Furniture with tabletop and extension tabletop

Abstract

To provide a store fixture with a top board, in which a groove is formed in part along an opposite use end of the top board, that holds articles such as tablets and books to the top board at an angle suitable for each of the articles while corresponding to each of the different thicknesses, and holds articles to the top board at an inclination angle in accordance with preference.SOLUTION: A desk D that is a store fixture with a top board, in which a groove M released upward is formed in part along an opposite use end 1a of the top board 1, where the groove M includes a plurality of types of section parts M1, M2 having mutually different forms in the bottom part thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to furniture with a tabletop, such as a desk with a tabletop or a chair with a writing surface, and an extendable tabletop used for such furniture with a tabletop. [Background technology]

[0002] <000000> Traditionally, various types of furniture equipped with a tabletop have been developed, such as desks with tabletops and chairs with memo pads (tabletops).

[0003] Some of these fixtures with a top panel have a groove formed along the non-usable edge of the top panel, which opens upwards. This groove is used to hold books or tablets upright, but conventional grooves have a simple shape with a single opening width (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] Therefore, there are challenges such as difficulty in holding books of different thicknesses upright at an appropriate angle, or difficulty in holding the same tablet at a preferred tilt angle. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Baycrews Co., Ltd., “A Functional Desk That Performs Multiple Functions in One Unit | JOURNAL STANDARD FURNITURE - BAYCREW'S STORE”, [online], 2021, Baycrews Co., Ltd., [Retrieved March 25, 2022], Internet<URL: https: / / baycrews.jp / blog / detail / <3129845> [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This invention was made in view of the above, and aims to address the need to hold tablets, books, etc., at angles suitable for their respective thicknesses, and at tilt angles according to preference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is a fixture with a top plate, wherein a groove is formed in a portion of the top plate that is open upward along the non-usable edge, and the groove has a plurality of compartmentalized portions of different shapes at its bottom. The groove is arranged so that a front section and a rear section are adjacent to each other via a stepped section that forms a difference in height, and the front section is set at a lower position than the rear section, in a fixture with a top plate. .

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is, A fixture with a top plate, wherein a groove is formed along the non-usable edge of the top plate, and the groove has multiple compartments of different shapes at its bottom, and the groove has left and right side walls, and the left and right side walls are inclined to separate from each other as they move upward. That is the case.

[0009] Here, "a groove is provided on the non-usable end of the extension top plate" is a concept that includes the provision of a groove on an extension top plate provided adjacent to the non-usable end of the top plate body, and the provision of a groove on the non-usable end of an extension top plate provided so as to cover the upper part of the top plate body.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is, The tabletop comprises a tabletop body supported by legs and an extension tabletop attached to the tabletop body, and the groove is provided on the non-working end of the extension tabletop, as described in claim 1. That is the case.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is, The tabletop comprises a tabletop body supported by legs and an extension tabletop attached to the non-working end of the tabletop body, and the groove is formed between the tabletop body and the extension tabletop, as described in claim 1. That is the case.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is, The fixture with a top plate according to claim 1, wherein the left-right dimension of the later partitioned portion is set to be smaller than the left-right dimension of the earlier partitioned portion. That is the case.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is, An extension top plate having an open groove at the top and attachable to the non-use end of the top plate body, wherein the groove has multiple compartments of different shapes at its bottom, and the groove has a front compartment and a rear compartment adjacent to each other via a step that forms a height difference, and the front compartment is set lower than the rear compartment. That is the case.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is, The extended top plate according to claim 6, where the left-right dimension of the later partitioned portion is set to be smaller than the left-right dimension of the earlier partitioned portion. That is the case.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is, An extension top plate having an upwardly open groove and attachable to the non-usable end of the top plate body, wherein the groove has left and right side walls, and the left and right side walls are inclined to move further apart from each other as they extend upward. That is the case.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to meet the demand of holding tablets, books, etc. at angles suitable for each of them corresponding to different thicknesses and at an inclined angle according to preference.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] An overall perspective view showing a desk according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A front view showing the desk according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] A rear view showing the desk according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] A plan view showing the desk according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A right side view showing the desk according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] An exploded perspective view showing the desk according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] An overall perspective view showing an extended tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] A plan view showing the extended tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] A left side view showing the extended tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] A cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 8. [Figure 13] An exploded perspective view showing the extended tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] An explanatory view showing the usage mode of the groove of the tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] An explanatory view showing the usage mode of the groove of the tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] An explanatory view showing the usage mode of the groove of the tabletop according to the embodiment. [Figure 17]An explanatory diagram showing how the grooves in the top plate are used according to the same embodiment. [Figure 18] A plan view showing an extension top plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A plan view showing an extension top plate according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] A plan view showing a groove-forming member according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] This embodiment applies the present invention to a desk D, such as a school desk, which is a piece of furniture with a tabletop.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, this desk D has a tabletop 1 supported by legs 2. In this embodiment, the side of the tabletop 1 opposite the usable end 1a is referred to as the "front," and the usable end side 1b is referred to as the "rear."

