WO2007119243A2

WO2007119243A2 - Modular seating assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2007119243A2
Application number: PCT/IL2007/000494
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alon Drori
Original assignee: Peleg-Nia Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-04-19
Filing date: 2007-04-19
Publication date: 2007-10-25
Also published as: WO2007119243A3

Abstract

A modular seating assembly comprising: at least one beam; a plurality of pedestals for supporting the beam; at least one of a plurality of seating platforms for mounting over the beam at a desired location.

Description

MODULAR SEATING ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to modular seating bench, more specific to a bench that is easy and simple to assemble and disassemble at will. In addition, benches of the present invention can be easily and rigidly joined together in cluster seating, forming straight or curved seating rows, according to requirements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of modular structured benches had been disclosed in US 6,746,086 (Foster) in which a bench structure comprises seats that rest on a longitudinal beam, which is supported by at least two feet. Each individual seat is formed by a seat panel, which can be complemented by a backrest and lateral armrests, as well as tabletops. The seat panels, backrests and tabletops are removably fixed to the longitudinal beam by the use of retaining plates. The feet and armrests are removably fixed directly to the longitudinal beam. The longitudinal beam extends along the full length of the bench. The seat of the bench can pivotally alternate between a substantially horizontal use position and a substantially vertical access position. The vertical access position enables people to walk conveniently along rows of seats. Said seat structure comprises two separate legs mounted in pairs together forming a foot affixed to the beam. The affixing of the seats to the beam is done via several intermediating parts affixed to one another and only then to the beam. The disadvantage of such a structure is the use of multiple parts to form the lag and to affix the seat to the beam.

[0003] GB 2'302'504 (King) describes a simplified seat structure, which mounts on a horizontal rail. The seat structure has a backrest and a pivoted tip-up seat mounted on a bifurcated yoke. The pair of limbs on which the seat is pivoted supports the backrest. Armrests are independently mounted on the rail or beam. The seat structure may also be pivotally mounted on the beam so that it can fold forwardly or backwardly to an out-of- use position and/or be directly mounted on retractable tiers to provide retractable seating. The disadvantage of such a structure is that in the event one wishes to place an element affixed to the beam, said affixing must be done next to a predicated affixing, i.e. in a given point along the beam, only one element may be affixed.

[0004] The present invention is directed at a modular structured bench that introduces improvements with respect to the disclosed prior art in the fact that is utilizes the beam more efficiently for affixing accessories, enables flexible coupling of adjacent bench- beams, utilizes a minimal number of parts, is simple for assembly and is ornamental.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There is thus provided, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a modular seating assembly comprising:

[0006] at least one beam;

[0007] a plurality of pedestals for supporting the beam;

[0008] at least one of a plurality of seating platforms for mounting over the beam at a desired location.

[0009] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pedestals comprise a groove in which at least a portion of the beam can be inserted.

[0010] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the beam has a cross-section shape comprising at least two substantially opposite protrusions one of which fits into a matching groove provided in each of the pedestals and the other which fits a matching groove of said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms.

[0011] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cross-section shape comprises a plus-shape.

[0012] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the groove of said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms comprises a groove provided on a connector engaged to said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms, for connecting said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms to the beam. [0013] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms is provided with a connector for connecting said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms to the beam.

[0014] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the assembly is further provided with at least one of a pair of arm-rests connectable to the beam for each of said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms.

[0015] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, each arm-rest is provided with a groove into which at least a portion of the beam can be inserted.

[0016] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the assembly further comprises at least one auxiliary platform connectable to the beam.

[0017] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, said auxiliary platform comprises a table.

[0018] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the beam is provided with side-caps for covering ends of the beam.

[0019] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the assembly is further provided with at least one connector element comprising a joint that can be fixed in a desired angular position, the connector element engageable to and between two beams of said at least one beam, so as to define a predetermined fixed angle between the two beams.

