WO2001076415A1 - A transformable multipurpose desk - Google Patents

A transformable multipurpose desk Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001076415A1
WO2001076415A1 PCT/IT2000/000135 IT0000135W WO0176415A1 WO 2001076415 A1 WO2001076415 A1 WO 2001076415A1 IT 0000135 W IT0000135 W IT 0000135W WO 0176415 A1 WO0176415 A1 WO 0176415A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
desk
pair
work surface
functional components
drawers
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2000/000135
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alessandro Della Vedova
Original Assignee
Alessandro Della Vedova
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alessandro Della Vedova filed Critical Alessandro Della Vedova
Priority to PCT/IT2000/000135 priority Critical patent/WO2001076415A1/en
Priority to AU2000243121A priority patent/AU2000243121A1/en
Publication of WO2001076415A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001076415A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B21/00—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
    • A47B21/007—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk
    • A47B2021/0076—Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards with under-desk displays, e.g. displays being viewable through a transparent working surface of the table or desk the screen being incorporated in the desk top
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
    • A47B2200/00—General construction of tables or desks
    • A47B2200/0066—Workstations
    • A47B2200/0073—Desk with integrated computer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a transformable multipurpose desk comprising a work surface and drawers dispo'sed below the work surface.
  • office or home desks usually consist of a work surface and one or more sets of drawers disposed below the work surface at a side position so as to leave an empty space of appropriate size for correct positioning of the desk user's body.
  • a multipurpose desk capable of being easily transformed into a compact piece of furniture, substantially in the form of a chest of drawers, having a good aesthetic aspect and in which all components and accessories of a computer and other equipments and apparatus possibly associated therewith and inserted in the desk are invisible.
  • Another important aim of the invention is to devise a transformable multipurpose desk in which transformation of same into a chest of drawer and vice versa is simple, quick and possibly feasible also automatically.
  • FIG. 1 shows the desk of the invention in an open position to perform the intended work function
  • - Fig. 2 shows the desk of Fig. 1 in a closed position, adapted to form a piece of furniture substantially in the form of a chest of drawers;
  • - Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic elevation front view of kinematic driving means associated with some functional components of the desk;
  • - Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of the functional components of the desk disposed under the work surface and the of respective kinematic driving means;
  • Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic side view showing the schematic arrangements and movements of the covering side panels of the desk; - Fig. 6 diagrammatically shows a section taken along plane 6°- ⁇ ° in Fig. 4;
  • Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic front view taken along plane 7°-7° in Fig. 4;
  • - Fig. 8 is a plan view of a functional component defined by a. door and the respective support and movement members in a position in which the door itself is in alignment with the front face of the desk;
  • - Fig. 8a shows the door of Fig. 8 in an intermediate open position
  • - Fig. 9 shows a wiring diagram to control the automatic movements of the functional components of the desk.
  • transformable multipurpose desk in accordance with the invention is generally identified by reference numeral 1.
  • this empty space is adapted to hold a stool or any other type of seat.
  • desk 1 comprises a collapsible covering element 5 which can be overturned between a horizontal orientation, shown in Fig. 2, in which it is superposed on and coincides with the work surface 2 and a lifted and inclined position, at an angle of about 60° with respect to said work surface for example, which is shown in Fig. 1.
  • the desk also comprises a plurality of functional components 6 shiftable between a non-use or closed position shown in Fig. 2 and an operating or open position shown in Fig. 1.
  • Some of said functional components 6 are kinematically connected with each other and with the covering element 5 by kinematic driving means 7 that practically enable movements between said closed and open positions to be made simultaneously, so that a quick transformation of the desk into a chest of drawers as shown in Fig. 2 or, on the contrary, from the latter conformation to a desk as shown in Fig. 1, can be carried out.
  • the functional components 6 comprise a central portion 8 of the work surface 2 susceptible of translation between a retracted position in alignment with the front face 9 of the desk and an extended position projecting therefrom.
  • the central portion 8 is in the form of a drawer of sizes adapted to hold the keyboard of a computer, and is provided with an upper shutter 8a to be folded down on the work surface 2.
  • the upper shutter 8a can be provided with a first vertical translational movement and a second horizontal translational movement to enable its positioning on the work surface 2.
  • a pair of doors 10 is provided under the central portion
  • said doors 10 being disposed between the drawers 3 and being shiftable between a position in alignment with the front face 9 of the desk to close the empty space 4 and a rotated position in which they are retracted in the empty space between the drawers 3 to make said space accessible.
