Patent Description:
The joining between two panels, for example between a shoulder of a piece of furniture and a base, or in any case a shelf, is currently effected in the furniture and furnishing field using various procedures and with different solutions.

Examples of these solutions are known from patents <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

These known technical solutions have a certain complexity and in any case have a certain visibility, as they require closing elements of the seats or holes necessary for positioning the elements that effect the joining.

In this respect, <FIG> show some known solutions of joining devices for parts of furniture and furnishing items, for example between a shoulder of a piece of furniture and a base, which could in any case be a common shelf or top.

In the known solution illustrated in <FIG>, holes must be provided in both of the two shoulders <NUM>, <NUM> and in a base <NUM> and in a top <NUM> of a piece of furniture. In particular, these are both partially shown in the section of <FIG> which shows a connection part of the same. The shoulder <NUM>, in fact, provides a horizontal blind hole <NUM> and the base <NUM> even provides double holes <NUM>, <NUM>. More specifically, a horizontal hole <NUM> to be aligned with the hole <NUM> of the shoulder <NUM>, and a vertical hole <NUM>, formed in the upper surface of the base <NUM>, which intersects the first hole <NUM>, for the insertion of a blocking element, for example a grub screw <NUM> (headless metal screw), wherein both holes are blind.

Said hole <NUM> has an axis A which is perpendicular to the shoulder <NUM>.

This known joining device provides the positioning of a pin <NUM> with a first threaded end <NUM> inside an internally threaded bush <NUM> positioned in the hole <NUM> of the shoulder <NUM>. The pin <NUM> contains, at the other end <NUM>, a housing <NUM> for an end of the grub screw <NUM>.

A bush <NUM> is housed in the vertical hole <NUM> of the base <NUM>, which provides a horizontal pass-through hole <NUM> for receiving the protruding end <NUM> of the pin <NUM> and a vertical threaded pass-through hole <NUM> which receives the grub screw <NUM>.

By thus positioning said elements forming the known joining device and juxtaposing the shoulder and the base according to the arrow F, as shown in <FIG>, the coupling of <FIG> is obtained, with the pin <NUM> inserted in the hole <NUM> of the base <NUM> and in the bush <NUM>.

The grub screw <NUM> is then screwed, with a tool (not shown), into the bush <NUM> so that the tip of the grub screw <NUM> is positioned in the housing <NUM> provided at the free end <NUM> of the pin <NUM>.

The tightening of the grub screw <NUM> pushes the base <NUM> against the shoulder <NUM> creating the final stable position shown in the same <FIG>.

In this known solution, the blocking group is in the base <NUM> and identically in the top <NUM>, it is arranged perpendicular to the base and to the movement or approach direction and tightening between the shoulder and base and top. Only the relative pin, with which the blocking group cooperates, is provided in the thickness of the shoulder or side panels.

This final assembled position shown in <FIG> also illustrates as a whole how the end of the holes <NUM> which are normally covered with a closing cap (not shown), are present on the upper surface of the base <NUM> and on the lower surface of the top <NUM>.

Said hole and the corresponding cap form a visible part of the joining device which in the first place does not have an aesthetically valid appearance as, although there is the presence of the cap, it shows how the joint has been formed. Furthermore, the cap itself, which is difficult to be brought specifically in line with the surface of the base, represents an obstacle for the insertion of any object, creating a protrusion, even if minimum, with respect to the upper surface of the base.

Furthermore, the presence of at least two holes in the base for each joint, intersecting each other, causes a weakening of the base itself that must sustain loads representing a possible cause of breakage.

<FIG> show a similar situation in which the elements forming the known joining device are arranged whereby that of the shoulders is in the base and top and viceversa with respect to the previous example.

For the sake of simplicity, equivalent elements are indicated with the same numbers with the addition of the index -'-.

In short, a vertical blind hole <NUM>' is provided in the base <NUM> and in the top <NUM>, and each of the shoulders <NUM> provides a double hole <NUM>' and <NUM>'. More specifically, a vertical hole <NUM>', to be aligned with the hole <NUM>' of the base <NUM> (or top <NUM>), and a horizontal hole <NUM>', formed in the relative shoulder <NUM>, which insects the first hole <NUM>', for the insertion of a blocking element, for example a grub screw <NUM>', wherein both holes are blind.

