FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of cabinetry, and more particularly for a system for modular cabinets and couplings that can be used in homes to construct cabinets and cabinet systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Whether remodeling a home, or just a room in a home, one of the best ways to boost the overall appeal of the home, in terms of both aesthetic appeal and home value, is with new cabinetry. In terms of home remodeling, kitchen remodeling is one of the main ways that homes are updated, and the cornerstone of a kitchen remodel is the kitchen cabinetry. Research indicates that a well-done kitchen remodel significantly increases the value of a home. Cabinetry, or the shelving system used to set the framework for the cabinets, can be incorporated in many ways to provide elegant upgrades to a home, make the home more aesthetically pleasing, and functionally improve the home.
Cabinets are preferably meant to be custom made, fitting the needs of the kitchen, or other room, and the people using the space. But custom cabinetry can be prohibitively expensive because of the time and expense required to design, manufacture, and install the custom pieces. Alternatively, homeowners can install pre-fabricated, stock, systems, which are more cost effective, but lack the desirability of custom cabinetry.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
U.S. Pat. No. 2,735,146 discloses a building block construction for use by children in building toy structures such as houses, walls, or the like. Grooves are provided in each end of the building blocks, which register when blocks are placed together in the formation of a toy building structures. The grooves are constructed to receive keys to secure the blocks together.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,619 discloses a modular cabinet system having a basic unit that may be adapted to a number of different designs. The bottom, back and ends of the modular cabinet system is molded as a single portion of the unit with the top and end covers being bonded thereon to form the basic unit. The back of the modular cabinet system has ribs or channels that may be used to support a center shelf and/or retain drawers and bins within the modular cabinet system, plus provided additional support for wall mounting. Lids that are self sealing fit the drawers or bins. Hinged doors may be mounted on the front of the modular cabinet system to form another use with dispensers contained therein for dispensing such things as paper towels.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,128 discloses a wooden jewelry case having sides joined at their ends by miters locked together with brass compression splines having a twibill cross sectional shape. A top and bottom are each attached to the sides with locking splines having a cross sectional shape similar to the figure “8,” which locking splines permit the top and bottom to float within the frame provided by the sides and thereby accommodate movement. After assembly of the sides, they are typically cut longitudinally to separate the body of the case from a lid assembly that may be hinged to the body with pin type hinges.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,699 discloses a modular easily assembled cabinet system including components in kit form. The kit includes a generally rectangular base, top, side and back members, and four elongated corner post or upright members. The corner post members each define connector ends having transverse recesses adapted to receive tongue portions of connector sites formed on each corner of the base and top members. During assembly, vertical lateral edges of the side members are received within channels in the corner posts, and upper and lower edges are inserted into channels formed in the base and top members. Fasteners releaseably secure the connector side tongues within the corner post recesses. A door may be hinged between the base and top members. The base, top and door may be formed of blow molded plastic, with the base and top members being configured to enable nesting of cabinets in vertically stacked relation. Additional features include slide drawers and shelves releasable mounted on laterally opposed rod-type horizontal guides.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,207,636 discloses a modular cabinet structure, process, and system in which a modular cabinet structure comprises a structural frame comprising a first side and a second side, and a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the frame structure comprises a removable frame component at the second end; and a face assembly; wherein the face assembly is fixedly retained within the frame structure when the removable frame component is affixed to the frame structure; and wherein the face assembly is movable in relation to the frame structure when the removable frame component is detached from the frame structure. In frame-style embodiments, the face assembly comprises a central panel having a front surface and a back surface, a retaining assembly attached to the back surface of the central panel, and a face frame having a front surface and a rear surface attached to the central panel. In full panel-style embodiments, the face assembly typically comprises a full panel having a front surface and a back surface, and a retaining assembly attached to the back surface of the panel. The modular cabinet structures can be used for cabinet doors and/or cabinet drawers, such that the face assemblies are readily installed and/or replaced.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,162 discloses a coupling for joining together furniture members that has a center portion including a center portion geometric configuration, a first portion including a first portion geometric configuration, a second portion including a second portion geometric configuration, a first end and a second end.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,206,054 discloses a furniture coupling assembly that includes a coupling having a center portion, a first portion having a first locking member, a second portion having a second locking member, a first end and a second end. The assembly further includes a first furniture member having a first member groove having a shape corresponding to the center, first and second portions of the coupling. The first furniture member has a first locking member opening positioned adjacent to the first member groove. A second furniture member of the assembly has a second member groove having a shape corresponding to the center, first and second portions of the coupling. The second furniture member has a second locking member opening positioned adjacent to the second member groove. The coupling is insertable in the first and second furniture member grooves and the first and second locking members are insertable in the first and second locking member openings, respectively, to join together the first and second furniture members.
