Patent Description:
The invention aims at improvements which can be applied in such piece of furniture, wherein several thereof relate to rear wall constructions which can be applied therewith.

More particularly, the invention aims at inventive ideas which are suitable for being applied with furniture which is sold in disassembled condition and has to be assembled by the buyer himself. Herein, this relates first of all to so-called flat-pack furniture.

Still more particularly, the invention therein relates to composed elements comprising structures which, by means of suitable profiles, can be coupled to each other in a locking manner, for example, of the type known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

The use of such profiles, which are provided in the constructional parts themselves and are made entirely or for the major part in one piece therewith, offers the advantage that no separate elements for interconnecting the panel-shaped elements at an angle are required, such as, for example, connection elements consisting of metal; or at least the application of such separate elements can be restricted to a minimum. Another advantage thereof consists in that such profiles simply can be milled into the panel-shaped elements and a continuous locking coupling can be realized along the entire corner connection.

<CIT> discoses a knockdown sectional bookcase. The knockdown sectional bookcase comprises a shelf and back sections. A stud is provided. The stud has a T-head and is inserted in the shelf. The stud is is adapted to project between the respective adjacent edges of the back sections and with its head in engagement with the rear of the back sections.

<CIT> discloses a shelf structure. The shelf structure comprises a pair of spaced vertically disposed parallel side members each having a plurality of vertically spaced parallel notches extending inwardly from a longitudinal edge thereof to a depth substantially two-thirds of the width of said member, a plurality of vertically spaced horizontally disposed shelves each having a pair of parallel notches spaced from the opposite ends thereof respectively and extending inwardly from a longitudinal edge thereof to a depth of substantially one-third of the width of said shelf. The side members and the shelves are interfitting in the notched portions for supporting the shelves with the intermediate portions thereof disposed between the side members and with the opposite ends thereof projecting laterally outward beyond the side members and with the lower end portions of the side members below the lowermost shelf supporting the shelf structure with the lowermost shelf spaced from a supporting surface. The shelves project rearwardly of the side members and are formed with longitudinally extending grooves in the confronting faces of adjacent shelves. The grooves have their forward walls disposed forwardly of the rear edges of the side members and panel members extending longitudinally of the shelves and slidably fitted in said grooves and against the rear edges of the side members for closing the back of the shelf structure between the shelve.

The present invention aims at various aspects with which pieces of furniture, and in particular furniture of the aforementioned type, can be optimized even further. Herein, the general purpose is to arrive at furniture of which at least a number of the component parts, and preferably all parts, can be easily manufactured at low cost and can built together in an easy manner as well, whereas finally still a stable piece of furniture is obtained; such preferably with a minimum of accessories, more particularly with a minimum of attachment elements, screws and the like.

According to a number of the hereinafter described aspects, the invention also aims at providing a piece of furniture wherein the rear wall thereof still can be provided therein after said element has been composed. In this manner, it is always possible to provide the rear wall afterwards, even when it should be intended to provide it already earlier and the assembling person, for example, did forget to provide it in the usual manner.

The invention is described in independent claim <NUM>. The dependent claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention.

According to a first aspect not according to the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a composed element, more particularly a piece of furniture, wherein this composed element comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts forming a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided, wherein the rear wall forms the rear side of the composed element and consists of one or more rear wall parts, wherein the composed element comprises seats for installing at least one of the rear wall parts and preferably all rear wall parts, which are configured such that said rear wall part can be slid into the seats starting from the rear side of the composed element, more particularly from a position which differs from the final plane in which the rear wall part will be situated in the final condition. It is clear that, by providing for that the rear wall can be slid into the seats starting from another plane, a whole is created which allows providing the rear wall smoothly in the composed element.

Preferably, the composed element is configured such that, when all constructional parts to which the rear wall must be attached, are mounted to each other, the rear wall still, as aforementioned, can be slid into the seats.

Still preferably, the composed element is characterized in that the constructional parts consist of panel-shaped elements and that the seats comprise grooves for the one or more rear wall parts which are integrated into the respective panel-shaped elements, wherein one or more, preferably local, passages are present between the grooves and the rear side of the composed element, which allow that said rear wall part can be slid up into the grooves, starting from the rear side, through the one or more passages. In this manner, the rear wall parts can be brought into the composed element in a smooth manner without having to put a heavy load on said rear wall parts.

In a practical view, it is preferred herein that the rear wall part concerned, the rear wall parts concerned, respectively, can be slid up into the seats by means of bending.

According to a number of possibilities, the seats consist of grooves, wherein such grooves are provided at the composed element according to any of the following possibilities:.

In the most preferred embodiment, such composed element is characterized in that one or more of said rear wall parts on a first pair of opposite edges can be shifted in said grooves until said parts finally are positioned in the grooves present on a second pair of opposite edges as well. In this manner, it is obtained that a rear panel can be attached onto practically all edges in a smooth manner.

According to a possibility, the whole is configured such that the rear wall part concerned, the rear wall parts concerned, respectively, can be slid into the first pair of grooves starting from the rear side of the composed element in order to be subsequently slid further up into a first groove of the second pair of grooves, after which the rear wall part concerned, the rear wall parts concerned, respectively, are slid back until the rear wall also is seated in the second groove of the second pair of grooves.

According to a possibility, such rear wall part, such rear wall parts, respectively, are provided in the respective seats starting from one edge of the rear side.

According to an alternative, the composed element comprises at least two rear wall parts, which, starting from one passage, can be slid into the respective grooves in opposite directions.

According to a particular embodiment, the composed element is characterized in that the rear wall comprises a plurality of rear wall parts and/or a number of multiple rear wall parts, which, in mounted condition, substantially are adjacent to each other, wherein one or more of the hereby formed transitions, and preferably all transitions, are located behind shelves or partition walls which are present on the composed element. In this manner, such transitions are hidden from view in an efficient manner.

In a particularly practical embodiment, one or more of the seats are formed by a recess in the respective constructional part, which recess is closed off towards the rear by means of a finishing tape, wherein the aforementioned passages are realized as local recesses in the finishing tape.

According to a second aspect not according to the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a composed element, more particularly a piece of furniture, wherein this composed element comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts forming a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided, wherein the rear wall forms the rear side of the composed element and consists of one or more rear wall parts, characterized in that the constructional parts consist of board-shaped elements and that the attachment parts comprise grooves for the one or more rear wall parts, which grooves are integrated into the board-shaped elements, wherein one or more passages are present between the grooves and the rear side of the composed element, which allow that said rear wall part can be slid from the rear side through the one or more of these passages up into the grooves. By working with integrated grooves, there is the advantage that they can be provided in a smooth manner and that, apart from a possible masking tape, no additional accessories will have to be provided.

According to a third independent aspect, the invention relates to a piece of furniture, which comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts forming a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided, wherein the rear wall forms the rear side of the composed element and consists of at least two rear wall parts, and wherein the constructional parts comprise, on the one hand, exterior panels as well as, on the other hand, one or more intermediate pieces, more particularly intermediate panels, such as one or more shelves and/or one or more partition walls, with the characteristic that it comprises at least one attachment piece for one or more of the rear wall parts, which cooperates with an intermediate panel. Due to such cooperation, various effects can be created, amongst which the tensioning of the rear wall against the intermediate panels, such that the formation of openings in between them is avoided, the restriction of the mutual movability between rear wall parts and other parts, by which the rigidity of the piece of furniture is enhanced, and so on.

Such attachment piece comprises an attachment part, which engages on one of the intermediate pieces, more particularly on the narrow edge of an intermediate panel. Herein, not according to the invention, this attachment piece may consist, amongst others, of a clamping part, which can be pressed down in an opening which for this purpose is provided in the respective intermediate piece, more particularly a clamping part with barbs.

The attachment piece comprises a stop-forming part, in the form of a flange or the like, which cooperates with the rear side of one or more rear wall parts.

Apart therefrom, the attachment piece also comprises a support part, which laterally cooperates with the narrow edge of one or more rear wall parts in order to restrain those as such and keep them at the opposite edges in the corresponding seats.

The support part is made as a tensioning part, which presses the respective rear wall part in at least one direction into its seat, respectively presses the respective rear wall part into their seats. In this manner, it is sought to minimize plays and to reduce the movability between rear wall parts and furniture carcass, which promotes the stability of the composed element.

