Patent Description:
A furniture product provided with a mechanical locking is disclosed in <CIT> or <CIT>. The furniture products earlier described comprise a first panel connected perpendicular to a second panel by a mechanical locking device comprising a rod-shaped element extending at an angle.

The above description of various known aspects is the applicant's characterization of such, and is not an admission that any of the above description is considered as prior art. Other prior art documents are <CIT> and <CIT>.

Embodiments of the present invention address a need to provide panels that may be easily assembled, having an improved stiffness and strength of the mechanical locking device.

It is an object of certain aspects of the present invention to provide an improvement over the above described techniques and known art. A specific objective is to improve assembling of panels, such as furniture panels, locked together by a mechanical locking device. The panels may be a part of a furniture product, such as a furniture component, a drawer, a cupboard, a bookshelf, a wardrobe, a kitchen fixture, or a box.

A further object of at least certain aspects of the present invention is to facilitate assembling of panels configured to be assembled with a locking device that is easy to manufacture and to use.

A further object of at least certain aspects of the present invention is to facilitate assembling of panels configured to be assembled with a locking device that is easy to manufacture and to use and which reduces the risk of incorrect installation thereof.

A further object of at least certain aspects of the present invention is to facilitate assembling of panels configured to be assembled in a more stable and aesthetic way.

At least some of these and other objects and advantages that will be apparent from the description have been achieved by a set comprising a first panel, a second panel and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel to the second panel, wherein the first panel comprises a first edge surface and a second panel surface, the second panel comprises a second panel surface, the first edge surface is facing the second panel surface in a locked position of the first and the second panel, the mechanical locking device comprises at least one rod-shaped element at the first edge surface and at least one insertion groove at the second panel surface, the rod-shaped element is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove, the mechanical locking device further comprises at least one first locking groove at the first edge surface and at least one second locking groove at the second panel surface and at least one locking part, the locking part is configured to be inserted into the first locking groove and the second locking groove, wherein the locking part is configured to apply a locking force between the first and the second panel in an oblique direction in relation to the second panel surface.

According to the invention, the oblique direction is at an acute angle to the second panel surface.

According to an aspect the set is configured for locking the first panel to the second panel with the first panel surface perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the second panel surface.

According to the invention, the locking part is configured to pull the first panel and the second panel together in an assembly direction.

According to an aspect the oblique direction is essentially parallel to a length direction and/or axial direction of the rod-shaped element.

According to an aspect the rod-shaped element is configured to cooperate with the insertion groove to guide the first and second panel together during assembly. According to an aspect the rod-shaped element is configured to cooperate with insertion groove to guide the first and second panel to the locked position by a displacement of the second panel surface relative the first edge surface in a first direction and/or a second direction.

According to the invention, the rod-shaped element extends at a first angle from the first edge surface, wherein the first angle is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

According to an aspect the insertion groove extends into the second panel surface at a second angle from the second panel surface, wherein the second angle is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

According to an aspect said first locking groove extends at a third angle from the first edge surface, wherein the third angle is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

According to an aspect said second locking groove extends at a fourth angle from the second panel surface, wherein the fourth angle is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°. According to an aspect the first angle, the second angle, the third angle and the fourth angle are essentially the same. For example, the first angle, the second angle, the third angle and the fourth angle may be within <NUM>° of each other. Further, the first angle, the second angle, the third angle and the fourth angle may be the same.

According to an aspect the first angle, the second angle, the third angle and the fourth angle are all ≠ <NUM>°.

According to an aspect the locking part is a screw.

According to an aspect the screw extends into the second panel during assembly.

According to an aspect the first locking groove extends from a second edge surface to the first edge surface.

According to an aspect the locking part is of the type cam and dowel connector.

According to an aspect the cam and dowel connector comprises at least one bolt and at least one connector housing.

According to an aspect the bolt of the cam and dowel connector is positioned in the first locking groove before assembly of the first panel and the second panel.

According to an aspect the connector housing is positioned in a first opening on the first panel.

According to an aspect the set comprises a first panel groove on a first panel surface of the first panel, and a second panel groove on the second panel surface of the second panel.

According to an aspect the set further comprises a back panel configured to be inserted in, and optionally to cooperate with, the first and second panel groove.

According to an aspect the first opening is positioned between the first panel groove and the second edge surface.

According to an aspect the insertion groove, the first locking groove, the second locking groove and/or the first opening is a drill hole.

According to an aspect the drill hole is a bottom-ended drill hole.

According to an aspect the locking part is configured to cooperate with the first locking groove and/or the second locking groove.

According to an aspect the first edge surface comprises one first locking groove and the second panel surface comprises one second locking groove.

According to an aspect the rod-shaped element is arranged in a rod-element groove at the first edge surface.

