A modular apparatus for realization of wardrobes provided with plastic structure

[0001] This patent application relates to a modular device used for making furniture, mainly plastic-structured cabinets.

[0002] A modular device with a plastic structure is disclosed in US 2002/0109442 A1.

[0003] The present invention has been adapted to thoroughly study the current requirements of the furniture market.

[0004] Customers are increasingly looking for furniture that is characterized by versatility, as well as low price and nice aesthetics.

[0005] In particular, furniture must easily adapt to the space available and current needs. At the same time, it must be possible to quickly change the configuration with changing needs, without the need for significant modifications and without the use of specialized labor.

[0006] A particular purpose of the device according to the invention is to meet all the above requirements when making a cabinet or other furniture of the same type.

[0007] A particular usefulness of the device according to the invention is not making wardrobes with a specific external shape. The goal is to enable the user to configure furniture according to his specific requirements, while reducing costs to affordable levels.

[0008] The device according to the invention accomplishes this aim while concluding a limited number of modules characterized by high versatility.

[0009] It should be noted that the device modules of the invention can be combined as needed by the user to form cabinets of any height according to the number of internal shelves used. [0010] The same parts used to make one-rack wardrobes can also be used in a large number of items to make wardrobes with one, three or more shelves.

[0011] Furthermore, the fact that all modular parts are obtained from plastic moldable materials is justified by the need to reduce their cost and weight.

[0012] Another advantageous characteristic of the device according to the invention relates to the ability of the various modules to provide a stable connection without the use of external connecting means such as screws, plugs and the like.

[0013] Furthermore, the various modules of the device according to the invention are capable of forming in a suitable furniture a self-supporting frame, which is not only limited to acting as a simple "covering" structure for furniture. [0014] Such protection is appreciated from the point of view of the ability to easily and quickly create by any person furniture completely safe with respect to the final result.

[0015] For illustrative purposes, the description of the invention is continued with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative and non-limiting in which Figure 1A is an axonometric top view of a horizontal frame panel according to the invention;

Figure 1B is an axonometric bottom view of the horizontal panel of Figure 1A;

Figure 2 is an axonometric front view of the rear of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3A is an axonometric external view of the vertical panel of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3B is an axonometric internal view of the vertical panel of Figure 3A;

Fig. 4A shows an axon view from above of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 4B is an axon view from below of the top of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 5A is an axonometric exterior view of the door of the device according to the invention;

Figure 5B is an axonometric internal view of the door of Figure 5A;

Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are three axon views with metric perspective views showing a door hinge for the device according to the invention;

Figure 7A is an axonometric view from below of the first strip with the handle of the device according to the invention;

Figure 7B is an axonometric top view of the strip of Figure 7A;

Figure 8 is an axonometric bottom view of the first strip without the handle of the device according to the invention;

Figure 9A is an axonometric bottom view of the second strip of the device of the invention; Fig. 9B is an axonometric top view of the strip of Fig. 9A;

Figure 10 is an axonometric bottom view of the second strip without the handle of the device according to the invention;

Figure 11A is an axonometric view of the plate and column of the device according to the invention;

Fig. 11B is an axonometric view of the modes of cooperation of the two components of Fig. 11A with the horizontal panel of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 11C is an axonometric view of the two components of Fig. 11A installed in furniture obtained by means of the device according to the invention.

Figures 12A, 12B and 12C are three axiometric perspective views showing the end cap of the device according to the invention;

Figure 13 is an axonometric view of the modes of cooperation of the horizontal panel of Figure 1A with the rear of Figure 2;

Figures 14A and 14B are axonometric views showing the steps of assembling the components of Figure 13 with three copies of the vertical panel of Figure 3A;

Figure 15 is an axonometric view of the top cooperation modes of Figure 4A with the parts of Figure 14B in assembled condition;

Figs. 16A and 16B are axonometric views showing the steps of assembling a piece of furniture obtained from components of the device according to the invention;

Figure 17 is an axonometric view of an additional piece of furniture without a door obtained by properly assembling the components of the device according to the invention;

Figure 18 is an axonometric view of an additional piece of furniture without a door obtained by properly assembling the components of the device according to the invention;

Figures 19A and 19C are axonometric views of a piece of furniture with a door and three shelves obtained by properly assembling the components of the device according to the invention.

