Furniture with gripping parts and top plate

Abstract

This prevents fastening members from being exposed on the curved surface of the gripping part of the fixture, which is visible from the outside. [Solution] A gripping part for a fixture that is attached to the lower surface of the fixture body, comprising: a main body 30 that can grip, having an outer curved surface 32 that curves from an upper part 32a that is oriented horizontally to a lower part 32b that is oriented downward, with the space between the upper part 32a and the lower part 32b curving outwards; and an inner plane 33 that is connected to the lower part 32b of the outer curved surface 32 and is oriented horizontally in the direction opposite to the direction in which the upper part 32a of the outer curved surface 32 is oriented; and an extension piece 31 that extends horizontally from the main body 30 in the direction in which the inner plane 33 is oriented and can be fixed to the fixture body.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a gripping portion for furniture and furniture with a top plate.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses furniture with a top plate in which a first frame and a second frame are arranged below the top plate. In Patent Document 1, the top plate is formed in a rectangular shape. The first frame and the second frame are formed so as to extend linearly along the sides of the rectangular top plate.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When moving the furniture with a top plate disclosed in Patent Document 1 or the like, an operator may lift the furniture with a top plate. At this time, for example, in the furniture with a top plate of Patent Document 1, the first frame and the second frame may be used as a gripping portion. When moving such furniture, the gripping portion for furniture that an operator grips is often attached to the lower surface of the furniture body and provided at a position visible from the outside. Such a gripping portion for furniture is fastened to the furniture body by a fastening member such as a screw provided so as to penetrate from below.

[0005] Incidentally, in order to improve the appearance of the fixture, a curved surface may be provided on the gripping part of the fixture that is visible from the outside. If such a curved surface is provided, for example, an outer curved surface where the upper part is directed outwards from the fixture and the lower part is directed downwards, the heads of screws, etc., will be exposed on the lower part of the outer curved surface. As a result, screws exposed on the lower part of the outer curved surface are easily visible from the outside and may detract from the appearance of the fixture. In addition, when a worker grips the handle of the fixture, the screws may come into contact with the worker's palm, which may cause the worker to feel uncomfortable.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to prevent fastening members from being exposed on the curved surface of the gripping part for furniture, which is visible from the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means to solve the above problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a gripping part for a fixture that is attached to the lower surface of the fixture body, comprising: a main body having an outer curved surface extending from an upper part oriented horizontally to a lower part oriented downward, and an inner plane connected to the lower part of the outer curved surface and oriented in the opposite direction to the direction in which the upper part of the outer curved surface is oriented; and an extension piece extending from the main body in the direction in which the inner plane is oriented and which can be fixed to the fixture body.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the gripping part for furniture comprises a main body and an extension. According to a first aspect of the present invention, an extension is provided separately from the main body, which has an outer curved surface and an inner flat surface, and the gripping part for furniture can be attached to the lower surface of the furniture body by fixing the extension to the lower surface of the furniture body. Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from being exposed on the curved surface of the gripping part for furniture that is visible from the outside. Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from being visible from the outside, which would impair the appearance, and to prevent the fastening member from touching the palm of the worker when the worker grips the gripping part for furniture, thus preventing the worker from feeling uncomfortable.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the main body is provided with an outer curved surface. This outer curved surface is curved such that its upper part faces outward in the horizontal direction of the fixture and its lower part faces downward. Therefore, when a worker grasps the main body to lift the fixture, the worker's palm comes into contact with the outer curved surface. Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the fixture is moved by grasping the main body, it is possible to prevent the corners of the main body from digging into the worker's palm, thereby preventing the worker from feeling discomfort.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the first aspect described above, the main body comprises a first plate member provided with the outer curved surface and a second plate member provided with at least a portion of the inner plane and joined to the first plate member.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the main body can be formed by joining a first plate member and a second plate member. Therefore, the main body can be formed more easily compared to, for example, the case where the main body is formed by molding a single cylindrical material.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention is a configuration in which, in the second embodiment, the second plate member has a contact portion that contacts the first plate member from the back side of the outer curved surface.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the load when the worker's palm presses against the outer curved surface can be received by the second plate member. Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the rigidity of the main body against the force applied by the worker can be improved.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the second or third aspect described above, the boundary between the first plate member and the second plate member is located within the inner plane.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the boundary between the first plate member and the second plate member is located on the inner plane. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the boundary between the first plate member and the second plate member from coming into contact with the worker's palm and to prevent the worker from feeling discomfort.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a fixture with a top plate, comprising a fixture body having a top plate and legs that support the top plate, and a fixture gripping part according to any of the first to fourth aspects provided on the underside of the top plate.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the furniture gripping portion is provided according to any of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention. Therefore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from being exposed on the curved surface of the furniture gripping portion that is visible from the outside. Thus, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being impaired by the fastening member being visible from the outside, and to prevent the fastening member from touching the palm of the worker when the worker grips the furniture gripping portion, thereby preventing the worker from feeling uncomfortable.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which the top plate has a liftable edge portion, and the furniture grip portion is provided on the lower surface of the liftable portion.

