GB2557988A

GB2557988A - Transit fixing device

Info

Publication number: GB2557988A
Application number: GB1621872.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Logan Richard; Petrovic Steve; Nicholas Colin; Bracewell Howard; Melvin William
Original assignee: Silentnight Group Ltd
Current assignee: Silentnight Group Ltd
Priority date: 2016-12-21
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2018-07-04
Also published as: GB201621872D0

Abstract

A transit fixing device 100 is inserted into a gap (30, fig. 2) between a drawer (20, fig. 2) and its surround (10, fig. 2) and retained there to impede movement of the drawer relative to the surround, maintaining the drawer in a closed position. The device has an interior engagement portion 120 with a generally elongate structure that can pass through the gap in a first orientation but not in a second orientation. An exterior portion 110 is positioned outside the drawer and connected to the interior engagement portion by a bridging element 130. The device may have a substantially H-shaped cross section. The interior engagement portion 120 may be curved on at least one surface and have first and second portions (121, 122; fig. 4a) of different thicknesses which extend in opposite directions from the bridging element 130 so that rotation in one direction is easier than the other. The exterior portion may include mutually opposed recesses to be gripped by the user and means to indicate the direction of rotation. A method of maintaining a drawer in a closed position is also claimed.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Transit fixing device

Abstract Title: Fixing device for holding drawer closed in transit (57) A transit fixing device 100 is inserted into a gap (30, fig. 2) between a drawer (20, fig. 2) and its surround (10, fig. 2) and retained there to impede movement of the drawer relative to the surround, maintaining the drawer in a closed position. The device has an interior engagement portion 120 with a generally elongate structure that can pass through the gap in a first orientation but not in a second orientation. An exterior portion 110 is positioned outside the drawer and connected to the interior engagement portion by a bridging element 130. The device may have a substantially H-shaped cross section. The interior engagement portion 120 may be curved on at least one surface and have first and second portions (121, 122; fig. 4a) of different thicknesses which extend in opposite directions from the bridging element 130 so that rotation in one direction is easier than the other. The exterior portion may include mutually opposed recesses to be gripped by the user and means to indicate the direction of rotation. A method of maintaining a drawer in a closed position is also claimed.

100 120

Fig. 3a

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Fig. 2

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100

Fig. 3a

100

Fig. 3b

100

130

Fig. 3c

110

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Fig. 4b

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Fig. 6a

Fig. 6b

TRANSIT FIXING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a device for fixing a drawer in transit to prevent it from opening and possible becoming damaged. It particularly applies to a drawer found in a divan base. A divan base is a device used to support a mattress, often used instead of a more traditional bed frame.

Figure 1 shows a divan base 1, which is used to support a mattress and to provide a suitable support to position the mattress at a functional level above the floor. The divan base 1 is typically constructed from a wooden box frame and is upholstered in an attractive fashion. The upholstery typically includes an outer decorative or plain finish overlaid on padding to provide a cushioned feel and appearance.

Typically, divan bases may be provided in a range of sizes to conform to the mattress (not shown) with which they are to be used. Such sizes are standardised and are typically referred to as single, double, queen-sized, king-sized or super king-sized.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a divan 1, which includes two drawers 20. The drawers are included in the body 10 ofthe divan base and are typically arranged to move in and out of the body 10 on runners. The runners may take the form of simple slots within which complementarily shaped elongate elements are arranged to run, or smother wheeled runners may be provided. The latter are preferred as the drawers 20, once full, may be difficult to open or close otherwise.

The divan body 10 is provided with supports 40 - one at each corner-to keep the divan base 1 slightly off the floor. The supports 40 may be simple static feet or may be wheeled devices, such as casters, to allow the entire bed to be moved easily.

Some divan bases, typically those larger than single-sized, may be provided in two sections. This is for ease of transport, and the two sections may be fastened together once in the desired location. In the example shown in Figure 1, the join between the two sections would be a vertical line between the two drawers 20.

One problem with divan bases is that it is possible that the drawers and associated mechanisms can be damaged during transit. This is especially true when wheeled runners are used for the drawers, since, when empty, the drawers can open very easily if, for instance, the transporting vehicle rounds a corner.

In prior art solutions, one solution which is used to address the problem of drawers opening when undesirable involves taking a scrap of upholstery material, left over from upholstering the divan base, stapling it to an interior surface of the body 10, running it along the exposed outer surface of the drawer 20, and then stapling the free end to an underside of the drawer. This has the effect of preventing the drawer from moving, but it results in the customer having to remove the strip of material and staples, which can result in damage to the drawer 20 or divan body 10. It can also expose the customer to possible injury as the staples can leave exposed sharpened points.