Fig. 19B is an exploded view of one of the door pairs provided in the furniture shown in Figs. 19A and 19C;

Fig. 20A is an axonometric view of an alternative embodiment of the horizontal panel of Fig. 1A;

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 Fig. 20Β is a isometric view of the furniture provided with a copy of the horizontal panel of Fig. 20A;

figures 21A and 21B are two axonometric views, respectively a top and bottom view of the legs of the device according to the invention;

Figs. 22A, 22B and 22C are three axonometric views showing the sequence of the first leg mounting mode of Figs. 21A and 21B;

Figs. 23A and 23B are axonometric views showing the sequence of the second leg mounting mode of Figs. 21A and 21B.

[0016] Referring to the above figures, the device according to the invention consists of a series of modules obtained from moldable plastic materials that can be used from time to time in the desired number and combination for making cabinets with or without front doors.

[0017] To accomplish this, each of the modules is provided with connection means associated with retention means adapted to cooperate with respective connection means and retention means provided in other modules.

[0018] Particularly referring to Figs. 1A and 1B, the first module of the device according to the invention consists of a first box-shaped quadrangular panel (1) adapted to be fixed in a horizontal position for acting as a bottom or intermediate furniture shelf.

[0019] As clearly shown in Fig. 1A, the upper surface of the first horizontal panel (1) is characterized in that it is equipped with three identical transverse grooves (1a) extending from front to back; provided that the two grooves (1a) are at the height of the side edges of the horizontal panel (1) and the third is on the center line.

[0020] The rear ends of the three transverse grooves (1a) terminate inside the longitudinal groove (1b) of identical shape and cross section located at the height of the rear edge of the panel (1).

[0021] Transverse bulkheads (1a '_t 1b ') protrude from the bottom of the grooves (1a, 1b), are evenly offset and have a height less than the depth of the grooves in which they fit.

[0022] The presence of the grooves (1a, 1b) isolates the two large quadrangular partitions (2) on the upper surface of the horizontal panel (1), with a continuous surface and adapted to act as supporting surfaces for items stored inside the furniture.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 1B, which is a bottom view of the panel, the three transverse grooves (1a) and the longitudinal groove (1b) exactly match the bottom surface of the horizontal panel (1) with the three transverse grooves (10a) and one longitudinal groove (1 Ob).

[0024] These four grooves (10a, 10b) formed corresponding to the bottom side of the horizontal panel (1) have the same shape and cross-section as the corresponding "upper" grooves (1a, 1b) and are equally equipped with the respective series of transverse baffles (10a ' , 10b '> not at all their depth.

[0025] For convenience, the four grooves (1a, 1b) on the upper side of the first horizontal panel (1) are defined as "upper grooves", and similarly the grooves (10a, 10b) on the bottom side of the same horizontal panel (1) are defined as "bottom grooves".

[0026] It should be noted that the four upper grooves (1a, 1b) are connected to the respective four lower grooves (10a, 10b) by means of a horizontal partition wall (11) obtained at half the thickness of the horizontal panel (1).

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 [0027] The comparison of Figures 1Α and 1Β shows that due to the presence of the upper grooves (1a, 1b) and the lower grooves (10a, 10b), two quadrangular parts (2) of the upper side of the first horizontal panel (1 ) are empty at the bottom.

[0028] In fact, on the lower side of the panel (1) each part (2) is defined by two transverse edges (3a), one rear longitudinal edge (3b) and one front longitudinal edge (3c) due to the presence of the groove (4 ) at the height of the front edge of the panel (1) without affecting its upper side.

[0029] The rear longitudinal edge (3b) is mainly equipped in a central position with a pair of slots (5a, 5b) in a horizontal direction, of which the first (5a) lies at a height greater than the partition wall (11) located between the upper grooves (1a, 1b) and the bottom grooves (10a, 10b), while the other (5b) lies at a height less than the grain wall (11).

[0030] Two pairs of horizontal slots (5a, 5b) are placed on each of the transverse edges (3a) towards its two ends.

[0031] It can also be said that each of the upper grooves (1a, 1b) is provided on one of its lateral edges with one or more elements of the first slot (5a), and each of the lower grooves (10a, 10b) on this same side edge is equipped with elements of the second slot (5b) in a lower position relative to the horizontal wall (11).

[0032] Referring to Fig. 2, the second component of the modular device according to the invention consists of an additional box-like square panel adapted to be mounted in a vertical position and therefore configured as the rear (9) of the furniture.

[0033] The back (9) has a hollow structure internally stiffened by a vertical series of transverse ribs (N).

