EP1073355B1 - Deformable device for maintaining the end of one or several slats on a bed base frame or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a device comprising a type of clip (5) made from a high density polyethylene type material, with high elastic memory. The clip consists of a flange (6) fixed in its central part either directly, or via an elastic member, to the bed base long section. Said flange (6) comprises folds at its ends in the form of hooks (7). Said hooks extend slightly above the slat for catching the latter in the clip from above. Said clip (5) can be extended by a base (16) enabling to wedge or fit in the slat and the whole assembly can be covered with a top made from a rubber-type material, which top can have shape and colours adapted to the purposes.

Description

The present invention relates to a deformable device used for holding and securing the end of one or more slats on part of a box spring or whatever.

This device acts as a mouthpiece and it is associated with the frame of the bed base, either directly or indirectly through suspension members especially.

Devices of this kind are described in particular in the documents US-3,605,142 and FR-2,409,726.

In document US-3,605,142, it is a nozzle made of sheet metal folded, open on the top, which allows to wedge the end of a slat on the long side of a box spring.

In document FR-2 409 726, the end piece is made of material plastic and, according to one of the embodiments, it is arranged in the form of clip to allow mounting of the ends of the slats from above then that, according to the other more traditional embodiments, the ends of the slats are threaded into a cavity by deformation of said slat and / or the mouthpiece.

This type of tip, in the form of a clip, does not allow a fixing to be obtained. effective from the end of the batten. Under certain constraints, the slat comes out easily from its housing.

A device according to the preamble of the independent claim is known from FR-A-2 738 471.

The invention proposes means which make it possible to improve securing the end of the slat to the box spring.

According to the invention, this device consists of a sort of clip made of high density polyethylene plastic material, or high elastic memory such as the material sold under the name "Hytrel", and this clip consists of a sole or lamella horizontal able to be fixed in its central part, that is to say between its two ends, directly or through intermediate means, on the frame of the bed base, which strip has folds upwards at its ends, in the form of hooks, which hooks wrap around the sides of the slat and extend slightly on top of the latter over a distance of several mm depending on the shore hardness of the material, of the order of 2 to 3 mm.

Still according to the invention, the hooks preferably have a section which is of lunar shape so as to avoid deformation at the level of hooks, i.e. at the level of the part in contact with the sides of the lath.

This clip-shaped device has the advantage, as in the case of the aforementioned patents, to allow rapid positioning of the batten, by the above. The deformation and the shape of the clip make it possible to introduce relatively easily the slat from above thanks to an elastic spacing hooks. However, the shape of the hooks and their return on top of the batten, prevent the extraction of the batten by pulling upwards. This is held in place even under strong constraints, it cannot practically escape from the clip only by a translational movement, that is to say a movement in the transverse direction of the bed base.

The flexibility of the clip is exploited for the installation of the slats, that is to say when mounting the slats on the bed base after positioning regular intervals the different clips acting as end pieces. This flexibility comes from the material itself and the thickness of the clip sole. The ability of the clip to resist the extraction of the slat, also comes from the fixing the clip, preferably on a part of its sole which allows a deformation such that, during an attempt to tear off said slat, the hooks tend to close and tighten and, therefore, resist even more to the said attempt to tear off.

The clip-like device can be used alone as such, attached by any suitable means on the long side of the box spring. This clip can be made by extrusion and it is then presented individually or in a bar with fracture primers which allow them to be separated from each other.

This clip can also be only part of a tip and be associated, in a single piece, with a base adapted to be fixed on along pan or whatever. The clip can also be associated with the base by through an elastic member which can allow, in a conventional manner, a vertical movement of said clip and also an oscillating movement by example.

Still according to the invention, the clip-shaped device may include on at least one of the internal faces of the hooks, a retaining member in projection cooperating with an appropriate arrangement on the sides of the batten for allow a longitudinal setting of the latter. This arrangement can consist of one or more notches as required.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the clip-shaped device has a wall which acts as a bottom for wedging transversely the end of the slat, which bottom can be shaped into a hook for improve fixation. This bottom can also be arranged from the sole of the clip, without being tied to the hooks.

According to another arrangement of the invention, the device can include two clips associated in a single piece with the same base via of elastic organs, and this device can be completed by a general cap made for example of rubber-like material so as to form a tip with shapes and colors adapted to needs, which cap includes securing means consisting for example of a tab Tee which fits between the adjacent hooks of the central part of the device and it also has a flexible skirt that covers and fits on the outline of the clips and the outline of the setting bottoms associated with the latter.

Still according to the invention, the cap may consist of a horizontal plane provided on one side with a T-shaped tab and on the other side with a skirt which extends over the outer periphery, which skirt is deformable and in particular 180 ° turnable to dress the hooks and wedging bottoms after setting place of said tee. This type of cap has the advantage of being more convenient to make by molding.

According to an alternative embodiment, the device consisting of associated clips to the same base by means of one-piece elastic members, has two clips linked together by horizontal arms that extend between the adjacent hooks located in the central part.

These horizontal arms allow a coupling of two clips and limit the movement of these; they also allow retain the cap and in particular a cap arranged to slip on the end of the slats.