What is lacking in the prior art is a system of creating cabinetry with the desired custom look and functionality, which can be created during installation, saving time and cost while providing the aesthetic appeal and value of custom systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a modular cabinet system incorporating a joining system employing boring holes, grooves or channels cut molded or formed into one of the connecting members faces and a hidden clamp fastened to the second member which allows them to fit together, be held together, and/or disassembled. When connecting bottoms, tops, trim pieces, opposing side walls, back walls, spreaders or adjacent cabinets one of the members are machined with grooves or channels so that when positioned together, the grooves or channels line up with and slide over the opposing members fastened hidden clamp engaging the opposing members channel connecting each piece to each other. Different pieces of the modular system can also be placed in proximity to each other, by aligning bore holes, grooves or channels lining up, and then joined together by employing hidden clamps to connect them. A front face frame can then be placed over the front of the modular cabinet and joined by lining up the grooves or channels on the inner side of the face frame and the hidden fastened clamp or opposing grooves or channels on the front edges of the side walls and joining them with hidden clamps. A top piece can be employed if desired, such as when the cabinet is to be used above a counter.
The staple on clamp with an oversized cap at the top when attached such that the cap extends above the side panel or toe kick it is attached to can be used to connect a counter top or floor panel. The enlarged cap when aligned with bore holes in the bottom side of the counter or base panel and then pressed together engages the cap into the bore hole and secures the panel with a light tap. This allows the connection of the counter or floor panel with the same connector that is used to attach the side panels and the toe kick members.
The grooves or channels are machined into one or both pieces using one of two specially designed drill bits, depending on whether it is desired to recess one piece of wood into another when joining. When recessing one piece into the other a combination Ball Bit cuts a rabbet slot and the special groove in one pass. The result is a groove that performs three functions at once. First it presents the opposing channel for the hidden connector, second it creates a trough for the opposing member to fit it creating superior strength, and finally, the tool planes the surface of the slotted member removing any inaccuracies in the surface contours that naturally occur with wood products. When not recessing the wood, the drill bit has a circular outline, with a rectangular neck section so that when the drill bit cuts, the outline of the cut creates a cylindrical channel, with a smaller rectangular channel where the width of the rectangular channel is less than the diameter of the cylindrical channel. The benefit of this design is that the rectangular channel provides for more load bearing capacity to resist an object placed within the bulbous cylindrical channel from being pulled out, thus making it stronger and more secure. An additional benefit is the ability to slide a connecting piece linearly over the opposing member's hidden clamps one part at a time allowing multiple members to be attached individually without the need to align and translate multiple opposing connections simultaneously.
A stapled on clamps is disclosed which is attached to a panel using staples with clamps that fit within the groove or channel. Two or more clamps may be attached monolithically and spaced apart by a base assuring the clamps are in alignment for ease of assembly into groove or channel.
The purpose of the groove or channels is to provide a joining system, where the different boards can be attached together without the use of screws, bolts, nails, etc. A system where the pieces can be quickly and accurately be attached by lining up and sliding one of the members over the attached hidden clamp into the opposing members groove and thus joining the pieces.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide a system for assembling different or similar Materials where the pieces are attached without screws, bolts, nails, brackets, or the like.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a stapled on clamps that can be stapled into a position eliminating the need for a clamp groove or boring holes.
It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach a system of using a hidden clamp pin so that the fixed product shows minimal or no signs of the attachments.
It is yet another objective of the instant invention to teach clamp designs which can be used to attach shelving to a cabinet.
It is a still further objective of the invention to teach drill bit designs which can create grooves or channels allowing cabinet pieces to be joined easily and securely, and can form the necessary shapes with only a single pass using a CNC system or specially design routing tools for increased efficiency of production.
Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 2A shows the attachment of a side panel to the back panel of a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 2B shows the attachment of a second side panel to the system of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C shows the attachment of a bottom panel to the system of FIG. 2B;
FIG. 2D shows the initial positioning of the front face frame to the system of FIG. 2C;
FIG. 2E shows the securing of the front face frame to the system of FIG. 2D;
FIG. 3A shows an exploded view of a front face frame without a center panel;
FIG. 3B shows an exploded view of a front face frame with a center panel;
FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the opposing side panels of the front face frame;
FIG. 5 shows the inner surface of a side panel of a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 6 shows the forward facing edge of a side panel of a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 7 show a front view of the back panel of a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a bottom panel of a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 9A shows a first side view of an end pin;
FIG. 9B shows a second side view of an end pin;
FIG. 9C shows a bottom view of an end pin;
FIG. 9D shows a top view of an end pin;
FIG. 9E shows a front view of an end pin;
FIG. 9F shows a back view of an end pin;
FIG. 9G shows an alternate front view of an end pin;
FIG. 10A shows a front view of a hidden pin;
FIG. 10B shows a top view of a hidden pin;
FIG. 10C shows a bottom view of a hidden pin;
FIG. 10D shows a back view of a hidden pin;
FIG. 10E shows a first side view of a hidden pin;
FIG. 10F shows a second side view of a hidden pin;
FIG. 11A shows a rear perspective view of a ball bit;
FIG. 11B show a side view of a ball bit;
FIG. 11C shows a bottom view of a ball bit;
FIG. 11D shows a top view of a ball bit;
FIG. 11E shows an alternate side view of a ball bit;
FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of a dado ball bit;
FIG. 12B is a side view of a dado ball bit;
FIG. 12C is an alternate perspective view of a dado ball bit;
FIG. 13A is a front exploded view of a modular cabinet with threaded stud clamp assembly;
FIG. 13B is a rear perspective exploded view of a modular cabinet with threaded stud clamp assembly;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a side panel for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a side pane for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system incorporating a front face frame;
FIG. 15B is a perspective view of an alternate size of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a side panel for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping assembly for use without a frame;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the side panel of FIG. 16, for use with a front face frame;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a side panel for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a lower back panel for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an upper back panel for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 21A is a perspective view of a spreader for a modular cabinet with hidden clamping system;
FIG. 21B is an alternate perspective view of the spreader of FIG. 21A;
FIG. 22A is a perspective view of a floating shelf;
FIG. 22B. is a perspective view of a European style fixed shelf;
FIG. 22C is a perspective view of a fixed shelf to be used with a front face framed modular cabinet;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of two adjacent panels being ganged together;
FIG. 24A is a first end view of an offset end pin design;
FIG. 24B is a second end view of an offset end pin design;
FIG. 24C is a first side view of an offset end pin design;
FIG. 24D is a second end view of an offset end pin design;
FIG. 25A is a first side perspective view of an alternate offset end pin;
FIG. 25B is a top perspective view of an alternate offset end pin;
FIG. 25C is a second side perspective view of an alternate offset end pin;
FIG. 25D is a bottom perspective view of an alternate offset end pin;
FIG. 25E is a first end perspective view of an alternate offset end pin;
FIG. 25F is a second end perspective view of an alternate offset end pin;
FIG. 26A is a first side view of a single clamp pin;
FIG. 26B is a second side view of a single clamp pin;
FIG. 26C is a top view of a single clamp pin;
FIG. 26D is a bottom view of a single clamp pin;
FIG. 26E of a first end perspective view of a single clamp pin;
FIG. 26F of a second end perspective view of a single clamp pin;
FIG. 27A is first side view of a stud pin;
FIG. 27B is a top view of a stud pin;
FIG. 27C is a first end perspective view of a stud pin;
FIG. 27D is a second end perspective view of a stud pin;
FIG. 28A is a first side view of a threaded stud pin;
FIG. 28B is a second side view of a threaded stud pin;
FIG. 28C is a rear end view of a threaded stud pin;
FIG. 28D is a front end view of a threaded stud pin;
FIG. 28E is a bottom view of a threaded stud pin; and
FIG. 28F is a top view of a threaded stud pin;
FIG. 29 is a top perspective view of a screw on clamp pin;
FIG. 30A is a front perspective view of a corner clamp;
FIG. 30B is a side perspective view of a corner clamp;
FIG. 30C is a side view of a corner clamp;
FIG. 30D is a bottom view of a corner clamp;
FIG. 30E is an alternate side view of a corner clamp;
FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a corner clamp with optional leveling leg;
FIG. 31B is an exploded view of a corner clamp with optional leveling leg;
FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a cabinet with corner clamps;
FIG. 33A is a side view of a field goal clamp;
FIG. 33B is a top view of a field goal clamp;
FIG. 33C is an end view of a field goal clamp;
FIG. 34 is an exploded view of a cabinet and toe kick attached by a field goal clamp;
FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a stapled stapled on clamps;
FIG. 36 is an exploded view of FIG. 35;
FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a three panel configuration with a stapled on clamps in position for attachment;
FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the three panel configuration illustrated in FIG. 37 with the stapled on clamps attached; and
FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the three panel configuration illustrated in FIG. 37 assembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.
