GB2535024A

GB2535024A - A tool for adjusting a variable height supporting leg

Info

Publication number: GB2535024A
Application number: GB1601743.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bunday Nick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-31
Filing date: 2016-02-01
Publication date: 2016-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2036-02-01
Also published as: GB2535024B; GB201501629D0; GB201601743D0

Abstract

The tool 100 is for engaging with and rotating an adjustable portion of a supporting leg. The tool includes a jaw 10 having two arms 12, 14 for locating about the supporting leg. The jaw is mounted on an elongate handle 30, which may also be telescopic. An inner face of the jaw has at least one central engagement means 42. The engagement means is adapted to engage with a corresponding region provided on the supporting leg. When a turning force is applied to the tool by means of the handle, at least part of the supporting leg is rotated in order to permit height adjustment. The engagement means may be a pin with a circular, square or triangular cross-section. A kit of parts includes the tool and a supporting leg.

Description

A tool for adjusting a variable height supporting leg

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to tool for engaging with and rotating an adjustable portion of a supporting leg, in particular a tool for adjusting the height of cabinet legs.

Background

Certain appliances or items of furniture such as kitchen units have adjustable, telescopic legs whose height may be adjusted by rotating a leg, or a foot mounted on the leg, so as to change height of the unit. For example rotating a leg clockwise may shorten the supporting leg and rotating it anticlockwise may lengthen the supporting leg.

When installing such units it is difficult to level them, in particular if a number of units are joined together and there is requirement to have their legs adjusted at the same time to provide both levelling of the units and support for each individual unit.

Typically a fitter places a spirit level on the top of the unit(s) and then leans under the unit to adjust the leg and then moves back to look at the spirit level as existing devices do not permit a user to adjust legs while allowing the user to see the spirit level. This involves a lot of repetitive movement, leading it to be a slow and inefficient process.

Prior Art

German Utility Model DE202005003572 (Hermann) discloses: A tool assembled of a tool head with the square segment to be inserted into the socket and an adjacent 30 shaft segment and a second shaft segment with a handle, can be adjusted in length as required.

International Patent Application WO-A-2004015281 (Dougherty) discloses a telescopic ratchet extension is an apparatus to extend a ratchet drive to lengths 35 being subject to no measurable limitation.

Chinese Patent Application CN1201727 (Takigen MFG Co) discloses a rotary tool for regulating the height of machine's landing leg.

Japanese Patent JP4666529-B (Takigen MFG Co) discloses a rotary operation tool 5 for an adjustment leg.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a tool for adjusting a variable height supporting leg comprises: a jaw having two arms for locating about the supporting leg, the jaw is mounted on an elongate handle; an inner face of the jaw has at least one central engagement means, the engagement means is adapted to engage with a corresponding region provided on the supporting leg, so that when a turning force is applied to the tool by means of the handle, at least part of the supporting leg is rotated in order to permit height adjustment.

Advantageously the tool permits the easy adjustment of a supporting leg such as that on a kitchen cabinet or item of furniture, for example adjusting the height of the supporting leg so as to make the item level.

A supporting leg is typically made up of several parts, usually having at least two parts wherein one part is moveable with respect to the other so as to permit height adjustment. In some embodiments the supporting leg may comprise a leg and a foot wherein for example the foot is rotatable with respect to the leg, or vice versa. The tool is engaged with the moveable portion of the supporting leg so as to bring about adjustment.

Often adjusting such supporting legs can be difficult as the legs can be difficult or awkward to reach and it may be necessary to apply significant force due to weight of the item bearing on the supporting legs or legs. In addition it is often a requirement for a user to be able to view a spirit level on the item/cabinet/unit whilst performing the adjustment so as to perfect levelling. The tool aids this adjustment process.

Preferably the engagement means on the jaw comprise at least one pin arranged 35 centrally on the jaw. Typically the tool may have one single pin arranged on a central portion of the inner face of the jaw so as to be received into an opening such as an aperture on the supporting leg.

In some embodiments the tool may include more than one pin in the central region of 5 the jaw.

Preferably the at least one pin and the handle are arranged on the same axis. In this way the pin projects from the jaw in the same alignment as the handle. This arrangement makes it easier for a user to align the pin with the corresponding opening on the supporting leg as the handle indicates position of the pin, permitting the user to easily locate the pin in the opening, even if the user does not have visibility of the pin.

