Foldable item of furniture

Abstract

The invention relates to an item of furniture comprising two sections (1g, 1d) that can be folded by rotation about a transverse interface (2), and two modules (7) each having two legs (9g, 9d) and a longitudinal bar (8) that is associated with the sections (1g, 1d) by means of a mounting mechanism (12) and that lies over the interface (2) and can rotate between a use position, in which the legs (9g, 9d) extend outward from the sections (1g, 1d), and a storage position in which they are positioned against the sections, the bars (8) being formed by segments (8a) connected by a hinge (15) arranged transversely when in the storage position in order to allow the sections (1g, 1d) to be folded, a mechanism (12) being designed to induce a translational movement of the bar (8) when it rotates, such that, when in the storage position, the hinge (15) faces the interface (2), and when in the use position, the hinge (15) is longitudinally offset from the interface (2).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Folding Furniture

[0003] The invention relates to a folding piece of furniture, such as a table, a piece of furniture for sitting, particularly in the form of a bench, or a piece of furniture for lying down.

[0004] It applies in particular to a folding table which is intended to be used in an outdoor activity such as camping.

[0005] We know of folding tables which include a tabletop divided into two sections presenting a configuration of use, in which said sections are arranged in longitudinal continuity to form said tabletop, on which users can place objects such as cutlery, food and / or drinks for eating outdoors.

[0006] In particular, folding tables are known in which the sections of the tabletop form a transverse interface in their configuration of use, being operable towards a folded storage configuration of said table by rotation around said interface.

[0007] Such tables also feature a base structure that is designed to be able to be folded, particularly under the tabletop before folding into storage configuration, in order to reduce the overall size of the table, and thus facilitate its transport and storage, especially in a small space such as a car luggage compartment.

[0008] Document WO-2008 / 109656 describes a folding table whose base structure comprises two modules, each having a longitudinal bar extended on either side by a leg, each being associated with the tabletop sections by means of a mounting mechanism for said longitudinal bar in a position covering the transverse interface. In this document, the mounting mechanisms are each arranged to allow longitudinal rotation of the bar between a position of use of the corresponding module, in which the legs are upright relative to the sections to provide the base of the table, and a storage position of said module, in which said legs are arranged against a respective lower wall of said sections.

[0009] To enable the actuation of the platform sections in the folded configuration, each longitudinal bar is formed of two segments, each placed against the lower wall of a section respectively, and connected to each other by a folding hinge positioned opposite the interface and whose axis of rotation extends transversely in the storage position to allow the folding of said sections.

[0010] This design, as described in WO-2008 / 109656, allows the folding axis of the hinges to be rotated into the operating position to securely hold the tabletop sections in their configuration. However, the forces exerted on the table during use, particularly at the interface, are directly transmitted to the hinges in this position, which can compromise their dimensional integrity and therefore the reliability of their folding mechanism.

[0011] Furthermore, to ensure compactness in the folded configuration, the left legs - respectively right - must be arranged side by side in the storage position against the sections, which, by inducing a longitudinal offset of said legs in the use position, is not functionally or aesthetically satisfactory to ensure a quality base for the table.

[0012] The invention aims to improve upon the prior art by proposing, in particular, a folding piece of furniture equipped with a base structure whose folding reliability over time is guaranteed, and by improving the quality of the base provided by said structure. To this end, the invention proposes a folding piece of furniture comprising a top divided into two sections having a configuration of use in which said sections are arranged in longitudinal continuity, forming a transverse interface between them, said sections being operable in the folded configuration by rotation around said interface for storing said furniture, said furniture being equipped with a base structure comprising two modules, each having a longitudinal bar extended on either side by a leg.each of said base modules being associated with the tabletop sections by means of a mounting mechanism for the longitudinal bar in a position covering the transverse interface, said mounting mechanisms being arranged to allow longitudinal rotation of the bar between a module use position in which the legs are upright relative to the sections and a module storage position in which said legs are arranged against said sections, each of the bars being formed of two segments connected by a folding hinge whose axis of rotation is arranged transversely in the storage position to allow the tabletop sections to be folded, at least one mounting mechanism being arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the bar during its rotation over a stroke such that, in the storage position,The hinge is positioned opposite the transverse interface, and in the position of use, said hinge is longitudinally offset from said interface.

