Display unit with tabletop

Abstract

The aim is to overcome the challenge of achieving both aesthetic beauty and enhanced functionality. [Solution] The fixture Z with a top panel is equipped with multiple top panels 1, 2, and 3 arranged at different heights, and has overlapping regions 11 and 12 in which a part of a specific top panel 1 and parts of adjacent top panels 2 and 3 overlap with a certain height space between them. Power outlets 4 and 5 are provided in these overlapping regions 11 and 12. Power outlets 4 and 5 are provided, for example, on the underside of top panels 1 and 3 located above the overlapping areas 11 and 12.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a furniture with a tabletop suitable for large tables and the like used in a lounge.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, in large-scale offices and the like, a layout in which the lounge area is at the center of the space has been attracting attention. However, in such a layout, the furniture at the center often emphasizes the aesthetic appearance and is rarely stored neatly.

[0003] However, few of the conventional storage furniture consider the convenience and functionality such as power outlets.

[0004] On the other hand, among the industrially produced furniture, there are some with excellent appearance and functionality (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). However, many of the conventional office furniture have a fixed tabletop height, and further creative ideas are desired when pursuing the aesthetic appearance.

Prior Art Documents

[0008] The furniture with a tabletop according to claim 2 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, and the power outlet is provided on the underside of the tabletop located above the overlapping region.

[0009] The fixture with a top plate according to claim 3 is based on the configuration described in claim 2, wherein the power outlet is provided on the underside of the top plate located above the overlapping region, and the upper surface of the bottom top plate is a continuous flat surface without any protrusions or recesses.

[0010] The furniture with a tabletop according to claim 4 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, and the power outlet is provided on the lower surface of the tabletop located above the overlap area, or on the upper surface of the tabletop located below the overlap area, so as to correspond to the line of sight of a user sitting in a chair.

[0011] The furniture with a tabletop according to claim 5 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, and the power outlet is positioned so that it is visible from the eye level of a user sitting in a chair, but difficult to see from the eye level of a user standing.

[0012] The fixture with a tabletop according to claim 6 is based on the configuration described in claim 1, and the plurality of tabletops are made up of a main tabletop that is self-supporting and a secondary tabletop that is connected to and supported by the main tabletop via connecting fittings.

[0013] The fixture with a top plate according to claim 7 is based on the configuration described in claim 6, wherein the edge of the auxiliary top plate is made substantially arc-shaped, and the connecting fittings are made to contact the edge at least at two points.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain a high level of aesthetic appearance by using a plurality of top plates with different heights, and it is also possible to improve functionality such as the arrangement of power outlets without impairing the aesthetic appearance, and it is possible to provide a furniture with a top plate. <000006O>

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Plan view of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Bottom view of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Front view of the embodiment. [[ID=Z5]] [Figure 5] Right side view of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Left side view of the embodiment. [[ID=T0]] [Figure 7] Perspective view showing the embodiment with the top plate omitted. [Figure 8] Perspective view observed from diagonally below of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Schematic perspective view showing an enlarged main part of the P part in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] View Q showing the first overlap region 11 in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] Exploded perspective view showing the first overlap region 11 disassembled. [Figure 13] View R showing the second overlap region 12 in FIG. 9. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] Exploded perspective view showing the second overlap region 12 disassembled.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15.

[0017] The furniture unit Z with a tabletop according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of tabletops 1, 2, and 3 arranged at different heights, and has overlapping regions 11 and 12 in which a part of a particular tabletop 1 and parts of adjacent tabletops 2 and 3 are arranged to overlap with a certain height space between them. Power outlets 4 and 5 are provided in each of these overlapping regions 11 and 12, respectively.

[0018] In other words, the fixture Z with a top plate in this embodiment comprises a main top plate 1, a first auxiliary top plate 2 connected to and supported by the main top plate 1 via a first connecting fitting 13, and a second auxiliary top plate 3 connected to and supported by the main top plate 1 via a second connecting fitting 14. A first overlap region 11 is formed between a part of the main top plate 1 and a part of the first auxiliary top plate 2, and a second overlap region 12 is formed between a part of the main top plate 1 and a part of the second auxiliary top plate 3.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the entire fixture with a top panel Z, showing that power outlets 4 and 5 are located in the first and second overlapping regions 11 and 12 formed between multiple top panels 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Figure 2 is a plan view of the fixture with a top panel Z, showing that the aforementioned first and second overlapping regions 11 and 12 are each decorated with a pattern. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the same fixture. In these drawings 2 and 3, multiple top panels 1, 2, and 3 are arranged with some overlap to form the first overlapping regions 11 and 12. Figure 4 is a front view of the fixture with a top panel Z, Figure 5 is a right side view, Figure 6 is a left side view, Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the framework with top panels 1, 2, and 3 indicated by dashed lines, and Figure 8 is a perspective view from below with some parts omitted. Figure 9 shows the main parts extracted from Figure 8, with only the first and second connecting fittings 13 and 14 shown as solid lines.

