AUDITORIUM CHAIR

Abstract

An auditorium chair (1) comprising: a backrest (3); a first support (7) and a second support (8) mounted on the backrest (3) and spaced apart; a table (9) interposed between the first support (7) and the second support (8); means for tilting (10) the table (9) relative to the backrest (3), so that said table (9) can move from a resting configuration, in which it is positioned close to the backrest (3), to a working configuration, in which it extends away from the backrest (3) to provide support, and vice versa. The chair includes damping means (11) operationally active on the table (9) to dampen its tilting during the transition from the working configuration to the resting configuration. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: AUDITORIUM CHAIR

[0001] This invention refers to an auditorium chair.

[0002] For example, the chair proposed here is used in conference rooms, university classrooms or multipurpose rooms.

[0003] These are well-known chairs equipped with a tilting table that can be moved between a closed configuration, in which it is vertical and flanked on one side of the chair, and a working configuration, in which it is used as a support. The table moves between the two configurations by means of two sequential rotations about two axes orthogonal to each other.

[0004] In certain prestigious environments, the use of armchairs is preferred to that of chairs. In this regard, the Applicant has already developed an armchair including a small writing table, as described in EP3878316.

[0005] However, such a solution is not applicable in situations where the chairs are arranged side by side in integrated and continuous rows, modular in straight or curved configurations. In this case, the tilting table is mounted on the back of the chair and moves between the two configurations through a movement consisting successively of a translation and a rotation. This solution has a major drawback: when tilting into the closed configuration, the table often moves without user support and is therefore at the mercy of gravity. This means that the table moves at high speed and comes to a sudden stop at the end of its travel, producing a loud noise and potentially damaging one or more components upon impact.

[0006] In this context, the present invention has the technical task of proposing an auditorium chair that overcomes the disadvantages of the known art mentioned above.

[0007] In particular, the present invention aims to provide an auditorium chair in which the writing table can be stored safely and quietly.

[0008] The task and technical objectives specified are essentially achieved by an auditorium chair, comprising:

[0009] a file;

[0010] a first support and a second support mounted on the backrest, spaced apart from each other;

[0011] a table interposed between the first support and the second support;

[0012] means for switching the table relative to the folder, so that said table can switch from a resting configuration, in which it is placed and brought closer to the file, to a working configuration, in which it develops away from the file to define a support, and vice versa.

[0013] The chair includes operationally active damping means on the table to dampen its tilting when changing from the working configuration to the resting configuration.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the means for tilting are shaped to impose on the table, during the transition from the working configuration to the resting configuration, a rotation around an axis followed by a slide between a first position and a second position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the damping means are shaped to dampen the sliding of the moving table towards the second position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the damping means are located at the level of the first and second support.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the damping means comprise at least one rotary damper equipped with a pinion, said chair comprising at least one rack connected to the table, said pinion being coupled to said rack.

[0018] According to one embodiment, said at least one rack is disposed on a lateral surface of the table.

[0019] According to one design form, the rotary damper with a pinion is placed on one of the two supports.

[0020] According to one design form, the rotary damper is of the viscous fluid type.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the rotary damper is shaped to slow down the pinion when the latter rotates in one of the two directions of rotation, which corresponds to the sliding of the table towards the first position.

[0022] According to one embodiment, there are two racks, said damping means comprise two rotary dampers equipped with a pinion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the racks are arranged on opposite lateral surfaces of the table.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the two rotary shock absorbers are arranged respectively on the first support and on the second support.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the means for tilting 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 of the latter.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the chair includes two guide blocks shaped to guide the table when it is tilted relative to the backrest.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the two guide blocks are located respectively at the level of the first support and the second support.

[0028] According to one embodiment, each support includes a stop for the table in the working configuration.

[0029] According to one embodiment, in the rest configuration, the table has a development along a first predominantly vertical direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment, in the working configuration, the table has a development along a second predominantly horizontal direction.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the table in the first position is at a greater height than the second position.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an auditorium chair, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings where: [Fig.1] illustrates a perspective view of two auditorium chairs, according to the present invention, in which the tilting table is respectively in a resting configuration and in a working configuration; [Fig. 2a] and [Fig. 2b] illustrate the table in its working configuration, respectively in two perspective views from two angles [Fig.3] illustrates the table in a first position, intermediate between the working configuration and the resting configuration, in perspective; [Fig.4] illustrates the table in resting configuration, in perspective; [Fig.5] illustrates a detail (rotary shock absorber equipped with a pinion) of the auditorium seats of [Fig.1], in perspective.

[0033] With reference to the figures, number 1 indicates an auditorium chair.