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the tabletop 1 comprises a tabletop body 3 supported by a leg body 2, and an extension tabletop 4 fixed to the end of the tabletop body 3 using a fastening mechanism K. The extension tabletop 4 comprises an upper side member 41 that is attached to the upper surface 3a of the tabletop body 3, and a lower side member 42 that faces the lower surface 3b of the tabletop body 3. As shown in Figures 7 and 10 to 12, the fastening mechanism K comprises a wedge member 5 that is pressed between the lower surface 3b of the tabletop body 3 and the lower side member 42 of the extension tabletop 4.

[0028] More specifically, the tabletop body 3 is made of wood and, for example, has a rectangular shape in plan view, and is attached to the upper end of the leg body 2 as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6. The lower surface 3b of the tabletop body 3 is provided with a small storage shelf 31, etc., which is open at least on the side of the usable end 1b. The extension tabletop 4 is detachably attached to the end of the tabletop body 3 on the side opposite the usable end 1a.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7 to 13, the extension top plate 4 comprises an upper side member 41 whose upper surface 41a is continuous with the upper surface 3a of the top plate body 3 via a slight step, and whose lower surfaces 41b at both left and right ends and the lower surface 41c at the rear edge of the middle section are attached to the upper surface 3a of the top plate body 3, and a lower side member 42 facing the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3, and is integrally molded from synthetic resin or the like.

[0030] As shown in Figures 8 and 10-13, the upper side member 41 is a flat plate shape with both left and right ends extending in the direction of the usable end 1b, and as shown in Figures 9 and 13, a groove M that opens upward as described later is formed in the intermediate region. The upper side member 41 integrally includes first and second front edge hanging walls 411 and 412 hanging down from the front edge, a rear edge hanging wall 413 hanging down from the vicinity of the rear edge, and side edge hanging walls 414 hanging down from both left and right edges. The groove M is formed by the second front edge hanging wall 412, the rear edge hanging wall 413, the left and right side walls 415, and the first and second bottom walls 416 and 417. The groove M has two types of compartmentalized sections M1 and M2 at its bottom, which have different shapes. As will be described later, the first bottom wall 416 corresponds to the front compartmentalized section M1, and the second bottom wall 417 corresponds to the rear compartmentalized section M2.

[0031] As shown in Figures 8 and 10 to 13, the lower side member 42 is integrally formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right side edge hanging walls 414 and comprises an inclined wall 421 having an inclined surface that can face the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3, and a crossing wall 422 provided in a crossing manner at the front end of the inclined wall 421. The crossing wall 422 is positioned to be continuous with the aforementioned rear edge hanging wall 413 and is integrated with the upper side member 41.

