Item of furniture and method for assembling an item of furniture
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IB2025/054068
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-22
Smart Images
Figure IB2025054068_22102026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] April 4, 2025 STEELCASE 72P88PCT JT / MG
[0002] Furniture item and method for assembling a piece of furniture
[0003] Technical field
[0004] The invention relates to a piece of furniture, in particular a room divider, and to a method for assembling a piece of furniture.
[0005] Technical background
[0006] Furniture is a familiar element, serving two purposes: firstly, to structure larger spaces, and secondly, to influence or reduce acoustic and visual disturbances between different areas of a room.
[0007] Furniture pieces, such as room dividers, are placed on the floor or attached to walls and ceilings. Different pieces of furniture can also be combined. For example, a room divider can be mounted to other furniture, especially desks.
[0008] Furniture pieces are known that consist of a frame covered with upholstery. This gives the piece of furniture at least a partially closed surface, and the frame is concealed. However, to fit the upholstery over the frame, the frame has an opening the size of at least one side of the frame. Alternatively, the upholstery can be attached to the frame in sections, which negatively affects both the appearance and the stability of the furniture. Furthermore, the frame can be made up of several parts that can be joined together within the upholstery. This also requires a sufficiently large opening in the upholstery. Since such large openings on finished furniture are impractical and also negatively impact the stability of the piece, elaborate fastening mechanisms, such as zippers, Velcro fasteners, button plackets, etc., are known to be used at the opening in the upholstery. After the frame is upholstered, or...After the frame components are joined within the cover, the opening can be closed using the respective locking mechanism. However, locking mechanisms for furniture are complex to attach to the cover and therefore expensive.
[0009] Summary
[0010] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a piece of furniture and a method for assembling a piece of furniture that is visually appealing and at the same time cost-effective.
[0011] The problem is solved by a piece of furniture, in particular a room divider, comprising a frame, a connecting element, and a cover. The cover forms an outer surface of the furniture, enclosing a volume. The frame has a first support section and a second support section, which, when assembled, define the spatial shape of the furniture within the volume. Both the first and second support sections also have a hollow end section. The connecting element is movable relative to the first and second support sections and is designed, when the frame is assembled, to move axially from a starting position, in which the movable connecting element is located in the hollow end section of the first support section, to a final position in the direction of the hollow end section of the second support section.
[0012] Because the connecting element can be moved when the frame is assembled, it is possible to connect the support sections even when both sections are inserted into the upholstery. This allows for an extremely small opening in the upholstery, making the piece of furniture both visually appealing and cost-effective.
[0013] Even curved support sections can be securely joined together within the upholstery, ensuring high stability for the piece of furniture. Curved support sections also allow for the cost-effective production of an aesthetically pleasing furniture shape.
[0014] In one embodiment, the hollow end section of the first support section can be adapted to accommodate the movable connecting element in its initial position, with a length fraction of at least 70%, preferably at least 85%, and preferably completely within it. The further the movable connecting element can be positioned within the hollow end section in its initial position, the tighter and less elastic the connection can be. For example, the two end faces of the support sections can be arranged directly against each other if the movable connecting element can be fully inserted into the hollow end section in its initial position.
[0015] The movable connecting element can also have a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the hollow end sections. This allows, for example, an inner wall of the hollow end section to serve as a sliding bearing for the movable connecting element. This prevents the movable connecting element from twisting or tilting within the hollow end section. The movable connecting element and the hollow end sections can, for example, have a cylindrical shape.
[0016] The movable connecting element can have a length in the range of 2 to 20 cm, preferably 3 to 15 cm, and most preferably 4 to 10 cm. These lengths enable a stable connection between the first and second beam sections. The movable connecting element can be tubular and have a termination element on each of its two end faces. Tubular connecting elements can be manufactured simply and inexpensively and simultaneously exhibit high bending stiffness perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0017] At least one of the end elements can be designed to create an airtight seal with the inner wall of the hollow end section. This makes it possible, for example, to move the movable connecting element within the hollow end sections using air.
[0018] The hollow end section of the first support element and the hollow end section of the second support element can have an essentially identical cross-sectional area. This prevents the two end sections from sliding into each other when they are joined.
