Multifunctional furniture stand including a tray

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunctional support (100) intended to cooperate with a piece of furniture (10) comprising a tray (11), comprising: - a main body (110) comprising a lower end (111) and an upper end (112) intended to extend respectively from a lower side and an upper side of the tray, - a fastening member (130) arranged at the lower end, configured to removably fix the main body to the tray; - a securing member (150), comprising a tab (151) attached relative to the main body (110) and which is lockable to the main body on the upper side of the tray, the tab (151) being configured to be secured to a first article (20), in particular of the portable electric accumulator type, and - a hooking member (160) arranged at the upper end, configured for the suspension of a second article (30), in particular of the leather goods or clothing type.figure for the abstract: figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Multifunctional support for a piece of furniture comprising a tray TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention is that of accessories for pieces of furniture, in particular for tables.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a multifunctional support for a piece of furniture comprising a tray, the piece of furniture being in particular of the table type.

[0003] The invention finds applications in particular in the field of catering and public reception, in particular for receiving personal effects from a user seated at a table. STATE OF THE ART

[0004] Techniques for receiving personal belongings from a user, for example from a restaurant or cafe customer, are known from the prior art.

[0005] When a customer sits down at a table, for example in a restaurant or cafe, he generally needs to store his personal belongings such as a bag, an item of clothing (jacket, scarf, headgear, etc.), a mobile phone, etc.

[0006] In general, the customer hangs these personal effects, for example, on the chair on which he is sitting, and / or stores them on the table at which he is seated, etc.

[0007] This solution is generally not very satisfactory, due to the bulk it causes.

[0008] In order to overcome this drawback, bag holder type techniques are known, whether portable or not, which comprise a main body configured to rest on the top of a table and / or be fixed to it, and which comprise a hook extending from the main body on a lower side of the table, allowing a bag, item of clothing, etc. to be hung thereon.

[0009] These devices, however, have the disadvantage of providing a relatively low attachment point, i.e. close to the ground, which is likely to cause damage and / or soiling of the object suspended therefrom. Furthermore, these devices do not provide effective protection against the theft of the objects suspended therefrom.

[0010] Furthermore, nowadays, most customers are also faced with the need to charge a mobile device such as a mobile phone for example. It is common for such charging to be carried out by the host himself, to whom the mobile device is entrusted, provided however that the host and / or the customer have a suitable charging device.

[0011] Although it is conceivable that the host provides, for example, a portable electric battery to each of its customers, so that the latter can charge their mobile devices themselves, this solution presents a risk of theft of such a battery by a customer.

[0012] Thus, there is a need for a technique which makes it possible to receive the personal effects of a user of a piece of furniture, in particular of the table type, and / or of its owner, in a space-saving manner while presenting security features against deterioration and theft of these effects. Statement of the invention

[0013] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the state of the art cited above.

[0014] To this end, according to a first aspect, the invention aims at a multifunctional support intended to cooperate with a piece of furniture comprising a top, the piece of furniture preferably being of the table type, the support comprising: - a main body comprising a lower end intended to extend from a lower side of the tray and an upper end intended to extend from an upper side of the tray, - a fastening member arranged at the lower end of the main body, configured to removably fix the main body to the top of the piece of furniture; - a securing member, comprising a tab attached to the main body and which is lockable to the main body on the upper side of the tray, the tab being configured to be secured to a first article, in particular of the portable electric accumulator type, and - a hanging member arranged at the upper end of the main body, configured for the suspension of a second article, in particular of the leather goods or clothing type.

[0015] The support according to the invention is remarkable in that it allows the second article to be hung above the top of the piece of furniture, making it possible to avoid any deterioration of the second article, while also allowing the securing of a first article above the top.

[0016] In particular, the second item may belong to a user of a table, such as a restaurant or cafe customer, and the first item may belong to an owner of the table, such as the restaurant or cafe owner.

[0017] The support according to the invention makes it possible to add an additional function, for example supplying electrical energy when the first article is an electric battery, to the hanging function. The additional function can however be any another function that can be performed by the first item locked to the support.