Said hole <NUM>' has an axis A' which is perpendicular to the base <NUM> and top <NUM>.

Furthermore, as already specified, the joining device provides a pin <NUM>' with a first threaded end <NUM>' inside an internally threaded bush <NUM>' positioned in the hole <NUM>' of the base <NUM> or top <NUM>. The pin <NUM>' contains, at the other end <NUM>', a housing <NUM>' for an end of the grub screw <NUM>'.

A bush <NUM>' is housed in the vertical hole <NUM>' of the shoulder <NUM>, which provides a horizontal pass-through hole <NUM>' for receiving the protruding end <NUM>' of the pin <NUM>' and a horizontal threaded pass-through hole <NUM>' which receives the grub screw <NUM>'.

By thus positioning said elements forming the known joining device and juxtaposing the shoulder and the base according to the arrow F', as shown in <FIG>, the coupling of <FIG> is obtained, with the pin <NUM>' inserted in the hole <NUM>' of the shoulder <NUM> and in the bush <NUM>'.

This solution also has the same problems relating to the holes and corresponding caps of the joining device for the most part visible, that do not have an aesthetically valid appearance and create the hindrances and weakening previously indicated.

In the case of the joining of shoulders, base and top or shelf with facing surfaces <NUM> at <NUM>°, the problems indicated are doubled as a much greater number of holes is required.

<FIG> show this known solution wherein equivalent elements are indicated with the same numbers with the addition of the index -"-.

The figures clearly show that the hole <NUM> or <NUM>' of the two previous cases is not present, but holes <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>', <NUM>' are formed in all the elements of the furniture (shoulders, base and top) in facing parts, as previously indicated. In this case, they are indicated as <NUM>" and <NUM>".

In this case, in fact, it can be observed from <FIG> that the joining device provides a pair of pins <NUM>" without threaded ends but joined to each other by means of a hinged pin <NUM> which is positioned inside holes <NUM>" of the base <NUM> or top <NUM> and also a respective shoulder <NUM>. The above-mentioned holes <NUM>", moreover, are arranged in the base <NUM> or in the top <NUM> and also in a respective shoulder <NUM>, perpendicular to the holes <NUM>".

The pins <NUM>", thus connected to each other, contain at the other free end <NUM>", a housing <NUM>" for an end of the grub screw <NUM>".

Analogously, a bush <NUM>" is housed in the two holes <NUM>" of the shoulder <NUM> or base <NUM> or top <NUM>, which provide a pass-through hole <NUM>" for receiving the protruding end <NUM>" of the respective pin <NUM>" and a threaded pass-through hole <NUM>" which receives the grub screw <NUM>".

By thus positioning said elements forming the known joining device and juxtaposing the shoulder and the base or the shoulder and the top according to the facing surfaces <NUM> at <NUM>°, the stable coupling of <FIG> is obtained, once the grub screws <NUM>" have been inserted, blocking them in position.

This further solution, however, also has the same problems relating to the significant number of holes and corresponding caps of the joining device for the most part visible, that do not have an aesthetically valid appearance and create the hindrances and weakening previously indicated.

<CIT> relates to a system for the combined hanging of a furniture module and a shelf, thanks to the presence of two different brackets fixed to the wall and collaborating with each other, of which the first is dedicated to the furniture module and the second to the shelf. The shelf 53A is in fact hung by means of brackets RMA and the furniture module by means of brackets <NUM>. This arrangement of brackets, however, relates to the positioning of both the furniture module and the shelf with respect to the wall P to which they must both be hung.

<CIT> relates to a joining device between a first and a second panel according to the known technique previously indicated comprising a blocking group and a connection group, wherein the final screws of the blocking group are clearly visible inside one of the two panels to be connected.

A general objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a joining device between parts of furniture and furnishing items, such as a shoulder or a base, capable of solving the drawbacks of the known art indicated above, in an extremely simple, economical and particularly functional manner.

