Adjustment rods for furniture items

Abstract

An adjustment rod for an item of furniture, a method for manufacturing an adjustment rod for an item of furniture, and a kit of parts for assembling an adjustment assembly for an item of furniture are disclosed. The adjustment rod includes a body having a first end and an opposite second end; a generally flat handle member extending from the first end; and a hollow cylindrical structure disposed at the second end and extending into the body, the hollow cylindrical structure including: a pair of tracks extending longitudinally into the hollow cylindrical structure; a pair of cam surfaces disposed adjacent to an opening at the second end and arranged diagonally opposite to each other, wherein each cam surface leads to a corresponding track; and a pair of locking members, each locking member disposed along a corresponding track, wherein the hollow cylindrical structure is configured to receive an elongated rod of an adjustment assembly for an item of furniture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an adjustment rod for an article of furniture, a method of making an adjustment rod, and an adjustment assembly for an article of furniture. Background Art

[0002] Height-adjustable chairs are commonly used in offices and homes. These chairs typically include a seat that rotates relative to the chair base and is adjustable in height. In a typical height-adjustable chair, the seat height is adjusted so that the user sits at a comfortable height to perform their tasks, for example, to keep the user's eye level with the monitor when typing at a computer. The height adjustment mechanism of such chairs is typically a gas spring that allows the user to adjust the height of the chair using a lever located below the seat. The height of the chair is increased by pulling up on the lever, while the height of the chair is lowered by the user's body weight.

[0003] The pull rod of the height adjustment mechanism generally includes two rods, one of which is a solid rod with protrusions on the outer surface and mounted to the seat shaft. The other hollow rod is mounted above the solid rod at one end and includes a flat plate at the other end to allow the user to pull up the pull rod to raise or lower the seat height. However, the general pull rod design in the chair has problems with aligning and assembling the rods. In particular, the existing design requires the solid rod to be initially installed at the seat shaft, and it is difficult for the user to properly align the hollow rod with the solid rod. In addition, it takes a lot of force to install the hollow rod to the solid rod, and there is no feedback or indication whether the two rods are fully and correctly assembled.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to provide an adjustment lever that seeks to address some of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustment rod for a furniture item, the adjustment rod comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end opposite thereto; a substantially flat handle member extending from the first end; and a hollow cylindrical structure disposed at the second end and extending into the main body, the hollow cylindrical structure comprising: a pair of tracks extending longitudinally into the hollow cylindrical structure; a pair of cam surfaces disposed adjacent to an opening at the second end and arranged diagonally opposite to each other, wherein each cam surface leads to a corresponding track; and a pair of locking members, each locking member being disposed along a corresponding track, wherein the hollow cylindrical structure is configured to receive a slender rod of an adjustment assembly of the furniture item.

[0006] In one embodiment, each cam surface may be configured to slidingly receive a corresponding protrusion disposed on the elongated rod.

[0007] In one embodiment, each of the pair of cam surfaces may include a high pitch helicoidal surface.

[0008] In one embodiment, each locking member may include a curved member configured to engage a corresponding protrusion to secure the hollow cylindrical structure to the elongated rod.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an adjustment rod for a furniture item is provided, the method comprising: forming a main body having a first end, an opposite second end and a substantially flat handle portion extending from the first end; forming a hollow cylindrical structure at the second end so that the hollow cylindrical structure extends into the main body, wherein forming the hollow cylindrical structure comprises: forming a pair of tracks extending longitudinally into the hollow cylindrical structure; forming a pair of cam surfaces adjacent to the opening at the second end so that the cam surfaces are arranged diagonally opposite to each other and each cam surface leads to a corresponding track; and forming a pair of locking members, each locking member being arranged along a corresponding track.

[0010] In one embodiment, forming the pair of cam surfaces may include forming each cam surface as a high pitch helical surface.

[0011] In one embodiment, forming the pair of locking members may include forming each locking member having a curved member.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of components for assembling an adjustment assembly for an item of furniture, the set of components comprising: an adjustment rod as defined in the first aspect; and an elongated rod having a pair of protrusions, the adjustment rod being configured to be mounted to the elongated rod so that the adjustment rod is rotationally and translationally fixed to the elongated rod. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be better understood and will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, which is shown by way of example only, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1A A perspective view of an adjustment rod for an item of furniture is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A Top view of the adjustment lever.

[0016] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the adjustment rod.

[0017] Figure 1D Shows Figure 1A End view of the adjustment rod.

[0018] 2A-2C illustrate perspective views of an installation of an adjustment assembly for an article of furniture according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figures 3A to 3C An end view of the installation of the adjustment assembly corresponding to Figures 2A to 2C is shown.

[0020] 4A illustrates a top view of an assembled adjustment assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0021] 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled adjustment assembly of FIG. 4A .

[0022] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method for manufacturing an adjustment rod according to an example embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and use of the invention. In addition, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. Herein, an adjustment rod for an item of furniture, a method of making an adjustment rod, and an adjustment assembly for an item of furniture are presented according to the present embodiment, which have the advantages of being easy to install through correct positioning and tactile feedback to the user while maintaining low manufacturing costs.

