HOOK COMPONENT AND SOFA BACKREST ASSEMBLY

Abstract

This application provides a hook component (2, 4) that is mounted on a support component (1, 3) and integrally formed with the support component through a blow-molding process, and the hook component includes an end accommodating portion for accommodating an elastic support member (5). This application also provides a sofa backrest assembly, which includes a support component (1, 3) and a hook component (2, 4), wherein the hook component (2, 4) is mounted on the support component (1, 3) and integrally formed with the support component through a blow-molding process. This application enables the hook component and the support component to be blow-molded into an integrated part, thereby solving the problems of many parts, complex assembly processes, insecure connections, and unstable product quality caused by traditionally separated hooks, achieving a structure with reliable strength, reduced processes, and the number of parts, and conducive to large-scale production.

Claims

1. A hook component, wherein that the hook component is mounted on a support component and is integrally formed with the support component through a blow-molded process, and the hook component includes an end accommodating portion for accommodating an elastic support member.

2. The hook component according of claim 1, wherein that the accommodating portion is configured as an accommodating groove, and the accommodating groove includes: A retaining area for holding the end of the elastic support member in the assembled state; and When assembling the elastic support member, a guiding area is provided to guide the end of the elastic support member into the retaining area, and Wherein the gap width of the retaining area transversed in the direction of extension of the accommodating groove is greater than the corresponding gap width of the guiding area.

3. The hook component according of claim 2, wherein that the support component includes a first and second side panel arranged oppositely and separated from each other, and each side panel of the first side panel and the second side panel respectively forms a stepped structure in the inward portion toward the central area of the support component, wherein the stepped structure includes: A first step surface is formed by a top surface of the corresponding side panel; A second step surface extends parallel to and below the first step surface; and And a third step surface extending from the first step surface to the second step surface.

4. The hook component according of claim 3, wherein that the hook component includes: A first half portion extending toward the top side direction from the second step surface, and A second half portion formed on the third step surface, wherein the second half portion is a portion extending inward toward the central area of the support component from the third step surface, or is the third step surface itself, The first half portion and the second half portion are arranged oppositely and define the accommodating groove between them.

5. The hook component according of claim 4, wherein that, The retaining area is formed by the bottom surface connected at the bottom of the first half portion and the second half portion, and The guiding area is formed by the first surface of the first half portion extending away from the central area of the support component and the second surface of the second half portion facing the central area of the support component. Both the first surface and the second surface are arranged above the bottom surface and face each other.

6. The hook component according of claim 5, wherein that the stopper portion is: protruding rib structures arranged continuously or discretely transverse to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove; or the stopper portion is configured as stepped surfaces; or the stopper portion is configured as protruding convex surfaces inwardly from the central portion of the first surface and/or the second surface.

7. The hook component according of claim 4, wherein that the top surfaces of the first half portion and/or the second half portion extend coplanar with the top surfaces of the corresponding side plates.

8. The hook component according of claim 4, wherein that the size of the bottom side portion of the first half portion near the second step surface is larger than the size of the top side portion far from the second step surface.

9. The hook component according of claim 5, wherein that the guiding groove extends in the direction of extension parallel to the accommodating groove is provided in the retaining area, wherein the guiding groove is used to guide the end of the elastic support member to be inserted into the accommodating groove through an opening formed on one side and/or both sides of the retaining area.

10. The hook component according of claim 3, wherein that the recessed area for positioning the hook component is formed on the stepped structure, making it easier to locate the positions of each hook component during the assembly process.

11. The hook component according of claim 2, wherein that the support component includes a first side panel and a second side panel arranged oppositely and separated from each other, and each side panel of the first side panel and the second side panel respectively includes a first rib panel, a second rib panel, and a third rib panel arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

12. The hook component according of claim 11, wherein that the hook component includes a first half portion and a second half portion, wherein the first half portion includes a first portion located between the second rib panel and the third rib panel, extending beyond the inner side edge of the respective rib panels in a direction intersecting the rib panels and toward the central area of the support component, and a second portion extending beyond the height of the second rib plate from the first portion toward the top side direction; and wherein the second half portion includes a first portion extending substantially parallel to the rib panels and beyond the inner side edge of the respective rib panels below the second rib panel, and a second portion extending vertically upward beyond the height of the second rib panel from the first portion toward the top side direction, Wherein the second portion of the first half portion is arranged opposite to the second portion of the second half portion, thereby defining the accommodating groove between the two half portions.

