REMOVABLE TABLET SYSTEM FOR FURNITURE SUCH AS AN ARMCHAIR OR SOFA
A removable tablet system for armchairs and sofas with adjustable attachment and lateral bypass design addresses the issue of armrest occupation and instability, maintaining functionality and stability during transitions.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023009661
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-13
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-26
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-09-13
AI Technical Summary
Existing tablet systems for armchairs and sofas either occupy the entire armrest, reducing its functionality or are incompatible with lift chairs and reclining mechanisms, leading to instability and loss of armrest use during transitions.
A removable tablet system with an attachment device featuring adjustable retaining pieces and lateral bypass connecting means that allows secure attachment to furniture without covering the armrest, including height and lateral adjustments, and a pivoting or folding design to maintain armrest accessibility.
The system maintains the functionality of armrests by keeping them accessible during use, ensuring stability during transitions and compatibility with lift chairs and reclining sofas, while providing adjustable storage and power options.
Smart Images
Figure 00000012_0000 
Figure 00000012_0001 
Figure 00000013_0000
Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: REMOVABLE TABLET SYSTEM FOR FURNITURE ELEMENT SUCH AS AN ARMCHAIR OR SOFA Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to a removable shelf system for a piece of furniture. In particular, the invention relates to a shelf system particularly suited for being attached to an armrest of a piece of furniture comprising a seat, in particular an armchair or a sofa. Technological background
[0002] Tablet systems for armchairs or sofas allow the user seated on the seat to have a tablet on which various useful objects can be placed, such as electronic devices (telephones, smart tablets, laptops, etc.), remote controls for electronic devices, remote controls related to functions of the armchair or sofa, food or drink, books, etc.
[0003] A large number of tablet system variants have been proposed, depending on the uses and preferences of users. Some of these tablet systems are directly integrated into the armchair or sofa, while other variants are removable, meaning they can be easily attached to or detached from the armrest to allow the tablet to be used on the armchair or not. In particular, the tablet system can be detached to reduce space, move furniture, fold or unfold a sofa bed, change the armrest tablet system, etc.
[0004] A particular type of chair is called a "lift chair" and consists of a chair whose seat is configured to assist the user in standing up, reducing the risk of falls through a mechanism generally driven by an electric motor. This assistance is provided by a tilting of the seat that raises the rear portion of the seat to help the user stand up. Lift chairs are particularly suitable for elderly users or those with a physical disability that makes it difficult to move from a sitting to a standing position, or even from a standing to a sitting position. There are also lift sofas in which one, several, or all of the seats offer this function to assist with sitting down or standing up.
[0005] These lift chairs generally include armrests which, in addition to their classic function of supporting the arms in a seated position, also allow the user to stabilize themselves during transitions between sitting and standing positions.
[0006] However, prior art tablet systems are generally arranged to rest on the upper part of an armrest of an armchair or sofa, thus depriving the user of that armrest or at least part of it. The presence of the tablet system therefore prevents the armrest from being used in its entirety and thus reduces its comfort. Furthermore, such a tablet system can prevent the use of the armrests to stabilize the user during transitions between sitting and standing positions.
[0007] For example, patent documents US10219630B1 and US9474379B1 each describe a removable and adjustable tablet to fit different types of chair armrests but in which the tablet covers at least part of the upper part of the armrest.
[0008] This type of tablet system resting on the upper part of the armrest is also incompatible with most reclining armchairs and sofas in which the armrest tilts at the same time as the seat. A prior art tablet system would then risk slipping on the tilted armrest when the lifting mechanism is activated and thus falling to the floor.
[0009] The inventors therefore sought to provide a solution to overcome these drawbacks. Objectives of the invention
[0010] The invention aims to provide a removable tablet system that can be adapted to different types of furniture elements having a seat, in particular armchairs and sofas, and also chairs.
[0011] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a tablet system particularly suitable for use with a lift chair or a lift sofa.
