EP4687581A1

EP4687581A1 - Extensible table

Info

Publication number: EP4687581A1
Application number: EP24709871.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Massimo Giuliodori; Francesco ONOFRI
Original assignee: Evomet Srl
Current assignee: Evomet Srl
Priority date: 2023-03-28
Filing date: 2024-03-06
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: IT202300005901A1; WO2024201182A1

Abstract

The present invention concerns an extendable table comprising at least one combination of movements which enables a semi-automatic transition from a closed configuration in which the extension (20) is arranged below the main table top (10), to an open configuration in which the table is extended; characterised by the fact that said combination of movements comprises at least the following: - SO manual horizontal sliding of the extension (20) while remaining vertically below the main table top 10; - a manual distal inclination ID of the extension (20), this movement being a triggering movement for subsequent movements; - a lifting IP of the proximal end (22) of the extension such that the extension (20) is horizontally aligned with the main table top, this movement is automatically triggered by ID.

Description

Applicant : EVOMET srl Single-member company, Registered Office : Via Torino 3 , 62017 Porto Recanati (VAT Number : 01857390437 )

Title : EXTENSIBLE TABLE

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

DESCRIPTION

The present invention concerns an extending table equipped with a combination of semi-automatic opening movements .

PRIOR ART

Extendable tables have long been known in the furniture industry . They include at least one pull-out extension on one side of the table .

The traditional opening and closing mechanisms are manual , where the user slides the extensions to their final position .

These mechanisms are rather inconvenient and dangerous , as they often get stuck or crush fingers .

To solve this general problem, semi-automatic systems have been implemented so that through initial movements made by the user, generate extension completion movements . Over time , various types of movement have been invented, with the need to diversi fy products and create various design possibilities , the real driving force of the sector . Among the best known movements are the rotation of the table top, or the pulling out of drawer extensions , or the translation o f extensions including legs .

All of these movements generally involve the extensions always lying parallel to the ground, so once they are pulled out from underneath the main table top, there is a problem of perfect contact with it during li fting, often performed with a manually-operated final movement .

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a semi-automatic table extension system as an alternative to those of the prior art .

Another preferred purpose is to provide a semiautomatic extension system that automatically makes the extension and the main table top be in contact in the open configuration .

A further preferred purpose is to provide a semiautomatic extension system that allows a certain degree of aesthetic freedom for the table .

Another further preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide an easy and safe extension system .

Another preferred purpose of the present invention is to provide a table extension system with a combination of semi-automatic opening and closing movements .

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide an extendable table that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture . GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The purposes are solved by an extendable table according to the attached claims, where in general it comprises at least one main horizontal table top (10) , and at least one extension leaf (20) movable in opening and closing relative to the main table top by means of a combination of movements that allows the table to semi- automatically pass from a closed configuration in which the extension leaf (20) is arranged below the main table top (10) , to an open configuration in which the table is extended with the extension leaf (20) and the main table top (10) paired up, both arranged horizontally; characterised by the fact that said combination of movements comprises at least the following:

- a SO horizontal sliding of the extension (20) while remaining vertically below the main table top 10, in order to move from the closed configuration in which the extension is covered by the main table top to a configuration in which the extension (20) is uncovered in the vertical top direction, where this movement is a manual movement;

- an ID inclination of the extension (20) with respect to the horizontal direction such that its distal end (21) , i.e. the one furthest away from the main table top (10) , is raised, where this movement is a manual movement and is a triggering movement of an automatic mechanism (30) of coupling at the level of the extension to the main table top, which performs the subsequent movements ;

- an IP li fting of the proximal end ( 22 ) of the extension, i . e . the one closest to the main table top, to such an extent that the extension ( 20 ) is hori zontally aligned with the main table top ; this movement is carried out automatically by said mechanism;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Further features and advantages of the present invention will best be seen from the following detailed description of preferred implementation forms of the invention, made with reference to the accompanying drawings and given by way of example and not limitation . In said drawings :

- figure 1 schematically shows a table according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

- figure 2 shows the table of figure 1 with the top and the extensions in transparency to show the underlying automatic coupling mechanism;

- the series of figures 3a to 3e schematically show the relative movements between the top and one o f the extensions to generate the extension of the table ; figure 4 shows schematically the relative movements of three frames associated with the top and extension, where these movements correspond to those in the series of figures 3a to 3e ;

- figures 5 , 6 and 7 are sections in a vertical and longitudinal plane respectively of each of the three frames of figure 4 ; figures 8 , 9 and 10 show the tracks of the guiding means placed on the frames of the previous figures ;