[0018] The support is thus multifunctional, and also allows any additional function to be freely added to the hanging function, which is predetermined.

[0019] Other particularly advantageous characteristics of the support according to the invention are described below.

[0020] - The attachment member comprises at least one fin extending laterally from the main body.

[0021] This makes it possible to form a member for attaching the second article which is advantageously located above the tray, which has the effect of avoiding any deterioration while being particularly convenient.

[0022] Preferably, the attachment member comprises two of said fins, which are substantially symmetrical with respect to a plane.

[0023] - The at least one fin is perforated.

[0024] This advantageously allows the second article to be secured to the fin, for example by means of a carabiner, chain, etc.

[0025] - The at least one fin has a free end, and comprises an eyelet arranged at the level of said free end.

[0026] The eyelet makes it possible to form a hook for hanging the second article, and can also be used to secure the second article in a similar manner to the openwork fin.

[0027] - The securing member comprises a lock comprising a lock mechanism secured to the main body, the lock mechanism comprising a bolt, and the tongue and the main body each comprising a striker configured to cooperate with the bolt, so as to allow the tongue to be locked onto the main body by means of the lock.

[0028] This allows the first article to be removably and particularly conveniently locked to the support.

[0029] - The main body comprises a bearing plate extending laterally from the body main, the support plate being intended to rest on the tray on the upper side thereof, and being configured to be clamped on the tray to fix the main body to the tray, the support plate further comprising a window forming a striker configured to cooperate with the striker of said tab as well as with said bolt.

[0030] This makes it possible to form part of the lock directly in the support plate which in turn makes it possible to attach the support to the plate.

[0031] - The main body comprises a central mast comprising an opening, and the lock comprises a lock body secured to the central mast on a first side of the central mast and a lock arranged through said opening, so that the lock is accessible from a second side of the central mast, opposite the first side of the central mast.

[0032] This allows particularly convenient access to the lock, preferably from an external side of a table, and furthermore makes it possible to obtain a particularly aesthetic support, the lock not being visible to a user seated at a table.

[0033] - The main body comprises an upper portion, at its end su upper, which is configured to receive a label or plate containing graphic, digital or textual information.

[0034] The main body comprises an upper portion thus arranged so as to receive information making it possible to add to the support an additional function of displaying information.

[0035] For example, this information may be of the QR or bar code type, or a logo, a name, etc.

[0036] - The support further comprises light signaling means which can be selected tively engaged or disengaged, preferably formed by a backlit push button.

[0037] This allows a user seated at a table in a restaurant or café, for example, to signal their presence, to request staff, for example, to take an order or make a request.

[0038] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to an assembly comprising a support as described above, and a first article, in particular of the portable electric accumulator type, which is secured to the tab which is itself locked onto the main body of the support.

[0039] This makes it possible to provide the support with an additional energy supply function, the energy source being secured to the support.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the first article is secured to the tab by means of a “double-sided” type adhesive strip. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] Other advantages, aims and particular characteristics of the present invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the devices and methods which are the subject of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: • [Fig. 1] is a rear and general perspective view of a table comprising a top and a support according to the invention secured to the top, with a first article locked to the support, the first article being a portable electric accumulator comprising an induction charging module, and with a mobile telephone placed on the first article for charging; • [Fig.2] is a front and close-up perspective view of the support of [Fig.l]; • [Fig.3] is another front and close-up perspective view of the support of [Fig.l], here with a bag hanging from the support; • [Fig.4] is a side projected view of a main body of the support; • [Fig.5] is a projected front view of the main body of the support; • [Fig.6] is a projected view along section AA of the main body of the support; • [Fig.7] is a projected top view of the support tab. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present description is given without limitation, each characteristic of an embodiment being able to be combined with any other characteristic of any other embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0043] It should be noted, from now on, that the figures are not necessarily to scale.

[0044] Figures 1 to 3 show a multi-function support 100 secured to a piece of furniture, which is here a table 10 of the restaurant or cafe type.

