STORAGE FURNITURE FOR ROOMS WITH SLOPING WALLS

Abstract

 The invention is storage furniture for use in buildings with sloping walls.
The furniture, utilizing the space under the sloping wall, has been developed for industrial manufacture and prepared for simple and easy assembly and adaptation to the sloping wall by the user himself.
The furniture's flexibility against the sloping wall is obtained amongst other by flexible height and depth. The simple adaptation of the furniture to fit the given sloping wall is obtained by prepared cutting lines. The storage furniture is available both as shelving unit, cupboard and dresser. The furniture is suited for placing and use in commonly available housing and in commercial buildings such as schools, offices etc. The furniture's flexibility will cover commonly occurring geometries of knee walls and sloping walls in Denmark and the rest of Europe. Furthermore, the furniture can be installed in the knee wall in a simpler and cheaper version.

Description

Background

[0001] Generally known case furniture solutions have been designed for 90 degrees (vertical) back walls and seen in a cross section the backside of the furniture is, consequently, vertical. Furniture with a vertical backside is not suited for rooms with a low knee wall and a sloping wall. This is first and foremost due to the fact that furniture with a vertical backside leaves an unusable space between the backside of the furniture and the back wall. Furthermore, furniture with a vertical backside will be "squeezed" out into the center of the room and into the walking area. This is due to the fact that furniture with a vertical backside will meet the sloping wall with the top of the furniture's back edge that will thus be decisive for how far the furniture will be positioned from the point where the sloping wall meets the floor. The lower the roof slope in the room - the more the furniture will be squeezed out into the room - and the more of the functional space in the room (area with headroom) will be occupied by passive storage. Therefore, a traditionally made storage furniture solution with a vertical backside is not an attractive solution in rooms with sloping walls - with or without a "low" knee wall.

[0002] Today, only a few alternative commercial storage solutions are available for rooms with sloping walls and knee walls. These solutions are all characterized by being manufactured to measure and are, consequently, not flexible in relation to a random sloping wall.

[0003] You can get semi-industrial furniture with a traditional vertical backside (mainly furniture with shelves) suited for a vertical back wall that can be used by cutting a gable piece to fit the angle of the sloping wall and maybe a knee wall. This solution is typically sold on the internet and always made to measure.

[0004] Of course, DIY solutions also exist where the customer makes his own furniture to fit the sloping wall and knee wall in question.

[0005] Finally, a hybrid of the above mentioned alternatives is available in form of joiner made furniture designed to fit the sloping wall in question (like the DIY solution), but probably made with a furniture finish like the "semi-industrial" solution.

[0006] In addition to the commercially available solutions there are patented solutions: Offenlegungsschrift DE197 55 918 A1 describes a piece of storage furniture.

[0007] The known technique focusses on the need for an asymmetrical design for installation behind the attic knee wall, however, without any kind of dynamic and prepared adaptation to the knee wall and sloping wall. The known solutions are characterized by lacking flexibility and a lacking degree of industrial skill and finish.

[0008] The known technique is only a number of ideas for DIY work opposite the present patent pending furniture concept that provides a number of functional qualities and a flexibility not offered by any of the known commercial and registered alternatives.

[0009] This invention provides a solution to the disadvantages associated with the known technique. It is storage furniture for use in buildings and rooms with sloping walls, consisting of at least one corpus unit, one functional unit (shelves, cabinet doors or drawers) and a leg/plinth system prepared for simple and easy assembly and final adaptation to the sloping wall, where;

• A corpus unit consisting of an asymmetrical box (to receive the functional furniture units) consisting of at least six pieces including a top piece, a back piece, a sloping piece to connect the top- and back pieces, a bottom piece connected to the back piece and two side pieces each connected to the top-, sloping-, back- and bottom pieces,
• A number of alternative functional units including e.g. cabinet doors, shelves and drawers for installation in the corpus unit,
• A leg/plinth system with a number of furniture legs of either fixed or variable height and/or a number of plinth plates to be fitted to the bottom of the corpus unit.

[0010] The furniture is characterized by also comprising

• A cover plate system of at least one top piece and two side pieces to be fitted on the outside of the mentioned asymmetrical corpus unit,
• cover plate system has a number of prepared cutting lines to help adapt the cover plate system to the sloping wall. Graphic guidelines for choice of cutting lines, based on the height of the knee wall and angle of slope in the room, are also included.

[0011] Add to this the notable advantages of industrial production in form of lower cost, shorter delivery time and easy assembly. Table no. 1 is exemplifying the strengths of the concept applied for against known alternatives.

General description

[0012] For its purpose the storage furniture according to the invention has been characterized by a number of units and subsystems.

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 are lists of drawings of the main parts of the furniture concept that will also be found in the list of references.

[0014] The main parts of the concept are an asymmetrical piece of furniture (1) fitted with a cover plate system (3) made up of a number of panels to be fitted on the sides (3a) and top (3b). The depth of the panels exceeds the volume of the furniture itself. Whatever the slope of the back wall and the height of the knee wall, the cover plate (3) will make it possible to connect it to the back wall of the house. A smaller deviation between the furniture and the back wall is eliminated by Fitting Strips (6) covering the remaining deviation between the furniture and the sloping wall.