[0034] The opposite pair of short notches, mainly V-shaped, are located (12) on the lower longitudinal edge (9a) and the upper longitudinal edge (9b) of the rear (9).

[0035] As clearly shown in Fig. 2, two pairs of wedge profiles (13a, 13b) are located on the inside of the rear (9), except that the first pair of wedge profiles (13a) are located at the height of the lower longitudinal edge ( 9a), and a second pair of these wedge profiles (13b) are located at the height of the upper longitudinal edge (9b).

[0036] In addition, the rear (9) is provided on the front side with three vertical grooves (9c) adapted to perfectly align with the grooves (1a) of the first panel (1) when the two parts are interconnected. [0037] In fact, the rear (9) is adapted to be connected to the upper side of the first panel (1) in a vertical position on the rear longitudinal edge of the panel (1), which is clearly shown in Fig. 13.

[0038] More precisely, the lower longitudinal edge (9a) of the rear (9) is accurately inserted into the upper longitudinal groove (1b) of the first panel (1).

[0039] From the above point of view, the rear (9) must have the same length as the upper longitudinal edge (1b) of the panel (1) and the longitudinal edge (9a) of the rear (9) is adapted to engage accurately within the upper longitudinal edge (1 b) panel (1).

[0040] After completing such insertion, there are two other important conditions necessary to stabilize the connection between the back (9) and the horizontal panel (1).

EP 2 741 632 Β1 [0041] First of all, the reference relates to the fact that the V-shaped cut-outs (12) on the lower longitudinal edge (9a) of the back (9) are positioned exactly astride the transverse partitions (1b *) protruding from the bottom of the upper longitudinal groove (1 b) of the horizontal panel (1).

[0042] At the same time, the wedge profiles (13a) on the inside of the rear (9) on the bottom longitudinal edge (9a) fit inside the slots (5a) on the panel (1) at a height greater than the partition wall (11) and on the transverse edges (3b) defining the continuous parts (2) of the panel (1) in the lower and rear position.

[0043] It should be noted that the adjustment of the wedge profiles (13a) to the gaps (5a) is the result of the natural elastic deformation of the plastic material used to make the panel (1) and the back (9) and the considerable force exerted by the operator responsible for assembling the furniture when joining the bottom the edge (9a) of the back (9) and the upper groove (1b) of the horizontal panel (1).

[0044] The third component of the device according to the invention consists of an additional box-like square panel, hereinafter defined as a "wall" (14) adapted to be mounted above the first panel (1) as a side and inner partition.

[0045] The wall (14) is illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B, which show the inside and outside, respectively.

[0046] As with the rear (9), the wall (14) also has a hollow structure internally stiffened by a vertical series of transverse ribs (N).

[0047] On the lower edge (14a) and on the upper edge (14b) there is a series of opposite pairs of V-shaped notches (12), as well as two pairs of wedge profiles (15a, 15b) located on the lower edge (14a) and on the upper edge (14b).

As shown in Fig. 3B, at the rear vertical edge, the wall (14) has a straight rib (14c) perfectly compatible with one of the vertical grooves (9c) on the front of the rear (9).

[0049] Figs. 14A and 14B show the target location of the three wall elements (14) after previous assembly consisting of a horizontal connection of the panel (1) with the back (9).

[0050] As shown in the above figures, the two wall elements (14) act as the sides of the furniture, and the third element acts as an internal partition in the intermediate position between the other two elements.

[0051] To connect these components, the bottom edge (14a) of each wall (14) is adapted to engage accurately within one of the three upper transverse grooves (1a) of the first panel (1) so that the V-shaped notches (12) on the lower edge (14a) the walls (14) are precisely spaced astride the partitions (1a ') protruding from the bottom of the upper transverse groove (1a) of the horizontal panel (1).

[0052] At the same time, the wedge profiles (15a) on the inside of the wall (14) on the bottom edge (14a) are fitted inside the slots (5a) on the first panel (1) at a height greater than the partition wall (11) and on the longitudinal edges (3b ) which define the continuous parts (2) of the panel (1) in the lower and rear position.

[0053] Of course, interconnection is preferred in terms of perfect centering by accurately inserting the rear vertical rib (14c) of each wall (14) into the respective groove (9c) on the front of the rear (9).

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 [0054] The fourth component of the device according to the invention consists of an additional box-like rectangular panel adapted to act as the top (16) of the furniture.