[0019] For example, the two support elements, especially the respective hollow end sections, are in contact on the voice side when assembled.
[0020] In one embodiment, the first and second support sections can be tubes, particularly tubes with a circular diameter. Tubes provide high stability for the frame, while at the same time the weight is lower than that of solid cylindrical frame components of the same size due to the hollow interior of the tubes. The tube diameter can be in the range of 1 cm to 5 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 3 cm.
[0021] The cover can have one, in particular exactly one, opening, wherein the opening is designed to at least partially insert and arrange the first and second support sections within the volume of the cover. The opening makes it possible, for example, to arrange or assemble the entire frame within the cover. The cover can be free of a zipper, in particular of any fastening means.
[0022] The opening can have a maximum dimension that is less than ten times, preferably less than seven times, more preferably less than four times, and most preferably less than twice the diameter of the first and / or second support section. Openings within the specified range allow for a reduction in the size of the fastening element, such as a zipper, thus lowering manufacturing costs. Preferably, however, this embodiment can also provide openings that do not require any fastening element, drastically reducing manufacturing costs. This makes it possible to produce furniture that does not have any fastening elements, such as zippers, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, or similar features.
[0023] The first beam section can have a first locking device, wherein the first locking device is configured to define a maximum penetration depth of the movable connecting element into the hollow end section of the first beam section. This allows the position of the movable connecting element to be defined before assembly. In particular, it can prevent the movable connecting element from penetrating too deeply into the hollow end section of the first beam section. For example, the first locking device can ensure that the movable connecting element does not enter a curved area of the first beam section where it could potentially become jammed.
[0024] In one embodiment, the first locking means can be arranged at a distance from an opening in the hollow end section that corresponds to at least one length of the movable connecting element. This makes it possible to arrange the movable connecting element completely within the first support section, thereby improving the assembly of the first and second support sections. Furthermore, this allows the size of the cover to essentially correspond to the size of the frame, thus enabling a cover that fits snugly against the frame.
[0025] The second support section can have a second locking means, wherein the second locking means is configured to define a maximum penetration depth of the movable connecting element into the hollow end section of the second support section. This prevents excessive penetration into the hollow end section of the second support section, which would result in the movable connecting element no longer being, or only being, positioned within the first support section to connect the first and second support sections. In particular, the second locking means defines the end position of the connecting element.
[0026] The second locking means can be arranged at a distance from an opening in the hollow end section of the second support section that corresponds to 30% to 70%, preferably 40% to 60%, more preferably 50% of the length of the movable connecting element. This ensures a stable connection between the two support sections.
[0027] The first and / or second locking device can be a projection, a screw, a constriction in the inner diameter of the support section, or a cotter pin. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing.
[0028] In one embodiment, the first support section can have a locking means, wherein the locking means is configured to prevent movement of the movable connecting element from the end position, in particular back to the starting position. This prevents unwanted separation of the two support sections.
[0029] The final position is also defined by the locking device. The locking device can be positioned at a distance from the opening of the hollow end section that corresponds to 40% to 60% of the distance of the first locking device from the opening of the hollow end section, and / or the distance between the locking device and the locking device can be between 1.0 and 1.5 times the axial length of the connecting element. Such positioning of the locking device secures the movable connecting piece in the final position.
[0030] The locking device can be spring-mounted on the hollow end section of the first support section. This spring-mounted arrangement allows the locking device to automatically move into a position that prevents the movement of the movable connecting element after it has reached its end position.
[0031] The locking device is pre-tensioned against the connecting element, particularly in the radial direction, when the connecting element is in its initial position. For example, pre-tensioning of the spring-loaded arrangement can be achieved by inserting the movable connecting element into the hollow end section of the first support section.
[0032] The first support section can have an opening in a circumferential wall surrounding an interior space of the hollow end section, designed such that the locking device can extend through the opening into the interior space. This allows the locking device to be positioned in such a way as to effectively prevent movement of the movable connecting element past the locking device.
[0033] For example, in its final position, the connecting element seals the opening in the circumferential wall airtight. The movable connecting element can have a recess, particularly a circumferential one. This recess can, for example, be formed in an outer circumferential wall of the movable connecting element. Furthermore, the locking device can be designed to extend through the opening in the circumferential wall of the first support section and into the recess. This prevents axial movement of the movable connecting piece in both directions.
