CN102781282B - Strengthen the honeycomb structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A reinforced cellular structure for forming an article of furniture comprising one or more cellular structures (020) adapted to receive at least one structural support (100), wherein the at least one structural support (100) is mounted within the one or more cellular structures, thereby improving the rigidity and/or load bearing capacity of the cellular structure.

Description

Strengthen the honeycomb structure

technical field

The present invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a building material that reinforces a honeycomb structure; furniture that includes a honeycomb structure; a method of reinforcing a honeycomb structure; a structural support that reinforces a honeycomb structure; and a honeycomb structure modified to receive a structural support for omni-directional rigidity and/or improved load-carrying capacity.

Background technique

Honeycomb structures such as honeycombs can be made by bonding together strips of material such as paper, wood, metal, or plastic in regularly spaced rows and in such a way that the strips are interleaved, wherein the The distance between them defines the cell size. This produces an unexpanded honeycomb mat. This mat can then be cut lengthwise into smaller sections before being mechanically expanded in a direction perpendicular to the face of the strip of material. The honeycomb structure has maximum strength and rigidity in the direction along the length of the bonded strips and is substantially flexible in the direction perpendicular to it.

There are many uses for honeycomb structures, but one common use is as a core substrate for panels; due to their good strength-to-weight ratio, these panels are widely used in different industries as solid or Alternative to laminate. The panel can be manufactured by bonding an expanded honeycomb structure between two sheets to form a rigid panel; this can present a number of limitations with respect to fabrication and construction.

Typically, honeycomb panels are manufactured in standard and limited sizes when one or more of the honeycomb panels are joined to construct larger panels. This creates a weak point in the panel. To overcome this problem, the process of joining the panels often requires the use of additional parts to cover the joints, making the joints more pronounced than necessary.

The manufacture of curved honeycomb panels requires tooling, which is expensive, and moreover, the method of construction is often complex and inefficient. The process of manufacturing preformed honeycomb panels requires high precision and accuracy, since changing or modifying their shape later is often difficult, if not impossible.

Contents of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or alleviate the aforementioned problems of the prior art. There is a need to provide a means of achieving substantially omnidirectional rigidity in a honeycomb structure by incorporating a structural support system mountable within the honeycomb structure; the honeycomb structure being adapted to accommodate one or more of these structural members. These structural members extend transversely through the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the face of the strip of material and may optionally be held in place with constituent members connecting the honeycomb structure to the structural members.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a structural support system that can be used as a permanent substructure of honeycomb panels that can be laminated with sheets, for example to further improve strength and rigidity or to add impermeable members to Protect the honeycomb structure or improve its appearance. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an item of furniture consisting of the honeycomb structure disclosed herein.

Items of furniture as used herein include movable items such as, but not limited to: chairs, tables, benches, desks, bookshelves, wine racks, cabinets, cupboards, stools, beds, or items that are usually fixed to, for example, a wall, such as shelves.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of furniture comprising a reinforced cellular structure comprising one or more cellular structures and a load-bearing support adapted to receive the load-bearing support therein such that when When installed, the honeycomb structure is maintained in an at least partially expanded condition and supports external loads applied thereto.

These items of furniture have the advantage of being extremely compact when in the disassembled state, another advantage is that they are easy to assemble and disassemble.

Preferably, the honeycomb structure is formed from strips of wood such as birch. Preferably, the wood has a thickness in the range of 0.4mm to 1.5mm. Preferably, the wood has a thickness of 0.8 mm. Preferably, the honeycomb structure is formed from a strip of material, the strip having a non-uniform shape.

Preferably, the honeycomb structure is formed from strips of material and the strips have at least one non-linear edge. Preferably, the honeycomb structure is non-planar. Preferably, the honeycomb structure is formed from cardboard. Preferably, the load bearing support is formed from stainless steel. Preferably, the item of furniture further comprises coupling means for coupling the load-bearing support to the honeycomb structure.

Preferably, the load bearing support comprises one or more elements and the item of furniture further comprises one or more means for connecting a first of said one or more elements to a second of said one or more elements. Multiple connection mechanisms.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for forming an article of furniture comprising at least one unexpanded honeycomb structure, at least one load bearing support element and means for coupling the at least one honeycomb structure to the at least one load bearing support at least one coupling mechanism.