[0012] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a tablet system enabling the main and secondary functions of the armrests of the furniture element to be retained. Description of the invention
[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a tablet system intended to be removably fixed to a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture comprising a seat and at least one armrest, comprising a tablet arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in its main position of use,
[0014] characterized in that it comprises an attachment device configured for attaching the system to said furniture element in a removable manner, said attachment device including: - at least two retaining pieces intended to be arranged on either side of a substantially vertical portion of the furniture element and configured to have a variable spacing so as to adjust to a width of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, a first retaining piece also forming means of support for the shelf, and a second retaining piece arranged on an opposite face of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element with respect to the face on which the first retaining piece rests, - clamping means configured to allow tightening and loosening of the retaining parts around the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, so as to attach or detach the shelf system from the furniture element, - means for connecting the retaining pieces, linking the first retaining piece and the second retaining piece, comprising at least one connecting piece arranged substantially along a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the shelf so as to laterally bypass the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element.
[0015] A shelf system according to the invention thus makes it possible to leave the upper parts of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element to which the shelf system is attached free. In particular, the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element to which the shelf system is attached is generally an armrest, and the shelf system according to the invention thus leaves the upper portion of the armrest available. This is made possible by the use of connecting means comprising the connecting piece which laterally bypasses the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element.
[0016] The retaining elements refer to substantially flat components that provide a large retaining surface to ensure clamping on the substantially vertical portion of the furniture. These components are not necessarily entirely solid and may include openwork portions, for example to allow the passage of fasteners, provide guidance for moving parts, etc.
[0017] Throughout the application, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used with regard to the shelf in its principal position of use once attached to the furniture element, that is, when the part of the shelf used for placing objects is sufficiently close to a horizontal plane for the objects to rest on it without falling. Obviously, the plane formed by the shelf may not be horizontal outside of the principal position of use, in particular when the shelf is detached from the furniture and stored on the floor or in a storage space. In this case, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are understood in relation to each other, particularly when they describe planes perpendicular to one another. The furniture item may also be referred to as "furniture" or "piece of furniture".
[0018] Advantageously and according to the invention, the attachment device includes means for adjusting the height of the shelf.
[0019] Advantageously and according to the invention, the attachment device includes means for laterally adjusting the position of the shelf relative to the furniture element.
[0020] According to this aspect of the invention, the tablet can be adjusted according to the user's needs.
[0021] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one connecting piece is a portion of a retaining piece.
[0022] According to this aspect of the invention, a retaining piece and a connecting piece are formed from the same piece.
[0023] According to a variant of the invention, the two retaining pieces and the connecting piece are formed from the same piece.
[0024] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least a portion of the tablet is foldable and foldable along an axis of rotation included in the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.
[0025] According to this aspect of the invention, the tablet may in particular include a portion allowing the extension of the surface available for the deposit of objects or accessories.
[0026] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least a portion of the tablet is pivotable about a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.
[0027] According to this aspect of the invention, the tablet may in particular include a pivotable portion so as to be able to move it, for example to arrange it closer to the seat and thus closer to the user sitting on the piece of furniture.
[0028] When this pivoting portion is brought closer to the user, part of the upper portion of the armrest may be covered and is therefore temporarily unavailable, but simply pivoting this portion of the tablet is enough to make it available, particularly if the user wishes to use the "lift" function, if the furniture element has one. This pivoting function therefore does not contradict the spirit of the invention, which is to allow the armrest to be made available without requiring the tablet system to be detached.
[0029] Advantageously and according to the invention, the tablet system also comprises at least one accessory from the following list: - a power supply device, - a cup holder, - a storage compartment arranged under the shelf.
[0030] The invention also relates to a set of furniture with a shelf, comprising a furniture element including a seat and at least one armrest, and a removable shelf system according to the invention attached to said armrest of the furniture element.
[0031] The invention also relates to a set of lift chair with tablet, comprising on the one hand a lift chair comprising a seat, at least one armrest and a lift mechanism, and on the other hand a removable tablet system according to the invention attached to said armrest of the lift chair.
[0032] The invention also relates to a removable tablet system, a furniture set with a tablet, and a lift chair set with a tablet, characterized in combination by all or part of the features mentioned above or below. List of figures
[0033] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and which refers to the accompanying figures in which: • [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a first embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.4] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet unfolded, • [Fig. 5] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet rotated, • [Fig. 6] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet rotated, • [Fig.7] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet rotated and unfolded • [Fig.8] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, • [Fig.9] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention, • [Fig. 10] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention, with an open storage compartment • [Fig. 1 1] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention, • [Fig. 12] is a schematic exploded perspective view of the linking means of a tablet system according to the first and second embodiments of the invention, • [Fig. 13] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a third embodiment of the invention, • [Fig. 14] is a schematic top view of the linking means of a tablet system according to the third embodiment of the invention.