[0015] You can choose the function of the furniture (2) as shelving unit, cupboard or dresser.

[0016] The flexibility of the furniture is obtained by the cover plate system (3), adjustable height of legs (4) and availability of a sub- unit (5) providing the furniture with extra height and furniture capacity.

[0017] To make the adjustment of the furniture's cover plate system (3) easy, a system for adjustment of the furniture's cover plates (3a.1 - 3a.8) has been developed where the cover plates (3) have been partly cut through to make it easy for the customer to find the correct cutting line (3a.1) and make the final cut of the furniture's side- and top pieces (3) to fit the sloping wall and knee wall in question.

Description of the new technique

[0018] The furniture concept consists of a number of technical inventions and commercial actions, which no other furniture solutions or patents are offering users of rooms with sloping walls. The combination of the technical inventions and commercial actions creates unique storage furniture, making it possible to utilize the space under the sloping wall and at the same time offering the user the freedom to choose between various furniture expressions in form of function (2), capacity, height and depth. Adaptation of the furniture has been made easy and the risk of mistakes minimized by the adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) on the cover plates (3), and by the Fitting Strips (6) ensuring 100 % fitting of the furniture to the back wall. Add to this the possibility to install the same furniture into the knee wall space at a lower cost by omitting the use of the cover plate system (3).

[0019] The furniture solution is created following the points below, each by itself and together:

1) an asymmetrical furniture corpus (1) with sloping back where the storage space is biggest at the bottom and smallest at the top of the furniture. The corpus unit (1) consists of at least six pieces including a top piece, a back piece, a sloping piece connecting the top- and back pieces, a bottom piece connected to the back piece, and two side pieces each connected to top-, sloping-, back- and bottom pieces

2) a standard corpus format equally suitable as shelving unit, cupboard or dresser, or some other function (2), for easy updating - also after installation. You get the functions by a number of units in form of doors, shelves and drawers to be installed in the corpus unit. The alternatives are hereafter called functional units (2).

3) Can be installed in the knee wall by corpus (1), leg/plinth system (4) and an insulating system formed after corpus (7). The cover plates (3) are not needed for installation in the knee wall which makes the solution cheaper. Here it is, however, relevant to use an insulation system (7) which functions as an overcoat for corpus.

4) The legs/plinth system (4), adjustable in height and with the option to choose between legs or plinth, for fitting on the bottom of the corpus unit or corpus (1) with sub-unit (5). The plinth unit (4) also has a system for adjustment where they have been partly cut through for easy adjustment to the height of the legs (3a.1 - 3a.8).

5) A sub-unit (5) providing the furniture concept with further height and capacity and, thereby, extra flexibility, including e.g. a shelf or a drawer (2) to be fitted underneath the corpus (1).

6) A cover plate system (3) consisting of e.g. two side pieces (3a) and a top piece (3b) that all are deaper than the side and top of corpus (1) and thus will ensure that the cover will reach to the wall behind the furniture. Please note that irrespective of the number of corpuses (1) fitted together, only two side cover plates (3a) must be used. This makes the furniture cheaper the more elements are fitted together.

7) A calculation model (3a.6) incl. graphs and instructions for use of the cutting system, hereafter just called the "calculation model". The calculation model (3a.6) converts the room's knee wall height and angle of slope to clear and specific instructions on how to adapt the storage furnitiure (by specification numbers of relevant cutting lines (3a.2) and statement of the leg height (4)) and/or integrate it in the sloping wall. The calculation model (3a.6) is available via graphic instructions on, among others, the side pieces (3a) from where it may be seen where and how the furniture should be adapted.

8) An adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) in form of prepared cutting lines (3a.1) for fitting of the cover plate system (3) and the plinth system (4) that will reduce the risk of mistakes, ease the work and proved a high degree finish. We call the solution an "Adaptation system".

9) The Adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) with cutting lines can be "A Wood-Cut" (3a.8) as we call it, that functions by embedding strings (3a.8.1) in the bottom of the partly cut through panels used as cover plate system (3) and plinth (4). By a slight pull of the ring, embedded in the embedded string (3a.8.2), the panel (3) & (4) is divided into 2 parts along the embedded string which is pulled. The solution requires no tools and the panels (3) & (4) will maintain their strength and stability in the cutting lines (3a.1) that are not activated.

10) Fitting Strips (6) includes at least two and at most four strips that will enable a one hundred percent adaptation of the furniture to the back wall/knee wall no matter whether the solution shall function as furniture or is installed into the knee wall (Build-in).

[0020] The invention's individual intitiatives, but in particular the combination of the initiatives, will ensure the customer a storage furniture characterized by efficient use of space, great flexibility in choice of function (2), simplicity and ease of assembly and fitting, and elegance of the final furniture solution for rooms with knee wall and sloping walls.

