Assembly kit for removably attaching elements adapted to compose structures

The assembly kit with multi-axis anchor points enables flexible and cost-effective assembly of structures by allowing endless combinations and easy disassembly, addressing the limitations of existing systems.

WO2026018177A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-01-22AZZALI GIACOMO
View PDF 6 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2025/057198
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-07-19
Filing Date
2025-07-16
Publication Date
2026-01-22

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing assembly systems for structures, such as furnishings and furniture, often require high time and cost for manufacturing due to direct element attachment or require custom-made connecting components, limiting flexibility and variation in assembly configurations.

Method used

An assembly kit comprising a combination of components with anchor points on multiple Cartesian axes, allowing for endless combinations and adaptability to different elements and dimensions, enabling easy disassembly and reassembly.

Benefits of technology

The kit provides a modular and flexible system that allows for a wide range of assembly types, creativity, and reusability, overcoming limitations of fixed configurations and reducing manufacturing time and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure IB2025057198_22012026_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure IB2025057198_22012026_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Assembly kit for removably attaching to each other elements adapted to compose structures, said assembly kit comprising a combination of components of the same or different type, characterised in that said kit comprises surfaces equipped with at least one anchor point, which extends along each Cartesian axis.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] TITLE: ASSEMBLY KIT FOR REMOVABLY ATTACHING ELEMENTS ADAPTED TO COMPOSE STRUCTURES

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of assembly kits for removably attaching elements adapted to compose structures.

[0005] In particular, said structures may be furnishings, furniture, toys, or in general objects that are made by assembling different elements.

[0006] STATE OF THE ART

[0007] Several systems for assembling structures of the type mentioned above are known to the state of the art.

[0008] Said structures can be made of wood, metal, plastic or other materials.

[0009] Often the elements that compose the structures are attached directly to each other.

[0010] In such a case, said elements have been suitably machined in order to be able to be coupled, for example they may be provided with holes for creating bolted couplings, or provided with milling operations for creating interlocking couplings.

[0011] This can result in high time and cost for making individual elements.

[0012] Moreover, this generally results in uniquely defined structures with no possibility of assembly variations.

[0013] Alternative solutions may involve structures in which the elements are not attached directly to each other, but are coupled through the interposition of connecting components.

[0014] These connecting components may be of various types e.g. brackets, plates, angle bars, etc.

[0015] Generally, these connecting components are specially made to be suitable for a particular assembly, which depends on the type of elements and the type of structure to be built. This solution involves making the appropriate connecting components for every application, which differ in shape and size.

[0016] Furthermore, this solution, like the previous one, involves the construction of structures with a uniquely defined assembly and little flexibility to assembly variations.

[0017] Modular connection components, such as those described in US2013308999, are also known to the state of the art.

[0018] Said connection components have the advantage of allowing easy assembly and disassembly of the structure elements. Moreover, they also allow good possibility of being used to assemble elements of different shapes and sizes. With the connection components described in document US2013308999, only assemblies of elements arranged in two planes incident to each other can be created. This limits the type of assembly and construction of structures.

[0019] DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide an assembly kit for removably attaching elements adapted to compose structures, functionally and structurally designed to overcome one or more of the limitations set out above with reference to the cited prior art.

[0021] Within the scope of the aforementioned problem, a main purpose of the invention is to provide an assembly kit comprising a few different types of components.

[0022] Said components are suitably designed to be used individually or repetitively, cooperating with each other in endless combinations to make different kits suitable for different types of elements and assemblies.

[0023] We can therefore talk about a modular kit that can be used for the assembly of different elements and the creation of different structures.

[0024] It is a modular and flexible system that gives room for imagination by allowing a wide range of assembly types.

[0025] In fact, it provides a simple and intuitive system that allows for countless solutions.

[0026] An aim of the invention is also to provide an assembly kit that makes it possible to obtain assemblies of elements arranged in more than two orthogonal planes.

[0027] Said kit is easily adaptable to elements with different dimensions and thicknesses for different materials.

[0028] A further aim of the invention is also to make available to the art an assembly kit that allows room for creativity by enabling reuse through easy disassembly and reassembly in different ways.

[0029] Easy disassembly and reassembly allows the creation of structures for temporary installations.

[0030] These and other objects are reached by the characteristics of the invention as set forth in the independent claims. The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.

[0031] In particular, the present invention makes available assembly kits for removably attaching elements adapted to compose structures.

[0032] Preferably such an assembly kit comprises a combination of components of the same or different types.

[0033] According to an aspect of the invention, said kit comprises surfaces equipped with at least one anchor point running along each Cartesian axis.

[0034] Preferably each component comprises anchor points on at least two equipped surfaces arranged in two different Cartesian planes.

[0035] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the assembly kit is a combination of at least one first component and / or at least one second component and / or at least one third component for creating an endless number of assembly combinations.

[0036] Preferably said first component comprises a body which is a parallelepiped, preferably a cube, which comprises at least four side faces provided with first anchor points arranged in two different Cartesian planes.

[0037] Advantageously, the body is hollow. Preferably the body comprises two opposing bases with length and width, in particular each base comprises an opening extending from one base to the other defining a cavity and defining a preferably constant thickness of the side faces.

