WO2015004503A1

WO2015004503A1 - A chair and table assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015004503A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/055663
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jared Franco PILLAI
Original assignee: Pillai Jared Franco
Priority date: 2013-07-10
Filing date: 2013-07-10
Publication date: 2015-01-15

Abstract

A chair and table assembly (300) which includes: • a rigid case (102) which is openable and defines therein a storage cavity (104), the case (102) defining a seat (110); • a plurality of displaceable feet (120, 220) which are connected or connectable to an operatively bottom side (102.2) of the case (102), the feet (120, 220) being displaceable between a transport condition in which they are flush with or accommodated within the case (102), and a use condition in which they are connected to, and stand proud of, the bottom side (102.2) to engage the ground; and • a table (330) having a work surface (131) and a plurality of free-standing collapsible legs (332), the table (330) being convertible between a transport condition in which it is accommodated or capable of being accommodated within the storage cavity (104) and a use condition in which the work surface (131) is supported at a level above the seat (110) by the legs (332) engaging the ground.

Description

A chair and table assembly

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to chairs and seating and specifically to a portable and convertible chair and table assembly for toddlers and like small people.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

The Inventor is aware of a number of prior disclosures which relate to portable or convertible chairs:

US 4687248: Convertible Lounge Chair/Tote Bag us 5234143: Multipurpose Travel Bag

us 5409291 : Combined Chair and Backpack us 5460102: Portable Work and Play Station for a Child us 5680973: Portable Children's Activity Station us 5785383: Portable Foldable Baby Chair us 6547324: Portable Chair

us 2004/0021353: Children's Foldable Luggage Seat

However, none of these prior disclosures provide a portable chair specifically designed for toddlers which is readily convertible between conditions suitable for transport and for use. The Inventor desires a portable chair and table assembly which is convertible between, on the one hand, a transport condition in which it is readily transportable and, on the other hand, a use condition in which it provides a seat and work surface for a toddler.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a chair and table assembly which includes: a rigid case which is openable and defines therein a storage cavity, the case defining a seat on an operatively top side thereof; a plurality of displaceable feet which are connected or connectable to an operatively bottom side of the case, the feet being displaceable between a transport condition in which they are flush with or accommodated within the case, and a use condition in which they are connected to, and stand proud of, the bottom side to engage the ground, operable to support the case with the seat being upwardly directed; and a table having a work surface and at least one collapsible leg, the table being convertible between a transport condition in which it is accommodated or capable of being accommodated within the storage cavity and a use condition in which the work surface is supported at a level above the seat by the leg engaging the ground.

The case may be slab-shaped or cuboid. The case may open in half briefcase-fashion. The case may be about the size, or a little thicker, than a conventional briefcase. The case may include two halves interconnected by a hinge. The case may include a clasp or latch for releasably locking the two halves together. The case may include a handle for carrying. The case may be of a polymeric material, for example plastic, for example PVC, polypropylene or polycarbonate. In one embodiment, the feet may be hingedly connected to the case. The feet may be hingedly displaceable between their transport condition and their use condition. The case may define feet-shaped recesses adjacent respective hinges for accommodating the feet flush therewith in the transport condition.

In another embodiment, the feet may be detachable. In the transport condition, the feet may be detached, and in the use condition, the feet may be attached. The case may define mounting sockets for receiving proximate ends of the feet and for attaching them to the case in the use condition. In the transport condition, the feet may be detached and storable within the storage cavity. The feet may be manually (e.g. by hand) attachable and detachable.

The feet may include cushioned or rubberised distal ends, for cushioned and/or non-slip engagement with the ground. The feet may be generally cylindrical or tubular, and hollow.

"Collapsible" in the context of the leg may mean detachable, retractable, foldable, or the like. The legs may be metallic (e.g. aluminium) or polymeric (e.g. plastic). The leg may be generally cylindrical or tubular, and hollow.

In one embodiment, the table may include a single leg which is mountable to a matched recess in the case. The recess may be arranged on the upper side of the case, adjacent the seat. The leg may be removably mountable, at its proximate end, to the recess in the case and, at its distal end, to the work surface (or table top). The work surface may be swivelably mountable to the case. The leg may be detachable from the work surface to facilitate storage of both the leg and the work surface.

In another embodiment, the table may include a plurality of legs, for example a pair of legs. The legs may be telescopically extendable and retractable. Thus, a height at which the work surface is supported or supportable relative to the case may be adjustable.

In one embodiment, the table may include two legs, one being free-standing and the other being mountable to the case. In another embodiment, the table may include two legs, both being free-standing. The legs, particularly the free-standing legs, may include support and stabilising members, for example in the form of an elongate operatively recumbent foot.

The work surface may be of a polymeric material, e.g. plastic. The work surface may define a cup holder recess. The work surface may include interchangeable elements, e.g. a blackboard, a building block base, a smooth table portion, etc.

