Removable shelf system for an armchair- or sofa-type item of furniture

Abstract

The invention relates to a shelf system intended to be removably attached to an item of furniture including a seat and at least one armrest (502), the shelf system comprising a shelf (202) and being characterised in that it comprises a device for removably attaching the system to the item of furniture, the attachment device comprising at least two holding parts arranged on either side of the armrest (502), clamping means that are configured to enable the holding parts to be clamped and unclamped around the armrest (502), and means for connecting the holding parts that join the holding parts and comprise at least one connecting part (114) arranged substantially in a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane formed by the shelf so as to laterally bypass the armrest (502) of the item of furniture. The shelf system also fits over other substantially vertical portions of the item of furniture.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE OF THE INVENTION: REMOVABLE SHELF SYSTEM FOR AN ARMCHAIR OR SOFA TYPE FURNITURE ELEMENT

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a removable shelf system for a furniture element. In particular, the invention relates to a shelf system particularly suitable for being attached to an armrest of a furniture element comprising a seat, in particular an armchair or a sofa.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] Tablet systems for armchairs or sofas allow the user sitting on the seat to have a tablet on which various useful objects can be placed, such as electronic devices (phones, smart tablets, laptops, etc.), remote controls for electronic devices, remote controls linked to functions of the armchair or sofa, food or drink, books, etc.

[0007] A large number of tablet system variants have been proposed depending on the uses and preferences of the users. Some of these tablet systems are directly integrated into the armchair or sofa while the other variants are removable, that is to say they can be easily attached or detached from the armrest to allow the tablet to be used or not on the armchair. In particular, the tablet system can be detached to reduce the space requirement, move the furniture, fold or unfold a sofa convertible into a bed, change the armrest tablet system, etc.

[0008] A particular category of chair is called a "lift chair" and consists of a chair whose seat is configured to assist the user in getting up while reducing the risk of falls thanks to a mechanism generally driven by an electric motor. This assistance is manifested by a tilt of the seat which raises the rear part of the seat in order to assist the user in getting up. Lift chairs are particularly suitable for elderly users or those with a physical disability that makes it difficult to move from a sitting to a standing position, or even from a standing to a sitting position. There are also lift sofas in which one, several or all of the seats offer this function to assist in sitting or getting up.

[0009] These lift chairs generally include armrests which, in addition to their classic function of supporting the arms in a seated position, also allow the user to stabilize themselves during transitions between sitting and standing.

[0010] However, the tablet systems of the prior art are generally arranged so as to rest on the upper part of an armrest of the armchair or sofa and thus deprive the user of this armrest or at least part of this armrest. The presence of the tablet system therefore does not allow the armrest to be used in its entirety and thus reduces its comfort. In addition, such a tablet system may prevent the use of the armrests to stabilize the user during transitions between the sitting position and the standing position.

[0011] For example, patent documents US10219630B1 and US9474379B1 each describe a removable and adjustable shelf to fit different types of chair armrests but in which the shelf covers at least a portion of the upper portion of the armrest.

[0012] This type of tablet system resting on the upper part of the armrest is also not compatible with most lift chairs and sofas in which the armrest tilts at the same time as the seat. A prior art tablet system would then risk sliding on the armrest thus tilted when the lift mechanism is activated and therefore falling to the floor.

[0013] The inventors therefore sought to provide a solution to overcome these drawbacks. Objectives of the invention

[0014] The invention aims to provide a removable tablet system that can be adapted to different types of furniture elements comprising a seat, in particular armchairs and sofas, and also chairs.

[0015] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a tablet system particularly suitable for use with a lifting chair or a lifting sofa.

[0016] The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a tablet system making it possible to retain the main and secondary functions of the armrests of the furniture element.

[0017] Statement of the invention

[0018] To this end, the invention relates to a tablet system intended to be removably attached to a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture comprising a seat and at least one armrest, comprising a tablet arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in its main position of use, characterized in that it comprises an attachment device configured for attaching the system to said piece of furniture in a removably manner, said attachment device comprising: at least two holding pieces intended to be arranged on either side of a substantially vertical portion of the piece of furniture and configured to have a variable spacing so as to adjust to a width of the substantially vertical portion of the piece of furniture, a first holding piece also forming means for supporting the tablet,and a second holding piece arranged on an opposite face of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element relative to the face on which the first holding piece rests, clamping means configured to allow the clamping and loosening of the holding pieces around the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, so as to attach or detach the shelf system from the furniture element, means for connecting the holding pieces, connecting the first holding piece and the second holding piece, comprising at least one connecting piece arranged substantially along a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the shelf so as to laterally bypass the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element.,

[0019] A tablet system according to the invention therefore makes it possible to leave free the upper parts of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element to which the tablet system is attached. In particular, the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element to which the tablet system is attached is generally an armrest and the tablet system according to the invention thus leaves the upper portion of the armrest available. This is made possible by the use of the connecting means comprising the connecting piece laterally bypassing the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element.