The tensioning part is operative in two directions, such that it can cooperate with two rear wall parts.

The attachment piece consists of an element which can be tensioned by means of rotating, which offers a user-friendly and reliable solution for providing a clamping force.

A number of other possible embodiments of attachment pieces will also be explained in the detailed description.

According to a particular embodiment of the third aspect, this is further characterized in that the rear wall comprises at least two rear wall parts situated on top of each other, between which at least one attachment piece is provided, wherein one or more spacers are provided for initially keeping the rear wall parts, at least at certain places, at a distance from each other, in order to allow that one or more attachment pieces can be provided there between, wherein these spacers consist of one or a combination of the following possibilities:.

According to an independent fourth aspect not according to the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a composed element, more particularly a piece of furniture, which comprises at least one mountable rear wall part, as well as at least one constructional part, more particularly a wall part, which comprises a panel-shaped basic body which, on one narrow edge, is provided with a fixedly attached thereto finishing tape for mounting the rear wall, wherein laterally next to the narrow side, a seat for the rear wall part is present in the form of a groove, characterized in that the groove is formed by a recess at the edge of the basic body which, at said narrow side, is covered by said finishing tape, wherein one sidewall of the groove is formed by the wall of the recess in the basic body, whereas the other side is formed by the finishing tape. According to this aspect, a particularly simple technique is offered for technically realizing a seat for a rear wall part. Also, in this manner the rear wall can be situated very close to the rear side, by which space is gained within the piece of furniture. Still another advantage is that passages in the finishing tape can be realized very easily in order to be able to apply, for example, the first aspect of the disclosure.

Preferably, the finishing tape is a flat tape, such that for this purpose a tape can be applied which can be realized according to a standard technique.

Still preferably, the recess is a machine-made recess which is formed by means of a cutting treatment performed in the basic body.

Practically seen, the finishing tape has a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM>, and preferably of <NUM> to <NUM>, such that classical edge covering techniques can be applied, wherein the tape is supplied from a roll. However, other thicknesses are not excluded.

According to a particular embodiment, use is made of a finishing tape comprising a formed therein hook-shaped locking part, which is intended for engaging in a recess provided in the rear wall part. In this manner, an additional locking is obtained.

Preferably, the finishing tape consists of synthetic material, preferably ABS or PP.

It is clear that the finishing tape preferably is applied by gluing, with the result that classical edge finishing machines can be applied.

It is noted that with one and the same finishing tape, as aforementioned, the edge of a seat can be formed, as well as an extremity of a coupling groove can be hidden from view.

In a particular application of the fourth aspect, the finishing tape is elastically bendable, in such a manner that the rear wall part can be pressed down frontally in the pertaining groove or grooves, starting from the rear side of the composed element. In this manner, also a possibility is offered for attaching a rear wall even after the assembly of a furniture carcass to said carcass.

According to a fifth aspect not according to the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a composed element, more particularly a piece of furniture, wherein this composed element comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts which form a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided, wherein the rear wall forms the rear side of the composed element and consists of one or more rear wall parts, characterized in that the constructional parts are provided with attachment parts realized in one piece therewith, behind which attachment parts the rear wall, usually with a certain deformation, for example, bending, can be pressed down. Due to the fact of being in one piece, particular accessories, such as the use of screws, nails, attachment clips and the like, can be excluded. Practically seen, the attachment parts herein consist of cam-shaped portions which border the seat for the rear wall. Moreover, preferably they are combined with a seat in the form of a groove.

According to a sixth aspect not according to the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to a composed element, more particularly a piece of furniture, wherein this composed element comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts which form a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided, wherein the rear wall forms the rear side of the composed element and consists of one or more rear wall parts, characterized in that the composed element is of the type wherein at least a number of the constructional parts, at corners formed for this purpose, can be joined together by means of locking profiles to form a furniture carcass, wherein the whole comprises attachment parts for the rear wall allowing that the rear wall, at least afterwards after assembly of the carcass, still can be inserted into said carcass into seats provided for this purpose, preferably without additional attachment elements. In this manner, a piece of furniture is obtained which, without many additional accessories, can be commercialized as flat-pack furniture. According to a possible embodiment hereof, the rear wall can be slid into the whole via seats and is it retained at its place by means of at least one stop.

Also, the disclosure, according to an independent seventh aspect not according to the claimed invention, relates to a composed element, of the type comprising a number of constructional parts which are interconnected at an angle by means of locking profiles, wherein a tongue and groove coupling with locking parts is applied, wherein said locking parts substantially are located on one side of the tongue, wherein at both sides of the tongue, portions positioned opposite to each other are present, namely first portions on the side where the locking parts are present, and second portions on the other side, characterized in that, when the second portions theoretically are positioned against each other, there is a slight spacing between the first portions. As explained in more detail in the detailed description, hereby a particularly stable piece of furniture can be realized.

Further independent aspects of the disclosure will become clear from the further detailed description. These further aspects are of different nature, and not all of them are connected to rear wall constructions. Various aspects are connected to accessories which can be applied in furniture in general.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, hereinafter, as an example without any limitative character, some preferred embodiments of the invention are described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

In <FIG>, a composed element <NUM> is represented, in this case in the form of a piece of furniture, more particularly a cupboard. The element <NUM> comprises a rear wall <NUM>, as well as a number of constructional parts, which in this case are indicated generally by reference number <NUM> and which form a whole in which the rear wall <NUM> is provided, in such a manner that the rear wall <NUM> forms the rear side of the composed element <NUM>.

In the example, the constructional parts <NUM> are formed by a bottom wall <NUM>, a left-hand side wall <NUM>, a right-hand side wall <NUM>, a top wall <NUM> and a shelf <NUM>. In this example, the rear wall <NUM> is composed of two rear wall parts <NUM> and <NUM> situated one above the other.

As can be seen in <FIG>, this preferably relates to a composed element <NUM> of the type of which the constructional parts forming the actual basic carcass, in this case the aforementioned walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, substantially can be locked to each other exclusively by means of coupling parts <NUM>-<NUM> integrated at the edges, thus, without the necessity of separate connection elements. More particularly, it is also preferred that, as represented, the constructional parts <NUM> preferably all consist of flat or relatively flat elements, as a result of which the whole can be marketed as flat-pack furniture.

The coupling parts <NUM> may be of any form, however, as represented, preferably consist of a tongue <NUM> and groove <NUM> which are provided with locking parts <NUM>-<NUM> engaging behind each other. Examples hereof are widely known, amongst others, from the international patent application <CIT>.

Further, the composed element <NUM> is at least provided with seats <NUM> and <NUM>, and in the example also <NUM> and <NUM>, in which the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> are taken up, which seats, in the example, consist of grooves <NUM>-<NUM> on opposite sides of the basic carcass, thus, in the inner sides of the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as grooves <NUM>-<NUM> on the inner sides of the bottom wall <NUM> and the top wall <NUM>. Herein, this relates to grooves which are integrated in the respective walls <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>, which will become clear further below.

As represented in <FIG>, the grooves comprise a first side wall <NUM>, which borders such groove towards the front side of the piece of furniture, a second side wall <NUM>, which borders such groove towards the rear side of the piece of furniture, and a bottom <NUM>. The side wall <NUM> is part of an edge <NUM> behind which the respective rear wall parts thus are retained in mounted condition.

In the represented example, each groove as such is formed by a recess <NUM> in the respective constructional part, whereas the edge <NUM> is formed by a portion <NUM> of a relatively stiff finishing tape <NUM>, which is provided on the narrow side <NUM> of the respective constructional part and whereby said portion <NUM> reaches up to in front of the recess <NUM>. However, it is clear that the first aspect of the disclosure is not restricted to the manner how such groove and the edge bordering the groove are composed materially, and that said groove and edge, within the scope of this herein below explained first aspect, can also be realized in any other manner.

In accordance with the first aspect, at least the seats <NUM>-<NUM> are configured such that said rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> can be slid into the seats <NUM>-<NUM> starting from the rear side of the composed element, more particularly from a position which differs from the final plane in which the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> are situated in the final condition. More particularly, the whole is configured such that, when all constructional parts to which the rear wall <NUM> has to be attached are mounted to each other, the rear wall <NUM> still, as aforementioned, can be slid into the seats <NUM>-<NUM> and consequently also can be positioned in the seats <NUM>-<NUM>.

