EP1266594A1 - Table with built-in retractable seats - Google Patents

Abstract

The table with retractable seats incorporated according to the invention comprises a plate (14) carried by a fixed structure and a seat comprising an arm (12) which extends to engage in guide means (13) provided under the plate (14) of the table. The seat is single-legged and is mounted on a single-axis floor rolling device (2) with one or more wheels (3) while the guide means (13) are mounted on the underside of the table top (14) thanks to to elastic means (19) allowing them to self-align on the arm (12) when the latter is subjected to a transverse stress.

Description

The present invention relates to a table with retractable seats incorporated. It more particularly relates to a set comprising a table comprising a plate carried by a fixed structure, for example a base and at least one seat with an armrest that extends to engage in guide means provided under the table top. Thanks to that arrangement, the seat which remains attached to the table can take two positions namely, a position deployed to allow a person to sit at the table, and a retracted position in which the seat is at least partially retracted under the table.

In general, we know that tables have already been proposed equipped with retractable seats.

Thus, for example, US patent D 956 617 describes a children's chair, the two arms are designed so as to slide in sliders provided under the table top. The armchair which does not include a foot is therefore suspended from the table and can take a deployed position allowing a child to sit down and a stowed position, folded under the table. It's clear that this solution is only suitable for relatively light children that one must wear to put them in place in the seat.

US Patent 5,673,968 relates to a game table associated with stools can be retracted under the table top thanks to a horizontal rod, integral with the foot of the stool, which engages in sliding means provided under the table top.

The disadvantage of this solution is that the stool is located height of the underside of the table and therefore the user can hardly engage his legs under the table.

We have also proposed other solutions in which the table top is supported by seats arranged at its periphery. However, these solutions are generally inconvenient and do not allow a real folding seats.

Similarly, the applicant has already proposed, in particular in patents FR 00 7675 and FR 00 15282, a table with retractable seats in which the seats are mounted on a base equipped with a plurality of wheels and each include an armrest, an extension of which engages in a slide provided under the table. However, this solution, which involves for each seat a self-stable multi-wheel base is relatively complex and relatively expensive.

The invention therefore, more particularly, aims to eliminate these disadvantages by minimizing the seat structure and providing a monopod seat mounted on a rolling device on the ground monoaxis with one or more wheels.

It turns out that, to achieve this result, it is necessary to solve the problem due to the fact that the seat tends to tip around the axis of the rolling device and therefore exerts a relatively high stress on the slide in which the extension of the arm engages. This stress is all the more important as the center of gravity of the whole seat / user is offset from the slide. Because of this stress which is exerted transversely to the axis of the slide, when user sits on the seat, the arm extension tends to get caught in the slide and the user can no longer move his seat forward or backward.

The invention solves this problem by virtue of the fact that the slide is mounted under the underside of the table top thanks to elastic means allowing self-alignment on the arm when it is subjected to a transverse stress.

Advantageously, the seat frame can be produced using a profile single angled, so as to present a first vertical part constituting the column of the foot, a first horizontal part serving as a support for the seat, a second vertical part serving as support for the backrest, a second horizontal part, oriented perpendicular to the first part horizontal, which serves as a link for the arm and a third part horizontal which extends perpendicular to the second horizontal part to form the arm and its extension.

The profile used can be made of metal and have a cross section, round or square.

However, it can be made of another material, for example, a composite or wooden material. It may be tubular or be full.

As a variant, the chassis may be made of several assembled elements possibly different from each other.

Similarly, the seat and the backrest can be fixed to the chassis by by means of fixing lugs. They can be separated or grouped into a single item.

Optionally, the seat can be carried by an elongated element coming telescopically engage in the first vertical part of the chassis so as to allow its height adjustment.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the aforesaid slide comprises two coaxial rings, axially split and located at a distance predetermined from each other. These two rings are worn by the same support designed to be mounted on the underside of the table top by means of a block of elastic material such as, for example, rubber or an elastomer.

Thanks to these provisions, the seat occupants can move forward and backward their seat at convenience, effortlessly. They can then push the seats back retracted position under the table.

