A fastener for rigidly connecting two components of a piece of furniture

Abstract

The invention relates to a fastener (2) comprising a first engagement portion (20) adapted for an interlocking engagement with a first elongated opening (8) of a first one (4) of two components and a second engagement portion (22) adapted for an interlocking engagement with a second elongated opening (10) of a second one (6) of the two components. The fastener (2) is adapted for insertion of the first engagement portion (20) in an insertion region (24) of the first elongated opening (8) and subsequently being slid along the first elongated opening to a locking region (26) for achieving the interlocking engagement between the first engagement portion (20) and the locking region (26) of the first elongated opening (8). Further, the fastener comprises a retaining portion (54) that is adapted for engagement with a first end (56) of the first elongated opening in a longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening adjacent the insertion region (24) and distant from the locking region (26) for obstructing relative movement of the fastener (2) relative to the first elongated opening (8) in the interlocking engagement.

Description

[0001] A FASTENER FOR RIGIDLY CONNECTING TWO COMPONENTS OF A PIECE OF FURNITURE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a fastener for rigidly connecting two components of a piece of furniture. The invention further relates to an arrangement for the piece of furniture comprising two components and the fastener. The invention further relates to a piece of furniture per se. The piece of furniture may for example form a cabinet, a wardrobe or a shelf.

[0004] In certain applications there is a desire to connect two components in a firm way without the use of tools or glue and with no or minimum exposure of the fastener itself. In other words, there are applications where there is a desire that a visibility of the fastener is eliminated or minimized. Such a connection arrangement may accordingly be arranged to hide the interface between the components. The two components may be formed by rectangular and generally flat panels. The panels may be arranged perpendicularly relative to one another, wherein the fastener is arranged in an interface between the components. The panels may be formed in a wood-based material.

[0005] US 10,197,081 discloses a fastener with a ramp element at either end that allows it to be inserted into an insertion region of a mating elongated opening of each one of the two components and slid along the elongated opening to a locking region of the elongated opening. The elongated opening is formed directly in each one of the components. More specifically, in order to lock the two components, the components are arranged so that their elongated openings are arranged in parallel with each other with their insertion regions overlapping and locking regions pointing in opposite directions, wherein the fastener may be locked in a longitudinal direction of the elongated openings as the components are moved relative to one another so that the fastener is received in the locking region of each elongated opening.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] A first object of the invention is to achieve a fastener for rigidly connecting two components of a piece of furniture, wherein the fastener is adapted for obstructing movement of the fastener relative to at least one of the components when the fastener is in an assembled state. The object is achieved by a fastener according to claim 1. Thus, it is achieved by a fastener for rigidly connecting two components of a piece of furniture, wherein the fastener comprises a first engagement portion adapted for an interlocking engagement with a first elongated opening of a first one of the components and a second engagement portion adapted for an interlocking engagement with a second elongated opening of a second one of the components, wherein the fastener is adapted for insertion of the first engagement portion in an insertion region of the first elongated opening and subsequently being slid along the first elongated opening to a locking region for achieving the interlocking engagement between the first engagement portion of the fastener and the locking region of the first elongated opening, wherein the fastener comprises a retaining portion that is adapted for engagement with a first end of the first elongated opening in a longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening adjacent the insertion region and distant from the locking region for obstructing relative movement of the fastener relative to the first elongated opening when the fastener is in the interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening.

[0008] According to one example, the first elongated opening is formed directly in the first component. According to a further example, the second elongated opening is formed directly in the second component. According to a further example, at least one of the components is formed by rectangular and generally flat panel. The elongated opening may be formed in an edge surface of the panel. According to an alternative, the elongated opening may be formed in a panel face of the panel adjacent an edge surface of the panel. The components may be formed by any suitable material, such as a wood-based material (fiberboard or solid wood) or plastic material.

[0009] According to one example, each one of the first elongated opening and the second elongated opening is formed in an edge surface of respective the panel. The respective edge surfaces may extend in a plane at an angle of 45° in relation to a main extension plane of the associated panel, wherein the panels may be arranged perpendicularly relative to one another in a connected state. According to an alternative, the first elongated opening is arranged in an edge surface of the first panel, whereas the second elongated opening is arranged in a main face of the second panel adjacent the edges surface. The elongated opening may alternatively be termed a slot, recess or hole. The elongated opening may have an oblong shape. Further, according to one example, the elongated opening extends along a straight line. Further, according to one example, the elongated opening is symmetric with regard to a centre plane commensurate with its longitudinal direction. Further, according to one example, about half a length of the elongated opening in its longitudinal direction is formed by the insertion region and about half the length of the elongated opening in its longitudinal direction is formed by the locking region.

[0010] According to one example, the locking region of the first elongated opening and the first engagement portion of the fastener are complimentary shaped for achieving an interlocking state. More particularly, the locking region of the first elongated opening and the first engagement portion of the fastener have a mating male-female configuration. Especially, the locking region of the first elongated opening may be formed by an undercut, wherein the first engagement portion of the fastener has a narrow inner section and a wide outer section so that the fastener may be obstructed from transverse withdrawal from the first elongated opening when the wide outer section is received in the undercut.

[0011] According to one example, the tolerances are such that the fastener is somewhat loose / movable relative to the first component after being connected to the first component. In other words, the fastener may wiggle somewhat back and forth when arranged in the locking region / undercut of the elongated first opening. Further, the tolerances may be such that the fastener is pinched / secured relative to the second component after being connected to the second component. Accordingly, the components may be rigidly connected forming a steady interconnection.

[0012] According to one example, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion extend in different directions for being received in the associated elongated openings, especially in opposite directions or perpendicularly relative to one another.

