Device for connection between a furniture column and an accessory

The connecting device with movable locking elements and pivot connection simplifies the attachment process, addressing the complexity of existing systems by enabling tool-free, rapid, and stable installation of accessories on furniture columns.

WO2025215007A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-16HILO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/059571
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-04-11
Filing Date
2025-04-08
Publication Date
2025-10-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing connecting devices for furniture columns require complex assembly, additional tools, and multiple parts, making them cumbersome and time-consuming to install and adjust.

Method used

A connecting device with a first and second part, each having a locking element that allows secure attachment without additional tools, featuring movable locking elements and a pivot connection for easy assembly, enabling quick and tool-free installation.

Benefits of technology

Facilitates quick, easy, and tool-free attachment of accessories to furniture columns, allowing for modular and efficient furniture setup with enhanced stability and weight support.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

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    Figure EP2025059571_16102025_PF_FP_ABST
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Abstract

The invention relates to a connection device (1) intended to be attached to a furniture column (10) so as to support the at least one accessory (5) and comprising a first part (11a) and a second part (11b), the first part and the second part each comprising a first side (111), the first sides of the first and second parts being configured to delimit a passage (3) intended to surround the column. The invention is characterised in that the first part and the second part each comprise a second side (112) and a third side (113), the second sides of the first and second parts each comprising a locking element (2) which is movably mounted on the second side and is configured to form a stop for keeping the third sides of the second and first parts in a locked position.
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Description

[0001] “Connecting device between a furniture column and an accessory”

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a connecting device between a furniture column and an accessory. It finds at least one particularly advantageous application in the field of furniture columns extending for example between two flat and parallel surfaces such as a floor and a ceiling.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the field of interior design, it is generally interesting to be able to furnish a room in a modular way, so as to change the furniture according to changes in usage.

[0006] For example, a shelving system attached to one or more columns fixed between the floor and the ceiling provides a particularly interesting solution for this type of layout.

[0007] Such columns help optimize the floor space. These columns also feature a minimalist style that visually lightens the room's furnishings.

[0008] These columns can support various accessories such as shelves, lighting fixtures, and mirrors. These accessories are generally removable to facilitate the modularity of the furniture system.

[0009] A connecting device between the column and the accessory, allowing on the one hand to support different accessories and on the other hand to guarantee reliable fixing on the column, can be advantageously used.

[0010] This connecting device can, furthermore, be fixed to or removed from the column once the column is in place between the floor and the ceiling, without the need to dismantle the column.

[0011] This device can also be easily moved along the column, in order to adjust the height of the accessory(ies) to be suspended.

[0012] Document FR2149993 A1 discloses such a connecting device comprising two parts intended to surround the column. These parts are assembled by means of hooks and secured to the column by means of a screw.

[0013] This solution requires maintaining the assembly formed by the two parts until the screwing is carried out.

[0014] This solution also requires having a tool such as a screwdriver to secure the device to the column.

[0015] Document FR3080414A1 also discloses such a connecting device comprising four parts intended to be positioned so as to fix the device on the column. Two of the parts are assembled to the other two parts so as to surround the column.

[0016] This solution therefore has the disadvantage of a complex assembly with several elements.

[0017] This solution also has the disadvantage of complex machining.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome some of the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0019] More particularly, according to one aspect, the invention aims to propose a connecting device which can be secured to a column without additional elements allowing the device to be locked.

[0020] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] To achieve this objective, according to a first aspect, a connecting device is provided between a furniture column and at least one accessory, said device being intended to be fixed to the column so as to support the at least one accessory and comprising a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part each comprising a first side, the first side of the first part being configured to be applied to the first side of the second part and to delimit, with the first side of the second part, a passage intended to surround the column after application, characterized in that the first part and the second part each comprise a second side and a third side, the second side of the first part and that of the second part each comprising a locking element mounted movably on the second side and configured to form a retention stop, respectively,on the third side of the second piece and on the third side of the first piece, in a locked position.,

[0023] Thus, the invention allows a user to fix the two parts of the device without additional tools. In addition, the user can fix the two parts in the locked position without having to remove his hands from the device. Indeed, no additional part is necessary to fix the two parts together, thus limiting handling.

