AUDITORIUM BENCH

Abstract

Auditorium bench (1), comprising: a frame (2); a plurality of adjacent stations (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5); a first support (5) and a second support (6) for each station (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5), mounted on the frame (2) at a distance from each other; a table (3) corresponding to each station (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) and interposed between the first support (5) and the second support (6); means for tilting (4) the table (3) relative to the frame (2), so that said table (3) can move from a resting configuration, in which it is repositioned and brought closer to the frame (2), to a working configuration, in which it extends away from the frame (2) to define a support, and vice versa; operationally active damping means (8) on the table (3) to dampen its tilting during the transition from the working configuration to the resting configuration.The damping means (8) comprise for each table (3) at least one rotary damper having a pinion (9) coupled to a rack (10) connected to the table (3). [FIG. 1].

Description

Title of the invention: AUDITORIUM BENCH

[0001] This invention refers to an auditorium bench.

[0002] For example, the bench can be used in conference rooms, university lecture halls or multi-purpose rooms.

[0003] We know of solutions where a table can switch between a closed configuration, in which it is vertical and flanked by one side of the furniture, and a working configuration, in which it is used as a support. The movement of the table between the two configurations is done by means of two sequential rotations with respect to two axes orthogonal to each other.

[0004] However, a solution of this type is not applicable, for example, to study benches. In this context, several integrated and continuous solutions for auditorium benches are already known, modular in a straight or curved line, on steps or on inclined and / or flat floors.

[0005] Each intermediate row has a bench on which several seats and workstations are provided.

[0006] The first row, on the other hand, has a bench composed solely of workstations.

[0007] The last row has a bench composed only of seats.

[0008] In this context, the focus is solely on workstations.

[0009] In known solutions, the bench comprises as many tables as there are workstations. A workstation consists of a seat and a tilting table mounted on the frame of the bench. The frame of the bench is generally located in correspondence with a backrest of the seat of the workstation in the front row.

[0010] To open the table, that is to say to tilt it into its working configuration (that is to say to be able to write), it is necessary to give it an upward translation, associated with a partial rotation.

[0011] When the table is closed, that is, tilted to reach its rest configuration, you must perform the exact opposite sequence.

[0012] This solution has a major drawback: when tilting to the rest configuration, the translation of the table downwards is often done without the support of the user and is therefore at the mercy of the force of gravity. This means that the table moves at high speed and undergoes a sudden stop at the end of its travel, producing an audible noise and risking damage to one or more components during the impact.

[0013] In this context, the present invention has the technical task of providing an auditorium bench which overcomes the disadvantages of the known art mentioned above.

[0014] In particular, the present invention aims to provide a bench for auditorium in which the work table can be safely and quietly replaced.

[0015] The specified task and technical objectives are essentially achieved by an auditorium bench, comprising:

[0016] a chassis;

[0017] a plurality of adjacent positions;

[0018] a first support and a second support for each station, said first and second supports being mounted on the chassis at a certain distance from each other.

[0019] a table corresponding to each station, said table being interposed between the first support and the second support;

[0020] means for tilting the table relative to the frame, so that said table can move from a rest configuration, in which it is replaced and brought closer to the frame, to a working configuration, in which it moves away from the frame to define a support, and vice versa,

[0021] operationally active damping means on the table to dampen its tilting when changing from the working configuration to the rest configuration.

[0022] The damping means comprise for each table at least one rotary damper provided with a pinion, said bench comprising for each table at least one rack connected to the table, said pinion being coupled to said at least one rack.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the tilting means are designed to impose on the table, when changing from the working configuration to the rest configuration, a rotation around an axis followed by a sliding between a first position and a second position.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the damping means are designed to dampen the sliding of the table moving towards the second position.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the damping means are located in correspondence with the first and second supports.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the rack is arranged on a lateral surface of the table.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the rotary damper provided with a pinion is arranged on one of the two supports.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the rotary damper is of the viscous fluid type.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the rotary damper is designed to slow down the pinion when the latter turns in one of the two directions of rotation, which corresponds to the sliding of the table towards the first position.

