EP1005809A1 - Stable, laterally deployable assembly of the kind of a desk or a table - Google Patents

Abstract

The table comprises an overhanging tray (2) and a base (3) mounted on castors (4) which supports the tray by a single vertical cylindrical beam (1). This beam has an outer tubular casing integral with the base inside of which is fitted a spindle integral with the tray. A stabilizer (13) supported on the ground by castors (15) is rigidly fixed to the lower end of the spindle which is extended under the base.

Description

The invention relates to a deployment assembly stable side usable as desk or table for use private or professional particularly interesting for support for example computer hardware including usually a central unit, a screen and a keyboard, as well as a printer and possibly other items type inverter, modem, speakers, scanners ... etc forming a compact unit called a multimedia station.

Nowadays, the problem of ability to quickly bring together, in one place, the elements constituting a multimedia station for the purposes of consultation by several users whose habits and especially the morphology can differ considerably from one to the other.

It is therefore increasingly sought after for multimedia station creation of arrangements facilitating access to any user, for example right-handed or left-handed, large or small, without the need to resort to adaptations that are further complicated from often sophisticated connectors. Furthermore, it it is increasingly necessary to install very complete multimedia stations in places that previously were not intended for this; then arises the problem of moving, transport and delivery in operation at the location in question.

In this regard, we looked for furniture suitable for receiving all the elements of a multimedia station following as rational as possible, taking into account current requirements; naturally, this furniture should be easily moved from one place to another in order to make it usable at any point in a room or an apartment for example; for this, the furniture must at least go through the standard width of the doors of communication, that is to say present in France a breadth maximum of 700 mm. We therefore understand that such furniture, to be operational, can only be geometry variable, which generally leads to furniture complicated, expensive and user-friendly nesting generally difficult.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a support for example for computer elements in particular can be easily deployed to create a position quickly operational and perfectly suited to a point user. To this end and in accordance with the invention there is provided a fixed, rolling or simply movable with stable lateral deployment usable as a desk or as a table well suited for receive for example computer equipment, including at least one main plate cantilevered on its most large dimension and a base mounted, if necessary, on castors with or without locking and multi-directional or similar, supporting said plate by means of a single preferably cylindrical vertical beam formed an outer tubular casing secured to the base, at the interior of which just fits an axis integral with the main tray; this set is remarkable in that that a stabilizer coming to rest on the ground is rigidly fixed to the lower end of the axis which for this purpose extends below the base, the stabilizer being associated with lifting means or authorizing its movement on the ground.

As can be seen, it suffices to provide that the one or more trays have a maximum width of 700 mm for transport the assembly between two parts, even if separated by a communication door; on the other hand, the setting place of the multimedia station is easy since it is enough with a simple rotation in the horizontal plane of the plate main upper relative to the base which remains fixed and which can be advantageously used to support for example the central unit or other elements similar bulky items, to quickly provide working position known as the deployed lateral position which is operational, comfortable and very secure despite the overhang that deployment necessarily creates lateral i.e. the rotation in the horizontal plane of the upper shelf around the vertical beam.

Of course, this working configuration can be further improved by adding trays side pivoting around the central beam for constitute, for example, a folding and adjustable seat in height or other accessories such as wire holder, card reader and other devices coming stack on top of the vertical beam.

We understand that this type of furniture which can be fixed or movable for example on casters mounted on its base and whether or not fitted with a known system blocking at stop, either usable as a stand-alone unit rolling or movable on skid or fixed system and autonomous or even attached, fixed to another piece of furniture.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble roulant conforme à l'invention en position latérale déployée prête pour recevoir les différents éléments d'une station multimédia (non représentés) ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique de face en élévation et en coupe transversale médiane de l'ensemble roulant de la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique de face en élévation et en coupe montrant une variante du système stabilisateur de l'ensemble roulant conforme à l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une vue de dessus de l'ensemble roulant de la figure 1 en position repliée (traits pleins) et en position latérale déployée (traits pointillés) suivant un angle d'ouverture quelconque ;
• la figure 5 est une vue de dessous de l'ensemble roulant correspondant à la figure précédente en position repliée de transport.