Looking to the figures in general, disclosed is a modular cabinet system and the pieces which are used therein, including clamping pins and drill bits. The drill bits are specially formed to cut specific grooves or channels into the boards which make up the cabinet, so that when machining the one bit accomplishes the desired cut without needing to use multiple bits in one area, as is conventionally done.
FIG. 1 illustrates the basic pieces of the modular cabinet with hidden clamping system (10). There is a back panel (12), a first side panel (14), a second side panel (16), a bottom panel (18), and a front face frame (20). The pieces are joined together by placement of an end pin (22), or hidden pin (24) within a groove or channel cut into each piece. Using this system, no additional fasteners are needed to construct the cabinet. Shelving can be added by including pin slots or holes on the inner face of each side wall (14, 16).
As seen in FIG. 1, the back panel has an edge groove or channel (26) on the left and right edge, and a lower groove or channel (28). Each side panel has a vertical groove or channel (30) running the length of the panel on an inner face close to the back edge. Each side panel also has a lower groove or channel (32), and has a pair of hidden grooves or channels (34) on the front edge. The bottom panel has an edge groove or channel (36) on both the left and right edges, and a back edge groove or channel.
The bottom panel (18) can lined up with the back panel (12) so that the back panel lower groove or channel (28) is lined up with the back edge groove or channel of the bottom panel (18). When lined up, an end pin (22) can be inserted on the left and right side connecting the two panels (12, 18) together at the lower groove or channel (28) and edge grooves or channels (36). The end pin (22) is shaped so as to fit within both grooves and connect the two pieces together.
Once the bottom panel (18) is attached to the back panel, the two side panels (14,16) can be positioned so as to line up the vertical grooves or channels (30) with the back panel edge grooves or channels (26), and also lining up the bottom panel edge grooves or channels (36) with the side panel lower grooves or channels (32). Once aligned, end pins (22) can be inserted to join the four pieces together. The end pins (22) are inserted from the top to join the back panel (12) to the side panels (14, 16), and from the front to join the side panels (14, 16) to the bottom panel (18).
To complete the piece of the modular cabinet, a front face frame (20) is attached using the hidden grooves or channels (34) on the side panels (14, 16). With the hidden grooves or channels (34), a hidden pin (24) is employed to join the pieces. The hidden groove or channel (34) is cut differently from the other grooves or channels, in that with a hidden groove or channel (34) the groove or channel does not extend the entire length or width of the panel or edge. The hidden groove or channel (34) is cut so that there is a bulbous cylindrical groove with a rectangular neck over a portion of the length, and then an area where there is no neck portion. This allows a hidden pin to be placed into the wood and moved into the bulbous cylindrical groove section. A corresponding cut for a hidden pin is made on the inner side (42) of the front face frame (20), albeit, cut in an opposing direction so that the hidden pin is secured when the face frame (20) is positioned along the side panels (14, 16) and moved downward.
FIGS. 2A-E shows an alternate method for assembling a modular cabinet. The back panel (12) is attached to side panel (16), lining up the back panel edge groove or channel (26) with the side panel vertical groove (30) and securing the two with end pins inserted into the two grooves. Then the other side panel (14) is attached to the back panel (12) in the same manner. The bottom panel (18) can then be positioned, lining up the edge grooves (36) with the side panel lower grooves (32) and secured with end pins. The front face frame (20) can then be attached by lining it up in an offset position (FIG. 2D), so that the hidden grooves (34) can line up with corresponding hidden grooves on the face frame (20). This allows the hidden pins to engage with both sets of hidden grooves, and as the face frame (20) is then moved into position (FIG. 2E), the hidden pins secure the frame (20) to the side panels (14, 16).