[0034] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention
[0035] In the figures, the scales and proportions are not strictly respected for the purposes of illustration and clarity.
[0036] Identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all figures.
[0037] Figures 1 to 11 and 13 schematically represent tablet systems according to different embodiments of the invention, respectively a first tablet system 100 according to a first embodiment, a second tablet system 200 according to a second embodiment, a third tablet system 300 according to a third embodiment.
[0038] Figures 12 and 14 schematically represent means of linking these tablet systems, described below.
[0039] Each tablet system is intended to be removably attached to a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture such as a chair, armchair, or sofa comprising a seat 500 and at least one armrest 502, forming a substantially vertical portion of the furniture. The furniture is shown in all figures in partial view so that only a portion of the seat 500 and one armrest 502 are visible, but the furniture may include a backrest, one or more other armrests, several seats, a lifting mechanism, integrated accessories, etc. In Figures 13 and 14, only the armrest 502 is visible.
[0040] Each shelf system comprises a shelf arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in its principal position of use, that is, in its position when the shelf system is attached to a piece of furniture and the shelf is used to hold objects. The first shelf system 100 thus comprises a shelf 102, the second shelf system 200 comprises a shelf 202, and the third shelf system 300 comprises a shelf 302.
[0041] As can be seen in Figures 1, 2, 13 and 14, the armrest 502 includes an upper part 502a intended to receive an arm or hand of a user seated on the seat, either to improve comfort when the user is seated, or to assist the user during their transition from standing to sitting or from sitting to standing.
[0042] The shelf systems 100, 200, and 300 are thus designed to be attached to the furniture element via an attachment device configured for attaching the system to said furniture in a removable manner, that is, one that can be easily removed when not in use. The first shelf system 100 comprises an attachment device 104; the second shelf system 200 comprises an attachment device 204 substantially identical to the attachment device 104 of the first shelf system 100. The third shelf system 300 comprises an attachment device 304 according to a different variant, described later.
[0043] Each attachment device comprises at least two retaining pieces intended to be arranged on either side of a substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, here the armrest, and configured to have a variable spacing so as to adjust to a width of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, a first retaining piece 106 also forming means for supporting the shelf, and a second retaining piece 108 being arranged on an opposite face of the armrest with respect to the face on which the first retaining piece rests.
[0044] Each fastening device also includes clamping means configured to allow tightening and loosening of the retaining parts around the substantially vertical portion of the furniture, so as to attach or detach the shelf system from the furniture element. Here, as seen in detail in [Fig.12], the clamping means include clamping screws 110 that can be operated by hand and interact with clamping plates 112.
[0045] Each attachment device also includes means for connecting the retaining parts, linking the first retaining part 106 and the second retaining part 108, comprising at least one connecting part 114 arranged substantially in a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the shelf so as to laterally bypass the substantially vertical portion of the furniture. In particular, the connecting part 114 is not arranged in a substantially horizontal plane and therefore does not occupy the upper portion of the armrest, leaving the armrest free thanks to this lateral bypass.
[0046] The connecting means may be a portion of the retaining parts. As shown in [Fig. 12], the retaining parts may, for example, form two blades, for example two identical blades, the first retaining part 106 comprising a portion forming a first connecting part 114a, the second retaining part 108 comprising a portion forming a second connecting part 114b, the two connecting parts being fixed, for example, by screws. To protect the user seated on the seat and to conceal the retaining and connecting parts, a cover 160 can be added to the fastening device, for example a textile cover, in particular an elastic textile cover for example made of neoprene.
[0047] According to the third embodiment, and as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 14] depicting an armrest and the tablet system 304 viewed from above, the two retaining pieces and the connecting piece can be formed from a single piece. Here, the first retaining piece 306 and the second retaining piece 308 are connected by the connecting piece 314, and the assembly of these three pieces forms a U-shaped piece that laterally surrounds the armrest. The clamping means also include two clamping screws 310 for tightening via a clamping plate 312.
[0048] Tablet systems allow support for tablets of different types.