In general, these two-clip devices serving tip, may include, at their base, a seat or cradle which can accommodate a third batten.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the device consists at least one simple clip to perform the longitudinal wedging of the end a slat on the frame of the bed base, and the transverse setting of the slat between the long sides of the frame is obtained by means of a complementary piece in sock shape threaded beforehand on the end of the slat with at minus an orifice arranged on its sides, to allow the nesting of the assembly on the clip, and in particular allow the passage of the hooks.

Still according to the invention, this sock may include, laterally, one or more orifices to allow the transverse setting of the batten in several positions and, these socks can be connected between them and form a monobloc assembly associated with two slats, which can be mounted on two separate clips of the same tip.

The deformation of the slats is sometimes significant, especially when they bend under a vertical stress and, to avoid a separation of the end of the batten relative to the end piece, the invention provides a arrangement of the sole which makes it possible to fix this toe to the frame of the box spring while allowing a slight tilting movement of said sole and hooks in case of significant deflection of the slats.

According to a first embodiment, the sole extends from one of its edges, to form a flexible tab relative to said sole, which allows the device to be fixed by any appropriate means, such as horizontal clip or tenon, which flexibility between said tab and said sole results from the adoption of a curved shape which is similar to a collar of swan for the intermediate portion that connects the two.

According to the invention, the fixing lug is located under the sole, in a position as it confers thanks to the shape of the intermediate portion and in more tilting, a certain freedom of transverse movement for the tip that is to say along the axis of the slat.

According to an alternative embodiment, the sole is partially cut in its central part so as to release a tongue, which tongue is fixed and secured by any appropriate means, such as a staple or vertical tenon, to the frame of the box spring.

According to a preferred arrangement, the tongue has a thickness between half and a third of the overall thickness of the sole, which sole is arranged so as not to include all of its dimensions, that an almost constant thickness of material, close to that of the tongue.

Still according to the invention, a bottom acting as a stop for the end of the batten, can extend from the sole, up to the level of the upper surface of the hooks, which bottom can, like the hooks, overflow on top of the end of the slat, which is thus recessed.

Still according to the invention, the bottom may include cutouts which allow to dissociate it from the hooks, which cutouts are interposed between the hooks and the bottom, arranged in a plane parallel to the end of the slat or the cutouts are arranged in the bottom, perpendicular to the end of the batten, at the end of the sole for example, between the latter and the hooks.

This type of clip, with a sole provided with a staplable loose tab, can also be associated with a cleanliness cap or a piece of the type sock which positions and maintains the slat in the direction transverse of the bed base.

• la figure 1 représente une portion de long pan et deux extrémités de lattes destinées à coopérer avec les dispositifs de maintien selon l'invention, c'est-à-dire les clips ;
• la figure 2 montre un clip et une latte lors de l'opération de mise en place de la latte ;
• la figure 3 représente un clip en situation normale de maintien et de calage d'une latte ;
• la figure 4 représente d'une façon plus détaillée et agrandie un crochet avec un morceau de latte ;
• la figure 5 illustre la déformation du clip lors d'une tentative d'extraction de la latte en tirant vers le haut ;
• la figure 6 représente une variante de réalisation du dispositif de maintien selon l'invention pour accueillir les extrémités des lattes représentées figure 1 ;
• la figure 7 représente une variante de réalisation montrant un dispositif de maintien qui réalise le calage longitudinal et transversal de l'extrémité d'une latte;
• la figure 8 représente un profilé extrudé puis usiné pour former des clips reliés entre eux par un simple amincissement déchirable ;
• la figure 9 montre une variante de réalisation du dispositif de maintien en forme de véritable embout qui permet la fixation des extrémités d'une paire de lattes par rapport au cadre du sommier, c'est-à-dire dire leur calage longitudinal et transversal ;
• la figure 10 représente les lattes en position normale sur l'embout selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 9 ;
• la figure 11 représente une variante de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 12 représente une coiffe pouvant coopérer avec le dispositif en forme d'embout représenté figures 10 et 11 ;
• la figure 13 représente la coiffe de la figure 12 vue de dessous ;
• la figure 14 représente une coiffe mise en place sur une autre variante de réalisation du dispositif en forme d'embout ;
• la figure 15 représente une variante de réalisation de la coiffe qui permet de faciliter le moulage ;
• la figure 16 représente la coiffe de la figure 15 avec sa jupe retournée à 180°, c'est-à-dire en position normale pour habiller le dispositif faisant office d'embout et l'extrémité des lattes selon les figures 10, 11 et 14 par exemple ;
• la figure 17 représente une variante de réalisation du dispositif faisant office d'embout, avec des clips associés entre eux pour limiter la déformation du couple de lattes fixé par les clips ;
• la figure 18 représente le dispositif d'embout de la figure 17 vue de ¾ par dessus et côté extérieur ;
• la figure 19 montre une variante de coiffe qui est en forme de chaussette pour s'adapter sur les extrémités d'un couple de lattes et qui se positionne sur un dispositif faisant office d'embout du type de celui décrit précédemment figures 10, 11, 14, 17, 18 notamment ;
• la figure 20 montre, vus par le dessus, les éléments constitutifs représentés figure 19 ;
• la figure 21 représente une variante de réalisation montrant des extrémités de lattes et des pièces ou coiffes faisant office de chaussettes pour habiller ces extrémités de lattes et permettre en plus leur immobilisation dans le sens transversal du sommier ;
• la figure 22 montre un dispositif faisant office d'embout constitué d'une paire de clips qui sont susceptibles d'accueillir les lattes associées aux chaussettes montrées figure 21 ;
• la figure 23 montre l'assemblage des lattes munies de leur chaussette avec le dispositif faisant office d'embout ;
• la figure 24 montre, vue de dessous, la coiffe faisant office de chaussette pour un couple de lattes, laquelle coiffe permet un double positionnement du dispositif faisant office d'embout ;
• la figure 25 montre une variante de réalisation de la figure 23 dont les coiffes pour les extrémités d'une paire de lattes sont façonnées de façon monobloc ;
• la figure 26 montre l'ensemble bi-lattes de la figure 25, vu de dessous ;
• la figure 27 représente un embout selon l'invention en forme de clip muni d'une patte frontale permettant sa fixation par agrafage ou tenon horizontal sur le sommier ;
• la figure 28 représente schématiquement un embout positionné sur le tasseau d'un cadre de sommier avec une portion de latte positionnée dans ledit embout ;
• la figure 29 représente, en coupe, une variante de la figure 28 ;
• la figure 30 représente en perspective l'embout de la figure 28, muni d'un fond qui fait notamment office de butée pour l'extrémité de la latte ;
• la figure 31 représente une variante de la figure 30 ;
• la figure 32 représente une variante de réalisation de l'embout dont la fixation sur le sommier s'effectue par agrafe ou tenon vertical ;
• la figure 33 représente l'embout de la figure 32 vu de dessus ;
• la figure 34 représente l'embout de la figure 32 muni d'un fond faisant notamment office de butée pour l'extrémité de la latte ;
• la figure 35 représente l'embout des figures 32 et 33 fixé sur un tasseau de cadre de sommier avec une extrémité de latte ;
• la figure 36 représente le basculement de l'embout lors d'un fléchissement important de la latte ;
• la figure 37 représente un embout de type double, accueillant des extrémités de lattes disposées bout à bout.

