EP3135157A1 - Furniture object with simplified folding - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a furnishing object (10, 50, 80), characterized in that: it comprises panels (14A-140, 60A-60J) connected in pairs by links each defining a pivot axis, the panels (14A-140, 60A-60J) are stiffer than the links, so that two panels adjacent to one connection can rotate about the pivot axis defined by this connection, - It comprises a gripping means (18, 54) located on the object (10, 50, 80) so that the weight of the object suspended by the gripping means (18, 54) causes its passage of a position unfolded at a predetermined folded position in which at least two so-called external panels connected by a link are arranged substantially parallel to each other, it can take a substantially flat shape when it is in its unfolded position, the link (16CP, 16DG, 16HK, 16LO, 62AB, 62CD, 62EF) connecting the two outer panels is sufficiently wide to allow two other panels to be housed between the two outer panels when the object (10, 50, 80 ) is in the predetermined folded position.

Description

Simplified folding furniture item

The present invention relates to a furnishing object that can be folded or unfolded for storage, use or for decorative purposes.

Some objects are designed to be folded when not in use, to facilitate their transport, storage or to turn them into a decorative object. They are subsequently unfolded for their use. These objects are, for example, chairs, tents, cribs, etc. However, the folding and unfolding of these objects are often complex operations to perform because they require several sequences of movements or more than two simultaneous shots, so that a person can not run them alone. Furthermore, the folding or unfolding obtained is not always in accordance with expectations and is subject to hazards (bad chaining, folding to a place not expected, ...).

Products and methods currently exist to facilitate the unfolding of certain objects. For example, camping tents with simplified mounting can be unfolded in a single gesture or by one hand. We can also quote beds for babies who unfold "instantly", also called "beds" umbrella. However, folding these objects is usually neither easy nor easy. It requires at least two arms and a sequence of at least three to four movements.

The object of the invention is to provide a foldable furniture object in a single gesture, using one hand.

• il comporte des panneaux reliés deux-à-deux par des liaisons définissant chacune un axe de pivotement,
• les panneaux sont plus rigides que les liaisons, de sorte que deux panneaux adjacents à une liaison peuvent effectuer une rotation autour de l'axe de pivotement défini par cette liaison,
• il comporte un moyen de préhension, localisé sur l'objet de manière que le poids de l'objet suspendu par ce moyen provoque son passage d'une position dépliée à une position pliée prédéterminée, dans laquelle au moins deux panneaux dits externes reliés par une liaison sont disposés sensiblement parallèlement l'un à l'autre,
• il peut prendre une forme sensiblement plane lorsqu'il est dans sa position dépliée,
• la liaison reliant les deux panneaux externes est suffisamment large pour permettre à deux autres panneaux de se loger entre les deux panneaux externes lorsque l'objet est dans la position pliée prédéterminée.

For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a furnishing object, characterized in that:

• it comprises panels connected in pairs by links each defining a pivot axis,
• the panels are more rigid than the links, so that two panels adjacent to a link can rotate around the pivot axis defined by this link,
• it comprises a gripping means, located on the object so that the weight of the object suspended by this means causes its passage from an unfolded position to a predetermined folded position, wherein at least two so-called external panels connected by a link are arranged substantially parallel to one another,
• it can take a substantially flat shape when it is in its unfolded position,
• the link connecting the two outer panels is sufficiently wide to allow two other panels to be housed between the two outer panels when the object is in the predetermined folded position.

In its unfolded position, the object is designed to rest on a support, for example on any type of soil, on a table or on a carpet. By pulling on the gripping means, the object folds to take a predetermined position without effort or additional movement. The folding is guided by the links which are more deformable than the panels and results in rotational torques generated on the panels by their weight and by the upward traction exerted by the gripping means. The folding is accomplished by a fluid and continuous movement of the object. In its folded position, at least two external panels sandwich at least two other panels, thanks to the sufficiently wide connection that connects the two outer panels.

The term "panel" means any three-dimensional object, two of the dimensions of which are much larger than the third and which is rigid enough to have a clean and substantially constant shape.

Another object of the invention is to provide a foldable and unfoldable furniture object in a single gesture, with one hand.