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description of several executions of rolling assemblies with lateral deployment which will be given by way of illustration of the invention and of preferred example, although not limiting, with reference to the drawing in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rolling assembly according to the invention in the deployed side position ready to receive the various elements of a multimedia station (not shown);
• Figure 2 is a schematic front view in elevation and in median cross-section of the rolling assembly of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a schematic front view in elevation and in section showing a variant of the stabilizing system of the rolling assembly according to the invention;
• Figure 4 is a top view of the rolling assembly of Figure 1 in the folded position (solid lines) and in the deployed lateral position (dotted lines) at any opening angle;
• Figure 5 is a bottom view of the rolling assembly corresponding to the previous figure in the folded transport position.

With reference to the drawings, a detail will be described. rolling assembly according to the invention according to a variant main as shown for example in perspective in Figure 1. In principle around a beam cylindrical 1, a first horizontal plate 2 of shape overall rectangular, although any other shape perfectly suitable, usable as a tray main job for a user in position seated, mounted in cantilever according to its large dimension by means which will be described later, it allowing to rotate in the horizontal plane and incidentally to be adjusted in height, according to any which direction suits the user. Beam 1 is secured to a base 3 mounted on a plurality of 4 multidirectional casters, i.e. capable of rotate on itself to take any rolling direction. It goes without saying that the casters could easily be replaced by skates or any other device to move at least the furniture. Incidentally, it is planned to climb on the base 3 a second horizontal plate 5 on which may for example be arranged the central unit of a multimedia station and other heavy accessories, such as than an inverter (not shown in the figures).

Additional accessories can be advantageously mounted around the cylindrical beam 1: for example it is planned to have between the tray main 2 and the second stage 5, a third tray 6 for receiving a printer for example (not shown), or to constitute the support of a seat for the user of the main tray 2 as a table job ; in this case, the plate 6 is advantageously secured to a cylindrical collar 7 coming around the beam 1 to form a guide for the plate 6 both for its height adjustment only for lateral deployment in rotation around beam 1; naturally, for the locking in good position of the plate 6, it is provided either a conventional device with counter-tightening by radial screw 8 coming to tighten the collar 7 around the beam 1 either a quick eccentric or cam device or any other similar means. A screen holder 9 comes additionally articulate at the upper end of the cylindrical beam 1 via a cap 10 coming to fit on the end of the beam 1 which allows the screen holder 9 to pivot in all directions of the horizontal plane just above the plateau principal of work 2 for example.

According to a particular arrangement of the cap 10 articulating the support 9, it can be arranged in a passage of wires through beam 1 in order to supply for example a screen on the support 9; the cap 10 is in further processed to finish dressing the beam 1 in it giving, as will be explained below, a continuity of cylindrical shape.

According to a preferred embodiment, the beam vertical 1 consists of an external envelope tubular 11 secured to the base 3 in a manner which will specified below, inside which comes just fit a pin 12 secured as it will be detailed next, at the main tray 2 at the top and a stabilizer 13, rigidly fixed at its end lower, coming to rest on the ground in such a way that it helps stabilize the main board 2 especially when the latter is in the deployed lateral position, risking then, by the overhang it generates, tilt the whole assembly.

To this end, with reference to FIG. 2, the stabilizer 13 consists of a horizontal bar extending under the base 3 from the lower end of axis 12 to which it is fixed by any known means, parallel and in the same direction as the great dimension of main tray 2, over a length sufficient to compensate for the effects of the overhang of the main tray 2 when in lateral position deployed (as shown in dotted lines on the figure 4).

According to a first execution of the stabilizer 13, the horizontal bar 14 is provided on the side of its end free, at least one multidirectional caster 15 or an advantageously retractable skate resting on the ground at less when the main tray 2 deploys and / or park in lateral overhang position, according to movement represented by the arrow in figure 4 showing moving the main plate 2 from a position folded (in solid lines) to any position deployed sideways (in dotted lines in FIG. 4) and reciprocally.

In this way, when the user sets up the assembly, orienting the work plate 2 in the position that suits him, it correlatively drives the stabilizer 13 in the same direction by rotation around axis 12 benefiting from support at any time on the ground thanks to the rollers 15 which follow the movement, thus compensating at all times for the effects of the overhang of tray 2.