The invention will be further detailed with the aid of the following description and the appended drawings, given for information only, and in which:

• Figure 1 shows a long pan portion and two ends of slats intended to cooperate with the holding devices according to the invention, that is to say the clips;
• Figure 2 shows a clip and a batten during the operation of placing the batten;
• FIG. 3 represents a clip in normal situation of holding and wedging a slat;
• Figure 4 shows in more detail and enlarged a hook with a piece of batten;
• FIG. 5 illustrates the deformation of the clip during an attempt to extract the batten by pulling upwards;
• Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the holding device according to the invention to accommodate the ends of the slats shown in Figure 1;
• Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment showing a holding device which performs the longitudinal and transverse setting of the end of a slat;
• FIG. 8 represents an extruded profile then machined to form clips linked together by a simple tearable thinning;
• Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the holding device in the form of a real end piece which allows the fixing of the ends of a pair of slats relative to the frame of the bed base, that is to say their longitudinal and transverse setting;
• Figure 10 shows the slats in normal position on the nozzle according to the embodiment of Figure 9;
• Figure 11 shows a variant of Figure 10;
• FIG. 12 represents a cap which can cooperate with the device in the form of a nozzle shown in FIGS. 10 and 11;
• Figure 13 shows the cap of Figure 12 seen from below;
• FIG. 14 shows a cap placed on another alternative embodiment of the device in the form of a nozzle;
• Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the cap which facilitates molding;
• FIG. 16 represents the cover of FIG. 15 with its skirt turned over by 180 °, that is to say in the normal position for covering the device acting as a nozzle and the end of the slats according to FIGS. 10, 11 and 14 for example;
• FIG. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of the device acting as a nozzle, with clips associated with one another to limit the deformation of the pair of slats fixed by the clips;
• Figure 18 shows the tip device of Figure 17 seen from ¾ from above and outside;
• FIG. 19 shows a variant of a cap which is in the form of a sock to adapt to the ends of a pair of slats and which is positioned on a device acting as a mouthpiece of the type described previously in FIGS. 10, 11, 14, 17, 18 in particular;
• FIG. 20 shows, seen from above, the constituent elements represented in FIG. 19;
• FIG. 21 represents an alternative embodiment showing the ends of the slats and the pieces or caps serving as socks for dressing these ends of the slats and also allowing them to be immobilized in the transverse direction of the bed base;
• FIG. 22 shows a device acting as a mouthpiece consisting of a pair of clips which are capable of accommodating the slats associated with the socks shown in FIG. 21;
• FIG. 23 shows the assembly of the slats provided with their sock with the device acting as an end piece;
• FIG. 24 shows, seen from below, the cap acting as a sock for a pair of slats, which cap allows a double positioning of the device acting as an end piece;
• Figure 25 shows an alternative embodiment of Figure 23, the caps for the ends of a pair of slats are formed in one piece;
• Figure 26 shows the bi-slat assembly of Figure 25, seen from below;
• Figure 27 shows a tip according to the invention in the form of a clip provided with a front tab allowing its fixing by stapling or horizontal tenon on the bed base;
• FIG. 28 schematically represents an end piece positioned on the cleat of a box spring frame with a slat portion positioned in said end piece;
• Figure 29 shows, in section, a variant of Figure 28;
• Figure 30 shows in perspective the tip of Figure 28, provided with a bottom which in particular acts as a stop for the end of the slat;
• Figure 31 shows a variant of Figure 30;
• FIG. 32 represents an alternative embodiment of the endpiece, the fixing of which to the bed base is by staple or vertical tenon;
• Figure 33 shows the tip of Figure 32 seen from above;
• Figure 34 shows the tip of Figure 32 provided with a bottom serving in particular as a stop for the end of the slat;
• FIG. 35 shows the end piece of FIGS. 32 and 33 fixed on a cleat of the box spring frame with one end of the slat;
• Figure 36 shows the tip tilting during a significant deflection of the slat;
• Figure 37 shows a double type tip, receiving ends of slats arranged end to end.

