WO2011069956A1

WO2011069956A1 - Extending table

Info

Publication number: WO2011069956A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/068954
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane Fournier
Original assignee: Fournier Stephane
Priority date: 2009-12-10
Filing date: 2010-12-06
Publication date: 2011-06-16
Also published as: FR2953695B1; FR2953695A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an extending table (100) having a frame (101), two end leaves (102, 103) which are mounted such that they can slide on said frame, and at least one pair of pulling bars (105). Each pulling bar is connected to one of the end leaves and is able to slide with respect to the frame so as to move the end leaves apart and bring them together. According to the invention, the table also has a central panel (104) and means (117, 118) for lifting the central panel. The means for lifting the central panel are controlled by the pulling bars such that the central panel can have a first stable position, in which said central panel is located under the plane formed by the end leaves, and a second stable position, in which said central panel is located in the plane of the end leaves.

Description

EXTENDED TABLE

The invention relates to an extending table that can be of rectangular, round, oval or other shape, and whose main horizontal plate is separated into two parts. More specifically, the invention relates to an extending table whose extension, central and retractable, can be implemented without manual manipulation of said extension, simply by actuating the main plate.

Extending tables, whatever their shape, are in common use. Thus, one or more additional panels are generally added in the plane of the main plate of the table, in order to make its useful surface longer. In particular tables are known whose main plate is divided into two end panels can be spaced from each other to insert one or more additional panels in the space released. The main disadvantage of these tables, although they allow a certain modularity, is that many people are often required to modify the surface of the tray. Indeed, two people must usually face each other, on either side of the main board, so that each can pull the corresponding end panel to free the space between the two panels. Similarly, the weight of the panel to add, especially when the table is solid wood and it is large, is such that the intervention of two people is required to wear and install the panel to space released between the two end panels. Finally, it is necessary to bring the two end panels close to join them to the central panel and form a continuous flat surface. Furthermore, the storage of additional panels, by their size, is often problematic and requires a specific location annex.

For the storage of the extension and to facilitate its implementation, it is known from the patent application WO 91/05496 a table provided with a central extension pivotally mounted and adapted to have two stable positions, respectively low and high.

However, the rotation system of the central panel, comprising a set of articulated rods associated with a cam itself controlled a cable and a parallelogram to lift the extension, also controlled by the cam, proves particularly complex which makes it a priori expensive and difficult to implement. Also, in the invention, it is sought to provide a table capable of being extended by means of at least one central panel and which is easy to use. Another object of the invention is to optimize the size of the table when it is in its compacted position, that is to say when the panel or extension serving boards are not used.

For this, in the invention, there is provided a table whose tray can be extended by means of one or more intermediate panels, retracted under said tray when not in use. When it is desired to enlarge the flat surface of the tray, the user pulls the ends of the tray, to separate it into two parts and free a space between them. The separation of the two parts of the main plate is accompanied by the automatic installation of the intermediate panel by an elevation system for bringing said intermediate panel in the plane of the plate. The elevation system according to the invention is actuated by the control system of the main plate, so that no further manipulation is required. By control system of the main board is meant the system for separating and bringing the two parts of the main board to one another. The establishment of the intermediate panel is concomitant with the separation and then the approximation of the two parts of the main plate. It is the same storage of said intermediate panel. Advantageously, the intermediate panel is stored under the main plate so that its largest dimension extends along the largest dimension of the main plate. Thus, when not in use, the intermediate panel remains invisible. When it is desired to use the extension, the elevation system according to the invention then also comprises rotation means, so as to execute a quarter turn to the intermediate panel. Thus, the rotation means rotate the intermediate panel so that its largest dimension can extend in the smaller dimension of the main plate. The resulting flat surface is thus of constant dimensions. Of course, the table according to the invention can be made of any material conventionally used in the field of tables, and in particular wood or plastic.

The subject of the invention is therefore an extending table comprising

- a frame,

two end panels slidably mounted on said frame,

at least one pair of drawbars, each bar of a pair of drawbars being connected to one of the end panels, the drawbars being able to slide relative to the frame, so as to separate and bring closer the end panels from each other, and includes

- a central panel and

lifting means of the central panel, said lifting means of the central panel being controlled by the end panels, so that the central panel can have a first stable position in which said central panel is located under the formed plane; by the end panels, or low position, and a second stable position in which said central panel is located in the plane of the end panels, or high position.

