Patent ID: 12220053

WAY(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the schematic exploded view shown inFIG.1, only the section of a plug connection between a first planar element1and a second2planar element is shown. The dimensions do not correspond to the actual dimensions but merely illustrate the basic function of the plug connection. The first planar element1, which forms a wall part here for example, has a projection3on its upper edge and formed with an opening4running crosswise to the flat side of the first planar element1. The second planar element2is designed here as a roof part and has a recess5into which the projection4of the first planar element1can be inserted. The recess5is shown in this embodiment as a throughgoing opening, but it is also possible to form this recess5as a blind hole, for example if the roof part is made thicker.

The second planar element2further has, on the edge7closest to the recess5, a hole8in the form of a blind hole that projects crosswise through the recess5. After projection3of the first planar element1has been inserted, this hole8is aligned with the opening4on projection3. To secure the connection of the two planar elements1and2, a securing element6is inserted that is accommodated completely within hole8and also projects through the opening4so that the two planar elements1,2are connected in a form-fitting manner.

In this embodiment, the securing element6is designed as a small plate and can be designed artistically. Ideally, securing element6and hole8are designed in such a way that a clamping effect occurs within the hole8when securing element6is inserted. InFIG.2the connection is shown in the assembled state. In this way, the securing element can no longer be removed without tools, which means that the connection is secured against unwanted manipulation, for example by children.

InFIG.3, the plug connection is shown in the assembled state in a sectional view. To enable securing element6to be removed from this position again, openings9,10are provided both in securing element6and in the second planar element, which openings are almost aligned in the assembled state. In order to disassemble the piece of furniture, a tool, for example in the form of a pin, can be inserted into the opening9in the second planar element2, which tool then also dips into the opening10in the securing element6. By performing a lateral pushing movement, securing element6can be pushed out a little from hole8. The securing element6can then be gripped and removed again from the edge7of the second planar element2. This also ensures rapid disassembly for dismantling and reassembling the piece of furniture.

InFIG.4, a piece of furniture according to the invention is shown as a playhouse for children. The playhouse has four first planar elements1that form the wall parts. On the side edges, the wall parts each have three designed hooks11that can be inserted into corresponding holes12on the side edges of the adjacent wall parts. The walls of the playhouse can be erected quickly by simply plugging them together. For completion, a second planar element2is put on as a roof part. A plug connection as described above is between each wall part and the roof part and the roof part is secured by inserting four securing elements6. As a result, the wall parts can no longer be pulled apart from one another and the entire playhouse is connected in a childproof manner.

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

The playhouse should also offer a protected, cave-like space for the child to retreat to. InFIG.5a playhouse is shown schematically, in which two of the wall parts are not depicted. In the upper area of the wall parts, there are inwardly extending projections13in the form of bars that carry an intermediate ceiling part14. In the shown intermediate ceiling part14, LED lights are incorporated in drilled holes to illuminate the interior of the playhouse as a starry sky. The electronics and a battery box and/or a receiver for a remote control are located on top of the intermediate ceiling part14and are therefore inaccessible to the child, which also rules out unwanted manipulation of the live parts here. A light switch can also project through a corresponding recess in the intermediate ceiling element so that the child can operate the light directly. projections15in the form of bars extending downward are provided on the roof part that, when the roof part is fitted, press the intermediate ceiling part14in the direction of the projections13that are located on the wall parts, and thus pinch it. The intermediate ceiling part is thus also secured against unintentional lifting by the child and injuries caused by clamping are avoided. Also in this case, other intermediate ceiling elements14with different designs can again be inserted in a simple, modular manner.

A wall mount16is shown inFIG.6. This is an embodiment of a piece of furniture according to the invention, in which different modular wall parts can be attached to the wall mount16. Different activities and games can be on the individual wall parts. The wall mount16comprises two lateral mounting elements17extending vertically and at a right angle to the wall and a second planar element2above and crosswise thereto as a roof part. The roof part can either be fitted loosely or hinged to the mounting elements17. In order to give the wall mount more stability and to enable simple assembly, the essential elements are connected to one another via frame elements18.

FIG.7shows the essential elements of the wall mount16and a first planar element1schematically, each in side views. The first planar element1formed as a wall part can be hung on the hooks11of the mounting elements17via holes12. The second planar element2that is shaped as a roof part, is then placed on or pivoted into a securing position. projection3of the first planar element1thereby penetrates into the recess5in the roof part and can then be secured by inserting a securing element6into the blind hole8.

In this way, individual wall elements with different playful or educational activities can be exchanged quickly and easily, thus always offering variety. At the same time, the securing is childproof, as is the case with the playhouse. Wall elements from the playhouse can also be fixed to the wall mount16as wall parts, resulting in further application possibilities. A wall mount16can also be designed in such a way that several wall parts of a playhouse can be hung up for storage, with the securing then taking place via the plug connection between the roof part and the outermost wall part. This also ensures space-saving and safe storage of a playhouse when it is not in use.