[0034] For example, in an embodiment where the movable connecting element has the recess, a second locking element in the second support section can be omitted. However, it is also possible to use the second locking element despite the recess.
[0035] The locking mechanism can be a screw, a cotter pin, or a section of a spring, particularly a section of a leaf spring. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing of the piece of furniture.
[0036] The first and second support sections can each have an additional hollow end section. Additionally, the piece of furniture can have a second movable connecting element, which, in the assembled state, is designed to connect the first and second support sections at their two additional hollow end sections. This creates a self-contained frame. In this embodiment, the frame has, for example, exactly two support sections.
[0037] The advantages and technical characteristics of the second movable connecting element can correspond to those of the movable connecting element described above. Additionally or alternatively, the advantages and technical characteristics of the further hollow end sections can correspond to those of the hollow end sections described above. In one embodiment, the frame has a third support section that has a hollow end section. Furthermore, the first or the second support section can have a further hollow end section. Additionally, the piece of furniture can have a third movable connecting element, which, in the assembled state, is designed to connect the first or the second support section to the third support section. The use of three support sections allows, for example, more complex or larger shapes for the piece of furniture.The advantages and technical characteristics of the third beam section and / or the hollow end section of the third beam section may correspond to those of the first or the second beam section. Additionally or alternatively, the advantages and technical characteristics of the third movable connecting element may correspond to those of the movable connecting element described above.
[0038] The present invention is not limited to furniture with frames consisting of exactly two or three support sections. Rather, the frame can have any number of support sections, such as four, five, six, or more. The same applies to the number of movable connecting elements. This number can also deviate from one or two and be any number, for example, three, four, or more. In particular, a movable connecting element is provided for joining each pair of hollow end sections joined at opposite ends.
[0039] In one embodiment, the frame can be completely enclosed within the cover when assembled. This allows for the creation of complex pieces of furniture where the visual appearance of the frame is not a primary concern.
[0040] The movable connecting element can be designed to be moved from its initial position to its final position by means of energy supplied by an energy source, in particular wherein the connecting element in the initial position hermetically seals the corresponding end section. For example, the energy source can be used to connect the two support sections when these are arranged partially or entirely within the reference. The movable connecting element can thus be moved efficiently in its assembled state.
[0041] The energy source can, for example, provide overpressure, spring force, gravity, or a magnetic force.
[0042] The frame, when assembled, can have a three-dimensional shape that extends beyond the three-dimensionality of the cross-section of the support sections. In particular, the frame can have a non-flat, curved, and / or angled surface. This allows for the creation of furniture with complex shapes.
[0043] The cover can be made of a material that is textile, imitation leather, and / or leather. In particular, the cover can consist of the cover material and optional seams, making it easy to manufacture.
[0044] To further simplify manufacturing, the cover can be free of a zipper.
[0045] In one embodiment, the cover can have an external seam. This prevents the cover from being turned inside out. Turning it inside out would require the cover to be able to be threaded through the opening, which necessitates a sufficiently large opening. Therefore, with an external seam, the opening can be smaller than with an internal seam. For example, with an external seam, the opening can be approximately 1 to 1.5 times the diameter of the largest cross-sectional area of the support sections.
[0046] The problem is also solved by a method for assembling a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture as described above, which has a frame consisting of at least a first and a second support section, a connecting element, and a cover. The method comprises the following:
[0047] a. Providing the cover which has an opening,
[0048] b. Providing the connecting element and the first and second support sections, each having a hollow end section, wherein the connecting element is arranged to be axially movable within the hollow end section of the first support section in a starting position,
[0049] c. subsequent insertion of the first support section with the connecting element and the second support section through the opening into the reference,
[0050] d. subsequent assembly of the first and second support sections within the reference,
[0051] e. subsequent movement of the connecting element from the starting position towards the hollow end section of the second support section.
[0052] The technical features and advantages previously described for the piece of furniture apply equally to the method for assembling the piece of furniture and vice versa. In particular, this method for assembling the piece of furniture can also have the features described above and / or the features of the method claims.
[0053] Brief description of the characters
[0054] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. In the drawings, Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention in a fully assembled front view.
