Folding balcony table

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding table intended to be mounted on a guardrail (2) having an upper crossbar (20), comprising a tabletop (10) configured to tilt between a folded position where it is positioned vertically against said guardrail and an extended position where it is positioned horizontally. The tabletop (10) tilts by means of a rotational and translational movement to pass over the crossbar (20), and a portion of said tabletop projects beyond the guardrail (2) in the extended position. This movement is generated by means of at least one first guiding device comprising: - a first guide element (5) fixed relative to the tabletop (10) and around which said tabletop pivots, - a first slide (50) fixed relative to the guardrail (2), and in which the first guide element (5) translates when the tabletop (10) pivots. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Folding balcony table technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a folding table.

[0002] The invention relates to the technical field of folding tables, and more particularly to their structural elements allowing them to be assembled on a railing installed in particular on a balcony, a terrace or a window. State of the art

[0003] Folding tables designed to be mounted on a railing are known in the prior art. In particular, patent document FR2575910 describes a folding table comprising a tabletop that tilts between a folded position, where it is positioned vertically against the railing, and an extended position, where it is positioned horizontally. To move from the folded position to the extended position (and vice versa), the tabletop pivots around an axis mounted in a slide. The height of the tabletop can then be adjusted by adjusting the position of the axis in the slide. In the folded position, the table's footprint is limited to its thickness, so that it can be used in narrow spaces such as balconies or terraces of limited dimensions, where a conventional table could not be installed.

[0004] However, while the design of this table addresses the issue of its size when folded, it presents a problem when the tabletop is extended. In the horizontal position, the tabletop's footprint becomes significant, severely limiting its practicality in contexts where available space is a major constraint, as is often the case with narrow balconies or small terraces. Indeed, the space occupied by the tabletop in the horizontal position can restrict the accessibility and practical functionality of the outdoor space, making it difficult to place chairs or other seating and / or obstructing access to other parts of the balcony or terrace. One solution would be to reduce the tabletop's dimensions.This solution is unsatisfactory, however, as the table's usefulness would be limited, making it difficult, for example, to accommodate several guests or to host various activities. Ultimately, the user experience would be compromised by sacrificing the table's functionality for a minimal gain in terms of space.

[0005] The invention aims to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, the invention aims to achieve all or part of the following objectives: optimizing the available space on and around the table when the tabletop is in the extended position; reducing the table's footprint in the extended position; ensuring easy and precise maneuverability of the table; to offer a folding table of simple design, easy to assemble / disassemble and inexpensive. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The solution proposed by the invention is a folding table intended to be mounted on a railing having an upper crossbar, said table comprising a tabletop configured to tilt between a folded position where said tabletop is, in use, positioned vertically against said railing and a deployed position where said tabletop is positioned horizontally.

[0007] This table is remarkable in that: - the platform tilts according to a rotational and translational movement so as to pass over the upper crossbar and that a part of said platform projects beyond the guardrail when said platform is in the deployed position, which movement is generated by means of at least a first guiding device comprising: — a first guide element fixed relative to the platform and around which said platform is mobile in rotation, — a first slide configured to be fixed in relation to the guardrail in use, and in which the first guide element translates when the platform pivots around said first guide element.

[0008] The guiding device allows the tabletop to tilt over the upper crossbar and extend beyond the railing. In the deployed position, the tabletop's footprint on the exterior functional space of the balcony or terrace is thus reduced, freeing up space for passage or the addition of seating. The table that is the subject of the invention therefore maximizes the use of the available space around the tabletop, particularly on a balcony or terrace, so that users can enjoy their outdoor space more comfortably and flexibly.

[0009] Furthermore, by design, the guide device not only ensures precise and secure maneuverability of the tabletop between its folded and unfolded positions, but also makes the table adaptable to various configurations of balconies, terraces or windows, thus increasing its versatility.