13. The hook component according of claim 12, wherein that, The second portion of the first half portion includes two opposite side walls extending vertically toward the top side direction, and a transverse wall extending transversely to the side walls between the two side walls; and Wherein the second portion of the second half portion includes two opposite side walls extending vertically toward the top side direction and a protruding portion extending parallel to the side walls between the two side walls, and Wherein the distance between the two side walls of the first half portion is less than the distance between the two side walls of the second half portion.

14. The hook component according of claim 13, wherein that, The second portion of the first half portion and the second portion of the second half portion facing the other half portion on the bottom side form shapes that can mate with the ends of the elastic support member, thereby collectively defining the retaining area and Wherein the second portion of the first half portion and the second portion of the second half portion face the other half portion on the top side from the guiding area.

15. The hook component according of claim 14, wherein that the retaining area is defined by inwardly concave arcuate surfaces set on the first and second half portion, which are constructed to mate with the ends of the elastic support member.

16. The hook component according of claim 13, wherein that the protruding portion of the second half portion extends in the top-side direction with a height lower than that of the two side walls of the second half portion, and has a thickness more significant than that of the two side walls.

17. The hook component according to claim 1, wherein in that the metal parts are embedded in the hook component, and the metal parts are sheet-like components matching the shape of the hook component.

18. The hook component according of claim 2, wherein that the elastic support member is a spring, and the end of the spring includes: Connecting segment, wherein the connecting segment in the assembled state is retained in the retaining area of the accommodating groove, and extends parallel to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove; and Stopper segment, wherein the stopper segment is connected to the connecting segment and is positioned closer to the end of the spring relative to the connecting segment, wherein the stopper segment extends horizontally transverse to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove in the assembled state, serving to at least partially prevent the spring from disengaging from the accommodating groove.

19. The hook component according to claim 1, wherein that the support component is a sofa backrest assembly, cushion assembly, seat frame assembly, or armrest assembly.

20. A sofa backrest assembly, wherein that the backrest assembly includes a support component and a hook component according to claim 1, wherein the hook component is mounted on the support component and integrally formed with the support component through a blow-molded process.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Illustration of the Attached Drawing

[0040] For a better understanding of the above and other purposes, features, advantages and functions of the present application, reference may be made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference symbols refer to the same components. Technicians in this field should understand that the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present application, do not limit the scope of the application, and that the various components in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of the support component and hook in a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0042] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of Area A shown in FIG. 1, where the accommodating groove does not have a spring assembled;

[0043] FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged view of another perspective of Area A shown in FIG. 1, where a spring is assembled in the accommodating groove;

[0044] FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional view of the support component and hook in another preferred embodiment of this application;

[0045] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of Area B shown in FIG. 4;

[0046] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged view of another perspective of Area B as shown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0047] The specific implementations of the present application will be described in detail concerning the accompanying drawings. The description here is only based on the preferred embodiment of the present application. Technicians in this field may think of other ways to implement the present application on the basis of the preferred embodiment, which also falls within the scope of the present application.

[0048] In the furniture field, the conventional method of separately manufacturing independent hook components and frame structures/support components leads to many parts, complex processes, and insecure installation structures. To at least solve these problems in the prior art, this application provides a hook component that is set on a support component and integrally formed with the support component through blow-molding. The hook component includes an end-receiving portion to accommodate the elastic support member. The following provides a detailed introduction to the contents of the present application in conjunction with various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0049] First, referring to FIG. 1, the figure illustrates a support component 1 and a hook component 2 in a preferred embodiment of this application. The support component 1 includes a first side plate 11a and a second side plate 11b arranged oppositely and separated from each other, and a base plate 14 extending transversely between the first and second side plates. It should be noted that directional terms such as up, middle, down, top side, bottom side, upper part, lower part, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, etc., used in the description of this application are based on the scenario where the support component is placed with its base plate horizontally on the ground. These terms are used solely for convenience of description and are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0050] The hook component 2 shown in FIG. 1 is blow-molded with the support component 1, meaning that the hook component and the support component are blow-molded as a single, integrated part and molded together, rather than separately formed as separate parts. Specifically, one or more hook components 2 are formed on the first side panel 11a and/or the second side panel 11b, preferably in the transition area between the top surface and the inner surface of the side panels.

[0051] Furthermore, preferably, referring to FIG. 2, each side panel among the first side panel 11a and the second side panel 11b forms a stepped structure at the aforementioned transition area (i.e., the inward portion toward the central area of the support component 1). For example, as shown in part of FIG. 2, the stepped structure includes: A first step surface 12a extending substantially horizontally formed by the top surface of the side panel; a second step surface 12b extending parallel to and below the first step surface 12a; and a third step surface extending substantially vertically from the first step surface to the second step surface (i.e., connecting between the first and second step surfaces).