[0032] 41r is a rib connecting the first and second front edge hanging walls 411 and 412. 41s is a rib connecting the side edge hanging wall 414 to the side wall 415 of the groove M. 41t is a rib connecting the first front edge hanging wall 411 and the rear edge hanging wall 413 at both left and right ends of the upper side member. 42r is a rib for reinforcing the inclined wall 421.

[0033] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the tightening mechanism K comprises a wedge member 5, a feed screw 6 for screwing the wedge member 5 in and out, and an operating part 7 for rotating the feed screw 6 to move the wedge member 5 in the press-fit or release direction. The operating part 7 is positioned in a location that is difficult to operate from the usable end 1b side of the top plate 1. Specifically, it is positioned so that it cannot be operated or even seen from the user's side when seated facing the usable end 1b of the top plate 1. In other words, the operating part 7 is positioned on the front surface of the intersecting wall 422 of the lower side member 42 so that it cannot be operated without going around to the opposite usable end 1a side of the top plate 1. In this embodiment, the operating part 7 is grip-shaped and configured so that the feed screw 6 can be rotated by directly gripping the operating part 7.

[0034] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, the lower side member 42 of the aforementioned extension top plate 4 has an inclined surface 42a that gradually rises in the direction of press-fitting (forward) of the wedge member 5. The wedge member 5 has an inclined lower surface 5a that slidably attaches to the inclined surface 42a and a horizontal upper surface 5b that faces parallel to the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3. In this embodiment, a handle portion 42k is provided on the lower surface of the lower side member 42 at the location corresponding to the wedge member 5, making it easier to grip the furniture when the extension top plate A4 is attached.

[0035] More specifically, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the tightening mechanism K is equipped with a feed screw 6 having an operating part 7 at one end, and the feed screw 6 is directly screwed into a female screw hole 5h provided in the wedge member 5. That is, the lower side member 42 is provided with a screw insertion hole 42h that diagonally penetrates the inclined wall 421 and the intersecting wall 422. The feed screw 6 inserted from the intersecting wall 422 side is exposed on the inclined surface 42a (upper surface) of the inclined wall 421 and screwed into the female screw hole 5h of the wedge member 5. The screw insertion hole 42h has an elongated cross-section that allows the feed screw 6 to move parallel in the vertical direction, and is configured so that when the wedge member 5 moves back and forth along the inclined surface 42a due to the rotation of the feed screw 6, the feed screw 6 can also move parallel in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a guide portion is provided between the lower side member 42 and the wedge member 5, which is formed by engaging a guide groove 42m extending in the front-rear direction provided on the lower side member 42 with a projection 51 that protrudes from the lower surface of the wedge member 5 and slidably engages with the guide groove 42m, in order to guide the wedge member 5 in the direction of movement.

[0036] The operation of this tightening mechanism K is as follows. First, the operating part 7 is operated to retract the wedge member 5 in the direction of the usable end 1b. As a result, the wedge member 5 descends along the inclined surface 42a, and a gap greater than the thickness of the top plate body 3 is formed between the upper surface of the wedge member 5 and the lower surface of the upper side member 41. After inserting the portion of the top plate body 3 near the non-usable end 1a into this gap, the operating part 7 is operated to advance the wedge member 5 in the press-fit direction, causing the upper surface of the wedge member 5 to be pressed against the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3, and the wedge action strongly connects the extended top plate 4 and the top plate body 3.

[0037] The extension top panel 4 is detachably attached to the non-working end 1b of the top panel body 3 using the fastening mechanism K described above, and this extension top panel 4 has grooves M formed in it that can hold books, tablets, etc., in an upright position.

[0038] In other words, as shown in Figures 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, the desk D has an upwardly opening groove M formed along the non-usable edge 1a of the tabletop 1, and the groove M has multiple compartments of different shapes at its bottom. More specifically, the groove M has a front compartment M1 and a rear compartment M2 adjacent to each other via a step that forms a difference in height, with the front compartment M1 set lower than the rear compartment M2. Furthermore, the left-right dimension of the rear compartment M2 is set smaller than the left-right dimension of the front compartment M1.