A further objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a joining device between parts of furniture and furnishing items, such as a shoulder and a base or a top, which is not visible to an observer and consequently has a high aesthetical value, as it has no holes or in any case no maneuvering element of the joining device on the front part of all the furniture elements indicated above.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a joining device between parts of furniture and furnishing items, such as a shoulder and a base or a top, which does not have any protrusion with respect to the upper surface of the base or lower surface of the top.

The structural and functional characteristics of the present invention and its advantages with respect to the known art will appear even more evident from the following description, referring to the enclosed schematic drawings which show embodiment examples of the same invention. In the drawings:.

With reference first of all to <FIG>, these show a first embodiment of joining devices for parts of furniture and furnishing items according to the invention. In the example, the joining device must connect and join a first panel <NUM>, for example a shoulder of a piece of furniture and a second panel <NUM>, for example a base <NUM>, or in any case a different panel or shelf or top, shown in the figures. In particular, they must be moved towards each other according to an approach direction (d) in order to bring the edge (B) of one panel abutted in a tightening position against a surface (S) of the other panel.

As illustrated in the examples, the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> are generally perpendicular to each other but they may also be tilted with respect to each other.

In this non-limiting example, the second panel or base <NUM> contains, close to one of its end sides (positioned perpendicular to the rear part of the furniture when assembled) a seat S1 - for a blocking group GB -, in the form of a horizontal blind hole <NUM>, arranged parallel to the side of the base <NUM>, in which an elongated bushing or tubular element <NUM> is block-inserted. Said blind hole <NUM> intersects with a first and a second horizontal blind hole <NUM>, <NUM>, perpendicular to it and spaced apart, also formed in the second panel or base <NUM>. And this is the case for both of the opposite sides of the base or shelf <NUM>.

Each of these first and second holes <NUM>, <NUM> receives a protruding part of a pin <NUM>, <NUM>' whose end is positioned in a shoulder <NUM> in a respective seat S2 in the form of a horizontal blind hole <NUM>. A bushing <NUM> internally threaded for receiving a threaded end <NUM> of the pin <NUM>, <NUM>' is block-inserted in said blind hole <NUM>. Said pin <NUM>, <NUM>' defines a connection group GC to be firmly blocked for stably interconnecting the shoulder <NUM> and the base <NUM>, as explained in more detail hereunder.

Furthermore, the pin <NUM>, <NUM>' comprises in its protruding part, a housing <NUM>, <NUM>' for the tip of a blocking grub screw (headless metal screw) <NUM>, <NUM>'.

The pin <NUM>, <NUM>' defines a connection group GC to be firmly blocked for stably interconnecting the shoulder <NUM> and the base <NUM>, as explained in more detail hereunder.

With respect to the base <NUM> for each blocking group GB, the seat S1 extends from a rear perimetric edge B1 of the base <NUM> towards the inside of the base or panel itself <NUM>.

The elongated bushing or tubular element <NUM> is housed in the horizontal hole <NUM> of each group GB, and in the example illustrated in <FIG> is abutted against the blind bottom of the same hole <NUM>.

The elongated bushing or tubular element <NUM> is hollow and provides two transversal pass-through holes <NUM>, <NUM>' which are in such a position as to be aligned with said two blind holes <NUM>, <NUM>, spaced apart and formed in the second panel or base <NUM>, when the bushing <NUM> is completely inserted in the hole <NUM>.

It should also be pointed out that the hollow bushing <NUM> in the proximity of the two transversal pass-through holes <NUM>, <NUM>' provides threaded sections of internal surface <NUM>, <NUM>' suitable for being complementarily engaged with outer threaded surfaces of the blocking grub screws <NUM>, <NUM>'.

It should also be noted that the first grub screw <NUM> is centrally perforated in <NUM> so as to allow the passage of a thin stem <NUM> of a rotation driving tool <NUM>, whereas the second grub screw <NUM>' has only one seat <NUM> for the tip of a normal screwdriver <NUM>, also present, however, in the first grub screw <NUM>.