[0052] Furthermore, hook component 2 includes a first half portion 22a extending substantially vertically upward from the second step surface 12b in the top-side direction; and a second half portion 22b formed on the third step surface 12c. Preferably, the second half portion extends from the third step surface 12c inwardly, that is, toward the central area of the support component. In other embodiments, the second half portion 22b may also be the third step surface 12c. As shown in FIG. 2, the first half portion 22a and the second half portion 22b are arranged oppositely, and a receiving portion for accommodating the end of an elastic support member 5 (for example, a spring) is defined between these two half portions. In this embodiment, the receiving portion is preferably constructed as an accommodating groove 21.

[0053] Furthermore, preferably, accommodating groove 21 includes a retaining area 23 for holding the end of the elastic support member 5 in the assembled state, and a guiding area 24 for guiding the end of the elastic support member 5 into the retaining area 23 during the assembly of the elastic support member 5. Here, the retaining area is the bottom side portion of the accommodating groove, and the guiding area is the upper side portion of the accommodating groove. In this embodiment, the first half of portion 22a and the second half of portion 22b are interconnected at their bottoms, and the retaining area 23 is formed by the bottom surface 25a at the bottom connection point. The guiding area 24 is formed by the first surface 25b of the first half portion 22a that diverges from the central area of the support component 1 (i.e., facing outward) and the second surface 25c of the second half portion 22b that faces the central area of the support component (i.e., facing inward). Both the first surface 25b and the second surface 25c are positioned above the bottom surface 25a and are arranged facing each other. In this manner, the aforementioned accommodating groove is constructed as a groove with a substantially U-shaped cross-section, with the bottom of the U-shaped groove configured as the retaining area and the area above the bottom (particularly the portion near the top side) configured as the guiding area.

[0054] Preferably, the first surface 25b and the second surface 25c are constructed to extend parallel to each other, forming a rail structure conducive to sliding the ends of elastic support members 5, such as springs, into the bottom retaining area.

[0055] Furthermore, preferably, in the natural state without external force applied, the gap width of the retaining area 23 is greater than the gap width of the guiding area 24. Here, the gap width refers to the width measured in the direction transverse to the direction of extension of accommodating groove 21. More specifically, the gap width of the retaining area 23 is the width at the bottom of the U-shaped cross-section of the accommodating groove, while the gap width of the guiding area 24 is the distance between the first surface 25b and the second surface 25c. More preferably, the hook component' s first half portion and/or the second half portion are at least partially elastic. This configuration ensures that, after the spring and other components enter the retaining area, they are not easily displaced upward along the guiding area and disengage from the connection. Instead, sufficient external force is required to overcome the inward elastic biasing of the guiding area and disengage the spring from the hook component.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, stopper portions are formed on the first surface 25b and/or the second surface 25c. The stopper portion can, for example, be stepped surfaces formed on the first surface and second surface; or protruding rib structures arranged continuously or discretely transverse to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove; or the first surface and/or second surface may be configured as protruding convex surfaces inwardly from the central portion. Those skilled in the art can, as needed, provide various types of stopper portions or combinations thereof at positions above the retaining area (for example, on the first surface and second surface), and such variations remain within the scope of protection of this application.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the first half portion 22a and/or the second half portion 22b extends substantially coplanar with the top surface of the corresponding side plate. This configuration facilitates easier demolding and makes the hook component and the support component appear flusher, enhancing user comfort.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the size of the bottom side portion of the first half portion 22a near the second step surface 12b (particularly the width dimension extending along the accommodating groove direction) is larger than the size of the top side portion far from the second step surface 12b. This configuration makes the second half portion of the hook component less likely to break when subjected to tensile forces from elastic support members such as springs in the assembled state. In a preferred embodiment, a recessed area 13 for positioning the hook component 2 is formed on the second-step surface 12b and/or the third-step surface 12c (or in the transition area between them), making it easier to locate the positions of each hook component 2 during the assembly process.

[0059] In addition, furthermore, preferably, a guiding groove 26 extending parallel to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove is provided in the retaining area 23 for guiding the end of the elastic support member 5 to be inserted into the accommodating groove 21 from the side opening of the retaining area 23. This configuration allows the elastic support member (for example, a spring) to be conveniently inserted into the groove in multiple ways; that is, it can not only enter the bottom retaining area 23 from the top guiding area 24 of the accommodating groove along the first and second surfaces, but also be directly inserted at the side opening of the retaining area, thereby allowing workers to choose an appropriate assembly operation as needed during the assembly process.