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description, made with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0014] [Fig.1] shows, in perspective viewed from below, a folding piece of furniture in the form of a table according to the invention in its configuration for use,

[0015] [Fig.1a] and

[0016] [Fig. 1b] being enlargements of figure 1 centered on respectively a folding hinge of one base module and the locking device associated with a leg of the other base module; [Fig. 2] represents, in perspective seen from below, the table of figure 1 in which each base module is in storage position under the tabletop;

[0017] [Fig.3] and

[0018] [Fig.4] represent the table in Figure 1 from a longitudinal and transverse side of said table respectively.

[0019] In relation to these figures, a folding piece of furniture in the form of a table is described below.

[0020] The table comprises a tabletop 1 divided into two sections, left 1g and right 1d, respectively, in particular of identical geometries. These sections are arranged in a continuous longitudinal configuration to form the tabletop, on which users can place objects related to their activity, such as cutlery, food, and / or drinks for meals. According to other embodiments, a folding piece of furniture according to the invention can be used for sitting, particularly in the form of a bench, or for lying down on the tabletop 1 in its configuration.

[0021] Tray 1 can be made of wood, but also of other materials such as plastic.

[0022] The furniture can be used for outdoor activities such as camping. For this purpose, the tabletop 1 can include a coating designed to provide protection against the elements, and more generally against moisture.

[0023] To facilitate the transport and storage of the furniture, particularly in a small space such as a vehicle's luggage compartment, the tabletop sections 1g, 1d can be moved from their operating configuration to a folded storage configuration. To achieve this, the sections 1g, 1d form a transverse interface 2 in their operating configuration, and can be moved to such a folded configuration by rotating around said interface.

[0024] In particular, the tray sections 1g, 1d each have a lower wall 3 and an upper wall 5 connected by a peripheral slice 4, such that:

[0025] - the upper walls 5 are arranged in longitudinal continuity in the configuration of use, to together form an upper surface of use, the transverse interface 2 then being formed between portions of peripheral slice 4 arranged in longitudinal alignment;

[0026] - the lower walls 3 are arranged opposite each other in a folded configuration.

[0027] In the description, terms relating to spatial positioning are used in relation to the dimensions of the table and its placement in the figures. Thus:

[0028] - the term "longitudinal" refers to a direction parallel to a length of the platform, and the term "transverse" refers to a width of said platform which is perpendicular to that length;

[0029] - the terms "upper", "lower", "vertical" and "horizontal" are taken with reference to the arrangement of the table in the configuration of use; - the terms "left" and "right" refer to arrangements on respectively one side of the table, said sides being defined with respect to a vertical plane T passing through the transverse folding interface 2 of the tabletop 1, and according to the arrangement of the table in the figures;

[0030] - the terms "inside" and "outside" are taken in reference to the vertical plane T defined previously, and refer to longitudinal positions respectively close to and far from said vertical plane.

[0031] In the embodiment shown, the platform 1 in its operating configuration has a substantially rectangular geometry with rounded corners, in which the longitudinal and transverse directions correspond to directions taken along a length that is greater than the width of the platform 1 in its operating configuration. Alternatively, the longitudinal direction may be taken along a length that is less than the width of the platform 1 in its operating configuration.

[0032] Furthermore, the plate 1 has a symmetrical arrangement with respect to the vertical plane T passing through its transverse folding interface 2, the sections 1g, 1d thus having an identical arrangement.

[0033] The furniture is equipped with a base structure 6 which includes two modules 7 each featuring a longitudinal bar 8 extended on either side by a leg respectively left 9g and right 9d.

[0034] The modules 7 are each formed by one or more tubes of rigid material, in particular metallic, which have a shape substantially in U, the branches of which each form a leg 9g, 9d of base which extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding bar 8, being connected to it by a connecting elbow 10 of curved geometry.

[0035] Advantageously, especially to achieve a comfortable height for eating at the table, each of the legs 9g, 9d has a telescopic structure in which a lower tube can be deployed into an upper tube, locking at the desired height can be achieved by a quarter turn of the lower tube by hand.

[0036] In addition, each leg 9, 9d includes a free lower end which is fitted with a foot 11, in particular made of plastic material, which is attached to it by fitting, said foot being intended to rest on the floor during the use of the furniture.

[0037] Advantageously, the base modules 7 have identical arrangements, particularly in terms of dimensions, which allows legs 9g, 9d to be aligned transversely with the legs 9g, 9d of the same laterality of the other module 7 in their position of use, and thus to guarantee a stable base during use.

