EP0864277A2 - A storing device in the armrest of a sofa or armchair - Google Patents

Abstract

The storage space arranged in an armchair or settee comprises a drawer (1) which occupies the whole of the internal volume of the back oversleeve (2). The drawer slides along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the oversleeve. The drawer has guides and runners enabling the total withdrawal of the drawer outside the oversleeve. Each runner and guide is located so as to remain invisible from the outside even when the drawer is withdrawn. The upper face of the drawer forms a support plane, the drawer front face being provided with a cover (3) for concealing the drawer when it is retracted.

Description

The present invention relates to a storage device formed in a sofa or armchair cuff.

The invention relates more particularly to a device for sliding storage integrated into a sofa or armchair cuff.

Document FR 2 577 776 discloses an armchair, one of which at less cuffs delimits a storage volume. The volume of storage is accessible on the outside lateral side of the cuff, by a flap mounted articulated on the cuff by means of a two-way system compass.

However, this storage structure has many disadvantages. Indeed, due to the lateral position of the flap, the volume storage is not directly accessible for an operator seated on the couch. Furthermore, if the cuff is placed near a wall, for example example, the storage volume is inaccessible.

There are also known storage devices formed in a sofa cuff accessible by the removable upper part of the cuff. However, this storage structure requires the disassembly of the armrest to be able to take advantage of the storage area and therefore prevents its use. In addition, this type of storage structure offers only small surfaces for placing objects.

A first object of the invention is to propose a device for deployable storage formed in a sofa or armchair cuff, simple in structure, invisible in the retracted position, easily accessible by an operator sitting in the armchair or sofa and overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by the fact that the storage device formed in at least one of the armchair, sofa or bench cuffs consisting of a drawer, is characterized in that the drawer occupies substantially the entire interior volume of the cuff and slides along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the cuff, the storage comprising guide and sliding means allowing total deployment of the drawer out of the cuff by the face before the latter, each guide and sliding means being arranged so that it remains invisible from the outside even when the drawer is deployed, the upper surface of the drawer forms a flat support provided with housing allowing installation, the front of the drawer being provided with a shaped cover corresponding to the cross section of the cuff and matched to the outer surface of the latter, to make the presence of the drawer (1) when the latter is retracted into the cuff.

According to another particular feature, the means for guiding and drawer slide consist of at least two slide devices ball telescopic, each ball telescopic slide device being made integral, by a first of its ends, with the structure of the cuff, and by one second of its ends, from the drawer.

According to another feature, the rear part of the drawer is made integral with a frame, a first device with at least two slides telescopic balls being secured by its two ends respectively of the upper parts of the frame and the structure of the cuff, a second device with at least two telescopic slides with balls being made integral by its two ends respectively of lower parts of the frame and the structure of the cuff, the dimensions and locations of the drawer, the frame, the sliding devices, being determined so that in the deployed position towards the outside of the drawer, the frame remains housed in the volume delimited by the cuff.

According to another particular feature, the storage device comprises means for holding the drawer in the retracted position, preventing its inadvertent opening outside the operator's operation.

According to another particular feature, the means for holding the drawer in retracted position consist of a magnetic closure device to springs, allowing the drawer to be opened or locked when it is closing by a measured pressure exerted by the operator in the direction of its sinking into the cuff.

In another feature, the drawer has at least one tray removable, retractable, sliding and / or built-in that can be deployed transversely, towards the inside or outside of the armchair or sofa by compared to the drawer to constitute a laying surface.

In another feature, the drawer has a first pair vertical angles forming, possibly with a bottom angle, a storage compartment for the substantially rectangular tray, the tray storage compartment being parallel to the sliding axis drawer, the tray can be pulled vertically out of its housing by the operator and introduced into a second pair of horizontal angles, made integral with the upper part of the latter, to constitute a horizontal laying surface.

• la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective et schématique du dispositif de rangement de manchette de canapé selon l'invention, en position déployée,
• la figure 2A représente une vue schématique de côté et en coupe du dispositif de la figure 1, illustrant les moyens de guidage et de coulissement du dispositif de rangement,
• la figure 2B représente une vue schématique de côté et en coupe du dispositif de rangement selon l'invention, en position rétractée,
• la figure 3A représente une vue schématique de côté du dispositif de rangement de manchette de canapé, dans un second mode de réalisation de l'invention,
• la figure 3B représente une vue de face du dispositif de rangement de la figure 3A,
• la figure 4A représente une vue partielle en perspective et de l'extérieur du canapé, du dispositif de rangement de manchette de canapé de la figure 3A, illustrant le rangement d'un plateau support escamotable,
• la figure 4B représente une vue partielle en perspective et de l'intérieur du canapé, du dispositif de rangement de manchette de canapé de la figure 4A, illustrant le déploiement d'un plateau support escamotable.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description below made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• FIG. 1 represents a perspective and schematic view of the sofa cuff storage device according to the invention, in the deployed position,
• FIG. 2A represents a schematic side view in section of the device of FIG. 1, illustrating the means for guiding and sliding the storage device,
• FIG. 2B represents a schematic side view in section of the storage device according to the invention, in the retracted position,
• FIG. 3A represents a schematic side view of the sofa cuff storage device, in a second embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 3B represents a front view of the storage device of FIG. 3A,
• FIG. 4A represents a partial perspective view from the outside of the sofa, of the sofa cuff storage device of FIG. 3A, illustrating the storage of a retractable support tray,
• FIG. 4B represents a partial perspective view and of the interior of the sofa, of the sofa cuff storage device of FIG. 4A, illustrating the deployment of a retractable support plate.

The invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1, 2A and 2B. The storage device according to the invention is intended to be formed in at least one of the cuffs (2) of an armchair or sofa or bench. The storage device consists of a drawer (1) substantially parallelepipedic can occupy substantially the entire inside volume of the cuff (2). Of course, it is possible to make a drawer (1) occupying only a fraction of the interior volume of the cuff (2). The cuff (2) of the nonlimiting example of FIG. 1 is formed of a substantially parallelepiped base, the upper part of which forms a head tilted outwards from the sofa or armchair. The drawer (1) is slidably mounted in the cuff (2) along an axis parallel to the axis of longitudinal symmetry of the latter. Thus, the drawer (1) is accessible by the front and vertical face of the cuff (2). The front and vertical face of the drawer (1) is provided with a cover (3) of shape corresponding to the section transverse cuff (2) and matched to the outer surface of this last to make invisible the presence of the drawer (1) when the latter is retracted into the cuff (2). For example, the cover (3) can be covered of the same material (fabrics, leather, etc.) forming the outer surface of the sofa or armchair. The means for guiding and sliding the drawer (1) with respect to the structure of the cuff (2) are, for example, formed at least two telescopic ball bearing slides (10-12; 13-15), joined together by a first of their respective ends of the cuff structure (2) and by one second from their ends of the drawer (1). The rear part of the drawer (1) can, for example, be made integral a substantially parallelepipedic frame (4), a first (10-12) device with three telescopic ball slides being secured to the parts upper of the frame (4) and the structure of the cuff (2), a second (13-15) device with three telescopic ball slides being returned integral with the lower parts of the frame (2) and the structure of the cuff (2). Telescopic slide devices (10-12, 13-15) can be kept in the structure of the cuff (2), for example, by means of support brackets (not shown). These means of sliding telescopic slides (10-12; 13-15) allow fully extend the drawer (1) out of the cuff (2). Advantageously, the dimensions and locations of: drawer (1), frame (4), and telescopic slide devices (10-12; 13-15), are determined for in the deployed position towards the outside of the drawer (1), the frame (4) remains housed in the volume delimited by the cuff (2). That is to say that the frame (4) is not visible outside when the drawer (1) is extended. Of course, the invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. So the number and the location of the means for guiding and sliding the drawer can to be different. For example, the means for guiding and sliding the drawer (1) can be arranged laterally on both sides vertical of the drawer (1) or frame (4). Likewise, slide devices telescopic ball can be replaced by any other device equivalent performing the same function.

Advantageously, the cuff (2) and the drawer (1) comprise additional means (not shown) for holding the drawer in retracted position, preventing its inadvertent opening outside the operator opening operation. For example, these means of holding the drawer (1) in the retracted position consist of a magnetic spring closure, allowing the opening of the drawer (1) or its locking in the closed position with a simple measured pressure exercised by the operator in the direction of its insertion into the cuff (2). After unlocking the drawer, as indicated above, the operator can slide the drawer (1) by pulling it outwards, while sitting in the sofa or armchair. Similarly, the operator can very easily slide the drawer (1) in the direction of its engagement in the cuff (2). Advantageously, the upper part of the drawer (1) is formed of a horizontal plate (5), constituting a flat support allowing the installation of objects such as glasses or ashtrays for example. In addition, the central part of the drawer has a rim (6) or shelf allowing the storage of various objects. Finally, in its lower part, the drawer (1) forms a housing (7) of the magazine holder type. Obviously the number and the arrangement of rims and magazine-type housings can also be different without departing from the scope of the invention. Likewise, the drawer (1) may include a housing forming a bar, for example.