Preferably, the kit of parts further comprises at least one connection mechanism for connecting a first one of said load bearing support elements to a second one of said load bearing support elements.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a reinforced cellular structure comprising one or more cellular structures adapted to receive at least one structural support, wherein at least one structural support is mounted to said one or more cellular structures Inside, thereby improving the rigidity and/or load-bearing capacity of the honeycomb structure.

Preferably, the structural support is removable from the honeycomb structure. Preferably, the structural support is reusable. Preferably, the honeycomb structure is a honeycomb with hexagonal cells. Preferably, the structural support is formed from a rigid material. Preferably, the reinforced cellular structure includes an interconnection mechanism for coupling two or more structural supports together.

Preferably, the reinforced cell structure includes coupling means for coupling the one or more structural supports to the one or more cell structures. Preferably, the reinforced honeycomb structure includes termination means for terminating ends of the structural support. Preferably at least one structural support is extendable. More preferably, the structural support is telescopic. Preferably, the structural support is fixable in an external or retracted position. Preferably, the reinforcing honeycomb structure is laminated with at least one sheet. Preferably, the structural supports pass through holes in opposing walls or cells forming the honeycomb structure.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a panel comprising a reinforced honeycomb structure comprising the steps of: providing a honeycomb structure comprising cells and having holes in opposing walls of said cells; by making the structure The support passes through the holes to insert the structural support within the honeycomb structure.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing the honeycomb structure to the structural support. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of laminating the honeycomb structure with the sheet. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of securing the second reinforcing cell structure to the first cell structure by an interconnection mechanism coupling the structural support in the first cell structure to the structural support in the second cell structure.

Preferably, the method further comprises: placing a first portion of the securing member within the endmost cell, passing a second portion of the securing member through an outer wall of said endmost cell; and securing said outer wall between the first part and the second part.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of joining the securing member to the structural support. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of removing structural supports or fixing members to modify the honeycomb structure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a structural support system comprising at least one structural member connectable to a honeycomb structure and/or to another structural member via a connection assembly, thereby securing the honeycomb structure in an expanded state or Partially expands the state and provides structural integrity to the cellular structure.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a honeycomb substructure system comprising a structural support system mountable within a honeycomb structure adapted to accommodate said system in order to achieve substantially omnidirectionally rigid to carry loads in excess of normal conditions; and the structural support system is also unloadable from the honeycomb structure to the contrary.

Preferably, the modified honeycomb structure comprises one or more through holes drilled transversely through said honeycomb structure perpendicular to the faces of the honeycomb strips.

Preferably, said structural support system comprises at least one structural member comprising a substantially rigid and elongated object having a cross-sectional size and shape corresponding to that of said through-hole and each One has axial connection means.

Description of drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1a shows a perspective view of an unexpanded honeycomb structure known in the art.

Figure 1b shows a perspective view of an expanded honeycomb structure known in the art.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of an unexpanded honeycomb structure according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the expanded honeycomb structure of Figure 2a in an expanded state.

Figure 3 shows an exploded perspective view of a substructure system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 .

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a honeycomb structure fitted with a substructure system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a honeycomb structure fitted with a substructure system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the connection assembly between the distal end of the structural member and the honeycomb structure.

Figure 8 shows an exploded perspective view of the connection assembly between the distal ends of the two structural members and the two honeycomb structures.

Figure 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the connection assembly between the distal ends of two structural members.

Figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a connection assembly between the distal ends of two structural members and two honeycomb structures according to an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 12 .

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a substructure system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a honeycomb structure fitted with a substructure system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14 shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 13;

Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 13 taken along line SS';

Figure 16 shows an end view of the embodiment of Figure 13;

FIG. 17 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 .

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of a substructure system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a substructure system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a honeycomb structure fitted with the substructure system of the embodiment of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 .

Figure 22 shows a perspective view comprising a substructure system according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

Figure 23 shows a perspective view of a substructure system according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 shows a perspective view of a honeycomb structure fitted with the substructure system of the embodiment of Figure 23 .

FIG. 25 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 26 .

