Kit of a sofa, armchair, or of similar furniture item, and related assembly method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of furniture, specifically outdoor furniture. In particular, it concerns a kit configuration for a sofa, armchair, chair, or similar garden furniture item (while not excluding possible indoor use) and the corresponding assembly method.

Description

[0001] KIT OF A SOFA, ARMCHAIR, OR OF SIMILAR FURNITURE ITEM, AND RELATED ASSEMBLY METHOD

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of furniture, specifically outdoor furniture. In particular, it concerns a kit configuration for a sofa, armchair, chair, or similar garden furniture item (while not excluding possible indoor use) and the corresponding assembly method.

[0004] In this field, there is a constant need to develop new technical solutions that offer significant advantages both for manufacturers (such as the simplification of production processes, reduction and / or more efficient management of inventory, etc.) and for end users (such as greater and easier customization options, convenient transportation, ease of assembly, improved or otherwise innovative aesthetic results, etc.). Clearly, these two aspects are closely interconnected and reflect one another. For example, providing better customization options benefits both the user and the manufacturer by increasing purchase incentives; improving inventory management leads to production cost savings that are reflected in the retail price, resulting in cost savings for the customer; and simplifying the assembly process for consumers promotes more efficient warehouse space management, inventory optimization, and transportation cost reductions.

[0005] Moreover, the search for such solutions must generally take into account design trends, which increasingly demand that the necessary connection elements for a stable and secure assembly be as inconspicuous as possible, ensuring a clean and sleek aesthetic result. Additionally, considerations such as ensuring a high level of user comfort, facilitating straightforward assembly (and maintenance) procedures using common tools, and enabling assembly not only by retail staff with no specialized furniture assembly skills but even by the end user themselves, must not be overlooked.

[0006] As part of this research, the outdoor furniture sector has seen various proposals in which a furniture item, such as a chair or a sofa, is provided in separate parts (seat and backrest) equipped with quick-connection systems (typically snap-fit joints or similar) to allow relatively fast assembly, even by the end user. However, to the applicant's knowledge, none of these solutions have proven capable of ensuring ease of assembly, stability and security of the connection, reversibility of the joint, and fully satisfactory aesthetic results.

[0007] The present invention aims precisely to achieve a solution that effectively balances all these aspects while also allowing for the attainment of other important additional benefits.

[0008] The surprisingly effective solution proposed herein relates to a kit for a sofa, armchair, or similar furniture item and an associated assembly method, which, according to the invention, exhibit the essential characteristics set forth in the appended independent claims. Additional advantageous features are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] The features and advantages of the sofa, armchair, or similar furniture item in kit form and the related assembly method according to the invention will become clearer from the following description of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] - Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a furniture item according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] - Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a base portion and a portion of an accessory component in an assembly configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] - Figure 3 shows a sectional view of a base portion and a portion of an accessory component in an assembly configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a base portion and a portion of an accessory component in an assembly configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] - Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a base portion and a portion of an accessory component in an assembled configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] - Figure 6 shows an additional sectional view of a base portion and a portion of an accessory component in an assembly configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] - Figure 7 shows an additional sectional view of a base portion and a portion of an accessory component in an assembled configuration, according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0017] With reference to the attached figures, a modular furniture kit according to the present disclosure comprises a base 1, which in turn includes or defines a seat 11 supported by a support frame 12 resting on the ground, preferably elevated from it (such as four traditional legs, as in the example, or other equivalent structural solutions like a tripod, a central support column, etc.).

[0018] In the context of the present disclosure, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” and “outer” refer to the normal use condition of the furniture item, for example, when it is placed on the ground. Specifically, within this disclosure, these terms refer to the normal usage condition of the seat.

[0019] The shape, particularly the perimeter, and the overall configuration of the seat 11 may vary according to different designs. However, grid-like configurations, such as the one shown in Figure 1 , are considered advantageous. Specifically, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the seat 11 may comprise a plurality of tubular elements 15 intersecting each other and configured to form a supporting base for a cushion or a user.

