CN112203561A

CN112203561A - Convertible furniture item

Info

Publication number: CN112203561A
Application number: CN201880093972.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 安娜·路易莎·茨马达莫雷
Original assignee: H Sign Srl
Current assignee: H Sign Srl
Priority date: 2018-05-30
Filing date: 2018-05-30
Publication date: 2021-01-08
Also published as: US20210227969A1; EP3801135A1; WO2019229497A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of furniture and, in particular, to a motorized convertible furniture adapted to take on different configurations. In particular, the present invention relates to a motorized furniture item that can take on a seat (such as a sofa and/or a seat cushion) or table configuration. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an item of furniture that is retractably mounted in the space under the walking surface and extractable according to the user's commands.

Description

Convertible furniture item

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of furniture and more particularly to a convertible furniture item adapted to assume different configurations. In particular, the invention relates to a motorized furniture item, able to take the configuration of a seat (such as a sofa and/or a seat cushion) or a table. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an article of furniture which is telescopically mounted in the space below the walking surface and which is extractable upon command of a user.

Background

At present, there is an increasing demand for intelligent furniture that can be constructed in different use configurations and shapes in order to meet the different and specific requirements of the end users. In furniture in reception premises (hotels, restaurants, bars, showrooms, schools, etc.), this need is particularly great and is due in particular to the fact that: such sites are nowadays becoming smaller and smaller or in any case must be versatile in order to be able to be used for different activities and/or uses according to the current needs. More flexible use of space, whether in terms of availability of use or revenue (where it is indeed intended to make use of a site to make a profit), provides properties with various advantages.

Needless to say, furniture that can intelligently meet usage requirements that vary from case to case can also achieve such flexibility of use.

In this connection, smart furniture is known in the art that can change its arrangement, even its shape, according to the user's commands, in order to assume different configurations of use. A very well known example is a sofa bed, which takes the seat or bed configuration as required. However, current technology continues to evolve and furniture items are more capable of being converted and/or adapted.

A particularly desirable goal is therefore to combine the above-mentioned conversion capacity with compactness and volume reduction, always with the goal of utilizing the available space in an optimal manner.

Another object is to provide a furniture item that is both powerful and aesthetically pleasing.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to meet the above mentioned objects by providing a motorized convertible furniture item, which is adapted to take different configurations, for example, in particular of a seat or a table.

Another object of the furniture item according to the invention is to be particularly compact and occupy little space, able to be installed in a space specifically made on site.

These and other objects are achieved by a convertible furniture item, the essential features of which are defined in the first claim.

Drawings

The features and advantages of the motorized convertible furniture item according to the invention will become clearer from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given as a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an article of furniture according to the invention which has been installed in situ;

FIG. 2 is another longitudinal cross-sectional view of an article of furniture in accordance with the invention shown in isometric view;

FIG. 3 illustrates in perspective view a constructed furniture item for use as a table;

FIG. 4 shows in perspective view a constructed furniture item for use as a seat; and

fig. 5 a-5 z show in sequence the steps of extracting the body of the article of furniture, wherein in particular fig. 5a shows the article of furniture in a rest position, fig. 5s shows the article of furniture in an intermediate extracted position (corresponding to a configuration for use as a seat), and fig. 5z shows the article of furniture in a fully extracted position (corresponding to a configuration for use as a table).

Detailed Description

With reference to said figures, the article of furniture according to the invention comprises a body 1 and is suitable to be housed in a space 2, the space 2 being obtained below a walking surface P and being connected to the walking surface. The body 1 is associated with raising and/or lowering means 3 suitable to be housed in the space 2, in such a way as to allow the body 1 to be raised and/or lowered according to a vertical axis X towards the outside and/or inside of the space. In particular, the main body 1 is movable between a rest position (fig. 5a), in which the main body 1 is completely housed inside the space 2, and a fully extracted position, in which the main body 1 is completely extracted from the space, protruding from the walking surface. In this position, the article of furniture assumes a configuration for use as a table (fig. 5 z). As will become clearer hereinafter, the article of furniture can also assume an intermediate position (fig. 5s) between the two extremes described above, in which the body 1 is only partially extracted from the space 2. In this position, the article of furniture assumes a configuration for use as a sofa and/or cushion.

In more detail, the body 1 comprises at least one upper plane 10 and a lower base 11, juxtaposed to each other along a vertical axis X and substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis X. A rod 12 connects the base 11 and the plane 10 and extends along the axis X. In the solution shown in the figures, the lower base and the upper plane are substantially flat, but this does not mean that they cannot be provided in other shapes, in particular for the base, which can for example take a hump-like configuration, with the apex at the stem and the sides descending towards the outer periphery. Further, the terms "lower" and "upper" are used with reference to the walking surface, the term "lower" indicating the surface of the body closest to the walking surface, and the term "upper" indicating the surface of the body away from the walking surface. In general, in the following description, spatial reference refers to the walking surface and more generally to the positioning of the article of furniture in a configuration for in situ use.