[0020] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the portion of the tabletop to be lifted can be easily lifted by gripping the gripping portion for the fixture.

[0021] The seventh aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which the furniture body has, as the leg bodies, roller-equipped leg bodies having rollers that are grounded on the floor surface while lifting the lifting target portion of the top plate, and spaced-apart leg bodies that are located closer to the lifting target portion than the roller-equipped leg bodies and are spaced apart from the floor surface while lifting the lifting target portion of the top plate.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operator is not lifting the lifting target portion of the top plate, the spaced-apart leg bodies are grounded on the floor surface, so that it is possible to prevent the furniture with the top plate from being moved with a weak force. Further, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the operator lifts the lifting target portion of the top plate, the spaced-apart leg bodies are separated from the floor surface, and the rollers of the roller-equipped leg bodies are grounded on the floor surface, so that the furniture with the top plate can be easily moved.

Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from being exposed on the curved surface visible from the outside of the gripping portion for furniture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the furniture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of the furniture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below. [Figure 3] It is a schematic enlarged view of the lower end portion of the roller-equipped leg body provided in the furniture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic enlarged view of the lower end portion of the leg body with an adjuster provided in the furniture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a bottom view of the furniture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view of the gripping beam provided in the furniture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. [Figure 7]This is a rear-view perspective of the gripping beam provided in a top-mounted fixture according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view AA in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a connecting member provided in a fixture with a tabletop in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing a worker holding a fixture with a top plate in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view from above of a modified example of a fixture with a tabletop according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view from above of a modified example of a fixture with a tabletop according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view of a modified example of a connecting member provided in a fixture with a tabletop according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gripping part for furniture and the furniture with a top plate according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications described below, corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel" and "orthogonal" will not only strictly represent such arrangements, but will also represent states in which the components are relatively displaced by tolerances or angles and distances that allow the same function to be obtained.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the tabletop furniture unit 1 of this embodiment, seen from above. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tabletop furniture unit 1 of this embodiment, seen from below. The tabletop furniture unit 1 of this embodiment is installed in various facilities such as offices, public facilities, and commercial facilities to provide workspace. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tabletop furniture unit 1 of this embodiment comprises a tabletop 2, legs 3, beams 4, and connecting members 5.

[0027] In this embodiment, the top plate 2 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. For the sake of explanation, in the following description, the horizontal direction along the longer side of the top plate 2 in the view from above will be referred to as the front-to-back direction, and the horizontal direction along the shorter side of the top plate 2 in the view from above will be referred to as the left-to-right direction. Also, as shown in Figure 1, one side in the front-to-back direction will be referred to as the front, the other side in the front-to-back direction as the rear, one side in the left-to-right direction as the right, and the other side in the left-to-right direction as the left. Furthermore, the vertical direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction will be referred to as the up-and-down direction.

[0028] The tabletop 2 is a rectangular plate-shaped member in plan view, supported by legs 3 so that its front and back surfaces face up and down. The top surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is the workspace for the worker. In other words, the tabletop 2 forms the workspace. In plan view, the tabletop 2 has four sides 2b (outer edges). Of these four sides 2b, two are relatively long sides 2c, and the remaining two are relatively short sides 2d. In other words, the length dimension of the long sides 2c is greater than the length dimension of the short sides 2d.

[0029] Each of the longer sides 2c is positioned along the front-to-back direction. These longer sides 2c are of the same length and are positioned parallel to each other, spaced apart in the left-to-right direction. Each of the shorter sides 2d is positioned along the left-to-right direction. These shorter sides 2d are of the same length and are positioned parallel to each other, spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

[0030] The front end of the long side 2c on the right side is connected to the right end of the short side 2d located at the front. Also, the rear end of the long side 2c on the right side is connected to the right end of the short side 2d located at the rear. The front end of the long side 2c on the left side is connected to the left end of the short side 2d located at the front. Also, the rear end of the long side 2c on the left side is connected to the left end of the short side 2d located at the rear. The tabletop 2, having such four sides 2b in a plan view, is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view as described above.