  • the desk sides are covered with a pair of side panels 12 supported by a corresponding pair of support and guide elements 13 hinged at the bottom and movable to an inclined position, through an angle of 30° with respect to a vertical plane, for example.
  • the side panels 12 are horizontally movable on the support and guide elements 13 when the latter are in an inclined position so that they project from the front face 9 of the desk and thus define equipped opposite walls, provided with shelves 12a for reviews, magazines, books and the like, for example.
  • translation of the side panels 12 can be obtained by a ' snap mechanism operating through a spring.
  • said means comprises a main drive shaft 14 disposed horizontally in the longitudinal extension direction of the desk, immediately below the work. surface 2.
  • the covering element 5 and the other functional components 8, 10 and 13 are all connected with respective rack elements that, in turn, are kinematically connected with the main drive shaft 14 through their respective motion-transmitting kinematic mechanisms.
  • the main drive shaft 14 is divided into three portions disposed in succession and comprising two side lengths 14a and one central length 14b.
  • Two first spur gears 15 are rigidly connected to the ends of the side lengths 14a and they mesh with respective first rack elements 16, rigidly fastened to the covering element 5 and disposed in vertical planes.
  • Two bevel gears 19 are also in engagement with the central length 14b of the drive shaft, through further bevel gears 20, for motion transmission to a pair of first auxiliary drive shafts 21 disposed vertically close to the side walls of the drawers 3 defining space 4.
  • Fitted on each auxiliary shaft 21 is a pair of third spur gears 22 meshing with a respective pair of third rack elements 23 hinged at the top and at the bottom on each of the doors 10 at a first movable pivot axis 24 disposed on the outer side of the doors themselves.
  • Each of said doors is also hinged, at a second movable pivot axis 25 disposed on their inner side, on a pair of support rods 26 in turn rotatably in engagement at their ends with vertical fixed pivot pins 27 fastened to the underside of the work surface 2, for example.
  • doors 10 supported each at the two movable pivot axes 24 and 25, can move between a position in which they are aligned with the front face 10 of the desk and a position in which they are retracted in the empty space 4, perpendicularly to said aligned position.
  • a pair of second auxiliary drive shafts 28 Interposed between the end lengths 14a and the central length 14b of the main drive shaft 14 is a pair of second auxiliary drive shafts 28 oriented horizontally and transversely of said first drive shaft.
  • each end length 14a and the central length 14b is transmitted through a set of three bevel gears 29 comprising a first wheel 29a rigidly fitted on the auxiliary shaft 28 and two second wheels 29b, 29c meshing from opposite sides with the first wheel 29a and rigidly fitted on the opposite ends of the end length 14a and of the central length 14b, respectively.
  • the rotation direction of the central length 14b is opposite to that of the two end lengths 14a.
  • each auxiliary shaft 28 Rigidly fitted on the end of each auxiliary shaft 28 is a pair of fourth spur gears 30 meshing with a respective pair of fourth rack elements 31 connected to each of the side support elements 13, through toggle levers 32.
  • said functional components 6 may also comprise further movable elements such as an element consisting of small drawers and/or compartments 33 disposed at the rear part of the central portion 8 of the work surface 2 and shiftable between a position in which it is placed under said work surface and a position in which it emerges therefrom (see Fig. 1).
  • Movement of element 33 consisting of small drawers can be linked through kinematic driving elements not shown in the accompanying drawings, to the translation motion of the central portion 8, so as to impose lifting of same when said central portion moves outwardly and, vice versa, lowering of same when said central portion is retracted.
  • Element 33 may also be operated independently of the translation motion of the central portion 8, as better clarified in the following.
  • compartments 34 are provided on the lower face of the covering element 5 and they are equipped with respective closing flaps 34a of the slidable or collapsible type and are ready for use in the open position when the covering element .5 is in its lifted position .
  • a monitor of the flat type for computer can be disposed in a central compartment. Loudspeakers, stereophonic apparatus and any other wished device or object can be for example arranged in other compartments. Also advantageously provided may be means for making the monitor come out of its appropriate seating and be vertically positioned. This means may be operated manually or automatically, as described in the following.
  • Displacement of the above described functional components, whether they are connected with each other by the kinematic driving means 7 or they are movable independently of said means, can be carried out either manually or preferably by automatic control means 35 comprising electric and electronic components (see Fig. 9) .
  • a pair of second electric motors 37 is provided to control translation of the covering side panels 12 by interposition, for each of the latter, of a fifth spur gear 38 meshing with a fifth rack element 39 connected with the covering side panel itself.