[0039] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1, 4, 6, 8, and 11, the groove M has a laterally elongated shape, formed by recessing the middle region of the upper side member 41 of the extension top plate 4 downwards. This groove M is formed between a second front edge hanging wall 412 that hangs down from the front edge of the upper side member 41 and a rear edge hanging wall 413 that hangs down from near the rear edge of the upper side member 41. Both the left and right ends are closed by side walls 415, and the lower end is closed by a first bottom wall 416 and a second bottom wall 417. The left and right side walls 415 are inclined to move further apart from each other as they move upwards. The first bottom wall 416 and the second bottom wall 417 are adjacent to each other front to back via a step portion 418 that forms a height difference, forming the aforementioned front section M1 and rear section M2. In this embodiment, the front compartment M1 is set lower than the rear compartment M2, and a discharge hole 416a for discharging waste is formed in the first bottom wall 416 that forms the front compartment M1. All corners inside the groove M have a smooth chamfered shape to prevent waste from remaining inside. The upper end connection portion of the first front edge hanging wall 411 and the second front edge hanging wall 412 located on the front side of the groove M has a raised portion 419 that rises above the upper surface 41a of the upper surface member 41, and this raised portion 419 is designed to catch books, documents, etc. placed in the groove M and prevent them from tipping forward. The height and angle of the second front edge hanging wall 412, including this raised portion 419, are set so that A3-sized documents or books placed in it do not fall over.

[0040] An example of how to place a tablet TP or book BK in groove M is shown below.

[0041] When placing a relatively thin tablet TP in the groove M, as shown in Figure 14, the tablet TP can be placed on the first bottom wall 416, so that it is positioned in the front compartment M1 and stands upright in a nearly vertical position. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15, the tablet TP can be placed on the second bottom wall 417, so that it spans both the front compartment M1 and the rear compartment M2, and stands upright in a position that is more inclined from the vertical plane than shown in Figure 14. In other words, when placing a tablet TP or the like, whose thickness is smaller than the width of the front compartment M1 (whose thickness is smaller than the depth of the first bottom wall 416), the inclination can be changed in at least two ways by selectively placing it on either the first or second bottom wall 416 or 417.

[0042] On the other hand, when placing a relatively thick book BK in the groove M, as shown in Figure 16, the book BK can be placed in surface contact with the second bottom wall 417, and the book BK can be placed upright in the groove M approximately vertically. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, the book BK can be placed in contact only with the front end of the second bottom wall 417 and in surface contact with the second front edge hanging wall 412, and the book BK can be placed upright in the groove M in a position inclined from the vertical plane. In other words, when placing a book BK or the like, whose thickness is greater than the width of the front compartment M1 (whose thickness is greater than the depth of the first bottom wall 416), the inclination can be changed by selecting the manner in which it is placed on the second bottom wall 417.

[0043] The legs 2 that support the tabletop 1, as described above, are made of ordinary pipe material, and as shown in Figures 1 to 3, 5 and 6, the tabletop 1 is fixed to a tabletop support frame 23 that connects the front leg columns 21 and the rear leg columns 22 front to back. In addition, it is equipped with a vertical frame 24 that connects the front leg columns 21 and the rear leg columns 22 near their lower ends, and a horizontal frame 25 that connects the left and right front leg columns 21 to each other. These vertical frame 24 and horizontal frame 25 are integrally constructed, for example, by bending a single pipe material.