[0013] According to one example, the retaining portion has a main extension in a transverse direction relative to a plane defined by the extension directions of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion. According to one embodiment example, the fastener is a one-piece unit. It creates conditions for an efficient manufacture of the fastener and a facilitated assembly of the piece of furniture.

[0014] According to a further embodiment example, the first engagement portion of the fastener comprises sliding means that is adapted to define a sliding direction for movement of the fastener along the first elongated opening. The first elongated opening may define correspondingly shaped sliding means.

[0015] According to one example, the sliding means is adapted for the sliding direction being arranged perpendicularly relative to the extension direction of the associated engagement portion.

[0016] According to one example, the sliding means of the first engagement portion of the fastener and the sliding means of the second engagement portion of the fastener are adapted for defining parallel sliding directions.

[0017] According to a further embodiment example, the sliding means of the first engagement portion comprises at least one projection that projects laterally relative to a main body of the first engagement portion, wherein the lateral projection defines an interference surface for the interlocking engagement with the locking region of the first elongated opening. In other words, the at least one lateral projection projects transverse relative to an extension direction of the first engagement portion.

[0018] According to one example, the sliding means of the first engagement portion comprises at least one projection that projects laterally on either side of the main body of the first engagement portion.

[0019] According to a further embodiment example, the at least one laterally projecting projection is elongated with a longitudinal direction in parallel with the sliding direction of the fastener. According to one example, the at least one laterally projecting projection is formed by a rib or ridge. According to one example, at least two laterally projecting projections are formed on one side of the first engagement portion. Further, the at least two laterally projecting projections are arranged in parallel with each other, wherein a valley is formed between the projections.

[0020] The locking region of the first elongated opening of the first component comprises a rib / valley structure that corresponds to the rib / valley structure of the first engagement portion. More specifically, the rib / valley structure of the locking region of the first elongated opening of the first component has an extension in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening. It creates conditions for a facilitated manufacture in that the rib / valley structure of the locking region may be achieved by means of milling. More specifically, a milling tool may be inserted in the insertion region and then moved along the elongated opening to its end and then back again in a single operation for forming a valley in the lateral walls. In addition, this configuration of the locking region creates conditions for measuring and verifying sufficient accuracy of the formed surfaces. Accordingly, the design creates conditions for creates conditions for a high quality solution.

[0021] According to a further embodiment example, the laterally projecting elongated projection extends around an end of the fastener in the sliding direction opposite the retaining portion.

[0022] According to one example, the laterally projecting elongated projection extends around the end of the fastener in a continuous manner so that two laterally projecting elongated projections on either side of the first engagement portion are joined.

[0023] According to a further embodiment example, the fastener comprises a stop wall extending in a transverse direction relative to the sliding direction of the fastener for forming an end stop for the sliding movement of the fastener along the first elongated opening. According to one example, the stop wall extends in a perpendicular direction relative to the sliding direction of the fastener. According to one further example, the stop wall is arranged between the first engagement portion and the retaining portion in the sliding direction of the fastener. According to one further example, the stop wall is arranged adjacent the first engagement portion.

[0024] According to a further embodiment example, the retaining portion of the fastener comprises an elongated element extending in parallel with the sliding direction of the fastener when the fastener is in a non-assembled state. According to one example, the elongated element is generally straight in a non-stressed state.

[0025] According to one example, a free end of the retaining portion in the sliding direction of the fastener is adapted to face a surface defining the first end of the first opening when the fastener is in the interlocking engagement with the first opening. Especially, the free end of the retaining portion of the fastener may engage with the first end of the first opening.

[0026] According to a further example, an end of the fastener opposite the free end of the retaining portion in the sliding direction of the fastener is adapted for engagement with a second end of the first elongated opening that is opposite the first end of the first opening when the fastener is in the interlocking engagement with the first opening. Accordingly, the fastener may be locked between the ends of the first elongated opening in an assembled state.

[0027] According to a further embodiment example, the elongated element of the retaining portion of the fastener has a generally flat main body extending in a plane in parallel with the sliding direction of the fastener when the fastener is in a non-stressed state. It creates conditions for the retaining portion to be flexible in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the generally flat main body. According to one example, the fastener is adapted to be arranged in an assembled state connecting the two components, in which the extension plane of the generally flat main body is in parallel with an interface between the two components. According to one example, the generally flat main body has a substantially constant cross section along a main part of its length.

[0028] According to a further embodiment example, a free end of the elongated element of the retaining portion of the fastener is widened in a transverse direction relative to the extension plane of the generally flat main body. It creates conditions for a stable connection of the fastener to at least one of the components with a low risk of unintentional disassembly or relative movement. Further, the design with a generally flat main body and a widened free end creates conditions for an efficient use of material for the fastener.

[0029] According to a further embodiment example, the retaining portion is adapted for allowing flexing between an original non-flexed state in which a free end of the retaining portion is in a first position and a flexed state where the free end of the retaining portion is in a second position displaced from the first position. The flexing ability of the retaining portion is achieved by means of choices in material and design of the fastener. In other words, the retaining portion is adapted for allowing flexing in a height direction of the fastener in a way that its free end may be displaced in the height direction. According to one example, the retaining portion is adapted for being substantially straight in the non-flexed state. According to one example, the retaining portion is adapted for being gently curved along its length in the flexed state. According to one example, the retaining portion is adapted for being bent locally at an end adjacent the first engagement portion and still remain a substantially straight orientation in the flexed state.

[0030] According to a further embodiment example, the retaining portion is adapted for being slid in the flexed state while in contact with a surface of the first component during the sliding of the fastener along the first elongated opening from the insertion region to the locking region and flex back towards the original non-flexed state when the free end is received in the first opening as the first engagement portion reaches the locking region of the first opening. It creates conditions for a facilitated assembly. More specifically, the flexing back of the free end of the retaining portion into the first elongated opening may provide a sound or feeling for an operator as feedback that the assembly step is correct.