  • a third electric motor 40 is provided which is rigidly connected to said element and operates rotation of an auxiliary spindle 41 ' to the ends of which two sixth spur gears 42 are rigidly fitted for meshing with respective fixed and vertically-oriented sixth rack elements 43.
  • a pair of fourth electric motors 44 is associated with the closing flaps 34a and said motors are able to operate translation of the latter through seventh rack elements 45 meshing with seventh spur gears 46.
  • Manual control of the electric motors 36, 37, 40, 44 can be provided by means of respective push-buttons 36a and 36b, 37a, 40a, 44a or these motors can be started in automatic sequence after actuation of an appropriate key 47 for automatic running.
  • a voice control unit 48 or a remote control device can be arranged.
  • drawers 3 can be provided with appropriate drawer pulls, or with a hinged front wall so as to enable manual inclination of the drawers with respect to the vertical.
  • the upper portion of the drawer front wall can be gripped to open the drawer itself by suitably inclining the drawer front wall.
  • a spring mechanism of the type releasing the drawer following a light pressure of the drawer front wall may be provided for drawer opening.
  • opening and closing of the upper shutter 8a of the central portion 8 within which a keyboard can be housed may be utilized for obtaining simultaneous command signals for motors 44 to respectively open and close the flaps 34a of the monitor-housing compartment.
  • the desk is foreseen, the upper shutter 8a of the central portion 8 is overturned for access to the keyboard and the closure flaps 34a covering the monitor are opened.
  • the monitor is subsequently extracted from its seating and positioned vertically.
  • the reverse passage from the open position to the closed position to transform the desk from a work site into a piece of furniture having the shape of a chest of drawers is carried out by first of all closing the upper shutter 8a and flaps 34a and pushing the side panels 12 to a retracted position. .Subsequently, by manually lowering the covering element 5 the simultaneous retraction of the central portion 8, of the support and guide elements 13, and of panels 12 supported by said guide elements is caused through the kinematic driving means 7, as well as retraction of element 33 provided with small drawers, while doors 10 are aligned again to a position in which they close space 4, after reinsertion of the stool in said space.
  • the first electric motors 36 manually operated by a voice command or a remote control device, set in rotation the main drive shaft 14 and also simultaneously move the covering element 5, in addition to the other above mentioned functional components connected with each other by the kinematic driving means 7.
  • appropriate signals manually supplied by the available push-buttons or imposed by a predetermined automatic sequence cause actuation of the second electric motors 37 and the third electric motor 40 controlling displacements of the side panels 12 and of element 13 made up of small drawers, respectively.
  • operation of the fourth electric motors 44 controlling opening of flaps 34a can be provided automatically in succession or it can be interlocked to overturning of the upper shutter 8a. Automatic coming out and positioning of the monitor can be automatically provided in succession, upon opening of flaps 34a.
  • the invention achieves important advantages .
  • the desk of the invention enables organization of a work site equipped with the maximum completeness without taking up too much room when use of the desk is not required and it is therefore particularly advantageous in those situations in which the available surfaces are limited, as in the case of use in domestic environments, and in which availability of the functions offered by a desk equipped with a computer and/or other apparatus and accessories is required only occasionally.

Abstract

There is disclosed a transformable multipurpose desk comprising a work surface (2) and drawers (3) disposed under the work surface, a covering element (5) adapted to be overturned between a horizontal orientation in superposed relationship with the work surface and a lifted position, a plurality of functional components (6) shiftable between a non-use position and an operating position, and kinematic driving means (7) adapted to associate the movement of the covering element (5) with the displacement of at least part of said functional components (6).

Description

A TRANSFORMABLE MULTIPURPOSE DESK
D e s c r i p t i o n
The present invention relates to a transformable multipurpose desk comprising a work surface and drawers dispo'sed below the work surface.
It is known that office or home desks usually consist of a work surface and one or more sets of drawers disposed below the work surface at a side position so as to leave an empty space of appropriate size for correct positioning of the desk user's body.
Widespread use of personal computers that, in addition to a monitor, a keyboard and a central unit cabinet, are often provided with other functional accessories such as printer, scanner and loudspeakers has brought to utilization of special tables or work sites in which conveniently-equipped spaces are provided for housing the above mentioned components and accessories.
In order that these embodiments may have an appropriate area of the work surface clear of any object for use as a traditional desk, they are not generally very compact, i.e. they have an important bulkiness and therefore they are not adapted to limited spaces as those often available in domestic environments.
