Socket assembly
AssigneeCarpin Manufacturing, Inc.
InventorsRalph Carpinella, Robert Dombroski, David Ferraro
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A socket for coupling an end piece to a leg member of an article of furniture is described. The socket is insertable into an opening in the leg member and the socket has an opening therein for receiving a stem of the end piece. The socket comprises a tubular body having upper and lower ends. The lower end comprises the opening for receiving the stem of the end piece and the upper end is insertable into the leg member. In addition, the socket comprises a washer attached to the upper end of the socket. When the socket is inserted into the leg member, the washer has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the leg member.
Claims19
A socket for coupling an end piece to a leg member, wherein said socket is insertable into an opening in the leg member and the socket has an opening therein for receiving a stem of the end piece, the socket comprising:
- a tubular body having upper and lower ends, wherein the lower end comprises the opening for receiving the stem of the end piece and the upper end is insertable into the leg member, wherein the tubular body comprises a thermoplastic material;
- and
- a washer attached to the upper end of the socket, the washer having at least a substantially planar inner portion, wherein the washer comprises high carbon steel;
- wherein when the socket is inserted into the leg member, the washer has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the leg member;
- and
- wherein the washer is riveted to the upper end of the socket.
An assembly comprising:
- a) a socket comprising:
- a tubular body having upper and lower ends, wherein the lower end comprises an opening for receiving a stem, wherein the tubular body comprises a thermoplastic material;
- and
- a washer attached to the upper end of the socket, the washer having at least a substantially planar inner portion, wherein the washer comprises high carbon steel;
- b) an end piece couplable to the lower end of the socket, wherein the end piece comprises the stem that is insertable into the lower end of the socket;
- and
- c) a leg member couplable to an upper end of the socket, wherein the socket is insertable into an opening of the leg member;
- wherein when the socket is inserted into the leg member, the washer has an interference fit with the inner diameter of the leg member;
- and
- wherein the washer is riveted to the upper end of the socket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.