Both the base or panel <NUM> and the shoulders <NUM> in facing coupling areas during assembly, preferably, but not necessarily, have various blind holes <NUM> each suitable for receiving on one side and on the other, half of the blocking plugs or dowels <NUM> which collaborate for a stable positioning of the parts, when assembled.

Consequently, the components <NUM>, <NUM> on one side and <NUM>', <NUM>' on the other, create a blocking group GB suitable for acting on the above-mentioned connection group GC composed of the pin <NUM>, <NUM>', as explained hereunder.

First of all, the various components must be positioned for each joining device group arranged on the piece of furniture, i.e. in its parts (base or shelf or shoulders), as shown in <FIG>.

The pins <NUM>, <NUM>' (and also the blocking plugs or dowels <NUM>) are in fact positioned in the shoulders <NUM> in the respective seats or holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The elongated bushings or tubular elements <NUM> are positioned in the base or shelf <NUM> in the holes <NUM> or seats S1 so that they are abutted on the bottom of the holes <NUM>. The grub screw <NUM>' is first inserted immediately afterwards in correspondence with the section of internal threaded surface <NUM>' close to the transversal hole <NUM> and the grub screw <NUM> immediately afterwards in correspondence with the section of internal threaded surface <NUM> close to the transversal hole <NUM>.

The grub screws <NUM> and <NUM>' must be inserted so as to allow the passage of the free ends of the pins <NUM>, <NUM>', when each shoulder <NUM> is moved towards the base or shelf <NUM>. In this way, the pins <NUM> and <NUM>' are completely inserted in the respective hole <NUM> and <NUM>, in the position illustrated in <FIG>, with the dowels or plugs <NUM> also inserted in the respective holes <NUM> of the base or shelf <NUM>.

The edge B of the shoulder <NUM> is then moved towards the surface S of the base <NUM>, inserting the protruding part of the pins <NUM>, <NUM>' into the horizontal holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

At this point, the rotation driving tool <NUM> is inserted, passing into the hole <NUM> of the grub screw <NUM> until it reaches the seat <NUM> of the second grub screw <NUM>'. A rotation of the same causes the stable positioning of the grub screw <NUM>' in the housing <NUM>' of the pin <NUM>' causing the blockage of the parts (<FIG>).

The pin <NUM> is then also stably positioned using a normal screwdriver <NUM> inserted in the seat <NUM> of the first grub screw <NUM>, causing the grub screw <NUM> to be positioned in the housing <NUM>, as clearly shown in <FIG>.

It can thus be seen how, in this first embodiment, the joining device of the present invention essentially comprises a blocking group GB (<NUM>, <NUM>') inserted inside a seat S1 in the form of an elongated horizontal hole <NUM> of the base <NUM>, which acts on a pin connection group GC <NUM>, <NUM>' to be blocked, positioned inside a seat S2 of the shoulder <NUM> and which extends from a horizontal hole <NUM> formed laterally with respect to the shoulder <NUM> itself.

More generally, regardless of what is shown in this first example, it is provided, according to the invention, that the blocking group GB be inserted inside a seat S1 completely contained in a thickness SP of the base or shelf <NUM> as desired (<FIG>).

It should be noted that the longitudinal axis x of the seat S1 or hole <NUM> extends perpendicular to the approach direction d and tightening of the shoulder or first panel <NUM> to the base or shelf or second panel <NUM>, as can be clearly seen in <FIG>.

It is confirmed that the seat S1 has an axis X perpendicular to the direction d and that it extends from a rear edge B1 of the single panel <NUM> (or <NUM>) towards the inside of the panels <NUM> (or <NUM>).

As can be clearly seen in the examples of the drawings, the blocking group GB is inserted inside the seat S1 which is contained in the thickness SP of the base or shelf <NUM> on which the blocking group GB is applied, wherein the seat S1 extends from the edge B1 towards the inside of the base <NUM> according to an axis X which is perpendicular to the above-mentioned direction d.

This is the case in the example shown in <FIG> for all four joining devices provided in the piece of furniture or part of it.