As such, prior art solutions, and the one referred to above, are undesirable and an aim of embodiments of the present invention is to provide an alternative means by which a drawer of a divan base can be secured while in transit.

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a prior art divan base;

Figure 2 shows an exaggerated close up of a part of the prior art divan base;

Figures 3a-3c show various views of a transit fixing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 4a and 4b show detailed views of a portion of the transit fixing device of Figures 3a to 3c;

Figure 5 shows a view of the divan base with the transit fixing device in-situ; and

Figures 6a and 6b show sectional views of the transit fixing device.

Figure 2 shows a close up view of a single drawer 20 located in the body 10 of a divan base 1. It shows, in a somewhat exaggerated manner, a gap 30 which exists between the outer edge of the drawer 20 and the aperture provided in the body 10, which receives the drawer. Although exaggerated, the gap is necessary to ensure that the drawer closes easily and the manufacturing tolerances associated with the divan base are not so tight that it is practicable or desirable to seek to ensure a particularly tight fit between drawer 20 and body 10.

The gap 30 is, in fact, exploited by a transit fixing device 100 which forms an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3a to 3c show, respectively, perspective, plan and side views of the fixing device 100.

The transit fixing device 100 essentially comprises three major elements: an interior engagement portion 120; a bridging element 130; and an exterior portion 110. The terms ‘interior’ and ‘exterior’ refer to the respective positions of the related portions once fitted to a divan base.

In use, the fixing device is positioned such that the interior engagement portion 120 is inserted through gap 30 between the drawer 20 and divan body 10 and turned through an angle of 90 degrees to secure the drawer in a closed position. This will be described more fully later.

Interior engagement portion 120 is a substantially elongate member dimensioned such that it can be relatively easily be inserted into the gap 30 between drawer 20 and divan body 10. The interior engagement portion 120 is connected approximately halfway along its length to bridging element 130, which is positioned substantially orthogonal to it. Bridging portion 130 comprises a rod of sufficient length to span the distance between an interior and exterior surface of the divan body 10.

Connected to the opposite end of the bridging portion 130 is exterior portion 110. Exterior portion 110 is substantially planar and is arranged substantially orthogonally to the bridging element 130. The interior engagement portion 120 and exterior portion 110 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

I the side view of Figure 3c, it can be seen that the fixing device has a substantially Ή’ shaped profile.

Once the interior engagement portion 120 has been inserted into the gap 30, it is prevented from being inserted too far by exterior portion 110 which abuts the exterior surfaces of the drawer 20 and body 10. In order to lock the drawer 20 in the closed position, the fixing device 100 is rotated through approximately 90 degrees, which causes the interior 120 and exterior 110 portions to brace the drawer front and adjacent body and so prevents the drawer from moving.

Figure 5 shows a first fixing device 100a in an insertion or unlocked position. This is the orientation adopted to insert the fixing device into gap 30. Fixing device 100b is shown in a locked position, having been turned through approximately 90 degrees.

Figures 6a and 6b show sectional views in the plane of the exterior surface of the drawer 20 and body 10. Figure 6a corresponds to device 100a and Figure 6b corresponds to device 100b.

Figure 6a shows how interior engaging portion 120 fits through the gap 30 while its length is aligned with the gap 30. Figure 6b, shows the fixing device after it has been rotated through 90 degrees. It can be seen that a first portion 121 of the interior engaging portion abuts an interior surface of the body 10 and that a second portion 122 of the interior engaging portion abuts an interior surface of the drawer 20. It will be noticed that portions 121 and 122 are dimensioned differently and this will be described later.

In the configuration shown in Figure 6b, the fixing device 100 acts to impede outward movement of the drawer 120, relative to the body 10. It is held in place by an essentially frictional fit. The outer surfaces of the body 10 and drawer 20 are upholstered and, as such, provide a surface into which the device 100 can press and remain relatively secure. Turning the fixing device 100 between the configurations shown in Figures 6a and 6b requires a relatively small amount of force and can be performed easily by hand. The exterior portion 130 is shaped to allow an easy grip. In the example shown herein, it is in the form of a substantially planar element, with notches on opposed sides, allowing the device to be easily gripped between thumb and finger. In an alternative embodiment, a projecting element may be provided, although this is not preferred, since it is more likely, itself, to be damaged in transit, whereas the planar configuration shown is less likely to be so.

