FR3159499A1 - Extendable bistro table with sliding base - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a table (1) comprising a horizontal top (10) of rectangular shape supported by a single base (20) comprising a leg with a vertical axis (21) resting on the ground by means of a base or feet integral with its lower end, said table also comprising an extension (30) mounted articulated with respect to said top and arranged to occupy a deployed service position in which it extends in the horizontal extension of an extension edge of this top so as to enlarge its useful surface; said top being slidably mounted with respect to said base along an axis perpendicular to said extension edge, between a centered position in which said leg is aligned with the center of gravity of this top, and an offset position where this leg is aligned with the center of gravity of the subassembly constituted by said top and said extension in the deployed service position. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Extendable bistro table with sliding base

The present invention relates generally to the field of so-called bistro tables provided with a top supported by a single base. It relates in particular to such an extendable table with a sliding base.

Used mainly in catering establishments such as cafes, bistros or small restaurants where space is limited, bistro tables allow customers to be welcomed in a friendly and warm setting around a coffee, a light meal or even an aperitif drink.

They typically comprise a horizontal top, generally circular, rectangular or square in shape and supported by a single base comprising a jamb with a vertical axis aligned with the center of gravity of this top and resting on the ground via a base or feet attached to its lower end.

The main advantage of this type of table with a single base is that it offers more legroom for users due to the absence of bulky legs on its sides.

Although it may seem counterintuitive, these bistro tables are relatively stable thanks to the central positioning of their base allowing for an even distribution of the weight of the tabletop around this base.

Due to their location in places where space is limited (indoor rooms or outdoor terraces), their table tops typically have restricted dimensions (generally less than one meter wide) in order to maximize the number of tables that can be placed in a given space.

The number of people who can sit around this type of bistro table is therefore often limited in practice to two or even four for the largest of them.

Groups of people larger than the capacity of such a table are therefore forced to divide into subgroups over several tables, which is detrimental to the desired spirit of conviviality.

To address this issue, some bistro tables with rectangular or square tops have an extension mounted to pivot on one of the edges of the top so as to temporarily increase its usable surface area when it is deployed horizontally.

Locking means are also provided to hold the extension in its deployed position in line with the tray.

Although such bistro tables with an extension can accommodate a larger number of people around them in their extended configuration, their comfort of use is reduced due to a significant loss of stability.

Also known from document CN 107960730 A is a table with a square top supported in its center by a single height-adjustable base and further comprising four rectangular extensions pivotally mounted on the four edges of the square top so as to enlarge the useful surface of the table into a larger square when said extensions are deployed horizontally.

Such a table can accommodate a greater number of people around it in its extended configuration without compromising its stability since the center of gravity of the tabletop in the extended configuration remains in the same position as in its compact configuration.

However, deploying this table from its compact configuration to its extended configuration or vice versa is relatively long and restrictive for the establishment's staff. Furthermore, the significant difference in the size of the tabletop between its two compact and extended configurations is not suitable for use in places where available space is limited.

The present invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

To this end, it proposes a table comprising a horizontal rectangular top supported by a single base comprising a vertical axis leg resting on the ground by means of a base or feet integral with its lower end, said table also comprising an extension mounted in an articulated manner with respect to said top and arranged to occupy a deployed service position in which it extends in the horizontal extension of an extension edge of this top so as to enlarge its useful surface.

According to the invention, said tray is slidably mounted relative to said base along an axis perpendicular to said extension edge, between a centered position in which said leg is aligned with the center of gravity of this tray, and an offset position where said leg is aligned with the center of gravity of the subassembly consisting of said tray and said extension in the deployed service position.

The invention thus makes it possible to maintain excellent stability of the table in the extended configuration in which its extension extends in the horizontal extension of said extension edge of the table top.

For reasons of simplicity and convenience both in manufacturing and in use, said top is preferably mounted to slide relative to said base by means of a horizontal plate fixed to the top of said jamb and against which said top slides.

The sliding between said plate and said turntable is ensured by guide means comprising for example at least one buttonhole provided on said turntable being oriented perpendicular to said extension edge, as well as at least one pin with an enlarged head fixed under said plate and slidingly engaged in said at least one buttonhole.

