Innovative furniture connector providing easy assembly and disassembly

Abstract

The invention is an assembly apparatus (A) that provides easy assembly and disassembly between furniture parts, characterized by; at least one arm connection plate (10) and locking counterpart (30) that connect the arm, backrest, and seating sections of furniture, a movable element (20) that performs a rotational movement between the arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30) and provides locking during this rotation, at least one locking tongue (21) on at least one end of the movable element (20), which moves within a locking cavity (31) on the body of the locking counterpart (30) to achieve locking, at least one centering element (40) positioned within a centering cavity (60) on the bodies of the movable element (20) and the arm connection plate (10), aiding in centering and stabilizing the rotation axis during assembly, along with a centering counterpart (41) corresponding to the centering element (40), at least one protrusion (33) on the locking counterpart (30) and at least one elevation (12) on the arm connection plate (10) to reduce friction between the arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30) and ensure smooth movement.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] INNOVATIVE FURNITURE CONNECTOR PROVIDING EASY ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The invention relates to an innovative assembly apparatus designed for use in the furniture industry, specifically aimed at securely and easily connecting furniture parts such as arms, backrests, and seating sections. This apparatus offers a mechanical connection system that simplifies assembly and disassembly, ensures alignment, and secures furniture parts using fewer components.

[0005] State of the Art

[0006] Furniture production and assembly combine elements of functionality, aesthetics, and ease of use. Nowadays, the increasing comfort expectations of users and the need for quick and efficient assembly processes require continuous development of furniture connection methods. Current systems typically involve numerous screws, brackets, connectors, and tools for assembly, extending the assembly time and causing complexity. Additionally, the difficulties faced by users during assembly and disassembly and the risk of damaging the furniture highlight the need for innovative solutions in this field.

[0007] In response to the limitations of traditional connection systems, this invention aims to provide an assembly apparatus that can be easily and quickly connected and disconnected without the need for tools, offering an aesthetic and reliable solution. Thus, this apparatus guarantees a user-friendly assembly experience while ensuring the secure and solid connection of furniture parts. The simple structure and few components of the apparatus significantly simplify the assembly process and minimize potential errors during assembly.

[0008] In this context, the background of the invention presents an effective and innovative connection solution to overcome the challenges of existing assembly systems. The invention aims to make furniture assembly accessible and practical for everyone by facilitating assembly and disassembly processes.

[0009] As a result of the research conducted in the literature, the Turkish utility model application with reference number 2022 / 001320 has been identified. This application covers an assembly mechanism designed for use in garden, office, and home furniture. The mechanism includes male and female connection plates, an assembly plate, and a locking apparatus that brings together the headrest, backrest, and seat parts. An angled groove in the locking apparatus and a slot at the base of the lock pin are designed to facilitate the locking process. A string connected to the locking apparatus through a string hole creates a lever effect, allowing locking with less force.

[0010] However, this system requires the locking apparatus to be turned, causing users to face the problem of "straining." Additionally, the stress on the locking apparatus during assembly can prevent a comfortable setup for the user, and excessive force can damage the chairs. While the assembly apparatus is generally used between the backrest and headrest or the seat and headrest, its use in the vertical connection between the backrest and seat is more challenging.

[0011] Another research in the literature revealed the Turkish utility model application with reference number 2023 / 002272. It includes an improved version of a similar assembly mechanism. This system features a seat assembly mechanism with centering and movement rivets. Improvements in this design include increased tolerance by clearing the area around the rivet holes to accommodate potential assembly errors. Additionally, a footplate for leg connections ensures balanced placement of the legs.

[0012] The disadvantages of these systems include the amount of force required during assembly and the need for precise positioning of the locking apparatus. Users sometimes need additional tools and face difficulties during these processes, which increases the risk of damage to furniture parts. Moreover, these designs can cause some usability challenges during assembly and disassembly.

[0013] Our solution addresses and eliminates these existing disadvantages. Our innovative assembly apparatus offers a locking mechanism that requires less force, is easier to use, and is more user-friendly. The apparatus aims to reduce the difficulties users may encounter during assembly and provide safer assembly. With its simple, centered, and user-friendly design, the furniture can be easily assembled and disassembled without straining or struggling, and without the risk of damage. This design simplifies the assembly process while also increasing the strength and durability of the connection between furniture parts. Users can now quickly and securely assemble and disassemble their furniture without feeling the need for tools and with less effort.

