A DEVICE FOR ATTACHING A LEG TO A PANEL OF A CABINET

Abstract

A device may be provided for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet. The device may include a support portion, a first engagement portion defining a first main extension, and a second engagement portion defining a second main extension. The first main extension and the second main extension may be parallel to each other. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion may be connected to the support portion spaced from each other. The device may be adapted for allowing relative displacement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion when a displacement structure of the device receives a correspondingly shaped end portion of the leg.

Claims

1. A device for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet, the device comprising: a support portion; a first engagement portion defining a first main extension; and a second engagement portion defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are parallel to each other, wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are connected to the support portion spaced from each other, other; wherein each one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion includes a projection or recess, that is adapted to be connected to a corresponding recess or projection in the panel; wherein the device is adapted for allowing relative displacement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion; at least one opening or weak portion located between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion for allowing the relative displacement between the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion; wherein the support portion is formed by a support plate defining a main extension plane; wherein the support plate is adapted for being connected to the panel in a way that the main extension plane of the support plate is parallel to an extension plane of the panel; wherein the support plate includes a base section, a first plate section provided with the first engagement portion, and a second plate section provided with the second engagement portion; wherein at least one of the first plate section and the second plate section is spaced from the base section by the at least one opening or weak portion; wherein the device includes a displacement structure adapted for effecting the displacement of the first engagement portion relative to the second engagement portion; wherein the displacement structure includes a receptacle adapted to be at least partly widened when receiving a correspondingly shaped end portion of the leg; and wherein the at least one opening or weak portion forms a part of the receptacle so that the displacement of the first engagement portion relative to the second engagement portion is effected when the leg is received in the receptacle.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted for allowing relative displacement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion away from each other.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening or weak portion is located on opposite sides of at least one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion in a displacement direction for allowing the relative displacement.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening or weak portion is formed by a slot which has an extension so that it surrounds the-at least one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion on three sides for allowing the relative displacement.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first plate section and the second plate section is elastically connected to the base section for allowing an elastic movement in parallel with the main extension plane of the support plate.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are arranged adjacent opposite ends of the support portion; and wherein the displacement structure is located in a central area of the support portion.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is adapted for allowing displacement of the first engagement portion relative to the second engagement portion while maintaining an outer peripheral shape of the device non-effected.

8. An arrangement for distancing a cabinet from a floor, the arrangement comprising: a device according to claim 1; and a leg adapted to be attached to a panel of the cabinet via the device.

9. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein an upper portion of the leg and/or a wall portion defining the receptacle of the displacement structure has a tapering shape for subjecting the wall portion to an increasing force during attachment in order to gradually effect the displacement.

10. A cabinet comprising: an arrangement according to claim 8; wherein the panel is provided with at least two engagement portions arranged spaced from each other and extending perpendicularly to a main extension plane of the panel; wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion of the device are adapted for engagement with a respective one of the two engagement portions of the panel; and wherein the device is adapted so that the displacement of the first engagement portion relative to the second engagement portion is effected when the device is attached to the panel so that contact surfaces of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are urged against corresponding contact surfaces of the engagement portions of the panel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0038] In the drawings:

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view from below of an arrangement comprising an attachment device and a leg for distancing a cabinet from the floor according to a first embodiment,

[0040] FIG. 2a is a perspective top view of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 in an assembled state,

[0041] FIG. 2b is a perspective view from below of the arrangement according to FIG. 2a,

[0042] FIG. 3a is a partly cut perspective view from below of the arrangement according to FIG. 2a during attachement,

[0043] FIG. 3b is a partly cut perspective view from below of the arrangement according to FIG. 3a in an attached state,

[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of a cabinet being provided with arrangements as in FIG. 3b at each corner,

[0045] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b show an arrangement as in FIG. 4 in two consecutive assembly steps in partly cut perspective views from below,

[0046] FIG. 6a is a perspective view from below of a device for attaching a leg to a panel of a cabinet according to a second embodiment, and

[0047] FIG. 6b is a perspective view from above of the device according to FIG. 6a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view from below of an arrangement 2 comprising an attachment device 4 and a leg 6 for distancing a cabinet 42 from the floor (see FIG. 4) according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2a is a perspective top view of the arrangement 2 according to FIG. 1 in an assembled state and FIG. 2b is a similar perspective view of the arrangement 2 from below.