[0049] In the first embodiment of Figures 1 and 3 to 7, the tablet includes at least one pivoting portion 115 that can pivot about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane, here about a vertical axis passing through a cup holder 116. [Fig.3] represents in particular this pivoting portion in its initial position, [Fig.5] represents the pivoting portion after a 90° rotation to the left, and [Fig.6] represents the pivoting portion after a 180° rotation to the left.
[0050] In addition to the pivoting mechanism of the tablet, the tablet here includes a foldable and refoldable portion 118. In Figures 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8, this portion is folded. In Figures 4 and 7, the foldable portion 118 is unfolded, revealing an enlarged surface formed by two sub-portions 118a and 118b connected by the hinge. The tablet also includes a fixed portion 120 that remains in position during the unfolding and refolding of the foldable portion 118.
[0051] In the positions shown in [Fig. 6] and [Fig. 7], pivoting the tablet allows access to a storage compartment 130. Pivoting the tablet can also allow access to a power supply or charging device, for example, one or more electrical outlets and / or USB ports. In these positions, the upper part of the armrest 502 is no longer fully accessible, but the tablet can be easily and manually folded down and / or pivoted to restore access to the armrest if the user wishes, for example, to stand up.
[0052] As seen in [Fig.8], the first retaining piece 106 is connected to a support piece 122 for the shelf 102. As seen in particular in Figures 8 and 11, the support piece 122 allows height adjustment and lateral adjustment of the shelf via grooves in the support piece and the first retaining piece.
[0053] In the tablet system according to the second embodiment, shown in Figures 2, 9, 10 and 11, the tablet 202 does not include a pivoting or folding portion but includes a compartment 230 covered by a cover 234. The tablet 202 also includes compartments 236a, 236b for storing a cup, an ac- accessory or a 232 power supply device as described above.
[0054] In the tablet system 300 according to the third embodiment, shown in Figures 13 and 14, the tablet 302 is supported by a folding arm 360 allowing adjustment of the height and tilt of the tablet, and the tablet 302 includes a pivotable portion 315.
[0055] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, the furniture element can be of different types and the substantially vertical portion may not be an armrest but another wall of the furniture element that would allow the tablet system to be adapted.
Claims
Demands
1. A shelf system intended to be removably fixed to a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture comprising a seat (500) and at least one armrest (502), comprising a shelf (102, 202, 302) arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in its principal position of use, characterized in that it comprises an attachment device (104, 204, 304) configured for removably attaching the system to said piece of furniture, said attachment device (104, 204, 304) comprising: - at least two parts (106, 108;306, 308) retaining means intended to be arranged on either side of a substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element and configured to have a variable spacing so as to adjust to a width of the substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element, a first retaining piece (106, 306) also forming support means for the shelf, and a second retaining piece (108, 308) arranged on an opposite face of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element with respect to the face on which the first retaining piece (106, 306) rests, - clamping means (110, 112; 310, 312) configured to allow the tightening and loosening of the pieces (106, 108;306, 308) of support around the substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element, so as to attach or detach the shelf system from the furniture element, - means of connecting the support pieces, linking the first support piece (106, 306) and the second support piece (108, 308), comprising at least one connecting piece (114, 314) arranged substantially in a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the shelf so as to laterally bypass the substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element.;
2. Tablet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment device includes means for adjusting the height of the tablet.
3. A tablet system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment device includes means for laterally adjusting the position of the tablet relative to the furniture element.
4. Tablet system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one connecting piece is a portion (114a, 114b) of a retaining piece.
5. Tablet system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least a portion (118) of the tablet is foldable and foldable about an axis of rotation contained in the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.
6. Tablet system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least a portion (115) of the tablet is pivotable about a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.
7. Tablet system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it also comprises at least one accessory from the following list: - a power supply device (132, 232), - a cup holder (116), - a storage compartment (130, 230) arranged under the tablet.
8. A furniture set with a shelf, comprising a furniture element including a seat (500) and at least one armrest (502), and a removable shelf system (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 attached to said armrest (502) of the furniture element.
9. A lift chair assembly with a tablet, comprising on the one hand a lift chair including a seat (500), at least one armrest (502) and a lift mechanism, and on the other hand a system (100, 200, 300) with a removable tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 7 attached to said armrest (502) of the lift chair.