[0055] Figs. 4A ί 4B clearly show a top (16), respectively showing a perfectly smooth upper side and a box-like bottom side with a highly irregular structure. In addition, it should be noted that the top of the top (16) slightly protrudes from the bottom.

[0056] It can be said that the bottom side of the top (16) has a configuration mainly corresponding to the bottom side of the first panel (1), which in horizontal position functions as the bottom and shelf of the furniture.

[0057] The top (16) includes:

the rear longitudinal groove (100b), from the bottom of which regularly separated series of vertical partitions (100b ') protrude the front longitudinal groove (40) a set of three transverse grooves (100a) connected to the rear longitudinal groove (100b), each of which is located on the bottom with a suitable set of vertical partitions (100a ') two large, substantially square parts (20) stiffened by ribs (N1), each of which is defined by two transverse edges (30a), rear longitudinal edge (30b) and front longitudinal edge (30c); wherein the rear longitudinal edge (30b) has one central slit (5b) in a horizontal position, and each transverse edge (30b) has two slit elements (5a) towards the ends.

[0058] Fig. 15 shows the top installation (16) to complement the furniture composition with the configuration shown in the previous figure 14B.

[0059] The top (16) is inserted from top to bottom so that the upper edge (9b) of the back (9) is accurately inserted into the tying longitudinal groove (100b) and the upper edges (14b) of the three walls (14) are accurately inserted for transverse grooves (100a).

[0060] During such a connection, pairs of V-shaped notches (12) on the upper edge (9b) of the rear (9) are connected to transverse baffles (100b ') provided inside the rear longitudinal groove (100b) of the top (16), and pairs V-shaped notches (12) on the upper edge (14b) of each wall (14) are connected to transverse partitions (100a ') inside the transverse groove (100a) of the top (16).

[0061] This connection is further stabilized because on one side the wedge profiles (13b) in the inner position on the upper longitudinal edge (9b) of the rear (9) go into the slots (5a) on the rear longitudinal edges (30b) which define two large parts (20) of the lower side of the top (16), and on the other hand the wedge profiles (15b) in the inner position on the upper edge (14b) of each wall (14) pass through the slits (5a) on the transverse edges (30a), which define the two parts (20) of the bottom side of the mountain (15).

[0062] Referring to Figs. 16A and 16B, the device of the invention can also be used to make a multi-shelf furniture.

In this case, after joining the horizontal panel element (1), back (9) and three wall elements (14), as shown in Fig. 14B, the structure should be closed from above by an additional element of the horizontal panel (1), which in the case of a full roll of the shelf, as shown in Fig. 16A, [0064] This attachment can be obtained if only the upper edges of the back (9) and the walls (14) are accurately inserted into the lower grooves (10a, 10b) at the bottom of the horizontal filling panel the role of the shelf.

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 [0065] In particular, the upper edge (9b) of the rear (9) should be inserted into the rear longitudinal groove (1 Ob) of the lower side of the first panel (1), while the upper edges (14b) of the three walls (14) should be insert into the three transverse grooves (10a) of the bottom side of the panel (1).

[0066] In addition, such a connection guarantees an accurate connection of the V-shaped notches (12) at the top of the back (9) and the three vertical walls (14) with the partitions (10a ', 10b') respectively on the three transverse grooves (10a) and the rear longitudinal groove (10b) provided on the bottom of the first panel (1) as a shelf.

[0067] At the same time, the wedge profiles (13b) in the inner position on the upper edge (9b) of the rear (9) are matched with the slots (5b) which, within the longitudinal edges (3b) protruding from the lower side of the first panel (1) the shelves that are used are arranged under the horizontal partition (11).

[0068] Similarly, two wedge profiles (15b) at the height of the upper edge (14b) of each vertical wall (14) are matched to the respective slots (5b) under the horizontal partition (11) on the transverse edge (3a) protruding from the affixed side of the panel (1 ).

[0069] Referring to Fig. 16B, the upper side of the first panel (1), acting as a shelf, is connected to the back (9) and three elements of the vertical wall (14).

[0070] This operation is carried out according to the installation modes illustrated with reference to Figs. 14A and 14B, illustrating the connection between the upper side of the first panel (1) acting as a bottom (9) and three walls (14).

[0071] Fig. 16B also illustrates the presence of the top (16) used to close the furniture on top according to the installation modes illustrated with reference to Figs. 4B, 14A, 14B and 15.