FIGS. 3A-B show how the front face frame (20) can be formed, with or without a center panel (60). The frame (20) is formed from two opposing side panels joined to a top panel and a bottom panel secured together with hidden pins (24). FIG. 3A shows the frame (20) without a center panel. In this embodiment, hidden grooves (70) are cut into the side panels to correspond with hidden grooves (72) cut into the top and bottom panels (66, 68). FIG. 3B shows the frame (20) with a center panel (60). In an embodiment with a center panel (60), a lengthwise groove (82) is cut to correspond to the hidden grooves (84) in the top and bottom panels (78, 80). The lengthwise grooves (82), on each of the opposing side panels (74, 76) are designed to allow the center panel to recess slightly within the groove (82). Similar grooves are cut into the top and bottom panels (78, 80) to allow the center panel to recess within the top and bottom panels (78, 80). As an alternative to joining the panels with hidden pins, the top and bottom panels can be secured to the opposing side panels with an adhesive. FIG. 4 shows the inner surface of the opposing side panels of the front face frame. A pair of hidden grooves (86) are located to allow hidden pins to secure the frame to the cabinet side panels.
FIGS. 5-8 show more detailed views of the panels making up one embodiment of the modular cabinet utilizing hidden pins for connections. The side panel (17) has a vertical groove (30) forming a substantially cylindrical channel. The vertical groove (30) is positioned within a recessed channel (31), so that when joining a back panel (12), the connection is hidden from view. Along the bottom of the side panel (17) there is a recessed channel (31) where the bottom panel (19) attaches. Two hidden grooves (34) are located within the recessed channel (31) so that a bottom panel (19) can attach with hidden pins. Two hidden grooves (34) are also located on the front edge of the side panel (17) to allow a front face frame to attach. The back panel (12) has a recessed channel (31) to allow the bottom panel to recess slightly within the back panel (12) for a more secure attachment. The bottom panel (12) has edge grooves (36) running along the edge forming cylindrical channels to allow for a secure attachment to the side panels.
FIGS. 9A-9G show the end pin (22) design. As depicted, there are two substantially cylindrical members (44) connected together by a substantially flat portion (46). Each cylindrical member (44) has one end (48) with hemispherical shape and a second end (50) that is flat. In a preferred embodiment of the end pin (22), the flat end (50) has a slight flare, so that the diameter at the flat end (50) is slightly larger than the rest of the body of the cylindrical member (44). The hemispherical end (48) allows the end pin (22) to be more easily inserted into the groove or channel cut into the pieces of the modular cabinet (10). The hemispherical shape of the end (48) is the preferred design; however, any shape creating a taper will achieve the desired function of allowing the end pin (22) to be more easily inserted into the groove or channel. The flare on the other end (50) helps secure the pin (22) in a groove or channel once inserted.
FIGS. 10A-10F show the hidden pin (24) design. As depicted, there are two substantially cylindrical body members (52) joined together with a substantially flat portion (54). In the hidden pin (24) design, each end (56) of the cylindrical members is a hemisphere. Also, of note is that depicted here there is an offset between the two cylindrical members (52). The purpose behind the having a hemispherical end on each end of the cylindrical members (52) is that when a hidden pin (24) is used, opposite ends of each cylindrical member need a tapered end because the panels that will be joined by a hidden pin (24) will need to move in opposite directions to secure the hidden pin (24) into place. Again, however, while the hemispherical design is the preferred embodiment, any taper will allow the hidden pin to function as desired.
FIGS. 11A-11E show the ball bit (100) design. As shown, there is a substantially cylindrical body member (102) which engages with the tool which uses the ball bit (100) to cut a groove into one of the panels. On the first end (104) there is a circular cutting blade (106), joined to the cylindrical body member (102) by a rectangular cutting blade (108). The combination of the circular cutting blade (106) with the rectangular cutting blade (108) allows the circular cutting blade (106) to form a cylindrical channel on a panel, when cutting a groove for an attachment pin, which is displaced from the surface by the rectangular cutting blade (108). By allowing the cylindrical channel to be formed away from the surface of the panel, the portion of the groove that is nearest the surface has sufficient thickness to allow a pin to engage and provide enough strength to resist breaking
FIGS. 12A-12C depict a dado ball bit (110). The dado ball bit main body (112) is a substantially cylindrical member to engage with the tool using the bit to cut a groove into a panel. The dado ball bit (112) includes a spherical tip (114), designed to cut a cylindrical channel into a panel which can be used to cooperate with a hidden pin or end pin to securely join two panels of a modular cabinet. Similar to the ball bit (100), shown in FIGS. 11A-11E, the dado ball bit (110) includes a rectangular cutting blade (116) connected to the spherical tip (114), so as to displace the cylindrical channel from the surface that is being cut and provide sufficient thickness to allow for secure engagement with an end pin or hidden pin. The dado ball bit (110), however, includes a second rectangular cutting blade (118). The second rectangular cutting blade (118) is designed to cut a rectangular channel into the surface of a panel that is the same thickness as the panels that form the modular cabinet. By cutting a channel with the second rectangular cutting blade (118), which the cylindrical channel cut by the spherical tip (114) displaced from the newly cut channel, when joining two panels one panel will recess slightly so that the corner connection will become hidden.