To ensure better stability of the table, said guide means advantageously comprise at least two said buttonholes arranged symmetrically on either side of said jamb and each receiving at least one said pin with an enlarged head.

In order to prevent any accidental sliding of said top relative to said base, said table preferably comprises means for locking said top in its centered and offset positions, said locking means comprising at least one pull tab mounted to slide against the lower face of this top along an axis parallel to said extension edge, between a locking position in which said pull tab cooperates in abutment with said plate so as to prevent any relative sliding between the latter and said top, and a release position where said pull tab is away from said plate.

According to a first preferred embodiment of simple and robust design, said extension is pivotally mounted by one of its edges on said extension edge of said tray.

For greater ease of use in the compact configuration of the table, said extension is advantageously arranged so that, when said top is in its centered position, it occupies a horizontally retracted position below this top, anti-pivot retaining means also ensuring that it remains in this retracted position. These anti-pivot retaining means are, for example, of the magnetic type.

Still with the aim of facilitating the design by limiting the number of constituent parts of said table, said plate is configured so as to protrude from said extension edge of the tabletop when the latter occupies its offset position, so as to ensure that said extension is maintained in its deployed service position.

According to a second preferred embodiment of more complex design but offering more elegant extension deployment kinematics, said extension is pivotally mounted by one of its faces and along an axis parallel to said extension edge of the tray on an end edge of a horizontal support plate slidably mounted against the lower face of said tray along an axis perpendicular to said extension edge, between a retracted position in which it extends entirely below said tray and an extended position in which it projects opposite said extension edge,
said extension being arranged so that, when said support plate is in the extended position, it comes to occupy its deployed service position where it rests against the upper face of said support plate.

In order to avoid any risk of the extension leaf tipping over unexpectedly when the table is in the extended configuration, the latter preferably includes anti-pivoting retaining means to ensure that said extension leaf is held in its deployed service position. These anti-pivoting retaining means may, for example, include at least one pin with an enlarged head fixed under said extension leaf and designed to fit into a corresponding notch provided on an end edge of said plate and whose width is less than the diameter of the head of this pin, so as to prevent said extension leaf from pivoting.

For greater ease of use in the compact configuration of the table, said extension is advantageously suitable, when said top occupies its centered position and said support plate occupies its retracted position, to occupy a horizontally retracted position against the lower face of said support plate and below said top.

In order to prevent any accidental sliding of said extension when the table is in its compact configuration, the latter preferably comprises anti-sliding retaining means making it possible to maintain said extension in said retracted position by preventing the sliding of said support plate. These anti-sliding retaining means comprise, for example, at least one pull tab mounted to slide against the lower face of said tabletop along an axis parallel to said extension edge, and arranged to cooperate in abutment with a cutout forming a stop formed in a fallen edge of said support plate.

Finally, and in order to ensure excellent comfort of use, the sliding of said support plate relative to said tray is preferably ensured by means of a pair of two slides each comprising a male rail and a female rail fixed respectively to said support plate and to said tray or vice versa with said male rail which is slidably engaged on said female rail.

The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of several exemplary embodiments, given below for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 represents a top perspective view of a table according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention and in its compact use configuration;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of the table of the FIG. 1 in its extended usage configuration;
- FIG. 3 represents a perspective view from below the table of the FIG. 1 in its compact usage configuration;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below the table of the FIG. 1 in an intermediate configuration between compact and extended configurations;
- FIG. 5 represents a perspective view from below the table of the FIG. 1 in its extended usage configuration;
- FIG. 6 represents a perspective view from below of a table according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention and in its compact use configuration;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view from below the table of the FIG. 6 in a first intermediate configuration between its compact and extended usage configurations;
- FIG. 8 represents a perspective view from below the table of the FIG. 6 in a second intermediate configuration between its compact and extended usage configurations; and
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view from below the table of the FIG. 6 in its extended usage configuration.

