Improved tool for adjusting the shaped-profile feet of furnishings

Abstract

A tool for a control element (14) of a height-adjustable foot (13) for controlling furnishings and the like (M), comprising: an engagement or control device (20) and a handle (12) for rotating the engagement or control device (20), the handle (12) including two arms (23), the two arms surrounding the diameter of the height-adjustable foot to hold the tool and the engagement or control device (20) laterally associated with the adjustable foot, the engagement or control device (20) being arranged between the two arms (23) facing each other and engaging with the control element (14) for rotating the adjustable foot, wherein the engagement or control device includes a tooth portion formed by a tooth segment (20), the tooth portion extending and distributed on a circular region (19) of a surface between the two arms (23) of the handle (12), the tooth portion engaging with at least one tooth portion (17, 18) formed circumferentially on the control element (14) of the adjustable foot (13), wherein the teeth of the tooth segment (20) and the teeth of the at least one tooth portion (17, 18) of the control element (14) are asymmetric and angled envelope curved teeth, and the curved teeth follow the circular run of the control element (14).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved tool for adjusting contoured feet of furnishing items and the like.

[0002] Various types of feet are available, in particular adjustable feet for furniture and similar furnishing items. For example, adjustable feet with variously shaped outer contours are used, which are mounted under the furniture and must be adjusted by the person installing the furniture through prior intervention.

[0003] The outer contour of the foot generally has a polygonal shape, such as a square, hexagon, etc., to facilitate its adjustment using a complementary wrench.

[0004] Furniture or furnishing elements, such as kitchen furniture, furniture etc., if the feet are arranged at the front of the furniture, i.e. easily accessible, and especially if the feet are arranged at the back and not easily accessible, must in fact be able to be easily and safely brought into a stable and horizontal position by adjusting with these feet.

[0005] It has been seen that this type of adjustment is easier and more manageable if it is achieved with the aid of a tool or a spanner as described above. This use actually ensures that it is easier for the user to manipulate the feet, especially the rear feet.

[0006] However, there are locations that are not so easy to access with a wrench of this type and it is difficult to insert the wrench or tool onto the contour of the foot.

[0007] For this purpose, feet with a toothed outer profile have been provided in order to make engagement easier by the person who has to carry out the adjustments and interventions.

[0008] WO2015 / 053637 relates to a furniture leveling device comprising a handle equipped with a control end knob that actuates a pinion positioned between two arms engaged on a foot. The pinion engages with a rack integral with the foot.

[0009] US 2014 / 0260817 relates to a wrench for applying torque having an inner profile formed by at least two radial extensions.

[0010] The general object of the present invention is to provide an improved tool for adjusting contoured feet of furnishing items or the like, which tool is able to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art in an extremely simple, economical and particularly practical manner.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that ensures optimal action on a single leg.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool which is very simple but ensures stable engagement from any direction in which it engages on a single front leg and / or especially a rear leg of furniture or the like.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a tool for adjusting a leg, in particular of the type comprising a profile provided with a peripheral toothing.

[0014] The above object is achieved by an improved tool for adjusting legs with a shaped profile of furnishings or the like according to independent claim 1 and the appended dependent claims.

[0015] From the following description with reference to the drawings which show exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the structural and functional characteristics of the present invention and its advantages over the prior art will become more apparent. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the tool according to the present invention, the tool being positioned near the leg to be adjusted;

[0017] Figure 2 is a view in which it can be seen how to actuate Figure 1 the tool in to adjust the leg;

[0018] Figure 3 , 4 and 5 show additional perspective views of the tool of Figure 1 in different orientations;

[0019] Figure 6a , 6b and 6c are cross-sectional views from above of the tool of Figure 1 when actuated to successive positions to engage on the leg;

[0020] Figure 7 , 8 and 9 show views of the leg separately in perspective, front and top views;

[0021] Fig.10 and 11 show Figure 8 the leg of along line X-X and Figure 8 the leg of along line XI-XI;

[0022] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the tool according to the present invention, the tool being positioned near the leg to be adjusted;

[0023] Figure 13 is a view in which it can be seen Fig.12 how the tool in is actuated to adjust the leg;

[0024] Fig.14 、 15 and 16 show additional perspective views of the tool of Fig.12 in different orientations;

[0025] Figure 17a 、 17b and 17c are Figure 7 cross-sectional views taken from above of the tool of

[0026] Figure 18 a perspective view taken from below the bottom of a piece of furniture provided with front and rear feet, where the tool according to the invention is used to adjust the rear foot.

[0027] With reference to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative and not restrictive, the drawings show embodiments of an improved tool for adjusting feet of shaped profile for furnishings and the like according to the invention.

