GB2164549A

GB2164549A - Pivoting legs for tables, chairs etc.

Info

Publication number: GB2164549A
Application number: GB08423579A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herbert Alfred Garnham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1984-09-18
Filing date: 1984-09-18
Publication date: 1986-03-26
Also published as: GB2164549B; GB8423579D0

Abstract

A pivoting leg has a locating spigot 14 on top selectively engageable in "in use" and "stowed" location holes 17, 18, and has a spring 16 under partial compression positioned within an elongated transverse slot 15 close to the top of the leg which in turn is contained within a fixed channel 11. A pivot pin 19 is fixed in the channel 11 passing through the transverse slot 15 and under the spring 16. The leg can be disengaged and moved to enter either "in-use" or "stowed" location holes by pulling the leg against the action of spring 16, and then swinging it into the required position of secure location, the spigot 14 sliding along a fixed guide 24. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Pivoting legs for tables etc.

This invention relates to pivoting legs for products such as tables, seats, chairs, benches etc.

It is well known that some products have legs which are not required to be permanently in position ("in-use"). Given this requirement, atthe point where a leg is fixed a design must allowforthe leg to be both easily removed and re-fitted. An alternative method is one in which by design a leg is captive on the product but remains capable of being moved from an "in-use" location to one whereby the leg can take up a "stowed" location. Preferably a leg when "stowed" will not increase the size ofthe producttop. For example a table-top having a periferal top edge or rim can be either packed for despatch or be stored in the minimum possible space if the legs can be "stowed" within that periferal edge or rim.

According to the present invention there is provided a captive leg incorporating a spring loaded device which allows a leg to be captive on the product but which allowsthe leg to be moved from an "in-use" location to a "stowed" location. The change of location is achieved by grasping the leg by hand and pulling the leg, against the partial compression of a concealed spring, springs, or other compressible material, out of either the "in-use" or "stowed" location. The leg can then be swung or rotated until it takes up engagement, under the influence of the same spring, in that location not in use when the operation described began. The invention also provides thatthe one spring device before mentioned shall be in part compression only but will act so to secure the leg in the "in-use" location that even when the product is lifted or moved the leg will remain secure in that location.Similarlythe same spring will actto retain the leg in the "stowed" location within the depth ofthe depth of the top rim of the product when that depth and leg thickness so allow it.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 Shows in perspective the top of a Leg 10, contained within a Channel housing 11. The Leg 10 is shown in full lines in the "in-use" location. The same leg in the "stowed" location is shown by hatched lines 12.

Forthe sake of clarity no producttop,for example a table-top, is shown buta periferal edge or rim of a product is shown in hatched lines 13 butforthe sake of clarity is omitted from Figures 2 and 3.

FIGURE2 Is a cross-section of the Figure 1 perspective through the line B-B.

FIGURE 3 Isa cross-section ofthe Figure 1 perspective through line A-A butforthe sake of claritythe "stowed" Leg 12 is not shown although the "stowed" Location Hole 18 is shown in hatched lines.

Referring to the drawing the Pivoting Leg 10 comprises a Location Spigot 14, an elongated Transverse Slot 15 and, within the latter, a Spring (or springs or other compressible material) 16 in part compression. The Pivoting Leg 10 is entered into a Channel 11 and there be provided an "in-use" Location Hole 17 on top and a like "stowed" Location Hole 18 at the back.

Holes to accept a Pivot Pin 19 are situated in the Channel 11 at a predetermined position and the Pivot Pin 19on being entered intothose holesshall pass through theTransverse Slot 15 and under the Spring 16. The Pivot Pin 19 will be so positioned that its underside 22 shall not contactthe bottom ofthe Transverse Slot 15to prevent the top area of the leg 23 travelling so asto be in positive contact and bearing with the flat surfaces immediately surrounding Location Holes 17 and 18.

Although on the drawing Figures 1,2 & the Locating Spigot 14 and the Locating Holes 17 & 18 are shown as circularthese can be of alternative shape, ie rectangular, or square etc. and although the same drawings sh ow the Pivoting Leg 10 as being square this leg can be of alternative profile, ie round or rectangularandthematerialfromwhich itis produced be either solid or tubular.

The invented pivoting leg assembly as described may be housed in theform of an integral channel corner fixing bracket as depicted on the Drawing, Figures 1,2 & 3 or in a housing of alternate design, not shown.

Pivoting Leg Operation Sequence.

1. Figures 1,2 & 3 on the drawing have full lines showing the Leg 10 in the "in-use" location.

2. By grasping and pulling Leg 10 so further compressing Spring 16 a Locating Spigot 14 is disengaged from Location Hole 17.

3. On swinging or rotating the Leg 10, at which pointthe pulling action can be discontinued, the Leg 10 will rotate around Pivot Pin 19. As rotation of the Leg 70 continues the Locating Spigot 14, bearing on a Spigot Guide 24 (which may be integral as drawn or applied as a separate component), will become in line with and enterthe "stowed" position Location Hole 18 and be secured by a continuing pressure from Spring 16.

4. To return the Leg 10 to the "in-use" position the sequence as described in 2. and 3. above are repeated butthe Leg 10 must be rotated or swung in the opposite direction to re-engage Location Hole 17.

