EP2904937B1 - Table made of a moulded synthetic material for use in a plurality of configurations - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a table of molded synthetic material, as used in the field of garden furniture or as a side table inside or outside, for example on a balcony.

In the field of tables made of molded synthetic material, it is known, for example US-2012/0234212 , to acquire a table consisting of several elements, including a plate, a support and a foot, and to assemble these elements to mount the table whose tray extends to a predefined height relative to the ground. However, depending on the intended use of a table, for example in the context of a living room or as a side table for placing an object at a height, a user may wish to have such a table in different configurations .

Tables adjustable in height are known in the field of wood furniture, these tables are generally poorly suited for outdoor use. These wooden tables are heavy and relatively expensive. In addition, the wooden tables used in several configurations are difficult to store and transport, because of their large number of parts. These tables must therefore be stored and / or transported in dedicated packages, which increases their cost price and complicates their implementation.

It is these drawbacks that the invention intends to remedy more particularly by proposing a new molded synthetic material table compatible with several configurations of use and easily storable or transportable.

• elle comprend des moyens de montage dans au moins une première configuration basse d'utilisation, où le support de plateau est monté sur le pied, et au moins une deuxième configuration haute d'utilisation, où au moins une rehausse est intercalée en hauteur entre le pied et le support de plateau ;
• la table comprend des moyens de montage dans une troisième configuration, de stockage et/ou de transport, dans laquelle le pied et la rehausse sont reçus dans un volume fermé défini entre le plateau et le support de plateau ; et
• le support est centré sur un premier axe, alors que le plateau est centré sur un deuxième axe aligné avec le premier axe lorsque le plateau est monté sur le

support, et que dans la troisième configuration, le pied et la rehausse reçus dans le volume fermé sont centrés sur le premier axe.For this purpose, the invention relates to a molded synthetic material table comprising at least one tray, a tray support and a single foot and at least one riser. This table is such that:

• it comprises mounting means in at least a first low configuration of use, where the tray support is mounted on the foot, and at least a second high configuration of use, where at least one riser is interposed in height between the foot and tray support;
• the table comprises mounting means in a third configuration, storage and / or transport, wherein the foot and the riser are received in a closed volume defined between the plate and the tray support; and
• the support is centered on a first axis, while the plate is centered on a second axis aligned with the first axis when the plate is mounted on the first axis;

support, and that in the third configuration, the foot and the riser received in the closed volume are centered on the first axis.

Thanks to the invention, the table can be used with its plate located at two different heights corresponding respectively to its first and second configurations of use, while in the storage configuration and / or transport, the parts constituting the table, other than the tray and its support, are protected by being disposed within the closed volume defined between these two elements.

• La table comprend un pot, alors que le plateau est pourvu d'une ouverture de réception du pot, que la table comprend un obturateur destiné à être sélectivement mis en place dans l'ouverture pour la boucher et que dans la troisième configuration, le pot est également reçu dans le volume fermé et l'obturateur est en place dans l'ouverture qu'il bouche.
• Le plateau et le support sont compatibles avec une mise en place du pot dans l'ouverture lorsque la table est dans sa première configuration basse et lorsque la table est dans sa deuxième configuration haute.
• La table comprend un fond de rigidification du pied, alors que, dans la troisième configuration, le fond est également reçu dans le volume fermé.
• La table comprend au moins deux rehausses qui sont intercalées en hauteur l'une au dessus de l'autre, entre le pied et le support, lorsque la table est dans la deuxième configuration.
• La table comprend des moyens de montage dans au moins une quatrième configuration, basse ou haute, dans laquelle le plateau n'est pas en place sur le support, lequel définit un volume concave ouvert vers le haut.
• Dans la première et dans la deuxième configuration, le plateau et le support définissent entre eux un volume fermé de réception de parties de la table qui ne sont pas utilisées dans ces configurations, notamment de la ou des rehausses lorsque la table est dans sa première configuration d'utilisation.
• Dans la troisième configuration, le pot est emboîté dans au moins une rehausse qui est emboîtée dans le pied.
• Les moyens de montage fonctionnent dans toutes les configurations d'utilisation de la table par coopération de formes.
• La table comprend une serre prévue pour être montée sur le support dans la première configuration basse, dans la deuxième configuration haute et/ou le cas échéant, dans la quatrième configuration, et pour recevoir dans son volume intérieur l'ensemble des autres pièces de la table dans la troisième configuration.

