Jointing for a furniture leg element

The invention pertains to a jointing 2 for a furniture leg element 4, the jointing comprising: a base part 6 configured to be attached to a furniture, the base part 6 comprising a convex outer surface 8, which during use faces the leg element 4, and which outer surface 8 further comprises an elongated hole 10 defining a longitudinal extension 12 and a transversal extension 14, an elongated threaded top part 16 configured to be fixed to the leg element 4 and having a cross sectional dimension not exceeding the transversal extension 14 of the hole 10, and a sliding element 18 configured to slide along the inner side 34 of the convex outer surface 8 the base part 6 and having a threaded aperture 20 configured for cooperating with the threaded top part 16 in such a way that the leg element 4 is fixed to the base part 6 by screwing the top part 16 in the sliding element 18, and thereby enabling the leg element 4 to be fixed at a certain angle relative to the furniture. The invention also pertains to a piece of furniture comprising such a jointing 2.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains to a jointing for a furniture leg element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various kinds of leg jointings for furniture are known in the art, among which are leg jointings for mounting a leg in a position which is not perpendicular to the furniture itself or the surface onto which the furniture is to be placed.

For example in U.S. Pat. No. 3,516,633 a furniture leg mount is disclosed. The leg mount includes a T-nut having a head disposed on one side of a furniture support member and projecting at a predetermined angle toward the opposite surface of the member. A circular leg-supporting wedge has one face lying flatly against said opposite surface of the support member, and the opposite face of the wedge is parallel to the upper end of the leg. A stud projecting perpendicularly from said upper end of the leg is received through an opening in the wedge and threadably engages the T-nut to secure the leg to the member with the wedge interposed there between. A lug on the wedge is received in a depression in the member to prevent rotation of the wedge when the leg is tightened towards the member. This wedge-formed bracket enables the leg to be placed at an angle that is not right with respect to the furniture. This angle is fixed and defined by the shape of the wedge.

In German utility model DE 9 200 715 U is disclosed an adjustable bracket for tables or similar furniture. The bracket consists of an upper and a lower part, which are pivotable in relation to a vertical axis. Each part has a horizontally protruding coupling arm for coupling a horizontal support beam of a desk or the like, whereby the upper part and the lower part continuously rotate freely against each other. Only by fixing the bracket and/or the associated support beams on the table top, their respective angular position are determined. Hereby the leg of the table is locked in a desired angular position relative to the table top.

In SE 445 945 is disclosed a device for multi-sectional furniture with legs, especially tables, and of the type where the sections are connected to each other by means of fittings situated in the joint between two adjacent, leaf-shaped furniture sections. Each fitting is designed as a mounting for a detachable leg. The fitting and corresponding leg are designed with bayonet catches, where one part of the catch has at least one L-shaped groove, and the other has at least one pin that fits in the groove.

Despite the huge number of different joints for furniture leg elements known in the art, most of these joints are designed for a specific purpose or function or a specific shape of the legs. They are also either not adjustable or rather complicated to produce and mount.

In DE 199 60 199 is disclosed a jointing for a table leg with adjustable inclination. The leg is retained on the joint by clamping forces. The leg is lockable in different rotational positions relative to the joint by means of a connecting assembly comprising a clamping plate, screw and ring.

In DE 10 2007 060543 is disclosed is a table with a table top which is connected via a table leg to a pedestal which can be placed on the ground. Between the table top and the pedestal is arranged a swivel joint, by means of which the table top is pivotable relative to the pedestal about at least one swivel axis aligned perpendicular to the lengthwise extension of the table leg. The table has a catch device adjustable between an open position and a closed position for the swivel joint by means of which the table top is fixable in different swivel positions relative to the pedestal. The table top is connected so that it is rotatable about a rotation axis oriented more or less perpendicular to its horizontal plane and is drive connected to the catch device so that said catch device is adjustable between the open position and the closed position by turning the table top about the rotation axis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a versatile jointing for a furniture leg element, enabling an individual adjustment of the angle which the leg element forms relative to said furniture and the ground.