Figures 1 to 5 represent a table 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

We define with respect to this table 1 an orthogonal reference XYZ comprising three axes perpendicular two by two, namely:
- an X axis, defining a longitudinal, horizontal direction;
- a Y axis, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which with the X axis defines a horizontal XY plane parallel to the ground, and
- a Z axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the horizontal XY plane.

In the remainder of the description and with reference to the reference defined above, the terms “longitudinal” or “longitudinally” will refer to a direction parallel to the X axis, the terms “transverse” or “transversely” will refer to a direction parallel to the Y axis, and the terms “vertical” or “vertically” will refer to a direction parallel to the Z axis.

On the other hand, the terms "front" and "rear" will be used to specify the longitudinal positioning of certain elements relative to the orientation of the X axis. Similarly, the terms "upper" and "lower" will be used to specify the relative position of certain elements relative to the orientation of the Z axis.

With reference to figures 1 and 2 showing it respectively in its compact and extended usage configurations, the table 1 comprises a horizontal top 10 of rectangular (and advantageously square) shape supported by a single base 20 comprising a tubular leg with a vertical axis 21 and a base 22 fixed at its lower end and intended to rest on the ground.

According to embodiment variants not shown, the base 22 can be replaced by several feet secured to the lower end of the jamb 21 and designed to rest on the ground.

The table 1 further comprises a rectangular extension 30 pivotally mounted around a transverse axis by one 31 of its transverse edges (and by means of hinges 31 visible in figures 4 and 5) on a transverse extension edge 11 of the table top 10, this extension 30 being arranged to occupy a deployed service position in which it extends horizontally in the extension of this extension edge 11 of the table top 10 so as to enlarge its useful surface.

According to the invention and as can be seen in Figures 3 to 5, the top 10 is slidably mounted relative to the base 20 along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the extension edge 11, by means of a horizontal plate of rectangular shape 23 fixed to the top of its leg 21 and against which this top 10 rests slidably.

The tray 10 is thus movable between:
- a centered position illustrated by figures 3 and 4 in which the leg 21 of the base 20 is aligned with the center of gravity of this plate 10; and
- an offset position illustrated by the FIG. 5 where this leg 21 is aligned with the center of gravity of the subassembly constituted by the plate 10 and the extension 30 in the deployed service position.

As illustrated by figures 3 to 5, the sliding mounting of the plate 23 with respect to the plate 10 is ensured in this case by guide means comprising at least one buttonhole 24 provided on the plate 23 being oriented longitudinally and perpendicular to the extension edge 11, as well as at least one pin with an enlarged head 12 fixed under said plate 10 and slidingly engaged in said at least one buttonhole 24.

In order to ensure good stability of the plate 10, these guide means advantageously comprise at least one pair of two buttonholes 24 arranged symmetrically on either side of the jamb 21 and each receiving at least one said pin with enlarged head 12. In this case, these guide means here comprise two said pairs of buttonholes 24 each receiving a single pin with enlarged head 12, these two pairs being offset from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the extension edge 11 so as to further improve the stability of this plate 10.

Still with reference to Figures 3 to 5, the table 1 preferably comprises means for locking the table top 10 in its centered and offset positions. These locking means comprise in this case at least one pull tab 13 slidably mounted against the lower face of the table top 10 along a transverse axis parallel to the extension edge 11 and arranged to cooperate in abutment with two cutouts 23A forming a stop formed in an end edge of the plate 23 while being offset from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to this extension edge 11.

Each pull tab 13 is thus movable between a locking position in which one of its ends is housed in one of these two cutouts 23A so as to prevent any relative sliding between the plate 23 and the tray 10, and a release position where it is away from this same plate 23.

In order to ensure play-free locking of the plate 10 with respect to the base 20, the locking means advantageously comprise two pull tabs 13 arranged on either side of the plate 23 and each capable of cooperating with two respective cutouts forming a stop provided in a corresponding end edge of this plate 23.

The sliding mounting of each pull tab 13 with respect to the plate 10 is ensured in this case by guide means comprising at least one pin with an enlarged head fixed against the lower face of the plate 10 and engaged in a slot provided in the pull tab 13.

