GB2489530A

GB2489530A - An adjustable telescopic furniture leg with a rotatable lower leg section and pivoting foot

Info

Publication number: GB2489530A
Application number: GB201105678A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher David Manifold
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-04-02
Filing date: 2011-04-02
Publication date: 2012-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 2031-04-02
Also published as: GB201105678D0; GB2489530B

Abstract

An adjustable leg for furniture, such an anglerâ s chair used on uneven ground, has an outer leg section 301, an inner leg section 302 which is received within the outer leg section and has restrictive elements, e.g. frusto-conical formations 303, configured to restrict axial displacement of the inner section 302 within the outer section 301, and an adjustable mechanism 308 configured to maintain the inner section 302 in a first position and on release to allow the inner section to slide within the outer section, and wherein the outer section is able to rotate about a first axis [401, Figure 4] with respect to the inner section, and wherein the leg has a foot 305 pivotally mounted to rotate about a second non-parallel axis [402, Figure 4]. The adjustable mechanism preferably includes a spring biased plate 309 with an aperture 312 that engages selective restrictive elements. The plate and restrictive elements of the adjustable leg act as a ratchet mechanism. Also disclosed is an adjustable leg in which an adjustable mechanism 308 for locking the position of an inner leg relative to an outer leg has a movable plate 309 which engages restrictive elements formed on the inner leg. A method of manufacturing an adjustable leg is also disclosed.

Description

Slideable Rotatable Leg

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adjustable leg for furniture with a sliding rotating mechanism.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a requirement for chairs, bed chairs or similar, particularly those used in angling, to have legs that are adjustable in height. This is of particular importance as a user can spend extended periods of time at the side of a riverbank or similar. It is a known problem when placing furniture at such locations to be positioned on uneven ground that can cause issues of comfort toauser.

Adjustable chair legs currently known in the art often use an adjustment mechanism which works by way of an angled lever that uses friction to hold it into place. In practice, and particularly in the case of heavy users, such leg adjustment mechanisms can become scored and fatigued such that the leg slides from its desired position away from where the user requires it. A further problem with current adjustable legs is that once this fatigue begins to occur, pressure must be released in order to re-adjust the leg height.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adjustable leg for furniture suitable for locating on uneven ground, comprising: an outer section; an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements configured to restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section; and an adjustable mechanism configured to maintain said inner section in a first position and on release allows said inner section to slide within said outer section; wherein said outer section is configured to rotate about a first axis with respect to said inner section, said leg further having a foot pivotally mounted to rotate about a second non-parallel axis.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable leg for furniture, suitable for locating on uneven ground, comprising: an outer section; an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements configured to restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section; and an adjustable mechanism further comprising: a first plate having an edge; wherein said edge of said first plate is configured to selectively abut against any one of said restrictive elements to maintain said inner section in a first position, and displacement of said first plate releases said selected one of said restrictive elements such that said inner section is slideable within said outer section.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacture of a g for furniture locatable on uneven ground, comprising the steps of: receiving an outer section of said leg; attaching an adjustable mechanism to said outer section to maintain an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements in a first position, whereupon on release of said adjustable mechanism said inner section slides within said outer section; positioning said inner section within said outer section such that said plurality of restrictive elements restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section and said outer section can rotate about a first axis with respect to said inner section; and mounting a foot to any one of said inner section and said outer section to allow rotation of said foot section about a second non-parallel axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a typical view of an angler in action; Figure 2 shows a chair with adjustable legs according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows an exploded view of an adjustable leg indicating its components; Figure 4 shows an assembled view of the adjustable leg of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows the adjustable leg of Figure 4 in a second position following the release of the adjustable mechanism; Figure 6 shows a cross sectional aerial view of the adjustable leg; and Figure 7 shows an angler utilising a chair with adjustable legs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTiON OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a typical view of an angler in action at the side of a riverbank or similar. Angler 101 is seated in chair 102 on which he may spend extended periods of time while performing this activity.

Chair 102 shows adjustable legs, such as leg 103, which allow the angler to position chair 102 at a desirable height as required.

it is to be appreciated that chair 102 may take the form of a chair or alternative forms such as bed chairs or other types of furniture.