To this aim, as represented in <FIG>, two passages <NUM>-<NUM> are present between the grooves <NUM>-<NUM> and the rear side of the composed element <NUM>, which allow that the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> can be slid up into the grooves starting from the rear side, through said passages <NUM>-<NUM>, possibly with a certain bending and/or other deformations in the respective rear wall parts and/or the respective edges. In the example, the passages <NUM>-<NUM> are situated on opposite sides of the rear side of the piece of furniture, such approximately halfway up. As can be seen more specifically in <FIG>, such passage <NUM>-<NUM> consists in that the edge <NUM> locally is not present over a restricted distance, or according to an alternative at least is more pronouncedly less present, in this case in that the finishing tape <NUM> locally is cut away.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the passages are situated at the height of the location where the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> merge into each other, thus, at the height where the upper edge <NUM> of the lower rear wall part <NUM> and the lower edge <NUM> of the upper rear wall part <NUM> adjoin against each other or approximately against each other.

It is clear that the grooves <NUM> and <NUM> form seats for the lower edge of the rear wall part <NUM> and the upper edge <NUM> of the rear wall part <NUM>. All this permits that the rear wall parts at a first pair of opposite edges, namely the edges <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, are displaceable in said grooves <NUM>-<NUM>, until they also at a second pair of opposite edges, in this case formed by the lower edge <NUM> of the lowermost panel and the upper edge <NUM> of the uppermost panel, are positioned in the grooves <NUM>-<NUM> present there.

In the represented example, the whole is configured such that the two rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, starting from the passages <NUM>-<NUM>, can be slid in opposite directions D1 and D2 into the respective grooves <NUM>-<NUM>, more specifically as explained herein below by means of <FIG>. It is clear that herein first the furniture carcass is composed, as illustrated in <FIG>. Subsequently, the lowermost rear wall part <NUM> is slid according to direction D1 through the passages <NUM>-<NUM> towards the bottom side of the piece of furniture into the groove, thus, starting from an inclined and mostly somewhat bent position P1 towards a final position P2 in the final plane of the rear wall. In the position P2, the lowermost rear wall part becomes seated with its lowermost edge <NUM> in the lowermost groove <NUM>. Subsequently, the uppermost rear wall part <NUM>, starting from an inclined and mostly somewhat bent position P3, is slid, via the same passages <NUM>-<NUM>, according to the represented direction D2 into the grooves until it finally also assumes a position P4 in the actual plane of the rear wall. It is noted that the dimensions of the rear wall parts preferably are such that, when the latter are situated against each other in the aforementioned positions P2 and P4, they still are seated with the lower edge <NUM> and upper edge <NUM>, respectively, in the grooves <NUM> and <NUM>.

For illustration's sake, <FIG> also represent cross-sections in mounted condition.

In <FIG>, a variant is represented, wherein the rear wall part is made thinner towards one edge, in this case by means of a chamfer <NUM>. As represented, this facilitates bringing such rear wall part initially behind the edges of the respective grooves.

The composed element <NUM> represented in <FIG> is also provided with an attachment piece <NUM> for the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, which cooperates with an intermediate panel, in this case the shelf <NUM>. The composition of the represented embodiment hereof, as well as the working thereof, is explained hereafter with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

In view of said cooperation, the attachment piece <NUM> is provided with an attachment portion <NUM>, which engages on the rearward-directed side <NUM> of the shelf. This attachment portion <NUM> is performed as a clamping part which can be pressed down in an opening <NUM>, such as a groove, which is provided in the respective shelf <NUM> for this purpose, more particularly a clamping part with barbs <NUM>.

Further, the attachment piece <NUM> comprises a stop-forming part <NUM>, in this case in the form of a flange which, in the mounted condition, cooperates with the rear sides of the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. The attachment portion <NUM> and the flange form a substantially T-shaped body, wherein the flange defines two wings <NUM>-<NUM> situated on opposite sides of the attachment portion.

Further, the attachment piece <NUM> comprises a support portion <NUM> laterally cooperating with the adjoining edges of the rear wall parts. Herein, the support portion <NUM> is performed as a tensioning part which pushes the respective rear wall parts away from the attachment piece <NUM>, preferably such that they are pressed down in their seats. The tensioning part is formed by elastically deformable lips <NUM>-<NUM> acting on the rear wall parts with an elastic force.

As represented in <FIG>, the attachment piece <NUM> may be performed in the form of a profile strip, for example, of synthetic material.

In the example of <FIG>, which is not according to the invention, the wings <NUM>-<NUM> comprise elastically bendable parts <NUM>-<NUM>, which, in the mounted condition, exert a permanent pressing force. On the one hand, this offers the advantage that the rear wall parts are permanently pressed against the rear side of the shelf <NUM>. By this pressing force, a clamping is obtained, too, which effects that it becomes more difficult for the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> and the shelf <NUM> to move in mutual respect, by which the composed element becomes less sensitive to possible wobbling movements which might arise in such piece of furniture as a result of play.

In <FIG>, a variant, not according to the invention, of the attachment piece <NUM> is represented, wherein the flange is substantially flat. <FIG> also clearly shows that the attachment piece is made as a profile strip.

It is noted that such attachment piece <NUM>, and in particular when it is made as a profile, can consist of any suitable material, for example, of metal or synthetic material, wherein synthetic material, due to its elasticity, is preferred.

Possibly, such attachment piece <NUM> and at least one of the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, and preferably both, may comprise locking parts which counteract a mutual lateral displacement, mutually among the two rear wall parts, and/or mutually among one or more rear wall parts and a partition wall. In <FIG>, as an example, such locking parts <NUM>-<NUM> are represented in dashed line as an alternative. Herein, they consist of local protrusions, which are intended for cooperation with non-represented openings in both rear wall parts.

The attachment pieces <NUM> preferably are performed such that they can be provided manually in a simple manner, preferably without tools. In the represented example, providing such attachment piece <NUM> thus also is performed simply by positioning it between the two rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> and pressing it down in the opening provided for this purpose. The attachment portion <NUM> then provides for that the attachment piece is fixedly retained in the shelf <NUM>. The stop-forming part <NUM>, or, thus, the wings <NUM>-<NUM>, provide for that the rear wall parts remain positioned against the shelf. The support portion <NUM> supports the rear wall parts on each other, wherein between these rear wall parts also a tensioning force is exerted by the portions <NUM>-<NUM>.

It is noted that, as can be seen in <FIG>, at the location where such attachment piece <NUM> has to be provided, recesses <NUM> can be provided in one or both of the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. These recesses <NUM> offer various advantages. A first advantage consists in that, when the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> rest freely upon each other, it is directly visible where the attachment piece <NUM> has to be provided. A second advantage is that the installing person does not need to first push the two rear wall parts out of each other in order to install the attachment piece <NUM>. A third advantage is that the two rear wall parts, as long as such attachment piece is not applied next to the recesses <NUM>, rest upon each other and the upper rear wall part remains present in the respective groove with its upper edge, by which is excluded that, while applying the attachment piece, one would have to pay attention to whether the uppermost rear wall part slides into the pertaining groove.

The recesses <NUM> can be exclusively present there where the attachment pieces <NUM> are provided, however, as represented in dashed line in <FIG>, they can also be present on other locations, more particularly on respectively two opposite edges of such rear wall part, such that, irrespective of how the installing person provides the rear wall parts, these latter will always be in the right position for still providing the attachment piece.

In <FIG>, an attachment piece is shown as can be used in the invention. The attachment portion <NUM> is designed as a screw part, which can be screwed down in an opening <NUM> which for this purpose has been provided in the shelf <NUM> concerned, either directly in the material of the shelf or, as represented, in a bush <NUM>, provided with screw thread and being fixed in the opening <NUM> for this purpose.

Here, too, the attachment piece <NUM> comprises a stop-forming part <NUM>, in this case in the form of a round flange which, in the mounted condition, cooperates with the rear sides of the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. The flange comprises a portion <NUM> in the form of a turning knob, as well as a conical or inclined portion <NUM>, the inclined side <NUM> of which, when the attachment piece is screwed down, comes into contact with the edges of the rear wall parts. As a consequence of said cooperation, not only a clamping down of the rear wall parts against the shelf <NUM> is obtained, but also a lateral pushing-apart of the rear wall parts is obtained, by which the play thereof in the seats is reduced or even removed and a tension is created, by which the rigidity of the piece of furniture is enhanced. The turning knob possibly may be screwed down so far that the aforementioned portion <NUM> is tensioned with its rear side against the rear wall parts, whereas the portion <NUM> penetrates somewhat into the material of the rear wall parts. It is clear that the portion <NUM> herein functions both as a support portion <NUM> and as a tensioning part.