[0044] Here, Figure 1 is an overall perspective view showing the desk D according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view thereof (viewed from the user's side, seated facing the usable end 1b). Figure 3 is a rear view thereof. Figure 4 is a top view thereof. Figure 5 is a right side view thereof. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view showing how the extension top plate 4 is attached to the main top plate body 3. Figure 7 is an overall perspective view showing the extension top plate 4 according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a top view thereof. Figure 9 is a left side view thereof. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 8. Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view along line CC in Figure 8. Note that in Figures 10 to 12, the upper side of the extension top plate 4 is shown at the top and the lower side of the extension top plate 4 is shown at the bottom for clarity. Also, in Figures 11 and 12, the main top plate body 3 is shown with dashed lines. Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the fastening mechanism K of the extension top plate 4. Figure 13 shows the wedge member 5 rotated 90 degrees to clearly illustrate its shape. Figures 14 and 15 are explanatory diagrams showing how to use the tablet TP when it is placed upright in the groove M. Figure 14 shows the tablet TP standing upright in a nearly vertical position, and Figure 15 shows the tablet TP standing upright in a position tilted toward the end 1a opposite the user. Figures 16 and 17 are explanatory diagrams showing how to use the book BK when it is placed upright in the groove M. Figure 16 shows the book BK standing upright in a nearly vertical position, and Figure 17 shows the book BK standing upright in a position tilted toward the end 1a opposite the user.

[0045] With a desk D of this configuration, a groove M is formed along the non-working edge 1a of the tabletop 1, and the groove M has multiple compartments M1 and M2 of different shapes at its bottom. For example, if you want to hold a thin tablet TP upright at a near-vertical angle, the tablet can be placed in the front compartment M1, and if you want to hold a thick book BK upright, the book can be placed across the front compartment M1 and the rear compartment M2. This allows you to hold tablets and books at angles suitable for their different thicknesses, and at angles of inclination according to your preference.

[0046] Furthermore, the tabletop 1 comprises a tabletop body 3 supported by legs, i.e., leg bodies 2, and an extension tabletop 4 attached to the non-working end of the tabletop body 3. Since a groove M is provided in the extension tabletop 4, the groove M can be provided on the extension tabletop 4, which is made of synthetic resin or the like, without any processing being done on the tabletop body 3, thereby improving the design flexibility when providing the groove M.

[0047] Furthermore, the groove M has a front section M1 and a rear section M2 adjacent to each other via a stepped section 418 that forms a difference in height, and the front section M1 is set lower than the rear section M2. With this simple configuration, it is possible to meet the aforementioned requirement of holding tablets, books, etc., at angles suitable for their different thicknesses, and at tilt angles according to preference.

[0048] In addition, since the left and right side walls 415 are inclined to move further apart from each other as they move upward, dust accumulation inside the groove M is suppressed, making it easier to clean the inside of the groove M.

[0049] Furthermore, since a discharge hole 416a for discharging waste is formed in the first bottom wall 416, cleaning the inside of the groove M is also easier from this perspective.

[0050] Furthermore, with desk D having this configuration, the effective area of ​​the tabletop 1 can be changed as needed by attaching and detaching the extension tabletop 4 to the main tabletop 3. Moreover, since the tightening mechanism K for fixing the extension tabletop 4 to the main tabletop 3 utilizes the wedge action of the wedge member 5, the wide surface area of ​​the wedge member 5 can be evenly pressed against the underside 3b of the main tabletop 3 to fix the extension tabletop 4. As a result, there is an advantage that even when tightened strongly, the underside of the main tabletop 3 is less likely to be scratched.

[0051] In this embodiment in particular, since the wedge member 5 is screwed in and moved back and forth by the lead screw 6, it is possible to firmly bite the wedge member 5 into a predetermined location, thereby ensuring secure fixing of the extension top plate 4.

[0052] Furthermore, the operating unit 7 for operating the tightening mechanism K is positioned in a location that is difficult to operate from the usable end 1b side of the tabletop 1, thus preventing problems such as the extension tabletop 4 coming off when someone using the desk D accidentally operates the operating unit 7.