Of course, to prevent the table from moving, when the seats are actuated, especially when the armrests come into abutment in the bearings guide, this table should be relatively heavy so as to oppose significant inertia or it may be fixed to the ground or against a partition.

Advantageously, the seats can be mounted tilting around the axis slides. In this case, means may be provided to maintain the seats in the tilted position, when in the stowed position under Table.

This solution not only eliminates the bulk of the seats, but also to facilitate the cleaning of the floor under the table, thanks to the fact that the seat legs are no longer on the ground and are at a height of this sufficient to allow the passage of cleaning means.

The invention applies equally well to small tables, for example to tables kitchen or restaurant, only at large canteen or cafeteria tables.

It is clear that the advantages concerning the ease of cleaning and the storage are more evident in large rooms or generally classic seats tend to disperse.

Les figures 1 et 2 sont deux vues en perspective de deux sièges réalisés conformément à l'invention ;

Les figures 3 et 4 sont deux vues en perspective de deux tables, respectivement rectangulaires et circulaires équipées de sièges selon l'invention ;

Les figures 5 à 8 sont des vues de dessus montrant différents modes d'implantation des sièges pour des tables rectangulaires (figures 5 à 7) et pour des tables circulaires ou polygonales (figure 8) ;

La figure 9 est une vue en coupe, dans un plan vertical, d'un siège relevable sous le plateau d'une table ;

La figure 10 est une vue, en coupe partielle, selon A-A de la figure 9 ;

Les figures 11 et 12 sont des coupes transversales, à plus grande échelle, de la glissière visible sur la figure 9, en position fermée (fig. 11) et en position ouverte (fig. 12)

La figure 13 est une coupe partielle verticale selon B-B de la figure 9 ;

La figure 14 est une coupe horizontale selon C-C de la figure 13.

Embodiments of the invention will be described below, by way of nonlimiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figures 1 and 2 are two perspective views of two seats made in accordance with the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 are two perspective views of two tables, respectively rectangular and circular equipped with seats according to the invention;

Figures 5 to 8 are top views showing different seating arrangements for rectangular tables (Figures 5 to 7) and for circular or polygonal tables (Figure 8);

Figure 9 is a sectional view, in a vertical plane, of a liftable seat under the table top;

Figure 10 is a view, in partial section, along AA of Figure 9;

Figures 11 and 12 are cross-sections, on a larger scale, of the slide visible in Figure 9, in the closed position (fig. 11) and in the open position (fig. 12)

Figure 13 is a partial vertical section along BB of Figure 9;

FIG. 14 is a horizontal section along CC of FIG. 13.

• une première partie verticale 1 dont l'extrémité inférieure porte des moyens de roulage au sol 2 comportant une paire de roues coaxiales 3 protégées dans leur partie supérieure par un carter 4 de forme cylindrique ouvert dans sa partie inférieure. Ces moyens de roulage au sol 2 pourront éventuellement comprendre une tige qui s'engage télescopiquement ou qui se visse dans la première partie verticale 1 du tube de manière à pouvoir obtenir un réglage en hauteur de l'ensemble du siège,
• une première partie horizontale 5 sur laquelle vient se fixer l'assise 6 du siège. Cette fixation peut s'effectuer au moyen d'éléments de fixation rigide 7 ou même par l'intermédiaire de moyens élastiques. La hauteur de cette assise 6 pourra être décalée de manière à permettre un chevauchement des assises 6 de deux sièges en vis à vis,
• une deuxième partie verticale 8 sur laquelle vient se fixer le dossier 9 du siège. Ici aussi cette fixation 10 peut être rigide ou être souple grâce à une liaison élastique,
• une deuxième partie horizontale 11 d'une longueur légèrement supérieure à une demi-largeur du dossier 9,
• une troisième partie horizontale 12 qui constitue un bras du siège et qui se prolonge pour venir s'engager dans une glissière 13 montée sous le plateau 14 d'une table (représentée ici en traits interrompus).