Description of the technical effect

[0021] The invention provides industrially manufacturable, flexible storage furniture for placement against a sloping back wall and piece of knee wall, if any. The furniture is placed in the passive part of the room, which is difficult to use, and not as traditional furniture that will have to be placed in the active part where there is headroom for passing by and moving around, see Figure 4. With this placement, the concept succeeds in converting wasted space, where visible mess and dustballs are likely to appear, into practical storage space. The user makes the adaptation himself in connection with his placing of the furniture.By provision of this invention, a furniture and a storage solution have been created that make it cheaper and easier to make rooms with sloping walls livable and their interior design more attractive.

[0022] Utilization of the space against a sloping wall and a perfect fusion of furniture and back wall demand flexibility of the furniture's form. This is obtained in the product by flexible furniture height from leg/plinth system (4), sub-unit (5) and flexible furniture depth by the cover plate system (3). The complete adaptation to the back wall (100 %) is reached by a number of Fitting Strips (6) that will cover a possible, but limited gap between the furniture's side piece (3a) and the back wall. The sloping furniture corpus (1) ensures storage space in the passive space outside the walking area; a functionality not existing in known furniture concepts. See figure 5. And, finally, the calculation model (3a.6) and the Adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) with the specially made cover- (3) and plinth (4) plates will ensure that a any user, who can assemble a traditional "Flat pack" furniture, will also be able to make the necessary adaptation of the storeage furniture and create furniture fitting into his own room - with sloping walls.

[0023] The choice and combination of the furniture solution may follow the steps below - from the user's point of view:

• The concept is based on an asymmetrical corpus (1). The user chooses the number of corpus (1) units that will together provide the storage capacity that he needs. It can be a single piece of furniture or more interconnected. See figure 6.
• Hereafter the user must choose the furniture function (2). Should it be a dresser, a shelving unit or a cupboard with shelves or something quite other? If the user has chosen to interconnect more furniture, these can be combined at random.
• Then the solution must be adapted to the geometry of the room.

[0024] In a room with a quite high knee wall, a sub-unit (5) may contribute to a harmonic solution. Sub-units (5) may also be chosen just to get more storage capacity. See figure 6.

• The user chooses whether he wants visible furniture legs or plinth plates (4).
• In connection with the choice of cover plate system (3), the furniture colour and type of handles are also chosen.

[0025] The concept's primary flexibility lies in the cover plate system (3) and only secondarily in the sub-unit (5) and legs/plinth (4). This means that also after the purchase, it is possible for the customer to play with the furniture expression and vary height and depth. See figure 7.

The technical measures of the furniture concept are as follows:

[0026] By use of furniture legs (4), adjustable in height, and sub-units (5), the height and physical capacity of the furniture can be varied. The furniture concept's cover plate system (3) consists of two side pieces (3a) and a top piece (3b). All three of them are fitted on the outside of corpus (1). The two side pieces (3a) are deeper than corpus (1), thus enabling cutting (3a.1) to adapt to the back wall in question (see figure 8 B). The furniture's top piece (3b) is also broader than the upper area of corpus (1), thus enabling that the furniture to be adapted to the back wall behind corpus (1). The greater depth of the cover plate system (3) ensures that the furniture can be flexibly adapted against a random sloping wall with or without knee wall, and in practice against a back wall going from 0 to 90° like traditional furniture - it is only a question about the depth of the cover plate system (3), see figure 8C.

[0027] The Adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) on the side- and top pieces of the cover plate system (3) and on the plinth system (4) means that the pieces are prepared with cutting lines (3a.1) to ensure easy and precise adaptation to the back wall. On the side piece system (3a) there are both vertical and angled lines (3a.1). The vertical lines may e.g. be at 25 mm distance and will ensure flexibility against a random knee wall height. The angled lines on the side piece are centred on two fixed points (3a.3.1 & 3a.3.2) for either low or high knee walls and low or high roof slopes. For low knee wall and roof slope, the lines are centred on the rear part of corpus' top piece (3a.3.1) and will ensure adaption to back walls between e.g. 55 and 35°, with 2° intervals. For high knee walls and high roof slopes, the lines are centred on the interception between the vertical prolongation of the back edge of corpus' perpendicular back piece and the lowest roof slope line, 35° (3a.3.2)). In this case, these lines will add a flexibility of 35-90° and once again with 2° intervals.The interval between the angled lines (3a.1) must be adapted to the width of the Fitting Strips (6) and the distance between the two longest angled lines (3a.1) on the side piece (3a) as the Fitting strips (6) must be able to eliminate the gap between the angle of the cutting lines (3a.1) and the actual angle of the back wall. For the top piece (3b) and the plinth pieces (4) the distance between each single cutting line (3a.1) may e.g. be 25 mm.

[0028] Each cutting line (3a.1) has a specification number (3a.2) for unambiguous specification when the user is adapting the cover plate system (3) to the knee wall and sloping wall. For example, the vertical cutting lines (3a.1) of the side pieces (3a) can be named with the specification numbers A-Z and the angled cutting lines (3a.1) with the specification numbers 1-15. Finally, the top piece (3b) and the plinth system (4) may e.g. be named with specification numbers in form of Roman numerals from I to V. Alternatively, you may choose to use the furniture depth and the sloping angle of the room as indication at the cutting lines (3a.1).

