EP0857440A1

EP0857440A1 - Configurable aesthetic table

Info

Publication number: EP0857440A1
Application number: EP96939941A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Fernando Martin Beato
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-11-22
Filing date: 1996-11-22
Publication date: 1998-08-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-22
Also published as: ATE192632T1; DE69608296D1; AU7697596A; JPH10513096A; WO1997018728A1; EP0857440B1; NO973362D0; NO973362L

Abstract

Configurable aesthetic table comprising a transparent board (1), at least one module (2) for supporting the board (1), and at least one module (A) for integrating objects which is moveable in different positions between which said module is placed under said board (1) and positions, different from the first positions, wherein can be placed at least one object holder receptacle (3), which is open at the top, visible through the board (1) and removably containing at least one decorative object, with the possibility of forming various modular elements, such as desks, commodes, small tables, shelves, etc. in unitary configuration or in various elements by means of a sliding static body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present specification refers to a table capable of being aesthetically configured, which is provided with a board, and, at least, with a module for supporting said board, which due to its versality, constitution and conception, brings a great amount of advantages, which considerably enhance its utility in relation to the virtually known tables.

It is also an aim of the present invention to utilize the characteristics of the table capable of being - aesthetically configured so that it can be used to be incorporated in the context without any variation with regard to the own characteristics, on different pieces of furniture, such as desks, chests of drawers, bedside tables, and son on.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention will find application in the industry dedicated to the manufacture of pieces of furniture in general.

RELATED ART

As is known, there is at present a great variety of tables, which are generally marketed according to outlined designs and shapes, these tables reflecting own services which are conferred by different mechanisms, which applied thereto in a gradual way, bring to the art.

Nevertheless, the successive creations offered in the course of the History within the field of the furniture industry, in spite of being many and diversified, are today very limited by the prevalence of a rigid invariability, as for use and look, of the models at present offered as tables in the market.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome said limitations, and this purpose is just to achieve a table of the first mentioned type, characterized in that the board incorporated on the supporting surface is, at least, partially translucent, and, at the same time, in that it includes a module integrating objects, each integrating module being movable or moving between first positions in which its incorporation is contemplated under the partially or totally translucent board, and in second positions which are different from the first ones, in which the possibility of constituting at least a support having an object holder receptacle is contemplated and each object holder receptacle being open at its upper part, so achieving visibility thru the partially or totally translucent board, and, at the same time, being able to contain, in a removable way, one or several ornamental objects.

It is also other aim of this invention, the possibility of providing, on the lines of the above mentioned characteristics, not only a table capable of being aesthetically configured, but also, following its own peculiarities, a table to be used for configuring different pieces of furniture, such as desks, chests of drawers, bedside tables or similar, all the peculiar characteristics of the invention being contemplated, in synthesis, without altering, by no means, the sense thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The table capable of being aesthetically configured as proposed by the invention, constitutes, per se, an evident novelty in its application field, since, on the lines of its own characteristics, it is possible to have a table, or a piece of furniture of any nature, exhibiting a characterizing idiosyncracy, not existing until now.

In a most definite way, and, therefore, in a clear contrast to the above mentioned important limitations, in order to achieve the invention in question, a novel fact, unknown up to date in the achievement of this kind of furniture, is introduced, which consists of the fact that said table has components which, by means of them, the own user can, whenever he/she wants, according to - his/her desires and tastes, easily configure it aesthetically, so obtaining, whenever he/she does it, a new ornamental whole.

That is to say, the user will have a table always - "alive" in its whole useful life.

At the same time, the user will have a table which, in addition to offer him/her a customary usage and application, will allow him/her to have a table which can be easily integrated, by incorporating, or freely replacing, like a frame with regard to its painting, the desired ornamental elements in every moment.

These elements, or ornamental objects, can be the - most simple and different, from any source, such as paintings, pictures, illustration, tapestries, canvas, flowers, bouquets, different materials, and so on, and there being not for it any limitation superior to those recommended by the aesthetic and particular characteristics thereof, in special those related to their own volume or size, in relation to that of the part of the - table to be received, or of a similar piece of furniture.

The components constituting the table or piece of - furniture are shaped starting from indistinct materials and finishing degrees, and they adopt the wanted geometric shape, provided that, in every case, they constitute a table or piece of furniture destined to the foreseen purpose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complement this description and to aid to a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, the appending drawings, which are a part of this specification, show, by way of illustrative and non limiting exemple, the following figures:

Figure 1 corresponds to a perspective view of a mode of embodiment of the table of the invention.