[0031] According to a further embodiment example, in a similar fashion as has been described above with regard to the first component, the fastener is adapted for insertion of the second engagement portion in an insertion region of the elongated second opening and subsequently being slid along the second elongated opening to a locking region for achieving the interlocking engagement between the second engagement portion of the fastener and the locking region of the second elongated opening. The design of the fastener creates conditions for the components to be arranged in a way that the elongated openings are in a mirrored relationship with regard to an interface plane between the components.

[0032] According to a further embodiment example, in a similar fashion as has been described above with regard to the first component, the retaining portion is adapted for engagement with a first end of the second elongated opening of the second component in a longitudinal direction of the second elongated opening adjacent an insertion region and distant from a locking region for obstructing relative movement of the fastener relative to the second elongated opening when the fastener is in the interlocking engagement with the second elongated opening. Accordingly, the fastener may be adapted for being longitudinally locked relative to both components in the assembled state. Thus, the fastener may be permanently (non-detachably) connected to both components in the assembled state.

[0033] According to a further embodiment example, the fastener comprises an intermediate portion positioned between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion, wherein the intermediate portion is adapted to extend across a plane defining an interface between the first component and the second component in an assembled state and wherein the retaining portion is connected to the intermediate portion.

[0034] According to a further embodiment example, the fastener is symmetrical in a plane extending through the intermediate portion. It creates conditions for a facilitated assembly.

[0035] According to a further embodiment example, a shape and / or dimension of the first engagement portion differs relative to the second engagement portion. By a correspondingly shaped design of the associated elongated opening, the first engagement portion may be adapted to only fit with the first elongated opening (and not the second elongated opening). Likewise, the second engagement portion may be adapted to only fit with the second elongated opening (and not the first elongated opening).

[0036] According to an alternative, the fastener is arrangeable in any one of two possible orientations. Thus, the first engagement portion is adapted to fit with the first elongated opening and also, alternatively, with the second elongated opening. Likewise, the second engagement portion is adapted to fit with the second elongated opening and also, alternatively, with the first elongated opening.

[0037] According to a further aspect, the invention regards an arrangement for a piece of furniture comprising a first component, a second component and a fastener according to any one of the embodiment examples and examples above for connecting the two components. The first component comprises an elongated first opening comprising an insertion region for receipt of the first engagement portion of the fastener and a locking region spaced from the insertion region in a longitudinal direction of the elongated opening for interlocking with the first engagement portion of the fastener. Likewise, the second component comprises an elongated second opening comprising an insertion region for receipt of the second engagement portion the fastener and a locking region spaced from the insertion region in a longitudinal direction of the elongated second opening for interlocking with the second engagement portion the fastener.

[0038] According to one example, the elongated first opening is formed directly in a body of the first component and the elongated second opening is formed directly in a body of the second component. Accordingly, no glue or other fastening fluid is required. Further, no additional parts are required for the connection.

[0039] According to one embodiment example, the first component forms a first panel and the second component forms a second panel.

[0040] According to a further aspect, the invention regards a piece of furniture comprising a first component, a second component and a fastener according to any one of the above embodiment examples and examples. The first component and the second component are positioned in such a way relative to one another that the locking region of the elongated first opening is aligned with the locking region of the elongated second opening and that the fastener is arranged so that the first engagement portion is in an interlocking engagement with the locking region of the elongated first opening and simultaneously the second engagement portion is in an interlocking engagement with the locking region of the second elongated opening for rigidly connecting the two components and the retaining portion is in engagement with the first end of the first elongated opening.

[0041] According to one embodiment example, the retaining portion is in engagement with a first end of the second elongated opening in a longitudinal direction of the second elongated opening adjacent the insertion region and distant from the locking region for obstructing relative movement of the fastener relative to the second elongated opening.

[0042] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0043] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples. In the drawings:

[0045] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a fastener according to a first embodiment from a first side,

[0046] Fig. 1B is a perspective view of the fastener according to the first embodiment from a second side,

[0047] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a fastener according to a second embodiment from a first side,

[0048] Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the fastener according to the second embodiment from a second side,

[0049] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a fastener according to a third embodiment from a first side,

[0050] Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the fastener according to the third embodiment from a second side,

[0051] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of two components adapted for being connected by means of the fastener according to the first embodiment,

[0052] Fig. 5A, fig. 5B, fig. 5C, fig. 5D, fig. 5E and fig. 5F show consecutive assembly steps for connecting the two components in fig. 4,

[0053] Fig. 5G and fig. 5H show assembly steps consecutive to the state shown in fig. 5F for rigidly connecting two panels for obstructing relative movement in the context of a boxshaped piece of furniture,

[0054] Fig. 6A, fig. 6B, fig. 6C, fig. 6D, fig. 6E and fig. 6F show consecutive assembly steps for connecting two components by means of the fastener according to the third embodiment, and

[0055] Fig. 7A, fig. 7B, fig. 7C, fig. 7D, fig. 7E, fig. 7F and fig. 7G show consecutive assembly steps for connecting two components by means of the fastener according to the second embodiment.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a fastener 2 according to a first embodiment from a first side. Fig. 1 B is a perspective view of the fastener 2 from a second side. Referring now also to fig. 4. The fastener 2 is adapted for rigidly connecting a first component 4 and a second component 6. Each one of the first component 4 and the second component 6 is formed by a rectangular and generally flat panel. For ease of presentation, the components will be termed panels in the following text. Further, the first panel 4 comprises a first elongated opening 8 formed in an edge surface 12 of the first panel 4. Further, the second panel 6 comprises an elongated opening 10 formed in an edge surface 14 of the second panel 6. The respective edge surface 12, 14 extends in a plane at an angle of 45° in relation to a main extension plane of a main panel surface 16, 18 of the associated panel 4, 6. Accordingly, the panels 4, 6 will be arranged perpendicularly relative to one another when the panels 4, 6 are connected by mating the two edge surfaces 12, 14, see also fig. 5F.