[0014] Objective of the Invention

[0015] The primary objective of the invention is to simplify the furniture assembly process to the maximum extent. This is achieved through the comprehensible design of the assembly apparatus, enabling users to easily assemble furniture without requiring many additional tools.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to minimize the difficulties that users may encounter during the furniture assembly process. The user-friendly design provides the opportunity to securely and quickly connect the parts.

[0017] Additionally, the invention aims to prevent damage to furniture parts during assembly and disassembly. Due to the reduced force requirement of the design, users can combine and separate parts without exerting excessive force, thus avoiding damage.

[0018] Furthermore, the invention seeks to tolerate errors during assembly and provide users with greater assembly flexibility. Increased tolerances and improved centering mechanisms in the structure allow users to correct errors more easily and complete the furniture assembly seamlessly.

[0019] Another goal of the invention is to make the furniture assembly process more ergonomic. With the ergonomic structure of the assembly apparatus, users can assemble their furniture with less effort.

[0020] Moreover, the invention aims to provide users with an independent assembly experience without the need for numerous auxiliary tools. Thanks to self-explanatory assembly steps and an easy locking mechanism, users can perform the assembly independently without additional help. These objectives aim to address common issues encountered in furniture assembly and provide users with a smoother, simpler, and more satisfying assembly experience.

[0021] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the invention is an assembly apparatus that provides easy assembly and disassembly of furniture parts. It includes at least one arm connection plate and a locking counterpart that connect the arm, backrest, and seating sections of furniture. A movable element performs a rotational movement between the arm connection plate and the locking counterpart, providing locking during this rotation. This movable element has at least one locking tongue that moves within a locking cavity on the body of the locking counterpart, ensuring the locking mechanism.

[0022] The invention also includes at least one centering element, positioned within a centering cavity on the movable element and the arm connection plate body, aiding in the stabilization of the rotation axis during assembly. To reduce friction between the arm connection plate and the locking counterpart and ensure smooth movement, the locking counterpart includes at least one protrusion, and the arm connection plate features at least one elevation.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment, to facilitate assembly and disassembly, the movable element has a cavity at its end where a string can be attached and pulled by the user to move the element.

[0024] Another alternative embodiment includes at least one connecting element through connection cavities created on the surfaces of the arm connection plate and the locking counterpart, enabling easy assembly and disassembly of the arm, backrest, and seating sections of furniture.

[0025] In yet another alternative embodiment, the connecting element (50) may be screws, rivets, or similar fastening tools.

[0026] Additionally, the invention includes at least one cavity in the centering counterpart to increase the tolerance during the positioning and fixation of the centering element, thus reducing the error margin during assembly. The movable element, in another embodiment, may have different geometries to optimize the locking process, enhance mechanical efficiency, and ensure the locking mechanism operates faster and more smoothly through easier rotational movement.

[0027] The locking cavity, in another alternative embodiment, has a geometry that matches the shape of the locking tongue.

[0028] An alternative embodiment of the invention includes at least one locking stopper that ensures the locking tongue stops at a specific position during its rotation.

[0029] Finally, another embodiment includes at least one stopper that restricts the movement of the movable element.

[0030] This innovative approach not only simplifies the assembly process but also echoes the commitment to providing user-friendly solutions, similar to how we aim to offer seamless experiences in other aspects of intellectual property consultancy. By ensuring ease of use and minimizing potential errors, this invention significantly enhances user satisfaction, akin to how a well-crafted patent or trademark solution can provide peace of mind and protection.

[0031] Description of Figures

[0032] Figure-1 : Front perspective view of the assembly apparatus in an unlocked position. Figure-2: Rear perspective view of the assembly apparatus in an unlocked position. Figure-3: Front perspective view of the assembly apparatus in a locked position. Figure-4: Perspective view of the assembly apparatus in a disassembled state.