[0031] The front edge of the top plate 2 in the front-to-back direction is the part that can be lifted by an operator when moving the fixture with the top plate 1 (liftable portion 2e). In other words, the top plate 2 has a liftable edge, which is a liftable portion 2e. Of the four sides 2b mentioned above, the short side 2d located on the front side is located in this liftable portion 2e. In other words, in this embodiment, one of the four sides 2b is included in the liftable portion 2e. Also, one of the short sides 2d is included in the liftable portion 2e.

[0032] The lower surface 2f of the top plate 2 is the mounting surface for the beam 4 and the connecting member 5. In this embodiment, the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2 is flat. However, the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2 may have an uneven shape.

[0033] Note that the shape of the top plate 2 in this embodiment is just one example. The shape of the top plate 2 is not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and for example, it may be square in plan view. Furthermore, the plan view shape of the top plate 2 does not have to be rectangular, but may be circular, triangular, or a polygon with pentagons or more. Moreover, the plan view shape of the top plate 2 may be asymmetrical.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, there are multiple legs 3. In other words, the tabletop furniture 1 of this embodiment is equipped with multiple legs 3. These legs 3 support the tabletop 2 from below. Each leg 3 is connected to the lower surface 2f of the tabletop 2 via a connecting member 5.

[0035] The tabletop fixture 1 of this embodiment has two types of legs 3: a roller-equipped leg 3a and an adjustable leg 3b (space-spreading leg). The tabletop fixture 1 of this embodiment has four legs 3 corresponding to each corner of the tabletop 2 in a plan view. Of these four legs 3, two are roller-equipped legs 3a, and the remaining two are adjustable legs 3b.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the roller-equipped legs 3a are legs 3 located behind the adjustable legs 3b. One roller-equipped leg 3a is located below the corner formed by the connection of the long side 2c on the right side of the top plate 2 and the short side 2d located at the rear. The other roller-equipped leg 3a is located below the corner formed by the connection of the long side 2c on the left side of the top plate 2 and the short side 2d located at the rear. These two roller-equipped legs 3a are spaced apart in the left-right direction along the short side 2d (in the direction along the side 2b included in the lifting target portion 2e).

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the lower end of the roller-equipped leg 3a. As shown in this figure, the roller-equipped leg 3a comprises a leg body portion 10 that extends in the vertical direction and a roller 11 that is rotatably attached to the leg body portion 10. The lower end surface 10a of the leg body portion 10 is a plane that can contact the floor surface F. When the portion of the tabletop 2 to be lifted 2e is not lifted and the upper surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is horizontal, the lower end surface 10a of the leg body portion 10 is in surface contact with the floor surface F.

[0038] The roller 11 is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation parallel to the left-right direction of the roller-equipped leg 3a, and is capable of rolling on the floor surface F. The roller 11 is mounted away from the floor surface F when the lifting target portion 2e of the top plate 2 is not lifted and the top surface 2a of the top plate 2 is horizontal. Alternatively, the roller 11 can be mounted in a position where it makes contact with the floor surface F, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, when the lifting target portion 2e of the top plate 2 is lifted and the top surface 2a of the top plate 2 is tilted.

[0039] Note that the configuration of the roller-equipped leg 3a shown in Figure 3 is just one example. For example, the roller-equipped leg may not have a lower end surface 10a that makes surface contact with the floor surface F, and the roller 11 may be in a configuration where it is in contact with the ground even when the lifted portion 2e of the top plate 2 is not lifted. In such a configuration, the roller 11 will be in contact with the ground whether the lifted portion 2e of the top plate 2 is not lifted or whether the lifted portion 2e of the top plate 2 is lifted.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the adjustable leg 3b is the leg 3 located in front of the roller leg 3a. In other words, the adjustable leg 3b is located closer to the lifted portion 2e than the roller leg 3a. One adjustable leg 3b is located below the corner formed by the connection of the long side 2c on the right side of the top plate 2 and the short side 2d located in front. The other adjustable leg 3b is located below the corner formed by the connection of the long side 2c on the left side of the top plate 2 and the short side 2d located in front. These two adjustable leg 3b are spaced apart in the left-right direction along the short side 2d (the direction along the side 2b included in the lifted portion 2e).