[0049] The device 4 comprises a support portion 8, a first engagement portion 10 defining a first main extension and a second engagement portion 12 defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are in parallel with each other. The term main extension here refers to a connection direction of the respective engagement portion 10, 12. Further, the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are connected to the support portion 8 spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the main extensions thereof. The device 4 is adapted for allowing relative displacement of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12. In the shown embodiment, the device 4 is adapted for allowing relative displacement of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 away from each other. In other words, the device is adapted for allowing displacement of the first engagement portion 10 relative to the second engagement portion 12 from a first mutual relationship to a second mutual relationship, wherein the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are spaced to a different extent in the second mutual relationship. In the shown embodiment, the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are spaced to a greater extent in the second mutual relationship. It is shown in more detail in an example assembly in FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b.

[0050] Each one of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 is formed by a projection. The respective projection is adapted to be received in a corresponding recess in the cabinet panel. The projection is formed by a pin in the form of a dowel. The dowel has a constant cross section in its extension direction. More specifically, the dowel defines a circular cross section shape. An envelope surface of the dowel is adapted for a frictional engagement with a corresponding surface defining the hole. The first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are identical in design and structure.

[0051] The device 4 comprises a first opening 14 partly surrounding the first engagement portion 10 and a second opening 16 partly surrounding the second engagement portion 12 for allowing the relative displacement between the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12. Each one of the first opening 14 and the second opening 16 is formed by a slot. Each one of the slots has a continuous extension so that it surrounds the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 on three sides for allowing the relative displacement. More specifically, each one of the slots has a generally U-shaped extension.

[0052] The support portion 8 is formed by a support plate 18 defining a main extension plane, wherein the support plate 18 is adapted for being connected to the cabinet panel in a way that the main extension plane of the support plate is in parallel with an extension plane of the cabinet panel. The support plate 18 comprises a base section 52, a first plate section 20 provided with the first engagement portion 10 and a second plate section 22 comprising the second engagement portion 12, wherein the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 are spaced from the base section 52 in parallel with the main extension plane by the at least one opening 14, 16. More specifically, each one of the slot-like openings 14, 16 defines the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22, respectively.

[0053] The projection defining the first engagement portion 10 extends perpendicularly to an extension plane of the first plate section 20. More specifically, the projection defining the first engagement portion 10 is formed in one piece with the first plate section 20. In a similar manner, the projection defining the second engagement portion 12 extends perpendicularly to an extension plane of the second plate section 22. More specifically, the projection defining the second engagement portion 12 is formed in one piece with the second plate section 22.

[0054] More specifically, each one of the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 has an elongated shape and is defined by the slot 14, 16 extending along both long sides and one of the short sides. Further, the slot 14, 16 has a width allowing the movement of the plate section 20, 22 in the extension plane of the plate section 18. Further, the other short side forming a bridge to the base section 52 may be defined to form a hinge for the elastic movement. In other words, each one of the elongated plate sections 20, 22 is pivoted around said short side forming the hinge in parallel with the extension plane of the plate section 18.

[0055] The device 4 comprises a displacement structure 24 adapted for effecting the displacement of the first engagement portion 10 relative to the second engagement portion 12. The displacement structure 24 comprises a receptacle 26 adapted to be at least partly widened when receiving an upper portion 28 of the leg 6. Each one of the openings 14, 16 forms a part of the receptacle 26. Further, the receptacle 26 has the shape of a slot. More specifically, the slot-like receptacle 26 has a rounded circumscribing shape, especially an oval shape. Likewise, the upper portion 28 of the leg 6 comprises a wall or ring with a rounded circumscribing shape, especially an oval shape, matching the dimensions of the slot-like receptacle 26.