[0030] According to one embodiment, for each of the tables, there are two racks, said damping means comprising two dampers rotary racks equipped with a pinion. Preferably, the racks are arranged on opposite side surfaces of the table.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the two rotary dampers are arranged respectively on the first support and on the second support.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the tilting means comprise two pivots fixed to the supports, said table being provided with two blind slots obtained respectively on the opposite lateral surfaces of the table, each of the two pivots being inserted in a sliding manner into one of the blind slots of the table to allow the tilting thereof.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the bench comprises two guide blocks designed to guide the table when it tilts relative to the frame.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the two guide blocks are located respectively in correspondence with the first support and the second support.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each support comprises a stop for the table in the working configuration.

[0036] According to one embodiment, in the rest configuration, the table has a development along a first mainly vertical direction.

[0037] According to one embodiment, in the working configuration, the table has a development along a second mainly horizontal direction.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the table, in the first position, is at a greater height than the second position.

[0039] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of an auditorium bench, as illustrated in the attached drawings where:

[0040] - [Fig.l] illustrates a perspective view of an auditorium bench, according to the present invention, provided with a plurality of workstations where the tilting table is alternately in a rest configuration and in a work configuration;

[0041] - Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the table in working configuration, respectively in two perspective views from two different angles;

[0042] - [Fig.3] illustrates the table in a first position, intermediate between the confi work configuration and rest configuration, in perspective;

[0043] - [Fig.4] illustrates the table in the resting configuration, in perspective;

[0044] - [Fig.5] illustrates a detail (rotary damper equipped with a pinion) of the bench for at ditorium of [Fig.l], in perspective.

[0045] With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a bench for an auditorium, in particular for conference rooms, university amphitheaters or multipurpose rooms.

[0046] The bench 1 comprises a chassis 2. Preferably, the chassis 2 has a main development direction D.

[0047] The bench 1 illustrated in [Fig.l] has a linear development, so that the main development direction D of the chassis 2 is a straight line.

[0048] In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, the bench 1 has a development in an arc of a circle, so that the main development direction D of the chassis 2 is a curve.

[0049] The bench 1 has a plurality of adjacent stations PI, P2, P3, P4, P5. In the figures, five adjacent stations PI, P2, P3, P4, P5 are shown for reasons of simplicity.

[0050] Corresponding to each position PI, P2, P3, P4, P5 there is a table 3 (i.e. a support plane).

[0051] Means are provided for independently tilting each table 3 relative to the chassis 2. In particular, the table 3 can be moved between two “limit” configurations, namely:

[0052] - a rest configuration, in which it is replaced and leaned against the chassis 2;

[0053] - a working configuration, in which it develops away from the chassis 2.

[0054] In the working configuration, table 3 defines a support.

[0055] Preferably, in the rest configuration, the table 3 has a main development along a first direction A. Preferably, the first direction A is essentially vertical.

[0056] Preferably, in the working configuration, the table 3 has a main development along a second direction B. Preferably, the second direction B is essentially horizontal.

[0057] Preferably, in the working configuration, the table 3 has an orthogonal development relative to the main development direction D of the chassis 2.

[0058] Preferably, the bench 1 comprises for each station P1, P2, P3, P4, P5 a first support 5 and a second support 6 mounted on the chassis 2 at a distance from each other. Preferably, the table 3 is interposed between the first and second support 5, 6. In other words, the table 3 is mounted between the first and second support 5, 6. In particular, the table 3 is mounted on the first and second support 5, 6 in correspondence of opposite ends.

[0059] Preferably, the table 3 has a mainly planar development.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the figures, the tilting means 4 comprise two pivots or pins fixed to the supports 5, 6. In particular, one pivot 4 is fixed to the first support 5 and the other pivot 4 to the second support 6 of the same station P1, P2, P3, P4, P5.