Herein, the recesses <NUM> preferably are realized locally, for example, in the form of approximately semi-circular recesses, whereby they also automatically function as laterally-effecting locking parts, wherein a mutual lateral displacement of the rear wall parts is excluded.

In <FIG>, an attachment piece is shown as can be used in the claimed invention. Here, too, a bush <NUM>, provided with screw thread, is attached in the rear edge of a shelf <NUM> or the like. Into this, an attachment piece <NUM> is screwed, which fits into the bush <NUM> with an attachment piece <NUM> which is provided with screw thread. The attachment piece <NUM> comprises a stop-forming part <NUM> in the form of a flange, with a foldout-handle <NUM> for rotating and tensioning the whole, as well as a support portion <NUM>, functioning as a tensioning part, with a radial surface <NUM>, wherein the distance of the latter to the central axis of the attachment portion varies in function of the circumference, preferably in that the support portion is elliptical. Also, pawl-shaped teeth <NUM>-<NUM> are provided on the bush <NUM> and the attachment piece <NUM>, which, possibly by deformation in one mutual direction, in fact can be rotated in mutual respect, however, are prevented from rotating back. During assembly, when the attachment piece <NUM> is screwed into the bush <NUM>, a condition is created wherein the elliptical support portion <NUM> is tensioned between the edges of the two rear wall parts and thus pushed the latter apart. It is clear that the recesses <NUM>, the shape of the support portion <NUM> and more particularly the contour of the surface <NUM> thereof, and the screw threads in the bush <NUM> and on the attachment portion <NUM>, are adapted such in a fitting manner that the support portion initially gets with its smallest radial dimension between the rear wall parts and, when rotated from this position, provides for the intended tensioning action.

In examples not according to the invention, the rear wall of the composed elements may not be composed of two rear wall parts, or wherein the passages <NUM>-<NUM> are situated halfway of the height of the composed element. In order to demonstrate this, hereafter, by means of <FIG>, some variants of composed elements <NUM> are described, wherein the rear walls are realized in a different manner.

In <FIG>, in a rear view a composed element <NUM> is represented having only one rear wall part <NUM>. Seats <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> in the form of grooves are located on all four sides. Next to the lower edge, on opposite sides passages <NUM>-<NUM> are provided for providing the rear wall part <NUM>. As represented in detail in <FIG>, such passage <NUM>, in a manner comparable to that of <FIG>, can consist of a cutout in the finishing tape <NUM>. Applying the rear wall part then is performed, in accordance with the first and second aspect of the disclosure, by sliding the rear wall part through the passages <NUM>-<NUM> into the grooves, according to arrow D3 in <FIG>, in order to subsequently letting it drop somewhat according to arrow D4 in order to obtain that it becomes seated in the seats on all edges, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, a variant is represented wherein use is made of two rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, which each as such are made multi-part, thus, in the form of a folding back, respectively. Each rear wall part <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, comprises two portions <NUM>-<NUM>, which respectively are linked together by means of a hinge portion <NUM>. <FIG> shows such rear wall part in partially folded-open form. Herein, the hinge portion <NUM> is formed by a glue joint which connects the two portions and functions as a kind of film hinge. <FIG> represent a magnification at the height of the hinge portion <NUM>, in a completely folded-open condition and a completely folded-tight condition, respectively. It is clear that such rear wall part in the folded-tight condition has only half the size as in folded-open condition. Such rear wall part, which is performed as a folding rear wall, offers the advantage that in mounted condition, it will behave as a single part, which renders a better rigidity to the piece of furniture than two separate parts. At the same time, the advantage is offered that such rear wall part in the folded-tight condition is easier to package and transport, which is very useful with flat-pack furniture.

The two rear wall parts <NUM> and <NUM>, after having been folded open, are slid through the passages <NUM>-<NUM> into the respective seats in a manner analogous to that of the embodiment of <FIG>.

The whole preferably is constructed such that all transitions, thus, the transitions between two rear wall parts as well as the transitions between the portions <NUM>-<NUM>, will be situated behind shelves or the like. An attachment piece <NUM> can be provided between the two rear wall parts <NUM> and <NUM>. Possibly, also additional attachment pieces <NUM>, analogous to the attachment pieces <NUM>, can be provided at the folding edges.

It is noted that the hinge portion can also be realized in other manners. For example, a covering film, which is provided continuously over two or more portions of a rear wall part, can be applied as a film hinge at the location of the transitions.

It is also noted that the rear wall parts and attachment pieces do not necessarily have to be directed horizontally. For example, <FIG>, in a rear view, represent an embodiment of a piece of furniture with vertically-directed rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> and attachment pieces <NUM>. These latter then cooperate with openings in a partition wall <NUM>. It is clear that providing the rear wall parts then is performed by means of passages <NUM>-<NUM>, which are situated on the top and bottom of the piece of furniture.

Generally, the constructional parts <NUM> and rear wall parts can consist of various materials, however, preferably use shall be made of covered board material. This is especially recommended for the manufacture of flat-pack furniture.

The constructional parts <NUM> preferably consist of a basic board <NUM>, which is provided with a covering <NUM> on opposite sides.

Such basic board <NUM> preferably is based on vegetable matter and more particularly consists of particles and/or fibers consolidated by means of a binding agent, whether or not mixed with other materials. Wood material is most recommended, preferably in the form of chips and/or fibers, for example, particle board or MDF/HDF, possibly at least partially and possibly entirely of recycled wood.

Possibly, more light-weight basic boards can be applied by making use of flax chips or by mixing in cork, expanded synthetic material parts or the like. It is also not excluded to apply hollow boards for the basic board <NUM>, which, however, have strips at the edges in which the respective seats are provided. The hollow portions can be provided with honeycomb structures.

The basic board <NUM> can have any thickness. Usual thicknesses for furniture are situated between <NUM> and <NUM>, however, other values are not excluded.

Said covering <NUM> preferably is formed by laminate, for example, in the form of DPL, however, other coverings are not excluded, such as lacquer, films, veneer and the like.

The basic board <NUM> of the rear wall and the covering <NUM> thereof can be constructed in a similar manner. Preferably, the back, however, is relatively thin and has a thickness in the order of magnitude of <NUM>. Preferably, as represented, it is provided with a covering <NUM> on one side only. In a practical embodiment, to this aim a MDF or HDF board is applied and the covering consists of a film. Other possibilities are not excluded.

It is clear that the combination of the fourth aspect of the disclosure with the first aspect offers a practical solution for realizing the aforementioned passages <NUM>-<NUM>, as in that case only the finishing tape <NUM> has to be interrupted locally, which can be realized very easily by means of a movable cutting tool, such as a milling cutter, which can be present in the tape adhering device. In the actual furniture panel, exclusively a straight-lined recess <NUM> has to be realized, and the necessity of particular milling treatments in the furniture panel itself, for forming passages, is excluded.

The herein above-described embodiment of the fourth aspect can also be realized independent from the first aspect. In fact, it is clear that said fourth aspect in general relates to the manner in which the seat for the rear wall is formed, wherein this is independent from the manner in which the rear wall is provided in the pertaining seats. As an example, in <FIG> thus a composed element <NUM> is represented, more particularly a piece of furniture, in which no passages, as aforementioned, are present; however, the rear wall part <NUM> is let down into the seats in the usual manner between the two side walls <NUM>-<NUM> and wherein then only thereafter the upper wall <NUM> is provided on the side walls, wherein the attachment of the rear wall part, however, is performed by applying the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

In <FIG>, in cross-sections similar to that of <FIG>, a number of particular embodiments of the fourth aspect are represented. The particularity herein consists in that the finishing tapes <NUM>, at least at one pair of opposite sides of the rear wall part <NUM>, are provided with hook-shaped locking parts <NUM>, which cooperate with the rear wall part, more particularly with groove-shaped recesses <NUM> in the rear wall part. In this manner, it is obtained that the rear wall contributes better to the rigidity of a piece of furniture, by which the latter will wobble less than in the case that no hook-shaped locking parts are applied.

