FURNITURE MADE FROM PANELS

Abstract

The invention relates to a piece of furniture made from a plurality of interconnectable planar elements (1, 2), in particular designed as a piece of children's furniture, such as a play house, wherein at least two of the adjacent planar elements (1, 2) are connectable by at least one plug connection, and wherein said plug connection is formed by a protrusion (3) which is formed on the end face of a first planar element (1) and which has an opening (4) extending crosswise to the flat side of the planar element (1), a recess (5) in a second planar element (2) into which the protrusion (3) of the first planar element (1) is insertable, and a securing element (6) which is interlockingly insertable into the opening (4) of the protrusion (3). The second planar element (2) has, in the region of the recess (5), a blind hole-shaped receptacle (8) protruding through the recess (5) from the nearest end face (7) of the planar element (2), which receptacle aligns with the opening (4) in the protrusion (3) of the first planar element (1) when in the assembled state. The securing element (6) is located completely within the blind hole-shaped receptacle (8) and in the opening (4) of the protrusion (3) when in the assembled state.

Claims

1. A piece of furniture comprising: first and second adjacent planar elements; a tab projecting from an edge of the first planar element and having a n throughgoing aperture extending transversely to a flat face of the planar element; a cutout in the second planar element into which the tab of the first planar element is insertable; a securing element interlockingly insertable into the aperture on the tab; and a blind hole forming with the tab, cutout, and securing element a plug connection and extending through the cutout from an edge of the second planar element, and, in an assembled state, aligned with the aperture in the tab of the first planar element, the securing element, in the assembled state, extending completely through the aperture and lying completely within the blind hole and in the aperture of the tab.

2. The piece of furniture according to claim 1, wherein the securing element in the assembled state is frictionally clamped in the blind hole in the second planar element.

3. The piece of furniture according to claim 1, wherein in the region of the blind hole in the second planar element, a n second aperture is provided on the flat face of the element, and extends into the blind hole and, in the assembled state, is approximately aligned with a n third aperture in the securing element, the securing element being releasable from the fixed position by inserting a tool into the second and third apertures and by subsequently performing a pushing movement.

4. The piece of furniture according to claim 1, wherein the blind hole in the second planar element and the securing element have a matched key-lock-geometry, the securing element is only fully inserted in only one direction of insertion.

5. The piece of furniture according to claim 1, wherein the first and second panels form part of a playhouse that comprises four planar elements as wall parts and one planar element as roof part, wherein the wall parts can be collectively plugged into one another via hooks and recesses and the roof part can be connected to at least two opposite wall parts in each case via at least one such plug connection with a securing element that, in the assembled state, is located completely within the blind hole and in the aperture of the tab.

6. The piece of furniture according to claim 5, wherein, in the assembled state, inwardly extending tabs for supporting an intermediate ceiling part are provided on the wall parts in the upper section, and in that downwardly extending tabs are provided on the roof part, and as a result an inserted intermediate ceiling part is clamped between the tabs of the wall parts and the tabs of the roof part.

7. The piece of furniture according to claim 1, wherein the piece of furniture is a wall mount with first planar elements that can be modularly fastened thereto and are shaped as a wall part, wherein the wall mount comprises at least two mounting elements that are aligned in a right angle to the wall and vertically parallel to one another and on whose upper ends a second planar element that is designed as a roof part is connected in a pivotable manner via a joint, and wherein a wall part that can be fastened in a modular manner thereto can be fastened to the mounting elements of the wall mount via hooks and recesses, after which the roof part, having been pivoted into a securing position, can be connected to the wall part via at least one plug connection with a securing element that, in the assembled state, lies completely within the blind hole and in the aperture of tab.

8. The piece of furniture according to claim 3, wherein the second and third apertures, in a fully inserted position of the tab, overlap but are offset relative to each other so that forcing a pin through them shifts the securing element out of the blind hole.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention will now be described in greater detail using exemplary embodiments and with the aid of the accompanying figures.

Therein:

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a plug connection of a piece of furniture according to the invention;

[0014] FIG. 2 shows the plug connection from FIG. 1 in an assembled perspective view;

[0015] FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional illustration of the plug connection from FIG. 1 in the assembled state;

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a playhouse according to the invention;

[0017] FIG. 5 shows another schematic perspective view of a playhouse according to the invention with an intermediate ceiling part inserted;

[0018] FIG. 6 schematically shows a wall mount and

[0019] FIG. 7 shows the essential elements of the wall mount from FIG. 6, each individually in a side view, and schematically shows a wall part to be fastened thereto.

Way (s) for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] In the schematic exploded view shown in FIG. 1, only the section of a plug connection between a first 1 and a second 2 planar element is shown. The dimensions do not correspond to the actual dimensions but merely illustrate the basic function of the plug connection. The first planar element 1 that forms a wall part here, for example, has a tab 3 on its upper edge, with an aperture 4 running transversely to a flat face of the first planar element 1. The second planar element 2 is designed here as a roof part and has a cutout 5 into which the tab 4 of the first planar element 1 can be inserted. Cutout 5 is shown in the exemplary embodiment as a break through aperture, but it is also possible to form this cutout as a blind cutout, for example if the roof part is made thicker.

