US 5,658,086 · Granted 1997-08-19
The Hidden Joint That Holds Furniture Together Without Visible Screws
This patent describes a clever way to connect two pieces of furniture (like table legs to a tabletop) so the joint is completely hidden from view. Instead of bolts or visible brackets, it uses a flexible rubber-like material that grips the connection and can be locked in place with adhesive, creating a super-clean look.
The plain-English version
What it protects
The claim covers a furniture joint system where a shaft-like piece (the tenon) with a grooved surface is inserted into a corresponding cavity (the mortise), with a compressible, springy material sandwiched in the groove to grip and lock the connection. What's protected is the specific geometry of the groove, the mortise chamber with its internal slot, and the way the flexible material is positioned to create a blind (hidden) mechanical and adhesive bond.
Why it matters
This patent solves a real manufacturing problem: how to join furniture pieces invisibly and securely without fasteners that show. For furniture makers, this means cleaner aesthetics and potentially faster assembly than traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery or dowel methods. The flexible material acts as both a mechanical lock and an aid to adhesive bonding, which improves reliability compared to glue-only connections.
Real-world use
When you buy a modern table where the legs connect to the top with no visible hardware or seams, the joint underneath may be using this connector system to stay rigid and look seamless from the outside.
Original USPTO abstract
A connecting element for creating a blind side connection for materials such as furniture. Connecting element includes a tenon which includes a groove positioned about the peripheral surface of the tenon. A compression material which is flexible and has excellent memory is inserted into the group on the tenon. A mortise is provided which has an opening for telescopically receiving the tenon and compression material into the inner chamber of the mortise. The inner chamber includes a set slot positioned around the interior surface of the chamber and is designed to receive the peripheral edge of the compression material on the tenon. Liquid and/or re-wettable adhesives can be used to rigidly connect the tenon in the mortise.
Patent details
- Publication number
- US 5,658,086
- Filing date
- 1995-11-24
- Grant date
- 1997-08-19
- Assignee
- Brokaw; Paul E. / Spirk; John / Taylor; Robert G. / Kalman; Jeffrey M.
- Inventor(s)
- BROKAW; PAUL E., SPIRK; JOHN, TAYLOR; ROBERT G., KALMAN; JEFFREY M.
- CPC class
- A47B13/003
Want to file your own patent?
Designing your own furniture pieces or custom shelving? Run your joint ideas through our free patentability scanner to see what's already protected in the furniture space.
Free patentability scan