[0058] Turning now to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B again. The fastener 2 comprises a first engagement portion 20 adapted for an interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening 8 of the first panel 4 and a second engagement portion 22 adapted for an interlocking engagement with the second elongated opening 10 of the second panel 6. The first engagement portion 20 and the second engagement portion 22 extend in different directions, and especially perpendicularly relative to one another.

[0059] Turning now also to fig. 5A. The first elongated opening 8 comprises an insertion region 24 and a locking region 26. The insertion region 24 and the locking region 26 merge to form the first elongated opening 8. The first elongated opening 8 is generally straight and extends in parallel with a main extension direction of the edge surface 12. Further, the insertion region 24 extends along about half a length of the first elongated opening 8. Further, the locking region 26 extends along about half a length of the first elongated opening 8.

[0060] The fastener 2 is adapted for insertion of the first engagement portion 20 in the insertion region 24 of the first elongated opening 8 and subsequently being slid along the first elongated opening 8 to the locking region 26 for achieving the interlocking engagement between the first engagement portion 20 of the fastener 2 and the locking region 26 of the first elongated opening 8. More specifically, the fastener 2 is adapted to be moved generally perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening 8 for entering the insertion region 24. Accordingly, the insertion region 24 of the first elongated opening 8 has an open end to the edge surface 12 that has a cross section dimensioned for receiving the first engagement portion 20 of the fastener 2. Further, the insertion region 24 of the first elongated opening 8 has a closed end 28, or bottom, opposite to the edge surface 12, wherein the fastener 2 may be moved so that a free end 30 of the first engagement portion 20 contacts the closed end 28. Further, the first engagement portion 20 of the fastener 2 and the locking region 26 of the first elongated opening 8 comprise complimentary shaped engagement surfaces 32, 34 for obstructing relative movement of the fastener 2 outwards from the first elongated opening 8 when the fastener 2 is in the interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening 8. More specifically, the first engagement portion 20 of the fastener 2 and the locking region 26 of the first elongated opening 8 comprise complimentary structures of ribs / recesses. More specifically, the first engagement portion 20 of the fastener 2 comprises sliding means 32, 42 that is adapted to define a sliding direction 36 for movement of the fastener 2 along the first elongated opening 8. A first one of the sliding means 32 of the first engagement portion 20 comprises at least one projection 38, 40 that projects laterally relative to the first engagement portion 20, wherein the lateral projection 38, 40 defines an interference surface for the interlocking engagement with the locking region 26 of the first elongated opening 8. The lateral projection 38, 40 is elongated with a longitudinal direction in parallel with the sliding direction 36 of the fastener 2, wherein the projection may also be termed a rib. More particularly, the first sliding means 32 comprises two parallel elongated lateral projections 38, 40 that are spaced in a height direction of the first engagement portion 20. An elongated recess, groove or valley is formed between the ribs. Especially, an external lateral surface forms a wavy shape in cross section.

[0061] A second one of the sliding means 42 of the first engagement portion 20 comprises at least one projection 44, 46 that projects laterally relative to the first engagement portion 20, wherein the lateral projection 44, 46 defines an interference surface for the interlocking engagement with the locking region 26 of the first elongated opening 8. The lateral projection 44, 46 is elongated with a longitudinal direction in parallel with the sliding direction 36 of the fastener 2. More particularly, the second sliding means 42 comprises two parallel elongated lateral projections 44, 46 that are spaced in a height direction of the first engagement portion 20.

[0062] Further, each one of the laterally projecting elongated projections 38, 40 extends around an end 48 of the fastener in the sliding direction so that the laterally projecting elongated projections 38, 40 on a first lateral side of the first engagement portion 20 connect to the laterally projecting elongated projections 44, 46 on a second lateral side of the first engagement portion 20. More specifically, an end section projection 50, 52 bridging the laterally projecting elongated projections 38, 40 on the first lateral side with the laterally projecting elongated projections 44, 46 on a second lateral side has a gently rounded shape, preferably in the form of a semi-circle. Said end 48 of the fastener in the sliding direction may be termed a head end of the fastener.

[0063] Turning now to the first elongated opening 8 of the first panel 4, see fig. 5A. Inner lateral walls of the insertion region 24 are generally flat and spaced so that the first engagement portion 20 fits between the inner lateral walls. On the other hand, inner lateral walls of the locking region 26 are provided with said structure of ribs / recesses extending in a longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening 8. The number of ribs / recesses and the shape and dimension of the ribs / recesses correspond to the number of lateral projections 38, 40 of the first engagement portion 20 and their shape and dimension for allowing the relative sliding feature and the interlocking engagement.

[0064] The design of the second engagement portion 22 has a similar design as the first engagement portion 20 as described above. Further, the second elongated opening 10 has a similar design as the first elongated opening 8. Accordingly, the fastener 2 is adapted for insertion of the second engagement portion 22 in an insertion region 64 of the second elongated opening 10 and subsequently being slid along the second elongated opening 10 to a locking region 66 for achieving an interlocking engagement between the second engagement portion 22 of the fastener 2 and the locking region 66 of the second elongated opening 10.