- figures 11 , 12 and 13 are perspective views of the three frames of figures 5 , 6 and 7 ;

- figure 14 is a perspective view of one end of the table of figure 1 without top and extension and in closed configuration; figure 15 is a section of the table in the configuration of figure 14 in a vertical and longitudinal plane ;

- figure 16 is a perspective view as in figure 14 but in a first intermediate configuration of translated extension; figure 17 is a section of the table in the configuration of figure 16 in a vertical and longitudinal plane ; figure 18 is a perspective view in an intermediate extension configuration subsequent to that of figure 16 , where the extension is li fted at the distal end only, according to what is considered to be the triggering movement of an automatic completion of the extension opening; figure 19 is a section of the table in the configuration of figure 18 in a vertical and longitudinal plane ; figure 20 is a perspective view in a final extension configuration subsequent to that of figure 18 , where the extension is fully li fted at the level of the table top and hori zontally against it ; figure 21 is a section of the table in the configuration of figure 20 in a vertical and longitudinal plane ;

Figure 1 shows an extendable table shown as a whole with reference number 1 .

Below we will refer to the conventional hori zontal and vertical directions , i . e . the direction parallel to the ground and the direction orthogonal to the ground, respectively, during ordinary table use .

Below we will also mean by longitudinal direction a hori zontal direction of extension of the table , in particular a sliding direction of at least one extension, as will become clearer later on .

Table 1 comprises at least one hori zontal main table top 10 , consisting of a fixed panel , and leg means 5 arranged to support it .

The table further comprises at least one extension 20 of the main table top 10 that is extendable by means of a combination of table extension movements .

Said combination of movements makes it possible to switch semi-automatically from a closed configuration in which the extension leaf 20 is arranged below the main table top 10 , to an open configuration in which the table is extended with the extension leaf 20 and the main table top 10 flush with each other, both arranged hori zontally, and abutting against each other .

This combination of movements is called semiautomatic as it includes both manual and automatic movements . As will be made clear later, the same movements can also provide a semi-automatic combination for closing the table .

With reference to the sequence o f figures 3a to 3e , to change from closed to open configuration, the combination of movements includes at least the following :

- A SO hori zontal sliding of the extension 20 while remaining vertically below the main table top 10 , in order to move from the closed configuration in which the extension is covered by the main table top to a configuration in which the extension 20 is uncovered in the vertical top direction and horizontally distanced from the main plane 10 . This movement is a manual movement .

- An ID inclination of the extension 20 with respect to the hori zontal direction such that its distal end 21 , i . e . the one furthest from the main plane 10 , is raised . This movement is a manual movement and is a triggering movement of an automatic mechanism 30 ( figure 2 ) for attaching the extension to the main table top, which carries out the subsequent movements .

An IP li ft of the proximal end 22 of the extension, i . e . the one closest to the main table top, o f such an extent that the extension 20 is hori zontally aligned with the main table top . This movement is automatic .

A hori zontal S I adduction slide of the extension 20 towards the main table top 10 to go against it .

IP li fting and S I sliding are preferably simultaneous .

The automatic coupling mechanism 30 comprises:

- a reference frame 40, fixed in relation to the main table top 10; a tilt frame 60, fixed in relation to the extension 20;

- an intermediate frame 50, interposed between the previous two and movable in relation to both; where preferably the three frames are nested together in the closed configuration.

- pulling mean 70, e.g. with spring, interposed between the tilt frame 60 and the intermediate frame 50 to exert a pull attraction between the two. where the three frames (40, 50, 60) and the pulling means (70) are assembled together in such a way that :

- the tilt frame 60 and the intermediate frame 50 both have a horizontal slide relative to the reference frame 40 according to SO;

- the tilt frame 60 has an inclination movement according to ID with respect to the intermediate frame 50, this movement activates the pulling means 70; the tilt frame 60 has a lifting movement according to IP with respect to the intermediate frame 50 due to the effect of the pulling means 70.

- the intermediate frame (50) has a horizontal sliding movement according to SO with respect to the tilt frame due to the pulling means (70) .

Said horizontal sliding SO of the intermediate frame 50 with respect to the tilt frame 60 induces the tilt frame 60 to travel two ramps 85a and 87b, which induce said li fting IP and said hori zontal sliding S I , respectively .

Manually reversing the SO sliding of the intermediate frame 50 with respect to the tilt frame ( 60 ) it causes to travel backwards said ramps 85a and 87b and thus to reverse said IP li fting and said S I hori zontal sliding .