[0038] Each module 7 is associated with the lower walls 3 of the tray sections 1g, 1d by means of a mounting mechanism 12 of their longitudinal bar 8 in a position covering the transverse interface 2.

[0039] The mechanisms 12 are each arranged to permit longitudinal rotation of the bar 8 between a position of use of the module 7, in which the legs 9 are erect with respect to sections 1g, 1d (figures 1, 1b, 3, 4), and a position of storage of said module, in which said legs are arranged against the lower walls 3 of said sections (figure 2).

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the mounting mechanisms 12 are spaced transversely on either side of the tabletop sections 1g, 1d, in particular by mounting the base modules 7 in the vicinity of respectively a longitudinal edge 13 of the furniture.

[0041] In particular, each mounting mechanism 12 includes at least one sleeve 14 fixed to a tray section 1g, 1d, and preferably at least one other sleeve 14 fixed to the other tray section 1d, 1g, each sleeve 14 including a conduit in which the bar 8 is mounted for longitudinal rotation to allow movement of the module 7 between its positions of use and storage.

[0042] In the figures, each mechanism 12 comprises four sleeves 14 fixed in pairs on the lower wall 3 of respectively a section of tray 1g, 1d, the sleeves 14 of a mechanism 12 being spaced along the bar 8 at a substantially constant pitch.

[0043] To enable the folding configuration of the tray sections 1g, 1d, each longitudinal bar 8 is formed of two segments 8a connected by a folding hinge 15 whose axis of rotation A is arranged transversely in the storage position of the corresponding module.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the modules 7 and their respective mounting mechanism 12 are each arranged so that their folding hinge 15 is positioned opposite the transverse interface 2 in the storage position of said module, and in particular by aligning said axes of rotation A with each other and with said interface, in order to allow joint folding of said hinge with said sections when they pass into folded configuration.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown in particular in figures 1a and 3, the modules 7 and their respective mounting mechanism 12 are each arranged so as to orient the axis A of rotation of the hinge 15 substantially perpendicular to the lower walls 3 of the tabletop sections 1g, 1d, in order to avoid any untimely folding of said hinge during use of the table.

[0046] At least one mounting mechanism 12 is arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the corresponding bar 8 during its rotation over a displacement stroke such that, in the storage position of the module 7, the hinge 15 is positioned opposite the transverse interface 2 and, in the use position of said module, said hinge is longitudinally offset from said interface.

[0047] Thus, in the use position of module 7, the folding hinge 15 does not interfere with the transverse interface 2 of the tabletop sections 1g, 1d, which further limits the risks of unintentional folding of said sections, particularly when the user moves the furniture, for example to position the tabletop upwards - respectively downwards - for use - respectively folding - of said furniture, or to position said unfolded furniture in another location.

[0048] This arrangement of the hinge 15 at a distance from the folding interface 2 of the tray 1 also protects the hinge from stresses exerted on the furniture at this interface, particularly from the weight supported by the tray 1 during use. This limits the risk of damage to the hinge 15, which could compromise the reliability of its folding mechanism.

[0049] Such an arrangement also allows one module 7 of the base to be offset longitudinally from the other, which in particular allows the relative arrangement of the legs 9g, 9d of one module 7 to be modified in relation to the legs 9g, 9d of the other module 7, and thus improves the stability of the furniture when in use, as well as the overall compactness of said furniture when stored.

[0050] Advantageously, in the embodiment shown, each mounting mechanism 12 is arranged to move the corresponding bar 8 as described previously, so as to move each folding hinge 15 away from the folding interface 2 of the tray 1, but also to move longitudinally the legs 9g, 9d of each module 7 between its storage and use positions.

[0051] To do this, in relation to figures 1, 2 and 3, one of the mounting mechanisms 12 is arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the bar 8 in one direction, the other mechanism 12 being arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the bar 8 in the other direction.

[0052] Thus, when moving into the position of use - respectively of storage - each module 7 is moved longitudinally so as to move the folding hinge 15 away towards respectively an outer transverse edge 16g, 16d of the tray 1 - respectively to bring said hinge closer to the folding transverse interface 2 of said tray.