Figure 1 shows a long pan 1 portion of a box spring with a internal cleat 2 on which rest the ends of the slats 3. These slats 3 are wedged transversely by the internal face 4 of the long pan 1 and they are wedged longitudinally by means of holding devices or end caps, in shape of clips 5.

These clips 5 are made of plastic material of the polyethylene type high density, or a material with high elastic memory, like the material known as "Hytrel". They can be made piece by piece individually, or in strings as shown in Figure 8, from a profile obtained by extrusion. This profile is then machined and cut to shape the clips 5, which are linked to each other by at least one lug or a strip of material 8 which is easily breakable by means of a rupture initiator example.

The width of the clip 5 is of the order of 2/3 of the width of the slat 3.

This clip consists of a sole 6 which forms the bottom on which rests the underside of the slat and this sole 6 is extended by folds, in shape of hooks 7 which extend upwards and follow the lateral contour of the batten by slightly covering the upper surface of the latter.

The clip 5 is fixed to the upper surface of the cleat 2 by any means suitable as for example a clip 9 arranged in the central part of the sole 6.

Figure 2 shows the placement of the end of a slat 3 in a clip 5. This positioning is carried out from above with a movement which allows to insert a rim of the slat in one of the hooks 7 of each clip, and, by forcing vertically, the other edge of the slat is introduced into each clip by deforming the other hook 7.

Figure 3 shows the slat 3 in normal position in the clip 5, clamped between the hooks 7, and placed on the sole 6 which acts as a cradle.

Figure 4 shows in more detail and enlarged, a portion of batten 3, housed in a hook 7 of the clip and placed on the sole 6. The sole 6 has a thickness A of the order of 2 mm and the section of the hook 7 varies between its two ends, being in the form of a lunula. At mid-height, the hook has a thickness B which is of the order of 1.5 times the thickness of the sole 6.

The upper end 10 of the hook 7 projects beyond and is clearly located on top of the batten 3. The shape of the sides of the batten 3 may vary, but generally it takes the form of an arc of a circle. The radius R of this arc is taken up on the internal face and the external face of the hook 7; in the example, it is between 6 and 7 mm. The total depth P of the hook 7, as shown in FIG. 4, is sufficient to obtain an overlap C of the order of several mm on the top of the batten 3, depending on the shore hardness of the material used. This overlap C is of the order of 2 to 3 mm.

The depth P of the hook corresponds substantially to half the thickness E of the slat 3, as shown in Figure 4. In the example of Figure 4, the slat has a thickness E of the order of 9 mm.

To facilitate the installation of the batten 3, as shown in FIG. 2, we note that the outer upper end 10 of the hook 7 has a rounded with a radius of around 1.5 mm. This rounding is arranged on the hooks on each clip.

This clip 5 has the particularity as shown in Figure 5, to oppose the vertical extraction of the batten 3 when an upward traction is exerted on this slat 3.

The lunar shape of the hook 7 prevents deformation at the level of the hook itself and transfer this deformation to the sole 6.

This sole 6 is fixed to the support as shown in FIG. 1 in its central part. This fixing is carried out for example with a clip 9 or, as detailed below, and shown in Figure 5, it is molded with a member elastic 11.

When an upward tensile force is exerted on the batten 3, it is observes a deformation of the clip 5 and in particular a deformation of the sole 6 which tends to bend on either side of its central part which has to close the side hooks 7 and increase the maintenance of the batten 3.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of the holding device acting as a tip This tip device consists of two clips 5. Each clip is carried by one. elastic structure 11 in the shape of a diamond, made with the same material as the clip 5 and this suspension element 11 is associated with a base comprising a horizontal seat 12 which rests on the upper face of the cleat 2 and a vertical rim 13 which extends over the internal edge of said cleat 2.

The rim 13 may have on its internal face a tenon, not visible, which fits into an appropriate arrangement on the cleat 2. This flange 13 can also be stapled.