[0020] As shown in these drawings, the main tabletop 1 is approximately oval in shape in plan view and has an outer edge 1c formed by smoothly continuing arcuate surfaces of different radii of curvature. The main tabletop 1 is configured to stand independently on the floor surface by means of a tabletop support frame 15 fixed to the lower surface 1b and a pair of legs 16 that support both longitudinal ends of the tabletop support frame 15.

[0021] The tabletop support frame 15 is a rectangular pipe-shaped structure, fastened to the underside 1b of the main tabletop 1 using bolts (not shown). The leg body 16 is a plate-shaped structure curved in an arc in the thickness direction, and a horizontal frame and support column (not shown) connected to the tabletop support frame 15 are incorporated inside the cover 16a.

[0022] Furthermore, the first auxiliary tabletop 2 is approximately oval in shape when viewed from above, and has an outer edge 2c formed by smoothly continuing arcuate surfaces of different radii of curvature. The first auxiliary tabletop 2 is equipped with a tabletop support frame 25 fixed to its lower surface 2b, and a single leg 26 that supports one end of the tabletop support frame 25 in the longitudinal direction. The other end of the tabletop 2 is connected to and supported by the main tabletop 1 via a first connecting fitting 13 located near the first overlapping region 11.

[0023] The tabletop support frame 25 is a rectangular prism-shaped pipe and is fastened to the lower surface 2b of the first auxiliary tabletop 2 using bolts (not shown). The leg body 26 is a plate-shaped structure that is curved in an arc in the thickness direction, and incorporates horizontal frames and supports (not shown) connected to the tabletop support frame 25 within the cover 26a.

[0024] Furthermore, the second auxiliary tabletop 3 is approximately triangular in plan view and has an outer edge 3c formed by smoothly continuous arcuate surfaces of different radii of curvature. The second auxiliary tabletop 3 is supported on the floor by a single leg 36 fixed to its lower surface 3b via a tabletop support bracket 35, and a portion of the tabletop 3 is connected to and supported by the main tabletop 1 via a second connecting fitting 14 located near the second overlapping region 12.

[0025] The tabletop support bracket 35 is plate-shaped and is fastened to the lower surface 3b of the second auxiliary tabletop 3 using bolts or the like (not shown). The leg body 36 is a plate-shaped structure that is curved in an arc in the thickness direction, and a support column or the like (not shown) connected to the tabletop support bracket 35 is incorporated inside the cover 36a.

[0026] The first overlapping region 11 is the region where the main top plate 1 and the first subordinate top plate 2 overlap in a plan view, and a certain height space is formed between the lower surface 1b of the main top plate 1 and the upper surface 2a of the first subordinate top plate 2. The height dimension of the space formed in the first overlapping region 11 should be at least large enough to accommodate a power outlet 4.

[0027] Furthermore, the second overlapping region 12 is the area where the main top plate 1 and the second subordinate top plate 3 overlap in a plan view, and a certain height space is formed between the upper surface 1a of the main top plate 1 and the lower surface 3b of the second subordinate top plate 3. The height dimension of the space formed in the second overlapping region 12 can be freely set, as long as it is at least large enough to accommodate a power outlet 5.

[0028] Power outlets 4 and 5 are standard outlets with plug insertion slots on their outer end faces, and are provided on the undersides of top panels 1 and 3 located above each of the overlapping regions 11 and 12. Specifically, in the first overlapping region 11, power outlet 4 is attached to the underside 1b of the main top panel 1 located above via a bracket 41, and in the second overlapping region 12, power outlet 5 is attached to the underside 3b of the second subordinate top panel 3 located above via a bracket 51. Note that power outlets 4 and 5 may be replaced with outlets equipped with USB ports such as USB Type-C instead of standard outlets.

[0029] However, these power outlets 4 and 5 are located on the underside of the tabletops 1 and 3, which are positioned above the overlap areas 11 and 12, so as to be at eye level for a user seated in a chair. Furthermore, these power outlets 4 and 5 are positioned so that they are visible from the eye level of a user seated in a chair, but difficult to see from the eye level of a user standing.

[0030] In this fixture with a tabletop Z, the secondary tabletops 2 and 3 are connected to and supported by the self-supporting main tabletop 1 by first and second connecting fittings 13 and 14, which are arranged to correspond to the respective overlapping areas 11 and 12.