[0029] The cover plate system's plate area (3a) with cutting lines (3a.1) may be stabilized, if required, with transparent foil on the backside (3a.4), which will provide the plate (3) & (4) with extra stability and strength in spite of the partly cut through cutting lines (3a.1).

[0030] To ensure simple adaptation and fitting, the concept has an Adaptation system with cutting lines (3a.1) called "A Wood-Cut". "A Wood-cut" functions by embedded strings (3a.8.1) in the bottom of the partly cut through plates used for cover plate system (3) and plinth (4). By a slight pull of the "pull-ring" (3a.8.2) fitted to the embedded string (3a.8.1), the plate (3) & (4) will be cut into two parts along the embedded string which is pulled (3a.8.1). The solution requires no tools and the plates (3) & (4) will maintain their strength and stability in the cutting lines (3a.1) that are not activated by use of stabilization foil (3a.4) on the backside and by 1-3 mm contact at the unbroken cutting lines (3a.1).

[0031] Knowing the height of the knee wall (in cm) and the angle (in degrees), the user can use the calculation model (3a.6) on the furniture's homepage or the simple graphic overview in the assembly instructions to find which cutting lines (3a.1) to use and which height the furniture legs must have to give the furniture the perfect fit for the knee- and sloping wall. See figure 9.

[0032] The final adaptation to the sloping wall is reached by the Fitting Strips (6) that may e.g. span between 1-4° when fitting the furniture to the sloping wall and up to e.g. 40 mm on the furniture's top plate (3b). The Fitting Strips (6) is used after the furniture has been placed against the sloping wall. The Fitting Strips (6) ensure complete and perfect fitting to the back wall as the Fitting strips (6) are delivered in the same colour as the cover plate system (3). See figure 10.

[0033] Deviations in the sloping walls of the house from the right to the left side of the furnifure are eliminated by the flexible cover plate system (3) and the final Fitting Strips (6) as these are prepared and fitted indepently of each other. This adds further flexibility to the storage furniture.

[0034] The concept has also been developed with plinth plates (4). As the last step, the user may, therefore, choose to adapt the plinth plates (4) to the furniture's clearance and install them under the furniture. This will finally close of the furniture to the back both at the top and bottom. The technique and processing of the plinth system (4) correspond to the Adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) of the cover plate system (3). It appears from the calculation model (3a.6) where the plinth (4) plate shall be cut. The user can see from this which cutting line (3a.1) to use on the plinth plates (4).

[0035] As a further feature, the furniture has also been prepared for installation in a high knee wall - called "Build-in", see figures 6 and 11. Build-in is relevant both for new buildings and older houses.

[0036] When you choose to build-in the storage furniture, you will no longer need the developed cover plate system (3) which is replaced by the building's own knee wall. Instead is is appropriate to use the developed insulation system (7) that functions as an insulating overcoat for the corpus (1). The insulation will ensure that the furniture solution will not become a thermal bridge. The insulation system (7) will most appropriately be manufacted of an efficiently insulating material with a high damping effect and limited volume.The system consists of a number of pieces, e.g. five pieces (two sides, a bottom, an angled piece and side and back in one piece for the sub-unit, if any) that will enable the customer to choose to interconnect more corpus (1) solutions into one bigger furniture also in case of the Build-in version and still use the insulation system (7). The insulation system (7) is assembled and fixed by simple plastic clamps and double sided tape. See figure 11.

[0037] For perfect finish, use the fitting strips (6) to link corpus and the room's knee wall.

Description of preferred versions

[0038] Below are a list of references and a list of figures with description of the preferred versions of the storage furniture.

List of references

[0039] 

1. Corpus

2. Functional unit

2a. Functional unit - Shelves -> Shelving unit

2b. Functional unit - Drawers -> Dresser

2c. Functional unit - Doors/shelves -> Cupboard 3a. Cover plate system - Side piece left/right

3a.1 Adaptation system - Cutting lines

3a.2 Adaptation system - Specification numbers/cutting lines

3a.3.Adaptation system - 3a.3.1 Fix point low/3a.3.2 Fix point high

3a.4 Adaptation system - Stabilization foil

3a.5 Adaptation system - Easy construction

3a.6 Adaptation system - Calculation model

3a.7 Adaptation system - Furniture exterior

3a.8 Adaptation system - 3a.8.1 A Wood-Cut embedded string in bottom of cutting line / 3a.8.2 Adaptation system - A Wood-Cut pull-ring embedded at end of embedded string

3b. Cover plate system -Top piece

4. Legs, plinth & handles

5. Sub-unit

6. Fitting Strips

7. Insulation system

List of figures

[0040] 

Figure 1. List of drawings 1
The 7 main parts and systems of the furniture concept. See list of references 1-7.