• Le moyen de préhension est choisi parmi la liste comprenant notamment les éléments suivants : une poignée de préhension ; un trou avec un oeillet de finition ; des fils reliés à différents panneaux.
• Au moins un des panneaux est évidé. Autrement dit, le panneau comprend au moins une zone où aucune matière n'est présente. Ce type de panneau est plus économique en matériau et en poids, ce qui facilite le transport de l'objet. De préférence, le panneau évidé est sous la forme d'un cadre qui délimite la périphérie du panneau. Le panneau évidé peut permettre d'obtenir une forme spécifique de l'objet en position pliée, en fonction de son emplacement.
• Au moins un des panneaux est une structure multicouche comprenant un plan rigide allégé, de préférence en nid d'abeilles, en matière plastique, une couche amortissante positionnée entre une face supérieure opposée à une face inférieure en appui sur un support et le plan allégé, et deux couches externes en tissu, de préférence faisant partie d'une enveloppe en tissu qui englobe le reste du panneau. Alternativement, les deux couches externes en tissu font partie d'une enveloppe en tissu qui englobe deux panneaux adjacents et de préférence tous les panneaux. Le plan allégé est à l'origine des propriétés de rigidité du panneau. Le plan rigide allégé permet de rendre le panneau plus léger et plus économique en matière première. La couche amortissante permet d'amortir un choc entre l'objet et une charge telle qu'une personne.
• Les panneaux sont au nombre de dix. Cela permet d'obtenir une grande variété de formes de l'objet plié, en fonction de la position de du moyen de préhension et des liaisons.
• Au moins une des liaisons présente une structure choisie parmi :
  • une constitution identique à au moins une partie des panneaux adjacents et, au moins en certains endroits, une épaisseur moindre que les épaisseurs de ces panneaux,
  • une constitution identique à celle des panneaux adjacents et, au moins en certains endroits, des ouvertures laissant des ponts entre les panneaux,
  • un tissu prolongeant l'enveloppe des panneaux, lorsque les panneaux comprennent une enveloppe en tissu,
  • des liens flexibles fixés aux panneaux adjacents,
  • des liens élastiques fixés aux panneaux adjacents,
  • une combinaison des structures précédentes.
• Au moins quatre liaisons s'interceptent en un même point. Autrement dit, l'objet ne comprend que des noeuds d'interception d'au moins quatre liaisons.
• La liaison reliant les deux panneaux externes est suffisamment large pour permettre à quatre autres panneaux de se loger entre les deux panneaux externes lorsque l'objet est dans la position pliée prédéterminée. Cela permet d'autres formes de pliage.
• L'objet a une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique lorsqu'il est déplié, il comprend dix panneaux reliés deux-à-deux par des liaisons rectilignes sous formes de segments, une poignée de préhension localisée sur une diagonale de l'objet, les panneaux étant symétriques par rapport à cette diagonale, treize liaisons se croisent à des noeuds d'interception d'au moins quatre liaisons et six liaisons se croisent à un noeud d'intersection, six panneaux ont un contour sensiblement triangulaire et quatre panneaux ont un contour en forme de parallélogramme.
• Les panneaux sont agencés de manière que lorsque l'objet est dans sa position dépliée, il a une forme sensiblement parallélépipédique et il est évidé du fait de l'absence de deux panneaux non périphériques de l'objet.
• Les panneaux présentent tous la même densité. Cela permet d'augmenter la fluidité du passage de la position dépliée à la position pliée et rend l'objet plus équilibré en poids. De plus, la position du moyen de préhension est également plus facile à déterminer. De préférence, tous les panneaux ont une structure identique.
• Le moyen de préhension est positionné au niveau d'un axe de symétrie de l'objet, de préférence le moyen de préhension est localisé sur une diagonale de l'objet, de préférence sur le premier tiers de la diagonale.
• L'objet comporte des moyens de maintien en position pliée, choisis de préférence parmi :
  • des bandes auto-agrippantes,
  • des boutons pression,
  • des aimants,
  • des formes complémentaires mâles et femelles.

The furnishing object may further comprise one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.

