Mobile table system

Abstract

The objective is to provide a mobile table system that is easy to move and offers excellent space-saving features when not in use. [Solution] The mobile table system 1 mainly consists of a table section 2, a chair section 3, and a base plate section 4. The chair section 3 is integrated with the table section 2 via an arm section 5. The arm section 5 is pivotally supported so that the chair section 3 can rotate horizontally between a storage position where it is stored directly beneath the tabletop 21 of the table section 2 and a usage position where it is pulled out from the tabletop 21. Furthermore, caster sections 7 are evenly arranged on the bottom surface of the base plate section 4 to keep the table section 2 horizontal, making it possible to easily move the integrated table section 2 and chair section 3 to any location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile table system. More specifically, it relates to a mobile table system in which a table and a chair are integrated, which is easy to move and has excellent space-saving performance when not in use.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a dining set or an office set consisting of a table and a chair, it is composed of a single table having its own legs on the tabletop and a single chair, and these table and chair are used as a set in a separated state.

[0003] For example, in Patent Document 1, it is composed of a fixed dining table and a plurality of chairs. When there are extra chairs that are not used, the extra chairs can be stored in a state where the seat plate portion is inserted under the tabletop of the table, and the seat surface of the stored seat plate can be used as a temporary storage place for small items. A dining set is disclosed.

[0004] Also, in Patent Document 2, it is office furniture composed of a fixed table and a chair having a substantially cubic shape and having casters at the bottom for easy movement. A plurality of such chairs are arranged around the desk, and office furniture for multiple people to use is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, in dining rooms where dining tables are used, there is a desire to change the dining location depending on the mood of the users or the weather on any given day. Similarly, in offices, there is a desire to freely change the layout according to the mood of the employees or the content and participants of the meetings, rather than having employees' seats and meeting places fixed for daily work.

[0007] However, the dining set disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a table and chairs that are separate, so moving such a dining table requires the cooperation of multiple people and considerable effort. Similarly, the office furniture disclosed in Patent Document 2 also has a table and chairs that are separate, so each needs to be moved by multiple people. Although the chairs disclosed in Patent Document 2 have casters, making them easy to move, their versatility means they are often moved and used in various locations within a room, which can lead to the problem of chairs being scattered around the room and getting in the way.

[0008] This invention was conceived in view of the above points, and aims to provide a mobile table system that integrates a table and chairs, which is easy to move and has excellent space-saving properties when not in use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To achieve the above objective, the mobile table system of the present invention comprises a table section having a tabletop and a plurality of legs suspended downward from the tabletop and evenly spaced to keep the tabletop horizontal; a base plate section fixed to the lower ends of the legs and provided opposite the tabletop; at least one chair section having a seat plate and a support column suspended downward from the seat plate; an arm section, one end of which is pivotally supported at a predetermined position on the base plate and the other end of which is pivotally supported on the support column, and which is capable of rotating horizontally between a storage position where the seat plate is located directly below the tabletop and a usage position where the seat plate is pulled out outward relative to the tabletop; and a plurality of caster sections evenly spaced at predetermined positions on the base plate so as to keep the table section horizontal.

[0010] Here, the mobile table system has a table section with a tabletop and legs, so that tableware for meals and documents for meetings can be placed on the tabletop. Furthermore, it can be used not only for meals and meetings, but also as a work table for writing and other tasks.

[0011] Furthermore, by providing a base plate fixed to the lower end of the legs and positioned opposite the tabletop, the arm portion that supports the chair portion, as described later, can be fixed to the base plate. In addition, since the base plate is fixed to the lower end of the legs so as to face the tabletop, the strength of the table portion can be increased.

[0012] Furthermore, by providing at least one chair section having a seat board and support columns suspended downward from the seat board, the user can sit on the chair section and eat, hold meetings, or work.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing an arm section with one end pivotally supported at a predetermined position on the base plate and the other end pivotally supported by a support column, the table section and the chair section can be integrated via the arm section. Consequently, the entire system becomes compact and can be installed in limited spaces, and the chair section will not be scattered around the room.

