Support foot

Abstract

Support foot (1), in particular for support frames for shower trays and bathtubs, comprising a support body (2) with a passage (23) through which a threaded rod (4) is guided, which is in threaded engagement with an internal thread of the support body (2), characterized in that the support body (2) has a housing section (22) in which an adjusting part (3) is rotatably mounted, which has the internal thread (32), wherein a channel (7) is delimited between the adjusting part (3) and the inner wall of the housing section (22), wherein the housing section (22) has at least one window (24) through which a radially compressible cord (6) is guided in and out again, which is guided around the adjusting part (3) through the channel (7), and wherein the width of the channel (7) is, at least in some regions, smaller than the diameter of the cord (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support foot, in particular for support frames for shower trays and bathtubs, comprising a preferably cylindrical support body and a threaded rod which is in threaded engagement with an internal thread of the support body.

[0002] For the installation of shower trays or bathtubs, support frames are often used. These frames consist of several interconnected profiles placed on height-adjustable support feet. The height-adjustability of the support feet allows the support frame to be adapted to different bathtub installation heights and to compensate for uneven floors.

[0003] Given the wide range of shower and bathtub products and the varying installation heights, support frames of varying heights are used, which necessitates the use of support feet with varying height adjustability. To minimize the inventory of such support feet, DE 295 14 312 U1 and DE 94 06 980 U1 propose a height-adjustable support foot for support frames that is suitable for both tall and short support frames. Height adjustment is achieved via a threaded rod that engages an internal thread of a support body. Rotating the threaded rod or the support body raises or lowers the support body.

[0004] The problem with these support feet is that if they are positioned in a space that is difficult to access, such as a screed recess under the supporting frame, they can be difficult or even impossible to reach. Therefore, the height of the support feet should ideally be pre-adjusted as far as possible before positioning them. When aligning a bathtub, all support feet must be adjusted to the correct height to ensure the bathtub is properly supported.

[0005] To solve this problem, a remote control device is proposed in DE 10 2014 108 660 A1. This device comprises an annular surface provided with cams, onto which a support leg is positioned. The support leg has recesses for receiving the cams, thereby positively connecting the support leg to the annular surface. The annular surface is connected to a drive unit that can be driven by a cable pull, allowing the support leg to rotate over the annular surface connected to it by pulling on the cable pull.

[0006] This previously known remote control device solves the above-mentioned problem, but proves problematic in practice. Firstly, the remote control device has a complex design for one-time use, making it costly. Secondly, it requires a specially designed support foot that can be inserted into the remote control device with a form-fitting fit. Last but not least, the remote control device known from DE 10 2014 108 660 A1 is designed as a reusable assembly aid. However, removing this remote control device after use is very laborious.

[0007] The invention aims to remedy this situation. The invention is based on the object of providing a support leg that enables remote-controlled height adjustment while being simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a support leg having the features of claim 1.

[0008] The invention provides a support foot which enables remote-controlled height adjustment - in both directions, i.e. both to increase and decrease the height - and which is simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture.Because the support body has a housing section in which an adjusting part is rotatably mounted, which has the internal thread, wherein a channel is defined between the adjusting part and the inner wall of the housing section, wherein the housing section has at least one passage window through which a radially compressible cord is guided in and out again, which is guided around the adjusting part through the channel and wherein the width of the channel is at least partially smaller than the width of the cord, a force-locking connection is achieved between the cord and the adjusting part, whereby the adjusting part can be driven by pulling on the cord, causing an axial displacement of the threaded rod. The direction of the axial displacement is determined by the direction of rotation of the adjusting part on the threaded rod, which in turn depends on which side of the adjusting part the cord is pulled on.

[0009] In a further development of the invention, the actuating element has, at least in some regions, a non-circular outer contour, which is preferably polygonal in shape, particularly with rounded corners. This maximally compresses the radially compressible cord at the narrowest point of the channel, causing the actuating element to be driven and rotated. Each corner of the polygon creates a constriction in the channel within the housing section.

[0010] In one embodiment of the invention, the cord is radially elastic, but axially, i.e., largely inelastic in the direction of tension. This improves the force-locking connection with the control element.