It will be noted in support of the FIG. 5 that the plate 23 is advantageously configured so as to protrude with respect to said extension edge 11 of the plate 10 when the latter occupies its offset position, so as to ensure that the extension 30 is maintained in its deployed service position.

According to alternative embodiments not shown, this holding of the extension 30 in the raised position could be ensured by different means comprising for example at least one bolt mounted movably to slide against the lower face of the plate 10 along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the extension edge 11, between a support position in which it projects with respect to this extension edge 11 so as to ensure the latter is held in its deployed position, and a retracted position in which it is set back with respect to this same extension edge 11.

So that it does not constitute an obstacle for the legs of users seated around the table 1 when it is used in its compact configuration illustrated by figures 1 and 3, the extension 30 is capable, when the top 10 occupies its centered position, of occupying a horizontally retracted position below this top 10 in which it can be held by means of anti-pivoting retaining means, in this case of the magnetic type.

As illustrated by the FIG. 4 , these anti-pivoting retaining means comprise in this case a first magnetic element 25 (for example a magnetic pellet) fixedly affixed against one of the faces of the plate 23, as well as a second magnetic element 32 (for example, a ferromagnetic pellet) fixedly affixed against one of the faces of the extension 30.

We will now quickly describe the operations to be carried out to move table 1 from its compact configuration to its extended configuration.

Firstly, each pull tab 13 must be slid towards its release position so as to release the sliding of the tray 10. The extension 30 must then be pivoted upwards against the magnetic retaining means 25, 32 and so as to bring it towards its deployed service position in the horizontal extension of the extension edge 11 of the tray 10 as illustrated by the FIG. 4 .

The tray 10 can then be slid relative to the base 20 to its offset position, as shown in FIG. 5 , in which the jamb 21 comes to align with the center of gravity of the subassembly constituted by the plate 10 and the extension 30.

All that remains is to slide the two pull tabs 13 back into their locking position so as to lock the top 10 in this offset position and prevent any relative movement between the latter and the base 20.

Figures 6 to 8 represent a table 1’ according to a second embodiment of the invention.

In the following and in these figures 6 to 9, the same references have been kept for the elements identical to the first embodiment and a prime has been added for the similar elements.

The sliding mounting of the plate 23' of the base 20 with respect to the tabletop 10 is ensured in a similar manner to the previous embodiment by guide means comprising at least one slot 24' provided on the plate 23' being oriented longitudinally and perpendicular to the extension edge 11, as well as at least one pin with an enlarged head 12 fixed under said tabletop 10 and slidingly engaged in said at least one slot 24'.

In order to ensure good stability of the plate 10, these guide means advantageously comprise at least one pair of two slots 24' arranged symmetrically on either side of the jamb 21 and each receiving at least one said enlarged head pin 12. In this case, these guide means here comprise a single pair of two slots 24' each receiving two enlarged head pins 12 spaced apart from each other so as to further improve the stability of this plate 10.

Like the table 1, the table 1’ preferably comprises means for locking the top 10 in its centered and offset positions. These locking means comprise in this case at least one pull tab 13’ mounted to slide against the lower face of the top 10 along a transverse axis parallel to the extension edge 11 and arranged to cooperate in abutment with two cutouts 23’A forming a stop formed in a fallen edge of the plate 23’ while being offset from each other in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to this extension edge 11.

Provided with a tab 13’A, each pull tab 13’ is thus movable between a locking position in which this tab 13’A passes through one of these two cutouts 23’A so as to prevent any relative sliding between the plate 23’ and the tray 10, and a release position where it is away from this same plate 23’.

In order to ensure play-free locking of the top 10 with respect to the base 20', the locking means advantageously comprise two pull tabs 13' arranged on either side of the plate 23' and each capable of cooperating with two respective cutouts 23'A forming a stop formed in a corresponding fallen edge of this plate 23'.

As for table 1, the sliding mounting of each pull rod 13' with respect to the top 10 is ensured in this case by guide means comprising at least one pin with an enlarged head fixed against the lower face of the top 10 and engaged in a slot provided in the pull rod 13'.