[0014] Furthermore, the armrest can rotate horizontally between a storage position where the seat is directly below the tabletop and a usage position where the seat is extended outward relative to the tabletop. This allows the chair to be stored in the storage position directly below the tabletop when not in use, and to be set in the usage position by rotating it outward from the storage position when in use.

[0015] Furthermore, by providing multiple casters evenly spaced at predetermined positions on the base plate to maintain a horizontal position, the mobile table system can be easily moved by one person. Therefore, for example, when using the mobile table system as a dining table, it can be easily moved to a preferred location depending on one's mood or the weather, allowing for convenient dining.

[0016] Furthermore, if the arm portion has a locking mechanism that includes a locking pin engagement hole formed at a predetermined position, and a first locking pin and a second locking pin installed at a predetermined position on the base plate portion and capable of protruding into and retracting into the locking pin engagement hole, the arm portion can be reliably locked or unlocked at any position with a simple configuration.

[0017] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is configured such that when the seat plate is in the stored position, the first locking pin retracts into the locking pin engagement hole, creating a locked state. When an external force exceeding a preset value acts horizontally on the arm portion from the locked state, the engagement of the first locking pin with the locking pin engagement hole is released, allowing the arm portion to rotate horizontally from the stored position to the usage position. When the arm portion rotates to the usage position, the second locking pin retracts into the locking pin engagement hole, creating a locked state. In this configuration, the seat plate can be securely locked in both the stored and usage positions.

[0018] Furthermore, when moving the mobile table system, the seat plate can be locked in the stored position by engaging the lock pin engagement hole in the arm section with the first lock pin in the base plate section. This prevents the seat plate from spreading outward when moving the mobile table system, reducing the risk of collisions between the chair and surrounding objects or people, and thus enhancing safety during movement.

[0019] On the other hand, when the user is seated on the seat plate to eat or work, applying a predetermined external force to the arm section rotates the seat plate, and engaging the lock pin engagement hole in the arm section with the second lock pin in the base plate section locks the seat plate in the usage position. This prevents the seat plate from rotating unintentionally horizontally during use, thereby increasing safety during use.

[0020] Furthermore, if the base plate is roughly H-shaped or I-shaped in plan view, composed of a first and second member to which the legs are fixed and arranged opposite each other, and a third member installed between the first and second members, the rigidity of the base plate can be increased. In addition, the range of motion of the arm can be ensured by pivotally supporting the arm on the first or second member.

[0021] Furthermore, if cushioning material is interposed between the arm and the base plate, it prevents the base plate from being damaged by rotational friction when the arm rotates, allowing the arm to rotate more smoothly.

[0022] In addition, the support column of the chair part is composed of an upper support column connected to the seat plate and a lower support column connected to the upper support column via an elastic member. When no load acts on the seat plate, the lower support column is positioned at a height spaced upward from the installation surface. When a vertically downward load acts on the seat plate, for example, when the chair part is not in use and no load acts on the seat plate, since the lower support column is positioned at a height spaced upward from the installation surface, the chair part can be smoothly rotated to the storage position. Further, when moving the mobile table system, since the lower support column does not contact the floor surface, smooth movement can be achieved.

[0023] On the other hand, when the chair part is pulled out outward and the user sits on the seat plate of the chair part and a vertically downward load acts on the seat plate, the upper support column presses the elastic member downward, causing the lower support column to move downward and contact the floor surface. As a result, the load acting on the seat plate when the user sits is supported by the entire support column, preventing damage to the chair part and allowing the user to maintain a stable sitting state.

Effects of the Invention

[0024] The mobile table system according to the present invention integrates a table and a chair, is easy to move, and has excellent space-saving properties when not in use.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a mobile table system according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the storage state and (b) shows the use state. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing a mobile table system according to an embodiment of the present invention, where (a) shows the storage state and (b) shows the use state. [[ID=​​​This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the arm portion and the base plate portion of a mobile table system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] The following describes a mobile table system according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. In each drawing, for the sake of explanation, when the mobile table system is installed on the installation surface (floor), the direction moving upward is defined as the upward direction, the direction opposite to the upward direction is defined as the downward direction, the axis represented by the upward and downward directions is defined as the vertical axis, and the axis perpendicular to the vertical axis is defined as the horizontal axis.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 show a mobile table system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The mobile table system 1 can be used, for example, as a dining table for eating, and consists of a table section 2 having a tabletop 21 and legs 22 that support the tabletop 21, and a chair section 3 having a seat 31 and support columns 32 that support the seat 31, all integrated together. The detailed structure of the mobile table system 1 will be described below.