[0020] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the connector element comprises two matching stacked interlocking components each component presenting a surface with ribs opposite the surface with ribs of the other component, the components adapted to be firmly fastened at a desired relative position, so that the ribs of the surfaces prevent relative motion between the components. [0021] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, each component is provided with one or more slabs matching corresponding voids in the beams.

[0022] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided method for providing a seating arrangement, the method comprising:

[0023] providing a modular seating assembly comprising at least one beam, a plurality of pedestals for supporting the beam, and at least one of a plurality of seating platforms for mounting over the beam at a desired location;

[0024] fixedly mounting said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms in a desired location on the beam.

[0025] Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0026] providing a plurality of beams of said at least one beam;

[0027] providing at least one of a plurality of connector elements, the connector element comprising a joint that can be fixed in a desired angular position, the connector element engageable to and between two beams of said at least one beam;

[0028] fixing said at least one of a plurality of connector elements at a desired configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates an assembled bench in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a single seat in a bench in accordance with the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates a pedestal, which is part of a bench in accordance with the present invention. [0033] Fig. 4 illustrates a seat-to-beam connector, which is part of a bench in accordance with the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates an elongated beam on which the seats and armrests are positioned with a side-cap positioned to cap the end of the beam,

[0035] Fig. 6 illustrates a detailed side view of o of seats and hand rests mounted on a longitudinal beam in accordance with the present invention.

[0036] Fig. 7 Fig. 1 is a detailed illustration of the assembly of the elements of a bench in accordance with the present invention.

[0037] Fig. 8 illustrates the structure of the two components that comprise a bench beams connector.

[0038] Fig. 9 is a cross cut illustration of an assembled structure bench beams connector.

[0039] Fig. 10 illustrates the components joining and fixing in place the components of a bench beams connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The shortcomings of prior art modular benches have been itemized in the background to the invention section, given above.

[0041] The present invention of a modular structured bench proposes improvements with respect to the disclosed prior art. The bench in accordance with the present invention utilizes the beam more efficiently for affixing seats and accessories, enables flexible coupling of adjacent bench-beams, utilizes a minimal number of parts, is simple for assembly and is ornamental.

[0042] Ornamentally all knot, bolts and connectors in the composition of the bench in accordance with the present invention are so installed as to authentically streamline the bench. In addition to esthetics concealing all protruding elements decreases entanglement injury and damage risks to users.

[0043] It is an objective of the present invention to facilitate a modular bench structure for use in various public areas that will be suitable for easy affixing of various independent dedicated accessories such as seats, tables, armrests, ashtrays, trash bins and TV arms.

[0044] Another objective of the present invention is to facilitate a bench structure suitable for easy assembling at the place of intended use, thus minimizing volumes while not in use, in storage or when shipping.

[0045] hi yet another objective of the present invention is to facilitate easy yet rigid joining together of two or more benches in cluster seatings, forming straight or curved seating rows, according to requirements.

[0046] Given below is a preferable embodiment of a bench in accordance with the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 1 illustrates an assembled bench 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bench is assembled of several individual seating platforms (also referred to as "seats") 13 mounted on longitudinal beam 42, which has a "+" (plus mark)-shaped cross-section. Also shown is a table-board 15 mounted on beam 42. The table-board serves as an auxiliary platform. Other auxiliary platforms comprise, for example, display-boards, notice-boards, ashtrays, screen- holders etc.

[0048] Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a single seat 13 of the bench illustrated in Fig. 1. The seat comprises a seating-surface component 14 flanked on both sides by hand-rests component 18. Also shown is pedestal 22 (see also Fig. 4 and related explanation hereinafter).

[0049] Fig. 3 illustrates a pedestal 22 comprising a horizontal ground resting bar 24 and a vertical beam-support bar 26. At the top of the vertical beam-support bar is a breath- running groove 28 with bore 30, here at the bottom of the grove, through which securing screw may be inserted for securing the beam to the pedestal.