• The gripping means is chosen from the list comprising in particular the following elements: a gripping handle; a hole with a finishing eyelet; wires connected to different panels.
• At least one of the panels is hollow. In other words, the panel comprises at least one area where no material is present. This type of panel is more economical in material and weight, which facilitates the transport of the object. Preferably, the hollow panel is in the form of a frame which delimits the periphery of the panel. The recessed panel can provide a specific shape of the object in the folded position, depending on its location.
• At least one of the panels is a multilayer structure comprising a lightened rigid plane, preferably made of honeycomb, made of plastic, a damping layer positioned between an upper face opposite to a lower face resting on a support and the lightened plane, and two outer layers of fabric, preferably one of a fabric envelope that encompasses the remainder of the panel. Alternatively, the two outer fabric layers are part of a fabric envelope that includes two adjacent panels and preferably all panels. The lightened plane is at the origin of the rigidity properties of the panel. The lightened rigid plan makes the panel lighter and more economical in raw material. The damping layer serves to dampen a shock between the object and a load such as a person.
• The panels are ten in number. This makes it possible to obtain a large variety of shapes of the folded object, depending on the position of the gripping means and the links.
• At least one of the bonds has a structure selected from:
  • a constitution identical to at least a part of the adjacent panels and, at least in some places, a thickness less than the thicknesses of these panels,
  • a constitution identical to that of the adjacent panels and, at least in certain places, openings leaving bridges between the panels,
  • a fabric extending the envelope of the panels, when the panels comprise a fabric envelope,
  • flexible links attached to adjacent panels,
  • elastic ties attached to adjacent panels,
  • a combination of the previous structures.
• At least four links are intercepted at one point. In other words, the object comprises only interception nodes of at least four links.
• The link connecting the two outer panels is sufficiently wide to allow four other panels to be housed between the two outer panels when the object is in the predetermined folded position. This allows other forms of folding.
• The object has a substantially parallelepiped shape when unfolded, it comprises ten panels connected in pairs by straight links in the form of segments, a gripping handle located on a diagonal of the object, the panels being symmetrical thirteen links intersect with intercepting nodes of at least four links with respect to this diagonal, and six links intersect at an intersecting node, six panels have a substantially triangular outline, and four panels have a contour in the form of parallelogram.
• The panels are arranged so that when the object is in its unfolded position, it has a substantially parallelepipedal shape and is hollowed out due to the absence of two non-peripheral panels of the object.
• The panels all have the same density. This makes it possible to increase the fluidity of the passage from the unfolded position to the folded position and makes the object more balanced in weight. In addition, the position of the gripping means is also easier to determine. Preferably, all the panels have an identical structure.
• The gripping means is positioned at an axis of symmetry of the object, preferably the gripping means is located on a diagonal of the object, preferably on the first third of the diagonal.
• The object comprises holding means in the folded position, preferably chosen from:
  • Velcro strips,
  • snaps,
  • magnets,
  • complementary male and female forms.

These holding means serve to stabilize the folded position of the object. Some means such as snaps, complementary shapes or Velcro strips require handling after folding. Other means such as magnets can be activated automatically after folding.

Preferably, these holding means are positioned on the underside of support of the object when the latter is in its unfolded position. This helps to conceal them and improve the safety and aesthetics of the object.

• La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un objet d'ameublement en position dépliée selon un premier mode de réalisation.
• La figure 2 est une coupe selon le plan II-II, dans son épaisseur, de l'objet d'ameublement de la figure 1 en position dépliée.
• La figure 3 est une vue en élévation de l'objet d'ameublement de la figure 1, en position pliée.
• La figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'un objet d'ameublement en position dépliée selon un deuxième mode de réalisation.
• La figure 5 est une coupe selon le plan V-V, dans son épaisseur, de l'objet d'ameublement de la figure 4 en position dépliée.
• Les figures 6a, 6b et 6c sont des vues en perspective de l'objet d'ameublement de la figure 4 à différentes étapes au cours du pliage.
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective de l'objet d'ameublement de la figure 4 en position pliée.
• La figure 8a, respectivement 8b, est une coupe transversale selon le plan VIII-VIII tel que positionné sur la figure 1, respectivement 4, d'un panneau de l'objet d'ameublement selon le premier, respectivement le second, mode de réalisation.
• La figure 9 est une vue de dessus d'une variante de l'objet d'ameublement des figures 4 à 7.