[0065] Turning now to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1 B again. The fastener 2 comprises a retaining portion 54 that is adapted for engagement with a first end 56 of the first elongated opening 8 in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening 8 adjacent the insertion region 24 and distant from the locking region 26 for obstructing relative movement of the fastener 2 relative to the first elongated opening 8 when the fastener 2 is in the interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening 8. The retaining portion 54 creates conditions for a permanent attachment of the fastener to the first panel 4. The retaining portion 54 may alternatively be termed a retaining clip or latch. The fastener 2 is a one- piece unit comprising the first engagement portion 20, the second engagement portion 22 and the retaining portion 54. Further, the fastener 2 is formed in a plastic material. The retaining portion 54 of the fastener 2 comprises an elongated element 58 extending in parallel with the sliding direction 36 of the fastener 2. The elongated element 58 of the retaining portion 54 of the fastener 2 is generally straight and has a generally flat main body extending in a plane in parallel with the sliding direction 36 of the fastener 2.

[0066] Further, the fastener 2 comprises an intermediate portion 62 positioned between the first engagement portion 20 and the second engagement portion 22, wherein the intermediate portion 62 is adapted to extend across a plane defining an interface between the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 in an assembled state and wherein the retaining portion 54 is connected to the intermediate portion 62. The intermediate portion 62 defines a perpendicular corner for connecting the first engagement portion 20 and the second engagement portion 22 extending perpendicularly relative to one another. The fastener 2 is symmetrical in a plane extending through the intermediate portion 62.

[0067] The fastener 2 further comprises a stop wall 63 extending in a transverse direction relative to the sliding direction 36 of the fastener 2 for forming an end stop for the sliding movement of the fastener 2 along the first elongated opening 8. According to one example, the stop wall 63 extends in a perpendicular direction relative to the sliding direction 36 of the fastener 2. According to one further example, the stop wall 63 is arranged between the first engagement portion 20 and the retaining portion 54 in the sliding direction of the fastener. According to one further example, the stop wall 63 is arranged adjacent the first engagement portion 20 and more particularly bridging a distance between the two elongated lateral projections 38, 40. A further stop wall 65 is associated to the second engagement portion 22 in a similar way.

[0068] The retaining portion 54 is adapted for allowing flexing between an original non-flexed state in which a free end 60 of the retaining portion 54 is in a first position and a flexed state where the free end 60 of the retaining portion 54 is in a second position displaced from the first position, see fig. 5B. More specifically, the retaining portion 54 is adapted for being slid in the flexed state while in contact with a surface of the first component 4 during the sliding of the fastener 2 along the first elongated opening 8 from the insertion region 24 to the locking region 26 and flex back towards the original non-flexed state when the free end 60 is received in the first elongated opening 8 as the first engagement portion 20 reaches the locking region 26 of the first elongated opening 8. The free end 60 of the retaining portion 54 may alternatively be termed a tail end of the fastener 2. The first engagement portion 20 has an extension from the head end 48 of the fastener 2 to about midway of the fastener 2 extension between the head end 48 and the tail end 60. The retaining portion 54 has an extension from the tail end 60 of the fastener 2 to about midway of the fastener 2 extension between the head end 48 and the tail end 60. In other words, the first engagement portion 20 and the second engagement portion 22 extends between the head end 48 and a division plane about half the length of the fastener 2 between the head end 48 and the tail end 60, wherein the division plane extends perpendicularly to the sliding direction 36. The retaining portion 54 extends between the division plane and the tail end 60. Further, each one of the first engagement portion 20 and the second engagement portion 22 has a flat end face in said division plane. Further, the first engagement portion 20 and the second engagement portion 22 are formed in a hollow body.

[0069] An assembly of the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 by means of the fastener 2 will now be described with reference to fig. 5A-5H. In fig. 5A, the fastener 2 is positioned relative to the first panel 4 in a way that the first engagement portion 20 is in line with the insertion region 24 of the first elongated opening 8. The arrow 68 indicates a movement direction for moving the fastener 2 relative to the first panel 4 in a way that the first engagement portion 20 enters the insertion region 24 of the first elongated opening 8. In other words, the fastener 2 is moved relative to the first panel 4 so that the first engagement portion 20 is inserted in the rib / recess-free region of the first elongated opening 8. Further, the fastener 2 is moved relative to the first panel 4 all the way so that the free end 30 of the first engagement portion 20 contacts the closed end 28 of the first elongated opening 8.

[0070] The retaining portion 54 is arranged on such a distance from the free end 30 of the first engagement portion 20 that the retaining portion 54 will contact the edge surface 12 of the first panel 4 and be displaced as the fastener 2 is moved into the first elongated opening 8, see arrow 70 in fig. 5B.

[0071] The engagement surfaces 32, 34 of the fastener 2 and the first elongated opening 8 are complimentary shaped so that the lateral projections 38, 40; 44, 46 of the first engagement portion 20 are in line with the corresponding recesses in the lateral walls of the locking region 26 when the free end 30 of the first engagement portion 20 is in contact with the closed end 28 of the first elongated opening 8. Accordingly, in a consecutive assembly step, the fastener 2 is moved along the elongated first opening 8 from the insertion region 24 towards the locking region 26, see arrow 72 in fig. 5C, wherein the lateral projections 38, 40; 44, 46 of the first engagement portion 20 engage with the recesses in the lateral walls of the locking region 26. When the first engagement portion 20 contacts a second end 74 of the first elongated opening 8 opposite the first end 56 in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening 8, the retaining portion 54 will fit in the first elongated opening 8 and therefore flex back to its original non-flexed state, see arrow 76. It may be noted in fig. 5D that the free end 60 of the of the retaining portion 54 is in engagement with the first end 56 of the first elongated opening 8. Accordingly, the fastener 2 is rigidly attached to the first panel 4. More specifically, the retaining portion 54 is positioned in its entirety inside the first elongated opening 8.