A simple and efficient, monobloc tip is thus obtained, which allows to accommodate the ends of the slats with the advantage of great ease and speed of installation of the latter by introduction from above clips.

Figure 7 shows a variant of the nozzle shown in Figure 6. This end piece is in fact positioned astride the long pan 1 thanks to its seat 12 and its vertical edge 13. The clips 5 ensure longitudinal positioning slats and, by means of suitable projecting members, they allow also to carry out a transverse wedging of the slats.

We observe in the hooks 7, a kind of tenon 14 projecting from inside. This tenon 14 cooperates with a recess 15 arranged in the edge of the batten 3 towards its end.

The end of the batten may in this case include a recess 15 of each side and even several spaced recesses which allows select batten positions on identical end caps in the case articulated box springs where the width between long sections can vary.

FIG. 9 represents a variant of FIG. 6 in which the clips 5 have laterally an extension which forms a kind of cap or bottom 16 for wedging the end of the slats 3. This bottom 16 makes it possible to immobilize transversely the slats 3 and can cover the end for a few millimeters, which allows to cover said end and avoid angular contact between the covering or the mattress placed on the slats.

Note, Figure 9, that the hooks 7 can be separated from the bottom 16 by a groove 17. The presence of this separation depends on the hardness shore of the material. If this hardness is low, the hooks can form a continuity with the side walls 18 of the associated bottom 16. The sole 6 is extends laterally and forms the sole 19 which serves as a support for the underside of the batten 3 in the bottom cavity 16.

Figure 10 shows the slats 3 in normal position, that is to say snapped into clips 5 with the ends positioned in the bottoms 16 in the form of protuberances behind said clips 5.

This type of nozzle, shown in Figures 9 and 10, is positioned as in the case shown in Figure 7, on the edge of a long pan that is to say that the seat 12 rests on the upper part of the long pan or frame and the vertical edge 13 is fixed on the internal face of this same long pan or frame.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of Figure 10. We finds the clips 5 and the growths in the form of a hook or shell constituting the bottoms 16 to improve the fixing of the slats, wedging them transversely and dress their ends.

The means for suspending the clips 5 are different from those previously shown. The clips 5 are carried by an element of suspension X-shaped 21. The upper edges of the element suspension in X, are arranged substantially in the center of the surface lower clips and the lower edges rest on tubular portions 22 which allow the positioning of studs, not shown, for assemble in a conventional manner, the tip on a long pan.

Between the two tubular portions 22, there is a cradle 23 which accommodates a third slat usable with appropriate elements to adjust the flexibility of the upper slats, as described for example in document FR-2 666 973 of the applicant.

This cradle 23 has a sole 24 and side walls 25 slightly curved so as to also form a sort of clip, and a bottom 26 which stops the end of the batten.

To improve the general presentation of this type of tip, shown Figures 10 and 11, we can add a cap 30 made for example in rubber-like material. This cap 30 can have a shape, a presentation and color adapted to needs.

It mainly consists of a plate 31 which, preferably, rests and extends over the entire end of the slats in the case of a bi-slat tip and on the clips as well as on the backdrops 16.

This cap has, under its plate 31, a tenon 32 in the shape of a T which is inserted between the clips 5, and is immobilized by means of appropriate stops.

A skirt 33 extends over the outer contour of the plate 31, matching the shape of clips 5 and bottoms 16.

Figure 13 shows the cap 30 seen from below revealing the pin 32 which extends under the plate 31, and the skirt 33 able to match the outline of the end piece and in particular the clips 5, the bottoms 16. This skirt 33 has a central portion 34 which extends between the two bottoms 16 so as to form a continuity in the case of a bi-slat tip. The height of this skirt corresponds at least to the height of the hooks 7 of the clips 5.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the end piece and in particular of its base. This base 12 'extends between two studs monobloc and it is surmounted by elastic members 11 which are similar to those shown in Figures 6 to 10.

This figure 14 shows the underside of the end of a tip making appear the cap 30 and in particular the skirt 33 which encloses the outline of the mouthpiece. This skirt 33 covers the clips 5, the bottoms 16 and it is immobilized and held by means of its tenon 32. This tenon 32 is trapped by means lugs 35 which extend under the clips 5, and in particular under the part of the clips located in the center of the tip, preventing the recoil of said stud. These pins 35 are obtained directly by molding.

FIG. 15 represents an alternative embodiment of the cap 30. This cap 30 comprises as previously a plate 31 whose dimensions allow for example to cover a bi-slat tip device. Under this plate 31 we find the pin 32 which allows to associate the cap with the tip. The peculiarity resides in the skirt 33, which skirt is molded in a position returned to 180 °, that is to say it is molded above the plate 31.

Figure 16 shows the cap 30 after turning the skirt 33 which skirt once turned over, is positioned as shown in FIG. 14, around the device, that is to say that it covers the external parts of the clips 5, funds 16, and forms a connection between said funds 16.

Figures 17 and 18 show, from two different angles, a alternative embodiment of the device acting as a tip, as shown figure 11.

