GB2441966A

GB2441966A - Furniture support with detachable legs

Info

Publication number: GB2441966A
Application number: GB0618451A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nelson Cho
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-20
Filing date: 2006-09-20
Publication date: 2008-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-20
Also published as: GB0618451D0; GB2441966B

Abstract

A detachable supporting framework (1) includes a central support (10) having a threaded hole (122) therein to secure it to a chair or table, and three or more inclined yoke members (14) spaced around the support. Each yoke member including first (144) and second (146) yoke arms and a threaded hole (148) through the first yoke arm. Three or more fasteners (22), equal in number to the yoke members. Each fastener is driven through the second threaded hole into a gap (142) between the first and second yoke arms prior to fitment of the hollow legs (30), a leg is fitted to each yoke member. Each leg includes an aperture (32) proximate one end and having a diameter smaller than that of the fastener so that the fastener cannot be unscrewed out of the aperture in the leg. The yoke members are thus received in one end of the legs with the apertures aligned with the fasteners. Insertion of a tool, which may be an allen key, see figures 3 to 5, and further rotating of the threaded fastener (22) pushes the two halves of the yoke into a gripping engagement with one of the hollow legs (30 Fig 4). In an alternative embodiment, see figures 8 and 9, a pair of supports (1) may be turned through 90 degrees and may be linked by a threaded bar (80 Fig 8). Feet members (32) may support a table top (70) located thereon.

Description

DETACHABLE SUPPORTING FRAMEWORK

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The invention relates to supporting framework and more particularly to a detachable supporting framework of a chair, table, or the like with increased stability.

Related Art Conventionally, a chair or table has a fixed supporting framework. However, it may occupy a great space and it is thus inconvenient to store or transfer.

Still conventionally, a folding chair or table, as a solution to the above chair or table having a fixed size, is available. However, it still has the problem of occupying a relatively large space in its storage state.

Still conventionally, a chair or table having a supporting framework consisting of a plurality of detachable tubes and/or legs is available. However, its stability is low, i.e., it is not safe in its operative position. Thus, the need for improvement still exists.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a supporting framework comprising a support including a central top first threaded hole adapted to secure to a bolt extended downward from an underside of a chair or a table, and three or more yoke members spaced around the support and obliquely extended downward therefrom, each yoke member including a first yoke arm, a second yoke arm spaced from the first yoke arm, and a second threaded hole through the first yoke arm; three or more fasteners, equal in number to the yoke members, each fastener driven through the second threaded hole into a gap between the first and second yoke arms; and three or more hollow legs, equal in number to the yoke members, each leg including an aperture proximate one end opening, the aperture having a diameter smaller than that of the fastener wherein the yoke members are snugly received in one ends of the legs with the apertures aligned with the fasteners, whereby engaging e a tip of an L-shaped tool with the correspondingly shaped head of the fastener by passing the aperture and turning the tool either clockwise or counterclockwise until an outer surface of the second yoke arm is urged against an inner surface of the leg and an outer surface of the first yoke arm is urged against the inner surface of the leg respectively by threadedly driving the fastener in the second threaded hole by engaging the fastener with the second yoke arm will fasten the leg and the yoke member together.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a supporting structure comprising two supporting frameworks each comprising: a support including a first threaded hole, and four yoke members spaced around the support and obliquely extended therefrom, each yoke member including a first yoke arm, a second yoke arm spaced from the first yoke arm, and a second threaded hole through the first yoke arm; four fasteners each driven through the second threaded hole into a gap between the first and second yoke arms; and two upper and two lower hollow legs each including an aperture proximate one end opening, the aperture having a diameter smaller than that of the fastener wherein the yoke members are snugly received in one ends of the legs with the apertures aligned with the fasteners; and a crossbar having two threaded ends secured to the first threaded holes of the supports respectively, whereby engaging a tip of an L-shaped tool with the correspondingly shaped head of the fastener by passing the aperture and turning the tool either clockwise or counterclockwise until an outer surface of the second yoke arm is urged against an inner surface of the leg and an outer surface of the first yoke arm is urged against the inner surface of the leg respectively by threadedly driving the fastener in the second threaded hole by engaging the fastener with the second yoke arm will fasten the leg and the yoke member together; and wherein a table is adapted to rest upon the upper legs of one supporting framework and the upper legs of the other supporting framework, and the lower legs of one supporting framework and the lower legs of the other supporting framework stand upon a supporting ground.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. I is an exploded view of a first preferred embodiment of detachable supporting framework according to the present invention to be mounted under a chair

or table;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled supporting framework; FIG 3 is a sectional view of the leg put on the yoke member with the fastener being inserted into the yoke member through the leg but not fastened; FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG 3 where an L-shaped tool lockingly engaged with the fastener is turning clockwise for fastening the leg and the yoke member together; FIG 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 where the tool is turning counterclockwise for fastening the leg and the yoke member together; FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the supporting framework mounted under a chair; FIG 7 is a side elevation of the supporting framework mounted under a table; FIG 8 is a side elevation of a second preferred embodiment of detachable supporting framework according to the present invention mounted under a conference

table; and

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. I, 2 and 3, a detachable supporting framework I in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The supporting framework 1 comprises a central cylindrical support 10 formed of metal and including an upper section 12 of reduced diameter, the upper section 12 having a top threaded hole 122 on its center, and four yoke members 14 equally spaced around the support 10 and extended downward, obliquely, and outwardly from the support 10, the yoke member 14 being of oval section and including a first yoke arm 144, a second yoke arm 146 spaced from the first yoke arm 144 by a slot 142, and a threaded hole 148 through the first yoke arm 144; four hollow legs 30 formed of metal or plastic and including an opening 34 at one end, an aperture 36 proximate the opening 34 being in communication with the inside and the external, and a flat supporting end 32 at the other end being adapted to rest upon a supporting ground; and a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws) 20 having a hexagon head 22.