[0072] In fig. 5D, the fastener 2 is positioned relative to the second panel 6 in a way that the second engagement portion 20 is in line with the insertion region 64 of the second elongated opening 10. The arrow 78 indicates a movement direction for moving the fastener 2 relative to the second panel 6 in a way that the second engagement portion 22 enters the insertion region 64 of the second elongated opening 10. Due to the fact that the fastener 2 is rigidly attached to the first panel 4, the fastener 2 and the first panel 4 are moved in unison.

[0073] In a consecutive assembly step, the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 are moved relative to one another so that the second engagement portion 22 enters the locking region 66 of the second elongated opening 10, see arrow 80 in fig. 5E. A final arrangement of the fastener 2 relative to the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 is shown in fig. 5F.

[0074] A locking piece 82 is shown in fig. 5G for locking the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 in the perpendicular state. The locking piece 82 has an angular configuration and is formed by two plates 84, 86 arranged perpendicularly relative to one another in a one- piece unit, wherein each plate 84, 86 comprises at least one projection 88, 90. Further, each one of the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 comprises a hole pattern 92, 94 adapted for receipt of the projections 88, 90. It creates conditions for disassembly. A carcass or shell 96 for a piece of furniture comprising the first panel 4 and the second panel 6 in the connected state is shown in fig. 5H. The carcass 96 comprises two further panels 97, 98, wherein the four panels 4, 6, 97, 98 are arranged to define a rectangular shape in cross section.

[0075] Fig. 2A is a perspective view of a fastener 102 according to a second embodiment from a first side. Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the fastener 102 from a second side. For ease of presentation, only the main differences relative to the fastener 2 according to the first embodiment will be described in the following text.

[0076] The fastener 102 is adapted for rigidly connecting a first component 104 and a second component 106 in a perpendicular relationship. Further, the first panel 104 comprises a first elongated opening 108 formed in an edge surface 112 of the first panel 104. The edge surface 112 extends perpendicularly to a main plane of the first panel 104. Further, the second panel 106 comprises an elongated opening 110 formed in a main panel surface 113 of the second panel 106 adjacent an edge surface 114 of the second panel 106.

[0077] Turning now to Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B again. The fastener 102 comprises a first engagement portion 120 adapted for an interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening 108 of the first panel 104 and a second engagement portion 122 adapted for an interlocking engagement with the second elongated opening 110 of the second panel 106. The first engagement portion 120 and the second engagement portion 122 extend in different directions, and especially in opposite directions relative to one another. In other words, the first engagement portion 120 and the second engagement portion 122 extend in different directions along a straight line.

[0078] The fastener 102 comprises a retaining portion 154. The retaining portion 154 comprises an elongated element 156, wherein a free end 160 of the elongated element 156 is widened in a transverse direction relative to the extension plane of a generally flat main body of the elongated element 156. More particularly, a first face of the elongated element 156 is gently curved at an end region adjacent the free end 160, while a second face of the elongated element 156 opposite the first face is flat all the way to the free end. Further, the free end 160 has a generally flat end surface facing in a longitudinal direction of the elongated element 156. It provides for a relatively large contact area relative to the first end of the first elongated opening 108 and thereby a reliable attachment.

[0079] The fastener 102 comprises a projection 159 adapted for securing that the fastener 102 is arranged in a correct way when assembled. More particularly, the projection 159 is adapted for securing that the fastener 102 is arranged with the first engagement portion 120 in the first elongated opening 108 of the first panel 104 and with the second engagement portion 122 in the second elongated opening 110 of the second panel 106 and not the other way around. More specifically, the first elongated opening 108 of the first panel 104 is longer relative to the second elongated opening 110 of the second panel 106 for housing the projection 159. Fig. 7A shows a first, correct, connection scenario to the left and a second, non-correct, connection scenario to the right. It may be noted that the first elongated opening 108 in the first panel 104 to the left has a sufficient length for housing the projection 159, whereas the second elongated opening 110 in the second panel 106 to the right does not have a sufficient length for housing the projection 159. In this way, a correct assembly is secured.

[0080] In fig. 7B, the fastener 102 is positioned relative to the first panel 104 in a way that the first engagement portion 120 is in line with an insertion region 124 of the first elongated opening 108. The arrow 168 indicates a movement direction for moving the fastener 102 relative to the first panel 104 in a way that the first engagement portion 120 enters the insertion region 124 of the first elongated opening 108.

[0081] The retaining portion 154 is adapted so that it will contact the edge surface 112 of the first panel 104 and be displaced as the fastener 102 is moved into the first elongated opening 108, see arrow 170 in fig. 7C.

[0082] In a consecutive assembly step, the fastener 102 is moved along the elongated first opening 108 from the insertion region 124 towards the locking region 126, see arrow 172 in fig. 7D, wherein the lateral projections of the first engagement portion 120 engage with the grooves in the lateral walls of the locking region 126. When the first engagement portion 120 contacts a second end of the first elongated opening 108 opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening 108, the retaining portion 154 will fit in the first elongated opening 108 and therefore flex back to its original nonflexed state, see arrow 176. It may be noted in fig. 7E that the free end of the retaining portion 154 is in engagement with the first end of the first elongated opening 108. Accordingly, the fastener 102 is rigidly attached to the first panel 104. More specifically, the retaining portion 154 is positioned in its entirety inside the first elongated opening 108.

[0083] In fig. 7E, the fastener 102 is positioned relative to the second panel 106 in a way that the second engagement portion 122 is in line with the insertion region 164 of the second elongated opening 110. The arrow 178 indicates a movement direction for moving the fastener 102 relative to the second panel 106 in a way that the second engagement portion 122 enters the insertion region 164 of the second elongated opening 110. Due to the fact that the fastener 102 is rigidly attached to the first panel 104, the fastener 102 and the first panel 104 are moved in unison.