Fig. 26 shows a perspective view of a substructure system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 shows a perspective view of a substructure system according to an eighth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a honeycomb structure fitted with the substructure system of the embodiment of FIG. 27 .

Figure 29 shows a perspective view of an assembled furniture item including a reinforcing honeycomb structure.

Fig. 30 shows a perspective view of the article of furniture of Fig. 29 in a disassembled state.

Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of the article of furniture of Fig. 29 in an assembled state.

Fig. 32 shows a perspective view of an article of furniture according to an alternative embodiment in an assembled state.

Fig. 33 shows a perspective view of the article of furniture of Fig. 32 in use.

Fig. 34 shows a perspective view of an article of furniture according to an alternative embodiment in an assembled state.

Fig. 35 shows a perspective view of another optional item of furniture including a reinforcing honeycomb structure.

Detailed ways

Figure Ia shows a prior art known honeycomb structure 010 in an unexpanded form and Figure Ib shows the honeycomb structure 010 of Figure Ia in an expanded state. Fig. 2a shows a honeycomb structure 020 according to a first embodiment of the present invention; wherein the honeycomb structure 020 is in an unexpanded state. Holes 021 are provided in the honeycomb structure 020 ; these holes are provided in the strip of material forming the honeycomb structure 020 and form through-holes 021 . Figure 2b shows the honeycomb structure 020 in an expanded state. It is contemplated that the holes 021 are formed in the honeycomb structure in the unexpanded state, but it is also contemplated that in alternative embodiments the holes 021 will be provided in the strip of material prior to assembly of the unexpanded honeycomb structure 020 . In a preferred embodiment, the through holes 021 are axially aligned with an imaginary line passing through the center of the row of cells. Through holes 021 may be of any size and shape and will be adapted to accommodate the cross-sectional size and shape of a reinforcement member such as structural member 100 shown in FIG. 3 . Preferably, the through-holes 021 are sized such that they are substantially smaller than the height of the strips of material forming the honeycomb structure 020; this ensures that the honeycomb structure 020 maintains sufficient structural integrity around the through-holes 021. Moreover, it is envisaged that the cross-sectional dimension of the through-holes 021 is also equal to or smaller than the cell wall width of the honeycomb structure 020; this ensures that the cross-sectional shape of the through-holes 021 is not distorted when the honeycomb structure 020 expands.

Preferably, the number of through holes 021 provided will correspond to the number of structural members 100 to be inserted. Preferably, two, three or more through holes 021 are provided in order to achieve the required structural stability and strength. Preferably, when more than two through holes 021 are provided, the through holes 021 will be equidistant from each other.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a substructure system incorporated into a honeycomb structure 020 . FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 5 showing a honeycomb structure 020 within which the substructure system of FIG. 3 is installed. A pair of structural members 100 extending through the through hole 021 is shown in FIG. 4 . The honeycomb structure 020 is in an expanded state or condition, and the length of the expanded honeycomb structure 020 is equal to the length of the structural member 100 . It should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention, the honeycomb structure need not expand to its entirety, but may only partially expand. Each structural member 100 comprises a substantially rigid and elongated element such as a tube or rod. The structural member 100 comprises a female connection section 101 which is axially recessed at each end thereof. In a preferred embodiment it is contemplated that the recessed portion comprises threads on the inner bore of the recessed portion to engage with a complementary threaded rod or bolt. The size of the through hole 021 is such that it makes adjacent contact with the joined structural member 100 . The end bars 022 of the honeycomb structure 020 are connected to the distal end of the structural member 100 by the end connection assembly 1 . The end connection assembly 1 comprises an end connector member 200 , a disc member 400 and an optional support member 600 .

