EP2862481A1 - Improvements to devices for sitting or lying - Google Patents

Abstract

The seat or sleeping device (1) according to the invention comprises - a frame (2), - at least one support element (3), like batten or plate and - at least one suspension device (4), interposed between the two and arranged to work along a suspension axis (A). The suspension device (4) comprises a base (5) for fixing it to the frame (2), as well as at least two suspension arms (7). Each of the suspension arms (7) extends cantilevered from the base (5), so that their first end (7a) and their second end (7b) are shifted one by one. relative to the other, this with respect to the suspension axis (A); in addition, the end (7b) of each suspension arm (7) is secured to the support element (3) by a slide system (10) allowing a relative mobility between them, during movements of said suspension device (4) according to said suspension axis (A), which slide system (10) consists of a slide (11) associated with a receiving groove (12), one of them being formed on said support member (3) and the other at the second end (7b) of said suspension arms (7).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

The present invention relates to the general field of the furniture industry; it relates more particularly to a seat or sleeping device comprising a frame, at least one support member, batten type or tray, and at least one suspension device interposed between said frame and said support member.

BACKGROUND

The seating or sleeping surface of the seats or bed bases is generally made of a cushion or a mattress, resting on support elements, either slatted type or juxtaposed tray type.

In the first case, the parallel slats are secured at their ends to the side rails of a frame-shaped frame, by means of suspension devices called tips or ball joints.

In the second case, whose structures are commonly known as multi-element or multi-element seats, the trays are mounted next to each other on crosspieces forming an integral part of the support frame; and this assembly of the trays on the sleepers is also achieved by means of suspension devices.

Such suspension devices are well known; they work according to a vertical suspension axis, for a horizontal seating or sleeping plan, and their function is to cushion and control in an elastic manner the vertical movements related to the bearing forces applied by the user on the slats or trays with which they are associated.

There are many models each adapted for the suspension of one or more support elements.

Some known models of such suspension devices comprise a base provided with means for attachment to the frame of the bed frame or seat, and at least two suspension arms. One of the ends of these suspension arms is secured to said base, and their other end comprises securing means with the batten or the associated support plate (see for example the documents FR-2,855,023 , EP-2 253 248 , EP-2,106,725 or FR-2,885,021 ).

In these suspension devices, the suspension arms are fixed rigidly on the batten tip or the plate, and they are each composed of at least two segments which extend in two distinct directions. This generates relatively large constraints in the structure of the suspension arms, thus limiting the elastic memory.

We also know of the document EP-2,186,444 a seat or sleeping device which corresponds to the preamble of claim 1. Here, the support elements consist of slats whose free ends are carried by suspension arms which extend cantilevered. For this, the suspension arms comprise an end piece in which is housed the associated slat. The end of the slats is then movable in its receiving end which can be likened to a slide system (s).

This slider system (s) placed at the end of the slats and suspension arms is relatively bulky and unsightly; it also occupies an important place at the end and on the sides of the slats.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to remedy these drawbacks by proposing a seat or sleeping device which comprises - a frame, - at least one support element, like batten or plate, provided with a top face and a face of below, and - at least one suspension device arranged to work along a suspension axis, which suspension device is interposed between said frame and said support member, and comprises a base provided with means for attachment to said frame, and at least two suspension arms, each having a longitudinal axis, a first end of each of said suspension arms being secured to said base, and a second end of each of said suspension arms having means for securing with said support member;
each of said suspension arms extends cantilevered from said base, so that their first end and their second end are offset relative to each other, that with respect to said axis of suspension;
said securing means of each of said suspension arms with said support member consist of a slide system (s) allowing a relative mobility between said second arm end and said support member, during the movements of said suspension device along said axis of suspension , which slide system (s) consists of a slider formed on the support member or at the second end of the suspension arms, and which slide cooperates with a receiving groove formed on said support member or at said second end of said suspension arms.

The slide is then advantageously T-section, and it cooperates with a complementary section of the receiving groove.