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the lower end of the adjustable leg 3b. As shown in this figure, the adjustable leg 3b comprises a leg body 20 that extends in the vertical direction and an adjuster 21 attached to the lower surface of the leg body 20. The lower surface of the adjuster 21 is the contact surface with the floor surface F. The distance from the lower surface of the leg body 20 to the lower surface of the adjuster 21 is adjustable.

[0042] With the adjustable leg 3b, the lower surface of the adjuster 21 is in surface contact with the floor surface F when the lifting target portion 2e of the tabletop 2 is not lifted and the upper surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is horizontal. On the other hand, with the adjustable leg 3b, the lifting target portion 2e of the tabletop 2 is lifted and the upper surface 2a of the tabletop 2 is tilted and the leg 3b is separated from the floor surface F.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the dimension La from the roller-equipped leg 3a to the adjuster-equipped leg 3b in the front-rear direction is greater than the dimension Lb between the two roller-equipped leg 3a in the left-right direction. Also, the dimension La from the roller-equipped leg 3a to the adjuster-equipped leg 3b in the front-rear direction is greater than the dimension Lc between the two adjuster-equipped leg 3b in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, however, the dimension Lb between the two roller-equipped leg 3a in the left-right direction is equal to the dimension Lc between the two adjuster-equipped leg 3b in the left-right direction.

[0044] The beam 4 is fixed to the underside of the top plate 2. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the top plate furniture 1 of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, in this embodiment, four beams 4 are provided, each fastened to the top plate 2 by screws 6.

[0045] The beams 4 are provided along each of the four sides 2b of the top plate 2. In other words, the top plate furniture 1 of this embodiment includes a beam 4 along the long side 2c on the left side of the top plate 2, a beam 4 along the long side 2c on the right side of the top plate 2, a beam 4 along the short side 2d on the front side of the top plate 2, and a beam 4 along the short side 2d on the rear side of the top plate 2. These beams 4 are connected to each other via connecting members 5 so as to form a frame shape in plan view. Such beams 4 improve the rigidity of the top plate 2 and prevent the top plate 2 from bending when it is lifted, etc.

[0046] Of these beams 4, the beam 4 along the short side 2d located on the front side of the top plate 2 is located in the lifting target portion 2e. The beam 4 located in the lifting target portion 2e can be gripped by the worker when lifting the lifting target portion 2e of the top plate 2. In the following description, the beam 4 located in the lifting target portion 2e will be referred to as the gripping beam 4a, as needed. In other words, the gripping beam 4a is used as a gripping part for the furniture that is gripped by the worker when moving the furniture with the top plate 1.

[0047] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the gripping beam 4a from the front. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the gripping beam 4a from the rear. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of AA in Figure 6. As shown in these figures, the gripping beam 4a comprises a main body portion 30 and an extension portion 31.

[0048] The main body 30 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided with an outer curved surface 32. The outer curved surface 32 is a curved surface having an upper part 32a that faces outward from the top plate 2 and a lower part 32b that faces downward. The outward side of the top plate 2 is the direction opposite to the center of the top plate 2 in a plan view, which is the front side in the case of the gripping beam 4a. In other words, in the case of the gripping beam 4a, the upper part 32a faces forward.

[0049] The outer curved surface 32 is curved so that no bend occurs from the upper part 32a to the lower part 32b. Such an outer curved surface 32 is curved so that the portion between the upper part 32a and the lower part 32b bulges forward and downward more than the line segment connecting the upper part 32a and the lower part 32b.

[0050] Furthermore, the main body 30 is provided with an inner plane 33. The inner plane 33 is a plane that faces inward towards the top plate 2. The inward side of the top plate 2 is the direction toward the center of the top plate 2 in a plan view, and in the case of the gripping beam 4a, it is the rear side. In other words, in the case of the gripping beam 4a, the inner plane 33 faces the rear side.

[0051] This inner plane 33 is bent and connected to the lower part 32b of the outer curved surface 32. This bent connection of the inner plane 33 to the lower part 32b of the outer curved surface 32 forms a corner portion 34 in the main body portion 30. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inner plane 33 is provided with screw insertion holes 33a. The screw insertion holes 33a are through holes through which screws (not shown) are inserted for fastening the connecting member 5 and the beam 4.

