Tools used to adjust the legs of furniture, etc.

Abstract

A tool for controlling a controlled element (22) of a height-adjustable leg (14) of furniture (M), comprising: an engagement or control device (12) and a handle (15) for rotating the engagement or control device (12), the handle (15) including two arms (16) surrounding the controlled element (22) of the height-adjustable leg to maintain the tool and the engagement or control device (12) laterally associated with the adjustable leg, the engagement or control device (12) being arranged between the two arms (16) to surround and engage the controlled element (22), for use The adjustable foot is rotated, wherein the engagement or control device includes a toothed portion (12) extending in the region between the two arms (16) of the handle (15), the toothed portion engaging within a radial spacer or support (21) formed in the controlled element (22), the radial spacer or support converging toward the central axis (X) of the adjustable foot (14), wherein the toothed portion is in the form of arched and rounded teeth (12), the teeth increasing toward one of the free ends of the teeth in the direction from one arm (16) to the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tool for adjusting the legs of furniture and the like. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of legs for furniture and similar furnishings, a wide variety of legs are available, especially adjustable legs. In practice, various types of adjustable legs are used, such as those with front adjustment, which are directly installed on the furniture by the retailer. However, there are also legs that can be installed and adjusted by the end user or consumer of the furniture; for example, they can be assembled by the end user just like the furniture itself.

[0003] Furniture or furnishings, such as kitchen furniture, must be able to be easily and safely adjusted to a stable and level position if the legs are located at the front of the furniture (i.e., easy to access) and especially if the legs are located at the back (and not easy to access).

[0004] It has been observed that this type of adjustment is easier and more controllable when achieved with the aid of tools or wrenches that are more easily manipulated by the user, especially for the rear outriggers.

[0005] GB2535024 and DE202018105370 relate to tools having a handle and two arm ends adapted to adjust a support leg with a variable height, the support leg providing a central engagement device between the two arms.

[0006] WO2019 / 043660 relates to a furniture leveling device, which includes a handle equipped with a control end knob that actuates a pinion disposed between two arms engaged with a leg. The pinion meshes with a rack integral with the leg. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The overall objective of this invention is to provide a tool for adjusting the legs of furniture, which can solve the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art in a very simple, economical and particularly practical way.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that ensures optimal action on a single leg.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool that is very simple, but ensures a stable engagement on individual front legs and / or especially rear legs of furniture, etc.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool for adjusting a foot, particularly a foot of the type consisting of a flange transverse to the foot axis and radially converging baffles disposed between the flanges.

[0011] The above objective is achieved using the following tools for adjusting the legs of the furniture.

[0012] The present invention provides a tool for controlling a height-adjustable leg of furniture, etc., comprising:

[0013] A coupling or control device and a handle for rotating the coupling or control device.

[0014] The handle includes two arms that surround the controlled element of the height-adjustable foot to maintain the tool and the engagement or control device in lateral association with the adjustable foot.

[0015] The engagement or control device is arranged between the two arms to surround and engage the controlled element for rotating the adjustable leg.

[0016] The engagement or control device includes a toothed portion extending in the region between the two arms of the handle. The toothed portion engages within a radial spacer or support formed in the controlled element, the radial spacer or support converging toward the central axis of the adjustable leg.

[0017] The toothed portion is in the form of an arched and circular tooth, and the tooth increases toward one of its free ends in the direction from one arm to the other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the two arms provide edges that project inward toward the inside of the two arms, the edges defining a receiving and centering seat for at least the peripheral portion of the controlled element for the adjustable foot.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controlled element of the adjustable leg includes two end flanges, and radial spacers are disposed in the two end flanges, the radial spacers converging toward the center of the flanges and spaced apart to define the seat.

[0020] In some embodiments, the two arms branch off from the handle.

[0021] The present invention provides a device for adjusting the height of furniture, etc., comprising:

[0022] A controlled element for height-adjustable legs, the height-adjustable legs extending axially into a body adapted to be inserted into or connected to furniture, etc.