[0055] Fig. 1B shows the piece of furniture according to Figure 1A in perspective view,
[0056] Fig. 2A shows a frame of the piece of furniture according to Figure 1A in its unassembled state in front view,
[0057] Fig. 2B shows a section of the frame according to Figure 2A in sectional view,
[0058] Fig. 2C shows an enlarged view of a connecting element,
[0059] Fig. 3A shows the frame according to Figure 1A in sectional view with the movable connecting element in the starting position,
[0060] Fig. 3B shows the frame according to Figure 3A in sectional view with the movable connecting element in a position between the starting position and the end position,
[0061] Fig. 3C shows the frame according to Figure 3A in sectional view with the movable connecting element in the end position,
[0062] Fig. 4A-B shows a cover with a partially inserted frame of the piece of furniture according to Figure 1 in the unassembled state,
[0063] Fig. 4C shows the cover with the inserted frame of the piece of furniture according to Figure 1,
[0064] Fig. 5A shows another embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention in its fully assembled state in perspective view,
[0065] Fig. 5B shows a frame of the embodiment according to Figure 5A in the unassembled state, Fig. 6A shows a further embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention in the fully assembled state in front view, and
[0066] Fig. 6B shows the piece of furniture according to Figure 6A in side view.
[0067] Detailed description of the figures
[0068] Figure 1A shows a piece of furniture, in the exemplary embodiment a room divider 1, in a frontal view.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the room divider 1 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The height of the room divider 1 is, for example, between 20 cm and 70 cm. The room divider 1 is, for example, between 20 cm and 1 m wide.
[0070] The room divider 1 serves as a visual barrier between two areas of a room that need to be separated, for example between desks in an office.
[0071] For this purpose, the room divider 1 can be fitted with a foot 30 at a right angle, as shown in Figure 1A. The foot 30 provides a stable base for the room divider 1. In the present embodiment, the foot 30 is screwed to the underside of the room divider.
[0072] The room divider 1 has a cover 10, a frame 20 and a connecting element 40 (Fig. 2B).
[0073] The frame 20 is partially inserted into the reference 10 through an opening 12 in the edge region 11 of the reference. In this case, the opening 12 is located at the lower edge of the reference.
[0074] The reference point forms an outer surface of the room divider 1, with the frame giving the room divider a spatial shape and thus providing the necessary stability. Figure IB shows a perspective view of the room divider 1 from a low angle, in which the opening 12 is more clearly visible.
[0075] In Figure 2A, the frame 20 from Figure 1A is shown without the reference 10 and without the foot 30.
[0076] The frame 20 has a first support section 21 and a second support section 25, which are arranged in Figure 2A aligned on the side but still spaced apart.
[0077] The first support section 21 forms a left half of the frame 20 and the second support section 25 a corresponding right half.
[0078] The support sections 21 and 25 each have at least one hollow end section with an opening at one end face. The hollow end section has a circumferential wall that surrounds and radially limits an interior space within the hollow end section.
[0079] In the exemplary embodiment, the support sections 21, 25 are designed as tubes, in particular tubes with a circular diameter. The end sections are, in this case, the ends of the tube.
[0080] The end sections of the support sections 21, 25 have, in particular, the same diameter.
[0081] The first support section 21 further comprises a first locking element 22. The first locking element 22 is a screw threaded through a circumferential wall of the first support section 21. Alternatively, the first locking element 22 can also be a projection, a constriction of the inner diameter of the first support section, or a cotter pin.
[0082] Figure 2B shows a section of the upper left section of the frame 20 according to Figure 2A. The connecting element 40 is arranged within the first support section 21.
[0083] The connecting element 40 has, for example, as in the illustrated embodiment, a main body 44, an end cap 41 and a front cap 43.
[0084] The movable connecting element 40 has a cross-sectional shape complementary to the hollow end section of the first and second support sections 21, 25. The movable connecting element 40 has a length in the range of 4 cm to 10 cm, preferably 8 cm.
[0085] The main body 44 is a hollow body with a diameter, in particular a tube. For example, the main body 44 is a metal tube.
[0086] The end cap 41 and the front cap 43 are arranged at opposite ends of the main body 44 and seal the main body 44.