Preferably, the finishing tapes <NUM> are already provided with the hook-shaped locking part before they are applied.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the finishing tape <NUM> has a hook-shaped locking part <NUM> in that, at a distance from the edge of the finishing tape, a recess <NUM> is formed in the finishing tape. <FIG> represents a variant, wherein the hook-shaped locking part protrudes from the actual plane of the tape.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, chamfers <NUM> are formed on the protruding locking part. This is, for example, useful when such rear wall part has to be slid into the seats according to directions D5-D6. This may be, for example, when it is intended that the rear wall part is somewhat elastically bent in order to be subsequently positioned between the side walls of the piece of furniture, such that, after releasing it, it will relax in a flat condition, with the edges in the seats. As an example, the embodiment of <FIG> can also be useful for being applied on the bottom and top in an embodiment of a piece of furniture according to <FIG>.

<FIG> represent a particular embodiment of the fourth aspect, with the particularity that the whole is configured such that a rear wall part <NUM> can be provided at its place by means of a frontal movement M and by bending the finishing tape <NUM>. Preferably, this is substantially realized by applying a material removal at the rear side of the respective rear wall part, which in the represented example consists of a chamfer <NUM>.

The present disclosure also aims at a device for attaching a shelf by means of a shelf support, wherein the whole is designed such that, on the one hand, the shelf support in mounted condition is of little or no hindrance, and, on the other hand, the provisions which have to be made on the shelf itself can be realized in a simple manner in respect to production techniques and at low costs.

According to the disclosure, to this aim a device is applied which is characterized in that the bottom side of the shelf, starting from the lateral edge thereof, is provided with a recess; that, starting from this recess, an upward-directed bore hole extends in the shelf; that a lateral bore hole is present in the side wall; that the shelf support comprises a body which fits into said recess and, in the mounted condition, is sitting at least partially and preferably completely countersunk in respect to the bottom side of the shelf; that an upward-directed protrusion fitting in said bore hole is present on said body; and that the shelf support further comprises an attachment part with which it fits into the lateral bore hole.

According to a first preferred embodiment, herein it is striven for that the provisions which have to be realized on the shelf consist exclusively of a milled-in part or the like and further one or more bore holes. A practical example thereof is represented in <FIG>, in which <FIG> represents the shelf support <NUM> as such in perspective and <FIG> represents a cross-section in mounted condition. As aforementioned, the shelf support <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> which fits into a recess <NUM> and is countersunk in respect to the bottom side <NUM> of the shelf <NUM>. On this body <NUM>, an upward-directed protrusion <NUM> is present, which fits into a bore hole <NUM>. Further, the shelf support <NUM> comprises an attachment part <NUM> with which it fits into a lateral bore hole <NUM> in a side wall. This attachment part <NUM> is indirectly in connection with the body <NUM> via an upward portion <NUM> fitting into an opening formed by half a bore hole <NUM>. Further, the attachment part <NUM> can be provided with clamping ribs <NUM>.

As schematically indicated in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> can be formed by means of a laterally moving finger cutter <NUM>, whereas the bore holes <NUM> and <NUM> can be realized simply by means of drills <NUM>-<NUM>.

According to a second, more preferred embodiment, all provisions to be applied at the shelf are realized exclusively by means of bore holes, wherein a first bore hole then offers a seat for the actual body of the shelf support, whereas the second bore hole offers room for an upwardly directed protrusion. A practical example thereof is represented in <FIG> represents the shelf support <NUM>, <FIG> represents the bottom side of the shelf <NUM>, and <FIG> represents a cross-section thereof. As represented, two bore holes <NUM>-<NUM> of different diameter are provided in the bottom side of the shelf <NUM>. The shelf support <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> which fits into the largest bore hole <NUM>, and an upwardly directed protrusion <NUM>, which, in the mounted condition, is intended for engaging in the smaller bore hole <NUM>. Further, a laterally directed attachment part <NUM> is provided on the body <NUM>.

<FIG> represent an example of the fifth aspect of the disclosure. The particularity herein consists in that the composed element <NUM> is provided with attachment parts <NUM>, which are made in one piece with one or more of the constructional parts and behind which the rear wall <NUM>, usually with a certain deformation, for example, bending, can be pressed down. As represented, these attachment parts <NUM> preferably consist of cam-shaped portions which border the seat for the rear wall and which preferably have a somewhat inclined guiding side <NUM> and a steeper locking side <NUM>. As represented, the use of these cam-shaped portions further can be combined with a seat <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> in the form of a groove. <FIG>, at a larger scale, represent views in the mounted condition. <FIG> schematically illustrate the manner in which the assembly of the rear wall <NUM> is performed, to wit simply by pressing the rear wall over the cam-shaped portions.

As can be seen in the magnified views of <FIG>, for the seats possibly use can be made of grooves having a particular design, such that the rear wall part, as it is getting situated deeper in the groove, becomes less free and even will become clamped. In this case, this is achieved in that the respective groove, in cross-section, is inclined in respect to the plane of the rear wall.

It is noted that the use of such attachment parts can be applied on one, two opposite, three or all four sides of a piece of furniture as well. If it is applied on all four sides, then possibly particular provisions can be made in order to obtain that the rear wall, or the component rear wall parts thereof, can deform in a smooth manner and can be pushed on all edges to behind the cam-shaped portions. This is possible, for example, by providing the rear wall part, next to the corner points, with cut-out portions <NUM>, as depicted in <FIG>.

<FIG> represent a variant of such attachment part <NUM>, in the form of a cam-shaped part, the surface of which gradually merges into the surrounding material. This portion can be formed in a simple manner by subjecting the milling cutter, by which the edge zone is formed, to a tilting movement.

<FIG> schematically represents another composed element <NUM> according to the disclosure, which has the characteristic that the rear wall can also be provided at its place after assembly of the other parts. The particularity herein consists in that the rear wall <NUM>, or certain rear wall parts thereof, can be slid into seats <NUM>-<NUM> starting from the outer side of the piece of furniture, wherein blocking means are provided which in fact allow to provide the rear wall, but which prevent that the rear wall can slide out of the seats by itself. These blocking means preferably consist of one or more stops, in the example one stop <NUM>, along which the rear wall cannot move without any deformation. Such stops preferably are realized at the piece of furniture in one piece.

In <FIG>, in dashed line another alternative is depicted, with passages <NUM>-<NUM> giving out towards the rear, along which the rear edge also can be brought into the seats <NUM>-<NUM>, by means of a forced bending. Once the rear wall is provided in the seats <NUM>-<NUM> via the passages <NUM>-<NUM>, it remains upright by itself and is maintained in its place by the stop <NUM>. It is clear that the composed element <NUM> from <FIG> in such case also represents an example of the first aspect.

It is clear that all above-described rear wall constructions primarily are intended for being applied with composed elements with constructional parts which can be locked together at least at the corners by means of profiles. It is precisely with such embodiments that one strives for working with a minimum of small loose accessories or even without these accessories, which is precisely fulfilled by the embodiments described herein above. In other words, the disclosure shows its advantages best with so-called "click furniture". Thus, the herein above-described examples, when applied with such "click furniture", automatically form examples of the sixth aspect of the disclosure.

However, the above does not exclude that such rear wall constructions are applied in other furniture, too. The herein above-described rear wall constructions as such will remain offering advantages even then.

Finally, in <FIG> and <FIG> a practical embodiment of the seventh aspect of the disclosure - not according to the claimed invention - is represented. This seventh aspect provides for a corner connection <NUM>, which, in the mounted condition, provides additional rigidity to the whole. The particularity herein consists in that a tongue and groove coupling with locking parts <NUM>-<NUM> is applied, wherein said locking parts are situated substantially on one side of the tongue only, wherein portions positioned opposite to each other are present on both sides of the tongue, namely first portions <NUM>-<NUM> on the side where the locking parts are situated, and second portions <NUM>-<NUM> on the other side, with the characteristic that, when the second portions <NUM>-<NUM> theoretically are positioned against each other, there is a small distance A between the first portions <NUM>-<NUM>. In <FIG>, this means that, when the coupling parts theoretically are positioned opposite each other at a distance from each other, there is a distance B between the portions <NUM>-<NUM>, whereas then there is a distance B+A between the portions <NUM>-<NUM>. Herein, the intended distance A is less than <NUM> and preferably more than <NUM>. Practically, it will be <NUM> to <NUM>, and the best results are obtained with nominal values of <NUM> to <NUM>, with <NUM> as a best value.