Advantageously, the central panel is pivotally mounted relative to the frame of the table, so that said central panel performs a quarter turn between the first and second stable position and vice versa.

More specifically, the central panel is pivotally mounted on a vertical axis of rotation, extending perpendicular to the plane defined by the frame, and a rack pivot controlling the rotation of the central panel is adapted to be actuated by at least one integral ratchet. a pull bar which makes it possible to carry out the rotation automatically when the end panels are distant and or close together.

The frame, such as a frame of generally rectangular shape, can be supported by any number of feet, for example four feet arranged at the vertices of the frame, to maintain it at a desired height.

The end panels are intended to completely cover the frame of the table when they are contiguous to one another, so as to form a constant flat surface.

In its low position, the central panel extends parallel to the end panels then contiguous, under said end panels. On the other hand, in its high position, the central panel is interposed between the two end panels and extends in the plane of said end panels so as to form a single tray.

Thus, according to the invention, when the two end panels are remote from each other, the lifting means are used to position the central panel between the two end plates. Similarly, these same lifting means, when the two end panels are close to one another, allow to lower the central panel in such a way that it extends again under the two end panels.

The size of such an extendible table is reduced because the central panel remains permanently in the space of the extending table, namely under the main plate or in its plane.

To effect simultaneous movement of both end panels by an action on a single panel, the end panels are connected by coupling means which moves an end panel in a direction opposite to the direction in which the panel is moved. another end panel so that when one of the end panels is pulled away from the center C of the frame, the other panel departs simultaneously from said center of the frame, and vice versa, when one of the end panels is pushed towards the center C of the frame, the other end panel approaches simultaneously said center of the frame.

Such a coupling means comprises for example at least one pair of racks in which one rack of the pair in question is secured to one end panel and the other rack is secured to the other end panel and in which the two racks of the pair are coupled by a pinion whose axis of rotation is fixed relative to a frame of the table. Such coupling means can also be achieved by one or more pantographs or by cable systems and reels.

Thus, a single person can move the extensible table from its extended position to its extended position, without excessive effort since it is sufficient to draw towards it one of the end panels to simultaneously actuate the distance of the other end tray, on the one hand, and pass the central panel from its low position to its upper position, and vice versa.

According to a particular embodiment of the coupling means of the table of the invention, the bars of at least one pair of pull rods are provided with teeth, so as to form racks. Said bars rack-and-pinion units cooperate with each other via a drive pinion. Thus, when one of the end panels is pulled away from the center of the frame, the other plate departs identically and simultaneously from the center of the frame. And conversely, when one of the end panels is pushed towards the center of the frame, the other end plate is simultaneously simultaneously, in the same way, the center of the frame.

Such a solution makes it possible to further reduce the size of the extension table according to the invention, especially when the extending table has a shape such that the dimension of the central panel in the smallest dimension of the table is strictly greater than the dimension. central panel in the largest dimension of the table. This is for example the case for rectangular tables, where the central panel is also rectangular. Thus, the central panel is not visible when in the low position, since it does not exceed in the smallest dimension of the main plate.

Different modes of operation of the lifting means are conceivable. For example, said lifting means can be actuated by the pull rods, also controlling the end panels. Otherwise, the lifting means can be actuated directly by the end panels. In all cases, the separation and / or the bringing together of the end panels with respect to one another makes it possible to modify the height position of the central panel so as to be brought into the plane of the panels. end panels or under said end panels.

According to embodiments of the extender table according to the invention, it is possible to provide all or part of the following additional features:

the lifting means of the central panel comprise a ramp integral with a lower face of the central panel and lifting elements integral with the traction bars;

- The ramp, integral with the central panel, is formed by an inverted frustoconical portion, that is, oriented its small base downwards;

the extension table comprises two pairs of drawbars, said pairs of drawbars being arranged on either side of the rack-and-pinion, the drawbar of each pair which is directed towards said rack-and-pinion being provided with a ratchet; in this case, it is possible to provide that the engagement of each of the pawls in the rack pin rotates the central panel of an eighth turn; the lifting means comprise a ramp integral with one of the end plates and lifting elements secured to a support plate on which the central panel rests;

the lifting means and the pawl, pivoting the central panel towards or from the central panel position corresponding to the position of the extended table, are arranged so that the corresponding rotation occurs when the central panel is in a raised position;

the frame has upwardly open clearances for quarter-turn rotation of the central panel and vertical upward movement of said central panel when the center panel is in a low position;

the extending table comprises centering means able to maintain the fixed central panel in translation and free in rotation with respect to the frame;

the extending table comprises a central plate secured to the frame of the table by means of a support passing through a through hole of the extending table and in particular the central panel along an axis of the rack and pinion.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These are presented as an indication and in no way limitative of the invention. The figures represent:

- Figure 1: an exploded representation of the constituent elements of an extensible table, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 2: a schematic representation of an extension table according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in an intermediate state during the introduction or storage of the central panel forming extension;

- Figure 2bis: a schematic representation of an extension table according to a second embodiment of the invention, in an intermediate state during the establishment or storage of the central panel forming extension; - Figure 3: a representation of the table of Figure 2 without the central panel;

- Figure 4: a longitudinal sectional representation of a table according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in an intermediate state during the establishment or storage of the central panel;

- Figure 5: a schematic representation seen from below of a central panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

- Figure 6: a schematic representation in perspective of an actuating pawl of the rotation of the central panel according to an embodiment of the invention;

7A, 7B and 7C: A representation of a second embodiment of an extension table according to the invention;

FIGS. 8a to 8c: a representation of an extension table with a central plate, according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the non-extended position in FIG. 8a, in extended position in FIG. 8b, and in an exploded view partial in Figure 8c;

9a to 9c: a representation of an extension table with a central plate, according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, in the non-extended position in FIG. 9a, in the intermediate conversion position in FIG. 9b, and Partially exploded in Figure 9c.

In the examples described below, it is a question of a rectangular table, provided with four feet and a single central panel forming extension. Of course, other table shapes with a different number of feet and intermediate panels can be made according to the same principle.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 2bis, the table 100 according to the invention comprises a frame 101 of generally rectangular shape, provided at its four corners of feet 109. Two end panels, respectively 102 and 103 , are intended to slide along the largest dimension D, or length, of the frame 101. The end panels may be contiguous to form a continuous main tray, or separated to provide a space in which a central panel 104 is inserted, to form a continuous extended tray.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, rack-and-pinion traction bars 105 are arranged in pairs 106, 107. In a first function, the pull bars 105 guide each panel end during its movements while ensuring a connection of said end panels to the frame 101 of the table.

In addition, the pull bars 105 of a first pair 106 are arranged upside down, so as to both be engaged by a first pinion 108 so that their directions of movement are opposite. One of the pull bars 105 of said pair 106 is integral with the end panel 102, while the second pull bar 105 of the same pair 106 is integral with the other end panel 103. It is the same for the second pair 107, whose rack-and-pinion traction bars 105 are also coupled by a pinion 108. Thus, each end panel 102, 103 is integral with two traction bars 105, each belonging to one of the pairs 106, 107. only one person is sufficient to separate the two end panels 102, 103 from each other, and conversely to bring them closer together. By pulling, or pushing, on one of the end panels 102, 103, the other moves in mirror, driven by the pinions / racks.

Thus, in a second function, the traction bars 105 perform the coupling of the end panels via the racks coupled by the first pinion 108.

Of course, in another embodiment, it is possible to provide a different number of pairs of drawbars, for example a single pair of rack-and-pinion or more than two pairs of drawbars, each bar traction unit being integral with one of the two end panels, the function performed here being to couple the displacement of the two end panels so that the displacement of one causes a symmetrical displacement of the other.

It is also possible to use smooth traction bars, that is to say without rack, and not coupled by pinion.

In this case it is possible to arrange an independent coupling device which performs the coupling function of the two end panels. For example it is possible to arrange one or more pairs of independent coupling racks also coupled by pinion, each pair of coupling racks being integral with an end panel so that translation movements of the panel of end and the associated coupling rack are linked. In this example the coupling racks can be arranged without the constraints that are imposed by the pull rods and for example installed on internal side edges of the frame 101 or racks of a pair may be arranged superimposed and coupled by a pinion attached to the side edge of the frame with a horizontal axis.

The racks can also be replaced by traction cables acting on the end panels and coupled by reels.

In another example of coupling device, not shown, a set of levers or connecting rods are arranged to form one, if necessary several, pantograph whose ends are integral with the end panels and having a central point secured to the frame.