[0087] The front cap 43 is arranged at the end of the main body 44 that is directed towards the open end of the end section.
[0088] Furthermore, the end cap 41 has a recess 42 that, for example, extends completely along its circumference. In this case, the length of the connecting element 40 corresponds to the length from the front end of the front cap 43, i.e., the end facing the end wall, to the recess 42 of the end cap 41.
[0089] On the side of the recess 42 facing away from the main body 44, the end cap 41 has a sealing ring 45.
[0090] The front cap 43 and the end cap 41 lie tightly against the inner wall of the hollow end section of the first support section 21, in particular airtight. For example, a portion of an airflow can pass through the front and end caps 43, 41, but the movable connecting element 40 can be set into axial movement by the remaining airflow.
[0091] The movable connecting element 40 is located in the position shown in Figure 2B in a starting position within the end section of the first support section 21.
[0092] The starting position is, for example, the position in which an end cap 41 of the movable connecting element 40 is in contact with the first blocking means 22.
[0093] In the embodiment shown, the connecting element 40 is arranged completely within the hollow end section of the first support section 21 in the initial position, which is determined by a distance of the first blocking means 22 to the opening on the side of the first support section.
[0094] The first support section 21 also has a spring, in particular a leaf spring 23.
[0095] The leaf spring 23 is attached at one end to the outside of the first support section 21. At the opposite end, the leaf spring 23 is bent by approximately 90° towards the first support section 21.
[0096] At this point, the circumferential wall of the first support section 21 has an opening 29 through which the bent section of the leaf spring 23 extends.
[0097] The bent section of the leaf spring 23 acts as, or is, a locking device 24, which is subjected to a force by the other sections of the leaf spring 23 into the interior of the first support section 21. When the connecting element 40 is in its initial position, the locking device 24 is pre-tensioned, since the main body 44 covers the opening 29.
[0098] The leaf spring 23 is pre-tensioned by inserting the movable connecting element 40 into the hollow end section of the first support section 21. As an alternative to bending, a spring with a locking device can also be designed in two parts or multiple parts.
[0099] The second support section has a second locking element 26. The second locking element 26 is a screw threaded through a circumferential wall of the second support section 25. Alternatively, the second locking element can be a projection, a constriction of the inner diameter of the first support section, or a cotter pin.
[0100] The distance of the second blocking means 26 from the end face of the second support section 25 is in the range of 40% to 60% of the length of the connecting element 40, preferably 50%.
[0101] Figures 3A to 3C show a temporal sequence of the movement of the connecting element 40.
[0102] Figure 3A shows the connecting element 40 in its initial position, with the first support section 21 and the second support section 25 joined together on their ends. Furthermore, the first support section 21 and the second support section 25 are aligned on their ends. This is the assembled state of the frame 20.
[0103] The two support sections 21, 25 have an identical cross-sectional area within the limits of manufacturing accuracy.
[0104] If the movable connecting element 40 is subjected to an axial force in the direction of the end face of the first support section 21, which can be provided, for example, by an airflow blown into the first support section 21, the movable connecting element 40 moves axially towards the second support section 25 and penetrates the end section of the second support section 21. This intermediate position is shown in Figure 3B.
[0105] As an alternative to the blown-in airflow, the movable connecting element 40 can also be set in motion by means of a spring, gravity or magnetically.
[0106] In the intermediate position, the movable connecting element 40 is neither in contact with the first blocking means 22 nor in contact with the second blocking means 26.
[0107] In Figure 3C, the movable connecting element 40 has moved to its end position. In this end position, part of the movable connecting element 40 is located within the first support section 21. The other part of the movable connecting element 40 is located within the second support section 25. The first and second support sections 21 and 25 are thus connected to each other by the movable connecting element 40, and in particular secured against radial displacement.
[0108] In the embodiment shown, the front cap 43 of the movable connecting element 40 is in contact with the second blocking means 26 in the end position.
[0109] The recess 42 of the end cap 41 is now located in the area of the opening 29 in the circumferential wall of the first support section 21. The leaf spring is no longer tensioned and the locking device 24 is engaged in the recess 42.