According to advantageous but non-mandatory aspects of the invention, such a table may incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:

• The table includes a pot, while the tray is provided with a pot receiving opening, the table includes a shutter for selectively being placed in the opening to seal it and in the third configuration, the pot is also received in the closed volume and the shutter is in place in the mouth opening.
• The tray and the support are compatible with placing the pot in the opening when the table is in its first low configuration and when the table is in its second high configuration.
• The table comprises a stiffening bottom of the foot, while in the third configuration, the bottom is also received in the closed volume.
• The table comprises at least two extensions which are interposed in height one above the other, between the foot and the support, when the table is in the second configuration.
• The table comprises mounting means in at least a fourth configuration, low or high, in which the plate is not in place on the support, which defines an open concave volume upwards.
• In the first and in the second configuration, the plate and the support define between them a closed volume for receiving parts of the table which are not used in these configurations, in particular of the one or more extensions when the table is in its first configuration. use.
• In the third configuration, the pot is fitted into at least one riser which is nested in the foot.
• The mounting means operate in all configurations of use of the table by cooperation of forms.
• The table comprises a greenhouse adapted to be mounted on the support in the first low configuration, in the second high configuration and / or where appropriate in the fourth configuration, and to receive in its interior volume all the other parts of the table in the third configuration.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une table conforme à l'invention dans une première configuration d'utilisation ;
• la figure 2 est une section selon le plan II-II à la figure 1 ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de la table des figures 1 et 2 dans une deuxième configuration d'utilisation ;
• la figure 4 est une section selon le plan IV-IV à la figure 3 ;
• la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de la table des figures 1 à 4 dans une configuration de stockage et/ou de transport ;
• la figure 6 est une section en perspective selon le plan VI-VI à la figure 5 ;
• la figure 7 est une section dans le même plan que la figure 6 ;
• la figure 8 est une section selon le plan VIII-VIII à la figure 7 ;
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective éclatée de la table avec ses pièces constitutives orientées selon la configuration des figures 5 à 8 ;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective analogue à la figure 1 lorsque la table est dans une autre configuration d'utilisation ;
• la figure 11 est une section selon le plan XI-XI à la figure 10 ;
• la figure 12 est une vue en perspective analogue à la figure 3 lorsque la table est dans encore une autre configuration d'utilisation ;
• la figure 13 est une section selon le plan XIII-XIII à la figure 12 ;
• la figure 14 est une vue en perspective analogue à la figure 1 lorsque la table est dans encore une autre configuration d'utilisation et
• la figure 15 est une section selon le plan XV-XV à la figure 14.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will emerge more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a table in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• the figure 1 is a perspective view of a table according to the invention in a first use configuration;
• the figure 2 is a section according to plan II-II to the figure 1 ;
• the figure 3 is a perspective view of the table of Figures 1 and 2 in a second use configuration;
• the figure 4 is a section according to plane IV-IV at the figure 3 ;
• the figure 5 is a perspective view of the table of Figures 1 to 4 in a storage and / or transport configuration;
• the figure 6 is a section in perspective according to the plan VI-VI at the figure 5 ;
• the figure 7 is a section in the same plane as the figure 6 ;
• the figure 8 is a section according to plan VIII-VIII at the figure 7 ;
• the figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the table with its constituent parts oriented according to the configuration of the Figures 5 to 8 ;
• the figure 10 is a perspective view similar to the figure 1 when the table is in another usage configuration;
• the figure 11 is a section according to plan XI-XI at the figure 10 ;
• the figure 12 is a perspective view similar to the figure 3 when the table is in yet another configuration of use;
• the figure 13 is a section according to plan XIII-XIII at the figure 12 ;
• the figure 14 is a perspective view similar to the figure 1 when the table is in yet another configuration of use and
• the figure 15 is a section according to plan XV-XV at the figure 14 .