FIGS. 13A-23 show an alternate embodiment of the modular cabinet (200) incorporating a threaded stud clamp assembly. In this embodiment, shelf pin holes (202) are provided in two columns on the inner surface of each of the side panels (204,206) in the conventional construction used by bookshelf and shelving units in the prior art. FIGS. 13A and 13B show exploded views of the basic pieces of the modular cabinet (200). There is a left side panel (204), a right side panel (206), a top panel (208), a bottom panel (210), a central panel (212) which is more securely attached than ordinary shelving, and can include an upper back panel (214) and a lower back panel (216). The top and bottom panels (208,210) are secured to the side panels with hidden pins (218) or end pins, while the central panel is securely fixed by stud pins (220).
FIGS. 14-18 show alternate embodiments of side panel construction based on the desired finished look of the cabinet. For illustrative purposes, FIGS. 14-18 show a left side panel, but the right side panel for each design will be the mirror image panel. In FIG. 14, the panel shown with a vertical lengthwise groove (222) along the back of the panel. This allows a back panel to be positioned with a corresponding groove lined up with groove (222) and secured with end pins (224) attached at least at the top and bottom. Along the top of the panel are a series of hidden pin grooves (226) so that a top panel can be connected by hidden pins. A series of hidden pin grooves (226) also runs along the lower portion of the panel so that the bottom panel can attach by hidden pins. There is also a hidden pin groove (227) on the front edge at the bottom of the panel. This allows a spreader panel to be positioned at the base of the cabinet (200). Two columns of shelf pin holes (202) run vertically for the length between the top panel and the bottom panel. Also shown are two end pins (224) coming down from the top on the outer surface of the panel. These are used for ganging two adjacent cabinets, as shown in FIG. 23.
FIGS. 15A and 15B also include front grooves (228) so that a front face frame can be attached by end pins (224). FIGS. 16 and 17 include an additional channel (230) above where the top panel and the bottom panel would attach. The embodiment in FIG. 18 includes a dado channel (232) for the hidden connection of the top panel and bottom panel, instead of the hidden grooves in the previous panels.
FIG. 19 shows a lower back panel (216). There are edge grooves (234) to line up with the vertical lengthwise grooves of the side panels so that an end pin can securely connect them. There is also a channel (236) along the lower portion of the panel (216) so that the bottom panel can seat into the channel (236) when attached. The upper back panel (214), shown in FIG. 20, has edge grooves (238) to allow it to securely connect to the side panels. FIGS. 21A and 21B are alternate views of the spreader (240) used for tall cabinets. The spreader (240) has edge grooves (242) to allow for a secure connection using end pins.
FIGS. 22A-C show different shelf types that can be attached to the cabinet using the shelf pin holes. FIG. 22A shows a basic floating shelf (244), which can rest on a basic single pin inserted partially into the shelf pin hole. FIG. 22B shows a fixed shelf (246) that is used when no front face frame will be used on the cabinet. This fixed shelf (246) has a partial edge groove (248) which runs most of the depth of the shelf, but opens only to the back. This shelf works with the stud pins to create a solidly fixed shelf that is not removable once the cabinet is assembled. The fixed shelf (250), shown in FIG. 22C, has an edge groove (252) which runs the full depth of the shelf and opens to the front and the back. This is designed to be used when a front face frame is employed to hide the edge groove opening. The stud pin is used here to securely fix the shelf in place during the assembly of the cabinet.
FIG. 23 shows the connections for ganging two adjacent cabinets securely together. A right side panel (206) on one cabinet will gang to the left side panel (204) of the adjacent cabinet. Each side panel (204,206) has a ganging groove (254) on the outer surface of the panel so that when each panel is lined up, an end pin (224) can be inserted into the two ganging grooves (254) to securely join the cabinets. Face frame grooves (256) can run the length of the front edge to that end pins (224) can secure a face frame (258) to the joined cabinets by securing to edge grooves (260) on the inner surface of the face frame (258).