[0052] Furthermore, the main body 30 is provided with an upper surface 35. The upper surface 35 is oriented upward and is a surface connected to the upper part 32a of the outer curved surface 32 and the inner plane 33. This upper surface 35 faces the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2 and, in this embodiment, is in contact with the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2.

[0053] The extended portion 31 is a portion that extends from the upper end of the main body portion 30 (the inner end of the top plate 2 on the upper surface 35) in the direction in which the inner plane 33 is directed. In the gripping beam 4a, the inner plane 33 is directed towards the rear. Therefore, in the gripping beam 4a, the extended portion 31 extends from the main body portion 30 toward the rear.

[0054] The extension portion 31 has its front and back surfaces oriented vertically and is continuously provided over the entire length of the main body portion 30 (left and right direction in the case of the gripping beam 4a). As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the extension portion 31 is provided with screw insertion holes 31a. Multiple screw insertion holes 31a are provided so as to be arranged along the length of the main body portion 30. The screw insertion holes 31a are through holes through which screws 6 for fastening the beam 4 and the top plate 2 are inserted.

[0055] The extended portion 31 is fastened to the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2 by screws 6. By fastening the extended portion 31 to the top plate 2 in this way, the beam 4 is fixed to the top plate 2. In other words, in this embodiment, the beam 4 is fixed to the top plate 2 without screws being inserted through the main body portion 30.

[0056] Such a gripping beam 4a is formed by joining a first plate member 40 and a second plate member 41, as shown in Figure 8, for example. In other words, the gripping beam 4a has a first plate member 40 and a second plate member 41.

[0057] The first plate member 40 is formed by molding a flat plate member. As shown in Figure 8, the first plate member 40 has a curved front wall portion 40a that forms the outer curved surface 32 described above. The first plate member 40 also has a rear wall portion 40b that is erected from the lower end of the front wall portion 40a to form the lower part of the inner plane 33 described above. The first plate member 40 also has an upper wall portion 40c that extends rearward from the upper end of the front wall portion 40a to form the upper surface 35 and the extended piece portion 31 described above.

[0058] The second plate member 41 is formed by molding a flat plate member. As shown in Figure 8, the second plate member 41 has a vertical wall 41a that forms the upper part of the inner plane 33 described above. The second plate member 41 also has a contact wall 41b (contact portion) that contacts the first plate member 40 from the back side of the outer curved surface 32 (the rear side in the gripping beam 4a). The second plate member 41 has a connecting wall 41c that connects the vertical wall 41a and the contact wall 41b and contacts the upper wall portion 40c of the first plate member 40 from below.

[0059] The first plate member 40 and the second plate member 41 are joined within the inner plane 33. In other words, the boundary portion 42 between the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 41 is located within the inner plane 33. As shown in Figure 8, the boundary portion 42 is located below the center of the inner plane 33.

[0060] Furthermore, the beams 4, excluding the gripping beam 4a, are formed in the same shape as the gripping beam 4a. For example, the beam 4 below the short side 2d located on the rear side of the top plate 2 is formed in the same shape as the gripping beam 4a, except that its mounting position to the top plate 2 is different from that of the gripping beam 4a. Also, the beam 4 below the long side 2c located on the right side of the top plate 2 is formed in the same shape as the gripping beam 4a, except that the length dimension of the main body 30 in the extension direction is longer than that of the gripping beam 4a, and its mounting position to the top plate 2 is different from that of the gripping beam 4a. Also, the beam 4 below the long side 2c located on the left side of the top plate 2 is formed in the same shape as the gripping beam 4a, except that the length dimension of the main body 30 in the extension direction is longer than that of the gripping beam 4a, and its mounting position to the top plate 2 is different from that of the gripping beam 4a. For this reason, a detailed explanation of the beams 4, excluding the gripping beam 4a, will be omitted.

[0061] In this embodiment, the top plate 2 and the legs 3 to which the gripping beam 4a is attached are the main body 100 of the fixture with top plate 1. In other words, in this embodiment, the gripping beam 4a, which is the gripping part for the fixture, is attached to the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2, which is the downward-facing surface (bottom surface) of the main body 100 of the fixture.

[0062] The connecting member 5 is fixed to the top plate 2 and connects the two beams 4 and the leg body 3. In a plan view, the connecting member 5 is positioned below each corner (the connection point between sides 2b) of the rectangular top plate 2. In other words, the furniture unit 1 with a top plate in this embodiment is equipped with four connecting members 5.