[0060] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 3, the figure illustrates a schematic view of the mating state between the aforementioned hook component 2 and an exemplary elastic support member 5 (for example, a spring). Preferably, the end of the spring includes a connecting segment 51, which, in the assembled state, is retained within the retaining area 23 of the accommodating groove 21 and extends parallel to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove 21; and a stopper segment 52, which is connected to the connecting segment and positioned closer to the end of the spring relative to the connecting segment, wherein the stopper segment extends transversely to the direction of extension of the accommodating groove 21 in the assembled state, serving to at least partially prevent the spring from disengaging from the accommodating groove 21. The stopper segment can bend and extend inwardly or outwardly. The arrangement of such a bent stopper segment can at least partially prevent the spring from displacing along the direction of extension of the groove, thereby preventing the spring from disengaging from the groove. As shown in FIG. 1, after the spring is assembled into the hook component 1, one end is connected to the hook component on the first side plate, and the other end is connected to the hook component at the corresponding position on the second side panel.

[0061] Next, referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the figures illustrate the support component 3 and hook component 4 according to another preferred embodiment of this application. Similarly to the description of FIGS. 1 to 3, in this embodiment, various directional terms are also based on the scenario where the support component is placed with its base panel horizontally on the ground. As shown in FIG. 4, similar to the support component 1 mentioned above, support component 3 in this example also includes a first side panel 31a and a second side panel 31b arranged oppositely and separated from each other. However, in this embodiment, the side panels 31a and 31b preferably have multiple rib panels arranged sequentially from top to bottom, extending substantially transversely to the base panel, and outer side walls extending vertically near the outer side of the side panels connect these rib panels. Hook component 4 is formed on the side panels, specifically at the aforementioned rib panels.

[0062] Similar to the embodiment mentioned above, the support component 3 and hook component 4 are also blow-molded; that is, the side panels, rib plates in the side panels, outer side walls, and hook components extending from the rib panels are all blow-molded as a single, unified component through the blow-molding process, rather than being separately molded and then assembled into an assembled component.

[0063] Preferably, the multiple rib panels in each side panel include a first rib panel 32a, a second rib panel 32b, and a third rib panel 32c arranged sequentially from top to bottom. These rib plates extend substantially parallel to each other and extend substantially in the horizontal direction.

[0064] Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in this embodiment, hook component 4 includes a first half portion 42a and a second half portion 42b. The first half portion 42a includes a first portion 49a located between the second rib panel 32b and the third rib panel 32c, which extends beyond the inner side edge of the respective rib panels in a direction intersecting the rib panels and inwardly (i.e., toward the central area of the support component), and a second portion 49b extending substantially vertically upward from the first portion 49a toward the top side, exceeding the height of the second rib panel 32b. The second half portion 42b includes a first portion 50a extending substantially parallel to the rib panels and beyond the inner side edge of the respective rib panels below the second rib panel 32b, and a second portion 50b extending vertically upward from the first portion 50a toward the top side, exceeding the height of the second rib panel 32b. In this embodiment, the first portion 49a of the first half portion 42a is connected to the first portion 50a of the second half portion 42b, and the second portion 49b of the first half portion 42a is arranged opposite to the second portion 50b of the second half portion 42b, thereby defining an accommodating groove 41 between the two half portions for accommodating the ends of elastic support members such as springs. Accommodating groove 41 includes a retaining area 47 for holding the end of the elastic support member and a guiding area 48 for guiding the end of the elastic support member into the retaining area 47.

[0065] Furthermore, the second portion 49b of the first half portion 42a includes two opposite side walls 43a and 43b, extending vertically toward the top side direction. A transverse wall 44 extending vertically transverse to the side walls is arranged between the two side walls, and the transverse wall connects the two side walls. The arrangement of the transverse wall 44 reinforces the structure, making the side walls less likely to break during use. It also increases the contact area with the first half portion during spring assembly, making the assembly structure more secure. More preferably, additional reinforcing structures, such as reinforcing ribs or holes, may be further provided on the transverse wall. Those skilled in the art can select the shapes and specific constructions of the above-mentioned side walls, transverse walls, and/or reinforcing structures as needed. Such variations remain within the scope of protection of this application.

[0066] Furthermore, the second portion 50b of the second half portion 42b includes two opposite side walls 45a and 45b, extending vertically upward from the first portion 50a toward the top side direction, and a protruding portion 46 extending parallel to the side walls between the two side walls. The protruding portion and the two side walls are arranged parallel and spaced apart.