[0038] Optionally, the opening on the base has a length and a width equal to a height of the body minus twice the thickness of the side faces.

[0039] Preferably the second component comprises two extensions arranged in two different Cartesian planes, adapted to form an “L”.

[0040] Advantageously, each extension is provided with second anchor points.

[0041] Optionally, the two extensions of the second component are equal in size to each other and preferably with a surface area equal to the side faces and / or bases of the body of the first component minus twice the thickness of the side faces.

[0042] Preferably the third component comprises a plane central portion, preferably from which two side portions extend orthogonally to form a “U” each central and side portion provided with third anchor points.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the third component has a length and width equal to the length and width of the cavity of the body to fit into the cavity.

[0044] Advantageously, the third component is less than or equal to half the height of the body in order to be installed at both the opposite bases and provide the kit with at least one anchor point on the third Cartesian axis and / or act as a closure of the body.

[0045] Advantageously, the first anchor points, the second anchor points and the third anchor points are holes.

[0046] Preferably, said holes are arranged so as to cooperate for attaching the elements and the first components to each other and / or the second components to each other and / or the third components to each other and / or the first components to the second components and / or the third components. According to an advantageous embodiment, the dimensions of the two extensions of the second component and the arrangement of the second anchor points, allows the combination of two or more second components wherein the interaxis or distance of the second anchor points is equal to the interaxis or distance of the first anchor points of the first component to create an endless number of assembly combinations.

[0047] Preferably, the assembly kit comprises connecting elements for attaching first components and / or second components and / or third components to each other and to the elements.

[0048] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the conformation of the first, second and third components and the correlation of their dimensions and anchor points allows to assemble components with doubled or halved dimensions.

[0049] Advantageously, said components are selected from a first component comprising a body that is a parallelepiped.

[0050] Preferably the body of the first component is a cube, which comprises at least four side faces provided with first anchor points arranged in two different Cartesian planes.

[0051] Advantageously, said components are selected from a second component comprising two extensions arranged in two different Cartesian planes, adapted to form an “L” and each provided with second anchor points.

[0052] Advantageously, said components are selected from a third component comprising a plane central portion, from which two side portions extend orthogonally to form a “U”.

[0053] Advantageously, each central and side portion is provided with third anchor points.

[0054] Preferably, the kit comprises a combination of at least two components selected from different components.

[0055] Optionally, the components are selected from at least the first component with at least the third component.

[0056] Optionally, the components are selected from at least the first component with at least the second component.

[0057] Optionally, the components are selected from components of the same type, including at least two first components or two second components for creating a plurality of assembly combinations with a variable number and type of components.

[0058] Optionally, the combination of components is selected from at least two components of the same type selected from the first cube-shaped component with a through-cavity, and the second L-shaped component.

[0059] Optionally, the combination of components is selected from at least two components of different types.

[0060] Optionally, components of different types are selected from the first cubeshaped component with a through-cavity, and the third U-shaped component. Optionally, components of different types are selected from the first cubeshaped component with a through-cavity and the second L-shaped component.

[0061] Optionally, the combination of components is selected from components in which the second component has the two extensions with equal size and surface area equal to the side faces and / or bases of the body of the first component minus twice the thickness of the side faces.

[0062] Optionally, the combination of components is selected from components in which the third component has a length and width equal to the length and width of the cavity of the body.

[0063] Preferably the dimensions of the components are correlated to each other, and the dimensions of the first component define the measurements of the second and third components.

[0064] Optionally, the combination of components is selected from components with the same reference dimension and components with dimensions scaled proportionally preferably by half or twice the reference dimension.

[0065] Advantageously, the side holes of a component are the same size as the central holes of the same component of half the size, and vice versa. In particular, the present invention makes available a method for removably attaching elements adapted to compose structures, by means of a kit.

[0066] Advantageously, said method involves providing at least two components of the same type selected from the first cube-shaped component with a through- cavity, and the second L-shaped component.

[0067] Optionally, said method involves providing at least two components of different types selected from the first cube-shaped component with a through- cavity, and the third U-shaped component.

[0068] Optionally, said method involves supplying at least two components of different types selected from the first cube-shaped component with through- cavity and the second L-shaped component.

[0069] Preferably, said method involves positioning the equipped surfaces of one component in contact with those of another component.

[0070] Preferably, said method involves attaching said equipped surfaces to each other.

[0071] Preferably, said method involves attaching said equipped surfaces to elements adapted to compose structures.

[0072] Said purposes and advantages are all achieved by the assembly kit for removably attaching elements adapted to compose structures, according to the present invention, and which is characterised by the provisions of the following claims.

[0073] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] These and other features will be more apparent from the following description of certain embodiments illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings.