This device comprises, as before, a fitted base so as to accommodate a third slat in a housing 40 disposed between the tubular portions 22 'which have studs 34.

It is noted that the elastic member 11 ′ is substantially different and is presents in the form of a large lower arc with returns which extend as far as the clips 5. The clips 5 each have, laterally a bottom 16 as previously described.

The internal hooks 7 of the clips 5 are interconnected by strips 42 and 43 horizontal, one of which is disposed at the level of the lamellas 6 and the other at the upper part of said hooks 7.

These two bands 42, 43 make it possible to associate the two clips 5 and modify the behavior of the nozzle.

This bi-slat tip device can also receive as shown in Figure 14, a cap 30 whose pin 32 is immobilized by means bands 42 and 43, which allows an effective association between said cap and said tip.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an alternative embodiment of Figure 14. In this variant, it is noted that the cap 30 has a plate 31 which allows it to extend over a larger area since this plate covers clips 5 and bottoms 16 and part of the slats in front of clips 5.

In fact, the cap 30 comprises a pair of sleeves 45 in which insert the ends of the slats. These sheaths 45 are delimited by a strip 46 which extends under the plate 31, between the edges of the skirt 33, on the one hand and other of the central tenon 32.

This cap 30 firstly receives the ends of each of the slats 3 and then the assembly is snapped into clips 5 in particular ends of the slats 3 and these ends are further fitted into the bottoms 16.

Then the skirt is positioned so as to follow the outline of the clips 5 and funds 16 covering the whole.

The following figures 21 to 23 show another embodiment in which the transverse setting of the slats is carried out by means of a cap 50.

This cap 50, as shown in FIG. 21, is in the form a sock that covers the end of a slat. This headdress like previously is made of rubber-like material with choice of colors and decorative shapes. She includes an upper flat plate 51 which covers the top of the end of the batten 3 and a lower wall 52 of the same nature and of the same dimensions than the top wall. These walls are joined by flanks 53 and we notice on these sides, openings 54 whose dimensions actually correspond to the dimensions of the hooks 7 of the clips 5. The wall lower 52 is divided into two parts: a part at the entrance of the cap and a part for the bottom.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 22, the caps 50 are installed on the ends of the slats and these slats are then snapped into the clips 5 by a simple movement of vertical displacement. The clips 5 ensure a wedging longitudinal of the slats on the long side of the bed base and the caps 50 achieve the transverse wedging of the slats, which caps are trapped at the same time slats and clips when the slats are positioned in them, as shown in figure 23.

FIG. 24 represents a cover 50 ′ of the monobloc type for a bi-slat tip device. This cap 50 ′ has several openings 54 offset on the sides. These offset openings 54 make it possible to position clips in two different places which is particularly advantageous for the installation of this type of end piece on articulated bed bases for which the width between the long pan portions forming the frames may vary.

Figure 25 shows, top view, a 50 'bi-slat cap positioned on a tip device, the slats being snapped onto the clips 5 at the level orifices 54 located at the internal end of the cover 50 ', on the side of the slat.

Figure 26 shows a bottom view of a 50 'bi-slat cover assembly where the clips 5 are positioned in the end openings 54 made towards the outer end of the cap 50, so as to position the end piece the end of the slats when the distance between the long sides is maximum.

Note, Figures 24 to 26, that the openings 54 extend essentially from the mid-height of the cap 50 and downwards, from so as to hide the hooks 7 of the clips 5 as much as possible.

The toe shown in Figure 27 looks like the clip consisting of a sole 6 which extends between two folds in the form of hooks 7, which clip is provided a fixing lug 63 located under the sole, in a perpendicular plane to the latter. This mounting lug is integral with the clip and in particular with the sole 6 and constitutes a sort of extension of said sole with a certain flexibility thanks to the intermediate portion 64 in swan neck shape that connects the two. This curved intermediate portion extends to the level of the internal side of the nozzle and its section decomposes all first in a first part 141 in the form of a semicircle which is connected tangentially to sole B, followed by a second part 142 in the form of quarter circle which connects tangentially to the previous part and to the leg 63. The radius of part 141 is of the order of half that of part 142. The radius of part 142 is of the order of the thickness of the slat which fits into the nozzle.

The fixing lug 63 is arranged to accommodate one or more staples for example and it can even have at least one stud like shown in Figure 28.

Figure 28 shows a tip positioned on the frame of a box spring and in particular an end piece fixed on the cleat 2 which is integral with the long pan 1.

The tip holds the end of a slat 3 and rests on the surface top of the cleat 2; the end piece is fixed to this checkerboard by means of its tab 63 by means of a clip 65 arranged horizontally or by means of a post forcibly inserted horizontally into a specially orifice fitted in said cleat 2.

The tab 63 is located under the sole 6, in a plane perpendicular to the latter, and at a distance from the entry edge of the sole 6 which is about a third of its length.

If the batten 3 is subjected to a significant deflection, downwards, the tip can tilt on the edge of the cleat 2 while remaining perfectly maintained at this checkerboard by its fixing lug 63. In addition, the end piece can be move as indicated by arrow 67, on the cleat 2, transversely.