[0028] In the following embodiments, a dining table will be used as an example of the mobile table system 1, but the use of the mobile table system 1 is not particularly limited, and it can also be used as office furniture for meetings, for example.

[0029] [Table section] As described above, the table section 2 consists of a tabletop 21 and legs 22. The table section 2 is, for example, a plate-like body that is roughly rectangular in plan view, and the tabletop 21 has sufficient length and width to allow for the placement of tableware and other items when eating. The corners of the tabletop 21 are rounded or otherwise processed to make it suitable for normal use. The material of the tabletop 21 is not particularly limited and may be made of various materials, including wood and metal materials such as iron. The shape of the table section 2 is not limited to a roughly rectangular shape, but can also be square, polygonal, or circular. A storage platform 23 for temporarily placing luggage, tableware, etc. may be installed directly below the tabletop 21.

[0030] The legs 22 are arranged to extend from the underside of the top plate 21 toward the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, which will be described later. A pair of legs are installed facing each other at both ends of the top plate 21 in the longitudinal direction and approximately in the center in the short direction, so that the top plate 21 and the bottom plate 4 are parallel to the floor surface.

[0031] The material of the legs 22 is not particularly limited, but using the same material as the tabletop 21 is aesthetically pleasing. The height of the legs 22 should be set so as not to hinder the insertion and removal of the chair 3 (described later), and to be a suitable length for a person seated in the chair 3 (for example, 70-80 cm). Furthermore, the form of the legs 22 may be, for example, a total of four square pillars placed at the four corners on the underside of the tabletop 21.

[0032] [Bottom plate] The base plate portion 4 is provided opposite the top plate and consists of a first member 41 and a second member 42 to which the lower ends of the leg portions 22 are fixed, and a third member 43 that connects the first member 41 and the second member 42. In plan view, it is a plate-like body that is roughly H-shaped or roughly I-shaped. One end of the arm portion 5 that supports the chair portion 3, which will be described later, is fixed to the first member 41 of the base plate portion 4. In this embodiment of the present invention, the first member 41 is configured to be longer than the second member 42, but the first member 41 and the second member 42 may be configured to be the same length.

[0033] Here, the base plate portion 4 does not necessarily have to be constructed in a roughly H-shape or roughly I-shape in plan view by the first member 41, the second member 42, and the third member 43. For example, it may be constructed only by the first member 41 and the second member 42 that fix the bottom surface of the leg portion 22. However, by being constructed in a roughly H-shape or roughly I-shape in plan view, the strength of the base plate portion 4 can be increased, and the strength of the table portion 2 can also be increased. In particular, as will be described later, the arm portion 5 that supports the chair portion 3 is pivotally supported on the first member 41, and by increasing the strength of the base plate portion 4, damage to the base plate portion 4 due to the repeated rotational movement of the arm portion 5 can be prevented.

[0034] While the material of the base plate 4 is not particularly limited, it is preferable to use a metal-based material rather than wood from the standpoint of increasing strength.

[0035] [Chair section] The chair section 3 is designed to allow a user to sit on it, and a pair of chair sections 3 are installed on either side of the tabletop 21. Each chair section 3 consists of a seat plate 31 located below the tabletop 21, and support columns 32 extending from the underside of the seat plate 31 toward the floor. Armrests and backrests may be installed on the chair section 3 as needed.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the support column 32 of the chair section 3 consists of an upper support column 321 connected to the seat plate 31 and a lower support column 322 that can be installed on the floor. The upper support column 321 is inserted into a bottomed support tube 323 that opens upward via a spring 324, and the lower support column 322 is positioned on the bottom surface of the support tube 34. The lower support column 322 can be made of, for example, a screw-type adjustment mechanism, and by rotating the screw in the tightening or loosening direction, the height position of the lower support column 322 can be changed, thereby extending or retracting the overall length of the support column 32.