The table T represented on the Figures 1 to 15 is made by molding synthetic material, for example polypropylene or low density polyethylene.

This table T is intended to be arranged on the surface of the ground S which, by hypothesis, is assumed flat and horizontal. For the sake of clarity, the surface S is represented only on the Figures 1, 2 and 5 . The table T comprises a plate 2 which is plane and whose edge 28 has the overall shape of an ellipse of longitudinal axis X2 and transverse axis Y2 perpendicular to the axis X2. We denote Z2 an axis perpendicular to and sequent with the axes X2 and Y2.

The table T also comprises a basin 4 which forms a support for the plate 2 and which is centered on an axis Z4 coincides with the axis Z2 when the plate 2 is mounted on the basin 4. ZT is a central axis of the table T which coincides with the axes Z2 and Z4 and perpendicular to the surface S on which the table T rests, that is to say vertical when the surface S is horizontal. This axis is an axis of symmetry for the plate 2, in that it belongs to two planes of symmetry of the plate 2 defined respectively by the axes X2 and Z2, on the one hand, Y2 and Z2 on the other hand. The ZT axis is also an axis of symmetry for the vessel 4.

This basin is hollow and comprises a heel 42 whose bottom 43 defines an outer surface 44 flat and perpendicular to the axis Z4. This surface 44 is disk-shaped centered on the axis Z4.

The basin 4 also comprises a flared portion 46 of junction between the heel 42 and an elliptical-shaped edge 48 of the basin 4 on which the plate 2 is immobilized in the configuration of the Figures 1 and 2 . The shape of the edge 28 of the plate 2 is designed to cooperate with that of the edge 48 of the basin 4. For aesthetic reasons, the edge 28 is engaged inside the edge 48, so that it is not not visible from outside the table T.

The table T also comprises a foot 6 which is unique and which is intended to rest on the surface S in the use configuration of the table T. This foot 6 comprises a central opening 62 intended to receive the heel 42 in the mounted configuration of the basin 4 on the foot 6. The foot 6 is centered on an axis Z6 which coincides with the axes Z2, Z4 and ZT in the mounted configuration of the table T. The foot 6 is provided with reliefs 64 snap on the basin 4 The reliefs 64 are distributed around the opening 62 and may, for example, comprise lugs intended to be engaged in corresponding openings, not visible in the figures, formed in the basin 4, around the heel 42.

In particular, a bayonet system may be provided to lock parts 4 and 6 together.

In the configuration of use, the foot 6 rests on the surface S by its lower peripheral edge 68 which is circular and centered on the axis Z6.

In the present description, the notions of "superior" or "inferior", "high" or "low" are defined with reference to a configuration of use of the table T resting on a flat and horizontal surface S. Thus, an "upper" portion is located above a "lower" part of the same room and the "top" of the table is oriented away from the surface S.

The table T also comprises a bottom 8 mounted inside the foot 6, close to the edge 68, this bottom for stiffening the foot 6. The bottom 8 comprises stiffening ribs 84 and its edge 88 is snapped to the inside the edge 68 of the foot 6. In the configuration of the Figures 1 and 2 , the bottom 8 is not visible from the outside of the table T since it is hidden by the foot 6. In all configurations of use of the table T the bottom 8 is mounted inside the foot 6 to stiffen it.

The plate 2 is provided with a central opening 22 formed around the axis Z2 and in which is inserted a shutter 10. This shutter is equipped with stiffening ribs 104, while the plate 2 is equipped with stiffening ribs 24.

In the configuration of Figures 1 and 2 , table T forms a coffee table used, for example, in a lounge with low seats such as fireside chairs or chairs. The plate is then at a height H1 with respect to the ground of between 40 cm and 50 cm, preferably of the order of 45 cm.

The table T also includes two extensions 12 and 14 which are not visible on the Figures 1 and 2 but which are represented in position on the figures 3 and 4 . These extensions are made of the same synthetic material as the other parts of the table T and are identical. In this case, they can be made in the same mold.

Alternatively, the extensions 12 and 14 may be different from each other or made of a material different from other parts.