Figure 2 Chair 102 is shown in further detail in Figure 2 with adjustable legs 201, 202 and 203 shown and adjustable leg 103 (not visible) according to the present invention positioned at their respective corners of chair 102. It should be noted that while this particular embodiment shows a chair suitable for fishing, any number of adjustable legs may be used on bed chairs or alternative pieces of furniture for use in either fishing or other applications, for example, on chairs for spectating at sporting events. Adjustable legs 201, 202, 203 and 103 hold the seat of the chair at the user's desired height but are designed to be easily released in order to adjust the height when required.

Figure 3 An exploded view of adjustable leg 201 indicating its components according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. It is to be appreciated that legs 202, 203 and 103 comprise substantially similar components to adjustable leg 201.

It is to be appreciated any number of substantially similar legs of the type shown in Figure 3 may be attached to a piece of furniture as required.

Adjustable leg 201 comprises an outer section 301 and an inner section 302. Inner section 302 defines a plurality of restrictive elements, such as restrictive element 303. Adjustable leg 201 further comprises an adjustable mechanism 304 and a foot section 305.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, both outer section 301 and inner section 302 are tubular sections with an inner bore which has a substantially circular cross section. In an alternative embodiment, outer section 301 has a tubular section with square cross-section, although it is to be appreciated that any other suitable cross section can be used. Both outer section 301 and inner section 302 may be manufactured from aluminium, steel or any other suitable material.

In an embodiment, the plurality of restrictive elements, such as restrictive element 303, are defined at intervals along inner section 302 in the form of conical frustums which work to restrict axial displacement of inner section 302 within outer section 301. The conical frustums may be manufactured from aluminium and machined at intervals along inner section 302. These restrictive elements are instrumental in allowing the height of the adjustable leg to be adjusted as covered in further detail in Figures 4 to 6.

In the embodiment as shown in Figure 3, adjustable mechanism 304 further comprises a housing 306, spring mechanism 307 and a button 308.

Button 308 comprises a first plate 309 and a second plate 310, which are attached to provide manually depressible button 308. First plate 309 also has an edge 311 which defines an aperture 312.

In this embodiment, housing 306 is attached to outer section 301 and further has an opening 313 configured to allow inner section 302 to pass through and into the bore of outer section 301. When constructed, spring 307 is positioned in a recess 314 in housing 306 and first plate 309 of button 308 is positioned within a cavity 315 of housing 306 such that spring 307 is biased to push button 308 away from housing 306.

In an embodiment, foot section 305 is connected to inner section 302 and may be manufactured from a suitable plastic material. Foot section 305 comprises an upper part 316 configured to be a push fit into the inner section 302 and a foot 317 connected to upper part 316 by means of a pivot pin in the formofascrew3l8.

In an alternative embodiment, the foot 317 is pivotally mounted directly onto the leg.

Figure 4 Figure 4 shows adjustable leg 201, now assembled from the component parts shown in Figure 3. Leg 201 comprises outer section 301, inner section 302, adjustable mechanism 304 and foot section 305. When fully assembled, the adjustable mechanism maintains inner section 302 in a first position as shown in Figure 4. A second position whereby adjustable mechanism has been released is shown in Figure 5.

While adjustable mechanism 304 maintains the leg at a given length, outer section 301 remains free to rotate about a first axis 401 with respect to inner section 302. Foot section 305 is also able to rotate about a second non-parallel axis 402. In this embodiment, screw 318 forms a pivot such that base section 317 rotates about axis 402. Outer section 301 is configured to rotate between 0 and 360° to allow maximum flexibility, while foot section 305 rotates about the second axis 402 between 0 and 1800. Because outer section 302 is able to rotate about axis 401 and foot section 305 rotates about second non-parallel axis 402 simultaneously, foot section 305 can be positioned flat on slopes or uneven ground in any direction without necessitating the need to move the whole piece of furniture.

Inner section 302 defines a plurality of restrictive elements, such as restrictive element 303, which define a ratchet mechanism. This allows the outer section 301 and adjustable mechanism 304 to be moved with respect to the inner section 302 along axis 401 in the direction of arrow 403 without having to release button 308. Adjustable mechanism 303 automatically engages into position when a user stops pulling on outer leg 301. However, due to the ratchet mechanism, outer section 301 can only move in the opposite direction to arrow 403 by depressing button 308 to release adjustable mechanism 304. This mechanism will be explained in further detail in Figure 6.

It is to be appreciated that, while in the embodiment shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5 the foot section 305 is fixed onto inner section 302, in an alternative embodiment, foot section 305 is fixed to outer section 301 and the inner section 302 is attached to the seat.