[0075] - Figure 1 : illustrates an axonometric view of the first component;

[0076] - Figure 2: illustrates an axonometric view of the second component;

[0077] Figure 3: illustrates an axonometric view of the third component;

[0078] Figure 4a, 4b: illustrates an axonometric and exploded view of a kit with first, second and third components; Figure 5a, 5b: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit with only one type of component repeated;

[0079] Figure 6: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit according to a simple embodiment;

[0080] Figure 7: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit according to a different, more complex, embodiment;

[0081] Figure 8a, 8b: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit with the same components mounted differently;

[0082] Figure 9: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit with elements of a structure;

[0083] Figure 10: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit with connection elements and wheel;

[0084] Figure 11 : illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit and related elements of a structure;

[0085] Figure 12: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit and related elements of a structure;

[0086] Figure 13a, 13b: illustrates an axonometric view of a bookshelf-type structure with details of the related assembly kit;

[0087] Figure 14a, 14b: illustrates an axonometric view of a table-type structure with details of the related assembly kit;

[0088] Figure 15a, 15b: illustrates an axonometric view of a chair-type structure with details of the related assembly kit;

[0089] Figure 16: illustrates an axonometric view of an assembly kit with components of different dimensions doubled and halved.

[0090] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] The subject matter of the invention is an assembly kit 100 for removably attaching elements 200 to each other to compose structures 300.

[0092] Said assembly kit 100 may comprise a combination of components 110, 120, 130.

[0093] Said components 110, 120, 130, which compose the kit 100, can be individual or repeated each in different quantities.

[0094] Each component 110, 120, 130, preferably comprises one or more, preferably flat, equipped surfaces.

[0095] In particular, each equipped surface is provided with a plurality of anchor points 115, 125, 135.

[0096] In particular, the anchor points 115, 125, 135 are intended to connect the components 110, 120, 130 to the elements 200.

[0097] Said anchor points 115, 125, 135 also have the purpose of connecting said components 110, 120, 130 to one or more components 110, 120, 130 of the same or a different type.

[0098] Preferably said components 110, 120, 130 are assembled together to create a kit 100 comprising at least one anchor point 115, 125, 135 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z.

[0099] According to an aspect of the invention, said assembly kit 100 is made by combining at least one or more components 110, 120, 130 which are preferably of three different types of which at least one first component 110 and / or at least one second component 120 and / or at least one third component 130.

[0100] With particular reference to Figures 1 , 2 and 3, the first component 110, the second component 120 and the third component 130 are depicted respectively.

[0101] The invention provides, by the use of said one or more first components 110 and / or said one or more second components 120 and / or said third components 130 to make a kit 100 with at least one anchor point 115, 125, 135 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z for connecting the elements 200 of the structure 300.

[0102] The definition of anchor point 115, 125, 135 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z means that the anchor extends along the three Cartesian axes X, Y, Z orthogonal to one other.

[0103] In other words, it can also be said that the kit 100 comprises components 110, 120, 130 whose anchor points 115, 125, 135 are present on at least three equipped surfaces arranged in at least three mutually orthogonal Cartesian planes XY, XZ, YZ.

[0104] Preferably each component 110, 120, 130 comprises anchor points 115, 125, 135, arranged on at least two equipped surfaces in two different Cartesian planes.

[0105] This allows said components 110, 120, 130 to be connected to one or more components 110, 120, 130 of the same or different types to compose an endless number of assembly kits 100.

[0106] Depending on the type of element 200 and the type of assembly to be carried out, the number of each of said components 110, 120, 130 composing the kit 100 may vary.

[0107] As the components 110, 120, 130, combined with each other, increase, the Cartesian planes XY, XZ, YZ on which the anchor points 115, 125, 135 are located increase, giving said assembly kit 100 the possibility of a greater number of attachments for the elements 200 and the possibility of giving greater stability to the structures 300 created.

[0108] In the assembly of a structure 300, a plurality of kits 100 can be used, each adapted to connect two or more elements 200 each other and each kit 100 comprising different quantities and types of components 110, 120, 130.

[0109] A preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 1 , provides that said first component 110 comprises a body 111 with at least four equipped surfaces that we call side faces 114 arranged two by two in two Cartesian planes orthogonal to each other, for example XY and XZ or YX and YZ, or ZX and ZY.

[0110] Advantageously, each side face 114 is equipped with first anchor points 115 extending along two Cartesian axes X, Y, Z.

[0111] According to a preferred form, the second component 120 comprises two equipped surfaces that we call extensions 121 , 122 arranged in two different Cartesian planes, for example XY and XZ or YX and YZ, or ZX and ZY. In particular, as depicted in Figure 2, said second component 120 is L- shaped.

[0112] Said extensions 121 , 122 comprise second anchor points 125 extending along two Cartesian axes X, Y, Z.

[0113] In particular, said third component 130 comprises an equipped surface that we call the central portion 131 , in particular having a plane surface.

[0114] Preferably extending orthogonally from said central portion 131 are two equipped surfaces that we call side portions 132 forming a “U” shape.

[0115] A preferred embodiment, depicted in Figure 3, involves the third component 130 being substantially U-shaped.

[0116] The central portion 131 and the side portions 132 are arranged in two Cartesian planes orthogonal to each other, e.g. XY and XZ or YX and YZ, or ZX and ZY.

[0117] Each central portion 131 and side portion 132 is provided with third anchor points 135 extending along two Cartesian axes X, Y, Z.

[0118] The figures show advantageous embodiments of said first, second and third components 110, 120, 130. Said embodiments are specifically designed to maximise the possibility of interconnecting said components 110, 120, 130 in order to obtain kits suitable for flexible, varied and creative assembly.