The extension 12 is in the form of hyperboloid section to a sheet and comprises a first end 122 of circular shape and a second end 124 also of circular shape, the second end having a radius greater than the first end. The extension 14 also has a circular first end 142 and a second circular end 144 of radius greater than the first end. The ends 122 and 142 are configured to nest and snap into each other by cooperation of shapes. The end 124 is configured to snap and snap in shape cooperation with the opening 62 of the foot 6, while the end 144 is configured to snap and snap in cooperation with the shape. bottom of the bowl 4, around the heel 42.

In the configuration of figures 3 and 4 , the extensions 12 and 14 are centered on the axis ZT and interposed in height, one above the other, between the parts 4 and 6. These risers are mounted head to tail, in that the first two ends 122 and 142 of these two extensions are engaged with each other, while their two second ends 124, 144 respectively extend downwards and towards each other. the top from the first ends.

In the configuration of figures 3 and 4 , the table T is in the high configuration of use, its plate 2 being located at a height H2, relative to the surface S, between 90 cm and 1 m, preferably of the order of 95 cm. In this configuration, the table T can serve as "high bar" or support for an object to be disposed at a height of about 1 m.

In the configuration of Figures 1 and 2 , the basin 4 is mounted reversibly directly on the foot 6. In other words, these elements can be separated from one another. In the configuration of figures 3 and 4 , the extensions 12 and 14 are mounted reversibly between the elements 4 and 6. Thus, the user can, optionally, use the table T in the configuration of the Figures 1 and 2 or in the configuration of figures 3 and 4 and change configuration when he wants.

The table T is easily configurable by the end user since it is assembled by snapping together its constituent elements.

When it is appropriate to store the table T or to transport it, it is advantageous to be able to use a compact configuration, such as that represented in FIGS. Figures 5 to 8 . In this third configuration, the extensions 12 and 14, the foot 6 and the bottom 8 are arranged inside a concave volume V4 defined by the basin 4 and closed, in the upper part, by the plate 2 mounted on this basin .

In practice, as is apparent from the following explanations, the table T also includes a flowerpot 16 which, as visible in FIGS. Figures 6 to 8 , is also received in the volume V4 in the third configuration of storage and / or transport of the table T.

More particularly, in this configuration, the elements 6, 8, 12, 14 and 16 disposed in the volume V4 are each centered on the axis Z4 of the basin 4. The two extensions 12 and 14 are nested one in the other and engaged in the inner volume of the heel 42, the end 122 of the riser 12 being disposed in the immediate vicinity of the bottom 43 of the heel. In this configuration, the basin 4 can rest on the surface S of the ground by the surface 44. In a variant, the table can be turned over to rest on the surface of the ground S by the plate 2.

In this configuration, the height H3 of the table measured parallel to the axes Z2, Z4 and Z6 is 35 cm and 40 cm, preferably of the order of 37 cm.

The flowerpot 16 is fitted inside the riser 14 which is itself fitted inside the riser 12.

The bottom 8 rests on the end 144 of the extension 14. The foot 6 is mounted around the riser 14. More specifically, the elements 12, 14 and 16 are engaged in the central opening 62 of the foot 6 which is mounted in a reverse configuration compared to that of Figures 1 to 4 , that is to say with its edge 68 facing upwards. In this configuration, the outer surface 66 of the foot 6 bears against the inner surface 47 of the flared portion 46, as visible in FIG. figure 8 . This contributes to maintaining the position of the parts 6, 8, 12, 14 and 16 in the V4 module, by limiting the risk of friction, hence damage to these parts or noise generation. In addition, in this configuration each of the parts 6, 8, 12, 14 and 16 is centered on the axis Z4.

Thanks to the arrangement of the parts 6, 8 and 12 to 16 inside the volume V4, the table T is easily stored and transported, which makes it possible to envisage its distribution with private individuals, in particular by a marketing in large surface . When the end user has to mount the table, in one of the configurations shown in Figures 1 to 4 or in another configuration, it suffices to remove the tray 2 to access the parts located in the volume V4.

Other configurations of use of the table T are represented at Figures 10 to 15 . In what follows, we only describe what distinguishes these configurations from the previous ones.