[0024] The invention also has the advantage of being quicker and easier to set up.

[0025] Another aspect relates to a furniture system comprising at least one furniture column and at least one connecting device according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the at least one column is fixed in the passage in the locked position.

[0026] This system allows the creation of modular furniture, easy and quick to install due to the design of the connecting device.

[0027] Another aspect relates to a method of installing the connecting device according to the first aspect of the invention on a furniture column, comprising the following steps:

[0028] • an application of the first side of the first piece opposite the first side of the second piece so as to surround the column,

[0029] • a movement of the locking elements of the first and second parts respectively so as to form a retention stop on the third side of the first and second parts respectively to move into the locked position.

[0030] This means that the connecting device can be installed quickly and easily without additional tools and with few parts and handling on a furniture column.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D respectively represent perspective views, in locked and unlocked position, a sectional view and an exploded view of the connecting device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C respectively represent the steps of mounting the connecting device according to an embodiment of the invention on a column.

[0035] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C represent different views of the accessory attachment module according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively are set out below.

[0039] According to one example, the first side of each of the first and second parts comprises at least one pad and at least one cavity, the at least one pad of the first and second parts being configured to cooperate with the at least one cavity of the second and first parts, respectively.

[0040] This allows, when positioning the two parts, to remove at least two degrees of freedom in translation as well as the three degrees of freedom in rotation.

[0041] According to one example, the cavity of the first part and the cavity of the second part have an oblong shape. The oblong shape of the cavities allows for a lateral fit between the first and second parts.

[0042] According to one example, the stud of the first part is positioned opposite the cavity of the second part and the stud of the second part is positioned opposite the cavity of the first part. This allows the studs to be inserted into the cavities without difficulty.

[0043] In one example, the first side has a concave profile, preferably in the form of an arc or even a semicircle, surrounded by two flat surfaces. Thus, the first side has a profile configured to easily accommodate a furniture column.

[0044] According to one example, the studs and the cavities are located on the flats, the flats of the first part and the second part being positioned opposite each other, preferably parallel and applying plane to plane. According to one example in which, for each of the first part and second part, the locking element is mounted movably on the second side by a pivot connection along a pivot axis.

[0045] This allows the locking element on the first part and the second part to rotate about the pivot axis and lock the first and second parts together easily.

[0046] According to one example, the locking element of each of the first and second parts comprises at least one male locking portion and wherein the third side of each of the first and second parts comprises at least one groove, the groove being configured so as to form a stop for retaining the male locking portion in the locked position.

[0047] This allows the first part and the second part to be locked together. Locking the two parts by the locking element of the first part and the second part then allows the last degree of translational freedom to be removed without tools and with one hand.

[0048] In one example, the locking element of each of the first and second parts comprises at least one female locking portion and wherein the third side of each of the first and second parts comprises at least one male portion, the male portion and the female locking portion being configured to be in contact in the locked position.

[0049] This allows, upon contact, to lock the device so that it can support minimal weight while achieving a simple and rapid fixing.

[0050] In one example, the male locking portion and the female locking portion have a curvilinear shape.

[0051] This allows the locking element to easily cooperate with the third side and by extension allows easy locking of the device on a column.

[0052] According to one example, the shape of the male locking portion and the female locking portion has a first concave portion, a second convex portion and a third concave portion.

[0053] According to one example, the throat and the male portion have a curvilinear shape, preferably at least partly convex.

[0054] This allows the convex portion of the groove and the male portion to cooperate with at least the second convex portion of the male locking portion and the female locking portion so as to provide a stop and lock the device onto the column.

[0055] According to one example, the device comprises at least one seal protruding into the passage.

[0056] According to one example, the at least one seal is elastically deformable. In addition, the material of the seal can allow for easier adhesion to the column.

[0057] According to one example, the passage comprises at least one groove so as to accommodate the at least one seal. This allows for better insertion of the seal.

[0058] According to one example, the at least one seal is an O-ring.

[0059] According to one example, the locking element of the first and second parts is configured so as to, in the locked position, compress the at least one joint between the column and the first side of the first and second parts.

[0060] According to one example, the diameter d1 of the seal in an unlocked position of the device is less than the diameter d1 of the seal in the locked position.