[0028] In particular, Figures 1 to 6c shows a first embodiment of a tool or wrench, which includes a handle 12 provided at one of its free ends with engaging and control means that act on a height-adjustable foot 13. In particular, the adjustable foot 13 provides a support portion 14 from which a rod 15 extends, the rod 15 being at least partially threaded 11 and adapted to be screwed in and out of a cylindrical body 16 or another suitable form in a screwing and unscrewing manner, the body 16 having an internal thread that can be connected to a piece of furniture or its component M.

[0029] The support portion 14 of the foot 13 constitutes the controlled element of the foot 13 and is shown in this embodiment as a region having an adjustable portion that is substantially circular and has an outer contour provided with a series of toothings 17, 18, as can be seen better in Figures 7 to 11 In particular, this embodiment shows how, in this region of the adjustable foot, two sets of toothings 17, 18 are superposed and opposed to each other in the direction obtained around the support portion 14 of the foot 13. These toothings have curved and enveloping teeth that follow the circular run of the support portion.

[0030] These toothings have asymmetric and angled teeth.

[0031] The toothings are constituted by teeth similar to those of a saw gear that are inclined in opposite directions.

[0032] The tool is configured to have a circular area 19 at the end of the handle 12, which facilitates coupling with the support 14 of the foot 13, at which end the aforementioned engagement means are arranged. In particular, this circular area 19 has a profile similar to the outer contour of the support 14 of the foot 13, namely the teeth 17 or 18. As mentioned above, the aforementioned engagement or control means are provided on the adjustable foot 13 associated with the circular area 19 at the end of the tool. The engagement or control means, associated laterally with respect to the foot 13, consists of at least one tooth 20 that is complementary to at least one tooth 17, 18 of the profile of the support 14 of the foot 13. The engagement or control means is connected to the support via the at least one tooth 20 and the at least one tooth 17, 18.

[0033] In the embodiment shown, the toothing 20 consists of tooth segments distributed on the surface of a quasi-circular but smooth shaped area 19 parallel to the free end of the handle 12 and projecting from the lower layer of this shaped area 19. As already indicated, the toothing 20 can be connected to a portion of at least one toothing 17, 18 formed circumferentially on the support portion 14 of the adjustable foot 13.

[0034] Thus, it can be noted that by Figure 3 、 4 5, in any case a position is obtained which is useful for bringing the toothing 20 of the tool into engagement with at least one of the two toothings 17 or 18 provided on the support 14 of the foot 13. Thus, depending on which support 14 of the adjustable foot 13 17 or 18 is to be manipulated, it is possible to choose whether to hold the tool or the wrench with the toothed segment or the toothing 20 pointing upwards or downwards.

[0035] It can thus be seen that the controlled element 14 and the tool provided with engagement means of the controlled element 14 for controlling the height-adjustable foot 13 constitute means for adjusting a height-adjustable foot of furniture M or the like.

[0036] Figure 2 It is shown how the foot is adjusted by rotating the tool from one position to another, keeping it close to and engaging on the foot, in this case by the tool of the invention acting on the teeth 17 of the adjustable part.

[0037] same, Figure 6a 、 6b 6c are cross-sectional views showing how the end of the tool provided with the teeth 20 engages with one of the teeth 17 or 18 of the foot, which however may be pointing in two opposite directions.

[0038] It can also be noted how the rounded shape of the tool end cooperates with the correct engagement between the teeth of the tool and the foot as described above. All of this is achieved very easily to form a secure engagement.

[0039] Furthermore, the provision of two opposing teeth 17 , 18 on the support portion of the foot enables said engagement or connection between the components to be achieved in any direction in which the tool is rotated or facing the foot 14 .

[0040] Figures 12 to 17c A second embodiment of the tool is shown, wherein like elements have like reference numerals.

[0041] It will be noted that in this embodiment, the tool or wrench of the invention is such that the handle 12 forms part of a fork-shaped body 22. The fork-shaped body 22 provides two arms 23 that surround the support 14 of the foot 13. In addition to these basic elements, the embodiment shown provides that the two arms 23 have edges 24 projecting towards their insides, which define housing and centering seats for the peripheral portion of the support 14 of the foot 13.

[0042] Here, the engagement means consisting of a toothing 20 on the repeatable adjustable foot 13 which is complementary to at least one toothing 17 , 18 of the profile of the support portion 14 of the foot 13 is unnecessary.

[0043] Here too, the toothing 20 comprises tooth segments distributed on a surface which is parallel to and projects from the quasi-circular but smooth region 19 of the lower layer of the clamping part 12 situated between the two arms 23. Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the teeth 20 are shown above the smooth circular area 19 .