[0010] Other advantageous features of the invention are listed below. Each of these features may be considered alone or in combination with the notable features defined above. Each of these features contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the other features defined above do not necessarily participate. The following features may thus be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0011] According to one embodiment, the platform tilts according to a combined and simultaneous movement of rotation and translation along a predefined trajectory so as to pass over the upper crossbar when said platform is in the deployed position, which movement is generated by combining the first guide device with at least a second guide device comprising: - a second guide element configured to be fixed in use relative to the guardrail and around which the platform is mobile in rotation; - a second slide fixed relative to the platform, in which the second guide element translates when said platform pivots around said second guide element.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the first slide is inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle between 2° and 10°, and / or the second slide is inclined with respect to the surface of the platform at an angle between 2° and 10°.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first guide element is located at a distance from the transverse edges of the platform, said first guide element being located away from a lower transverse edge of said platform by a distance of between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 of the total length of said platform.

[0014] According to one embodiment, in the deployed position, the first guide element engages in a notch provided in the first slide so as to lock the platform in position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, a locking element blocks the first guide element in the notch.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the second slide is in the form of a slot or groove extending along a longitudinal edge of the plate.

[0017] According to one embodiment: - the second slide extends parallel to the longitudinal edges of the platform; - the second guide element is in the form of a hinge mounted movable in translation in the second slide, which hinge has an articulation axis configured to be, in use, fixed relative to the guardrail and parallel to the transverse edges of the platform.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the tray has a transverse crossbar arranged to form a retaining edge when said tray is in the deployed position and to form a shelf or serving table when said tray is in the folded position.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the table includes two first guide devices arranged on either side of the tabletop. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the description of the embodiments that follow, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples and on which: [Fig.1] illustrates the table that is the subject of the invention, installed against the railing of a balcony and in the folded position. [Fig.2] illustrates the table that is the object of the invention in the deployed position. [Fig.3] illustrates the table that is the subject of the invention in an intermediate position, that is to say between the deployed position and the folded position. [Fig.4] is a rear view of the table that is the subject of the invention in the folded position. [Fig.5] is a side view of the table which is the subject of the invention, showing guide devices when the table is in the folded position. [Fig.6] is a side view of the table which is the subject of the invention, showing guide devices when the table is in an intermediate position. [Fig.7] is a side view of the table which is the subject of the invention, showing guide devices when the table is in the deployed position. [Fig.8] shows the second guiding device according to a second embodiment, the table which is the subject of the invention being in the folded position. [Fig.9] shows the second guidance device according to the second embodiment, the table which is the subject of the invention being in the deployed position. Weighing of implementation methods

[0021] To possibly complete their current definition, the following clarifications are made to certain terms used in the claims and the description: - As used here, unless otherwise indicated, the possible use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc., to describe an object simply indicates that different occurrences of similar objects are mentioned and does not imply that the objects thus described must be in a given sequence, whether in time, space, ranking, or any other way. - "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y. - In general, it will be appreciated that on the various attached drawings, the objects can be drawn arbitrarily to facilitate their reading.

[0022] The folding table that is the subject of the invention can be used as a dining or work table in a variety of small and often underutilized outdoor or indoor spaces. It is designed to be mounted on railings of balconies, terraces, windows, mezzanines, etc. In addition to private homes, this table can also be used in cafes, restaurants, or bars with limited outdoor areas, such as raised terraces or spaces adjacent to railings.

[0023] With reference to Figures 1 to 4, the folding table 1 of the invention is intended to be mounted on a guardrail 2 having an upper crossbar 20. The guardrail 2 is installed at the edge of the area to be delimited and / or secured. It is a conventional guardrail, consisting of a load-bearing structure made up of posts, Uprights, bars, glass panels, or other elements 21, connected to each other, for example, by one or more horizontal or vertical crossbars, or by openwork designs. It can be made of various materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, composites, concrete, glass, etc. The term "top rail 20" refers to any horizontal element located at the top of the railing 2 and / or which defines its height.

[0024] The table 1 includes a tabletop 10 configured to tilt between a folded position ([Fig.1]) where it is positioned vertically against the guardrail 2 and a deployed position ([Fig.2]) where it is positioned horizontally.

[0025] The tabletop 10 has a surface area sufficient to accommodate various activities, such as eating or working. For example, its length varies between 50 cm and 150 cm, and its width between 50 cm and 100 cm, thus allowing comfortable use without compromising movement around the table. Its thickness can, for example, be between 1 cm and 4 cm to ensure sufficient robustness without adding weight. It can be made of wood, stainless steel, aluminum, composites, glass, plastic, etc. The tabletop 10 is preferably generally rectangular or square, delimited by transverse and longitudinal edges, although other shapes may be considered.