[0056] More specifically, each one of the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 is defined in a direction towards the displacement structure 24 by the slot-like receptacle 26. When the leg 6 is attached to the displacement structure 24, walls of each one of the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 defining the receptacle will be pushed radially outwards. More specifically, each one of the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 comprises a wall 38, 40 defining the slot-like receptacle 26. Each one of the walls 38, 40 has at least one convex contact surface facing the slot-like receptacle 26. More specifically, each one of the walls 38, 40 has two adjacent convex contact surfaces facing the slot-like receptacle 26. Similarly, the base section 52 comprises a wall 58, 60 defining the slot-like receptacle 26 on an opposite side of the receptacle 26, wherein the walls 58, 60 forms rigid support surfaces for the leg 6 during attachment.

[0057] More specifically, the displacement structure 24 is adapted for being effected by an end portion 28 of the leg 6 so that the first engagement portion 10 is displaced relative to the second engagement portion 12 when the end portion 28 of the leg 6 is attached to the displacement structure 24. More specifically, each one of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 is displaced outwards relative to the base section 52.

[0058] The first engagement portion 10, the second engagement portion 12 and the displacement structure 24 are arranged at the corners of a triangular shape at the support structure 8. More specifically, the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are arranged adjacent opposite ends of the support structure 8 and wherein the displacement structure 24 is located in a central area of the support structure 8. More specifically, the support plate 18 has a generally rectangular shape, wherein each one of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are arranged adjacent a respective corner of the rectangular support plate 18.

[0059] The device 4 is adapted for allowing displacement of the first engagement portion 10 relative to the second engagement portion 12 while maintaining an outer peripheral shape of the device non-effected. It is achieved in that the openings/slots 14, 16 extends on an outer side of the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12, respectively, wherein the opening/slot has such a width that each one of the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 may be moved somewhat outwards.

[0060] Turning now again to FIG. 1. The leg 6 comprises two parts 30, 32 adapted for height adjustment of the leg. More specifically, the leg 6 is adapted for a stepless (continuous) height adjustment. Each one of the leg parts 30, 32 has a cylindrical shape, wherein one of the leg parts 30 has a cylindrical hollow shape adapted for receipt of the other leg 32. More specifically, envelope surfaces of each one of the leg parts 30, 32 have a threaded structure 34, 36.

[0061] Further, the device comprises two additional engagement portions 72, 74. Each one of the additional engagement portions 72, 74 is also formed by a projection in the form of a dowel and extends in parallel with the first and second engagement portions 10, 12. Each one of the additional engagement portions 72, 74 is rigidly attached to the support portion 8. Thus, the additional engagement portions 72, 74 are arranged in a non-movable way in relation to each other. Further, each one of the additional engagement portions 72, 74 is arranged adjacent a corner of the rectangular support plate 18. In other words, the device comprises four engagement portions 10,12,72,74, which are arranged in a configuration defining the corners of a rectangle.

[0062] The upper portion 28 of the leg 6 has an upwards tapering shape for subjecting the wall portion defining the receptacle of the displacement structure 24 of an increasing force during attachment in order to gradually effect the displacement. According to an alternative or complement, the slot-like receptacle 26 may have a shape tapering inwards from an opening.