The said SO sliding inversion of the intermediate frame 50 is a relative sliding inversion, whereby it can be operated by pulling said intermediate frame always in the distal SO direction i f a stop 87c of the frame of inclination 60 with respect to the reference frame 40 is provided . This makes the closure particularly ergonomic and practical .

After the inversion of S I and IP it is possible to complete the closure by pushing the intermediate frame 50 in the proximal S I direction so as to drag the tilt frame 60 and extension 20 with it to conceal it under the main table top 10 .

In the following, we will explain the details of a preferred form of implementation that allows such movements .

As better shown in figures 5 , 6 and 7 : between the reference frame 40 and the intermediate frame 50 operate hori zontal li fting guide means 80 ;

- between the intermediate frame 50 and the tilt frame 60 operate distal li fting guide means 82 and proximal lifting guide means 84, arranged respectively to define the lifting path of the distal end 21 and the proximal end 22 of the extension 20.

- between the reference frame 40 and the tilt frame 60, adduction guides 86 of the inclination frame 60 operate to define an aligned approach path of the extension 20 with the main table top 10;

- each of these guiding means 80, 82, 84, 86 e.g. comprise at least one sliding pivot with respect to a moulded guiding track, where one part of a guiding means, e.g. a pivot, may have more than one function, being for example also part of another guiding mean.

Figures 11, 12 and 13 show the same details in perspective view.

In the specific examples shown in the figure, we have that :

- the horizontal slide bearings 80 comprises at least one horizontal track on the reference frame 40 and related slide bearings on the intermediate frame;

- the distal lifting guiding means 82 comprise at least one L-moulded track 83 on the intermediate frame 50 (figure 8) , having a horizontal section 83a and a tilted section 83b forming an elbow 83c between them at the proximal end of the horizontal section, wherein the tilted section extends downward from said elbow; said guiding means also comprise at least a first pivot 83d guided by said track and integral with said tilt frame 60.

- proximal lifting means 84 comprising at least one S-moulded track 85 on the intermediate frame 50 ( figure 9 ) , having a central section 85a tilted with respect to the hori zontal so as to have a proximal lower end and a distal upper end, at which they form respective elbows 85b and 85c connecting with a lower straight end section 85d and with an upper straight end section 85e ; said guiding means also comprise at least a second pivot 85f guided by said track and integral with said tilt frame 60 .

- the guiding means of adduction 86 comprise at least one L-moulded track 87 on the reference frame 40 , having a hori zontal section 87a and a tilted section 87b forming an elbow 87c between them at the distal end o f the hori zontal section, wherein the tilted section 87c extends upward and in a proximal direction from said elbow, so as to overlap the straight section 87a ; said guiding means also comprise at least a third pivot 87d guided by said track and integral with said tilted frame 60 , wherein said second and third pivot 85f and 87d preferably coincide .

To complete this , we note that the intermediate frame 50 , at its distal end, includes a handle 90 that the user can grasp to impose the hori zontal sliding SO with respect to the reference frame 40 .

With reference to figures 14 to 21 , the interaction between the parts described above during the opening of the table will now be described .

In the closed configuration of the figures 14 and

15 : the hori zontal slide guiding means 80 are in the configuration in which the intermediate frame 50 and the tilt frame 60 are completely retracted with respect to the reference frame , so as to be nested therein . the distal li fting guiding means 82 are at rest , in particular the pivot 83d lies at the lower proximal end of the relevant L-moulded track 83 , in the tilted section 83 ; proximal li fting guiding means 84 are disengaged, in particular the pivot 85f lies at the lower proximal end of the relevant S-moulded track 85 , in the hori zontal section 85d;

- the pulling means 70 exert a pulling attraction between the intermediate frame 50 and the tilt frame 60 which holds the proximal and distal lifting guide means 82 and 84 in said positions ; adduction guiding means 86 are inactive , in particular track 87 and its pivot 87d are disengaged .

To switch to the extracted position of figures 16 and 17 , the user manually extracts the intermediate frame 50 by acting on the handle 90 , causing it to SO hori zontally slide . The extraction is stopped by a stop between the intermediate frame and the reference frame , preferably provided by the adduction guide means 86 . In the shown example , in fact , the stop occurs when the pivot 87e hits the elbow 87c of the track 87 .

The proximal and distal li fting means 82 and 84 are still in the same position as above ( at rest and disengaged) . In fact , the pulling means have not changed, having simply shi fted, with respect to the reference frame 40 to which they are not connected, solidly to the reference frame 50 and the tilt frame 60 .

Figures 18 and 19 show the trigger configuration of the automatic mechanism . To switch to this position, the user manually performs the ID trigger movement , i . e . li fting the distal end 21 of the extension 20 , and consequently the tilt frame 60 .