In Figure 1, one can also see two holding parts 1 10, each intended to cover the pinions 108 facing the pull rods 105 of the same pair 106, 107.

The attachment ends 1 1 1 of the traction bars 105, opposite to the pinions 108, are integral with the end panels 102, 103 corresponding. For this purpose, the traction bars 105 traverse transverse uprights January 12 of the frame 101 of the table according to the invention. Orifices 1 13 for the passage of the pull rods 105 are formed in each of the transverse uprights 1 12. As will be explained in more detail later, the orifices 1 13 advantageously have an inverted T shape, so as to also allow the passage of the lifting means of the central plate 104. By transverse upright 1 12 is meant an amount of the frame 101 extending in a direction orthogonal to the direction of movement of the end panels, most often corresponding to an amount following the smaller dimension d of the table 100, that is to say in the width of said table 100.

The end panels 102, 103 are slidable in slides 1 15 formed along lateral uprights 1 14 of the frame 101. By side upright 1 14 is meant an amount of the frame 101 extending in the direction of movement of the end panels, usually corresponding to an amount according to the largest dimension D of the table 100. For this, for example the end panels 102, 103 are provided with sliders 116 intended to be engaged in the sliders 1 15.

In the variant shown in FIG. 2bis, the feet 109 of the table 100 are not fixed to the frame 101, but to the end panels 102, 103. Such a solution makes it possible to avoid finding the feet 109 in the zone d. of the extended table, which could be a problem for sitting users at the corresponding table portion 100. Indeed, regardless of the configuration of the table 100, the feet 109 are then located at the ends of the end panels 102, 103, and do not interfere with the seating of users.

More specifically, each outer corner 135 of each end panel 102, 103 is connected to a foot 109. Thus, when the end panels 102, 103 are spaced from each other, the feet 109 move away. also for a center C of the table 100. For this, the lateral flanges 136 of the end panels 102, 103 are provided with lateral uprights 137, extending parallel to the lateral uprights 1 14 of the frame 101, and able to slide along said lateral uprights 114 of the frame 101. For this purpose, the lateral uprights 1 14 of the frame 101 and the lateral uprights 137 of the end panels 102, 103 are advantageously provided with complementary slides. When the table 100 is in its compacted configuration, that is to say when the central panel 104 is not deployed, the lateral uprights 137 of the end panels 102, 103 are superimposed on the corresponding side panels 1 14 of the frame 101. And when the table is in its extended position, that is to say when the central panel 104 extends in the plane of the end panels 102, 103, the lateral uprights 137 of said end panels 102, 103 s extend in the extension of the corresponding lateral uprights 1 14 of the frame 101.

According to the invention, the central panel 104, when the two end panels 102, 103 are contiguous, is situated under the plane formed by said end panels 102, 103. When the end panels 102 are pushed apart 103 of the other, the central panel 104 is raised above the plane formed by said end panels 102, 103 (Figures 2 and 4) before being brought into the plane of said end panels 102, 103 to form an extended continuous tray.

For this, the table 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention is provided with lifting means comprising a ramp 1 17 (visible in Figures 4 and 5) integral with the central panel 104 and, on the other hand, balls 1 18, or pads, secured to the drive ends 1 19 of the pull rods 105, opposite to the attachment ends 1 1 1. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 5, the balls 1 18 are each held in position on the drive ends 1 19, via a shim 120, in which they are each free to roll. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 3, each end 1 19 rack-and-pinion traction bars 105 are fixed to a shim 120 supporting a ball 1 18, so that the balls 1 18 are directed towards the ramp 1 17.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, a lower face 121 of the central panel 104 is provided with an inverted frustoconical base forming the ramp 1 17.

When the end panels 102, 103 are contiguous to each other, the drive ends 1 19 of the pull rods 105 of the same pair of the same pair 106, 107 are the farthest possible one of the other. According to the length D of the table 100, and the space that must be released for the establishment of the central panel 104, the drive ends 1 19, carrying the supports 120 and the balls 1 18, pass through the transverse uprights 1 12 through the passage orifices 1 13. Thus, the balls 1 18 do not cooperate with the ramp 1 17, or even with the central panel 104, the lifting means are thus not actuated. The central panel 104 is located under the end panels 102, 103 forming the plane of the table.