[0050] Fig. 4 illustrates a seat-to-beam connector 32 comprising an arched beam component 34 and a slanted surface component 40. The two components are connected by ribs 38. The arched arm has horizontal bores 36 running through the sides of arch 34. Screws that run through the bores connect and fix in place the seat-to-beam connector 32 to beam 42. [0051] Fig. 5 illustrates an elongated beam 42 on which the seats are assembled in accordance with the present invention. The elongated beam has a plus ("+") shaped cross cut, with hollow rectangular and round channels 44 and 46running along the length of the beam (this is a typical product of extrusion, which is a preferred - yet not the only - method of production. Beam 42 is shown with +-shaped side-cap 56 positioned to be connected to beam 42. "Teeth" 58 perturbing from the side cap are positioned to be inserted into round longitudinal channels 46 of the beam. Along the crests of + shaped bar 42 bores, designated 45, are drilled to enable the securing of compounents to the beam. An example is the attachment of pedestal 22, shown in Fig. 3, secured to beam 42 by a screw that runs through bore 30 of the pedestal.

[0052] Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of a single hand-rest component 18 of a seat as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The hand-rest component 18 comprises an oval shaped bar 50 connected at its base by an elongated vertical section 52 having a breadth running groove 55 at its bottom end. The groove has two bores 57, one on each side of the groove walls, running through the walls.

[0053] Fig. 7 illustrates hand-rest components 18 and seats 13 attached to beam 42. Seen in the figure, the vertical component of the + shaped beam 42 is inserted into groove 55 of each of the of the hand-rest components 18. Through bores 57, screws secure the hand-rests in place. Also seen are arch 34 of seat-to-beam of connectors 32 mounted on beam 42.

[0054] Fig. 9 illustrates a profile view of the + shaped crosscut of beam 42 with the upper vertical component of the + beam 42, shown inserted into the arched arm 34 of the seat-to-beam connector 32 (seen in Fig. 5). The lower rectangle channel in + beam 42, designated 46 and serves for the attachment of a side cap 56, seen in Fig. 10.

[0055] To further clarify the composition of a bench in accordance with the present invention and to further explain the connection of seating component 14 to the beam 42 and the beam to the pedestal 22 an integrated elaboration of the figures follows. Fig. 7illustrates the connection of pedestal 22 (seen in Fig.2) to the beam. The lower vertical component of the + beam 42 (seen in Fig. 6) is inserted groove 28 of the pedestal 22 and a screw passes through bore 30 and screwed into bore 45 in beam 42 to fix the pedestal 22 in place. As clarified in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, at least two pedestals 22 are attached to the beam, each towards the end of the beam in order to stabilize the bench. Seating component 14 (seen in Fig.2) is attached to the slanted surface component 40 of seat-to- beam connector 32 (seen in Fig.4) and the seat-to-beam connector 32 is attached to the beam as illustrated and explained in Fig.7. Between the seating components 113 armrests 18 are connected to the beam, as elaborated in Fig. 1 and Fig.7.

[0056] Fig. 8 illustrates the structure of the two components 61 and 62 that compose bench beams connector element 60.

[0057] Beams connector element 60 is shown in a disengaged position comprising two matching (in the embodiment shown - identical) stacked components 61 and 62 that join and interlock rigidly at will at a desired angular position, defining a fixed angle. Components 61 and 62 each comprise a cylinder encasing 64 and 66, respectively, with each cylinder having a top (or bottom) cover disk-plate 68, 70 with protruding symmetrical ribs radiating from a hole 72 and 74 in the middle of the cover disk-plates. Components 61 and 62 have each, on cylinder encasings 64 and 66, respectively, a side protruding plate designated 80 and 82, respectively . To each of plates 80 and 82, four vertical protruding slabs, 77 and 79 respectively, are connected. The slabs are designed to be fittingly inserted into the hollow channels 44 of the beam 42, shown in Fig. 5.

[0058] Fig. 9 illustrates the assembled structure of a bench beams connector element 60 comprising the interlocking of components 61 and 62 by the engagement of the protruding ribs 68 with protruding ribs 70, as elaborated in Fig.8. The engagement of the two ribbed disk-plates can be determined at various desired angles, thus determining different angles between the + (plus) connectors (formed be slabs 82, 76 and 78, 79, respectively) of the joined components 61 and 62.