[0061] This allows, in the unlocked position, to leave a clearance between the two parts. In addition, this allows, when moving from the unlocked position to the locked position, a compression of the joint and therefore a compression of the two parts against each other and on the column, thus fixing the device easily and quickly and without additional tools.

[0062] According to one example, the first and second parts each comprise a fourth side, preferably opposite the first side, and wherein the device comprises a fixing module, the fixing module being configured to cooperate with the fourth side and to be fixed on an accessory.

[0063] This allows the positioning of an accessory on the device without tools.

[0064] According to one example, the attachment module includes a plate including holes configured to receive fasteners such as screws for attaching the attachment module to an accessory.

[0065] According to one example, the fourth side includes a notch intended to cooperate with a lug of the accessory attachment module.

[0066] In one example, the notch includes an inlet port and a slide, the inlet port having dimensions larger than the lug and the slide having dimensions smaller than the lug so as to form a retention stop in a fixed position.

[0067] The cooperation between the lug of the fixing module and the fourth side allows an accessory to be attached to the device easily, quickly and without tools.

[0068] In one example, the first and second parts are identical separate parts.

[0069] According to one example, the system includes at least one accessory, the at least one accessory being mounted on the connecting device.

[0070] This allows you to quickly and easily mount an accessory on a furniture column and thus have a modular system.

[0071] According to one example, the locking element of each of the first and second parts is configured so as to, in the locked position, compress the at least one joint between the column and the first side of the first and second parts.

[0072] According to one example, the method comprises using a device according to an example of the first aspect, wherein the movement of the locking elements produces a bringing together of the first and second parts so as to compress the at least one joint.

[0073] This makes it possible to increase the resistance of the device to a force which could be applied to it by the accessories, for example in the longitudinal direction of the column.

[0074] The term "first and fourth sides of the first or second coin" means the main faces, that is, the opposite faces with the largest area. The first face and the fourth face should be understood as the largest faces of the smallest possible parallelepiped in which the coin would be inscribed.

[0075] In the remainder of the description, the term "on" does not necessarily mean "directly on". Thus, when it is indicated that a part or member A is supported "on" a part or member B, this does not mean that the parts or members A and B are necessarily in direct contact with each other. These parts or members A and B may be either in direct contact or supported on each other by means of one or more other parts. The same applies to other expressions such as, for example, the expression "A acts on B", which may mean "A acts directly on B" or "A acts on B by means of one or more other parts".

[0076] In this document, when two parts are indicated as distinct, this means that these parts are separate. They are:

[0077] • positioned at a distance from each other, and / or

[0078] • mobile relative to each other and / or

[0079] • secured to each other by being fixed by added elements, this fixing being removable or not.

[0080] A single piece cannot therefore be made up of two separate pieces.

[0081] In this document, the term "solidar" used to describe the connection between two parts means that the two parts are connected / fixed relative to each other, according to all degrees of freedom, unless explicitly specified otherwise. For example, if it is stated that two parts are translationally solid in an X direction, this means that the parts can be movable relative to each other except in the X direction. In other words, if one part is moved in the X direction, the other part performs the same movement.

[0082] A reference frame will also be used whose back / front direction corresponds to the x axis, the transverse or right / left direction corresponds to the y axis and the longitudinal or down / up direction corresponds to the z axis. Without this being limiting, the z direction can be vertical and the xy plane horizontal. The column has a longitudinal direction along the z axis.

[0083] In the field of modular interior design, in the application of the invention, a connecting device 1 is positioned between a furnishing column 6 and at least one accessory 5. Thus, the connecting device 1 is intended to be fixed to the furnishing column 6 so as to support the at least one accessory 5.

[0084] The connecting device 1 typically comprises a first part 11a and a second part 11b. Preferably, the first part 11a and the second part 11b are identical. The assembly of the first part 11a with the second part 11b makes it possible to mechanically lock the connecting device 1 on a column 6. The device 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 1D.

[0085] The first part 11a and the second part 11b each comprise a first side 111. The first side 111 of the first part 11a is then configured to be applied to the first side 111 of the second part 11b. The first side 111 of the first part 11a is also configured to delimit, with the first side 111 of the second part 11b, a passage 3. The passage 3 is intended to surround the column 6 after application of the first sides 111 of the first 11a and second 11b parts one on the other.