A section of the yoke member 14 is slightly smaller than that of one end of the leg 30 (i.e., the opening 34). In assembly, drive the fasteners 20 through the holes 148 into the slots 142. Next, put the legs 30 on the yoke members 14 with the apertures 36 aligned with the fasteners 20. At this position, the slot 142 has a width A. Referring to FIG 4 in conjunction with FIG 3, a user may align the hexagon tip of an L-shaped tool 40 with the hexagon head 22 of the fastener 20 prior to matingly engaging therewith by passing the aperture 36. Next, turn the tool 40 clockwise to engage the fastener 20 with the second yoke arm 146. Next, continue to clockwise turn the tool 40 until an outer surface of the second yoke arm 146 is tightly urged against an inner surface of the leg 30 and an outer surface of the first yoke arm 144 is tightly urged against the inner surface of the leg 30 respectively by threadedly driving the fastener 20 in the hole 148. Also, the width A of the slot 142 is increased. As a result, the leg 30 and the yoke member 14 are fastened together, i.e., the support 10 and the legs 30 are assembled.

Referring to FIG 5 in conjunction with FIG. 3, alternatively the user may turn the toot 40 counterclockwise. The turning of the tool 40 (i.e., the fastener 20) will be stopped when the hexagon head 22 of the fastener 20 contacts the aperture 36 since a diameter of the fastener 20 is larger than that of the aperture 36. Further, the outer surface of the second yoke arm 146 is tightly urged against the inner surface of the 4.

leg 30 and the outer surface of the first yoke arm 144 is tightly urged against the inner surface of the leg 30 respectively by threadedly driving the fastener 20 in the hole 148.

Also, the width A of the slot 142 is increased. As a result, the leg 30 and the yoke member 14 are fastened together, i.e., the support 10 and the legs 30 are assembled.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bolt (not shown) extended downward from an underside of a chair 50 is driven into the threaded hole 122 to assemble the chair 50 and the supporting framework I together in a first configuration of the invention. The legs 30 have a shape different from that shown in FIG 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, a bolt (not shown) extended downward from an underside of a table 60 is driven into the threaded hole 122 to assemble the table 60 and the supporting framework I together in a second configuration of the invention. The legs have the same shape as that shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second preferred embodiment of detachable supporting framework according to the present invention is shown. The characteristics of the second preferred embodiment are detailed below. Two detachable supporting frameworks I are provided. One supporting framework I (i.e., the left one) turns 90-degree clockwise and the other supporting framework 1 (i.e.., the right one) turns 90-degree counterclockwise respectively. An elongate crossbar 80 has both threaded ends threadedly secured to the threaded holes of the supports 10 respectively. Two bottom supporting ends 32 of the legs 30 of one supporting framework I and two bottom supporting ends 32 of the legs 30 of the other supporting framework 1 are stably stood on the ground respectively. A large conference table 70 is stably supported by two top supporting ends 32 of the legs 30 of one supporting framework I and two top supporting ends 32 of the legs 30 of the other supporting framework I respectively.

it is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited only to the particular constructions herein disclosed and shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A supporting framework comprising: a support

including a central top first threaded hole adapted to secure to a bolt extended downward from an underside of a chair or a table, and three or more yoke members spaced around the support and obliquely extended downward therefrom, each yoke member including a first yoke arm, a second yoke arm spaced from the first yoke arm, and a second threaded hole through the first yoke arm; three or more fasteners, equal in number to the yoke members, each fastener driven through the second threaded hole into a gap between the first and second yoke arms; and three or more hollow legs, equal in number to the yoke members, each leg including an aperture proximate one end opening, the aperture having a diameter smaller than that of the fastener wherein the yoke members are snugly received in one ends of the legs with the apertures aligned with the fasteners, whereby engaging a tip of an L-shaped tool with the correspondingly shaped head of the fastener by passing the aperture and turning the tool either clockwise or counterclockwise until an outer surface of the second yoke arm is urged against an inner surface of the leg and an outer surface of the first yoke arm is urged against the inner surface of the leg respectively by threadedly driving the fastener in the second threaded hole by engaging the fastener with the second yoke arm will fasten the leg and the yoke member together.
2. A supporting structure comprising: two supporting frameworks each comprising: a support including a first threaded hole, and four yoke members spaced around the support and obliquely extended therefrom, each yoke member including a first yoke arm, a second yoke arm spaced from the first yoke arm, and a second threaded hole through the first yoke arm; four fasteners each driven through the second threaded hole into a gap between the first and second yoke arms; and two upper and two lower hollow legs each including an aperture proximate one end opening, the aperture having a diameter smaller than that of the fastener wherein the yoke members are snugly received in one ends of the legs with the apertures aligned with the fasteners; and a crossbar having two threaded ends secured to the first threaded holes of the supports respectively, whereby engaging a tip of an L-shaped tool with the correspondingly shaped head of the fastener by passing the aperture and turning the tool either clockwise or counterclockwise until an outer surface of the second yoke arm is urged against an inner surface of the leg and an outer surface of the first yoke arm is urged against the inner surface of the leg respectively by threadedly driving the fastener in the second threaded hole by engaging the fastener with the second yoke arm will fasten the leg and the yoke member together; and wherein a table is adapted to rest upon the upper legs of one supporting framework and the upper legs of the other supporting framework, and the lower legs of one supporting framework and the lower legs of the other supporting framework stand upon a supporting ground.