WO2002089637A1 - Set of parts for the easy assembly and transportation of various small pieces of furniture that are used for relaxation purposes - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of basic parts which can be easily stored and transported in a hand-held bag and which can be used simply and quickly to assemble and disassemble various small pieces of furniture that are used for recreational purposes (camping, trekking, beach), such as a camp bed, a deckchair, a chair, a stool, a table and a hammock. Said set of parts comprises at least one series of transverse tubes (1, 3, 5) which define the width of the piece of furniture, tubes (7, 8) which define the length of the piece of furniture, connection parts (11, 12) which are used to assemble said tubes and a piece of fabric (13 or 21) on which the person sits, stretches out or sleeps. The transverse tubes (1, 2, 3) can be telescopic in form such that a larger bed can be assembled and shorter tubes can be used. Optionally, a folding table top (22), which can be used to assemble a table, or strips of fabric (24), which can be used to make arm rests for the deckchair or to fix the hammock to a structure, can be provided in addition to the basic parts.

Description

Assortment of parts for easy assembly and transport of various small pieces of furniture for relaxation

The invention relates to the design of a set of basic parts, which can easily be contained and transported in hand luggage and allowing the simple or rapid assembly or disassembly of various small pieces of furniture useful in the field of leisure (camping, trekking, beach), such as the camp bed, the "deckchair", the chair, the stool, the table and the hammock.

Many folding or dismountable pieces of furniture exist in this field, but each type of piece of furniture is specific and cannot be transformed into another kind of piece of furniture. For example, a folding chair cannot be turned into a table. In addition, most of this leisure furniture, once folded or dismantled, is of a size which exceeds the size of a hand luggage, both for the surface and for the length, therefore impractical for transport on foot or by plane.

This invention uses a tube system which is used in the mounting of masts (or stakes) allowing the construction of the tent frame for camping, namely tubes of round sections, one end being of larger diameter than the other, which thus makes it possible to "nest" them, over a few centimeters, one after the other, to form a longer unit.

We will also use one of the many existing ways or techniques to avoid, during the assembly of the furniture, that an element, once inserted into another element, cannot be easily dislodged (under its own weight), but only if the 2 parts are pulled relatively strongly (during disassembly).

The pieces forming the frame of the various pieces of furniture can be made of aluminum, but also of any other metal, alloy, kinds of plastic, carbon fibers or ceramic, as long as the material used allows obtain a frame light enough and strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult.

This invention also uses “velcro” bands in order to be able to easily hold together, during assembly, or separate, during disassembly, two parts of the piece of fabric folded back on themselves. Any other system, such as “snap” buttons or “zipper” closures, making it possible to obtain the same possibilities, can also be used.

A more sophisticated version allowing the construction of furniture of variable width will use certain "telescopic" tubes, this system being analogous to that used for the manufacture of (telescopic) stakes for camping tents or (telescopic) ski poles.

The invention aims to offer lovers of nature or travel, camping, beach, trekking, vacation, a set of basic parts allowing on the one hand, to be versatile, since transformable into various small furniture for camping or leisure, such as:

- bed

- deckchair

- chair

- stool - table

- hammock, and, on the other hand, to be easily transportable in accompanied luggage or a mountain bag, since everything fits in a bag similar in size to that of a sleeping bag.

According to the invention, the above 2 goals are achieved by a set of basic elements comprising eight different kinds of parts, which can be completed by two other accessories. The composition of the eight basic parts is as follows:

- transverse bars allowing the piece of fabric to be held at each of its ends, - basic transverse tubes used to support and hold the legs of the cabinet - transverse end tubes placed at the end of the cabinet

- long tubes ensuring the length and height of the cabinet

- short tubes also ensuring the length and height of the cabinet

- "junction" pieces in the shape of a "T" which allow to fit and hold 3 tubes together - simple "junction" pieces which allow to fit and hold two tubes together

- a piece of fabric on which the person will be able to lie down, lie down or sit down, a “modular” piece that adapts to the frame of each type of furniture.

The two additional accessories ("options" possible) are:

- a foldable table top (essential for mounting the table)

- fabric straps allowing either to act as an armrest or to fix the hammock on supports.

The advantages of this system are numerous. In addition to being easily transportable, the invention does not comprise any complicated part or mechanism which can wear out or deteriorate with time or the frequency of use. The parts are therefore reliable, durable, simple to manufacture.