The raising and/or lowering means 3 are directly connected to the lower base 11, in the fully extracted position the lower base 11 being arranged in succession with the walking surface, so that the upper part of the space 2 is closed. In the solution shown in the figures, the raising and/or lowering means 3 is in the form of a linear telescopic actuator. This does not exclude the possibility of providing other solutions. The user activates the raising and/or lowering means 3 by means of a remote control or manual command positioned in the correct position; a control station (not visible) is therefore foreseen, which receives the activation signal issued by the user and controls the operation of the raising and/or lowering means.

As mentioned above, in this fully extracted position, the article of furniture adopts a configuration for use as a table (fig. 3 and 5 z). The upper plane 10 thus becomes the table top, while the lower base 11 continues the running surface under the table from the existing surface, which assumes the function of the support surface of the seats and of the feet of the user sitting around the table itself.

Advantageously, the main body 1 defines a chamber 13 suitable for housing a plurality of seat elements 4. In more detail, the chamber is delimited by an upper plane, a lower base and a stem.

In the fully extracted position, the chamber 13 is fully accessible, i.e. outside the space 2. In this position, therefore, the seat element 4, possibly housed in the compartment, can be extracted.

Preferably, each of the plurality of seating elements 4 is a chair. This does not exclude the possibility of foreseeing other solutions, for example stools or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, as shown, each of the plurality of seating elements 4 has an extension that occupies substantially the entire compartment 13 in height when the seat 4 is housed in the compartment, and has a backrest surface 40 that is substantially continuous with the outer peripheral edge 100 of the upper plane 10. Furthermore, as shown, the backrest surface 40 has an extension substantially perpendicular to the upper plane 10. Preferably, but not for limiting purposes, for example, the number of seating elements is such that they are arranged side-by-side in succession along the outer peripheral edge 100, so that a plurality of backrest surfaces 40 are adapted to define a substantially continuous side surface 40'.

Referring now particularly to fig. 5s, there is shown the seat construction described above, such as a seat cushion, with the item of furniture partially extracted from the space and protruding from the walking surface at a desired height to match the seating of the user on the upper plane, thereby assuming the function of the seating plane. The desired height is preferably between 40cm and 50 cm. A preferred value is for example 45 cm.

In the seat cushion configuration, the above-described continuous side surface 40 'defined by the plurality of backrest surfaces 40 assumes the function of the side wall 40' of the seat cushion, which is substantially perpendicular to the seating surface and the walking surface.

Returning now to the rod 12, the rod defines a cavity 120 therein, in which cavity 120 at least one seat 14 is housed that can be extracted according to a vertical axis X. The cavity 120 also houses extraction means 15 functionally associated with the at least one seat cushion 14. At the top, the chamber 120 is connected to the upper plane 10 at the top by a mouth 120a, which mouth 120a is suitable to be intercepted by a cover 120b, which cover 120b can be removed by the user as required. Such removal may be mechanical, and thus automated (i.e., activated by command) or manual. Further, the cover 120b may be in the form of a free cushion.

As shown, the extraction means 15 comprise a linear actuator arranged according to an axis X.

In a preferred embodiment, the chamber 120 houses a plurality of cushions arranged one above the other according to the axis X.

The extraction of the plurality of seat cushions comprises the following steps: the user actuates the extraction means 15 by remote control or onboard control. The extraction means 15 pushes the seat cushion forward to the mouth 120a according to the axis X; the first seat cushion is thus withdrawn from the chamber 120 and the user can pick it up to rest it on the seating surface. These steps are performed for each of the plurality of seat cushions.

To place the seat cushion within the cavity 120, the user follows a similar procedure, namely: the seat cushion is collected by the user, superposed and placed on the extraction means 15 corresponding to the mouth 120a of the chamber 120. Retracting the extraction means 15 causes the plurality of seat cushions to return into the chamber 120.

In another embodiment, the seat cushion extraction operation may be automated.

Advantageously, each cushion provides a surface with anti-slip means so that the cushion does not slip away once it is set on the seat. For example, these anti-slip means include a layer of static polymer associated (by bonding or sewing) to the surface of the seat cushion.

The last of the plurality of cushions may also remain in the chamber 120 to intercept the port 120 a; thus, the number of the plurality of seat cushions is preferably n +1 with respect to the n seating spaces provided.

Although nothing prevents the extraction of the at least one seat 14 from being activated in any step of raising the furniture item or even when it is in the fully extracted position, it is clear how the availability of the seat 14 is more useful in the configuration used as a seat and therefore the activation of the extraction means 15 will preferably take place in the intermediate extracted position or during the extraction step from the rest position to the intermediate extracted position.