[0020] In any case, the seat 11 is designed to define a seating plane that extends along a reference XY plane (X being the depth direction and Y the width direction). In use, this seat 11 is configured to support or accommodate a user in correspondence with the XY reference plane.

[0021] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the seat 11 is configured to define, along at least one of its perimeter segments, a bar 13. This bar 13 has a primary extension direction and is exposed on at least three sides (upper, outer, and lower). For example, the bar 13 extends between two portions of the frame 12, such as between two legs of the base 1.

[0022] In this aspect, it is preferable that the intersecting tubular elements 15 forming the grid-like configuration of the seat 11 extend between two opposing bars 13 of the seat 11. In other words, each tubular element may extend between a first bar 13 and a second bar 13, either opposite to or continuous with the first bar.

[0023] A typical, though not limiting, solution involves the seat 11 having a quadrilateral shape, specifically square, with at least one side — intended to be the back side — featuring the aforementioned bar 13. As will soon be understood, this bar is intended for attaching an accessory component 2, such as a backrest, to the seat 11. However, the seat 11 may have other shapes, such as rectangular, circular, or oval.

[0024] A variation of this typical solution is exemplified by the armchair shown in the illustrated example. In this particular configuration, the seat includes not only a bar 13 along the back side but also similar bars on the two lateral sides, allowing for the connection of respective accessory components 2, such as armrests. These armrests can be connected to the seat 11 using the same system as the backrest, which will be described in detail later. Thus, the bar 13 may be provided on all sides, enabling a modular choice of which sides to equip with accessory components (e.g., backrest and / or armrests) and which to leave free.

[0025] The accessory component 2 and the base 1 are designed to be mutually connected through reciprocal connection means.

[0026] Specifically, at least one accessory component 2 of the kit according to the present disclosure — such as a backrest or an armrest — comprises a body 21, which defines an inner side that, in use, faces a user seated on the seat 11. The aforementioned reciprocal connection means are arranged on at least one perimeter segment of the seat 11 and on a corresponding terminal region of the body 21.

[0027] More specifically, these reciprocal connection means include the previously described bar 13, associated with the base 1 along a perimeter segment of the seat 11 and free on at least its upper, lower, and outer sides with respect to the seat 11. Preferably, the bar 13 is also at least partially free on its inner side, at least in the portions where the tubular elements 15 are not associated with it.

[0028] According to the present disclosure, the reciprocal connection means further include a claw 22 positioned at the terminal region of the body 21 of the accessory component. This claw 22 is configured to engage with the bar 13 at least on its lower and outer sides and, preferably, also on its inner side.

[0029] Preferably, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the claw 22 is a C- shaped or U-shaped element designed to define a seat 23 that is substantially complementary, or congruent, to the cross-section of the bar 13, at least on its outer and lower sides. In this way, advantageously, this seat 23 is configured, in a mounted configuration, to accommodate the bar 13. In this mounted configuration, a precise, or complementary, or congruent coupling is achieved between the claw 22, specifically the seat 23, and the bar 13. In other words, this claw 22 is an element that at least partially protrudes inward from the terminal region of the body 21 , toward the inner side of the body 21.

[0030] Essentially, the claw 22 includes a first contact side 22a, adjacent to the body 21, on its inner side, a second contact side 22b, at least partially orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to a main direction of the body 21, and a third contact side 22c, at least partially parallel or substantially parallel to a main direction of the body 21. Essentially, these first, second, and third contact sides determine the C-shaped or U-shaped configuration of the claw 22 and define the seat 23 with a shape and size substantially complementary to the cross-section of the bar 13.

[0031] According to this configuration, the first contact side 22a of the claw 22 is configured, in a mounted configuration, to engage with an outer side of the bar 13, while the second contact side 22b is configured, in a mounted configuration, to engage with a lower side of the bar 13. Preferably, moreover, the third contact side 22c of the claw 22 is configured, in a mounted configuration, to engage with an inner side of the bar 13.