[0086] The first part 11a and the second part 11b also each comprise a second side 112 and a third side 113. The second side 112 of the first part 11a comprises a locking element 2. Similarly, the second side 112 of the second part 11b comprises a locking element 2. The locking element 2 of the first part 11a, like that of the second part 11b, is movably mounted on the second side 112 of their respective part. The locking element 2 of the first part 11a is configured to form a retention stop, on the third side 113 of the second part 11b, in a locked position. Similarly, the locking element 2 of the second part 11b is configured to form a retention stop on the third side 113 of the first part 11a, in a locked position.A locked position is understood to be a position where the first part 11a and the second part 11b, once assembled, no longer have any degree of freedom in translation or rotation relative to each other.

[0087] According to one example, the first side 111 of the first part 11a comprises at least one stud 111a and at least one cavity 111b. Similarly, the first side 111 of the second part 11b comprises at least one stud 111a and at least one cavity 111b. The at least one stud 111a of the first 11a and of the second 11b part can then be configured to cooperate with the at least one cavity 111b of the second 11b and of the first part 11a, respectively. Thus, when positioning the two parts 11a, 11b, this makes it possible to remove at least two degrees of freedom in translation as well as at least one degree of freedom in rotation, and preferably several, or even all three, degrees of freedom in rotation. Similarly, the pad 111a of the first part 11a is positioned opposite the cavity 111b of the second part 11b and the pad 111a of the second part 11b is positioned opposite the cavity 111b of the first part 11a.This thus allows the insertion of the pads 111a into the cavities 111b without difficulty when positioning the connecting device 1.

[0088] According to one example, the cavity 111 b of the first part 11 a and the cavity 111 b of the second part 11 b have an oblong shape. The oblong shape of the cavities 111 b allows for lateral adjustment between the first 11 a and the second 11 b parts. The oblong shape of the cavities 111 b can be positioned along the y axis.

[0089] According to one example, the first side 111 of the first part 11a and the first side of the second part 11b each have a concave profile 111c surrounded by two flats

[0090] III d. The concave profile 111c may preferably be in the form of an arc of a circle, or even a semicircle. Thus, the first side 111 has a profile configured to easily accommodate a furniture column 6. It is understood that the shape of the profile depends on the cross-section of the column: the latter may be round, but not only; it may, for example, be square. The profiles 111c are adapted to the shape of this section.

[0091] According to one example, the pads 111a and the cavities 111b are located on the plates 111d. The plates 111d of the first part 11a and the plates 111d of the second part 11b can be positioned opposite each other, preferably parallel and applying plane to plane.

[0092] According to one example, the locking element 2 of the first part 11a and the locking element 2 of the second part 11b are mounted movably on the second side 112 respectively of the first part 11a and the second part 11b by a pivot connection along a pivot axis P. The pivot axis P can extend parallel to the transverse axis y. The pivot axis P can also extend perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the furniture column 6. When moving from the unlocked position to a locked position, the locking element 2 present on the first part 11a and on the second part 11b can then rotate along the pivot axis P and lock the first 11a and the second 11b parts together easily. To do this, the locking element 2 of each of the first 11a and second 11b parts can have a pivot 21.The pivot 21 can then cooperate with a pivot cavity 112a on the second side 112 of each of the first 11a and second 11b parts.

[0093] Generally, the element 2 has a surface which, when the element 2 rotates towards the other of the parts 11a, 11b, comes to bear on a complementary surface of this other part. The dimensions of the surfaces are configured so that the support of the surface on its complementary surface increases during rotation, preferably by gradually bringing the location of this support closer to the axis of rotation. Like an eccentric, this causes the two parts to be pressed against each other. The force produced by the elements 2 is preferably mainly, or even totally, directed along the x axis in the locked position.