[0119] Said first, second and third components 110, 120, 130, made according to the preferred embodiment described, can for simplicity’s sake be identified with the letters that substantially represent their preferred shape: “O” for the first component 110, “L” for the second component 120, “U” for the third component 130.

[0120] In particular, the first component 110, used alone, can define a kit 100 comprising four surfaces equipped with first anchor points 115 extending along two orthogonal directions.

[0121] Figure 6 shows a kit 100 comprising a combination of a first component 110, and a third component 130, to provide five surfaces equipped with first and third anchor points 115, 135 on each X, Y, Z Cartesian axis. Figure 5a shows a kit 100 comprising a combination of two second components 120 to provide a kit 100 with three surfaces equipped with second anchor points 125 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z.

[0122] Figure 5b shows a kit 100 comprising a combination of three second components 120 to provide four surfaces equipped with second anchor points 125 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z.

[0123] Figure 4a and 4b shows a kit 100 comprising a combination of a first component 110, a second component 120 and a third component 130 to provide six surfaces equipped with first, second and third anchor points 115, 125, 135 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z.

[0124] Figure 7 shows a kit 100 comprising a combination of a first component 110, a third component 130 and two second components 120 to provide seven surfaces equipped with first, second and third anchor points 115, 125, 135 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z.

[0125] Figure 8a, 8b depicts a kit 100 comprising a combination of a plurality of first components 110, and second components 120 arranged differently to each other to provide a more extensive kit and a more compact kit and having a different sequence of surfaces equipped with first and second anchor points 115, 125 on each Cartesian axis X, Y, Z.

[0126] Also shown in Figure 9 is a kit 100 that provides an example of the connection of several components 110, 120, 130 to optimise the assembly of elements 200. In fact, the three elements 200 shown are connected via a kit 100 comprising a first component 110 with a third component 130 and three second components 120.

[0127] This assembly creates more solid attachment for each element 200 as each element 200 rests on more than one equipped surface, in particular both on a side face 114 of the first component 110 and on the extension 122, 121 of the second component 120.

[0128] As a result, the support surface of the elements 200 is more robust and stable. As depicted in Figure 12, in the event that the structure 300 to be built allows for reduced supports, as it is subject to reduced stresses, it is possible to use, for example, only the first component 110 combined with the third component 130 acting as a closing plug for the body 111.

[0129] Figures 13a, 14a, 15a show non-limiting examples of possible structures 300 that can be made using the kit 100, each comprising different types and quantities of components 110, 120, 130.

[0130] In the following, we will go into more detail about an advantageous embodiment of the three components 110, 120, 130 adapted to make the assembly kit 100.

[0131] An example of the first component 110 is shown in Figure 1 .

[0132] The body 111 comprises six faces of which four are side faces 114 and two opposing faces which we call bases 113.

[0133] Said body 111 is for example a parallelepiped preferably a cube.

[0134] The cube shape is particularly advantageous as all faces are equal in size, allowing for more flexible positioning of the component 110.

[0135] In particular, as depicted in the figures, the side faces 114 have height H1 and the bases 113 have length L1 and width LT.

[0136] In Figure 1 , the first component 110 is a cube and therefore the height H1 , the length L1 and the width LT are equal to each other.

[0137] Preferably the body 111 is internally hollow with the first anchor points 115 on the side faces 114.

[0138] In fact, preferably both bases 113 are open, i.e. they each comprise an opening 113a.

[0139] Said opening 113a extends from one base 113 to the other defining a cavity 112 within the body 111.

[0140] The depth of said cavity 112 between the outer surface of the two bases 113 coincides with the height H1 .

[0141] We can therefore say that the cube has a through-cavity 112.

[0142] The thickness S of the side faces 114 of said hollow body 111 is defined by the extension of said cavity 112.

[0143] Said thickness S is preferably the same for all the side faces 114.

[0144] Let us denote by L1 a and LTa respectively the length and width of the cavity 112 and therefore of the opening 113a.

[0145] Preferably said length L1a and said width LTa are equal to each other.

[0146] In particular, said length L1 a and width LTa are equal to the height H1 of the body 111 minus twice the thickness S of the side faces 114.

[0147] Thanks to the conformation of the first component 110 and in particular of the through-cavity 112, it is possible to insert an element 200 into the hollow body 111 , as shown in Figures 13a, 13b, creating a different type of attachment. Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the second component 120.

[0148] In particular, the two extensions 121 , 122 of the component 120 have equal dimensions.

[0149] Let us call L2 and L2’ respectively the length L2 and width L2’ of the extensions 121 and 122

[0150] Preferably the surface area of the two extensions 121 , 122 is equal to the side faces 114 and / or bases 113 of the body 111 of the first component 110 minus twice the thickness S of the side faces 114.

[0151] Thus the length L2 and width L2’ of the extensions 121 and 122 are equal to the length L1 a and width L1 ’a of the opening 113a.

[0152] This makes it possible to combine several second components 120 with each other as depicted in Figures 5a, 5b so that the combination of two or more second components 120 makes an attachment kit 100 whose dimensions are less than or equal to the first component 110.

[0153] A possible embodiment of the third component 130 is shown in Figure 3.

[0154] Said third component 130 is of such dimensions as to fit into the openings 113a and the cavity 112 of the body 111.

[0155] Let us call L3 and L3’ respectively the length L3 and width L3’ of the central portion 131 .