[0053] Furthermore, since this tightening mechanism K involves directly screwing a feed screw 6, which is rotated by the operating unit 7, into a female screw hole 5h provided in the wedge member 5, the number of parts can be kept to a minimum.

[0054] It should be noted that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit.

[0055] For example, the present invention may be applied not only to desks, but also to chairs with a memo stand that has a memo stand as its top surface. That is, grooves according to the present invention may be formed on the memo stand of a chair with a memo stand. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to the top surface of furniture with a top surface other than desks and chairs with memo stands.

[0056] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, a groove is provided in the extension top plate attached to the non-usable end of the top plate body, but as described below, a groove may be provided between the top plate body and the extension top plate.

[0057] Other embodiments having an extendable top plate capable of forming such grooves are described below.

[0058] The extension top plate A4 shown in Figure 18 comprises an upper side member 41 and a lower side member 42, and is integrally molded from synthetic resin or the like. Parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the extension top plate of the previously described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0059] The upper side member 41 integrally includes first and second front edge hanging walls 411 and 412 hanging down from the front edge, a rear edge hanging wall 413 hanging down from the vicinity of the rear edge, and side edge hanging walls 414 hanging down from both left and right edges. Unlike the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, in the middle portion in the width direction, the upper end of the rear edge hanging wall 413 is in contact with the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3. A groove M is formed by the second front edge hanging wall 412, the left and right side walls 415, the bottom wall 416, and the non-usable end 1a of the top plate body 3. The groove M described above has two types of partitioned portions M1 and M2 at the bottom, which have different shapes.

[0060] This groove M is formed between the extension top plate 4 and the top plate body 3, more specifically between the second front edge hanging wall 412 that hangs down from the front edge of the upper side member 41 and the end 1a of the top plate body 3 that is not used. Both the left and right ends are closed by the side walls 415, and the lower end is closed by the bottom wall 416. The left and right side walls 415 are inclined to move further apart from each other as they go upward. A long, narrow rib 410 extending in the left-right direction stands upright in the rear part (closer to the top plate body 3) of the middle of the bottom wall 416. The area in front of this rib 410 is designated as the front section M1, and the area behind the rib 410 is designated as the rear section M2. Furthermore, the rib 410 is divided into first, second, and third regions 410a, 410b, and 410c, respectively, from left to right as viewed from the perspective of a user seated facing the end 1b. In the first region 410a, the height dimension (protruding width) is smallest; in the third region 410c, the height dimension (protruding width) is largest; and in the second region 410b, the height dimension (protruding width) is intermediate between the first and third regions 410a and 410c. When placing a smartphone or documents with a small width in the partitioned portion M2 after the groove M, the inclination can be changed by selectively supporting the non-usable end surface of the smartphone or documents in one of the first to third regions of the rib 410. Here, Figure 18(a) is an overall perspective view of the extended top plate A4 according to this embodiment, and Figure 18(b) is a front view thereof (viewed from the user side, seated facing the usable end 1b). Figure 18(c) is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 18(a), and Figure 18(d) is a cross-sectional view along the WW line in Figure 18(a).

[0061] Although not shown in Figure 18, a press-fit mechanism is provided between the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3 and the lower side member 42 of the extension top plate 4, similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, and includes a wedge member that is pressed into the space between them.

[0062] In the embodiments described above with reference to Figure 18, the bottom of the groove M is provided with multiple types of partitioned portions M1 and M2 with different shapes from each other, so the most important effect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0063] The extension top plate B4 shown in Figure 19 also comprises an upper side member 41 and a lower side member 42, and is integrally molded from synthetic resin or the like. Parts that are the same as or corresponding to those in the extension top plate of the embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0064] The upper side member 41 integrally includes first and second front edge hanging walls 411 and 412 hanging down from the front edge, a rear edge hanging wall 413 hanging down from the vicinity of the rear edge, and side edge hanging walls 414 hanging down from both left and right edges. Unlike the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, in the middle portion in the width direction, the upper end of the rear part of the rear edge hanging wall 413 is in contact with the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3, and the upper end surface of the front part serves as a second bottom wall 417, which will be described later, allowing an item to be placed on it. A groove M is formed by the second front edge hanging wall 412, the left and right side walls 415, the first and second bottom walls 416 and 417, and the non-usable end 1a of the top plate body 3. The groove M described above has two types of partitioned portions M1 and M2 at the bottom, which have different shapes.