[0063] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the connecting member 5. As shown in this figure, the connecting member 5 has a base portion 50, an upper piece portion 51, two arm portions 52, and a leg body connecting portion 53. The base portion 50 is the part that supports the upper piece portion 51, the two arm portions 52, and the leg body connecting portion 53.

[0064] The upper piece 51 is a piece that extends from the upper end of the base 50 toward the inside of the top plate 2. As shown in Figure 9, the upper piece 51 is provided with screw insertion holes 51a. Multiple screw insertion holes 51a are provided. The screw insertion holes 51a are through holes through which screws 7 (see Figure 5) for fastening the connecting member 5 and the top plate 2 are inserted.

[0065] The arm portion 52 is the part that is inserted into the main body portion 30 of the beam 4. Two beams 4 are connected to one connecting member 5 from different directions. For this reason, the connecting member 5 is provided with two arm portions 52 that extend in different directions. Each arm portion 52 is provided with a screw hole. The beam 4 and the connecting member 5 are fixed together when the arm portion 52 is inserted into the main body portion 30 of the beam 4 and a screw (not shown) is screwed into the screw hole, which is inserted into a screw insertion hole 33a provided in the inner plane 33.

[0066] The leg connection portion 53 extends downward from the base portion 50 and is the part to which the leg body 3 is fixed. The leg body 3 is fixed to the leg connection portion 53 by, for example, screws (not shown) or a locking mechanism (not shown).

[0067] When moving the fixture 1 with a top plate of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the worker grasps the gripping beam 4a. At this time, the worker's palm H1 touches the outer curved surface 32 of the gripping beam 4a. Also, the worker's knuckles H2 are on the corners 34. Then, while gripping the gripping beam 4a, the worker lifts the lifting target portion 2e of the top plate 2. With the corners 34 of the gripping beam 4a on the worker's knuckles H2 in this manner, it becomes easier for the worker to firmly grasp the gripping beam 4a.

[0068] In Figure 10, the second joint of the worker's finger is shown resting on the corner 34. However, the worker may also rest the first joint (the joint closest to the fingertip) or the third joint (the joint at the base of the finger) on the corner 34. The worker can select which finger joint to rest on the corner 34 to best grip the gripping beam 4a, according to the size of their hand.

[0069] As a result, the entire unit with the tabletop 1 can be tilted, the adjustable legs 3b move away from the floor surface F, and the rollers 11 of the roller-equipped legs 3a make contact with the floor surface F. Therefore, the worker can easily move the unit with the tabletop 1 with little force.

[0070] The gripping beam 4a of the top-mounted fixture 1 of this embodiment is attached to the lower surface 2f of the fixture body 100. The gripping beam 4a of this embodiment comprises a grippable main body portion 30 and an extension portion 31. The main body portion 30 is provided with an outer curved surface 32 and an inner flat surface 33. The outer curved surface 32 extends from an upper part 32a oriented horizontally to a lower part 32b oriented downwards. The outer curved surface 32 is also curved so that it bulges between the upper part 32a and the lower part 32b. The inner flat surface 33 is connected to the lower part 32b of the outer curved surface 32. The inner flat surface 33 is also oriented horizontally in the direction opposite to the direction in which the upper part 32a of the outer curved surface 32 is oriented. The extension portion 31 extends horizontally from the main body portion 30 in the direction in which the inner flat surface 33 is oriented and can be fixed to the fixture body 100.

[0071] The gripping beam 4a of this embodiment comprises a main body portion 30 and an extension portion 31. According to the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the extension portion 31 is provided separately from the main body portion 30 which has an outer curved surface 32 and an inner flat surface 33, and the gripping beam 4a can be attached to the lower surface 2f of the fixture body 100 by fixing the extension portion 31 to the lower surface 2f of the fixture body 100. Therefore, according to the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent fastening members such as screws 6 from being exposed on the curved surface of the gripping beam 4a that is visible from the outside. Thus, according to the gripping beam 4a, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being spoiled by the fastening members being visible from the outside, and it is possible to prevent the fastening members from touching the palm H1 of the worker when the worker grips the gripping beam 4a, causing the worker discomfort.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the main body portion 30 is provided with an outer curved surface 32. This outer curved surface 32 is curved such that the upper part 32a faces outward from the top-mounted fixture 1 in the horizontal direction, and the lower part 32b faces downward. Therefore, when a worker grips the main body portion 30 to lift the top-mounted fixture 1, the worker's palm H1 comes into contact with the outer curved surface 32. Thus, according to the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, when gripping the main body portion 30 and moving the top-mounted fixture 1, it is possible to prevent the corners 34 of the main body portion 30 from digging into the worker's palm H1, thereby preventing the worker from feeling discomfort.