Figure 2. List of drawings 2
Cover plate system with adaptation system. Illustrations of the cover plate system (3a) with adaptation system (3a.1-3a.8), all seen from above - with the exeption, however, of the illustration bottom left showing cross section of the side piece (3a) in the adaptation area. See list of references 3a.1- 3a.8.

Figure 3. Cutting method called A Wood-Cut
The cutting method "A Wood-Cut" consists of embedded strings (3a.8.1) in the cutting lines (3.a.1) that by a slight pull of one of the attached rings (3a.8.2) will break the plate (3) & (4) in two along the embedded string that is pulled

Figure 4. Traditional furniture in rooms with sloping walls
Illustration (cross section) of traditional furniture's lack of applicability in rooms with sloping walls due to, amongst other, the wasted space behind the furniture.

Figure 5. The scope of wasted space illustrated for different installations (sloping wall at angles from 35 to 65° and knee wall height from 35 to 75 cm) compared to the developed furniture concept.

Figure 6. Final furniture concept
Photo illustration of the final furniture variants with examples of flexibility in form of function (2), integration, interconnection and use of sub-unit (5).

Figure 7. Furniture concept with many expressions
Illustration of the furniture concept's many expressions in one and the same installation situation (height of knee wall and angle) qua the cover plate system (3), legs (4) adjustable in height and optional sub-unit (5).

Figure 8. The furniture concept's cover plate system (3).
Illustration of the furniture concept's primary technique for adaptation against a random sloping wall with/without knee wall: Cross section of the furniture concept. Situation A: Corpus (1) placed against the sloping wall. Situation B: Gross cover plate system (3a) before cutting. The dotted line shows the real geometry of corpus (1). Situation C: Side- and top pieces (3) adapted to the back wall.

Figure 9. List of the furniture concept's instructions
Illustration of instructions on how to find information about adaptation of the furniture concept's cover plate system (3) and legs and plinth (4) by use of the Adaptation system (3a.1 - 3a.8) and adjustment of the furniture height. The user will use data about the angle of the sloping back wall and height of knee wall for choice of cutting line (3a.1) in the Adaptation system (3a.6). The guidance is found on the cover plates (3a), in the assembly instructions, on the homepage and app.

Figure 10. Illustration of the use of Fitting Strips (6)
Illustration of the furniture concept's fitting strips (6) and the technology behind, used for the cover plate system's side pieces (3a). Topmost: Graphic illustration of the procedure in four steps from A to D. A: Corpus (1) fitted with adapted side piece (3a), leaving a small space between side piece (3a) and sloping wall. B: Cut off fitting strip (6). C: Fitting strip (6) on side piece (3a). D: As the fitting strip (6) has the same colour as the side piece (3a), it is barely visible. At the bottom: Photo illustration of how to use the Fitting strip (6) - before/after.

Figure 11. Illustration of the insulation system (7) for the Build-in solution Illustration of the furniture concept as Build-in in a high knee wall by use of the insulation system (7). The cover plate system (3) is replaced by the room's own knee wall.

Table 1. The furniture concept's strenghts

[0041] Schematic presentation of the furniture concept's strengths versus extisting furniture.

Table 2. Example of user activities from purchase to assembly.

[0042] Schematic presentation and illustration of procedure for purchase and assembly of the furniture concept as free-standing furniture or Build-in.

[0043] The furniture solution for sloping walls can be realized in various sizes and varying geometry. The below solution is, consequently, only an example and one single variety of the furniture concept with measures, angles and materials as stated. However, just as well as the solution can be a low dresser of 50 cm - the solution can be a high cupboard of 200 cm or more with space for hangers etc. The concept's key contribution is the simple and perfect adaptation to knee wall and sloping wall and utilization of the space hereunder. The example below must, therefore, not be considered as limiting the concept's dimensions and flexibility of height, width, depth and functionality.

[0044] The corpus unit (1) could advantageously have the following dimensions: Height 73 cm, width 77 cm, depth of top piece 22 cm, dept of bottom piece 57 cm, height of the sloping back wall 61 cm and angle 55 degrees. The height of the vertical back piece could be 23 cm.The 2 side pieces, the top piece and the bottom piece could advantageously be made of 15 mm MDF plate, or of a plate in the interval 10-22 mm, while the 2 back pieces could be made of 3,5-5 mm HDF masonite plates or another molded material. The joining between the two back pieces is controlled by a wooden or plastic strip. All joinings in corpus can advantageously be recessed, glued and/or screwed for simple and stable fitting. The inside of the corpus unit (1) is prepared for installation of the functional units (2) by e.g. pre-drilled holes for shelves, doors, drawers etc. The inner surfaces of the corpus unit (1) may advantageously be lacquered 2-3 times while the external surfaces are only lacquered once. The functional units (2) may e.g. consist of a hanger system, a drawer system or a shelving system. The materials of the individual systems may advantageously be made of 15 mm MDF plate, or of a plate in the interval 10-22 mm MDF, lacqured 2 or 3 times.