In addition, it is to be noted that components and accessories for a computer, whether they are merely laid down on a traditional desk or inserted in said equipped tables, are usually in sight, thus producing an unpleasant aesthetic effect as a whole, above all if they are intended for dwelling premises such as living rooms or bedrooms . Under this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a transformable multipurpose desk capable of overcoming the above mentioned limits of traditional tables and desks which may also be suitably equipped to house computers.
Within the scope of said technical task, it is an important aim of the invention to devise a multipurpose desk capable of being easily transformed into a compact piece of furniture, substantially in the form of a chest of drawers, having a good aesthetic aspect and in which all components and accessories of a computer and other equipments and apparatus possibly associated therewith and inserted in the desk are invisible.
Another important aim of the invention is to devise a transformable multipurpose desk in which transformation of same into a chest of drawer and vice versa is simple, quick and possibly feasible also automatically.
The technical task mentioned and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a transformable multipurpose desk which is characterized in that it comprises one or more of the technical features defined in the appended claims.
Description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a transformable multipurpose desk in accordance with the invention is now given hereinafter, by way of non- limiting example, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1 shows the desk of the invention in an open position to perform the intended work function;
- Fig. 2 shows the desk of Fig. 1 in a closed position, adapted to form a piece of furniture substantially in the form of a chest of drawers; - Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic elevation front view of kinematic driving means associated with some functional components of the desk;
- Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic plan view of the functional components of the desk disposed under the work surface and the of respective kinematic driving means;
Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic side view showing the schematic arrangements and movements of the covering side panels of the desk; - Fig. 6 diagrammatically shows a section taken along plane 6°-β° in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic front view taken along plane 7°-7° in Fig. 4;
- Fig. 8 is a plan view of a functional component defined by a. door and the respective support and movement members in a position in which the door itself is in alignment with the front face of the desk;
- Fig. 8a shows the door of Fig. 8 in an intermediate open position; and - Fig. 9 shows a wiring diagram to control the automatic movements of the functional components of the desk.
With reference to the drawings, the transformable multipurpose desk in accordance with the invention is generally identified by reference numeral 1.
It. comprises a work surface 2 and two sets of side drawers 3 between which an empty space 4 is interposed. Advantageously, this empty space is adapted to hold a stool or any other type of seat.
In an original manner, desk 1 comprises a collapsible covering element 5 which can be overturned between a horizontal orientation, shown in Fig. 2, in which it is superposed on and coincides with the work surface 2 and a lifted and inclined position, at an angle of about 60° with respect to said work surface for example, which is shown in Fig. 1.
In addition to the covering element 5, the desk also comprises a plurality of functional components 6 shiftable between a non-use or closed position shown in Fig. 2 and an operating or open position shown in Fig. 1. Some of said functional components 6 are kinematically connected with each other and with the covering element 5 by kinematic driving means 7 that practically enable movements between said closed and open positions to be made simultaneously, so that a quick transformation of the desk into a chest of drawers as shown in Fig. 2 or, on the contrary, from the latter conformation to a desk as shown in Fig. 1, can be carried out.
More specifically, the functional components 6 comprise a central portion 8 of the work surface 2 susceptible of translation between a retracted position in alignment with the front face 9 of the desk and an extended position projecting therefrom.
Advantageously, the central portion 8 is in the form of a drawer of sizes adapted to hold the keyboard of a computer, and is provided with an upper shutter 8a to be folded down on the work surface 2.
Alternatively, the upper shutter 8a can be provided with a first vertical translational movement and a second horizontal translational movement to enable its positioning on the work surface 2.
A pair of doors 10 is provided under the central portion
8, said doors 10 being disposed between the drawers 3 and being shiftable between a position in alignment with the front face 9 of the desk to close the empty space 4 and a rotated position in which they are retracted in the empty space between the drawers 3 to make said space accessible.
The desk sides are covered with a pair of side panels 12 supported by a corresponding pair of support and guide elements 13 hinged at the bottom and movable to an inclined position, through an angle of 30° with respect to a vertical plane, for example. The side panels 12 are horizontally movable on the support and guide elements 13 when the latter are in an inclined position so that they project from the front face 9 of the desk and thus define equipped opposite walls, provided with shelves 12a for reviews, magazines, books and the like, for example. Advantageously, translation of the side panels 12 can be obtained by a' snap mechanism operating through a spring.
The above mentioned functional components, i.e. the central portion 8 of the work surface 2, the pair of doors 10,* the support side elements 13, are operatively connected with the movement of the collapsible covering element 5 by said kinematic driving means 7.