[0072] Of course, by combining the appropriate number of modular components (1, 3, 14) furniture can be produced with a number of shelves greater than that shown in Fig. 16b; and for illustrative, non-limiting uses, reference is made to Figure 17.

[0073] Referring to the above figures, it should be noted that all parts of the device according to the invention are adapted to the manufacturing requirements with square holes (F, FC), which certainly tend to diminish aesthetics.

[0074] For this reason, an additional part of the modular device according to the invention consists of the cap (17) shown in Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C. The function of the cap (17) is to close the square holes (F, FC), as shown in Figs. 15 and 17.

[0075] In particular, the cap (17) is equipped with a square inlet (17a) with a square base, the rear opening of which is defined by a substantially square edge (17b) from which two opposite pairs of hook-shaped teeth (17c) partially protrude. in the outer position on a square edge (17b) with an inclined profile (17d) converging towards the center of the cap (17).

[0076] Furthermore, the square edge (17b) is shaped and dimensioned for precise insertion into one of the holes (F, FC).

[0077] Such an introduction can, however, be obtained provided that the two pairs of teeth (17c) are close to each other because the distance between them is greater than the width of the opening (F).

[0078] Two pairs of teeth (17c) are placed in close proximity by vigorously pushing the attachment (17) into the hole (F), so that the connection between the opening edge of the hole and the front inclined profiles (17d) of the teeth (17c) reduces the idle distance between two opposite pairs of teeth (17c), thereby allowing insertion into the hole (F).

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 [0079] Due to the natural elasticity of the plastic material used for the attachment (17), four teeth (17c) immediately after passing into the opening (F, FC) experience the spring springback effect, which means that they are separated again and fitted to the back of the hole (F, FC), thereby preventing the cap (17) from being accidentally detached.

[0080] As part of such innovative technology, it is also possible to make furniture with doors, as shown in Figs. 18 and 19.

[0081] To implement this solution, the device according to the invention is equipped with two additional parts, respectively consisting of the door (18) shown in Figs. 5A and 5B and the hinge (21) shown in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C.

[0082] Referring to Figs. 5A and 5B, the door (18) consists of a box panel, internally stiffened by a vertical series of transverse ribs (N), substantially the same shape and dimensions as the wall (14).

[0083] Opposed pairs of substantially V-shaped notches (12) are located on the lower (18a) and upper (1 Sb) edge of the door (18).

[0084] As shown in Fig. 5B, the inner side of the door (18) is provided with a first pair of wedge profiles (19a) at the height of the lower edge (18a) and a second pair of wedge profiles (19b) at the height of the upper edge (18b).

[0085] The V-shaped cut-outs (12) and wedge profiles (19a, 19b) of the door (18) have the same shape, position and size as the corresponding cut-outs and wedge profiles illustrated in relation to the previous parts of the device according to the invention.

[0086] A special feature of the door (18) is the presence on one of the vertical edges of the tubular, cylindrical profile (20), whose lower (20a) and upper (20b) end are respectively positioned at the height of the lower (18a) and upper (18b) edge doors (18) separated by a certain distance.

[0087] The part designed to cooperate with the door (18) consists of a hinge (21) clearly shown in Figures 6A, 6B and 6C.

[0088] The hinge (21) is formed of a cylindrical sleeve (21 a) supporting the radial plug (S) in the outer position, consisting of two converging arms (21 b) connected at the end by a V-shaped elastically compressed bridge (21 c) ), and each of the arms (21 b) is finally equipped with a tooth (21d) in a position parallel to the axis of the sleeve (21a).

[0089] Based on the above, the installation mode of the door (18) in furniture can be illustrated.

[0090] The first operation is to insert the sleeve (21 a) of the first hinge element (21) outside the lower end (20a) of the vertical cylindrical profile (20) of the door (18) and the sleeve (21 a) of the second element of the same hinge (21) outside the upper end (20b) of the same vertical cylindrical profile (20); this condition is shown in Fig. 19.

[0091] The second operation is the forced insertion of plugs (S) of two hinges (21) connected to the door (18) inside the square holes (FC) listed frontally at the ends of the first panel (1), acting as the bottom and shelf, as well as at the ends of the top (16); the presence of holes (FC) is shown in Figures 1A and 4B.

[0092] It should be noted that in the idle position each of the plugs (S) has a capacity greater than the entry cross section of the opening (FC).

EP 2 741 632 Β1 [0093] However, also in this case, the insertion of the plug (S) into the opening (FC) is obtained by using the interference between the front hinges (21 d) protruding on both sides of the plug (S) and the vertical edges of the opening ( FC).