[0053] In particular, the respective translation strokes of the modules 7 are arranged so that the left legs 9g - and respectively the right legs 9d - are aligned transversely in the operating position, in order to: - guarantee good stability of the table when it is raised (figures 1 and 3); and

[0054] - to optimally limit the bulk of the modules 7 under the tabletop 1 in the storage position (figure 2), and thus the overall bulk of said table at the end of its folding.

[0055] Each bar 8 is mounted in rotation in the conduit of at least one sleeve 14 by means of a cam 17 which cooperates with a guide 18 to induce the longitudinal translation of said bar during its rotation.

[0056] As shown in particular in figures 1, 2 and 3, each sleeve 14 is provided with such a guide 18.

[0057] In particular, the guides 18 of one mechanism 12 are formed in central symmetry with respect to the guides 18 of the other mechanism 12, in order to allow a longitudinal displacement of the modules 7 in opposite directions, as described previously.

[0058] As shown in more detail in Figure 1b, each guide 18 has a helical geometry in which the cam 17 is engaged. In particular, each sleeve 14 has a slot 19 in which the guide 18 is formed, the bar 8 having a lug 20 engaged in said slot to form the cam 17.

[0059] At least one mounting mechanism 12 includes a locking device 21 for the base module 7 in the position of use, in order to prevent any unintentional folding of said module towards its storage position, particularly during the use of the furniture.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, each mechanism 12 includes such a locking device 21, which includes two tubes 22 each associated respectively with a leg 9g, 9d of said module, between an inactive position and an active position in which said tube cooperates with a fixing member 23 to maintain said leg in an upright position.

[0061] In the figures, each platform section 1g, 1d includes two hooks 24 fixed along its outer transverse edge 16g, 16d, each hook 24 forming a fixing member 23 arranged so that the adjacent tube 22 engages reversibly in said hook to hold the corresponding leg 9g, 9d in an upright position.

[0062] In particular, as shown especially in Figure 1b, each tube 22 has an L-shaped geometry in which the small arm 22a is mounted in vertical rotation on the corresponding leg 9g, 9d, and in which the large arm 22b engages in the adjacent fixing hook 24.

[0063] Advantageously, each tube 22 is arranged so as to be positioned in the hollow of the elbow 10 connecting the leg 9g, 9d to the bar 8 in the inactive position, in order to limit the bulk of the module 7 in its storage position.

[0064] For this purpose, the small arm 22a is mounted in rotation on the leg 9g, 9d by means of a cam mechanism 25 arranged similarly to the rotation sleeves 14 of the bar 8. Thus, the rotation of the tube 22 around the leg 9g, 9d causes a translation of the small arm 22a along said leg between a locking position, in which the large arm 22b is arranged at the same height as the bars 8 so as to be able to engage in a hook 24, and a storage position, in which said large arm is offset from said bar so as to be able to be arranged against it in the storage position of the module 7.

[0065] To position the table for use, the user first unfolds sections 1g, 1d, for example by grasping them by their respective outer transverse edges 16g, 16d, so as to rotate them around their interface 2 to position them in the configuration for use, and thus form the tabletop 1 (figure 2).

[0066] Next, the user deploys each base module 7 by rotating the bar 8 in its sleeves 14, until the legs 9g, 9d are positioned upright relative to the platform 1, then secures this operating position by engaging the locking tubes 22 of each module 7 in the corresponding hooks 24, so as to obtain the configuration shown in figures 1, 3 and 4.

[0067] Finally, in order to use the table, the user tilts it, from the configuration shown in the figures mentioned above, so that the feet 11 are resting on the ground.

[0068] To store the table at the end of its use, the user first tilts it into the configuration shown in figures 1, 3 and 4, in order to position the upper walls 5 of sections 1g, 1d in contact with the ground, and thus to access the base modules 7 more easily for folding them.

[0069] Next, the user folds each module 7 into its storage position, first unlocking each leg support tube 22 9g, 9d, then rotating the bar 8 so as to position said legs against the lower wall 3 of the corresponding section 1g, 1d, in order to position said table in the configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0070] Thanks to the cam mechanisms 12, the rotational movement of the bars 8 also causes a longitudinal translation of said bars, and therefore of the legs 9g, 9d, which makes it possible to offset the legs 9g, 9d of one module 7 transversely relative to the legs 9g, 9d of the other module 7, and thus to position the legs 9g, 9d of the same lateral orientation side by side under the corresponding tabletop section 1g, 1d. These longitudinal translations also make it possible to position the folding hinges 15 of the bars 8 opposite the folding interface 2 of the sections 1g, 1d, so that the user can fold said bars and said sections together, in particular by manipulating said sections by their outer transverse edges 16g, 16d, in order to fold the lower walls 3 of said sections towards each other, and thus arrange the table in storage configuration.

