ES2350540B1 - CLAMP FOR UNION OF SOMIER A PATA DE CAMA - Google Patents

Abstract

Clamp for connection of bed base to bed leg. # It is applicable for joining the profile (3) of a bed base to a leg (5) of tubular configuration in its upper area, and consists of at least one piece (1) of slightly flexible material, usually plastic, formed by an upper sector (2) of configuration adaptable to the shape of the profile (3) and intended to embrace it and an elongated lower sector (4) intended to fit internally under pressure from the upper part of the leg (5). Due to the configuration of the clamp in slightly flexible material, quick and easy assembly of the bed structure to the legs is facilitated without the need for screws or other accessories or coupling elements.

Description

upper or displaced sector.

Clamp for joining bed base to bed leg.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a clamp designed to attach the bed base or bed structure to the legs of the bed.

The object of the invention consists in the development of a clamp that can facilitate quick and easy assembly of the bed frame structure without using screws or other accessories or coupling elements, as well as reducing costs, weight and that the clamp can be Obtain through a simple manufacturing process. Background of the invention

Traditionally, when establishing the connection between the bed frame structure of the legs and legs, the use of metal clamps formed by two pieces that embrace the stringer of the box spring, which are firmly established, establishes a solid bond between the legs with the aid of corresponding fixing means, such as screw and nut, bushings or others

The use of this type of clamps implies a certain operational complexity and the need to spend significant time in the assembly work.

On the other hand, these metal parts that form the clamps are formed in metallic material and require at least one surface protection treatment such as galvanized coating. Description of the invention

The bed leg clamp that is the object of this invention makes it possible to establish the joint between bed base and leg in a completely satisfactory way without using screws or additional fixing elements thus achieving greater speed and simplicity in the assembly.

This bed leg clamp is applicable for the union of the profile that forms the base of a tubular configuration leg in its upper area, and stands out mainly because it is con fi gured by at least one piece of slightly flexible material, preferably plastic or similar, formed by a upper part of the configuration that is adaptable to the shape of the profile destined to embrace the same and by an elongated lower sector designed to fit the pressure in the upper part of the leg.

The assembly normally takes place with the initial coupling of the clamp at the top through its upper sector in such a way that a solid connection is established between the two so that the lower part of the clamp inside the leg will then adjust pressure.

The con fi guration of the piece in plastic, for example, allows it to have a flexibility that the metal part lacks, allowing the pressure joint to be established with slight elastic deformation of the piece when it is introduced into the leg without therefore needing to count with screws and additional joining elements.

The clamp, as described above, can be con fi gured by at least one piece, usually it will be treated in one piece. In the case of being con fi gured in a single part, the upper sector adopts the full partial shape of the profile and the lower sector extends inferiorly elongated

In a possible embodiment in which the clamp is con fi gured in a single piece, it can have its lower sector defined by equal, separate and opposite extensions that fold slightly at its introduction in the leg and exert a pressure against the inner wall of the leg establishing a joint solid that does not require the participation of screws or others. Complementarily and optionally, it is contemplated that in each of the extensions, flexible tabs are arranged externally in which there is a flattened nipple that folds during its insertion until the coupling of the nipple in a hole defined in the wall of the leg.

In another possible embodiment, it is contemplated that the single piece has a compact lower sector that incorporates records, interior and exterior, and reinforcements that ensure a better mechanical connection between the piez and the leg, thus avoiding unwanted rocking of the separation in its coupling situation.

The slightly flexible material, such as osimilar plastic, selected for this joint provides the following advantages:

-

novelty with respect to similar pieces in the market that are metallic,

-

lower cost of the piece,

-

less weight

The existing parts on the market need additional components for assembly (such as screws, nuts, bushings ...), so this clamp has the following additional advantages:

-

It is formed in one piece to perform the same function as the pair of pieces that make up the existing clamp in the market plus its accessories and hardware,

-

greater simplicity and quick assembly because all screws are removed,

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part manufacturing process faster and simpler than equivalent metal parts,

-

It does not need post-manufacturing processes, as is the case with metal parts that need at least a surface protection treatment, such as galvanized or painted. There are even productive processes that require more than one operation prior to these protective surface treatments. On the other hand, in the piece object of this invention, an injection operation is sufficient by means of which a single piece suitable for final use is obtained,

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lower final cost of the product, since all hardware accessories are saved and at least the protective surface treatments,

-

lower labor cost when assembling the legs to the bed, due to faster assembly with respect to the current systems that need to use additional accessories and / or hardware.