Preferably the pin is dimensioned to match the aperture or opening provided on the 15 supporting leg. For example the pin may be of the same shape and dimensions as the opening so as to slot in tightly.

The pin may be round, square, triangular, rectangular or a bespoke shape corresponding to a particular supporting leg.

Ideally the pin is formed from a strong, durable material such as metal or a metal alloy.

Typically the at least one pin has a first end and a second end, the first end arranged 25 to project from the jaw and the second end arranged to pass through the jaw towards the handle for improved strength. In some embodiments through the second end of the pin may pass through the jaw and handle for improved strength.

In this way the pin is securely mounted in the jaw and handle therefore reducing the 30 likelihood of the jaw snapping from the handle when force is applied as this region is reinforced by presence of the pin.

Preferably the two arms of the jaw are parallel to the at least one central pin. In this way the engagement means on the jaw can be readily guided to the corresponding 35 aperture on the supporting leg.

In some embodiments the jaw is shaped to correspond to the shape of the supporting leg.

The jaw defines a recess for receiving the supporting leg. In some embodiments the depth of the recess is greater than the width of the recess. In this way the arms of the jaws can be used to guide the tool about the supporting leg before the engagement means are engaged. This can make it easier for the tool to be located, particularly if the supporting leg is difficult to reach and/or at an awkward angle.

The two arms of the jaw may be spaced apart by a distance in a range of around 5cm to 5.5cm so as to accommodate most standard supporting legs.

For example, many kitchen unit legs have substantially cylindrical portion having a foot with an external diameter of 5cm and a series of apertures on the foot.

It is understood that the tool may be provided to suit a specific type or range of types of leg, and may be specific to one manufacturer of kitchen unit or other item with supporting leg adjustment.

In some embodiments the jaws may be moveable so that the distance between the arms of the jaws can be adjusted to fit the supporting leg. For example the tool may include a jaw adjustment mechanism such a threaded barrel that can be turned so as to adjust the arms of jaws apart or together whilst keeping the jaws parallel to each other. In this way the tool can be adjusted to be suitable to fit different supporting legs wherein, for example, the tool could be located using the pin and then the arms of the jaw adjusted to engage with the supporting leg before a turning force is applied.

In another embodiment the jaw adjustment mechanism may include a slider along 30 which both arms of the jaw can slide. Once the arms of the jaw are in the desired position the arms may be locked in position on the slider, for example, by tightening a bolt or wingnut in readiness for use of the tool.

Various pin and jaws may be provided so that the tool is adapted to fit a range of 35 apertures.

In some embodiments the handle is telescopic so that the length of the handle can be adjusted depending upon the supporting legs to be reached and adjusted. In addition the tool can be stowed to a smaller, compact arrangement when not in use making it easier to transport.

The telescopic handle may comprises a first tubular portion attached to the jaw portion, a second tubular portion that interfits slidably with the first, and a locking means to lock the position of the first and second tubular portions.

In some embodiments the handle comprises a first and a second cylindrical tubular portion, the first portion being attached to the jaw portion and the second portion fitting into the first portion, the locking means comprising an expanding component attached to the second portion adapted to engage with the inner surface of the first portion to hold the two portions together.

In some embodiments the locking means is operated by rotating the second handle portion with respect to the first.

In this way the tool comprises and easily extendable handle that configured in a way 20 similar to those known in the art, for example as used in walking or skiing poles to adjust and to lock their length.

Further embodiments may include screwthread adjustment and/or sprung pin and hole extension increment locking means.

Ideally the telescopic handle includes a locking means that locks the handle at the desire length. The locking means may be operable by rotating a second handle portion with respect to a first handle portion.

In some embodiments the pin is movable by means of a spring means acting on the pin between a first projecting position, in which the pin extends from the internal face of the jaw and a second retracted position, in which the pin is substantially level with the internal face so as to maintain the pin in a projecting condition. In this way the pin may remain retracted until aligned with the corresponding aperture and therefore the spring forces the pin outwards into the aperture.

In some embodiments the engagement means on the jaw are interchangeable. For example the pin may be displaceable so that one pin can be removed and replaced with another. In this way a selection of different pins may be provided to correspond with different supporting legs, so that one tool is suitable for use on different items.

The pins may be fitted to the jaw by an interference fit, snap fit, twist fitting, interlocking engagement, magnetic means or by a clamping means.

Alternatively a selection of engagement means may be hinged in a channel so as 10 that the desired engagement means can be deployed when required.