• The shelving system (2a) may e.g. consist of 2 plates of the dimensions 77x 33 cm and 77x 52 cm.
• The cupboard (2b) may e.g. consist of 2 doors and 1 shelf. The dimensions of each of the 2 doors could typically be 40 x 73 cm. The cupboard doors can be prepared for hinging on corpus. The corresponding shelf could have the dimensions 77x46 cm.
• The dresser (2c) will typically consist of 3 drawer units that could each have a frontpiece of 80 cm width and heights of e.g. 20 cm for the top drawer, 23 cm for the middle drawer and 29 cm for the bottom drawer. The top drawer's frontpiece is rounded at top just as the bottom drawer's frontpiece at the bottom. The bottoms of the 3 drawers are e.g. 71 x25 cm, 71 x38 cm and 71 x48 cm. The back pieces are e.g. 71 x8 cm, 71 x12 cm and 71x18 cm. Each drawer has two side pieces that could e.g. have the following measures 25x8 cm, 38x12 cm and 48x18 cm. Each drawer is installed in corpus with a drawer system by pre-drilled holes in corpus.
• Doors and drawer frontpieces are lacquered in the colours offered by the solution.

[0045] A sub-unit (5) will increase corpus (1) heitght and may contain e.g. a shelf or a drawer (2). The sub-unit (5) increases the capacity of the solution and contributes with a changed furniture expression. The sub-unit (5) has the same width and dimensions in general as corpus (1), but may be of different heights, e.g. 30 cm. The sub-unit (5) may function as an open bookcase, a shelf with piano-hinged door or an extra drawer (2).

[0046] The leg/plinth system (4) of the furniture concept consists of a number of legs and a number of plinth plates to be fitted underneath corpus or corpus (1) with sub-unit (5). The used legs (4) may advantageously either be adjustable in height at inervals between 3 to 30 cm (infinite) or chosen to be adjustable at a number of heights such as e.g. 3, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 cm. The furniture legs can be of metal, wood, plastic, composite or other materials. The plinth plates are like the cover plate system (3) prepared for the enduser's adaptation to the chosen leg height. The plinth plates (4) can e.g. be fitted on the outside of the furniture legs with a simple fitting.

[0047] The cover plate system (3) consists of at least one top piece (3b) and two side pieces (3a) to be fitted on the outside of the corpus unit (1) of corpus with sub-unit (5). The cover plate system (3) wraps up corpus (1) and ensures fitting to the back wall. The materials can advantageously be 15 mm or maybe 10-22 mm and, when it comes to weight, a light material with a beautiful finish, fullness and medium strenght. The strength is primarily in corpus (1) and secondarily in the cover plate system (3), so light materials will not deteriorate the quality of the furniture. An alternative could be a MDF plate. The cover plates (3) are lacquered 2-3 times in any of the colours that the solution offers the enduser. The "back" of the cover plate system (3) is lacquered 1 time. The side pieces of the cover plate system (3a) are of the same furniture height as corpus or corpus (1) incl. sub-unit (5) and a depth that as minimum corresponds to the depth of corpus (1). The depth of the side piece (3a) decides how low roof angles and knee wall heights the furniture will fit to - given the leg height. The depth of the side piece (3a) can e.g. be chosen as 97 cm and with a knee wall height of minimum 23 cm at the furtherst position.

[0048] The top piece (3b) in the presented example will be 80 cm wide and 57 cm deep. The depth of 57 cm will ensure that the furniture solution may be configured to sloping walls from 35 degrees and up to common vertical walls of 90 degrees.

[0049] The cutting lines (3a.1) may be with "A Wood-Cut" technology (3a.8) which means that a string will be embedded all through the partly cut through cutting line (3a.8.1). The diameter of the string will be from 0,1 to 4,0 mm, but typically 1,0 mm. The string is equipped with a ring at one end (3a.8.2) and when you pull this, the string is released and the plate cut (3) & (4) in two along the released string (3a.8.1).

[0050] If the customer has a high knee wall, he can choose to install the concept into the knee wall as Build-in, then the concept will not take up space in the room. In this case an insulation system (7) is used, which has the shape of corpus (1), and replaces the cover plate system (3). The insulation system (7) consists of a number of units, e.g. 5 that ensure easy assembly and enable interconnection of several corpus (1) units. The insulation system (7) may consist of several kinds of insulating material, e.g. rock wool, glass wool, EPS etc. The primary purpose is to ensure efficient wrapping of the furniture corpus (7) that may be exposed to cold from attic and outher roof. To reduce volume, you may use vacuum built insulation as back piece of the insulation. The insulation pieces must embrace corpus (7) (except the front facing the room where the functional units (2) are placed) and can e.g. be fitted together with plastic clamps and double sided tape.

[0051] The Fitting Strips (6) consists of minimum 2 and maximum 4 strips that can be L-shaped (with e.g. a rounding of r = 5 mm).