3 ES2350 540A1 4

In another solution, the clamp can be shaped according to any of the configurations described above, but unlike the above it could be formed into two pieces of slightly flexible material, such as plastic or similar, instead of a single piece, in which these two pieces They are coupled by tongue and groove. In this case, the two pieces do not require additional hardware or accessories, so they still have the advantages mentioned above. Description of the drawings

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of practical realization of the same, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. Illustrative and not limiting, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the clamp formed by a single piece of slightly flexible plastic material.

Figure 2.- Show the clamp of the previous figure attached to the profile of the base and leg.

Figure 3.- Shows a perspective view of the coupling of the clamp on the leg for a variant of the previous embodiment that has external studs, in which the pin is shown in detail.

Figure 4.- Show the clamp of the previous fi gure in the situation of coupling with the bed base and the easy leg for fitting the lugs.

Figure 5.- Shows a perspective view of another possible embodiment of a clamp formed by a single piece.

Figure 6.- It shows a sectional view of the clamp of the fi gure5 inserted in a leg.

Figure 7.- Shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a clamp formed by two pieces joined by tongue and groove.

Figure 8.- Shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment to that shown in Figure 7 with another tongue and groove joint system.

Figure 9.- Shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the clamp formed by two pieces in which the lower sector is displaced with respect to the upper sector, showing the different assembly phases until the clamp establishes the attachment of the bed base to the leg. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

In view of the previous figures, a series of practical embodiments of the clamp object of this invention, intended for the connection between the profile (3) of a box spring and a leg (5), of tubular configuration in Your upper zone.

The clamp (10) shown in Figure 1 comprises a single piece of plastic (1) formed by an upper section (2) of con fi guration adaptable to the shape of the profile (3) and destined to the clamp itself, and a lower sector (4) designed to fit internally by the upper part of the leg. (5), establishing the clamp (10) the link between the profile (3) and the plate (5), as shown in Figure 2.

In this case, the lower sector (4) is defined by separate and symmetrical separate (6) tensiones that fold slightly at its introduction in the leg (5) establishing a union that does not require the participation of screws and more.

In another possible embodiment, shown in the figure 3, the clamp (20) has, in its extensions (6), flexible tabs (7) in which there is a flattened stud (8) that folds during its insertion in the leg (5) until the coupling of the pin in a hole (9) defined in the wall of the leg (5), a situation that can be seen in Figure 4.

Another embodiment of the clamp (30) is shown in Figure 5, in which it is appreciated that the part (1) has a lower sector (4 ') formed by an upper reinforcement (11), as well as a register inside (12) and an outside register (13) that facilitates the coupling with the tubular shape of the leg (5) thus establishing a solid connection with it, as observed in Figure 6, which prevents balancing of the piece (1).

In figures 7 and 8 a clamp is represented

(40)

which, unlike the previous solutions, is formed by two pieces (1, 1 ’) that are joined by different tongue and groove solutions

(13)

to also form an upper sector (2) adaptable to the shape of the profile (3) and a lower sector

(4)

fit on the leg (5).

Another type of clamp (50) represented in Figure 9 is also made up of two pieces (14, 14 ') joined by tongue and groove (13) in which the lower sector (4) is offset from the upper sector (2), that is to say, the lower (4) and upper (2) sectors have different axes of symmetry, unlike the previous clamps (10, 20, 30, 40) that have the same axis of symmetry. In this case, the leg (5) will not be just below the profile (3) of the bed base but will be slightly offset towards the inside of the bed.

5 ES2350 540A1 6

Claims (8)

1. Clamp (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) for joining somiera a leg of bed, applicable for the union of the profile (3) of a somierauna potato (5) of tubular configuration in its upper zone, characterized in that it comprises at least one piece (1, 1 ' ) of slightly flexible material, formed by a superior sector (2) con fi guration adaptable to the shape of the profile (3) and destined to hug the same and an elongated lower section (4) designed to fit internally under pressure by the upper part of the leg (5).

2.

Clamp (10.20) for the connection of a bed leg according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower sector (4) is defined by equal, separate and opposite extensions (6) that fold slightly in its introduction into the leg ( 5).

3.

Clamp (20) for joining a bed leg according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamp (20) has externally in its extensions (6) a flexible tabs (7) in which there is a floated stud

(8) intended to engage in a hole (9) defined in the wall of the leg (5).

Four.

Clamp (30) for joining a bed leg according to claim 1, characterized in that the part (1) has a lower sector (4 ') formed by an upper reinforcement (11), as well as an internal registration (12) and an external registration (13) which makes it easy to connect with the tubular shape of the leg (5).

5.

Clamp (40.50) for joining a bed leg according to claim 1 characterized in that it is formed by two pieces (1, 1 ') that are joined by tongue and groove (13) forming the upper sector (2) adaptable to the shape of the profile (3) and the lower sector (4) fit in the leg (5).