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the seat comprises a frame produced using a tube of circular section, bent at a right angle in four locations so as to obtain successively:

• a first vertical part 1, the lower end of which carries rolling means on the ground 2 comprising a pair of coaxial wheels 3 protected in their upper part by a casing 4 of cylindrical shape open in its lower part. These rolling means on the ground 2 may possibly comprise a rod which engages telescopically or which is screwed into the first vertical part 1 of the tube so as to be able to obtain a height adjustment of the entire seat,
• a first horizontal part 5 on which the seat 6 of the seat is fixed. This fixing can be carried out by means of rigid fixing elements 7 or even by means of elastic means. The height of this seat 6 may be offset so as to allow an overlap of the seats 6 of two opposite seats,
• a second vertical part 8 on which the seat back 9 is fixed. Here also this attachment 10 can be rigid or be flexible thanks to an elastic connection,
• a second horizontal part 11 of a length slightly greater than half the width of the backrest 9,
• a third horizontal part 12 which constitutes an arm of the seat and which extends to engage in a slide 13 mounted under the plate 14 of a table (shown here in broken lines).

According to the invention, the slide 13 is mounted under the plate 14 of the table via an elastic connection 15 (figures. 10 to 12).

In this example, it comprises a lower plate 16, of form rectangular, carrying on one side two coaxial elastic rings 17, 18, slits in which engages the extension of the arm and fixed, on the other side, on one of the faces of a block of elastic material 19, for example, in rubber or elastomer. This block is itself secured to a plate upper 20 allowing fixing by screwing of the slide 13 on the face bottom of tray 14.

Advantageously, the two rings 17, 18 can be produced by folding and bending the wings of an H-shaped sheet steel plate. may be at least partially covered with a coating 21 in one anti-friction material such as, for example, a fluorocarbon material (Figures 11 and 12).

In this case, the two rings 17, 18 are secured to one another by the core of the H shape. The fixing of this core on the lower plate is then obtained by conventional fixing means (welding, screwing, riveting ...) with possible addition of a reinforcement plate.

Alternatively, the two rings 17, 18 can be produced separately at using a folded and bent sheet metal strip so as to obtain a part and other of a central core two portions 22 folded towards the center then two curved portions 23 delimiting a cylindrical volume open in two diametrically opposite locations. In this case, the souls of the two rings 17, 18 can be fixed on the plate 16 thanks to a fixing plate 24 common to the two rings (fig. 10 and 11).

Preferably, the free end of the extension of the arm (third part horizontal 12) may include a flange 25 intended to come into abutment axial on the inner ring 17 to avoid extraction of the seat. In that case, the assembly or extraction of the seats can only be carried out using a tool special such as, for example, the round with conical tip 26 shown in figure 12 which makes it possible to obtain an opening of the rings 17, 18 sufficient for allow passage of the end of the extension provided with its flange 25.

As previously mentioned, the seat previously described can be mount on tables of various shapes and sizes.

Thus, it can, for example, be mounted on small TR-shaped tables rectangular, with central foot PC, as in the example illustrated in the figures 3 and 5.

In this example, the table TR is equipped with two pairs of seats S ₁ , S ₂ -S ' ₁ , S' ₂ , the seats of each of the pairs being arranged side by side along a longitudinal edge of the plate of the table TR.

In this case, the arms of the two homologous seats, S ₁ , S ' ₁ -S ₂ , S' _2, facing the two pairs are respectively of the right-left type so that the slides are arranged substantially at same level in the central region of the TR table.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the TA table of rectangular shape elongated is fixed by one of its short sides to a wall M.

In this case, each long side of the table TA is equipped with three seats CH ₁ to CH ₃ of the same type (right or left), the seats CH ₁ to CH ₃ assigned to one of the sides being of type different from that of seats CH ' ₁ to CH' ₃ assigned to the other side. The slides associated with each pair of opposite seats CH _1, CH ' ₁ -CH ₂ , CH' ₂ -CH ₃ , CH ' ₃ are arranged so that the extensions of the arms slide substantially side by side, according to an axis parallel to the transverse axis of symmetry of the table TA. As in the example shown in FIG. 3, in the retracted position, the homologous seats CH _1, CH ' ₁ -CH ₂ , CH' ₂ -CH ₃ , CH ' ₃ overlap slightly.