Figure 2 shows an elevational view of the table in - accordance with the object shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an elevational view of same table illustrated in previous figures, turned 90º sexagesimal - with regard to the preceding view.

Figure 4 corresponds to a upper elevational view.

Figure 5 refers to a sectional view according to line G-G' of figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a section according to line F-F' of figure 4.

Figure 7 is an elevational view of a mode of embodiment of the supporting module.

Figure 8 corresponds to an elevational view of same module, turned sexagesimal 90º, with regard to the preceding view.

Figure 9 corresponds to a upper elevational view.

Figure 10 shows a section according to line G-G' of figure 9.

Figure 11 is an elevational view of a mode of embodiment of the object integrating module.

Figure 12 corresponds to an elevational view of same module turned sexagesimal 90º with regard to the preceding view.

Figure 13 is a upper elevational view.

Figure 14 is a section according to line G-G' of figure 13.

Figure 15 is an elevational view of a mode of embodiment of the object holder receptacle.

Figure 16 is an elevational view of same module turned sexagesimal 90' with regard to the preceding view.

Figure 17 is a upper elevational view.

Figure 18 shows a section according to line G-G' of figure 17.

Figure 19 is a section according to line F-F' of figure 17.

Figure 20 corresponds to three views: two elevational views and a upper plant view of a framing square.

Figure 21 shows two views: a front view and a upper plan view of a guiding accessory and its sectional view.

Figure 22 is a view at a greater scale of the rounded area by circles d1 corresponding to figures 5 and 6.

Figure 23 is a view at a greater scale of the area rounded by circle d2 of figures 5 and 6.

Figure 24 is a view at a greater scale of the area rounded by circle d3 of figures 5 and 6.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the table capable of being aesthetically configured of the invention.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the external element used for configuring an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the invention, to be incorporated, on the lines of its sliding wheels and volume inside the body shown in figure 26, being coupled into its internal volumen and allowing the upper zone to be visualized thru the translucent frame incorporated in the object as shown in figure 26.

Figure 28 shows again the object as represented in figure 26, which can present, on its supporting area formed by lateral frames, a fully translucent sheet, - which acts as a board upon allowing it to be appropriately framed in a perimetral fixing area.

Figure 29 shows an optional embodiment of the invention with regard to the sliding module or small car incorporated into the object shown in figures 26 and 28, which are acting as external area.

Figure 30 corresponds to other optional embodiment of the invention, wherein the existence of two collateral jardinieres is contemplated, on which a translucent material sheet of any nature is applied, which - acts as a upper board and allows a module or small car to be slided via its lower zone, relying on characteristics which are different from the embodimens reflected on figures 27 and 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the light of these figures, it can be seen how the table capable of being aesthetically configured preconized is constituted starting from a board (1), totally or partially translucent, resting on one or several supporting modules (2), which can exhibit - several shapes, such as three side walls, two of which are orthogonal with regard to the third one, such as shown in figures 1, 4 and 9, or having a horizontal section in an "L" shape, as shown in figure 25.

By the side of these supporting modules (2), and also under the board (1), the table has one or several modules (4) for integrating objects, and these modules (4) are displaceable between first positionsm in which it is undo said board, and second positions different from said first positions; therefore they are fully extractible from the table itself.

At their upper part, the modules (4) form a support for an object holder receptacle (3), which, in turn, is also extractible, and is open at its upper part, so being visible through the translucent board (1), and it is capable of detachably containing at least an ornamental object.

It should be pointed out that the term "detachable" means that it can be removed from the place it occupies, and that, logically, it can be replaced by another or other ornamental objects.

In order to favour its configuration, the table has also other auxiliary accessories fitting each receptable (3), among which it is to be mentioned an additional movable bottom A, guiding and supporting accessories B, - and framing accessories C.

The additional movable bottom A is vertically displaceable within the receptable (3) in order to adapt the total volume available in same to the volume required by the ornamental objects to be installed.

The guiding and supporting accessories B, shown in detail in figs. 21, 22 and 24, constitute a guide and a support, at a desired height, of the additional movable bottom A, within the object holder receptable (3).

The framing accessories C duly frame the ornamental objects, so that, with their functional complement and presence, the table configurations generate aesthetic assemblies having a pleasant appearance, and it should be pointed out that they are of different classes and shapes.