[0034] Typically, an armchair comprises a body 2 formed of a backrest 3, two armrests 4, 5, and a seat 6. Optionally, there may be a front section (not shown) to contact the occupant's legs.

[0035] The chair 1 comprises a first support 7 and a second support 8 mounted on the backrest 3, spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the backrest 3 comprises a front portion intended to support the back of an occupant and a rear portion. The first and second supports 7, 8 are located on the rear portion.

[0036] The chair 1 includes a table 9 interposed between the first and second support 7, 8. In other words, the table 9 is mounted between the first and second support 7, 8. In particular, the table 9 is mounted on the first and second support 7, 8 at opposite ends.

[0037] The armchair 1 includes means for tilting the table 9 relative to the backrest 3. The table 9 can be moved between two "limit" configurations, namely: - a resting configuration, in which it is stored and brought close to the file 3; - a working configuration, in which it develops away from folder 3.

[0038] In the working configuration, table 9 defines a support.

[0039] Preferably, table 9 has a predominantly planar development.

[0040] Preferably, in the rest configuration, table 9 has a development main along a first direction A. Preferably, the first direction A is essentially vertical.

[0041] Preferably, in the working configuration, the table 9 has a prevailing development along a second direction B. Preferably, the second direction B is substantially horizontal.

[0042] Originally, the chair 1 includes damping means 11 operating on the table 9 to dampen its tilting when changing from the working configuration to the resting configuration.

[0043] Typically, when tilting table 9 from its working to its resting position, the user applies the necessary force to the table 9 to change configuration, but does not guide the table 9 throughout the entire transition. This means that the table 9 is governed in the final part of the tilting motion solely by gravity: it falls at high speed, coming to an abrupt stop when it reaches the first position. Consequently, a loud noise is generated, and the risk of damage to certain components is high. The dampers 11 help to overcome these drawbacks.

[0044] In the preferred embodiment, described and illustrated herein, the means for tilting 10 are designed to impose on the table 9, during the transition from the working configuration to the resting configuration, a rotation around an axis followed by a slide between a first position and a second position.

[0045] In the first position, table 9 is at a greater height than in the second position.

[0046] In this embodiment, the damping means 11 are shaped to dampen the sliding of the moving table 9 towards the first position.

[0047] The table 9 is moved from the first position to the second position by sliding downwards. The damping means 11 are active during this downward slide to prevent the table 9 from falling freely due to gravity.

[0048] Preferably, the damping means 11 are located at the level of the first and second support 7,8.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the damping means 11 comprise at least one rotary damper equipped with a pinion 12. The chair 1 comprises a rack 13 connected to the table 9. Preferably, the rack 13 is arranged on a lateral surface 14 of table 9. The pinion 12 of the rotary damper 11 is coupled to the rack 13 during the sliding of table 9.

[0050] In particular, the sliding of the table 9 and therefore of the rack 13 implies the rotation of the pinion 12. The rotary damper 11 slows down the rotation of the pinion 12 and consequently the sliding of the table 9.

[0051] Preferably, the rotary damper 11 is of the viscous fluid type. Preferably, the viscous fluid is oil.

[0052] Preferably, the rotary damper 11 is of the unidirectional type. In other words, the rotary damper 11 acts on the pinion 12 to slow it down only when the pinion 12 rotates in one of the two directions of rotation (clockwise or counterclockwise), which corresponds to the sliding of the table 9 towards the first position.

[0053] An example of a unidirectional rotary damper 11 can be found in document US5460252 A.

[0054] For the purposes of the present invention, any known rotary damper can be used to cushion the fall of the table 9 under gravity towards the first position. The damping device is known as a "damper" or slower.

[0055] In particular, the rotary damper 11 is configured for torsional stresses between 3 N / cm and 15 N / cm.

[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the chair 1 comprises two racks 13 and the damping means 11 comprise two rotary dampers 11, each equipped with a pinion 12, respectively for the two racks 13.

[0057] Preferably, the two racks 13 are arranged on opposite lateral surfaces 14 of the table 9.

[0058] Preferably, the two rotary shock absorbers 11 with pinions 12 are arranged respectively on the first support 7 and on the second support 8.

[0059] Preferably, the coupling between rack 13 and pinion 12 is such that, when the table 9 is in the first position, the pinion 12 is decoupled from the rack 13.

[0060] In the preferred embodiment, the means for tilting 10 include two pivots or pins fixed to the supports 7, 8. In particular, one pivot 10 is fixed to the first support 7 and the other pivot 10 to the second support 8.

[0061] Preferably, the table 9 is provided with two blind slots 15 made, respectively, on opposite lateral surfaces 14 of the table 9. Each blind button 15 has a longitudinal extension.