We understand the advantage of the wheels multidirectional 15 which facilitate rotation of the plate 2 for its installation in the deployed position, but also the possible displacement of the assembly in position transport, the plane of the rollers 15 then being in the same direction as the plane of the rollers 4 supporting the case if necessary the rolling assembly.

According to a more elaborate execution of the stabilizer 13 and with reference to FIG. 3, it is expected that when the main plate 2 is not in lateral position deployed, the stabilizer 13 can be raised by vertical sliding of the axis 12 in its envelope 11 to eliminate the contact of the stabilizer 13 with the ground and avoid any additional friction when the assembly is moves on its wheels 4. The vertical sliding of axis 12 in its envelope 11 is obtained by any means known training such as for example a system with rack 16 (Figure 3); according to this device axis 12 is equipped over at least a distance corresponding to desired lift of stabilizer 13 of the grooves circular and parallel 17 meshing on a wheel toothed 18 driven by a lever 19 from a position 1 (in solid lines in FIG. 3) corresponding to a low position of stabilizer 13 against the ground until a position 2 (in dotted lines) corresponding to the situation of the stabilizer 13 raised, releasing the castors 15 for moving the rolling assembly on the ground.

We understand that the device previously described is given only as an illustration of this execution and any other device providing the same effects would not go beyond the scope of this invention.

In addition, it is obvious that the lifting system which has just been described makes it possible to simplify the stabilizer 13 using a single bar horizontal 20 (Figure 3) advantageously although not necessarily of square section, coming or not resting on the ground along its entire length at least when the main plate 2 is in the deployed lateral position respectively in the folded displacement position.

It goes without saying that the lifting device can nevertheless be easily adapted to stabilizer 13 of the figure 2 permanently comprising rollers 15 facilitating the rotation of said stabilizer on the ground when the tray 2 is placed in the lateral position deployed.

According to a secondary characteristic adaptable to the two variants of stabilizer 13, the latter can be locked in rotation around axis 12 by a cleat springs 21 integral with the base 3 coming to rest engage in a light 22 arranged at the end and on the upper part of the stabilizer 13 (Figure 1); of this way it is possible to block the stabilizer 13 in the moving position of the rolling assembly so that the plate 2 does not rotate inappropriately around the beam 1 during movement; however, when the assembly must be put in working position, it suffices actuate the cleat 21 downwards for example with a foot to rotate it relative to an axis 23 for raise finger 24 from light 22 and thus release the stabilizer 13 which can then pivot. Cleat 21 is returned to the rest position by a spring 25.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, it will now be detailed all the connections of the different platforms to beam 1 as well as the connection between base 3 and same beam 1:

Regarding the connection of the main plate 2 to axis 12, this is obtained by the cooperation of a horizontal frame, for example made up of two bars coplanar 26,27 (Figure 4) on which is fixed said tray 2 conventionally formed of a wooden board or similar; these two bars come to converge and join for example by welding to a part cylindrical 28 fixedly mounted around the axis 12 which is extends for this purpose above the envelope 11 on the upper edge 29 from which said piece 28 comes rest or pivot thus determining the height of the plate 2 relative to the base 3; incidentally, the cylindrical part 28 enclosing the axis 12 is secured to the latter for example by a keying transverse 30. It is obvious that one can provide a height adjustment of main tray 2 by joining the two bars 26, 27 by a fixing collar which can, at on request, slide vertically on the part 28.

Regarding the connection of the secondary plate 6 collar 7, it is also planned to have two coplanar bars 31.32 (shown in phantom) ends in FIG. 4) coming to converge on the collar 7 to be joined there, for example by welding.

Finally, with regard to the base 3 on which is advantageously mounted the lower plate 5 and in reference to Figure 5, this consists of two bars 33.34 identical coplanar and having by example a curvature in such a way that they form in the horizontal plane two V mounted head to tail. The part curve of each V converging towards beam 1 at which bars 33 and 34 will finally be joined by welding on the external part of the envelope 11; naturally, at the front and rear ends of the V formed by bars 33 and 34 held symmetrically on either side of the beam 11, rollers 4 are pivotally mounted on vertical axes from vertically bars 33 and 34; where applicable, pads can replace said casters.