Then, when the two end panels 102, 103 are moved apart from one another, the pull bars 105 slide through the passage holes 1 13, so that the drive ends 1 19 of each of the drawbars 105 approach each other, towards the center C of the table where the central panel 104 is located. The central panel being disposed above the traction bars 105, the drive ends 1 19 and the balls 1 18 come progressively in contact with the inner face 121 of the central panel 104 along which they move. By the inverted frustoconical shape of the ramp 1 17, secured to the lower face 121 of the central panel 104, the balls 1 18, pushing the ramp 1 17 upwards, then rise as they move the plateau 104 relative to its initial position of storage in the frame under the end panels, to a height corresponding at least to that of the end panels 102, 103 (Figure 4) and preferably slightly above that- this. In Figure 3, the position of the balls 1 18 is such that the central panel 104 (not shown) would be in its highest position.

Subsequently, so as to eliminate any space between the panels 102, 103 and 104, the end panels 102, 103 are brought closer to the center C of the table 100, until the side flange 122 of the panel 100 is respectively joined. end 102 at the lateral rim 124 of the central panel 104, on the one hand, and the lateral rim 123 of the end panel 103 on the rim Lateral side 125 opposite the end plate 104. In this action, the traction bars 105 are translated in the opposite direction of the previous action which has the effect of moving the drive ends 1 19 away from each other and center C of table 100.

The action of the balls on the ramp 1 17 then leads to let down the central panel 104 by gravity, until said balls 1 18 are no longer in contact with the ramp 1 17 when said central panel rests on supports, advantageously edges of the frame 101, which positions it to the height that said central panel must have to form the plane of the table with the two end panels. Thus, the central panel 104 extends in the plane of the end panels 102, 103 to form a continuous extended tray.

Conventionally, the lateral flanges 122, 123, 124 and 125 of the panels 102, 103 and 104 may be provided with mortise tenons, or other centering elements, staggered or not, so as to allow nesting as perfect as possible of said panels, both laterally and in height.

In view of what has just been described, it is understood that the lifting means may comprise a single ball acting on a lifting ramp or a number greater than two balls. Advantageously, as in the embodiment described, a symmetrical arrangement of balls is preferred in order to limit the risk of jamming of the central panel 104 during its various movements.

Advantageously, the table 100 according to the invention is made so that the central panel 104 is pivotally mounted relative to the frame 101 of said table 100.

For this, for example, the table 100 according to the invention comprises a rack pin 126 (Figures 1, 3 and 4) controlling the pivoting of the central panel 104 via actuating pawls 127 (Figure 6), sometimes designated cleats. Thus, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the drawbar 105 of each pair 106, 107 which frames the rack pin 126, is provided with a housing 129 for receiving an actuating pawl 127 and a spring 128. More specifically, the housing 129 is formed on the side of the drawbar 105 facing the rack pin 126. The positioning of the pawls 127 is such that they can come opposite teeth 130 of the rack pin 126 , when the central panel 104 is in raised position, so as to pivot the central panel 104.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rack pin 126 is in direct contact with the central panel 104, which defines an axis of rotation.

The end 131 of the rack pin 126, opposite the teeth 130, advantageously cooperates with a complementary shape 132 formed in the center of the internal face 121 of the central panel 104. Thus, rotation of the rack pin 126 controls a rotation of the panel central 104 along an axis of rotation A, vertical relative to the horizontal plane formed by the end panels 102, 103. To guide the rotation of the central panel 104, without risk of dislocation, it is possible to provide a pivot guide 133 , crossed by the rack pin 126 and the complementary shape 132. In FIG. 4, the longitudinal section at the central panel 104 makes it possible to see the cooperation between the rack pin 126 and the coupling means 132 via of the pivot guide 133.

Advantageously, the frame 101 comprises a support plate 134, or a cross member, secured to the longitudinal uprights 1 14 and extending parallel to the panels 102, 103, 104, under said panels. The support plate 134 supports the rack pin 126, as well as the pivot guide 133 and the meshing gears 108 of the rack-and-pinion traction bars 105. The support plate 134 also makes it possible to guide the sliding of the pull rods 105.