[0026] The table 1 is equipped with a support assembly 3 allowing it to be easily installed in a removable manner, in multiple locations and on various types of guardrails 2. In the accompanying figures, the support assembly 3 is fixed to the guardrail 2 by resting on its upper crossbar 20 and / or by engaging in its structure 21. According to one embodiment, the support assembly 3 comprises two plates 30, advantageously vertical or substantially vertical, installed on either side of the tabletop 10 or on either side of the median line of said tabletop, and configured to engage and / or rest temporarily and in a removable manner on the guardrail 2, preferably on the upper crossbar 20.

[0027] Each plate 30 advantageously has a general right-angled shape, although other shapes suitable for those skilled in the art may be provided. It comprises an upper part that rests on the upper cross member 20 and a lower part that extends downwards from said cross member. The plates 30 may be made of wood, stainless steel, aluminum, composites, glass, plastic, etc.

[0028] The plates 30 are held in position on the guardrail 2 by means of a fastening device configured to be temporarily and detachably attached to the structure 21 of said guardrail, regardless of its shape and / or the elements composing it. In [Fig. 4], this fastening device comprises one or more first plates 40 extending between the elements 21 of the structure of the guardrail 2. These first plates 40 are installed on one side of said structure. Each first plate 40 can be attached to both plates 30 or only to one of them. In the latter case, each plate 30 is preferentially fixed to a plate 40.

[0029] The fixing device also includes one or more second plates 42 extending between the elements 21 of the guardrail structure 2. These second plates 42 are installed on another side of said structure.

[0030] Each plate 40, 42 has one or more slots or openings 41 in which clamping elements 43, such as threaded rods with nuts or rotating handles, are mounted, allowing the plates 40, 42 to be held tightly against the guardrail elements 21, in a manner similar to a clamp. Depending on the configuration of the platform 1 and / or the guardrail 2, several sets of first plate 40 and second plate 42 may be provided.

[0031] The modular design of the support assembly 3 allows the table 1 to be installed on a wide range of guardrails.

[0032] Other types of fastening devices can be considered, for example clamps or similar devices to hold the plates 30 in position on the upper cross member 20.

[0033] With reference to figures 6, 7 and 8, the table 1 comprises at least one and preferably two first guide devices arranged on either side of the plate 10. Each first guide device comprises a first guide element 5 mounted in a first slide 50.

[0034] The first guide element 5 is fixed relative to the plate 10, which plate can pivot around this first guide element. This guide element 5 advantageously takes the form of a horizontal axis parallel to the transverse edges of the plate 10. It is installed within the thickness of the plate 10 or under its lower face.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment that improves the maneuverability of the platform 10, the first guide element 5 is located at a distance from the transverse edges of the platform 10. The best results in terms of precision and ease of deployment of the platform 10 are obtained when the first guide element 5 is located away from the lower transverse edge 101 of the platform 10 by a distance advantageously between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2, preferably 1 / 3 or approximately 1 / 3, of the total length of said platform. The lower transverse edge 101 is the edge closest to the ground when the platform is in the folded position.

[0036] This first guide element 5 is mounted to move in translation in the first slide 50, which is fixed relative to the guardrail 2. To limit friction, the first guide element 5 can be fitted with wheels or pads cooperating with the first slide 50.

[0037] To simplify the design, the first slide 50 is in the form of a slot or groove formed in the aforementioned plate 30. It may also consist of a rail attached to the plate 30. According to a preferred embodiment, each plate 30 comprises a first slide 50 in which a first guide element 5 is mounted, this arrangement allowing precise guidance of the platform 10, and a transition without deviation of said platform between the folded and unfolded positions.

[0038] The first slide 50 has a lower end 501 and an upper end 502. In one embodiment, the first slide 50 and the first guide element 5 are configured and / or arranged such that said first guide element is located at the lower end 501 in the folded position and at the upper end 502 in the deployed position. The first slide 50 may be straight or have a curve between its two ends 501, 502.

[0039] The first slide 50 has a generally vertical or substantially vertical direction. According to one embodiment, it is inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle α between 2° and 10°, the lower end 501 being closest to the guardrail 2.