[0156] In particular, the surface area of the central portion 131 is equal to the side faces 114 and / or bases 113 of the body 111 of the first component 110, minus twice the thickness S of the side faces 114.

[0157] Therefore, a length L3 and a width L3’ of the central portion 131 is equal to the length L1 a and width L1 ’a of the opening 113a of the body 111 to fit into the cavity 112.

[0158] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to insert the third component 130 into the opening 113a of the body 111.

[0159] This makes it possible to create a kit 100 comprising at least a first component 110 and a third component 130, with equipped surfaces arranged in the three Cartesian planes.

[0160] Advantageously, the two side portions 132, which extend orthogonally to the central portion 131 , have a height H3 less than or equal to half the height H1 of the body 111.

[0161] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to install the third component 130 at both opposing bases 113 of the first component 110, creating a parallelepiped or closed cube.

[0162] The third component 130 installed in this way can also function only as a closure of the body 111 and not necessarily as an anchor.

[0163] According to an aspect of the invention the first anchor points 115 of the first component 110, are holes 115a, 115b, preferably all through-holes, i.e. not blind.

[0164] Preferably the second anchor points 125 of the second component 120 are all through-holes.

[0165] Further preferably the third anchor points 135 of the third component 130, are holes, preferably either through or blind.

[0166] Advantageously, said first, second and third anchor points 115, 125, 135 are arranged so as to cooperate in attaching the first components 110 to each other and / or the second components 120 to each other or the third components 130 to each other.

[0167] This allows the creation of kits 100 comprising even just a plurality of the same component.

[0168] Furthermore, advantageously said first, second and third anchor points 115, 125, 135 are arranged so as to cooperate attaching the first components 110 to the second components 120 and / or each to the third components 130.

[0169] This allows kits 100 to be created from the combination of different components 110, 120, 130.

[0170] An advantageous arrangement of the first anchor points 115 of the first component 110 is shown in Figure 1.

[0171] In particular, the first anchor points 115 comprise 1 central hole 115a on at least one side face 114.

[0172] Preferably the central hole 115a is arranged on all the side faces 114.

[0173] Preferably said centre hole 115a is threaded.

[0174] Preferably the first anchor points 115 comprise four holes 115b located close to the edges on at least one side face 114.

[0175] Preferably the four holes 115b located near the edges are made on all the side faces 114.

[0176] Preferably said four holes 115b located near the edges are threaded.

[0177] An advantageous arrangement of the second anchor points 125 of the second component 120 is shown in Figure 2.

[0178] Preferably the second anchor points 125 comprise a central hole 125a, 125b on at least one of the two extensions 121 , 122.

[0179] Preferably the central hole 125a, 125b is arranged on each of the two extensions 121 , 122.

[0180] Preferably, the second anchor points 125 comprise four holes 125c, 125d, 125e, near the edges of one of the two extensions 121 , 122.

[0181] Preferably the four holes 125c, 125d, 125e, near the edges are arranged on each of the two orthogonal extensions 121 , 122.

[0182] Preferably on an extension 121 the second anchor points 125 comprise a central unthreaded through-hole 125a and four unthreaded through-holes 125c near the edges. Preferably on the other extension 122 the second anchor points 125 comprise a central threaded hole 125b and two non-threaded through-holes 125d at two edges and two threaded through-holes 125e at the other edges.

[0183] In particular, the threaded holes 125b, 125e allow the attachment of second components 120 to each other.

[0184] The arrangement of the second anchor points 125 and the first anchor points 115 depicted in the figures makes it possible to assemble the first element 110 and the second element 120 in any direction and on any face 114 of the element 110, or rather in such a way that the extensions 121 and 122 are always coplanar to any face 114, or base 113 of the first element 110.

[0185] It is also possible to attach several elements 120 on the same face 114 as shown in Figure 7.

[0186] To assemble the second component 120 on the base 113 of the first component, it is necessary to insert the third component 130 into the opening 113a and connect the second component 120 to the third component 130.

[0187] The non-threaded through holes 125c, 125d near the edges of the two extensions 121 , 122 may comprise a countersink on one of the two surfaces, e.g. facing inwards, i.e. facing the inner 90° angle formed by the two extensions 121 , 122 as shown in the figures.

[0188] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to assemble the second component 120 with the first component 110, so that the surface of the extensions 121 and 122 remains flat and without projections to be used as a support surface for an element 200 of the structure 300.

[0189] This allows the central threaded hole 125b or the central unthreaded hole 125a of the corresponding extension 121 or 122 to be used as an anchor.

[0190] Due to the design of the second component 120 and the arrangement of the second anchor points 125, despite the fact that the second component 120 is smaller than the first component 110, the combination of two or more second components 120 allows the creation of a kit 100 in which the wheelbase or distance of the second anchor points 125 is equal to the wheelbase or distance of the first anchor points 115 of the first component 110, as depicted in Figures 5a, 5b.

[0191] An advantageous arrangement of the third anchor points 135 of the second component 130 is shown in Figure 3.

[0192] In particular, the third anchor points 135 are arranged on the side portions 132.

[0193] Advantageously, the third anchor points 135 provide four blind holes 135a preferably threaded and for example 2mm deep, each positioned on a side face 132a, of the respective side portions 132.