[0094] Such interference, which can be overcome by exerting an appropriate force during insertion of the plug (S), compresses the flexible bridge (21c) connecting the two arms (21 b) of the plug (S), thereby bringing them closer together.

[0095] This temporary narrowing of the plug (S) allows it to be inserted into the opening (FC).

[0096] Of course, the plug (S) tends to spontaneously and suddenly return to its normal state as soon as the front hooks (21d) pass beyond the vertical edges of the opening (FC) and mutual interference is interrupted.

In this state, the flexible bridge (21 c) tends to recover its normal position, the two arms (21b) are separated again and the hooks (21d) are fitted in an internal position at the vertical edges of the opening (FC), thereby preventing accidental disconnection of the hinge (21) from the furniture.

[0098] The device according to the invention comprises two additional components adapted to cooperate with the above illustrated door (18) to finish their upper and lower edges.

[0099] Referring to Figs. 7A and 7B, the first finishing component consists of a box molding (22) with a side handle (23) at its front end.

[0100] The strip (22) is equipped with one outlet (IM) for accurate insertion into the strip (22) of one of the lower (18a) and upper (18b) edges of the door (18).

[0101] Such a strip (22), hereinafter referred to as the 'first finishing strip' (22), must preferably be connected to the upper horizontal edge (18b) of the door (18) to provide an external position on the furniture of the handle (23) used for opening and closing the door (18), as shown in Fig. 18.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 7A, the first trim strip (22) is internally provided with transverse bulkheads (22a) connecting the first (22b) and second (22c) longitudinal edges; provided that the first (22b) of the vertical edges towards the longitudinal ends is provided with two horizontal slots (5b) of the type illustrated for the previous components of the device according to the invention, and the second longitudinal edge (22c) externally supports the handle (23).

[0103] To attach such a first finishing strip (22) to the top of the door (18), the upper edge (18b) of the door (18) is inserted inside the strip using an outlet (IM), thereby obtaining a typical connection between a pair of cut-outs (12) on the edge (18b) and the partitions (22a) in the inner position on the first finishing strip (22).

At the same time, there is an additional consequence that the wedge profiles (19b) fit in an inner position on the upper edge (18b) of the door (18) inside the slots (5a) on the first longitudinal edge (22b) of the first finishing strip (22).

[0105] As shown in Fig. 18, the first finishing strip (22) is in an outer position on the first edge (22b) equipped with a substantially omega-shaped projection with a structure that forms elastically, adapted for forced insertion into one of the holes (F) on the front of the furniture top (16) when the door (18) is closed.

EP 2 741 632 Β1 [0106] The projection (24) is adapted to stabilize the door (18) in the closed position, provided that sufficient energy traction of the door (18) allows the projection (24) to be pulled out of the opening (F) to open the door ( 18).

[0107] The holes (F) adapted to receive the omega-shaped projection (24) are also located on the front edge of each panel element (1) to stop the door (18), also when the omega-shaped projection (24) is placed with front of the panel (1) as shown in Figs. 19A, 19B and 19C.

[0108] As shown in Fig. 1A, as with the top (16) on the front longitudinal edge, the first panel (1) is provided with four square holes, two of which (FC) face the ends of the front edge and two (F) in a symmetrical position near the central transverse groove (1a) on its two sides.

[0109] The additional component adapted to cooperate with the door (18) is the second box finishing strip (22 ') shown in Fig. 8. The second finishing strip (22') is exactly the same as the strip (22) shown in Fig. 7A and 7B, except that it is not equipped with a handle (23).

[0110] Fig. 18 shows the presence of two elements of the second strip (22 ') on the lower edges (18a) of two pairs of doors (18) in the furniture shown in this figure.

[0111] Figs. 9A ί 9B refer to an additional component adapted to cooperate with the door (18); this is the first connecting strip (25) equipped with a side handle (23).

[0112] The strip (25) is not adapted to finish the upper and lower edges of the door (18), but acts as a connection between two door pairs, connecting the upper edge (18b) of the underlying door and the lower edge (18a) of the underlying door.

[0113] The functional purpose of the first connecting strip (25) is shown in Fig. 19A and the exploded drawing in Fig. 19B, which also shows the second connecting strip (25 ') the same as the first strip (25) but not equipped with a side handle .