In more detail, said means comprises a main drive shaft 14 disposed horizontally in the longitudinal extension direction of the desk, immediately below the work. surface 2.
The covering element 5 and the other functional components 8, 10 and 13 are all connected with respective rack elements that, in turn, are kinematically connected with the main drive shaft 14 through their respective motion-transmitting kinematic mechanisms.
The main drive shaft 14 is divided into three portions disposed in succession and comprising two side lengths 14a and one central length 14b. Two first spur gears 15 are rigidly connected to the ends of the side lengths 14a and they mesh with respective first rack elements 16, rigidly fastened to the covering element 5 and disposed in vertical planes.
Fitted on the central length 14b are two second spur gears 17 meshing with respective second rack elements 18 rigidly fastened to the central portion 8 of the work surface.
Two bevel gears 19 are also in engagement with the central length 14b of the drive shaft, through further bevel gears 20, for motion transmission to a pair of first auxiliary drive shafts 21 disposed vertically close to the side walls of the drawers 3 defining space 4. Fitted on each auxiliary shaft 21 is a pair of third spur gears 22 meshing with a respective pair of third rack elements 23 hinged at the top and at the bottom on each of the doors 10 at a first movable pivot axis 24 disposed on the outer side of the doors themselves. Each of said doors is also hinged, at a second movable pivot axis 25 disposed on their inner side, on a pair of support rods 26 in turn rotatably in engagement at their ends with vertical fixed pivot pins 27 fastened to the underside of the work surface 2, for example.
In this way, doors 10 supported each at the two movable pivot axes 24 and 25, can move between a position in which they are aligned with the front face 10 of the desk and a position in which they are retracted in the empty space 4, perpendicularly to said aligned position.
Interposed between the end lengths 14a and the central length 14b of the main drive shaft 14 is a pair of second auxiliary drive shafts 28 oriented horizontally and transversely of said first drive shaft.
More specifically, the rotatory motion between each end length 14a and the central length 14b is transmitted through a set of three bevel gears 29 comprising a first wheel 29a rigidly fitted on the auxiliary shaft 28 and two second wheels 29b, 29c meshing from opposite sides with the first wheel 29a and rigidly fitted on the opposite ends of the end length 14a and of the central length 14b, respectively.
Practically, the rotation direction of the central length 14b is opposite to that of the two end lengths 14a.
Rigidly fitted on the end of each auxiliary shaft 28 is a pair of fourth spur gears 30 meshing with a respective pair of fourth rack elements 31 connected to each of the side support elements 13, through toggle levers 32.
In addition to the previously illustrated functional elements, said functional components 6 may also comprise further movable elements such as an element consisting of small drawers and/or compartments 33 disposed at the rear part of the central portion 8 of the work surface 2 and shiftable between a position in which it is placed under said work surface and a position in which it emerges therefrom (see Fig. 1).
Movement of element 33 consisting of small drawers can be linked through kinematic driving elements not shown in the accompanying drawings, to the translation motion of the central portion 8, so as to impose lifting of same when said central portion moves outwardly and, vice versa, lowering of same when said central portion is retracted. Element 33 may also be operated independently of the translation motion of the central portion 8, as better clarified in the following.
Several compartments 34 are provided on the lower face of the covering element 5 and they are equipped with respective closing flaps 34a of the slidable or collapsible type and are ready for use in the open position when the covering element .5 is in its lifted position .
Advantageously, a monitor of the flat type for computer can be disposed in a central compartment. Loudspeakers, stereophonic apparatus and any other wished device or object can be for example arranged in other compartments. Also advantageously provided may be means for making the monitor come out of its appropriate seating and be vertically positioned. This means may be operated manually or automatically, as described in the following.
Displacement of the above described functional components, whether they are connected with each other by the kinematic driving means 7 or they are movable independently of said means, can be carried out either manually or preferably by automatic control means 35 comprising electric and electronic components (see Fig. 9) .
More specifically, for the rotatory motion of the main shaft 14 provision is made for-'two first electric motors 36 of suitable power for movement of all functional components connected with each other by the kinematic driving means 7.
A pair of second electric motors 37 is provided to control translation of the covering side panels 12 by interposition, for each of the latter, of a fifth spur gear 38 meshing with a fifth rack element 39 connected with the covering side panel itself.
For carrying out the translational motion of element 33 equipped with drawers and/or compartments, a third electric motor 40 is provided which is rigidly connected to said element and operates rotation of an auxiliary spindle 41 'to the ends of which two sixth spur gears 42 are rigidly fitted for meshing with respective fixed and vertically-oriented sixth rack elements 43.