[0040] Thanks to the design of this first guiding device, the platform 10 tilts in a simultaneous rotational and translational movement so as to pass over the upper crossbar 20 when said platform reaches the deployed position. A portion of the platform 10 then projects beyond the guardrail 2. In Figures 2 and 7, approximately half of the platform 10 is located outside E of the balcony (or terrace, window, living room, etc.) and the other half inside I. More generally, the length of the portion of the platform 10 projecting beyond the guardrail 2 (on the side referenced E in [Fig. 7]) is advantageously between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 of the total length of said platform. The spatial footprint of platform 10 on space I of the balcony (or terrace, window, living room, ...) is therefore reduced accordingly, freeing up space, in particular for passage or the addition of seats.

[0041] In the deployed position, the platform 10 is located above the upper crossbar 20, which allows it to project beyond the guardrail 2. To achieve this and according to the embodiment illustrated in the attached figures, the upper end 502 of the first slide 50 advantageously exceeds the upper crossbar 20 in height so that when the first guide element 5, installed in the thickness of the platform 10, reaches said end, the lower face of said platform is located above the upper crossbar 20.

[0042] Other configurations allow the platform 10 to be brought above the upper cross member 20. For example, the first guide element 5 can be moved away from the underside of the platform 10, in particular by means of fixing tabs or elements analogous elements are fixed to said lower face. In the deployed position, the first guide element 5 and the upper end 502 of the first slide 50 can then be located below the upper crossbar 20, but the gap between said first guide element and the lower face of the platform 10 allows said platform to be placed above said crossbar. This solution, however, has the disadvantage of keeping the platform 10 away from the guardrail 2 in the folded position, and thus increasing the footprint of said platform in space I.

[0043] With reference in particular to [Fig. 7], the first guide element 5 advantageously engages in a notch 503 formed in the first slide 50 so as to lock the platform in position and prevent it from tipping when deployed. This notch 503 is, for example, in the form of a horizontal slot or groove formed in the plate 30, at the upper end 502, extending from the first slide 50. This notch 503 can be oriented and / or extend towards the guardrail 2 or away from it. Thus, when the platform 10 reaches the deployed position, the user only has to push or pull the platform horizontally for the first guide element 5 to engage in the notch 503.

[0044] To further secure the retention of the plate 10 in the deployed position, a locking element 504 preferentially locks the first guide element 5 in the notch 503. This locking element 504 is, for example, in the form of a removable pin or pull tab configured to position itself in the notch 503 and prevent the first guide element 5 from coming out of it.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the table 1 is equipped with a second guide device formed by a second guide element 6 mounted in a second slide 60.

[0046] The second guide element 6 is fixed relative to the guardrail 2, the platform 10 being able to pivot around this second guide element. This guide element 6 advantageously takes the form of a horizontal axis parallel to the transverse edges of the platform 10. To simplify the design, it is installed in each of the plates 30.

[0047] This second guide element 6 is mounted to move in translation within the second slide 60, which is fixed relative to the plate 10. Thus, when the plate 10 pivots around the second guide element 6, the latter translates within the second slide 60. To limit friction, the second guide element 6 may be fitted with wheels or pads cooperating with the second slide 60.

[0048] The second slide 60 extends along the length of the plate 10 parallel to the longitudinal edges of said plate. To simplify the design, the second slide 60 is in the form of a slot or groove formed along an edge longitudinal of the platform 10. It may also consist of a rail attached to the platform 10. According to a preferred embodiment, each longitudinal edge of the platform 10 includes a second slide 60 in which a second guide element 6 is mounted, this arrangement allowing precise guidance of said platform and a deviation-free transition of it between the folded and unfolded positions. However, only one second slide 60 may be provided.

[0049] By combining the first and second guide devices, the platform 10 tilts in a combined and simultaneous rotational and translational movement along a predefined trajectory, so as to pass over the upper cross member 20 when in the deployed position. The predefined and unique trajectory of the platform 10 simplifies the deployment / folding of the table 1 and makes its use intuitive, eliminating the need for manual adjustments, multiple manipulations, and reducing the risk of unintentional movements. The table is thus accessible to all users, regardless of their familiarity with the product.