[0024] Figure 1A A perspective view of an adjustment rod 100 of an article of furniture according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The adjustment rod 100 includes a body 102 having a first end 104 and an opposite second end 106. A generally flat handle member 108 extends from the first end 104. A hollow cylindrical structure 110 is disposed at the second end 106 and extends into the body 102. The hollow cylindrical structure 110 may include a pair of rails 112 ( Figure 1A Only one track is shown). The hollow cylindrical structure 110 may also include a pair of cam surfaces 114 ( Figure 1A Only one cam surface is shown in FIG. 1 ). The hollow cylindrical structure 110 is configured to receive an elongated rod of an adjustment assembly of a furniture item, as will be discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C . The pair of cam surfaces 114 may be arranged diagonally opposite each other (see FIG. 2A ). Figure 1D ) and each cam surface 114 leads to a corresponding track 112. In a non-limiting example, each cam surface in the pair of cam surfaces 114 may include a high pitch helicoid with a pitch of approximately 12.5 mm. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the cam surfaces 114 may have different profiles, or the pitch helicoids may have different pitches.

[0025] Figure 1B Shown Figure 1A A top view of the adjustment rod 100 is shown. Figure 1C Shows Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of the adjustment rod 100. Figure 1C As shown, the hollow cylindrical structure 110 may also include a pair of locking members 118a, 118b. Each of the pair of locking members 118a, 118b is arranged along the corresponding track 112, and each of the pair of locking members 118a, 118b includes a curved member. In an alternative embodiment, the hollow cylindrical structure 110 may include more than one pair of cam surfaces and more than one pair of locking members 118a, 118b. The body 102 may include one or more holes 116 disposed on the outer surface so that each of the pair of locking members 118a, 118b can be bent and even accessible through the corresponding holes 116. The holes 116 may also provide a visual aid to the user during installation of the adjustment assembly. Figure 1D Shows Figure 1A End view of the adjustment rod. Figure 1D In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of cam surfaces 114 are arranged diagonally opposite to each other relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow circular structure 110 .

[0026] 2A to 2C show perspective views of an installation of an adjustment assembly 200 for an article of furniture according to an example embodiment. In FIG. 2A , the adjustment assembly 200 includes the adjustment rod 100 described above, and further includes an elongated rod 202 having a pair of protrusions 204a, 204b. In alternative embodiments, the elongated rod 202 may have more than one pair of protrusions. For example and as shown in FIG. 2A , the elongated rod 202 has two pairs of protrusions 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. The elongated rod 202 may be a solid rigid rod made of metal to increase durability. The adjustment rod 100 is configured to be slidably engaged with the elongated rod 202 and guided to a fully engaged position, in which the adjustment rod 100 is fixed to the elongated rod 202. In FIG. 2A , the elongated rod 202 is mounted to an article of furniture (not shown), such as a chair or table, so that the elongated rod 202 does not rotate, and the adjustment rod 100 is brought toward the elongated rod 202.

[0027] In FIG. 2B , the adjustment rod 100 is then installed by sliding on the elongated rod 202. When installed on the elongated rod 202, the adjustment rod 100 can initially be in any orientation around its longitudinal rotation axis. The pair of cam surfaces 114 (not shown) slide to receive a pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b provided on the elongated rod 202. This can be achieved by providing each cam surface 114 with a high pitch helical surface.

[0028] In Fig. 2C, the adjustment rod 100 is rotated 206 around its longitudinal axis to receive a pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b, thereby guiding the protrusions 204a, 204b into the cam surface 114 and into the track 112 without visual and physical pre-alignment. The adjustment rod 100 can thus effortlessly guide a pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b to the correct orientation. In an exemplary embodiment, even if the adjustment rod 100 initially deviates from its correct orientation by about 170°, guidance can be achieved.

[0029] After the adjustment rod 100 is rotated to the correct orientation to receive a pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b, the elongated rod 202 is longitudinally guided into the body 102 of the adjustment rod 100 by a pair of tracks 112 (not shown in the figure), which extend into the hollow cylindrical structure 110. The pair of locking members 118a, 118b (not shown in Figures 2A to 2C), each having a curved member, then engages the pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b to secure the elongated rod 202 to the adjustment rod 100. The locking members 118a, 118b can be arranged relative to each other to engage the pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b. In one embodiment, the locking members 118a, 118b can be snap-fit ​​fittings designed to provide tactile feedback to the user when the elongated rod 202 is fully assembled to its final intended position in the adjustment rod 100. This can be achieved by sliding the curved member over the pair of corresponding protrusions 204a, 204b. The locking members 118a, 118b may also function to keep the adjustment assembly 200 securely mounted. If the adjustment rod 100 is to be removed from the elongated rod 202, the aperture 116 of the adjustment rod 100 may allow the user to bend the bending member to an open position so that the elongated rod 202 may be removed.