Furthermore, defined within the bar 12 is at least one seat 16, the seat 16 being intended to house electronic means for communicating and/or transmitting images 17, such as a tablet, a display or a telephone, or more generally any electronic tool useful in the case of the use of the table as a conference table or the like. The extraction of the electronic means for communicating and/or transmitting the image 17 from the at least one seat 16 can be automated and can be carried out while raising the body, or completely manually or even assisted; in the last case, the user presses a manual control provided on the table top to activate the release means which causes the extraction of the above-mentioned electronic means 17.

Optionally, the electronic means for communicating and/or transmitting the image 17 can be housed in at least one seat 16 obtained on a table top compatible with its thickness.

Now to explain in more detail, in a preferred embodiment, the shape of the upper plane 10 is hexagonal.

The hexagon shape has many advantages because it allows the most amount of seating space while occupying the same maximum space. However, this does not exclude the possibility of foreseeing other shapes, such as, but not limited to, circular or square.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the shape of the lower base 11 is also hexagonal.

Preferably, but not for limiting purposes, the shape of the port 120a is hexagonal.

Preferably, but not for limiting purposes, the shape of at least one seat cushion 14 is hexagonal.

Preferably, but not for limiting purposes, the rod 12 has a substantially circular cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment, the rod is tubular or has at least one tubular bottom 121 to engage axially on a connecting pin 111 projecting from the lower base, preferably, but not for limiting purposes, the rod being made of steel. Conversely, the opposite scenario is also possible, namely: the lower base has a protruding tube in which the stem 12 is axially engaged.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper plane is made of tempered glass. This does not exclude the possibility of using any other material suitable for the purpose.

Further, preferably, but not for limiting purposes, the rod 12 is made of a composite material.

Possibly, the lower base 11 is made of steel or other metallic material.

Other variations and/or modifications may be made to the convertible furniture item according to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A convertible furniture item adapted to be housed in a space obtained below a walking surface (P) and connected to said walking surface (P), comprising a body (1) having a lower base (11) and an upper plane (10), the lower base (11) and the upper plane (10) being juxtaposed according to a vertical axis (X) and connected by means of a rod (12) arranged according to said vertical axis (X), said furniture item further comprising raising and/or lowering means (3) for said body (1) from said space (2), so that said body (1) can be translated according to said vertical axis (X) from a rest position, in which the body (1) is completely housed in said space, through an intermediate position, to a fully extracted position, in which said lower base (11) is arranged substantially continuously to said walking surface (P), in an intermediate position, the upper plane (10) being at a desired height from the walking surface (P), the article of furniture being such that in the fully extracted position it is adapted to assume the configuration of a table, in the intermediate position it is adapted to assume the configuration of a seat, the article of furniture being characterized in that the body delimits a chamber (13) adapted to house a seat element (4), and the rod (12) defines a cavity (120) therein, the cavity (120) being adapted to house at least one seat cushion (14) extractable from the cavity (120), the seat cushion (14) being arranged to rest on the upper plane (10) in the intermediate position.

2. A convertible furniture item according to claim 1, wherein the cavity (120) has a mouth (120a) connected to the upper plane (10).

3. A convertible furniture item according to claim 2, wherein the extraction means (15) of said at least one cushion is housed in said rod (12).

4. A convertible furniture item according to claim 3, wherein said extraction means (15) comprise a linear actuator adapted to translate said at least one seat cushion (14) at least as far as the edge of said mouth (120 a).

5. A convertible furniture item according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of cushions (14) stacked according to said vertical axis (X) are housed in said cavity (120).

6. A convertible furniture item according to any preceding claim wherein said raising and/or lowering means comprises a telescopic actuator.

7. A convertible furniture item according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said desired height is comprised between 40cm and 50 cm.

8. A convertible furniture item according to any preceding claim wherein the shape of the upper plane is hexagonal.

9. A convertible furniture item according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said chamber (13) is adapted to accommodate a plurality of seat elements (4).

10. A convertible furniture item according to any of claims 1-8, wherein said chamber (13) accommodates a plurality of seat elements (4).

11. A convertible furniture item according to claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of seat elements (4) has a backrest surface (40), the backrest surface (40) being substantially continuous with the peripheral edge (100) of said upper plane (10) when the seat element (4) is accommodated in said compartment (13).

12. A convertible furniture item according to claim 11, wherein said backrest surface (40) extends substantially perpendicular to the upper plane (10).

13. A convertible furniture item according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the number of seat elements is such that it is arranged side by side in succession along the peripheral edge (100), so that a plurality of backrest surfaces (40) are adapted to define a substantially continuous side surface (40').

14. A convertible furniture item according to claim 13, wherein in said intermediate position said substantially continuous side surface (40 ') acts as a side wall (40') of said furniture item in said seating configuration.