[0037] Furthermore, when the chair section 3 is not in use, as shown in Figure 3(b), the biasing force of the spring 324 causes the lower support column 322 to be positioned at a height above the floor, allowing the chair section 3 to rotate smoothly to its storage position. In addition, when moving the mobile table system 1, the base section 33 does not come into contact with the floor, enabling smooth movement.

[0038] On the other hand, when the chair section 3 is pulled outward and the user sits on the seat plate 31 of the chair section 3, as shown in Figure 3(c), the upper support column 321 presses the spring 324 downward, causing the lower support column 322 to be pushed downward and come into contact with the floor. As a result, the load acting on the seat plate 31 when the user sits down is supported by the support column 32, preventing damage to the chair section 3 and allowing the user to maintain a stable seated position.

[0039] In the embodiment of the present invention, the chair section 3 has two chair sections 3 facing each other with the tabletop 21 of the table section 2 in between, but the chair sections 3 may also be installed side by side. Furthermore, it is possible to install one chair section 3, or three or more chair sections 3.

[0040] [Arm section] The arm section 5 is a long frame material, with one end pivotally supported on the first member 41 of the base plate section 4 by bolts and nuts, and the other end pivotally supported on the support column 32 of the chair section 3 by predetermined fixing means. The chair section 3 is connected to the base plate section 4 via this arm section 5, thereby integrating the table section 2 and the chair section 3. The arm section 5 can then rotate horizontally between a storage position in which the top plate 21 of the chair section 3 is stored directly beneath the top plate 21 of the table section 2, and a usage position in which it is pulled outwards for the user to sit on, using the connection point with the base plate section 4 as the pivot point.

[0041] The arm portion 5 may also be configured such that one arm portion 5 supporting one of the chair portions 3 is pivotally supported by the first member 41, and the other chair portion 3 is pivotally supported by the second member 42.

[0042] Furthermore, a cushioning material, such as a smooth polymer polyethylene, may be installed on the base plate 4 over the entire range of rotation of the arm portion 5. By interposing the cushioning material between the arm portion 5 and the base plate 4, damage to the base plate 4 and the arm portion 5 due to friction when the arm portion 5 rotates can be prevented.

[0043] The arm section 5 has a locking mechanism 6 for fixing the chair section 3 in both the storage position and the usage position. The locking mechanism 6 consists of a lock pin engagement hole 63 formed on the pivot axis side of the arm section 5, and a first lock pin 61 and a second lock pin 62 provided on the bottom plate section 4, which are capable of protruding into and retracting into the lock pin engagement hole 63 formed in the arm section 5.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the first lock pin 61 and the second lock pin 62 are configured to move downward when a certain external force is applied, from a state in which they are constantly biased upward (protruding direction) by the spring 64. When the chair part 3 is in the stored position, the first lock pin 61 retracts into the lock pin engagement hole 63 of the arm part 5, restricting the rotation of the arm part 5 (locked state). Therefore, when moving the mobile table system 1 to a predetermined position, the chair part 3 will not unintentionally rotate outward during movement, thereby increasing safety during movement.

[0045] On the other hand, when using the chair section 3 after moving the mobile table system 1 to a predetermined position, the user grasps the chair section 3 and rotates it outward. When the external force applied during rotation acts on the first lock pin 61, the engagement between the first lock pin 61 and the lock pin engagement hole 63 is released (unlocked), allowing the arm section 5 to rotate outward. Furthermore, when the second lock pin 62 retracts into the lock pin engagement hole 63 of the arm section 5, the rotation of the chair section 3 is restricted in the usage position (locked). As a result, even when the user is seated on the seat plate 31 and eating, the chair section 3 will not rotate unintentionally, thus increasing safety during use.

[0046] [Caster Department] Caster sections 7 are installed at evenly spaced positions at the four corners of the first member 41 of the base plate section 4, for sliding the mobile table system 1 along the ground. These caster sections 7 allow the mobile table system 1 to be easily moved to a predetermined position. Furthermore, the caster sections 7 can be switched between a locked state that restricts wheel rotation and an unlocked state that allows wheel rotation. This can be switched using the operation section 83, which will be described later.

[0047] [Handle section] The handle section 8 consists of a mounting jig 81 attached to the top plate 21 and a gripping section 82 that the operator holds. When moving the mobile table system 1, the operator can move the mobile table system 1 to a predetermined position by pushing, pulling, or rotating the mobile table system 1 while holding the gripping section 82.