Figure 5 is Figure 5 shows adjustable leg 201 in a second position to that of Figure 4 following the release of adjustable mechanism 304 and relative movement of the inner section 302 to outer section along axis 401 in the direction of arrow 501. Outer section 301 is configured to rotate about axis 401 with respect to inner section 302, while adjustable mechanism 304 is configured to maintain inner section 302 in the position shown in Figure 4 and on release allows inner section 302 to slide within outer section 301.

In this example, button 308 has been pressed by a user such that adjustable mechanism 304 has disengaged from a selected restrictive element 303 and outer section 201 displaced in the direction of arrow 501 such that the button 308 engages with an alternative restrictive element at a different height above the floor.

A user may use this method to adjust the height of the leg in either the direction of arrow 501 (i.e. reducing the height of the leg) or against the direction of arrow 501 in order to increase the height of the leg. The ratchet mechanism as discussed, however, only allows adjustment against the direction of arrow 501 unless button 308 is pressed.

Figures 6A and 6B A cross-sectional aerial view of adjustable leg 201 is shown in Figures 6A and 6B. in either configuration, the inner section 302 extends through an aperture 312 defined by edge 311. Similarly, housing 306 has an opening 313 which inner section 302 also passes through. In the configuration shown in Figure 6B, opening 313 and aperture 312 are aligned to allow inner section 302 to pass through opening 313 and aperture 312 without restriction from the restrictive elements.

Figure 6A shows the adjustable mechanism 304 in a first position whereby button 308 is released and spring 307 is fully expanded.

In this configuration, first plate 309 is positioned such that edge 311 selectively abuts against restrictive element 303 so that inner section 302 is maintained in a given position, for example, that as shown in Figure 4.

The depression of button 308 compresses spring mechanism 307 and results in a displacement of first plate 309 to a position such as that shown in Figure 6B. This releases the edge 311 of aperture 312 away from the selected restrictive element 303 such that inner section 302 is able to slide within outer section 301.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows angler 101 utilising chair 102 with adjustable legs 201 and 103. As explained previously, pivoting foot 305 is configured to rotate about a single axis that allows the feet to be placed on uneven ground as shown in Figure 7. The combination of this in conjunction with the rotation of the inner section 302 inside outer section 301 simulates the effect of a ball and socket joint while simultaneously allowing for adjustability of the height of the legs.

In an embodiment, base section 317 of foot 305 has an array of bumps on its underside to prevent slipping on the uneven ground.

B

The flexibility of the legs allows that on uneven grounds such as that shown in Figure 7, the legs may be adjusted to different lengths to each other such that the seating position may be substantially level.

A user such as angler 101 may also simply adjust the height of the legs by leaning down whilst seated in order to extend the legs to his desired height making use of the ratchet mechanism. Even while seated, the user can adjust the leg height as he desires by using the adjustable mechanism.

Furthermore, the present invention locks and holds the leg at a particular height by means of the restrictive elements. Thus, unlike with conventional angled friction levers, the restrictive elements prevent the leg from sliding from its desire position and are more durable against wear and tear. Therefore, a user can safely return to his seat without having to worry about the possibility of the leg height adjusting unexpectedly when he sits down.