In the configuration of Figures 10 and 11 , the shutter 10 has been removed from the opening 22 and the flowerpot 16 is inserted into this opening and retained at the plate 2 by its upper edge 162 which is greater in diameter than the opening 22. specifically, the flowerpot 16 reproduces the outer shape of a terracotta flowerpot having the radially offset upper edge and defines a shoulder 164 which abuts against the edge 26 of the opening 22 in the configuration of the Figures 10 and 11 . Thus, the flowerpot 16 is firmly immobilized relative to the rest of the plate 2. In addition, the ribs 24 allow the plate 2 to withstand the weight of the flowerpot 16 filled with soil and containing a plant.

The configuration of figures 12 and 13 results from a combination of the configurations of the figures 3 and 4 , on the one hand, 10 and 11, on the other hand. In other words, the table T is in the high configuration, with the extensions 12 and 14 interposed in height between the foot 6 and the basin 4, while the flowerpot 16 is in place in the opening 22 of the plate 2 .

In the configurations of Figures 1 to 4 and 10 to 13 the constituent parts of the table are not all used, in particular parts 12, 14 and 16 or 10.

The volume V4, between the support and the tray is adapted to receive the parts exceeding, namely the parts 12, 14 and 16 in the configuration of the Figures 1 and 2 , parts 12, 14 and 10 in the configuration of Figures 10 and 11 , piece 16 in the configuration of figures 3 and 4 , piece 10 in the configuration of figures 12 and 13 .

In the usage configuration of Figures 14 and 15 the tray 2 is not mounted on the basin 4, which allows the use of the interior volume V4 'of the basin 4 to dispose therein a quantity Q of earth or plant soil in which are planted one or more plants not represented. In this case, the basin 4 forms a flowerpot in the sense of EP-A-2 499 903 and its bottom can be configured as indicated in this European patent application, with a wall and at least one hollow element projecting from this wall, this wall and this hollow element being provided so that one of them is selectively perforated. In other words, the invention of EP-A-2 499 903 can be implemented with the present invention.

Another possible configuration of use of the table T, which is not shown but is easily deduced from the foregoing explanations, consists of mounting the table in high configuration, with interposition of the extensions 12 and 14 between the basin 4 and the foot 6, while the tray 2 is not in place. In other words, this amounts to combining the configurations respectively represented with the figures 12 and 13 on the one hand, 14 and 15, on the other hand. In this case, insofar as the mass located above the extensions 12 and 14 may be relatively large, a ballast may be provided inside the foot 6, for example in liquid or granular form. To do this, a structure of the "parasol foot" type can be integrated into the foot 6 and / or the bottom 8. In practice, such a ballast can also be used in the configurations of figures 3 and 4 , on the one hand, 12 and 13 on the other.

In another possible configuration of use, which is not shown but is easily deduced from the foregoing explanations, the basin is in the configuration of the Figures 14 and 15 , and the tray 2 is mounted on the vessel 4 without the shutter 10 is in place in the opening 22. The basin 4 is filled with soil and can accommodate the roots of a plant entering the opening 22. The plant thus benefits from a greater volume of soil than in the configurations of Figures 10 to 13 .

According to an optional aspect of the invention shown only on figures 8 and 15 can be added a greenhouse 200 shown in a center line that can be flexible, square garden type, or rigid, thermoformed type. This greenhouse protects the table in the storage and / or transport configuration represented, inter alia, at the figure 8 . In this configuration, the other parts 2-16 of the table T are received in the interior volume V200 of the greenhouse 200.

The greenhouse 200 can also be mounted on the edge 48 of the basin 4 in the configuration of the figure 15 . In this case, the volume V200 is above the volume V4 'of the basin 4. The greenhouse 200 protects the plants planted in the quantity Q of soil. In other configurations of Figures 1 to 4 and 10 to 13 , the greenhouse can also be mounted on the edges of the support 4 and comes to protect the plant hosted by the flower pot 16 or placed on the tray 2.

Note that in all configurations of use of the table T, the parts used are assembled by cooperation of forms. This type of assembly has the advantage of being reversible and not requiring any specific tool.

The flower pot 16 is not mandatory and, in the absence of such a pot, the tray 2 is devoid of central opening.