Likewise, a pair of fourth electric motors 44 is associated with the closing flaps 34a and said motors are able to operate translation of the latter through seventh rack elements 45 meshing with seventh spur gears 46.
Manual control of the electric motors 36, 37, 40, 44 can be provided by means of respective push-buttons 36a and 36b, 37a, 40a, 44a or these motors can be started in automatic sequence after actuation of an appropriate key 47 for automatic running. In addition or alternatively to the last-mentioned solution, a voice control unit 48 or a remote control device can be arranged.
Also for opening of drawers 3 adapted to house printer and scanner for example, and devoid of drawer pulls, automatic push-button mechanisms 49 can be advantageously installed. Alternatively, drawers 3 can be provided with appropriate drawer pulls, or with a hinged front wall so as to enable manual inclination of the drawers with respect to the vertical. In the last-mentioned case the upper portion of the drawer front wall can be gripped to open the drawer itself by suitably inclining the drawer front wall. In addition, for drawer opening a spring mechanism of the type releasing the drawer following a light pressure of the drawer front wall may be provided. Finally, opening and closing of the upper shutter 8a of the central portion 8 within which a keyboard can be housed may be utilized for obtaining simultaneous command signals for motors 44 to respectively open and close the flaps 34a of the monitor-housing compartment.
Operation of a transformable multipurpose desk described above mainly as regards structure is as follows .
If the desk embodiment does not contemplate the automatic control means 35, passage from the closed position in Fig. 2 to the open position in Fig. 1 is carried out by manually lifting the covering element 5. The latter drags along with it the first rack elements 16 that, in turn, through the first spur gears 15, set in rotation the side lengths 14a of the main drive shaft 14 and, through the sets of bevel gears 29, the central length 14b and the second auxiliary drive shafts 28. Rotation of the central length 14b causes both translation of the second rack elements 18 moved by the second spur gears 17 and consequent moving forward of the central portion 8 outwardly, and rotation of the first auxiliary shafts 21 moved by the bevel gears 19. Therefore, translation of the third rack elements 23 and consequent retraction of doors 10 in the empty space 4 and translation of the fourth rack elements 31 take place simultaneously, translation of said fourth rack elements causing the support and guide elements 13 to' come out to an inclined position. Also element 33 consisting of small drawers moves upwardly emerging from the work surface 2, following moving forward of the central portion 8 of said work surface.
Desk opening goes on with the independent sliding displacements of the side panels 12 on the support and guide elements 13. If use of the computer associated with - li ¬
the desk is foreseen, the upper shutter 8a of the central portion 8 is overturned for access to the keyboard and the closure flaps 34a covering the monitor are opened. The monitor is subsequently extracted from its seating and positioned vertically.
The reverse passage from the open position to the closed position to transform the desk from a work site into a piece of furniture having the shape of a chest of drawers is carried out by first of all closing the upper shutter 8a and flaps 34a and pushing the side panels 12 to a retracted position. .Subsequently, by manually lowering the covering element 5 the simultaneous retraction of the central portion 8, of the support and guide elements 13, and of panels 12 supported by said guide elements is caused through the kinematic driving means 7, as well as retraction of element 33 provided with small drawers, while doors 10 are aligned again to a position in which they close space 4, after reinsertion of the stool in said space.
If the desk of the invention is provided with the automatic control means 35, the first electric motors 36, manually operated by a voice command or a remote control device, set in rotation the main drive shaft 14 and also simultaneously move the covering element 5, in addition to the other above mentioned functional components connected with each other by the kinematic driving means 7. At the end of this first step of simultaneous displacements, appropriate signals manually supplied by the available push-buttons or imposed by a predetermined automatic sequence, cause actuation of the second electric motors 37 and the third electric motor 40 controlling displacements of the side panels 12 and of element 13 made up of small drawers, respectively. Also operation of the fourth electric motors 44 controlling opening of flaps 34a can be provided automatically in succession or it can be interlocked to overturning of the upper shutter 8a. Automatic coming out and positioning of the monitor can be automatically provided in succession, upon opening of flaps 34a.
Obviously transformation of the desk into a chest of drawers, even in the presence of the automatic control means 35, follows the same order of steps already described in connection with the mechanical operation of the embodiment of the invention.
The invention achieves important advantages .