[0052] When the furniture concept functions as traditional frestanding furniture, the adaptation strip (6) is fitted to the exterior of the side piece of the cover plate system (3) against the part adjoining the sloping back wall and knee wall. The material of the Fitting strip (6) may be wood, plastic or metal as long as it can be cut with an ordinary knife or scissors: The thickness of the material must be limited to e.g. 0.4 mm to ensure smooth transition from side piece to fitting strip (6). The length of the strips (6) must be adjusted to the maximum length of the side piece (3a), which may be e.g. 100 cm, so that the possible space between the side piece and sloping wall is covered by the Fitting Strips (6), irrespective of roof slope and height of knee wall. The width of the Fitting strip (6) must correspond to the maximum gap between two cutting lines (3a.1) in the furtherst position on the side piece of the cover plate system (3a). If the intervals between cutting lines (3a.1) are 2°, a width of 40 mm will cover the maximum gap of 35 mm at a maximum length of 100 cm. If you use an L-shaped strip (6), the width of the other angled surface of the Fitting Strips (6) can e.g. be 15 mm, which will ensure a nice finish towards the back wall. The L-shaped strip (6) may have a soft and rounded shape between the two angled (90°) surfaces (r = 5 mm). On the inside of the broadest angled surface there will be a quite thin but efficient glue or double sided tape that will enable you to fit the Fitting Strips (6) to the side- and top pieces of the cover plate system (3). The Fitting Strips (6) can function e.g. to eliminate a gap of up to 2° = 40 mm. The Fitting Strips (6) is available in the same colours as the cover plate system (3).

[0053] To install the furniture concept in the knee wall, you will use the same Fitting Strips (6) and in the same dimensions. The Fitting Strips (6) is then fitted on the gaps (the 4 front edges) between corpus (1) and the knee wall so that the short exterior angled surface (in case of an L-shaped strip (6)) will meet corpus (1), while the inside of the broad angled surface will meet the knee wall. The fitting can e.g. be with glue or double sided tape.

Claims

1. ^st claim. Storage furniture for use in buildings and rooms with sloping walls that consist of at least one corpus unit (1), one functional unit (2) and one leg/plinth system (4) and are prepared for assembly and final adaptation to the sloping wall;

- A corpus unit (1) consists of an asymmetrical box meant to receive the furniture's functional units consisting of at least six pieces incl. a top piece, a back piece, a sloping piece connecting the top- and back pieces, a bottom piece connected to the back piece, and two side pieces each connected to top-, sloping-, back- and bottom piece.

- A number of alternative functional units (2) incl. e.g. doors, shelves and drawers for installation in the corpus unit.

- A leg/plinth system (4) incl. a number of furniture legs of either fixed or variable height and/or a number of plinth plates to be fitted to the bottom of the corpus unit (1)

Characterized by the furniture also comprising

- A cover plate system (3) with at least one top piece (3b) and two side pieces (3a) to be fitted on the outside of the mentioned asymmetrical corpus unit (1).

- The cover plate system (3) has a number of prepared cutting lines (3a.1) to be used for adaptation of the cover plate system (3) to the sloping wall, and it also has the calculation model (3a.6) for choice of cutting lines (3a.1) depending on the room's knee wall height and angle of sloping wall.

2. ^nd claim. Storage furniture according to the 1^st claim,
Characterized by the mentioned cover plate system (3) enabling adaptation and maintained finish of the furniture against the sloping wall of the room and including at least two or more units;

- one top piece (3b), width and length of which is bigger than the width and length, respectively, of the top of the corpus unit (1) and two side pieces (3a), depth and height of which are bigger than the depth and height, respectively, of the side of the corpus unit (1).

3. ^rd Claim. Storage furniture according to 1^st and 2^nd claim,
characterized by the cover plate system (3) also containing a set of Fitting Strips (6) for exterior fitting on the cover plate system's top- and side pieces (3).

4. ^th claim. Storage furniture according to 3^rd claim,
Characterized by the fact that the mentioned set of Fitting Strips (6), consisting of at least 2 strips, can be fitted by gluing or similar to the cover plate system's (3) exterior part of the side piece (3a.7), along the side meeting the sloping wall. The mentioned Fitting Strips (6) can be L-shaped for the purpose that one leg is fitted to the exterior of a side piece (3a.7), and the other leg is fitted to the surface that is perpendicular to the first leg, bearing completely or partly against the sloping room wall and partly turning inward over or against the end portion of the mentioned side piece.

5. ^th claim. Storage furniture according to any one of the 1^st and 2^nd claims,
characterized by further consisting of a sub-unit (5) to corpus (1), containing e.g. a shelf or a drawer that can be installed between the bottom of the corpus unit (1) and the mentioned leg/plinth system (4).

6. ^th claim. Storage furniture according to any one of the 1^st-5^th claims,
characterized by further consisting of an insulation system (7), e.g. of 5 parts that can be fitted outside the corpus unit (1), for use in connection with installation of corpus in knee wall as Build-in.