[0031] These first and second connecting fittings 13 and 14 each consist of a pair of horizontal mounting plates 13a and 14a fixed to the main top plate 1, vertical plates 13b and 14b extending vertically from the inner edge of these mounting plates 13a, and a pair of horizontal mounting plates 13c and 14c extending horizontally from the extended ends of these vertical plates 13b and 14b and fixed to the lower surfaces 2b of the subordinate top plates 2 and 3. They are integrally formed using sheet metal material. Further details will be provided below.

[0032] The connecting fitting 13, located on the side of the first overlapping region 11, connects and supports the first subordinate top plate 2, which cannot stand on its own, to the main top plate 1, which is self-supporting (see Figures 10 to 12). This connecting fitting 13 comprises a mounting plate 13a fixed to the lower surface 1b of the main top plate 1, a mounting plate 13c fixed to the lower surface 2b of the first subordinate top plate 2, and a vertical plate 13b that connects these mounting plates 13a and 13c in the vertical direction, with the vertical plate 13b curved in the thickness direction.

[0033] To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, the outer edge 2c of the lower top plate 2 is roughly arc-shaped, so the vertical plate 13b arranged along the outer edge 2c of the lower top plate 2 is also curved in a roughly arc shape. However, since the outer edge 2c of the lower top plate 2 is actually a smooth continuation of arc-shaped surfaces with strictly different radii of curvature, excessive precision control is required to ensure that the vertical plate 13b is tightly fitted to this outer edge 2c without any gaps. Therefore, in this embodiment, only two points p1 and p2 located at the left and right ends of the vertical plate 13b in a plan view are in contact with the outer edge 2c of the top plate 2, and a gap q is formed between the outer edge 2c of the top plate 2 and the vertical plate 13b of the connecting fitting 13 in all other areas (see Figure 11).

[0034] The connecting fitting 14, which is positioned on the side of the second overlapping region 12, connects and supports the second subordinate top plate 3 to the self-supporting main top plate 1 (see Figures 13 to 15). As shown in Figures 13 to 15, this connecting fitting 13 comprises a mounting plate 14a fixed to the lower surface 1b of the main top plate 1, a mounting plate 14c fixed to the lower surface 3b of the second subordinate top plate 3, and a vertical plate 14b that connects these mounting plates 14a and 14c in the vertical direction, with the vertical plate 14b curved in the thickness direction.

[0035] To explain in more detail, in this embodiment, the outer edge 1c of the lower top plate 1 is roughly arc-shaped, so the vertical plate 14b arranged along the outer edge 1c of the lower top plate 1 is also curved in a roughly arc shape. However, since the outer edge 1c of the lower top plate 1 is actually a smooth continuation of arc-shaped surfaces with strictly different radii of curvature, excessive precision control is required to ensure that the vertical plate 14b is tightly fitted to this outer edge 1c without any gaps. Therefore, in this embodiment, only two points s1 and s2 located at the left and right ends of the vertical plate 14b in a plan view are in contact with the outer edge 1c of the top plate 1, and a gap t is formed between the outer edge 1c of the top plate 1 and the vertical plate 14b of the connecting fitting 14 in the other areas (see Figure 14).

[0036] However, in this fixture with a top plate, the outer edges 1c and 2c of the lower top plates 1 and 2 in each overlapping region 11 and 12 are roughly arc-shaped, and the vertical plates 13b and 14b of the connecting fittings 13 and 14 are curved in a roughly arc shape along the outer edges 1c and 2c of the top plates 1 and 2. The connecting fittings 13 and 14 are positioned by bringing at least two points p1, p2, s1, and s2 of the vertical plates 13b and 14b of the connecting fittings 13 and 14 into contact with the outer edges 1c and 2c of the lower top plates 1 and 2, which are roughly arc-shaped.

[0037] With a fixture Z having a tabletop configured in this way, multiple tabletops 1, 2, and 3 of different heights are arranged in a partially overlapping manner, making it easy to create a three-dimensional form without relying on custom construction, and allowing for a wider variety of shapes compared to flat tables, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, since these overlapping regions 11 and 12 have a certain height, equipment to enhance functionality can be placed in that space. In this invention, at least power outlets 4 and 5 are placed in these overlapping regions 11 and 12. As a result, convenience for users of each of the top panels 1, 2, and 3 is greatly improved.