The invention will be better understood on reading the appended figures, which are provided by way of examples and are in no way limiting, in which:

• The figure 1 is a perspective view of an unfolded furniture item according to a first embodiment.
• The figure 2 is a section along plane II-II, in its thickness, of the furnishing object of the figure 1 in unfolded position.
• The figure 3 is an elevation view of the furnishing object of the figure 1 , in the folded position.
• The figure 4 is a perspective view of an unfolded furniture item according to a second embodiment.
• The figure 5 is a section along the plane VV, in its thickness, of the object of furnishing of the figure 4 in unfolded position.
• The Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are perspective views of the furnishing object of the figure 4 at different stages during folding.
• The figure 7 is a perspective view of the furnishing object of the figure 4 in folded position.
• The figure 8a , respectively 8b, is a cross section along the VIII-VIII plane as positioned on the figure 1 respectively 4, a panel of the furnishing object according to the first, respectively the second, embodiment.
• The figure 9 is a top view of a variant of the furnishing object of Figures 4 to 7 .

Reference is now made to the first embodiment.

The furnishing object 10 has a parallelepipedal shape of which two of the three dimensions are identical. In other words, it forms a square tablecloth. It is placed on a flat support 12, against which it is supported by its lower bearing surface (not visible in figure 1 ). As we see on the figure 2 , the furnishing object comprises sixteen panels 14A-14P connected in pairs by links which are here rectilinear 16AB, 16BC, 16CD, 16DE, 16EF, 16FG, 16GH, 16HI, 161J, 16JK, 16KL, 16LM, 16MN, 16NO, 16OP, 16CP, 16DG, 16HK and 16LO in the form of segments. Each link defines a pivot axis between two adjacent panels. In the following description, "rotation" and "inclination" are synonymous with pivoting when it comes to the movement of the panels. The panels are more rigid than the links, so that the deformation of the object 10 returns, as a first approximation, to a folding of the links. In other words, the links guide the deformation of the object. In this description, it will be considered that the panels are perfectly rigid. Thus, even if, in reality, the panels can deform slightly, especially by bending or by torsion, these deformations will be considered here as negligible. In this embodiment, all panels have the same density, thereby giving the object a uniform density. The object 10 comprises a gripping handle 18 located at its center of gravity 20. Since the object 10 is parallelepiped and has a uniform density and the bonds are symmetrical, the center of gravity 20 is located at the intersection of the two diagonals of the sheet. square. The handle 18 can be attached to the object directly at its center of gravity 20, as on the Figures 1, 2 and 3 , or through four links symmetrical with respect to the barycentre 20 connecting the handle to the panels 14C, 14D, 14K and 14L, or through four links symmetrical with respect to the barycentre 20 connecting the handle to the panels 14G, 14H, 140 and 14P. Thanks to this position of the handle on the object 10, the weight of the object 10 suspended by the handle 18 causes it to pass from an unfolded position, represented on the figure 1 , at a predetermined folded position, shown in the figure 3 . As seen in its folded position, the links 16CP, 16DG, 16HK and 16LO of the pairs of panels (14C; 14P), (14D; 14G), (14H; 14K) and (14L; 140), said external panels, have a width I1 sufficient to accommodate between the two panels of each of these pairs, the pairs of panels (14A; 14B), (14E; 14F), (14I; 14J) and (14M; 14N). A pair of panels 14A-14P, i.e. two panels interconnected by a link, have the panels arranged substantially parallel to each other in the folded position. Links 16AB, 16BC, 16DE, 16EF, 16FG, 16HI, 16IJ, 16JK, 16LM, 16MN and 16NO intersect at four link intercept nodes and links 16CD, 16GH, 16KL, 16OP, 16CP, 16DG, 16HK and 16LO intersect at center of gravity 20, which is an interception node of eight links. The panels all have a triangular outline. The panels 14A, 14B, 14E, 14F, 14I, 14J, 14M and 14N have the same dimensions. It is the same for panels 14C, 14D, 14G, 14H, 14K, 14L, 140 and 14P.

The folding steps of the object 10 will now be described. The notions "up", "down", "above", "below", "below" and "above" must be understood with reference to the direction 22 which is the opposite direction to the normal outgoing of the lower bearing surface of the object 10. In the most frequent case where the support 12 is horizontal, the direction 22 is the vertical ascending. The width of the links has been exaggerated on the figure 2 to better understand the invention. The proportions represented on the figure 2 only correspond to a particular example. They may be different in other embodiments.