Advantageously, the rotation of the central panel 104 is in two stages. A first pawl 127 whose direction of action corresponds to the displacement of the traction bars when the side panels are spaced apart from each other, situated on a first traction bar 105, firstly cooperates with a first tooth 130 of the pivot rack 126, so as to rotate the central panel 104 1 / ^8th turn, then disengages said pivot rack 126. A second pawl 127 whose direction of action is the movement of the traction bars when side panels are close to each other, located on an opposite pull bar, for example the second pull bar 105 of the pair of drawbar to which belongs the bar having the first pawl, comes in turn to cooperate with a tooth 130 of the rack pin 126, of so as to rotate the central panel 104, always in the same direction of rotation of 1 / ^8th turn also.

Thus, the central panel 104 pivots a 1/4 of a turn in total when the side panels are moved away and closer to each other. Such a solution is particularly advantageous in the case of a table 100 having a larger dimension D strictly greater than its smallest dimension d when the end panels are contiguous. Thus, the largest dimension of the central panel 104 extends along the largest dimension D of the table 100 when said central panel 104 is in the down position. And the largest dimension of the central panel 104 extends in the smallest dimension d of the table 100, when said central panel 104 is in the up position.

Similarly, when the central panel 104 is again actuated to be lowered under the end panels 102, 103, the pawls 127 each actuate a tooth 130 of the rack pin 126, again in the same direction of rotation, to pivot again twice ^1/8 turn said tray 104.

Of course, it is possible to modify the rotation system, so that the actuation by a single pawl 127 allows rotation ¼ turn of the central panel 104. Similarly, it is possible to drive in rotation pivot rack 126 and the central panel 104 in a first direction for the establishment of said panel 104, and in an opposite direction for storage.

It should be understood that the rotation of the central panel 104 driven by the rotation system is synchronized with the vertical movement of said central panel so that it is oriented in the direction of the width of the table when it is at the same height. the end panels 102, 103 and that it is oriented in the direction of the length of the table to be stored under the end panels 102, 103 when in the down position.

In one embodiment, the lifting means are arranged such that the height of the central panel 104 is slightly greater than the desired final high position when rotating in said high position. Thus, it is avoided that the central panel 104 rubs elements, frame or other supports, on which it rests when the end panels 102, 103 are brought together to form the elongated table.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 and also in FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c, the central panel 104 is raised before rotate such that said central panel can be in the stored position not visible from the outside because of the frame 101 of the table whose longitudinal uprights 1 14, 1 15 can be full.

In another embodiment, corresponding to the example shown in Figures 9a, 9b and 9c, the central panel 104 is rotated a quarter of a turn before being lifted into the position of use. In this case the longitudinal uprights 1 14, 1 15 of the frame 101 has openings 220 open upwards so that the rotation of said central panel is possible in the low position and that said central panel can be raised in this rotated position in which it is longer than the width of the frame 101 taken inside the longitudinal uprights 1 14, 1 15.

In an alternative embodiment, the central panel 104 may be provided with a central through orifice opening into a through hole formed axially in the rack pin 126. These through holes allow the passage and the holding in a vertical position of a parasol when the table 100 is in extended position. In order to allow the use of an umbrella when the table is in the compacted position, it is possible to provide a through hole straddling the two end panels 102, 103, so that the through hole is formed when the two end panels 102, 103 are contiguous, and it opens into the axial through hole of the rack pin 126. Of course, this through hole can be used for the passage and holding in vertical position of any other device .

In one embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c, the through orifice 215 is traversed by a support 201 integral with the frame 101 of the table, to which a central plate 200 is fixed.

In this example, an upper face of the central plate is located at the upper faces of the end panels 102, 103 when the central panel 104 is stored, said end panels having at their side edges 122, 123 notches 212, 213 whose shapes reproduce recessed, when the end panels are contiguous, the shape of the central plate 200. In stored central panel position 104, the plane of the table is formed by the two end panels 102, 103 and the central plateau 200.

The central panel 104 whose through orifice 215 is traversed by the support 201 of the central plate 200 comprises firstly around the orifice through a recessed shape 202 having the shape of the central plate 200 so that when said central panel is in position of the extended table the central plate 200 is integrated in the plane of the table and secondly the lateral flanges 124, 125 central panel comprises protruding forms 214 reproducing, distributed on each lateral flange 124, 125, the shape of the central plate. Thus in the extended table position, the lateral flanges 124, 125 of the central panel 104 coincide exactly with the edges 122, 123 of the end panels and the plane of the table is formed by the end panels 102, 103, the central panel 104 and the central plateau.