As can be seen in these figures 6 to 9, the extension 30 of this table 1’ is also mounted articulated with respect to the top 10.

More precisely, this extension 30 is pivotally mounted by one of its faces and along a transverse axis parallel to the extension edge 11 of the plate 10 on an end edge 41 of a horizontal support plate 40, as shown in figures 8 and 9.

The pivoting of the extension 30 with respect to the support plate 40 is ensured in this case by means of two hinges 31', visible in figures 8 and 9, aligned along an axis parallel to the extension edge 11 of the plate 10 and advantageously located close to the median plane of this extension 30.

The support plate 40 is further slidably mounted against the lower face of the plate 10 along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to its extension edge 11, between a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 6 , in which it extends entirely below the plate 10, and an extended position, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, in which it projects opposite this extension edge 11.

The sliding of the support plate 40 with respect to the top 10 is ensured in this case by means of a pair of two slides 42 preferably arranged symmetrically on either side of the leg 21 of the base 20, each slide comprising a male rail 42A fixed to a longitudinal edge of this support plate 40 and slidingly engaged on a female rail 42B fixed against the lower face of the top 10 via a corresponding bracket 43.

According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the male rail 42A of each slide 42 can be fixed to the plate 10 while its female rail 42B is fixed to the support plate 40.

As illustrated by figures 8 and 9, the extension 30 is capable, when the support plate 40 is in the extended position, of occupying a deployed service position in the horizontal extension of the extension edge 11 of this plate 10 and where it rests against the upper face of this support plate 40.

Anti-pivoting retaining means also make it possible to maintain this extension 30 in this deployed service position, these means comprising in this case at least one pin with an enlarged head 33 fixed under the extension 30 and designed to be inserted into a corresponding notch 26 formed on an end edge of the plate 23' and the width of which is less than the diameter of the head of this pin 33, so as to prevent the extension 30 from pivoting.

As illustrated by the FIG. 6 , the extension 30 is also capable, when the plate 10 is in its centered position and the support plate 40 is in its retracted position, of occupying a horizontally retracted position against the lower face of said support plate and below this plate 10.

Anti-sliding retaining means also make it possible to maintain this extension 30 in this retracted position, these means comprising in this case at least one pull tab 13' (in this case the same one or ones as those ensuring the locking of the plate 10) mounted to slide against the lower face of the plate 10 along a transverse axis parallel to the extension edge 11 and arranged to cooperate in abutment with a cutout forming a stop 40A formed in a fallen edge of the support plate 40.

In its locking position, each pull tab 13’ is thus arranged to fit into a corresponding cutout 40A so as to prevent any relative sliding between the plate 23 and the tray 10.

We will now quickly describe the operations to be carried out to move table 1’ from its compact configuration to its extended configuration.

Firstly, the pull tabs 13' must be slid towards their release position so as to release the sliding of the support plate 40 and the tray 10. The extension 30 must then be slid with the support plate 40 so as to bring the latter to its extended position as illustrated by the FIG. 7 .

This extension 30 can then be pivoted towards its deployed service position in the horizontal extension of the extension edge 11 of the plate 10 ( FIG. 8 ), then the tray 10 must be slid relative to the base 20' to its offset position, as shown in FIG. 9 , in which the jamb 21 comes to align with the center of gravity of the subassembly constituted by the plate 10 and the extension 30.

All that remains is to slide the two pull tabs 13' back into their locking position so as to lock the top 10 in this offset position and prevent any relative movement between the latter and the base 20'.

Many other variant embodiments are also possible and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but also encompasses all variant embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art. It should be noted in particular that the invention is not limited to use in the field of catering.