Claims

Claims 1. An adjustable leg for furniture suitable for locating on uneven ground, comprising: an outer section; an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements configured to restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section; and an adjustable mechanism configured to maintain said inner section in a first position and on release to allow said inner section to slide within said outer section; wherein said outer section is configured to rotate about a first axis with respect to said inner section, said leg further having a foot pivotally mounted to rotate about a second non-parallel axis.
2. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of restrictive elements define a ratchet mechanism.
3. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said inner section has a substantially circular cross section.
4. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of restrictive elements are defined at intervals along said inner section in the form of conical frustums.
5. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said adjustable mechanism further comprises a first plate having an edge.
6. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 5, wherein said edge of said first plate is configured to selectively abut against any one of said restrictive elements to maintain said inner section in a first position, and displacement of said first plate releases said selected one of said restrictive elements such that said inner section is slideable within said outer section.
7. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 5, wherein said edge defines an aperture in said first plate and said inner section extends through said aperture.
8. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 5, wherein said first plate is held in said first position by a spring mechanism.
9. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 8, wherein displacement of said first plate compresses said spring mechanism to allow release of said aperture.
10. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 5, wherein a second plate is attached to said first plate providing a manually depressible button.
11. An adjustable leg for furniture according to any preceding claim, wherein said adjustable mechanism further comprises a housing with an opening which said inner section passes through.
12. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 11, wherein said opening of said housing and said aperture of said first plate are aligned to allow said inner section to pass through said opening and said aperture.
13. An adjustable leg for furniture according to any preceding claim wherein said inner section is manufactured from aluminium.
14. An adjustable leg for furniture, suitable for locating on uneven ground, comprising: an outer section; an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements configured to restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section; and an adjustable mechanism further comprising: a first plate having an edge; wherein said edge of said first plate is configured to selectively abut against any one of said restrictive elements to maintain said inner section in a first position, and displacement of said first plate releases said selected one of said restrictive elements such that said inner section is slideable within said outer section.
15. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 14, wherein said edge defines an aperture in said first plate and said inner section extends through said aperture.
16. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 14, wherein said adjustable mechanism further comprises a housing with an opening which said inner section passes through.
11. A method of manufacture of a leg for furniture locatable on uneven ground, comprising the steps of: receiving an outer section of said leg; attaching an adjustable mechanism to said outer section to maintain an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements in a first position, whereupon on release of said adjustable mechanism said inner section slides within said outer section; positioning said inner section within said outer section such that said plurality of restrictive elements restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section and said outer section can rotate about a first axis with respect to said inner section; and mounting a foot to any one of said inner section and said outer section to allow rotation of said foot section about a second non-parallel axis.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said adjustable mechanism further comprises a first plate having an edge, and further comprising the step of: positioning said inner section to extend through an aperture defined by said edge.
19. An adjustable leg substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.
20. A method of manufacture of an adjustable leg for furniture substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures.Amendments to the claims have been filed as foflows: 1. An adjustable leg for furniture suitatile for locating on uneven ground, comprising: an outer section; an inner section defining a plurality of restricthie elements configured to restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section; and an adjustable mechanism comprising a first plate having an edge, said edge of said first plate is configured to selectively abut against any one of said restrictive elements to maintain said inner section in a selected position, and displacement of said first plate releases said selected one of said restrictive elements such that said inner section is slideable within said outer section; wherein : said outer section is able to rotate in use about a first axis with respect to said inner section, said leg further having a foot pivotally mounted to rotate about a second non-parallel axis.2. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of restrictive elements and said adjustable mechanism define a ratchet mechanism.3. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said inner section has a substantially circular cross section.4. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of restrictive elements are defined at intervals along said inner section in the form of conical frustums! * 5. An-adjustable-leg-for-furniture-aceording--to--claim---lrwherein-said---ed ge defines an aperture in said first plate and said inner section extends through said aperture.6. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 5, wherein displacement of said first plate compresses a spring mechanism to allow release of said aperture.7. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claim 6, wherein said first plate is held in a first position such that said edge abuts against any one of said restrictive elements by said spring mechanism.8. An adjustable leg for furniture according to any one of claims I to 7, wherein a second plate is attached to said first plate providing a manually depressible button.9. An adjustable leg for furniture according to any preceding claim, wherein said adjustable mechanism further comprises a housing with an opening which said inner section passes through.10. An adjustable leg for furniture according to claims 5 and 9, wherein said opening of said housing and said aperture of said first plate are aligned to allow said inner section to pass through said opening and said aperture.11. An adjustable leg for furniture according to any preceding claim wherein said inner section is manufactured from aluminium.12. A method of manufacture of a leg for furniture locatable on uneven ground, comprising the steps of: receiving an outer section of said leg; attaching_an_adjustable_mechanism_comprisinga4irst_plate_having_an edge to said outer section to maintain an inner section defining a plurality of restrictive elements in a selected position, said first plate selectively positioned to abut against any one of said restrictive elements such that displacement of said plate releases said selected one of said restrictive elements and said inner section slides within said outer section; positioning said inner section within said outer section such that said plurality of restrictive elements restrict axial displacement of said inner section within said outer section and said outer section can rotate about a first axis with respect to said inner section; and mounting a foot to any one of said inner section and said outer section to allow rotation of said foot section about a second non-parallel axis.13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of: positioning said inner section to extend through an aperture defined by said edge. I I* * ***:* 14. An adjustable leg substantially as described herein with : 15 reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying Figures. I,.15. A method of manufacture of an adjustable leg for furniture substantially as described herein with reference to, and as shown in, the 1:111; accompanying Figures.