[0023] A tool for controlling the controlled element of the height-adjustable outrigger, the tool comprising:

[0024] A coupling or control device and a handle for rotating the coupling or control device.

[0025] The handle includes two arms that surround the controlled element of the height-adjustable foot to maintain the tool and engagement or control device in lateral association with the adjustable foot.

[0026] The engagement or control device is arranged between the two arms, facing each other, and engages with the controlled element to rotate the adjustable leg.

[0027] The engagement or control device includes a toothed portion extending in the region between the two arms of the handle. The toothed portion engages within a radial spacer or support formed in the controlled element, the radial spacer or support converging toward the central axis of the adjustable leg.

[0028] The toothed portion is in the form of an arched and circular tooth, and the tooth increases toward one of its free ends in the direction from one arm to the other.

[0029] In some embodiments, the two arms of the tool provide edges that project inward toward the sides of the two arms, the edges defining a receiving and centering seat for at least the outer periphery of the support portion of the controlled element for the adjustable foot.

[0030] In some embodiments, the two arms of the tool branch off from the handle.

[0031] The present invention provides a tool for controlling a height-adjustable leg of furniture, etc., comprising:

[0032] A coupling or control device and a handle for rotating the coupling or control device.

[0033] The handle includes two arms designed to surround a controlled element of the height-adjustable foot to maintain the tool and the engagement or control device in lateral association with the height-adjustable foot.

[0034] The engagement or control device is arranged between the two arms to surround and engage the controlled element to rotate the height-adjustable leg.

[0035] The engagement or control device includes yielding teeth according to the axis of the handle, the teeth engaging within radial spacers or supports formed in the controlled element, the radial spacers or supports converging toward the central axis of the adjustable foot.

[0036] In some embodiments, a base is provided between the two arms in the body of the handle, and a spring or similar elastic element is arranged in the base, the spring or similar elastic element actuating teeth that slide in the base. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The structural and functional characteristics of the present invention, and its advantages over the prior art, will become more apparent from the following description, which illustrates examples of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tool according to the present invention, the tool being positioned near the foot to be adjusted;

[0039] Figure 2 It can be seen Figure 1 How are the tools in the view actuated to adjust the legs?

[0040] Figure 3 , 4 And 5 show Figure 1 The tool in different perspectives;

[0041] Figure 6a , 6b And 6c is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from above when the tool in the image is actuated in a subsequent position;

[0042] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the tool according to the invention, the tool being positioned near the foot to be adjusted;

[0043] Figure 8 It can be seen Figure 7 How are the tools in the view actuated to adjust the legs?

[0044] Figure 9 , 10 And 11 showed Figure 7 The tool in different perspectives;

[0045] Figure 12a , 12b And 12c is Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken from above when the tool in the image is actuated in consecutive positions;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tool according to the present invention, the tool being positioned near the foot to be adjusted;

[0047] Figure 14 It can be seen Figure 13How are the tools in the view actuated to adjust the legs?

[0048] Figure 15a , 15b And 15c is Figure 13 A cross-sectional view viewed from above as the tool moves in successive positions to engage with the leg;

[0049] Figure 16 A perspective view is shown from below the bottom of a piece of furniture provided with front and rear legs, wherein the tool according to the invention is used to adjust the rear leg. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which are illustrative and not restrictive, various embodiments of a tool for adjusting the legs of furniture and similar furnishings according to the invention are shown.

[0051] In particular, Figures 1 to 6c A first embodiment of the tool is shown, which includes a fork-shaped body 11, inside which a engagement device 12 is arranged, the engagement device 12 forming an engagement or control device in a seat 13 for inserting a leg 14.

[0052] The fork-shaped body 11 provides a handle 15 from which two outwardly branching and widening arms 16 extend. Engagement and control mechanisms 12 are formed in the form of arched and rounded teeth that increase in height towards their free ends in the direction from one arm to the other. The two arms 16 provide edges 17 that project inwards towards the interior of the arms, defining housing and centering seats for the outer portion of the legs 14.

