Adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals, for door leaves of furniture

Abstract

An adjustable base (1) for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals (100) for door leaves of furniture, which comprises a fixing element (2) provided with an adapted first surface (3) which is associable with a wall (P) of an item of furniture, and with a second surface (4) which is arranged opposite to the first, and at least two wings (5) which protrude from the second surface (4) and are provided with at least one pair of first holes (6) which are mutually aligned to support a connecting pivot (7) which is associable with an articulated lever of a double quadrilateral hinge (100). The wings (5) extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction (L) and the connecting pivot (7) is arranged between them substantially parallel to a transverse direction (T); the base comprises a substantially plate-like connecting element (8) for connecting the supporting wings (5), which is associated so that it can slide along the transverse direction (T) with the fixing element (2). The first surface (3) of the fixing element (2) is associated with a movement seat (9) for moving the connecting element (8) and the fixing element (2) is provided with at least one slot (10) through which at least one of the movable supporting wings (5) is inserted with an alternating sliding motion along the transverse direction (T).

Description

[0001] ADJUSTABLE BASE FOR MOUNTING HINGES WITH DOUBLE ARTICULATED QUADRILATERALS, FOR DOOR LEAVES OF FURNITURE

[0002] The present invention relates to an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals, for door leaves of furniture.

[0003] With specific, but not exclusive, reference to the furniture sector, hinges with double quadrilaterals are known, which are substantially constituted by a system of articulated levers with associated springs which make it possible to move door leaves that swing with respect to the fixed structure of an item of furniture, between a closed configuration and an open one. Such hinges generally have perforated mounting coupling elements, using threaded elements or the like, inside the door leaf and the structure of the item of furniture.

[0004] Holes are provided on the door leaf and on the structure of the item of furniture, and the distribution of these holes mirrors that of the holes of the coupling elements of the hinge to be mounted, by inserting threaded connecting elements.

[0005] Typically these hinges are used to move door leaves that extend horizontally, and they are interposed between the lower face of the upper horizontal wall of the structure of the item of furniture and the upper portion of the inner face of a door leaf.

[0006] During assembly of the item of furniture, it is necessary to correctly position the door leaf with respect to the structure of the item of furniture, in particular centering it horizontally with respect to them. This requirement is even more evident if two or more wall cupboards are placed horizontally side by side, and their door leaves must not interfere with each other. Furthermore, if at least three wall cupboards are hung side by side, it is necessary to position the respective door leaves so as to space them apart evenly, in pairs.

[0007] In order to perform the horizontal centering of the door leaf with respect to the compartment of the item of furniture, currently it is necessary to dismount the hinge by unscrewing the corresponding threaded elements and reattach it, if necessary making new holes in the structure of the item of furniture and / or in the door leaf.

[0008] This mode of operation is not devoid of drawbacks, in that it entails a considerable lengthening of furniture assembly times and consequent increase in the labor costs for centering the door leaf with respect to the item of furniture, since the worker has to proceed by attempts until the optimal position of the hinge is identified.

[0009] Furthermore the rapidity and precision with which these interventions are performed are considerably influenced by the experience and practicality of the workers.

[0010] The aim of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks in the background art by providing an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture that enables a horizontal adjustment of the position of the door leaf with respect to the structure of the item of furniture without requiring the dismounting, repositioning and reattachment of the component parts, and therefore with reduced labor times and costs.

[0011] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture that enables an easy and reliable adjustment independently of the level of experience of the workers.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture that has a structure that is simple and compact, so as to not substantially modify the overall bulk and outline of the hinge in which it is incorporated, and not complicate its installation.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture that is able to adapt it to different types of hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture that has a simple structure that is easy and practical to implement, safe in use and effective in operation, and of low cost.

[0015] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are all achieved by the present adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture according to claim 1, and optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics recited in the dependent claims.

[0016] This aim and these and other objects are likewise achieved by a hinge for items of furniture that incorporates the base according to the invention.

[0017] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture, which is illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture, according to the invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base according to the invention with the connecting element and the supporting side walls in the intermediate position along the transverse direction;

[0020] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the base according to the invention with the connecting element and the supporting side walls in a side position along the transverse direction;

[0021] Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the base according to the invention; Figure 4a is a view like Figure 4 showing a variation of the base according to the invention;

[0022] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a central plane of Figure 4;

[0023] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a base according to the invention applied to a hinge with double quadrilaterals mounted between a door leaf and the structure of an item of furniture, undergoing adjustment;

[0024] Figure 7 is a view from below of the base of Figure 6 with the connecting element and the supporting side walls in the intermediate position along the transverse direction;

[0025] Figure 8 is a view from below of the base of Figure 6 with the connecting element and the supporting side walls in a side position along the transverse direction;

[0026] Figure 9 is a side view of the hinge with the base according to the invention of Figure 6;

[0027] Figure 10 is a view like Figure 9 with the base according to the invention shown in cross-section along a central plane.