According to an aspect the number of rod-shaped elements at the first edge surface is the same as the number of insertion grooves at the second panel surface.

According to an aspect the core of the first panel and/or of the second panel may be a wood-based core, preferably made of MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood or particleboard. The core may also be a plastic core comprising thermosetting plastic or thermoplastic, e.g., vinyl, PVC, PU or PET. The plastic core may comprise fillers.

The first panel and/or the second panel may also be of solid wood.

The first panel and/or the second panel may be provided with a decorative layer, such as a foil or a veneer, on one or more surfaces.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments of the invention are capable of, will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments and aspects of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in <FIG> including a set comprising a first panel <NUM>, a second panel <NUM> and a mechanical locking device for locking of the first panel <NUM> to the second panel <NUM>. The first panel <NUM> comprises a first panel surface <NUM> and a first edge surface <NUM>. The second panel <NUM> comprises a second panel surface <NUM>. The first edge surface <NUM> is facing the second panel surface <NUM> in a locked position of the first and the second panel <NUM>,<NUM>. The mechanical locking device comprises at least one rod-shaped element <NUM> at the first edge surface <NUM> and at least one insertion groove <NUM> at the second panel surface <NUM>. The rod-shaped element <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove <NUM>. The mechanical locking device further comprises at least one first locking groove <NUM> at the first edge surface <NUM> and at least one second locking groove <NUM> at the second panel surface <NUM> and at least one locking part <NUM>. The locking part <NUM> is configured to be inserted into the first locking groove <NUM> and the second locking groove <NUM>. The locking part <NUM> is configured to apply a locking force between the first and the second panel <NUM>,<NUM> in an oblique direction D3 in relation to the second panel surface <NUM>. The locking force at least acts to prevent separation of the first panel from the second panel.

The oblique direction D3 may be at an acute angle to the second panel surface <NUM>.

The first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> are preferably panels for a furniture product and may be a part of a frame of a furniture product.

The set is preferably configured for locking the first panel <NUM> to the second panel <NUM> with the first panel surface <NUM> perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to the second panel surface <NUM>.

The first panel <NUM> may comprise a third panel surface <NUM> which is opposite to the first panel surface <NUM>. The second panel <NUM> may comprise a fourth panel surface <NUM> which is opposite to the second panel surface <NUM>.

The first panel surface <NUM> preferably meets the second panel surface <NUM> in a locked position of the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>.

The first panel surface <NUM> preferably meets the second panel surface <NUM> at an inner corner of the assembled set.

<FIG>, <FIG>disclose a set according to an aspect in an unassembled state. The set may be assembled by displacing the first panel <NUM> relative the second panel <NUM> in an assembly direction AD. <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> disclose a set according to an aspect in an assembled state.

According to the invention, the locking part <NUM> is configured to pull the first <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> together in the assembly direction AD.

The oblique direction D3 may be essentially parallel to a length direction L and/or axial direction CA of the rod-shaped element <NUM>. For example, the oblique direction D3 may be within <NUM>° of the length direction L and/or axial direction CA of the rod-shaped element <NUM>. Further, the oblique direction D3 may be parallel to a length direction L and/or axial direction CA of the rod-shaped element <NUM>.

The rod-shaped element <NUM> may be configured to cooperate with the insertion groove <NUM> to guide the first and second panel <NUM>,<NUM> together during assembly. The rod-shaped element <NUM> may be configured to cooperate with the insertion groove <NUM> to guide the first and second panel <NUM>,<NUM> to the locked position by a displacement of the second panel surface <NUM> relative the first edge surface <NUM> in a first direction D1 and/or a second direction D2.

The rod-shaped element <NUM> extends at a first angle α1 from the first edge surface <NUM>, wherein the first angle α1 is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

The rod-shaped element <NUM> may be arranged in a rod-element groove <NUM> at the first edge surface <NUM>.

The number of rod-shaped elements <NUM> at the first edge surface <NUM> may be the same as the number of insertion grooves <NUM> at the second panel surface <NUM>.

The rod-shaped element <NUM> may have a waxed surface to facilitate assembly. According to an aspect the rod-shaped element <NUM> may be configured to be attached in the rod element groove <NUM> by friction.

According to an aspect the rod-shaped element <NUM> may be configured to be glued in the rod element groove <NUM>.

According to an aspect the rod-shaped element <NUM>, the rod element groove <NUM> and the insertion groove <NUM> have a substantially circular shape, although other shapes, such as triangular, rectangular, square, etc. are possible. When the rod-shaped element has a circular shape, the length direction L and axial direction CA of the rod-shaped element <NUM> is the same.

According to the invention, the rod-shaped element <NUM> is made from a wood-based material. The sidewalls of the insertion groove <NUM>, the locking groove <NUM>, the first locking groove (<NUM>) and the second locking groove (<NUM>) may comprise material of the core of the first panel <NUM> or the second panel <NUM>, dependent on in which panel they are made. According to an aspect the sidewalls may also be enforced with, e.g., plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material, metal and/or glass fibre.