In another embodiment a selection of engagement means may be provided in a cavity wherein the engagement means are on retractable mounting so that the engagement means can be housed within the cavity/cavities and can be selectively 15 deployed when required.

In some embodiments the tool includes an indicator to show a direction of rotation. This can aid a user to ensure the turning force is applied in the correct direction to enable an increase in height or a decrease in height of the supporting leg.

In some embodiments at least part of the jaw includes a resiliently deformable layer. Advantageously this prevents damage to the supporting leg and enhances grip wherein the resiliently deformable portion is in contact with the supporting leg.

In some embodiments the tool may include a protective sheath. For example the sheath may cover where the handle and jaw join and extend along the handle. The sheath provides a protective layer about the tool that may enhance strength and grip.

In some embodiments the sheath may be flexible providing a safety feature so that if 30 the jaw was to snap from the handle any shards displaced during the break are enclosed by the sheath.

In some embodiments the pin has a resiliently deformable external layer to prevent damage to the supporting leg. For example the pin may be metal and have a rubber 35 outer coating.

The tool may be included in a kit of parts to include a tool and a supporting leg. For example an item of furniture or a cabinet may be provided with an adjustment kit that includes the supporting legs and at least one tool.

The jaw is typically formed from a strong durable material such as metal, an alloy or a synthetic plastic.

Preferably the jaw may be formed from a synthetic plastic so that the jaw is lightweight and can be easily manufactured. The jaw may include ribbed or 10 honeycomb portions for enhanced strength, durability an ease of manufacture.

In some embodiments the jaw may include reinforced sections, for example the jaw may include a metal core or be formed of layers to improve strength.

In some embodiments the jaw may be manufactured as a separate part and then attached to a handle.

In other embodiments the jaw and handle may be formed as a single part, for example being moulded from a single piece of plastic.

In some embodiments the engagement means may include a ratchet mechanism. For example the ratchet mechanism may comprise: a pin extending or extendable from the internal face of the recess, the pin having a sloping rear face that forms an obtuse angle with the adjoining region of the internal face and a front face opposing the rear face that forms an angle of around 90 degrees or less with the adjoining region of the internal face. In this way the tool may permit engagement in one direction of rotation.

In this way when the tool is placed onto a rotating component having a plurality of engagement features forming part of a substantially cylindrical outer profile, the ratchet pin engages with one of the engagement features and when the tool is rotated in a first direction the rotating component is moved in that direction. When the tool is rotated in the opposing direction the sloping rear face of the ratchet pin engages the engagement feature and is forced inwards against the spring by the movement of the sloping face past the engagement feature, allowing the tool to rotate past the rotating component without rotating that component. In this way the tool provides a ratchet action allowing repeated rotations of the rotating component without having to relocate the tool on the supporting leg.

It is appreciated that the tool could be turned around so as to permit rotation in the second direction of rotation. For example the tool may be rotated in a first direction, for example clockwise, when the tool is applied with its first major surface upwards, and in the opposite direction, for example anticlockwise when the tool is applied with its first major surface downwards.

The engagement means may be adapted to only be engaged in one direction of rotation or be adapted to be engaged in both directions are engaged.

In some other embodiments the engagement means may comprise a fixed stud or studs, or raised and lowered portions, arranged to engage a toothed or ridged 15 member; such as one arranged for hand-tightening. The tool may be adapted to engage with one or more of these means.

For example, many kitchen unit legs have substantially cylindrical portion having a nominal external diameter of 5cm and a series of apertures in the cylindrical portion.

To suit such legs, an embodiment of the tool has a space between the jaws across the recess greater than 5cm to allow the jaws to fit around the leg, and the pin is sized to engage with an aperture. It will be understood that the tool may be provided to suit a specific type or range of types of leg, and may be specific to one manufacturer of kitchen unit. In some embodiments the pin and jaws are adapted to fit a range of apertures, such that the pin for example may be sized to be just smaller than, or significantly smaller than the largest of the apertures in the range.

The tool is particularly advantageous in levelling a kitchen cabinet, in which process a spirit level is placed on a kitchen unit and the tool is used to adjust the height of one or more legs until the unit is level. The tool allows the spirit level to be observed while the legs are rotated, so easing the process compared with the present necessary practice of leaning under a unit to adjust the height of a leg, and then moving to view the spirit level, then leaning under the unit again.