It should be noted that the planar shape of the central plate 200 can be any as far as it does not interfere with the spacing and the approach of the end panels 102, 103. It is for example circular as in the illustrated example. in FIGS. 8a to 8c, a form which facilitates the positioning of the end panels when they are close together. However, other shapes having similar advantages are possible, for example a square shape as in FIGS. 9a to 9c or a diamond shape (example not shown).

According to this embodiment, it appears that an object, for example a plate or a section as shown in the illustrations, placed on the central plate 200 does not need to be removed or moved to convert the table to or from the position extended.

Furthermore, the central plate 200 can be immobile in rotation or rotated during the conversion.

In a mode in which the central plate 200 is stationary in rotation, except to use a circular plane shape for said central plate as in the example illustrated in FIGS. 8a to 8c, the rotation of the central panel 104 should be completed. before the central plate is engaged in the recessed form of said central panel.

Such a result is obtained when the central panel 104 is placed in the position corresponding to the extended table, when the rotation means and the lifting means cause the central plate 200 to engage in the recessed form 202 of the panel central 104 by a displacement in height of said central panel that when it has completed its rotation, or that the central plate 200 is moved in height so as not to hinder the rotation of the central panel 104 until said central panel has reached the desired position and said central plate is again moved in height to be placed at the desired final height.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c, the principle of movement of the central panel 104 is similar to that of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4. By the circular shape of the central plate 200 and of the shape recessed 202 in the central panel 104, the rotation of said central panel may be carried out in part when said central panel is raised and the central plate 200 is engaged at least partially in the recessed form 202.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 9a to 9c, the central plate 200 is square and is fixed in rotation. The central panel 104 thus performs a rotational movement, FIG. 9b, of a quarter of a turn before being raised in a position where the central panel 200 secured to the frame by the support 201 can engage in the recessed form 202. The rotation of the central panel 104 in a low position is possible, as can be seen in FIG. 9b and in the exploded view of FIG. 9c, because of the clearances 220 made in the lateral uprights 1 14, 1 15 of the frame 101.

In Figures 7A, 7B and 7C is illustrated another embodiment of an extender table according to the invention, wherein the lifting means are controlled differently.

More specifically, in Figure 7A, we can see a longitudinal section of an extension table 100, the support plate 140, integral with the frame 101, partially supports the lifting means. Indeed, the support plate 140, on which the central panel 104 is based, is provided, as in the previous example, the rack pin 126 and the pivot guide 133, but also a lifting ball 141, integral with a lower face of the rack pin 126, directed towards the underside of the table 100. The lifting ball 141 is kept free in translation and rotation in a specific recess in the rack pin 126. Thus, the lifting ball 141 is next to a ramp 142, Figure 7B has an enlargement, said ramp 142 being controlled by one of the end panels 102.

In Fig. 7A, the end panels 102, 103 are spaced apart from each other so that the central panel 104 is in its uppermost position, in a plane above the plane of said panels. end 102, 103. As is more easily seen in Figure 7B, the ramp 142 has a rolling rod 143, whose width is sufficient to contain the lifting ball so that it only emerges from a height less than its radius. A first end 144 of the ramp 142 is integral with one of the end panels 102, 103, the ramp 142 being thus controlled by the movement of said panel 102, 103. A second end 145 of the ramp 142 is provided with a elevation plate 146, extending in a plane above the plane containing the rest of the ramp 142. When the extension table 100 is in the compacted position, the lifting ball 141 is housed in the tread 143, so that it can not lift the central panel 104. The elevation plate 146 is located under the other end panel. Advantageously, the lower face of the support plate 140 is provided with a slide in which slides the elevation plate 146 to guide it during the displacement of the end panel 102, 103 supporting the ramp 142. When the panels are pulled out, At the end 102, 103, the lifting ball 141 moves along the running rod 143, until it reaches the lifting plate 146. The lifting ball 141 is then compressed towards the support plate 140. Lifting 141 is such that it translates into its housing in the rack pin 126 and raises the rack pin 126, which itself raises the central panel 104 with which it cooperates.