Preferably, all this is combined with the use of a so-called pretension, obtained by a small theoretical overlapping of the profile shapes, which provides for creating a tension T. By maintaining said distance A in the theoretical form, unexpectedly it was found that a particularly rigid corner connection can be achieved, in particular when this principle is applied at two successive corner connections of the composed element, wherein the distances A at these successive corners do not necessarily have to be equal to each other.

It is noted that the plane of the portion <NUM> does not necessarily have to be situated in the extension of the plane of the portion <NUM>. As represented as a variant in dashed line in <FIG>, this may also be situated displaced, wherein thus also the portion <NUM> must be displaced over the same distance, such that the same distance B remains applied.

Further, this has proven particularly useful with coupling parts <NUM>-<NUM> wherein use is made of a split tongue, thus, with the represented gap <NUM>.

When this aspect then is combined even further with the third aspect, a wobbling of the piece of furniture is counteracted on two fronts, which results in that finally a very rigid and stable piece of furniture is obtained.

It is noted that according to the invention, by a "composed element" an element has to be understood in "composed" as well as in "still to be composed" condition. Thus, this, for example, also means that a not yet assembled and still packaged flat-pack piece of furniture, which, in the mounted condition, shows one or more of the characteristics of the invention, has to be considered a "composed element" already.

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described by way of example and represented in the figures, on the contrary, such composed elements, and more particularly the parts thereof which are used for realizing the aforementioned aspects, in particular the herein above-described rear wall constructions, may be realized according to various variants without leaving the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

It is clear that the invention in general also relates to rear wall constructions as described herein above, more particularly to the attachment of the rear wall parts, irrespective whether this is intended for flat-pack furniture or not.

In <FIG>, two other variants are represented of attachment pieces <NUM> which can be applied in a similar manner as in <FIG>. These attachment pieces <NUM> substantially consist of an attachment part <NUM> and a stop-forming part <NUM>. Moreover, they preferably also comprise support portions <NUM>, which are intended for cooperating with the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. The attachment parts <NUM> preferably are provided with barbs, clamping ribs or the like, indicated by reference <NUM>.

A particular independent characteristic of the embodiments from <FIG> consists in that the attachment piece <NUM> is provided with one or more anti-slip parts <NUM>, which provide for that an increased friction is present between the clamped attachment piece and the rear wall parts <NUM> and/or <NUM>. These anti-slip parts thus preferably are situated at the bottom sides of the wings <NUM> and <NUM>, and possibly also at the support portions <NUM>.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-slip parts <NUM> to this aim are formed of a material <NUM> which is softer than the material <NUM> of which the actual body of the attachment piece <NUM> is formed. Preferably, for the materials <NUM> and <NUM> synthetic materials, preferably rubbers, are applied, having a different hardness. Herein, it is preferred that the material <NUM> has a shore hardness of less than <NUM> and still better of less than <NUM>, for example in the order of magnitude of <NUM>, whereas the material <NUM> has a shore hardness of more than <NUM>, for example, <NUM>, however, preferably less than <NUM>. Thereby, the strip-shaped attachment piece <NUM> will remain somewhat supple in its totality, such that it can be pressed on systematically in its place by an unwinding movement. This also offers the advantage that, if desired, the attachment piece <NUM> can be relatively long and may even extend over the entire or almost entire length of the adjoining rear wall part.

According to a variant, for the anti-slip parts also adhesive means, for example, adhesive strips, can be applied, whether or not in combination with a more supple material <NUM>.

Another independent characteristic, which either can or cannot be combined with the aforementioned characteristics, consists in that the attachment piece consists of two or more co-extruded materials, in this case <NUM> and <NUM>, which impart various features to the attachment piece. In this manner, the material choice can be optimized in function of the features which are to be imparted to the attachment piece at certain locations.

As represented in <FIG>, the wings <NUM> and <NUM> can be directed somewhat downward, such that, after being pressed on, they exert a lasting elastic force.

According to still another independent aspect not according to the claimed invention, the disclosure relates to an attachment system <NUM> for attaching component parts to each other, in particular for providing furniture accessories on furniture parts, and such in a simple manner, preferably without necessitating tools. More particularly, this relates to an attachment system which is particularly suitable for attaching handles and the like onto furniture parts. By way of example, in <FIG> a handle <NUM> is represented which is fixed on a drawer front <NUM> by means of such attachment systems <NUM>.

Such attachment system <NUM> substantially is characterized in that it consists of a body <NUM>, which might also be characterized as a holder or a connection piece, which on one extremity is provided with a first connection part <NUM> intended for cooperating with an accessory, in the example thus the handle <NUM>, and on a second extremity is provided with a second connection part <NUM> which can cooperate with an attachment element <NUM>. According to a preferred embodiment, the attachment system <NUM> shows one or more of the following characteristics, which can be applied in any combination with the aforementioned basic characteristic:.

In the represented example, all these characteristics are combined.

The functioning of the attachment system <NUM> can simply be deduced from the figures. The body <NUM> is provided with the first connection part <NUM> on the accessory, in this case by screwing it down with the screw thread part <NUM> into the bore hole <NUM>. Then, the accessory is provided with the body <NUM> in the bore hole <NUM>, after which, from the other side, the attachment element <NUM> is provided on the second connection part <NUM>, in this case by pressing down the respective attachment part <NUM> with the segments <NUM>-<NUM> between the segments <NUM>-<NUM>.

It is noted that the toothed parts <NUM>-<NUM> possibly can be made as screw thread, such that the attachment element <NUM> can be pressed down in a simple manner, however, still can be unscrewed by means of a screw movement. The toothed parts then cannot be provided on such segments and then have to be present on concentric parts instead.

The component parts, in particular the body <NUM> and the attachment element <NUM>, can consist of any material, however, preferably are formed of synthetic material, for example, PVC.

<FIG> illustrate still another attachment system <NUM> for providing an accessory, such as in this case a small handle or pulling handle, on a furniture part <NUM>.

The attachment system <NUM> is characterized in that it substantially consists of a connection piece <NUM> with two screw thread portions <NUM> and <NUM>, whereby the first screw thread portion <NUM> is suited for being attached to an accessory <NUM>, and the second screw thread portion <NUM> is made as a screw and thus can be screwed down in the furniture part <NUM> in a self-tapping manner, possibly in a bore hole <NUM> provided therein.

Preferably the first screw thread portion <NUM> is made with metric thread. This screw thread portion <NUM> preferably is realized as a portion with external screw thread which can cooperate with internal screw thread <NUM>.

The second screw thread portion <NUM> preferably is provided with so-called wood thread, thus, screw thread for screwing into wood, as also applied in so-called Euro screws.

Further, the whole is designed such that the accessory can be screwed onto the connection piece only up to a certain length, which can be obtained, for example, by means of the represented stop-forming edge <NUM>.

The functioning can simply be deduced from the figures. The accessory <NUM> is screwed down on the screw thread portion <NUM>, after which the whole is screwed into the bore hole <NUM>.

The connection piece <NUM> preferably consists of steel; however, other materials are not excluded.

<FIG> represent another variant of a shelf support <NUM>. This latter comprises a body <NUM>, which can cooperate with a bore hole in the lower side of a shelf, and further a collar or flange <NUM>, which is intended for being situated against the lower side of the shelf. The body <NUM> substantially is round, however, in fact preferably shows a flattened part <NUM>, which is intended for coinciding with the side of the shelf. The attachment part <NUM> comprises clamping ribs <NUM>.

An important independent major characteristic which is present in the represented shelf supports is that the attachment parts <NUM> as well as the tab-shaped bodies <NUM> in mounted condition are situated between the planes determined by the upper side and the lower side of the shelf, such with the possible exception of a collar or flange <NUM> or the like.

<FIG> represent an embodiment with a body <NUM> which is made slimmer than in <FIG>.

<FIG> represent an attachment system <NUM> for a slide <NUM> for a drawer, as well as an attachment element <NUM> applied therewith, which allows smooth assembly.

The slide <NUM> consists of at least two parts, namely at least one fixed part <NUM>, which is intended for being attached to a cupboard wall <NUM> or the like, and at least one movable part <NUM> to which the drawer will be attached.

The attachment system <NUM> is particular in that it shows one or more of the following features, which in the represented example all are combined, however, also may be present as such or in any reduced combination:.