In some embodiments the tool has a marking on a major surface to show a direction of rotation, for example an arrow on the first major surface to indicate the direction of rotation to raise or to lower the leg of an appliance or an item of furniture.

In some embodiments the arrow points in the direction in which the pin will engage with features on the leg, so indicating the direction in which the tool will act on the leg.

The tool is preferably sized to allow a user to reach the rear legs on an appliance or a 10 kitchen unit from the front of the unit. For example the handle may be at least 600mm and preferably at least 700mm. In this way the tool can engage with the rear supporting legs whilst a portion of the handle is easily accessible.

In a further embodiment the tool may include a leg projecting from an upper and/or 15 lower face of the tool so as to space apart the tool from a surface such as the floor or the base of a cabinet or unit so that the jaw is arranged on a preferred portion of the supporting leg to permit adjustment.

For example the jaw or handle may include a leg arranged on an upper or lower face so that the leg is in contact with a surface in use so as to aid with guiding the tool at the correct level to engage with the aperture/opening. Advantageously this can make it easier to orientate the tool in the correct position for engagement of the engagement means, such as the pin with the aperture, particularly when access is restricted or awkward.

In some embodiments the tool may include a light so as to illuminate a supporting leg that is in an unlit location, such as beneath a set of kitchen units. The light is preferably arranged so as to direct light towards the supporting leg to aid with location of the tool.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an overview of a first embodiment of the tool; Figure 2 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the tool; Figure 3 shows a front end view of the first embodiment of the tool; Figure 4 shows a rear end view of the first embodiment of the tool; Figure 5 shows a close up of a jaw; Figure 6 shows two further embodiments of the tool, one embodiment manufactured as two parts, a jaw and handle, and a second embodiment in which the tools is manufactured as one part; Figure 7 shows and overview of a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7; and Figure 9 shows a close up of the jaw portion of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 7.

Detailed Description of Figures

Figures 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the tool having a fixed engagement means in the form of a pin.

The tool 100 has a jaw 10 having two arms 12, 14. The jaw 10 is connected to an elongate handle 30. The jaw 10 is substantially U-shaped having a flat upper and lower surface.

The arms 12, 14 have an inner face that extends parallel to the pin 42, therefore having two opposed straight edges. The outer edge of the jaw 10 is rounded. The distal tips of the arms 12, 14 are tapered.

The jaw 10 defines a recess 16 into which the supporting leg (not shown) is received 35 in use. The pin 42 is arranged centrally on an inner face of the jaw.

The pin 42 is formed from metal and has a circular cross section. The pin 42 is embedded in the jaw 10. The jaw 10 is formed from a synthetic plastic. The handle 30 has a round cross section. The handle 30 includes a grip 31.

Figure 5 shows a close up view of a jaw 10. The jaw 10 is moulded from a synthetic plastic. The jaw 10 is shaped to include some ribbed portions to provide additional strength.

The jaw 10 is fitted to a cylindrical handle 30 by means of a screw fitting 11.

Figure 6 shows two embodiments of the tool arranged side by side. The tool 200 shows a tool having the jaw showing in Figure 5. The jaw 10 has been attached to a cylindrical aluminium handle 30 by means of a collar 13. The collar 13 is secured to the handle 30 by a screw 11. The handle 30 includes a resiliently deformable grip 31. In this embodiment the jaw 10 is removable from the handle 30. In this way the jaw could be replaced.

The tool 300 shows a tool formed as one single part so that the jaw and handle are formed as a single part. The jaw 10 is not removable from the handle 30 in this 20 embodiment.

Figures 7 to 9 show a fourth embodiment of the invention having a telescopic handle. The jaw 10 has a first major surface 18, a second major surface 20 opposing the first and a depth between the major surfaces, the width of the recess being greater than 25 the depth.

The first and second arms 12, 14 have a first 22 and second 24 flat tool faces substantially parallel to each other on opposing sides of the recess, the recess having an internal face 26 between the flat tool faces.

The handle 30 is attached to the jaw 10 at a position opposing the recess 16, the handle 30 being telescopically extendable.

The telescopic handle 30 has a first tubular portion 32 attached to the jaw 10, a 35 second tubular portion 34 that interfits slidably with the first tubular portion 32 and a locking means (not shown) to lock the position of the first and second tubular portions.