FIG. 24A-D shows an alternate end pin embodiment (262). In this embodiment the two cylindrical body members (264) are offset slightly. There are also ridged regions (266) on the front and back ends of the body members (264). The pin (262) still has a hemispherical end (268) and a flat end (270). In this embodiment, the pin (262) is substantially hollow with a removed sector spanning the length of each body member (264). The removed sector allows for some compression of the pin (262), allowing for a better fit during the assembly of a modular cabinet.
Another alternate embodiment of the end pin (272) is provided in FIGS. 25A-F. In this embodiment, the pin (272) has an offset at hemispherical front end (274) but remains planar at the flat rear end (276). This is because there is a longer cylindrical body member (278) and a shorter cylindrical body member (280), still joined by a rectangular portion (282). In this embodiment, the entire length of each body member (278,280) contains ridges (284) for increased frictional contact when inserted into a groove. A rectangular portion is removed from each of the body members (278, 280) to allow for some compression of the pin (272) for a more secure assembly of the modular cabinet. The single pin (286), shown in FIGS. 26A-F, is the same as the individual cylindrical body members of end pin (272), shown in FIGS. 25A-F. There is a cylindrical body member (288), with a hemispherical end (290) and a flat end (292) and a series of ridges (294) spanning the length of the body (288). There is also a rectangular portion removed spanning the length, allowing for compression.
A stud pin (300) is shown in FIGS. 27A-D. The stud pin (300) is made from a cylindrical body member (302), similar to the other pin designs, but instead of a second cylindrical body member, here, there is a perpendicular pin (304) joined to the cylindrical body member (302) at a rectangular portion (306). The perpendicular pin (304) is sized to be received by standard shelf pin holes which are on the inner surface of a side panel of the cabinet. The cylindrical body member (302) has a hemispherical end (308) and a flat end (310), and ridges (312) to increase frictional contact. The cylindrical body member (302) is substantially hollow, with portion of the body (302) missing to allow for the body (302) to compress for a more secure fit.
FIGS. 28A-F show a threaded stud pin (320). There is a cylindrical body member (322) with a rectangular portion removed to allow for compression of the body (322). The body member has a hemispherical end (324) and a flat end (326) with ridges (328) therebetween. Along a portion of the body member (322) there is a rectangular surface (330) joining a perpendicular threaded pin (332) to the body (322). The perpendicular pin (332) is threaded to allow it to more tightly and securely screw into the shelf pin holes on the side panels. Then a fixed shelf can securely attach to the side panels.
FIG. 29 shows a screw clamp pin (340). The screw clamp pin (340) is used to quickly bond materials with a blind fastener without the need for advance manufacturing (i.e., no advanced drilling, sawing, or routing required). A screw clamp pin (340) can be mounted onto any surface in any orientation to create an attachment for a blind permanent connection. Mounted using only a screw driver, it is an inexpensive pin providing superior bonding strength, and can be disassembled if necessary. The screw clamp pin (340) has a substantially cylindrical body (342) with a pair of bull-nose leading caps (344) at each end of the body (342). Along the length of the pin (340) a compression slot (346) is employed to allow for some spring compression of the screw clamp pin (340) during operation. A pair of screw holes (348) are located along the compression slot (346), with the holes oriented through the screw clamp pin (340) and perpendicular to the compression slow (346). The screw holes (348) allow the pin (340) to be attached to any flat surface in any orientation, allowing two pieces of cabinetry to be attached with a blind, permanent connection. Because of the screw attachment, the screw clamp pin (340) can be attached onto a piece, without pre-machining, which can be especially useful if pre-machining is not possible.
FIGS. 30A-31B show a corner clamp (350) from various angles. A corner clamp (350) is made from three perpendicular surfaces (352,354,356), with a top surface (352) joined to a first side surface (354) and a second side surface (356). The first and second side surfaces (354,356) are joined along a vertical edge. On the bottom edge of each side surface is an edge guard (358), designed to prevent marring of the surface underneath the cabinet utilizing a corner clamp. The outer face of the first side surface (354) has a vertically disposed clamp (360) to attach a corner clamp (350) to a cabinet side piece (380), or a back cabinet piece (386). The outer face of the second side surface (386) has a pair of protruding studs (370), which allow for connection to a snap-on toe-kick piece (384) or to a cabinet side piece (380). Additionally, the first and second side surfaces (384,386) have fastener holes (362,370). The top surface (352) has a horizontally disposed clamp (364) for quick connection to a cabinet bottom panel (382), as well as a fastener hole (366). The corner clamp (350) further includes a bracket (374) for an optional leveling leg (376) with nut (378). The leveling leg (376) can be accessed through an opening (368) on the top surface (352).