[0094] According to one example, the locking element 2 of each of the first 11a and second 11b parts comprises at least one male locking portion 22. Similarly, the locking element 2 of each of the first 11a and second 11b parts comprises at least one female locking portion 23. According to one example, the male locking portion 22 and the female locking portion 23 have a curvilinear shape. According to one example, the shape of the male locking portion 22 and the female locking portion 23 has a first concave portion 221, a second convex portion 222 and a third concave portion 223. The radii of the first 221 and third 223 concave portions may be between 4 mm (millimeter) and 6 mm, preferably between 4.5 mm and 5.5 mm, preferably between 4.8 mm and 5 mm. The second convex portion 222 may have a radius of between 3 mm and 3.5 mm, preferably a radius equal to 3.2 mm.

[0095] According to one example, the third side 113 of the first part 11a and the third side 113 of the second part 11b each comprise a groove 113a. Similarly, the third side 113 of the first part 11a and the third side 113 of the second part 11b each comprise a male portion 113b. According to one example, the groove 113a and the male portion 113 of the third side 113 of the first part 11a and the second part 11b have a curvilinear shape. More specifically and preferably, the curvilinear shape is at least partly convex.

[0096] According to one example, in the locked position, the groove 113a can then be configured so as to form a retention stop for the male locking portion 22. The locking of the first part 11a and the second part 11b by the locking element 2 of the first part 11a and the second part 11b then makes it possible to remove the last degree of freedom in translation without tools and with one hand. The male portion 113b and the female locking portion 23 can then be configured so as to be in contact in the locked position.

[0097] This allows, upon contact, the device 1 to be locked so that it can support a high weight, in particular greater than or equal to 40 kg (kilogram), preferably greater than or equal to 50 kg.

[0098] Furthermore, this allows the locking element 2 to cooperate easily with the third side 113 and by extension allows easy locking of the device 1 on a column 6. As a result, the convex part of the groove 113a and of the male portion 113b cooperate with at least the second convex part 222 of the male locking portion 22 and of the female locking portion 23 so as to produce a stop and lock the device 1 on the column 6.

[0099] According to one example, the connecting device 1 comprises at least one seal 3b projecting into the passage 3. More specifically, the passage 3 may comprise at least one groove 3a, preferably two grooves 3a. The at least one groove 3a may then be configured to accommodate at least one seal 3b. The at least one seal 3b may be elastically deformable. Thus, during compression, for example, it may compress in order to have better support of the device on the column 6. In addition, the material of the at least one seal 3b may allow increased adhesion of the device 1 to the column 6, in particular an elastomer or rubber. Thus, the at least one seal 3b may be an O-ring. However, other seal designs are possible, while preserving a compressible support function between the column and the device. These may be pads arranged regularly around the passage.

[0100] According to one example, the locking element 2 of the first 11a and second 11b parts is configured so as to, in the locked position, compress the at least one seal 3b between the column 6 and the first 111 side of the first 11a and second 11b parts. The compression of the at least one seal 3b may cause the passage from a diameter di of the seal 3b in an unlocked position of the device 1 to a larger diameter di of the seal 3b in the locked position. Thus, when moving to the locked position, there may be a deformation of the seal causing a change in its internal diameter di. The diameter di of the seal 3b in the unlocked position may be between 26 mm and 33 mm, preferably between 26.4 mm and 32.7 mm. The diameter di of the seal 3b in the locked position may be between 26.7 mm and 33 mm, preferably between 27 mm and 32.7 mm.

[0101] This allows, in the unlocked position, to leave a clearance between the first part 11a and the second part 11b so as to allow easy sliding of the locking elements 2. In addition, this allows, when moving from the unlocked position to the locked position, a compression of the seal 3b and therefore a compression of the first 11a and the second 11b parts against each other and on the column 6, thus fixing the device 1 easily and quickly and without additional tools.

[0102] According to an alternative example, the at least one joint 3b may be replaced or supplemented by an obstacle connection on the column 6. For example, the column may have one or more holes on the external surface and at least one of the parts 11a, 11b may have a finger projecting into the passage and capable of being inserted into the hole in the column when the two parts are locked. It is understood, however, that the joint provides the assembly with an elasticity favorable to the good immobilization of the column and the parts 11a, 11b, the joint having a tendency to oppose, elastically, the force of bringing the locking elements together.

[0103] According to one example, the first 11a and the second 11b parts each also comprise a fourth side 114. The fourth side 114 is preferably opposite the first side 111.