[0063] FIG. 3a is a partly cut perspective view from below of the arrangement 2 according to FIG. 2a during attachment. The leg 6 is assembled by the leg parts 30, 32 so that the threads 34, 36 are in engagement. Further, the device 4 is attached to the cabinet panel 44 (see also FIG. 4). In a consecutive step, the leg 6 is moved straight (in parallel with an extension direction of the leg 6) towards the device 4, see arrow, so that the upper portion 28 of the leg 6 is received in the slot-like receptacle 26 of the device 4. Due to the relative tapering shape of the contact surfaces of the upper portion 28 and the slot-like receptacle 26, the plate sections 20, 22 (and thereby the projections/dowels 10, 12) will be displaced outwards during the engagement. FIG. 3b is a partly cut perspective view from below of the arrangement according to FIG. 3a in an attached state.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of a cabinet 42. The cabinet 42 comprises a plurality of rectangular panels 44, 46, 48 joined together to form a shape of a box defining an interior space for housing articles such as kitchen ware. A lowermost panel 44 is provided with arrangements 2 as described above at each corner for distancing the cabinet 42 from a floor. More specifically, at each corner, the lowermost panel 44 is provided with a hole pattern 50 matching a projection pattern defined by the engagement portions 10, 12, 72, 74 of the device 4. More specifically, the hole pattern 50 comprises four holes 54, 56, wherein the holes are arranged in the corners of a rectangle.

[0065] FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b show an arrangement as in FIG. 4 in two consecutive assembly steps in partly cut perspective views from below. In FIG. 5a, the device 4 is arranged so that the engagement portions 10, 12, 72, 74 are received in the holes 54, 56 of the hole pattern 50 in the lowermost panel 44. In FIG. 5b, the leg 6 is moved upwards, see arrow 62, so that its upper portion 28 enters the receptacle 26, wherein the first plate section 20 and the second plate section 22 are moved away from each other in a horizontal plane, see arrows 64, 66, and consequently the first engagement portion 10 and the second engagement portion 12 are moved away from each other in the horizontal plane, see arrows 68, 70.

[0066] FIG. 6a is a perspective view from below of a device 104 for attaching the leg 6 to the panel 44 of the cabinet 42 according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 6b is a perspective view from above of the device 104 according to FIG. 6a.

[0067] The device 104 comprises a support portion 108, a first engagement portion 110 defining a first main extension and a second engagement portion 112 defining a second main extension, wherein the first main extension and the second main extension are in parallel with each other. The structure and function of the support portion 108 and the first and second engagement portions 110, 112 are similar as has been described above for the first embodiment and will for ease of presentation not be repeated in detail.

[0068] The device 104 comprises a first opening 114 partly surrounding the first engagement portion 110 and a second opening 116 partly surrounding the second engagement portion 112 for allowing the relative displacement between the first engagement portion 110 and the second engagement portion 112. Each one of the first opening 114 and the second opening 116 is formed by a slot. Each one of the slots has a continuous extension so that it surrounds the first engagement portion 110 and the second engagement portion 112 on three sides for allowing the relative displacement.

[0069] The support portion 108 is formed by a support plate 118 defining a main extension plane, wherein the support plate 118 is adapted for being connected to the cabinet panel 44 in a way that the main extension plane of the support plate is in parallel with an extension plane of the cabinet panel. The support plate 118 comprises a base section 152, a first plate section 120 provided with the first engagement portion 110 and a second plate section 122 comprising the second engagement portion 112, wherein the first plate section 120 and the second plate section 122 are spaced from the base section 152 in parallel with the main extension plane by the at least one opening 114, 116. More specifically, each one of the slot-like openings 114, 116 defines the first plate section 120 and the second plate section 122, respectively.

[0070] The device 104 comprises a displacement structure 124 adapted for effecting the displacement of the first engagement portion 110 relative to the second engagement portion 112. The displacement structure 124 comprises a receptacle 126 adapted to be at least partly widened when receiving the upper portion 28 of the leg 6. Each one of the openings 114, 116 forms a part of the receptacle 126. Further, the receptacle 126 has the shape of a slot. More specifically, the slot-like receptacle 126 has a rounded circumscribing shape, especially an oval shape. Likewise, the upper portion 28 of the leg 6 comprises a wall or ring with a rounded circumscribing shape, especially an oval shape, matching the dimensions of the slot-like receptacle 126.