It is completely evident how the only holes that are visible are formed in the rear part of the bases and/or shelves <NUM>.

The further holes provided for effecting the joining are included in and hidden by the coupling between shoulders and bases and/or shelves.

All of this naturally without weakening the structural elements of the furniture that must sustain loads and that therefore maintain the same robustness with which they were produced.

<FIG> are views of a joining device of the invention in a second embodiment used for joining parts of furniture.

Whereas in the first embodiment a blocking group GB associated with a pin connection group GC is used for each joining device, in this second embodiment, the connection group is produced with similar elements arranged in both the two shoulders of the furniture and in the base and top or shelf. Said elements are connected by a hinged pin element which in this example forms the connection group GC previously described. In particular, the joining device of shoulders, base and top or shelf is positioned between furniture elements that have surfaces at <NUM>° <NUM> facing each other.

<FIG> clearly show this embodiment indicated above.

In this embodiment, the same elements are indicated with the same reference numbers.

In this further non-limiting example, as described for the previous embodiment of <FIG>, a seat S1 is provided in the single base <NUM>, in the proximity of each of its end sides (arranged perpendicular to the rear part of the furniture when assembled). Said seat S1 - for a blocking group GB - is also shown herein as a horizontal blind hole <NUM>, in which an elongated bushing or tubular element <NUM> is block-inserted. Said blind hole <NUM> intersects with a first and second horizontal blind hole <NUM>, <NUM>, perpendicular to the same and spaced from each other, which are also formed in the second panel or base <NUM>. This is the case for both opposite sides of the base or shelf <NUM>.

Each of these first and second holes <NUM>, <NUM>, forming a respective seat S2, receives an end of an articulation element of a connection group GC. Each articulation element is composed of two pins <NUM>" articulated by means of a central hinge <NUM> to the articulation element positioned at facing ends of said pins <NUM>". The pins <NUM>" are inserted in said holes <NUM>, <NUM> present on both panels or shoulder and base <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be pointed out, in fact, that what is described for the single base <NUM> is identically repeated for the single shoulder <NUM> which thus has a second half of the joining device of this embodiment.

<FIG> very clearly summarizes the arrangement of the single articulation element of the connection group GC, whereas <FIG> show the complete arrangement.

The positioning of the single joining devices of this embodiment is analogous to what has been described for the previous embodiment.

By thus positioning the elements described forming the joining device of this embodiment and juxtaposing the shoulder <NUM> and the base <NUM> or the shoulder <NUM> and the shelf or top <NUM> according to the facing surfaces <NUM> at <NUM>°, the stable coupling and also the stable joining of <FIG> and <FIG> are obtained by means of the grub screws <NUM>, <NUM>', as described for the previous embodiment of <FIG>.

<FIG> show an exemplary joining device not according to the present invention.

In this example, the device is extremely simplified as each base or shelf <NUM> provides a pair of seats S1 each in the form of a horizontal blind hole <NUM>, positioned parallel to each side of the base <NUM>, arranged perpendicular to the rear part of the furniture when assembled.

In this non-limiting example, the seat S1 simply receives a blocking grub screw <NUM> (which, in this example, defines a blocking group) that can be actuated by means of a common screwdriver (not shown) introduced into the hole <NUM> from the rear part of the furniture.

The seat S1 or blind hole <NUM>, in an area close to its bottom end, intersects a horizontal blind hole <NUM> perpendicular to the same, also formed in the second panel or base <NUM>. This is the case for both of the opposite sides of the base or shelf <NUM>.

The hole <NUM> receives a protruding part of a pin <NUM> whose end is positioned in a shoulder <NUM> in a respective seat S2 in the form of a horizontal blind hole <NUM>. A bushing <NUM> internally threaded to receive a threaded end <NUM> of the pin <NUM>, is block-inserted in said blind hole <NUM>. The pin <NUM> defines a connection group GC to be firmly blocked for stably interconnecting the shoulder <NUM> and the base <NUM>, as for the previous examples.

As in the previous examples, the pin <NUM> provides a housing <NUM> in its protruding part for the tip of the blocking grub screw <NUM>.