[0084] In a consecutive assembly step, the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 are moved relative to one another so that the second engagement portion 122 enters the locking region 166 of the second elongated opening 110, see arrow 180 in fig. 7F. A final arrangement of the fastener 102 relative to the first panel 104 and the second panel 106 is shown in fig. 7G.

[0085] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a fastener 202 according to a third embodiment from a first side. Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the fastener 202 from a second side. For ease of presentation, only the main differences relative to the fastener 102 according to the second embodiment will be described in the following text.

[0086] The fastener 202 is adapted for rigidly connecting a first panel 204 and a second panel 206 in a perpendicular relationship. Further, the first panel 204 comprises a first elongated opening 208 formed in an edge surface 212 of the first panel 204. The edge surface 212 extends perpendicularly to a main plane of the first panel 204. Further, the second panel 206 comprises an elongated opening 210 formed in a main panel surface 213 of the second panel 206 adjacent an edge surface 214 of the second panel 206.

[0087] Turning now to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B again. The fastener 202 comprises a first engagement portion 220 adapted for an interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening 208 of the first panel 204 and a second engagement portion 222 adapted for an interlocking engagement with the second elongated opening 210 of the second panel 206. The first engagement portion 220 and the second engagement portion 222 extend in different directions, and especially in opposite directions relative to one another. In other words, the first engagement portion 220 and the second engagement portion 222 extend in different directions along a straight line.

[0088] The fastener 202 comprises a retaining portion 254. The retaining portion 254 comprises an elongated element 256, wherein a free end 260 of the elongated element 256 is widened in a transverse direction relative to the extension plane of a generally flat main body of the elongated element 156. It may be noted that the free end 260 of the elongated element 256 is widened in both transverse directions relative to the extension plane of the generally flat main body of the elongated element 256. More particularly, the free end 260 of the elongated element 256 is widened to such an extent that it simultaneously may act against ends of both the first elongated opening 108 and the second elongated opening 210. It creates conditions for permanently (non-detachably) locking the panels 204, 206 to each other. More particularly, a first face of the elongated element 256 is gently curved at an end region adjacent the free end 260 and a second face of the elongated element 256 opposite the first face is also gently curved at the end region adjacent the free end 260. According to the shown example, the elongated element 256 has a symmetric shape. Further, the free end 260 has a generally flat end surface facing in a longitudinal direction of the elongated element 256. It provides for a relatively large contact area relative to the ends of both the first elongated opening 208 and the second elongated opening 210 and thereby a reliable attachment.

[0089] In fig. 6A, the fastener 202 is positioned relative to the first panel 204 in a way that the first engagement portion 220 is in line with an insertion region 224 of the first elongated opening 208. The arrow 268 indicates a movement direction for moving the fastener 202 relative to the first panel 204 in a way that the first engagement portion 220 enters the insertion region 224 of the first elongated opening 208.

[0090] The retaining portion 254 is adapted so that it will contact the edge surface 212 of the first panel 204 and be displaced as the fastener 202 is moved into the first elongated opening 208, see arrow 270 in fig. 6B.

[0091] In a consecutive assembly step, the fastener 202 is moved along the elongated first opening 208 from the insertion region 224 towards the locking region 226, see arrow 272 in fig. 6C, wherein the lateral projections of the first engagement portion 220 engage with the grooves in the lateral walls of the locking region 226. When the first engagement portion 220 contacts a second end of the first elongated opening 208 opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening 208, the retaining portion 254 will fit in the first elongated opening 208 and therefore flex back to its original nonflexed state, see arrow 276. It may be noted in fig. 6D that the free end of the retaining portion 254 is in engagement with the first end of the first elongated opening 208. Accordingly, the fastener 202 is rigidly attached to the first panel 204. More specifically, the retaining portion 154 is positioned so that the free widened end 260 of the retaining portion 254 projects from the first elongated opening 208.

[0092] In fig. 6D, the fastener 202 is positioned relative to the second panel 206 in a way that the second engagement portion 222 is in line with an insertion region 264 of the second elongated opening 210. The arrow 278 indicates a movement direction for moving the fastener 202 relative to the second panel 206 in a way that the second engagement portion 222 enters the insertion region 264 of the second elongated opening 210. Due to the fact that the fastener 202 is rigidly attached to the first panel 204, the fastener 202 and the first panel 204 are moved in unison. Due to the fact that the free end 260 of the retaining portion 254 projects from the edge surface 212 of the first panel 204, the retaining portion 254 will flex inwards relative to the first elongated opening 208 as the panels 204, 206 are moved in contact with each other.

[0093] In a consecutive assembly step, the first panel 204 and the second panel 206 are moved relative to one another so that the second engagement portion 222 enters the locking region 266 of the second elongated opening 210, see arrow 280 in fig. 6E. A final arrangement of the fastener 202 relative to the first panel 204 and the second panel 206 is shown in fig. 6F.

[0094] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0095] According to one example, the panels may be arranged in parallel with each other and next to one another, wherein the connection is arranged at opposing edge surfaces of the panels. The angular piece described above in association with fig. 5G may of course be replaced by any other type of solution that interlocks the two panels to each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fastener (2, 102, 202) for rigidly connecting two components (4, 6, 104, 106, 204, 206) of a piece of furniture, wherein the fastener (2, 102, 202) comprises a first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) adapted for an interlocking engagement with a first elongated opening (8, 108, 208) of a first one (4, 104, 204) of the components and a second engagement portion (22, 122, 222) adapted for an interlocking engagement with a second elongated opening (10, 110, 210) of a second one (6, 106, 206) of the components, wherein the fastener (2, 102, 202) is adapted for insertion of the first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) in an insertion region (24, 124, 224) of the first elongated opening (8, 108, 208) and subsequently being slid along the first elongated opening to a locking region (26, 126, 226) for achieving the interlocking engagement between the first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) of the fastener and the locking region (26, 126, 226) of the first elongated opening (8, 108, 208), wherein the fastener comprises a retaining portion (54, 154, 254) that is adapted for engagement with a first end (56) of the first elongated opening in a longitudinal direction of the first elongated opening adjacent the insertion region (24, 124, 224) and distant from the locking region (26, 126, 226) for obstructing relative movement of the fastener (2, 102, 202) relative to the first elongated opening (8, 108, 208) when the fastener is in the interlocking engagement with the first elongated opening.