6.

Clamp (50) for joining a bed leg according to claim 1 characterized in that the axis of symmetry of the lower sector

(4) is offset with respect to the axis of symmetry of the upper sector (2). 7. Clamp (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) for attaching bed base to a bed leg according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the slightly flexible material is plastic. SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200802225 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 28.07.2008 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: See Additional Sheet RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

X

ES 1057237 U (HERRAIZ GOMEZ ISMAEL) 07/01/2004 1,2,5,7

Summary and figures 1 and 2.

Y

3,4,6

Y

ES 2137095 A1 (MOIDECAR SL) 12/01/1999 Summary 3.4

and figure 4.

Y

EN 1043113 U (LUIS SORIANO S A) 11/01/1999 Summary 6

and figures 1 and 2.

TO

DE 19605229 A1 (KUHN JOACHIM) 08/14/1997 Figures 4

1 and 2.

TO

ES 1031282 U (PALOMINO EZQUERRA JOSE ANDRES) 12/16/1995 1.7

Page 2.

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims □ for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 29.11.2010

Examiner A. Martín Moronta Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 200802225 CLASSIFICATION OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION F16B12 / 44 (2006.01) F16B12 / 40 (2006.01) F16B12 / 56 (2006.01) F16B7 / 08 (2006.01) A47B91 / 00 (2006.01) A47C19 / 02 (2006.01) Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) F16B, A47B, A47C Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, search terms used) INVENTIONS, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200802225 Date of Written Opinion: 29.11.2010 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims 1.7 YES

Claims

NO

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims YES

Claims

1.7 NO

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200802225 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

ES 1057237 U (HERRAIZ GOMEZ ISMAEL) 01.07.2004

D02

ES 2137095 A1 (MOIDECAR SL) 01.12.1999

D03

ES 1043113 U (LUIS SORIANO S A) 01.11.1999

D04

DE 19605229 A1 (KUHN JOACHIM) 08/14/1997

D05

ES 1031282 U (PALOMINO EZQUERRA JOSE ANDRES) 16.12.1995

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement This report is based on patent application ES200802225 consisting of 7 claims. The object of the invention is a clamp for joining bed base to bed leg. Document D01 (summary and figures 1 and 2), the closest state of the art can be considered. It discloses a clamp for joining the profile (5) of a bed base to a leg of tubular configuration in its upper area comprising a part (1) formed by an upper sector (2) of configuration adaptable to the shape of the profile and intended to embrace it and an elongated lower section (3) intended to fit internally under pressure by the upper part of the leg (4). This document does not mention the material used. The invention is not identically understood in the prior art and therefore claims 1 is novel (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986). The use of a slightly flexible material to obtain a better adaptation is obvious and the use of plastic in its elaboration to obtain the advantages that derive from the use of it as well. This use can be seen in document D05 (page 2), therefore, claims 1 and 7 lack inventive activity (Art. 8.1 of the Patent Law). Document D01 also shows a lower sector (3) defined by equal, separate and opposite extensions that are introduced in the leg (4). The clamp is formed by two pieces that are joined by tongue and groove (8). Accordingly, claims 2 and 5 suffer from inventive activity (Art. 8.1 of the Patent Law). It differs from the application in that: -Extensions do not have flexible tabs with chamfered lugs intended to fit in a defined hole in the wall of the leg. -The lower sector does not have an internal and an external registry. -The axis of symmetry of the sectors is not displaced. These differentiating technical characteristics provide the following technical effects: -It allows a better coupling. -Avoid rocking. -It allows to vary the position of the leg with respect to the bed base. These problems have been addressed in the prior art, reaching the conclusion proposed by the applicant before. They are widely known design options and are used in the union between profiles and / or tubular components. Document D02 (summary, figure 4) shows a connector, for the union of profiles with a tubular component, with an elongated sector intended to fit internally under pressure in the tube, which externally has tabs in which a stud is located (18) consigned to engage in a defined hole in the tube wall. It also has a superior reinforcement. This internal and external registration that facilitates coupling with the tubular shape can also be observed in document D04 (Figures 1 and 2). Therefore, for an expert in the field, it would be obvious the incorporation of said design options giving the result of the object included in the application, so claims 3 and 4 do not imply inventive activity (Art.8.1 of the Law on Patents). Document D03 (summary, figures 1 and 2) shows a leg with a clamp for connection with the profile (11) of a bed base, the configuration of the joint allows the position of the leg not to be just below the profile of the bed base but slightly displaced. Then, claim 6 has no inventive activity (Art. 8.1 of the Patent Law). State of the Art Report Page 4/4