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the end connection assembly 1 . The end connection assembly 1 comprises an end connector member 200 fastened to the distal end of the structural member 100 . The disc member 400 is coupled to the end connector 200; the support member 600 and preferably the end strip 022 of the honeycomb structure 020 are secured between them. The end connector member 200 is formed from a substantially rigid material arranged as a rod or tube, the cross-sectional size and shape of which corresponds to that of the structural member 100 . The end connector member 200 includes at its first end a male connection section 201 that is substantially equal to the structural member 100 inner diameter. The end connector member 200 also includes a disc section 202 at a second end opposite said first end. The puck member 202 extends radially outward from the end connector member 200 . The male connection section 201 is complementary to the female connection section 101 of the structural member 100 such that they are fastened together using fastening means such as, but not limited to, mechanical tapping. Alternatively, the male and female sections may each comprise holes or through holes arranged in alignment with each other through which fastening means may be placed to prevent separation of the structural member from the end connecting member. Such fastening means may for example comprise lynch pins, cotter pins, hair clips, cotter pins or R-pins. In the preferred embodiment, the structural member 100 comprises a circular cross-section, but in alternative embodiments, the structural member may have alternative cross-sectional shapes, it being also understood that the end connector 200 will be adapted to have a shape corresponding to that of the structural member 100. cross-sectional shape.

The puck member 400 is formed from a substantially rigid material and corresponds to the overall size and shape of the puck section 202 of the end connector member 200 . The disc member 400 includes a bore 401 and forms an O-ring. Aperture 401 is adapted to receive and optionally mechanically engage end connector member 200 . The disc member 400 is axially aligned with the through hole 021 . The inner surfaces of the end bars 022 of the honeycomb structure 020 are joined by the disc members 400 and the outer surfaces of the end bars 022 are joined by the end connector members 200 . Aperture 401 engages end connector member 200, such as, but not limited to, magnetic attachment or mechanical attachment, such as threads. In an alternative embodiment, the puck member 400 is adapted to engage the male connection section 101 . It is contemplated that in an alternative embodiment, the puck member 400 could be replaced by a circlip receivable in a circumferential groove formed in the end connector member 200 .

The support member 600 formed of a substantially rigid material is preferably formed as a flat plate and includes holes 601 of a size and arrangement corresponding to the through-holes 021 of the honeycomb structure 020 . The hole 601 is axially aligned with the through hole 021 . The end strips 022 of the honeycomb structure 020 and the support member 600 are fastened in place respectively between the disc section 202 of the end connector member 200 and the mating surface of the disc member 400 .

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a substructure system for incorporation into a honeycomb structure 020 . In this embodiment, the third structural member 100 is mounted equidistant between the first structural member and the second structural member 100 .

FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of FIG. 12 showing a third embodiment of the substructure system incorporated into the honeycomb structure 020 . Figure 13 shows a honeycomb structure 020 in which a third embodiment of the substructure system is installed. Figures 14-16 show a plan view, a cross-sectional view taken through line SS' and an end view, respectively, of the embodiment of Figure 13 . The third embodiment includes a second structural member 110 connected at one distal end to the structural member 100 of the previous embodiment. The second structural members 110 are each coupled at one end to the end of the structural member 100 by the middle connection assembly 2 and terminated at the other end by the end connection assembly 1 . Preferably, the honeycomb structure 020 is joined to the second structural member 110 via a middle connection assembly 2 at one end and more preferably an end connection assembly 1 at the other end. The second structural member 110 is similar to the structural member 100 as previously described; the second structural member 110 is provided with an arcuate section substantially at one end thereof, and preferably said arcuate section provides a substantially 90° angle with a certain radius of curvature. curved, but other angles and other shapes and configurations are also contemplated. A central connection assembly 2 comprising a central connection member 300 , a disc member 400 and a support member 600 is provided to couple the structural member 100 to the structural member 110 .

FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of the central connection assembly 2 . The central connection assembly 2 includes a central connector member 300 that can be axially secured between the distal ends of a pair of structural members 100 , or an optional structural member such as the second structural member 110 , or any combination thereof. The disc member 400 is coupled to the central connector member 300, the optional support member 600 and preferably the end strips 022 of the two honeycomb structures 020 are secured between them. The central connector member 300 is formed from a substantially rigid material and may be arranged as a rod or tube having a cross-sectional size and shape corresponding to that of the structural member 100 . The central connector member 300 comprises a male connection section 301 at both ends and a disc section 302 between them; the disc section 302 extends radially outward from the imaginary axis. The middle connector member 300 is axially aligned with the through hole 021 and passes through the end strip 022 of the honeycomb structure 020 . The disc segment 302 engages the inner face of the end strip 022 of the first honeycomb structure 022 . The disc member 400 is axially aligned with the through hole 021 and engages with the inner surface of the end strip 022 of the second honeycomb structure 020 . The male connection section 301 is complementary to the female connection section 101 of the structural member 100 or an alternative structural member of similar nature such that they are fastened together to fastening means such as but not limited to mechanical tapping. The puck member 400 is engaged by the middle connector member 300 when the hole 401 receives the end of the connector member 300 . Preferably, the puck member is magnetically attached to the central connector member 300 . The end strips 022 and the support member 600 of each of the two cells 020 are continuously secured in place when assembled between the disc section 302 of the middle connector member 300 and the mating surface of the disc member 400 .