[0067] Furthermore, preferably, the second portion 49b of the first half portion 42a (specifically the two side walls 43a, 43b and transverse wall 44) and the second portion 50b of the second half portion 42b (specifically the two side walls 45a, 45b and protruding portion 46) are formed with shapes at their respective positions on the bottom side facing the other half portion that can mate with the ends of the elastic support member, and the shapes at the corresponding positions on these parts collectively define the retaining area 47. For example, the retaining area can be defined by inwardly concave arcuate surfaces set on the sides of the parts mentioned above facing each other. The arcuate surfaces on each part are positioned identically in the vertical direction, allowing the spring to mate with the corresponding arcuate surfaces on each part after insertion.

[0068] Furthermore, preferably, the top side portions of the second portion 49b of the first half portion 42a (specifically the two side walls 43a, 43b and transverse wall 44) and the second portion 50b of the second half portion 42b (specifically the two side walls 45a, 45b and protruding portion 46) facing the other half portion are formed with guiding area 48. The guiding area 48 can be defined by smooth convex surfaces set on the sides of the parts above mentioned facing each other, allowing elastic support members, such as springs, to easily slide into the bottom retaining area 47 of the accommodating groove 41 under the action of external forces, thereby facilitating the installation operation by workers.

[0069] More preferably, the distance between the two side walls 43a, 43b of the first half portion 42a is smaller than the distance between the two side walls 45a, 45b of the second half portion 42b. This configuration staggers the arrangement of the side walls 43a, 43b, 45a, 45b and protruding portion 46 of the first half portion and second half portion along the direction of extension of accommodating groove 41, allowing the side walls and protruding portion to uniformly exert force at different positions along the connecting segment when the end of the elastic support member 5 (for example, connecting segment 51 of a spring) is inserted, thereby securely holding it in the retaining area. This staggered arrangement not only saves material but also ensures joint strength and increases the overall structural strength.

[0070] More preferably, the height of the protruding portion 46 extending in the top side direction is lower than that of the two side walls 45a and 45b of the second half portion, and its thickness is greater than that of the two side walls. The protruding portion configured this way is less likely to break by itself, making the connection between the hook component and the spring more secure. It can also serve as a reinforcing structure, enhancing the overall structure of the second half portion.

[0071] More preferably, the stopper portion of the hook component 2 described in FIGS. 1 and 2 (for example, protruding ribs, stepped surfaces, and/or convex surface shapes) can also be used in this embodiment, such as being provided on the surfaces facing each other of the guiding areas of the first half portion and the second half portion. As needed, those skilled in the art can place the stopper portion in appropriate positions to further prevent the ends of the elastic support member 5 from disengaging from the accommodating groove 41.

[0072] It can be understood that the springs matched with hook component 2 as described in FIG. 3 can also be used with hook component 2 in this embodiment, and their various preferred structures can be used in this embodiment. In addition, the elastic support members described herein can be multiple other components besides springs, such as ropes, straps, fabrics, elastic bands, etc.

[0073] In addition, in some preferred embodiments, metal parts can be embedded in various parts of the aforementioned exemplary hook components, thereby further reinforcing the structures of the parts and preventing the hook components from breaking due to tensile forces from springs during transportation after assembly or during use. The metal part is a sheet-like component matching the shape of the hook component, and is provided in various parts of, for example, the first half portion and/or the second half portion of the above-mentioned hook components to reinforce the respective parts.

[0074] It can be understood that the support components and hook components of the various embodiments described above can be combined as needed, and their specific features can also be combined without being limited to the particular technical solutions described for each embodiment above. For example, each half portion of hook component 2 can also be configured with multiple wall structures staggered along the accommodating groove direction like hook component 4, rather than extending continuously, as shown in FIG. 2. Conversely, hook component 4 can also adopt continuously extending half portions as in the hook component 2. All such possible combination modes fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

[0075] This application also provides a sofa backrest assembly, which includes the aforementioned support component and hook components, wherein the hook components are mounted on the support component and integrally formed with the support component through a blow-molded process. The hook components are used to suspend/fix elastic support members such as springs.

[0076] It can be understood that the support components mentioned above are not limited to the sofa backrest assembly, but can be various components on various devices known to those skilled in the art, such as but not limited to, sofa backrest assembly, cushion assembly, seat frame assembly, or armrest assembly, etc.

[0077] The above description of the various embodiments of the present application is provided to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art for the purpose of description. It intends to exclude or limit the present application to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, ordinary technicians in this field will understand the various alternatives and modifications of the present application. Thus, although some alternative embodiments have been described in detail, ordinary technician in this field will easily understand or develop other embodiments. This application is intended to include all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present application described herein, and other embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the present application described above.