[0073] Furthermore, in the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the main body portion 30 comprises a first plate member 40 provided with an outer curved surface 32, and a second plate member 41 provided with at least a portion of an inner plane 33 and joined to the first plate member 40.

[0074] According to the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the main body portion 30 can be formed by joining the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 41. Therefore, the main body portion 30 can be formed more easily compared to, for example, the case where the main body portion 30 is formed by molding a single cylindrical material.

[0075] Furthermore, in the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the second plate member 41 has a contact wall 41b that contacts the first plate member 40 from the back side of the outer curved surface 32.

[0076] With the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the load when the worker's palm H1 presses against the outer curved surface 32 can be received by the second plate member 41. Therefore, with the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the rigidity of the main body 30 against the force applied by the worker can be improved.

[0077] Furthermore, in the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the boundary portion 42 between the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 41 is positioned to overlap with the inner plane 33 when viewed from the direction normal to the inner plane 33.

[0078] In the gripping beam 4a of this embodiment, the boundary portion 42 between the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 41 is located on the inner plane 33. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the boundary portion 42 between the first plate member 40 and the second plate member 41 from coming into contact with the worker's palm H1, thereby preventing the worker from feeling discomfort.

[0079] Furthermore, the fixture with a top plate 1 of this embodiment comprises a fixture body 100 having a top plate 2 and legs 3 that support the top plate 2, and a gripping beam 4a provided on the lower surface 2f of the top plate 2.

[0080] The top-mounted fixture 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a gripping beam 4a. Therefore, with the top-mounted fixture 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the fastening member from being exposed on the curved surface of the gripping beam 4a that is visible from the outside. Thus, with the top-mounted fixture 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the appearance from being spoiled by the fastening member being visible from the outside, and to prevent the fastening member from touching the palm H1 of the worker when the worker grips the gripping beam 4a, thus preventing the worker from feeling uncomfortable.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixture with a top plate 1 has a top plate 2 that has a liftable edge portion 2e. In addition, a gripping beam 4a is provided on the lower surface 2f of the liftable portion 2e. With the fixture with a top plate 1 of this embodiment, the liftable portion 2e of the top plate 2 can be easily lifted by gripping the gripping beam 4a.

[0082] Furthermore, in the fixture with a tabletop 1 of this embodiment, the fixture body 100 includes, as legs 3, a roller-equipped leg 3a having a roller 11 that makes contact with the floor surface F when the lifted portion 2e of the tabletop 2 is lifted, and an adjustable leg 3b that is located closer to the lifted portion 2e than the roller-equipped leg 3a and is separated from the floor surface F when the lifted portion 2e of the tabletop 2 is lifted.

[0083] In the fixture with a top plate 1 of this embodiment, when the worker is not lifting the liftable portion 2e of the top plate 2, the adjustable legs 3b are in contact with the floor surface F, thus preventing the fixture with a top plate 1 from being moved with weak force. Furthermore, in the fixture with a top plate 1 of this embodiment, when the worker lifts the liftable portion 2e of the top plate 2, the adjustable legs 3b are separated from the floor surface F, and the rollers 11 of the roller-equipped legs 3a come into contact with the floor surface F, allowing the fixture with a top plate 1 to be easily moved.

[0084] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The shapes and combinations of the various components shown in the above embodiments are examples, and can be modified in various ways based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085] For example, the above embodiment employs a configuration comprising two roller-equipped legs 3a and two adjustable legs 3b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the tabletop-equipped fixture 1 of the above embodiment. For example, as shown in this figure, it is also possible to employ a configuration comprising one roller-equipped leg 3a and one adjustable leg 3b. In such a case, for example, multiple rollers may be provided on one roller-equipped leg 3a. Also, for example, multiple adjusters may be provided on one adjustable leg 3b.

[0086] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing another modification of the tabletop furniture unit 1 of the above embodiment. As shown in this figure, it is also possible to make all the legs 3 adjustable legs 3b. In such a case, for example, two workers can move the tabletop furniture unit 1 by lifting it. Even in such a case, all the beams 4 are provided with an outer curved surface 32 and an inner flat surface 33, similar to the gripping beam 4a, so that no worker feels any discomfort in their palm H1.