[0104] According to one example, the connecting device 1 comprises a fixing module 51 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C. The fixing module 51 may be configured to cooperate with the fourth side 114 of each of the first 11a and second 11b parts and to be fixed to an accessory 5. In order to be fixed to an accessory 5, the fixing module 51 may comprise a plate 511 comprising holes 511a. The holes 511a may then be configured to receive fixing elements such as screws for fixing the fixing module 51 to an accessory 5.

[0105] According to one example, the fixing module 51 comprises a lug 510 and the fourth side 114 comprises a notch 4. Thus, the fixing module 51 can cooperate with the fourth side 114 of the first 11a and second 11b parts by cooperation between the lug 510 and the notch 4. This cooperation allows the positioning of an accessory 5 on the device 1 without tools. More precisely, the lug 510 has a thickness 510a and is positioned at a distance 510b from the plate 511 so as to be easily inserted into the notch 4. The lug 510 may have a surface complementary to the notch 4. Thus, the surface of the lug 510 may be taken from a circular surface, a square surface or even a square surface having rounded edges. According to one example, the notch 4 then comprises an inlet orifice 4a and a slide 4b. The inlet orifice 4a can therefore have larger dimensions than the lug 510.The slide 4b may therefore have smaller dimensions than the lug 510 so as to form a retention stop in a fixed position. The cooperation between the lug 510 of the fixing module 51 and the fourth side 114 makes it possible to fix an accessory 5 to the device 1 easily and quickly. More precisely, the fourth side 114 comprises an additional part 4c, illustrated in FIG. 1 D, configured so as to tightly adjust the lug 510 when the latter is inserted into the notch 4.

[0106] According to one example, the notch 4 comprises a stop 4d illustrated in FIG. 1 D. The stop 4d is configured so as to be in contact with the lug 510 when the latter is inserted into the notch 4. Preferably, the stop 4d is made of silicone. This thus allows the stop 4d to bear against the lug 510 when the latter is positioned in the notch 4 without damaging it by friction.

[0107] Another aspect relates to a furniture system comprising at least one furniture column 6 and at least one connecting device 1 described above, in which the at least one column 6 is fixed in the passage 3 in the locked position. The system is illustrated in Figures 2A to 2C. This system makes it possible to create modular furniture, easy and quick to install by the design of the connecting device 1.

[0108] According to one example, the system comprises at least one accessory 5, the at least one accessory 5 being mounted on the connecting device 1. The accessory 5 can be taken in a non-limiting manner from a mirror, a coat hook, a shelf or even a decorative object. The accessory can then be mounted on the connecting device 1 via the fixing module 51.

[0109] Another aspect relates to a method of installing the connecting device 1 described above on the furniture column 6. The steps of the method are illustrated in Figures 2A to 2C. Thus, the method comprises a first step of applying the first side 111 of the first part 11a opposite the first side 111 of the second part 11b so as to surround the column 6.

[0110] The method then comprises a step of moving the locking elements 2 respectively of the first 11a and second 11b parts so as to form a retention stop on the third side 113 respectively of the first 11a and second parts 11b to move into the locked position. Thus, the connecting device 1 is installed quickly and easily without additional tools and with few parts and handling on a furniture column 6.

[0111] According to one example, the method causes, when the locking elements 2 are set in motion, a bringing together of the first 11a and second 11b parts so as to compress the at least one seal 3b. This makes it possible to increase the resistance of the device 1 to a force which could be applied to it by the accessories 5, for example in the longitudinal direction of the column 6. The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all the embodiments covered by the invention. The present invention is not limited to the examples previously described. Many other variant embodiments are possible, for example by combining previously described characteristics, without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the characteristics described in relation to one aspect of the invention may be combined with another aspect of the invention.