Claims (16)

Table (1; 1') comprising a horizontal top (10) of rectangular shape supported by a single base (20; 20') comprising a vertical axis leg (21) resting on the ground by means of a base (22) or feet integral with its lower end, said table (1; 1') also comprising an extension (30) mounted articulated with respect to said top (10) and arranged to occupy a deployed service position in which it extends in the horizontal extension of an extension edge (11) of this top (10) so as to enlarge its useful surface;
characterized in that said tray (10) is slidably mounted with respect to said base (20; 20') along an axis perpendicular to said extension edge (11), between a centered position in which said leg (21) is aligned with the center of gravity of this tray (10), and an offset position where said leg (21) is aligned with the center of gravity of the subassembly constituted by said tray (10) and said extension (30) in the deployed service position. Table (1; 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that said top (10) is slidably mounted with respect to said base (20; 20') by means of a horizontal plate (23; 23') fixed to the top of said jamb (21) and against which said top (10) rests slidably. Table (1; 1') according to claim 2, characterized in that the sliding between said top (10) and said plate (23; 23') is ensured by guide means comprising at least one buttonhole (24; 24') provided on said plate (23; 23') being oriented perpendicular to said extension edge, as well as at least one pin with an enlarged head (12) fixed under said top (10) and slidingly engaged in said at least one buttonhole (24; 24'). Table (1; 1') according to claim 3, characterized in that said guide means comprise at least two said buttonholes (24; 24') arranged symmetrically on either side of said jamb (21) and each receiving at least one said pin with enlarged head (12). Table (1; 1') according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises means for locking said top (10) in its centered and offset positions, said locking means comprising at least one pull tab (13; 13') mounted to slide against the lower face of this top (10) along an axis parallel to said extension edge (11), between a locking position in which said pull tab (13; 13') cooperates in abutment with said plate (23; 23') so as to prevent any relative sliding between the latter and said top (10), and a release position where said pull tab (13; 13') is away from said plate (23; 23'). Table (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said extension (30) is pivotally mounted by one of its edges on said extension edge (11) of said table top (10). Table (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said extension (30) is capable, when said top (10) occupies its centered position, of occupying a horizontally retracted position below this top (10), anti-pivot retaining means (25, 32) also making it possible to ensure that it is maintained in this retracted position. Table (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said anti-pivot retaining means (25, 32) are of the magnetic type. Table (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8 dependent on claim 2, characterized in that said plate (23) is configured so as to project with respect to said extension edge (11) of the top (10) when the latter occupies its offset position, so as to ensure the maintenance of said extension (30) in its deployed service position. Table (1') according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said extension (30) is pivotally mounted by one of its faces and along an axis parallel to said extension edge (11) of the top (10) on an end edge of a horizontal support plate (40) slidably mounted against the lower face of said top (10) along an axis perpendicular to said extension edge (11), between a retracted position in which it extends entirely below said top (10) and an extended position in which it projects opposite said extension edge (11),
said extension (30) being capable, when said support plate (40) is in the extended position, of coming to occupy its deployed service position where it rests against the upper face of said support plate (40). Table (1') according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises anti-pivot retaining means (26, 33) making it possible to ensure that said extension (30) is maintained in its deployed service position. Table (1') according to claim 11, characterized in that said anti-pivot retaining means comprise at least one pin with an enlarged head (33) fixed under said extension (30) and designed to be inserted into a corresponding notch (26) provided on an end edge of said plate and the width of which is less than the diameter of the head of this pin (12), so as to prevent pivoting of said extension (30). Table (1') according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that said extension (30) is capable, when said top (10) occupies its centered position and said support plate (40) occupies its retracted position, of coming to occupy a horizontally retracted position against the lower face of said support plate (40) and below said top (10). Table (1') according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises anti-sliding retaining means (13') making it possible to maintain said extension (30) in said retracted position by preventing sliding of said support plate (40). Table (1') according to claim 14, characterized in that said anti-sliding retaining means comprise at least one pull tab (13') mounted to slide against the lower face of said top (10) along an axis parallel to said extension edge (11), and arranged to cooperate in abutment with a cutout forming a stop (40A) formed in a fallen edge of said support plate (40). Table (1') according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the sliding of said support plate (40) with respect to said top (10) is ensured by means of a pair of two slides (42) each comprising a male rail (42A) and a female rail (42B) fixed respectively to said support plate (40) and to said top (10) or vice versa with said male rail (42A) which is slidably engaged on said female rail (42B).