The case may additionally serve as a step, a booster seat, car seat, or the like. Even when the table, etc. is packed, may provide additional storage room, for example for toys, food, diapers, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 shows a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a chair and table assembly in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view from the bottom of the chair and table assembly of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the chair and table assembly of Figure 1 in an open condition;

Figure 4 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of the chair and table assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional assembled view of the chair and table assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view from the bottom of a second embodiment of a chair and table assembly in accordance with the disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a three-dimensional view of the chair and table assembly of Figure 6 in an open condition;

Figure 8 shows a three-dimensional view of the chair and table assembly of Figure 6 in an assembled condition; and

Figure 9 shows a three-dimensional view of a third embodiment of a chair and table assembly in accordance with the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1 - 5 illustrate a first embodiment of a chair and table assembly in accordance with the disclosure. The chair and table assembly are generally indicated by reference numeral 100.

The assembly 100 includes a rigid case 102 which is openable. The case 102 comprises a top half 102.1 and a bottom half 102.2 (which need not necessarily be exactly equally sized). The halves 102.1 , 102.2 are hingedly connected so that the case 102 can be opened briefcase-fashion. The case 102 is generally rectangular/cuboid and about the size of, or a little larger than, a conventional briefcase. The case 102 defines therein a storage cavity 104 (see especially Figure 3) for storing other components of the assembly 100 and miscellaneous items not required for the assembly 100, e.g. items associated with toddlers such as toys, diapers, food, clothes, etc.

The case 102 includes a handle 106 for carrying thereof. The handle 106 is defined in two halves by an elongate portion in each of the halves 102.1 , 102.2. The case 102 also has a clasp 108 to lock the two halves 102.1 , 102.2 together. The clasp 108 is preferably hand-manipulable.

Importantly, the top half 102.1 of the case 102 defines a seat 110 on an operatively top side thereof. The seat 110 may be flat or may be concave to receive and accommodate the buttocks of a person (usually a young and small person and especially a toddler) sitting in the seat 110. The seat 110 accordingly faces upwardly in use.

In this embodiment, the assembly 100 includes four detachable feet 120. Each detachable foot 120 includes a rubberised, non-slip distal (or free) end 122 and a tubular proximate end 124. The bottom half 102.2 defines four mounting sockets 126 (see especially Figure 2) which are matched to the proximate ends 124 of the feet 120. The mounting sockets 126 are rectangularly spaced adjacent corners of the bottom half 102.2. The mounting sockets 126 are shaped and dimensioned to receive the distal ends 124 of the feet 120 snugly thereby to form a frictional fit. More particularly, the feet 120 can be inserted to and removed from the mounting sockets 126 by simple hand manipulation, e.g. by a mother, for converting the assembly 100 between its transport condition (Figures 1 and 2) and its use condition (Figure 5).

An inner surface of the top section 102.1 accommodates a nested table 130. The table 130 comprises a table top (or work surface) 131 and at least one leg 132. The table top 131 is thus slightly smaller than the top half 102.1 so that it can fit snugly therein. As part of the transport condition, the table 130 can be stored within the cavity 104 (i.e. nested underneath the top half 102.1 ). The table top 131 defines on its upper surface a work or play area which may include interchangeable components (not illustrated).

The table top 131 , in turn, defines on its underside a template to accommodate snugly the feet 120 and a collapsible table leg 132 (see Figure 3). The leg 132 is operable to support the table top 131 , at a level above the seat 110. The leg 132 is collapsible in the sense that it can be selectively detached from and attached to the table top 131 and the case 102.

To this end, the leg 132 includes a mounting end 134 and a support end 136. The mounting end 134 is tubular and operatively lower and matched to an aperture 140 defined by the top half 102.1 of the case 102, positioned adjacent the seat 110. The mounting end 134 can simply be inserted into the aperture 140 and is located by means of an interference fit. Depending on the snugness of the fit, the leg 132, and consequently the table 130, may or may not be swivelable.

The support end 136 of the arm 132 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile for being received in matched locating formations 138 defined underneath the table top 131 . The fit between the support end 136 and the locating formations 138 is a frictional fit.

In the storage condition (refer to Figures 1 and 2), the table 130 is nested within the top half 102.1 of the case 102 while the feet 120 and the leg 132 are accommodated snugly beneath the table top 131 . The case 102 is closed and latched, and can conveniently be carried by a parent, caregiver, or grandparent by the handle 106. There is much space remaining within the cavity 104 for storage of other items, e.g., colouring books, pencil cases, toys, colour pens, crayons, lunch boxes, etc.

Whenever the need arises to use the assembly 100 as a seat and table, it may easily and quickly be converted with hand only (i.e. no extraneous tools are required) by a single person. The case 102 is unlatched and opened (Figure 3). The feet 120 are all removed from their matched recesses beneath the table top 131 and the tubular proximate ends 124 of the feet 120 are plugged into the mounting sockets 126 on the underside of the bottom half 102.2.

The support leg 132 is separated from the table top 131 and the table 130 is removed from the top half 102.2 (Figure 4). The mounting end 134 is slotted into the aperture 140 and then the table top 131 is attached to the support leg 132 by aligning and placing the support end 136 within the locating formations 138.