The assembly and working of the attachment system <NUM> can simply be deduced from the above description and the drawings. It is clear that the attachment system <NUM> can also be applied for attaching other furniture fittings.

According to a particular independent aspect of the disclosure not according to the claimed invention, it relates to an element in the form of a composed element or in the form of a furniture part which is provided with one or more furniture fitting parts, with the characteristic that at least one of the furniture fitting parts substantially consists of metal and that it is attached to the element via one or more attachment elements consisting at least partially and preferably entirely of synthetic material. According to another characteristic, the attachment element is pre-mounted on the furniture fitting part. These characteristics allow an optimization in the attachment technique. <FIG> form an example thereof, at least when therein use is made of attachment elements of synthetic material.

<FIG> represent an auxiliary means <NUM> according to the disclosure not according to the claimed invention, which is intended for securing a piece of furniture against accidentally tilting forward. The auxiliary means <NUM> consists of a belt <NUM> and a screw plug or clamping plug <NUM>, with which the belt can be pressed down in a bore hole or the like in a cupboard. The clamping plug <NUM> preferably is inserted through the belt <NUM> via a pre-formed opening <NUM>. The other extremity of the belt then has to be attached to the wall behind the cupboard.

<FIG> are connected to a number of particular hinge suspensions which can be applied in furniture.

<FIG> schematically represents a cupboard with an upper side <NUM>, a lower side <NUM>, sidewalls <NUM>-<NUM> and a cupboard door <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a view according to arrow F74 in <FIG>, wherein a possible hinge attachment of the disclosure not according to the claimed invention is represented in greater detail. <FIG> represents a view from the other side, wherein the door is unhinged, and an opening <NUM> is visible in which normally the door is retained with a not represented pin.

The represented hinge attachment <NUM> is particular in that it shows one or more of the following features, which, in the represented embodiment, can all be combined, however, can also be present as such or in any reduced combination:.

<FIG> shows a hinge attachment <NUM> with a guide <NUM> in the form of a ramp surface for guiding a hinge pin smoothly towards a hinge opening <NUM>. Here, too, the hinge attachment can be provided exclusively by means of an adhesive connection against a wall; however, other possibilities are not excluded. Analogous as herein above, also stop-forming parts, whether for being broken off or not, can be provided on the basic body <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another hinge pin, which can be mounted in a door. It consists of a housing <NUM>, the actual pin <NUM>, a spring <NUM> pushing the pin outward, and an opening <NUM> in the housing, along which the pin, by means of a tool, can be pushed back temporarily for mounting and/or dismounting the door.

It is clear that a door preferably is provided with one fixed pin and one movable pin, wherein the fixed pin preferably is located at the top.

<FIG> show a hinge attachment or suspension <NUM> with a fixed part <NUM> which can be attached against a sidewall <NUM>, with an adhesive connection and/or in any other manner, and with a hingeable part <NUM>, attached thereto via a hinge coupling <NUM>, which preferably is made as a corner part.

The corner part preferably comprises two walls standing at an angle, and preferably, as shown, at least three walls <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> standing at an angle, against which the door can be attached with an edge and/or corner, by means of an adhesive connection and/or in any other manner.

<FIG> represent a variant, wherein the fixed part <NUM> and the movable part <NUM> are not connected by a hinge with a pin, but rather by means of a film hinge <NUM>. Optionally, at the fixed part a pin <NUM> or pressure screw part can be present, which engages in an opening in the door. This can also be applied in the preceding embodiment.

<FIG> represent another variant, viewed along both sides thereof. The represented hinge attachment <NUM> is special in that it shows one or more of the following features, which, in the represented example, all are combined, however, may also be present as such or in any lesser combination:.

It is clear that the walls <NUM>-<NUM>-<NUM> then can be folded into a corner shape as in <FIG> in order to then attach them to the corresponding surfaces of the door, for example, by means of adhesive connections and/or in other manners. The opening <NUM> is optional and allows guiding an extra pin there through.

By means of <FIG>, hereinafter some more rear wall constructions are described.

<FIG> illustrate a number of alternatives to the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>. The particularity of the embodiments of these figures consists in that one or more spacers <NUM> are provided for keeping the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> at least initially at a distance X from each other, in order to allow providing one or more attachment pieces <NUM> here between, wherein these spacers <NUM> are different from the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, in other words, contrary to the embodiment of <FIG>, do not form part of the rear wall parts themselves. Amongst others, this offers the advantage that, if desired, no particular recesses <NUM> have to be provided in the edges of the rear wall parts, such that it is possible to work with simple straight edges. In this manner, the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> can be realized considerably simpler, as all edges can be made exclusively by straight-lined cutting treatments, for example, sawing treatments. However, this does not exclude that according to a not-represented variant rear wall parts with non-straight edges, for example, with recesses <NUM>, still are combined with spacers not forming part of the rear wall parts themselves.

In general, said spacers <NUM> preferably consist of protrusions which, in mounted condition, are situated between the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. In rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> which are mounted on top of each other, the protrusions form supports which support the rear wall part <NUM> respectively situated directly there above, and such at a distance X above the rear wall part <NUM> situated there below, in such a manner that one or more attachment pieces, of which kind whatever, can also be provided between the rear wall parts.

The protrusions can be provided at different locations, however, preferably they are situated at the sidewalls and/or partition walls of the furniture and/or at the rear edges of one or more shelves.

In the case of embodiments wherein the rear wall parts can be provided in the grooves <NUM>-<NUM> via passages <NUM>-<NUM>, such protrusion can be positioned at the height of such passage, such that a rear wall part can be pushed into the respective grooves via the passages and over the respective protrusions, mostly by bending, after which this rear wall part can be rested on the protrusions.

It is noted that such protrusions can also be applied exclusively for supporting rear wall parts independently from each other in a piece of furniture, thus, without applying attachment pieces.

<FIG> represents a first practical embodiment, wherein a protrusion, in this case in the form of a plug <NUM>, is provided in the groove <NUM>, such at the height of the respective passage <NUM>. It is clear that a similar protrusion is provided on the other side of the piece of furniture. The rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> then can be pushed according to arrows A1 and A2 above and below the protrusions into the grooves, after which the uppermost rear wall part <NUM> comes to rest on the protrusions, in this case the plugs <NUM>, and a distance X is guaranteed between the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, said distance allowing, for example, that attachment parts <NUM>, as aforementioned, can be provided in an opening <NUM> in a shelf. It is clear that the edges of the rear wall parts, which edges are facing each other, then can have a simple straight-lined contour.

In <FIG>, a variant is represented, wherein use is made of protrusions in the form of plugs <NUM> which are provided in the rear edge of a shelf.

In <FIG>, a variant is represented wherein the protrusion is realized on the rear edge of a shelf, and in this case is formed in one piece therewith in the form of a cam-shaped protruding portion <NUM>, such that no separate parts are necessary. Such one-piece profile, which is provided with a protrusion, can be realized such, for example, as explained herein below by means of <FIG>. Herein, first a continuous tongue profile <NUM> is realized over the entire length of the rear edge, as illustrated in <FIG>. Subsequently, at the height of the tongue profile <NUM>, a groove profile <NUM> is realized, for example, is milled in, as illustrated in <FIG>, wherein the respective milling cutter just is drawn back somewhat on the location where the protrusion has to be effected, whereby the tongue profile locally remains present in the form of a local protrusion or, thus, portion <NUM>, whereas the groove profile <NUM> then forms the opening or groove <NUM> in which one or more attachment pieces can be provided.

In <FIG>, a variant is represented, wherein the protrusion is realized in a continuous manner in the form of a tongue <NUM>, wherein the recesses above and below the tongue function as seats for the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. In the tongue <NUM>, an opening is formed, in this case in the form of a groove <NUM> in which attachment pieces <NUM> can be provided. Possibly, such protrusion can also be provided locally, whether or not on a plurality of locations.