[0028] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates an adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture.

[0029] The base 1 comprises a fixing element 2 provided with a first surface 3 which is adapted to be associated with the inner face of a wall P of an item of furniture, and with a second surface 4 which is arranged opposite to the first surface 3. More precisely, the first surface 3 has at least one substantially flat portion 3a which is adapted to be positioned so as to adhere to the wall P.

[0030] Typically the base 1 is intended to be mounted at the lower face of the upper wall P that defines an internal compartment of an item of furniture closed by a door leaf A.

[0031] The base 1 further comprises at least two mutually opposite wings 5 which protrude from the second surface 4 and are provided with at least one pair of first holes 6 which are mutually aligned to support a connecting pivot 7 which is associable with an articulated lever of a double quadrilateral hinge 100.

[0032] The wings 5 extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction L and the connecting pivot 7 is arranged between them substantially parallel to a transverse direction T.

[0033] In the present description the term “substantially” means “except for the usual machining tolerances and tolerances in the assembly of the component parts”.

[0034] The base 1 further comprises a substantially plate-like connecting element 8 interposed between the wings 5 and associated with the fixing element 2 so that it can slide along the transverse direction T.

[0035] The connecting element 8 and the wings 5 can be made in a single, substantially U-shaped piece, for example by deforming a suitably contoured plate.

[0036] The terms “plate-like” or “sheet-like” indicate a three-dimensional element the extension of which along two dimensions is much greater than the extension along the third dimension.

[0037] The first surface 3 of the fixing element 2 is associated with a movement seat 9 for moving the connecting element 8.

[0038] Preferably the first surface 3 is contoured to define the movement seat 9 integrally with the fixing element 2.

[0039] At the movement seat 9, the fixing element 2 is provided with at least one slot 10 through which at least one of the wings 5 is inserted, so as to be protruding from the second surface 4 of that fixing element and so as to be movable with an alternating sliding motion along the transverse direction T.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment the fixing element 2 has a substantially constant thickness and is contoured to define a curvature with the concavity at the first surface 3 which defines the movement seat 9. Alternatively, the fixing element 2 can have a recess defined in its thickness at the first surface 3 to define the movement seat 9.

[0041] At the edge adapted to be arranged along the margin of the wall P of the item of furniture, preferably, the fixing element 2 is also provided with two or more teeth 11 for abutment against the thickness of that wall.

[0042] Typically the fixing element 2 is connected to the wall P by means of the interposition of threaded connecting elements such as screws V or the like.

[0043] At the flat portion 3a of the fixing element 2, there is a plurality of through openings 23 for the insertion of such threaded connecting elements.

[0044] The hinge 100 is of the type comprising a first articulated quadrilateral 101 provided with a first coupling element 102 which is associable with the inner surface of a wall P of the item of furniture, and a second articulated quadrilateral 103 provided with a second coupling element 104 which is associable with a door leaf A of the item of furniture.

[0045] Typically the hinge 100 is mounted between the upper wall P defining a containment compartment of the item of furniture and the corresponding closing door leaf A articulated at the upper edge. The wall P generally has a horizontal arrangement and the first coupling element 102 is applied to its lower face.

[0046] Each articulated quadrilateral 101 or 103 is composed of a plurality of articulated levers, which are not described in detail.

[0047] The hinge 100 is adapted to alternately assume an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the door leaf A, respectively, opens or closes the access opening of the compartment defined inside the item of furniture.

[0048] The first coupling element 102 comprises a base 1 according to the invention as described below.

[0049] Moreover, the hinge 100 is generally provided with elastic means associated with the articulated quadrilaterals 101 and 103 which cooperate in the movement between the open configuration and the closed configuration, and can comprise damping means that act when the hinge is being closed and / or opened, such means not being shown and described in detail as they are conventional.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, the fixing element 2 comprises two slots 10, through each of which a respective wing 5 is inserted, so as to protrude from the second surface 4 of that element and so as to be movable with an alternating sliding motion along the transverse direction T.

[0051] Each slot 10 extends along the longitudinal direction L, substantially comparable to the extension of the respective wing 5. Each slot 10 extends along the transverse direction T that is longer than the extension of the respective wing 5, in order to allow its alternating sliding along that direction.