[0033] Explanation of Part References

[0034] A. Assembly Apparatus 40. Centering Element

[0035] 10. Arm Connection Plate 41. Centering Counterpart

[0036] 11. Movable Element Stopper 41a. Cavity

[0037] 12. Elevation 50. Connection Cavity

[0038] 20. Movable Element 51. Connecting Element

[0039] 21. Locking Tongue 60. Centering Cavity 22. Movable Element Cavity

[0040] 30. Locking Counterpart

[0041] 31 . Locking Cavity

[0042] 32. Locking Stopper

[0043] 33. Protrusion

[0044] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] Referring to Figure-1 , an assembly apparatus (A) is shown, which connects the arm, backrest, and seating sections of furniture to each other. The assembly apparatus (A) in its basic form consists of an arm connection plate (10), a movable element (20), a locking counterpart (30), a centering element (40), and a centering counterpart (41). The arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30) are connected to the arm, backrest, and seating sections via connection cavities (50). The centering element (40) passes through the centering cavity (60) located on the bodies of the movable element (20) and the arm connection plate (10), and connects to the centering counterpart (41). This ensures the centering of the arm connection plate (10) and the movable element (20) within the assembly apparatus (A).

[0046] Referring to Figure-4, the arm connection plate (10) houses at least one movable element (20) positioned via the centering element (40). At least one end of this movable element (20) features a locking tongue (21) that extends outward from the body of the movable element (20). The movable element (20) rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the position of the assembly apparatus (A), to lock the arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30) together. During this rotation, the locking tongue (21) also rotates in the same direction. The rotating locking tongue (21) moves within the locking cavity (31) on the body surface of the locking counterpart (30), providing locking to the locking counterpart (30). A locking stopper (32) is used in the locking cavity (31) to stop the movement of the locking tongue (21) at a specific position. During rotation, the locking tongue (21) stops against the locking stopper (32). Similarly, a movable element stopper (11) is positioned on the arm connection plate (10) to restrict the movement of the movable element (20). To facilitate the movement of the movable element (20) between the locking counterpart (30) and the arm connection plate (10), and to prevent collision or friction with the connecting elements (51) that will be connected to the connection cavities (50), at least one protrusion (33) is formed on the locking counterpart (30) and at least one elevation (12) on the body of the arm connection plate (10). The connecting element (51) mentioned here can be a screw or a rivet.

[0047] The centering element (40) is connected to the centering counterpart (41) by passing through a cavity in the centering counterpart (41). If desired, the centering counterpart (41), where the centering element (40) is connected, can be welded or riveted to the arm connection plate (10) and used as an integral structure with the arm connection plate (10).

[0048] The movable element (20) can be rotated manually for locking. Additionally, a movable element cavity (22) is formed at the end of the movable element (20), allowing the user to attach a string and perform the locking process by pulling the movable element (20).

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention is an assembly apparatus (A) that provides easy assembly and disassembly between furniture parts, characterized by:• at least one arm connection plate (10) and locking counterpart (30) that connect the arm, backrest, and seating sections of furniture.• a movable element (20) that performs a rotational movement between the arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30) and provides locking during this rotation.• at least one locking tongue (21) on at least one end of the movable element (20), which moves within a locking cavity (31) on the body of the locking counterpart (30) to achieve locking.• at least one centering element (40) positioned within a centering cavity (60) on the bodies of the movable element (20) and the arm connection plate (10), aiding in centering and stabilizing the rotation axis during assembly, along with a centering counterpart (41) corresponding to the centering element (40).• at least one protrusion (33) on the locking counterpart (30) and at least one elevation (12) on the arm connection plate (10) to reduce friction between the arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30) and ensure smooth movement.

2. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by a movable element cavity (22) at the end of the movable element (20) that can be moved by the user by attaching and pulling a string to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

3. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one connecting element (50) that allows the arm, backrest, and seating sections of furniture to be easily assembled and disassembled through connection cavities (51) created on the surfaces of the arm connection plate (10) and the locking counterpart (30).

4. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 3, characterized by the connecting element (50) being screws, rivets, or similar fastening tools.

5. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one cavity (41a) within the centering counterpart (41), which increases tolerances during the positioning and fixation of the centering element (40), reducing the error margin during assembly.

6. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1, characterized by the movable element (20) having different geometries to optimize the locking process, enhance mechanical efficiency, and ensure faster and smoother operation of the locking mechanism by facilitating rotational movement.

7. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1, characterized by the locking cavity (31) having a geometry that matches the shape of the locking tongue (21).

8. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one locking stopper (32) that ensures the locking tongue (21) stops at a specific position during its rotation.

9. An assembly apparatus (A) according to claim 1 , characterized by at least one movable element stopper (11) that restricts the movement of the movable element

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