According to the present invention, the above-mentioned and other objects are fulfilled by a jointing for a furniture leg element, the jointing comprising the following main elements:a base part configured to be attached to a furniture, the base part comprising a convex outer surface, which during use faces the leg element, and which outer surface further comprises an elongated hole defining a longitudinal extension and a transversal extension,an elongated threaded top part configured to be fixed to the leg element and having a cross-sectional dimension not exceeding the transversal extension of the hole, anda sliding element configured to slide along the inner side of the convex outer surface of the base part and having a threaded aperture configured for cooperating with the threaded top part in such a way that the leg element is fixed to the base part by screwing the top part in the sliding element, and thereby enabling the leg element to be fixed at a certain angle relative to the furniture.

The leg element will extend substantially perpendicular from said outer convex surface. This implies that the angle it forms in relation to the part of the furniture to which the base part is attached will depend of the position of the elongated threaded top part in the elongated hole. Since the a sliding element has a threaded aperture configured for cooperating with the threaded top part in such a way that the leg element is fixed to the base part by screwing the top part in the sliding element, it is possible to fixate the leg element in the desired position, i.e. at the desired angle relative to the part of the furniture to which the base part is attached. A great advantage of this invention is that it makes it possible to fix the leg element at an arbitrary angle within the range ultimately determined by the length and position of the elongated hole, and this adjustment can furthermore be made step-less. This makes it possible even to account for minor roughness in the floor by adjusting the angle of the leg element accordingly. Furthermore, each leg can be adjusted individually. It is understood that in one embodiment the leg element is simply a furniture leg or a part of a furniture leg.

In an embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, the outer convex surface of the base part is formed as a ball cut or as a part of an ellipsoid. Hereby is achieved a very smooth and step-less transition between the various angles with which it is possible to position the leg element relative to the part of the furniture to which the base part is attached.

According to the invention, the sliding element has a dimension which is larger than the transversal extension of the hole. Hereby it is ensured that the sliding element together with the threaded top part does not fall out of the base part during use.

Preferably, the surface of the sliding element that faces the inner side of the convex surface has the same curvature as said inner side of the convex surface.

According to the invention, the base part further comprises two sidewall sections extending from the inner side of the convex surface and placed on each side of the longitudinal hole, said sidewall sections being substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the hole for guiding the movement of the sliding element during adjustment of the angle, which the leg element forms relative to the furniture. In addition to functioning as guiding elements, said sidewalls ensure that the threaded aperture of the sliding element is coinciding with the elongated hole, thereby aiding in a quick and easy attachment of the leg element to the sliding element via the elongated threaded top part, which is screwed in to the aperture in the sliding element. Preferably, the sidewalls are placed at such a distance from the elongated sides of the hole that the sliding element is guided between them without so much leverage that the threading of the elongated top part can touch the side edges of the hole during use. Hereby wear and destruction of the threading on the elongated top part can be precluded.

According to the invention, the base part further comprises two end wall sections extending from the inner side of the convex surface and placed adjacent to each end of the longitudinal hole, said end wall sections being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the hole. These end wall sections work as a stopper, and are preferably placed at such a distance from the ends of the elongated hole that they will prevent the threaded parts of the elongated top part to touch the edges of the hole, which thereby can destroy the threading. Together with the sidewalls, these end walls function as a grove for the sliding element to slide within.

In a further embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, the base part further comprises an anchoring element placed between the two sidewalls. This anchoring element is configured for holding and guiding the sliding element.

In a further embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, the anchoring element has two parallel anchor walls, each of which anchor walls is configured to be in abutment to a corresponding one of the sidewalls of the base part.

In a further embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, the two parallel anchor walls are connected via a bottom surface, which is equipped with an elongated hole corresponding to the elongated hole in the outer convex surface of the base part, and where said bottom surface has such a form and curvature that during use it abuts to, and follows, the curvature of the inner concave surface of the base part.

In a further embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, each of the two anchor walls is equipped with one or more guiding protrusions extending perpendicularly from said anchor walls.

In a further embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, said guiding protrusions are placed at a distance from the bottom surface that corresponds to the height of the sliding element.

