18 is accessible from the connector head 13. A recess 22 is disposed in the top end of the connector 10. A biasing means 20 is provided in the connector 10. In this embodiment, the biasing means 20 is a spring, for 30 example a coil spring. The biasing means 20 is disposed in the recess 22. The biasing means 20 is connected to the control rod 18. The biasing means 20 is connected at an upper end of the control rod 18. The biasing means 20 biases the control rod 18 in a 08 08 23 direction towards the cavity 14. In this embodiment, a star lock washer 36 is disposed on the control rod 18. The star lockwasher 36 is connected to the biasing means 20. A spring cap 36 is provided above the biasing means 20 for retaining the spring within the recess 22 and resisting the upward force (as viewed) applied by the spring. 5 A bore 24 is provided through the connector 10. The bore 24 is disposed between the cavity 14 and the recess 22. An end of the control rod 18 is disposed inside the bore 22. The control rod 18 can move axially inside the bore 24. A link arm 26 is provided. The link arm 26 is pivotally connected to the control rod 18. The link arm 26 is pivotally connected to the control rod 18 at a second pivot 28. An 10 upper end of the link arm 26 is pivotally connected to the control rod 18 at a lower end of the control rod 18. The link arm 26 is pivotally connected to the latch 16 at a third pivot 30. A lower end of the link arm 26 is pivotally connected to the latch 16 at an upper end of the latch 16. An abutment means 32 is provided in the connector body 12. In this embodiment, the 15 abutment means 32 is provided within the latch 16. The abutment means 32 is disposed adjacent to the link arm 26. The abutment means 32 prevents the latch 16 from jamming when fully retracted. During engagement, the biasing means 20 biases the control rod 18 towards the cavity 14. The control rod 18 pushes the link arm 26 against the abutment means 32. The 20 link arm 26 pivots on the second pivot 28 in a direction towards an opening in the cavity 14. The latch 16 pivots with the link arm 26 on the first pivot 17 in a direction towards the opening in the cavity 14. A portion of the latch 16 protrudes from the cavity 14. The latch 16 provides a secure connection between the first and second element (200, 300, see Figure 2) as described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3. 25 Referring now to Figure 2, the connector 10 is shown being inserted into a first element 200 and a second element 300. In this embodiment, the first element 200 is a side wall of a flat pack wardrobe. The second element 300 is a base of the flat pack wardrobe. The first element 200 has a first aperture or bore 202. The first aperture 202 extends substantially through the first element 200. The second element 300 has a second 30 aperture 302. The first aperture 202 and second aperture 302 are axially aligned. The connector 10 is inserted through the first aperture 202. The connector 10 is inserted into the second aperture 302. The connector 10 has a rounded bottom 38 to facilitate insertion into the first aperture 202 and second aperture 302. During insertion, the latch 08 08 23 16 abuts against interior walls of the first aperture 202 and second aperture 302. The latch 16 is compressed inwards. In other words, during insertion the latch 16 is disposed substantially inside the cavity 14. Referring to Figure 3, when the connector 10 is fully inserted into the apertures 202, 5 302, a portion of the latch 16 protrudes from the cavity 14 in the manner described above. It effectively springs out facilitating automatic latching. The portion of the latch 16 protrudes into a cavity 304 in the second member 300. In other words, once the latch 16 is no longer abutting the interior wall of the apertures 202, 302, the biasing means 20 pushes the latch 16 into an engagement position with the second member 10 300. When engaged in the apertures 202, 302, the latch 16 abuts underneath a lower surface 306 of the second member cavity 304. The abutment between the latch 16 and surface 306 provides a latch point. The abutment prevents the connector 10 from being removed from the apertures 202, 302. The latch 16 is shaped to prevent the abutment 15 with the top surface 306 pushing the latch 16 into the cavity 14. The connector 10 connects the first element 200 and second element 300 without the use of tools. The connector 10 is held snug in one or preferably both apertures 202, 302. The snug fit prevents wobbling and instability of the connector 10. The connector also holds the elements 200,300 in tight face to face engagement. 20 Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the latch 16 can be disengaged using a release tool 100. The release tool 100 can be used to operate the control rod 18. The release tool 100 can be connected to the control rod 18 to operate the control rod 18. The release tool 100 has a handle portion 102. The release tool 100 has an engagement portion 104. The engagement portion 104 is inserted inside the recess 22 25 to engage the control rod 18. The engagement portion 104 is substantially tubular. The engagement portion 104 includes an aperture 106. The size and shape of the aperture 106 corresponds to the size and shape of the control rod 18. In this embodiment, an upper portion of the control rod 18 includes a male threaded portion 40. The release tool aperture 106 includes a female threaded portion 108. The release tool 100 is 30 screwed onto the control rod 18 to provide engagement between the tool 100 and the connector 10. Screwing the release tool 100 onto the connector 10 facilitates operation of the control rod 18. During engagement, the handle 102 abuts a top of the connector 10. The 08 08 23 control rod 18 is screwed into the aperture 106 and is pulled against the biasing means 20. The control rod 18 is pulled towards the handle 102, out of the cavity 14. The link arm 26 is pulled towards the biasing means 20. The link arm 26 pivots the latch 16, bringing the latch 16 into the cavity 14. In other words, operation of the control rod 18 5 with the release tool 100 brings the latch 16 into the unlatched position. Once the latch 16 is in the unlatched position, the connector 10 can be removed from the apertures 202, 302, thereby allowing the first element 200 and second element 300 to be disconnected. Referring to Figure 6, a pair of release tools 100 form part of the piece of furniture. It 10 will be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more release tools 100 may be provided. In this embodiment, the release tools 100 can be used as magnetic door stops. The release tool 100 includes a magnet 110. The magnet 110 connects to a corresponding magnet on a door. The magnets 110 keep the wardrobe doors closed when the wardrobe is shut. The release tools 100 can be inserted into a further 15 aperture 204 in the second element 300 of the flat pack wardrobe. The release tools 100 are screwed into this aperture 304. The release tools 100 may be removed from the apertures 204 when dissembling the flat pack wardrobe. The significant advantages of the connector 10 described above is that the connector 10 can be used to connect the first element 200 and second element 300 quickly and 20 securely. The connector 10 provides an automatic self-tightening connection. The first element 200 and second element 300 can be connected without the use of tools. The connection can be easily disengaged by use of the release tool 100 to facilitate disassembly of a piece of flat pack furniture with the connection remaining secure after the elements are disassembled and reassembled multiple times. 25 The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