The introduction of a screwdriver into the hole <NUM> allows the blocking grub screw <NUM> to be actuated through the seat <NUM> to be positioned inside the housing <NUM> of the pin <NUM>, previously inserted in the hole <NUM>.

<FIG> show how an arrangement of parts of the example described in <FIG> can be doubled.

In this example, in fact, each base or shelf <NUM> provides two pairs of seats S1, S1', each in the form of a horizontal blind hole <NUM>, <NUM>'. Said holes <NUM>, <NUM>' have a different length, they are positioned parallel to each other and to each side of the base <NUM>, arranged perpendicular to the rear part of the furniture when assembled.

Each of said seats S1, S1' also receives a blocking grub screw <NUM> which can be actuated by means of a common screwdriver introduced into the holes <NUM>, <NUM>' from the rear part of the furniture.

The base <NUM> also provides a pair of horizontal blind holes <NUM>, <NUM>' in an area close to the bottom end of each hole <NUM>, <NUM>', which intersect with the holes <NUM>, <NUM>' and which are perpendicular to the same. Also in this case, the arrangement is identical for both opposite sides of the base or shelf <NUM>.

The holes <NUM>, <NUM>' receive a protruding part of the pins <NUM>, <NUM>', having a different length, whose end is positioned in a shoulder <NUM> of a respective seat S2 in the form of a horizontal blind hole <NUM>. A bushing <NUM> internally threaded for receiving a threaded end <NUM> of each pin <NUM>, <NUM>' is block-inserted in said blind hole <NUM>.

As for the previous examples, the pin <NUM>, <NUM>' provides a housing <NUM> in its protruding part, for the tip of the respective blocking grub screw <NUM>.

The introduction of a screwdriver into the holes <NUM>, <NUM>' allows the blocking grub screw <NUM> to be actuated through the seat <NUM> to be positioned inside the housing <NUM> of the respective pin <NUM>, <NUM>', previously inserted in the respective hole <NUM>.

It can be seen how this example can also be actuated from the rear part of the furniture where the only visible holes are present, whereas the others are hidden during the coupling and blocking between the parts using the device of the present invention.

<FIG> show exemplary joining devices not according to the present invention, also positioned between the two shoulders of the furniture and the base and top or shelf.

In this further example, in which similar elements to those already described are indicated with the same reference numbers and, unless specifically indicated, exert the same function, a further variant of the joining device not according to the present invention is illustrated.

It should be noted that the joining device comprises a blocking group GB defined in the example by a grub screw <NUM>, arranged in a hole <NUM> of the panel or base <NUM>. Said blocking group GB or grub screw <NUM> acts on a connection group GC defined by a pin <NUM> to be blocked.

The pin <NUM> is positioned and extends from a hole <NUM> formed in said panel <NUM>, wherein the pin <NUM> connection group GC in one of its protruding free ends is in the form of a gripping means <NUM>.

Said gripping means <NUM> can be positioned and is placed in a hole <NUM>' situated laterally with respect to the other panel or shoulder <NUM> in coupling.

In the particular example embodiment of the joining device illustrated, the gripping means <NUM>, as already mentioned, extends from the pin <NUM> which provides a housing <NUM> for the tip of the blocking grub screw <NUM>. The gripping means <NUM> is produced in the example in the form of an expansion pin positioned in said hole <NUM>' of the other panel <NUM> in coupling.

In particular, the expansion pin <NUM> can provide outer toothings <NUM> for engagement with an internal wall of the hole <NUM>'. In this example, said hole <NUM>' is enlarged with respect to the holes <NUM> for the plugs or dowels <NUM>. The expansion pin <NUM> provides an enlarged flange <NUM> which is abutted externally with respect to the hole <NUM> of the base <NUM> collaborating with the various functions.

The gripping means <NUM> or rather expansion pin provides an internal portion formed on a protruding free end of the pin <NUM> which terminates with an enlarged portion <NUM> which tapers and then widens at the free end and which is slidingly inserted in an internally hollow outer tubular element <NUM> having a complementary form externally provided with said teeth of the toothings <NUM>.