The toe shown in Figure 28 is detailed in Figure 30, The sole 6 of the end piece is extended at its other end by a bottom 68 of convex shape and rounded which acts as a hook and hides the end of the slat 3 by means a rim 69 which covers the upper surface of said end of the batten. The slat is as embedded in the end piece with the hooks 7 which match the sides and the wall 68 which covers and blocks the end. The recovery is the order of one or more millimeters.

The shape of the intermediate portion 64, between the sole 6 and the tab 63, gives the tip a certain transverse flexibility, that is to say in the longitudinal direction of the slat. Thanks to this flexibility, the tip can accompany the slat in its flexing movements.

On a box spring frame, we can thus observe that the distance between two end pieces arranged opposite each other before mounting the slat, is lower the length of said slat which allows it to be embedded in the end pieces by spreading them apart thanks to the flexibility of the intermediate portion 64.

This difference corresponds for example to the variation in length that we observe on a slat between its length at rest and its bulk in length when it reaches a significant deflection, greater than sagging reached in a normal active position.

The bottom 68 is separated from the hooks 7 by means of cutouts 70 which extend almost over the entire height of said hooks 7 and these cutouts are located in a plane parallel to the end of the slat 3 located in the nozzle.

FIG. 31 shows an alternative embodiment in which the 70 cuts are made directly in the bottom 68 offering a certain flexibility at this bottom 68 and greater stiffness at the hooks 7. The cutouts 78 lie in a plane which is perpendicular to the end of the batten 3, at the end of the sole 6, at the entry of the hooks 7.

This dissociation of the bottom 68 relative to the hooks 7 gives said wall a certain flexibility which facilitates the installation of the slats. The flange 69 which extends above the end of the batten may have a length important, of the order of half the thickness of a slat for example and cover the batten like the hooks 7.

Figure 29 shows a variant of Figure 28. The tab 63 'extends vertically under the sole 6 and has a tenon 73 which is pressed into the cleat 2 for example.

The batten 3 is clamped between the lateral hooks 7 and locked at its end by the bottom 68 also in the form of a hook.

As before, the hooks 7 and the bottom 68 are separated by a cutout 70.

FIG. 32 represents another embodiment of the end piece in clip form. We find the sole 6 whose ends have folds in the form of hooks 7.

This tip, as shown in Figure 35, is intended to be fixed on the part upper of the cleat 2 of the box spring frame, for example by means of a vertical clip 74 or, as mentioned above, by means of a tenon vertical not shown.

The slat 3 is supported on the sole 6. The sole 6 has a thickness relatively large overall to allow its obtaining by molding while by obtaining, in the central part of this sole, a tongue 76 which allows the attachment of the nozzle on the cleat 2.

The thickness of the tongue 76 is between half and a third of the total thickness of the sole 6. In the space between the sole 6 and the top of the tongue 76, it is possible to house a clip 74 as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36.

The sole 6 has an almost constant material thickness over its entire size. This arrangement allows in falt to obtain the nozzle by molding with a relatively simple mold.

As shown in Figure 33, seen from above, we observe the shape of the tongue 76 which corresponds to a kind of U. This tongue 76 appears as cut in the sole 6. It is integral with the rest of the sole 6 by means of a kind of beam 77 which extends between the flanges 79 of said sole 6. The edges 79 of the sole 6 are also interconnected by a beam 80 located at the other end of the tongue 76. This beam 80 is located a higher level with respect to said tongue 76. The flanges 79, the beam 80 and the beam 77 form a kind of frame for the sole. Batten 3 is in support on the flanges 79 and the beam 80.

The tongue 76 and the connecting beam 77 have the same thickness, which thickness also corresponds to that of the connecting beam 80 of the sole 6. The beam 77 is located at the same level as the tongue 76.

The flanges 79 have, at their lower part, a groove 81 which keeps a constant thickness of material at the level of the whole room.

The grooves 81 extend, like the hooks 7, in the direction of slats and form a kind of bridge whose outer legs are located substantially in line with the upper edge 10 of the hooks 7.

This arrangement also makes it possible to maintain sufficient stiffness for the nozzle, avoiding too much flexibility at the hooks 7.

Figure 34 shows a tip with a bottom 68 which acts as both office hook for the end of the batten and recess cavity thanks to a rim which is positioned on the. above said slat. The latte is there too embedded in the nozzle.

This bottom 68 is free relative to the hooks 7 thanks to an absence of bond and material between the two. 70 'cuts obtained directly by molding, separate the hooks 7 from the bottom 68.

When the end piece whatever it is, has a bottom 16 or 68 in the form of hook, you get enough support and locking of the slat and which in this case do not require having hooks 7 which extend genuinely above the batten. The hooks 7 of the clip part have only one role of positioning the slat with respect to the long pitch and this is the bottom 16, 68 which, in addition to the transverse setting, ensures the maintenance of the slat.

Figure 36 shows the deformation of the tip and in particular its tilting during a significant deflection of the batten 3. During this bending, there is a certain deformation of the tongue 76; which tongue retains the endpiece by means of the beam 77 which ensures the connection with the rest of the sole 6.