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the central connection assembly 2 according to an alternative embodiment. The central connection assembly 2 includes a central connector member 700 that can be axially secured between the distal ends of a pair of structural members 100 , or an optional structural member such as the second structural member 110 , or any combination thereof. The disc member 400 is coupled to each side of the middle connector member 700; between corresponding ones of the coupled structural members 100 . The central connector member 700 is formed from a substantially rigid material such as stainless steel and may be arranged as a rod or tube having a cross-sectional size and shape corresponding to that of the structural member 100 . The central connector member 700 comprises a male connection section 701 at both ends and a disc section 702 between them; the disc section 702 extends radially outward from the imaginary axis. The middle connector member 700 is axially aligned with the through hole 021 and passes through the end strip 022 of the honeycomb structure 020 . The disc segment 702 engages the face of the end strip 022 of the first honeycomb structure 022 . Each disc member 400 is axially aligned with the through hole 021 and engages with the inner surface of the end strip 022 of the second honeycomb structure 020 . The male connection section 701 is complementary to the female connection section 101 of the structural member 100 or an alternative structural member of similar nature such that they can be used for fastening means such as, but not limited to, mechanical tapping, but may also be a push fit ) while fastening together. The puck member 400 is engaged by the middle connector member 700 when the hole 401 receives the end of the connector member 700 . Preferably, the puck member 400 is magnetically attached to the central connector member 700 . The end strips 022 of each of the two cells 020 and the support member 600 are continuously secured in place when assembled between the disc section 702 of the middle connector member 700 and the mating surface of the disc member 400 .

FIG. 17 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 showing a fourth embodiment of a substructure system incorporated into a honeycomb structure 020 . Figure 19 shows a fifth embodiment of the substructure system. Figure 20 shows a honeycomb structure 020 in which a fifth embodiment of the substructure system is installed. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that the structural member 100 and the second structural member 110 are replaced by a first modular structural member 120 and a second modular structural member 122 . The modular structural member 120 and/or the second modular structural member 122 are coupled to each other by the interconnection assembly 3 . Both honeycomb structures 020 are coupled to the modular structural members 120 at one end by the middle connection assembly 2 and at the other end by the end connection assembly 1 . Modular structural member 120 is similar to structural member 100 and modular structural member 122 is similar to structural member 110 as described above; this allows the substructural system to be reconfigured by rearranging the constituent components. The fifth embodiment shows an example of such reconfiguration.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the interconnection assembly 3 . The interconnection assembly 3 is shown coupled between the distal ends of two structural members 100, but it is contemplated that it could be coupled between a second structural member 110 or a modular structural member 120 or members of a similar nature or any combination thereof . The interconnection assembly includes an interconnection member 500 formed of a substantially rigid material and may be arranged as a rod, or tube, having a cross-sectional size and shape corresponding to the cross-sectional size and shape of the structural member 100 to which it is coupled. The interconnector member 500 includes male connection sections 501 extending axially at both ends and therefrom. The male connection section 501 is complementary to the female connection section 101 of the corresponding structural component 100 . The interconnector members 500 are axially aligned between the modular structural members 120 and may be engaged therewith using fastening means such as, but not limited to, mechanical tapping.