According to another characteristic of the invention, axis 12 can itself be hollow in such a way that can circulate cables internally joining the lower part of the furniture to the upper part with the screen, as already mentioned.

According to yet another secondary characteristic of the invention, the outer diameters of the casing 11 of the cylindrical part 28 and the cap 10 ensuring the fixing and orientation of the screen holder 9 are all equal, giving beam 1 an external configuration of smooth cylinder and overall aesthetic particularly advantageous.

Finally, and according to one last characteristic important of the invention, the stabilizer 13 can be covered with a curved plate 35 curved upwards and secured to bars 14 or 20 depending on the execution of the stabilizer 13. This curved plate 35 accompanying the movements of the stabilizer 13 and therefore the deployment of the main tray 2 will advantageously serve as a footrest for the user.

It goes without saying that the dimensions of the whole are in relationship with the multimedia material that we hear use, however, the overall width of the trays and including main board 2 should not exceed 700mm; in this way, at least in the folded position, the set can pass through any door communication between two offices for example.

Finally, it can always be added to other accessories, such as a handle 36 (figure 1) or a hoop for protecting the cleat 21 on the lower plate 5, so to make the whole more user-friendly or more rational.

Claims (10)

Stable lateral deployment assembly, forming a desk or table, particularly suitable for receiving computer equipment for example comprising at least one main plate (2) overhanging on its largest dimension and a base (3) if necessary mounted on multidirectional casters (4) with or without stop blocking or the like, supporting said plate (2) by means of a single vertical beam (1) preferably cylindrical, characterized in that the single beam (11) consists of an outer tubular casing (11) secured to the base (3), inside which just fits an axis (12) secured to the main plate (2), a stabilizer (13) bearing on the ground is rigidly fixed to the lower end of the axis (12) which is extended for this purpose below the base (3), the stabilizer (13) being associated with lifting means (15, 16) or allowing its displacement on the ground. Assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stabilizer (13) consists of a horizontal bar (14) extending under the base (3) from the lower end of the axis (12) to which it is fixed by any known means, in parallel and in the same direction as the large dimension of the main plate (2), over a length sufficient to compensate for the effects of the overhang of the main plate (2) when it is in the lateral position deployed. An assembly according to claim 2 characterized in that the lower extension of the axis is such that the horizontal bar (20), advantageously of square section, rests on the ground along its entire length at least when the main plate is in the deployed lateral position . Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that the horizontal bar (14) is provided on the side of its free end with at least one multidirectional caster (15) or with an advantageously retractable shoe resting on the ground, at least when the main plate (2) deploys and / or parks in a lateral position. Assembly according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the main plate (2) is not in the deployed lateral position, the stabilizer (13) can be raised to avoid contact with the ground by axial sliding up the axis (12) in its envelope (11) by any known drive means such as a rack system (16,17) for example. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection of the main plate (2) to the axis (12) is obtained by the cooperation of a horizontal frame, for example made up of two coplanar bars (26,27 ) on which is fixed said plate (2) and which converge on a cylindrical part (28) mounted fixed around the axis (12) which is extended for this purpose above the envelope (11) on the edge upper (29) of which said piece (28) comes to rest or pivot, thus determining the height of the plate (2) relative to the base (3), the external diameters of said cylindrical piece (28) and of the casing (11) being advantageously the same. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that various secondary plates (5,6,9) or accessories can be arranged around the cylindrical beam (1) while being fixed (5), semi-fixed (6), in particular in height, or pivoting (9) around the beam (1), depending on whether they are respectively secured to the casing (11), mounted tight by any known means such as collar (7) with quick tightening (8) , or secured to the axis (12) directly or through a cylindrical part (28). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stabilizer (13) can be locked in rotation about the axis (12) by a spring cleat (21) secured to the base (3) coming to rest engage in a corresponding lumen (22) of the stabilizer (13). Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis (12) is hollow to serve as a passage for electrical wires between the lower part of the assembly and the upper part (9), carrying a screen for example. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stabilizer (13) is covered with a curved plate (35) upwards to serve as a footrest when the main plate (2) is in the deployed lateral position.

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