[0032] This configuration of the bar 13 and the claw 22 is preferably and advantageously configured to prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat at least in a first rotational direction. Preferably, this second rotational direction is a clockwise rotation.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the present disclosure, the reciprocal connection means include locking means 30 configured to prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 at least in a first rotational direction. With particular reference to Figures 2 and 3, preferably, this first rotational direction is a counterclockwise rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11. Preferably, this rotation is a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 around the bar 13. In other words, the aforementioned rotation is a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 around the bar 13, in a configuration where the latter is accommodated in the seat 23 of the claw 22 of the accessory component 2. The locking means 30 are configured to prevent this rotation at least in a first rotational direction.

[0034] Preferably, the locking means 30 are arranged on the claw 22, particularly at or near the third contact side 22c of the claw 22, and are configured to cooperate with the seat 11 of the base 1 to prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 at least in the first rotational direction.

[0035] To this end, preferably, the locking means 30 include a sliding element 31, slidably associated with said claw 22, and configured to assume at least a first position, or disengagement position, in which rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 is allowed at least in the first rotational direction, and at least a second position, or engagement position, in which rotation of the same accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 is prevented at least in the first rotational direction. Even more specifically, according to a preferred aspect, the seat 11 includes a first face, or upper face, configured to face, in use, a user seated on the seat 11 itself. According to this aspect, the sliding element 31 is configured to engage with the seat 11 at this first face, or upper face. In other words, in the second position, or engagement position, the sliding element 31 engages against this first face, or upper face, of the seat 11, preventing a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 at least in the first rotational direction. Preferably, according to this aspect, in the first position, or disengagement position, the sliding element 31 does not engage against the first face, or upper face, of the seat 11, thereby allowing a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11.

[0036] In combination or alternatively, the locking means 30 may include locking elements such as screws and / or bolts, or similar locking elements, configured to prevent the aforementioned rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11. These screws and / or bolts, or similar locking elements, may be positioned at the seat 11 and / or the claw 22, or otherwise within the body 21 of the accessory component 2, and are configured to engage respectively with the body 21 of the accessory component 2 and / or the seat 11.

[0037] Finally, the bar 13 includes a first contact element 14, protruding from the bar 13 itself, preferably from its upper side, while the accessory component 2 includes, at the inner side of the body 21, a first counter-abutment element 24 configured, in use, to engage with the first abutment element 14 of the bar 13. Preferably, this first counter-abutment element 24 is a projecting element extending from the inner side of the body 21 of the accessory component 2.

[0038] Specifically, preferably, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the first abutment element 14 and the first counter-abutment element 24 are configured, in use, to prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 at least in a second rotational direction, where this second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0039] In this way, the first abutment element 14 and the first counter-abutment element 24 are configured to prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 in a second rotational direction, while the locking means 30 are configured to prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 in a first rotational direction, opposite to the second. Consequently, these reciprocal connection means allow for an effective attachment of the accessory component 2 to the seat 11.

[0040] In general, the overall configuration of the furniture item, preferably a sofa or an armchair, is such that at least one accessory component 2 is configured to be installed on the base 11 by first placing its inner side against the seat 11, preferably on the first face, or upper face, of the seat, accommodating the bar 13 of the seat within the seat 23 of the claw 22 of the accessory component 2, and then rotating it, preferably in the second rotational direction, preferably around the bar 13, until reaching a mounted position. In this position, a precise, complementary, or congruent coupling is achieved between the bar 13 and the seat 23, and the first abutment element 14 engages with the first counter-abutment element 24. Essentially, in the mounted position, the locking elements 30 prevent a rotation of the accessory component 2 in a first rotational direction, meaning they prevent the inner side of the accessory component 2 from returning adjacent to the XY plane of the seat 11, while the first abutment element 14 and the first counter-abutment element 24 prevent further rotation in the second rotational direction of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11 in the mounted position. Essentially, in other words, the first abutment element 14 and the first counter-abutment element 24 define an end stop for the rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the seat 11.