In addition, the flowerpot 16 can be replaced by a pot of comparable geometry that can serve as a trash can or ashtray. If this pot is not circular in section, the geometry of the edge 26 is adapted accordingly.

The table T according to the invention has a great adaptability to the choices of the user and can be exploited in many configurations of use. Moreover, because of the geometry of its constituent elements, it can be stored and transported in the configuration of the Figures 5 to 8 which is particularly compact.

Alternatively, the extensions 12 and 14 may have a shape other than hyperboloid section.

According to a variant not shown of the invention, the table T can incorporate a single riser which is then advantageously cylindrical with a circular section, with its two ends of the same geometry adapted to cooperate respectively with the basin 4 and the foot 6.

According to another variant, three or more extensions can be provided. In this case, they are advantageously different heights in order to obtain different heights of the tray 2 relative to the ground, by varying the number and type of extensions used.

According to a not shown variant of the invention, the edges 28 and 48 of the plate 2 and the basin 4 may not be elliptical. They can in particular be circular or polygonal. Similarly, the edge 68 of the foot 6 may not be circular but oval or polygonal.

The bottom 8 is optional and can be omitted if the foot 6 is sufficiently rigid.

The technical features of the embodiment and variants mentioned above can be combined with each other.

Claims (10)

1. Table (T) made of moulded synthetic material comprising at least a table-top (2), a table-top support (4), a single foot (6) and at least one raiser (12, 14) such that:

   - the table (T) comprises means (42, 62, 64, 122, 124, 142, 144) for mounting in at least a first low use configuration, wherein the table-top support (4) is mounted on the foot (6), and at least a second high use configuration, wherein the raiser (12, 14) is interposed in terms of height between the foot (6) and the table-top support (4),

   - the table comprises means (47, 62, 67) for mounting in a third configuration, for storage and/or transport, in which the foot (6) and the raiser (12, 14) are received in a closed volume (V4) defined between the table-top (2) and the table-top support (4), characterised in that:

   - the table-top support (4) is centred on a first axis (Z4),

   - the table-top (2) is centred on a second axis (Z2) aligned with the first axis (Z4) when the table-top (2) is mounted on the table-top support (4), and

   - in the third configuration, the foot (6) and the raiser (12, 14) received in the closed volume (V4) are centred on the first axis (Z4).
2. Table according to claim 1, characterised in that:

   - it comprises a pot (16),

   - the table-top (2) is provided with an opening (22) for receiving the pot,

   - the table comprises a cap (10) which is to be selectively placed in the opening in order to fill it, and

   - in the third configuration, the pot is likewise received in the closed volume (V4) and the cap is in place in the opening, which it fills.
3. Table according to claim 2, characterised in that the table-top (2) and the support (4) are compatible with placing of the pot (16) in the opening (22) when the table (T) is in its first low configuration and when the table is in its second high configuration.
4. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a base (8) for stiffening the foot (6), and in that, in the third configuration, the base is likewise received in the closed volume (V4).
5. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises at least two raisers (12, 14) which are interposed in terms of height one on top of the other, between the foot (6) and the support (4), when the table is in the second configuration.
6. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises means (42, 62, 64, 122, 124, 142, 144) for mounting in at least a fourth, low or high, configuration, in which the table-top (2) is not in place on the support (4), which defines a concave volume (V4') open to the top.
7. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in the first and in the second configuration, the table-top (2) and the support (4) define between them a closed volume (V4) for receiving parts (12, 14, 16) of the table which are not used in those configurations, especially the raiser or raisers (12, 14) when the table is in its first use configuration.
8. Table according to claim 2, characterised in that, in the third configuration, the pot (16) is fitted in at least one raiser (12, 14), which is fitted in the foot (6).
9. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mounting means (42, 47, 62, 64, 67, 122, 124, 142, 144) operate, in all the use configurations of the table, by interlocking.
10. Table according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a greenhouse (200) which is provided

    - to be mounted on the support (4) in the first low configuration, in the second high configuration and/or, where applicable, in the fourth configuration,

    - to receive in its inner volume (V200) all the other pieces (2-16) of the table (T) in the third configuration.

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