[0110] Both the locking device 24 and the blocking device 26 prevent the movable connecting element 40 from penetrating further into the direction of the second support section 25. In the present embodiment, the second blocking device 26 can therefore be omitted as an alternative.
[0111] In addition, the locking device 24 prevents the connecting element from moving back towards the first support section 21, in particular back to the starting position.
[0112] Figures 4A to 4C show a temporal sequence of an insertion process of the first carrier section 21 and the second carrier section 25 through the opening 12 into the reference 10.
[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 12 has a length approximately five times the diameter of the support sections 21 and 25. This length is determined by the distance between the first support section 21 and the second support section 25 outside the reference, which are attached to the base 30 (see Figure 1).
[0114] Figure 4A shows the reference 10 with opening 12 into which the first support section 21 is partially inserted. In particular, the connecting element 40 is already located in the end section of the first support section 21 at this point.
[0115] After insertion, the first support section 21 is arranged in its desired position within the reference 10, as shown in Figure 4B.
[0116] In addition to the first support section 21 already arranged in the edge area 11, Figure 4B shows how a first part of the second support section 25 is introduced into the reference 10 through the opening 12.
[0117] In Figure 4C, both support sections 21 and 25 are arranged in the edge region 11 of the cover 10. The two end faces can already be in contact if the movable connecting element can be arranged entirely within the hollow end section of the first support section. This allows the width of the cover 10 to correspond to the width of the frame, as no additional play is required in the cover. The frame 20 thus determines the spatial shape of the piece of furniture.
[0118] The two support sections 21 and 25 are then aligned relative to each other as shown and described in Figures 3A to 3B. Compressed air is then introduced into the end of the first support section 21 that protrudes from the reference 10. This moves the connecting element 40 from its initial position to its final position, as described in Figures 3A to 3C, thereby connecting the support sections 21 and 25.
[0119] Figure 5A shows another embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, here also a room divider 2.
[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the room divider 2 has a three-dimensional L-shape. The L-shape consists of two rectangular surfaces rotated relative to each other at an angle of 80°–100°. The room divider 2 also has rounded corners and is equipped with three feet at its lower edge to ensure stability on the floor. The height of the room divider 2 is between 1 m and 2 m. The widths of the individual surfaces of the room divider 2 are between 20 cm and 1 m.
[0121] The room divider 2 has an opening 12 at the right edge shown in Figure 5 A in the edge area 11.
[0122] Figure 5B shows an exploded view of the frame 20 of the room divider 2. In contrast to the room divider 1, in the embodiment of the room divider 2 the entire frame 20 is arranged within the reference 10.
[0123] The frame 20 comprises a first support section 21, a second support section 25, and an intermediate strut 28. The two support sections 21 and 25 are connected by means of two movable connecting elements 40. For this purpose, the first support section 21 has a hollow end section at both ends. Furthermore, the support section 25 also has two corresponding hollow end sections.
[0124] Furthermore, two first locking devices 22, two second locking devices 26, and two locking devices 24 are attached to the frame 20, which interact with the two movable connecting elements 40 as described above in relation to the room divider 1. Therefore, repetition is omitted, and the above statements apply analogously.
[0125] To assemble the room divider 1, the second support section 25 is first inserted through the opening 12 in relation 10 and positioned in the edge area 11.
[0126] The intermediate strut 28 is then guided through a tunnel 31 in the reference and fastened by means of two screws each in the corners of the second support section 25.
[0127] The two movable connecting elements 40 are then inserted into the hollow end sections of the first support section 21, thereby pre-tensioning the two leaf springs 23. Alternatively, the connecting elements 40 can already be contained within the support sections when the support sections 21, 25 are inserted into the armature 10.
[0128] Subsequently, the first support section 21 is also guided through the opening 12 of the reference 10 and arranged adjacent to the second support section 25 on the voice side.
[0129] To connect the two support sections 21, 25, the two movable connecting elements 40 must be moved from their initial position to their final position. In the illustrated embodiment, an airflow is introduced into the first support section 21 through a frame opening 27. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a syringe tip that can penetrate the cover.
[0130] Alternatively, the frame opening 27 can be located at the position of the opening 12, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment. In this case, a blow gun can be applied to the frame opening 27.