A ratchet means includes a movable pin 42 extendable from the internal face of the 5 recess 16, the pin 42 having a sloping rear face 44 that forms an obtuse angle with the adjoining region of the internal face and a front face 46 opposing the rear face that forms an angle of around 90 degrees or less with the adjoining region of the internal face. The pin 42 is movable in use between a projecting position in which it extends from the internal face and a retracted position in which it is substantially level 10 with the internal face. A spring means (not shown) acts on the pin 42 so as to maintain the pin 42 in the projecting position.

In this way when the tool 400 is placed onto a rotating component having a plurality of engagement features forming part of a substantially cylindrical outer profile, the ratchet pin 42 engages with one of the engagement features and provides a first direction of rotation in which the component is rotated and an opposite direction of rotation in which the ratchet pin moves into the jaw portion and so moves past the engagement feature, as described more fully in the preceding general description of the invention.

The described embodiments 100, 200, 300, 400 of the tool are adapted for use with a kitchen unit or cabinet supporting leg to allow easy height adjustment and levelling of the unit as described previously. Although it is appreciated the tool may be suitable for use with any adjustable leg having an aperture for receiving an engagement means.

The recess 16 has a space between the arms 12, 14 of the jaw 10 in the range 5.0 to 5.5cm that allows the jaw to fit around a standard supporting leg of a kitchen cabinet. The pin 42 is sized to engage with an aperture on the leg.

The handle 30 is formed from a first and a second cylindrical tubular portion, the first portion being attached to the jaw portion and the second portion fitting into the first portion. The locking means (not shown) has an expanding component attached to the second portion adapted to engage with the inner surface of the first portion to hold the two portions together. The locking means are operated by rotating the second handle portion with respect to the first.

The tool has an arrow 48 on the first major surface to indicate the direction in which the pin will engage with features on the leg, so indicating the direction in which the tool will act on the leg.

The jaw 10 has an elastomeric coating 50 (see Figure 9) on the internal face of the recess 16 to improve grip.

In this embodiment the handle when extended has a length in the range 30cm to 10 60cm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A tool for adjusting a variable height supporting leg comprises: a jaw having two arms for locating about the supporting leg, the jaw is mounted on an elongate handle; an inner face of the jaw has at least one central engagement means, the engagement means is adapted to engage with a corresponding region provided on the supporting leg, so that when a turning force is applied to the tool by means of the handle, at least part of the supporting leg is rotated in order to permit height adjustment.
2. A tool according to claim 1 wherein the engagement means comprises at least one pin that engages with a corresponding aperture.
3. A tool according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the pin is formed on the tool and is dimensioned to be received as an interference fit in the aperture which is defined on the supporting leg.
4. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one pin has a circular cross section. 20
5. A tool according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the pin is square.
6. A tool according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the pin is triangular.
7. A tool according to any of claims 2 to 6 wherein the at least one pin has a first end and a second end, the first end arranged to project from the jaw and the second end arranged to pass through the jaw to the handle for improved strength.
8. A tool according to claim 7 wherein the two arms of the jaw are parallel to the at least one central pin.
9. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the jaw is shaped to correspond to the shape of the supporting leg.
10. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the jaw defines a recess for receiving the supporting leg in which depth of the recess in greater than width of the recess.
11. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is telescopic.
12. A tool according to any claim 11 including a locking means that locks the handle at the desire length.
13. A tool according to claim 12 wherein the locking means is operable by rotating a second handle portion with respect to a first handle portion.
14. A tool according to any of claims 2 to 13 wherein the pin is movable by means of a spring means acting on the pin between a first projecting position, in which the pin extends from the internal face of the jaw and a second retracted position, in which the pin is substantially level with the internal face so as to maintain the pin in a projecting condition.
15. A tool according to any preceding claim including an indicator to show a direction of rotation.
16. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein the two arms of the jaw are spaced apart by a distance in range around 5cm to 5.5cm.
17. A tool according to any preceding claim wherein at least part of the jaw includes a resiliently deformable layer.
18. A tool according to any preceding claim including a protective sheath.
19. A tool according to any of claims 2 to 18 wherein the pin has a resiliently deformable external layer to prevent damage to the supporting leg.
20. A tool according any preceding claim including a jaw adjustment mechanism.
21. A tool according to any preceding claim including a leg.
22. A tool according to any preceding claim including a light. 35
23. A kit of parts including a tool as described in claims 1 to 22 and a supporting leg.
24. A tool as substantially herein described with reference to the Figures.