[0061] Each table 3 is provided with two blind slots 7 made, respectively, on opposite lateral surfaces 13 of the table 3. Each blind slot 7 has a longitudinal extension.

[0062] Each of the two pivots 4 is inserted in a sliding manner into one of the blind slots 7 of the table 3 to allow the latter to tilt.

[0063] The above description of one embodiment of the tilting means should be understood for purely indicative purposes. For the purposes of the present invention, it is possible to use different table tilting means of known type.

[0064] The bench 1 comprises damping means 8 operationally active on each table 3 to dampen the tilting thereof when changing from the working configuration to the rest configuration. In particular, the tilting means 4 are designed to impose on the table 3, when changing from the working configuration to the rest configuration, a rotation around an axis followed by a sliding between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the table 3 is at a greater height than in the second position.

[0065] In this embodiment, the damping means 8 are designed to dampen the sliding of the table 3 in movement towards the first position.

[0066] Typically, when tilting the table 3 from the working configuration to the resting configuration, the user imposes on the table 3 the necessary thrust to change configuration, but does not worry about guiding the table 3 throughout the duration of the transition. This implies that the table 3 is governed in the final part of the tilting by the force of gravity alone: ​​it falls at a high speed, undergoing an abrupt stop when it reaches the first position. Consequently, an audible noise is generated and the risk of damage to certain components is high. The damping means 8 make it possible to overcome these drawbacks.

[0067] Conveniently, the table 3 moves from the first position to the second position by sliding downwards. The damping means 8 are functionally active during this sliding downwards to prevent the table 3 from falling freely under gravity.

[0068] Preferably, the damping means 8 are located in correspondence with the first and second supports 5, 6.

[0069] Originally, the damping means 8 comprise for each station PI, P2, P3, P4, P5 at least one rotary damper equipped with a pinion 9. The bench 1 comprises for each station PI, P2, P3, P4, P5 a rack 10 connected to the table 3. The pinion 9 is coupled to the rack 10 in such a way that it rotates when the rack 10 slides with the table 3.

[0070] The rotary damper 8 acts on the pinion 9 to slow down its rotation and consequently slow down the sliding of the table 3.

[0071] Preferably, the rotary damper 8 is of the viscous fluid type. Preferably, the viscous fluid is oil.

[0072] Preferably, the rotary damper 8 is of the monodirectional type. In other words, the rotary damper 8 acts on the pinion 9 to slow it down only when the pinion 9 rotates in one of the two directions of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise), which corresponds to the sliding of the table 3 towards the first position.

[0073] An example of a monodirectional type rotary damper 8 is found in document US5460252 A.

[0074] For the purposes of the present invention, it is possible to use any rotary damper of known type, making it possible to dampen the fall by gravity of the table 3 towards the first position. The damping device is known as a "damper" or retarder.

[0075] In particular, the rotary damper 8 is configured for torsional stresses between 3 N / cm and 15 N / cm.

[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, for each station P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, the bench 1 comprises two racks 10 and the damping means 8 comprise two rotary dampers, each equipped with a pinion 9, respectively for the two racks 10.

[0077] Preferably, the two racks 10 are arranged on opposite lateral surfaces 13 of the table 3.

[0078] Preferably, the two rotary dampers 8 with pinions 9 are arranged respectively on the first support 5 and on the second support 6.

[0079] Preferably, the coupling between rack 10 and pinion 9 is such that, when the table 3 is in the first position, the pinion 9 is decoupled from the rack 10.

[0080] Preferably, the blind slot 7 has a longitudinal development in a direction essentially parallel to a direction of development of the rack 10 located in correspondence with the same lateral surface 13.

[0081] Preferably, the bench 1 comprises, for each station P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, two guide blocks 11 designed to guide the table 3 when it tilts relative to the chassis 2. Preferably, the two guide blocks 11 are located respectively in correspondence with the first support 5 and the second support 6.

[0082] Advantageously, in the working configuration, the table 3 faces a stop 12. Preferably, the stop 12 is made in the support 5, 6. In particular, each support 5, 6 comprises a stop 12 for the table 3.