In fact, first of all, the desk of the invention enables organization of a work site equipped with the maximum completeness without taking up too much room when use of the desk is not required and it is therefore particularly advantageous in those situations in which the available surfaces are limited, as in the case of use in domestic environments, and in which availability of the functions offered by a desk equipped with a computer and/or other apparatus and accessories is required only occasionally.
It will be recognized that the quick capability of transformation of the desk of the invention into a chest of drawers of compact and reduced shape and vice versa, makes passage between the two use settings of the piece of furniture easy, practical and even agreeable, above all if the transformation is assisted by said automatic control means, and consequently a frequent repetition, even several times in a day, of the operations necessary to achieve said settings is allowed.

Claims

C L A I M S
1. A transformable multipurpose desk comprising a work surface (2) and drawers (3) disposed under the work surface, characterized in that it comprises:
- a covering element (5) that can be overturned between a horizontal orientation in superposition relationship with said work surface (2) and a lifted position,
- a plurality of functional components (6) shiftable between a non-use position and an operating position; and
- kinematic driving means (7) adapted to connect the movement of said covering element (5) with the displacements of at least part of said functional components ( 6) .
2. A desk as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises control means (35) adapted to cause the automatic movement of at least said covering element (5) and said plurality of functional components (6) systematically connected with each other by said kinematic driving means (7) .
3. A desk as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said functional components (6) comprise a central portion (8) of the work surface (2) susceptible of horizontal translation between a position in which it is in alignment with the front face (9) of the desk and a position in which it projects therefrom.
4. A desk as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said central portion (8) of the work surface is in the form of a drawer provided with an upper collapsible shutter (8a) .
5. A desk as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said functional components (6) comprise a pair of doors (10) disposed between the drawers (3) on the front face (9) of the desk and shiftable between a position in which they are in alignment with said desk to close an empty space (4) interposed between the drawers (3) and a retracted position for access to said space.
6. A desk as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said functional components (6) comprise a pair of side panels (12) for covering the desk sides (11) and a corresponding pair of support and guide elements (13) hinged at the bottom and movable to an inclined position with respect to a vertical plane, said side panels (12) being susceptible of horizontal translation on said support and guide elements (13) so that they project from the front face (9) of the desk to define opposite equipped walls between which the desk itself is included.
7. A desk as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said functional components (6) operatively connected with the movement of said covering element (5) by said kinematic driving means (7) comprise: a central portion (8) of the work surface (2) susceptible of horizontal translation between a position in which it is in alignment with the front face (9) of the desk and a position projecting therefrom,
- a pair of doors (10) disposed between the drawers (3) on the front face of the desk and shiftable between a position in which they are in alignment with said desk to close an empty space (4) placed between the' drawers (3) and a retracted position for access to said space, and
- a pair of side support and guide elements (13) hinged at the bottom with the desk sides and movable to an inclined position with respect to the vertical plane, corresponding covering side panels (12) being susceptible of horizontal translation on said pair of support and guide elements (13), said panels being adapted to project from the front face (9) of the desk to define opposite equipped walls.
8. A desk as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said kinematic driving means (7) comprises: at least one main drive shaft (14) disposed horizontally in the longitudinal extension direction of the desk,
- a plurality of rack elements (16, 18, 23, 31) connected with said covering element (5), said central portion (8) of the work surface (2), said pair of doors (10) and said side support and guide elements (13) respectively, and
- kinematic mechanisms for motion-transmission between said main drive shaft (14) and said rack elements.
9. A desk as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said main drive shaft (14) is divided into three portions disposed in succession and comprising one central length (14b) and two side lengths (14a), and in that said motion-transmitting kinematic mechanisms comprise two first spur gears (15) rigidly fitted to the ends of said side lengths (14a) and meshing with respective first rack elements (16) rigidly fastened, to said covering element (5).
10. A desk as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said motion-transmitting kinematic mechanisms comprise two second spur gears (17) rigidly fitted to said central'' length (14b) of the main drive* shaft (14) and meshing with respective second rack elements (18) rigidly fastened to said central portion (8) of the work surface (2).-
11. A desk as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said motion-transmitting mechanisms comprise:
- a pair of first auxiliary drive shafts (21) disposed vertically close to the side walls of said space (4) interposed between the drawers (3),
- two pairs of bevel gears (20) for motion-transmission between said central length of the main shaft (14b) and said auxiliary shafts (21), and
- a pair of third bevel gears (22) for each of said first auxiliary shafts (21) meshing with a respective pair of third rack elements (23) connected with each of said doors (10) .