When pulling on the handle 18, initially, two configurations are possible by the effect of the weight. In the first configuration, the links 16CD, 16GH, 16KL and 16OP fold downward while the links 16CP, 16DG, 16HK and 16LO fold upwards, orienting the panels of the pairs (14C; 14D), (14G; 14H), (14K, 14L) and (140; 14P) against each other. In the second configuration, the 16CP, 16DG, 16HK and 16LO links bend down and the 16CD, 16GH, 16KL and 16OP links bend upwards, orienting the pairs panels (14C; 14P), (14D, 14G), (14H, 14K) and (14L; 140) against each other. However, since the panels 14C, 14D, 14G, 14H, 14K, 14L, 140 and 14P are all identical, the two configurations are in fact equivalent. The following folding is described in the case of the first configuration knowing that the process is similar for the second configuration. Then, in a second step, when the panels 14A, 14B, 14E, 14F, 14I, 14J, 14M and 14N begin to rise from the support, the links 16BC, 16DE, 16FG, 16HI, 16JK, 16LM, 16NO and 16PA are fold upwards, while the links 16AB, 16EF, 16IJ and 16MN fold down, until the panels of the pairs (14A, 14B), (14E; 14F), (14I; 14J) and ( 14M, 14N) are parallel in pairs, ie they are pressed against each other, and are housed between the pairs of outer panels (14C; 14P), (14D; 14G; ), (14H, 14K) and (14L; 140). Finally, in the last stage, the links 16CD and 16KL fold completely so that the panels 14C, 14D, 14K and 14L, adjacent to these two links, touch each other in pairs and that the panels of the pairs ( 14C, 14P), (14D; 14G), (14H; 14K) and (14L; 140) are arranged parallel in pairs. The object 10 is thus obtained in its folded position of the figure 3 . Alternatively, it may be that the 16GH and 16OP links bend completely, instead of the 16CD and 16KL links, in the last step. We always get the same folded position of the object 10 given its symmetry.

In another embodiment not shown, the object 10 does not include the links 16GH and 16OP. This deletion does not change the folding of the object according to the steps described above.

Reference is now made to the second embodiment.

The object of furnishing 50 of the figure 4 has a substantially parallelepiped shape, placed on a support on its lower side. It comprises an envelope 52 which completely covers it and thus conceals its internal structure. A handle 54 is positioned on the object so that the weight of the object 50 suspended by this handle 54 causes its passage from an unfolded position, illustrated by the figures 4 and 5 , at a predetermined folded position, illustrated by the figure 7 . It is located for example at the first third of a diagonal 56 of the object 50 and is fixed on the object 50, on either side of the diagonal 56.

The object 50 illustrated by the Figures 5 to 7 comprises ten 60A-60J panels connected in pairs by straight links in the form of segments 62AB, 62BC, 62CH, 62H, 62IJ, 62GJ, 62FG, 62AF, 62DE, 62EF, 62CD, 62HI and 62EJ less rigid than the panels. These links define pivot axes for the panels adjacent to said links. A handle 54 is attached to the object on the diagonal 56, more precisely, on the first third of the diagonal 56. Alternatively, the handle may be fixed near the diagonal 56 straddling the panels 60D and 60E. The panels 60A and 60B are symmetrical with respect to the diagonal 56. The same is true for the pairs of panels (60C, 60F), (60G; 60H), (60I; 60J) and (60D; 60E). The links 62AB, 62BC, 62CH, 62H, 62IJ, 62GJ, 62FG, 62AF, 62DE, 62EF, 62CD, 62HI and 62EJ intersect at interception nodes of at least four links (one interception node of six links between links 62AB, 62BC, 62CD, 62DE, 62EF and 62AF). The panels 60A, 60B, 60D, 60E, 60G, 60H have a substantially triangular outline, while the panels 60C, 60F, 60I, 60J have a parallelogram-shaped outline. The panels have well-defined angles to facilitate folding.