[0053] In this example, the leg 14 actually provides a pair of end flanges 18 from which a threaded rod 19 extends, adapted to be inserted, screwed in, and screwed out into a cylindrical or other suitable shaped body 20, which can be connected to a piece of furniture or a part of furniture M. Radial spacers 21 are arranged between the two end flanges 18 and spaced apart to define the seat 13 for the tooth 12. The radial spacers 21 form a rotatable ferrule 22 of the leg, which constitutes a controlled element. The radial spacers 21 converge toward the central axis X of the leg.

[0054] Specifically, the two arms 16 are provided with edges 17 projecting toward their inner sides, the edges 17 defining a receiving and centering seat for at least the outer portion of the collar 22, which serves as a controlled element of the adjustable foot 14.

[0055] The shape of the two arms 16, which radiate outward from the handle and widen, creates an invitation for positioning the tool on at least a portion of the adjustable foot 14, such as the collar 22 of the foot 14.

[0056] The two arms 16 surround the collars or controlled elements 22 of the height-adjustable feet to keep the tool and engagement or control device 12 laterally associated with the adjustable feet 14.

[0057] Furthermore, the inwardly projecting edge 17 from the arm 16 allows tools to be fitted onto the collar 22 of the foot in an extremely safe and easy manner.

[0058] The tooth 12, due to its arched shape, easily and safely engages in any direction with one of a series of seats 13 of the collar 22 of the foot 14, wherein the tooth 12 is rotated or a tool is turned toward the foot 14. The specific functions of the fork arm 16 and the tooth 12 are achieved through a continuous... Figure 6a , 6b As explained in Figures 6c, as already mentioned, the figures are cross-sectional views viewed from above the tool. These figures show the position the tool achieves when engaged with the collar 22 of the foot 14. These figures also show how the teeth 12 can engage in the various seats 13 of the foot 14 to allow them to rotate and adjust their height. Figure 2 It explains how the tool can obtain different positions so that it can easily rotate from different actuation positions.

[0059] Figures 7 to 12c A second embodiment of the tool is shown, wherein the same elements have the same reference numerals, or if they have similar functions, they are preceded by "1".

[0060] Therefore, it can be noted that the fork-shaped body 11 here again provides a connecting device 112 between the two arms 16, which takes the form of teeth inserted into the seat 13 of the leg 14. The arms 16 appear in a simplified form without protruding edges and are separated from each other in any case.

[0061] However, in this embodiment, it can be seen that ( Figure 12a , 12b(and 12c), the tooth 112 is of the yielding type according to the axis Y of the handle 15. In fact, in the handle 15 of the fork-shaped body 11, a base 23 is provided between the two arms of the fork-shaped body 11. A spring 24 or similar elastic element is arranged in the base 23, which pushes the tooth 112 sliding within the base 23. The base 23 provides an abutment 27 in one of its outward-facing ends between the arms for the shaped body of the sliding tooth 112, forming the end of the travel of the sliding tooth 112 within the base 23. Thus, the tooth 112 is normally held in this abutment position by the spring 24, but when rotated relative to the foot 14, the tooth 112 can move rearward to facilitate its rotation. This is also due to the arched and rounded shape of the tooth increasing towards its free end. Figure 8 This also illustrates how the tool can obtain different positions so as to easily rotate from different actuation positions. This also occurs due to the possibility that tooth 112 may slide in the base 23 due to spring 24, as... Figure 12a , 12b See 12c. These figures actually show the position obtained in the tool when the tooth 112 is positioned to engage with the collar 22 of the foot 14 or is caused to rotate about it.

[0062] at last, Figures 13 to 15c A third embodiment of the tool according to the invention is shown, and the same elements are given the same reference numerals, with "2" preceding the reference numerals where possible, or if they have similar functions.