[0020] The connecting piece may also comprise several portions also extending in planes substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet. Each plane substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet may be considered as a vertical plane.

[0021] Holding parts are substantially flat elements that provide a large holding surface to ensure clamping on the substantially vertical portion of the furniture. These elements are not necessarily entirely solid parts and may include openwork portions, for example to allow the passage of fixing elements, provide guidance means for parts in translation, etc.

[0022] The holding parts also have at least one substantially vertical portion, so as to be able to maintain support on the substantially vertical portion of the furniture item.

[0023] Throughout the application, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are expressed by considering the shelf in its main position of use once attached to the furniture item, that is to say when the part of the shelf used for placing objects is sufficiently close to a horizontal plane for the objects to rest on it without falling. Obviously, the plane formed by the shelf may not be horizontal outside the main position of use, in particular when the shelf is detached from the furniture item and stored on the floor or in a storage space. In this case, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are understood in relation to each other, in particular when they characterize planes perpendicular to each other. The furniture item may also be designated by the terms "furniture" or "piece of furniture".

[0024] Advantageously and according to the invention, the attachment device comprises means for adjusting the height of the shelf.

[0025] Advantageously and according to the invention, the attachment device comprises means for lateral adjustment of the position of the shelf relative to the furniture element.

[0026] According to this aspect of the invention, the tablet can be adjusted according to the needs of the user.

[0027] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one connecting part is a portion of a holding part.

[0028] According to this aspect of the invention, a holding part and a connecting part are formed from the same part.

[0029] According to a variant of the invention, the two holding parts and the connecting part are formed from the same part.

[0030] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least a portion of the tablet is unfoldable and foldable along an axis of rotation included in the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.

[0031] According to this aspect of the invention, the tablet may in particular comprise a portion allowing the extension of the surface available for the storage of objects or accessories.

[0032] Advantageously and according to the invention, at least one portion of the tablet is pivotable along a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.

[0033] According to this aspect of the invention, the tablet may in particular comprise a pivotable portion so that it can be moved, for example to arrange it closer to the seat and thus closer to the user seated on the piece of furniture.

[0034] When this pivotable portion is brought closer to the user, part of the upper portion of the armrest can be covered and is therefore temporarily unavailable, but a simple pivoting of this portion of the tablet is enough to make it available, in particular if the user wishes to use the "lift" function if the furniture item has one. This pivoting function therefore does not go against the spirit of the invention, which consists of being able to leave the armrest available without having to detach the tablet system.

[0035] Advantageously and according to the invention, the tablet system also comprises at least one accessory from the following list: an electrical power supply device, a cup holder, a storage box arranged under the tablet.

[0036] The invention also relates to a set of tablet furniture, comprising a furniture element comprising a seat and at least one armrest, and a removable tablet system according to the invention attached to said armrest of the furniture element.

[0037] The invention also relates to a lifting chair assembly with a tablet, comprising on the one hand a lifting chair comprising a seat, at least one armrest and a lifting mechanism, and on the other hand a removable tablet system according to the invention attached to said armrest of the lifting chair.

[0038] The invention also relates to a removable tablet system, a tablet furniture assembly and a tablet lift chair assembly, characterized in combination by all or part of the features mentioned above or below.

[0039] List of figures

[0040] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given solely for non-limiting purposes and which refers to the appended figures in which:

[0041] - [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0042] - [Fig. 2] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0043] - [Fig. 3] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0044] - [Fig. 4] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet unfolded,

[0045] - [Fig. 5] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet pivoted,

[0046] - [Fig. 6] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet pivoted,

[0047] - [Fig. 7] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention, with the tablet pivoted and unfolded

[0048] - [Fig. 8] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[0049] - [Fig. 9] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0050] - [Fig. 10] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention, with an open storage box - [Fig. 11] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0051] - [Fig. 12] is a schematic exploded perspective view of connecting means of a tablet system according to the first and second embodiments of the invention,

[0052] - [Fig. 13] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a third embodiment of the invention,

[0053] - [Fig. 14] is a schematic top view of connecting means of a tablet system according to the third embodiment of the invention,

[0054] - [Fig. 15] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention,

[0055] - [Fig. 16] is a schematic perspective view of a tablet system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention

[0056] - [Fig. 17] is a schematic top view of the tablet system according to the fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0057] Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

[0058] In the figures, scales and proportions are not strictly respected, for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

[0059] Identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references in all figures.