[0045] The support 100 is said to be multifunctional in that it allows both the support and securing of a first personal item to the support 100, and the suspension and attachment of a second personal item to the support 100.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the first personal item is a portable electric accumulator 20, or battery, and the second personal item is a bag 30 having a strap ([Fig.2]).

[0047] The table 10 comprises a top 11, here substantially horizontal, mounted on a foot 12, here substantially vertical.

[0048] The support 100 comprises a main body 110, which is here substantially elongated and extends substantially vertically, with reference to the orientation of the table 10.

[0049] For example, the main body 110 comprises a central mast 113 which may have the shape of a strip of material or an elongated plate.

[0050] The main body 110 is configured to extend at the periphery of the plate 11 and on either side thereof. In other words, the main body 110 comprises a portion configured to extend on a lower side of the plate 11, and having a lower end 111, and another portion extending on an upper side of the plate 11, having an upper end 112.

[0051] Figures 4 to 6 show the main body 110 taken in isolation, according to different projected views.

[0052] The main body 110 comprises an attachment member 130 which is configured for attachment of the main body 110 to the plate 11.

[0053] For example, the attachment member 130 is here formed by a clamp-type member, substantially C-shaped, or even a vice-type member.

[0054] For this purpose, the support 100 comprises a support member 131 configured to bear on an upper face 13 of the plate 11.

[0055] The main body 110 here comprises a first plate 132 extending substantially orthogonally from the central mast 113, for example halfway up the latter.

[0056] The support 100 further comprises a clamping member 133 configured to clamp the plate 11 against the support member 131 here formed by the first plate 132.

[0057] The clamping member 133 is here formed by a second plate 134 extending substantially orthogonally from the central mast 113, at the level of the lower end 111.

[0058] The clamping member 133 here comprises an opening and a nut 135 secured to the second plate 134 opposite the opening, and into which a clamping screw 136 ([Fig.l]) can be introduced, the clamping screw 136 thus being configured to clamp the plate 11 and the first plate 132 in order to secure the support 100 to the table 10.

[0059] Alternatively, the second plate 134 may include a directly threaded opening into which the clamping screw may be inserted.

[0060] The support 100 may comprise a clamping screw 136 terminated by a head comprising a knurled wheel 138, as illustrated, so that the clamping screw can be easily manipulated manually for tightening and loosening the support 100 on the plate 11.

[0061] According to a variant, the head of the clamping screw 136 may be formed by a head of the hexagonal type, for example, external or internal, so that the clamping screw can only be manipulated by means of a suitable tool, such as an open-end wrench for example.

[0062] The first plate 132 may be substantially wider than the central mast 113, formed here by an elongated strip of material.

[0063] The first plate 132, resting on the upper face 13 of the tray 11, can serve as a support for a personal item such as a mobile phone, or more particularly a portable electric accumulator 20, or battery, configured in particular for charging a mobile phone 40.

[0064] The support 100 here comprises a securing member 150 comprising an element attached to the main body 110, and which can be locked to the latter.

[0065] The attached element is here formed by a tab 151, T-shaped in the example shown, which can be secured to the personal item.

[0066] [Fig.7] illustrates the tab 151 taken in isolation.

[0067] For example, the tab 151 may be glued to the personal item, such as the battery 20, for example by means of so-called “double-sided” adhesive tape.

[0068] Such a tape is preferably heat resistant and more particularly fire resistant. It may in particular be a tape marketed under the reference VHB 5958 FR by the company 3M (registered trademarks).

[0069] The connection may be semi-permanent, i.e. sufficiently strong to avoid any untimely, accidental or voluntary disconnection, but may be lifted if necessary.

[0070] The tab 151 comprises a first window 152 forming a latch.

[0071] When securing the tab 151 to the personal item, the tab 151 is positioned so as to protrude substantially beyond the volume of the personal item, and in particular so that the first window 152 is accessible.

[0072] The tongue 151 may also have a notch 153 at the level of the upper bar of the T shape, and which is here rectangular in shape and of a width slightly greater than the width of the central mast 113.