This invention also makes it possible to mount furniture of “standard” dimensions, while often these leisure furniture, in order to be easily transportable, are of smaller dimension. The assembly and disassembly technique is simple, because logically arising from the specificity of each type of tube. The assembly is carried out in 2 distinct and independent phases: the assembly of the reinforcement (with the tubes and the junction pieces), then that of the piece of fabric held by the two transverse pieces. During assembly of the frame, the order with which parts fit together does not matter, which avoids having to

100 disassemble a part if an item is forgotten.

Once assembled, the furniture is comfortable, because the system for fixing the piece of fabric supporting the person on the frame is adjustable in height and therefore allows the tension or length of the piece to be adjusted according to comfort criteria specific to each user.

105 The storage of the pieces, once the furniture is dismantled, is simple and quick: it is enough, to save space to fit the smallest pieces together, to have all these pieces “side by side” on the piece of cloth and on the table top and "wrap" while wrapping the piece of cloth with its contents. The length of the roll thus obtained corresponds to the length of the longest pieces, namely the transverse tubes which determine the width of the cabinet.

Here, in more detail, is the description and the utility of each of the parts required for the various assemblies.

The tubes described in Figures 1, 2 and 3 are transverse and horizontal tubes in the assembly of furniture. They actually determine the width of the cabinet and are the same length. 120 In a more sophisticated version of manufacturing, these three types of transverse tubes can be telescopic to give them three different sizes (which will determine three different widths of furniture):

- position "maximum width", for the bed and the hammock.

- "medium width" position, for the "deckchair", the chair and the 125 stool

- "minimum width" position, for table and storage

(indeed, the table top can be rolled in its length, but cannot be folded in its width)

130 FIG. 1 represents one of the two transverse bars 1 serving to hold the piece of fabric 13 (FIG. 8) while increasing the final rigidity of the frame of the furniture. Parts 2A and 2B of this part are in the shape of a "U" or "Ω" so that they can be fixed or "clip" on other tubes. The space inside the "U" must therefore correspond to the diameter

135 outside of the tubes 7 and 8 (Figures 4 and 5) to which this part will be attached.

So that this tube 1 does not move along the other tubes, it will be necessary, for example, to coat the inside of the “U” part with an “anti-slip” material such as rubber or to use any other system allowing 'Avoid this displacement like the "clip" or plugging system. For

140 this plug system, it is necessary to add a "finger" (analogous to a plug plug from an electrical outlet and not drawn in this figure) inside the "U" part of the bar; this finger is then placed in one of the holes arranged over the entire length of the tube 8 (FIG. 5). In this last figure, the holes have not been drawn, since it is an alternative.

145

FIG. 2 represents one of the three basic transverse tubes 3 serving to support the cabinet and in which the legs of the cabinet are fitted. This part also keeps the feet parallel by making the right part integral with the left part of the furniture. Each end 4 is of a diameter 150 which indifferently allows the insertion (nesting) of the parts of Figures 5, 6 and 7.

FIG. 3 represents one of the two transverse end tubes. This type of part makes it possible to maintain the right part with the left part 155 of the piece of furniture. Each end 4 is of a diameter which allows indifferently the insertion (nesting) of the parts of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The ends 6A and 6B make it possible to prevent the fabric which rests on the transverse bar between these ends can slide on the sides.

160 Figure 4 represents one of the eight long tubes 7 which make it possible to extend the length or the height of the pieces of furniture. Each end 4 is of a diameter which allows indifferently the insertion (nesting) of the parts of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. 165 FIG. 5 represents one of the eight short tubes 8 which also make it possible - like the tubes 7 - to extend the length or the height of the furniture. The end 4 is of a diameter which allows indifferently the introduction (nesting) of the parts of Figures 5, 6 and 7, while the end 9 is of a smaller diameter allowing to fit either in the no. tubes of Figures 2, 3 and 4. This tube has a length corresponding to approximately half that of the tube of Figure 7. In case the fixing system of the crossbar 1 uses a "finger" (or "plug" ), regularly spaced holes over the entire length of these tubes 8 should be added to allow the "finger" to be inserted.

175

The combination of long tubes 7 and short tubes 8 makes it possible to obtain furniture of adequate dimensions and identical to that of conventional furniture.

180 FIG. 6 represents one of the six “T” junction pieces 11 which make it possible to fit 3 tubes while maintaining two in the same direction and a third in a perpendicular direction. The diameter of the ends of this part must allow the fitting of the tubes of FIGS. 2 to 5.

185

FIG. 7 represents one of the six simple junction pieces 12 which make it possible to fit 2 tubes while maintaining them in the same direction. The diameter of the ends of this part will allow the fitting of the tubes of FIGS. 2 to 5. The "bulge" in the center of the part makes it possible to prevent the latter 190 from fully penetrating one of the other tubes.