[0052] Furthermore at least one reference pin 12 protrudes from the connecting element 8 toward the fixing element 2 and is inserted so that it can move in a guide slit 13 defined in that same fixing element at the movement seat 9 and extending along the transverse direction T.

[0053] The pin 12 has a first end which is integral with the connecting element 8, being engaged in a corresponding hole 8a, and the opposite end is associated with an enlarged head 12a arranged beyond the second wall 4 of the fixing element 2. The head 12a prevents the detachment of the connecting element 8 from the fixing element 2.

[0054] Preferably there are two pins 12 distributed longitudinally along the connecting element 8 and inserted into respective guide slits 13 defined in the fixing element 2.

[0055] The extension along the transverse direction T of the slots 10 and of the guide slits 13 defines the breadth of the adjustment stroke along the direction of the connecting element 8 supporting the wings 5, and it can move with respect to the fixing element 2 between two side positions (one of which is shown in Figures 3 and 8) in which the wings 5 abut against one edge of the respective slots 10, passing through an intermediate position (shown in Figures 2 and 7) in which the wings 5 are arranged at the midpoint of the respective slots 10.

[0056] It should be noted that the longitudinal extension of the connecting element 8 and of the movement seat 9 is greater than that of the wings 5 and of the corresponding slots 10. In this manner the longitudinal ends of the connecting element 8 slideably abut against respective continuous bands 3b and 3c of the first surface 3 at the movement seat 9, so giving the base 1 greater robustness.

[0057] Furthermore it should be noted that at least one edge 8b extending transversely to the longitudinal direction L of the connecting element 8 abuts slideably along a corresponding flank 9a of the movement seat 9 to define a reference guide for the sliding of that element along the seat. In a possible embodiment (Figure 4) the movement seat 9 is open on one side and the connecting element 8 has a single edge 8b in sliding contact with a corresponding flank 9a of that seat. In a variation of the embodiment (Figure 4a) the movement seat 9 is completely recessed in the fixing element 2 and the connecting element 8 has two mutually opposing edges 8b in sliding contact with corresponding flanks of that seat.

[0058] Usefully the base 1 can have a stiffening element 15 which is substantially U-shaped and comprises a substantially flat intermediate portion 16, which is integrally and slideably associated with the connecting element 8 by means of the pins 12 and is slideably associated with the second surface 4 of the fixing element 2, and at least one pair of side walls 17 which are arranged internally to the wings 5 and comprise at least one pair of mutually aligned second holes 18 through which the at least one connecting pivot 7 is inserted.

[0059] The pins 12 are inserted using respective through holes defined on the intermediate portion with the corresponding head 12a abutting against that portion. In the embodiment shown, the wings 5 have two pairs of mutually aligned first holes 6, into which respective connecting pivots 7 are inserted. Moreover, there are two pairs of side walls 17, each one of which supports a respective pair of second holes 18 which are aligned with a corresponding pair of first holes 6. Each connecting pivot 7 is inserted through a pair of first holes 6 and the corresponding pair of second holes 18.

[0060] Advantageously the base 1 comprises actuation means 19 for sliding along the transverse direction T of the connecting element 8 supporting the wings 5 with respect to the fixing element 2.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment, the actuation means 19 comprise an eccentric pivot 20 which is rotationally engaged in a seat 21 defined in the connecting element 8 and accommodated so that it can move within a longitudinal slit 21 provided in the fixing element 2.

[0062] The eccentric pivot 20 comprises maneuvering means 22 for rotational actuation with respect to the seat 21. For example the maneuvering means 22 can have a coupling seat which can be associated with a tool U for rotationally actuating the eccentric pivot 20 (Figure 6).

[0063] The eccentric pivot 20 comprises a cylindrical stem 20a engaged rotationally in the seat 24, and a circular head 20b misaligned with respect to this stem, which can move within the longitudinal slit 21.

[0064] Conveniently the circular head 20b presents a minimal space occupation in addition to the thickness of the fixing element 2 in which the longitudinal slit 21 is defined, so as not to interfere, in use, with the components of the hinge 100 in the open and closed configurations.

[0065] Transversely the longitudinal slit has a dimension that substantially coincides with the diameter of the circular head 20b, while it has a greater longitudinal extension.

[0066] The circular head 20b abuts against diametrically mutually opposite portions of the periphery of the longitudinal slit 21, thus actuating the sliding of the connecting element 8 supporting the wings 5 with respect to the fixing element 2.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the maneuvering means 16 are constituted by a cross head notch defined on the circular head 20b of the eccentric pivot 20 for inserting a tool U, such as a conventional screwdriver, but they could have a linear notch or a hexagonal socket for coupling with a different tool for the rotational actuation of the pin.