[0062] Preferably, each of the two pivots 10 is slidably inserted into one of the blind slots 15 of the table 9 to allow the latter to tilt.

[0063] Preferably, the blind slot 15 has a longitudinal development in a direction substantially parallel to a development direction of the rack 12 located at the same lateral surface 14.

[0064] The above description of an embodiment of the means for tilting should be understood as purely illustrative. For the purposes of the present invention, it is possible to use means for tilting the table of a known type.

[0065] Preferably, the chair 1 includes two guide blocks 16 shaped to guide the table 9 when tilting relative to the backrest 3. Preferably, the two guide blocks 16 are located respectively at the level of the first support 7 and the second support 8.

[0066] Advantageously, in the working configuration, the table 9 corresponds to a stop 17. Preferably, the stop 17 is made in the support 7, 8. In particular, each support 7, 8 includes a stop 17 for the table 9.

[0067] The accompanying figures illustrate the auditorium chair 1 and the table 9 with views taken from the same side. What is illustrated from this side is to be considered as specifically valid also from the other side.

[0068] The description provided clearly shows the characteristics of the auditorium chair, according to the present invention, as well as the resulting advantages.

[0069] In particular, thanks to the presence of damping means, oscillations or vibrations of the table are dampened during its return to the resting position. This is particularly advantageous because, during closing, the force of gravity tends to accelerate the table downwards; the damping means therefore function to slow down or dampen this acceleration in the final part. This prevents the table from emitting noise and reduces the risk of damage.

[0070] 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 means for tilting it. This facilitates maintenance of the components and makes the table safer, as the rack serves as an additional guide for sliding.

Claims

Claims

1. Auditorium chair (1), comprising: a backrest (3); a first support (7) and a second support (8) mounted on the backrest (3) spaced apart from each other; a table (9) interposed between the first support (7) and the second support (8); means for tilting (10) the table (9) relative to the backrest (3), so that said table (9) can pass from a rest configuration, in which it is placed and brought closer to the backrest (3), to a working configuration, in which it develops away from the backrest (3) to define a support, and vice versa, characterized by comprising damping means (11) operating on the table (9) to dampen its tilting when passing from the working configuration to the rest configuration.

2. Armchair (1) according to claim 1, wherein said tilting means (10) are shaped to impose on the table (9), when passing from the working configuration to the resting configuration, a rotation around an axis followed by a sliding between a first position and a second position.

3. Armchair (1) according to claim 2, wherein the damping means (11) are shaped to dampen the sliding of the table (9) in movement towards the second position.

4. Armchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the damping means (11) are located at the first and second supports (7, 8).

5. Armchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping means (11) comprise at least one rotary damper equipped with a pinion (12), said armchair (1) comprising at least one rack (13) connected to the table (9), said pinion (12) being coupled to said rack (13).

6. An armchair (1) according to claim 5, wherein said rack (13) is arranged on a side surface (14) of the table (9).

7. Armchair (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said rotary damper (11) equipped with a pinion (12) is arranged on one of the two supports (7, 8).

8. An armchair (1) according to claim 5 or 6 or 7, wherein the shock absorber rotary (11) is of the viscous fluid type.

9. Armchair (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, in which the rotary damper (11) is shaped to slow down the pinion (12) when the latter rotates in one of the two directions of rotation, corresponding to the sliding of the table (9) towards the first position.

10. Armchair (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the racks (13) are two, said damping means (11) comprise two rotary dampers equipped with a pinion (12).

11. An armchair (1) according to claim 10, wherein the racks (13) are arranged on the opposite side surfaces (14) of the table (9).

12. An armchair (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the two rotary dampers (11) are arranged respectively on the first support (7) and the second support (8).

13. Armchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting means (10) comprise two pivots fixed to the supports (7, 8), said table (9) being provided with two blind slots (15) made respectively on opposite lateral surfaces (14) of the table (9), each of the two pivots (10) being slidably inserted into one of the blind slots (15) of the table (9) to allow the tilting thereof.

14. Armchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two guide blocks (16) shaped to guide the table (9) when it tilts relative to the backrest (3).

15. Armchair (1) according to claim 14, wherein the two guide blocks (16) are located respectively at the first support (7) and the second support (8).

16. An armchair (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein each support (7, 8) comprises a stop (17) for the table (9) in the working configuration.

17. Armchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the resting configuration the table (9) has a development along a first direction (A) which is mainly vertical.

18. Armchair (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the working configuration, the table (9) has a development along a second direction (B) mainly horizontal.

19. An armchair (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 18, wherein the table (9) in the first position is at a greater height than in the second position.

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