[0050] The second slide 60 has a first end 601 closer to the lower transverse edge 101 of the plate 10 and a second end 602 closer to the other transverse edge of said plate. In one embodiment, the second slide 60 and the second guide element 6 are configured and / or arranged so that said second guide element is located at the end 601 in the deployed position and at the end 602 in the folded position. The second slide 60 may be straight or have a curve between its two ends 601, 602.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the second slide 60 is inclined relative to the surface of the tabletop 10 at an angle [3] between 2° and 10°, with the end 601 being furthest from said surface. Combined with the inclination of the first slide 50, this inclination of the second slide 60 allows the tabletop 10 to pivot with a smaller pivot angle when it is close to the folded position and a larger one when it is close to the deployed position, which facilitates its deployment, particularly when the table 1 is installed on balconies or terraces with a shallow depth. A similar trajectory can, however, be obtained when only the first slide 50 or the second slide 60 is inclined.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second slide always extends parallel to the longitudinal edges of the platform 10. However, the second guide element 6 is in the form of a hinge mounted to move in translation within the second slide 60, which hinge has a fixed articulation axis relative to the guardrail 2 and parallel to the transverse edges of the platform 10. To simplify the design, this articulation axis is a horizontal axis installed in each of the plates 30.

[0053] With reference to figures 1 and 2, the platform 10 advantageously has a transverse crossbar 103 arranged to form a retaining edge when said platform is in the deployed position ([Fig.2]) and to form a shelf or serving table, which can in particular serve as a “bar”, when said platform is in the folded position ([Fig.1]).

[0054] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0055] Furthermore, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be combined with one or more other features described only in another embodiment. Similarly, one or more features described only in one embodiment can be generalized to other embodiments, even if this or these features are described only in combination with other features.

Claims

Demands

1. A folding table intended to be mounted on a guardrail (2) having an upper crossbar (20), said table comprising a tabletop (10) configured to tilt between a folded position where said tabletop is, in use, positioned vertically against said guardrail and an extended position where said tabletop is positioned horizontally, characterized in that the tabletop (10) tilts according to a rotational and translational movement so as to pass over the upper crossbar (20) and that a part of said tabletop projects beyond the guardrail (2) when said tabletop is in the extended position, which movement is generated by means of at least a first guiding device comprising: - a first guiding element (5) fixed relative to the tabletop (10) and around which said tabletop is rotationally mobile, - a first slide (50) configured to be, in use, fixed relative to the guardrail (2),and in which the first guide element (5) translates when the platform (10) pivots around said first guide element.

2. Table according to claim 1, wherein the platform (10) tilts in a combined and simultaneous movement of rotation and translation along a predefined trajectory so as to pass over the upper cross member (20) when said platform is in the deployed position, which movement is generated by combining the first guide device with at least a second guide device comprising: - a second guide element (6) configured to be fixed in use relative to the guardrail (2) and around which the platform (10) is mobile in rotation, - a second slide (60) fixed relative to the platform (10), and in which the second guide element (6) translates when said platform pivots around said second guide element.

3. Table according to claim 2, wherein: - the first slide (50) is inclined with respect to the vertical at an angle (a) between 2° and 10°, and / or the second slide (60) is inclined relative to the surface of the plate (10) at an angle (|3) between 2° and 10°.

4. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide element (5) is located at a distance from the transverse edges of the plate (10), said first guide element being located away from a lower transverse edge (101) of said plate by a distance of between 1 / 4 and 1 / 2 of the total length of said plate.

5. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the deployed position, the first guide element (5) engages in a notch (503) provided in the first slide (50) so as to lock the tabletop (10) in position.

6. Table according to claim 5, wherein a locking element (504) locks the first guide element (5) in the notch (503).

7. Table according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second slide (60) is in the form of a slot or groove extending along a longitudinal edge of the tabletop (10).

8. Table according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: - the second slide (60) extends parallel to the longitudinal edges of the tabletop (10), - the second guide element (6) is in the form of a hinge mounted movable in translation in the second slide, which hinge has an articulation axis configured to, in use, be fixed relative to the guardrail (2) and parallel to the transverse edges of the tabletop (10).

9. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tabletop (10) has a crossbar (103) arranged to form a retaining edge when said tabletop is in the deployed position and to form a shelf or serving table when said tabletop is in the folded position.

10. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two first guide devices arranged on either side of the tabletop (10).

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