[0065] This groove M is formed between the extension top plate 4 and the top plate body 3, more specifically between the second front edge hanging wall 412 that hangs down from the front edge of the upper side member 41 and the non-usable end 1a of the top plate body 3. Both the left and right ends are closed by the side walls 415, and the lower end is closed by the first bottom wall 416 and the second bottom wall 417. The first bottom wall 416 and the second bottom wall 417 are adjacent to each other front to back via a stepped portion 418 that forms a height difference, forming the aforementioned front compartment M1 and rear compartment M2. In this embodiment, the front surface of the rear edge hanging wall 413 is the stepped portion 418. In this embodiment, the front compartment M1 is set lower than the rear compartment M2, and the first bottom wall 416 that forms the front compartment M1 has a discharge hole 416a for discharging waste. Furthermore, as in the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, by placing items such as tablets and books on the first or second bottom walls 416, 417 in various orientations, it is possible to accommodate the need to hold items at angles suitable for their different thicknesses, and at inclination angles according to preference. Here, Figure 19(a) is an overall perspective view of the extended top plate B4 according to this embodiment, and Figure 19(b) is a front view thereof (viewed from the user's side, seated facing the end 1b). Figure 19(c) is a cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 19(a), and Figure 19(d) is a cross-sectional view along line YY in Figure 19(a).

[0066] Although not shown in Figure 19, a press-fit mechanism is provided between the lower surface 3b of the top plate body 3 and the lower side member 42 of the extension top plate 4, similar to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, and includes a wedge member that is pressed into the space between them.

[0067] In the embodiments described above with reference to Figure 19, since the bottom of the groove M is provided with multiple types of partitioned portions M1 and M2 with different shapes from each other, the most important effect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0068] Furthermore, in addition to forming a groove between the top plate and the extension top plate, which is attached to the non-usable end of the top plate, the groove according to the present invention may also be formed on or near the non-usable end of the top plate. For example, the embodiment shown in Figure 20 is conceivable. This embodiment utilizes a groove-forming member C4 disposed within a notch formed in the non-usable end of the top plate (not shown), or within a through hole provided near the non-usable end of the top plate (not shown).

[0069] The groove-forming member C4 integrally comprises a front edge hanging wall 411 that hangs down from the front edge, a rear edge hanging wall 413 that hangs down from the vicinity of the rear edge, and side walls 415 that hang down from both the left and right edges. The groove M is formed by these front edge hanging wall 411, rear edge hanging wall 413, side walls 415, and first and second bottom walls 416 and 417. The groove M described above has two types of partitioned sections M1 and M2 at the bottom, which have different shapes.

[0070] This groove M is formed between the front edge hanging wall 411 and the rear edge hanging wall 413, with both left and right ends closed by the side walls 415, and the lower end closed by the first bottom wall 416 and the second bottom wall 417. The first bottom wall 416 and the second bottom wall 417 are adjacent to each other front to back via a stepped portion 418 that forms a height difference, forming the aforementioned front compartment M1 and rear compartment M2. In this embodiment, the front compartment M1 is set at a higher position than the rear compartment M2. Also, in the left half as seen from the perspective of a user seated facing the end 1b, the depth dimension of the first bottom wall 416 is greater than the depth dimension of the second bottom wall 417. On the other hand, in the right half as seen from the perspective of a user seated facing the end 1b, the depth dimension of the first bottom wall 416 is smaller than the depth dimension of the second bottom wall 417. In other words, on the left half as viewed from the user seated facing the end 1b, the front compartment M1 has a smaller depth dimension than the rear compartment M2, while on the right half as viewed from the user seated facing the end 1b, the front compartment M1 has a larger depth dimension than the rear compartment M2. Then, as in the embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, by placing items such as tablets and books on the first or second bottom walls 416, 417 in various orientations, it is possible to accommodate the need to hold items at angles suitable for their different thicknesses, and at inclination angles according to preference. Here, Figure 20(a) is an overall perspective view of the extended top plate B4 according to this embodiment, and Figure 20(b) is a front view thereof (viewed from the user seated facing the end 1b). Figure 20(c) is a cross-sectional view along the ZZ line in Figure 20(a).