It is possible to provide only one pair of rack-and-pinion traction bars 105 flanking the rack-and-pinion pivot 126. A single central drive pinion 147, for example arranged around the rack-and-pinion pivot 126, makes it possible to engage the pull bars 105 rack. Advantageously, the rack-and-pinion traction bars 105 have a particular shape, to adapt to this embodiment.

Figure 7C shows a bottom view of such an embodiment of a rack-and-pinion pull bar 105. The drawbar 105 has a general shape Z. One of the two main branches 148 of said Z is smooth and integral with the end panel 102, 103 corresponding, while the other branch 149, directed towards the central pinion 147 is provided This particular shape, and more precisely the recess between the smooth portion 148 secured to the end panel and the notched portion 149, advantageously makes it possible not to hinder the sliding, in parallel with the ramp 142. Z traction bars 105 also allows to center said pull rods 105 relative to the end panels 102, 103, at least at the level of the smooth branch 148.

Claims

1 - Extending table (100) comprising

a frame (101),

two end panels (102, 103) slidably mounted on said frame,

at least one pair (106, 107) of pull rods (105), each pull bar of a pair of bars being connected to one of the end panels, the pull rods being slidable (1 15, 1 16) relative to the frame, so as to separate and bring the end panels closer to one another,

- a central panel (104) and lifting means (1 17, 1 18) of the central panel, said lifting means of the central panel being controlled by the end panels, so that the central panel can have a first stable position in which said central panel is located under the plane formed by the end panels, or low position, and a second stable position in which said central panel is located in the plane of the end panels, or high position, the central panel being pivotally mounted relative to the frame, so that said central panel performs a quarter turn between the first and second stable positions and vice versa,

characterized in that it further comprises a rack-and-pinion

(126) controlling the rotation of the central panel, said rack pin being adapted to be actuated by at least one pawl (127) integral with a drawbar. 2- extending table according to claim 1, characterized in that the end panels (102, 103) are connected by coupling means which moves an end panel in a direction opposite to the direction in which is moved l another end panel so that when one of the end panels is pulled away from the center C of the frame (101), the other panel departs simultaneously from said center of the frame, and conversely, when one of the end panels is pushed towards the center C of the frame (101), the other end panel approaches simultaneously to said center of the frame. 3- extending table according to claim 1, characterized in that coupling means comprises at least one pair of racks in which a rack of said pair is integral with an end panel (102) and the other rack is secured the other end panel (103) and wherein the two racks of said pair are coupled by a pinion whose axis of rotation is fixed relative to a frame (101) of the table.

4. Extendable table according to claim 3, characterized in that the tensile bars of at least one pair of drawbars are provided with teeth so as to form the racks, said rack-and-pinion bars of the same pair cooperating with each other via a drive pinion (108). 5 table extending according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lifting means of the central panel (104) comprise a ramp (1 17) integral with a lower face (121) of the central panel and comprise lifting elements (1 18, 120) integral with the drawbars.

6. Extendable table according to claim 5, characterized in that the ramp is formed by a frustoconical portion oriented the small base downwardly integral with the central panel (104). 7- extending table according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the lifting means of the central panel comprises a ramp (142) secured to one of the end panels and lifting elements (141) solidarity a support panel (140) fixed relative to the frame of said extending table, and supporting the central panel.

8- Extendable table according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises two pairs (106, 107) of drawbars, said pairs of drawbars being disposed on either side of the pivot rack-and-pinion, the drawbars flanking the said rack-and-pinion being each provided with a pawl adapted to cause rotation of the rack-and-pinion in a direction of rotation. 9- extending table according to claim 8, characterized in that the engagement of each of the pawls in the rack pin rotates the central panel (104) one eighth of a turn. 10- extending table according to claim 9, characterized in that the lifting means (1 17, 1 18) and the pawl pivoting the central panel (104) to or from the position of said central panel corresponding to the position of the extended table are arranged for the corresponding rotation to occur when the central panel (104) is in a raised position.

1 1 - Extendable table according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the frame (101) has recesses (220) open upwards, said clearance allowing the rotation of a quarter turn of the central panel (104) then the upward vertical movement of said central panel when the center panel is in a low position.

12- Extendable table according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that it comprises centering means (131, 132, 133) adapted to maintain the fixed central panel in vertical translation and free in rotation relative to to the frame.

13- extending table according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a central plate (200) integral with the frame (101) of the table by means of a support (201) passing through a through hole (215) of said extension table along an axis of the rack pin (126).