The assembly 100 in its use condition (Figure 5) can then be used to provide a work surface 131 and a seat 110 for a toddler. The case is supported by the non-slip ends 122 of the feet 120. To pack the assembly 100 away back into its storage condition when work/play time is concluded, the reverse procedure is simply followed.

Referring now to Figures 6 - 8, reference numeral 200 generally indicates a second embodiment of a chair and table assembly in accordance with the disclosure. The second embodiment 200 is similar to the first embodiment 100 in many respects (with the same numerals denoting the same or similar parts) but with notable differences in the configuration of the feet and the legs.

While there are still four feet 220, they are not detachable. Rather, they are pivotally connected to the bottom half 102.2 of the case 102 by means of respective hinges 220.1 . When folded towards the bottom half 102.2, the feet 220 are accommodated within matched recesses 226. When folded outwardly and away from the lower half 102.2, the feet 220 stand proud thereof. The recesses 226 also have wider sides to define finger-receiving recesses 227 to receive a finger of a person assembling the assembly 200, to facilitate grasping and withdrawal of folded feet 220. When folded outwardly, the feet 220 are locked by a simple locking mechanism (not illustrated) to prevent them from inadvertently collapsing. The feet 220 may be unlocked by pressing a release button (not illustrated) to allow them to be pivoted back into the recesses 226. The assembly 200 includes two separate legs 232 (as opposed to the single leg design of the assembly 100). While a table top 230 is still nested within the top half 102.1 and still defines a template for accommodating loose parts, it now only needs to accommodate the two legs 232 and not the feet 220. Further, the legs 232 are telescopic, thus allowing for height adjustment. There is a longer leg 234 with a non-slip end for engaging the ground, and a shorter leg 236 for extending between the case 102 and the table top 231 . The telescopic configuration of the legs 232 also permits them to be retracted and accommodated beneath the table top 231 , whereas when extended they would be too long to fit inside the vase 102.

When converting the assembly 200 from its storage condition (Figure 6) to its use condition (Figure 8), the feet 220 are simply pivoted outwardly. The table top 231 and legs 232 are removed from inside the top half 102.1 . The legs 232 are attached to the table top 231 by inserting them into matched sockets 240. Lengths of the legs 232 can both be adjusted so that the table top 231 will be at its desired height and generally level. The table top 231 will then be supported by the legs 232 at two opposite ends. Other than the foot 200 and legs 232, the assembly 200 works similarly to the assembly 100.

Referring now to Figure 9, a third embodiment of a chair and table assembly in accordance with the disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 300. The assembly 300 is similar to the second embodiment 200 in many respects (with the same numerals denoting the same or similar parts) but with the notable difference that a table 330 is supported separately from the case 102.

To this end, the assembly 300 includes a pair of similar/identical legs 332 with wide, transversely extending support and stabilising members 334 acting as feet (but not to be confused with the feet 220 of the case 102). The legs 332 are telescopic and, although not illustrated, are removable from a table top 331 for storage inside the case 102. Other than the legs 332, the assembly 300 works similarly to the assembly 200. The Inventor believes that the disclosure as exemplified provides convenient and effective portable table and chair assemblies 100, 200, 300, which can be quickly and safely assembled by a single person. They can similarly quickly conveniently be packed away after use also by a single person. It provides at least a seat 110 and a work surface 131 for a toddler and can optionally include other components, such as building blocks or play toys. The work surface 131 provides an activity station for a toddler, where he/she can eat, play, draw, read, and colour in books.

Claims

1. A chair and table assembly which includes: a rigid case which is openable and defines therein a storage cavity, the case defining a seat on an operatively top side thereof; a plurality of displaceable feet which are connected or connectable to an operatively bottom side of the case, the feet being displaceable between a transport condition in which they are flush with or accommodated within the case, and a use condition in which they are connected to, and stand proud, of the bottom side to engage the ground, operable to support the case with the seat being upwardly directed; and a table having a work surface and a plurality of free-standing collapsible legs, the table being convertible between a transport condition in which it is accommodated or capable of being accommodated within the storage cavity and a use condition in which the work surface is supported at a level above the seat by the legs engaging the ground.

2. A chair and table assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which the case includes two halves interconnected by a hinge and opens in half briefcase-fashion.

3. A chair and table assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the feet are hingedly connected to the case and are hingedly displaceable between their transport condition and their use condition.

4. A chair and table assembly as claimed in claim 3, in which the case defines feet-shaped recesses for accommodating the feet flush therewith in the transport condition.

5. A chair and table assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the feet are detachable.

6. A chair and table assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which: the case defines mounting sockets for receiving proximate ends of the feet and for attaching them to the case in the use condition; and in the transport condition, the feet are detached, and in the use condition, the feet are attached.

7. A chair and table assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the feet include cushioned or rubberised distal ends, for cushioned and/or non-slip engagement with the ground.

8. A chair and table assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which: the legs are telescopically extendable and retractable; and a height at which the work surface is supported or supportable relative to the case may be adjustable.

9. A chair and table assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the cavity provides additional storage room for articles not directly associated with the assembly.