[0131] The airflow sets the two movable connecting elements 40 in motion simultaneously or at different times until they reach the final position in which the respective locking means at the end of the leaf spring 23 engages in the recess 42 of each of the movable connecting elements 40.
[0132] To prevent airflow from escaping through the opening 29 in the circumferential wall of the hollow end section of the first support section 21, through which the locking element extends, after the first of the two movable connecting elements 40 has reached its respective end position, the sealing ring 45 of the end cap 41 is provided. This seals the opening 29 towards the frame opening 27 even in the end position. This ensures that both movable connecting elements 40 reach their respective end positions and thus that the first support section 21 is connected to the second support section 25.
[0133] Finally, the opening 12 in the cover can either be closed using a locking mechanism. Alternatively, the opening, which is only about 5-10% of the height of the room divider 2, can also be left open. For this purpose, the frame 20 can, for example, be finished in the same color as the cover at this point to visually conceal the opening.
[0134] Figures 6A and 6B show a further embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, here a room divider 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the room divider 3 has a three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensional shape has a wave-like profile at an upper and a lower edge, with a wave crest at the upper edge corresponding to a wave trough at the lower edge. This gives the room divider 3 a particularly attractive visual appearance.
[0135] The height of room divider 3 is between 1 m and 2 m. The width of room divider 3 is between 60 cm and 2 m.
[0136] The room divider 3 has a reference 10. Furthermore, a frame is arranged inside the reference 10 in the edge area 11 (not shown).
[0137] The frame can consist of a first and a second support section, which are connected by means of two movable connecting elements.
[0138] To assemble room divider 3, proceed analogously to the steps described above for room divider 2. The only difference is that inserting an intermediate brace is not necessary for room divider 3.
[0139] Although the embodiments shown are limited to room dividers, the invention is not limited to this but relates to furniture in general. For example, it is conceivable to manufacture chairs or armchairs in this way.
[0140] The present invention can also be carried out in ways other than those expressly described herein without affecting any essential features of the invention. The present embodiments are to be regarded in every respect as illustrative and non-limiting, and all modifications that fall within the scope and equivalence of the appended claims are intended to be included therein. Reference numeral
[0141] 1 room divider
[0142] 2 angled room dividers
[0143] 3 angled room dividers
[0144] 10 Reference
[0145] 11. Edge area of the reference
[0146] 12 Opening
[0147] 20 frames
[0148] 21 first support section
[0149] 22 first blocking agent
[0150] 23 leaf spring
[0151] 24 locking devices
[0152] 25 second support section
[0153] 26 second blocking agent
[0154] 27 Frame opening
[0155] 28 Intermediate strut
[0156] 29 Opening
[0157] 30 feet
[0158] 31 tunnels for intermediate strut
[0159] 40 movable connecting element 41 end cap
[0160] 42 In-depth study
[0161] 43 Front cap
[0162] 44 Main body
[0163] 45 Sealing ring
Claims
April 4, 2025 STEELCASE 72P88PCT JT / MG Claims 1 to 25 1. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3), in particular room divider, with a frame (20), a connecting element and a cover (10), wherein the cover (10) forms an outer surface of the piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) that encloses a volume, wherein the frame (20) has a first support section (21) and a second support section (25) which, in a composite state within the volume, define the spatial shape of the piece of furniture (1, 2, 3), the first support section (21) and the second support section (25) each have a hollow end section, wherein the connecting element (40) is movable relative to the first support section (21) and the second support section (25) and is arranged to be moved axially in the assembled state of the frame (20) from a starting position in which the movable connecting element (40) is located in the hollow end section of the first support section (21) to a final position in the direction of the hollow end section of the second support section (25).
2. Furniture piece (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1, wherein the hollow end section of the first support section (21) is adapted to arrange the movable connecting element (40) in the initial position with a length fraction of at least 70%, preferably at least 85%, and more preferably completely therein.
3. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable connecting element (40) has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the hollow end sections.
4. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable connecting element (40) has a length in the range of 2 to 20 cm, preferably 3 to 15 cm, and most preferably 4 to 10 cm.
5. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable connecting element (40) is tubular and has a termination element, in particular a front cap (43) or an end cap (41), on each of the two end faces, in particular wherein at least one of the termination elements (41) is designed to seal airtight against an inner wall of the hollow end section.
6. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow end section of the first support section (21) and the hollow end section of the second support section (25) have a substantially identical cross-sectional area.
7. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support section (21) and second support section (25) are tubes, in particular tubes with a circular diameter.
8. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) has one, in particular exactly one, opening (12), wherein the opening (12) is designed to introduce the first support section (21) and the second support section (25) at least partially into the volume of the cover (10) and to arrange them therein.
9. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to claim 8, wherein the opening (12) has a maximum extent that is less than ten times, preferably less than seven times, more preferably less than four times and most preferably less than twice the diameter of the first support section (21) and / or the second support section (25).
10. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support section (21) has a first blocking means (22), wherein the first blocking means (22) is configured to determine a maximum penetration depth of the movable connecting element (40) into the hollow end section of the first support section (21), in particular wherein the first blocking means (22) is arranged at a distance to an opening of the hollow end section which corresponds to at least one length of the movable connecting element (40).
11. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support section (25) has a second locking means (26), wherein the second locking means (26) is configured to determine a maximum penetration depth of the movable connecting element (40) into the hollow end section of the second support section (25), in particular wherein the second locking means (26) is arranged at a distance to an opening of the hollow end section which corresponds to 30% to 70%, preferably 40% to 60%, more preferably 50% of the length of the movable connecting element (40).
12. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first locking means (22) and / or the second locking means (26) is a projection, a screw, a constriction in the inner diameter of the support section (21, 25), or a cotter pin.
13. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support section (21) has a locking means (24), wherein the locking means (24) is configured to prevent movement of the movable connecting element (40) from the end position, in particular back to the starting position.
14. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to claim 13, wherein the locking means (24) is arranged at a distance to the opening of the hollow end section which corresponds to 40% to 60% of the distance of the first locking means (22) from the opening of the hollow end section and / or wherein the distance between the locking means (24) and the second locking means (26) corresponds to between 1.0 and 1.5 times the axial length of the connecting element (40).
15. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the locking means (24) is resiliently arranged on the hollow end section of the first support section (21).
16. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the first support section (21) has an opening in a circumferential wall surrounding an interior of the hollow end section, which is designed so that the locking means (24) can extend through the opening into the interior.
17. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to claim 16, wherein the movable connecting element (40) has a recess (42), in particular a circumferential recess, and wherein the locking means (24) is configured to extend through the opening of the circumferential wall of the first support section (21) into the recess (42).
18. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the locking means (24) is a section of a spring (23), in particular a leaf spring, a screw or a cotter pin.
19. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support section (21) and the second support section (25) each have a further hollow end section, and wherein the furniture (1, 2, 3) has a second movable connecting element (40) which, in the assembled state, is configured to connect the first support section (21) and the second support section (25) to each other at the two further hollow end sections.
20. Furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (20) has a third support section having a hollow end section, and wherein the first support section (21) or the second support section (25) has a further hollow end section, and wherein the furniture (1, 2, 3) has a third movable connecting element (40) which is configured to connect the first support section (21) or the second support section (25) to the third support section in the assembled state.
21. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (20) is arranged completely within the cover (10) in the assembled state.
22. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable connecting element (40) is designed to be moved from the starting position to the end position by means of energy provided by an energy source, in particular wherein the connecting element (40) in the starting position seals the corresponding end section airtight.
23. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (20) in the assembled state has a three-dimensional shape which goes beyond the three-dimensionality of the cross-section of the support sections (21, 25).
24. Piece of furniture (1, 2, 3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (10) has a cover material which is a textile, imitation leather and / or leather and / or wherein the cover (10) is free of a zipper.
25. Method for assembling a piece of furniture, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a frame consisting of at least a first and second support section, a connecting element and a cover, wherein the method comprises the following: a. Providing the cover which has an opening, b. Providing the connecting element and the first and second support sections, each having a hollow end section, wherein the connecting element is arranged to be axially movable within the hollow end section of the first support section in a starting position, c. subsequent insertion of the first support section with the connecting element and the second support section through the opening into the reference, d. subsequent assembly of the first and second support sections within the reference, e. subsequent movement of the connecting element from the starting position towards the hollow end section of the second support section.