08 08 231. A connector for furniture comprising a longitudinal body and an enlarged head disposed at one end of the body,a cavity disposed within the body and a latch, the latch being pivotally mounted5 within the cavity and movable between a latched position in which part of thelatch extends out of cavity and an unlatched position in which the latch is disposed substantially entirely within the cavity,a biasing means for biassing the latch to the latched position, anda control rod in communication with the latch being accessible from the 10 enlarged head, to enable unlatching of the latch,in which the biasing means biases the control rod in a direction towards the cavity.

2. A connector as claimed in claim 1, in which at least a portion of the control rod is threaded.15 3. A connector as claimed in claim 1 claim or 2, in which the control rod issubstantially disposed within the connector when the latch is in the latched position.

4. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the latch is pivotally mounted to the body at its lower end and a link arm is pivotally mounted to the20 latch proximate its upper end.

5. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a recess is provided in the upper end of the connector.

6. A connector as claimed in claim 5, in which a bore connects the recess to the cavity.25 7. A connector as claimed in claim 6, when dependent on claim 4, in which thecontrol rod is disposed within the bore, is pivotally connected to the link arm at one end and is connected to the biasing means at its other end.

8. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the biasing means is a spring.08 08 239. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the body is substantially cylindrical.

10. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the enlarged head is substantially circular.5 11. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a releasetool, the release tool having a body and engagement member for engaging with the connector and releasing the latch against the bias of the biasing means.

12. A connector as claimed in claim 11, in which the engagement member of the release tool connects with the control rod.10 13. A connector as claimed in any of claims 11 or 12, in which the engagementmember extends from the body of the release tool, the engagement member having connection means for engaging with a connector head of the connector, and also for mounting in a piece of furniture, and having at least one retaining means for retaining a door in a closed position disposed on the body for use as15 part of a door catch.

14. A connector as claimed in claim 13, in which the retaining means comprises a magnet.

15. A connector as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, in which the connection means includes a thread.20 16. A connector as claimed in claim 15, in which the thread is a female thread.

17. A method of forming a connection, the method comprising the steps of:providing a first aperture in a first member and a second aperture in a second member;axially aligning the first and second aperture;25 providing a connector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, and inserting theconnector into the first and second apertures.

18. A method of releasing the connection of claim 17, when dependent on any of claims 12 to 16, the method comprising the steps ofconnecting the release tool to the control rod,pulling the release tool against the bias of the biasing means to release the latch, andremoving the connector by sliding it out of the apertures in the first and second5 members.08 08 23

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