7. ^th claim. Procedure for making storage furniture as mentioned in any one of the claims 1-6, where the adaptation of the cover plate system's side- and top pieces (3) and the plinth system (4) is made by measuring, calculation and adaptation of the furniture, consists of the following steps:

• height of knee wall and angle of sloping wall must be measured on site where the furniture will be placed;

• the two measures must be put into the calculation model (3a.6) that will show the alternative solutions that will fit the geometry of the room;

• choose solution according to the storage capacity and furniture function requested (3);

• order the solution;

• receipt of ordered furniture;

• the (or those) ordered corpus (1) is assembled;

• based on height of knee wall and angle of sloping wall, the calculation model (3a.6) is used and the cutting lines (3a.1) on side- and top of cover plate system (3) that will ensure that the furniture will fit the back wall, will appear;

• height of legs and plinth (4) is found by the calculation model (3a.6):

• adaptation of the cover plate system (3) and the leg/plinth system (4) is undertaken;

• both systems (3) & (4) are fitted on corpus (1);

• the storage furniture is placed where it should be and the height of the furniture is readjusted optionally by the flexible legs (4);

• the furniture may be anchored to the back wall, if wanted;

• the functional units (2) in form of shelves, doors or drawers are installed in corpus (1);

• optionally, the fitting strips (6) are fitted for 100 % finish of the completed and ready for use storage furniture.

8. ^th claim. Procedure for making storage furniture as mentioned in any one of the claims from 1-6, for installation in a knee wall, consists of the following steps

• height of knee wall and angle of sloping wall must be measured on site where the furniture will be placed;

• the two measures must be put into the calculation model (3a.6) that will show the alternative solutions that will fit the geometry of the room;

• order the solution;

• receipt of ordered furniture;

• open up to the space behind the knee wall where the furniture will be installed;

• the (or those) ordered corpus (1) is assempled;

• recommended furniture height is found by the calculation model (3a.6) and furniture legs (4) are adjusted;

• furniture legs (4) are fitted on corpus (1);

• the insulation system (7) is assembled and fitted on corpus (1) (top-, bottom-, side- and back pieces);

• the storage furniture is placed where it should be;

• optionally, the furniture is anchored to the back wall/floor;

• the functional units (2) in form of shelves, doors and/or drawers are installed in corpus;

• optionally, the fitting strips (6) are fitted for 100 % finish of the completed and ready for use Build-in storage.

9. ^th claim. Procedure, according to 7^th claim, where adaptation of the storage furniture is made according to further steps

- based on the calculation model (3a.6), which based on random knee wall heights and angles of sloping walls, is showing whether a sub-unit (5) is needed and how the cover plate system (3) and plinth plates (4) of the furniture must be cut for optimal solution,

- the smallest of three sets of cutting lines (3a.1) on that side of the pieces which in the use situation will be turned in towards the corpus unit (1) of which - a first set of cutting lines are placed parallel and at the same distance from one another in relation to the back edge of the side piece that in the use situation will be parallel with the front of the corpus unit's (1) side piece (3a), while - another set of cutting lines (3a.1) will create a fan with fix point or joining (3a.3.1) centered around the furtherest top of the corpus (1) top's back edge and where the angle between each of these cutting lines (3a.1) are the same, stretching away from the fix point (3a.3.1) out towards the edges of the side piece, turning away from the edge that in the use situation will be parallel with the front of the corpus unit's (1) side piece, where a third set of cutting lines (3a.1) creates a fan with fix point or joining (3a.3.2) centrered on the intersection between the vertical line in prolongation of the vertical back edge of corpus (1) and the lowest roof slope line- of the second set of cutting lines and where the angle between each of these cutting lines are the same, stretching away from the fix point (3a.3.2) and up towards the top edge of the side piece (3a) in the use situation and thus perpendicular to the front of the corpus unit's (1) side piece (3a),

- where the distance between the first set of cutting lines (3a.1) is in intervals between 5 and 100 mm, preferably between 10 and 50 mm, most preferred 25 mm, and the angular distance between each of the lines in the second and third set of cutting lines (3a.1) is in intervals between 0 and 25°, preferably between 0 and 5°, most preferred 2,5° (3a.1),

- where the cutting lines in the cover plate system (3) are partly cut through the cover plate system (3a) so that the plates can be easily and simply adjusted by the user himself either by use of an ordinary kitchen/hobby knife or by use of the included wedges, if any, that by use of an ordinary hammer will break the line easily (3a.1), and

- the cutting lines (3a.1) may be constructed with en embedded, through-running string or line (3a.8.1) in the bottom of the partly cut through cutting line (3a.1) with a diameter from 0,1 to 4,0 mm, but typically 1,0 mm. The cutting string (3a.8.1) is placed immediately under the lacquer on the visible side of the cover plate (3) and/or plinth (4). At the end of each cutting string, a pull-ring is fitted (3a.8.2). When you pull the ring, the embedded string (3a.8.1) is released and the plate (3) & (4) divides into two along the released string (3a.8.1), and

- where a foil-like film (3a.4) is fitted to the back of the cover plate system (3), stabilizing the part of the cover plate system (3a) where the cutting lines (3a.1) may have weakned the strength of the plate; including written instructions and graphic guidance on the procedure for adaptation of the furniture (3a.6) with clear numbers (3a.2) for all cutting lines (3a.1).

Drawing