By the use of an anchoring element as described above, a more reliable and controlled guidance of the sliding element is achieved. Especially, the guiding protrusions extending perpendicularly from the anchor walls will ensure that the sliding element always will be aligned with the elongated hole in the outer convex surface of the base part, whereby attachment of the threaded elongated top part to the sliding element is more easily and effectively facilitated.

In a further embodiment of the jointing according to the invention, the outer convex surface of the base part is provided with markings, which during use are configured for indicating the angular position of the leg element. Hereby is ensured that a user can adjust all the legs of the same furniture to have the same angle relative to the part of the furniture to which the base part is attached.

In a further embodiment, the jointing according to the invention further comprises an annular washer to be placed between the convex outer surface of the base part and the leg element. Hereby is ensured that the leg part is not so easily loosened from the base part. Preferably, the annular washer has an inner surface, which during use is configured to be facing the outer convex surface of the base part, said inner surface being concave and having a smaller radius of curvature (preferably, slightly smaller radius of curvature) than said outer convex surface of the base part. Hereby it is achieved that the annular washer will work as a feathering washer between the leg element and the base part. This will ensure an even tighter fixation of the leg element to the base part.

The above mentioned objects are also obtained by a piece of furniture comprising a plurality of leg elements and jointings for connecting each of the leg elements to a main part of the furniture, wherein each jointing comprises:a base part attached to the main part of the furniture, the base part comprising a convex outer surface, which during use faces one of the leg elements, and which outer surface further comprises an elongated hole defining a longitudinal extension and a transversal extension,an elongated threaded top part fixed to said leg element and having a cross-sectional dimension not exceeding the transversal extension of the hole, anda sliding element configured to slide along the inner side of the convex outer surface of the base part and having a threaded aperture configured for cooperating with the threaded top part in such a way that said leg element is fixed to the base part by screwing the top part in the sliding element, and thereby enabling said leg element to be fixed at a certain angle relative to the main part of the furniture.

In an embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the outer convex surface of the base part is formed as a ball cut.

In the furniture according to the invention, the sliding element has a dimension which is larger than the transversal extension of the hole.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the surface of the sliding element that faces the inner side of the convex surface has the same curvature as said inner side of the convex surface.

In the furniture according to the invention, wherein the base part further comprises two sidewall sections extending from the inner side of the convex surface and placed on each side of the longitudinal hole, said sidewall sections are substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the hole for guiding the movement of the sliding element during adjustment of the angle which said leg element forms relative to the furniture.

In the furniture according to the invention, wherein the base part further comprises two end wall sections extending from the inner side of the convex surface and placed adjacent to each end of the longitudinal hole, said end wall sections are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the hole.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the base part further comprises an anchoring element placed between the two sidewalls, the anchoring element being configured for holding and guiding the sliding element.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the anchoring element has two parallel anchor walls, each of which anchor walls is configured to be in abutment to a corresponding one of the sidewalls of the base part.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the two parallel anchor walls are connected via a bottom surface, which is equipped with an elongated hole corresponding to the elongated hole in the outer convex surface of the base part, and where said bottom surface has such a form and curvature that during use it abuts to, and follows, the curvature of the inner concave surface of the base part.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, each of the two anchor walls is equipped with one or more guiding protrusions extending perpendicularly from said anchor walls.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, said guiding protrusions are placed at a distance from the bottom surface that corresponds to the height of the sliding element.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the outer convex surface of the base part is provided with markings, which during use are configured for indicating the angular position of the leg element.

In a further embodiment, the furniture may further comprise an annular washer to be placed between the convex outer surface of the base part and the leg element.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the main part of the furniture is a table top or a frame element attached to a table top, and the leg element is a table leg.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the main part of the furniture is a chair seat or a frame element attached to a chair seat, and the leg element is a chair leg.