In <FIG>, a particular embodiment is represented of an attachment piece <NUM> which as such combines various features. The attachment piece <NUM> comprises an attachment part <NUM> with which it can be attached to the piece of furniture, and a stop-forming part <NUM>, which can cooperate with the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>. In the example, the attachment portion is performed as a clamping part, which can be pressed down in an opening <NUM>. The stop-forming part <NUM> is made as a flange with wings <NUM>-<NUM> and has various functions. A first function consists in that the flange functions as a support part for the uppermost rear wall part <NUM>. A second function consists in that the wings function as tensioning elements which, in one or more directions, exert tensioning forces on the rear wall parts. In the represented example, these are lateral tensioning forces T1, which press down the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> in their remaining seats, as well as frontal tensioning forces T2, which press down the rear wall parts against the shelf <NUM>. A third function consists in that the attachment piece <NUM> possibly can be mounted beforehand and that the flange allows to press down the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM> behind the edges of the wings by a frontal pressing-down movement M. Herein, the edges of the wings shortly will bend inward in order to subsequently elastically engage behind the edges <NUM>-<NUM> of the rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>.

In <FIG>, another particular example of an attachment piece <NUM> is represented, which can be pressed smoothly into the groove-shaped opening <NUM> by means of a turning movement. The attachment piece <NUM> comprises an attachment portion <NUM> and a stop-forming part <NUM>. The attachment portion <NUM> consists of a preferably semi-circular body <NUM>, which, due to its relatively flat design, fits into the groove-shaped opening <NUM>, wherein this body is provided with curved ribs <NUM>, which preferably are present on both sides of the body <NUM> and, when being provided, tension against the walls of the groove <NUM> and more or less cut therein. Due to the curved shape of the ribs <NUM>, automatically a rotation movement is induced when they are pressed on. As represented, the ribs <NUM> preferably are made as cutting ribs, thus, with a relatively sharp distal edge. It is also preferred that they systematically increase in height towards the stop-forming part. At the extremity <NUM> of the body <NUM> which is intended for being first inserted into the opening, preferably one or more local clamping parts <NUM> are formed, which, when installing the attachment piece, provide for an initial clamping in order to more or less form a hinge point.

The working can simply be deduced from <FIG> and substantially consists in that such attachment piece <NUM> first is pressed with the extremity <NUM> somewhat into the groove <NUM> and subsequently a force is exerted onto the exterior side of the stop-forming part <NUM>, which causes the body <NUM> to become fixed in the groove <NUM> by means of a turning movement. The distance between the rear wall parts can also be chosen such that the ribs <NUM> also cooperate with the edges of the rear wall parts, with the extra advantage that a higher rigidity of the piece of furniture is obtained in that the rear wall parts mutually can no longer shift in lateral direction.

In <FIG>, also a particular embodiment of a rear wall <NUM> is represented, wherein <FIG> at a larger scale illustrates the part indicated by F97 in <FIG>. Herein, the particularity consists in that the rear wall <NUM> is composed of a plurality of rear wall parts, preferably two separate rear wall parts <NUM>-<NUM>, which can be fitted into each other via edge profiles <NUM>-<NUM>, more particularly can be pressed into each other and/or can be mutually pivoted into each other, while preferably being laterally taken up in seats <NUM>-<NUM>. In certain applications, this offers the advantage that such rear wall, after installing the remaining parts of the piece of furniture, still can be provided in the piece of furniture and can be removed therefrom as well.

The edge profiles preferably are made as a tongue <NUM> and a groove <NUM>, with locking parts <NUM>-<NUM>, which keep the rear wall parts together at their edges.

Herein, the edge profiles can be configured such that they have to be pushed over a dead point while being joined together to form the intended rear wall, such that an automatic turning back is counteracted.

Further, means can be provided which determine the end position, such as a stop, for example, a plug <NUM> or alternatively a groove <NUM>, for example, in the bottom of the cupboard, into which the rear wall can drop in in the final condition.

In the example, the rear wall parts are forced into their flat condition from the interior of the piece of furniture. This application can be useful with kitchen cupboards, for example, with applications wherein the distance Z is larger than usual, and the then created space is applied for hiding cables behind the rear wall, wherein the rear wall thus can be provided after the cables are mounted, and it is also possible to remove the rear wall temporarily in the case of possible repairs.

In <FIG>, another rear wall construction according to the disclosure, not according to the claimed inventin, is represented, wherein the particularity consists in that the rear wall <NUM>, or at least a rear wall part thereof, is fixed by means of pressing elements <NUM> which cooperate with openings <NUM> in the furniture parts. This offers the advantage that the whole can be designed such that first a carcass can be built and afterwards the rear wall can be mounted therein.

Herein, the rear wall part preferably will be seated in a recessed portion <NUM>. As more clearly represented in <FIG>, the pressing elements <NUM> can consist of press-on plugs, which are provided in the respective rear wall part through openings <NUM> and which engage in the opening or openings <NUM> by means of clamping portions <NUM>, for example, by means of a clamping toothing. The openings <NUM> preferably consist of bore holes, whereas the openings <NUM> preferably consist of grooves. Such attachment can be applied along the entire circumference of a rear wall or rear wall part, or only along a portion thereof.

In <FIG>, also a tensioning device <NUM> is represented, which allows increasing the rigidity of a composed element, more particularly a piece of furniture, by making an additional connection between the rear wall <NUM> and a constructional part in which the rear wall is provided, in this case a sidewall <NUM>.

Herein, <FIG> in perspective represents a view where such tensioning device <NUM>, amongst others, can be provided. <FIG> represents the tensioning device as such. <FIG> represents a cross-section according to line CII-CII in <FIG> after the tensioning device <NUM> has been provided, however, is not yet fixed, whereas <FIG>, for two different positions, represent a cross-section according to line CIII-CIII in <FIG>.

The tensioning device <NUM> consists of a basic body <NUM> with attachment means <NUM> for providing the tensioning device <NUM> on a constructional part, in the example the sidewall <NUM>, of the piece of furniture, and having an engagement system <NUM> which can cooperate with the rear wall <NUM>.

The attachment means <NUM> consist of at least two pins <NUM>-<NUM> with which the whole can be provided in openings <NUM>-<NUM> in the constructional part <NUM>. A first of these pins <NUM> is fixedly installed, whereas the other pin <NUM> is made as an eccentric part which can be turned via a handle <NUM>, wherein the eccentricity is chosen such that, when the handle is being turned, the effective distance between the pins changes and a clamping is obtained in the openings, in this case in that the pins move towards each other and will clamp towards each other against the intermediate material part of the piece of furniture. The engagement system <NUM> is formed by an eccentrically installed disk <NUM> which in the example also can be turned by means of the handle <NUM> and by turning engages in the rear wall and/or tensions against it. According to not-represented variants, the disk can also be replaced by another element, such as a pin or the like, wherein this element can cooperate with the back by a displacement.

Such tensioning device can also be realized with other forms of attachment means <NUM> and of an engagement system <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A piece of furniture, which comprises at least a rear wall, as well as a number of constructional parts (<NUM>), which form a whole in which the rear wall has to be provided, wherein the rear wall forms the rear side of the piece of furniture (<NUM>) and consists of at least two rear wall parts (<NUM>-<NUM>), and wherein the constructional parts (<NUM>) comprise, on the one hand, exterior panels as well as, on the other hand, one or more intermediate panels, in the form of one or more shelves and/or one or more partition walls, wherein the piece of furniture further comprises at least one attachment piece (<NUM>) for one or more of the rear wall parts (<NUM>-<NUM>) which cooperates with an intermediate panel;
wherein the attachment piece (<NUM>) comprises an attachment part (<NUM>) which engages at one of the intermediate panels,
wherein the attachment part is designed as a screw part, which can be screwed down in an opening which has been provided for this purpose in the intermediate panel, wherein the screw part can be screwed down either directly in the material of the intermediate panel or in a bush provided with screw thread being fixed in the opening,
wherein the attachment piece further comprises a stop-forming part in the form of a round flange which, in the mounted condition, cooperates with the rear sides of the rear wall parts, wherein the flange comprises a portion in the form of a turning knob, wherein the flange is configured according to a first option or according to a second option,
wherein according to the first option, the flange comprises a conical or inclined portion, the inclined side of which, when the attachment piece is screwed down, comes into contact with the edges of the rear wall parts;
wherein according to the second option, the flange comprises a support portion (<NUM>), functioning as a tensioning part, with a radial surface (<NUM>), wherein the distance of the radial surface to the central axis of the attachment portion varies in function of the circumference, preferably in that the support portion is elliptical; wherein when the attachment piece is screwed down, a condition is created wherein the radial surface (<NUM>) is tensioned between the edges of the two rear wall parts and thus pushes the two rear wall parts apart.