[0071] The support plate 118 has a generally rectangular shape, wherein each one of the first engagement portion 110 and the second engagement portion 112 are arranged adjacent a respective corner of the rectangular support plate 118.

[0072] In contrast to the first embodiment of the device 4, there are no additional engagement portions in the second embodiment of the device 104 (compare references 72, 74 in FIG. 2a). In other words, the first engagement portion 110 and the second engagement portion 112 are the only engagement portions. It creates conditions for a more cost-effective production of the second embodiment of the device 104.

[0073] Further, the support plate 118 in the second embodiment of the device 104 has a somewhat smaller extension in a direction perpendicular to a plane in parallel with the extensions of the engagement projections 110, 112. It creates conditions for use of a lower amount of material, which in turn creates further conditions for a more cost-effective production.

[0074] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] According to the embodiments of the device as described above, both the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are adapted to be displaced relative to a base section of the support plate. According to one alternative, the device comprises a single displaceable engagement portion. Thus, the device may comprise four engagement portions as shown in the FIGS. 1-5 or two engagement portions as shown in the FIGS. 6a and 6b, wherein only one is displaceably arranged. According to one further alternative, all four engagement portions may be adapted to be displaced relative to a base section of the support plate.

[0076] According to the embodiments of the device as described above, the engagement portions are formed by dowels having a structure of a plurality of spaced elongated ribs extending in parallel with an extension direction of the dowel. According to one alternative, the engagement portions are formed by dowels having a structure of a plurality of spaced ribs extending in a transverse direction relative to an extension direction of the dowel. More specifically, the ribs may be arranged perpendicularly relative to the extension direction of the dowel, thereby forming a plurality of axially spaced and radially projecting rings. Such a structure may form a stronger grip in the material of the cabinet panel.

[0077] According to the embodiments of the device as described above, the engagement portions are arranged at the same nominal distance from each other as the corresponding holes in the cabinet panel. Thus, an increased contact pressure/friction due to the relative displacement of the engagement portions is achieved first when the leg is attached.

[0078] According to one alternative, the engagement portions are arranged at a somewhat larger nominal distance from each other compared to the corresponding nominal distance between the corresponding holes in the cabinet panel. In this way, an increased contact pressure/friction due to the relative displacement of the engagement portions is achieved already when the support plate is attached to the cabinet panel.

[0079] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the lowermost panel 44 of the cabinet 42 is provided with four sets of hole patters, one at each corner of the rectangular panel, for engagement of four legs, one at each corner of the rectangular panel. Thus, all four legs are associated to a single cabinet 42. According to one alternative, the lowermost panels of two adjacent cabinets may each be provided with a subset of one such hole pattern so that the support plate bridges the two cabinets. For example, two of said holes in one single hole pattern may be provided in the lowermost panel of a first one of the adjacent cabinets and the other two of said holes in the single hole pattern may be provided in the lowermost panel of a second one of the adjacent cabinets.

[0080] According to one alternative, the attachment device is adapted for allowing relative displacement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion towards each other. The displacement structure of the attachment device adapted for effecting the displacement of the first engagement portion relative to the second engagement portion may then be redesigned. More specifically, the receptacle and the associated upper portion of the leg may be designed for achieving the relative displacement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion towards each other when the leg is received in the receptacle during assembly.

[0081] According to one further alternative embodiment, at least one of and preferably each one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion is formed by a recess instead of a projection. The recess may be formed by a hole having an elongated, circular-cylindrical shape. Thus, the recess may be provided in the first plate section and the second plate section, respectively. Accordingly, the panel may be provided with correspondingly shaped projections for being received in the recesses. According to a further alternative, recesses are provided both in the support plate and in the panel, wherein a separate circular-cylindrical fastening element, such as a dowel, is received in such two recesses in the support plate and in the panel for fastening the device to the panel.