[0068] By modifying the angular configuration of the eccentric pivot 20, it is possible to vary the relative position of the connecting element 8 supporting the wings 5 with respect to the fixing element 2, along the transverse direction T. When the base 1 is incorporated in a hinge 100, by means of this adjustment it is possible to vary the position of the hinge with respect to the fixing element 2 and, as a consequence, modify the position of the door leaf A with respect to the wall P of the item of furniture, i.e., more generally, with respect to the structure of the item of furniture.

[0069] In practice it has been found that the adjustable base for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals for door leaves of furniture according to the invention as described achieves the intended aim and objects and, in particular, attention is drawn to the fact that the adjustable base according to the invention has components that are easy to provide and assemble, and the base makes it possible to easily perform a reliable adjustment of the hinge during assembly, so reducing the time and cost of labor.

[0070] Furthermore the adjustable base according to the invention can be easily adapted to many and varied types of hinges with minimal structural adaptations.

[0071] Lastly, the adjustable base according to the invention is compact and does not significantly alter the bulk and outline of the hinge in which it is incorporated, so as to not complicate its installation.

[0072] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0073] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0074] In practice the materials employed, as well as the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0075] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000014214 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adjustable base (1) for mounting hinges with double articulated quadrilaterals (100) for door leaves of furniture, comprising a fixing element (2) provided with a first surface (3) which is configured to be associated with a wall (P) of an item of furniture, and with a second surface (4) which is arranged opposite to the first, and at least two wings (5) which protrude from said second surface (4) and are provided with at least one pair of first holes (6) which are mutually aligned to support a connecting pivot (7) which is associable with an articulated lever of a double quadrilateral hinge (100), the wings (5) extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction (L) and the connecting pivot (7) being arranged between them substantially parallel to a transverse direction (T), characterized in that it comprises a substantially plate-like connecting element (8) for connecting said supporting wings (5), which is associated so that it can slide along said transverse direction (T) with said fixing element (2), the first surface (3) of the fixing element (2) being associated with a movement seat (9) for moving the connecting element (8) and the fixing element (2) being provided with at least one slot (10) through which at least one of the movable supporting wings (5) is inserted with an alternating sliding motion along the transverse direction (T).

2. The base (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said fixing element (2) comprises two of said slots (10) through which respective supporting wings (5) are inserted so that they can move with an alternating sliding motion along said transverse direction (T).

3. The base (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one reference pin (12) which protrudes from said connecting element (8) toward said fixing element (2) and is inserted so that it can move in a guide slit (13) which is associated with said fixing element at said movement seat (9) and extends along said transverse direction (T).

4. The base (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims,characterized in that it comprises a stiffening element (15) which is substantially U-shaped and comprises a substantially flat intermediate portion (16), which is integrally and slideably associated with said connecting element (8) by means of said at least one pin (12) and is slideably associated with the second surface (4) of said fixing element (2), and at least one pair of side walls (17) which are arranged internally to said supporting wings (5) and comprise at least one pair of second holes (18) which are aligned with said at least one pair of first holes (6) through which said at least one connecting pivot (7) is inserted.

5. The base (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (19) for sliding actuation, along said transverse direction (t), of said connecting element (8) associated with said supporting wings (5) with respect to said fixing element (2).

6. The base (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means (19) for sliding actuation comprise an eccentric pivot (20) which is engaged rotationally in a seat (24) associated with said connecting element (8) and accommodated so that it can move within a longitudinal slit (21) associated with said fixing element (2).

7. The base (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said eccentric pivot (20) comprises maneuvering means (22) for rotational actuation with respect to said seat (24).

8. The base (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said maneuvering means (22) comprise a coupling seat which is configured to be associated with a tool for the rotational actuation of said eccentric pivot (20).

9. The base (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said connecting element (8) comprises at least one edge (8b) which is substantially transverse to said longitudinal direction (L) in sliding contact with a corresponding flank (9a) of said movement seat (9).

10. A double quadrilateral hinge (100) for door leaves of furniture,which comprises a first articulated quadrilateral (101) provided with a first coupling element (102) which is associable with a wall (P) of an item of furniture and a second articulated quadrilateral (103) provided with a second coupling element (104) which is associable with a door leaf (A) of said item of furniture, the hinge (100) being adapted to assume alternatively an open configuration and a closed configuration, characterized in that said first coupling element (102) comprises a base (1) according to one or more of claims 1-9.

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