FIG. 21 shows a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 , which shows a sixth embodiment of a substructure system incorporated into a honeycomb structure 020 . Figure 23 shows a sixth embodiment of a substructure system with telescoping sections in an extended state. Figure 24 shows a honeycomb structure 020 fitted with a sixth embodiment of the substructure system. The sixth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that each of the aforementioned second structural members 110 is replaced by a telescoping structural member 130 . The honeycomb structure 020 is coupled to the telescoping structural member 130 at one end by the middle connection assembly 2 and at the other end by the end connection assembly 1 . The honeycomb structure 020 can also be further expanded after being engaged with the corresponding connection assembly 1 , 2 so that its length can be increased by the extension of the extended telescoping structural member 130 . Alternatively, the telescoping structural member 130 may be extended prior to its engagement and/or insertion within the honeycomb structure 020 . The telescoping structural member 130 is similar in construction to the structural member 100 previously described; it may have any axial length and shape that provides telescoping properties, allowing length to be changed by extension and contraction 132 of one or more telescoping sections. The telescoping sections can then be secured in the desired extended or retracted state, such as, but not limited to, a twist lock mechanism integrated into the telescoping structural member 130, alternatively, mechanical threading can be used. The sixth embodiment shows an example of using a telescopic structural member 130 in which the telescopic structural member 130 is extended.

FIG. 25 shows a partially exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 26 , which shows a seventh embodiment of a substructure system incorporated into a honeycomb structure 020 . Figure 27 shows an eighth embodiment of the substructure system. Figure 28 shows a honeycomb structure 020 in which an eighth embodiment of the substructure system is installed. The seventh embodiment includes a shaped structural member 140 . The honeycomb structure 020 is coupled at both ends to the shaped structural member 140 by the central connection assembly 2 . The length of the honeycomb structure 020 matches the length of the preformed shaped structural member 140 when expanded. Shaped structural member 140 is similar to structural member 100 as described above; it may be of any length and may be formed into any desired shape which may be fixed to preferably permanently form a rigid structural support. The shaped structural member 140 may be bent using a tool or machine to preform into a desired shape. Should the desired shape be maintained, it is contemplated that the shaped structural member 140 is formed from a material that provides strength and rigidity to withstand loads. The eighth embodiment shows a shaped structural member 140 formed into an optional shape.

FIG. 29 shows a reclining chair 6 and a footstool 7 . The recliner 6 includes a pair of support members 160 coupled to each other at both ends by support members 600 fixedly attached to the support members 160 by end connectors 200 . The honeycomb structure 020 is threaded onto each of the support members 160 before the ends are coupled together. The cell structure is expanded by pulling the opposite ends of the cell structure 020 in opposite directions as indicated by directional arrows D3, D4. The honeycomb structure 020 is coupled to the support member 160 by the disc member 400 and the end connectors 200 . The footrest 7 is assembled in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the recliner 160 . The footstool 7 includes support members 170, each of which is shaped so that its opposite ends face each other so that the support members 170 are coupled by the middle connector assembly 2 or 4 (in the illustrated embodiment, using the middle connector assembly 4), the supporting members are all formed as rings. The honeycomb structure 020 is threaded before connecting the ends of the support structure together and stretched again on the support member 170 by pulling the opposite ends in the opposite direction; the ends of the honeycomb structure are held in place by the middle connector assembly 4 .

Turning now to Figure 30, the recliner 6 and ottoman 7 are shown in a disassembled state for transport; it will be appreciated that this provides compact packaging for shipping. Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the recliner 6 and footstool 7 in an assembled state, wherein the honeycomb structure 020 has been expanded about the structural support.

Figure 32 shows an alternative chair, a dining chair 162, which is constructed substantially the same as described above. Figure 33 shows the dining chair 162 in use.

Figures 34 and 35 illustrate alternative furniture items. A table 190 is shown in FIG. 34 that includes a series of shelves formed by shaping the support member to bend back onto itself to form an accordion-like series of "S" or "Z" shapes. In the illustrated embodiment the shelves are angled relative to the horizontal, but in an alternative embodiment they could be vertical. A media stool is shown in FIG. 35 , similar to a footstool, the support members being shaped such that their opposite ends face each other and are coupled to each other by a central connector assembly 2 or 4 .