Preferably, the receiving groove consists of an elongate opening delimited by two parallel longitudinal edges and two ends.

More preferably, this slider is formed on the underside of the support member, and the receiving groove is formed at the second end of the suspension arms.

Such a device is space-saving and discreet; it makes it possible to increase the relative freedom between the support element and the suspension arms, to reduce the stresses in the suspension arms and thereby to improve the elastic memory in these suspension arms.

The suspension geometry being simplified, it is also easy to stack the suspensions for transport.

According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the slide system (s) is arranged to allow translational movement of said second end of said suspension arms relative to said support member.

The corresponding translation movement is preferably oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of each of the suspension arms, and perpendicular to the axis of suspension.

According to a preferred embodiment, the suspension device comprises suspension arms of generally curved shape.

In this case, the concave face of these curved suspension arms is preferably oriented opposite the support element (batten or plate).

Still according to another feature, the base of the suspension device and the associated suspension arms are made integrally molded plastic material.

According to yet another feature, the element or the support elements is / are in the form of plate (x) each associated with a suspension device which comprises a base provided with three or four suspension arms, regularly spaced the each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique, en coupe longitudinale, d'un dispositif d'assise ou de couchage conforme à l'invention, montrant les bras de suspension du dispositif de suspension, dans deux positions, l'une au repos (partie gauche de la figure 1), en l'absence d'appui sur l'élément support, et l'autre active (partie droite de la figure 1), en cas d'un appui vertical sur l'élément support ;
• la figure 2 est une vue en coupe selon le plan de coupe 2-2 de la figure 1, détaillant le système de glissière(s) ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique, en perspective, illustrant le dispositif de suspension et l'élément support en forme de plateau du dispositif d'assise ou de couchage de la figure 1, vus par-dessous et dissociés l'un de l'autre ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une variante de réalisation de l'invention, avec un élément support en forme de plateau associé à un dispositif de suspension comportant trois bras de suspension, encore vus par dessous ;
• la figure 5 est encore une vue schématique en perspective d'une variante de réalisation de l'invention, illustrant un élément support en forme de plateau associé à un dispositif de suspension muni de quatre bras de suspension, encore ici vus par dessous.

The invention will be further illustrated, without being limited in any way, by the following description of several particular embodiments, given solely by way of example and shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic view, in longitudinal section, of a seating or sleeping device according to the invention, showing the suspension arms of the suspension device, in two positions, one at rest (left side of the figure 1 ), in the absence of support on the support element, and the other active (right part of the figure 1 ) in case of a vertical support on the support element;
• the figure 2 is a sectional view along the section plane 2-2 of the figure 1 , detailing the slide system (s);
• the figure 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the suspension device and the tray-shaped support member of the seating or sleeping device of the figure 1 seen from below and dissociated from each other;
• the figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, with a tray-shaped support member associated with a suspension device comprising three suspension arms, still seen from below;
• the figure 5 is still a schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention, illustrating a tray-shaped support member associated with a suspension device provided with four suspension arms, again here seen from below.

As illustrated on Figures 1 to 3 The seating device or coating 1 comprises a frame 2 (here shown schematically in dotted lines in the form of a spar), a rigid plate support member 3 shaped or semi-rigid having a top face 3a and a bottom face 3b and, interposed between the two, a suspension device 4 working along a suspension axis A vertical here.

The support member 3 is disposed above and away from the frame 2, in a manner adapted to allow the interposition of the suspension device 4.

• une embase 5 qui est munie de moyens 6 pour sa fixation sur le châssis 2, et
• deux bras de suspension 7 qui comportent chacun un axe longitudinal L, et qui sont ici alignés (les axes longitudinaux L des deux bras de suspension 7 sont confondus).

This suspension device 4 comprises:

• a base 5 which is provided with means 6 for attachment to the frame 2, and
• two suspension arms 7 each having a longitudinal axis L, and which are here aligned (the longitudinal axes L of the two suspension arms 7 are merged).