To obtain transverse support of the slat when it is associated with an end piece which does not have a bottom 68, such as for example the end piece of the figure 32, this slat can be combined as shown in figure 21 in particular, with socks 50 which cover each of its ends.

It is also possible, as shown in FIG. 7, to have the hold in the hooks 7, which cooperate with notches arranged on the slats, to obtain a transverse setting of said slats.

Figure 37 shows a clip-end which allows the attachment of two adjacent ends of slats located in the extension of one another.

This clip-end has a base 82 which allows its fixing by stapling or tenon. On either side of this base 82 and located at a slightly higher level, there are the sole portions 6 which are extend by the hooks 7. The central part of the sole has stops 83 which serve as stops for the ends of the slats.

Claims (18)

1. A device acting as a tip for maintaining of the end of a slat, on the frame of a bed base or the like, characterised in that it comprises at least one clip made of high-density polyethylene material, with high elastic memory, which clip comprises a strip (6) capable to be fixed in its central part, i.e. between both its ends, directly or via intermediate means (11) to the frame of the said bed base, which strip (6) comprises folds at its ends, in the form of hooks (7), which hooks are provided to surround the sides of the said slat and to extend slightly above the said slat over a distance of several mm according to the Shore hardness of the material making up the said clip, in the order of 2 to 3 mm.
2. A device according to claim 1, characterised in that the cross section of the hooks (7) is crescent-shaped.
3. A device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the clip (5) is associated with an extension acting as a base (16) and a hook for transversal wedging of the end of the slat (3), which base can be dissociated from the hooks (7) by cutouts.
4. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the strip (6) of the clip is associated, as a single block, with a base provided to be fixed to the long section or the like.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that the clip is associated with the base (12) via an elastic member that can enable a movement of the said clip with respect to the said base.
6. A device acting as a tip according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the clip comprises on at least one of the internal faces of the hooks (7), a protruding member (14), co-operating with an appropriate arrangement (15) on at least one of the sides of the slat (3), in order to enable longitudinal wedging of the said slat.
7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, acting as a two-slat tip, characterised in that it comprises two clips (5) associated with the same base (12) via single block elastic members, which base (12) is provided for instance with a rim (13) in order to be fixed on the long section of the frame of the bed base, or comprises tubular portions (22) co-operating with lugs (34), which base can also be arranged to accommodate the end of a third slat and in that it comprises a general cover plate (30, 50) made from a flexible material, such as rubber, which cover plate enables to cover the said tip with shapes and colours suited to the requirements.
8. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that the cover plate (30) comprises a plate (31) covering the tip and the slats, as well as the bases (16), which plate (31) comprises at its lower part a lug (32) that is inserted between the adjacent clips, in the central part, and it comprises also a flexible skirt (33) that covers and fits the contour of the clips (5) and the contour of the extensions (16).
9. A device according to claim 8, characterised in that the cover plate comprises a deformable skirt and in particular turnable to 180° in order to cover the clips and the extensions in the form of bases (16), which skirt is moulded as turned over for easier making.
10. A device according to claim 7, characterised in that it comprises clips (5) linked together by horizontal arms (42, 43), provided between adjacent hooks (7), whereas the arm (42) is provided on the strips (6) forming the clips and the arm (43) is arranged at the upper part of the hooks (7).
11. A device acting as a tip, according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and 7, characterised in that it comprises at least one clip (5) and, associated with this clip, a complementary piece (50, 50') in the form of a sock, threaded at the end of the slat(s) (3), with at least one orifice (54) provided on its length in its lateral part, to accommodate the hooks (7) of the said clip.
12. A device according to claim 11, characterised in that it comprises, arranged on the cover plate (50, 50'), two or three orifices (54) spaced from one another on the sides, and whose spacing is selected in order to enable, from a single model, overlapping of the slats included inside the frame of the bed base, or protruding onto the frame, regardless whether the said frame is fixed or mobile.
13. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the strip (6) is associated with means that enable fastening the said strip to the bed base while allowing a slight tilting motion of the said strip under the effect of significant vertical sagging of the slat.
14. A device according to claim 13, characterised in that the strip (6) is extended from one of its rims, to form a flexible tab (63) that enables fastening the tip with a staple or a horizontal lug, which flexibility between the said tab and the said strip results from the substantially throated shape of the intermediate portion (64).
15. A device according to claim 14, characterised in that the fastening tab (63) is provided below the strip (6) in such a position that it gives to the said strip, a freedom of movement in the transversal direction.
16. A device according to claim 13, characterised in that the strip (6) is cut out in its central part in order to form a tongue (76), which tongue is fixed and integral with the bed base frame, by any appropriate means, a staple or vertical lug.
17. A device according to claim 16, characterised in that the thickness of the tongue (76) ranges between half and one third of the thickness of the strip (6), which strip is provided so that its thickness is almost constant, close to that of the said tongue, over its whole space requirements.
18. A device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises a base that can be stapled in place, surrounded by strips (6) divided by stops (83) that position the adjacent ends of two slats aligned with respect to one another.

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