[0071] In the embodiments described above with reference to Figure 20, since the bottom of the groove M is provided with multiple types of partitioned portions M1 and M2 with different shapes from each other, the most important effect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0072] In addition, when adopting a method of attaching the extension top plate to the top plate body, the method is not limited to one that uses a fastening mechanism equipped with a wedge member, nor is it limited to the embodiment described above even when a fastening mechanism equipped with a wedge member is used. Furthermore, in the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the extension top plate may be provided adjacent to the non-usable end of the top plate body, and a groove may be provided at the non-usable end of this extension top plate. Even in such a case, the groove is provided on the extension top plate side without processing the top plate body side, and the effect of improving the degree of design freedom when providing the groove can be obtained.

[0073] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 1 to 17, the left-right dimension of the rear section is set to be smaller than the left-right dimension of the front section; however, the left-right dimension of each section of the groove can be set arbitrarily.

[0074] Furthermore, various modifications are permitted as long as they do not impair the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] D... Furniture with a tabletop (desk) 1… Tabletop 1a…Anti-use end 3…Tabletop 4. A4, B4…Extendable tabletop 418...Double section 410... Rib M…Groove M1... Previous section M2... Rear section

Claims

1. A fixture with a tabletop, having a groove formed along the non-usable edge of the tabletop that opens upwards, The groove has multiple compartmentalized sections with different shapes at its bottom, The groove is arranged so that the front section and the rear section are adjacent to each other, separated by a stepped section that forms a difference in height. A fixture with a top panel in which the aforementioned front section is set lower than the aforementioned rear section.

2. A fixture with a tabletop, having a groove formed along the non-usable edge of the tabletop that opens upwards, The groove has multiple compartmentalized sections with different shapes at its bottom, The aforementioned groove has left and right side walls, and the left and right side walls are inclined to move further apart from each other as they move upward, in a fixture with a top plate.

3. The fixture with a tabletop according to claim 1, wherein the tabletop comprises a tabletop body supported by legs and an extension tabletop attached to the tabletop body, and the groove is provided at the non-use end of the extension tabletop.

4. The tabletop comprises a tabletop body supported by legs and an extension tabletop attached to the non-working end of the tabletop body, and the groove is formed between the tabletop body and the extension tabletop, as described in claim 1.

5. The fixture with a top plate according to claim 1, wherein the left-right dimension of the later partitioned portion is set to be smaller than the left-right dimension of the earlier partitioned portion.

6. An extension top plate having an open groove at the top and being attachable to the non-usable end of the top plate body, The groove has multiple compartmentalized sections with different shapes at its bottom, The groove is arranged so that the front section and the rear section are adjacent to each other, separated by a stepped section that forms a difference in height. An extension top panel in which the aforementioned front section is set lower than the aforementioned rear section.

7. The extension top plate according to claim 6, wherein the left-right dimension of the later partitioned portion is set to be smaller than the left-right dimension of the earlier partitioned portion.

8. An extension top plate having an open groove at the top and being attachable to the non-usable end of the top plate body, The groove has left and right side walls, and the left and right side walls are inclined to move further apart from each other as they extend upward.

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