The base 5 of the suspension device 4 is here illustrated in circular form. It comprises a central orifice 8 intended to cooperate with a screw or a fixing pin 9 (these aperture 8 and screws 9 constituting the aforementioned fixing means 6).

• une première extrémité 7a qui est solidarisée avec l'embase 5 ; en l'occurrence, l'embase 5 et les deux bras 7 sont réalisés monobloc en matière plastique moulée, et
• une seconde extrémité 7b qui est solidarisée avec le plateau 3 par l'intermédiaire d'un système de glissière(s) 10 autorisant une mobilité relative, et en particulier un mouvement de translation, entre les deux éléments 7 et 3.

The suspension arms 7 comprise:

• 7 has a first end which is secured to the base 5; in this case, the base 5 and the two arms 7 are made in one piece of molded plastic, and
• a second end 7b which is secured to the plate 3 by means of a slide system (s) 10 allowing a relative mobility, and in particular a translational movement, between the two elements 7 and 3.

This translational movement is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the arms 7 and perpendicular to the suspension axis A.

These suspension arms 7 extend in cantilever from the base 5, and their first and second ends 7a, 7b are staggered with respect to each other, this with respect to suspension axis A.

The two suspension arms 7 are identical and have a generally curved shape whose concave portion is oriented towards the plate 3.
They have a certain flexibility along their length and they have the possibility of deforming longitudinally to fulfill their function of suspension members.

The slide system (s) 10 which secures the end 7b of each of the arms 7 and the plate 3 consists of a slide 11 formed on the bottom face 3b of the plate 3, which slide 11 cooperates with a groove 12 home formed at the second end 7b of the associated arm 7.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the slider 11 has a Tee section, consists of a base 11 is secured to the underside 3b of the plate 3 and an end head 11b.
The head 11 has a larger dimension than the foot 11a.
This slide 11 is made in one piece with the plate 3.

For its part, the receiving groove 12 formed at the end 7b of each arm 7 consists of an elongated opening, in this case of rectangular section, delimited by two parallel longitudinal edges 13, a distal end 14, opposite the base 5, and a proximal end 15 oriented on the side of the base 5.
The length of this groove 12, corresponding to the distance separating the distal end 14 and the proximal end 15, is greater than the length of the slider 11 to allow the mobility of the suspension arm 7; and the width of this groove 12, corresponding to the distance separating its two parallel longitudinal edges 13, corresponds to the clearance, to the width of the foot 11a of the slider 11, so as to ensure the guiding of the desired translational movement.

The two longitudinal edges 13 of the groove 12 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the arm 7.

The head 11b of the slider 11 has a width dimension which is greater than the width of the associated groove 12 to ensure the connection between the suspension device 4 and the support element 3.

On assembly, the slider 11, and therefore the plate 3, is secured to the suspension arm 7 by force-feeding the slider head 11b through the groove 12, thanks to the lateral deformation capabilities of the longitudinal edges 13 .

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated on the Figures 1 to 3 , the bottom face 3b of the plate 3 comprises two one-piece slides 11 each adapted to cooperate with the groove 12 of one of the two suspension arms 7 constituting the suspension device 4.

The frame 2 of the seat or sleeping device 1 may comprise one or a plurality of tray-shaped support elements 3, each associated with its suspension device 4.

In general, the top face 3a of the plate 3, or the top face 3a of the juxtaposed plates 3 extend in a horizontal plane, and are typically covered by a cushion or a mattress, not shown.

When in the rest position, the suspension arms 7 carry the tray or trays 3 in the maximum high position, as illustrated on the left side of the figure 1 . The slide 11 is then positioned on the side of the distal end 14 of the groove 12, this with or without play, in the latter case possibly with a prestressing.