[0044] Figure 13 It is also shown how the tool can assume different positions after being engaged on the support portion of the foot 13 so as to be easily rotated from different actuation positions. This also occurs due to the presence of protruding edges 24 provided on the arms 23 that engage on the support portion 14 of the foot 13. As shown in the figure, the two arms 23 preferably diverge and widen outwards to surround the support portion 14 of the foot 13.

[0045] Fig.14 、 15 16 show how a useful position is obtained by rotating the tool so that the toothing 20 of the tool is brought into engagement with at least one of the two toothings 17 or 18 provided on the support 14 of the foot 13. This is because, depending on which part 17 or 18 of the support 14 of the adjustable foot 13 is to be manipulated, it is possible to choose whether to hold the tool or wrench with the toothing 20 pointing upwards or downwards.

[0046] Figure 17a , 17b and 17c show more clearly the actuation phase of using the tool, or how the tool disengages from and re-engages with the teeth 17, 18 provided by the footrest 13.

[0047] It should be noted that in the body of the tool, or more precisely in its handle 12, as shown in the two embodiments, a blind hole 25 is provided, which is formed in an axial position relative to the handle 12 for receiving the rod 26 to actuate the tool, which allows for easier use. In fact, since the rod 26 is operated from outside the furniture and can even be inserted under the bottom of the furniture M, as Figure 18 shown. Even in the presence of strong friction that hinders such rotation or a heavy furniture, the rod 26 allows a greater torque to be applied by facilitating the rotation of a single foot 14. Therefore, due to the use of the tool or wrench according to the present invention, the feet can be adjusted positively from the front of the furniture.

[0048] Therefore, it can be noted that such a specific tool according to the present invention allows for the easy adjustment of the support feet or legs by adjusting the support feet or legs in order to correct their level, for example, the support feet or legs on a piece of furniture or other furnishings provided with such type of feet.

[0049] It is also evident that this specific tool engages with the movable or rotatable part of the foot in order to allow adjustment, even if this part is difficult to reach and if a significant force has to be applied to it due to the weight of the furniture.

[0050] Therefore, the object mentioned in the preamble of the description has been achieved.

[0051] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for adjusting a height - adjustable foot of a piece of furniture (M), comprising: A height - adjustable foot (13), the height - adjustable foot (13) having a controlled element (14), the controlled element (14) extending into a rod (15), the rod (15) being at least partially threaded (11) and adapted to be screwed in and out of a cylindrical body (16) or other suitable shape, the body (16) having an internal thread and being capable of being coupled to the furniture (M). A tool for controlling the controlled element (14) of the height - adjustable foot (13), the tool comprising: An engaging or controlling device (20) and a handle (12) for rotating the engaging or controlling device (20). The handle (12) includes two arms (23), the two arms (23) being adapted to surround the diameter of the height - adjustable foot to hold the tool and the engaging or controlling device (20) laterally associated with the height - adjustable foot. The engaging or controlling device (20) is arranged between the two arms (23) facing each other and engages with the controlled element (14) to rotate the controlled element of the height - adjustable foot. The controlled element (14) of the height - adjustable foot (13) includes two superimposed tooth portions (17, 18) formed circumferentially on the controlled element (14), the teeth of the two superimposed tooth portions being the teeth of a saw - toothed gear inclined in opposite directions relative to each other, and the engaging or controlling device includes a tooth portion constituted by a tooth segment (20), the tooth portion extending and distributed on a circular region (19) of the surface between the two arms (23) of the handle (12) for engaging with one of the two superimposed tooth portions (17, 18) formed circumferentially on the controlled element (14) of the height - adjustable foot (13). Wherein, the teeth of the tooth segment (20) and the teeth of the two superimposed tooth portions (17, 18) of the controlled element (14) are asymmetric and angled envelope - curved teeth, and the curved teeth follow the circular run of the controlled element (14) around the height - adjustable foot. Wherein, the tooth portion constituted by the tooth segment (20) is distributed on a surface of a circular - like but smooth circular region (19) parallel to the lower layer of the free end of the handle (12) and projects from this circular region (19) such that the tooth segment (20) can connect with a part of one of the tooth portions (17, 18) formed circumferentially on the controlled element (14) of the height - adjustable foot (13).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two arms (23) of the tool have edges (24) protruding towards the inner sides of the two arms (23), and the edges define a receiving and centering seat for at least a peripheral part of the support portion of the controlled element (14) of the height - adjustable foot (13).

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The circular region (19) of the surface between the two arms (23) of the tool is complementary in shape to the outer shape of the controlled element (14) of the height - adjustable foot (13).

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The two arms (23) of the tool fork from the handle (12).

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