Substantially, the tilt frame makes a rotation relative to the reference frame 40 around the pivot 87d inserted in the elbow 87c .

Here we have that : the distal li fting guides 82 moved, as the pivot 83d started to move up the track 83 , in particular it moved up the tilted section 83b ;

- the proximal li fting guide means 84 moved, as the intermediate frame 50 shi fted slightly in a proximal direction relative to the tilt frame , so that the pivot 85f travelled along part of the track 85 , in particular the lower proximal hori zontal section 85d;

- the pulling means 70 are active, as due to the relative movement between intermediate frame 50 and tilt frame 60 they exert a pulling action between the two . adduction guide means 86 are still in the extraction phase configuration .

The pull triggered at this stage induces the automatic transition to the next configuration shown in figures 20 and 21 .

In fact, as a result of the pull , the intermediate frame 50 will continue to move towards the tilt frame , causing the pivots 83d and 85f to complete their path in the respective tracks 83 and 85 .

This means that the proximal end 22 of the extension 20 rises by performing the IP li ft , as does the tilt frame 60 . This is due to the tilted central section 85a of the S-moulded track 85 .

In this li fting, the pivot 87d is obliged to follow the track 87 and therefore to travel along the tilted section 87b in the proximal direction, dragging with it the tilt frame 60 and consequently the extension, which in addition to ascending according to ID will simultaneously perform the translation S I , going all the way to the side of the main table top 10 .

The movements described are reversible , so to return to the closed configuration it is necessary to :

- manually pull the handle 90 , thus moving the intermediate frame 50 in relation to the tilt frame 60 , this will reverse the S I , IP and ID movements ;

- when the tilt frame 60 and the intermediate frame 50 are aligned again, i . e . when the extension has descended and is hori zontal again, simply manually push the handle 90 to make the SO slide backwards and conceal the extension 20 under the main floor 10 .

Finally, it should be noted that it is optionally possible to equip the automatic mechanism 30 with shockabsorbing means 95 for cushioning the end of the relative movements between the intermediate frame and the tilt frame 60 . Such shock-absorbing means 95 are for example interposed between each hori zontal end of the intermediate frame 50 and the tilt frame 60 , for example they comprise at least one piston, or spring or similar placed at each of said ends and preferably acting in a horizontal direction between said two frames.

As better shown in figures 20 and 21, the shock absorber means 95 act at the distal end of said two frames in opening, in particular in correspondence with the movements IP and SI.

As understandable from figures 18 and 19, the shock absorber means 95 act at the proximal end of said two frames in closing, in particular at the reversal of the movement ID.

GENERAL MEANING OF TERMS

In understanding the purpose of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended as open-ended terms specifying the presence of the declared characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and/or phases, but not excluding the presence of other undeclared characteristics, elements, components, groups, integers and/or phases. The above also applies to words with similar meanings such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. In addition, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used herein to describe the form(s) of implementation mentioned above, the following directional terms "forward", "backward", "above", "below", "vertical", "horizontal", "underneath" and "transverse", as well as any other similar directional terms refer to the form of implementation described in the operative position . Finally, grade terms such as " substantially" , " about" and " approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modi fied term such that the end result is not signi ficantly changed .

While only selected implementation forms have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, from this description it will be clear to those expert in the field that various modi fications and variations may be made without departing from the purpose of the invention as defined in the attached claims . For example , the si ze , shape , position or orientation of the various components may be modi fied as needed and/or desired . Components shown directly connected or in contact with each other may have intermediate structures interposed between them . The functions of one element can be performed by two and vice versa . The structures and functions of one form o f implementation can be adopted in another one . It is not necessary that all advantages are present in a particular form of implementation at the same time . Each characteristic that is original compared to the prior art , alone or in combination with other characteristics , should also be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant , including structural and/or functional concepts incorporated by those characteristics . Therefore , the previous descriptions o f implementation forms according to the present invention are provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the attached claims and their equivalents .