[0073] The personal article, such as the electric accumulator 20, is intended to rest on the first plate 132 on the side of the tab 151 which is secured to it and which is directly in contact with the first plate 132, and the notch 153 cooperating with the central mast 113.

[0074] The first plate 132 further comprises a second window 137, which is similar to the first window 152 and which also forms a strike plate.

[0075] The first window 152 and the second window 137 are configured to be substantially aligned when the tab 151 rests on the first plate 132.

[0076] The securing member 150 further comprises a lock 154, which comprises a lock body 155 and a lock mechanism (not shown) housed in the lock body 155.

[0077] The locking mechanism notably comprises a bolt, which is configured to cooperate with the first window 152 and the second window 137 forming strikers of the lock 154, to lock the tongue 151, and thus the personal article, to the first plate 132 and thus to the support 100.

[0078] The locking mechanism may comprise a lock 156, for example operable with a key, and the central mast 113 may comprise a through opening 118 through which the lock 156 passes.

[0079] Thus, the lock 156 is accessible from a side of the support 100 which is opposite to that where the personal item is located, that is to say it is accessible from a side outside the table 10.

[0080] The securing member 150 makes it possible to perform a first primary function of the support 100, namely the support and securing of a personal item such as a battery 20, which can only be removed from the support 100 by actuating the lock 156 using a corresponding key.

[0081] This makes it possible, in the illustrated example, to provide the support 100 with an energy source, for supplying power to a device such as a mobile phone, thereby performing a secondary function of supplying power to a portable device.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the portable battery 20 may in particular be equipped with an induction charging module, allowing wireless charging of a compatible mobile device.

[0083] It is however possible to provide the support 100 with other secondary functions, by securing other types of articles to the support 100.

[0084] Furthermore, the support 100 comprises, at the level of the upper end 112, a hooking member 160.

[0085] The attachment member 160 is configured for suspending a leather goods item, such as a bag 30, or an item of clothing, such as a scarf, headgear, etc.

[0086] In the example illustrated, the main body 110 comprises at least one, and here two, fins 114 which project laterally from the central mast 113 at the level of the upper end 112.

[0087] Here, the fins 114 also extend slightly laterally in a second direction, i.e. they extend laterally at an angle from the central mast 113, so as to protrude slightly towards the outer side of the plate 11 when the support is fixed to the plate 11.

[0088] The fins 114 form hooks allowing a second personal item to be attached to the support 100.

[0089] For example, the fins 114 are provided at their free ends with eyelets 115, here forming hooks allowing the second personal item to be attached.

[0090] Furthermore, the fins 114 may be perforated.

[0091] Thus, the second personal item, such as the bag 30, can be securely attached to the support 100 by means of, for example, a carabiner, padlock, chain, or the like, by surrounding the second personal item and passing through an eyelet 115 and / or a fin 114 which is perforated, before being closed.

[0092] The attachment member 160 makes it possible to perform a second primary function of the support 100, namely the attachment and possibly the securing of a second personal item.

[0093] In particular, due to its location at the upper end 112, that is to say above the top 11 of the table 10 in use, the hooking member 160 makes it possible to hook and suspend an article such as a bag without it touching the ground on which the table 10 rests.

[0094] In addition, an upper portion 117 of the central mast 113 can act as a label or plate holder area, on which a label or plate can be affixed, for example by gluing.

[0095] For example, the label may include a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code, encoding information such as an access link to a digital restaurant menu, and which can be scanned using a mobile phone such as a smartphone, for example.

[0096] It can also be directly readable information, such as a table number, a logo, an establishment name, etc.

[0097] The central mast 113 itself makes it possible to perform a third primary function of the support 100, namely the presentation of information to a user, for example seated at the table 10.

[0098] In addition, in addition and / or as an alternative, the support 100 may comprise a signaling means (not shown), for example an indicator light, which can be selectively activated or deactivated, and which allows a user of the support 100 to signal his presence.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the signaling means comprises a push button (not shown) formed on the main body 110, this push button making it possible to activate and extinguish an indicator light, or being itself luminous for example by backlighting.