[0083] The attached figures illustrate bench 1 and table 3 with views taken from the same side. What is illustrated from this side should be considered valid in a specular also for the other side.

[0084] The description given clearly shows the characteristics of the auditorium bench, according to the present invention, as well as the advantages which result therefrom.

[0085] In particular, thanks to the presence of the damping means, oscillations or vibrations of the table are damped when returning to the rest configuration. This is particularly advantageous, since when closing, the force of gravity tends to accelerate the table downwards, the damping means therefore have the function of slowing down or damping this acceleration in the final part. This prevents the table from emitting an audible noise and reduces the risk of damage.

[0086] Furthermore, the embodiment in which the damping device acts on the pinion makes it possible to dampen the sliding of the table without directly affecting the tilting means. This facilitates maintenance of the components and makes the table safer, since the rack serves as an additional guide for sliding.

Claims

Claims

1. Bench (1) for an auditorium, comprising: a frame (2); a plurality of adjacent stations (PI, P2, P3, P4, P5); a first support (5) and a second support (6) for each station (PI, P2, P3, P4, P5), said first and second supports (5, 6) being mounted on the frame (2) at a certain distance from each other.a table (3) corresponding to each station (PI, P2, P3, P4, P5), said table (3) being interposed between the first support (5) and the second support (6); tilting means (4) of the table (3) relative to the chassis (2), so that said table (3) can pass from a rest configuration, in which it is replaced and brought closer to the chassis (2), to a working configuration, in which it develops away from the chassis (2) to define a support, and vice versa; damping means (8) operationally active on the table (3) to dampen its tilting when changing from the working configuration to the rest configuration, characterized in that said damping means (8) comprise for each table (3) at least one rotary damper provided with a pinion (9), said bench (1) comprising for each table (3) at least one rack (10) connected to the table (3), said pinion (9) being coupled to said at least one rack (10).

2. Bench (1) according to claim 1, wherein said tilting means (4) are designed to impose on the table (3), when passing from the working configuration to the rest configuration, a rotation around an axis followed by a sliding between a first position and a second position.

3. Bench (1) according to claim 2, wherein the damping means (8) are adapted to dampen the sliding of the table (3) in movement towards the second position.

4. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the damping means (8) are located in correspondence of the first and second support (5, 6).

5. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one rack (10) is arranged on a side surface (13) of the table (3).

6. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said rotary damper (8) equipped with a pinion (9) is arranged on one of the two supports (5, 6).

7. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary damper (8) is of the viscous fluid type.

8. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotary damper (8) is designed to slow down the pinion (9) when the latter rotates in one of the two directions of rotation, corresponding to the sliding of the table (3) towards the first position.

9. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein for each table (3), the racks (10) are two in number, said damping means (8) comprise two rotary dampers equipped with a pinion (9).

10. Bench (1) according to claim 9, wherein the racks (10) are arranged on the opposite side surfaces (13) of the table (3).

11. Bench (1) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the two rotary dampers (8) are arranged respectively on the first support (5) and on the second support (6).

12. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting means (4) comprise two pivots fixed to the supports (5, 6), said table (3) being provided with two blind slots (7) made respectively on opposite lateral surfaces (13) of the table (3), each of the two pivots (4) being slidably inserted into one of the blind slots (7) of the table (3) to allow the tilting thereof.

13. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two guide blocks (11) designed to guide the table (3) when it is tilted relative to the frame (2).

14. Bench (1) according to claim 13, wherein the two guide blocks (11) are located respectively in correspondence with the first support (5) and the second support (6).

15. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each support (5, 6) comprises a stop (12) for the table (3) in the working configuration.

16. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the rest configuration, the table (3) has a development along a first direction (A) mainly vertical.

17. Bench (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which in the working configuration, the table (3) has a development along a second direction (B) mainly horizontal.

18. Bench (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein the table (3), in the first position, is at a greater height than in the second position.

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