Socket Assembly

Abstract

A socket for coupling an end piece to a leg member of an article of furniture is described. The socket is insertable into an opening in the leg member and the socket has an opening therein for receiving a stem of the end piece. The socket comprises a tubular body having upper and lower ends. The lower end comprises the opening for receiving the stem of the end piece and the upper end is insertable into the leg member. In addition, the socket comprises a washer attached to the upper end of the socket. When the socket is inserted into the leg member, the washer has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the leg member.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a socket for a tubular leg member enabling the coupling of various end pieces, including casters, glides and adjusters to the tubular leg member.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Caster assemblies are generally well known in the art for carrying out easy movement of an article. These assemblies are provided on a wide variety of articles that are moveable by rolling, including chairs and other furniture (desks, tables, sofas, beds, etc.), stands for medical equipment and other instrumentation, cabinets, work surfaces, dollies, and the like. In addition, other end pieces including glides and adjusters for longitudinal adjustment are also attachable to a wide variety of articles.[0003]Chairs, including industrial and office chairs, as well as other articles of furniture, are often produced with tubular metal legs as need and buyer demand dictates. The tubular legs are typically constructed of metal tubing stock which...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about an improved socket that can be used to attach casters and other parts to furniture. The goal is to make the attachment more durable and less prone to failure.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems with the use of these hard plastic resins is that the socket 25 is subjected to stresses to the socket from the caster caused by the movement of the caster during its normal use.

These stresses can cause the socket to become worn and loosen within the leg member 30.

If this occurs, the socket can eventually dislodge, along with the caster or other end piece, from the tubular leg member making it difficult or virtually impossible to retain the caster within the leg member.

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