[0100] In particular when the support 100 is used in cooperation with a restaurant or café table, such a signaling means allows a user seated at a table to signal his presence, to request the staff, for example, to take an order or make a request.

[0101] This makes it possible to perform a fourth primary function of the support 100, namely signaling the presence of the user.

[0102] The main body 110 as well as the tab 151 can for example be made of sheet metal, in particular steel, possibly covered with paint, in particular of the epoxy type.

[0103] The support 100 may in particular be produced by folding and / or welding such a sheet metal.

[0104] The general dimensions of the support 100 are for example between 15 and 20 centimeters in height, extending for example half above the plate 11 and half below the plate 11, between 10 and 20 centimeters in width, that is to say corresponding to the span of two fins 114 extending laterally, and approximately ten centimeters in depth, that is to say corresponding to the part of the support resting on the plate 11.

[0105] According to variants not illustrated:

[0106] - the main body may comprise a main mast of a different shape than that illustrated, for example substantially cylindrical;

[0107] - the attachment member may be of a different shape, and / or may be formed by hooks extending from the main mast;

[0108] - the attachment member may comprise more than two or more fins usually two attachment elements, and may include, for example, three or four fins;

[0109] - the attachment member may not be removable, and may be provided for attachment to remains of the support on the piece of furniture;

[0110] - the attachment member can itself be secured against detachment from the support from the top of the piece of furniture;

[0111] - the securing member may comprise a lock having a locking means different rusting of a lock, especially a key lock.

[0112] It is recalled more generally that the invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated.

Claims

Claims

1. Multi-function support (100) intended to cooperate with a piece of furniture (10) comprising a top (11), the piece of furniture preferably being of the table type, the support comprising: - a main body (110) comprising a lower end (111) intended to extend from a lower side of the top and an upper end (112) intended to extend from an upper side of the top, - an attachment member (130) arranged at the lower end of the main body, configured to removably fix the main body to the top of the piece of furniture;- a securing member (150), comprising a tongue (151) attached relative to the main body (110) and which is lockable to the main body on the upper side of the tray, the tongue (151) being configured to be secured to a first article (20), in particular of the portable electric accumulator type, and - a hooking member (160) arranged at the upper end of the main body, configured for the suspension of a second article (30), in particular of the leather goods or clothing type.;

2. Support (100) according to claim 1, in which the hooking member (160) comprises at least one fin (114) extending laterally from the main body (110).

3. Support (100) according to claim 2, in which the at least one fin (114) is perforated.

4. Support (100) according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which the at least one fin (114) has a free end, and comprises an eyelet (115) arranged at said free end.

5. Support (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the securing member (150) comprises a lock (154) comprising a lock mechanism secured to the main body (110), the lock mechanism comprising a bolt, and the tongue and the main body each comprising a striker configured to cooperate with the bolt, so as to allow the locking of the tongue (151) on the main body (110) by means of the lock (154).

6. A support (100) according to claim 5, wherein the main body comprises a bearing plate extending laterally from the body main, the support plate being intended to rest on the tray on the upper side thereof, and being configured to be clamped on the tray to fix the main body to the tray, the support plate further comprising a window forming a striker configured to cooperate with the striker of said tab as well as with said bolt.

7. Support according to one of claims 5 or 6, in which the main body comprises a central mast comprising an opening, and the lock comprises a lock body secured to the central mast on a first side of the central mast as well as a lock arranged through said opening, so that the lock is accessible from a second side of the central mast, opposite the first side of the central mast.

8. A support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the main body comprises an upper portion, at its upper end, which is configured to receive a label or plate comprising graphic, digital or textual information.

9. Support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising luminous signaling means which can be selectively engaged or disengaged, preferably formed by a backlit push button.

10. Assembly comprising a support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a first article, in particular of the portable electric accumulator type, which is secured to the tab which is itself locked onto the main body of the support.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the first article is secured to the tab by means of a “double-sided” type adhesive strip.

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