12. A desk as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that each of said doors (10) is hinged, close to an outer side thereof, with a corresponding pair of said third rack elements (23) and, close to the inner side thereof, with a pair of support rods (26) rotatably in engagement at their ends with fixed vertical pivot pins (27).
13. A desk as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said motion-transmitting kinematic mechanisms comprise: - a pair of second auxiliary drive shafts (28) disposed horizontally and transversely of said main drive shaft (14) and interposed each between a side length (14a) and the central length (14b) of the main drive shaft,
- two sets of gears (29) consisting each of three bevel gears, each set (29) comprising a first wheel (29a) rigidly fitted on said second auxiliary shaft (28) and two second wheels (29b, 29c) meshing on opposite sides with said first wheel (29a) .and rigidly fitted to the opposite ends of said side length (14a) and said central length (14b) of the main drive shaft, and
- a pair of fourth spur gears (30) rigidly fitted to the end of each of said second auxiliary shafts (28) and meshing with a respective pair of fourth rack elements
(31) connected with each of said side support and guide elements (13) .
14. A desk as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said functional components comprise an element consisting of small drawers and/or compartments (33) disposed close to the rear part of said central portion (8) of the work surface (2) and shiftable between a position in which it is disposed below said work surface (2) and a position in which it emerges therefrom.
15. A desk as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at least one compartment (34) is provided in said covering element (5), said compartment being equipped with at least one closure flap (34a) disposed on the lower face of the covering element itself and susceptible of being opened in said lifted position.
16. A desk as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that it comprises control means (35) adapted to cause the automatic movement of said functional components (6), said control means comprising at least one first electric motor (36) adapted to operate rotation of said main drive shaft (14) for movement of said functional components (6) operatively connected with each other by said kinematic driving means (7).
17. A desk as claimed in claim 16, characterized in that said control means (35) comprises a pair of second electric motors (37) adapted to control each the translation of said covering side panel (12) upon interposition of a kinematic mechanism consisting of a fifth spur gear (38) meshing with a fifth rack element (39) connected with the covering side panel itself (12) .
18. A desk as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that it comprises control means (35) comprising a third electric motor (40) adapted to control displacement of said element (33) consisting of small drawers and/or compartments upon interposition of a kinematic mechanism made up of at least one sixth spur gear (42) meshing with a sixth rack element (43) .
19. A desk as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that it comprises control means (35) comprising at least one fourth electric motor (44) adapted to control the displacement of said closing 'flap (34a) upon interposition of a kinematic mechanism consisting of at least one seventh spur gear (46) meshing with a seventh rack element (45) .
PCT/IT2000/000135 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 A transformable multipurpose desk WO2001076415A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2000/000135 WO2001076415A1 (en) 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 A transformable multipurpose desk
AU2000243121A AU2000243121A1 (en) 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 A transformable multipurpose desk

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2000/000135 WO2001076415A1 (en) 2000-04-10 2000-04-10 A transformable multipurpose desk

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WO2001076415A1 true WO2001076415A1 (en) 2001-10-18

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WO (1) WO2001076415A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115968147A (en) * 2022-12-15 2023-04-14 国网浙江省电力有限公司舟山供电公司 Electric locomotive micro servo driver with high durability

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DE8626495U1 (en) * 1986-10-03 1987-01-22 Arthur Berndt Gmbh Moebelfabrik, 3033 Schwarmstedt, De
GB2286770A (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-08-30 Shutters Of Substance Limited Office security desk/cabinet
DE29620898U1 (en) * 1996-12-02 1997-01-23 Reckert Holzbearbeitung Gmbh Home furniture for accommodating and using PC home workstations
US5803562A (en) * 1996-02-07 1998-09-08 Haworth, Inc. Self-contained portable office

Patent Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE8626495U1 (en) * 1986-10-03 1987-01-22 Arthur Berndt Gmbh Moebelfabrik, 3033 Schwarmstedt, De
GB2286770A (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-08-30 Shutters Of Substance Limited Office security desk/cabinet
US5803562A (en) * 1996-02-07 1998-09-08 Haworth, Inc. Self-contained portable office
DE29620898U1 (en) * 1996-12-02 1997-01-23 Reckert Holzbearbeitung Gmbh Home furniture for accommodating and using PC home workstations

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115968147A (en) * 2022-12-15 2023-04-14 国网浙江省电力有限公司舟山供电公司 Electric locomotive micro servo driver with high durability
CN115968147B (en) * 2022-12-15 2023-11-07 国网浙江省电力有限公司舟山供电公司 Miniature servo driver of electric locomotive

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