• La première partie horizontale 5' est soudée à angle droit à l'extrémité supérieure de la première partie verticale 1'.
• L'assise circulaire 6' est montée sur un axe vertical 28 qui s'engage télescopiquement (ou vient se visser) dans la première partie verticale 1', de manière à permettre une rotation de l'assise 6' et/ou un réglage en hauteur avec éventuellement une suspension élastique.

In this example, the seats CH _1, CH ' ₁ -CH ₂ , CH' ₂ -CH ₃ , CH ' ₃ have a chassis similar to that of the seat shown in FIG. 2 which differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that:

• The first horizontal part 5 'is welded at a right angle to the upper end of the first vertical part 1'.
• The circular seat 6 'is mounted on a vertical axis 28 which engages telescopically (or comes to be screwed) in the first vertical part 1', so as to allow rotation of the seat 6 'and / or an adjustment in height with possibly an elastic suspension.

Figures 13 and 14 show an embodiment of a suspension and seat height adjustment.

• une première portion cylindrique P₁ de diamètre correspondant sensiblement au diamètre intérieur d'un palier PA₁ monté à l'extrémité supérieure de la première partie verticale 1',
• une seconde portion cylindrique P₂ de diamètre inférieur à celui de la première portion P₁,
• une troisième portion cylindrique P₃ tubulaire dont le diamètre extérieur est sensiblement égal au diamètre intérieur d'un palier PA₂ prévu dans la première partie tubulaire 1', à environ un tiers de la hauteur de celui-ci.

In this example, the vertical axis 28 includes:

• a first cylindrical portion P ₁ of diameter corresponding substantially to the internal diameter of a bearing PA ₁ mounted at the upper end of the first vertical part 1 ',
• a second cylindrical portion P ₂ with a diameter smaller than that of the first portion P ₁ ,
• a third tubular cylindrical portion P ₃ , the outside diameter of which is substantially equal to the inside diameter of a bearing PA ₂ provided in the first tubular part 1 ′, about one third of the height thereof.

Furthermore, the first tubular part 1 ′ of the chassis is closed in its lower part by a plug 29 and comprises, at the level of the second cylindrical portion of the axis, two oblong diametrically opposite slots L ₁ , L ₂ .

In the space between the first tubular part 1 'and the second cylindrical portion P ₂ are arranged two adjustable stops BR ₁ , BR ₂ in the form of a half-ring on which are screwed two notched head screws V _1, V ₂ which pass respectively in the two lights L ₁ L ₂ .

Thanks to this arrangement, the two stops BR ₁ , BR ₂ can be adjusted in height and fixed at the desired height by screwing the screws V ₁ , V ₂ to limit the stroke of the axis 28 between a high position (support of the stop BR ₂ against the shoulder between the second portion P ₂ and the third portion P ₃ ) and a low position (support of the stop BR ₁ against the shoulder between the first portion P ₁ and the second portion P ₂ ).

A helical spring 30, bearing on the plug 29 and in the bottom of the third tubular portion P ₃ of the axis 28, ensures an elastic suspension.

Figure 7 shows an arrangement of seats around a table small square tray. In this example, each side of the table top is equipped with a seat of the same type whose extension of the arm extends parallel and a short distance from the side of the plate located at right of the seat.

Figure 8 shows a seating arrangement (here eight seats) around a table with a circular (or polygonal) table top. According to this mode of installation, the slides G ₁ to G ₈ are uniformly distributed around the table top and are oriented so that the extensions of the arms are oriented tangentially to a circle C concentric to the circumference of the table of the table.

Of course, the invention is not limited to a determined number of seats (here eight) equipping the same table. So the table could only have six seats as shown in Figure 4.

An important advantage of the previously described solutions is that that it allows tilting of the seat around the axis of the slide. The invention uses this property to facilitate cleaning of the floor under the table when the seats are in the retracted position.