[0114] First of all, it should be noted that the first connecting strip (25) adapted to connect two door pairs (18) has a height twice as high as the first finishing strip (22) and is equipped with two opposite outlets, the first of which (iMl) faces is down and the other (IMS) is pointing up.

[0115] As shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, exactly half-thick, the first connecting strip (25) is internally provided with a horizontal wall (25d) connected on both sides to a series of vertical transverse partitions (25a).

[0116] This horizontal wall (25c) does not protrude beyond the ends of the slat (25), where the first side edge (25b) opposite the edge (25c) that supports the handle (23) is provided with two pairs of horizontal slots (5a, 5b ), one above the other, where the first gap (5a) of each pair is placed at a height greater than the horizontal wall (25d), and the second gap (5b) is located at a lower height.

[0117] The connection between the first connecting strip (25) and two pairs of doors (18) mounted above and below the strip (25) is obtained according to the same modes illustrated above with respect to the first finishing strip (22).

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 [0118] When the horizontal edges (18a, 18b) of the door (18) are attached on opposite sides to the first connecting strip (25), pairs of V-shaped notches (12) on the edges (18a, 18b) attach to the transverse bulkheads (25a) inside the batten (25).

[0119] At the same time, two wedge-shaped profiles (19a) of the door (18) are fitted to the first slots (5a) of the first connecting strip (25), and two wedge-shaped profiles (19b) of the underlying door (18) are fitted to the second slots (5b) moldings (25).

[0120] Fig. 10 shows a second connection strip (25 '), which essentially has the same configuration as the first connection strip (25), except that it is not equipped with a side handle.

[0121] The second connecting strip (25 ') is internally equipped with a series of vertical transverse baffles (25a), a horizontal partition (25d) and two pairs of horizontal slots (5a, 5b) located towards the ends.

[0122] Fig. 19C, which shows the same piece of furniture as in Fig. 19A with the door closed, is an additional representation of the modes of cooperation between the door (18) and the finishing and connecting strips, [0123] Particularly referring to Figs. 7A and 9A, note that the first finishing strip (22) and the first connecting strip (25) are fitted at the front with an opening (200) under the handle (23).

[0124] When the furniture door (18) is closed - as shown in Fig. 19C - the openings (200) of two adjacent handles (23) are arranged side by side and can be used to insert the locking hook, chain ends or other means used to prepare secure furniture lock.

[0125] Fig. 11A refers to two additional components of the device according to the invention, which have been developed to provide additional alternative solutions for those who want to use the device according to the invention to manufacture furniture in accordance with specific requirements, [0126] The first component shown in Fig. 11A is a boxed column (26) of the same height as the wall (14), while the second component is a rectangular elongated narrow plate (27).

[0127] Particularly referring to Figures 11B and 11C, the column (26) is provided at both ends (26a, 26a ') with a step (26b, 26b') facing the interior of the furniture.

[0128] The lower end (26a) of the column (26) is adapted to engage accurately in the socket (1a ") at the front end of the central transverse groove (1a) located on the upper side of the first panel (1); while the top end (26a ') is adapted to engage inside the socket at the front end of the middle transverse groove (10a) on the bottom side of the first panel (1) or inside the socket (100a ”) at the front end of the middle transverse groove (100a) on the bottom side mountains (16).

[0129] Steps (26b, 26b ') at the ends (26a, 26a ") of the column (26) avoid interference of vertical partitions (1a', 10a '100a') inside transverse grooves (1a, 10a, 100a).

[0130] The plate (27) is instead adapted to be forced into the remaining part of the central groove (1a) to form a single, unbreakable surface in connection with the two continuous parts (2) of the first panel (1).

[0131] To this end, the plate (27) is laterally equipped with elastically deformable wedge profiles (27a) adapted to overlap the lateral walls of the target groove (1a) and to create a more stable connection between the two parts.

[0132] The potential practical application of these two parts (26, 27) is shown in Fig. 11C, which shows a piece of furniture with a lower compartment (Vi) divided into two halves by an intermediate wall element

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 (14) and upper compartment (VS) uninterrupted from one side of the furniture to the other due to the use of the column (26) at the front.

[0133} This figure shows that in the upper compartment (VS) of the furniture, the column (26) has the same function as the intermediate wall (14) in the lower compartment (VI) acting as a support for the additional horizontal panel (1) or directly to the top (16).

[0134] Referring to Figs. 20A and 20B, the device of the invention includes an additional part adapted to provide the user greater freedom during furniture configuration.