These aesthetic assemblies having a pleasant appearance group in squares, such as figure 20 shows, and also figure 1, wherein there are four squares C, translucent sheets, or rules and wefts, not shown in detail, and the translucent sheets are destined to cover the most superficial objects, if necessary.

It is also possible to provide lighting accessories (not shown), which are very useful, although not strictly necessary for shaping the table in question, or piece of furniture of any type to carry out.

It installed in the receptable (3), they produce, with their light, of variable intensity, different effects on the table, and they adequately light up the ornamental - objects.

Following fig. 22, it is noted, in a relevant manner, how the additional movable bottom A is fixed at a desired height, thanks to the guiding and supporting accessories B.

In the previous case, it is question of simple parts of stainless steel which, like a stop, are easily removed or inserted into holes D, in the receptable walls (3).

It has been anticipated that this bottom should be made of lacquered wood with the corresponding joints and unions glued between their parts.

In figure 22, it can be also seen how an ornamental object is simply installed, resting on the additional background A of the receptable (3), having, in this case a few thickness, such as can be a simple canvas, a textile piece or any other plastic expression having a superficial support.

Likewise, figure 22 shows the framing accessory "L", resting also on the ornamental object, which is configured as a resilient fully translucent sheet of metacrilate.

The function of this accessory "L" is to maintain the ornamental objects of small thickness duly expanded and protected from dust, and, at the same time, the translucent sheet acts as a supporting base for the framing - squares C, which can be made of a suitably worked and - lacquered wood.

The board (1) can be fully made of a colourless glass, perfectly polished and having bevelled edges, and it can rest on the supporting module (2), made of solid coloured lacquered wood.

Figure 23 shows the lower part of the module (2) and the object integration module (4), made of laquered wood, with the corresponding joints and unions glued between - their parts.

It can be also noted one of the rubber wheels on which the module (3) is smoothly slided, to be so removed from under the table board.

This sliding makes easy to incorporate or replace comfortably the ornamental objects installed in the receptacle (3).

Following figure 24, it is possible to see the detachable element S of one of the sides of receptable (3), this detachement being very useful when a table of greater size is shaped by means of several and consecutive modules (4), with their receptacles (3) placed one after other.

The detachement of these elements converts said receptacles into only one and continuous, without the obstacle of this part of the sides.

Lastly, figure 25 shows other table in a perspective view, with a board (1), also totally translucent, two modules (2) for supporting purposes, two object integrating modules (4), with their corresponding object holder receptacles (3) movable bottoms A and framing accessories C of squares and rules.

In a second embodiment, and following figures 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, it can be seen the manner in which the improvements inserted in the patent of invention number 95002289, in relation to a table capable of being aesthetically configured, can be configured starting from the utilization of two vertical supporting bodies (22), placed in a parallel way, on which a body is incorporated, which acts as a board presenting a framing area (21) on the center part of which, the incorporation of a translucent material sheet (25) of every nature has been provided, or in substitution of the framing (21) for supporting the translucent material sheet of any nature (25), a totally translucent sheet (30) can be incorporated, such as shown in figure 30, so obviating the frame incorporation.

Following with figure 27, it is noted that inside the object reflected in figure 26, wheels (26) can be inserted in a sliding way, said wheels (26) configuring the module shown in figure (27), as a sliding small car, having side frames or walls (22'), and a upper board - (21') fitted with a large opening, in the perimetric inner zone of which, framing elements (24) of different nature and shape are adapted, which are destined to frame the ornamental objects located on the additional movable bottom (27), this being positionable at the height required by the volume of said objects, which will be visualized through the translucent zone (25) of a lamelar configuration, when the module shown in figure 27 is inserted inside the object represented in figure 26, its variable upper part (24) being visible.

The invention is represented in figures 26 and 27, shaping a desk with drawers (23) with handles (23').

Obviously and on the lines of the characteristics of the module shown in figure 27, and in relation to the volume of the object shown in figure 26, this sliding module, like a small car, can be constituted by two or three modules, in which all the characteristics of the above mentioned object are contemplated, the modular elements resting inserted in the inner volume of the body shown in figure 26.

Figure 28 shows an element similar to that represented in figure 26, wherein, like in the object shown in figure 26, the board (21) exhibits a large opening on - which there is incorporated or supported a translucent sheet of any nature, acting as a upper board, through which the upper area of the object inserted into its inner area can be visualized.