To this end, the invention provides for each seat an attachment device fixed under the table used to hold the seat in the tilted position. As shown in Figure 9, this hooking device 32 may consist of a part comprising a body 33 coming to be fixed under the table top and a wing 34 which extends obliquely downwards in the direction of the slide 13.

Thus, to secure the seat in the raised position, the operator must tilt the seat before reaching the retracted position then, without changing its orientation, bring it into the retracted position. During this move, the edge of the seat 6 'of the seat engages above the oblique wing 34 of the device attachment 32, so that in the retracted position the seat is retained in tilted position. In this position, the lower end of the foot (means 2) is at a sufficient height so that one can carry out floor cleaning. To return the seat to its initial position, simply then pull the seat towards its position deployed so as to disengage the seat 6 'from the seat and of the attachment device 32.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the hooking means consist of protuberances, here fins AL ₁ to AL ₄ , fixed to the table leg PC (here a square section leg, the sides of which are extend parallel to the sides of the table top), these fins AL ₁ to AL ₄ being intended to cooperate with the front edge of the seats of the corresponding seats. The height of these fins is slightly greater than the height of the seats. Thanks to this arrangement, at the end of the retraction stroke, each seat can be kept in the tilted position. This solution has the advantage of allowing in this position both a front and side overlap with the two seats fitted to the two adjacent lateral sides of the table top.

• Les sièges complètement rentrés ne débordent pas du plateau de la table. L'encombrement au sol est encore plus réduit ; les pieds uniques des sièges sont regroupés vers le centre de la table et ils peuvent toujours être relevés. Le nettoyage du sol est facile et les sièges ne sont jamais dispersés.
• Les sièges sont bien plus faciles à utiliser : les occupants n'ont plus à bouger leur siège pour s'installer, sortir, laisser passer quelqu'un derrière eux ou tout simplement changer de position ; ils roulent avec leur siège. Les bruits de siège sont aussi supprimés.
• L'accès aux sièges est facilité par la présence de l'accoudoir qui permet de prendre appui. L'assise tournante et réglable facilite aussi l'accès.
• Les jambes des occupants ne sont pas gênées par les pieds des sièges qui sont rangés sous la table.
• Les gains dans l'encombrement des sièges ainsi que leur facilité d'accès et d'utilisation seront mis à profit pour réaliser des implantations de tables plus serrées et donc pour augmenter le nombre de places dans les différents lieux d'installation.

Thanks to the arrangements described above, the invention provides the following advantages:

• Fully retracted seats do not extend beyond the table top. The footprint is even more reduced; the single legs of the seats are grouped towards the center of the table and they can always be raised. Floor cleaning is easy and the seats are never scattered.
• The seats are much easier to use: the occupants no longer have to move their seats to get in, out, let someone pass behind them or simply change their position; they ride with their seat. Siege noise is also suppressed.
• Access to the seats is facilitated by the presence of the armrest which provides support. The rotating and adjustable seat also facilitates access.
• The occupants' legs are not hampered by the legs of the seats which are stored under the table.
• The gains in the size of the seats as well as their ease of access and use will be used to achieve tighter table layouts and therefore to increase the number of places in the different places of installation.

Claims (13)