The first edge surface <NUM> may comprise one or more of said rod-shaped element <NUM> and the second panel surface <NUM> may comprise one or more of said insertion groove <NUM>, and vice versa. Three or more of said rod-shaped element and said insertion groove <NUM> may be arranged linearly, wherein each of the rod-shaped elements <NUM> is configured to be inserted into one of said insertion groove <NUM>.

The insertion groove <NUM> may extend into the second panel surface <NUM> at a second angle α2 from the second panel surface <NUM>, wherein the second angle α2 is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

The first locking groove <NUM> may extend at a third angle β from the first edge surface <NUM>, wherein the third angle β is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

The second locking groove <NUM> may extend at a fourth angle γ from the second panel surface <NUM>, wherein the fourth angle γ is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, preferably within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or preferably about <NUM>°.

The first angle α1, the second angle α2, the third angle β and the fourth angle γ may be essentially the same. For example, the first angle, the second angle, the third angle and the fourth angle may be within <NUM>° of each other. Further, the first angle, the second angle, the third angle and the fourth angle may be the same. The first angle α1, the second angle α2, the third angle β and the fourth angle γ may all be ≠ <NUM> °.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking part <NUM> is a screw. The screw may extend into the second panel <NUM> during assembly.

The second locking groove <NUM> at the second panel surface <NUM> does not have to be a groove or drill hole as wide as the locking part <NUM> and/or as deep as the intended extent of the locking part <NUM> into the second panel, but may be, e.g., a small recess or the like, which may guide the locking part <NUM> into a correct place, especially for the embodiment where the locking part is a screw.

The first locking groove <NUM> may extend from a second edge surface <NUM> to the first edge surface <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the locking part <NUM> is of the type cam and dowel connector. The cam and dowel connector may comprise at least one connecting element <NUM>, such as a bolt, and at least one connector housing <NUM>.

The cam and dowel connector may comprise an expanding part <NUM>. The expanding part <NUM> is configured to expand in the second locking groove <NUM> such that the expanding part <NUM> is attached to the second locking groove <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> may extend from the connector housing <NUM> to the expanding part <NUM>.

The connector housing <NUM> may be positioned in a first opening <NUM> on the first panel <NUM>.

The bolt <NUM> of the cam and dowel connector may be positioned in the first locking groove <NUM> before assembly of the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM>, which is shown in the embodiments in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Cam and dowel connectors are known in the art of assembly of furniture. The cam may be a cylindrical lock with an opening for the dowel. The cam/connector housing, which does the latching, may be actuated by rotary motion, typically through <NUM> or <NUM> degrees, with rotating excentres or wedges acting on a head of the dowel. The dowel is typically a bolt, pin or screw.

Cam and dowel connector, when actuated pulls the second panel surface <NUM> relative the first edge surface <NUM> in the first direction D1 and the rod-shaped element <NUM> may be configured to cooperate with the insertion groove <NUM> to lock the first and the second panel <NUM>,<NUM> in the second direction D2. This may have the advantage of enabling optional placement of the locking part <NUM> along the panel edge <NUM>, preferably in a less visible location on an assembled furniture. Furthermore, only one locking part <NUM> may be used to lock the first and second panel and still have a strong locking along the whole panel edge of the first and second panel <NUM>,<NUM> which may include one or more rod-shaped elements <NUM>.

As shown, e.g., in <FIG> and <FIG>, the set may comprise a first panel groove <NUM> on a first panel surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>, and a second panel groove <NUM> on the second panel surface <NUM> of the second panel <NUM>. The set may further comprise a back panel <NUM> configured to be inserted in, and optionally to cooperate with, the first and second panel groove <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first opening <NUM> may be positioned between the panel groove <NUM> and the second edge surface <NUM>, as, e.g., is shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. This gives an aesthetic result since the locking device is no longer visible after assembly of the panels, but is hidden behind the back panel <NUM> if a back panel <NUM> is present.

<FIG> shows that the locking groove <NUM> may be positioned under the panel groove <NUM>. The first panel <NUM> may comprise a third panel surface <NUM> which is opposite to the first panel surface <NUM>. The locking groove may be positioned between a bottom surface <NUM> of the panel groove <NUM> and the third panel surface.

<FIG> shows in a side-view an enlarged part of an embodiment of the set. In this embodiment the first opening <NUM> may be positioned in the second edge surface <NUM> of the first panel <NUM>.

The first opening <NUM> may be in a position that will not be hidden by a back panel <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which show an embodiment with the first and second panel <NUM>,<NUM> in a non-locked and a locked position. Thus, the first opening <NUM>, and, e.g., the cam inserted therein, might be visible.