[0060] Figures 1 to 11, 13 and 15 to 17 schematically represent tablet systems according to different embodiments of the invention, respectively a first tablet system 100 according to a first embodiment, a second tablet system 200 according to a second embodiment, a third tablet system 300 according to a third embodiment, a fourth tablet system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0061] Figures 12 and 14 schematically represent means of connection of these tablet systems, described below.

[0062] Each tablet system is intended to be removably attached to a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture such as a chair, an armchair or a sofa comprising a seat 500 and at least one armrest 502, forming a substantially vertical portion of the piece of furniture. The piece of furniture is shown in all the figures in partial view so that only a portion of the seat 500 and an armrest 502 are visible, but the piece of furniture may comprise a backrest, one or more other armrests, several seats, a lifting mechanism, integrated accessories, etc. In Figures 13 and 14, only the armrest 502 is visible.

[0063] Each shelf system comprises a shelf arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in its main use position, that is to say in its position when the shelf system is attached to a piece of furniture and the shelf is used to receive objects. The first shelf system 100 thus comprises a shelf 102, the second shelf system 200 comprises a shelf 202 and the third shelf system 300 comprises a shelf 302.

[0064] As seen in Figures 1, 2, 13 and 14, the armrest 502 includes an upper portion 502a intended to receive an arm or a hand of a user installed on the seat, either to improve comfort when the user is seated, or to assist the user during his transition from the standing position to the sitting position or from the sitting position to the standing position.

[0065] The shelf systems 100, 200, 300 are thus intended to be attached to the furniture element via a fastening device configured for attaching the system to said furniture in a removable manner, i.e. capable of being easily removed when not in use. The first shelf system 100 comprises a fastening device 104, the second shelf system 200 comprises a fastening device 204 substantially identical to the fastening device 104 of the first shelf system 100. The third shelf system 300 comprises a fastening device 304 according to a different variant, described later.

[0066] Each attachment device comprises at least two holding pieces intended to be arranged on either side of a substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, here the armrest, and configured to have a variable spacing so as to adjust to a width of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element, a first holding piece 106 also forming means for supporting the shelf, and a second holding piece 108 being arranged on an opposite face of the armrest relative to the face on which the first holding piece rests. The two holding pieces 106, 108 are substantially vertical so as to adjust to the armrest.

[0067] Each attachment device also comprises clamping means configured to allow the clamping and loosening of the holding parts around the substantially vertical portion of the furniture, so as to attach or detach the shelf system from the furniture element. Here, as seen in detail in Figure 12, the clamping means comprise clamping screws 110 which can be operated by hand and interact with clamping plates 112.

[0068] Each attachment device also comprises means for connecting the holding parts, connecting the first holding part 106 and the second holding part 108, comprising at least one connecting part 114 arranged substantially along a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the shelf so as to laterally bypass the substantially vertical portion of the furniture. In particular, the connecting part 114 is not arranged along a substantially horizontal plane and therefore does not occupy the upper portion of the armrest and leaves the latter free, thanks to this lateral bypass.

[0069] The connecting means may be a portion of the holding parts. As seen in Figure 12, the holding parts may for example form two blades, for example two identical blades, the first holding part 106 comprising a portion forming a first connecting part 114a, the second holding part 108 comprising a portion forming a second connecting part 114b, the two connecting parts being fixed for example by screws. To protect the user installed on the seat and to hide the holding and connecting parts, a cover 160 may be added to the attachment device, for example a textile cover, in particular an elastic textile cover for example made of neoprene.

[0070] According to the third embodiment and as visible in particular in Figure 14 representing an armrest and the tablet system 304 seen from above, the two holding parts and the connecting part can be formed from the same part, here the first holding part 306 and the second holding part 308 are connected by the connecting part 314 and all three of these parts form a U-shaped part laterally surrounding the armrest. The clamping means also comprise two clamping screws 310 allowing clamping via a clamping plate 312.

[0071] Tablet systems can support tablets of different types.

[0072] In the first embodiment of figures 1 and 3 to 7, the tablet comprises at least one pivoting portion 115 which can pivot about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane, here about a vertical axis passing through a cup holder 116. Figure 3 represents in particular this pivoting portion in its initial position, figure 5 represents the pivoting portion after a rotation of 90° to the left, and figure 6 represents the pivoting portion after a rotation of 180° to the left.

[0073] In addition to the pivoting of the tablet, the tablet here comprises an unfoldable and foldable portion 118. In Figures 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8, this portion is folded. In Figures 4 and 7, the unfoldable portion 118 is unfolded and reveals an enlarged surface formed of two sub-portions 118a and 118b connected by the hinge. The tablet also comprises a fixed portion 120 which remains in position during the unfolding and folding of the unfoldable portion 118.