These parts 1 1 and 12 can be solid and made of another material than that of the tubes. They will be manufactured in such a way that once fitted into other tubes, they can only dislodge under the action of a fairly strong 195 manual traction. FIG. 8 represents the piece of fabric 13. The elements 14 of this figure represent the “hook” part of the “velcro” bands and the elements 15 indicate the “velvet” part. The sides of the piece of fabric can then

200 be folded and folded down along axes 17, 17A and 17 B in such a way that the "velvet" part is in contact with the "hooks" part, which allows them to be held together. A slight offset between these two parts ("hooks" and "velvet") makes it possible to stretch the fabric more or less on the frame. Any other system ensuring the maintenance and tension of parts

205 different from the same piece of fabric can also be used, such as "zippers", "snaps", tensioners in the form of springs or elastic belts. The cutting into “slots” of the piece of fabric makes it possible to “bypass” the pieces of “T” junctions 11. The end 16 is constituted by a sort of hem comprising two openings 18A and 18B and

210 closed with seam 19.

In the case of more sophisticated manufacturing with the “telescopic” transverse tubes, the dimensions of this part will have to be adapted and two “velcro” bands 15 will have to be added (one on the side of the axis 17A and the other on the side of the axis 17B) to ensure the maintenance of the sections of fabric with

215 "velcro" bands 14 both when these tubes are in the "maximum width" and "medium width" positions.

FIG. 9 represents another simplified piece of fabric 21 which replaces part 13 (FIG. 8) in case one does not wish to mount the bed. In this 220 situation, the piece of fabric is simpler than the piece 13 (without the slot cutouts and without the "velcro" strips, but with a hem at each end comprising the two openings 18A and 18B) and allows the assembly of all other furniture;

225 Figure 10 shows the table top 22. This table is foldable by winding. Indeed, it is a series of thin strips 23, arranged parallel to each other, slightly spaced and fixed on a flexible support. The whole thus forms a whole which can be rolled up like a blind. Once this element is unrolled and placed on a frame, it 230 becomes rigid and acts as a table top. Under this tray, cleats will be attached to each corner to prevent the tray from moving once placed on the table frame.

Figure 1 1 shows one of the two fabric strips 24, with several 235 holes 25 and 26. These holes have the same diameter as that of the transverse tubes. This piece serves either as an armrest for the "deckchair" or the chair, or as a fixing element which connects the hammock itself to these supports.

Figures 12 and 13 show the manner and parts required to assemble the cot. For this, two transverse bars 1, three basic transverse tubes 3, two transverse end tubes 5, eight long tubes 7, eight short tubes 8, six "T" junction pieces 1 1, four simple junction pieces are required. 12, a piece of fabric 13. First mount the frame as shown in Figure 12. Then, as shown in Figure 13, place 245 the piece of fabric on the top of the frame by folding the tissue parts comprising the "velcro" bands 14 around the tubes of the upper frame. These “velcro” bands 14 then intersect with the “velcro” bands 15 to ensure tension and support the weight of the person. A crossbar 1 is slid into the hem through the openings 18A or 18B for 250 to be fixed on the 2 short tubes 8 forming the two uprights of the feet located on the left in the figure. The location where the "velcro" bands are hooked, as well as the height at which the bar 1 is fixed on the foot of the bed makes it possible to adjust the tension of the piece of fabric as desired by the user.

255 Figures 14 and 15 show the manner and the parts necessary to assemble the "deckchair". For this, two transverse bars 1, two basic transverse tubes 3, two transverse end tubes 5, six long tubes 7, six short tubes 8, four "T" junction pieces 1 1, four simple junction pieces are required. 12, a piece of fabric 13. We first mount

260 the armature as shown in figure 14. Then either we use the piece of fabric

21, or the piece of fabric 13 is prepared by folding down the parts of fabric comprising the "velcro" bands 14 around the axes 17, 17A and 17B so that they hook onto the "velcro" bands 15 to form a rectangular piece of fabric, without the notches cut on the sides, corresponding to

265 the interior width of the furniture frame. This piece of fabric 13 or 21 now has a hem at each of its ends. Each of the two transverse bars 1 is slid into a hem to then be fixed on the short tubes 8 forming the uprights of the feet located on the right and left sides of the 13. The heights to which the two bars 1 are fixed on

270 the uprights of the feet make it possible to adjust the length of the piece of fabric between the two end tubes 5 as desired by the user. We can thus obtain a more or less curved fabric. Optionally, you can add the 2 armrests obtained using the pieces 24. Each piece is fixed by passing the end 6A or 6B of the tube 5 from the top of the backrest through the hole 25 and the end

275 6A or 6B of the other tube 5 (to the right of FIG. 14) through one of the three holes 26.