The insertion groove <NUM>, the first locking groove <NUM>, the second locking groove <NUM> and/or the first opening <NUM> may be a drill hole. The drill-holes may be bottom-ended drill holes.

The locking part <NUM> may be configured to cooperate with the first locking groove <NUM> and/or the second locking groove <NUM>. For example, the locking part <NUM> may engage with the sidewalls of the first locking groove and/or the sidewall of the second locking groove to create a pulling force in the second direction D2. In an embodiment, the locking part <NUM> may engage with the sidewall of the second locking groove, but not the sidewall of the first locking groove, to create a pulling force in the second direction D2. This gives a strong locking of the first panel <NUM> to the second panel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first edge surface <NUM> may have one first locking groove <NUM> and the second panel surface may have one second locking groove <NUM>. According to this embodiment, only one locking part <NUM> is necessary for locking of the first panel <NUM> to the second panel <NUM>.

According to an aspect the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> may be assembled by displacing the first panel <NUM> relative the second panel <NUM> in a direction which is essentially parallel with the second panel surface <NUM>. The last part of the assembly may be in a direction that is essentially parallel to at least one of the first angle α1, the second angle α2, the third angle β and the fourth angle γ.

<FIG> show 3D-views of an embodiment of the invention in a locked position. The embodiment comprises two of said first panel <NUM> and two of said second panel <NUM> which are assembled as a frame of, e.g., a furniture. The embodiment further comprises a back panel <NUM> which is assembled to the frame. The mechanical locking device is not visible from a side-view and/or a front-view when the panels are assembled, giving a very aesthetic result. Parts of the mechanical locking device may be seen from a back-view of the embodiment.

The core of the first panel <NUM> and/or of the second panel <NUM> may be a wood-based core, preferably made of MDF, HDF, OSB, WPC, plywood or particleboard. The core may also be a plastic core comprising thermosetting plastic or thermoplastic, e.g., vinyl, PVC, PU or PET. The plastic core may comprise fillers.

The first panel <NUM> and/or the second panel <NUM> may also be of solid wood.

The first panel <NUM> and/or the second panel <NUM> may be provided with a decorative layer, such as a foil or a veneer, on one or more surfaces.

According to an aspect the set of panels are resilient panels. The resilient panels may comprise a core comprising thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be foamed.

The thermoplastic material may comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof. The core may be formed of several layers.

The aspects described above may comprise a decorative layer, such as a decorative foil comprising a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material of the decorative layer may be or comprise polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof. The decorative foil is preferably printed, for example by direct printing, rotogravure, or digital printing. According to an aspect the decorative layer comprises melamine, a high-pressure laminate (HPL) or a veneer.

The aspects described above may comprise a wear layer such as a film or foil. The wear layer may comprise thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyester, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane (PU), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylate, methacrylate, polycarbonate, polyvinyl butyral, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination thereof.

The aspects described above may comprise a wood base core, such as HDF, MDF, plywood, particleboard, OSB or Masonite.

Claim 1:
A set comprising a first panel (<NUM>), a second panel (<NUM>) and a mechanical locking device for locking the first panel (<NUM>) to the second panel (<NUM>), wherein
- the first panel (<NUM>) comprises a first edge surface (<NUM>),
- the second panel (<NUM>) comprises a second panel surface (<NUM>),
- the first edge surface (<NUM>) is facing the second panel surface (<NUM>) in a locked position of the first and the second panel (<NUM>, <NUM>),
- the mechanical locking device comprises at least one rod-shaped element (<NUM>) at the first edge surface (<NUM>) and at least one insertion groove (<NUM>) at the second panel surface (<NUM>),
- the rod-shaped element (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted into the insertion groove (<NUM>),
- the mechanical locking device further comprises at least one first locking groove (<NUM>) at the first edge surface (<NUM>) and at least one second locking groove (<NUM>) at the second panel surface (<NUM>) and at least one locking part (<NUM>),
the locking part (<NUM>) is configured to be inserted into the first locking groove (<NUM>) and the second locking groove (<NUM>),
characterized in that
- the locking part (<NUM>) is configured to apply a locking force between the first and the second panel (<NUM>,<NUM>) in an oblique direction (D3) in relation to the second panel surface (<NUM>),
the oblique direction (D3) is at an acute angle to the second panel surface (<NUM>),
wherein the locking part (<NUM>) is configured to pull the first and the second panel (<NUM>, <NUM>) together in an assembly direction (AD),
wherein the rod-shaped element (<NUM>) extends at a first angle (α1) from the first edge surface (<NUM>), wherein the first angle (α1) is within the range of about <NUM>° to <NUM>°, and
wherein the rod-shaped element (<NUM>) is made of a wood-based material.