FIGS. 3A and 3B represent an alternative embodiment of the invention. The storage device in FIGS. 3A and 3B differs from that of Figure 1, only by the shape of the cuff (2) and by the fact that the drawer (1) is provided with a retractable tray (8). Identical elements to those described above are designated by the same references digital. Of course, the drawer of Figures 1, 2A, 2B can also be provided with a retractable tray (8). The cuff (2) of Figures 3A and 3B has a substantially rectangular cross section. The drawer (1) is provided, in its upper part, with a plate (8) which can be deployed transversely relative to the drawer (1) to constitute a surface of horizontal installation inside or outside of the sofa or armchair. The tray is retractably mounted on the drawer (1). For example, the plate is slidably mounted under the horizontal plate (5) located at the upper end of the drawer (1). The plate (8) can also be mounted articulated on the drawer (1). Figures 4A and 4B illustrate an example of mounting assembly on the drawer (1) of a retractable tray (8) substantially rectangular. The drawer (1) has a first pair of vertical angles (9A, 9B) having, for example, an L or U profile forming, with a bottom angle (9C) with L or U profile, for example, a U-shaped storage compartment for the tray (8). Storage space of the plate (8) is parallel to the sliding axis of the drawer (1) and located on the side of the drawer (1) which faces the outside of the sofa or armchair. The plate (8) can therefore be pulled vertically out of its housing by the operator and introduced into a second pair (19A, 19B) of angles horizontal with L or U profile and made integral with the plate (5) horizontal located at the upper end of the latter, to constitute a horizontal installation surface towards the inside of the sofa or armchair.

Of course, the invention is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Thus, the plate (8) can be mounted articulated on the drawer (1) around an axis parallel to the sliding axis of the drawer (1) allowing it to pivot over the top of it. In this case, the drawer (1) may not not include the upper horizontal plate (5) to allow the deployment of the plate (8) towards the interior of the sofa. The plate (8) can be kept horizontal by holding means (not shown) of known type.

All the elements constituting the storage device can indifferently be made of wood, metal, plastic or any other material.

We understand that we have a simple and practical storage device, adaptable to any type of sofa, armchair or bench seat. Indeed, the shapes and dimensions of the drawer (1) are adapted to the shapes and cuff dimensions (2). The storage device of the invention significantly improves the layout and comfort of a sofa or armchair offering an organized storage space that is easy to access and retractable.

Other modifications within the reach of those skilled in the art make also part of the spirit of the invention.

Claims (7)

Storage device formed in at least one of armchair, sofa or bench cuffs consisting of a drawer, characterized in that the drawer (1) occupies substantially the entire volume inside of the cuff (2) and slides along an axis parallel to the axis of longitudinal symmetry of the cuff (2), the storage device comprising means (10-12; 13-15) for guiding and sliding allowing the complete deployment of the drawer (1) out of the cuff (2) by the front of the latter, each means (10-12; 13-15) for guiding and sliding being arranged so that it remains invisible from the outside even when the drawer (1) is extended, the upper surface of the drawer (1) forms a flat support provided with housings allowing the installation, the face front of the drawer (1) being provided with a cover (3) of a shape corresponding to the cross section of the cuff (2) and matching the outer surface of the latter, to make invisible the presence of the drawer (1) when this the latter is retracted into the cuff (2). Storage device according to claim 1, characterized in what the means for guiding and sliding the drawer (1) are made up of at least two slide devices (10-12; 13-15) telescopic ball, each slide device (10-12; 13-15) ball telescopic being made integral, by a first of its ends, of the structure of the cuff (2), and by a second of its ends of the drawer (1). Storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that the rear part of the drawer (1) is made integral with a frame (4), a first (10-12) device with at least two telescopic ball slides being made integral by its two ends respectively of the parts upper of the frame (4) and the structure of the cuff (2), a second (13-15) device with at least two telescopic ball bearing slides being made integral by its two ends respectively of the parts lower of the frame (2) and the structure of the cuff (2), the dimensions and locations of the drawer (1), the frame (4), the devices to slides, being determined so that in the deployed position towards the outside of the drawer (1), the frame (4) remains housed in the volume delimited by the cuff (2). Storage device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it includes means for holding the drawer (1) in the retracted position, preventing it from opening untimely outside the operator's maneuver. Storage device according to claim 4, characterized in that the means for holding the drawer (1) in the retracted position are consisting of a magnetic spring closing device, allowing opening the drawer (1) or locking it when closed by a measured pressure exerted by the operator in the direction of its insertion in the cuff (2). Storage device according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the drawer (1) has at least a removable, retractable, sliding and / or built-in tray (8) which can be deployed transversely, inward or outward, or sofa with respect to the drawer (1) to constitute a laying surface. Storage device according to claim 6, characterized in that the drawer (1) has a first pair of angles (9A, 9B) vertical forming, possibly with a bottom angle (9C), a storage compartment for the tray (8), substantially rectangular, the tray storage housing (8) being parallel to the axis of sliding of the drawer (1), the plate (8) being able to be pulled vertically out of its housing by the operator and introduced into a second pair (19A, 19B) of horizontal angles, made integral with the upper part (5) of the latter, to constitute a horizontal laying surface.

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