[0011] In a further development of the invention, the outer surface of the control element is provided with ribbing or toothing, at least in some areas. This additionally creates a positive connection between the cord and the control element, further preventing the cord from slipping.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the adjusting part is provided with a circumferential groove, the base of which preferably has a non-circular outer contour and in which the cord is guided. This ensures that the cord is guided along the outer surface of the adjusting part.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adjusting element is formed by an internally threaded piece provided with a ring piece that is connected to the internally threaded piece in a rotationally fixed manner. For example, a standardized hexagon nut can be used, which is connected to the ring piece that has the groove in a rotationally fixed manner. The ring piece can be made of a different material than the internally threaded piece. For example, a ring piece made of plastic, in particular an elastomeric plastic, can increase the static friction and thus improve the connection between the cord and the adjusting element.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, the cord is designed in the form of an endless ring. This ensures that the cord is securely connected to the control element.

[0015] The threaded rod advantageously has a support piece or a profile receiving piece at its end. The support piece or profile receiving piece can be connected to the threaded rod as a single piece or as a separate component. For example, the threaded rod can be formed by a standardized hexagon screw whose screw head is provided with a support piece or profile receiving piece.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, a clamping piece is provided, by means of which the control element can be secured. This prevents the control element from moving spontaneously.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the clamping part is designed as a locking slide, which is at least partially displaceable radially into the housing section and which has a wedge shape, at least partially, which clamps the adjusting part against a part of the housing section. This enables tool-free fastening of the adjusting part.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the clamping part has a locking section that can be moved into the thread of the threaded rod. This simultaneously secures the threaded rod.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the locking section is formed by a U-shaped recess that can be placed against the threaded rod, partially enclosing it. This achieves improved locking.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the recess is formed by an elongated hole in the slide. This securely holds the slide to the threaded rod passing through the elongated hole.

[0021] Further developments and refinements are specified in the remaining subclaims. Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the schematic drawings and described in detail below. They show: Fig. 1: the spatial representation of a support foot; Fig. 2: the representation of the support foot in Fig. 1 in longitudinal section: Fig. 3: the detailed view of section A of the support foot from Fig. 2; Fig. 4: the representation of the support foot in Fig. 1 after removing the threaded rod in another longitudinal section; Fig. 5: the detailed view of section B of the support foot from Fig. 4; Fig. 6: the spatial representation of the support foot from Fig. 1 with locking lever in release position in partial section; Fig. 7: the spatial representation of the support foot from Fig. 1 with locking lever in locking position in partial section; Fig. 8: the representation of the support foot in Fig. 1 in a first cross-section (control part cut); Fig. 9: the representation of the support foot in Fig. 6 in a second cross section (locking lever cut). Fig. 10: the representation of the support foot in Fig. 7 in a second cross section (locking lever cut).

[0022] The support foot 1 chosen as an exemplary embodiment comprises a cylindrical support body 2 in which an adjusting element 3 is rotatably mounted, and a threaded rod 4 that extends through the support body 2 and is threadedly engaged with the adjusting element 3, which can be secured via a locking slide 5. A cord 6 is wound around the adjusting element 3, allowing it to rotate.

[0023] The support body 2 has an axial bore 21 along its central axis for receiving the threaded rod 4, the outer diameter of which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the passage 21. Concentric with the bore 21, the support body 2 has a hollow cylindrical housing section 22 in which the adjusting part 3 is arranged. The inner diameter of the housing section 22 essentially corresponds to the maximum cylindrical diameter of the adjusting part 3. Furthermore, a passage 23 running radially through the housing section 22 for receiving the locking lever 5 is introduced into the housing section 22 and runs above the adjusting part 3. On one side of the passage 23, adjacent to it, a window 24 is arranged in the housing section 22, the height and width of which window 24 essentially correspond to the height and maximum width of the adjusting part 3, such that the adjusting part 3 can be inserted into the housing section 22 through the window 24.The window 23 also serves for the entry and exit of the cord 6 guided around the control part 3.

[0024] On its underside facing away from the threaded rod 4, the support body has a mushroom head 25 onto which a foot part 26 is placed and connected to the mushroom head 25 in a locking manner.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment, the adjusting part 3 is formed by a hexagon nut 31, onto which an annular piece 33 is applied in a form-fitting manner. Between the annular piece 33 of the adjusting part 3 and the inner wall of the housing section 22, a channel 7 is defined, the width of which is less than the diameter of the cord 6. In the exemplary embodiment, the annular piece 33 is made of an elastomer plastic and has a circumferential groove 34, the groove base of which is provided with axial ribbing 35 in the exemplary embodiment. The cord 6 is in the form of a ring in the exemplary embodiment and is guided around the adjusting part 3 through the channel 7, where it is radially compressed and pressed against the axial ribbing 35. As a result, the cord 6 is connected to the adjusting part 3 within the channel 7 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner.