We will now describe the different stages of folding. In the same way as for the first embodiment, the notions "high", "low", "above", "below", "lower" and "higher" must be understood with reference to the direction 64 which is the opposite direction to the normal outgoing of the lower bearing surface of the object 50. Since the lower bearing surface and the upper face FS are substantially parallel, the direction 64 is also the outgoing normal of the upper face FS of the object. The width of the links was exaggerated on the figure 5 to better understand the invention. The proportions represented on the figure 5 only correspond to a particular example. They may be different in other embodiments.

When the handle 54 is pulled, this lifts the panels 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F, while the other panels 60G, 60H, 601, 60J remain at least partially resting on the flat support 12, by folding down links 62FG, 62EJ, 62DI and 62CH. The links 62AF and 62BC fold together upwardly forming a single fold line, so that the panels 60A and 60B bow together down one side of this fold line, while the 60C panels, 60D, 60E, 60F bow to the other side of this fold line. During this lifting movement, the connections between the panels 60C, 60D, 60E, 60F fold: 62EF down, 62ED up, 62CD down.

Then, in a second step, as we can see on the figure 6a the panels 60G, 60H, 601, 60J also lift, but the links 62EJ, 62DI and 62IJ can, at this stage, remain in contact with the flat support 12, provided that the handle 54 is still raised. by increasing the distance between the latter and the plane support 12. The links 62GJ and 62HI then fold upwards, so that the panels 60G and 60J, respectively 60H and 60I, come closer to each other, thus bringing panels 60F and 60E, respectively 60C and 60D closer, and causing downward bending of bond 62AB between panels 60A and 60B. At this point, all the links have started folding.

The following is an accentuation of the bends passing through the configurations of figures 6b and 6c , under the effect of the weight of the panels and the reactions of the links, until the folded object represented in FIG. figure 7 .

The folded object presents all its panels as close as possible to each other, almost all parallel, which corresponds in a timely manner to the position of the assembly in which the center of gravity of each panel is the farthest possible from the position of the handle 54, given the constraints of folding the object.

Thus, by the only lifting action of the object by its handle, it was obtained the folding of the object, which was made possible by the fact that the object has the features recalled in the preamble.

We can notice, on the figure 7 that the links 62CD, 62EF and 62IJ have a sufficient width L1 so that the pairs of adjacent panels (60E; 60F), respectively (60C; 60D) and (60I; 60J), said external panels, can accommodate between them the pairs of panels (60G, 60J), respectively (60H; 60I) and (60D; 60E). The link 62AB has a width L2 sufficient for the pair of outer panels (60A; 60B) to accommodate between them the two pairs of panels (60C; 60D) and (60E; 60F). The outer panels are arranged substantially parallel two by two.

The figure 9 shows a variation of the previous embodiment in which the non-peripheral panels 60D and 60E of the previous embodiment are absent. The object 80 obtained after folding comprises only a pair of outer panels (82A; 82B) which sandwich panels 82C and 82F. This implies that the link connecting the panels 82A and 82B has a width sufficient to allow this configuration. In this embodiment, the gripping means is constituted by a handle 84 located at the first third of a diagonal of the object 80 and son 85 which connect the handle 84 to the panels 82C, 82I, 82J and 82F.

• une constitution identique à au moins une partie des panneaux adjacents et, au moins en certains endroits, épaisseur moindre que les épaisseurs de ces panneaux,
• une constitution identique à celle des panneaux adjacents et, au moins en certains endroits, ouvertures laissant des ponts entre les panneaux,
• un tissu prolongeant l'enveloppe des panneaux, lorsque les panneaux comprennent une enveloppe en tissu,
• des liens flexibles fixés aux panneaux adjacents,
• des liens élastiques fixés aux panneaux adjacents,
• une combinaison des structures précédentes.

In the first two embodiments described above, the links have a structure chosen from:

• a constitution identical to at least a part of the adjacent panels and, at least in some places, less than the thickness of these panels,
• a constitution identical to that of the adjacent panels and, at least in certain places, openings leaving bridges between the panels,
• a fabric extending the envelope of the panels, when the panels comprise a fabric envelope,
• flexible links attached to adjacent panels,
• elastic ties attached to adjacent panels,
• a combination of the previous structures.

• des bandes auto-agrippantes,
• des boutons pression,
• des aimants,
• des formes complémentaires mâles et femelles.

The objects of the two embodiments may comprise holding means (not shown in the figures) in the folded position, preferably chosen from:

• Velcro strips,
• snaps,
• magnets,
• complementary male and female forms.