[0194] Said blind holes 135a are coaxial with those on the opposite side face 132a. Said four blind holes 135a are in particular intended to cooperate for the attachment of said third component 130 when inserted into the opening 113a of the first component 110.

[0195] Advantageously, the third anchor points 135 further provide four through holes 135b preferably threaded and positioned on a longitudinal face 132b, of the side portions 132.

[0196] Preferably, each side portion 132 comprises on the longitudinal face 132b two through-holes 135b coaxial with the two through-holes 135b of the other side portion 132.

[0197] The position of the through-holes 135b on the side portions 132, of the third component 130, combined with the height H3 is suitable not to obstruct and therefore allow the use of the four holes 115b near the edges of the faces 114, when the third component 130 is attached inside the first element 110 as shown in Figure 6.

[0198] In particular, the height H3 is such that the holes 115a can be used when the first component 110 is assembled with the third component 130 as shown in Figure 6.

[0199] Additionally, the third anchor points 135 may comprise a through-hole 135c preferably threaded and positioned centrally on the central portion 131.

[0200] This makes it possible, by combining the first component 110 with the third component 130, to obtain anchor points 115, 135 in three Cartesian planes.

[0201] To assemble the second component 120 on the base 113 of the first component 110, it is necessary to insert the third component 130 into the opening 113a and fix it to the first component 110 by means of the four blind holes 135a, then connect the second component 120 to the third component 130 by means of the preferably threaded through-hole 135c positioned on the central portion 131 .

[0202] The dimensions of the holes described above are non-binding and can be e.g. threaded holes M6, or M8, etc. or through-holes of 7, 9, 11 , mm, etc.

[0203] According to an aspect of the invention the assembly kit 100, may comprise connection elements 400 for attaching first components 110 and / or second components 120 and / or third components 130 to each other.

[0204] Said connection elements 400 can be, for example, screws, grains, nuts, etc. Preferably the connection elements 400 are compatible with the ISO metric. Said connection elements 400 may also be self-tapping screws to connect first components 110 and / or second components 120 and / or third components 130 with the elements 200 e.g. made of wood. The use of selftapping screws may be an economical solution, as it allows the drilling of the elements 200 directly at assembly, but may be less functional for disassembly and reassembly of said elements 200.

[0205] For example, Figure 10 shows a kit 100 comprising different types of connection elements 400.

[0206] As described above, the dimensions of the components 110, 120, 130 are related to each other.

[0207] The versatility of the assembly goes hand in hand with the possibility of varying the dimensions, obtaining different kits 100 depending on the different sizes of the elements 200 to be connected.

[0208] An example of possible sizes of the first component 110 could be 40x40x40 mm with a thickness, for example, between 2.5 and 5 mm.

[0209] Depending on the dimensions of the first component 110, the dimensions of the other components 120, 130 are defined accordingly.

[0210] That is, we can talk about a reference size with which all the dimensions of the other components 110, 120, 130 comply.

[0211] For example, the reference measurement is the dimension of the side faces 114 of the body 111 of the first cube-shaped component 110, or the dimension of the two extensions 121 , 122 of the second L-shaped component 120.

[0212] The above size lends itself particularly well to different types of assembly.

[0213] We will not go into detail on all the possible sizes of the three components 110, 120, 130, because they are not limiting to the subject matter of the invention.

[0214] Smaller sizes such as 20x20x20 or larger sizes such as 80x80x80 can also be advantageous and still have the same features and functionality.

[0215] These are only non-limiting examples of the possibility of scaling the dimensions of the components 110, 120, 130.

[0216] According to an aspect of the invention, it is possible to make kits comprising a combination of components 110, 120, 130 with dimensions scaled by half or double.

[0217] In fact, the shape of the first, second and third components 110, 120, 130 and the correlation of their dimensions and anchor points 115, 125, 135, allows the assembly of components 110, 120, 130 with doubled or halved dimensions.

[0218] The components 110, 120, 130 are manufactured with proportional dimensions in particular according to mathematical ratios with respect to a standard or intermediate size x e.g. 40x40x40.

[0219] Therefore, in addition to said components 110, 120, 130 made with said size 1x, the invention provides for further components to be made with sizes e.g. 1 / 2x, 2x, etc.

[0220] Said components 110, 120, 130 made in double and halved sizes are mutually compatible, e.g. 1x with 1 / 2x, 1x with 2x, 2x with 4x, etc. The kit 100 can therefore combine components 110, 120, 130 with size 1x with components 110, 120, 130 with size 1 / 2x and 2x. Therefore, a kit 100 could be obtained for example of this type: O+ L + 1 / 2L + 1 / 2L + 1 / 20 + 2L. Therefore, as depicted in Figure 16, a kit 100 may comprise components 110, 120, 130 with different sizes doubled 2x or halved 1 / 2x, with respect to the component 110, 120, 130 with size 1x.

[0221] In a preferred embodiment, the side holes 115b, 125b, 135b are the same size as the central holes 115a, 125a, 135a of the same component 110, 120, 130 of half the size and vice versa. This allows compatibility between elements that are doubled or halved.

[0222] According to an aspect of the invention the first components 110 and / or second components 120 and / or third components 130 may be made of different materials, for example steel, aluminium, plastic, etc.