The corner clamp (350) allows for very rapid assembly of a cabinet, including the various blind permanent connections. It is inexpensive to manufacture, yet extremely rigid and strong. The protective non-marring edge guards (358) help protect chipping or marring of the floor on which a cabinet is installed.
FIGS. 33A-34 show a field goal clamp (390) from alternate angles. The field goal clamp (390) provides the fastest connection insertion method to connect cabinet pieces. The main body (392) of the clamp is substantially cylindrical with opposing tapered ends (394). On the top portion of the body (392) is a compression slot (398) which runs the length of the body (392). On the bottom of the clamp are two protruding legs (396), which can be provided with ribbing for increased anchoring strength. During use, the main body (392) is inserted into a machined channel on a given panel, such as the toe kick show in FIG. 34. Then the legs (396) insert into machined holes (394) on the different side panels (392) for quick and easy attachment of the toe kick.
Referring to FIGS. 35-39, illustrated is a stapled on clamp (400) for use with a modular cabinet panel (450). For instance, the stapled on clamp could be used for any construction as either a single pin or a double pin. A double pin configuration is illustrated in FIGS. 35-36. A stapled on clamp may have a cylinder profile end to end or a cylinder profile with an enlarged cap on one end. The clamps can be attached anywhere on a board face or edge without the need for pilot holes or machining slots. The stapled on clamp allows positioning and fastening of a clamp in any orientation even those rotated out of the X-Y plane, which conventionally requires a 4 axis CNC. For purposes of illustration, a toe kick application is set forth which uses the double pin with a wider cap so that the clamp is tall enough to secure a 4″ toe panel height. Additionally, the wider cap extends above the kick to fit into a hole at the bottom face of a bottom panel thereby securing the bottom panel to the assembly with a single clamp. The single pin with a wider cap is used on the top of cabinets where the wider cap at the top positions above the cabinet level and fits into a hole in the bottom of a counter top thereby securing the counter top to the assembly with the single clamp.
The stapled on clamp (400) is formed from a first attachment member (402) including a substantially cylindrical body having an insertion end (404) and a trailing end (406) defining a first length L1. The first attachment member (402) having a first compression slot (408) formed along the first length L1. The compression slot (408) is employed to allow for some spring compression of the first attachment member (402) during operation when placed within a corresponding cabinet panel slot or groove. Further, the insertion end (404) preferably includes flexible ridges (405) which are oversized from the cylindrical shaped body side wall (407) for enhanced frictional engagement into an adjoin slot or groove.
At least one second attachment member (412) having a substantially cylindrical body with a first end (414) and a second end (416) defining a second length L2. The second attachment member (412) having a second compression slot (418) formed along the second length L2. The compression slot (418) is employed to allow for some spring compression of the second attachment member (412) during operation when placed within a corresponding cabinet panel slot or groove.
In the preferred embodiment, a base member (420) is used to couple the first attachment member (402) to the second attachment member (412). The first attachment member (402) and second attachment member (412) are in coaxial alignment with the base member (420). In the preferred embodiment the base member (420) is integrally formed with the first attachment member (402) and second attachment member (412). The compression slot (408) is sized to receive the head of a staple gun, not shown, to cause an exacting placement of a staple (415) which secures the first attachment member (402) and base member (420) to a modular cabinet panel (450). The staple gun would include a specialize gun tip to fit into the compression slots. Similarly the compression slot (418) is sized to receive the head of a staple gun to cause an exacting placement of a staple (417) which secures the second attachment member (412) and base member (420) to the modular cabinet panel (450). The length of the base member (420) operates as an alignment bridge to assure the first, second or additional attachment members to be in exact alignment. Once the attachment member (402, 412) and base member (420) is secured to the cabinet panel (450), the attachment members (402, 412) can be inserted to a groove or slot (452) wherein frictional engagement secures the stapled on clamps (400) to the adjoining panel (452). Similarly, another adjoining panel (456) can be attached to the panels (454) in the same manner for three panel alignment and fastening. The attachment does not require drilling or machining of the panels for coupling of the stapled on clamp (400). The stapled on clamp (400) can be made of various sizes and lengths, with multiple attachment members. The process is anticipated to be CNC controlled and special designed stapling tool heads and parts feeder maybe produced and protected for the highest production rate demand. For non-CNC automated stapling of fasteners, a table top with a stop fence and an overhead stapler is suggested with a manually operated foot valve or push button.
All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.
One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
Patent Application
20190166990