In the embodiment of the figure 8a a panel 60 has a multilayer structure comprising a lightened plane 66, preferably made of honeycomb, of rigid plastics material, a damping layer 68 positioned above the lightened plane 66 in the direction 64, and two outer layers of fabric forming part of a fabric envelope 70 which includes the remainder of the panel 60.

In the embodiment of the figure 8b the two outer fabric layers 72a and 72b are part of the envelope 52 which includes all the panels.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments presented and other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is possible in particular to vary the structure of the panels depending on the use, for example a monolayer structure of silicone or fabric, or the shape of the panels or their dimensions. It is also possible to replace the handle by any other mechanism to exert traction on the object.

The object may be in particular a child play mat or a trivet.

Claims (12)

Furnishing object (10, 50, 80), characterized in that : it comprises panels (14A-140, 60A-60J) connected in pairs by links each defining a pivot axis, the panels (14A-140, 60A-60J) are stiffer than the links, so that two panels adjacent to one connection can rotate about the pivot axis defined by this connection, - It comprises a gripping means (18, 54) located on the object (10, 50, 80) so that the weight of the object suspended by the gripping means (18, 54) causes its passage of a position unfolded at a predetermined folded position in which at least two so-called external panels connected by a link are arranged substantially parallel to each other, it can take a substantially flat shape when it is in its unfolded position, the link (16CP, 16DG, 16HK, 16LO, 62AB, 62CD, 62EF) connecting the two outer panels is sufficiently wide to allow two other panels to be housed between the two outer panels when the object (10, 50, 80 ) is in the predetermined folded position. A furnishing item (10, 50, 80) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the panels is recessed. Furnishing article (10, 50), 80 according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the panels is a multilayer structure comprising a lightened plane (66) rigid, preferably honeycomb, material a cushioning layer (68) positioned between an upper face (FS) opposite to a lower face (FI) resting on a support and the lightened plane (66), and two outer layers (72a, 72b) made of fabric, preferably forming part of a fabric envelope (52) which encompasses the remainder of the panel. Furnishing article (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels are ten in number. Furnishing article (10, 50, 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the links has a structure chosen from: - a constitution identical to at least a part of the adjacent panels and, at least in some places, a thickness less than the thicknesses of these panels, - a constitution identical to that of the adjacent panels and, at least in certain places, openings leaving bridges between the panels, - a fabric extending the envelope of the panels, when the panels include a cloth envelope, - flexible links attached to adjacent panels, elastic links attached to the adjacent panels, a combination of the preceding structures. Furnishing item (10, 50, 80) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two links are interspersed at a contest node (20) of at least four links. A furnishing item (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the link (62AB) connecting the two outer panels is sufficiently wide to allow four other panels to fit between the two outer panels when the object is in the predetermined folded position. An article of furniture (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, having a substantially parallelepipedal shape when unfolded, it comprises ten panels connected in pairs by rectilinear links in the form of segments, a gripping handle located on a diagonal (56) of the object, the panels being symmetrical with respect to this diagonal (56), thirteen links (62AB, 62BC, 62CH, 62HI, 62IJ, 62GJ, 62FG, 62AF, 62DE, 62EF, 62CD , 62HI and 62EJ) intersect at intercept nodes of at least four links and six links (62AB, 62BC, 62CD, 62DE, 62EF and 62AF) intersect at an intersecting node, six panels (60A, 60B , 60D, 60E, 60G, 60H) have a substantially triangular outline and four panels (60C, 60F, 60I, 60J) have a parallelogram-shaped outline. Furnishing article (80) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the panels are arranged so that when the object (80) is in its unfolded position, the object has a substantially parallelepiped shape and the object is hollowed out due to the absence of two non-peripheral panels (60D, 60E) of the object. A furnishing item (10, 50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the panels all have the same density. An article of furniture (10, 50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping means (18, 54) is positioned at an axis of symmetry of the object (10, 50), preferably the gripping means (18, 54) is located on a diagonal of the object (56), preferably on the first third of the diagonal. Furnishing article (10, 50) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising means for holding in the folded position, preferably chosen from: - Velcro strips, - snaps, magnets - complementary male and female forms.

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