[0063] In this example, the tool of the present invention has a fork-shaped body 211, inside which a connecting device 212 is arranged, which is inserted into the seat 13 of the support leg 14.

[0064] The fork-shaped body 211 provides a handle 215 from which two arms 216 extend, converging towards the central axis X of the foot along a direction parallel to the direction of the spacers 21 present in the collar 22 of the foot 14. In this case, the two arms 216 are relatively short, allowing them to be received and accommodated in the seat 13 of the collar 22 of the foot 14. Between the two arms 216 are engaging devices 212 formed in the form of triangular teeth, enabling insertion between two consecutive spacers 21 of the collar 22. For greater engagement between the two consecutive spacers 21, the teeth 212 extend further relative to the arms 216 than the handle 215.

[0065] In this configuration, the converging arm 216 forming the fork can be inserted into the seat 13 of the collar 22 of the foot 14, so that when the tool is actuated to cause adjustment rotation, a greater force, together with the teeth 212, can be applied to the collar 22 of the foot 14, such as... Figure 14 As shown.

[0066] Figure 15a , 15b Figures 15c and 15c show more clearly what the actuation phase of the tool can be, or how the tool can disengage and re-engage with the different seats of the collar 22 of the foot 14.

[0067] It should be noted that blind holes 25 are provided in the fork-shaped bodies 11 and 211, which are obtained in the axial position of the handles 15 and 215 for receiving the tool's actuating rod 26, allowing for easier use. In fact, as... Figure 16 As shown, the lever 26 can also be inserted below the bottom of the furniture M, as it is operated from the outside of the furniture. The lever 26 also allows for the application of greater torque, thus facilitating the rotation of the individual leg 14 even in the presence of strong friction or heavy furniture that hinders the rotation.

[0068] Therefore, by using the tool or wrench according to the invention, the legs of the furniture can be adjusted from the front.

[0069] Therefore, it can be noted that this particular tool according to the invention allows for easy adjustment of the support leg or leg, for example, on a piece of furniture or other furnishing item that provides this type of support leg, by adjusting the leg or leg to correct its level.

[0070] It is also evident that this particular tool engages with the movable or rotating part of the leg to allow for adjustment, even if that part is difficult to reach and if significant force must be applied to it due to the weight of the furniture.

[0071] Therefore, the purpose mentioned in the preamble of the instruction manual has been achieved.

[0072] The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tool for controlling a controlled element (22) of a height-adjustable leg (14) of furniture (M), comprising: Engaging or controlling device and handle (15) for rotating said engaging or controlling device. The handle (15) includes two arms (16) designed to surround the controlled element (22) of the height-adjustable foot to maintain the tool and the engagement or control device in lateral association with the height-adjustable foot. The engagement or control device is arranged between the two arms (16) and is designed to surround and engage the controlled element (22) to rotate the height-adjustable leg. The engagement or control device includes teeth designed to engage within a radial support (21) formed in the controlled element (22), the radial support converging toward the central axis (X) of the height-adjustable leg (14), and the teeth designed to insert into a seat (13) of the height-adjustable leg (14). A base (23) is provided between the two arms (16) in the body of the handle (15), and an elastic element is arranged in the base (23) to push a tooth that slides in the base (23) to form a yielding tooth (112) according to the axis (Y) of the handle (15). The base (23) provides an abutment (27) for the forming body of the yielding tooth (112) at the outward-facing end between the arms, which forms the travel end of the yielding tooth in the base (23). The yielding tooth (112) has a free end and has an arched and rounded shape that increases toward the free end on its side toward one of the two arms (16).

2. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two arms (16) branch off from the handle (15).

3. The tool according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two arms (16) form a fork-shaped body (11).

4. The tool according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fork-shaped body (11) is provided with a blind hole (25), which is obtained at the axial position of the handle (15) and is used to receive the actuating rod (26) of the tool.

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