In a further embodiment of the furniture according to the invention, the furniture is a dresser or cabinet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows an explosive view of an embodiment of a jointing2according to the invention. The illustrated jointing2is attached to a furniture leg element4, the jointing comprising a base part6configured to be attached to a piece of furniture (not shown). The base part6has a convex outer surface8, which during use faces the leg element4. As can be seen more clearly inFIG. 4, the outer surface8further comprises an elongated hole10defining a longitudinal extension12and a transversal extension14. The jointing2further comprises an elongated threaded top part16configured to be fixed to the leg element4and having a cross-sectional dimension not exceeding the transversal extension14of the hole10. Also illustrated is a sliding element18configured to slide along the inner side34(seeFIG. 2andFIG. 3) of the convex outer surface8of the base part6and having a threaded aperture20configured for cooperating with the threaded top part16in such a way that the leg element4is fixed to the base part6by screwing the threaded top part16in the sliding element18, and thereby enabling the leg element4to be fixed at a certain angle relative to the furniture.

Also illustrated inFIG. 1is an optional annular washer22to be placed between the convex outer surface8of the base part6and the leg element4. Hereby is ensured that the leg element4is not so easily loosened from the base part6during use. Preferably, the annular washer22has an inner surface24, which during use is configured to be facing the outer convex surface8of the base part6, said inner surface24being concave and having a smaller radius of curvature (preferably, slightly smaller radius of curvature) than said outer convex surface8of the base part6. Hereby it is achieved that the annular washer22will work as a feathering washer22between the leg element4and the base part6. This will ensure an even tighter fixation of the leg element4to the base part6. In the illustrated embodiment the base part6is to be attached to a piece of furniture by screws26. The surface28of the sliding element18that faces the inner side34(seeFIG. 2andFIG. 3) of the convex surface8has the same curvature as said inner side34of the convex surface8.

The base part6further comprises two sidewall sections30extending from the inner side of the convex surface8and placed on each side of the longitudinal hole10. These sidewall sections30are substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension12of the hole10for guiding the movement of the sliding element18during adjustment of the angle which the leg element4forms relative to the furniture. In addition to functioning as guiding elements, said sidewalls30ensure that the threaded aperture20of the sliding element18is coinciding with the elongated hole10, thereby aiding in a quick and easy attachment of the leg element4to the sliding element18via the elongated threaded top part16, which is screwed into the aperture20in the sliding element18. Preferably, these sidewalls30are placed at such a distance from the elongated sides of the hole10that the sliding element18is guided between them without so much leverage that the threading of the elongated top part16can touch the side edges of the hole10during use. Hereby wear and destruction of the threading on the elongated top part16can be precluded.

As illustrated, the base part6further comprises two end wall sections32extending from the inner side of the convex surface8and placed adjacent to each end of the longitudinal hole10. These end wall sections32are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension12of the hole10, and they (32) work as a stopper, and are preferably placed at such a distance from the ends of the elongated hole10that they will prevent the threaded parts of the elongated top part16from touching the edges of the hole, which thereby can destroy the threading. Together with the sidewalls30, these end walls32function as a grove for the sliding element18to slide within.

FIG. 2shows a leg element4fixed to the jointing in the center position, andFIG. 3illustrates a leg element4which is fixed to the jointing2in an off-centered position. The leg element4will extend substantially perpendicular from the outer convex surface8of the base part6. This implies that the angle it (the leg element4) forms in relation to the part of the furniture (not shown) to which the base part6is attached will depend of the position of the elongated threaded top part16in the elongated hole10. Since the sliding element18has a threaded aperture20configured for cooperating with the threaded top part16in such a way that the leg element4is fixed to the base part6by screwing the top part16in the sliding element18, it is possible to fixate the leg element4in the desired position, i.e. at the desired angle relative to the part of the furniture to which the base part6is attached. A great advantage of this invention is that it makes it possible to fix the leg element4at an arbitrary angle within the range ultimately determined by the length12and position of the elongated hole10. This adjustment can furthermore be made step-less. This makes it possible even to account for a minor roughness in the floor by adjusting the angle of the leg element4accordingly. Furthermore, each leg can be adjusted individually. It is understood that in one embodiment, the leg element is simply a furniture leg or a part of a furniture leg.