[0059] Fig. 10 illustrates an assembly of components for joining and fixing in place the components of bench beam connector element 60. With components 61 and 62 joined and interlocked, as illustrated in Fig.9, the two components are held together by screw 90 that runs through washer92, through the holes 72 and 74 in the center of ribbed cover disks 68 and 70 (shown in Fig.8 and Fig. 9), and kept in place by nut 84. A top (or bottom) lid-plate, 86 and 88 closes cylinders 66 and 64, of components 61 and 62, respectively. [0060] To clarify the connection of benches 10 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7, the + (plus) shaped connectors (formed by slabs77 and 79, respectively) of connecting element 60, shown in Fig. 9 and Fig.10, replace end side-cap 56, shown in Fig.5. Each set oof slabs (77and79, respectively) is inserted into the rectangle channels 44 in beam 42 of two adjacent benches and fixed in place, thus connecting two benches in an angle between them that can be determined in accordance to the relative angular position of the connectors of connecting element 60.

[0061] In another preferable embodiment of the present invention accessories such as tables, ashtrays, trash bins and TV arms are attached to a beam, designated 42 in Fig. 1, by placing a beam-connecting arch, designated 34 in Fig.4, on the beam and having the accessory element connected to the connecting arch. An example of such a accessory element is a table board, designated 15 in Fig. 1. The beam-connected accessories can be connected in a "stand alone" mode or in close location to seats with or without armrests connected to the longitudinal beam, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 7.

[0062] A remarkable appeal of the present invention stems form the fact that the seating assembly disclosed herein is versatile, offering flexible arrangement of seats and auxiliary components as desired. It is possible to place seats (and auxiliary components, such as tables, ashtrays, display boards and screens, etc. practically anywhere along the beam.

[0063] Another special feature of the present invention is the ability to rearrange the seating assembly in various geometrical configurations (for example, in clusters).

[0064] It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0065] It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular seating assembly comprising: at least one beam; a plurality of pedestals for supporting the beam; at least one of a plurality of seating platforms for mounting over the beam at a desired location.

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pedestals comprise a groove in which at least a portion of the beam can be inserted.

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the beam has a cross-section shape comprising at least two substantially opposite protrusions one of which fits into a matching groove provided in each of the pedestals and the other which fits a matching groove of said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cross-section shape comprises a plus-shape.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the groove of said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms comprises a groove provided on a connector engaged to said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms, for connecting said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms to the beam.

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms is provided with a connector for connecting said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms to the beam.

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, further provided with at least one of a pair of arm-rests connectable to the beam for each of said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each arm-rest is provided with a groove into which at least a portion of the beam can be inserted.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one auxiliary platform connectable to the beam.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein said auxiliary platform comprises a table.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, therein the beam is provided with side-caps for covering ends of the beam.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, further provided with at least one connector element comprising a joint that can be fixed in a desired angular position, the connector element engageable to and between two beams of said at least one beam, so as to define a predetermined fixed angle between the two beams.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connector element comprises two matching stacked interlocking components each component presenting a surface with ribs opposite the surface with ribs of the other component, the components adapted to be firmly fastened at a desired relative position, so that the ribs of the surfaces prevent relative motion between the components.

14. The assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein each component is provided with one or more slabs matching corresponding voids in the beams.

15. A method for providing a seating arrangement, the method comprising: providing a modular seating assembly comprising: at least one beam, a plurality of pedestals for supporting the beam, and at least one of a plurality of seating platforms for mounting over the beam at a desired location; fixedly mounting said at least one of the plurality of seating platforms in a desired location on the beam.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: providing a plurality of beams of said at least one beam; providing at least one of a plurality of connector elements, the connector element comprising a joint that can be fixed in a desired angular position, the connector element engageable to and between two beams of said at least one beam; fixing said at least one of a plurality of connector elements at a desired configuration.