[0026] The threaded rod 4 is designed as a hexagon screw with a hexagonal screw head 41 arranged at the end and is screwed into the internal thread 32 of the hexagon nut 31 of the adjusting part 3, whereby it projects into the passage 23 of the support body 2. The screw head 41 forms a support piece for supporting a support frame (not shown).

[0027] The locking slide 5 is designed in the form of a rectangular plate with rounded transverse sides. A bore 51 is provided in the locking slide 5, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded rod 4 through which it passes. The bore 52 extends into a reduced-diameter elongated hole 52. On both sides of the elongated hole 52, on the underside of the locking slide facing the actuating part 3, two wedge-shaped webs 53 are arranged, rising outwards.

[0028] The locking slide 5 is slidably guided in the passage 23. By moving the locking slide 5, the reduced-diameter elongated hole 52 is pushed onto the threaded rod 4, with the side edges of the elongated hole 52 engaging between two turns of the external thread of the threaded rod 4, thereby locking the threaded rod 4. At the same time, the wedge-shaped, outwardly projecting webs 53 are pressed against the actuating part 3, thereby also locking it against rotation.

[0029] To adjust the height of the support foot 1, the cord 6 on one side of the channel 7 can be pulled to move the cord through the channel 7, thereby rotating the adjusting part 3. The rotation of the adjusting part 3 moves the threaded rod 4, which is threadedly engaged with the adjusting part, into or out of the passage 23, thereby reducing or increasing the distance between the screw head 41 and the support body 2. After setting the desired height of the support foot 1, it can be locked by moving the locking slide 5. This prevents automatic adjustment of the height. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 295 14 312 U1

[0003] DE 94 06 980 U1

[0003] DE 10 2014 108 660 A1 [0005, 0006]

Claims

[1] Support foot (1), in particular for support frames for shower trays and bathtubs, comprising a support body (2) with a passage (23) through which a threaded rod (4) is guided, which is in threaded engagement with an internal thread of the support body (2), characterized by in that the support body (2) has a housing section (22) in which an adjusting part (3) is rotatably mounted, which has the internal thread (32), wherein a channel (7) is defined between the adjusting part (3) and the inner wall of the housing section (22), wherein the housing section (22) has at least one window (24) through which a radially compressible cord (6) is guided in and out again, which is guided around the adjusting part (3) through the channel (7), and wherein the width of the channel (7) is at least partially smaller than the diameter of the cord (6). [2] Support foot according to claim 1, characterized bythat the adjusting part (3) has at least in some areas a non-circular outer contour, which is preferably polygonal. [3] Support foot according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cord (6) is radially elastic, but axially, i.e. largely inelastic in the direction of pull. [4] Support foot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer surface of the adjusting part (3) is provided at least in some areas with ribbing or toothing. [5] Support foot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the outer surface of the adjusting part (3) is provided with a circumferential groove (34), the groove base of which preferably has a non-circular outer contour and in which the cord (6) is guided. [6] Support foot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the adjusting part (3) is formed by an internally threaded piece which is provided with a ring piece (33) which is connected to the internally threaded piece in a rotationally fixed manner and which preferably has an at least partially non-circular outer contour and / or a ribbing (35) or toothing. [7] Support foot according to claim 6, characterized by that the ring piece (33) is made of plastic, in particular an elastomer plastic. [8] Support foot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cord (6) is designed in the form of an endless ring. [9] Support foot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the threaded rod (4) has a support piece or a profile receiving piece at the end. [10] Support foot according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a clamping piece is arranged, by means of which the adjusting part (3) can be fixed. [11] Support foot according to claim 10, characterized bythat the clamping piece is designed as a locking slide (5) which is at least partially displaceable radially into the housing section (22) and which at least partially has a wedge shape, by means of which a clamping of the adjusting part (3) against a part of the housing section (22) is effected. [12] Support foot according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the clamping piece has a blocking section which can be moved into the thread of the threaded rod (4). [13] Support foot according to claim 12, characterized by that the blocking section is formed by a U-shaped recess which can be placed against the threaded rod (4) in some areas. [14] Support foot according to claim 13, characterized by that the recess is formed by an elongated hole (52) present in the locking slide (5).

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