In a typical divan base 1, the body provides mechanical strength to support the mattress and users. The drawer is not require to provide such support and is typically constructed from thinner timber, as shown. In order to provide a secure fitting of the fixing device, it is arranged with differently dimensioned first 121 and second 122 portions. The first portion 121 is arranged to have a relatively shorter depth, resulting in a larger gap between it and the exterior portion. The second portion 122 is arranged to have a relatively larger depth, resulting in smaller gap between it and the exterior portion 110.

In this way, once in situ in a locked position, as shown, there is a substantially close fit of the fixing device relative to the drawer 20 and the boy 10. Different fixing devices may be provided to take account of different dimensions of body 10 and drawer 20.

A further enhancement of the fixing device is illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b which show detailed views of opposed sides ofthe interior engaging portion 120. All other parts of the fixing device have been omitted for clarity, even though they are integrally formed.

The interior engaging portion 120 is formed from first 121 and second 122 portions, dimensioned differently as described above, to cater for differently dimensioned body 10 and drawer 20. Furthermore, one surface of each ofthe first and second portions is chamfered or otherwise shaped to provide a smoother operation of the fixing device while being turned into the locked position. In Figures 4a and 4b, the shading indicates the surface which is chamfered.

The effect of the chamfering is that the fixing device 100 turns more easily one way than the other, and this effect can be utilised to ensure that the first and second portions engage with, respectively, the body 10 and drawer 20. The exterior portion 110 ofthe fixing device 100 can be provided with a label or embossing which indicates a direction of insertion and subsequent turning, such that an installer can tell which way to insert and turn the fixing device to ensure correct operation.

It may be desirable to use two or more fixing devices, depending on the size orr weight of drawer which is to be locked.

The fixing device 100 can be formed from any suitable material, including plastics materials such as nylon, polypropylene or other suitable polymer material. The fixing device may suitably be formed using a moulding process.

In the event that different fixing devices are used for different configurations of divan bases, then they can be provided in e.g. different colours, so that the correct fixing device is used with the correct divan base.

Once the divan base with applied fixing device has been delivered to a customer, it is a simple matter to reverse the fitting operation and remove the fixing devices which may then be disposed of in a suitable manner e.g. by recycling. Alternatively, the customer may wish to retain the fixing device in case the divan base is moved in the future.

By means ofthe fixing device, a divan base drawer may be simply and effectively locked in a closed position for transit and offers an aesthetically and functionally improved performance over the rather makeshift prior art solution currently employed.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A transit fixing device (100) for maintaining a drawer (20) in a closed position, wherein the transit fixing device is arranged, in use, to be fitted in and retained within a gap (30) between the drawer (20) and its surround (10), the transit fixing device comprising:

an interior engagement portion (120) having a generally elongate structure, arranged, in a first orientation, to pass through the gap (30) and, in a second orientation, not to pass through the gap (30);

an exterior portion (110) arranged, in use, to be positioned outside the drawer and to be connected to the interior engagement portion by a bridging element (130), wherein, in the second orientation, the transit fixing device serves to impede relative movement of the drawer and the surround.

2. The transit fixing device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the exterior portion has a part which is substantially parallel to the interior engagement portion.

3. The transit fixing device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the transit fixing device has a substantially H-shaped cross-section.

4. The transit fixing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the interior engagement portion (120) has a first portion (121) extending away from the bridging element (130) and a second portion (122) extending in an opposite way from the bridging element and wherein the first and second elements are of different thicknesses.

5. The transit fixing device of any preceding claim wherein the interior engagement portion (120) is curved on at least one surface.

6. The transit fixing device of claim 5 wherein the interior engagement portion (120) is shaped so as to facilitate rotation in one direction more easily than in an opposite direction.

7. The transit fixing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the exterior portion (110) is substantially planar.

8. The transit fixing device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the exterior portion (110) is provided with mutually opposed recesses to facilitate gripping by a user.

9. The transit fixing device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the exterior portion (110) is provided with means to indicate a direction of insertion or rotation.

10. The transit fixing device of any preceding claim wherein the drawer (20) is a drawer in a 5 divan base of a bed.

11. The transit fixing device of any preceding claim formed by a moulding process.

12. The transit fixing device of claim 11, formed from a plastics material.

13. A method of maintaining a drawer in a closed position by use of a transit fixing device according to any preceding claim comprising the steps of:

orienting the transit fixing device such that the interior engagement portion (120) passes 15 through the gap (30);

inserting the interior engagement portion (120) into the gap (30) until the exterior portion (130) prevents further insertion; and

20 rotating the exterior portion (130) substantially 90° so as to secure the drawer in the closed position.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1621872.9 Examiner: Monica Wright