[0223] According to an aspect of the invention the first components 110 and / or second components 120 and / or third components 130 may be made of plastic, with threaded inserts made of metal material at the anchor points 115, 125, 135.

[0224] The assembly kit 100, may also comprise first components 110 and / or second components 120 and / or third components 130 made of different materials.

[0225] Figures 9, 10, 11 , 12 13a, 14a, 15a show only a few non-limiting examples of possible structures 300 that can be made using the kit 100, each comprising different types and quantities of components 110, 120, 130.

[0226] The kit 100 can also be used to make wall anchors, not shown in the figures. The kit 100 can also be used to make adjustable clamp fastenings such as the one shown in Figure 11 .

[0227] Therefore, in summary, the kit 100 with respect to the state of the art differs in its ability to create a system with the following peculiarities:

[0228] • “Infinite” interconnection concept. The kit 100 allows a potentially unlimited number of configurations. The system allows the generation of ever-changing configurations, without predetermined limits, thanks to the geometry of the components 110, 120, 130 and their multiple interfaces. The assembly Kit 100 offers the possibility of hundreds of combinations with numerous anchor points 115, 125, 135 for each Cartesian axis (L+O+O, L+L+L+O+U, U+O+U+L+O, etc.).

[0229] • Modular “open pattern” architecture concept and “repeatable and scalable combinability”.

[0230] The architecture of the kit 100 is open, i.e. free from rigid assembly constraints, allowing for variable construction sequences such as (L+O+O, L+L+L+O+U, U+O+U+L+O, etc.), with the possibility of expansion and reorganisation. The kit 100 consists of components 110, 120, 130, which are compatible structural elements that allow repeatable, reconfigurable and scalable combinations depending on the quantity and arrangement of the parts used.

[0231] • Systemic geometric scalability concept.

[0232] • Geometrical scalability allows components 110, 120, 130 to be made with proportional and mathematical dimensional ratios (1x ,1 / 2x, 2x, etc.) and intercompatible (1x with 1 / 2x, 1x with 2x, 2x with 4x, etc.) “Formal” uniqueness.

[0233] Hybrid connection system with through-holes and threaded holes arranged in such a way as to ensure compatibility between all three components 110, 120, 130 with each other by means of screws and not screws plus bolts, therefore without the need for nuts.

[0234] Another peculiarity is that some combinations, e.g. O+L can be performed in many combinations (12 x 4 = 48)

[0235] • “Formal” and “structural” uniqueness.

[0236] In terms of production and shape, the kit 100, and each of the three components 110, 120, 130, is derived from the cutting and drilling of a profile, and does not undergo any milling process. This stems from the idea of being able to offer inexpensive and easily manufactured parts. Preferably the profiles used are considered in the industry as “standard”: there is no need to create an “ad hoc” profile.

[0237] • Broad applicability.

[0238] The system is designed as a modular kit 100 for purposes that are not only structural, but also educational, for display, prototypical or temporary (modular furniture, mobile installations, DIY, for leisure, education, prototyping, design, etc.).

[0239] Reusability and reconfigurability. The system allows effective reusability of the components 110, 120, 130, which can be freely and “easily” disassembled and rearranged to obtain new structures, overcoming the limitations of fixed configuration systems.

[0240] It in any case is intended for that described above to be given by way of nonlimiting example; therefore possible detail variants that may be required for technical and / or functional reasons are considered from now as to fall within the same protective scope defined by the claims below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Assembly kit (100) for removably attaching to each other elements (200) adapted to compose structures (300), said assembly kit (100) comprising a combination of components (110, 120, 130) of the same or different type, characterised in that said kit (100) comprises surfaces equipped with at least one anchor point (115, 125, 135), which extends along each Cartesian axis (X, Y, Z).

2. Assembly kit (100) according to claim 1 , wherein each component (110, 120, 130) comprises anchor points (115, 125, 135) arranged on at least two equipped surfaces arranged in two different Cartesian planes (XY, XZ, YZ).

3. Assembly kit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a combination of at least one first component (110) and / or at least one second component (120) and / or at least one third component (130) for creating an endless number of assembly combinations.

4. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first component (110) comprises a body (111 ) which is a parallelepiped, preferably a cube, which comprises at least four side faces (114) provided with first anchor points (115) arranged in two different Cartesian planes.

5. Assembly kit (100), according to claim 4, wherein the body (111 ) is hollow and comprises two opposite bases (113) with length (L1 ) and width (L1 '), in particular each base (113) comprises an opening (113a) extending from one base (113) to the other defining a cavity (112) and defining a thickness (S) of the side faces (114) in particular constant.

6. Assembly kit (100), according to claim 5, wherein the opening (113a) on the base (113) has a length (L1a) and a width (L1 'a) equal to a height (H1 ) of the body (111 ) minus twice the thickness (S) of the sidefaces (114).

7. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component (120) comprises two extensions (121 , 122) arranged in two different Cartesian planes, adapted to form an “L” and each provided with second anchor points (125).

8. Assembly kit (100), according to claim 7, wherein the two extensions (121 , 122) of the second component (120) are equal in size to each other and preferably with a surface area equal to the side faces (114) and / or bases (113) of the body (111 ) of the first component (110) minus twice the thickness (S) of the side faces (114).

9. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third component (130) comprises a plane central portion (131 ), preferably from which two side portions (132) extend orthogonally to form a "U" each central and side portion (131 , 132) provided with third anchor points (135).

10. Assembly kit (100), according to claim 5, wherein the third component (130) has a length (L3) and a width (L31) equal to the length (L1 a) and width (L1 'a) of the cavity (112) of the body (111 ) to fit into the cavity (112).11 . Assembly kit (100), according to claim 4, wherein the third component (130) has a height (H3) lower than or equal to half the height (H1 ) of the body (111 ) in order to be installed at the two opposite bases (113) to provide the kit (100) with an anchor point (135) on the third Cartesian axis and / or act as a closure of the body (111 ).

12. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of claims 2 to 11 , wherein the first anchor points (115), the second anchor points (125) and the third anchor points (135), are holes (115a, 115b, 125a, 125b, 125c, 125d, 125e, 135a, 135b, 135c) arranged so as to cooperate for attaching the elements (200) and the first components (1 10) to each other and / or the second components (120) to each other, the thirdcomponents (130) to each other and / or the first components (110) to the second components (120) and / or the third components (130).

13. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the dimensions of the two extensions (121 , 122) of the second component (120) and the arrangement of the second anchor points (125), allows the combination of two or more second components (120) wherein the interaxis or distance of the second anchor points (125) is equal to the interaxis or distance of the first anchor points (115) of the first component (110) to create an endless number of assembly combinations.

14. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising connection elements (400) for attaching first components (110) and / or second components (120) and / or third components (130) to each other and to the elements (200).

15. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein the shape of the first, second and third components (110, 120, 130) and the correlation of their dimensions and anchor points (115, 125, 135), allows to assemble components (110, 120, 130) with doubled or halved dimensions.

16. Assembly kit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said components (110, 120, 130) are selected from a first component (110) comprising a body (111 ) which is a parallelepiped, preferably a cube, comprising four side faces (114) provided with first anchor points (115) arranged in two different Cartesian planes, a second component (120) comprising two extensions (121 , 122) arranged in two different Cartesian planes, forming an “L” and each provided with second anchor points (125), a third component (130) comprising a plane central portion (131 ) from which two side portions (132) extend orthogonally to form a “U” each central and side portion (131 , 132) provided with third anchor points (135), wherein the kit(100) comprises a combination of at least two components (110, 120, 130) selected from different components including at least the first component (110) with at least the third component (130) or at least the first component (110) with at least the second component (120) and / or selected from components of the same type including at least two first components (110) or two second components (120) for creating a plurality of assembly combinations with a variable number and type of components (110, 120, 130).

17. Assembly kit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combination of the components (110, 120, 130) is selected from at least two components (110, 120, 130) of the same type selected from the first component (110) shaped like a cube with a through-cavity 112 and the second component (120) shaped like an “L”, and / or at least two components (110, 120, 130) of different types selected from the first component (110) shaped like a cube with a through-cavity 112, and the third component (130) shaped like an “U”, or from the first component (110) shaped like a cube with a through- cavity 1 12 and the second component (120) shaped like an “L”.

18. Assembly kit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combination of components (110, 120, 130) is selected from components (110, 120, 130) wherein the second component (120) has the two extensions (121 , 122) equal in size and having a surface area equal to the side faces (114) and / or bases (113) of the body (111 ) of the first component (110) minus twice the thickness (S) of the side faces (114) and the third component (130) has a length (L3) and a width (L3’) equal to the length (L1 a) and width (L1 ’a) of the cavity (112) of the body (111 ).

19. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions of the components (110, 120, 130) are related to each other and the dimensions of the first component (110) definethe dimensions of the second and third components (120, 130).

20. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combination of components (110, 120, 130) is selected from components (110, 120, 130) with the same reference dimension and components (110, 120, 130) with dimension scaled proportionally preferably by half or twice the reference dimension.

21. Assembly kit (100), according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the side holes (115b, 125b, 135b) of a component (110, 120, 130) are the same size as the central holes (115a, 125a, 135a) of the same component (110, 120, 130) of half the size and vice versa.

22. Method for removably attaching to each other elements (200) adapted to compose structures (300), by means of a kit (100) according to claim 1 comprising:- supplying at least two components (110, 120, 130) of the same type selected from the first component (110) shaped like a cube with a through- cavity 112 and the second component (120) shaped like an “L”, and / or at least two components (110, 120, 130) of different types selected from the first component (110) shaped like a cube with a through-cavity 112, and the third component (130) shaped like a “U”, or from the first component (110) shaped like a cube with a through-cavity 112 and the second component (120) shaped like an “L”,- positioning the equipped surfaces of one component (110, 120, 130) in contact with those of another component (110, 120, 130),- attaching said equipped surfaces to each other- attaching said equipped surfaces to elements (200) adapted to compose structures (300).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Panel clamp apparatus and system

    US20130308999A1

  • modular furniture MADE OF SOLID WOOD AND STEEL CONNECTIONS

    AT505468A1

  • Shelf furniture

    DE19739040A1

  • Construction kit

    DE202021000246U1

  • Building toy system with basic element and connecting pin

    US20230135788A1