[0135] Fig. 20B shows a piece of furniture with a compartment on the left (W) extending in a vertical direction without interruption, from the horizontal bottom panel (1) to the top of the top (16), while on the right the corresponding vertical capacity is divided into top half and bottom half through the intermediate shelf.

[0136] The continuous vertical interval (W) is obtained by using the part shown in Fig. 20A. [0137] The second horizontal panel (110) is substantially identical, both on the upper and lower sides, with the first horizontal panel (1) adapted to act as a bottom and shelf for a piece of furniture.

[0138] A special feature of the second embodiment (110) of the horizontal panel, which may be termed "asymmetrical", is that it has only one continuous part (2) on one side of the central transverse groove (1a).

[0139] On the other side of the central transverse groove (1a) there is only the L-shaped supporting structure, consisting of half a tyred longitudinal groove (1b), at the end of which the respective transverse groove (1a) is usually connected, [0140] cooperating with the L-shaped structure, this central transverse groove (1a) defines the free space (SL) accessible from the front of the second panel (110).

[0141] As shown in Fig. 20A, on the side of the central transverse groove (1a) is a box slat (111) provided in the direction of this free space (SL), with the upper surface at the same height as the upper surface of the continuous part (2) on the opposite side of the central groove (1a).

[0142] The box slat (111) has a central, lowered longitudinal area (112), at the bottom of which there are holes at regular intervals (112a), while on its outer edge there are vertical pins (112b) in an alternating position into the holes (112a).

[0143] After mounting the asymmetrical panel (110) inside the cabinet, the holes (112a) and pins (112b) can be advantageously used for hanging on a hook or for various types of hanging of objects or tools.

[0144] Unlike the corresponding symmetrical embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, such horizontal asymmetric panel (110) is adapted to be used only as a shelf and not as a bottom for furniture. [0145] Finally, Figures 21A and 21B show a foot (30) adapted to be attached under the panel (1) when this is used as the bottom of the furniture.

[0146] In particular, the leg (30) has a box-like structure essentially in the shape of a truncated pyramid with a square base and has an asymmetrically opposed pair of vertical plugs (31a, 31b) with a substantially semi-elliptical shape on the upper plane surface.

[0147] The function of the plugs (31a, 31 b) is to engage in respective tubular seats (32) on the bottom of the panel (1) and illustrated in Fig. 1B to form a prismatic anti-rotation connection.

ΕΡ 2 741 632 Β1 [0148] The particularity of the pair of plugs (31 a, 31 b) on each leg (30) lies in the fact that they occupy an offset position from the center in relation to its upper plane side.

[0149] The first (31a) of the plugs is generally located in the middle of the leg (30), while the second (31b) is located substantially halfway between the first plug (31a) and the rear edge (30b) of the leg (30).

[0150] The above solution was developed for connecting the foot (30) to the panel (1) according to two different modes.

[0151] In particular, this alternative leg mounting solution (30) is applied to three elements that must be attached in conjunction with the front longitudinal edge of the panel (1).

[0152] The first of these attachment solutions is shown in the sequence of Figures 22A, 22B and 22C.

[0153] As shown in the previous drawings, the six legs (30) on the panel (1) must be attached relative to its bottom side to form a plug-and-socket connector between the vertical plugs (31) of the first element and the respective tubular sockets (32) of the second element.

[0154] In particular, Fig. 22C shows that in such a situation the front edge (30a) of the three legs (30) used on the front of the panel (1) is placed in a position substantially protruding with respect to the front longitudinal edge of the panel (1).

[0155] Figs. 23A and 23B instead show that the three legs (30) are attached such that the rear edge (30b) is perfectly aligned with the longitudinal edge of the panel (1).

[0156] It goes without saying that t two alternative leg mounting solutions (30) can be used provided that, prior to entering the bottom side of the panel (1), the legs (30) are alternatively rotated 180 °, thereby using a center offset pairs of vertical plugs (31 a, 31 b).

[1057] Finally, it should be noted that the "protruding" position of the foot (30) of Fig. 22C is advantageous when the cabinet is equipped with a door; such that the front edge (30a) of each foot (30) is substantially aligned with the front side of the door, as shown in Figures 19A and 19C.

[0158] The "inadequate position" of the leg (30) of Fig. 23B is, however, advantageous when the cabinet is not equipped with a door, since the front projection of the leg (30) would be unsightly, useless and uncomfortable, as shown with reference to Fig. 17.