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing embodiments are given by way of illustration and that various changes can be made within the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the invention may be applied in furniture construction and also as an element for building construction.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that the honeycomb structure 020 need not include a plurality of contiguously arranged hexagonal cells but may have different cell shapes or different cell arrangements or both within the scope of the present invention.

In an alternative embodiment, the end connector member 200, the middle connector member 300 and the disk member 400 may be omitted or alternatively replaced by the interconnection member 500 if it is not required to couple the honeycomb structure 020 to the structural member 100, A second structural member 110, a modular structural member 120, a telescoping structural member 130, a shaped structural member 140 or the same type of member. Also, in certain circumstances, the support member 600 may be considered an optional part and may be omitted if the absence of the support member 600 does not compromise structural stability.

It should also be appreciated that features of each of the respective exemplary embodiments described and/or illustrated herein may be interchanged with those of any of the other embodiments.

In yet another optional embodiment, the disc member 400 may have threads on the inner surface of the hole 401, and the hole 401 is adapted to be complementary to the screw head on the middle connecting member 300 or the end connecting member 200, so that the honeycomb structure 020 The cell walls may be fixed between the disc member 400 and the radial protrusion 202 of the connection member 200 or the radial protrusion 302 of the middle connection member 300 . It should also be appreciated that this may also secure the support member 600 .

The puck member 400 may also be provided with a key mechanism to allow the user to rotate the puck member 400 about the central axis of the puck member 400 such that the puck member engages the middle connecting member 300 or the end connecting member 200 .

The key mechanism may be in the form of at least a pair of flat surfaces on the outer circumferential surface of the puck member 400, such as engageable by a wrench or wrench.

In this embodiment, it should be understood that the structural support 100 will abut against the disc member 400 rather than pass through the hole 401 .

Honeycomb substructure systems have a wide variety of applications in a wide variety of environments, particularly, but not limited to, manufacturing and construction. It takes full advantage of the unidirectional strength of the structural honeycomb by providing structural support perpendicular to the structural honeycomb without the need for lamination. In manufacturing, the system can be used as part of a frame tool for preformed honeycomb structures, in order to produce individual panels or joined panels, which can then be laminated with sheets to produce honeycomb panels. Additionally or alternatively, in construction, furniture or building materials, the system can be used as a permanent substructure of a honeycomb structure which can then be laminated with sheets for improved strength and rigidity.

It is contemplated that the honeycomb structure may be formed from cardboard, but in certain applications, where greater load-bearing strength may be required, the honeycomb structure may be formed from wood such as, but not limited to, birch. Preferably, the thickness of the wood is in the range of 0.4 mm to 1.5 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm thick.

In some embodiments, the honeycomb structure may be formed from strips of material, such as, but not limited to, wood, plastic, or metal, that are flexible and strong. Each of the strips of material may include shaped edges, adjacent strips being non-uniform in shape and/or size such that when expanded, the cell structure has a non-planar shape, which may provide ergonomic benefits to the user. Such shaping may be performed using laser cutting tools.

Substructure systems have many advantages over conventional honeycomb structures. For example, the production of rigid honeycomb structures is no longer limited to a factory production environment, as the lamination process can now be performed in situ when the substructure system is installed within the honeycomb structure.

The present invention provides an inexpensive, simple and efficient method to preform and fabricate curved honeycomb structures. The invention also improves the precision and accuracy with which honeycomb structures with non-linear geometries are produced, since the shape of the honeycomb structure is entirely dependent on the shape of the substructural system, which can be pre-installed and/or prior to any lamination process Make minor adjustments to get the desired shape. Furthermore, changes in the shape of the honeycomb structure can now be made in situ, since the substructure system can be easily removed.

Claims (31)

1. an article of furniture, it is formed by strengthening honeycomb, described reinforcement honeycomb comprises one or more honeycomb and bearing support part, described one or more honeycomb can be expanded between non-extended mode and extended mode, described in described extended mode, one or more honeycomb limits multiple polygonal hole, described one or more honeycomb is suitable for receiving described bearing support part, described bearing support part to be arranged in described honeycomb and to extend through described honeycomb, described one or more honeycomb is maintained by described bearing support part the state expanded at least in part and described bearing support part is carrying in use, it is characterized in that: described bearing support part is arranged to support described one or more honeycomb and makes a part for described one or more honeycomb be bending, and a described part for described one or more honeycomb is oriented so that the surface that described polygonal hole is arranged to shelve relative to described article of furniture extends with non-perpendicular angle.

2. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described honeycomb is formed by batten.

3. article of furniture according to claim 2, wherein, described batten is birch.

4. article of furniture according to claim 2, wherein, described batten has the thickness in 0.4mm to 1.5mm scope.

5. article of furniture according to claim 2, wherein, described batten has the thickness of 0.8mm.

6. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described honeycomb is formed by material strips, and described bar has non-uniform shapes.

7. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described honeycomb is formed by material strips and described bar has at least one nonlinear edge.

8. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described honeycomb is nonplanar.

9. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described honeycomb is formed by cardboard.

10. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described bearing support part is formed by stainless steel.

11. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, also comprise the coupling mechanism for described bearing support part being connected to described honeycomb.

12. according to article of furniture in any one of the preceding claims wherein, wherein, described bearing support part comprises multiple element and described article of furniture also comprises one or more bindiny mechanisms for first in described multiple element being connected in described multiple element second.

13. article of furniture according to claim 1, wherein, described article of furniture is one of following: chair, desk, bench, desk, bookshelf, wine frame, cabinet, cupboard, stool, bed or shelf.

14. 1 kinds of kit of parts for the formation of article of furniture, it comprises at least one honeycomb do not expanded, at least one bearing support element and at least one coupling mechanism at least one honeycomb being connected at least one bearing support part described, at least one honeycomb described can carry out expanding between non-extended mode and extended mode and at least one honeycomb described comprises multiple polygonal hole in described extended mode, at least one honeycomb described is suitable for receiving at least one bearing support part described, wherein described in assembled state, bearing support part is constructed and arranged to support at least one honeycomb described and makes a part at least one honeycomb described be bending, and a described part at least one honeycomb described is oriented so that the surface that described polygonal hole is arranged to shelve relative to described article of furniture extends with non-perpendicular angle.

15. kit of parts according to claim 14, wherein, also comprise at least one bindiny mechanism for first in described bearing support element being connected in described bearing support element second.

16. 1 kinds of reinforcement honeycombs for article of furniture, it comprises one or more honeycomb and bearing support part, described one or more honeycomb can be expanded between non-extended mode and extended mode, described in described extended mode, one or more honeycomb comprises multiple polygonal hole, described one or more honeycomb is suitable for receiving described bearing support part, described bearing support part to be installed in described honeycomb and to extend through described honeycomb, described bearing support part is carrying in use, described honeycomb is maintained at the state expanded at least in part and can supports external loads, it is characterized in that: described bearing support part is arranged to support described one or more honeycomb and makes a part for described one or more honeycomb be bending, and a described part for described one or more honeycomb is oriented so that the surface that described polygonal hole is arranged to shelve relative to described article of furniture extends with non-perpendicular angle.

17. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, wherein, described bearing support part can remove from described honeycomb.

18. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, wherein, described bearing support part is what can re-use.

19. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, wherein, described honeycomb is the hive with hexagon nest room.

20. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, wherein, described bearing support part is formed by rigid material.

21. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, comprise the interconnection mechanism for being linked together by two or more bearing support part.

22. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, comprise the coupling mechanism for one or more bearing support part being connected to one or more honeycomb.

23. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, comprise the termination mechanism for termination bearing support part end.

24. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, wherein, at least one bearing support part described is extendible.

25. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 24, wherein, described bearing support part is flexible.

26. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 25, wherein, described bearing support part can be fixed on outside or retracted position.

27. reinforcement honeycombs according to claim 16, force together with at least one sheet layer.

28. according to claim 16 to the reinforcement honeycomb according to any one of 27, and wherein, described bearing support part is by the hole in the opposite wall forming described honeycomb or nest room.

29. 1 kinds of products comprised according to claim 16 to the reinforcement honeycomb according to any one of 28.

30. 1 kinds of article of furniture comprised according to claim 16 to the reinforcement honeycomb according to any one of 28.

31. 1 kinds of construction materials comprised according to claim 16 to the reinforcement honeycomb according to any one of 28.