[0048] Each wheel of the caster unit 7 and the handle unit 8 are connected via a transmission element such as a wire (not shown). By operating the control unit 83 provided on the handle unit 8, the locked and unlocked states of each wheel of the caster unit 7 can be easily switched.

[0049] Here, it is not necessarily required that the lock and unlock states of each wheel of the caster unit 7 be switched using the operating unit 83; for example, the locking mechanism provided on each wheel of the caster unit 7 may be operated. However, by switching with the operating unit 83, the user can easily switch between the locked and unlocked states with an operation at hand without changing their posture.

[0050] Furthermore, the locking mechanism for the caster wheels 7 does not necessarily have to use a wire; for example, it could be configured to switch between locked and unlocked states based on an electrical signal.

[0051] As described above, the mobile table system 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a table section 2 and a chair section 3 integrated together, and has caster sections 7 on its bottom surface, so it can be easily moved to a preferred location depending on the user's mood, the weather, etc. Furthermore, even when the mobile table system 1 is used as office furniture, it can be easily moved to a predetermined location depending on the user's mood, the content of the meeting being held, and the members. Moreover, when not in use, the chair section 3 can be stored directly under the tabletop 21 of the table section 2, so it can be installed in a space-saving manner.

[0052] In summary, the mobile table system according to the present invention is easy to move and offers excellent space-saving advantages when not in use. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1. Mobile Table System 2 Table section 21 Top plate 22 Legs 23 Storage stand 3. Chair section 31 Seat board 32 Pillar 321 Upper support column 322 Lower support column 323 Support pipe 324 Spring 4 Bottom plate part 41 First Member 42 Second Member 43 Third Member 5. Arm section 6. Locking mechanism 61 First locking pin 62 Second locking pin 63 Lock pin engagement holes 64 Spring 7. Caster section 8. Handle section 81 Mounting jig 82 Gripping part 83 Operation section

Claims

1. A table section having a top plate and a plurality of legs that are suspended downward from the top plate and are evenly spaced to keep the top plate horizontal, A bottom plate portion is fixed to the lower end of the leg portion and is provided opposite to the top plate, A seat and at least one chair section having a seat plate and a support column suspended downward from the seat plate, An arm portion is provided, with one end pivotally supported at a predetermined position on the bottom plate and the other end pivotally supported on the support column, and is capable of rotating horizontally between a storage position where the seat plate is located directly below the top plate and a usage position where the seat plate is pulled outward relative to the top plate. The table portion is provided with a plurality of casters evenly spaced at predetermined positions on the base plate so as to maintain a horizontal position. Mobile table system.

2. It has a locking mechanism for fixing the arm portion in the aforementioned storage position and the aforementioned usage position, The locking mechanism includes a lock pin engagement hole formed at a predetermined position on the arm portion, and a first lock pin and a second lock pin installed at a predetermined position on the bottom plate portion and capable of protruding into and retracting from the lock pin engagement hole. When the seat plate is in the storage position, the first lock pin is retracted into the lock pin engagement hole and locked. When an external force exceeding a preset value is applied to the arm portion horizontally from this locked state, the engagement of the first lock pin with the lock pin engagement hole is released, and the seat plate is allowed to rotate horizontally from the storage position to the usage position. When the seat plate rotates to the usage position, the second lock pin retracts into the lock pin engagement hole and locks into place. The mobile table system according to claim 1.

3. The base plate portion is approximately H-shaped or I-shaped in plan view, and is composed of a first member and a second member to which the legs are fixed and arranged opposite each other, and a third member installed between the first member and the second member. The arm portion is pivotally supported on either the first member or the second member. A mobile table system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A cushioning material is interposed between the arm portion and the base plate portion. A mobile table system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The support column of the chair section is composed of an upper support column connected to the seat plate and a lower support column connected to the upper support column via an elastic member. When no load is applied to the seat plate, the lower support column is positioned at a height that is separated upward from the mounting surface. When a vertically downward load is applied to the seat plate, the upper support column presses against the elastic member, causing the lower support column to be installed on the mounting surface. A mobile table system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

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