[0071] To facilitate transport, the user can then place the table in its folded storage configuration inside a protective cover designed for this purpose. This cover is equipped with handles that the user can grasp to move the table, particularly for storing it in a designated space. Advantageously, the cover can be made of a waterproof fabric and designed to open completely to provide protection from the elements (rain, dew, UV rays, dust, etc.) when the table is in use.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Folding furniture comprising a tabletop (1) divided into two sections (1g, 1d) having a usage configuration in which said sections are arranged longitudinally, forming a transverse interface (2) between them, said sections being operable in the folded configuration by rotation around said interface for storing said furniture, said furniture being equipped with a base structure (6) comprising two modules (7), each having a longitudinal bar (8) extended on either side by a leg (9g, 9d), each of said base modules being associated with the tabletop sections (1g, 1d) by means of a mounting mechanism (12) for the longitudinal bar (8) in a position covering the transverse interface (2), said mounting mechanisms being arranged to allow longitudinal rotation of the bar (8) between a usage position of the module (7) in which the legs (9g,9d) are erected relative to sections (1g, 1d) and a storage position of the module (7) in which said legs are arranged against said sections, each of the bars (8) being formed of two segments (8a) connected by a folding hinge (15) whose axis (A) of rotation is arranged transversely in the storage position to allow the folded configuration of the tabletop sections (1g, 1d), said furniture being characterized in that at least one mounting mechanism (12) is arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the bar (8) during its rotation over a stroke such that, in the storage position, the hinge (15) is arranged opposite the transverse interface (2) and that, in the use position, said hinge is offset longitudinally from said interface.

2. Folding furniture according to claim 1, characterized in that the tabletop sections (1g, 1d) each have a lower wall (3) and an upper wall (5) connected by a peripheral edge (4), said upper walls being arranged in longitudinal continuity in the configuration of use with the transverse interface (2) formed between portions of edge (4) arranged opposite each other, said lower walls being arranged opposite each other in the folded configuration.

3. Folding furniture according to claim 2, characterized in that the base modules (7) are associated with the lower walls (3) of the tabletop sections (1g, 1d).

4. Folding furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the mounting mechanism (12) comprises at least one sleeve (14) fixed to a section of the shelf (1g, 1d), said sleeve comprising a conduit in which the bar (8) is mounted in longitudinal rotation by means of a cam (17) cooperating with a guide (18) to induce the translation of said bar during its rotation.

5. Folding furniture according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide (18) has a helical geometry in which the cam (17) is engaged.

6. Folding furniture according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the sleeve (14) has a light (19) in which the guide (18) is formed, the bar (8) having a lug (20) engaged in said light to form the cam (17).

7. Folding furniture according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the mounting mechanism (12) comprises at least one sleeve (14) fixed to one section of tray (1g, 1d) and at least one sleeve (14) fixed to the other section of tray (1g, 1d).

8. Folding furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the mounting mechanisms (12) are spaced transversely on either side of the tabletop sections (1g, 1d), with the base modules (7) mounted in the vicinity of a longitudinal edge (13) of said furniture.16 9. Folding furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that one mounting mechanism (12) is arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the bar (8) in one direction, the other mounting mechanism (12) being arranged to induce a longitudinal translation of the bar (8) in the other direction.

10. Folding furniture according to claim 9 when it depends on claim 4, characterized in that the guides (18) of one mounting mechanism (12) are formed in central symmetry with respect to the guides (18) of the other mounting mechanism (12).

11. Folding furniture according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the translation strokes are arranged so that the left legs (9g) -respectively right legs (9d) - are aligned transversely in the position of use and arranged side by side in the storage position.

12. Folding furniture according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that at least one mounting mechanism (12) includes a device (21) for locking the base module (7) in the position of use.

13. Folding furniture according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking device (21) comprises a tube (22) associated with a leg (9g, 9d) between an inactive position and an active position in which said tube cooperates with a fixing member (23) to maintain said leg in an upright position.

14. Folding furniture according to claim 13, characterized in that the tube (22) is mounted in vertical rotation on the leg (9g, 9d).

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