[0074] In the positions shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, the pivoting of the tablet allows access to a trunk 130. The pivoting of the tablet can also allow access to an electrical power supply or electrical charging device, for example comprising one or more electrical sockets and / or USB type sockets. In these positions, the upper part of the armrest 502 is no longer accessible in its entirety but the tablet can be folded and / or lifted easily and manually to restore access to the armrest if the user wishes, for example to get up.

[0075] As visible in Figure 8, the first holding part 106 is connected to a support part 122 of the shelf 102. As visible in particular in Figures 8 and 11, the support part 122 allows the height adjustment and lateral adjustment of the shelf via grooves in the support part and the first holding part.

[0076] In the tablet system according to the second embodiment, shown in Figures 2, 9, 10 and 11, the tablet 202 does not include a pivoting or folding portion but includes a box 230 covered by a cover 234. The tablet 202 also includes locations 236a, 236b for storing a cup, an accessory or a power supply device 232 as described above.

[0077] In the tablet system 300 according to the third embodiment, shown in Figures 13 and 14, the tablet 302 is supported by a foldable arm 360 allowing adjustment of the height and inclination of the tablet, and the tablet 302 includes a pivotable portion 315.

[0078] Figure 15 schematically represents in perspective a tablet system 400 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0079] In the tablet system 400 according to the fourth embodiment, the connecting part 414 comprises a first rigid portion 414a configured to go around a first face of the armrest and a second portion 414b formed of a flexible strip going around a second face of the armrest opposite the first face. The flexible strip is attached on the one hand to a first holding part 406 and on the other hand to a second holding part 408 similar to the holding parts already described. The addition of the flexible strip compared to the other embodiments makes it possible to improve the holding, while always leaving the upper part of the armrest free.

[0080] Figures 16 and 17 schematically represent in perspective from two different angles a tablet system 600 according to a fifth embodiment.

[0081] In the tablet system 600 according to the fifth embodiment, the connecting piece 614 comprises clamping means 630 for adjusting the distance between the first holding piece 606 and the second holding piece 608. The tablet system 600 also comprises means 632 for adjusting the position of the connecting piece 614 relative to the first holding piece 606 supporting the tablet. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, the furniture element may be of different types and the substantially vertical portion may not be an armrest but another wall of the furniture element which would make it possible to adapt the tablet system.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Tablet system intended to be removably attached to a piece of furniture, in particular a piece of furniture comprising a seat (500) and at least one armrest (502), comprising a tablet (102, 202, 302) arranged in a substantially horizontal plane in its main position of use, characterized in that it comprises a fastening device (104, 204, 304) configured for attaching the system to said piece of furniture in a removably manner, said fastening device (104, 204, 304) comprising: at least two parts (106, 108;306, 308) for holding intended to be arranged on either side of a substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element and configured to have a variable spacing so as to adjust to a width of the substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element, a first holding part (106, 306) also forming means for supporting the shelf, and a second holding part (108, 308) arranged on an opposite face of the substantially vertical portion of the furniture element relative to the face on which the first holding part (106, 306) rests, clamping means (110, 112; 310, 312) configured to allow the clamping and loosening of the parts (106, 108;306, 308) for holding around the substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element, so as to attach or detach the shelf system from the furniture element, means for connecting the holding parts, connecting the first holding part (106, 306) and the second holding part (108, 308), comprising at least one connecting part (114, 314) arranged substantially along a plane perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the shelf so as to laterally bypass the substantially vertical portion (502) of the furniture element.; 2. Tablet system according to claim 1, characterized in that the attachment device comprises means for adjusting the height of the tablet.

3. Shelf system according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the attachment device comprises means for lateral adjustment of the position of the shelf relative to the furniture element.

4. Tablet system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one connecting part is a portion (114a, 114b) of a holding part.

5. Tablet system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one portion (118) of the tablet is unfoldable and foldable along an axis of rotation included in the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.

6. Tablet system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one portion (115) of the tablet is pivotable along a vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the substantially horizontal plane of the tablet.

7. Tablet system according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it also comprises at least one accessory from the following list: an electrical power supply device (132, 232), a cup holder (116), a storage box (130, 230) arranged under the tablet.

8. Furniture set with a tablet, comprising a furniture element comprising a seat (500) and at least one armrest (502), and a system (100, 200, 300) with a removable tablet according to one of claims 1 to 7 attached to said armrest (502) of the furniture element.

9. Set of lifting chair with tablet, comprising on the one hand a lifting chair comprising a seat (500), at least one armrest (502) and a lifting mechanism, and on the other hand a system (100, 200, 300) with a removable tablet according to one of claims 1 to 7 attached to said armrest (502) of the lifting chair.

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