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate a piece of furniture, such as a chest of drawers, or bureau, fitted with sides (22'), drawers (23), and handles (23'), having, at its upper part a perimetric area (21') presenting a large opening on which the framing elements (24) are to be fixed, which will surround, on the lines of the characteristics, an ornamental element supported on an additional movable bottom (27), which can be positioned and regulated at different heights, and on which the ornamental objects will be deposited, being visualized through the translucent area (25), supported by the vertical modules or walls (22).

Figure 30 represents the manner in which two modular elements (28), internally hollow, destined to be used as jardinieres for housing ornamental elements, support a totally translucent board (30), and delimit a lower area in which a modular element fitted with sliding wheels, like all the objects constituted as small cars, presented by the perimetric frame (21'), is placed, in the inner zone of which the frame edging the ornamental area is fixed, supported by the additional movable bottom (27), of a nature similar to those embodiments alreay described, this body being supported by supporting elements (22') of vertical position.

Obviously, the modular elements incorporated within the objects represented in figures 26 and 28, can have a monobloc nature, such as the object shown in figure 27, configured as a desk, or they can have a different nature, attaining, as a whole, the inner volume of the objects illustrated in figures 26 and 28, which act as external protecting elements.

It is not considered necessary to extend this description for any expert in the art to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages derived from it.

The materials, shape, size and arrangement of its components will be open to variation, provided that it does not imply any alteration to the essence of the invention.

The terms under which this specification has been - described should be always taken in an ample and non limitative sense.

Claims

A table capable of being aesthetically configured, fitted with a board (1), and, at least, a module (2) for supporting said board (1), characterized in that said board (1) is, at least, partially translucent, and in that it includes at least an object integrating module (4), each integrating module (4) being: (a) movable between first positions in which it is under said board (1), and second positions different from said - first positions; and (b) capable of constituting a support for, at least, an object holder receptacle (3); - each object holder receptable (3) being open at its upper part, which makes it capable of being visible thru said board (1), and being capable of removably containing at least an ornamental object.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to claim 1, characterized in that said modules (2) for supporting, and said modules (4) for integrating objects are arranged contiguous.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said integrating modules (4) are sideways and lower closed.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said object holder receptables (3) are extractible from their position over an object integrating module (4), independently of the mobility of this object integrating module (4).
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in the at least one of said object holder receptacles (3) includes an additional bottom (A) which is vertically displaceable.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to claim 5, characterized in that it has guiding and supporting accessories (B), capable of supporting an additional bottom (A), at several levels.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to claim 6, characterized in that the guiding and supporting accessories (B) are constituted by stems insertable into orifices (T) performed in the side walls of the object holder receptacle (3).
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has framing accessories, suitable for framing an ornamental object.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to claim 9, characterized in that the framing accessories are squares (C), rules, wefts and/or translucent sheets.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting module (2) has three side walls, two of which are orthogonal in relation to a third one.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that, optionally in one embodiment, it can be constituted as a external module formed by vertical fixing frames (22), over which an element (21) is supported, which acts as a complementary support or perimetric area of a translucent material sheet (25), which, optionally, can be replaced by a monobloc body having a translucent nature - (30), which is supported by the side elements (22), - without the need of a reinforcement frame (21), being - incorporated in the inner zone of the area formed by the sides (22) and the horizontal element (25), with or without the cooperation of a supporting frame (21), one or several modules formed by supporting sides (22'), which are fixed to a upper area (21') acting as a board, and presenting a center opening inside of which there is an additional movable bottom which is positioned at different heights, and on which one or several ornamental objects are placed, which can be framed by the framing elements of variable nature (4) provided to this end, the module formed by sides (22') and the horizontal supporting element (21') having sliding wheels (26), drawers (23), fitted with holders (23').
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to claim 11, characterized in that, optionally, it is also possible to shape different types of furniture, such as a desk, as well as bureaux, bedside tables, pieces of furniture with drawers, and so on, and also shaped by lateral supporting elements and the upper horizontal reinforcement (21), optionally to be - incorpored together with the translucent board (25), presenting at its upper part a horizontal reinforcement area (21), constituted as a partial board, framing elements (24), and the additional movable bottom (27), to be positioned at a variable height, and on which ornamental objects are placed.
A table capable of being aesthetically configured, according to claims 11 and 12, characterized in that, optionally, in substitution of the supporting - boards (22), it is possible to incorporate modules to house also ornamental elements, like "jardinieres" (28), of any configuration and nature, over which a board (30), fully translucent, is supported, and between which the inner element of the object integrating module (22') slides, with its object holder receptacle (21'), the framing elements (24), and the additional movable bottom (27), to be positioned at variable height.