2. The fastener according to claim 1 , wherein the fastener (2, 102, 202) is a one- piece unit.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) of the fastener (2, 102, 202) comprises sliding means (32, 42) that is adapted to define a sliding direction (36, 136, 236) for movement of the fastener along the first elongated opening (8, 108, 208).

4. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein the sliding means (32, 42) of the first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) comprises at least one projection (38, 40) that projects laterally relative to a main body of the first engagement portion, whereinthe lateral projection (38, 40) defines an interference surface for the interlocking engagement with the locking region of the first elongated opening (8, 108, 208).

5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein the at least one laterally projecting projection (38, 40) is elongated with a longitudinal direction in parallel with the sliding direction (36, 136, 236) of the fastener.

6. The fastener according to claim 5, wherein the laterally projecting elongated projection (38, 40) extends around an end (48) of the fastener in the sliding direction (36, 136, 236) opposite the retaining portion.

7. The fastener according to anyone of claims 3-6, wherein the fastener (2, 102, 202) comprises a stop wall (63, 65) extending in a transverse direction relative to the sliding direction (36, 136, 236) of the fastener for forming an end stop for the sliding movement of the fastener along the first elongated opening.

8. The fastener according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) of the fastener comprises an elongated element (58, 156, 256) extending in parallel with the sliding direction of the fastener.

9. The fastener according to claim 8, wherein the elongated element (58, 156, 256) of the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) of the fastener has a generally flat main body extending in a plane in parallel with the sliding direction (36, 136, 236) of the fastener.

10. The fastener according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a free end (60, 160, 260) of the elongated element (58, 156, 256) of the retaining portion of the fastener is widened in a transverse direction relative to the extension plane of the generally flat main body.

11. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) is adapted for allowing flexing between an original non-flexed state in which a free end (60, 160, 260) of the retaining portion is in a first position and aflexed state where the free end of the retaining portion is in a second position displaced from the first position.

12. The fastener according to claim 11, wherein the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) is adapted for being slid in the flexed state while in contact with a surface of the first component (4, 104, 204) during the sliding of the fastener (2, 102, 202) along the first elongated opening from the insertion region to the locking region and flex back towards the original non-flexed state when the free end is received in the first elongated opening (8, 108, 208) as the first engagement portion reaches the locking region of the first opening.

13. A fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the fastener (2, 102, 202) is adapted for insertion of the second engagement portion (22, 122, 222) in an insertion region (64, 164, 264) of the elongated second opening (10, 110, 210) and subsequently being slid along the second elongated opening to a locking region (66, 166, 266) for achieving the interlocking engagement between the second engagement portion of the fastener and the locking region of the second elongated opening.

14. The fastener according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) is adapted for engagement with a first end of the second elongated opening (10, 110, 210) of the second component (6, 106, 206) in a longitudinal direction of the second elongated opening adjacent an insertion region (64, 164, 264) and distant from a locking region (66, 166, 266) for obstructing relative movement of the fastener relative to the second elongated opening when the fastener is in the interlocking engagement with the second elongated opening.

15. An arrangement for a piece of furniture comprising a first component (4, 104, 204), a second component (6, 106, 206) and a fastener (2, 102, 202) according to any preceding claim for rigidly connecting the two components, wherein the first component (4, 104, 204) comprises an elongated first opening (8, 108, 208) comprising an insertion region (24, 124, 224) for receipt of the first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) of the fastener and a locking region (26, 126, 226) spaced from the insertion region in a longitudinal direction of the elongated opening for interlocking with the first engagement portion of the fastener and wherein thesecond component (6, 106, 206) comprises an elongated second opening (10,110, 210) comprising an insertion region (64, 164, 264) for receipt of the second engagement portion (22, 122, 222) of the fastener and a locking region (66, 166, 266) spaced from the insertion region in a longitudinal direction of the elongated second opening for interlocking with the second engagement portion the fastener.

16. The arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the elongated first opening (8, 108, 208) is formed directly in a body of the first component (4, 104, 204) and the elongated second opening (10,110, 210) is formed directly in a body of the second component (6, 106, 206).

17. The arrangement according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first component (4, 104, 204) forms a first panel and the second component (6, 106, 206) forms a second panel.

18. A piece of furniture comprising a first component (4, 104, 204), a second component (6, 106, 206) and a fastener (2, 102, 202) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein the first component (4, 104, 204) and the second component (6, 106, 206) are positioned in such a way relative to one another that the locking region (24, 124, 224) of the elongated first opening (8, 108, 208) is aligned with the locking region (64, 164, 264) of the elongated second opening (10, 110, 210) and that the fastener (2, 102, 202) is arranged so that the first engagement portion (20, 120, 220) is in an interlocking engagement with the locking region (24, 124, 224) of the elongated first opening and simultaneously the second engagement portion (22, 122, 222) is in an interlocking engagement with the locking region (26, 126, 226) of the second elongated opening for rigidly connecting the two components and the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) is in engagement with the first end of the first elongated opening.

19. A piece of furniture according to claim 18, wherein the retaining portion (54, 154, 254) is in engagement with a first end of the second elongated opening (10, 110, 210) in a longitudinal direction of the second elongated opening adjacent the insertion region and distant from the locking region for obstructing relative movement of the fastener relative to the second elongated opening.

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