Table with retractable incorporated seats comprising a plate (14) carried by a fixed structure (PC) and a seat comprising an arm (12) which is extended to engage in guide means (13) provided under the plate (14 ) of the table,
characterized in that the seat is monopod and is mounted on a single-axis ground rolling device (2) with one or more wheels (3) and in that said guide means (13) are mounted on the underside of the plate ( 14) of the table by means of elastic means (19) allowing them to self-align on the arm (12) when the latter is subjected to transverse stress. Table according to claim 1,
characterized in that the seat comprises a frame produced using a profile having a first vertical tubular part (1), a first horizontal part (5) extending under the seat (6), a second vertical part (8) serving as support for the backrest (9), a second horizontal part (11), oriented perpendicular to the first horizontal part (5), which serves as a connecting element for the arm (12) and a third horizontal part which s 'extends perpendicular to the second horizontal part to constitute the arm (12) as well as its extension, the seat and the backrest being fixed to the chassis by rigid or elastically deformable fixing means. Table according to claim 2,
characterized in that the frame is made using a single profile bent in four places and in that the profile is made of metal, wood or composite material and has a straight, round or square section and is tubular or full. Table according to claim 2,
characterized in that the chassis is made of several assembled elements and in that : the first horizontal part (5 ') is welded at right angles to the upper end of the first vertical part (1'). the circular seat (6 ') is mounted on a vertical axis (28) which engages telescopically (or comes to be screwed) in the first vertical part (1'), so as to allow rotation of the seat (6 ') and / or a height adjustment with possibly an elastic suspension. Table according to claim 4,
characterized in that the vertical axis comprises: a first cylindrical portion (P ₁ ) of diameter corresponding substantially to the inside diameter of a bearing (PA ₁ ) mounted at the upper end of the first vertical part (1 '), a second cylindrical portion (P ₂ ) of diameter smaller than that of the first portion (P ₁ ), a third tubular portion (P ₃ ) whose outer diameter is substantially equal to the inner diameter of a bearing (PA ₂ ) provided in the first tubular portion (1 '), about one third of the height thereof. in that the first tubular part (1 ') of the chassis is closed in its lower part by a plug (29) and comprises, at the level of the second cylindrical portion (P ₂ ) of the axis (28), two oblong slots (L1, L ₂ ) diametrically opposite and in that , in the space between the first tubular part (1 ') and the second cylindrical portion (P ₂ ), are arranged two adjustable stops (BR ₁ , BR ₂ ) on which are screwed two screws (V ₁ , V ₂ ) which pass respectively in the two lights (L ₁ , L ₂ ). Table according to claim 5,
characterized in that it comprises a helical spring (30) bearing on the plug (29) and in the bottom of the third tubular portion (P ₃ ) of the axis (28) so as to obtain an elastic suspension of the 'seated (6'). Table according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the aforesaid guide means consist of a slide comprising two coaxial elastic rings (17, 18), axially split and located at a predetermined distance from each other, these two rings (17, 18) being worn by the same support (16) designed to be mounted on the underside of the table top by means of a block of elastic material (19) said rings are preferably at least partially covered with a coating of an anti-friction material. Table according to claim 7,
characterized in that the rings (17, 18) are produced separately using a folded and curved sheet metal strip so as to obtain on either side of a central core two portions (22) folded towards the center, then two curved portions (23) delimiting a cylindrical volume open at two diametrically opposite locations and in that the cores of said rings (17, 18) are fixed to a fixing plate (16) common to the two rings (17, 18 ) and in that said plate (16) is fixed to said block (19) of elastic material. Table according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the above-mentioned rolling means on the ground (2) comprise a rod which engages telescopically in the first vertical part of the tube so as to allow an adjustment in height of the entire seat. Table according to one of claims 7 and 8,
characterized in that the free end of the extension of the arm (12) comprises a flange (25) intended to come into axial abutment on the inner ring (17) to prevent the extraction of the seat and in that the mounting or the extraction of the seat is only carried out using a special tool (26) which makes it possible to obtain an opening of the rings (17, 18) sufficient to allow the passage of the end of the extension of the arm (12) provided with its flange (25). Table according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a rectangular plate and is equipped with a plurality of pairs of seats (S ₁ , S ₂ -S ' ₁ , S' ₂ ) arranged side by side along the two longitudinal edges of the plate and in that , in this case, the arms (12) of each of the pairs of opposite homologous seats (S ₁ , S ' ₁ -S ₂ , S' ₂ ) are respectively of right-left type so that the means for guiding the seats of each of said pairs (S ₁ , S ' ₁ -S ₂ , S' ₂ ) are oriented substantially side by side. Table according to one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that it comprises a circular (TC) or polygonal plate, and in that , in this case, the above-mentioned guide means (G ₁ to G ₈ ) are uniformly distributed around the table plate (TC) and are oriented so that the extensions of the arms (12) are tangential to a circle (C) concentric with the circumference of the plate (TC) Table according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the seats are mounted tilting around the axis of the guide means and in that means are provided for keeping the seats in the tilted position with possible overlapping of the seats laterally and / or frontally.

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