[0112] REFERENCE LIST

[0113] 1. connecting device

[0114] 11 a. first room

[0115] II b. second piece

[0116] 111. first side llla. plot lllb. cavity llc. concave profile

[0117] III d. dishes

[0118] 112. second side

[0119] 112a. pivot cavity

[0120] 113. third side

[0121] 113a. throat

[0122] 113b. male portion

[0123] 114. fourth side

[0124] 2. locking element

[0125] 21. pivot

[0126] 22. male locking portion

[0127] 23. female locking portion

[0128] 221. first concave part

[0129] 222. second convex part

[0130] 223. third concave part

[0131] P. pivot axis

[0132] 3. passage

[0133] 3a. groove

[0134] 3b. joint d1. joint diameter

[0135] 4. notch

[0136] 4a. inlet port

[0137] 4b. slide

[0138] 4c. additional room

[0139] 4d. stop

[0140] 5. accessory

[0141] 51. fixing module 510. lug

[0142] 510a. lug thickness

[0143] 510b. distance between lug and plate

[0144] 511. plate 511a. holes

[0145] 6. column

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Connecting device (1) between a furnishing column (10) and at least one accessory (5), said device (1) being intended to be fixed on the column (10) so as to support the at least one accessory (5) and comprising a first part (11a) and a second part (11b), the first part (11a) and the second part (11b) each comprising a first side (111), the first side (111) of the first part (11a) being configured to be applied to the first side (111) of the second part (11b) and to delimit, with the first side (111) of the second part (11b), a passage (3) intended to surround the column (10) after application, characterized in that the first part (11a) and the second part (11b) each comprise a second side (112) and a third side (113),the second side (112) of the first part (11a) and that of the second part (11b) each comprising a locking element (2) mounted movably on the second side (112) and configured to form a retention stop, respectively, of the third side (113) of the second part (11b) and of the third side of the first part (11a), in a locked position, the locking element (2) of each of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts comprising at least one male locking portion (22) and in which the third side (113) of each of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts comprising at least one groove (113a), the groove (113a) being configured so as to form a retention stop of the male locking portion (22) in the locked position.

2. Connecting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first side (111) of each of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts comprises at least one stud (111a) and at least one cavity (111b), the at least one stud (111a) of the first (11a) and of the second (11b) parts being configured to cooperate with respectively the at least one cavity (111b) of the second (11b) and of the first (11a) parts.

3. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, for each of the first part (11a) and second part (11b), the locking element (2) is mounted movably on the second side by a pivot connection along a pivot axis (P).

4. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking element (2) of each of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts comprises at least one female locking portion (23) and wherein the third side (113) of each of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts comprises at least at least one male portion (113b), the male portion (113b) and the female locking portion (23) being configured to be in contact in the locked position.

5. Connecting device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the male locking portion (22) and the female locking portion (23) have a curvilinear shape.

6. Connecting device (1) according to claim 4 or according to claim 5, in which the groove (113a) and the male portion (113b) have a curvilinear shape, preferably at least partly convex.

7. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one seal (3b) projecting into the passage (3).

8. Connecting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking element (2) of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts is configured so as to, in the locked position, compress the at least one joint (3b) between the column (6) and the first side (111) of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts.

9. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the diameter d1 of the seal (3b) in an unlocked position of the device (1) is less than the diameter d1 of the seal (3b) in the locked position.

10. Connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (11a) and the second (11b) part each comprise a fourth side (114), preferably opposite the first side (111), and wherein the device (1) comprises a fixing module (51), the fixing module (51) being configured so as to cooperate with the fourth side (114) and to be fixed on an accessory (5).

11. Furniture system comprising at least one furniture column (6) and at least one connecting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one column (6) is fixed in the passage (3) in the locked position.

12. System according to the preceding claim, comprising at least one accessory (5), the at least one accessory (5) being mounted on the connecting device (1).

13. System according to any one of the two preceding claims, comprising a device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the locking element (2) of each of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts is configured so as to, in the locked position, compress the at least one joint (3b) between the column (6) and the first side (111) of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts.

14. Method for installing the connecting device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 on a furniture column (6) comprising the following steps: • an application of the first side (111) of the first part (11a) opposite the first side (111) of the second part (11b) so as to surround the column (6), • a movement of the locking elements (2) respectively of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts so as to form a retention stop on the third side (113) respectively of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts to move into the locked position.

15. Installation method according to the preceding claim, comprising use of a device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, in which the movement of the locking elements produces a bringing together of the first (11a) and second (11b) parts so as to compress the at least one joint (3b).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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