[0021] The second planar element 2 further has, on the edge 7 closest to cutout 5, a hole 8 in the form of a blind cutout that projects crosswise through cutout 5. After tab 3 of the first planar element 1 has been inserted, this hole 8 is aligned with the aperture 4 on tab 3. To secure the connection of the two planar elements 1 and 2, a securing element 6 is inserted that is accommodated completely within hole 8 and also protrudes through the aperture 4, as a result the two planar elements 1, 2 are connected in a form-fitting manner.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment, the securing element 6 is designed as a small plate and can be designed artistically. Ideally, securing element 6 and hole 8 are designed in such a way that a clamping effect occurs within hole 8 when securing element 6 is inserted. In FIG. 2 the connection is shown in the assembled state. In this way, the securing element can no longer be removed without tools, which means that the connection is secured against unwanted manipulation, for example by children.

[0023] In FIG. 3, the plug connection is shown in the assembled state in a sectional view. To enable securing element 6 to be removed from this position again, apertures 9, 10 are provided both in securing element 6 and in the second planar element, which apertures are almost aligned in the assembled state. In order to disassemble the piece of furniture, a tool, for example in the form of a pin, can be inserted into the aperture 9 in the second planar element 2, which tool then also dips into the aperture 10 in the securing element 6. By performing a lateral pushing movement, securing element 6 can be pushed out a little from hole 8. The securing element 6 can then be gripped and removed again from the edge 7 of the second planar element 2. This also ensures rapid disassembly for dismantling and reassembling the piece of furniture.

[0024] In FIG. 4, a piece of furniture according to the invention is shown as a playhouse for children. The playhouse has four first planar elements 1 that form the wall parts. On the side edges, the wall parts each have three designed hooks 11 that can be inserted into corresponding recesses 12 on the side edges of the adjacent wall parts. The walls of the playhouse can be erected quickly by simply plugging them together. For completion, a second planar element 2 is put on as a roof part. A plug connection as described above is arranged between each wall part and the roof part and the roof part is secured by inserting four securing elements 6. As a result, the wall parts can no longer be pulled apart from one another and the entire playhouse is connected in a childproof manner.

[0025] The playhouse is intended to stimulate children's creativity and at the same time offer various learning stimuli, which is achieved through the use of various modular wall parts that can be very easily exchanged by choice. For example, the individual wall parts can be equipped with doors, windows, handles, motor skill or play elements. Accessories can be attached to the individual modules or used together with them. For example, a Punch and Judy show, a feely bag, a learning clock, a basketball hoop, a steering wheel, a mirror, various throwing games, various locks and much more can be integrated into the wall parts or can be connected to them. Through different apertures in different wall parts, such as doors, windows, decoratively designed handle cutouts and the like, it is also possible to supervise the child playing in the house. Due to the rapid rearrangement, it is thus possible to use different modules in a targeted manner, that also offers the child variety without overwhelming it with an oversupply.

[0026] The playhouse should also offer a protected, cave-like space for the child to retreat to. In FIG. 5 a playhouse is shown schematically, in which two of the wall parts are not depicted. In the upper area of the wall parts, there are inwardly extending tabs 13 in the form of bars, on which an intermediate ceiling part 14 is placed. In the shown intermediate ceiling part 14, LED lights are incorporated in drilled cutouts that illuminate the interior of the playhouse as a starry sky. The electronics and a battery box and/or a receiver for a remote control are located on top of the intermediate ceiling part 14 and are therefore inaccessible to the child, which also rules out unwanted manipulation of the live parts here. A light switch can also protrude through a corresponding cutout in the intermediate ceiling element so that the child can operate the light directly. Tabs 15 in the form of bars extending downwards are provided on the roof part that, when the roof part is fitted, press the intermediate ceiling part 14 in the direction of the tabs 13 that are located on the wall parts, and thus pinch it. The intermediate ceiling part is thus also secured against unintentional lifting by the child and injuries caused by clamping are avoided. Also in this case, other intermediate ceiling elements 14 with different designs can again be inserted in a simple, modular manner.

[0027] A wall mount 16 is shown in FIG. 6. This is an embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, in which different modular wall parts can be attached to the wall mount 16. Different activities and games can be arranged on the individual wall parts. The wall mount 16 comprises two lateral mounting elements 17 arranged vertically and in a right angle to the wall and a second planar element 2 arranged above and crosswise thereto as a roof part. The roof part can either be fitted loosely or connected to the mounting elements 17 in a hinged manner. In order to give the wall mount more stability and to enable simple assembly, the essential elements are connected to one another via frame elements 18.

[0028] FIG. 7 shows the essential elements of the wall mount 16 and a first planar element 1 schematically, each in side views. The first planar element 1 formed as a wall part can be hung on the hooks 11 of the mounting elements 17 via recesses 12. The second planar element 2 that is shaped as a roof part, is then placed on or pivoted into a securing position. Tab 3 of the first planar element 1 thereby penetrates into the cutout 5 in the roof part and can then be secured by inserting a securing element 6 into the blind hole 8.

[0029] In this way, individual wall elements with different playful or educational activities can be exchanged quickly and easily, thus always offering variety. At the same time, the securing is childproof, as is the case with the playhouse. Wall elements from the playhouse can also be fixed to the wall mount 16 as wall parts, resulting in further application possibilities. A wall mount 16 can also be designed in such a way that several wall parts of a playhouse can be hung up for storage, with the securing then taking place via the plug connection between the roof part and the outermost wall part. This also ensures space-saving and safe storage of a playhouse when it is not in use.