[0087] Furthermore, the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the gripping beam 4a and the other beams 4 are formed in the same shape. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the other beams 4 may have a different shape from the gripping beam 4a.

[0088] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a configuration in which the separating leg is an adjustable leg 3b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to use a leg without an adjuster 21 as the separating leg.

[0089] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a configuration in which the gripping beam 4a is provided with other beams 4. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the gripping beam 4a is provided with other beams 4.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration in which one of the beams is a gripping beam 4a was described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the connecting member 5.

[0091] As shown in this figure, the arm portion 52 of the connecting member 5 may be formed to have an outer curved surface 52a that is curved in the same way as the outer curved surface 32 of the above embodiment, and an inner surface 52b that is directed inward of the fixture body 100, similar to the inner surface 33 of the above embodiment. In this case, the arm portion 52 functions as a grippable main body portion, and the upper piece portion 51 functions as the extension portion of the above embodiment. Even with this configuration, it is possible to prevent the worker gripping the arm portion 52 from feeling any discomfort. Therefore, the connecting member 5 can be used as a gripping portion for fixtures.

[0092] Furthermore, the above embodiment described a configuration in which the gripping part for fixtures is used on a fixture with a top plate 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The gripping part for fixtures of the present invention can also be attached to fixtures other than fixtures with a top plate, as long as it is attached to the lower surface of the fixture body. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1... Fixture with top plate, 2... Top plate, 2a... Top surface, 2b... Side, 2c... Long side, 2d... Short side, 2e... Lifting target part, 2f... Bottom surface, 3... Leg body, 3a... Leg body with roller, 3b... Leg body with adjuster, 4... Beam, 4a... Gripping beam (gripping part for fixture), 5... Connecting member, 10... Leg body main part, 11... Roller, 20... Leg body main part, 21... Adjuster, 30... Main body part, 31... Extended piece part, 32... Outer curved surface, 32a... Upper part, 32b... Lower part, 33... Inner plane, 34... Corner, 35... Top surface, 40... First plate member, 40a... Front wall, 40b... Rear wall, 40c... Upper wall, 41... Second plate member, 41a... Vertical wall, 41b... Contact wall (contact part), 41c... Connecting wall, 42... Boundary, 50... Base, 51... Upper piece, 52... Arm, 53... Leg connection part, 100... Fixture body, F... Floor surface, H1... Palm, H2... Finger joint

Claims

1. A gripping part for the fixture that is attached to the lower surface of the fixture body, A grippable main body portion is provided, which has an outer curved surface that curves from a horizontally oriented upper part to a downwardly oriented lower part, with the space between the upper and lower parts curving in a bulge, and an inner plane that is connected to the lower part of the outer curved surface and is oriented horizontally in the direction opposite to the direction in which the upper part of the outer curved surface is oriented, An extension piece extends horizontally from the main body portion, with the inner plane facing it, and is fixable to the fixture body portion, A gripping part for furniture, characterized by comprising the following features.

2. The main body is, The first plate member having the aforementioned outer curved surface, A second plate member is provided with at least a portion of the inner plane and is joined to the first plate member, A gripping part for furniture according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the above.

3. The gripping part for furniture according to claim 2, characterized in that the second plate member has a contact portion that contacts the first plate member from the back side of the outer curved surface.

4. The gripping portion for furniture according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the boundary between the first plate member and the second plate member is positioned to overlap with the inner plane when viewed from the direction normal to the inner plane.

5. The furniture body comprises a top plate and legs that support the top plate and are both grounded to the floor, A gripping portion for furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is provided on the lower surface of the top plate, A display unit with a tabletop, characterized by having the following features.

6. The aforementioned top plate has a portion, including its outer edge, that is designated as the part to be lifted. The aforementioned gripping portion for the fixture is provided on the lower surface of the portion to be lifted. The fixture with a top plate according to claim 5.

7. The fixture body is characterized in that it comprises, as legs, a roller-equipped leg having a roller that makes contact with the floor surface while the lifted portion of the top plate is lifted, and a separation leg positioned closer to the lifted portion than the roller-equipped leg and separated from the floor surface while the lifted portion of the top plate is lifted, as the fixture with a top plate according to claim 6.

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