[0039] There are various ways in which power outlets 4 and 5 can be provided in the overlapping areas 11 and 12, but as in this embodiment, by arranging power outlets 4 and 5 on the lower surfaces 1b and 3b of the top plates 1 and 3 located above the overlapping areas 11 and 12, it becomes possible to extend the upper surfaces 1a and 2a of the lower top plates 1 and 2 to the overlapping areas 11 and 12, thereby easily expanding the effective area of ​​the top plates 1 and 2 and improving usability. In other words, with this configuration, the upper surfaces 1a and 2a of the lower top plates 1 and 2 can be made into continuous flat surfaces without protrusions or recesses, making it possible to use virtually the entire upper surface area of ​​the top plates 1 and 2.

[0040] Furthermore, considering the line of sight of a user seated in a chair, the power outlets 4 and 5 could be positioned to correspond to that line of sight on either the lower surfaces 1b and 3b of the upper top panels 1 and 3 of the overlapping areas 11 and 12, or on the upper surfaces 1a and 2a of the lower top panels 1 and 2. However, in this embodiment, the power outlets 4 and 5 are positioned so that they are visible from the line of sight of a user seated in a chair, but difficult to see from the line of sight of a user standing. As a result, the power outlets 4 and 5 do not stand out unnecessarily, and convenience can be ensured without creating an excessive sense of functional clutter.

[0041] Furthermore, since the system uses multiple tabletops 1, 2, and 3, consisting of a self-supporting main tabletop 1 and secondary tabletops 2 and 3 connected to and supported by the main tabletop 1 via connecting fittings 13 and 14, the number of components such as the legs 16, 26, and 36 that support the tabletops 1, 2, and 3 can be minimized. As a result, not only can the number of parts be reduced, but a superior tabletop-equipped furniture Z can be provided that does not give a complicated impression even when a large-scale design is performed. In addition, by making the secondary tabletops 2 and 3 dependent on the self-supporting main tabletop 1 in this way, it is also possible to create a wide legroom on the secondary tabletops 2 and 3.

[0042] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit.

[0043] The illustrated embodiment describes a configuration combining three tabletops, but it may also consist of two or more connected tabletops. In that case, it is not necessary for all tabletops to overlap; it is sufficient that an overlapping region is formed between at least two tabletops.

[0044] Furthermore, even when multiple overlapping regions are formed, it is not necessary to provide power outlets in all of them.

[0045] Furthermore, the types of power outlets are not limited to those shown in the illustration; various types can be used.

[0046] Furthermore, although the illustrated embodiment describes a case in which two subordinate tabletops are connected and supported by a single self-supporting main tabletop, the self-supporting main tabletop does not necessarily have to be a single unit and can be modified in various ways.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical plate of the connecting fitting was described as being curved in a roughly arc shape in plan view to correspond to the outer edge of the top plate, but the vertical plate can also be bent in a zigzag pattern or curved in a corrugated shape in plan view.

[0048] Furthermore, in a structure where the vertical plate of the connecting fitting is curved in a roughly arc shape in plan view to correspond to the outer edge of the top plate, as shown in the illustrated example, if only the left and right ends of the vertical plate are made to abut against the outer edge of the top plate, the connecting fitting can be positioned relative to the top plate without excessively increasing the processing precision of the connecting fitting.

[0049] Furthermore, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] Z... Display unit with tabletop 1…Main tabletop 2…First subordinate top plate 3…Second auxiliary top plate 4…Power outlet 5…Power outlet 11…First overlapping region 12…Second overlapping region 13…First connecting fitting 13b…Vertical board 14…Second connecting fitting 14b…Vertical board

Claims

1. A fixture with tabletops comprising multiple tabletops arranged at different heights, wherein a portion of a particular tabletop and a portion of an adjacent tabletop are arranged to overlap with a certain height space between them, and having an overlapping region, A fixture with a top panel and a power outlet located in the overlapping area.

2. The fixture with a tabletop according to claim 1, wherein the power outlet is provided on the underside of the tabletop located above the overlapping region.

3. The fixture with a tabletop according to claim 2, wherein the power outlet is provided on the underside of the tabletop located above the overlapping region, and the upper surface of the tabletop located below is a continuous flat surface without any protrusions or recesses.

4. The furniture with a tabletop according to claim 1, wherein the power outlet is provided on the underside of the tabletop located above the overlapping region, or on the upper surface of the tabletop located below the overlapping region, so as to correspond to the eye level of a user seated in a chair.

5. The furniture with a tabletop according to claim 1, wherein the power outlet is positioned so that it is visible from the eye level of a user sitting in a chair, but difficult to see from the eye level of a user standing.

6. The furniture with tabletops according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of tabletops consist of a main tabletop that is self-supporting and a secondary tabletop that is connected to and supported by the main tabletop via connecting fittings.

7. The fixture with a tabletop according to claim 6, wherein the edge of the subordinate tabletop is substantially arc-shaped, and the connecting fitting abuts against the edge at at least two points.

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