[0030] Figures 3A to 3C A mounted end view of the adjustment assembly corresponding to Figures 2A to 2C is shown. Figure 3A 2A , in which the adjustment rod 100 has not yet been mounted on the elongated rod 202 and is offset by about 90° from its correct orientation angle. Figure 3B 2B, wherein the adjustment rod 100 slides through the cam surface 114 to receive the elongated rod 202, Figure 3C 2C, wherein the adjustment lever 100 is rotated to engage the protrusions 204a, 204b via the locking members 118a, 118b. As described above, the adjustment lever 100 can be guided to its correct orientation even if it is initially offset by up to 170°.

[0031] Fig. 4A shows a top view of an assembled adjustment assembly 400 according to an example embodiment, while Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled adjustment assembly 400 of Fig. 4A. As shown in Figs. 4A-4B, the adjustment rod 100 has been installed in the elongated rod 202. The hole 116 (as shown in Fig. 4A) on the adjustment rod 100 can allow the user to view the locking member 118a and confirm whether the elongated rod 202 is properly fixed. The hole 116 can also allow the user to remove the elongated rod 202 by bending the locking member 118a to the open position. When a predetermined force is applied to remove the elongated rod 202, the locking member 118a can be automatically bent to the open position. In one embodiment and as shown in Fig. 4B, the locking member 118a is engaged in the groove between the protrusion 204a and 204c, and the locking member 118b is engaged in the space between the protrusion 204b and 204d. In the position shown in FIG. 4B , the protrusions 204 c , 204 d fit snugly in the corresponding tracks 112 , thereby locking the adjustment lever 100 against any rotational movement.

[0032] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method for manufacturing an adjustment rod according to an example embodiment is shown. In step 502, the method includes forming a body having a first end, an opposite second end, and a generally flat handle member extending from the first end. In step 504, a hollow cylindrical structure is formed at the second end so that the hollow cylindrical structure extends into the body. In step 506, the method for forming the hollow cylindrical structure includes forming a pair of tracks extending longitudinally into the hollow cylindrical structure. In step 508, the method for forming the hollow cylindrical structure includes forming a pair of cam surfaces adjacent to the opening at the second end so that the cam surfaces are arranged diagonally relative to each other and each cam surface leads to a corresponding track. In step 510, the method for forming the hollow cylindrical structure includes forming a pair of locking members, each locking member being arranged along a corresponding track. The method for forming a pair of cam surfaces may include forming each cam surface as a high pitch helical surface. The method for forming a pair of locking members may include forming each locking member with a curved member.

[0033] As described above, the exemplary embodiment uses an adjustment rod with a pair of cam surfaces to guide the elongated rod and achieve correct positioning. In this way, only a small force is required to install the adjustment rod, thereby facilitating easy installation of the adjustment assembly. The locking member of the adjustment rod can provide tactile feedback to the user during installation and keep the elongated rod firmly attached to the adjustment rod. This can help the user know that the adjustment assembly has been correctly installed without visually checking the elongated rod or the adjustment rod. Although exemplary embodiments have been provided in the above detailed description of the present invention, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations.

[0034] It should be further understood that the exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, operation or configuration of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the above detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and it is understood that various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments and the manufacturing methods without departing from the scope of the present invention as described in the appended claims.

[0035] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and / or modifications may be made to the invention shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An adjustment rod for a furniture item, the adjustment rod comprising: a body having a first end and an opposite second end; a flat handle member extending from the first end; as well as A hollow cylindrical structure disposed at the second end and extending into the body, the hollow cylindrical structure comprising: a pair of rails extending longitudinally into the hollow cylindrical structure; a pair of cam surfaces disposed adjacent the opening at the second end and arranged diagonally opposite each other, wherein each cam surface leads to a respective track; and A pair of locking members are provided, each locking member being disposed along a respective track, wherein the hollow cylindrical structure is configured to receive an elongated rod of an adjustment assembly of an item of furniture.

2. The adjusting rod according to claim 1, wherein: Each cam surface is configured to slidingly receive a corresponding protrusion disposed on the elongated rod.

3. The adjusting rod according to claim 1, wherein: Each cam surface of the pair of cam surfaces includes a high pitch helicoidal surface.

4. The adjusting rod according to claim 2, wherein: Each locking member includes a curved member configured to engage a corresponding protrusion to secure the hollow cylindrical structure to the elongated rod.

5. A method for manufacturing an adjustment rod for an article of furniture, the method comprising: forming a body having a first end, an opposite second end, and a planar handle member extending from the first end; forming a hollow cylindrical structure at the second end such that the hollow cylindrical structure extends into the body, wherein forming the hollow cylindrical structure comprises: forming a pair of rails extending longitudinally into the hollow cylindrical structure; forming a pair of cam surfaces adjacent the opening at the second end such that the cam surfaces are disposed diagonally opposite one another and each cam surface opens into a respective track; and A pair of locking members are formed, each locking member being disposed along a respective track.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Forming the pair of cam surfaces includes forming each cam surface as a high pitch helicoidal surface.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: Forming the pair of locking members includes forming each locking member with a curved member.

8. A kit of parts for assembling an adjustment assembly for an article of furniture, the kit of parts comprising: An adjustment lever according to any one of claims 1 to 4; as well as A slender rod with a pair of protrusions, Wherein, the adjustment rod is configured to be mounted to the elongated rod such that the adjustment rod is rotationally and translationally fixed to the elongated rod.

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