In the matter of the Pivot Pin 19, an alternative, not shown on the drawing, would be that a tubular distance piece be inserted into the bottom of the Elongated Slot 15 belowthe spring. Pivot Pin 19 would then be fixed through Channel 11 passing through the Elongated Slot 15 but via the inside diameter if that distance piece

CLAIMS 1. A captive Igg incorporating a spring loaded device which allows a leg to be captive on a product butwhich allows the leg to be moved from an "in-use" location to a "stowed" location. The change of location is achieved by grasping the leg by hand and pulling the leg, against the partial compression of a concealed spring, springs orothercompressible material, out of either the "in-use" or "stowed" locations. The leg can then be swung or rotated until it takes up engagement, underthe influence of the same spring, in that location not in use when the operation described began. It is also providedthatthe same

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Pivoting legs for tables etc. This invention relates to pivoting legs for products such as tables, seats, chairs, benches etc. It is well known that some products have legs which are not required to be permanently in position ("in-use"). Given this requirement, atthe point where a leg is fixed a design must allowforthe leg to be both easily removed and re-fitted. An alternative method is one in which by design a leg is captive on the product but remains capable of being moved from an "in-use" location to one whereby the leg can take up a "stowed" location. Preferably a leg when "stowed" will not increase the size ofthe producttop. For example a table-top having a periferal top edge or rim can be either packed for despatch or be stored in the minimum possible space if the legs can be "stowed" within that periferal edge or rim. According to the present invention there is provided a captive leg incorporating a spring loaded device which allows a leg to be captive on the product but which allowsthe leg to be moved from an "in-use" location to a "stowed" location. The change of location is achieved by grasping the leg by hand and pulling the leg, against the partial compression of a concealed spring, springs, or other compressible material, out of either the "in-use" or "stowed" location. The leg can then be swung or rotated until it takes up engagement, under the influence of the same spring, in that location not in use when the operation described began. The invention also provides thatthe one spring device before mentioned shall be in part compression only but will act so to secure the leg in the "in-use" location that even when the product is lifted or moved the leg will remain secure in that location.Similarlythe same spring will actto retain the leg in the "stowed" location within the depth ofthe depth of the top rim of the product when that depth and leg thickness so allow it. A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 Shows in perspective the top of a Leg 10, contained within a Channel housing 11. The Leg 10 is shown in full lines in the "in-use" location. The same leg in the "stowed" location is shown by hatched lines 12. Forthe sake of clarity no producttop,for example a table-top, is shown buta periferal edge or rim of a product is shown in hatched lines 13 butforthe sake of clarity is omitted from Figures 2 and 3. FIGURE2 Is a cross-section of the Figure 1 perspective through the line B-B. FIGURE 3 Isa cross-section ofthe Figure 1 perspective through line A-A butforthe sake of claritythe "stowed" Leg 12 is not shown although the "stowed" Location Hole 18 is shown in hatched lines. Referring to the drawing the Pivoting Leg 10 comprises a Location Spigot 14, an elongated Transverse Slot 15 and, within the latter, a Spring (or springs or other compressible material) 16 in part compression. The Pivoting Leg 10 is entered into a Channel 11 and there be provided an "in-use" Location Hole 17 on top and a like "stowed" Location Hole 18 at the back. Holes to accept a Pivot Pin 19 are situated in the Channel 11 at a predetermined position and the Pivot Pin 19on being entered intothose holesshall pass through theTransverse Slot 15 and under the Spring 16. The Pivot Pin 19 will be so positioned that its underside 22 shall not contactthe bottom ofthe Transverse Slot 15to prevent the top area of the leg 23 travelling so asto be in positive contact and bearing with the flat surfaces immediately surrounding Location Holes 17 and 18. Although on the drawing Figures 1,2 & the Locating Spigot 14 and the Locating Holes 17 & 18 are shown as circularthese can be of alternative shape, ie rectangular, or square etc. and although the same drawings sh ow the Pivoting Leg 10 as being square this leg can be of alternative profile, ie round or rectangularandthematerialfromwhich itis produced be either solid or tubular. The invented pivoting leg assembly as described may be housed in theform of an integral channel corner fixing bracket as depicted on the Drawing, Figures 1,2 & 3 or in a housing of alternate design, not shown. Pivoting Leg Operation Sequence.

4. A pivoting leg, captive to a product as claimed in Claims 1,2,3 & having no fixed pivoting centre but having a variable position pivoting axis within an elongated transverse slot that variable position being always disciplined by the force of continuous spring pressure.

1. A captive Igg incorporating a spring loaded device which allows a leg to be captive on a product butwhich allows the leg to be moved from an "in-use" location to a "stowed" location. The change of location is achieved by grasping the leg by hand and pulling the leg, against the partial compression of a concealed spring, springs orothercompressible material, out of either the "in-use" or "stowed" locations. The leg can then be swung or rotated until it takes up engagement, underthe influence of the same spring, in that location not in use when the operation described began.It is also providedthatthe same spring device before mentioned shall be in part compression only butwill actsoto secure the leg in the "in-use" location that even when the product is lifted or moved the leg will remain in that location.

Similarly the samespring will actto retain the leg in the "stowed" location and within the depth ofthetop rim of a product at leastwhen a dictated rim depth and leg thickness so allows.

2. A pivoting leg, captive to a product as claimed in Claim 1 where by variation of spring strength, design or material, that leg is securely located, even though the leg may be formed from varying materials and be thus of varying weight, in both "in-use" and "stowed" locations.

3. A pivoting leg, captiveto a productas claimed in Claims 1 and 2 in whichthe one component being a spring, springs or other compressible material, is active in all functions ofthe leg pivoting and its being secure in both-"in-use" and "stowed" locations.