In the case of downward support on the tray (s) 3, as illustrated by the orientation arrow 16 ( figure 1 ), the suspension device 4 plays its functional role and its constituent arms 7 move downwards along the suspension axis A.
The flexible suspension arms 7 bend relative to the base 5, as shown on the right side of the figure 1 ; the plate or trays 3 move parallel to themselves by sliding on the end 7b in cantilever arms 7, this sliding, along the longitudinal axis L of the arms 7, being guided by the slide system (s) 10.

The constituent material, the dimensioning and the structure of the arms 7 are adapted according to the desired suspension characteristics.

Note that any other slide structure (s) may be considered to secure the suspension device 4 and the support member 3.

For example, the T-section slider can be arranged at the end 7b of the arms 7, cooperating with a suitable groove arranged on the bottom face 3b of the plate 3.

As illustrated on Figures 4 and 5 each suspension device 4 may comprise more than two suspension arms 7.
The figure 4 illustrates a suspension device 4 whose base 5 is associated with three suspension arms 7 spaced from each other by an angular sector of 120 °, each cooperating with the plate 3 by means of a slide system ( s) 10.
The figure 5 illustrates a suspension device 4 whose base 5 is associated with four suspension arms 7 spaced from each other by an angular sector of 90 °, each cooperating with the plate 3 by means of a slide system ( s) 10.

An identical principle of slider suspension (s) may be provided for slat-shaped suspension elements.

Claims (10)

Seat or sleeping device comprising - a frame (2), - at least one support element (3), like batten or plate, provided with a top face (3 a ) and a bottom face (3). b ), and - at least one suspension device (4), arranged to work along a suspension axis ( A ), which suspension device (4) is interposed between said frame (2) and said support member (3), and comprises a base (5) provided with means (6) for fixing it to said frame (2), as well as at least two suspension arms (7), each having a longitudinal axis ( L ), a first end (7) a ) of each of said suspension arms (7) being secured to said base (5), and a second end ( 7b ) of each of said suspension arms (7) having securing means (10) with said support member ( 3),
wherein each of said suspension arms (7) extends cantilever from said base (5), so that their first end (7a) and second end (7b) are shifted the relative to each other, that with respect to said suspension axis (A ),
and wherein said means for securing each of said suspension arms (7) to said support member (3) comprises a slide system (10) allowing relative mobility between said second arm end ( 7b ) and said support member (3) during movements of said suspension device (4) along said suspension axis (A ),
characterized in that said slider system (10) consists of a slider (11) provided on the support member (3) or at the second end ( 7b ) of said suspension arms (7), which slider (11) cooperates with a receiving groove (12) provided on said support member (3) or at said second end ( 7b ) of said suspension arms (7). Seat or sleeping device according to claim 1, characterized in that said slide (11) is T-section and cooperates with a receiving groove (12) of complementary section. Seat or sleeping device according to claim 2, characterized in that said receiving groove (12) consists of an elongated opening defined by two parallel longitudinal edges (13), and by two ends (14, 15). . Seat or sleeping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said slide (11) is provided on the underside ( 3b ) of the support element (3), and in that said reception groove (12) is provided at the second end (7b) of the suspension arms (7). Seat or sleeping device according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said sliding system (10) allows a movement of translating said second end ( 7b ) of said suspension arms (7) relative to said support member (3). Seating or coating device according to claim 5, characterized in that the translational movement of said second end ( 7b ) of each of said suspension arms (7) with respect to said support element (3) is oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( L ) of said arms (7), and perpendicular to said axis of suspension (A ). Seat or sleeping device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said suspension device (4) comprises suspension arms (7) of generally curved shape. Seat or sleeping device according to claim 7, characterized in that the concave face of said bent suspension arms (7) is oriented opposite said support member (3). Seat or sleeping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the base (5) of said suspension element (4) and said suspension arms (7) associated are made of plastic molded. Seat or sleeping device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said one or more support members (3) is / are in the form of a plate (x) each associated with a suspension device (4) comprising a base (5) provided with three or four suspension arms (7) regularly spaced from each other.

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