It should be pointed out that in the exemplary joining device, the gripping means <NUM> can be actuated by means of the grub screw <NUM> blocking group GB, as can be clearly seen in <FIG> and <FIG>.

More specifically, <FIG> shows the joining device when exploded from the base or shelf <NUM>. The gripping means or expansion pin <NUM> is outside the hole <NUM> of the base <NUM> in which it is to be positioned, as clearly shown in <FIG>.

This <FIG> also shows how the shoulder <NUM> has been prepared, ready to be coupled according to the arrow shown therein.

<FIG> and <FIG> show how a screwdriver <NUM> is introduced into the hole <NUM> to effect, in a first phase, the expansion and engagement of the toothing <NUM> against the internal surface of the hole <NUM>'. By continuing with the screwing of the grub screw <NUM> against the housing <NUM>, the flange <NUM> is abutted against the surface of the base <NUM>, in a second phase.

In this way, the shoulder <NUM> and the base <NUM> are blocked, once the parts have been juxtaposed and the parts inserted in each other.

All the embodiments of the invention show how, first of all, the problem relating to the visibility of the various holes of the joining device and also the joining device itself, has been solved.

The creation of the actuation area on the rear part of the furniture represents an aesthetically valid aspect.

Furthermore, any possible caps positioned in the holes are absolutely not visible and do not interfere with what is resting on the base of the furniture which is free of any type of hole.

In this way, there are no obstacles on the base for the insertion of any object, eliminating any type of protrusion, even minimum, with respect to the upper surface of the base.

The formation of all the remaining holes on the parts that are coupled and therefore remain hidden, eliminates the slightest visibility on the part of an observer with respect to the visible holes of the known art, thus creating a high aesthetical value.

The forms of the structure for the embodiment of a joining device of the present invention, as also the materials and assembly modes, can naturally differ from those shown for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes in the drawings.

The objectives mentioned in the preamble of the description have therefore been achieved.

Claim 1:
A hidden joining device for parts of furniture and furnishing items, in particular between a first panel (<NUM>), such as a shoulder of a piece of furniture, and a second panel (<NUM>), such as a base or shelf or top of a piece of furniture, which must be moved towards each other according to an approach direction (d) in order to bring the edge (B) of one panel abutted in a tightening position against a surface (S) of the other panel, said joining device consisting of a blocking group (GB) and a connection group (GC) which can be assembled on at least one panel (<NUM>,<NUM>), wherein said blocking group (GB) can be inserted inside a seat (S1, S1') that is contained in the thickness (SP) of the panel (<NUM>, <NUM>) on which the blocking group (GB) can be applied, said seat (S1, S1') having an axis (X) perpendicular to said direction (d), and extending from a rear edge (B1) of the panels (<NUM>, <NUM>) towards the interior of said panels (<NUM>, <NUM>), forming a first blind hole (<NUM>) in the two panels (<NUM>, <NUM>) when connected, wherein said blocking group (GB) comprises an elongated bushing or tubular element (<NUM>) which can be inserted in said first blind hole (<NUM>) which is formed in the first panel (<NUM>, <NUM>) and which intersects with two second blind holes (<NUM>, <NUM>), perpendicular to said first blind hole (<NUM>) and spaced apart, also formed in the first panel (<NUM>, <NUM>), each of said two second blind holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) being suitable for receiving a protruding part of a pin (<NUM>, <NUM>'; <NUM>"), said elongated bushing or tubular element (<NUM>) is hollow and provides two transversal pass-through holes (<NUM>, <NUM>') which are in such a position as to be suitable to be aligned with said two second blind holes (<NUM>, <NUM>), spaced apart and formed in the panel (<NUM>, <NUM>), when the bushing (<NUM>) is completely inserted in said first blind hole (<NUM>), characterized in that said bushing (<NUM>), in the proximity of the two transversal pass-through holes (<NUM>, <NUM>'), provides threaded sections of internal surface (<NUM>, <NUM>') suitable for being complementarily engaged with outer threaded surfaces of blocking grub screws (<NUM>, <NUM>').