[0041] According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the kit may include two or more furniture modules and coupling means designed to connect two or more bases 1 in series, preferably acting on the respective adjacent bars 13. In this way, advantageously, it is possible to obtain furniture items in different configurations.

[0042] The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a sofa or armchair furniture item.

[0043] In describing this process, the kit elements involved in the method that have the same function and structure as previously described elements retain the same reference numbers and are not described again in detail.

[0044] Specifically, the method includes a step of positioning the inner side of the body 21 of the accessory component 2 against the seat 11. In other words, this step consists of arranging the body 21 parallel to the XY plane of the seat 11, facing the inner side of the body 21 towards the first face, or upper face, of the seat.

[0045] The method includes a further step of accommodating the bar 13 of the seat 11 within the seat 23 of the claw 22 at the terminal region of the body 21 of the accessory component 2. In other words, once the inner side of the body 21 has been placed against the upper face of the seat 11, the method involves inserting the bar 13 into the seat 23 of the claw 22.

[0046] The method of the present disclosure further provides for rotating the accessory component 2 relative to the base 11 in a first rotational direction until reaching a mounted position. Preferably, this rotation occurs around the bar 13 and is a clockwise rotation. Additionally, preferably, in the mounted position, a precise or complementary coupling is achieved between the seat 23 defined by the claw 22 and the bar 13. In other words, the seat 23 is shaped in such a way that, in the mounted position, it is complementary or congruent with the profile of the bar 13. Put differently, in this mounted position, there are no through openings between the claw 22 and at least the outer and lower sides of the bar 13.

[0047] Furthermore, the method additionally includes a step of preventing a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the base 11 in the mounted position, at least in a first rotational direction opposite to the second rotational direction, through the use of locking means 30.

[0048] Preferably, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, in the mounted position, the first abutment element 14 engages against the first counter-abutment element 24, preventing a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the base 11 in the second rotational direction. In other words, the first abutment element 14 and the first counter-abutment element 24 act as an end stop for further rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the base 11 in the second rotational direction from the mounted position.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, preferably, the step of preventing a rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the base 1 , in the mounted position, at least in the first rotational direction, through the locking means, involves moving the sliding element 31 from the first position, or disengaged position, to the second position, or engaged position. Preferably, this movement of the sliding element 31 occurs when the accessory component 2 is in the mounted position relative to the seat 11.

[0050] Even more preferably, in this second position, or engaged position, the sliding element 31 engages against the seat 11 at its first face, or upper face. This engagement with the upper face of the seat 11 prevents the accessory component, in the mounted position, from rotating in the first rotational direction relative to the seat 11.

[0051] Consequently, in this way, through the first abutment element 14 and the first counter-abutment element 24 on one side, and partially also through the congruence of the seat 23 of the claw 22 with at least the outer and lower sides of the bar 13, as well as the engagement of the sliding element 31, in the second position, with the upper face of the base 11 on the other side, any rotation of the accessory component 2 relative to the base 11 is prevented. In other words, in this configuration, the accessory component is secured to the base 11. The subject matter of the present disclosure has been described so far with reference to its embodiments. It is understood that other embodiments may exist that pertain to the same inventive core, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the claims set forth below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A kit for obtaining a module of a sofa-like or armchair furniture article, comprising at least a base (1) having a seat (11) extending along a seating plane (XY) and at least one backrest or armrest accessory component (2) comprising a body (21) defining an inner side configured for facing a user seated on said seat (11); said base (1) and said accessory component (2) being adapted to be mutually connected through mutual connection means arranged on at least one peripheral segment of said seat (11) and a corresponding terminal region of said body (21); the kit being characterized by the fact that said connection means comprise:- a bar (13), associated with said base (1) and arranged along said at least one peripheral segment of said seat (11), said bar (13) being free at least on one of its upper side, lower side, and outer side with respect to said seat (11), and comprising a first abutment element (14), wherein said first abutment element (14) protrudes from said bar (13);- a first counter-abutment element (24) arranged at said inner side of said body (21) of said accessory component (2); said first counter-abutment element (24) being configured, in use, to engage with said first abutment element (14) of said bar (13);- a claw (22) arranged at said terminal region of said body (21) of said accessory component (2) and configured to engage with said bar (13) at least at said lower side and said outer side of said bar (13);- locking means (30) configured to prevent rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) at least in a first direction of rotation, wherein said locking means (30) are arranged on said claw (22) and are configured to cooperate with said seat (11) of said base (1) to prevent rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) at least in said first direction of rotation, wherein said locking means (30) comprise a sliding element (31) associated with said claw (22), wherein said sliding element (31) is configured to assume at least a first position, or disengagement position, wherein rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) is permitted at least in said first direction of rotation, and a second position, or engagement position, wherein rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) is prevented at least in said first direction of rotation.

2. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein said first abutment element (14) is an element protruding from said upper side of said bar (13).

3. Kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first abutment element (14) and said first counter-abutment element (24) are configured, in use, to prevent rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) at least in a second direction of rotation, said second direction of rotation being opposite to said first direction of rotation.

4. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first counterabutment element (24) is a protruding element from said inner side of said body (21) of said accessory component (2).

5. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said claw (22) is a "C" or "II" shaped element defining a seat (23) substantially complementary to a section of said bar (13) at least on said outer and lower sides.

6. Kit according to the preceding claim, wherein said seat (11) comprises a first face, or upper face, facing a user seated on said seat, wherein said sliding element (31) in said second position, or engagement position, is configured to engage with said seat (11) at said first face, or upper face, of said seat (11).

7. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one accessory component (2) is configured to be installed on said base (1) by first bringing said inner side onto said seat (11) and accommodating said bar (13) within said seat (23) of said claw (22), and then rotating said accessory component (2) to a mounted position where precise coupling between said bar (13) and said seat (23) is achieved, and wherein said first abutment element (14) engages with said first counter-abutment element (24).

8. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one accessory component (2) comprises at least one backrest component and / or at least one armrest component.

9. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two or more of said modules, and coupling means configured to connect two or more bases (1) in series by acting on their respective bars (13) brought together.

10. Method for obtaining a sofa-like or armchair furniture article, comprising at least a base (1) with a seat (11) extending along a seating plane (XY) and at least one backrest or armrest accessory component (2) comprising a body (21) defining an inner side, in use, facing a user seated on said seat (11), comprising a phase of bringing said inner side of said body (21) of said accessory component (2) onto said seat (11), a phase of accommodating a bar (13) associated with said seat (11) within a seat (23) of a claw (22) arranged in a terminal region of said body (21), and a phase of rotating said accessory component (2) with respect to said base (11) in a second direction of rotation to a mounted position; said methodcomprising a further phase of preventing rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said base (11) in said mounted position at least in a first direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction of rotation, through locking means (30), wherein said locking means (30) comprise a sliding element (31) associated with said claw (22), wherein said sliding element (31) is configured to assume at least a first position, or disengagement position, wherein rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) is permitted at least in said first direction of rotation, and a second position, or engagement position, wherein rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said seat (11) is prevented at least in said first direction of rotation; wherein said phase of preventing rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said base (11) in said mounted position at least in a first direction of rotation through locking means (30) involves moving said sliding element (31) from said first position, or disengagement position, to said second position, or engagement position.

11. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein in said mounted position a precise, or congruent, coupling is achieved between said seat (23) and said bar (13).

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said bar (13) comprises a first abutment element (14) protruding from said bar (13) and wherein said accessory component (2) comprises a first counter-abutment element (24) arranged at said inner side of said body (21), wherein in said mounted position, said first abutment element (14) engages with a first counter-abutment element (24), preventing rotation of said accessory component (2) with respect to said base (11) in a second direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction of rotation.

13. Method according to any one of claims from 10 to 12, wherein said base (11) comprises a first face, or upper face, facing a user seated on said seat; wherein in said second position, or engagement position, said sliding element (31) engages with said seat (11) at said first face, or upper face.

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