FIG. 4shows another view of the base part6, wherein the elongated hole10is more clearly visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer convex surface8of the base part6is formed as a ball cut. However, other forms may be used, e.g. parts of an ellipsoid. Hereby is achieved a very smooth and step-less transition between the various angles with which it is possible to position the leg element4relative to the part of the furniture to which the base part6is attached.

The sliding element18(illustrated inFIGS. 1-3) has a dimension, which is larger than the transversal extension14of the hole10. Hereby it is ensured that the sliding element18together with the threaded top part16does not fall out of the base part6during use.

The illustrated outer convex surface8of the base part6is provided with markings36, which during use are configured for indicating the angular position of the leg element4. Hereby is ensured that a user can adjust all the legs of the same furniture to have the same angle relative to the part of the furniture to which the base part6is attached.

InFIG. 5is illustrated how the annular washer22can be used together with the markings36to indicate the angular position of the leg element4. In this illustration is also more clearly shown the center hole38in the annular washer22through which the elongated threaded top part is inserted during use.

FIGS. 6 and 7illustrates two leg elements for a dresser or a cabinet, where the leg element4is positioned in a center position and in an angular position.

FIG. 8shows an explosive view of another embodiment of a jointing2according to the invention. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8has many similarities with the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1. The difference between these embodiments is that the base part6illustrated inFIG. 8further comprises an anchoring element40to be placed between the two sidewalls30. This anchoring element40is configured for holding and guiding the sliding element18.

The illustrated anchoring element40has two parallel anchor walls42, each of which anchor walls42is configured to be in abutment to a corresponding one of the sidewalls30of the base part6during use. The two parallel anchor walls42are connected via a bottom surface44, which is equipped with an elongated hole (not shown) corresponding to the elongated hole10in the outer convex surface8of the base part6. This bottom surface44has such a form and curvature that it abuts to, and follows, the curvature of the inner concave surface34of the base part6during use.

Each of the two anchor walls42is equipped with two guiding protrusions46extending perpendicularly from said anchor walls42. These guiding protrusions46are placed at a distance from the bottom surface44that corresponds to the height of the sliding element18. In the illustrated embodiment, the guiding protrusions46are formed by a partly cut-out section of one of the anchor walls42, and bent inwardly in a direction towards the opposing anchor wall42. Also illustrated are the end connectors48of the anchoring element40. These end connectors48are configured to cooperate with corresponding connectors50attached to or placed adjacent to the end walls32of the base part6. The connectors50on the base part6are preferably leaf springs made from a suitable metal alloy, and having a tapered free end that can engage a part of the connectors48of the anchoring element40in such a way that they form a snap-fitting lock, when the anchoring element40is placed between the sidewalls30and the end walls32of the base part6.

By the use of an anchoring element40as described above, a more reliable and controlled guidance of the sliding element18is achieved. Especially, the guiding protrusions46extending perpendicularly from the anchor walls42will ensure that the sliding element18always will be aligned with the elongated hole10in the outer convex surface8of the base part6, whereby attachment of the threaded elongated top part16to the sliding element18is more easily and effectively facilitated.

Similarly to the illustration shown inFIG. 2,FIG. 9shows a cross section of the embodiment of the jointing2illustrated inFIG. 8, where the leg element4is fixed to the jointing2in the center position, and similarly toFIG. 3,FIG. 10shows a cross section of the embodiment of the jointing2illustrated inFIG. 8, where the leg element4is fixed to the jointing2in the off-center position.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

In the following is given a list of reference numbers that are used in the detailed description of the invention.2jointing,4leg element,6base part,8convex outer surface of base part,10elongated hole in the convex outer surface of base part,12longitudinal extension of the hole,14transversal extension of the hole,16threaded elongated top part,18sliding element,20threaded aperture in the sliding element,22annular washer,24inner concave surface of annular washer,26screws,28curved surface of the sliding element,30sidewalls,32end walls,34inner concave surface of the base part,36markings on the outer convex surface of the base part,38center hole in the annular washer,40anchoring element,42anchor walls,44bottom surface of the anchor element,46guiding protrusions,48connectors of the anchoring element, and50connectors of the base part for fixing the anchoring element to the base part.