Claims

1. Extendable table comprising at least one main horizontal table top (10) , and at least one extension leaf (20) movable in opening and closing relative to the main table top by means of a combination of movements that allows the table to semi-automatically pass from a closed configuration in which the extension leaf (20) is arranged below the main table top (10) , to an open configuration in which the table is extended with the extension leaf (20) and the main table top (10) paired up, both arranged horizontally; characterised by the fact that said combination of movements comprises at least the following:

- an ID inclination of the extension (20) with respect to the horizontal direction such that its distal end (21) , i.e. the one furthest away from the main table top (10) , is raised, where this movement is a manual movement and is a triggering movement of an automatic mechanism (30) of coupling at the level of the extension to the main table top, which performs at least one subsequent movement;

- an IP lifting of the proximal end (22) of the extension, i.e. the one closest to the main table top, to such an extent that the extension (20) is horizontally aligned with the main table top; this movement is carried out automatically by said mechanism (30) ; where the automatic mechanism comprises:

- a reference frame (40) , fixed in relation to the main table top (10) ;

- a tilt frame (60) , fixed in relation to the extension (20) ;

- an intermediate frame (50) , interposed between the previous two and movable in relation to both;

- pulling means (70) , interposed between the tilt frame (60) and the intermediate frame (50) to exert a pull attraction between them; where the three frames (40, 50, 60) and the pulling means (70) are assembled together in such a way that :

- the tilt frame (60) and the intermediate frame

(50) both have a horizontal slide relative to the reference frame (40) according to SO;

- the tilt frame (60) has an inclination movement according to ID with respect to the intermediate frame (50) , this movement activates the pulling means (70) ; the tilt frame (60) has a lifting movement according to IP with respect to the intermediate frame (50) due to the effect of the pulling means (70) .

- the tilt frame (50) has a horizontal sliding movement according to SO with respect to the inclination frame due to the pulling means (70) activated by the inclination ID. 2. Table according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that between said tilt frame 60 and said reference frame 40, a stop (87c) operates against their relative sliding SO during said inclination ID, while during said inclination ID the intermediate frame 50 has a relative sliding SO with respect to the tilt frame (60) , wherein said pulling means are activated by the combination of the effects of said inclination ID, said stop (87c) and said relative sliding.

3. Table according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that said horizontal sliding SO of the intermediate frame 50 relative to the tilt frame 60 induces the tilt frame 60 to travel at least one ramp 85a, which induces said lifting IP.

4. Table according to claim 3, characterised by the fact that manually inverting the SO sliding of the intermediate frame (50) with respect to the tilt frame (60) induces said ramp (85a) to travel backwards and thus to reverse said IP lifting.

5. Table according to claim 4, characterised by the fact that said inversion of sliding SO is a relative inversion of sliding between the two frames and is operated by manually pulling the intermediate frame (50) in the distal direction SO, this being possible due to a stop (87c) of the tilt frame (60) with respect to the reference frame (40) active in retaining the tilt frame (60) when said intermediate frame (50) is pulled to operate said inversion of sliding SO.

6. Table according to claim 5 characterised by the fact that at the end of the inversion of the IP lift, it is possible to complete the closure by pushing the intermediate frame (50) in a horizontal sliding direction of SI so as to drag the tilt frame (60) and the extension (20) with it to conceal it under the main table top (10) .

7. Table according to any of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that: between the reference frame (40) and the intermediate frame (50) operate horizontal lifting guide means (80)

- between the intermediate frame (50) and the tilt frame (60) operate distal lifting guide means (82) and proximal lifting guide means (84) , arranged respectively to define the lifting path of the distal end (21) and the proximal end (22) of the extension (20) .

8. Table according to claim 7, characterised by the fact that:

- the distal lifting guide means (82) and the proximal lifting guide means (84) each comprise at least one sliding pivot (83d, 85f) with respect to a respective moulded guide track (83, 85) , where each track defines a respective ascending ramp.

9. Table according to any of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that said combination of movements comprises also: a horizontal SI adduction slide of the extension (20) towards the main table top (10) to go against it in the open configuration.

10. Table according to claim 9, characterised by the fact that the tilting frame has a horizontal adduction slide SI simultaneously with respect to both the fixed frame (40) and the intermediate frame (50) .

11. Table according to claim 10, characterised by the fact that:

- between the reference frame (40) and the tilt frame (60) operate adduction guiding means (86) of the tilt frame (60) , arranged to define an aligned approach path of the extension (20) with the main table top (10) ; where these adduction guiding means are operated by the pulling means (70) .

12. Table according to claim 10, characterised by the fact that the adduction guide means (86) comprise at least one sliding pivot (87d) relative to a respective moulded guide track (87) positioned to define an adduction ramp (87b) .

13. Table according to any one of the previous claims, characterised by the fact that the automatic mechanism (30) comprises shock absorbers means (95) arranged to cushion the end of relative movements between the intermediate frame and the tilt frame 60. 14. Table according to claim 13, characterised by the fact that such shock absorbers (95) are interposed between each horizontal end of the intermediate frame (50) and the tilt frame (60) , wherein:

- act at the distal end of said two frames (50, 60) in opening,

- act at the proximal end of said two frames (50, 60) when closing.