Depending on the hole 26 chosen, a more or less long armrest is obtained, therefore more or less curved.

Figures 16 and 17 show the manner and parts required to

280 mount the chair. For this, two transverse bars 1, two basic transverse tubes 3, two transverse end tubes 5, four long tubes 7, eight short tubes 8, four "T" junction pieces 1 1, two simple junction pieces are required. 12, a piece of fabric 13. First mount the frame as shown in Figure 16. Then either use the piece of fabric

285 21, or the piece of fabric 13 is prepared according to the same method as that indicated above for the "deckchair", by sliding a transverse bar 1 in each of the two hems. These two transverse bars are fixed on the uprights of the back legs of the chair (figure 17). The heights to which the two bars 1 are fixed on the feet make it possible to adjust the

290 length of the piece of fabric between the two end tubes 5 as desired by the user. We can thus obtain a more or less curved fabric.

Figures 18 and 19 show the manner and parts required to mount the stool. For this you need two crossbars 1, two tubes

295 basic transverse 3, two transverse end tubes 5, two tubes long 7, eight short tubes 8, four "T" junction pieces 11, one piece of fabric13. The frame is first mounted as shown in FIG. 18. Then either the piece of fabric 21 is used, or the piece of fabric 13 is prepared according to the same method as that indicated for the “deckchair”. The first transverse bar 300 is fixed to the uprights of the feet (located to the right of the figure

19). Before fixing the second transverse bar, you have to wrap the piece of fabric twice around the end tubes 5. The second transverse bar is then fixed on the two other uprights of the legs located on the left of figure 19.

305

Figures 20 and 21 show the manner and parts required to assemble the table. This requires two cross bars 1, two basic cross tubes 3, two end cross tubes 5, eight long tubes 7, four short tubes 8, four "T" junction pieces 1 1, six 310 junction pieces in simple 12, a table top 22. First mount the frame as shown in Figure 20. Then unroll the table top to place it flat as shown in Figure 21.

Figure 22 shows how and what parts are needed to mount the 315 hammock. For this, two cross bars 1 and the piece of fabric 13 or

21. If the piece of fabric 13 is used, it must be prepared using the same method as that indicated above for the "deckchair". Then we slide in each of the two hems a crossbar 1. Optionally, the two pieces 24 allow each end of the hammock to be connected to a support. 320 For this, the end 2A in the shape of a “U” of the crossbar 1 is hooked to the hole 25 of a piece 24 and the other end 2B of this same bar 1 is hooked to one of the holes 26 of this same room 24. The same goes for the other end of the hammock.

Claims

Claims: 325 1. Set of basic parts composed of - transverse bars (1) allowing the piece of fabric to be held at each of its ends, - basic transverse tubes (3) used to support and hold the furniture legs - transverse end tubes (5) placed at the end of the furniture - long tubes (7) ensuring the length and height of the cabinet - short tubes (8) also ensuring the length and height of the 335 piece of furniture - “junction” pieces in the shape of a “T” (1 1) which allow to fit and hold 3 tubes together - simple "junction" pieces (12) which allow two tubes to be nested and held together 340 - a piece of fabric (21) on which the person will be able to lie down, lie down or sit down, which pieces allow, on the one hand transport in a reduced volume (hand luggage) and, on the other hand apart from the easy and quick assembly of various small pieces of furniture for camping, trekking or leisure, namely 345 - deckchair - chair - stool - hammock. 350 2. A set of parts according to claim 1, to which the piece of fabric (21) is replaced by the piece of fabric (13), which allows the additional mounting of a camp bed, in addition to the other furniture already mentioned in claim 1. 355 3. Set of parts according to claim 1 or 2, to which is added the table top (22), which allows the additional mounting of a table, in addition to the other furniture already mentioned in claims 1 or 2. 360 4. Fabric straps (24), optional accessories completing the set of parts of claims 1, 2 and 3. These straps act as armrests for the deckchair and fixing element for the hammock. 365 5. A set of parts according to claim 1 and 2, to which the transverse bars (1), the basic transverse tubes (3) and the transverse end tubes (5) are replaced by tubes of the same shape but " telescopic ”thus obtaining a larger bed (tubes in maximum width position) and shorter tubes for storage 370 (tubes in minimum width position). The piece of fabric (13) must undergo two modifications: its dimension in the width direction must be increased up to the maximum length of the telescopic tubes and it is necessary to add a second row of velcro strips (15).